USA > Tennessee > History of Tennessee, from its earliest discoveries and settlements to the end of the year 1894 > Part 5
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9. Good schools soon flourished. In 18io, lotteries being popular. the Legislature authorized one for East Tennessee Col- lege, and appointed trustees for that purpose. In isog, Willie Blount was "lected Governor without opposition, nd served until 1815. He had no very great ability. but was honest and a strong supporter of General Jackson, who was fighting the Creek Indians. Jackson was financially embarrassed ind Blount raised three hundred and eventy thousand dollars, with which he was supplied with the necessaries of war. Blount was elected Governor for three successive terins. GOV. WILLIE BLOUNT ..
10. The general muster was the grand event of the year, and brought together more of all classes of people than any other meeting. The officers were dressed in the gayest trappings: plumed and belted warriors, who vied in all that related to their military equipment and tactics, were these primitive soldiers, and they won for Tennessee the appellation, "Volunteer State."
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THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
Their hardy looks, their athletic forms, their marching with tl light and noiseless step peculiar to their pursuit of woodlan same, and their picturesque costume, made them the observer of all observers, and awoke in them an honest pride in th hearty plaudits they won from admiring spectators.
If. They were not only cool and determined, brave as me: dare be. but were among the most splendid marksmen th country has produced, and their death-dealing aim made them . terror to the enemy on every battle field where the vell peculia- to the Tennessee volunteer was heard. From youth, they were accustomed to the use of the rifle, which made them expert -. At stated times they had shooting matches, and with their finn locks they acquitted themselves admirably and won the plaudit- of friends: but those times have been succeeded by more skilled warfare and more expeditions methods.
12. In 1806, Aaron Burr, who had been Vice-President, and had recently killed Alexander Hamilton. Secretary of the Treasury. visited Tennessee, and was received everywhere with indigna- tion. In many towns he was burned in effigy. Duels wer common in those days. This killing was the result of a due! fought July 12, 1804, after which Burr was never popular. In 1806. Mero District was divided into three Judicial Circuits. viz Robertson, Winchester and Mero. In rsoy, the Nashville Bank was incorporated with two hundred thousand dollars capital. The second session of the Seventh General Assembly met alu Kingston, April 3. Los, and adjourned April 22.
13. In trong, an act was passed establishing a Supreme Court of Errors and Appeals and dividing the State into five Judici Circuits. Hitherto, much attention had been given to irot works, and in ISto Tennessee had six blow ovens, seven forged. six furnace- and seven mail works, valued at one hundred an ! sixty-five thousand and eight hundred dollars. At Nashville Governor William Carroll opened the first nail store in Tealicante In Ismo. Thomas Coulter and Byrd Santh were commissione?
DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE. 6t
brigadier-Generals of the Seventh and Eighth Brigades, respec- vely.
If. The Americans had long retained a hearty sympathy for Hance, but now the relations between the two countries had Home somewhat strained. The late treaty with England used a resentful feeling from the French and their friends in America. This country had refused to become an ally of France " its wars with England, as France had been an ally of ours " the Revolution, for which France refused to accept our atuister, and the two nations were on the verge of declaring Bar, and actual hostilities occurred. France was at war with England, and its ships were seizing American vessels on pre- text of having on board British products or of having sailed "om British ports. Congress ordered our vessels to arm and Esist these outrages.
15. The friends of France in Tennessee boldly opposed war with an old ally, and expressed a hostile feeling for England. The wide ocean between, saved the two countries. War began " earnest on the high seas. The United States ship Constitu- Con of thirty-eight guns, fell in with a French ship of forty guns. and after a hot fight of an hour captured it. Soon after the same Ship met the French vessel. La Vengeance, of fifty-four guns. al after an action of five hours, drove her of with a heavy loss. Three hundred private American vessels had been armed tor defense, but a change having occurred in the French govern- ment by Napoleon becoming First Consul, a treaty of peace was made and further hostilities ceased.
16. African slavery introduced for gain was now deeply rooted " the civil and social soil of Tennessee. Colored slaves formed I part of almost every important household that came to the State. But many good people were raising their eloquent voice- protesting against the institution of slavery and demanding it- abolition. In 1795, there were ten thousand six hundred and thirteen slaves in Tennessee: in ISto, there were thirteen thet-
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THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
and five hundred and eight-four, and in isto, there were fort: five thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. This rapid growth was anxiously watched by the North and had become a soute of comment.
17. In ISrr, the State bank was established at Knoxville, with branches at Clarksville. Columbia. Jonesboro and Nashville. The Legislature met in Knoxville this year for the last title except in Is1 ;. In istr, an earthquake formed Reelfoot Laks, which is a large deep pool in Lake county, Tennessee. Ten- nessee gave James Madison ten votes for the presidency in rsos.
18. The United States learned, in 1802. that Spain, in 1900. had secretly ceded Louisiana to France. Jefferson instructed Livingston, our Minister, to negotiate for its purchase, and through their untiring efforts the territory was bought for twelve million dollars. The close of Jefferson's administration wa- characterized by a strong feeling. He recommended and secured the passage of an act abolishing the slave trade on and after January 1, 1809. The firm denial by Jefferson of the British right to search our vessels led gradually to the war of 181 2.
QUESTIONS .- 1. How many successive terms for a Governor? Who was elected in ISOT? 2. Who succeeded him? What of Sevier's popularity? 3. What action did their friends take? 4. How many parties were there in the time of Washington? What were the Alien and Sedition Laws? 3. When and where did the fourth session of the General Assembly meet? Name a few of its laws. 6. What is said of the criminal condition of the State? How were crimes punished? 7. What is said of the Masonic Lodge? 8. How did Congress encourage school- 9. What was done in isto? Who was elected Governor in ise.3 How did he aid Jackson? to. Give the substance of this section ? tt. Give the substance of this section. 12. Who was Burr?
Hamilton? . How was Barr received? 13. What is said about iron? Governor Carroll? 144. How did the Americans feeltowards France? What countries were at war? 15. How did Tennessee feel towards England? Describe the naval contest. 16. What of African slavery? Was it popular? i7. What of the State
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THE CREEK WAR.
Reeltoot Lake? rs. What about the Louisiana pur- What did Jefferson deny?
CHAPTER XI.
THE CREER WAR.
1. Tecumseh viewed with alarm the gradual disappearing of Shawnees, of whom he was chief: he also realized that the other wibes were annually growing smaller before the superiority of The white race, hence he made an effort to get the Choctaws and Chickasaws to combine. They refused to combine with him. He wished the tribes himself and pitifully told of the Americans who were despoiling them of their lands, and he made a vigorous wort to resist these encroachments. The Creeks were divided. a Tecumseh's plan, into a peace party and a war party. The var party began violence on the peace party.
2. The war party was led by Red Eagle, or William Weather- und. who was talented and energetic. His idea was for the Creeks, in conjunction with the British, to drive away or exter- Minate the Americans. Seeing a division among the Creeks, he imired to stop hostilities, but he had gone too far. The ill teel- ung between the Indian lastions grew more intense. and forts were built in various places in the Southwest. Finally at Fort Mims, near Mobile, on August 30. 1813. a party of over five "andred men, women and children were surprised and slain. ily a few escaped. The commander, Red Eagle, made an ernest effort to keep from having to kill the captives, but vos unsuccessful. This killing fired the country with indigna- ion. General Jackson was urged to lead troops and suppress this movement. Unwisely. a short time before. Jackson had acted as second to Carroll in a duel between Jesse Benton and WIE Im Carroll. Thomas H. Benton, Jesse Benton's brother.
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THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
denounced Jackson for this action, and Jackson threaten .! to horsewhip Benton the first opportunity. They miet i. Nashville, a fight cusued, in which jackson was severe !! wounded, and was in bed when the news of the massacre at Fort Mims came, but ere long he was at the head of the Ter nessee troops.
3. Jackson collected his men at Fayetteville, and sent John Coffee to Huntsville with a brigade of cavalry. Jackson heard that Red Eagle was coming towards Tea- nessee and Georgia, and he pushed at onice into what is now Alabama. Low water prevented supplies being shipped. from East Tennessee down the Tennessee River. He built Fort Deposit, but lett it. Soon he invaded the Creek country. and trusted fortune for supplies. He leit a garrison at Fort Deposit, and departed with only two days' supplies for Ten Is GEN. ANDREW JACKSON. lands, in the Coosa River, where many Indians of the peace party were surrounded by the war party. The Tennessee troops took an important part in the battle of Tallui -- hatchee, which was fought November 3, 1813. This place wa- about ten miles from Ten Islands. A large band of hostile Indians occupied it. mnen to destroy them. Jackson sent Coffee with nine hundred Coffee crossed the Coosa River just above Ten Islands, and surrounded the town about daylight. Coffee sent Colonel Alcorn with the cavalry to the right, whilst he and Colonel Cannon marched to the left. Two companies were sent into the town at sunrise to drive out the Indians. When Coffee's troops were attacked they began to retreat. The Indians. believ- ing this to be the entire force, came rushing out. The reserve troops fired and charged. The historian says all the Indians perished in the battle.
4. Immediately after this battle. Jackson built Fort Strother
THE CREEK WAR.
at Ten Islands. It was the most important strategic point till the war closed. The fort being finished. Jackson received re- enforcements from General Cocke, of East Tennessee, but -en! these men to White with orders to move forward to Fort Strother and hold it while he relieved friendly Indians cooped up at Fort Talladega by a body of the war party. There were one thousand hesiegers at Fort Talladega. Jackson forded the Coosa and marched hastily till he arrived very near, when a courier in- tormed him that White had orders from Coche to fall back and join him, and he obeyed. It was now too late for Jackson to change his plans. He adopted the same mode which was suc- cessful at Tallushatchee, and it was here successful. The Indians lost about thirty killed and many wounded. Jack:ou had fifteen killed and eighty-five wounded. After one day he returned to Fort Strother, which had not been disturbed.
5. The Indians of the Hillaber Towns sent to General Jack- son begging for peace, which was granted. but General Cocke's army, not knowing of this, fell upon them and killed quite a number. Presuming that Cocke was acting under Jackson's orders, the Indians fought with renewed vigor and unyielding determination. General Cocke was court-martialed. but was
acquitted. Hungry and homesick. Jackson's men were about to Hisband. He had to threaten to shoot them to keep them in line. All this time he was trying to get provisions from Ten- nessee.
6. Jackson's men became mutinous, and he found himself again in the command of short term men, but by sagacity he quieted them for a time. Jackson enlisted troops to meet the British in New Orleans in 1812. When he arrived at Natchez, Miss., he was ordered to muster out his men there. This he re- fused todo, but raising supplies. marched them to Columbia. Tenn., and disbanded them near their homes. Jackson tought bravely with these short term men. From Fort Strother, he marched to Talladega, where he was re-enforced by friendly Indians. Here
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THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE
he learned that many Creek, had met at Emnefau. on the Tall .. poosa, with hostile intentions. Jackson hurried to attack then! and on January 22, the Creeks were repulsed, falling back : their camp. Coffee went to attack them, but finding them too strongly fortified, he withdrew and joined Jackson. The Indian- attacked our army and the battle was keenly contested, but with no decisive results. Jackson declined to follow them, decidiu. to return to Fort Strother. On his way he was attacked by the Indians near Enciachopco, where Coffee was wounded. Here the Indians were repulsed, and Jackson continued his retreat to. Fort Strother.
-. The last and the most fiercely contested battle was at the Horseshoe, or Tohopeka. In February, 1814. Jackson had about five thousand men. the Creeks about one thousand. Jack-ou manned his forts and left garrisons at them, and marched oft with three thousand men to attack the Creeks at the Horseshoe. or Tohopeka, in the band of the Tallapoosa. Fearing 211 anticipating an attack, the Creeks were well fortified, but Jack- son went before their massive breastworks, sending Coffee with: seven hundred cavalry and six hundred friendly Indians dows the river. Coffee had their canoes stolen, and then set free their camps. Realizing the situation, the Creeks fought brave !: Remembering the Hillabee campaign, they decided to fight it out with no concessions. Fully seven hundred were slain. After this battle, Red Eagle surrendered, which closed the war. Red Eagle came to Tennessee and lived a year at the Hermitage with Old Hickory. Red Eagle afterwards returned to Alabarna. his home. He had a numerous posterity, who intermarried with the whites, and whose descendants are proud of their ancestors. General James Robertson died at Chickasaw Agency. Memphis, September I. INIt. President Madison appointed George W. Campbell, February 9, 1814, Secretary of the Chite 1 States Treasury.
QUESTIONS .~ I. Who was Tecumseh? What did he He?
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THE WAR OF 1812-15.
With what success? 2. By whom was the war party led ? What :, his idea ? Where was the first massacre? When? Jackson did what? Whom did he nght? Why? 3. Where was Teu
Hinds? What of the Tennessee troops at Tallushatchee? When was this battle fought? By when? 4. What did Jackson now do? Why did Jackson go to Talladega? 5. What did the Indians do? What mistake did Cocke make? Why? What vere Jackson's men? A. Give substance of this section.
What of the battle at the Horseshoe? How many men on each Hle? Which side was successful? What became of Red Eagle?
CHAPTER XII.
THE WAR OF 1812-15.
1. Since the war for Independence, in which England lost the American colonies, chagrin and resentment seemed to possess the spirit of many of the people. England's policy towards this country was marked by injustice and insult, to which were gradually added wanton outrages upon our national rights. From the frontier posts in Canada, its agents yet continued. by secret intrigues and bribes, to incite the savages to war and rapine upon the Western settlers.
2. The United States, with the exception of England, was now the greatest power in the world. The contest upon the seas between England and France gave to our ships a safer carriage to and from all ports in the world. By orders in council and decrees of both England and France, the ports of these kingdoms and all their provinces were in a state of blockade. American vessels sailing to or from a port of one of these kingdoms were liable to be captured and made prizes by the other. One thousand American vessels, trading at French ports, under these orders and decrees, ha ! been seized by armed ships of England. and confiscated with their cargoes. Many American sedmnen hall een captured and impressed into the British navy. These
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THE WAR OF ISI2-15.
outrages became intolerable, and war was declared against Eng- land in June. 1812.
3. The United States prudently refused to be an ally of France against England during their Revolution and the reign of Napo- leon, in return for the aid of France in our war for independence. Now event- forced another alliance of the two against their old and common enemy. In Tennessee the war was popular, for its people had suffered the greatest of insults from the Indian allies of England, and no people had a better reason for intense resent- ment against the English. The President of the United States called for one hundred thousand militia. while the forces of the regular army were increased.
4. After many cruelly and keenly contested battles in various localities, in which victories alternated in favor of each nation. England began to deem the United States invincible, as it did seem to be. So gallant and crushing was the charge of Johnson's army in the Northwest, that it destroyed the British allied army and the volunteers were discharged and returned home.
5. The great battle of Waterloo, on June 18, 1815, won by Lord Wellington, effected the downfall of Napoleon in Europe and ended the strife between England and her old enemy. The military and naval forces of England could now be sent against the United States. Thirteen thousand veteran troops and a large armament of ships of war, sailed for the Gulf of Mexico in Sep- tember, 1814, to engage in an attempt to capture New Orlean- and occupy the South Mississippi country. Many of the detached militia troops of Kentucky joined recruits from Georgia and Tennessee to re-enforce General Jackson's army to defend New Orleans, In a month they were hastening to join Jackson who had just moved It's headquarters from Mobile to New Orleans.
6. Jackson's troops were now rapidly concentrating there. He began the most active preparations for defense about December and continued them through that month. The enemy's feet
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THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
numbering forty sail, appeared in the Gulf on December 1: and anchored at Ship Island, of the bay of St. Louis. Thar armed ships were engaged by five American gun-vessels for two hours, under Lieutenant Jones. Several British vessels Wert sunk and three hundred of the crews killed and wounded. bn. the British captured the little American fleet, on which the lo -- of life was smaller.
7. The enemy securing this advantage, came in lighter vessels nearer to the city through the passes of Lake Borgne and Bayeu Bienvenue. General Jackson here attacked them in force on December 23. and a sharp and bloody engagement enstor. Dense fog and darkness falling upon the armies ended the contest without decisive results. The British lost nearly seven hundred men, the Americans less than three hundred. Jackson now determined to fortify his position, act on the defensive, and force the enemy to attack. On December 28, Sir Edward Packenham. the British commander, made a furious demonstration upon the American works, but at last drew off with some loss. He again repeated his attack on January 1. Jackson completed his de- fenses the next week.
S. Tennessee's brave troops were present at the dawn of day, January 8. 1815. The glittering lines of the enemy were seen in full force and array, advancing to the assault and to the final issue of the campaign. With crowded center and wille extended right and left wings, the veteran soldiers of England. with the intrepid leaders, who had so successfully fought Napo- leon, bravely and with steady tread advanced upon the covert and silent riflemen of Tennessee, Kentucky, and other portion- of the South. When they arrived within easy range, a storm of fire from the American artillery and a sheet of flame from the rifles of the backwoodsmen swept down the columns of the enemy and drove them back in disorder. Again their oficer- rallied their men and led them up to the slaughter, and again they were repulsed. The third time this was repeated, and with
THE WAR OF IS12-15.
ich disastrous results that even the veteran soldiers of England could not again be led to the charge. Generals Packenhan, Irene and Gibbs had fallen, with two thousand and two hundred of the bravest soldiers of the British army. The Americans lost only thirteen men. The contrast! Jackson had about one thousand men on the opposite side of the Mississippi who were driven back, bur with no great loss. But the great battle was decided in our favor.
9. Jack'n had in the final engagement about eight thousand men, the British thirteen thousand, of whom two thousand and two 1 undred were killed. and the rest so shattered that they and the commanding officers withdrew and made good their retreat. and won after embarked upon their flest. A treaty of peace had been signed between the English and American governments before this great battle was fought, but owing to the slow means of communication of news in those days, it had not yet reached the belligerents. What an awful carnage would have been averted, could this have been flashed over electric wires as mes "ges are now transmitted. Peace being restored, the Tennessee troops returned home to enjoy a long interval of over thirty years before another war.
QUESTIONS .--!. What has seemed the attitude of the people since the Revolution? 2. Name the greatest maritime power- in the world. What of orders in council and decrees? 3. What was the United States called on to do? Diditdo it? Why? For how many militit did the President call: 4. Give the substance of this section. 5. When and what was the result of the battle of Waterloo? Name the Generale. Describe the attempt to capture New Orleans. o. What did Jackson do? Describe the Attack. Resul. 7. Describe General Jackson's attack. What o: the ing? Result ?. S. Give the substance of this section. o. How many then did Jackson have? The British? How many were Med? What did the two armies do non ?
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THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
CHAPTER XIII.
AN ERA OF PEACE.
I. The good angel of peace came at last, bringing joy to the hearts of all American citizens, who were wearied with three years of war. When hostilities ceased. it seemed a great thing to our people to again enjoy the full benefits of trade and comt- inerce. British cruisers had made many foreign commodities very scarce and costly. It was therefore gratifying to the people to see the stores again filled with goods. These nations agreed to stop. without settling a single one of the causes of the war. Eng- land did not even agree to cease impressing men from the United States navy, but this was no more practiced. The treaty of peace was ratified by the United States Senate, February 7. 1815.
2. Tennessee had her trials and triumphs through successive wars for almost forty years, until 1815. We are now introduced. to an era of peace and political and material progress of thirty years' continuance, to the war with Mexico. Political, social. religious and commercial questions now make up the events of history in the main. Our State had already produced her share of the great and useful inventors of note in industrial history.
3. In 1815. Joseph MeMinn, Robert Weakley. Jesse Wharton. Robert C. Foster and Thomas Johnson were candidates for Gor- error. Joseph MeMiun was elected and served till isig. The election of Governor was now biennial, but McMinn overcame all opposition and was twice re-elected. Joseph MeMinn wa- formerly a Pennsylvania farmer, but came to Tennessee after the Revolution and located in Hawkin county. He had little ability. bat had held several offices before he was elected to the office of Governor. He was a plain Quaker, but his neighbor- admired him very much. Jefferson's wise plans for common schools were almost imperative here. The wealthy sent their
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AN ERA OF PEACE.
hildren to seminaries and other good schools, and provided ators for them, and stigmatized the common school as the pauper school. In 1916. an act levied a tax for the education of the siphans of those persons who had died in the service of the country. In IBIT, the school lands were leased for the purpose f ading schools. Although some of the best men in the State bored earnestly to secure an efficient system, the idea that free schools were established only for the poor of the community would not be eradicated, and failure was the result. In 1827, a school fund was created. Two years later an act was passed establishing a system of public schools.
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