USA > Tennessee > The Annals of Tennessee to the End of the Eighteenth Century: Comprising Its Settlement, as the. > Part 34
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ANSWERED BY THE TASSEL.
Now I am going to speak to you, brothers. We have smoked. The Great Man above sent the tobacco. It will make your hearts straight. I come from Chota. I see you. You are my brothers. I see what has been done is the cause of your coming. I am glad to see my brothers and hold them fast by the hand. The Great Man made us both, and he hears the Talk. The Great Man stopped you here to hear my Talk .. They are not my people that spilt the blood and spoiled the good Talk a little. My town is not so ; they will always use you well whenever they see you. The men that did the murder are bad men and no warriors. They are gone, and I can't tell where they are gone. They lived in Coytoy, at the mouth of Holston. This
345
TRANSFERRED TO COYATEE.
is all I have to say. They have done the murder. Now I give you good talk. I will tell you about the land; what you say concerning the land, I will talk to Congress about, and the man that sold it I shall look to for it. You say that North-Carolina sold you the land over the river. We will talk to all our Head men about it. The Great Man above has sent you this white Talk to straight your hearts through. I give you this pipe in token of a straight Talk. I am very sorry my people has done wrong to occasion you to turn your backs. A little talk is as good as much talk ; too much is not good.
COTTOY, August 3d.
Brothers and Warriors :- We are now in Coytoy, and are going to give you a straight Talk. You all well know that the great man over the water, King George, once commanded us all, and then we were all brothers; and that the great man, the king, got angry with us, and came over the water and killed our men and burnt some of our houses, which caused a war, and all your people, the Indians, helped the great man over the water, and we beat you all ; and then the great man over the water gave up all this land to us, the white people, and made a peace with us, and then our great men, the Congress, made a peace with you, and agreed to live brothers with you all, and gave you such a piece of land to live on as they thought right, and so did your brother, John Sevier, governor of this country, and his commissioners at Dumplin, last year ; but now you have broke all the good Talk, and your people have murdered our young warriors, your brothers, at Kentucky, Cum- berland, and here, at home, and have killed our people as you did when you were helping the great man over the water, and have always laid it on the Creeks; but now we know it is your people that does the mischief. And to convince you we are willing to live brothers, we have marched a few of our warriors into the town that killed our young men, and burnt the town house where your people held the council to kill our men, and have burnt the bad men's houses, and destroyed as much corn as we thought belonged to them, but have not marched to any other town where our honest brothers lived, but have sent for them all to come and talk and smoke and eat with us, and let them all see that we will not hurt any of their people, our brothers, that are honest and will not kill our people. And we now tell you, in plain words, that if you kill any more of our people, we will come down and destroy the town that does the mischief, unless you bring the rogues to us ; and if our people have killed any of your people since we came down, you must blame your bad men for it, for we do not know your bad men when they are in the woods. You have killed our old commanders, Colonel Donelson and Colonel Christian, who were always your friends when you were brothers, and were our great warriors and counsellors; and that you may not be any more deceived, we now tell you, plainly, that our great counsellors have sold us the lands on the north side of the Tennessee to the Cumberland Mountain, and we intend to settle and live on it, and if you kill any of our people for settling there, we shall destroy the town that does the mischief; and as your people broke the peace you made with Congress and us, and killed our men, it was your
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TREATY OF COYATEL.
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faults that we come out to war. We have right to all the ground we marched over, but if you wish to live brothers, and be at peace, we will let you live in Coytoy, as brothers, in your old houses, if you will agree to give up the murderers when you can get them ; and we only claim the island in Tennessee, at the mouth of Holston, and from the head of the island to the dividing ridge between Holston River, Little River and Tennessee, to the Blue Ridge, and the lands North-Carolina sold us, on the north side of Tennessee, which lines and terms we will agree to lay before our Great Council, and if you will agree to live brother and friends, notwithstanding our taking of it by the sword, which is the best right to all countries, we will do our best endeavours to get our Council to give you all some goods, in token of our sincere peace and lasting friendship, although you refused to give up the murderers at Chota Ford when we sent to you and demanded them of you, agreeable to your treaty with us before we did you any harm, which, had you have done, we would not have marched into your town, but would have taken you by the hand and been brothers. Now, can you blame us, when your people broke the good Talks and spilt our blood ! We call upon the Great Man above to witness, and you, yourselves, know, that we have acted agreeable to our former treaty, and only wish to punish the bad men and settle on the land North-Carolina sold us. WM. COCKE, ALEX. OUTLAW, SAMUEL WEAR, HENRY CONWAY, THOMAS INGLES.
Attest-JOSEPH CONWAY.
ANSWER.
AUGUST 8d.
Brothers :- You have spoke to me. I am very thankful to you for it. My brother, William Christian, took care of every body, and was a good man ; he is dead and gone. It was not me nor my people that killed him. They told lies on me. I loved Col. Christian, and he loved me. He was killed going the other way, over the big river. I never heard of your Great Council giving you the land you speak of. I talked, last fall, with the great men from Congress, but they told me nothing of this. I remember that the great men and I talked together last fall, and did not think this murder would have happened so soon. We talk good together now, but the great people, a good way off, don't talk so good as you ; they have spoke nothing to us about the land, but now you have told us the truth. We hope we shall live friends together on it, and keep our young men at peace, as we all agree to sign the above terms and live brothers hereafter.
WM. COCKE, his OLD M TASSEL, mark
ALEX. OUTLAW,
SAML. WEAR,
his
HENRY CONWAY, .
HANGING K MAW.
THOMAS INGLES.
Attest-JOSEPH CONWAY. mark.
347
MISSION OF GENERAL COCKE AND JUDGE CAMPBELL.
The difficulties with the Indians being thus adjusted, and provision being made for co-operating with Georgia against the Creeks, it remained for the authorities of Franklin to re- concile conflicts nearer home. The imperium in imperio condition of things threatened anarchy or misrule-perhaps disaster and ruin to all parties. The people in some of the revolted counties had sent forward their representatives to the General Assembly of North-Carolina, which met in No- vember, at Fayetteville. They were, in like manner, repre- sented in the Assembly of Franklin. Taxes were laid by both governments and collected by neither, the people not knowing, as was pretended, which had the better right to receive them ; and neither government was forward in over- ruling the plea, for fear of giving offence to those who could at pleasure transfer their allegiance .* Previous attempts had failed in securing from North-Carolina her consent to the separation of her revolted counties. Disaffection had already manifested itself against the authority of Franklin, and some of those who at first were the most zealous and clamorous for the separation, were now opposing it in their legislative capacity at Fayetteville. Every day brought new embar- rassments to the administration of Governor Sevier, who, with the Assembly, was devising plans, by which to extri- cate the new government from impending danger. One of these was the appointment of General Cocke and Judge Campbell, as Commissioners, to negotiate a separation. Each of them was well suited for the purpose of his mission. The former was identified with the new settlements, by an early participation in the privation, enterprise and danger of the pioneer life. More recently, he had taken an active part in founding the new state-had been appointed its delegate to .Congress-commanded a brigade of its militia, and held other positions implying confidence in his talents and address. His colleague had also a minute acquaintance with every ques- Tion relating to either of the parties-held the highest judi- Cial station in the government from which he was accredited, and by his private worth was entitled to the respect of the one to which he was sent.
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* Haywood.
848
GOVERNOR SEVIER TO GOVERNOR CANWILL,
To secure to his embassy the greater consideration and weight, the Governor of Franklin addressed to the Governor of North-Carolina a communication, conceived in respectful and lenient terms, yet manifesting, at the same time, earnest- ness and determination, in maintaining the rights and ad- vancing the interests of his state. It is dated at his privato residence.
MOUNT PLEASANT, FRANKLIN, 28th October, 1786. Sir :- Our Assembly have again appointed Commissioners to wait on the parent state, who, I hope, will cheerfully consent to the separa- tion as they once before did.
It gives us inexpressible concern to think that any disputes should arise between us, more especially when we did not in the first instance pray the separation, but adopted our course after the same was done by Act of your Assembly. We humbly conceived we should do no wrong by endeavouring to provide for ourselves, neither had we the most die- tant idea that the Cession act would be repealed, otherwise matten might not have been carried to the length they are. The propriety of the repeal we do not pretend to scrutinize, as respecting the policy of your state; but, permit us to say, that, in our opinion, we discover many embarrassments both parties are likely to labour under in consequence of the repeal. We cannot suppose that Congress will consider itself well treated by North-Carolina, and we doubt that body will, thereby, bocome in some measure inattentive.
The late Indian Treaties in the south seem deeply to concern each party, especially now we find Congress have ratified the proceedings, and we have called on your state to carry the same into effect, so far as respects the same. We do not pretend to discriminate the motives that induced that body to enter into those measures, but beg leave to say, that, in our opinions, that had the deed or deeds been executed agreeable to the Cession act, that then our lands in the westward would have been secured under the conditions of that act; but, under the present cir- cumstances, the greatest part of our western country lies in a very doubtful and precarious situation. I hope your Assembly will take un- der their serious consideration our present condition, and, we flatter our- selves, that august body will not submerge into ruin so many of their late citizens, who have fought and bled in behalf of the parent state, and are still ready to do so again, should there be an occasion. Our local and remote situation are the only motives that induce us to wish for a separation. Your constitution and laws we revere, and consider our- selves happy that we have had it in our power to get the same estab- lished in the State of Franklin, although it has occasioned some confu- sion among ourselves. We do, in the most candid and solemn manner, assure you that we do not wish to separate from you on any other terms, but on those that may be perfectly consistent with the honour and interest of each party ; neither do we believe there is any among us who would wish for a separation, did they believe the parent state
349
ACCREDITING HIS COMMISSIONERS.
would suffer any real inconveniency in consequence thereof. We would be willing to stand or fall together, under any dangerous crisis what- ever.
We cannot be of the opinion that any real advantages can be ob- tained by a longer connection. Our trade and commerce is altogether carried on with other states, therefore neither party is benefitted on that head ; and whether it can be suggested that the business of government can be extended from five to eight hundred miles distance, is a matter I leave to your own good sense to judge of; and, further, it cannot be supposed that the inhabitants who reside at that distance, are not equally entitled to the blessings of civil government, as. their neigbbours who live east, south, or any other point, and not one-fourth of the distance from the seat of government, besides the incomparable advantages of the roads and other easy communications, that you have on the east of the Apalachian. However inconsiderable the people . of this country may appear at this day, reason must inform us that the time is not far distant, when they will become as consequential in numbers, if not more so, than most of the Eastern States, and when your Excellency will be pleased to view the many advantages arising from the fertility of our soil, and the moderate and salubrious climate, you cannot, I presume, differ in sentiments on this head.
We will admit that our importation is not so flattering, but our ex-" ports are equal to any. As to our present abilities, we must confess they are not so great as could be wished for; but, happily for us, we have the parent, and many old and experienced states to copy after.
As to my own part, I have always considered myself happy while under the government of North-Carolina, and highly honoured with the dif- ferent appointments they have been pleased to confer.
I heartily wish your Legislature had either not repealed, or never passed the Cession act, for probably it may occasion much confusion, especially should your Assembly listen too much to prejudiced persons, though this I have no right to suggest, but fear we may have a quarrel sufficient on our hands without any among ourselves.
I am authorized to say there is no set of people can think more highly of your government than those who want the separation, and they only with it to answer their better conveniency ; and, though wanting to be separated in government, wish to be united in friendship, and hope that mutual good offices may ever pass between the parent and infant state, which is my sincere wish and desire.
Judge Campbell, on account of ill health, was unable to accompany the other Commissioner on his embassy to Fay- etteville. But, desirous of effecting its object, " a ratifica- tion of our independence," he forwarded to Governor Cas- well his written argument in support of it, as follows :
STATE OF FRANKLIN, Caswell County, Nov. 30th, 1786. 5
May it please your Excellency-
I have hesitated to address your Excellency on so delicate a subject as
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350
JUDGE CAMPBELL'S WRITTEN ARGUMENT.
the present. I shall only state a few facts, and leave your Excellency to draw the conclusion.
Is not the continent of America one day to become one consolidated government of United States? Is not your state, when connected with this part of the country, too extensive ? Are we not, then, one day to bea separate people ! Do you receive any advantage from us as now situated ! or do you ever expect to receive any! I believe you do not. Suffer then, to pursue our own happiness in a way most agreeable to our situation and circumstances. The plans laid for a regular and sp- tematic government in this country, are greatly frustrated by the oppo- sition from your country. Can a people so nearly connected as you are with ours, delight in our misfortunes ? The rapid settlements that are making, and have been made out of the bounds prescribed both by your state and ours, is a matter worthy your consideration ; our divisions are favourable to those who have a mind to transgress our lawa. If you were to urge us, and it were possible we should revert back to you, in what a labyrinth of difficulties would we be involved ! Witness the many lawsuits, which have been decided under the sanction of the law of Franklin, the retrial of which would involve many persons in certain ruin.
If we set out wrong, or were too hasty in our separation, this country is not altogether to blame ; your state pointed out the line of conduct, which we adopted ; we really thought you in earnest when you ceded ts to Congress. If you then thought we ought to be separate, or if you now think we ever ought to be, permit us to complete the work that is more than half done; suffer us to give energy to our laws and force to our councils, by saying we are a separate and independent people, and we will yet be happy. I suppose it will astonish your Excellency to hear that there are many families settled within nine miles of the Cherokee nation. What will be the consequence of those emigrations! Our laws and government must include these people or they will be- come dangerous ; it is vain to say they must be restrained. Have not all America extended their back settlements in opposition to laws and proclamations ? The Indians are now become more pusillanimous, and consequently will be more and more encroached upon ; they must, they will be circumscribed. Some of your politicians think we have not men of abilities to conduct the reins of government ; this may in some mea- sure be true, but all new states must have a beginning, and we are daily increasing in men both of political and law knowledge. It was not from a love of novelty. or the desire of title, I believe, that our leaders were induced to engage in the present revolution, but from pure neces- sity. We were getting into confusion, and you know any government is better than anarchy. Matters will be differently represented to you, but you may rely on it, a great majority of the people are anxious for a separation. Nature has separated us ; do not oppose her in her work; by acquiescing you will bless us, and do yourself no injury ; you bless us by uniting the disaffected, and do yourself no injury, because you lose nothing but people who are a clog on your government, and to whom you cannot do equal justice by reason of their detached situation.
I was appointed to wait on your General Assembly, to urge a ratifi-
351
GENERAL COCKE'S ADDRESS TO ASSEMBLY.
cation of our independence, but the misfortune of losing one of my eyes, and some other occurrences, prevented me. You will, therefore, par- don me for the liberties I have taken, whilst endeavouring to serve a people whose situation is truly critical.
Notwithstanding these earnest representations made in behalf of the people of Franklin, the Assembly of North- Carolina, disregarding their protests and memorials, con- tinued to legislate for them. The territory that had been em- braced in the new county of Spencer, under the Franklin Government, was, by the Legislature of North-Carolina, laid off into a new county called Hawkins, and civil and mili- tary officers were at the same session appointed for it, and the time was fixed by law for holding the courts. The As- sembly had also taken into consideration the measures necessary to be adopted in relation to the revolters in Franklin. At this moment, General Cocke, the other Com- missioner from the State of Franklin, appeared in Fayette- ville, and, at his request, was heard at the bar of the House of Commons. In a speech of great length, as copied from Haywood, he pathetically depicted the miseries of his dis- tressed countrymen ; he traced the motives of their separa- tion to the difficult and perilous condition in which they had been placed by the Cession act of 1784 ; he stated that the savages in their neighbourhood, often committed upon the de- fonceless inhabitants the most shocking barbarities; and that they were without the means of raising or subsisting troops for their protection ; without authority to levy men ; without the power to lay taxes for the support of internal government ; and without the hope that any of their neces- Mary expenditures would be defrayed by the State of North- Carolina, which had then become no more interested in their Lafety than any other of the United States. The sovereignty. Retained being precarious and nominal, as it depended on the acceptance of the cession by Congress, so it was anticipa- Lod would be the concern of North-Carolina for the ceded Corritory. With these considerations full in view, what were the people of the ceded territory to do, to avoid the blow of the uplifted tomahawk ? How were the women and children to be rescued from the impending destruction ? Would Con-
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352 PATHETICALLY RECOUNTS THE TRIALS AND
gress come to their aid ? - Alas ! Congress had not yet ac- cepted of them, and possibly, never would. And if accepted, Congress was to deliberate on the quantum of defence which might be afforded to them. The distant states would wish to know what profits they could respectively draw from the ceded country, and how much land would remain, after satisfying the claims upon it. The contributions from the several states were to be spontaneous. They might be too limited to do any good, too tardy for practical purposes. They might be unwilling to burthen themselves for the salva- tion of a people not connected with them by any endearing ties. . The powers of Congress were too feeble to enforce contributions. Whatever aids should be resolved on, might not reach the objects of their bounty, till all was lost. Would common prudence justify a reliance upon such pros- pects? Could the lives of themselves and their families be staked upon them ? Immediate and pressing necessity called for the power, to concentrate the scanty means they possessed of saving themselves from destruction. A cruel and insid- ious foe was at their doors. Delay was but another name for death. They might supinely wait for events, but the first of them would be the yell of the savage through all their settlements. It was the well-known disposition of the sav- ages to take every advantage of an unpreparedness to receive them, and of a sudden to raise the shrieking cry of exulta- tion over the fallen inhabitants. The hearts of the people of North-Carolina should not be hardened against their breth- ren, who have stood by their sides in perilous times, and never heard their cry of distress when they did not instantly rise and march to their aid. Those brethren have bled in profusion to save you from bondage, and from the sangui- nary hands of a relentless enemy, whose mildest laws for the punishment of rebellion, is beheading and quartering. When driven in the late war, by the presence of that enemy, from your homes, we gave to many of you a sanctified asy- lum in the bosom of our country, and gladly performed the rites of hospitality to a people we loved so dearly. Every hand was ready to be raised for the least unhallowed viola- tion of the sanctuary in which they reposed.
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353.
VINDICATION OF THE FRANKS.
The act for our dismissal was, indeed, recalled in the winter of 1784; what then was our condition ? More pennyless, defenceless and unprepared, if possible, than before, and un- der the same necessity as ever, to meet and consult together for our common safety. The resources of the country all locked up, where is the record that shews any money or sup- plies sent to us ?- a single soldier ordered to be stationed on the frontiers, or any plan formed for mitigating the horrors of our exposed situation ? On the contrary, the savages are irritated by the stoppage of those goods on their passage, which were promised as a compensation for the lands which had been taken from them. If North-Carolina must yet hold us in subjection, it should at least be understood to what a state of distraction, suffering and poverty, her varying conduct has reduced us, and the liberal hand of generosity should be widely opened for relief, from the pressure of their present circumstances ; all animosity should be laid aside and buried in deep oblivion, and our errors should be considered as the offspring of greater errors committed by yourselves. It be- longs to a magnanimous people to weep over the failings of their unfortunate children, especially if prompted by the in- considerate behaviour of the parent. Far should it be from their hearts to harbour the unnatural purpose of adding still more affliction to those who have suffered but too much Iready. It belongs to a magnanimous people to give an idustrious attention to circumstances, in order to form a just dgment upon a subject so much deserving of their serious oditation, and when once carefully formed, to employ, with Jalous anxiety, the best efforts of their purest wisdom, in posing a course to pursue, suitable to the dignity of their n character, consistent with their own honour, and the t calculated to allay that storm of distraction in which r hapless' children have been so unexpectedly involved. ie mother shall judge the expense of adhesion too heavy ' borne, let us remain as we are, and support ourselves ar own exertions ; if otherwise, let the means for the con- nce of our connexion be supplied with the degree of dity which will demonstrate seriousness on the one hand scure affection on the other.
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