USA > Tennessee > The Annals of Tennessee to the End of the Eighteenth Century: Comprising Its Settlement, as the. > Part 36
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In answer to this communication, the Governor of Frank lin writes, under date,
JONESBORO', 6th April, 1787.
Sir :- I was favoured with yours of 23d February, in which your Excellency was pleased to favour me with a detail of the proceedings of your Assembly. I must own, before their rising, I had the fullest hopes and confidence, that body would have either agreed to the separation, on honourable principles and stipulations, or otherwise endeavoured to have re-united us upon such terms as might have been lasting and friendly, but I find myself and country entirely deceived ; and if your Assembly have thought their measures would answer such an end, they are equally disappointed. But I firmly believe, had proper measures been adopted, an union, in some measure, or perhaps fully, would have taken place We shall continue to act as independent, and would rather suffer deat th in all its various and frightful shapes, than conform to any thing that = is disgraceful.
363
OOLCILIATORY REPLY OF GOVERNOR CASWELL.
The firm and decisive tone of this letter, was in accord- ance with the present temper of Sevier and his adberents. The compromise entered into between the contracting par- ties, March 20th, was found to be, in some of the counties, of little avail. "It is agreed and recommended," were terms sufficiently explicit and strong to be obligatory on the masses, and their "regard to peace, tranquillity and good decorum," led them to respect the provisions of the agreement. But in Washington, Sullivan and IIawkins, where the recent act of North-Carolina had vacated certain of the offices, and commissions under her authority had been accepted and acted under, a spirit of faction and discontent developed itself. The ins and the outs, as is sometimes seen in more modern times, quarrelled. A question arose as to the pow- ers of those who had negotiated the late "agreement and recommendation." By common consent, the office holders considered them invalid and irregular. The truce was ended. Gov. Sevier determined that he and the other officers of Franklin would "act as independent."
To Gov. Sevier's letter, Gov. Caswell replied, in a very friendly and conciliatory spirit, under date,
KINSTON, April 24th, 1787.
Dear Sir :- I had the honour to receive your letters by Mr. Meek. Cannot account for the conduct of our Assembly in their last session. now some of the gentlemen's sentiments did not coincide with my Wz, but still think if the people on your side the mountain had then wen more unanimous, the measures of a separation on just and Oam ourable principles would have been pursued ; and if it were possible the people amongst you to prevail upon themselves to apply by suffi- ient number, to give convincing proofs of far the greater part of the vhale being desirous of establishing a new government upon such prin- iples, the same may yet be effected. If the violences of the passions of tourne men among you are not restrained, if they are suffered to break out, it will be putting the day further off; and, perhaps, the separation may not be effected without bloodshed. This, I am sure, neither you nor My other man capable of reflection, would wish to see brought about, .Mf it can be evaded by justifiable means.
You may rely upon it that my sentiments are clearly in favour of a separation, whenever the people to be separated think themselves of pafficient strength and abilities to support a government. This separa- tion to be established upon reasonable, honourable, equitable and just Principles, reciprocally so to those who will still continue the old go- Vernment, as well as those who are to form the new. My ideas are that
364
GENERAL SHELBY ADVISES ENERGETIC MEASURES.
nature, in this formation of the hills between us, and directing the courses of waters so differently, had not in view the inhabitants on either side being longer subject to the same laws and government ; that it might be convenient for them, as she has liberally bestowed on the minds of thinking men wishes to enjoy and obtain for themselves, and others in their circumstances, equal benefits, privileges and immunities with the rest of mankind.
I conclude, by recommending unanimity among you, as the only means by which your government ever can obtain energy, even when the separation is effected by consent of North Carolina.
General Shelby, the other diplomatist, proposed, in the meanwhile. to the government he represented, the adoption of more energetic and efficient measures.
SULLIVAN COUNTY, May 4th, 1787.
Sir :- The 27th of April past, I called the colonels (viz : Tipton, Maxwell and Hutchings) of Washington, Sullivan and Hawkins coun- ties, in order to consult on some measures which might be most salutary for the safety of this country at the present time. The gentlemen met, accordingly, at my house, and several gave it as their opinion that I should address government in the following manner : As the safety and well being of government are now at hazard, and the liberties and pro- perties of the good citizens thereof wrested from them by parties of fac- tion, notwithstanding the lenient and conciliatory measures of the General Assembly, by a call of the commanding officers of the several counties, and sundry complaints from individuals and the enclosed copies of letters, it was thought proper to advise with your Excellency on the occasion, and send a just statement of the proceedings. The Assembly of Franklin being called, have passed and ratified the following acts : They have opened an office for the lands reserved for the Indians, from French Broad River to the Tennessee River ; also, an act fining and im- prisoning any person who shall dare act under the authority of the State of Northi-Carolina, under which act they proceed with the greatest rig- our, beating and imprisoning, and seizing the property by men in arms. By a third act, in order to complete their designs and draw a party to their interest, they have laid their taxes one shilling the poll and sixpence per hundred acres of land, after the collection of which they give three years tax free. These methods, with many others, such as appointing officers to carry into execution their treasonable acts and designs, a total subversion of all laws and good government, even every sense of civiliza- tion, are lost among them. I have, therefore, thought it expedient to call upon you for your immediate assistance, having the faith and honour of the Legislature of North-Carolina pledged to us, that we shall remain secure in our liberties and properties. The matter is truly alarming, and it is beyond a doubt with me that hostilities will in a short time commence, and without the interference of government without delay, an effusion of blood must take place. I, there fore, think it highly necessary that one thousand troops, at least, be sent, as that number might have a good effect; for should we have that number under the sanction of govern-
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365
COLONELS HUTCHINGS AND BLEDSOE'S LETTERS.
ment, there is no doubt with me they would immediately give way, and would not appear in so unprovoked an insurrection. Ou the con- trary, should a faint and feeble resistance be made, the consequence might be very fatal, and would tend to devastation, ruin and distress. Should your Excellency think it convenient to call on the commonwealth of Virginia, I have reasons to believe we might meet with their aid, as they have four counties nearly bordering on us, and would be the most speedy assistance we could come at, in case your troops do not reach us in time to relieve us. I think it highly necessary that a quantity of ammunition be forwarded to us, as it is very scarce in this country. Thus, sir, you have before you the result of my conference with the aforemen- tioned colonels ; it is plain where the measure therein advised, if adopted, will end. The matter is entirely referred to government, and I hope something may be done and some measure adopted, to put a final end to the present unhappy disturbances. The officers in Greene county have all engaged in the new state affair, and have, therefore, refused to receive their commissions. There is scarcely any money in the country. I have been obliged to fit out this express with horse and cash to bear him down. It is to be expected your Excellency will procure some money to bear his expenses home again. Your Excellency will perceive, by comparing the enclosed in my last letter with this, that the people of Franklin have not assented to the agreement which was entered into with their governor, for the preservation of peace and good order in this country. Not many men are here engaged in vindicating the authority of North Carolina. They have hitherto behaved with that coolness and prudence which ever ought to characterize good subjects, assured of their safety under the government they are in ; at the same time, con- vinced that allegiance and protection are reciprocal, they expect to enjoy the one as they have yielded the other.
Among the papers enclosed by General Shelby to the Governor of North-Carolina, was a letter to himself from Col. Hutchings, of Hawkins county, of April 22d, in which, speaking of the officers of the new state, he says:
They have, among them, a Major Elholm, from Georgia, who, I am imformed, is a great advocate for their cause ; also, a Major Jones, who Hled from Virginia. They advise Cromwell's policy to be adopted, Mr. Cocke threatening confiscation and banishment. That the gentle- Laen have not been very candid, this Major Donelson will give you a further account of. Cocke's party are getting very insolent. I expect, im a few days, I shall be obliged to try his boasted number. I am ma- king the necessary preparations, and cannot doubt success if they have not assistance from Greene county. I have more than tive their number in Hawkins.
Col. Anthony Bledsoe, at the time a citizen of Davidson county, and of great personal influence and weight of cha- racter, aided, by his presence in the disaffected counties, in
366
GOVERNOR CASWELL DISSUADES FROM VIOLENCE,
keeping down any violence or outbreak. He seconded the views of General Shelby, without being so specific as to the " decided part " he wished the government of North-Caro- lina to act. His letter follows :
SULLIVAN COUNTY, May 4th, 1787.
Dear Sir :- When I last addressed your Excellency, I little expected to have dated a second from the same place. I have stayed long enough in this part of the country to see the appearance of the long-dreaded con- fusion-long enough to see and hear the measures of the last session of the General Assembly treated with the greatest contempt. I have always been of opinion that, without the greatest prudence, it was to end in blood, and am now further convinced that, without government acts a decided part, hostilities will shortly commence. Might I be per- mitted to request your Excellency's addressing these people, and advi- sing them of the necessity and advantage of returning to their duty once more, and the danger and evil consequences of their persisting in the attempt of their supporting an independence ! I do assure your Excel- lency, that it is my opinion, your address on that occasion would have a very good effect on the principal people in the revolted party. I judge this will accompany a letter from General Shelby addressed particularly on this subject.
To his suggestions of maintaining the authority of North- Carolina by an armed force, Governor Caswell replies to General Shelby, under date,
KINSTON, May 21st, 1787.
Sir :- Your letter of the 4th current, came to my hands the 19th. I stated the situation of your country to the Council, and laid your letter and every other information I possessed respecting the same, before them for advice ; the result of their deliberations, I bave the honour of enclosing you a copy of; they may not answer your expectations, but I hope will prove satisfactory, when I inform you upon what principles they acted.
They think it would be very imprudent to add to the dissatisfaction of the people there, by showing a wish to encourage the shedding of blood, as thereby, a civil war would be eventually brought on, which ought at all times to be avoided, if possible ; but more especially at the present, we have great reason to apprehend a general Indian war. If the northern and southern tribes should unite with your Cherokee nei -b- bours, you will stand in need, they think, of all your force ; and the fore recommend unanimity amongst you, if it can by any means effected ; as you thereby will be much more able to defend yourselve than you possibly can be when divided; let alone the circumstances cutting each other's throats. Besides these, it would be impracticable raise an armed force here, to be sent to your assistance at this time, we were ever so much disposed thereto, for the following reasons : Th people in general, are now engaged in their farming business, and brought out, would very reluctantly march ; there is no money in th
367
AND ADDRESSES THE MALCONTENTS.
treasury to defray the expenses of such as might be called out ; nor, in fact, have we arms or ammunition ; that, under such circumstances, it would be necessary to attempt it.
I must, therefore, recommend to you, the using every means in your power to conciliate the minds of the people, as well as those who call themselves Franklinites, as the friends and supporters of government. If things could be dormant, as it were, till the next Assembly, and each man's mind be employed in considering your common defence against the savage enemy, I should suppose it best, and wherever unanimity prevails among your people, and their strength and numbers will jus- tify, an application for a separation ; if it is general, I have no doubt of its taking place upon reciprocal and friendly terms.
I have written a letter to the inhabitants of the counties of Washing- ton, Sullivan, Greene and Hawkins, stating matters in such a point of view, as the opinion of the Council; a copy of which I have the honour to enclose you. Your express also carries a letter for the commanding officer of each of the counties, which you will be pleased to forward to them.
Accompanying this letter, Governor Caswell also for- warded, through General Shelby, the following address :
To the Inhabitants of the counties of Washington, Sullivan, Greene and Hawkins :
Friends and Fellow-Citizens :- I have received information that the former contention between the citizens of those counties, respecting the severing such counties from this state, and erecting them into a separate, free, and independent government, hath been again raised, notwith- standing the lenient and salutary measures held out to them by the General Assembly in their last session ; and some have been so far mis- led, as openly and avowedly to oppose the due operation and execution of the laws of the state, menacing such as should ad- here to the same, with violence; and some outrages on such occasions, have been actually committed, whereby sundry of the good citizens of the said counties have been induced to signify to government their ap- prehension of being obliged to have recourse to arms, in order to sup- port the laws and constitution of this state. And notwithstanding the behaviour of some of the refractory might justify such a measure, yet I am willing to hope, that upon reflection and due consideration of the consequences which must ensue in case of the shedding of blood among yourselves, a moment's thought must evince the necessity of mutual friendship and the ties of brotherly love being strongly cemented among you. You have, or shortly will have, if my information is well-grounded, enemies to deal with, which will require this cement to be more strong than ever ; your whole force may become necessary to be exerted against the common enemy, as it is more than probable they may be assisted by the subjects of some foreign power ; if not publicly, they will fur- moh arms and ammunition privately to the Indian tribes, to be made use of against you; and when your neighbours are so supported and assisted
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368
POPULAR DISCONTENT APPEARED.
by the northern and southern Indians, if you should be so unhappy as to be divided among yourselves, what may you not then apprehend and dread ? Let me entreat you to lay aside your party disputes ; they have been, as I conceive and yet believe will be, if continued, of rery great disadvantage to your public as well as private concerns. While these disputes last, government will want that energy which is neces- sary to support her laws and civilize; in place of which, anarchy and confusion will be prevalent, and, of course, private interest must suffer.
It certainly would be sound policy in you, for other reasons, to unite The General Assembly have told you, whenever your wealth and num- bers so much increase as to make a separation necessary, they will be willing the same shall take place upon friendly and reciprocal terms. h there an individual in your country who does not look forward, in expec- tation, of such a day's arriving ? If that is the case, must not every thinking man believe, that this separation will be soonest and most effectually obtained by unanimity f Let that carry you to the quiet submission to the laws of North-Carolina, till your numbers will justify a general application; and then, I have no doubt, but the same may be obtained upon the principles held out by the Assembly ; nay, it is my opinion that it may be obtained at an earlier day than some imagine, ff unanimity prevailed amongst you.
Although this is an official letter, you will readily see that it is dicts- ted by a friendly and pacific mind. Don't neglect my advice on that account ; if you do, you may repent it when it is too late ; when the blood of some of your dearest and worthiest citizens may have been spilt, and your country laid waste in an unnatural and cruel civil war; and you cannot suppose if such an event should take place, that go- vernment will supinely look on, and see you cutting each other's throats, without interfering, and exerting her powers to reduce the disobedient. I will conclude by once more entreating you to consider the dreadful calamities and consequences of a civil war. Humanity demands this of me ; your own good sense will point out the propriety of it; at least, let all animosities and disputes subside till the next Assembly ; even let things remain as they are, without pursuing compulsory measures until then, and I flatter myself that honourable body will be disposed to do what is just and right, and what sound policy may dictate.
Nothing yet had occurred in the transactions between Franklin and North-Carolina so well calculated to heal the breach, and effect a reconciliation between them, as this letter of Gov. Caswell. and the action of the North-Carolina Legislature communicated in it. The origin and cause of the separation, at the time it occurred, was the Cession Act. That had been repealed. The great object of the secessionists now, was independence of North-Carolina, so as to avoid a re-enactment of the repealed law. The apprehension of that objectionable and inadinissable policy was removed in
369
SETTLEMENTS SOUTH OF FRENCH BROAD.
minds of some of the earliest and most steadfast friends Franklin by the assurances of the Governor and Legisla- e of North-Carolina, that, at the proper time, a new state uld be formed, and their cherished wishes for indepen- ice should be gratified, if the malcontents would return heir allegiance. The argument was forcible-to many fectly satisfactory and irresistible. It inflicted a vital b upon the new government, which, within the next year, used its dissolution.
PROGRESS OF THE SETTLEMENTS SOUTH OF FRENCH BROAD.
The Irish Bottom began to be settled. George McNutt s one of the earliest emigrants. His daughter, arwards the wife of Col. - McFarland, and still living Jefferson county, was the first white child born south of inch Broad. Nancy Rogers, daughter of Jonah Rogers, s the second.
After the treaty of Dumplin, great facilities existed for occupying the country acquired under it, south of - French Broad and Holston, and the stream of emi- tion was principally directed in that channel. From nry's Station, at the mouth of Dumplin, the emigrants used the river, settling along Boyd's Creek Valley, where Gaughy's, Newell's and other stations were formed. Dy soon crossed the ridge dividing that stream from Elijah, I formed a station, McTeer's, still in the occupancy of a cendant of the same name, William McTeer, Esq. It n became the nucleus of an excellent neighbourhood of alligent, worthy and patriotic citizens-emigrants princi- ly from the valley of Virginia, who brought with, and 'used around them, republicanism, religion, intelligence I thrift. They were, for several years, annoyed and ha- ved by Cherokee incursions. The proximity of their set- nent to the fastnesses of the adjoining mountains, made it cessary, constantly, to guard their frontier. While one iked in the field, another acted as a scout or a sentinel. ay were often driven into stations, and twice had to leave ir farms and cabins, and fall back, for a short time, upon older settlements. But gaining, year after year, addition- strength by new emigrations, they gradually extended the 24
370
STATIONS IN BRVIER AND BLOUNT COUNTIES.
settlements down the valley of Elijah and Naill's Creek. Henry's, McTeer's, McCullock's, Gillespie's, Craig's, Kelley's, Houston's, Black's, Hunter's, Bartlett's, Kirk's, Ish's, and oth- era, were, soon after, the neuclei of settlements. During the formation and defence of all these stations, a volume would not contain the instances of Indian outrage and aggression perpetrated against the property and lives of the inhabitants, nor the heroic and soldierly conduct of the brave frontier- men, in protecting themselves, repelling invasion, pursuing and chastising the savages, inflicting a just retaliation with vengeful severity upon the cruel Cherokees, in their distant villages and the seclusions of the mountains. Boys became men-women turned soldiers-assisting in defence of the family and the home. Vigilance and heroism, and fearless- ness and energy, characterized the entire population. Could a diagram be drawn, accurately designating every spot sig- nalized by an Indian massacre, surprise or depredation, or courageous attack, defence, pursuit or victory by the whites, or station, or fort, or battle-field, or personal encounter, the whole of that section of country would be studded over by delineations of such incidents. Every spring, every ford, every path, every farm, every trail, every house, nearly, in its first settlement, was once the scene of danger, exposure, attack, exploit, achievement, death. Some of these are given in their chronological order, elsewhere. A few other instances, culled from the whole, are here given : Houston's Station stood about six miles from Maryville, where Mr. Minnis has since lived. It was occupied by the families of James Houston, McConnell, McEwen, Sloane and Henry. It was attacked by a party of Indians, one hundred in num- ber. They had, the day before, pursued the survivors of the Citico massacre, in the direction of Knoxville, many of whom they had killed. Elated with their preceding suc- cesses, they determined, on their return, to take and murder the feeble garrison at Houston's. A vigorous assault was made upon it. Hugh Barry, in looking over the bastion, incautiously exposed his head to the aim of an Indian rifle. He fell, within the station, fatally wounded, having received a bullet in his forehead. The Indians were emboldened by this success, and prolonged the conflict more than half an
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371
HEROISM OF MRS. M'EWEN.
hour. The garrison had some of the best riflemen in the country within it, and, observing the number and activity of the assailants, they loaded and discharged their guns with all possible rapidity. The women assisted them as far as they were able. One of them, Mrs. McEwen, mother of R. H. McEwen, Esq., of Nashville, and since the wife of the Senior S. Doak, D.D., displayed great equanimity and hero- ism. She inquired for the bullet moulds, and was engaged, busily, in melting the lead and running bullets for different guns. A bullet from without, passing through the inter- stice between two logs of the station, struck the wall near her, and rebounding, rolled upon the floor. Snatching it up, and melting and moulding it quickly, she carried it to her husband and said: " Here is a ball run out of the In- dians' lead; send it back to them as quick as possible. It is their own ; let them have it in welcome."
Simultaneously with the extension of the settlement of the country south of French Broad, after the Franklin Treaty at Dumplin, was its expansion north of that stream and on Holston. Adam Meek made the first settlement on the head of Beaver Creek, at the place in the Quaker Valley now owned by John Bales, Sen. Mr. Meek had no neighbour west of him, and so sparse were the settlers on the east, that at first he procured meal from the neighbourhood of Greene- ville.
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