USA > Tennessee > The Annals of Tennessee to the End of the Eighteenth Century: Comprising Its Settlement, as the. > Part 38
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FRANKLIN NEGOTIATIONS WITH
stand of arms. Having thus succeeded, Col. White pretended that he must keep back his troops, lest their animosity should break out, and an in- discriminate slaughter take place, in defiance of his authority, and that, therefore, he would commit them to three guides, who would conduct them safely to good quarters. The deception was carried on with so much address, that the whole of the British prisoners were safely "con- ducted by three of the captors for twenty-five miles through the country to the American post at Sunbury. One of these captors was C. A. G. Elholm."
Such was Major Elholm, who is now introduced to the reader, and will again be mentioned as bearing further part in the affairs of Franklin.
When, in 1786, it became necessary for the new state to strengthen the relations of friendship and good feeling with other communities, Governor Sevier, through the Legislature of Franklin, professed a readiness to unite with Georgia, and make common cause with that state in the prosecution of the war against the Creeks, which seemed then inevitable. The management of this proposition, Sevier entrusted to Major Elholm, whom he despatched to Augusta. Bearing with him the strongest evidences of the Governor's confi- dence, and with " sealed instructions" in his possession, he waited upon the Executive of Georgia. In accordance with the main object of his mission, Elholm succeeded in procuring an embassy to accompany him on his return, to whose care was committed the charge of enlisting the Western people into an invasion of the Creek nation. An account of the re- ception of the embassy in Franklin, and the Major's con- jectures of its results, will be given in his own words. The reader will excuse the Major's Gallicisms. They are well atoned for by his ardour and enthusiasm.
MAJOR ELHOLM TO GOV. TELFAIR :
GOVERNOR SEVIER'S, Franklin, September 30, 1786.
Sir :- I does myself the honour to inform your Excellency, that your Commissioners set out from this the 28th inst., by the way of Kentucky and Cumberland. They were received very politely by his Excellency the Governor, from whose zeal for to assist you, aided by the inclination of the Franks, I am fully convinced your embassy will meet all wished success by the Assembly of this State, which is ordered to assemble 12th next, by his Excellency's command, in consequence thereof. Sere- ral of the inhabitants have waited on the governor, for to be informed of the contents of the embassy from Georgia. And when being ac-
383
GEORGIA, TO MARCH AGAINST THE CREEKS.
quainted therewith, it gave me great pleasure to find no other apprehension appeared, but that of making peace with the Creeks without fighting, by which occasion they said so favourable a chance for humbling that nation would fall dormant. The Governor, in order that the Americans may reap a benefit from the dread the Cherokees and Chickasaws feels from the displeasure and power of the Franks, he has despatched letters to them, offering them protection agatast the Creek nation, with condi- tion that they join him.
Cumberland, it seems, has it at this time in contemplation to join in government with the Franks. If so, so much the better, and it would surely be their interest so to do, as they are yet few in numbers, and often harassed by the Indians.
Judging from apparent circumstances, you may promise youself one thousand riflemen and two hundred cavalry, excellently mounted and accoutred, from this state, to act in conjunction with Georgia.
" P. S. Governor Sevier received letters from the principal men in Cumberland, which inform him of a convention held lately at that place, when Commissioners were chosen by the people with power for to join with the Franks in their government.
"Mr. John Tipton's party, which is against the party of the new government, seems deep in decline at present, which proves very favour- able to the embassy from Georgia."
Gov. SEVIER TO GOV. TELFAIR :
MOUNT PLEASANT, Franklin, 28th Sept., 1786.
Yours of the 27th August, I am honoured with. I consider myself much obliged with the information your Honour was pleased to give me respecting the manner and form you intend to conduct with the Creek Indians.
You will please to be informed, that the deliberations of our Assembly have not, as yet, been fully had, respecting the marching a force against that nation of Indians. Our Assembly will be convened in a few days, at which time, I make not'the smallest doubt, but they will order out a respectable force to act in conjunction with the army of your state. The determinations of our Legislature I shall immediately communicate to your Honour, as soon as the same can be fully obtained. The move- ments to begin about the first November, I fear will be rather early for our army. Could the time be procrastinated a few. days, I hope it would not obstruct the success of the expedition. Shall be much obliged by being informed of the time of marching, should the same be found ne- cessary. Also, as near as may be, of the time and place your army may be expected in the Creek country.
Gov. Telfair replied, under date of 28th November, 1786, "That Commissioners appointed to treat with the Creek na- tion have concluded a peace, on account of which every preparation for hostile operations are now suspended." The governor also expressed a hope that the peace might be lasting. This hope was doomed to be disappointed.
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384 ACTION OF GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF GEORGIA.
The offer of assistance by the people of Franklin, made by Gov. Sevier, and his recommendation of Major Elholm, his ambassador, to the Governor and Council of Georgia, drew forth the following action :
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, 3d Feb., 1787.
Mr. O'Brien, from the Committee to whom was referred the letter from John Sevier, Esq., brought in a report, which was agreed to, and . is as follows :
That the letters from the said John Sevier, Esq., evince a disposition which ought not to be unregarded by this state, particularly in the in- teution of settlers in Nollichucky, etc., to co-operate with us during the late alarm with the Indians, provided the necessity of the case required it ; they, therefore, recommend to the House, that his Honour, the Governor, inform the Honourable John Sevier, Esq., of the sense this state entertains of their friendly intentions, to aid in the adjustment of all matters in dispute between us and the hostile tribes of Creek In- dians that were opposed to this state.
That in regard to Major Elholm, who has been so particularly recom- mended, they cannot forbear mentioning him as a person entitled to the thanks and attention of the Legislature, and recommend that his Hos- our, the Governor, draw a warrant on the Treasury, in favour of Major Elholm, for the sum of fifty pounds.
Subsequently, an act was passed by the Legislature of Georgia, authorizing the Governor and Executive Council to make an engagement with the people of Franklin to sup- press the hostilities of the Creek Indians.
GEN. CLARKE TO GOV. SEVIER :
AUGUSTA, Feb. 11th, 1787.
Dear Sir :- I received your favour by Major Elholm, who informed me of your health. Assure yourself of my ardent friendship, and that you have the approbation of all our citizens, and their well wishes for your prosperity. We are sensible of what benefit the friendship of yourself and the people of your state will be to Georgia, and we hope you will never join North-Carolina more. Open a Land Office as speed- ily as possible, and it cannot fail but you will prosper as a people ; this is the opinion current among us.
I have considered greatly on that part of your letter which alludes to politics in the Western country. It made me serious, and as seven states have agreed to give up the navigation, it is my friendly advice that you do watch with every possible attention, for fear that two more states should agree. I only observe to you, that the Southern States will ever be your friends.
It was reported that East and West Florida were ceded by the Span- iards to France, but it is not so. I know that you must have the navi- gation of the Mississippi. You have spirit and right; it is almost every man's opinion that a rumour will rise in that country. I hope to see
885
SEVIER ELECTED MEMBER OF THE CINCINNATI.
that part myself yet. Adieu ; Heaven attend you and every friend, with my best respects.
Governor Telfair also addressed him, under date-
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, 13th February, 1787.
Sir : . .. . I took the liberty, in my place, to lay your communica- tions before the legislature, with a few comments thereon. I am happy, sir, to inform you, they were received with that attention and respect due to the friendly manner in which you were pleased to convey the aid you were authorized to afford the state, in case of active operations being found necessary to be carried on against the Creek Nation.
Governor Sevier, writing to Governor Matthews, says, under date-
MOUNT PLEASANT, FRANKLIN, 3d March, 1787.
Sir :- Yours of 12th February, with the resolves of the Honourable the General Assembly therein enclosed, I had the honour to receive bom Major Elholm. A principal chief of the Choctaws arrived here, who had come by way of the Creek Nation, and was there informed, hat nation intended hostilities against the State of Georgia early this pring ;- that they intended last summer to have given Georgia a home froke, had not a small party, contrary to their councils, committed hos- ilities before the main body of the warriors was ready to go out.
Permit me, sir, to return you my sincere thanks, and through you the ther gentlemen of your state, for the great honour done me on the ifth day of February last.
The honour alluded to in this last paragraph by Gov. Se- rier, was the recommendation of his election as an honorary member of the District Society of the Cincinnati. His cer- ifeate of membership is before the writer. In the report of he Committee, appointed to "investigate the merits of the [onourable Brigadier-General John Sevier," it is mentioned That he had a principal merit in the rapid and well con- acted volunteer expedition, to attack Colonel Ferguson, at ing's Mountain, and a great share in the honour of that wy, which is well known gave a favourable turn to our loomy and distressed situation, and that an opportunity ever yet appeared, but what confessed him an ardent friend nd real gentleman."
He is then recommended for, and received the appointment f a "Brother Member of the Cincinnati," at Augusta, 12th f.February, 1787.
Major Elholm had become, not less by his address than by Lis enthusiasm, a favourite in Georgia. The Executive Coun-
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386
LETTERS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO BEVIER,
. cil received him as a man of distinction, and invited him to a seat with them, while the subject of his mission was under consideration. There and elsewhere, he took every oppor. tunity to descant, in his fervid manner, and in the most glow- ing terms, upon the excellence and beauty of the country from which he came, and dwelt at length upon the prowem of the western people, and their devotion to liberty and in- dependence, and succeeded in creating an interest and enthu- siasm in their behalf. "Success to the State of Franklin, His Excellency Gov. Sevier, and his virtuous citizens," be- came a common toast.
Gen. Clarke continued his correspondence, under date- GEORGIA, 22d May, 1787.
Sir : .... Should any further appearance of war be apparent, I shall take the earliest opportunity of communicating it to you, with the expectation of acting in confidence and concert with your state, in the operations taken against the Creeks .:
I am very sorry to hear you have not peaceably established your- selves in the State of Franklin, and that the unhappy contention yet prevails between that and the State of North-Carolina, and more parti- cularly when they think of reducing you by force of arms. These idem, have not proceeded from any assurance from this state, as it is the ro ceived opinion of the sensible part of every rank in Georgia, that you . will, and ought to be, as independent as the other states in the Union.
Other gentlemen of distinction and character in Georgia, in like manner, held out to the Governor of Franklin assu- rances, not of good wishes only," but of assistance. One of them writes, under date,
WILKES COUNTY, STATE OF GEORGIA, May 21, 1787. WM. DOWNS TO GOV. SEVIER:
Sir : .... We have various reports respecting the different opi- nions of the politics of your state. I must inform you I have had, within these few months, the different opinions of a number of the greatest poli- ticians in our state respecting yours, who give it as their opinion, that it will support itself without a doubt ; and, from what I can understand, would give every assistance in their power.
As a further means of adding to the strength of the new state, Governor Sevier and his Council asked the advice of Doctor Franklin. His reply is dated-
PHILADELPHIA, June 30, 1787.
Sir :- I am very sensible of the honour your Excellency and your Council have done me. But, being in Europe when your state was formed, I am too little acquainted with the circumstances, to be able to
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387
FROM GEN. CLARKE, COL. DOWNS AND DR. FRANKLIN.
offer you any thing, just now, that may be of importance, since every thing material, that regards your welfare, will, doubtless, have occurred to yourselves. There are two things which humanity induces me to wish you may succeed in : the accommodating your misunderstanding with the government of North-Carolina, and the avoiding an Indian war by preventing encroachments on their lands. Such encroachments are the more unjustifiable, as these people, in the fair way of purchase, usually give very good bargains ; and, in one year's war with them, you may suffer a loss of .property, and be put to an expense vastly exceed- ing in value what would have contented them, in fairly buying the lands they can spare.
I will endeavour to inform myself more perfectly of your affairs, by inquiry, and searching the records of Congress; and if any thing should Decur to me, that I think may be useful to you, you shall hear from me thereupon. I conclude with repeating my wish, that you may amicably settle your difference with North-Carolina. The inconvenience to your people, attending so remote a seat of government, and the difficulty to hat government in ruling well so remote a people, would, I think, be towerful inducements to it, to accede to any fair and reasonable propo- ition it may receive from you, if the Cession act had now passed.
The Doctor continued to address Gov. Sevier, in his official @pacity, as late as December of this year.
Gen. Wm. Cocke, a Brigadier of the Franklin militia, and . member of the council of state, addressed Governor Matthews the following, dated-
STATE OF FRANKLAND," - MULBERRY GROVE, 25th June, 1787. 5
Sir :- When I take a view of the local and political situation of this buntry, I conceive the interests of your state, so far as respects Indian Fairs, almost inseparable with the safety and happiness of this country ; od on hearing that the Creek Indians have committed hostilities in leorgia, I have endeavoured to consult with my friends here, on the abject of lending you any assistance in our power, provided you should tand in need of such assistance ; and I am certain every thing to serve our state or its interests, will be done by the people of Franklin, that hey could, with reason, be expected to do. I imagine General Kennedy ill be able to raise a thousand or fifteen hundred men, as volunteers,
It is worthy of remark, that this letter is dated, " State of Frankland." This the only instance, as this annalist avers, in the whole list of letters and other pers which he has had such ample opportunity to read and examine in the reparation of these sheets, in which the name of the new state is not spelled Franklin." In the Convention, Gen. Cocke had been in favour of the (rejected) Constitution of the State of Frankland," and may be supposed to have retained Com a feeling of paternity, the name first intended for his bantling. It is ob' rvable, however, that in the body of his letter, he gives the proper orthography Franklin.
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888
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THE PROCEEDINGS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
and I think I can raise a like number. . An army of two or three tier- sand, will be quite sufficient to march through any of the towns that w should have to pass through. I hope the Indians have not been mo successful in your state as the Cherokees report ; the accounts from the nation are that the Creeks have killed twenty-five families, without the - loss of a man. I have ordered the different colonels under my com- mand, to hold their men in readiness, and on being well assured of th Indians attacking your state, we shall march into their towne, Co soon as we shall be requested by you. But lest the United States might think us forward, we shall remain in readiness; until we are called for by the State of Georgia or until hostilities are committed in our state.
Propositions to assist in the conquest of the Creek nation were also made to Gov. Sevier, by the King, Chiefs and Lead- ers of the Chickasaws.
The proffered auxiliaries from the Chickasaws, the re peated assurances of co-operation from Georgia, and the ex- pected assistance from Virginia and Cumberland, stimulated both the authorities and people of Franklin to undertake the subjugation of the Creeks. Another consideration in favour of that policy, exerted at this moment a powerful influence up- on the mind of Governor Sevier. Some of the causes for sepa- rating the western counties from the parent state, had either ceased to exist, or operated now, upon the minds of the peo- ple with less intensity, and it was very evident that a very formidable party in Franklin was now opposed to a further continuance of the new government.
In Washington county, this opposition had become most apparent. The magistrates appointed by the authorities of North-Carolina, met at the house of William Davis, some dis- tance from the seat of justice, and organized a court, when the following proceedings took place :
COUNTY PROCEEDINGS.
1787 .- February Term, met at the house of William Davis! Present, John McMahon, James Stuart, and Robert Allison. George Mitchell was elected Sheriff pro. tem., and John Tipton was elected Clerk pro. tem., and Thomas Gomly, Deputy Clerk.
Feb. 6. The gentlemen on the Dedimus, appointed justices of the peace for said county, are as follows : John Tipton, Landon Carter, Ro- bert Love, James Montgomery, John Hamer, John Wyer, John Strain, Andrew Chamberlain, Andrew Taylor, Alex. Moffett, William Purley, Edmond Williams, and Henry Nelson.
Jolin Tipton presented commission as Colonel of the county, and Robert Love as Major, and were qualified.
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ASBUMI A MORE SERIOUS ARPEOT.
The next Quarterly Term of this Court was held at the same place. At May Term, Tuesday 8th, the Court elected John Pugh Sheriff, Alexander Moffett, Coroner, and Elijah Cooper, Stray-master.
Ordered by the Court, That the Sheriff of this county demand the public records from John Sevier, formerly Clerk of this county. Ordered, That the Sheriff notify Wm. McNabb to appear before the next County Court, with all the records as former Ranger.
Ordered, That the Sheriff demand the key of the County Jail at Jonesboro, from the former Sheriff of this county.
In other counties, the authority of Franklin was so far extinct, that of North-Carolina so fully recognized, that elec- tions were not held for the Greeeneville Assembly, but repre- sentatives were regularly chosen for the legislature of the old state, to meet at Tarborough, on the 18th November. Of those thus elected, several had been the early and steadfast friends of separation and independence, and had been the principal functionaries of the new commonwealth. Even Greene county, which had refused to allow commissions emanating from the old dynasty, to be accepted and acted under, within its boundaries, had partaken of the general defection, and had elected to the Assembly at Tarborough, David Campbell, the presiding Judge upon the Franklin Bench, as Senator ; and Daniel Kennedy, one of the Frank- lin, brigadiers, and James Reese, Esq., once a member of its legislature, to the House of Commons.
Washington county, in like manner, was represented by John Tipton, James Stuart, and John Blair ; all of whom had been the first to propose, and the most active in carrying ato effect, the insurrectionary movement. . Sullivan county nad chosen Joseph Martin, John Scott, and George Maxwell ; and Hawkins county, Nathaniel Henderson and William Marshall ; all original supporters of Franklin, and advocates of separation. Sevier and Caswell counties alone main- tained their allegiance to the new state, and adhered to Gov. Sevier and his fortunes; and even in these, there were not wanting men whose position was equivocal, and who hesi- tated not to dissuade from further resistance to the current, which now set so strongly in favour of the mother state. Harassed by the difficulties that surrounded his official posi- tion, and perplexed by the duties and responsibilities devolv-
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SEVIER INVITES THE MEDIATION OF GEORGIA.
ing on him as a patriot, Governor Sevier instituted a further embassy to the State of Georgia, with the hope of extrica- ting himself and his government from surrounding embarras ments. As a dernier resort, he invited the mediation of Georgia between North-Carolina and Franklin ; and ad- dressed to Governor Matthews the following communi- cation :
FRANKLIN, 24th June, 1787.
Sir :- The Honourable Major Elholm waits upon your Assembly, i character of Commissioner from this State, with plenary powers.
The party in opposition to our new republic, although few and is considerable, yet, by their coutention and disorder, they occasion mud uneasiness to peaceable minds. We are friendly citizens of the Ameri- can Union, and the real desire we have for its welfare, opulence, and splendour, makes us unwilling and exceedingly sorry to think, that any violent measures should be made use of, against the adherents of any of our sister states ; especially the one that gave us existence, though now wishing to annihilate us. And what occasions in us excruciating pain is, that perhaps we may be driven to the necessity, unparalleled and unex- ampled, of defending our rights and liberties against those, who not long since, we have fought, bled and toiled together with, in the common cause of American Independence, or otherwise become the ridicule of a whole world. This I hope, however, God will avert ; and that a re- union will take place on honourable, just, and equitable principles, re- ciprocally so to each party, is our sincere and ardent wish.
When we remember the bloody engagements in which we have fought together against the common enemy, the friendly, timely and mutual supports afforded between the State of Georgia and the people of this country, it emboldens us to solicit you, sir, and through you the different branches of your government, that you will be graciously pleased to afford to the State of Franklin such of your countenance 'as you may, from your wisdom and uprightness, think, from the nature of . our cause, we may deserve,-in promoting the interest of our infant republic, reconciling matters between us and the parent state, in such manner as you, in your magnanimity and justice, may think most expe- dient, and the nature of our cause may deserve.
Permit us to inform you that it is not the sword that can intimidate us. The rectitude of our cause, our local situation, together with the spirit and enterprise of our countrymen in such a cause, would inflame us with confidence and hopes of success. But when we reflect and call to mind the great number of internal and external enemies to American Independence, it makes us shudder at the very idea of such an incurable evil, not knowing where the disorder might lead, or what part of the body politic the ulcer might at last infect.
The nature of our cause we presume your Excellency to be sufficient- ly acquainted with. Only, we beg leave to refer you to the Cession act of North-Carolina, also the constitution of that government, wherein it
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391
AND WRITES TO ITS ASSEMBLY.
mentions that there may be a state or states erected in the West, when- ever the legislature shall give its consent for the same.
We cannot forbear mentioning, that we regard the parent state with particular affection, and will always feel an interest in whatever may concern her honour and prosperity, as independent of each other.
For further information, I beg leave to refer you to Honourable Ma- jor Elholm.
Accompanying this communication, was one addressed to the Speaker of the Georgia Assembly, dated-
FRANKLIN, 24th June, 1787. , Sir :- At the request of a number of respectable inhabitants of Vir- ginia, North-Carolina and Franklin, I am induced to write your honour- able body, respecting the Tennessee lands, informing you that there is a large number of the aforementioned people who, for some time past, have been at considerable expense, in order to equip themselves to be- come residents in that quarter, who have been led to believe, from the tenor of your resolves, and the conduct of the Commissioners appointed for that business, that they, the people, might, with great propriety, ex- pect to become immediate settlers.
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