USA > Tennessee > The Annals of Tennessee to the End of the Eighteenth Century: Comprising Its Settlement, as the. > Part 41
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The example of Sevier was contagious. The energy and skill of Elholm effected nothing. They could not convert American citizens into fratricides.
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A similar spirit actuated the adverse party. Their coura- geous leader acted only on the defensive. When the siege was raised, no immediate pursuit was made. The besiegens and the besieged, were soon after friends, and peaceable neighbours. It is still strange, under all the circumstances, that so few of both parties were killed or wounded. This has sometimes been ascribed to and accounted for, by the heavy snow storm which occurred during the siege. One of the besieged, the late Dr. Taylor, of Carter county, .may explain it in his own words. "We did not go there to fight. Neither party intended to do that. Many on both sides were unarmed, and some who had guna, did not even load them. Most of us went to prevent mischief, and did not intend to let the neighbours kill one another. Our men shot into the air, and Sevier's men into the corners of the house. As to the storm of snow keeping the men from taking a sure aim, it is all a mistake. Both sides had the best marksmen in the world, who had often killed a deer, and shot it in the head too, when a heavier snow was falling. The men did not try to hit any body. They could easily have done so if they had been enemies."
The late Colonel Joseph Hamilton, senior, speaking of this affair, says :
Col. . Pemberton, of Sullivan, to whom an express had been sent by Tipton, soliciting relief, arrived with thirty men. These he stationed in front of Sevier's camp, unperceived by the latter. Pemberton ordered a general discharge of the rifles of his party: The discharge was made intentionally, to avoid shooting any of Sevier's men.
On the approach of Sevier's troops, Captain John Cowan was sent in with a flag, proposing some terms of compromise. This was refused the first, second and third times. After the reinforcement from Sulli-
413
ERROR OF THE DATE OF THE BIEGE.
van, Captain Cowan was taken prisoner; and refusing to give bail for his appearance before a civil court, was retained in custody of Colonel Tipton several days. Captain Handley, at length, prevailed with Tip- ton, and Cowan was released .*
The date of the affair before Tipton's house, as given in the account of it taken from Haywood, is the third of Feb- ruary. This is incorrect. It was, certainly, several days later than the twenty-fifth of February. The writer has in his possession, a military despatch from Governor Sevier, which is here given :
MAJOR TAYLOR's,t 15th February, 1788.
Dear Captain :- I am informed that the Tipton party have got very insolent, and have been guilty of several cruelties and barbarous ac- tions. I have ordered fifteen men out of each company, to turn out; and I am well satisfied that the men of Sevier county will turn out bravely. I beg you will use your influence to get as many men out of your neighbourhood to turn out, as may be in your power. I shall ex- pect your company up. I am satisfied that a small exertion will settle the matter to our satisfaction. Pray speak to Mr. Allen, and let us raise as many men as in our power. For further particulars, I beg leave to refer you to the bearer.
I am, dear sir, your most obdt. humble servant, JOHN SEVIER.
Captain John Zahaun, Caswell County, Franklin State. Favoured per James Sevier.
It would require two or three days for the Governor's mes- senger to reach Captain Zahaun'st residence ; fully as many to notify to the militia the purport of the despatch, and to assem- ble them together ; and as many more to reach the Governor's .head-quarters, ten miles above Jonesboro'. Sevier county, on whose military ardour the Governor so confidently relied, embraced much of the present county of Blount, a distance ot more than one hundred miles from Jonesboro'. It is known that Colonel Weir and others from that county, were present at the siege, and it is not probable, that from the date of the despatch to the time of the arrival of the troops at head- quarters, less than two weeks had elapsed. It was, cer- tainly, very late in February, or perhaps, early in March, when the engagement took place. The late James Sevier,
.Manuscripts before me.
+ Near Jonesboro'.
: Stoce known as Seborn's Ferry, above Dandridge.
414
SEVIER WRITES TO GOVERNOR OF GEORGIA,
of Washington county, believed the date was February 28. This accords with the following despatches from Colonel Tipton, and with a letter to be hereafter given, from Go- vernor Sevier himself.
On Monday, February 25th, Colonel Tipton, writing to Colonel Robert Love, says :
"The rebels are- again rising; Sevier is now making his last effort; he has given orders to his officers below, to draft fifteen men out of each company, and take property from those that will not serve, and give to those that will. This day they are to meet at Greene ; to-morrow at Jonesboro'; and Wednesday, if not before, make the push here. I therefore request you to give orders to the officers in the Cove, to collect their men with the greatest expedition, and march to my house to-mor- row, fixed in ample manner; as I purpose to defend this quarter, with- out making any excursions, unless I can get further information.
I am, sir, with respect, yours to serve, JOHN TIPTON.
N. B .- Let no time be lost.
Though now no longer the Governor of Franklin, and in- deed without office and authority, and a mere private citizen, Sevier continued to correspond with his quondam allies in Georgia. He still dates from
FRANKLIN, 10th April, 1788.
Sir :- Yours, of the 19th of February, I had the honour to receive. In our present confused situation of affairs, I am not able to reply with that accuracy and satisfaction to your Excellency I could wish. Our country is, at this time, almost in a state of anarchy, occasioned, as we suggest, by the North-Carolinians stimulating a party to act in a hostile manner against us.
Agreeable to our Constitution, my duration in office continued no longer than the 1st of March last, and, in our present embarrassed con- dition, our Assembly have, as yet, failed to make any new appointment.
It is with great pleasure I inform you that a great number of the peo- ple of this country discover a ready disposition to aid your state against your savage enemies ; and let matters occur as they may, if I am spared I purpose joining your army with a considerable number of volunteers, to act in concert with you against the Creeks, though many of our enemies are making use of every diabolical plan in their power, in order to destroy our laudable intention.
I beg your Excellency will be so obliging as to advise us, from time to time, of your intended operations, and should your campaign be pro- crastinated until the fall season, I am of opinion you will get a much greater number of men from this country.
During the time Governor Sevier administered the affairs of the Franklin Government, little disturbances existed upon
415
AND REPAIRS TO THE FRONTIER.
the frontier. The Cherokees had learned, by past experience, the danger of hostilities with the Franklin people, when commanded by an officer of such vigour and capacity, as in all his campaigns had been manifested by Sevier. The In- dians, until his government was overthrown, stayed, for the most part, quietly in their villages, and permitted the settle- ments to be extended rapidly, and with little interruption, from the lower parts of Greene and Spencer counties, to the western limits of what is now Knox county, north of Hol- ston, and Blount county, south of it. But from the commence- ment of this year, the Cherokees having constant informa- tion of the difficulties existing amongst their white neigh- bours, had manifested evident tokens of dissatisfaction, and a general desire for a renewal of hostilities. During the short absence of such of the gunmen as had gone from the lower settlements to Sevier's head-quarters, some mischief was done on the frontier, and the traders all reported an ap- proaching Indian invasion. Messengers were immediately despatched to the upper counties after Sevier, carrying with them representations of the impending danger, and urging his immediate return to the exposed border settlements. These he received just after his fruitless siege of Tipton's house, and when the disasters of the day hung like a pall around him, and ulcerated his wounded spirit. In a moment Sevier was himself again ; elastic, brave, energetic, daring and pa- triotic. At the head of a body of mounted riflemen, he was . at once upon the frontier to guard and protect its most de- fenceless points.
After the departure of Sevier and his adherents, Col. Tip ton, on the 11th March, issued again to Col. Robert Love this order :
"You will cause the men of the Greasy Cove to be notified to appear at my house on Saturday evening next, well equipped, with arms and ammunition, and six days provision. Those that have arms, etc., and do not comply, take and give to those that will serve."
Colonel Tipton, with a number of troops, were, on the 16th of March, collected at Abednego Inman's. From that place, he wrote to General Kennedy, a friend of Sevier's, that ". my business is not to disturb or molest the inhabitants, but
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416
. CONCILIATORY CONDUCT OF GENERAL MARTIN.
rather to protect them ; and, sir, as I am persuaded that you have the interest of the country at large at heart. if it should coincide with your approbation, that you should bring the Commissions to Greene Court-House to-morrow, for the pur- pose of establishing a court, so that the inhabitants may be exempted of the penalty prescribed by law." .
General Martin, who now commanded the brigade of North-Carolina militia west of the mountain, also wrote to · General Kennedy, March 21, 1788.
" I am greatly distressed and alarmed at the late proceedings of our countrymen and friends, and must beg your friendly interposition, in order to bring about a reconciliation, which, you well know, was my object in accepting the brigadier's commission. I am, perhaps, as little afraid of stepping forth in the field of action as any other man ; but I would be sorry to imbrue my hands in the blood of my countrymen and friends, and will take every method in my power to prevent any thing of that nature. In our present situation, nothing will do but s submission to the laws of North-Carolina, which I most earnestly re- commend to the people. You well know this is the only way to bring about a separation, and also a reconciliation for our worthy friend, whose situation at this time is very disagreeable. I most sensibly feel for him, and will go very great lengths to serve him. Pray see him often, and give him all the comfort you can.
"I am told that a certain officer says, that if I issue an order for s reconciliation, that it shall not be obeyed ; but I shall let that gentleman know that I am not to be trifled with. Pray write me all what the people will do, and whether you will accept your commission, which I hope you will .. Have the militia immediately offi ered and prepared for action, as I expect a general Indian war shortly. Please give my best respects to the people in general. Tell them my object is reconciliation, not war."
There were few-perhaps none-even of the adherents of the old state, whose feelings and wishes, in reference to Se- vier, were not in exact consonance with those expressed by General Martin in this letter. Its tone, its moderation, its wisdom, its sympathy for a soldier and a patriot, constitute the highest eulogy upon his own good sense, his patriotism and his good feelings. They cannot be too much admired or imitated. They saved the country from further tumult and violence, and all opposition, on the part of Franklin to North- Carolina, ceased.
At this moment of impending tumult and civil discord, a missionary of the Christian religion appeared, unexpectedly,
417
BISHOP ABBURY'S OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL.
in the midst of these conflicting elements of excited passion and social and political disorganization. We extract from Bishop Asbury's Journal : " April 28, 1788 .- We reached the head of Watauga ; came to Greer's. The people are in disorder about the Old and New State; two or three men have been killed. At Nelson's, I had a less audience than was expected ; the people having been called away on an expe- dition against the new-state-men. Preached on Hebrews, vi. chapter, 11th and 12th verses." Shortly afterwards, he preached " at Owens's, on Psalm 148, verses 17, 18, 19, with some fervour. Cameto Huffacre's and Keywood's, where we held Conference three days ; and I preached each day. The weather was cold; the room without fire, and otherwise uncom- fortable. We, nevertheless, made out to keep our seats until we had finished the essential part of our business." This first Conference west of the mountain-the novelty of such an assemblage in the wilds of Watauga-its mission of be- nignity and peace -. the calm dignity and unpretending sim- plicity of the venerable Bishop, all conspired to soothe, quiet and harmonize the excited masses, and to convert partizans and factionists into brothers and friends.
In the meantime, Governor Caswell's term of office having expired, Samuel Johnston was elected his successor. His administration, it was hoped, might effect the restoration of harmony in the revolted counties, which the conciliatory policy of Governor Caswell had failed to do. He was kept advised of the state of affairs, west of the mountains, and in the following letter from Colonel Martin, it was recom- nonded to send troops from North-Carolina, to quell existing Histurbances in Franklin :
LONG ISLAND, 24th March, 1788. . Sir :- The confusion of this country induces me to lay before your Excellency, by express, our present situation, which is truly alarming. I sent, on Saturday last, to Sevier and his party, requiring them to wy down their arms, and submit to the laws of North-Carolina, but an get no answer, only from Colonel Joseph Hardin, which I forward; hough I know, that on Friday last, they met in Convention, to concert lome plan. The bearer of my express to them, informs me, that he understood that Sevier had gone towards French Broad, since the 10th instant; that Colonel Kennedy, with several others, had gone the same wy, to carry on an expedition against the Cherokee Indians, which, I 27
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418 GOV. JOHNSTON DIRECTE THE APPREHENSION OF BEVIER.
am well assured, wish to be at peace ; except the Chickamauga party, which could be easily driven out of that country, if your Excellency should recommend it. I am somewhat doubtful that Sevier and bis party are embodying, under the colour of an Indian expedition, to amuse us, and that their real object is, to make another attack on the citizens of this state; to prevent which, I have ordered the different colonels to have their men in good order, until I can hear from your Ex -. cellency ; at which time, I hope, you will give me directions in what manner to proceed, in this uncommon and critical situation ; for which. I shall wait, till the return of the express, before I shall take any dedt- sive steps.
Should the Franks still persist to oppose the laws of this state, would it not be well to order General McDowell to give some assist ance ! as a few men from there will convince them, that North-Carolisis is-determined to protect her citizens.
Representations continued to be made to Governor Johnet ston unfavourable to Sevier's conduct and motives, which induced him to issue to Judge Campbell, the instructions following .:
HILLSBOROUGH, 29th July, 1788."
Sir :- It has been represented to the Executive, that John Sortie; who stylee himself Captain-General of the State of Franklin, has best. guilty of high treason, in levying troops to oppose the laws and govers- ment of this state, and has with an armed force put to death several good citizens. If these facts shall appear to you by the affidavit of credible persons, you will issue your warrant to apprehend the said John Sevier, and in case he cannot be sufficiently secured for trial in the District of Washington, order him to be committed to the public
. gaol.
At the same time an order was forwarded to General Mar- tin, to assist the sheriff in the apprehension of Sevier. Go- vernor Johnston says further, to General Martin :
"Sevier, from the state of his conduct, set forth in your letter, ap- pears to be incorrigible, and I fear we shall have no peace in your quarter, till he is proceeded against to the last extremity."
These repeated accusations of Sevier and of those impli- cated with him, in the charges of barbarous and cruel con- duct, are to be ascribed, in some instances, to political ani- mosity-and in others, to exaggeration of his conduct, and a misapprehension of his designs. He was now really a pri- vate citizen, without command or authority, and yet, as will be hereafter seen, he was constantly at the head of troops- volunteers, who selected him as their commander, and
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419
JOHN SEVIER TO THE INHABITANTS.
who followed his standard and obeyed his orders, as fully and as cheerfully, as if he were yet in power. The frontier people knew that they could not be safe, but by their own exertion's and military services. They needed a leader to combine their strength, discipline the troops, project expe- ditions, secure their exposed stations, expel their Indian ene- mies, and give quiet and safety to a scattered and defenceless people. This responsible duty they imposed upon Sevier He could not decline the position thus assigned him by ac- clamation. He.assumed it cheerfully, and executed its du- ties well.
Sevier was now on the frontier, and though invested with no official power, the Ex-Governor and one of his Franklin officers, issued this address.
" MAJOR HOUSTON'S STATION, 8th of July, 1788.
" To the Inhabitants in general :- Yesterday we crossed Tennessee with a small party of men, and destroyed a town called Toquo. On our return we discovered large trails of Indians making their way to- wards this place. We are of the opinion their numbers could not be less than five hundred. We beg leave to recommend, that every Station will be on their guard ;, that also, every good man that can be cpared, will voluntarily turn out and repair to this place, with the ut -. most expedition, in order to tarry for a few days in the neighbourhood and repel the enemy, if possible. We intend waiting at this place some days with the few men now with us, as we cannot reconcile it to our own feelings, to leave a people who appear to be in such great distress.
JOHN SEVIER, JAMES HUBBERT.
N. B. It will be necessary for those who will be so grateful as to come to the assistance of this place, to furnish themselves with a few days pro- visions, as the inhabitants of this Fort are greatly distressed with the Indians.
J. S. J. H.
A minute account of Sevier's further services is given by Haywood, from which we copy or condense :
" The Cherokees still burned with a desire for war. It seemed, in- deed, as if nothing could ensure peace but their total extinction. The knowledge of their hostile designs was made public by their massa- cre of Kirk's family. In the month of May, 1788, Kirk lived with his family on the south-west side of Little River, twelve miles south of Knoxville ; whilst he was absent from home, an Indian by the name of Slim Tom, known to the family, came to them and requested to be supplied with provisions, which they gave him, and he withdrew ; hav- ing seen who were there, and the situation they were in with regard to
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420
SEVIER AT THE HEAD OF VOLUNTEERS,
defence, he soon after returned from the woods with a party of Indians, and fell upon the family-massacred the whole of them, eleven in number, and left them dead in the yard. Not long afterwards, Kirk coming home, saw his, dead family lying on the ground; he gave the alarm to the neighbourhood, and the militia assembled under the command of Colonel Sevier, to the number of several hundred ; they met at Hunter's station, on Nine Mile Creek, which runs into Holston on the south side; thence they marched under the command of Colonel Sevier to the Hi- wassee River, and early in the morning came upon a town which had been burnt in 1779 ; the Indians who were in it, fled, and took to the river; many were killed in the town ; some were made prisoners, and many were fired upon and killed in the river; they burnt the town, and returned to Hunter's station. On the next day they went up the Ten- nessee, to the towns on that river, killed several Indians, burnt the towns, and returned to the station. Tallassee, upon the upper part of the Ten- nessee, was one of these towns. The Indians fled from their different towns into the mountains, were pursued by the troops and many of them killed. Abraham, a friendly Indian, with his son, who lived on the north side of the Tennessee, had declared publicly, that if the Indians went to war, he would remain at his own house, and never quit it. When the troops came to the south side, Hubbard sent for Abraham and his son to come over the river to the troops ; they came accordingly ; he di- rected them to return and bring with them the Tassel and another In- dian, that he might hold a Talk with them ; they also held up a flag invi- ting those Indians to come to them ; they did so, and were put into a house. Sevier was absent for some time on the business of his com- mand; in the time of hia sbsence, those who were left behind, permitted young Kirk, the son of him whose family was killed, to go with a toma- hawk into the house where the Indians. were enclosed, Hubbard being with him ; there Kirk stuck his tomahawk into the head of one of them, who fell dead at his feet, the white people on the outside of the house looking in upon them. The other Indians, five or six in number, seeing this, immediately understood the fate intended for them ; esoh . man cast his countenance and eyes to the ground, and one after the other received from the hands of Kirk, upon the upper part of the head, the fatal stroke of the tomahawk, and were all killed. Sevier returning, saw the tragical effects of this rash act, and on remonstrating against it, was answered by Kirk, who was supported by some of the troops, that if he had suffered from the murderous hands of the Indians, as he (Kirk) had, that he (Sevier) would have acted in the same way. Sevier, unable to punish him, was obliged to overlook the flagitious deed, and acquiesced in the reply.
"It is much to be regretted, that history, in the pursuit of truth, is obliged to record, to the shame and confusion of ourselves, a deed of such superlative atrocity, perfidy, cowardice and inhumanity. Surely something is due to wounded feelings, and some allowance is to be made for the conduct of men acting under the smart of great and recent suf- fering. But never should it be forgotten by an American soldier, that. his honour must be unspotted ; that a noble generosity must be the regu- lator of his actions ; that inviolable fidelity, in all that is promised an
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421
INVADES AND PUNISHES THE CHEROKEES.
enemy, is a duty of sacred obligation, and that a beneficent and delicate behaviour to his captive, is the brightest ornament of his character.
"Suspicion, ever alive toward the conduct of military commanders, at- tributed to Colonel Sevier a voluntary absence, whilst many of those who were present, acquitted him of all presentiment of the horrid act. Colonel Sevier never acted with cruelty before or since; he often com- manded ; he was never accused of inhumanity ; he could not have given his consent on this occasion. Considering existing circumstances, he could not maintain as much authority now, as at other times ; he was routed, proscribed and driven from his home; he took shelter amongst the frontier inhabitants, who now composed his little army ; he relied upon them for safety ; they consulted only the exasperated feel- ings of the moment, and had never been instructed in the rules of re- fined warfare.
" Captain Gillespie, on arriving at the river, had also gone off with his company in search of the enemy, by order of the commanding officer; he went up the river on the south side, and crossed where the Indians were on the north ; he pursued them several miles and took some pack- horses ; on his return the Indians were everywhere in motion ; he re- crossed the river to the south side, at the place where he had just be- fore crossed. As he ascended the bank on the south side, he saw an Indian named Alexander Mayberry, and hailed him, who stopped and gave up his gun, and surrendered himself a prisoner. Captain Gilles- pie then went towards the army which he had left, and as he proceeded, was met by a company of soldiers who insisted upon killing his prisoner. Captain Gillespie told them that he had taken the Indian a prisoner, and that he should not be killed whilst in his possession; they, still persisting, and manifesting a determined purpose to put the prisoner to death, Gillespie dismounted from his horse, and placing himself between them and the Indian, cocked his gun, and gave them the most positive assurances that he would instantly pour the contents of it into the heart of that man who dared to fire upon the Indian. The resolute air of his countenance convinced them that he intended what he said; they de- sisted and went off; he led his prisoner into camp, and delivered him to Colonel Sevier, who removed him to Hunter's station, whence he was sent home in safety.
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