The Career of Harman Blennerhassett Author(S): J

The Career of Harman Blennerhassett Author(s): J. E. Fuller Source: Kerry Archaeological Magazine, Vol. 4, No. 17 (Oct., 1916), pp. 16-41 Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/30059729 Accessed: 27-06-2016 10:59 UTC

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This content downloaded from 130.63.180.147 on Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:59:06 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms RESIDENCE OF HARMAN BLENNERHASSETT.

This content downloaded from 130.63.180.147 on Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:59:06 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms The Career of Harman Blennerhassett.

DO not know that the chequered life of the subject of this memoir has ever been fully chronicled in this country, though exhaustive details can be gleaned from American publications.1 The stor y ought to be of great interest to Kerry- men; for not only was he a scion of "the Kingdom," but related to all the leading families in the county. He J was the younger son of Conway Blenner- .. hassett of Castle Conway, Killorglin; was educated at Westminster School; obtained his B.A. and LL.B. degrees in T.C.D. in 1790; and in Michaelmas term of that year entered at the King's Inns, and was called to the Bar at the age of twenty-five. Having succeeded by the death of his brother to a plentful estate, he determined to travel, and with several boon companions he went to France. At the period of his visit that nation had been shaken by the whirlwind of revolution, and the military despotism of her monarchs overthrown. The Bastile had

1 Most of the facts in my narrative have been culled from a work by W. H. Safford published in Cincinnati (1861), Martin's " History of Louis- iana," Marshall's " History of Kentucky," Gayarre's "Louisiana," " Mem- oirs of General Wilkinson," "Memoirs of Colonel Aaron Burr," &c., &c. Safford's book is the most interesting, being devoted exclusively to Blen- nerhassett, and based on private documents furnished by his only sur- viving son, Joseph Lewis Blennerhassett, then a practising lawyer in Troy, Lincoln County, Missouri. I have quoted largely without stopping to make a'cknowledgment or apology; and I put in no claim to originalty-being merely a compiler.

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been torn down from its summit to its foundation by the infuriated advocates of anarchy, and France was still tremb- ling from the convulsions of her people when Harman Blen- nerhassett arrived in Paris. He had been already strongly suspected by his relatives of being in secret sympathy with the revolutionary spirits of Ireland. Thoroughly read in the political writings of Voltaire, and a disciple of Rousseau, a more interesting and opportune period could not have presented itself for his visit. There were quite a number of young Irishmen in Paris at the time of the emeute, which culminated in the death of the unfortunate Louis. Many of them entered into the spirit of the Revolution and endeavoured to enlist the sympathies of the insurgents against England. Two of these were John and Henry Sheares, who were present at the taking of the Bastile, and with whose subsequent fate we are familiar. Then, too, the successful stand of the American Colonies after several years of war for independence appealed to the romantic nature of Blen- nerhassett, and he found it difficulty to keep aloof from the entangling snares of party strife, though on his return to Ireland he at first chose rather to pursue the more flowery paths of literature. But the turmoil which prevailed dis- tracted him, and interrupted the pleasure which, in seclusion, he hoped to find. Unsettled in his views, and at vari- ance with his kith and kin, he determined to dispose of his extensive property and leave Ireland for America. He sold his estate to his relative Thomas Mullins of Burn- ham [afterwards the first Lord Ventry], and when the sale was completed he made immediate preparations for departure, and started for Kinsale, where his sister Susan, wife of John, 26th Lord Kingsale, then resided; from there he sailed for England to complete arrangements for transmitting his acquired wealth to the New World and supplying himself with the necessary outfit. While in London he frequently met and became affianced to a Miss Margaret Agnew, dafighter of The Lieutenant- Governor of the Isle of Man, and grand-daughter of General Agnew, who fell at the battle of Germanstown. She was young, intelligent, and beautiful, possessed of an uncommon degree of energy coupled with a temperament of romantic

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ardour. She listened with captivated delight to fairy tales of the far-off land in the Western World, and did not hesitate to link her destinies with his in the rural paradise which his imagination had so vividly depicted. Having supplied himself in London with an extensive Library, and with materials necessary for future use in the study of phil- osophy and astronomy, he sailed with his young bride for New York in 1796. Here he remained for several months to study the topography of the country and the character of its inhabitants, and on August the 18th, 1796, he wrote a long descriptive account of his travels to his nephew, Thomas de Courcy [afterwards 27th Lord Kingsale]. It is dated from Long Island, and occupies fourteen pages of Safford's book. From it I make a few extracts: "On first setting foot on American soil," he says, "I was visited with sensations which I certainly never experienced in the old country. While they excited severe regrets, as I cast my eyes back on the sea that interposed so wide a space between me and the many dear ties I left behind, they soon inspired more selfish reflections to cheer me with the contemplation of so grand a barrier betwen me and the malevolence of my enemies, while it seemed, at the same time, the only limit of my natural and political independence. But these prospects merely dawn at present; and my expectations will not ripen till I shall have acquired a landed property equal to that with which I have parted." He goes on to say-" here we shall remain till the end of the month, when I shall pass through [New] Jersey on my way to Philadelphia," and refers to "the beautiful diversity of cultivated country, large and well fenced fields of cucumbers, musk, and water melons, with plenty of apple and peach orchards. The peaches though no more attended than your wildings in Kerry, have as good a flavour as the best ever produced at Reen. Grapes are universal, but seem totally neglected. The farmers, nine out of ten Dutch, or their descendants, are not only comfortable, but rich." The 6itter is full of interest, but as its contents are descriptive and not personal to Blenner- hassett, I pass on. He subsequently explored the territory West of the Alle-

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g0hanies, particularly the valley of the Ohio, and with his wife arrived at Pittsburgh in the fall of 1796. Here they obtained a passage in a "Keel-boat"-- in those days the most comfortable mode of travelling, and soon reached Mar- ietta, then the principal town in the State of Ohio. Fuilly satisfied with the attractiveness of the country here, he aban- doned any further explorations and resolved to settle in the neighbourhood. The following spring he purchased an island in the Ohio river containing about one hundred and seventy acres. To one of his romantic temperament the locality was truly delightful. "Upon its sloping banks waved the branches of the willow and laved their foliage in the passing stream. The majestic forest trees, untouched by the hand of civilisation, reared their trunks as monarchs of the land; while the wild briar and woodbine blending in promiscuous profusion entwined their tendrils around the shrubbery of the wild wood. Flowers of rare beauty burst spontaneously from the soil, and mingled their fragrance with the passing breeze. The feathery songsters. warbled their notes in the secluded groves, making vocal each branch with nature's music. Could the mind in pursuit of seclusion and repose picture a situation more desirable? Here might his cultivated taste adorn the ruder touches of nature, and mellow into soft shades the harsher outlines of her pencil; here might the mind unfettered by worldly cares drink deep draughts from Truth's ever-flowing fountain; here, when fatigued with the severer studies of science, he could amuse himself with the traditions and stories of several intelligent revolutionary soldiers who resided on the opposite shore; or, as game abounded, might engage in hunting and fishing." Well had it been for Blennerhassett had he been content with these enjoyments, but, as we shall see, his impressionable temperament seduced him into politics, and led him to cast in his lot with Revolutionaries, who wrecked his bright prospects and left him stranded on the rocks of sedition and bankruptcy. But I must not anticipate. In 1798 he purchased the upper portion of the island at a cost of four thousand five hundred dollars, and moved into a block-house near the head, and energetically commenced clearing the grounds of the thick growth of timber and

This content downloaded from 130.63.180.147 on Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:59:06 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms TILE CAREER OF IIARMAN BLENNERHASSETT. 21 underwood for a site on which to erect a dwelling. Many hands were requisite in addition to the slaves he had already purchased (about 20) to complete his laborious task. Vainly ambitious to excel any private residence west of the moun- tains, and to build it after the fashion of his own country, economy and simplicity were not consulted. The task was a heavy one, and took a considerable time; and when the

HARMAN BLENNERHASSETT, mansion was completed he wrote as follows to a Colonel Dev- ereux, one of the Irish patriot refugees then in America :- "The house and offices-which I now occupy--stand me in upwards of thirty thou-sand dollars, not mentioning gardens and shrubbery, hedges, fences, and complete farm yards containing barns, stables, overseers' and negro houses," etc., etc. This Devereux was probably a Wexford man, and was, like Thomas Addis Emmet (the brother of the unfortunate

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Robert) on very friendly terms with Blennerhassett. Saf- ford, in his memoir, describes the place as follows in 1861: " To the mind of the voyager descending the river, as the edifice rose majestically in the distance the effect was magical. On a nearer approach was observed the beautifully graded lawn, decked with tasteful shrubbery and inter- spersed with showy flowers; while in the distance the elm threw its dark branches over a carpet of most beautiful green. Beyond, the forest trees were intermingled with copse wood so closely as to exclude the noon-day sun; and in other places they formed long sweeping vistas in the in- tricacies of which the eye delighted to lose itself; while the imagination conceived them as paths to wilder scenes of sylvan solitude. Perfection was not reached without much time and labour. The space at the rear was assigned to fruits and flowers of varieties, rare, excellent and beautiful. Espaliers of peach, apricot, quince and pear trees extended along the exterior; while in the middle space wound labyr- inthian walks skirted with flowering shrubs, and the eglan- tine and honeysuckle flung their melliferous blossoms over bowers of various forms. On the south was the vegetable garden, and adjoining this a young orchard; and a hundred acres had been cleared for cultivation of the various crops adapted to the soil." That this description by an American was not over-drawn is shown by the remarks in Ache's "Travels in America," a series of letters to a friend in England, 1806, which therefore I need not quote; but I cannot resist reproducing the author's account of his reception:--" There was no resisting the friendly importunity; no excuse would be taken; to stop the night at least, was insisted upon, and with a convincing expression that the desire flowed 'from hearts desirous not to be refused.' There is something so irresistible in invita- tions of such a nature that they cannot be denied. I gave instructions as to my boat; and, giving the lady my arm, we walked up the beautiful lawn which led to the house. It was tea-time, refreshments were served and conducted with a propriety and elegance which I never witnessed out of Britain. The conversation was chaste and general, and the manners of the lady and gentleman were refined without

This content downloaded from 130.63.180.147 on Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:59:06 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms THE CAREER OF HARMAN BLENNERHASSETT. 23 being frigid, distinguished without being ostentatious, and familiar without being vulgar, importunate, or absurd, Before the entire decline of day we walked in the gardens, elegantly laid out in your country's style, produced remarkably fine vegetables, and had a very favourable show of peaches and other fruit. We next turned into the woods. The island took its name, Bacchus, from the gentleman from whom it was purchased. It abounds with vines, which grow to great height and strength. The path we had taken led to the water, which brought us to the boat, where it seemed all the servants had assembled to hear what news my people had brought with them into this little world. We found them seated on the green around Mindeth, who was proud to be their historian. I saw the lady so pleased with this scene that I proposed supping on the shore. My proposition was joyfully acceded to, and instructions given accordingly. We sat down to our repast, and in a short time paid it the strong encomium of a satiated appetite. Next morning I, with difficulty, tore myself away from this interesting family. You will excuse me for omitting the names of this amiable couple. They were emigrants of the first distinction from Ireland." Blennerhassett was a man about six feet in stature, of slender build, and. with a slight stoop. He was entirely devoid of that suaviter in modo which is so attractive to the gentler sex and not infrequently captivates minds of firmer mould in society at large. His forehead was prominent, and betokened an intelligence above the ordinary; and his nose, which was the distinguishing feature of his face, wore an aspect of seriousness and thought almost amounting to cold reserve. "He was extremely near-sighted," says my author- ity, "and, unlike many of the present age who ape this defect of nature, he found it a matter of serious inconveni- ence. His usual dress was of the old English style, with scarlet or buff-coloured small clothes and silk stockings, shoes with silver buckles, and a coat generally of blue broad- cloth. When at home his dress was rather careless-in warm weather in his shirt sleeves, without coat or waistcoat, and in winter he wore a thick woollen round-about jacket."2 2 American Review, 1848.

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Retiring in disposition, his life was sedentary and studious. Books and philosophical experiments possessing greater at- tractions than gay and fashionable life. Always enter- taining, he never indulged in trivial conversation. His scientific studies, which were much facilitated by means of his various apparatus, included chemistry, electricity, gal- vanism, and astronomy. By the aid of a telescope and solar microscope, it was with much satisfaction that he could demonstrate his theories by practical observation, and acquaint himself more fully with the motions and positions of the planets, as well as the minuter bodies of the earth. His biographer relates how "while experimenting in chemistry, he had conceived the idea that animal substance might be so adipocerated as to subserve the use of spermaceti for light. He accordingly placed pieces of meat in a small inlet from the river to undergo a chemical change. When the proper time had elapsed, as he supposed, to test the truth of his theory, on visiting the cove he found that the finny tribes of the water had anticipated his experiment by con- verting the meat into food, and thus his theory remained un- demonstrated." He was a connoisseur in music, and per- formed admirably upon the violin and violincello. Many of his hours of recreation were whiled away with this delightful amusement; and being an adept he played pieces of his own composition with animating effect. He had the unsuspecting, confiding nature of a child, and was easily imposed upon, believing in the honesty and good faith of acquaintances who professed to be honest and sincere; and it was by this trait in his character that he was ultimately ruined. One instance of how his generous and unsuspecting nature was imposed upon I give. A young man named Harte, the son of an Irish gentleman whom he had known, having applied to him for pecuniary aid, presented a letter of introduction purporting to have been written by his [Harte's] father. His address was that of a gentleman, and the respectability of his family connections satisfied Blen- nerhassett as to the truth of his representations. The young man's story was that before he left England he had taken the precaution to obfain drafts in London on a house in Boston for the sum of h1,000; that, on his arrival in

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America he found the house to be fictitious; that, as this was his sole reliance, he had been left destitute. The story was a plausible one, and Blennerhassett furnished him with letters of credit and introductions to many of his influen- tial acquaintances, among whom were Colonel Burr and John James Brown, a b:other-in-law of the Colonel. [As we shall see later on, Burr took to heart the insight which the incident gave him into the weakness of Blennerhassett's character, and subsequently traded on it to the utter un- doing of his friend]. Young Harte, from the various sources to which he had been accredited, obtained large sums of money and fled to Canada. It appeared that he had forged the letter of introduction from his father, and at the time of his appearance at the island, was an exile for similar prac- tices in England. On being made aware of the facts by James BrownW Blennerhassett wrote to him a letter from which I quote, to show the fine character of the man. " I fear you have no effects of Harte's in your possession, as you do not mention the horses I understood he left with you, which, with the presumption, I had requested you to endorse his drafts, induced me as I wrote you to risk the return of one of the drafts you endorsed for 1,000 dollars. . . Your letter has caused me the utmost concern lest I should not be in time to arrest the draft before its return upon you. I am persuaded that my prot4ged has altered my figures which indeed would make no difference to your disadvantage if he had done so to the last dollar I am worth. . . . I shall take my chance of whatever indemnity you can procure for me by an attachment of any of his property within your reach. . . . I have a letter from his father declar- atory of his having discarded him long ago, and affording me no prospect of retribution." While the clouds are gathering, and before the storm bursts which ended in ruin and disaster, I must go back some years to do justice to the merits of Mrs. Blennerhassett, and give a few facts about his family surroundings. Safford says:-" History affords but few instances where so much feminine beauty, physical endurance, and so many social virtues were combined with so brilliant a mind in the person of a female. She was, like her husband, above the ordinary

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height of her sex-well-proportioned and beautifully sym- metrical; her manners of the most captivating gracefulness, with sufficient dignity to repel familiarity and command respect. Her dark blue eyes beaming with love and affec- tion, and sparkling with life and intelligence, looked from beneath the long brown lashes which hung as curtains to conceal their charms. Features of Grecian mould, embel- lished by a complexion whose carnation hue, health, and the hand of nature alone had painted. Her hair, which was of a dark brown, was usually concealed beneath a head-dress of rich coloured silk, worn after the manner of a turban." She wrote and spoke French and Italian. Her taste for dramatic composition led her to adopt as a pastime the re- hearsal of portions of Shakespeare's plays, and exhibited a talent which would have won laurels in the theatrical world. Her familiarity with foreign and English authors rendered her an agreeable companion for the man of letters to whom her fate was linked. She was herself the authoress of a volume of poetry of a high order, published in America, and which was to be reprinted in this country, had not misfor- tune overwhelmed her husband. She was a fine horse- woman and pedestrian-thinking nothing of a ten-mile walk. But, although she was a great favourite among the neighbouring householders, and participated in the various amusements of the country, and was the ruling spirit of every gathering, she never neglected the regular duties of her household. Every apartment received her personal attention, from the kitchen to the bed-chambers, and each was duly cleansed and arranged under her direction. By her were the daily tasks of the servants assigned; while she per- formed with cheerfulness the duties specially devolving upon herself. She was, in fact, a woman in a thousand. For about eight years the couple enjoyed the fullest share of happiness in their romantic home, amidst ideal surroundings--sylvan beauty, peaceful solitude, and calm repose. Retired from the busy haunts of politicians, Blennerhassett's hours of study were only intruded upon by an adored wife, and by the friendly visits of his neighbours, to whose natures dis- simulation and flattery were alike unknown, and whose society and attachment he encouraged by reciprocal atten-

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tions. Here were born to him two of his three sons, Dom- inick and Harman, to all of whom I shall refer later on. Unfortunately, in an evil hour, he listened to the blan- dishments of dishonest politicians, who plotted treason in order to carry out their nefarious ends. The confiding, unsuspecting nature of the man whose sympathies were always on the side of those claiming to be oppressed, rendered him an easy prey to the crafty revolutionists, who determined to avail themselves of his social influence and of his wealth to help on their schemes. Chief among these was Colonel Aaron Burr, late Vice-President of the United States, whom I have already mentioned. He was Blennerhassett's evil genius, and ultimately brought ruin upon his too confiding dupe. It is not my intention to attempt to unravel the tangled threads of Burr's conspiracy, which would be uninteresting to my Kerry readers, suffice it to say that his main objects were to cause a separation between the Eastern and Western States, and then to avail himself of the opportunity to invade Mexico, capture it from Spain, and take possession of it for himself and followers. That each of these stupendous enterprises were determined on was clearly proved by the evidence against him. " With a mind," says his biographer, "tortured by remorse for an unfortunate duel, dis- appointed in political preferment, disgusted with the pacific measures of President Jefferson, he could only direct his thoughts to scenes of conflict and plunging into deeds of wonderful magnitude. Knowing full well the advantages which wealth and influence would add to his undertakings, he sought first to secure the co-operation of the most conspic- uous characters." Blennerhassett was a shining treasure too valuable to remain unnoticed-a gentleman of opu- lence and ease, whose wealth attracted the needy adventurer. He landed on the island one day in com- pany with a Mr. Shaw, and strolled over the far-famed paradise. Blennerhassett was not at home; and having partaken of the hospitality of those left in charge, he re- embarked and proceeded down the river to hold conferences at various points. Blennerhassett had gone to New York to greet his old friend and classmate, Thomas Addis Emmet,

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who had been compelled with others to cross the Atlantic as exiles, and did not return for some weeks, during which time he renewed his former acquaintance in that City. Probably here, and at this time, Burr had many opportunities of ingratiating himself with his victim, having written an artful letter regretting that Blennerhassett's absence had deprived him of the pleasure of renewing his personal acquaintance when visiting his island home. This letter had been forwarded. "In an insinuating but guarded manner," says the biographer, "he alluded to the talents of Blennerhassett as deserving of a higher sphere than that in which they were employed. He was surrounded to be sure with all the comforts of life, but those very comforts only served to effeminate the mind. His pleasures were merely passive, and were better suited to the negative enjoyments of the rude and unconscious herd than to those delightful sensations experienced by the intelligent mind when in the active exercise of all its ennobling powers. There were other considerations too which should induce him to feel that physical effort was necessary; for he was surrounded by a growing family who demanded of him superior advantages over those to be obtained in his new and unpolished neighbourhood. Suggesting several plans by which Blennerhassett might render himself a more impor- tant individual in society, he left him to meditate on the picture so dexterously set before him." Such apparently disinterested counsel from one whose judgment and experience he respected, caused the unsuspecting Blennerhassett to turn his attention more particularly than he had hitherto done towards himself and his own affairs. The result was all that Burr could have desired. His visit to the Island was made in October, and by Dec- ember his unsuspecting victim was captured. On the 21st of that month Blennerhassett wrote a long letter, from which I extract the following -." The interest of a growing family, I feel will summon me again into active life. Having thus advised you of my desire and motives to pursue a change of life, to engage in anything which may suit my circumstances, I hope, sir, you will not regard it indelicate in me to observe how highly I should be honoured in being associated

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with you in any contemplated enterprise you would permit me to participate in. You might command my services in any way you should suggest as most useful. I could, I have no doubt, unite the talents and energy of two of my particular friends, who would share in any fortune that might follow you. The gentlemen alluded to are Mr. Dudley Woodbridge, junr., and Mr. Devereux, a cidevant general in the Irish rebel army. Not presuming to know or guess at the intercourse existing between you and the present government, or the probability of a rupture with Spain, I am disposed in the confidential spirit of this letter to offer you my friends' and my own services to co-operate in any contemplated measures in which you may embark. In making this proposition, I hope you will feel that it flows from a conviction of your judgment and talents, from a quarter that ever did and always will prefer to seek fortune and fame through the call rather than the coercion of any government. I shall await with much anxiety the receipt of your reply, and with warm interest in your success and prosperity, I remain, &c., &c." Was there ever a more glaring case of the spider and the fly? Burr was an expert flatterer, and his victim was only too susceptible. "Your talents," he wrote in reply "and ac- quirements seem to have destined you for something more than vegetable life, and since the first hour of our acquaintance, I have considered your seclusion as a fraud on society. It would seem that there has been a sort of consent between our minds. It is due to the frankness of your letter to acknow- ledge that I had projected and still meditate a speculation precisely of the character you have described. It would have been submitted to your consideration in October last, if I had then the good fortune to find you at home. The business depends, in some degree, on contingencies not within my control, and will not be commenced before Janu- ary-if ever." The correspondence went on in similar strain till the wily colonel makes an appointment. "Let me find you at home," he writes, "or not far off. I propose to pass two or three days with you." On this occasion he assured Blennerhassett that the sentiments of a respectable majority of the people of Orleans

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and Mississippi territories were disaffected to the Govern- ment; that such was the dissatisfaction of the people, unless early measures were adopted to prevent it, they would fling themselves into the arms of any foreign power which would pledge itself to protect them. In such an event the Western States would be placed in a dilemma out of which they could only escape by an eastern or western ascendancy of interests; that after an examination of the subject, so clearly satisfied would they become that their connection with the Atlantic States was inimical to Western interests, they would no longer consent to the alliance, but would sever themselves from the Union. So far as he was personally concerned he had no further interest in the event than of a speculative character. The separation of the Western from the Atlantic States was no new project: it was a subject of daily discus- sion at the seat of Government by some of the heads of departments; that it was seriously apprehended the mal- administration of the Government might precipitate a revolt. So disgusted were the people of New Orleans with the con- duct of the administration with reference to themselves, and as to Spanish-American affairs, that he expected to hear of their seizing on the bank and custom house, and appropria- ting the revenues and the forces of the territory. Moreover, there was a society of young men denominated the "Mexican Society," who had seized and shipped a number of cannons belonging to the French, for a Mexican invasion, and that he himself had been solicited to become their leader-and much more to the same effect. Leaving his daughter with Mrs. Blennerhaesett, Burr proceeded immediately to recruiting men for the expedition. His chief personal objective was Mexico-a vast and wealthy empire governed by tyrants whom the people hated, and defended by troops whom soldiers should despise. The riches of that kingdom were the theme of travellers. Her mines had flooded Europe with gold. All that the eye delighted in or the heart of man could desire would form the plunder of Mexico. If only the inhabitants of the several States at home could be set at loggerheads everything would be favourable to his enterprise.. The glamour of the picture, and the fascinating personality of the man hypnotized Blen-

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nerhassett and all with whom Burr came in contact; for with that eloquence of expression and power of imagination which were peculiarly his, he infused into the minds of others a thirst for the realisation of the brilliant successes which he outlined. At Marietta he had an opportunity of meeting the men out for training. Being called upon for that purpose, Colonel Burr exercised the regiments in a few evolu- tions, by which he demonstrated his superior knowledge of military tactics, and capabilities for commanding. Suffice it to say that he soon found himself surrounded by men impa- tient for action. Without delay hecommenced active preparations. In the neighbourhood of the island five hundred men were forthcoming, and a large vessel secured for the transportation of provisions, arms, and ammunition; also for flour, whiskey, corn-meal and other eatables, for most of which Harman Blennerhassett became responsible. The corn from which the meal was made was raised and kiln- dried on the island. After Burr's departure Blennerhassett published a series of essays in the " Ohio Gazette" under the signature of "Querist," which helped on the cause, while the Colonel himself went on an extended tour to beat up recruits, in which he was eminently successful. In order to quiet the apprehensions of the country it was necessary to adopt some plausible pretext with which to mask the real design. Hence it was announced that the object was the colonisation of lands lying on the shores of the Washita-this by the uninitiated was supposed to be the real objective. That Blennerhassett was deeply implicated in the business there can be no doubt, any more than it can be doubted that he brought ruin upon himself. Burr drained him of all his pecuniary resources. The following letter written from Lexington to Messrs. J. S. Lewis & Co., Philadelphia, is an indication of the straits to which he was put:- "Dear Sirs-Having found in this place a most valuable opportunity of participating with some friends of the first respectability and resources in the Union in a speculation, the prospects of which depends on my obtaining a credit with you or some others for eight or ten thousand dollars by your honouring my drafts, I feel no hesitation in resorting to your approved friendship for my accommodation. In 3

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order to supply the deficit of my actual funds, I can vouch for your receiving one thousand pounds Irish in the course of twelve months; but I can at any time give security on the vast estates and property of Joseph Alton, Esq., of South Carolina, who is the son-in-law of Colonel Burr. I cannot embark on an aid short of 8,000 dollars, but 10,000 would improve the concern I look for almost doubly.-Your faith- ful friend, "HARRN BLENNNERHASSETT." Colonel Joseph Alton above-mentioned was a man of large fortune, extensively engaged in the culture of rice; but a succession of failures in crops had at this juncture left him destitute of ready-money to supply the necessities of his father-in-law; these, upon his personal guarantee, were furnished by Blennerhassett, who had to resort to Lewis and Co. for accommodation. Burr's movements soon began to assume a serious aspect through the medium of the Press. Apprehension and dis- may seized on the public mind and spread terror through- out the country. Never before in the history of the nation had rebellion and disunion so openly avowed itself. How far disaffection extended was to many a matter of mysterious conjecture. Burr had but a few years previously run a close and popular canvas for the executive chair. It was known that not only his partisans but personal friends were numerous, many of whom were men of wealth and influence, who could rally to his standard a formidable number to support the cause of faction. Party malevolence and personal ani- mosity added fuel to the flame, and ultimate ruin hung over the destinies of the country. I do not propose to trace the history of the outbreak, details of which are given in Mar- tin's "tHistory of Louisiana" and other works. The danger was ultimately surmounted, and Burr and all the prominent leaders, including Blennerhassett, arrested and brought to trial. The evidence against Blennerhassett as to treasonable designs was ample. He had incautiously made a partial reve- lation to some of his more intimate acquaintances, and a secret acknowledgment of the-authorship of the articles in the " Ohio Gazette." He was at Lexington when Mrs. Blenner- hassett having learned that a battalion of three companies

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under the command of Colonel Phelps were then mustering, intending to make a descent to burn the mansion and seize the kiln-dried corn, despatched a messenger to inform her husband of the danger with which his person and property were threatened. He hurried home. Graham, the Govern- ment's confidenitial agent had preceded him to Marietta, where extensive preparations were going on. Here he met and had an interview with Blennerhassett, who had been by Burr led to believe that Graham was favourable to the enterprise, of which fiction he was quickly disabused. The agent endeavoured-knowing 'how badly he had been deceived- to draw him off from the undertaking, explaining that the object of the Government was to prevent rather than to punish; but the infatuated man turned a deaf ear to the friendly advice tendered to him--doubtless from a feeling that he could not desert his co-called friends, or perhaps from a conviction that he was too deeply implicated to escape. Four days after this interview Blennerhassett received information that preparations had been made by Colonel Phelps, who, it was expected, would march to the island on the following day to take forcible possession and to arrest himself. Orders w-e& accordingly issued to have everything in immediate readiness for departure before the dawn. A large contingent of the rebels were available. The island soon became the busy, scene of preparation. Innumerable lights flitted back and forth upon the land and over the river. The hour for action had come; and as the curtain lifted each man assumed his role' in the imposing drama. Such was the celerity with which the stores were transported to the boats, that long before midnight nothing remained to delay the embarkation of the infatuated new commander and his eager followers. But of all that busy crowd no one was more active than Mrs. Blennerhassett. An inspired enthusiasm had seized upon her. The die had been cast, and on it depended her happiness or ruin; but whatever fate had in store for her she would not desert or discourage her husband. "Go," she urged, "before the minions of the Government are upon you. Do not wait for me or the children. We shall follow at a more opportune season and meet again. They will not molest a mother and

This content downloaded from 130.63.180.147 on Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:59:06 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 34 THE CAREER OF HARMAN BLENNERHASSETT. her innocents." Then with her maids she busied herself in arranging such articles of clothing as might be needed by her husband; and nothing was neglected which could con- tribute to his health or comfort. At the hour of midnight Blennerhassett ordered all hands to the river. A deep snow covered the ground. It was penetratingly cold. But his noble wife placed her arm through his, and in deep consultation they proceeded to the beach, where a large camp fire had been lighted round which a hasty council was held among his followers, and at which her voice was listened to with respect. Here a dis- turbing incident occurred. A friend of Blennerhassett, liv- ing on the opposite side of the river, General Tupper, observ- ing the fire and the busy movements of men and munitions, crossed over alone, and suddenly appearing clapped his hand upon his shoulder exclaiming: " I arrest you, Harman Blennerhassett, in the name of the State of Ohio!" In- stantly the muzzles of seven or eight muskets were presented at the intruder's breast, who, seeing the danger he was in, cried out, "Forbear men! Forbear!" "By God," ex- claimed one man, "we will protect ourselves at all hazards from arrest. If it becomes necessary to use our arms we shall not hesitate to shoot, not only you, but all others who may interfere." The General finding that his own person was in imminent peril, endeavoured to persuade Blenner- hassett to reconsider his position, surrender himself to the Government, and stand his trial, assuring him that it would satisfy public indignation, and result in no great inconveni- ence to himself; but the infatuated man was deaf to entreaty, and Tupper left him. Blennerhassett, bidding his wife an affectionate farewell, with directions to follow as soon as circumstances would permit, hastily embarked, and with his followers floated down stream. In abandoning the partner of his bosom, with her help- less and defenceless household, it is only fair to say that he had not mistaken the character of the man who was soon to take possession of his mansion; for, from intimate associa- tion with him, he knew that Colonel Phelps would ever sacredly regard innocence and helplessness; that when duty compelled him to exercise the functions of his office, even in

This content downloaded from 130.63.180.147 on Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:59:06 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms THE CAREER OF HARMAN BLENNERHASSETT. 35 defeating the plans of his most intimate friend and former associate, his power would be exercised with the strictest adherence to the laws of humanity and the sentiments of honour. On the following morning Phelps appeared on the Island with an armed force, to find it deserted. On enquiry he learned that Mrs. Blennerhassett had fled to Marietta. Leaving some men in possession of the premises, Phelps started across country, hoping to intercept Blennerhassett's contingent at the mouth of the Great Kanawha. There he informed the local citizens of the situation, and they organ- ised a party to watch during the night. A large fire was built upon the bank, around which the men kept their vigils; but having supplied themselves with an ample supply of spirituous liquors, the usual result followed, and the whole flotilla escaped to join forces with Burr at the mouth of the Cumberland. The whole country became alarmed, and the President issued a proclamation to the Governors of the different States. The Governor of Kentucky hearing of his arrival at the mouth of the Cumberland with numerous vessells, and th'at he was congregating his forces there, ordered out the militia for his arrest; but the fleet slipped moorings and escaped. The command of the flotilla was djivided-four under Tylrer, two under Burr, rwo under Floyd, one under Ellis and one under Blennerhassett. I cannot follow the history of Burr's rebellion-space will not permit-and it is interesting to Kerrymen only as far as it is connected with Blennerhassett. If the arch-traitor had succeeded in setting the eastern and western States at one another's throats civil war would result, and in the confu- sion his descent upon Mexico would have come off; but he failed in his objective. The country presented a united front, and his attack upon Mexico meant war with Spain, into which America had no idea of entering, and conse- quently resolved to crush Burr. Blennerhassett'&s flotilla, which consisted of fifteen, and two hundred barrels of provisions was captured, and disaster followed in various directions. Colonel Phelps, failing, as I have stated, in intercepting Blennerhassett at Cumberland hastened back to the island, where he found that the men set by him to guard and pro-

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tect the premises and its occupants had wrecked, looted and destroyed everything, having broken into the cellars and given way to mad intoxication. Mrs. Blennerhassett had returned from Marietta, having failed to procure a boat in which to make her escape with her children. Her state was pitiable in the extreme, and Colonel Phelps, who was a kind- hearted man, was only too ready to aid her. Fortunately, a party of young men of position who had landed in a house- boat, and been in conflict with the drunken soldiers, offered to convey the friendless lady and her belongings to the mouth of the Cumberland. To this scheme the Colonel gave every assistance, and early the next morning, after his arrival, the preparations were completed, and she bade a final farewell to that Eden where for so many years she had been the presiding genius. She escaped, but toolatetomeet her husband. Ultimately she found her way to the residence of Alston, Burr's son-in-law, whose wife was an old friend, and received her with open arms. Meanwhile events rapidly progressed. A proclamation was issued for the arrest of "the Burr conspirators." He was captured, escaped in disguise, was re-captured under dramatic circumstances by Colonel Perkins and Lieut. Gaines-the latter re- signing him into the Colonel's charge. For a full account of subsequent proceedings I must refer the reader to Davis's "Life of Burr," Pickett's "History of Alabama,"- and other American works, and pass on to the subject of our memoir, who was arrested 'and ordered to appear at the District Court of Mississippi, which he did, and to his great satisfaction, was discharged. Being now free, he imagined no further annoyance from the Government, so resolved to visit the island to ascertain the condition of his property, and during his progress-which was long and slow-he wrote several agectionate letters to his wife and she to him, in one of which she says: "I see no reason for despondency whatever. Please God, our happiness is now more in our own keeping than ever." Brave woman! She little knew what was in store for them in the future. He writes in another letter of the "perusal in a paper of the first proceedings at Richmond against Burr, which evinces the most rancorous malice of the Government against his life. Nothing can

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hardly interest you more than this trial. You will read some things that may alarm you for A(aron) B(urr) and H(arman) B(lennerhassett), but I have no doubt the Gov- ernment will be baffled. It will take me five days [he is writing from Nashville] to get to Lexington (200 miles) with horses in the condition of mine, and as I shall have to delay there two days to rest them, I fear I have no chance of hearing from you before I reach Marietta. I hope you have not suffered the idolatrous grief with which I filled my last letter to affect you much. It was a weakness in me to pour the melancholy effusions of my heart into your breast; but how could I resist so natural a remedy for my pain ?" Dur- ing the progress of his weary journey he received unpleasant information from John Clarke, Sheriff of County of Wash- ington, State of Ohio, in reply to a letter of his, "I most sincerely regret that a service of attachment has placed such of your property as was under my control out of my power. A writ was served on account of Miller of Kentucky, and Saunders has since filed a claim. A writ has been served also on D. Woodbridge [Blennerhassett's business manager] attaching the claims you had upon him. All your property is attached-lands, tenements, goods, rights and credits, moneys and effects." A letter from D. Woodbridge con- firmed the gloomy news, and added that all his negroes had gone, and were wandering about the neighbourhood. The actions were all civil actions for money advanced to Burr, and promissory notes signed by him in the arch-traitor's behalf. In his next letter to his wife he has to break to 'her the bad news from Lexington that the Government, in addition to his creditors, had not yet done with him. "I was interrupted," he says "when I had written so far by a visit from Mr. David Read to arrest me on the part of the United States. He has just left me in a new lodging, a clean, airy room in the jail. . . . Left entirely to myself, where I call God to witness I do not feel at all uneasy. . . . Do not grieve for my situation, as I ani not at all discouraged. . You must dismiss all concern for every mortifica- tion you will falsely th'ink I suffer. Write every post. Kiss my boys for me, and never fear a failure of my spirits or my

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constancy." Other letters express the same sentiments. His wife seems about this time to have settled for a while at Natchez. "I have written," he says "to my friends, J. S. Lewis & Go. to honour Mr. Harding to the amount of five or six himared dollars to answer your occasions, as well as to accept bills drawn by yourself to amount of my remaining funds in their hands." [He had been tried and liberated in the Mississippi district, but now he was tried by the Govern- ment for treason.] A Lexington paper gives a full account of his arrest, and Blennerhassett's statement to the local court before which he appeared. "He expressed his readiness to go with Mr. Meade to Richmond to stand his trial; but he wished not to be understood as making a parade of willing- ness which he did not feel, as he was more than desirous of going as a prisoner at the public charge than at his own expense, as his fortune was greatly impaired. He made an affecting appeal which would have been very favourably received, had not the high crimes with which he was charged forcibly rebutted it. He was yesterday sent off to Rich- mond, attended by Mr. Meade and a guard of five men." On hearing of his arrest his wife wrote him a most touching letter of advice and encouragement. She tells him how content and hopeful she is at Natchez, that the boys have a good school, and that she has made a host of friends, and she winds up by entreating him, "by all that is dear to us not to let any disagreeable feelings on account of our separation enervate your mind at this time. But still don't trust too much to yourself. Consider your want of practice at the bar; and if I still retain the same influence over you which you have over me, don't spare the fee of a lawyer; we shall never miss it; and, if we did, that, in such a case, should be no consideration now." After a journey of sixteen days from Lexington Meade arrived at Richmond with his prisoner and escort of five men, where they lodged him in the Penitentiary. Burr and he were to be tried separately. The indictment contained two counts, the first for levying war against the United States, the other for planning to effect the seizure of New Orleans. Pending his trial, he says in a letter to his wife:-" The prosecutions for treason have already become ridiculous

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among the best informed, so that none of us will probably be hanged." This was all the comfort he could give her. Burr of course got into immediate communication with him by letter [for they were confined apart]. He suggested that Blennerhassett should employ his lawyers. "They will not expect money at present, and when I am discharged I shall be able to furnish it. Write also to your friend Emmet to come forthwith. My trial is essentially yours; it will settle principles which will govern both. The political character of Mr. Emmet will give great weight." Undoubtedly, for no man's character and talents stood higher in the public estimation of New York than did those of Thomas Addis Emmnet-an exile and a brother of Robert, executed in Dub- lin but three years before. But Blennerhassett would not victimise his friend. In a diary which he kept from August 4th to November 20th, 1807, he writes:--"As, on the one hand, I was determined to expend no money on my own defence, I was on the other equally averse to bringing my friend on such a journey, or withdrawing his industry from that harvest on which alone his large family depended for support." The trials of Burr and Blennerhassett as the principals, and several others of lesser note, dragged on for fifty-three days; and during that time the diary gives ample evidence that the writer's eyes were at last opened to the duplicity of Burr and his son-in-law, Alston. In his agony he writes: "My estimable friend, J. S. Lewis, in his private capacity, informs me that the house of which he is the head, in conse- quence of attachments served on all my funds-the last pecuniary resource of my poor family-has been obliged to dis- honour all my bills issued since the 20th of January. What embarrassments this will occasion my afflicted wife I fear to estimate. . . Joe Lewis tells me he will honour the bill drawn on himself for 500 dollars in consideration of her condition. . . . The cries of rapacious creditors rend the walls of my prison-ah! that would be indifferent to me, did I not fear they are loud enough to reach that heart that will echo them back to mine. For what purpose could I desire to see him again on this business [Alston who had just left him] but to make the last sacrifice I had to offer; alas!

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I once thought it impossible to humble the pride of integrity before that of wealth! I have sought relief from the storm by every effort I could make, until wearied and exhausted I drift perhaps to that shore where the mercy of Heaven will recompense me in participation of the rewards prepared for the fortitude and virtues of a wife I have been so long blessed with." Later on he writes, "Behold me without a dollar except the few that remain of thirty Pritchard sent me a fortnight since. Out of this I have had my coat re- paired, my umbrella and my hat, and my boots new top- ped." One cannot choose but pity the man who brought disaster upon himself and family by such utter want of com- monsense. The inherent weaknesses of his character seems to have been a credulity which was only too ready to accept flattery for truth-a failing which, as we have seen, Burr divined at the first interview. On the 7th of September he and all the other prisoners were discharged, the charge of High Treason having failed; and they were bound over under bail to appear at a future date, if called upon, to answer an indictment for misde- meanour. He received sympathy and offers of help from strangers everywhere; and it is pleasant to place on record the name of a humble Kerryman. Blennerhassett says: "I have written thankful letters, among them one to J. Hen- nessy, a Kerry schoolmaster, who appears to be settled as a private tutor in the family of Hudson Martin, near York Post Office, Abermarle County, and is very solicitous to serve me." [date September 4th]. And on the 13th of the same month he adds: "I was this morning informed a gentleman had arrived in town last night from the country, who had come a considerable distance to see me. A stranger appeared, somewhat agitated. I enquired whether it was Mr. Hennessy I had the pleasure to receive, and being answered in the affirmative, I invited him upstairs. This man, I soon found, who had only seen me once or twice in Kerry, when I was one of the counsel attending John Crosbie's election, I believe in 1793, who had never spoken a word to me until this day, has suffered many a sleepless night through his anxiety for me under these prosecutions, and the first moment he learned he could have a chance of seeing me, he

This content downloaded from 130.63.180.147 on Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:59:06 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms THE CAREER OF IHARMAN BLENNERHASSETT. 41 set out and rode 105 miles for the purpose. This is not all. He entreats me to suffer him to follow me to any indefinite distance, declaring that he regards it as the first object of his heart to settle near me. He has no capital; but, as a schoolmaster, and a skilful dealer in horses, can command the means of a comfortable livelihood anywhere in America. At Natches he can soon get rich. He will therefore accom- pany me with a Mr. O'Connor, a mathematician, who will follow his fortune, so that I have secured a good tuition for my boys in the dead languages, English, and the sciences. Hennessy has besought me to command his fine horse, and what money he can raise-the latter I have thankfully de- clined." It is pleasant to me, a Kerryman, to put on record the disinterested overtures on the part of Hennessy. Blen- nerhassett adds: " Honest Hennessy dined and spent the evening with me. He was highly delighted [with result of trial] and will return to-morrow to Amherst."

(To be Continued).

J. E. FULLER, F.S.A., M.R.I.A.

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