History of Kentucky

ELIZABETH SHELBY KINKEAD

MARS HILL PRESS Lexington, KY (859) 271-3646 ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY:

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY

A History of Kentucky was first published in many stories of civil rights and suffrage that can 1896. It is reproduced here to give the modern supplement a later history, this volume was written teacher the option of a text with a “fresh, new before those themes were introduced to Kentucky approach.” Compared to the revisionist histories and is not “improved” by weaving modern themes that have been popular for the last 20 years, this old into earlier periods. volume tells history through the eyes of one who The 20th century created a completely lived it and told it just as she saw it and had it told to different Kentucky. The themes from those years her by her parents. are more complicated and, therefore, difficult to To the extent that personality and style affect teach on a Jr. High level. This history is best used to the volume, Mrs. Kinkead brings the late 19th tell the simple story of Kentucky’s birth and her early century (New Kentucky at the time of the writing) years through the Civil War. love of the state, patriotism and altruism to the story. May God use this reprint to create a love of Absent from this volume is the attempt to the Commonwealth in her future citizens and include all races and gender equally. While there are leaders.

- Billy Henderson

WILLIAM BURY KINKEAD

FROM WHOM WAS DERIVED

WHATEVER TRUTHFUL UNDERSTANDING OF THE KENTUCKY PEOPLE

THIS LITTLE BOOK CONTAINS 4 PREFACE

In the preparation of this book, an attempt been necessary in developing the later prose periods has been made to relate the events of practical every- to depart somewhat from the simple method followed day life, in such a manner as to make the study of the when setting forth the early periods. But this seems history of our State a pleasure to the pupil. While rather an advantage; for if the interest of the pupil is adhering to the facts as closely as they could be as- awakened at the outset, he will be eager to follow the certained, the aim has been that the whole shall en- fortunes of his State to the end, and will, it is hoped, tertain as a connected story. Special effort has been patiently study the more prosaic episodes, in order made to portray the spirit of the Kentuckians, in or- to get a thorough grasp of the whole. der that the student may understand and revere the It has been my earnest desire that the work people from whom he is sprung. To this end, more should be historically sincere. The difficult aim has space has been given to their characteristics as indi- been constantly before my mind to make it impartial cated by tales of particular acts, than to the statistics in all instances, and at the same time forceful and of battles in which they have taken part. inspiriting. A Kentuckian, from my infancy I have As this is a narration of the life of a State, and been imbued with a knowledge and love of the State. as the connection of one incident with another is of And yet, having grown up in the New Kentucky, in more importance in a work of this kind than the her days of quietude, I have been enabled to ap- grouping of kindred topics, the chronological order proach the consideration of her significant periods of development has been followed. with little individual prejudice. I have made a labori- The subject naturally divides itself into five ous and careful study of all available material, and I clearly marked periods. And these lend themselves have tried to let the actions of the people, as they readily to important subdivisions. That portion of have been unfolded to me, speak for themselves, and the history which extends to the close of the War of reveal the Kentuckians. It is my hope that what I 1812 belongs to the poetic stage in the State’s life; have written will find favor with my own people. and that which follows, to the prose stage. It has E. S. K.

5 6 CONTENTS

I — PIONEER DAYS 1669-1782 I. FIRST WHITE MEN IN KENTUCKY ..... 9 II. EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN KENTUCKY .....15 III. THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY ...... 21 IV. DIVISION OF THE COUNTY ...... 27

II — THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE 1782-1792

V. THE DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY ...... 33 VI. BEGINNING OF THE STRUGGLE ...... 37 VII. THE SPANISH CONSPIRACY ...... 43 VIII. THE END OF THE STRUGGLE ...... 49

III — FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH 1792-1850

IX. ORGANIZATION OF THE GOVERNMENT .....55 X. POLITICAL SITUATION IN KENTUCKY .....61 XI. THE WAR OF 1812 ...... 67 XII. LOCAL AFFAIRS ...... 73 XIII. CIVIL AFFAIRS AND THE MEXICAN WAR.....79

IV — THE CIVIL WAR 1850-1865

XIV. THE SITUATION IN KENTUCKY ...... 85 XV. KENTUCKY’S POSITION OF NEUTRALITY .....91 XVI. THE INVASION OF KENTUCKY ...... 97 XVII. THE SECOND INVASION OF KENTUCKY .....103 XVIII. CIVIL CONFLICTS ...... 109

V — THE NEW KENTUCKY SINCE 1865

XIX. THE RESTORATION OF PEACE ...... 115 XX. THE ERA OF TRANSITION ...... 119

7 8 I — PIONEER DAYS, 1669-1782

CHAPTER I FIRST WHITE MEN IN KENTUCKY, 1669-1775

he history of Kentucky is at once concluded that the Mound Builders were simply the unique and attractive. It begins like ancestors of the present Indians. T a romance, thrilling in tales of heroic At the time when Kentucky was visited by the deeds and exciting adventures. From the earliest first pioneers, it was not the home of Indians, as were settlement of the State, all many of the other parts of through the crises in its own America; but it was the Kentucky as seen by Kentucky’s honored life and the life of the na- hunting ground and battle- the pioneers position tion, Kentucky has held an field of neighboring tribes honored position, and has from the north, the west, produced men of great and noble character. None and the south. The beautiful and luxuriant forests but the brave dared or desired to risk the perils of were filled with elk and buffalo and varieties of game these untried forests; therefore, Kentucky was that have long been extinct. Bears and wolves, pan- founded by men of forceful qualities, remarkable as thers, tigers, and wild well for strength of mind as for endurance of body. cats abounded in the The tide of immigration has passed, for the most part, to the north and to the south of Kentucky; hence its present population consists almost exclusively of the descendents of the early settlers. The men who are prominent today are, in the main, sons of fathers whose fathers helped to establish the Commonwealth. Long ages before Kentucky was discovered, there dwelt in the land a race of beings called Mound dense under- Builders, on account of the growth. mounds or monuments Seven riv- The Mound they erected. Many of ers drain the land, Wild Animals of Kentucky Builders these mounds have been the Big Sandy, the Licking, the Kentucky, the Salt, opened, and have been the Green, the Cumberland, and the Tennessee. Fol- found to contain bones of human beings and of the lowing a northwestward course through the east, the mastodon (a gigantic animal now extinct), as well as middle, and the west of the State, these all flow into implements of stone, flint arrowheads, and pieces of the Ohio, and thence into the waters of the mighty pottery. Until recently, historians believed that these Mississippi. remains indicated a people different from, and more The Indians were by no means ignorant of civilized than, the Indians; but modern scientists have the value of this land. They were prepared to resist its permanent settlement to their utmost ability, so that Indian valuation of the pioneers, or first white the land men who came to Ken- tucky, had to contend not Relics from Mounds only with the wild beasts of the forest but with the

9 PIONEER DAYS

equally savage Indian warriors. From the fierce en- and, in the year of 1769, John Findley piloted Daniel counter of Indians with Indians, and Indians with Boone and four other companions into the country pioneers, it came about that the State was called “The which he had visited two Dark and Bloody Ground.” years before. Daniel Boone in That courage which was a ne- These cou- Kentucky cessity to our forefathers is still a rageous men marked characteristic of the sons of were not Kentucky. driven by persecution, nor by the need The pio- to seek a livelihood for themselves and Courage of Kentuck- neers were their families. Each one left behind ians men sent him a “peaceable habitation,” as Boone forth by the called his quiet home on the Yadkin, wisdom of God to found a new Com- in North Carolina, and started forth monwealth. They went in peace, but with a rifle in one hand and a hatchet with their rifles cocked to defend their in the other in quest of adventure. lives from the Indians. They pitched their tent on the In the early days of American banks of the Red River (a branch of discovery, some people believed that Indian Warriors the Kentucky), and remained peace- there was a great river in America lead- fully hunting ing across the continent to until late in December. Boone and Stewart in China. The distinguished But one day Boone and First white men in the woods Kentucky Frenchman, La Salle, while John Stewart, when alone in search of this river, in the in the woods, were cap- year 1669 or 1670, passed tured by Indians. After seven days they succeeded through a portion of Kentucky from the Big Sandy in making their escape, and returned to their camp to the rapids of the Ohio. As early as 1750, Dr. to find it deserted, no trace being left of their former Thomas Walker of Virginia led an exploring party companions. Boone and Stewart were soon joined into Kentucky by way of Powell’s Valley, through the mountains in the eastern part of the State, and built a log cabin on the Cumberland River. But the land company he represented was not successful, and he returned home with little knowledge of the country. One year later, Christopher Gist, an agent of the Ohio Land Com- pany, beheld, stretching La Salle before him, from some point on the Kentucky River, the impressive and beautiful land of Kentucky. There is also a tradition that, in the year 1754, a man Daniel Boone by the name of McBride cut his initials on a tree at the mouth of the Kentucky River. by Squire Boone, a younger brother of Daniel’s; but Faint rumors now reached Virginia and North shortly after this Stewart was killed by Indians. The Carolina of the fertile land beyond the mountains, two brothers, finding that they did not have enough

10 FIRST WHITE MEN IN KENTUCKY

ammunition, decided that the younger should go back hopes of their young manhood, to survey the far- to North Carolina to supply their need. Daniel was famed lands of Kentucky. Honor and wealth lay be- now left alone in the vast forests. fore them, and all the ex- In July, 1770, Squire Boone arrived with the citing pleasures of a peril- Hancock Taylor and ammunition. The two brothers remained until ous undertaking. The one John Floyd March of the following was shot down by Indians year, and then returned to a few months after his ar- The Long Hunters North Carolina. Five other rival; the other lived nine years—long enough to es- adventurers had joined tablish his family in Kentucky, and to aid in found- them in their camp on the Red River. In the year ing the new country—and then he fell a victim to the 1769, a party of about forty men from Virginia and same death. North Carolina went out on a hunting expedition. There were other surveyors in the early days Nine of this company, led by Colonel James Knox, of Kentucky to whom a romantic interest attaches. reached Kentucky the following year, and explored Captain Thomas Bullitt, of the country about the Cumberland and Green riv- Virginia, at the head of a Other surveyors ers. They did not come in contact with Boone’s party. party, in 1773, made sur- From the length of time all these adventurers were veys of land for Dr. John absent from home, they were called “The Long Hunt- Connolly, at the falls of the Ohio, where the city of ers.” Louisville now stands. Close upon his explorations Up to the year 1763, France had claimed the followed those of James Douglas, who visited Big country on the east of the Mississippi which included Bone Lick, where he found scattered on the ground Kentucky. After the the bones of the mastodon, whose huge ribs he used French and Indian Way, for his tent poles. The scholarly John Todd, later to Conflicting claims Great Britain gained the be noticed, and his brother Levi, came to Kentucky right to this region. But in the same capacity, as did also two representatives because of prior possession, various tribes of Indi- of the Lee family of Virginia. ans laid claim to the country. In the year 1768, the The same year, there came into Kentucky a English government purchased from the tribes of party of hunters and surveyors from Virginia, led by Indians called the Six Nations the title to all the lands lying between the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. This treaty was held at Fort Stanwix, now Rome, in New York. Bounty lands on the Ohio River were than granted to many of the officers and soldiers of the Virginia troops, and surveyors were sent to mark them Surveyors sent to out. Thus were brought to Kentucky Kentucky many of the clever and gallant young men of Virginia whose names, or those of their de- Early Kentucky Settlers scendants, afterwards became associated with the history of the State. three brothers, James, George, and Robert McAfee, Two interesting characters of this period were who later on became prominent in the new country. Hancock Taylor and John Floyd. They were depu- This visit was for investigation, and after selecting ties under Colonel William Preston, surveyor of lands on the Salt River, in Mercer County, they made Fincastle County, Virginia, of which Kentucky was a their way homeward, well-nigh exhausted by the tri- part until 1776. These men started forth in the high als of the journey. In Powell’s Valley they met a large

11 PIONEER DAYS

party which Daniel Boone was guiding into Kentucky. Virginia, under the command of Colonels Charles The life in the wilderness was so delightful to Boone Lewis, William Fleming, and John Field. They were that he determined to joined by two companies of brave men from beyond The McAfees, make his home there. On the Cumberland Mountains, who were eager to Boone, and others the 25th of September, avenge the injuries they had suffered from the Indi- 1773, he set out with his ans; one of these companies was under the command wife and children, and was of Captain Russell, and the other under Captain Evan joined by five other families and forty men besides. Shelby, who, with his fifty volunteers from the Their progress was interrupted, however, on the very Watauga settlement, in North Carolina, hurried for- threshold of Kentucky soil by an Indian attack, and ward to the encounter. The attack was opened upon six of the company were killed, Boone’s son being the division of Charles Lewis, but he was soon mor- one of the number. This so disheartened the pio- tally wounded. In quick succession, the two remain- neers that they turned back toward their old homes. ing colonels, William Fleming and John Field, were The same year, Simon Kenton roamed cut down, the one being wounded, the other slain. through Kentucky. The following year, James The command then fell to Captain Shelby. Harrod and forty men built From sunrise the battle raged fiercely. Vic- themselves cabins and laid tory wavered between the two sides. Many had al- Indian hostilities Indian hostilities off the town of ready fallen, when, toward Harrodsburg, which, how- noon, Cornstalk deter- Result of the battle ever, they were soon obliged to abandon. Shortly mined to outflank the afterward, Governor Dunmore of Virginia sent whites and, by a bold move- Daniel Boone and Michael Stoner to guide out of ment, end the conflict. But just at this time, Isaac the wilderness the surveyors who were in Kentucky. Shelby, then a young lieutenant left in charge of his The Shawnee Indians had become so hostile to the father’s company, determined also to make a flank settlement of Kentucky that it was dangerous for any movement against the Indians. He took with him white man to remain there. They were now gather- two other companies, commanded by James Stewart ing under their great chief, Cornstalk, for the bloodi- and George Matthews. They crept through the un- est conflict that ever occurred between the whites and derbrush, along the banks of the Kanawha, and sur- the Indians. prised the enemy in the rear. The Indians became The battle of Point Pleasant took place the alarmed and began to retreat. The fighting, how- 10th of October, 1774, near the mouth of the ever, did not cease until near sunset. The victory Kanawha River. The white thus gained by the whites was of the utmost impor- Battle of Point Pleas- forces were collected by tance in the settlement of Kentucky. Shortly after- ant General Andrew Lewis, ward, the Shawnees entered into a treaty with Gover- but the latter took no per- nor Dunmore, of Virginia. They gave up all their sonal part in the fight, be- title to the lands south of the Ohio River, and prom- ing occupied with superintending the creation of cer- ised not to molest the white men further. Peace now tain breastworks, necessary for the encounter. The reigned for a time, and the pioneers were enabled to forces consisted mainly of sturdy Scotch-Irish from make their homes in Kentucky.

RECAPITULATION • Kentucky’s romantic history. • No Indian homes found in the region. • Interesting relics found in ancient mounds. • The region the Indian hunting ground. • Mound Builders the ancestors of Indians. • A valuable region.

12 FIRST WHITE MEN IN KENTUCKY

• Findley guides a party in 1769. • Stewart is killed by Indians. • Boone and Stewart captured. • Squire Boone goes home and returns. • They escape, to find their camp deserted. • The brothers leave in 1771. • They are joined by Squire Boone. • The Long Hunters.

13 PIONEER DAYS

14 CHAPTER II EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN KENTUCKY, 1775-1776

n the year 1775, permanent homes were others), to purchase this Cherokee title. They chose made in Kentucky. James Harrod and Colonel Richard Henderson as their legal head. I his company came back to their cabins, Across the country, a dis- which they had been forced to leave by Indian hos- tance of about three hun- Henderson and tilities, and the McAfees re- dred miles, Hart and company turned to their settlement Henderson went to hold a Permanent stations on the Salt River. Not far conference with the Indi- from Harrodsburg, Ben- ans at their villages beyond the Alleghany Mountains. jamin Logan, with a few slaves, erected a station, to The Indians promised to consider the matter, and which he brought his family during the following year. sent a committee to examine the goods to be given A most important aid to the settlement of the coun- in exchange for the land. These proved satisfactory, try was the road Daniel Boone cut from Cumberland and a place of treaty was determined upon. On the Gap to the fort in Madison County which bore his 17th of March, 1775, twelve hundred savage warriors name. assembled at the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Far and wide was spread Boone’s glowing River. The nine members of the company were account of the unknown region; and though he did there, and all the men, women, and children of the not succeed in firing very settlement gathered to hear the decision of the coun- many with a desire to brave cil. When the Indian chiefs finally decided, after Boone’s account of the perils of its untried for- much speech-making on both sides, to sell to the the land ests, the news soon reached whites their “hunting ground,” — about seventeen mil- some of the influential and lion acres of land, — for the consideration of ten thou- wealthy men of North Carolina, who quickly fore- sand pounds sterling, there was great rejoicing. saw the vast riches and power which might be theirs The land bought by the company lay on the if they could gain possession of it. other side of the mountains; and though it was cov- We have already seen that the Six Nations ered with widespreading had sold to the English their title to that vast area of forest trees, they gave it the The colony of country which included the picturesque and not inap- Transylvania in Sale of Indian titles present State of Kentucky, propriate name of America and that after the battle of Transylvania, beyond the Point Pleasant, the woods. The purpose of the Shawnee Indians, also, renounced their right to the company was to found a colony of which they should region. But such was the lawless and unstable condi- be the proprietors, and to sell lands to persons desir- tion of Indian possessions that the ownership seemed ing to make their homes in the region. The scheme to rest with that nation which had gained the latest was brilliant and gigantic; and though it was soon victory in the tribal ways. Thus the Cherokees, like- abandoned, it had a most important influence on the wise, asserted a claim to the land. future of the State. The proprietors were all edu- Captain Nathaniel Hart, of North Carolina, cated men, who attracted to the country other men formed a company, known as Henderson and Com- of ability. pany (consisting of himself, his two brothers, and six

15 PIONEER DAYS

Daniel Boone was sent ahead to open a road sate them for their loss, she granted them 200,000 for the proprietors. The trace then cut was later wid- acres of land, and gave good title to all those who ened into the famous Wil- had bought lands from the company. derness Road,1 one of the The structure Boone and his men erected at Boone’s road two ways (the other being Boonesborough was the first military fortification on by means of flatboats down Kentucky soil, and it proved a very secure strong- the Ohio) by which there entered Kentucky the brave hold against the unskilled men and women who laid the foundations of the attacks of savages. It was The Boonesborough State. Colonel Boone’s company consisted of about laid out as a parallelogram, fort twenty-two men, and they were joined by a party of inclosed by posts sharp- eight, under the leadership of Captain William ened at the end and driven Twetty. Their task was not so difficult as it was per- firmly into the ground. At the four corners were built ilous, and just before it was completed their courage strong two-story log cabins with windows which was put to the test. One morning, looked out on the open space or while they still lay asleep in camp, they court of the inclosure. The sides were attacked by Indians. Two of which faced the forest had no win- their number were killed, and one was dows, but only loopholes through wounded so seriously that he could which the pioneers could fire at not be moved immediately. With their enemies. that spirit of heroism inspired by the The furnishings of the times, several of the men remained cabins were very rude, — a bed in with their wounded comrade at the risk of their one corner made of upright forks lives, while the others went on ahead about fifteen of trees, on which rested poles miles, to select a site upon which to erect a fort. Fort at Boonesborough whose ends were thrust into holes When the proprietors arrived, they found in the wall of the building, and on three stations besides Boonesborough already settled these poles were thrown for in the country. They called for an election of del- mattress and covering the The furnishings of the egates from these, in order skins of wild animals; a cabins that laws might be made for rough-hewn dining table, The Boonesborough the government of the and a few three-legged parliament colony. Twelve delegates wooden stools. The windows were covered with pa- were duly elected and sent per saturated with bear’s oil, through which the light from Harrodsburg, Boiling Springs, and St. Asaph’s penetrated, and an air of cheerfulness was gained by or Logan’s Station, and six were elected for the huge fireplace which stretched nearly across one Boonesborough. This first legislative assembly held side of the room. west of the Alleghanies met at Boonesborough, May Shortly after the fort was completed, in Sep- 23, 1775, under the branches of a mighty elm which tember, 1775, Daniel Boone brought his wife and could comfortably shelter in its shadow one hundred daughter to Kentucky. At people. The parliament passed nine laws to the sat- Harrodsburg, also, Hugh Pioneer women isfaction of all concerned, and adjourned to meet McGary, Richard Hogan, Pioneer women the following autumn; but it never again assembled. and Thomas Denton The independent settlers in the country soon settled with their families. In November of this year, became dissatisfied, and asked Virginia to take them John McClellan brought his family into Kentucky, under her protection. Accordingly, in 1778, the leg- and, in one company with Colonel Robert Patterson, islature of that State annulled the purchase of the built a station which was named McClellan’s. Here, Transylvania proprietors; but in order to compen- fifteen years later, the town of Georgetown was in-

1. The Wilderness Road. By Thomas Speed. Filson Club Publication No. 2. 16 EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN KENTUCKY

corporated. With the coming of the women, home he had killed him, fled from his old home in Vir- life began in the wilderness, with all its hardships, its ginia, and under another name tried to forget his deed perils, and its inspiriting adventures. The women in the wilderness of Ken- stood side by side tucky. But he could not Simon Kenton with the men, and forget. The burden of that Simon Kenton suffered and grew thought weighed heavily strong, labored upon his naturally kind and simple-hearted nature. and prospered, Long years afterward, he ventured to return to Vir- with them. Today ginia to visit his family and to bring them to Ken- we look back to tucky. To his overwhelming joy, he found the man their lives of un- he supposed he had killed, alive and ready to be his selfish devotion, friend. and are thrilled with admiration for their courage. There are no wild beasts for us to fight, no Indians, no dangers from A Backwoods Girl hunger and cold. But if we would be true children of brave ancestors, there is a battle to enter far harder and more worthy of victory than any they were called upon to wage—a battle for the honor and purity of our own lives and of the State. Daniel Boone can in no way stand as a type of the early Kentuckians. There were far more remarkable and clever men. He did not feel himself Running the Gauntlet inspired by any high mo- Once he was captured by Indians. Eight times Character of Daniel tive, though he was always he was made to run the gauntlet; that is, to run down Boone kind and courageous. He a long line of Indian men, women, and boys, each sought the unpeopled lands armed with a tomahawk, club, or switch, with which of Ken- the runner was struck. Three times tucky because he loved the wild life he was tied to the stake to be burned of the woods. With the coming of alive, and every time he was saved civilization, he departed. But he was through some unexpected deliverance. an instrument in the hands of God to By his daring coolness, he filled even open the way for the foundation of a the Indians with terror, and thus he great State. aided much in the settling of the new By the side of Daniel Boone country. But he, too, like Boone, there towers another picturesque fig- passed away before the advance of civi- ure, Simon Kenton, famous as an In- lization in Kentucky. dian scout, and the hero of many star- For the most part, the pioneers tling adventures. His manhood be- of Kentucky were from that unsur- gan with a tragedy. He loved a girl passed race of people, the Scotch- who was won by his friend. He fought Irish, who settled in the valley of Vir- a duel with his rival, and, believing that ginia, and then spread out into the Simon Kenton 17 PIONEER DAYS

neighboring States. Their ancestors had suffered re- girls tried to beat off the savages, while they screamed ligious persecutions in the Old World, and the pio- for help. Being unsuccessful in their efforts, they neers brought into the rich, dropped broken twigs or free land of Kentucky an torn bits of their gowns to Character of the A romantic episode intense love of God, of lib- mark the way they were Kentuckians erty, and of education, — carried. Boone and Floyd, three important factors in with a party of men from the fort, went in pursuit. the greatness of a nation as well as an individual. Such They searched for two nights and days, but did not men, seeking homes and prosperity for their chil- overtake the Indians until they had gone about forty dren, were not to be daunted even by the fury of the miles from Boonesborough. There they found the savages. Occasionally, the faint-hearted would grow weary of the hardships and dangers, and would depart; but they left behind Healthful life of the them the strong and brave pioneers who were worthy to be the possessors of the beautiful new country. The men could not safely plant the crops, nor the women milk the cows, except under the protection of armed guards who stood ready for the attacks of Indians; yet none the less they persevered in their determination to remain. An existence of healthful work with a steadfast purpose made them cheerful. The chil- Beating off the Savages dren played, and the young people laughed and were happy, although the only variety in their lives was the girls, thoroughly frightened, but unharmed. It is en- dread of a surprise or an occasional Indian raid. tertaining to learn that three weeks later the first wed- One day in the summer of 1776, Jemima ding upon Kentucky soil took place when Squire Boone and the two daughters of Colonel Richard Boone united in marriage Betsy Callaway, the eldest Callaway were out on the Kentucky River, in a ca- of the girls, and young Samuel Henderson, one of noe, when they were captured by five Indians. The the rescuing party.

RECAPITULATION • Permanent homes in Kentucky. • Colony of Transylvania in America. • Harrod and his company return. • Boone cuts the Wilderness Road. • The McAfees again at their station. • His company attacked by Indians. • Boone’s account impresses influential men of • Boonesborough fort erected. North Carolina. • Arrival of the proprietors. • Their desire to buy the region. • Other stations previously settled. • The Cherokees’ claim. • Delegates appointed to frame laws for the • Hart and Henderson form a company. colony. • Colonel Henderson elected president. • Boonesborough parliament meets, May 23, • Conference with Indians at Watauga. 1775. • Indians sell their hunting ground. • The proprietors’ purchase annulled. 18 EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN KENTUCKY

• The compensation made by Virginia. • Simon Kenton’s adventures. • The Boonesborough fort, a strong fortification • The pioneers mostly Scotch-Irish. against Indians. • Character of the early Kentuckians. • The rude furnishings of the cabins. • Healthful and happy life in the wilderness. • Daniel Boone’s family arrive. • Indian raids the only variety. • Other families come to Harrodsburg. • Capture of Jemima Boone and the Callaway • McClellan’s station built. girls. • Pioneer women. • Their rescue by Boone and Floyd. • Character of Daniel Boone. • First marriage on Kentucky soil.

19 PIONEER DAYS

20 CHAPTER III THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY, 1776-1780

lthough it was not until 1778 that the For the next two years, the different stations title of the Transylvania Company were disturbed by frequent raids from Indians, which, A was legally annulled, it had long be- however, did not result in fore ceased to be considered valid. On the 4th of any serious loss of life to Repeated Indian raids July, 1776, the Continental the whites, but proved ex- Congress adopted the Dec- tremely distressing to the Kentucky County laration of Independence, women and children and unfavorable to the growth established and in December of that of the country. Harrodsburg was first attacked, and year Kentucky1 County was then, in quick succession, Boonesborough and established by Virginia. Before this time, the region Logan’s fort. An incident in connection with the lat- was a part of Fincastle ter siege is worthy of re- County, Virginia, and so remembrance, as it illus- mote a part that the settlers trates the sagacious hero- had no voice in the govern- ism of a man whose every ment of the State. But now act was honorable and they were entitled to courageous. choose for themselves two In the spring of representatives to the Vir- 1777, some women were ginia legislature, and to milking cows outside the have local courts of justice fort, guarded by armed and military protection. men, when they were fired The change brought upon by Indians. All fled greater stability to the toward the fort, but one colony. Harrodsburg was man was killed, another selected as the county seat, slightly wounded, and a Fleeing from the Indians and the first court was held third so severely injured there in September, 1777. It was composed of the that he was unable to escape. The Indians left him ablest men of the time. Among the number were where he fell, while they John Floyd, John Todd, Benjamin Logan, John Bow- lurked within gunshot. Se- Logan’s heroism man, and Richard Callaway, all men of character, cure of his scalp, they who became distinguished in the pioneer struggle for hoped to entrap others

existence. Levi Todd was appointed clerk, and John who might venture to his rescue. Inside the fort his Bowman colonel of Kentucky County. wife and children wailed in apprehension for his fate, and still none dared face the certain death of going

1. After the Transylvania Colony was abolished, the name “Kentucky” was adopted by the pioneers. “Kentucky is from the Iroquois word Kentake, meaning prairie or meadow land. The name probably originated in those treeless stretches of country between the Salt and Green rivers, which our ancestors called barrens. The Indians in early times burnt the trees off these lands and then designated the by Kentake, meaning the meadow or prairie lands.”—Centenary of Kentucky, by R. T. Durrett; Filson Club Publication No. 7. 21 PIONEER DAYS

to his assistance. When twilight came on, Logan tied Kaskaskia, Cahokia, etc., in Illinois, and Vincennes, over his body the loose feather bed his wife had on the Wabash, were fortified by the conquerors, brought from Virginia, and and, at the outbreak of the getting down on all fours he Revolution, these posts crept outside the fort, were the military strong- grunting like one of the holds of the English king. hogs which roamed around It was from them that the the inclosure. Suddenly he Indians, who had allied seized the wounded man, themselves with Great Brit- and darted toward the fort, ain against the Americans, before the surprised and received the supplies which puzzled Indians had time enabled them to besiege the to recover sufficiently to Kentuckians. take sure aim at him. Balls George Rogers and arrows flew about him, Clark had been contemplat- but he and his companion Logan rescuing his comrade ing an attack upon these reached the fort in safety. British possessions that would subdue the power of The Indians continued their resistance to the the Indians, and open the settlement of Kentucky, and yet the population slowly west to the Americans. George Rogers grew. Boonesborough suf- About this time he received Clark’s expedition fered a second attack, July, an order from the Virginia Indian hostilities 1777. At this time there legislature to lead his expe- were only twenty-two fight- dition into the Illinois country, as that region was then ing men to defend the fort; but toward the end of the indefinitely called. Clark had visited Kentucky in year that station was increased by fifty men and their 1776, and had determined to throw in his fortunes families, and Logan’s fort had an addition of thirty- with that colony. He was a young Virginian of strik- eight families. There were now between five hun- ing bearing and bold, unwavering dred and six hundred people in Kentucky; and only character. He possessed precisely the stouthearted came, for it was known that the In- the order of talent fitted for the dians were powerfully aided by the English in their expedition to which he was called. warfare upon the Kentuckians, and that it would prob- His plan of conquering the Illinois ably be long continued. country was adroit and vigorous. We have seen that the country west of the His victorious march from Alleghanies and east of the Mississippi had been in Kaskaskia to Cahokia, and the fi- the possession of the nal capture of Vincennes, Febru- George Rogers Clark The British aid the French, who began to settle ary 25, 1779, distinguished him as a man of high Indians it as early, probably, as military genius. An account of these campaigns be- 1688, after the celebrated longs properly to the history of the United States. La Salle (who made explo- Their result, however, was of inestimable benefit to rations there) had returned to his native land with the settlers in Kentucky and they rejoiced in the glory accounts of the great river and the fertile country. attending them; for most of the men who served with Later on, a conflict arose between the French and Clark either had lived in Kentucky or intended to English colonists in North America that developed make their homes there. John Todd, already a into what is called the French and Indian War. Af- prominent Kentuckian, was made county lieutenant ter a long and fierce struggle, the French surrendered or governor of the Illinois country. to the English in 1763. The old French villages, 22 THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY

When Clark and his troops came down the Ohio in flatboats, on their way to the Illinois country, they brought with them Clark the founder of about twenty families who Louisville intended to settle in Ken- tucky. They landed upon a small island at the Falls of the Ohio, May 27, 1778, and proceeded to erect a fort. Here they remained until the following autumn, when they removed to the mainland and built a fort at the foot of the present Twelfth Street. In 1780, this settlement, which grew to be the largest city in the State, received the name of Louisville. On Christ- mas day a party was given in the old Twelfth Street Boone’s Escape fort. Everybody assisted. They called it a house- warming, and they made merry together, dancing the lage, Chillicothe. There Boone remained until early Virginia reel to the music of an old negro fiddler. in the following June, when the savages again assembled to carry out their delayed plan. Then he determined to escape, and to warn his fort, whatever might be the danger to himself. He reached his friends, unharmed, in four days, after a journey of 160 miles, during which he had but one meal. Boone’s escape delayed, for several weeks, the plan of the Indians; but on the 8th of August, a formidable band of savages, painted and bedecked Siege of with all their war equip- Boonesborough ments, and with French and British colors flying, surrounded the fort. They were commanded by a French officer, Captain de Quindre, who demanded, in the name of his Britannic Majesty, the surrender of the garrison. Strange to relate, two days were A Christmas Party granted for the consideration of this proposition, dur- While Clark and his Kentucky captains were ing which time all the horses and cattle were collected carrying on their conquests in the West, a very im- in the fort, and then Boone announced, with many portant event had taken jeers at the discomfited captain, that they were ready place at home. In Febru- to defend their fort while a man was living. Boone’s capture Boone’s capture ary, 1778, Boone and De Quindre now determined to entrap twenty-six men, who had Boone, if possible. He asked him, with eight other gone to the Blue Licks to make salt for the different men, to come outside the stations, were captured by a party of Indians on their fort to treat with him, and De Quindre’s ruse way to attack Boonesborough. The Indians were so this was agreed to. But be- elated with their prize that they abandoned the idea fore the conference was of going to Boonesborough, for the time, and re- over, the cunning officer said that it was a custom, turned in triumph with their prisoners, to their vil- when concluding a treaty, for two of the Indians to 23 PIONEER DAYS

shake the hands of each white man. Thereupon two tober 13, 1779, with William Fleming, Edmond powerful Indians seized Boone and his men with the Lyne, James Barbour, and Stephen Trigg as com- intention of capturing them; but the hardy Kentuck- missioners, and John Williams as clerk. The bold ians wrung themselves free and fled into the fort. hunter, whose greatest desire had been for romantic Soon the firing began. The Indians made an unsuc- adventure, was now joined by the speculator, who cessful attempt to burn the fort, while de Quindre sought fortune in the new country — Virginians, ordered a trench dug to undermine its walls; but his largely, in whom the love of land was bred as a pas- purpose was discovered in time and frustrated. sion. The siege lasted nine days. The stoutest Altogether, the year 1779 was a notable one hearts were tried, but no one thought of surrender- in the history of Kentucky. But following close upon ing. On the 20th day of the its growth and prosperity came what is known in the month, the warriors took annals of the State as the “Hard Winter.” Unmelting Result of the siege their departure. Only two snows lay deep over the men among the whites land. Horses and cattle “The Hard Winter” were killed and four were wounded. The Indians perished, and even the wild probably suffered no greater loss; but they were dis- animals shrunk to the couraged by the resistance of the garrison, and never bones. Only the bears, living in the hollows of trees, again attempted an attack upon Boonesborough. withstood the severity of the cold. Life in the roughly Clark’s victories in the West, coming about this time, built cabins of the pioneers was trying during the weakened the power of the Indians and inspired con- mildest of winters; but it was torturing now. Because fidence in the hearts of the Kentuckians. Immigrants of the increased population, the supply of corn gave streamed into the country, and new stations sprang out. The only food was lean game, which was se- up everywhere. cured with the greatest difficulty. But the sufferings News traveled slowly into the wilderness in of the travelers who had been overtaken by the storms those days; but the spirit of the pioneer was in ardent on their way to Kentucky were even greater. Crowded sympathy with the great into the cabins, the settlers could manage to have struggle for some amusement for the time and Founding of Lexing- ton indepen- could hope for the future. The women dence which spun and wove, and the men made the was going on utensils necessary for daily use. They beyond their borders. In April, 1779, turned their attention, also, to the edu- Colonel Robert Patterson, in company cation of their children. During this with James Masterson, the McConnels, winter, a school was opened at Lindseys, Morrisons, and others, be- Boonesborough by Joseph Doniphan. gan a settlement in the most beautiful As early as 1776, Mrs. William part of the Blue Grass Region, to which Coomes taught a school in the fort at the name of Lexington was given, in Harrodsburg. She had no textbooks. honor of the first battle of the Revolu- Smooth boards of wood were used for tion. paper, and The same year, in May, the the juice of Robert Patterson First schools in land laws were passed by the legislature oak balls for Kentucky of Virginia and commis- ink. The children learned Land laws sioners were appointed to to write and work examples consider all claims and from copies set them by the teacher. When they settle all disputes on the could read, they had Bibles and hymn books to study. subject. The court was opened at Logan’s fort, Oc- Little private schools of this kind, where the pupils 24 THE COUNTY OF KENTUCKY

were taught to read warfare with the British and Indians. Captain Henry and write and cal- Bird, a British officer, with six hundred Canadians culate, were and Indians, invaded the opened in the dif- settlements on the Licking Capture of Ruddle’s ferent stations. River, June 22, 1780, and and Martin’s stations Perhaps the chil- captured Ruddle’s and dren studied as Martin’s stations. These hard (being grate- garrisons offered no resistance to an army so formi- ful for any oppor- dable in numbers and supplied with artillery. Every- A Schoolhouse in the Backwoods tunity to learn) as thing valuable that the forts contained was carried off the boys and girls do today, who have cultured teach- by the savages. The inhabitants were captured and ers and attractive textbooks. taken to the Northwest, where they were scattered The spring brought many men of talent and among the Indians. Many of the women who could education to Kentucky; it brought, also, continued not travel fast enough were tomahawked.

RECAPITULATION • Kentucky County established. • A third siege of Boonesborough planned by • Harrodsburg the county seat. the Indians. • Men of ability compose the first court. • Boone escapes to warn his fort. • Indians attack Harrodsburg, then • Boonesborough attacked. Boonesborough. • Indians commanded by Captain de Quindre. • Logan’s fort attacked. • Boone declines to surrender. • Second attack of Boonesborough. • De Quindre’s tricks unsuccessful. • Population increases. • The siege ended after nine days. • The British aid the Indians. • The population increases. • Clark’s expedition. • Lexington founded. • His military genius. • Land commissioners appointed. • He conquers the Illinois country. • Court opened at Logan’s fort. • John Todd made governor of the Illinois • Speculators come to Kentucky. country. • The “Hard Winter.” • Clark the founder of Louisville. • First schools in Kentucky. • Christmas party at Louisville. • Capture of Ruddle’s and Martin’s stations. • Boone and others captured at the Blue Licks.

25 PIONEER DAYS

26 CHAPTER IV DIVISION OF THE COUNTY, 1780-1782

he population steadily increased. In to the assistance of a neighboring settlement. He 1780, the legislature of Virginia was wounded, and was retreating on foot before the T thought it advisable to divide the pursuing Indians, when he County of Kentucky into three counties, — Jefferson, was overtaken by Captain Well’s magnanimity Fayette, and Lincoln. John Samuel Wells, who was Floyd, John Todd, and also fleeing for his life. Division of the county Benjamin Logan were ap- Floyd and Wells had been enemies, but the past was pointed colonels of their forgotten. Instantly the generous captain sprang from respective counties, and William Pope, Daniel his horse, lifted Floyd into the saddle, and ran by his Boone, and Stephen Trigg, lieutenant colonels. Colo- nel Clark was raised to the rank of brigadier general. The most important consideration of the newly settled country was military protection from the Indians. The next interest was the proper distri- Eagerness for land bution of its lands. Each county had its special surveyor, — George May for Jefferson, Thomas Marshall for Fayette, and James Thompson for Lincoln. So great was the desire to gain property in this beautiful Kentucky country that on one occasion when Gen- eral Clark had planned an attack upon certain In- dian towns, he was obliged to order the surveyor’s office to be closed, and to state that it would not be opened until after the expedition was over, before he could induce any one to listen to his call for volunteers. Wells assisting Floyd Raids were no less frequent during the year 1781, but they were less carefully planned than for- side to support him, thus risking his life for his en- merly. The Indians were emy. Both were saved and were friends ever after- preparing for war on a ward. Continued warfare larger scale, which they The following spring opened with a fierce hoped would drive out the conflict which has always been known as Estill’s de- intruders from their hunting ground. But through feat. A party of twenty-five all this tale of disheartening warfare runs the invigo- Wyandots were seen pass- Estill’s defeat rating story of the valor of the Kentuckians, and pic- ing Boonesborough. News tures of noble magnanimity stand out to refresh us. of the fact was brought to John Floyd, the colonel commandant of Captain James Estill at his station on the south of the Jefferson County, had gone with a number of men Kentucky River, near where Richmond now stands,

27 PIONEER DAYS

and he started in pursuit of the Indians, with forty to go to the assistance of the stations on the south of men. Shortly after his departure the savages came the Kentucky River, whither the Wyandots had gone upon his unguarded fort, killed and scalped a young after Estill’s defeat. The spies were discovered; and girl, and destroyed the cattle, before they departed. the oft-tried Kentuckians, wise in the tactics of In- Two boys were sent as runners to bear the news of dian warfare, understood the meaning of their pres- the tragedy to Estill. A party of the men returned to ence, and immediately began preparations for a siege. protect the women, while the rest, to the number of Now there was no spring inside the walls of twenty-five, pushed on and overtook the Indians, not the fort; and water would be a necessity if the attack far from the present town of Mount Sterling. The should continue long. The fight which then occurred required hearts of unwa- fetching of water was every- Heroism of the vering courage. It was not a battle, but a combat of where the work of women, women man with man. For nearly two hours the struggle a fact which the Indians lasted, each one of the company from behind a tree knew. If the men should shooting toward the Indian he had selected. At last go for it now, the spies would immediately suspect the whites were overcome. Nine were killed, includ- that they had been discovered. The attack might then ing the brave Estill, and four were wounded. The begin at once, which would be fatal to the garrison. latter, however, escaped with those who were unin- It was unlikely, however, that the women jured. would be disturbed, and they were called together. In the month of July, two British captains, The situation was explained to them. They were McKee and Caldwell, with a company of rangers from urged to go for the water and to act as though they the British posts at Detroit, did not know that a band of savages was within gun- gathered together over one shot. McKee and thousand Indians, — the There was a moment of intense excitement, Caldwell’s army largest body of troops up to of indecision and shrinking from the task; but the that time collected west of women in those stirring times of danger had acquired the Alleghanies. It was their intention to attack a warlike courage. Moreover, they had learned to Wheeling, but on their march thither, news reached forget themselves, and to think only of the good of them that General Clark was on his way to surprise their family, their station, and their country. The the towns of the Shawnee Indians. They turned back to defend these towns, and, to their mortification, found that the report was false. This so discouraged the Indians that a large number of them deserted; but the more resolute British officers were not to be thus deterred from their purpose to harass and fight the Americans. They succeeded in holding a company of over three hundred Indians and rangers, with which they pushed on into Kentucky, to attack the weak stations in Fayette County. They reached Bryan’s station on the morning of the 16th of August, 1782. Halting in the neighborhood of the fort, they sent a few Indian spies Bryan’s station at- ahead to draw out the tacked Marching to the Spring whites, meaning then to rush upon them with the bravest among the older women stepped forward and whole body of their forces. Most fortunately, the declared their readiness to go on the trying mission. majority of the men were inside the fort, making ready One by one, the younger women and girls followed,

28 DIVISION OF THE COUNTY

emboldened by this resolute spirit, until the whole numbers; that, as for the latter, all the country was body of women marched to the spring with their buck- coming to their assistance. Girty knew this, as did ets, laughing and talking unconcernedly together. On the Indians, and they concluded it would be the part their return, however, their steps grew faster and of wisdom to leave; but they did all the injury pos- faster, and they fairly rushed into the safety of the sible, destroying the fields and killing hundreds of fort. cattle, sheep, and hogs. On the following morning, Immediately afterward the attack began; but they took their departure, having had five of their the garrison was now ready for it. Swift-footed run- number slain and several wounded. Four of the ners were sent to summon whites were killed, and three injured. assistance from the It did not take long to gather the riflemen of The siege neighboring stations. Five Kentucky. They answered the summons for assis- miles away, at Lexington, tance as hurriedly as did the Major Levi Todd, with forty men, had just started clansmen of Scotland the Gathering of the for the southern border of the country. A messen- signal of the “fiery cross.”1 riflemen ger overtook him, and in a short time he reached On the afternoon of the Bryan’s Station. The British officers now saw that day the Indians left Bryan’s all hope of taking the fort by surprise was vain. At Station, 182 men, many of them commissioned of- night the Indians attempted to set fire to it; but, be- ficers, mustered there under the command of Colo- ing unsuccessful, they were quite ready to depart. nel John Todd, the ranking officer of Kentucky, Lieu- However, there was a young white leader among them tenant Colonels Trigg and Boone, and Majors who determined to make another effort to force the McGary, Harlan, and Levi Todd. Without waiting fort to surrender. for Colonel Logan, who was to follow as soon as pos- This was Simon Girty, — known far and wide sible with the forces of Lincoln County, they pushed to the border people of that day as the “White Ren- on the trail of the Indians, and overtook them near egade,” — a man despised the Blue Licks, on the morning of August 19. They Simon Girty by every one. When he halted and held a council of war. The Licking River was a boy, his father had lay between them and the enemy. Should they cross been killed by Indians, and and open the attack at once, or should they await the he himself had been adopted by them. He had grown arrival of Logan’s troops? up a savage, and chose to remain one. He possessed The prudent decision was cast in favor of the all the cunning cruelty of his foster brethren, and by latter course, when Major McGary, an impulsive man, his knowledge of English he became a power among filled with a passionate ha- them in their schemes to torture the Americans. He tred of all Indians because Battle of the Blue now made a speech to the fort’s defenders. He spoke his son had been killed by Licks of the numbers with him, and of the reinforcements some of them, plunged for- and artillery that were expected; but he told them ward into the river, waving that if they would surrender they would not be his hat over his head and shouting: “Let all who are harmed. The Kentuckians knew that their rude for- not cowards follow me!” Immediately, as if fired by tifications could not withstand cannon; but they could his taunt, the impatient troops rushed after him. The not be intimidated. sober officers had no alternative but to follow. Soon One of their young men, Aaron Reynolds, the battle began. From the first the advantage was answered Girty in a bold, bantering spirit that won with the enemy, because of superior numbers. Colo- the admiration of his associates. He assured Girty nel Trigg was killed, then Harlan with nearly all his that they were not at all afraid of his artillery or of his advance guard was swept away. John Todd and

1. In the border warfare of Scotland, “an ancient method of gathering the people was by sending the ‘fiery cross’ through the country. This mysterious symbol of haste and danger was formed of yew, first set on fire and then quenched in the blood of a goat. Every man who received it was bound to pass on with it through torrents, or over mountains, by day or night until another took it off his hands.” See, also, The Gathering, III. Canto, The Lady of the Lake. 29 PIONEER DAYS

Boone tried to rally the men, until Todd himself was It is impossible to describe the anguish of that shot down. Then a wild panic took place. Leaving time. Sorrow and wailing prevailed everywhere. For the dead on the field of weeks the women could not battle, every one at- be consoled. But the uncon- tempted to escape. querable Kentuckians did not The fighting long rest in their mourning. had lasted only about The blow must be retaliated. five minutes, and in that Troops quickly gathered at time the Kentuckians the Falls under Colonel Floyd had lost seventy of their and at Bryan’s Station under bravest soldiers, twelve Colonel Logan. Uniting at had been wounded, and the mouth of the Licking un- seven captured. The der General Clark, they loss on the other side marched rapidly into the In- was insignificant in com- dian country. On the 10th of parison. Several days November, 1782, the Miami later, Colonel Logan ar- McGary in the River towns were burnt to the rived at the scene of the tragedy with four hundred ground. Warning had been given the Indians, and men, — a force large they escaped into the woods; but all their valuable enough to have completely property was destroyed. From village to village, the After the battle overwhelmed the Indians. mighty force of Kentuckians swept with their deso- But all was over now. lating firebrands. At last the Indians were conquered. Nothing remained to do but to bury the dead where Though, for ten years longer, occasionally a few strag- they had fallen. By the rash act of one man was gling savages would disturb the security of the set- brought about the greatest disaster that had ever be- tlers, Kentucky never again suffered any serious In- fallen Kentucky. dian invasion.

RECAPITULATION • Kentucky county divided. • The siege begun. • Jefferson, Fayette, and Lincoln counties. • Runners summon assistance. • Military officers and surveyors appointed. • Indians fail to burn the fort. • Great eagerness to obtain lands. • Girty attempts to frighten the men into • Indians preparing for war. surrendering. • Samuel Wells’s magnanimity. • Aaron Reynolds’s fearless answer. • Estill pursues a band of Indians. • Indians do great damage before departing. • A young girl killed at his fort. • The riflemen of Kentucky gather. • Indians overtaken near Mount Sterling. • One hundred and eighty-two men at Bryan’s • Estill’s defeat. Station. • McGee and Caldwell’s army of over one • The officers of the company. thousand Indians. • The Indians are pursued. • A false alarm changes the course of the army. • Council of war held. • A smaller force marches into Kentucky. • A prudent decision made. • Attack on Bryan’s Station. • McGary’s rash act. • Heroic women supply the fort with water. • Battle of the Blue Licks. 30 DIVISION OF THE COUNTY

• Terrible slaughter of the whites. • Village after village destroyed. • Great anguish caused. • The Indians are conquered. • The blow retaliated. • No more serious invasions of Kentucky.

31 PIONEER DAYS

32 II — THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE, 1782-1792 CHAPTER V THE DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY, 1782-1784

eyond the borders of Kentucky, the whose fortunes had been thus injured. From Vir- Confederated Colonies were passing ginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the Carolinas, es- Bthrough their victorious conflict for pecially from Virginia, came this great influx of people independence from Great Britain — six terrible years to Kentucky. Of course there were some men among of ceaseless warfare from them of low character and slender ability; but the the battle at Lexington, majority of them were clever, educated people of Kentucky’s struggle 1775, to the surrender of moral strength, who were notable even in that most for existence Lord Cornwallis at remarkable epoch of American history. Yorktown, 1781. Cut off Among them were officers whose military ge- from the East by the high wall of the Cumberland nius had hastened the victory of the Revolution; sol- Mountains, separated from the neighboring regions diers whose unselfish loyalty had aided the cause; and of the Northeast, the North, and the West by a con- young men of talent, fresh from the colleges of the nected system of waters, Kentucky was waging alone, East. Their names will fill the pages of the following unaided by continental arms and continental supplies, period. The men whose rare courage and entertain- an equally terrible conflict. In the history of this era, ing adventures stirred us in the story of the pioneer too little recognition has been made of this struggle, days, have passed away; either death has come to whose successful issue gave to the nation a strong, them, or they have finished their great work. Only faithful State, and opened the way for the conquest one or two recur in the narrative of the public affairs of the vast, rich West. of the new era opening before us. At Paris, France, on the 30th of November, By an act of the Virginia legislature the three 1782, the preliminary treaty of peace between the counties, Jefferson, Fayette, and Lincoln, were united United States and Great in 1783 and Kentucky Dis- Peace with England Britain was signed. There trict was established. A dis- Kentucky District were no ocean cables in trict court was erected, and established those days, no telegraph John Floyd, Samuel lines, no railroads, no postal service. Slowly the news McDowell, and George reached the faraway land of Kentucky, told by trav- Muter were appointed judges. Walker Daniel was eler to traveler, or written in letters which were borne also commissioned attorney-general, and John May to friends by immigrants to the country. But early in was selected to be the clerk of the court. the following spring the cheering fact was known. Shortly after his appointment, John Floyd, At this time there were less than thirty thou- the vigorous, intellectual pioneer, was killed by an sand people in Kentucky. Now the growth became Indian. He had fought, un- very rapid. By 1790, the scathed, through the ter- The District Judges Immigration to population had increased rible border wars, and now, Kentucky to more than seventy-five in the time of peace, riding thousand. The long war unguardedly in the woods near his home, wearing which had just closed had his scarlet wedding coat, — a definite mark for the left the Atlantic States impoverished. The fertile lands savages, — he received his death wound. It is a curi- of Kentucky offered an alluring prospect to families ous coincidence that two other members of this dis-

33 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

trict court, pioneers like Floyd, met a similar death, intellectual, self-respecting in the management of its — Walker Daniel in 1784, John May in 1790. The own affairs, and unworldly. other judges were Virginians, whom the close of the Security and hope prevailed in Kentucky Dis- war brought to Kentucky. They had been officers in trict, and its reputation increased abroad. Flatboats the Revolution and each bore the rank of colonel. filled with immigrants were Their recognized worth and ability are indicated by constantly landing at the Prosperity their appointment to this position of trust and dig- Falls (Louisville), in the nity. We shall have need to refer to them frequently northwestern part of the in the following pages. settled region, and at Limestone (now Maysville), in the northeast. Heavily laden pack horses brought a continuous stream of settlers through Cumberland Gap, over the Wilderness Road. At Louisville, Daniel Brodhead, an officer in the Revolution, who had recently come to Ken- tucky, opened a shop where all kinds of goods, An Ohio River Flatboat Brodhead’s store imported from Philadel- On the third day of March, 1783, the court phia, were sold. The was opened at Harrodsburg; but there being no house home-woven cotton gowns and sunbonnets were re- large enough at that place placed by gay-figured calicoes and straw bonnets. Founding of Danville for its accommodation, it There were also more costly articles for gala days, — adjourned to a church six silks and parasols for the maidens, broadcloths and miles away. One of its first silk stockings for the men. A Frenchman, landing at official acts was to order a log courthouse to be built the Falls in 1784, described a party of young people at some place near Crow’s Station (about ten miles that he saw thus attired starting off for an excursion from Harrodsburg), and a jail also, of “hewed or on the river. sawed logs at least nine inches thick.” The location There is on record, also, an account of a party was wisely chosen; it was on the Wilderness Road, given by Mrs. Martha Donne to celebrate the first the great high- crop of wheat raised at the way through Falls, in 1783. The wheat Early merry-makings Kentucky, and was ground with a hand within the fa- mill, sifted mous Blue through a cambric handkerchief Grass region. which Mistress Martha had brought From this judi- from Philadelphia, shortened with rac- cial beginning coon fat, baked, and served for the grew the town refreshment of the guests. Thus early of Danville, the town of Louisville took on its bril- which became liant, fashionable, hospitable tone. the seat and In February, 1784, General center of all the James Wilkinson made his advent public affairs of into Lexing- the District, ton as the James Wilkinson’s and whose Pack Horses representa- advent early history suggests so many picturesque and inter- tive of a mercantile firm in esting events. Each town in Kentucky has its particu- Philadelphia of which he lar tone. Danville may be characterized as sober and was the head. Wilkinson was brilliant in mind and

34 THE DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY

affable in manner, but corrupt in mor- death in 1788. Shortly before that time, als and selfish in character. He acted he had entered into a partnership with an important part in the political events Matthias of the period. Wilkinson’s shop, like Denman and John Filson Brodhead’s, was a great advantage to Colonel Rob- the neighboring region. ert Patterson At this time there were eight (one of the founders of Lexington) to towns in Kentucky: Louisville and lay off a town where the present city of Bardstown, Cincinnati stands. Filson brought his in Jefferson Greek, Latin, and French knowledge Lexington’s position County; into use to coin a name for his town: Harrodsburg, Losantiville — the city opposite the Boonesborough, and Danville, in Lin- mouth of the Licking. While out sur- coln County; and Lexington, veying, he became separated from his James Wilkinson Leestown, and Greenville, in Fayette companions and was never again seen. County. Of these, Lexington was the largest. Never He was either killed by savage Indians, or by beasts rapid, but always steady in growth, Lexington was ad- of the forest. vancing into that substantial business and social posi- Filson gained the information for his history, tion which she has maintained until the present day. and the map with which it is illustrated, from a close Her early interest in all things intellectual caused her intercourse with Daniel to become the center of the literary culture of the Boone, Levi Todd, James First history of Ken- District, and gave to her the title, — in the high-sound- Harrod, Christopher tucky ing phraseology of the time, — Athens of the West. Greenup, John Cowan, Here John Filson1 wrote the first history of and William Kennedy, Kentucky, which was likewise the first history of any whose “distinguished assistance” he gratefully ac- portion of that vast region lying west of the knowledges. Beside the map, the history is made Alleghanies. The fame of the “happy climate and further entertaining by a narrative of “The Adven- plentiful soil” of Kentucky had reached Filson in his tures of Colonel Daniel Boone,” which the author home in southern Pennsylvania, and he went thither learned from the old pioneer himself. There was no to secure lands printing press in Kentucky at that time, so Filson car- for himself. ried the manuscript of the history to Wilmington, This was prob- Delaware, and that of the map to Philadelphia, where ably in the year the book was published in 1784. One year later it 1782, when he was translated into French by M. Parraud, and pub- was about lished in Paris. This little book is now very rare and thirty-six years valuable. old. He was a We have noticed the early desire of Kentuck- schoolmaster, ians for education. Thus far, all that had been pos- and very well sible were little private schools held within the sta- educated ex- tions. Now we are to learn something of the first cept in the mat- school or college in the West. In 1780, the Virginia ter of spelling legislature passed an act to establish such a school in and the use of Kentucky as soon as the condition of the country capitals. He led should permit. An endowment of eight thousand a roaming, stir- acres of land was given to it and thirteen trustees were John Filson ring life until his appointed. In 1783, the trustees were increased to

1. The Life of John Filson. By Reuben T. Durrett. Filson Club Publication No. 1. 35 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

twenty-five and the endowment of land to twenty thou- earnest man, and well educated for that day, being a sand acres. The school was to be called Transylvania graduate of Nassau Hall, afterward Princeton Col- Seminary, and the trustees lege. were to hold their first At this first meeting, the trustees did little but Transylvania Univer- meeting at Crow’s Station grow more enthusiastic concerning the advantages of sity founded (Danville) the second Mon- education. Their uncultivated lands gave them no day in November of that money with which either to buy a schoolhouse or to same year. The trustees were influential men in the pay teachers. Two years later, however, the semi- District. The names of those who attended the first nary was opened at the home of the chairman, near meeting have been preserved for us. They are John Danville, and, in 1788, it was removed to Lexington. Craig, Walker Daniel, Willis Green, Christopher Before long, theological differences arose in the Greenup, Robert Johnson, Samuel McDowell, David school, and, in 1796, the Presbyterians withdrew their Rice, James Speed, Isaac Shelby, and Caleb Wallace. support and established Kentucky Academy, at The Reverend David Rice was elected chairman of Pisgah. But in 1798 all disagreements were adjusted, the board. “Father Rice,” as he was commonly called, and the rival institutions were united at Lexington had lately arrived in Kentucky from Virginia. He under the name “Transylvania University.” was the first Presbyterian preacher in the District, an

RECAPITULATION • Kentucky’s unaided struggle during the • Removed to Crow’s Station. Revolution era. • Danville founded. • Her important service to the nation. • Characteristics of Danville. • Treaty of peace, November 30, 1782, • Prosperity in the District. proclaimed in Kentucky the following spring. • Brodhead’s store. • High class of immigrants. • Louisville’s flourishing condition. • Pioneers pass away. • Wilkinson’s arrival in Kentucky. • New names appear in public affairs. • Lexington’s substantial position. • Kentucky District established, 1783. • John Filson comes to Kentucky. • Samuel McDowell and George Muter. • Filson’s first history of the region. • Floyd, Daniel, and May murdered by Indians. • Transylvania Seminary established. • Court opened at Harrodsburg. • Becomes Transylvania University.

36 CHAPTER VI BEGINNING OF THE STRUGGLE, 1784-1786

he security of the Kentuckians was who had been induced against their will to enter into beginning to be disturbed. The coun- a treaty, still retained their animosity toward the Ken- T try which the Americans wrested tuckians; and certain others from Great Britain consisted of the Atlantic States, farther to the west, who had Causes of Indian extending from Canada to never entered into any hostilities the thirty-first degree of lati- treaty, were likewise in- Military posts in the tude, and Kentucky and flamed at the thought of the Northwest the Illinois country, which Americans possessing their lands. Furthermore, law- the pioneers had won. Off less men in Kentucky, who believed there could be in the Northwest, — far away then, but now at the no good in any Indian and that it was never well to very threshold of that vast region, which has become let one live, would sometimes kill those that were thickly settled, — at and about Detroit, the British harmless. The revengeful savages retaliated by mur- still held the military stations which they had gained dering innocent white men. from the French. In their treaty of peace with the Information came to Colonel Benjamin Lo- United States the British had promised to surrender gan that a serious invasion by the Cherokees might these posts; but, because of certain complications, be expected. General they now refused to comply with their agreement. Clark had been retired. Meeting of military When the news of this fact reached Kentucky, Colonel Logan was now officers great fears of Indian hostilities were felt. We have the ranking officer of Ken- learned that the Indians tucky. Accordingly, in Indian hostilities had been instigated to at- November, 1784, he called, at Danville, an informal anticipated tacks upon the Kentuck- meeting of the military officers of the District, to con- ians by the British. If the sider the manner of resisting the anticipated attack. British still held stations in This meeting agreed that the Kentuckians must pas- America, then the Indians would still be urged to sively await the inroads of the savages, as they had no warfare. Virginia was far away from Kentucky — too authority among themselves to order an expedition far to send her assistance in time of trouble. But as into the Indian country in order to repel the inva- Kentucky was not independent, no military expedi- sion. Therefore it was resolved that it would be wise tion could be undertaken beyond the borders of the to call for the election of one delegate from each of District unless so ordered by the Virginia government. the militia companies in the District, who should meet The question of asking for separation from Virginia in convention to consider the subject of seeking in- was continually discussed. dependence from Virginia. The Congress of the Confederation of States As there was no printing press in Kentucky, did not advise any attempt to exterminate the Indi- a circular address setting forth facts was many times ans; but recommended a peaceful course of action copied and distributed among the people. We can toward them. To this end, commissioners were ap- picture the Kentuckians, chafing under a sense of pointed to treat with the various tribes to induce them restraint as they alertly listened for the war whoop of to recognize the authority of the victorious States. the Indians. But certain Indians on the east of the Miami River,

37 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

At Danville, on December 27, 1784, the first sume control. This fact should be borne in mind; convention for separation met, and decided by a large the truth of it will be proved as we continue. majority that the dangers to The third convention assembled in August, First convention for which the District was sub- 1785, and elected the same president and secretary independence ject could be remedied that had served in the only by its becoming an in- former conventions, — Third convention dependent State. But the Samuel McDowell and Third convention subject as it presented itself to the people at that time Thomas Todd. They were was one of grave importance. It demanded calm, reelected at each succeeding convention. Wilkinson deliberate action. Therefore a second convention managed to have himself elected a member, and now was called for May 23, 1785. began his scheming, dazzling career in Kentucky. The second convention duly assembled at The calm petition to the Virginia Assembly was dis- Danville and elected Judge Samuel McDowell presi- carded for one he prepared, “which was less a peti- dent, and Thomas Todd tion than a demand.” The chief justice of the Dis- secretary. The matter was trict, George Muter, and the attorney-general, Harry Second convention again presented and con- Innes, were appointed to present this petition to the for independence sidered the most earnest Virginia Assembly. deliberation, and it was In spite of the tone of the petition, the State again decided that separation was necessary. A peti- of Virginia passed an act setting forth the conditions tion to the Virginia Assembly was prepared as well as upon which the separation an address to the people of might take place. They First act of separation the District. The former was were as follows: Delegates calm, the latter inflaming in were to be elected to a tone. It was written by Gen- fourth convention, which should meet in Danville, eral James Wilkinson; he was September, 1786, to determine whether it was the not a member of the conven- will of the people of the District to be erected into an tion, but his brilliant, florid independent State. If such were their will, they were style had won him the admi- to fix upon a date later than September 1, 1787, when ration of the Kentuckians. the authority of Virginia should forever cease. But The convention had full this was to take place provided “that prior to the 1st power to apply immediately day of June, 1787, the United States in Congress as- to Virginia for action in the Samuel McDowell sembled shall consent to the erection of the said Dis- matter; but with surprising caution it forbore to do trict into an independent State, and shall agree that this, and, in order that the will of the people might the new State shall be admitted into the Federal be known positively, called for a third convention to Union.” ratify what had already been done. The majority of Kentuckians regarded this Kentuckians, when they act individually, are act of the Virginia assembly as reasonable, and sub- generally impulsive, often hot-tempered and rash in missively bore the delay in their deeds; when they act the longed-for separation. Court and Country in concert, they are delib- But there were others who Prudence of the parties erate, prudent, and wise in received it with opposition, Kentuckians their decisions. They are and in whom it caused the people of intellect. The in- greatest irritation. Of these Wilkinson was the rec- dividual standing alone acts from emotion before he ognized leader. The party he represented was called has time to think. The individual as a part of a body the Court party, on account of the official position of of men cannot act on his own impulse. Thus oppor- its members. Wilkinson now offered himself as a tunity is gained for reason to assert itself and to as- candidate for delegate from Fayette County to the

38 BEGINNING OF THE STRUGGLE

fourth convention. Humphrey Marshall, a represen- In accordance with this permission, early in tative of the opposite faction, which was called the September, 1786, more than one thousand troops Country party, was the contending candidate. collected at Clarkesville Great excitement prevailed in this county. (opposite Louisville), with Expeditions of Clark The elections were not then conducted as rapidly as the intention of attacking and Logan they are today, — they lasted five days. On the first the Wabash Indians living day, Wilkinson was put forward by his friends to in the present State of In- speak to the people. He urged them to disregard the diana. They were organized under General George act of Virginia and to declare themselves indepen- Rogers Clark. Colonel Benjamin Logan was sent dent at once. Marshall answered him in a sensible, back to Kentucky to raise volunteers for an expedi- logical speech. Wilkinson’s speech was, as usual, tion against the Shawnee Indians living in the present showy and oratorical. The election closed, and State of Ohio. Logan quickly secured four or five Wilkinson was found to have obtained the larger hundred men. With this force he proceeded to the number of votes. Indian towns on the Mad River, burned them to the The great dreaded Indian invasion did not ground, and took seventy or eighty prisoners. He take place; but serious distress was caused through- returned in twenty days, after a successful expedition. out the District by petty Unfortunately, General Clark’s expedition proved depredations of small par- fruitless. The provisions were delayed on their way Self-protection autho- ties of Indians. The Ken- to Vincennes, where his troops were stationed. In- rized tuckians complained to subordination took place. The great general had lost Virginia, and Virginia peti- control over the men who served under him, and tioned Congress to raise troops to protect this fron- many of them deserted. tier region. But at the time about which we are study- When the time came for the fourth conven- ing, the Congress of the Confederation of States was tion to assemble, so many of the delegates were ab- not so powerful a body as the Congress of today. It sent with Clark and Logan that a quorum could not be Postponement of obtained. Those who were separation at home, however, met every day, and adjourned until the following January, when the necessary number were present. The condition required by the Virginia Assembly for the separation was that prior to the first day of June, 1787, the Congress of the United States should have agreed to admit the new State into the Federal Union. It was now too short a time, in those days of slow travel, for the Kentuck- ians to take the necessary steps toward this end. Therefore, they petitioned the Virginia Assembly to alter that clause in the act. Their petition was presented by John Marshall (afterward the great chief Indian Depredations justice), who strongly urged his request. But the As- sembly did not see fit to grant it. Consequently, an- could do little more than recommend certain mea- other act was passed which fixed the time for the sepa- sures to the different States; it had no ability to cause ration to take place as January 1, 1789, instead of them to be carried out. However, Congress granted September 1, 1787. the Kentuckians the privilege of protecting them- John Marshall’s letter bearing this fact selves. reached Danville while the convention was still as-

39 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

sembled. It is needless to describe the disappoint- them were slain, and the horses they had stolen were ment it brought the Kentuckians. Virginia had acted captured. On pushed the victorious Logan and his as seemed to men, like heroes Result of the disap- her right; but of the Round Virginia misunder- pointment we can well Table, seeking stood understand further adven- how her long tures. They dis- postponement of the separation might covered the trail of another band of Indi- have appeared to restless men, impa- ans, came upon them, killed seven, and tient of delay, like indifference to their captured their horses and game. sufferings. Throughout the District, Now it happened that these latter there was a growing resentment towards were peaceable tribes living under a treaty Virginia. This was inflamed by certain with the United States. Intense wrath con- ambitious politicians, notably by Gen- sequently prevailed among the Indians. eral Wilkinson. But in spite of the pas- John Marshall They complained to the governor of Vir- sions of some, reason and dignity controlled the ginia, and he directed the attorney-general of the Dis- meeting, and it adjourned submissive to the act of trict, Harry Innes, to take the necessary steps “to pre- Virginia. Another convention had been ordered for vent and punish, if possible, all unjust violences.” As the following September. this very reasonable direction was many times re- Shortly after this, another incident occurred peated it became exaggerated. Thus it came about which led to further distrust of Virginia’s good feel- that numbers of people in the District honestly being toward Kentucky: A man was killed by Indians in lieved that Virginia had commanded them not to pro- Lincoln county. Benjamin Logan, the commandant tect themselves from the barbarities of the Indians. of that county, was absent; but his brother quickly The Kentuckians were now about to enter a trial that raised a company and pursued the murderers into would reveal their character. Tennessee. The Indians were overtaken, several of

RECAPITULATION • Treaty of peace not fulfilled. • Another convention called. • Military posts in the Northwest still held by • Second convention considers separation Great Britain. necessary, and prepares a petition to the • Fears of Indian sieges felt in Kentucky. Virginia assembly. • The Indians are aided by the British. • Wilkinson prepares the address to the people. • Kentucky’s dependent position. • The convention shows rare caution. • Separation from Virginia discussed. • Character of Kentuckians. • Miami and other Indians are hostile. • A third convention held. • Lawless Kentuckians cause trouble. • Virginia passes the first act for separation. • Great Indian invasion dreaded. • The act not satisfactory to many Kentuckians. • Colonel Logan’s called meeting of military • Court and Country parties. officers. • Wilkinson advocates illegal separation. • They order an election of delegates to a • Congress allows Kentucky to protect herself convention. from Indian inroads. • First convention meets at Danville. • Clark’s expedition unsuccessful; Logan’s • Considers separation from Virginia desirable. successful. 40 BEGINNING OF THE STRUGGLE

• Fourth convention set for September, 1786. • Some resent Virginia’s course toward • No quorum obtained. Kentucky. • Meets and adjourns every day until January. • The convention submits. • Too late then to comply with the conditions of • John Logan’s expedition causes trouble. the act. • Virginia forbids all unjust violences towards • Virginia petitioned to alter the act. Indians. • She refuses, but passes another act. • Virginia’s action is misunderstood by many. • John Marshall informs the convention of this • Her good feeling toward Kentucky is fact. momentarily doubted. • Kentuckians grievously disappointed.

41 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

42 CHAPTER VII THE SPANISH CONSPIRACY, 1786-1788

he southern territory of the United States should agree to forbear to navigate the Missis- States extended to the 31st degree of sippi below the southern boundary for twenty or thirty T latitude. Below this line the Spanish years. To this the seven northern still held the dominion they had exercised since the States voted in the affirmative, the discovery of the continent. six southern States, in the nega- In 1513, Ponce de Leon tive; and Virginia immediately Spanish dominions landed on the southeastern passed resolutions in opposition coast, and claimed in the to the proposition. It required the name of the Spanish king a region of indefinite ex- concurrence of nine States to tent, to which he gave the name of Florida. Here he carry such a motion. Neverthe- planted a short-lived colony, composed of men who less, Mr. Jay, acting upon the de- John Jay had come to drink of the fabulous fountain of im- cision of the majority, made his proposition to mortal youth. Through this region the intrepid and Gardoqui, the Spanish minister; but it was rejected ambitious De Soto had led his deluded followers in with scorn. their hopeless search for gold, only to find his grave These transactions took place in faraway New in the Mississippi River. Here the Huguenots had York. There were only a few citizens in Kentucky sought refuge from religious persecutions in France, who knew of them shortly and here Menendez had established the first perma- after their occurrence. Kentucky’s reception nent Spanish colony at St. Augustine, in 1565, years Most of the people were in of the action of before the English had settled at Jamestown or the ignorance of the truth con- Congress Pilgrim fathers had landed at Plymouth. It was a land cerning them. The action of warmth and beauty, of luxuriant vegetation, of stag- of Congress was misrepre- nating civilization. Soon the vigorous Americans were sented. Already Wilkinson had done much to in- to drive out their weaker neighbors, but not before flame the people against the Federal government. Ex- the Spanish king had made an adroit effort to hold citement in the District was rising to a high degree. and increase his dominions in the New World. There was no other way of transportation except by Spanish possessions lay on both sides of the water. Kentucky’s present and future prosperity Mississippi River. The United States demanded the seemed to depend upon her being able to carry her right to navigate that river. Spain refused to concede products on the Ohio River into the Mississippi, and this privilege. John Jay, of thus to the markets of the world. It was the subject New York, secretary for of vital importance. A meeting of citizens was held Jay’s proposition foreign affairs, was most at Danville in May, 1787, to discuss the navigation anxious to conclude a question. treaty with Spain. Furthermore, he was ignorant of In the early summer, Wilkinson gathered the great growth of the Western Country, as Ken- together all the tobacco and other products he could tucky and the neighboring region was then called. In buy, and went to New Orleans, ostensibly on a trad- the summer of 1786, he went before congress and ing expedition. His real object, however, was to of- proposed a “project” which he hoped would bring fer his services to Spain in order to restore his now about the desired treaty. It was this: that the United reduced fortune. If he failed in this effort, his inten-

43 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

tion was to turn to England for the same purpose. tion the older men applauded the captivating politi- At New Orleans, an order was given to seize his cargo; cian. but the cunning general In the meantime, a most notable undertak- sought an interview with ing had been accomplished. On the 18th day of Au- The Spanish con- Miro, the Spanish governor gust, 1787, John and Field- spiracy of the province. He ex- ing Bradford issued at Lex- The Kentucke Ga- plained his visit. Then he ington the first news paper zette was treated with the utmost courtesy. He was allowed published in Kentucky, to sell his goods, for which a high price was paid; and and the second west of the permission was granted to him to ship goods to New Alleghanies, to which they gave the name Kentucke Orleans for sale. Gazette Accustomed as we The evidence goes to prove that then and are to a multiplicity of journals there Wilkinson sold himself to Spain.1 He bound containing a wide range of in- himself to use all the influence in his power (and that formation, it is hard for us to influence was great) “to obtain the separation of Ken- realize the general satisfaction tucky from the United States, and then to deliver the and rejoicing occasioned by District thus separated into the hands of his Majesty the appearance of this mea- the King of Spain, to become a province of that ger, quaint little sheet, still rev- power.” All privileges of trade were granted to erently preserved in the pub- Wilkinson, in order that he might prove to the people lic library at Lexington. of Kentucky the advantages they would obtain by be- Early Printing Press During Wilkinson’s coming Spanish subjects. A large sum of money was absence, the fifth convention now advanced to him, and in the following February assembled, September 17, 1787. It held a quiet ses- he returned to Lexington, to display the success of sion, and adjourned submissive to the act of Virginia, his trading venture, in a carriage drawn by four horses, after having prepared a pe- and accompanied by slaves as attendants. He gave tition to Congress, in which The fifth convention brilliant balls, and the young people danced and the 31st of December, 1788, was fixed upon as the time when the authority of Virginia over Kentucky should terminate. The people of the District were now informed of the proceedings of the convention through the columns of the Gazette. John Brown was commissioned to present to Congress Kentucky’s application for admission into the Confederation of States, by which name the John Brown thirteen original colonies were first called. John Brown,2 the son of a Presbyterian clergyman of Au- gusta County, Virginia, had come to Kentucky in 1783, the year which brought over so many men who Wilkinson’s Return to Lexington acted important parts in the public affairs of the period. He had been a member from the District in praised the gallant host; he gave fine dinners, and in the Virginia Senate, and was now going to take his the midst of the good cheer and flashing conversa- seat in Congress, to which he had just been appointed.

1. The Spanish Conspiracy. By Thomas Marshall Green. 2. The Political Beginnings of Kentucky. By John Mason Brown. 44 THE SPANISH CONSPIRACY

Unfortunately, no quorum in Congress was obtained the consideration of the new government. The reso- until late in January, 1788. Kentucky’s application lutions were conveyed to the sixth convention, as- was not presented until the 29th of February. sembled at Danville, July From the opening of Congress the absorbing 28, 1788. About the same Application referred interest had been the question of adoption of the new time, a letter was received to new Congress Federal constitution, which by Judge Samuel Constitution adopted had recently been prepared McDowell, the president of and offered to the several the convention, from John Brown, the congressman, States to be voted upon. It which contained information concerning the act of was a topic of deep importance. If this constitution Congress, and also an account of an interview Brown were adopted, — its supporters wisely foresaw, — a had had with Gardoqui, the Spanish minister. In new, strong Union would be established in place of this conversation the Spaniard had “stated that if the the old, weak Confederation then existing. No at- people of Kentucky would erect themselves into an tention was paid to Kentucky’s application until the independent State and appoint a proper person to end of May. While Congress was slowly considering negotiate with him, he had authority for that purpose, this all-important matter for Kentucky, news was re- and would enter into an arrangement with them for ceived that New Hampshire had voted in favor of the exportation of their produce to New Orleans on the constitution. Nine states — enough to cause the terms of mutual advantage.” adoption — were now secured, and Virginia was soon It is not surprising that the acts of Congress to add her ratification. Of the Kentucky delegates in created the utmost disappointment in Kentucky, af- the Virginia Assembly only three voted in the affir- ter the tedious, now useless mative. They were Robert Breckinridge, Rice Bul- efforts which had been Three classes in lock, and Humphrey Marshall. made to obtain indepen- Kentucky In Kentucky the new constitution did not dence. They did more, — meet with hearty acceptance. This fact was due to a they heightened the resent- misapprehension of the ment of some of the people, and increased their situation. The people were doubt of the good disposition of the central govern- The Political Club afraid that if a stronger cen- ment toward them. The northern States had been tral government were estab- indifferent to the welfare of the Western Country, lished, their right to the navigation of the Mississippi and there were many disinterested though unwise would be bartered away in order to secure a treaty men in Kentucky, who were exasperated at the slow with Spain. The different points contained in it were action of Congress in their affairs. Recognizing the freely discussed, night after night, at the meeting of necessity of the District’s becoming an independent the Political Club, an organization that was founded State, and the value of the permission to navigate the in Danville in 1786, and existed until 1790. Many of Mississippi River, they were willing to resort to revo- the prominent citizens of the neighborhood were lutionary means in order to obtain these advantages. members of the club, and matters of vital interest to But there were others who had no thought of the the District were considered by them with an ability good of the community, and acted solely from self- that proves the Kentuckians of that time to have been ish interest. Whatever conflicting views may be held a remarkable people. The minutes of the club, which regarding the motives of some during this most con- were carefully preserved by the secretary, Thomas fusing period, there can be no doubt of the falsity of Speed, have recently been published. Wilkinson and Sebastian, — they are self-convicted. As the new constitution was now adopted, the There was another class, to whom too much honor Congress of the old Confederation, then in session, cannot be given, — those who in the midst of the ex- resolved that it had no authority to act upon the ap- cited passions of the time remained loyal to the gov- plication of Kentucky. It was therefore referred to ernment of the United States. The two former classes

1. The Political Club. By Thomas Speed. Filson Club Publication No. 9. 45 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

belonged to the Court party; the latter, to the Coun- announced that he would be guided by the wishes of try party. his constituents. This promise and his great popu- Still that controlling spirit of wise moderation larity secured his election, while his associates were (which has been pointed out in the second chapter defeated. The other four delegates chosen were John of this period) held the con- Allen, Colonel Joseph Crockett, Colonel Thomas vention back from any rash Marshall, and Judge Muter. Temper of the sixth act. However, as an out- The seventh convention assembled Novem- convention growth of the prevailing ex- ber 4, 1788. The most vital question in the life of citement, it called for the Kentucky was about to be election of delegates to a seventh convention, who decided: whether she Seventh convention should be empowered “to do and accomplish what- should determine to sub- ever, on a consideration of the state of the District, mit to the recent act of may in their opinion promote its interest.” Now was Congress and take the necessary legal steps to obtain Wilkinson’s opportunity to lead the people to be- her separation from Virginia and admittance into the lieve that it would “promote their interests” to be- Union, or whether she should determine to separate come Spanish subjects; but like all schemers he herself illegally from Virginia and erect herself an in- worked slyly, never openly. dependent State. If the latter course were followed, Before the election of delegates to the sev- the Spanish government had a good chance to ob- enth conventions, George Muter, chief justice of the tain control of Kentucky. District, published in the The forces in the convention were drawn up Gazette an address to the against each other. Let it not be supposed, however, Judge Muter’s address people. He proved that that all those who favored violent separation from they had no authority to act Virginia knew of, or sympathized with, Wilkinson’s for themselves independently of Virginia, and that scheme to make Kentucky a Spanish province. At by so doing they would be guilty of treason. He the outset a discussion arose as the power which the pointed out the evident meaning of the resolution of convention possessed. The Court party contended the late convention. He showed that it clearly gave that it had all power necessary to frame a constitu- to the delegates of the next convention power to treat tion, to declare the District independent, etc. The with Spain to obtain the navigation of the Mississippi. Country party, on the contrary, strongly opposed ev- He proved that such action would be contrary to the ery argument of this nature. Federal constitution, and he therefore suggested to Upon the day following this discussion the people of the Fayette County that they should Wilkinson made a speech before the convention. He instruct their next delegates not to agree to frame a dwelt freely upon the dan- constitution and form of government without first ob- gers of Indian hostilities, Wilkinson’s speech taining the consent of the Virginia legislature and not and described brilliantly to make any application for the navigation of the Mis- the advantages of the navi- sissippi other than to the legislature of Virginia or to gation of the Mississippi River, and pointed out the the Congress of the United States. inability of Congress to obtain for Kentucky this ben- This had the desired effect. The contest in efit. He openly advocated the violent separation of the other counties was quiet; but in Fayette it was Kentucky from Virginia; but he only hinted at his attended by great excite- real scheme, — to deliver Kentucky when thus sepa- ment. As usual, the elec- rated into the hands of the Spanish government. And The Fayette election tion lasted five days. It be- all the while he watched the faces of his hearers to came evident that the see what effect his adroit suggestions would have upon Country party was going to be completely victorious. them. If he discovered satisfaction on their counte- The ever adroit Wilkinson, one of the candidates of nances, he would go further and declare his plan; if the Court party, perceived the situation, and promptly

46 THE SPANISH CONSPIRACY

he discovered disapproval, he had not committed that a committee be appointed to draft an address to himself in words, and he could yet retreat. the good people of the District urging them to fur- The majority of the convention were not only nish the convention at its next session with instruc- indisposed to listen to any overtures from Spain, but tion how to proceed in this important subject of an they were decidedly loyal to independent government. the government of the This resolution was adopted, greatly to the Loyalty of the con- United States, and op- fears of the party opposing illegal separation. Where- vention posed to an illegal separa- upon, Colonel Crockett, tion from Virginia. lately an officer of the revo- Patriotism triumphs Wilkinson misunderstood the Kentuckians. They lution and a stanch adher- applauded his showy oratory, but they were indepen- ent of the Union, left the dent in action and staunch in principle. They were convention and hastened to Fayette County. He re- thoroughly aroused to an appreciation of the dan- turned in two days, having obtained the signatures of gers which might arise from their dependent posi- several hundred citizens who were opposed to an il- tion, and of the fatal results of the Mississippi being legal separation. Wilkinson, who had given his prom- closed to them. And yet they nobly resisted the temp- ise to be guided by the will of his constituents, was tation of benefits offered to them by Spain, and re- obliged to submit. Patriotism carried the day. The mained loyal to the country for which they had fought, address to the Virginia Assembly was accepted, and and had been ready to give their lives. the convention adjourned to meet again the follow- In the revulsion of feeling created by the sen- ing July. timents thus boldly advocated by Wilkinson a reso- This was the crisis in the life of Kentucky. It lution, offered by John had been dwelt upon thus at length because no other Edwards and seconded by event in her history so Turning point in the Thomas Marshall, was clearly reveals the charac- contest Loyalty characteristic agreed to, which proved to ter of the people. Let ev- of Kentucky be the turning point in the ery one who studies this contest. The resolution provided for the appoint- subject learn that in the ment of “a committee to draw up a decent and re- midst of high excitement the Kentuckians acted de- spectful address to the people of Virginia, for obtain- liberately and soberly; in the midst of strong tempta- ing the independence of the District of Kentucky tions they acted wisely and patriotically. Let him also agreeable to the late resolutions and r- learn that in Kentucky every individual has weight. ecommendations of Congress.” Although Wilkinson did not abandon his scheme to But even after this decisive indication of the separate Kentucky from the United States, and al- loyal feeling of the convention had been given, other though his friend, Sebastian, after this received a pen- efforts were made by the opposite faction to carry sion from Spain for his efforts in that work, yet there their object. Before the “decent and respectful” ad- was no further danger that Kentucky would become dress was accepted, Wilkinson offered a resolution disloyal to the Union.

RECAPITULATION • Spanish possessions in America. • “Jay’s project.” • Spain desires to hold the region. • Action of Congress on the subject • Owns both sides of the Mississippi below the misunderstood. 31st degree of latitude. • The navigation necessary to Kentucky’s • Refuses navigation to the Americans. prosperity.

47 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

• Excitement in the District. • Two classes in the Court party. • Meeting of the citizens at Danville. • The Country party loyal. • Wilkinson goes to New Orleans. • Wilkinson and Sebastian. • Allies himself with Spain. • The convention moderate in action. • Right of trade, etc., granted him. • Dangerous resolutions are adopted. • He returns in state to impress the people. • Muter’s card points out the meaning of the • Kentucke Gazette established. resolutions. • Fifth convention holds a quiet session. • Effect upon the election in Fayette County. • Fixes the time for separation. • Wilkinson’s promise and election. • Proceedings published in the Gazette. • The vital question before the seventh • John Brown, congressman of the District. convention. • He presents Kentucky’s petition. • Illegal separation advocated. • Congress is absorbed in other matters. • Wilkinson’s adroit speech. • Pays no attention to the petition. • Convention opposed to his suggestions. • New Federal constitution adopted. • Contrary resolutions carried. • The petition is brought before the old • Wilkinson’s further effort. Congress. • Crockett’s petition from Fayette County. • Is referred to the new Congress. • Wilkinson obliged to submit. • The sixth convention is informed of this fact. • Victory of the loyal party. • Brown’s letter to McDowell. • Kentucky’s sober conduct. • Gardoqui’s proposition to Kentucky. • The people control. • Kentucky distracted because of her situation.

48 CHAPTER VIII THE END OF THE STRUGGLE, 1788-1792

till the struggle for statehood was not The fertile Kentucky country and the vast ended. Nowhere was there any official West connected with it were objects of desire to for- Sopposition to Kentucky’s becoming an eign kingdoms. Already it had been known to the independent member of the Union, neither within people of the District that Great Britain stood ready the District, in the Virginia with open arms to receive them. Connolly visited Assembly, nor in the Con- many prominent men in Louisville, and then went Statehood not yet gress of the United States. to Fayette County, where he held an interview with attained And yet, by some strange Colonel Thomas Marshall, a few days after the excit- enchantment, it seemed ing seventh convention (November, 1788). But impossible to accomplish the desired end. The fruit- Marshall was strongly attached to the Federal gov- less conventions have been compared to “the card ernment and a friend of Washington, the President edifices of children which are no sooner erected than, elect of the United States. Dr. Connolly met with no at a breath, they are destroyed”. encouragement, and the British intrigue came to an No parallel occurs in history of such exas- end. perating, needless delay in a worthy cause. The an- Still other acts were to be passed by the Vir- nals of history may be searched in vain, also, to find ginia legislature, and further conventions held in Ken- a parallel to the patience with which the high-spirited tucky, before the weary Kentuckians bore these trials, and to the loyalty which work of separation was Other conventions they cherished toward the government of their coun- over. The eighth conven- try. Kentucky’s situation was isolated; but the deep tion, which assembled July excitement which prevailed in the District concern- 20, 1789, objected to certain points in the third act ing the separation and the navigation of the Missis- of Virginia. A fourth act was then passed. To this, sippi was known abroad. the ninth convention, assembled July 26, 1790, In the autumn of 1788, Dr. John Connolly agreed, and fixed the 1st day of June, 1792, as the appeared in Kentucky. He was the same Connolly date the separation should take place. This conven- for whom, in 1773, lands tion called for the election of delegates to a tenth had been surveyed at the convention. British intrigue Falls of the Ohio, where Other acts regarding Kentucky were also the city of Louisville now passed by the Virginia legislature about this time. One stands. He announced that he came to look after sixth part of the surveyors’ these lands, of which he had been deprived because fees, formerly paid to Wil- Other acts of the he was a Tory. But in reality he was a British agent. liam and Mary College Virginia Assembly His mission was to induce Kentucky to withdraw from (Virginia), were ordered to the Union and to throw herself upon the protection be paid to Transylvania of Great Britain, who would assist her with troops, Seminary. Also the county of Woodford was estab- ammunition, etc., to take possession of New Orleans, lished, the last of the nine formed while Kentucky and thus to force the navigation of the Mississippi was a District. They were in order: Fayette, Jefferson, from Spain by arms. Lincoln, Nelson, Bourbon, Mercer, Madison, Ma- son, and Woodford.

49 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

The last towns established during the colo- trict had left the protection of the forts, and were nial period were Bardstown and Hopewell. The lat- now living in separated homes. The Indians no ter was settled as Houston’s Station, longer came in in 1776. In 1790, the name was large numbers, Indian depredations changed to Paris. Today it is the thriv- but small par- ing center of the wealthy county of ties would fall Bourbon. Many prominent men lived upon and murder single individuals, or in and about Bardstown in the early several traveling together. Men hunting times. There, in the cemetery, is the game for their families were attacked. grave of poor John Fitch (bearing the Men and women calmly going to church date of his death, 1798), whose name were killed or captured. Tragedies upon is so pathetically connected with the the Ohio River were especially frequent. invention of the steamboat. The town Boats bearing travelers from, or settlers and surrounding neighborhood was into, the District were seized, and the oc- settled largely by Maryland Catholics cupants were subjected to the most cruel at the close of the Revolution. They tortures. Far and wide rang the cry of Captured on the Way to Church were people of culture, and they have these distressing facts. Complaints were held the region to the present day, planting in it their made to the President of the United states and to the institutions of learning and religion. Thither fled secretary of war. In answer, the President assured Trappist monks from France, who founded the the people that measures for their protection would “Home of Silent Brotherhood”. Near by the pious be taken; and the secretary of war authorized the Sisters of Loretto dwell in the convent of the Stricken Heart. The Presbyterians in Kentucky have already been dwelt upon. The Baptists entered Kentucky in the very beginning of its Early religious de- settlement. The Rev. Wil- nominations liam Hickman preached here as early as 1776; but it was not until 1781 that there existed an organized church. In September of that year, the Rev. Lewis Craig, and most of his con- gregation, left Spottsylvania County, Virginia, for Ken- tucky.1 As they traveled, they stopped occasionally on the way to hold regular services. Thus they entered the District as an organized church. The next in point of time were the Method- ists, whose evangelistic spirit early led them forth to preach the Gospel in the new country. The Episco- palians had no church until many years after the Dis- trict had become a State. That large and ever increasing denomination known under the broad ap- pellation the Christian church had not yet taken its rise. Again the depressing account of Indian dep- Kentucky Captives redations must be continued. The people of the Dis-

1. Other immigrants had attached themselves to the expedition. There were in all between five and six hundred. The Traveling Church, by George W. Ranck. 50 THE END OF THE STRUGGLE

county lieutenants to call out scouts to guard the fron- pointed commander in chief of the army of the tier. Northwest. Another expedition against the Miami At last the government of the United States Indians was planned. As a had learned that treaties with Indians were of no avail, preparation for this serious St. Clair’s appoint- and that the only way to undertaking two small, but ment Harmer’s defeat subdue them was to carry successful, expeditions war home to them in their against the Wabash Indians own country. General were arranged by the local Board of War, — the first Harmar was now placed at the head of three hun- under General Charles Scott, the second led by Colo- dred and twenty regulars of the United States army. nel James Wilkinson. Their object was to subdue Soon a force amounting to more than eleven hun- these Indians, so that they would not aid the Miami dred volunteers was collected in Kentucky, under tribes. General St. Clair’s appointment was not agree- Colonel John Hardin. These troops assembled at able to the Kentuckians. While he was an honor- Fort Washington (where Cincinnati now stands), Sep- able man and a brave officer, he was old and infirm, tember 30, 1790, and marched to the towns of the and altogether unfitted for the projected campaign Miami Indians. Harmar had been an officer in the against the most formidable of Indian confederations. Revolution; but he seems to have lost his ability upon No volunteers offered in Kentucky. Therefore, one this expedition. He might have overawed and con- thousand unwilling men were drafted and placed quered the Indians by meeting them with his whole under the command of Colonel William Oldham. body of troops. But instead of doing this, twice he Many of these deserted before reaching their desti- sent out small detachments, each time under the com- nation. mand of Colonel Hardin, and each time these were St. Clair was not aided by the government as surprised and almost completely destroyed; while not he might have been.1 By the day of the battle not far away, the larger portion of the army remained more than fourteen hun- calmly in camp. Harmar’s defeat lost him his repu- dred men remained in his St. Clair’s defeat tation, and made the Indians exultant and conse- army. Of these only a small quently more murderous toward the Kentuckians. portion were regulars. The Between the years 1783 and 1790, about fif- rest were dissatisfied, undisciplined troops, with teen hundred persons had been killed or taken cap- whom a very capable leader would have found vic- tive within the District, or tory difficult. With St. Clair defeat was inevitable. on their way to it. Further On the 3rd of November, 1791, the army was en- Local Board of War efforts were made to stop camped on the eastern fork of the Wabash River. such tragedies. A local During the afternoon and evening, Board of War was appointed by Congress, which Indians were discovered in the vi- should have charge of the protection of the District. cinity, and were frequently shot at The men chosen for this position of trust were Colo- by the sentinels. St. Clair had been nel Isaac Shelby, the man who had turned the tide at expressly warned by Washington Point Pleasant, and who had planned the scheme of against a surprise, and yet he made attack which led to the decisive victory at King’s no preparations for an attack. Mountain; General Charles Scott, also a tried officer Consequently, just after sunrise, of the Revolution; Hary Innes, formerly attorney-gen- the next morning, when the Indi- Arthur St. Clair eral of the District, now judge of the Federal court; ans opened fire upon the army, there was the old Congressman John Brown; and Benjamin Logan, story of a surprise, with all the panic and slaughter well known to us as a pioneer. that usually follow. St. Clair and General Richard About this time General Arthur St. Clair, then Butler, the second in command, courageously tried governor of the Northwestern Territory, was ap- to rally their men, but in vain. The Indians were so

1. St. Clair’s Defeat. By Hon. Theodore Roosevelt. Harper’s Magazine, February, 1896. 51 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

hidden by the smoke of the artillery of the whites note than the fact that commerce in slaves is prohib- that they could not be seen. They seemed suddenly ited. While the provision was made that the legisla- to spring out of the earth to shoot down the foe, and ture could not emancipate slaves without the con- then to disappear. Most of the officers (among them, sent of the owners, yet the power was given to that General Butler) were killed, and about two thirds of body to force the owners of slaves to provide prop- the army. Then only one thought inspired the rest, erly for them, and to treat them with humanity. — every man made a mad rush to save his own life, “Immediately after the adoption of the con- and the Indians followed in close pursuit. stitution, Colonel Isaac Shelby was elected governor. The previous February, the Congress of the In him the State secured an United States had agreed to admit Kentucky into the admirable chief magistrate. Isaac Shelby, the first Union as an independent The people could not have governor State, June 1, 1792. Ac- chosen better. He was a Constitutional con- cordingly, April 3, 1792, Marylander, who became, vention the tenth and last in his early manhood, a citizen off what is convention as- now Tennessee (then a part of North Caro- sembled at Danville, as usual, to form a con- lina). He did brilliant service in the battle of stitution for the new Commonwealth. The Point Pleasant, in October, 1774. After- convention was composed of five delegates wards, in North Carolina, he playing a most from each of the nine counties then exist- gallant part in small expeditions, but espe- ing. The majority of them were very able cially in remedying the ruin that the defeat men; many of them had served repeatedly of Gates at Camden brought upon the con- in former conventions. The constitution was tinental cause. When others were appalled modeled after the recently launched Fed- by the magnitude of this disaster, Shelby eral constitution. Isaac Shelby seemed to awake to a full sense of his really The government was organized under three great military power. He saved a little army he then heads, — legislative, executive, and judicial. The leg- commanded, and secured a large number of prison- islative power was vested in ers in his hands by a swift march to the west into the a General Assembly, con- recesses of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then, when Features of the sisting of a Senate and a he had disposed of his captives, he turned upon the constitution House of Representatives. famous Ferguson, and by the well-conceived and ad- The senators were chosen for four years by a college of electors. The representatives were chosen for one year, and were elected by the people. The executive power was vested in a governor, who was likewise chosen for four years by the college of electors. The judicial power was vested in a supreme court and inferior courts, which the legislature might from time to time establish. The judges of the supreme court and of the inferior courts were nominated with the consent of the Senate, were appointed by the governor, and held office during good behavior. Elections were made by ballot, and the right of suffrage was granted to every free male white inhabitant of the State, of the proper age, who Battle of King’s Mountain had not been disfranchised by conviction of crime. Ministers were not allowed to hold any legislative mirably executed move on King’s Mountain, de- office. No point in the document is more worthy of stroyed the force of that able commander at a single

52 THE END OF THE STRUGGLE blow. Although Shelby was not in name the chief in taking part in the early struggles for emancipation this action, there is no reason to doubt that the con- from Virginia’s control. As brave in action as he was ception of the campaign and the vigor of its execu- wise in council, his choice as the first governor was tion were his alone. His also was the scheme of at- an honor and a blessing to the young Common- tack which led to the battle of Cowpens. He went to wealth.”1 Kentucky in 1783, where he married and remained,

RECAPITULATION • Statehood not yet attained. • Treaties with Indians of no avail. • The fact known abroad. • An expedition against the Miamis planned. • A British agent sent to Kentucky. • Force sent from Kentucky. • The bribe ready for Kentucky. • Harmar’s defeat. • The intrigue disclosed to Colonel Thomas • Indians more belligerent than ever. Marshall. • Local Board of War appointed. • The end of the intrigue. • St. Clair’s appointment. • Eighth convention rejects the third act of • Dissatisfaction of Kentuckians. Virginia. • Kentucky troops are drafted. • Ninth convention agrees to the fourth act. • Expedition against the Miami Indians. • Date for separation fixed. • St. Clair’s overwhelming defeat. • Tenth convention called. • Kentucky admitted into the Union. • The counties of the colonial era. • Tenth convention. • Hopewell established. • State constitution framed. • Bardstown established. • Resembles the Federal constitution. • Roman Catholic occupation. • Legislative, executive, and judicial powers. • Baptists in Kentucky. • Commerce in slaves prohibited. • “The Traveling Church.” • Isaac Shelby chosen governor. • The Methodists. • His military and civil services and fitness for the • Other denominations. position. • Troubles from Indians again.

1. The above quotation is taken from Professor Shaler’s scholarly study Kentucky in the American Commonwealth Series. 53 THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

54 III — FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH, 1792-1850 CHAPTER IX ORGANIZATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, 1792-1796

he years of weary waiting were over the entire proceeding, he was escorted to his cham- at last, and the government of the new bers to rest at the Sheaf of Wheat inn, while the en- T Commonwealth was about to be or- thusiasm of the citizens continued and the bells of ganized. On the morning of the 4th of June, 1792, the town broke forth in joyous acclamation. the town of Lexington — Later in the day, the governor sent his reply appointed to be the first to the address of welcome and, at the same time, Lexington the first Lexington the first capital of the State — was announced his appoint- capital capital stirred with eager anticipa- ments for secretary of state State appointments tion. The day before, Isaac and attorney-general. Shelby had left his country place in Lincoln County James Brown, selected for and started on his journey to assume the duties of the former office, afterwards served repeatedly in the governor. At Danville the citizens poured forth to United States Senate and ably filled the high posi- offer their congratulations in an address which had tion of minister to France. George Nicholas, ap- been prepared for the occasion. On the way, Shelby pointed to the latter office, was one of the brilliant was met by a company of volunteer troops, which Virginians who had sought Kentucky at the close of had been sent out from Lexington to conduct him the Revolution. He was a truly great lawyer. His into the capital. From various parts of the State, career here was as successful as it was short. He strangers had come to witness the ceremonies of the settled near Danville in 1788, and died in Lexington inauguration. The people were all in the streets, ar- in 1799. rayed in their best attire. There was a generous min- gling of broadcloth costumes and buckskin, of imported silk and homespun gowns. As the procession neared the town, loud cheers arose, which were somewhat drowned by the firing of a cannon, the cracking of rifles and the The inauguration beating of drums. At the corner of Main Street and Broadway the governor was received with military honors by the Lexington Light Infantry. There he alighted from his horse to receive the address of welcome which was presented to him by the chairman of the town Board of Trustees, John Bradford, otherwise “Old Wisdom,” who has already been introduced to us as editor of the Kentucke Gazette. Courtly formality and homely simplicity met in the unpaved public square. The oath of office was ad- ministered to the governor. Then, with the same stateliness and military parade that had characterized Shelby’s Inauguration

55 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

The legislature assembled and chose the legislature adjourned, to hold no more meetings in speakers of the two houses, — Alexander Scott Bullitt, Lexington. The commissioners had selected Frank- for the Senate, and Robert fort as the permanent capi- Breckinridge, for the tal of the State. Nestled in Legislature assembles Frankfort the perma- House of Representatives. the midst of hills, on the nent capital of the On the sixth day, the gov- banks of the Kentucky State ernor met the legislature in person, after the ancient River, Frankfort had cer- custom of English kings which had been followed by tainly the advantage of a the colonial governors. He appeared at the door of picturesque situation. A private dwelling was em- the Senate chamber of the first log statehouse, at- ployed as a temporary statehouse while a permanent tended by his secretary of state. The speaker of the stone building was being erected. This was occupied Senate advanced to meet him to conduct him to his November 3, 1794. A governor’s mansion was like- seat. After a moment of solemn silence, he arose, wise built. read an address to the two Houses, and presented a The Indians were not yet subdued and still manuscript copy to each of the speakers, and then continued to harass the Kentuckians. Major John retired in an impressive manner. The speaker of the Adair, with about one hun- House of Representatives and the members thereof dred Kentucky militia, af- Military affairs likewise retired to transact business in their own hall. ter a gallant fight at Fort St. The Legislature elected two United States senators, Clair, in Ohio, was de- — John Brown, who had already represented Ken- feated by a large body of Indians under Little Turtle. tucky in the old Congress, and John Edwards. The Colonel John Hardin and Major Truman were sent House of Representatives elected five commission- by General James Wilkinson on a mission to the ers to fix upon a permanent seat of government. Indians in northwest Ohio, and both were murdered. The court of appeals consisted of three Boats were continually waylaid, and isolated frontier judges. The persons appointed by the governor for stations were attacked. this dignified position were After his disastrous defeat, General St. Clair Judges appointed Caleb Wallace, another retired from the command of the armies of the North- able Virginia lawyer who west, and General Wayne, known as “Mad Anthony,” had risen to high standings was appointed to that position. in Kentucky; Benjamin Sebastian, the same who had General Wayne called upon entered into the Spanish conspiracy, but whose trea- Kentucky for volunteers; but son was not then the Kentuckians had lost con- suspected; and fidence in regular troops, be- Hary Innes, who cause of the defeats of Harmer was selected to be and St. Clair, and none offered. chief justice. Innes Governor Shelby ordered a declined, however, draft, and in this way one thou- in order to receive sand mounted militiamen were Anthony Wayne the office of raised and placed under Gen- United States dis- eral Charles Scott’s command. They joined Gen- trict judge, and eral Wayne, October 24, 1793, at his headquarters, George Muter was about eighty miles north of Cincinnati. Because of appointed in his the approach of winter, however, the commander in stead. chief decided not to prosecute the proposed cam- On the paign at that time. Fort Greenville was built, and the Hary Innes 22nd of Decem- regular troops went into winter quarters, while the ber, 1792, the second session of the first Kentucky Kentucky militia were dismissed. One benefit had

56 ORGANIZATION OF THE GOVERNMENT

been obtained: General Wayne’s military ability had tucky the horrors of the French Revolution were still inspired the Kentuckians with confidence. unknown. It represented only an inspiring move- Two issues ran side by side in the State and ment toward liberty. The tone of the Lexington so- divided the thoughts of the people: the cessation of ciety is indicated by the following resolution: “That their Indian troubles, and the right of the people on the waters of the Missis- the navigation of the Mis- sippi, to its navigation, is undoubted, and ought to be Political affairs sissippi River. For years peremptorily demanded of Spain by the United Sates there had been many poli- government.” ticians in Kentucky who believed that these benefits John Breckinridge was its first president. He might have been obtained for them, if Congress had was a young lawyer, who had recently come to Ken- not been indifferent to their welfare. Great animos- tucky from Virginia. His ity was felt toward England, which still held the mili- clear mind and eloquent John Breckinridge tary posts in the Northwest, and toward Spain, which oratory had brought him had closed to the Mississippi. recognition in his native In 1793, news reached Kentucky that France State. In Kentucky he took an active part in political had declared war against England, Spain, and Hol- affairs. He died in 1806, having held for one year land. The further fact was made known that the Presi- the office of attorney-general in Jefferson’s cabinet. dent had refused to enter into an alliance with France. Citizen Genet, minister of France, had re- Washington knew that cently landed at Charleston, South Carolina, for the war at this time would purpose of enlisting aid for be disastrous to the his country in the impend- French conspiracy United States. He ing war. Immediately he stood firm on this point saw the situation in Ken- through that marvelous, tucky, and sent thither several agents to raise volun- calm foresight which teers for an expedition against New Orleans and the controlled all his ac- Spanish possessions. So intense was the feeling in tions. But the majority Kentucky on the navigation question, that the French- of the people of the man succeeded in enlisting two thousand men for United States sympa- this conspiracy. George Rogers Clark accepted the thized with France, who commission of “major general in the armies of France had so recently aided and commander in chief of the revolutionary legions them in their conflict on the Mississippi.” George Washington with Great Britain. No- The proposed conspiracy became known to where was this attachment more ardent than in Ken- the Federal government. Letters passed between tucky. Nevertheless, as is invariably the case, there Washington and Shelby on was a division of sentiment. the subject. It was a time Governor Shelby’s Those who adhered to the policy of the gov- of trial to the governor, but position ernment of the United States were called Federal- his conduct was marked ists; those who were op- with caution and wisdom. Federalists and Anti- posed to it were called ei- As governor of Kentucky he stood ready to perform Federalists ther Anti-Federalists, or whatever was constitutionally required of him; but Republicans, and later, he believed that this matter concerned the Federal Democrats. At Lexington government, and not that of the State. He did not there was organized a Democratic Club, — an out- believe he had the power to forbid the expedition if growth of the one already established at Philadelphia, it could be accomplished. Moreover, he did not be- which was modeled on the Jacobin clubs of France. lieve it would be carried out. But the matter offered Others sprang up at Georgetown and Paris. In Ken- him a fitting opportunity to make known to the Presi-

57 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

dent the intense feeling of the Anti-Federalists in governor was not willing to renounce, at once, all hope Kentucky against the central government, which had of ever gaining Kentucky. Sebastian was paid two not obtained for the State the navigation of the Mis- thousand dollars for his efforts in this dishonorable sissippi. Happily the expedition was not accom- work, and continued to receive that amount annu- plished. Washington succeeded in having Genet really for eleven years. Sebastian’s treason was un- called, and another minister was appointed in his known to his fellow-Kentuckians, with probably two stead. or three exceptions. He continued to hold his office The campaign against the Indians in the of judge of the court of appeals until 1806, at which Northwest, projected by General Wayne in the au- time he was exposed and compelled to resign. tumn of 1793, was carried We have learned that the opposition of Ken- into effect the following tuckians to the Federal government had its origin in Wayne’s victory summer. In July, General their own trials; for a large Charles Scott, with sixteen majority of the people be- Summary hundred Kentucky volunteers, joined General lieved that the central gov- Wayne at Fort Recovery. The regular force under ernment might have put an General Wayne was about equal in numbers to the end to those if it had attempted to do so. But there Kentucky militia. On the 20th of August, 1794, a were also clauses in the constitution of the United battle was fought at Fallen Timbers, on the Maumee, States to which they were directly opposed. Many which resulted in a brilliant victory for the Ameri- objected to the policy of the Federalists (by whom cans. An equally beneficial event followed close upon the constitution was framed) because they believed it Wayne’s conquest. In November, Chief Justice John tended toward a monarchical rather than a republi- Jay succeeded in concluding a treaty between the can form of government. We have noticed United States and Great Britain. Consequently the Kentucky’s isolated situation and her long, single- British posts in the Northwest were at last surren- handed struggle for existence. Naturally her people dered. were watchful for their State’s rights and liberties. But It was some time before this last fact was we have learned also, that in the times of greatest known in Kentucky. Prior to that time, in the year temptation her people stood true to the Union. This 1795, the Spanish governor fact indicates loyalty and sagacity and calls forth the of Louisiana again at- highest admiration. Second Spanish tempted to bribe Kentucky Now the Indian troubles were at an end, and conspiracy to secede from the Union, the Mississippi was open to Kentucky. Added to this, and to form an alliance with the feeling on the French Spain, in order to obtain the navigation of the Mis- question had changed. Temporary change of sissippi. Thomas Power, a naturalized Spaniard, was Genet’s illegal actions in sentiment sent to Kentucky to secure agents to accomplish this the United States had awak- end. The man selected to receive Power’s commu- ened disapproval. A fuller nication was Judge Benjamin Sebastian, one of the knowledge of the French Revolution had produced accomplices in the first Spanish conspiracy. a natural revulsion of feeling. Consequently, the Fed- Sebastian conferred with several prominent eral party in the State rose into temporary power. In Kentuckians. He then proceeded to Natchez, and 1795 Humphrey Marshall, the pronounced leader on to New Orleans, to negotiate with the authorities of the Federal side, was elected United States sena- there. However, before any agreement had been tor over John Breckinridge, the popular representa- reached between the Kentuckian and the Spanish tive of the Republicans. During this same year, how- governor, news came that a treaty between the United ever, the governor appointed Breckinridge attorney- States and Spain had been effected, and that Spain general of the State. had granted to the United States the free navigation In the year 1793, the first steamboat which of the Mississippi River. Nevertheless the Spanish ever successfully moved on any waters was exhibited

58 ORGANIZATION OF THE GOVERNMENT

at Lexington. The town branch of the Elkhorn — now disappeared from sight, but then a considerable stream — was dammed up Invention of the for the trial of the miniature steamboat model which had been constructed, and crowds of enthusiastic spectators rejoiced over the success of this important invention. Fitch’s Steamboat The inventor was Edward West, who emigrated from pages, — who, as early as 1785, completed his model. Virginia to Lexington in 1785, where he died in 1827, But unfortunately Fitch’s invention failed of success, after a long life spent in experimenting in inventions. either because he lacked the necessary funds or the The honor of having invented the steamboat belongs, adequate force of character to bring it to the knowl- however, to John Fitch, — before referred to in these edge of the people.

RECAPITULATION • Lexington the first capital. • The Lexington club. • Governor Shelby inaugurated. • John Breckinridge its president. • Military honors and picturesque parade. • The French conspiracy. • Two appointments announced. • General Clark’s commission. • Legislature assembles; speakers chosen. • Governor Shelby’s cautious action. • The governor opens the legislature. • Failure of the conspiracy. • Stately proceedings. • Wayne’s victory. • United States senators elected. • British posts resigned. • Judges appointed. • Second Spanish conspiracy. • Frankfort selected as the permanent capital. • Sebastian’s treason. • Public buildings erected there. • Treaty with Spain concluded. • Indian troubles again. • Kentucky generally Anti-Federal. • One thousand Kentuckians drafted. • Opposed to a strong central government. • Campaign postponed. • Momentary change of sentiment after the • The French war. Indian troubles are ended and the navigation • England, Spain, and Holland involved. granted. • Washington refuses to take part. • Federal party rises into power. • United States divided on the subject. • Humphrey Marshall elected United States • Kentucky is indignant. senator. • She dislikes England and Spain. • Edward West at Lexington. • Desires to aid France. • Models a steamboat in 1793. • Federalists and Anti-Federalists. • Successful trial on Elkhorn Creek. • Democratic clubs. • Fitch’s invention unsuccessful.

59 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

60 CHAPTER X POLITICAL SITUATION IN KENTUCKY, 1796-1811

n May, 1796, James Garrard was elected the United States without having obtained his per- second governor of Kentucky. The first mission. The second act was an attempt to control Iyear of his administration was marked by the people in the free expression of opinion. By this few events of importance. The following spring, the law it became an offense, subject to fine or imprison- advisability of revising the ment, for any one to utter, print, or publish any libel State constitution was dis- against the government of the United States, the Presi- Garrard’s administra- Garrard’s administra- cussed, and a vote was dent, or either House of Congress. tion tion taken to obtain the will of The Kentuckians were aroused, almost to a the people. But no deci- man. There was no wavering in their judgement of sion was reached in the matter, as a number of the these obnoxious laws. counties failed to make returns. A second vote was They deemed them di- Kentucky’s action taken on the same subject in 1798, and met with a rectly unconstitutional. In similar result. In the autumn of that year, the ques- their opinion they indi- tion was brought before the legislature, and as a ma- cated an assumption, on the part of the Federal gov- jority of the members voted in favor of revision, a ernment, of an authority which did not belong to it. convention was called for July 22, 1799. The first to issue a protest against them were the citi- During the summer of 1797, Thomas Power zens of Clark County. They embodied their opposi- was again sent to Kentucky to concert with Benjamin tion in a vigorous set of resolutions, which were trans- Sebastian regarding the separation of the State from mitted to their representative in Congress to be pre- the Union. But this third Spanish conspiracy failed sented by him to each branch of that body and to the in its very beginning. President. In the crowd The November session of the legislature re- which gathered at Lex- vised the criminal code, and punishment by death ington to discuss the sub- was allowed only for murder in the first degree. ject was young Henry The interval of quiet which Kentucky had Clay, — twenty-one years been enjoying was destined to be interrupted by a old, — who had come profound agitation. In the from Virginia the year spring session of 1798, the before to make his Alien and Sedition Congress of the United home in Kentucky. He laws States passed two acts had already made him- known in political history self known in the State of the nation as the Alien and Sedition laws. The by advocating the particularly objectionable features in these acts were gradual emancipation of the following: The first act gave to the President au- slavery. The people thority over all foreigners. He might grant them li- Henry Clay called upon him to cense to remain in the United States; he might order speak to them. The subject was one to stir the un- them to depart from its territory if he suspected them fledged genius of the orator. He was lifted into a of treasonable designs; he might imprison, accord- cart, from which “proud eminence” he poured forth ing to his judgement, all foreigners who returned to such denunciations of the act of Congress as won the

61 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

admiration and satisfaction of his high-wrought audi- time of their adoption the possible tendency of the ence. resolutions was not considered. They were framed But the most bold, far-reaching, effective sum- to meet a need of the hour. The Federal govern- mary of political doctrine called forth by these laws ment had assumed an authority, the Kentuckians was that contained in the believed, which was unconstitutional. Therefore, the resolutions known as the Federal government must be censured, else it might Kentucky’s Resolu- Kentucky Resolutions of encroach and assume greater power, and then be- tions of 1798 1798.1 The resolutions come monarchical, instead of Democratic. Kentucky were drafted by Thomas was passionately Democratic or Republican. The Jefferson, and revised and offered to the resolutions were signed by the governor, legislature, on November 8, by John and then submitted to the other States Breckinridge, the representative of to be considered. Only Virginia, how- Fayette County in the State legislature and ever, concurred with the action of Ken- a leader in the Republican party. These tucky. resolutions had perhaps a deeper import The convention to revise the than the mere expression of righteous in- State constitution assembled July 22, dignation against the passage by Congress 1799, at Frankfort, and chose Alexander of two odious acts that were destined to Scott Bullitt president, and Thomas exist only for a brief term. In them we Todd — who so many times before had find the germ of the doctrine of nullifica- served in this capacity — clerk. The out- tion which became an important factor burst of feeling awakened by the mere in the causes which led to the Civil War. suspicion of a This doctrine is briefly as follows: monarchical Second constitutional That the several States composing the Thomas Jefferson inclination in convention United States of America the central government are not united in submis- largely influenced the Doctrine of State sion to their general gov- changes which were made in the constitution. The rights ernment; that the general governor was no longer to be elected by a college of government was created by electors, but directly by the votes of the people. Fur- a compact of the several States, each State agreeing thermore, his authority was limited. His veto might thereto, and yet reserving to itself the right to its own be overruled by a majority of the legislature. The self-government; that the government created by this office of lieutenant governor was created. This of- compact is not made the final judge of the powers ficer, similarly elected by the people, should be the delegated to it; that as each State is a party to the speaker of the Senate. The senators, likewise, were compact, therefore each State “has an equal right to to be elected by the direct votes of the people. judge for itself as well of infractions as of the mode The new constitution went into effect June 1, and measure of redress.” 1800. James Garrard had again been chosen gover- The resolutions thus presented to the legisla- nor, and Alexander Scott ture in an ardent speech by their mover, passed the Bullitt was elected lieuten- Local politics Lower House with one dis- ant governor. John senting voice. William Breckinridge was chosen Resolutions accepted Murray, a clever lawyer, speaker of the House. There was the utmost quiet by the legislature made an earnest protest in local elections. Kentucky’s whole political inter- against them. In the Sen- est was now absorbed in the affairs of the nation, — ate, John Pope made an unsuccessful effort to amend the forthcoming contest between the Federalist and them, and they were unanimously accepted. At the Democratic parties. When Thomas Jefferson, the

1. Kentucky Resolutions of 1798. By Ethelbert Dudley Warfield. 62 POLITICAL SITUATION IN KENTUCKY

Democratic nominee, was declared President, the sat- the reward of their assistance. To arrange his project, isfaction in the State was almost universal. It ex- Burr made frequent trips to Lexington and Louis- pressed itself in exuberant speeches of delight. Of ville, and through the southern cities. course, the hated Alien and Sedition laws were then Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, United States at- repealed. torney for Kentucky, first became suspicious of Burr’s But the most important event to Kentucky in movements, then con- Jefferson’s administration was the purchase of Loui- vinced of his treacherous Burr indicted siana from the French, to whom it had been ceded designs. On November 3, by Spain. General James Wilkinson, whose charac- 1806, he appeared in the ter has only been understood in recent years, was court at Frankfort and brought an indictment against then holding the rank of major general in the United Burr for high treason. Burr met the charge with cool States Army. It is an entertaining and curious fact denial. Several days later, with a semblance of sin- that on the 20th of December, 1803, the French gov- cerity, he urged the court to continue the prosecu- ernor general delivered up the territory to that of- tion. A day was set for the trial. After giving a written ficer. Thus at last the projector of the Spanish Con- pledge of his innocence, Burr secured Henry Clay spiracy took possession of New Orleans; but in a and John Allen for his counsel. Intense popular in- manner totally different from what he had imagined, terest was aroused. — under the honorable authority of his national government. But Wilkinson is often accused of complicity in another equally romantic and treasonable conspiracy, and in this, too, the Aaron Burr’s con- bold, adventure-loving spiracy Kentuckians were tempted to disloyalty. Aaron Burr, late Vice President of the United States, — now bearing upon his soul the crime of having taken the life of Alexander Hamilton, — being cut off from all high official attainment, restlessly sought a means to gratify his Joseph Hamilton Daveiss proud ambition. Burr’s dazzling scheme was to conquer The prosecution seemed to take on the form the Spanish province of of a persecution, because of the ardent political feel- Mexico, then friendly to the ing of the time. Burr had won many friends in Ken- United States, to unite it to the tucky. Daveiss was a stanch adherent of the despised southwestern States, to make Federalist party. Henry Clay had thrown the weight New Orleans the capital of this of his influence into Burr’s faction. The trial did not Aaron Burr vast country, and himself the come off because of the failure, on the part of the emperor or ruler. Wilkinson, according to his ac- United States attorney, to obtain the attendance of cusers, was to be second only to Burr. the necessary witnesses. Nevertheless, the expectant Blennerhasset, a wealthy Irish scholar, living audience was granted the excitement of listening to a on a beautiful island in the Ohio River, had become flashing debate on the subject between Clay and fascinated by Burr’s allurements to the extent of em- Daveiss. Never have two greater, more brilliant men ploying his vast fortune for the cause, and he was to met in opposition at the famous bar of Kentucky. be a powerful duke or chief minister of the empire. Shortly afterward, a ball was given in Frank- The cooperating Kentuckians were likewise to reap fort in Burr’s honor. This was followed by a similar

63 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

festivity given by the friends of the United States at- the office of chief justice, and Thomas Todd was torney. For a while Daveiss suffered a great loss of appointed to fill the vacancy. But Judge Todd did popularity on account of not long execute the duties of chief justice, as higher his efforts toward the pros- honors awaited him. In February, 1807, he was ap- Fate of the conspira- ecution; but he was soon to pointed judge of the United States supreme court in tors be vindicated. Burr’s times the newly created circuit of Kentucky, Ohio, and of success were at an end. Tennessee. Several eminent jurists now occupied He was tried in Richmond, Virginia, in March, 1807. the chief justice’s bench in quick succession. Felix Though certain legal technicalities prevented his con- Grundy, Judge Todd’s successor, resigned after a few viction, no one doubted his guilt. His last days were months to make his home in Tennessee. Ninian spent in wretched poverty and sorrow. Blennerhasset Edwards, the next appointee, resigned after a little also died forlornly. Only Wilkinson lived on in the more than a year’s service to become governor of favor of fortune. the Illinois Territory. He was followed by George Running along by the side of these social agi- M. Bibb, who also resigned in less than a year. tations was a deep spiritual movement which spread In 1807, the Bank of Kentucky was chartered throughout the State. This with $1,000,000 capital. Robert Alexander was ap- The great revival revival began in the Meth- pointed president by the governor. Prior to this time, odist church, but it awoke Kentucky had been rigorously opposed to banking; religious enthusiasm in all but through some curious misunderstanding on the the existing denominations. Thousands flocked to part of the legislature, in 1802, the Kentucky Insur- the camp meetings which were constantly held, and ance Company had been chartered with banking pow- humble labor- ers. ers and learned In 1808, General Charles Scott was elected statesmen were to succeed Governor Greenup. His opponent was equally stirred the rising young lawyer, by a consider- John Allen, who made a Beginning of war ation of the vigorous canvass. But the greatest prob- Kentuckians were pleased lem of life. In to honor the military services of the veteran officer, An Early Methodist Church the trend of especially as the years of peace were at an end. For this Christian movement came the formation of an some time the Indians living on the Wabash River association called the Friends of Humanity. Six Bap- had been growing restless under the advance of white tist ministers of note and others of less conspicuous ability, united themselves together for the purpose of advocating the abolition of slavery. Their numbers increased at first, but they were discountenanced by their brother associations, and soon vanished. In 1804, Christopher Greenup was elected governor. He was one of the strong characters of the early days. For more than Years of quiet ten years, he had been actively connected with the public affairs of Kentucky. It was during his administration (1806) that the trial of Judge Benjamin Sebastian occurred. Burr’s conduct led to the investigation concerning Sebastian. During the same year, George Muter resigned from Tecumseh inciting the Creeks

64 POLITICAL SITUATION IN KENTUCKY civilization. They were volunteers from Kentucky. Many brave men, ambi- roused to rebellion by their tious for military glory, answered the summons. The two great chiefs, Tecumseh battle of Tippecanoe was fought November 7, 1811. and his brother the Prophet, Harrison was surprised in the night by the Indians; and also by the influence of nevertheless, he bravely and successfully met the at- the English, who now antici- tack. But Kentucky suffered a deeply felt loss by this pated another war with the battle, in the early death of two of her valued citi- United States. In the sum- zens, Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daveiss and Colo- mer of 1811, General nel Abraham Owen. A county of the State was named Harrison, governor of the in honor of each. Indiana Territory, called for The Prophet

RECAPITULATION • James Garrard, second governor. • Local politics quiet. • Legislature orders a constitutional convention. • National politics absorb attention. • The third Spanish conspiracy. • Kentucky rejoices over Jefferson’s election as • Alien and Sedition laws. President. • The first gave the President control of aliens. • Alien and Sedition laws repealed. • The second restricted the expression of • Louisiana purchased. opinion. • Delivered up to General Wilkinson. • Kentucky condemns the laws. • Aaron Burr’s conspiracy. • Clark County makes the first protest. • Wilkinson implicated. • Henry Clay denounces them. • Blennerhasset’s part in the scheme. • Kentucky Resolutions of 1798. • Bribe offered to Kentuckians. • Doctrine of State Rights involved. • Burr is indicted by J. H. Daveiss. • The general government a compact of States, • H. Clay and John Allen, Burr’s counsel. each State retaining the right to govern itself. • Burr’s cool audacity. • Each State has the right to judge acts of the • Speeches of Clay and Daveiss. general government, and to nullify them if they • The two balls given at Frankfort. are objectionable. • The fate of the conspirators. • John Breckinridge, the mover of the • The great revival. Resolutions. • “The Friends of Humanity.” • Opposition of Murray and Pope. • Christopher Greenup, governor. • Resolutions carried in the legislature. • Benjamin Sebastian is tried and convicted. • Second constitutional convention. • Judge Thomas Todd. • Recent agitation causes certain changes in the • The first banks in the State. constitution. • General Charles Scott, governor. • James Garrard, third governor. • The beginnings of war. • A. S. Bullitt, lieutenant governor. • The battle of Tippecanoe. • John Breckinridge, speaker.

65 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

66 CHAPTER XI THE WAR OF 1812, 1812-1815

ar with all of its horrors and fe- quently refused to comply with the President’s de- verish anticipations was again at mand. But not so Kentucky; her people had ever Whand. The causes which led to looked upon England as the second conflict with Great Britain had long been the cruel enemy of their Kentucky’s war accumulating. England prosperity; and they eagerly enthusiasm and France were in arms rushed forward to aid in Causes which led to against each other, and the righting the wrong against the war United States maintained a their nation. Only five thousand five hundred men neutral position. In order were required of Kentucky, but she was granted the to injure France, England blockaded with men of war privilege of furnishing seven thousand. And the State the whole coast of France, and France retaliated by did not hold back her best, but offered her worthiest declaring a similar blockade of the coast of England. sons for the cause. A righteous resentment of of- American vessels were seized as prizes, and the com- fenses, and an unsurpassed courage and high sense merce of the United States was interrupted in a most of honor, were indicated by this eager desire to par- disastrous manner. ticipate in the opening conflict. But this was not all. A greater injury, in that On the 15th of August, two thousand troops, it contained an insult to our nation, was endured from destined to join the army in the Northwest, assembled England before war was declared. By the policy of at Georgetown. They con- the United States, any for- sisted of a regiment Troops leave the eigner, after having thrown off of regulars, under State allegiance to his own govern- Colonel Samuel ment, might become an Wells, and three American citizen, if he so de- militia regiments under Colonels John Allen, sired. On the contrary, En- J. M. Scott, and William Lewis. Of the com- gland claimed that a man born panies under Lewis, Lexington had furnished an English subject was always six, and one was the Lexington Light Artil- an English subject. American lery, even then historic, commanded by the vessels were boarded by En- gallant young captain, Nathaniel G. T. Hart. glish officers, and searched by They were formed into a brigade, and placed them to find sailors whom they under the command of Brigadier General claimed to be deserting Englishmen. In this John Payne. Several days later, the troops way thousands of our seaman were cap- were reviewed in the presence of thousands tured. The United States deeply resented of interested spectators. Henry Clay made a this outrage. Then the crisis came. On the Impressment of Seamen speech, and Dr. Blythe, president of 18th day of June, 1812, war was declared. Transylvania University, preached a sermon; In addition to the regular army ordered to and thus animated and encouraged, they were pre- be raised, one hundred thousand militia were to be pared to begin their hard, eventful campaign. furnished by the different Sates of the Union. Many On their march to Detroit the troops learned of the States were opposed to the war, and conse- that General Hull, governor of Michigan Territory,

67 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

had surrendered in the most cowardly manner to the town was neglected. Accordingly, before daylight on British. Great indignation was aroused. Letters were the morning of January 22, the camp was surprised written to Kentucky to re- by an army of two thousand quest the appointment of British and Indians under Harrison’s appoint- Second battle at General Harrison as com- General Proctor. The fir- ment Frenchtown mander of the Kentucky ing was opened upon the militia. Governor Scott’s stockade of the Kentuck- term of office was drawing to a close, but some ac- ians and was returned with considerable loss to the tion was imperative. He sought a council of ex-Gov- British. But Colonel Wells’s company was encamped ernor Shelby, ex-Governor Greenup, Henry Clay, on the open field. It was impossible for it to resist Judge Thomas Todd, and several other distinguished the attack, and the men retreated panic-stricken. citizens. They unanimously At this crisis, Colonels Lewis and Allen, with agreed in recommending the ap- a detachment of one hundred men, rushed forward pointment. It was therefore like typical Kentuckians to rally the retreating sol- made. In a few more days three diers. Nearly all of Wells’s men were killed or other companies were raised by wounded, as were very many of those under Lewis Colonels Richard M. Johnson, and Allen. Lewis was wounded, and Colonel Allen James Johnson, and Captain was slain. Thus fell in early manhood one of the John Arnold. General Harrison most promising citizens of Kentucky, a man of pure was also appointed by the Presi- life, of heroic character, and strong legal ability. Then dent as commander of the army came a summons to surrender. To the heroes of of the Northwest, to supersede William Henry Harrison Kentucky death was far preferable to defeat. But General Winchester. On the 29th of September, he after a consultation, in view of their situation, the re- left Lexington to join the forces thus placed under maining officers wisely determined to comply with his control. the demand of the enemy. Having obtained a sol- The Kentucky troops reached the Rapids of emn promise from the British that the wounded the Maumee the 10th of January, and halted to await Americans would be safely guarded, they agreed to the arrival of General lay down their arms. Harrison. But they were But the pledge was not fulfilled. The Indi- First battle at not long to remain inactive. ans were not restrained by the British, and early the Frenchtown A few days later a call for next morning they entered assistance reached them the cellar of the tavern The massacre from Frenchtown, on the river Raisin, about thirty- where some of the eight miles away. A detachment commanded by wounded soldiers were Colonel Lewis, under whom were Colonel John Allen quartered, broke open casks of liquor, and drank and Majors Martin D. Hardin, George Madison, and until they were maddened far beyond their usual state Benjamin Graves, eagerly hastened to respond to the of cruelty. Soldiers were dragged out of their beds summons. On the 18th a successful battle was fought, and tomahawked. A house containing other and the British were driven from the village. But this wounded men was burned to the ground. Several of victory was to be followed by an awful tragedy. the officers attempted to escape under the escort of Two days later, General Winchester arrived Indians whom they paid to guide them, and were with a reinforcement consisting of regulars. Although treacherously murdered on the way by their escorts. General Winchester was soon informed that a large Never did a more barbarous butchery of hu- force of the enemy was on its way toward the town, man beings occur. The details are too ghastly to be he made no preparation for the attack. The night repeated. In Kentucky, anguish prevailed such as was bitterly cold, and the caution of placing pickets had not been felt since the fatal battle of the Blue on the road by which the enemy would approach the Licks. There were many widows and mourning

68 THE WAR OF 1812

friends and relatives left to recount the horrors of ern shore of the river to storm the British batteries. the Raisin massacre. And Kentucky has preserved In this they were successful. But other orders, which the memory of some of her brave soldiers who lost commanded them to re- their life at that place by naming various counties of turn immediately to their Dudley’s defeat the State after them, — Allen and Edmonson, Graves, boats, were misunder- Hart, and Hickman. stood. The Kentuckians In August, 1812, Isaac Shelby had been delayed, to return a straggling fire from the Indians. elected governor for the second time. He had con- They were surprised by Proctor, greatly outnum- sented to become the chief bered, and completely defeated. Many were slain Reinforcements from executive again, only be- and many wounded. Again the Indians treated their Kentucky cause the United States was prisoners with the barbarous cruelty that had been involved in war. He now practiced upon the victims of the Raisin massacre; exerted all his influence to and the British did not forbid the outrage. Only one arouse the patriotic ardor of his fellow citizens to re- hundred and fifty men escaped, and these also might inforce the army of the Northwest and retrieve the have been murdered if the noble Indian chief, loss at Raisin. Thousands of Kentuckians hastened Tecumseh, had not rushed with his sword drawn, to volunteer for the service. A strong brigade of three into the midst of the carnage, and controlled his sav- thousand men was formed under Brigadier General age brethren. Green Clay, consisting Again Kentucky was called upon for rein- of four regiments com- forcements, and again she offered double the num- manded by Colonels ber demanded. Governor Dudley, Boswell, Cox, Shelby announced that he Kentucky sends more and Caldwell. This would take the field in per- volunteers force reached the banks son, and called upon vol- of the Maumee, oppo- unteers to meet him at site Fort Meigs, on the Newport. In less than thirty days, four thousand Ken- night of the 4th of May. tuckians had assembled. Outside of Kentucky the In the distance could be governor has no authority to command; but his au- heard the cannon of the thority rested with his men, whose confidence in their enemy. Since the first leader expressed itself in the watchword of the time, Green Clay day of the month, Gen- — “Old King’s Mountain will lead us to victory!” eral Proctor with about It is a fact of curious interest that Governor two thousand British and Indians had surrounded Shelby and his large reinforcement of Kentuckians the camp of the Americans. The fact of the approach reached the camp of Gen- of the Kentuckians was borne to General Harrison, eral Harrison just at the Result of the council and orders were returned to the brigadier general. moment when Commo- of war The next day General Clay, with the larger dore Perry was landing with portion of his men, fearlessly and successfully pushed his prisoners after his im- his way through the ranks of the British to the south- portant victory over Commodore Barclay on Lake ern shore of the river. With this reinforcement, the Erie. Later on a council of war was held, to decide fort was enabled to repel Proctor’s attack so vigor- whether the American forces should cross the lake ously that the siege was raised on the ninth day. into Canada and pursue the British army, which was But the fate of the other portion of the Ken- known to be retreating. tucky troops was far different. While the main body The practicability of pursuing and overtak- was proceeding to Fort Meigs, a detachment of seven ing Proctor was carefully argued and weighed as a or eight hundred men, commanded by Colonel military proposition. But in the mind of Governor William Dudley, had been dispatched to the north- Shelby there was no hesitation. He had gone all that

69 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

distance with his “Kentucky boys” to meet the en- Harrison, who, perceiving at once the truth of the emies of his country, and his determination was fixed suggestions, commanded that the order of the march to seek an encounter. Therefore an affirmative de- be changed in accordance cision was cast. The order was given by General with Governor Shelby’s The march into Harrison to parade the army for embarkation on advice. The columns, Canada Perry’s fleet. therefore, were broken, and the army moved forward as a great company of travelers, each individual being urged to the utmost speed. Colonel R. M. Johnson’s regiment of Kentucky cavalry was pushed eighteen or twenty miles in advance, to prevent surprise. Soon all recognized the advantage of the new order of the march. On the third day, straggling soldiers from the British army were captured at the cross- ing of different streams, and were passed to the rear of the American army as prisoners. This fact gave hope and increased vigor to the movements of our men. On the fourth day the American army came upon General Proctor encamped at the Moravian town, on the river Thames, eighty-six miles northeast of The battle of the Battle of Lake Erie Detroit. Here a decisive Thames Kentuckians have always shown a tendency battle was fought, October to be strongly influenced by eloquent oratory. On 5, 1813. The American the Governor’s staff were force was larger than the British and more cleverly Power of oratory over two young officers, who ordered. Tecumseh fell early in action, and the In- Kentuckians later became famous dians grew disheartened at the loss of their great chief. throughout the nation, — The result was complete victory for the Americans Majors John J. Crittenden and an end to the war in the Northwest. and William T. Barry. Upon the suggestion of the Almost the entire force was from Kentucky, Governor, each addressed the troops of his State. and many distinguished men were included in its Whatever reluctance to cross on to foreign soil may number, — General John have existed among them, vanished under the fire of Adair, who fought eloquence poured forth by the young speakers. They bravely at the battle of recounted in picturesque and dramatic words the New Orleans, and after- wrongs their nation had endured from the British, ward became governor and the awful slaughter of their countrymen at the of his State; Barry and hands of the enemy, until every heart was stirred with Crittenden, already men- patriotic impulses. “Remember Raisin,” rang in their tioned; General Joseph ears, and all were eager for action. Desha, prominent in the The march the first day was made in close political affairs of his day, order in solid columns. To the alert and practiced and also destined to be eye of Shelby this manner of movement seemed to governor of Kentucky; Richard M. Johnson be too slow for the hazardous undertaking before the gallant Colonel Rich- them — that of reaching Proctor and bringing him to ard M. Johnson, the slayer of Tecumseh; and Colo- battle. He communicated his fears to General nel Charles S. Todd, who in times of peace served

70 THE WAR OF 1812

his country in the halls of Congress and as an ambas- Pakenham; the American, by General Andrew Jack- sador to Russia. son of Tennessee. Here A treaty of peace was signed at Ghent, De- again Kentuckians ren- Battle of New Or- cember, 1814; but before the news reached this coun- dered important assistance, leans try several more battles were fought. Of these, the and again had the joy of only one which concerns the history of Kentucky was participating in a triumph. the brilliant battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815. It has been said of them that they “formed the strength The British forces were commanded by Sir Edward of that central force which repulsed Pakenham.”

RECAPITULATION • England and France at war. • Kentuckians obliged to surrender. • United States neutral. • British promise safety to prisoners. • American commerce interrupted. • Promise not fulfilled. • Sailors captured by England. • Indians become intoxicated. • United States resents the insult. • Terrible slaughter of prisoners takes place. • Declares war, June, 1812. • Counties named for slain officers. • Kentucky enthusiastic for the war. • Isaac Shelby again governor. • One hundred thousand militia ordered to be • Brigadier General Green Clay. raised. • He reaches Fort Meigs. • Kentucky furnishes seven thousand. • Clay divides his force. • Gives her worthiest sons. • Reinforces General Harrison. • Two thousand troops leave Georgetown. • Dudley’s defeat. • Their request of Governor Scott. • Again prisoners are butchered. • A council of distinguished men. • Tecumseh’s timely appearance. • General Harrison’s appointments. • Governor Shelby’s call for volunteers. • He becomes commander of the Kentucky • Four thousand meet him at Newport. militia, and of the army of the Northwest. • The governor takes command. • He leaves Lexington for his post. • Dramatic meeting at Harrison’s camp. • The Kentucky brigade reaches the Northwest. • Decision to pursue Proctor. • Is not long inactive. • Speeches of Crittenden and Barry. • Battle at Frenchtown. • The battle of the Thames. • British driven from the village. • Death of Tecumseh. • General Winchester arrives. • End of the war in the Northwest. • Makes no preparation for an attack. • Distinguished Kentuckians in the battle. • Is surprised by Proctor. • Brilliant battle of New Orleans. • Fate of Colonel Wells’s regiment. • Kentucky’s part in the victory. • Heroism of Lewis, Allen, and others.

71 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

72 CHAPTER XII LOCAL AFFAIRS, 1816-1835

ar was now at an end, but peace eral bankruptcy. Beside these causes of disaster, the did not await the people of Ken- country was burdened with an enormous war debt. Wtucky. They were about to en- For a time Kentucky was in a prosperous con- ter a political conflict as severe as any they had ever dition. Her portion of the war debt was promptly fought with arms. The first paid. Manufactories contest in the legislature sprang up all over the State. Kentucky’s financial The return to State arose in 1816, when In Lexington alone, in condition affairs George Madison, the 1817, there were more newly elected governor, than sixty mechanical suddenly died, and the question whether the legisla- shops, and Louisville, the town next in importance, ture had the power to order a new election came up soon vied with Lexington. The increase of trade in for decision. After a fight, the vote was cast in the the State demanded a better circulating medium than negative, and Gabriel Slaughter, the lieutenant gov- had existed before. In the earliest days, skins of wild ernor, became governor. He fulfilled the duties of animals had constituted the only currency. Later on, that position until 1820, although the matter was not Spanish milled silver dollars were introduced. These suffered to rest with this first decision, and was re- were cut into four parts to make quarters, which again peatedly agitated during various sessions of the legis- were cut to obtain smaller bits. Of course dishon- lature. But the disturbance thus caused was as an esty resulted and great loss was caused, and the need ordinary strong wind to a cyclone in comparison with for something more satisfactory was strongly felt. the storm which was caused by the financial condi- We have learned that Kentuckians were option of the country. posed to banks. In 1817, there existed in the State While war prevailed in Europe, America had only one such institution, been cut off from foreign trade. The capital of the the Bank of Kentucky, Independent banks country was therefore em- which was on a solid foun- chartered ployed in establishing fac- dation. But, moved by the Financial depression tories for home manufac- exigencies of the time, the tures. But when the war in people went to rash extremes. The legislature of Europe was over, foreign goods were again sent over 1817-18 chartered forty-six independent banks which to the United States. The newly established trades were not required to redeem their notes with specie. of this country could not at once compete with the The State was flooded with the paper of these banks, cheaper and better commodities of the older coun- and a mere shadow of prosperity hung over the try; hence resulted a temporary financial depression. people. Speculation rose to an exorbitant degree. Furthermore, during the European wars, and the war Then the shadow disappeared, and the true finan- of America with England, gold and silver had been cial condition was exposed. Before the end of the banished from circulation, and in their place had been year 1818, most of these unsubstantial banks were substituted a paper currency, which gave a high nomi- wrecked; and, in 1820, the legislature repealed the nal value to commodities. The return to specie pay- charters which gave them existence. ment lowered this value, and the result was very gen- With the banks went under also a vast number of speculators who had relied upon them. The

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suffering from debt was terrible. The cry for some pronouncing the judgment which seemed to him cor- means of relief resounded throughout the State. And rect. He was brought before the legislature in the now began and intense political conflict. spring of 1822, and resolutions were entered requir- The State became divided into two bitterly ing the governor to remove him from office. The antagonistic factions, known as the Relief and Anti- resolutions, however, failed to receive the necessary Relief parties. Each en- two-thirds vote, and were consequently lost. rolled many of the distin- All now anxiously awaited the decision of the Two new State parties guished names of the time. court of appeals. This highest tribunal of the State On the one side may be was then filled by men of mentioned William T. Barry, George M. Bibb, Jo- recognized integrity and Decision of the court seph Desha, John Trimble, and John Rowan; on the unsurpassed legal ability. of appeals other, Richard C. Anderson, John J. Crittenden, R. John Boyle was chief jus- A. Buckner, Sr., George Robertson, Christopher tice, William Owsley and Tompkins, and Robert Wickliffe. At first the Relief Benjamin Mills, associate justices. In the midst of an party was stronger in the State. The great mass of intense excitement which pervaded the entire State, debtors were in favor of the measures it advocated. the judges maintained a dignified silence, and awaited General John Adair and Major William T. Barry, the time when they should be called upon to give a both Relief candidates, were elected governor and decision as a court. This occurred in the autumn of lieutenant governor. 1823. As a “relief measure,” the legislature of 1820- The verdict of the court sustained the deci- 21 chartered the Bank of the Commonwealth. This sion of Clark and the other judges who had concurred bank was allowed to issue with him, and declared the “replevin law” unconsti- $3,000,000 of paper tutional; that is, directly in opposition to the constitu- Bank of the Com- money, and was not re- tion of the United States, which provides that no State monwealth quired to redeem its notes has the right to pass any law which shall impair the in specie. Soon the paper obligation of contracts. Now, there were many men of the bank fell far below its face value, and creditors in Kentucky at this time who believed that a State refused to receive it in payment of their debts. But had the right to nullify or disobey a law of the United the legislature had passed a further act, known as “the States, if that law interfered with what seemed to them two years’ replevin law,” under which every creditor the right of the State. Thus was brought into the was obliged to accept in payment of his debt the pa- controversy the old point of divergence between the per of the Bank of the Commonwealth, or Federalist and Democratic parties of 1798. receive nothing at all for two years, with The mass of the people were for the risk at the end of that time of further the time in sympathy with the Relief party. delays, or the failure of his securities. The decision of the judges awakened great The question of the power of the opposition and legislature to pass such an act was brought caused intense Temporary power of before the judges excitement in the Relief party of the State. The the State elec- Judge Clark’s deci- first to give an tions of 1824. sion opinion on the The result was victory for the Relief party. point was Circuit General Joseph Desha, the Relief candi- Judge James Clark, of the Clark County Joseph Desha date, was elected governor by a majority district, who fearlessly declared the act un- of nearly sixteen thousand over his oppo- constitutional. The Relief party was strong in num- nent, Christopher Tompkins, of the opposite faction; bers and power. The storm raged about him; but no and General Robert B. McAfee, also a Relief candi- recognition of individual loss made Clark waver in date, was elected lieutenant governor by a majority

74 LOCAL AFFAIRS

of about eight thousand over William B. Blackburn, which they tore up the sidewalks, that they might have of the Anti-Relief side. The Relief party also had a bricks to hurl at those who differed from them. majority in both houses of the legislature. When the riot was at its The judges of the court of appeals held of- height, R. J. Breckinridge How a riot was fice for life, during good behavior. They could only and Charlton Hunt, young quieted be removed by the concur- men then in the beginning rence of two thirds of both of their careers, came out Old court of appeals houses. That their removal with locked arms and walked through the midst of abolished might be accomplished, the the combatants. These young men were opposing judges were brought before candidates, the former being an adherent of the old the legislature the following December. But as in the case of Judge Clark, the number of votes necessary for their removal was not obtained. Neverthe- less, it was the will of the majority that the judges should be removed. Another means to accomplish this object was now resorted to. A bill was introduced to repeal the act under which the court of appeals had been established. If this were carried, then a new court might be organized in harmony with the will of the people. For three days, before crowded houses, the bill was debated. Each side put forth its best efforts in this unique contest. Logical and brilliantly illogical argu- ments mingled with the bold charge and counter- charge of the combatants. The bill passed both houses by a large majority, and was signed by the governor. A new court of appeals was soon organized. William T. Barry was appointed chief justice, John Trimble, James Haggin, and Rezin H. Davidge, as- A new court of sociated justices. The clerk appeals organized How a Riot was Quieted of the old court refused to give up the papers and court and the latter, of the new court. It is needless records of the court to the new clerk, whereupon the to add that the rioters were covered with shame, and office was broken open to obtain them. quiet ensued. During all this time of trial, the old judges Party names were now shifted. The Relief stood firm in their conviction, and continued to sit party became the New Court party; the Anti-Relief as a court, in spite of opposition. A majority of the party, the Old Court party. lawyers recognized them as the only court and obeyed The elections of 1825 were Old Court and New their decisions. Some recognized the new court, and fought under this issue. Court parties others refused to decide between them. The storm had gathered An entertaining incident, which expresses the velocity as it raged. This high excitement of this time, is recorded as having was the most exciting period in the whole tempest. taken place in Lexington. There occurred in the But a calm was soon to follow. The result indicated streets of that town a regular pitched battle on this a great change in the sentiment of the people. A subject. Men appeared armed with pickaxes, with large majority of the Old Court candidates was elected

75 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

to the House, and the following year a majority of to Adams had been obliged to smolder during the that party was likewise gained in the Senate. time of local agitation; but when he was offered as The new court was abolished and its acts an- candidate for reelection nulled. The old court was reestablished, and the sala- against Jackson, the latter Change of party ries were paid to the judges for the time during which carried the State by a ma- names they had been debarred from office. Of course, the jority of eight thousand. “replevin law” was now repealed. The paper of the The Democratic Republi- Bank of the Commonwealth was destroyed, and cans carried also all the State elections with the ex- branches of the United States Bank were established ception of that of governor. Thomas Metcalf, the at Louisville and at Lexington. Again the conserva- candidate on the National Republican ticket, was tive element was victorious in Kentucky. elected over William T. Barry, by a majority of only Quiet being now attained, a matter of national a few hundred. politics next divided the people of the State. In 1824, For a time, the control of State politics wa- the vote for United States vered between these two parties. But finally, Henry Henry Clay’s tempo- President was thrown into Clay’s great ability forced the House of Representa- for him the renewed sup- rary loss of power in Triumph of the tives. Henry Clay, member port of his fellow citizens. Kentucky National Republicans of Congress from the In 1831, he was elected to Ashland district, cast his the United States Senate. vote for John Quincy Adams, and it was perhaps due Although the National Republicans obtained a ma- to Clay’s exertion that Adams was elected. The majority in the legislature, the triumph of that party in jority of Kentuckians were eager for the election of the State was not yet assured. General Jackson, the closest contending candidate. A vigorous contest for governor occurred in Clay’s support of Adams was received with disap- 1832, and the Democratic Republican candidate, proval throughout the John Breathitt, was elected over Judge R. A. Buckner, State. This dissatisfaction Sr., by a small ma- among his own people jority. In the excit- arose at the time of Clay’s ing presidential highest national power. campaign of 1832, He had just succeeded in Clay and Jackson carrying in Congress his were opposing can- famous Missouri Com- didates. The State promise bill, by which the gave Clay a major- difficulties between the ity of over seven John Quincy Adams North and South on the thousand votes. slavery question were temporarily subdued. Although Thus also was at- an account of Clay’s work belongs more to the his- tained the com- tory of the United States than to that of Kentucky, plete victory of the his influence was so distinct upon the political affairs National Republi- Andrew Jackson of the Commonwealth during his day, that is must can party in Kentucky. Under various names and not be lost sight of. through various changes, that party held control of The mass of the Old Court party, which rep- the politics of the State thereafter for more than thirty resented the conservative element of the State, warmly years. upheld Clay. This faction now became merged into In the spring of 1825, Kentucky arrayed her- a new party that had adopted the name National self in proudest attire to do honor to the French hero Republican, while the disagreeing faction united with of the Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette. The the Democratic Republican party. The opposition distinguished visitor was received with ovations at Lou-

76 LOCAL AFFAIRS

isville, Frankfort, Versailles, Lexington, and an ever-increasing fame. Many prominent Kentuck- Maysville; and each place vied with the other in the ians of his day were painted by him. On the walls of grace of the dinners and the old homesteads of the State hang these priceless Social and literary balls given him. The State relics of cherished ancestors. Jouett, whose Revolu- matters had now re- tionary forefathers had taken part in the covered from founding of the Commonwealth, was born its first finan- in Mercer County, April 22, 1788, and died cial crisis, and home life in the largest in Fayette County, August 10, 1827, at the towns was as luxurious as that in Phila- early age of thirty-nine. Something of his delphia or Boston. talent for making portraits and for beauty Perhaps this was the era of of coloring descended to his pupil, Oliver Kentucky’s highest fame. Her statesmen Frazer of Lexington (born 1808, died towered by the side of the greatest in the 1854). Older in point of time than the lat- Union. Her lawyers were renowned. ter was another artist-son of Lexington, Jo- Transylvania University, under the presi- seph H. Bush (born 1793, died 1865), who dency of the accomplished and fascinat- did vigorous, though perhaps less polished Marquis de Lafayette ing Dr. Horace Holly, had attained high work than the others mentioned. rank, and was recognized as a great institution of learn- One of the most celebrated of Kentucky art- ing, not only in the United States, but abroad. For ists was the sculptor, Joel T. Hart, who was born in seven years Professor C. S. Rafinesque,1 known to Clark County in 1810, and died in Florence, Italy, in the scientists of the world, had occupied the chair of 1877. Hart’s circumstances were restricted, and he Natural Sciences and Modern Languages. During was obliged to begin his career as a stonemason. But this time, he projected his dream of establishing bo- by virtue of the genius tanical gardens at Lexington, and though he was un- within him, and that successful in this undertaking, it added a charm to necessary accompa- the town and to the State. By Dr. Holly’s resignation niment to genius, — in 1825 the University suffered a loss, but the bril- the power to labor liancy of his day lingered over it for years. unfalteringly, — he In Lexington, also, during this time, was es- succeeded in the pro- tablished a Lyceum, or literary society, in which the fession toward which best talent of the day took his ideal ever aspired. part in lectures and de- He made several stat- Scientific and artistic Scientific and artistic bates. Here, in 1827, Tho- ues of prominent productions productions mas Harris Barlow con- men of the day; but structed the first model rail- his chief claim to road and locomotive ever successfully run in west- fame rests upon the ern America, and here he achieved his most com- imaginative group to plete invention, known as Barlow’s Planetarium. which he gave the Matthew H. Jouett Neither was Kentucky barren of artistic productions. name Woman Tri- During this time Matthew Harris Jouett was produc- umphant.2 He spent twelve years’ work upon this ing a series of portraits which have given to his name statue, death alone ending his efforts to perfect it.

1. The Life and Writings of C. S. Rafinesque. By Richard Ellsworth Call, M.A., M. Sc., M.D. Filson Club Publication No. 10. 2. In 1884 a Hart Memorial Association was organized at Lexington by Mrs. Issa Desha Breckinridge, for the purpose of raising $5000 with which to purchase of Messrs. Tiffany & Co., of New York, Woman Triumphant. The statue was secured, and is now in one of the public buildings of the city. 77 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

RECAPITULATION • George Madison, newly elected governor, dies. • Charter of the court of appeals repealed. • Power of legislature to order new election • A new court organized. agitated. • Old court firmly guards papers, etc. • Gabriel Slaughter, lieutenant governor, • New court takes forcible possession. succeeds. • An entertaining incident. • European wars interrupt foreign trade. • Old Court and New Court parties. • Home manufactories established. • A change of sentiment in the State. • War ended, foreign trade resumed. • Old Court party victorious. • American manufactories fail. • A return to national politics. • Gold and silver banished from use. • Henry Clay’s vote for President Adams. • Commodities bring high prices. • Dissatisfaction occasioned in Kentucky. • Specie payment resumed after the war. • Two new parties. • Financial depression ensues. • The Democratic Republicans elect all the State • Kentucky prosperous for a time. officers except governor. • Shops in Lexington and Louisville. • Thomas Metcalf chosen governor. • Unique currency of the early days. • Victory wavers between the two parties. • A better currency needed. • John Breathitt, Democratic Republican, elected • Wild extreme of the legislature. governor. • Forty-six banks chartered. • Henry Clay elected to the United States Senate. • State flooded with paper money. • Final triumph of National Republicans in the • Banks and speculators break. State. • Commonwealth’s Bank a “relief” measure. • Lafayette’s visit to Kentucky. • “Two years’ replevin law” passed. • A brilliant era. • Judge Clark decides against the law. • Transylvania University. • Failure of attempt to remove him from office. • Dr. Holly and Professor Rafinesque. • Court of appeals concurs with Judge Clark. • Botanical gardens projected at Lexington. • State rights element in the question. • Thomas H. Barlow, inventor. • Relief party carries the State. • The artists of Kentucky. • General Joseph Desha governor. • Failure of attempt to remove court of appeals judges.

78 CHAPTER XIII CIVIL AFFAIRS AND THE MEXICAN WAR, 1836-1849

he National Republican party be- Such men are forgotten unless they are held up in came merged into the Whig party, grateful remembrance before the people of the State T and the affairs of Kentucky were now upon which they brought honor in their day and gen- controlled by that conservative element. As an evi- eration. dence of this change of sen- And it must be understood that this was the timent in the State, James day of great men in Kentucky. From the long list of Rise of the Whig Clark, the judge who gave notable names, one or two party the decision against the re- may be selected as repre- Thomas F. Marshall plevin laws, was elected sentative of the others. governor in 1836. The elections of the following year Thomas F. Marshall was gave a continued triumph to the Whigs. It was as a born in Frankfort, June 7, 1801, and died at his old result of a congressional contest of this year that one home, “Buck Pond,” near Versailles in Woodford of the most gifted sons of Kentucky was brought County, September 22, within the recognition of the nation. 1864. In wide scholar- Among those men who shed luster upon ship and fervent, imagi- Kentucky in the early days of the present century, native oratory he was none surpassed, if any rarely gifted. As a equaled, Richard H. speaker he possessed Richard H. Menefee Menefee. He was born in the rather unusual Bath County in 1809. His combination of vigor- public career began in 1832, before he had completed ous logic and captivat- his twenty-third year, when he was appointed ing brilliancy. If his Commonwealth’s attorney. moral character had With one term in the State equaled his intellectual legislature, one term in the ability, he might have Congress of the United made an enduring im- Thomas F. Marshall States as the Whig repre- pression upon his country. sentative of his district, and In the beginning of his second term, Presi- less than two years’ legal dent Jackson vetoed the bill to recharter the Bank of practice at the Fayette bar, the United States. As a re- his brief life closed at the sult of this measure State Financial depression age of thirty-two. In legal banks sprang up all over ability and the powers of the Union. The legislature oratorical persuasion he of Kentucky, in 1833-1834, established the Bank of has never been surpassed, Kentucky, the Bank of Louisville, and the Northern Richard H. Menefee and in those distinctive Bank of Kentucky. Paper money became abundant; characteristics of high-spirited chivalry which mark as usual, speculation increased, and bankruptcy fol- the Kentuckian, he has never had a superior. But lowed. In the year 1837, all the banks in the United his name is connected with no great event in history. States were obliged to suspend specie payment. By

79 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

prudent management, however, they were able to him a majority of over nine thousand votes. But resume specie payment the following year. But un- James K. Polk, of Tennessee, was elected after a very fortunately for the country, the spirit of close contest. The speculation had been stifled only momen- issue had turned Issue of the presiden- tarily, not destroyed. Business ventures in- upon the question tial election creased, and again, the next year, there oc- of annexation of curred a universal suspension of banks. Texas to the This financial depression not only existed United States. Clay opposed this measure in Kentucky, but was general throughout the for various reasons, two of which were that it United States for several years. In 1842 an would increase the slave-holding territory in attempt was made to revive the old “relief the United States, and that it would inevita- measures.” But there was no danger now bly result in war with Mexico. Just before James K. Polk of the passage of any radical laws by the the inauguration of Polk, and under his ad- legislature. The people had at last learned that legis- vice, the acting President, Tyler, signed the bill for lation does not remedy evils. the annexation of Texas to the Union. Still the Whigs led in State politics. In 1840, As had been foreseen by Clay, war with Robert P. Letcher, who had been a member of Con- Mexico was inevitable. Immediately after the annex- gress for ten years, was ation was accomplished, elected governor by a ma- the authorities of Texas Continued Whig Outbreak of the jority of nearly sixteen sent an urgent request to control Mexican War thousand votes over the the President to forward an nominee of the Demo- army for their protection. cratic party — by which name the Democratic Re- General Zachary Taylor, of the United States army, publicans were now called. But the political contests a Kentuckian by adoption, was dispatched. Hostili- of 1844 were the most ex- ties immediately began. On the 13th of May, 1846, citing that had occurred in Congress declared war with Mexico. Although the the State for many years. people of Kentucky, by their vote for Clay, had shown The Whig nominee for their opposition to the measure which brought about governor was Judge Will- the Mexican War, yet, iam Owsley, who will be re- when war was declared, membered as one of the they were ready, as they distinguished judges of the had always been, to aid the old court of appeals during Union in her time of the famous controversy. need. Of the fifty thou- William Owsley The Democratic nominee sand troops which the was the popular Major Wil- President called for, Ken- liam O. Butler, later General Butler of the Mexican tucky quickly offered ten War. Butler was a man of ability. Furthermore, he thousand and many more Zachary Taylor had been a brave soldier. He had survived the slaugh- were eager to be called ter at Raisin and participated in the victory at New into service. Three of the important officers of this Orleans. Nevertheless, the Whigs carried the day. war were Kentuckians, — Zachary Taylor, major gen- Judge Owsley was elected by a majority of about forty- eral of the regular army; William O. Butler, major five hundred votes. general of volunteers; and Thomas Marshall, briga- In the autumn of this year the election for dier general of volunteers. President of the United States took place. Again One hundred and five companies, nearly Henry Clay had been chosen the nominee of the twice as many as were called for, went out from Ken- Whig party. Kentucky stood true to Clay, and gave tucky to join General Taylor’s army. The first regi-

80 CIVIL AFFAIRS AND THE MEXICAN WAR

ment of infantry, comprising nine companies from by Mexico to the United States. An independent Louisville, was commanded by Colonel Ormsby; the company of one hundred men from Clark County, second, by commanded by Captain John S. Wil- Colonel liams (afterward General Williams of Kentucky troops William R. the Confederate army, and later McKee, of United States senator), took part in the Lexington, Lieutenant Colonel battle of Cerro Gordo, April 18, 1849, Henry Clay, Jr., and Major Cary H. where the Mexicans lost in killed and Fry. The first regiment of calvary was wounded one thousand men, besides commanded by Colonel Humphrey three thousand who were taken as Marshall, of Louisville, Lieutenant prisoners, and all their materials of Colonel Ezekiel H. Field, of war. Woodford County, and Major John The Kentucky troops buried P. Gaines, of Boone County. their dead comrades upon the field The war was fairly com- of Buena menced before the Kentucky troops Vista; but a Funeral ceremonies reached their destination. The first Humphrey Marshall few months at Frankfort action in which any of them fought was the charge later the State brought on the city of Monterey. The Louisville legion took home the ashes of some of part in that successful assault, September 24, and were her heroes to rest in the cemetery of the capital. On reported to have showed obedience, patience, disci- the 20th of July, 1847, the solemn and interesting pline, and calm courage. General Butler was ceremonies took place. An address was delivered wounded, and Major Philip N. Barbour was killed. by the Rev. John H. Brown of the Presbyterian The legislature the following year, 1847, passed reso- Church, and an oration by John C. Breckinridge. lutions in compliment of the Louisville legion, and ordered swords to be presented to Generals Taylor and Butler, and to the widow of Major Barbour. The only important action in the Mexican War in which Kentuckians largely took part was the memorable battle of Buena Battle of Buena Vista Vista, fought February 22 and 23, 1847, around which have gathered so many stirring recollections. Here fell two of the most gallant sons of Kentucky, — Colonel William R. McKee and Lieutenant Colonel Henry Clay (eldest son of Henry Clay the statesman). One fifth of the troops in this battle were from Kentucky, and of the seven hundred and twenty-three men killed or wounded, one hundred and sixty-two were from this State. General Taylor at Buena Vista The successful issue of this battle led to the A little later the State erected a handsome capture of Vera Cruz, the daring attack upon Cerro monument in memory of the heroes. It was for the Gordo, and the final capture of the City of Mexico. occasion of its unveiling that Theodore O’Hara wrote With the triumph of the American arms, peace was his immortal elegy, The Bivouac of the Dead. gained in Texas, and vast territory was surrendered O’Hara,1 born in Danville, Kentucky, in 1820, was

1. O’Hara and His Elegies. By George W. Ranck. 81 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

the son of Kane O’Hara, an Irishman exiled for his the bar, he moved to that portion of the State known religion, who was celebrated in his day in Kentucky as the Green River country, then attracting many for profound classical young men of talent. From Russellville, in the county scholarship. Theodore of Logan, in 1811, he was O’Hara’s elegy O’Hara had himself served sent, for the first time, as with distinction in the a representative to the leg- Mexican War. Entering the army under the appoint- islature. In 1817, he was ment of a captaincy, he retired with the rank of bre- chosen United States vet major. His heart was stirred by the events through senator. During the which he had just passed, and his genius expressed troublous times of the itself in as great a poem of the kind as was ever writ- Old and the New Court ten. It is thrilling even to think of the scene in the controversy he again con- cemetery at Frankfort that summer day — with the sented to take part in his State’s great dead resting all around under the shade State’s affairs. Accord- of the primeval forest trees — when the soldier poet ingly he was elected a rep- lifted up his voice in the impressive measure of his resentative from Frank- verse: fort, where he had settled John J. Crittenden to practice law. In 1835, he was again called into “The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat national politics. He held the office of governor of The soldier’s last tattoo; Kentucky until 1850, when he resigned to become No more on life’s parade shall meet attorney-general in President Fillmore’s cabinet. John The brave and daring few. L. Helm, the lieutenant governor, was inaugurated On fame’s eternal camping ground governor. Their silent tents are spread, In 1849, the State constitution was revised And Glory guards, with solemn round, for the third time. Four important changes may be The bivouac of the dead.” noted: (1) The judiciary, In 1848 John J. Crittenden retired from the which formerly had been Third revision of the Senate of the United States to accept the Whig nomi- appointed by the governor, constitution nation for governor of Ken- was made elective by the tucky. He was elected by a people. (2) The power John Jordon large majority over his op- which the legislature had possessed to raise money Crittenden elected ponent, Lazarus W. for debt on the credit of the State was abolished. (3) governor Powell, one of the most Certain provisions for the continuation of slavery were notable men in the Demo- made. (4) No convention to revise the constitution cratic party of that day. Crittenden was born in the could be called without a two-thirds vote of the en- county of Woodford in 1786. After he was called to tire voting population of the State.

RECAPITULATION • Rise of the Whig party. • Paper money plentiful. • James Clark, governor. • Speculation followed by bankruptcy. • Richard H. Menefee. • Momentary return of prosperity, followed by • Thomas F. Marshall. widespread failure. • Charter of United States banks repealed. • Attempt to revive “relief measures.” • Three banks chartered by the legislature. • Extreme measures not to be carried. 82 CIVIL AFFAIRS AND THE MEXICAN WAR

• Robert P. Letcher governor. • The Louisville legion. • Exciting contest for the succeeding governor. • The charge on Monterey. • William Owsley, Whig, elected. • Battle of Buena Vista. • Clay the Whig nominee for President. • One fifth of the troops Kentuckians. • Kentucky gives him a large majority. • Distinguished Kentuckians slain. • The annexation of Texas the question of the • The battle leads to the American victory. contest. • Peace in Texas. • Clay’s opposition to the annexation defeats • Acquisition of a vast territory. him. • Ashes of the heroes of Buena Vista buried at • War with Mexico inevitable. Frankfort. • General Taylor of the United States army • Memorial monument later erected. dispatched to Texas. • O’Hara and his Bivouac of the Dead. • Hostilities begin. • John J. Crittenden governor. • War declared. • Succeeded by John L. Helm in 1850. • Kentucky’s attitude toward the war. • Crittenden’s ability. • She offers 10,000 militia. • State constitution revised in 1849. • Kentuckians high officers in the war. • Four important changes made. • The Kentucky troops.

83 FOUNDING OF THE COMMONWEALTH

84 IV — THE CIVIL WAR, 1850-1865 CHAPTER XIV THE SITUATION IN KENTUCKY, 1850-1860

ong before the peal of thunder and years, Henry Clay had been president of the Ameri- the flash of lightning announce the can Colonization Society, and he had advocated a L downpour of rain, forces have been system of gradual emancipation. Many of the promi- at work in the heavens to produce a storm. Long nent citizens of the State, who were large slave own- before the outbreak of the ers, concurred in this humane project; but they were Civil War, events had been in the minority, and we have seen that the revised Causes of the Civil Causes of the Civil slowly tending toward the constitution of 1849 provided for the continuation War War inevitable conflict. With of slavery. the first slaves introduced This provision in the constitution grew out upon American soil began the conditions which of Kentucky’s resentment of the course which ex- brought about the final tragedy. Of course there were treme persons in the North many branches that grew out of the main vine, — the were beginning to pursue Effect of Abolitionism slavery question, — and one was so important and toward the slave-holding grew so rapidly as time went on that it seemed to States of the South. It had many the parent vine, — the original source of the its immediate cause in a desire to oppose the con- controversy. This was the different and directly op- duct of certain abolitionists who, as early as 1841, posite views held by the North and the South as to began a system of stealing away slaves from their the nature of the government of the United States, masters and running them in Ohio (a free State) and the former believing that sovereign power resided in thence into Canada. These persons had accomplices the Federal government; the latter, that it resided in stationed in different parts of Kentucky, and along the States.1 routes known only to themselves. When the negroes In the warm Southern States where cotton were stolen, they were passed on from one station to was extensively produced, slavery was deemed a ne- another until they were safely out of the country. cessity to the agricultural Thus the means by which this business was accom- life. This was not the case plished received the name of the “underground rail- Slavery in Kentucky in Kentucky. But the insti- road.” Again and again the conspirators were dis- tution had existed and covered in different parts of the State, and were tried flourished from the earliest days of the settlement of and condemned;2 but still the work went on because the region. In 1850 the population of the State was those engaged in it believed they were doing right. 982,405, of which over 200,000 were slaves. Hundreds of slaves were stolen in this way from their On the great landed estates of the Common- owners. wealth the lot of the slave was comparatively happy. In many cases the slaves were unwilling to And yet, over and over again, in important conven- leave their homes. While they greatly desired free- tions of the State, this problem of human property dom, they were as a class a peaceable people that had claimed the consideration of the people. For dreaded change. They knew the life they were liv-

1. The War between the States. By Alexander H. Stephens. 2. The most noted case was that of Miss Delia A. Webster, who was tried at Lexington, in 1844, and sentenced to two years in the State penitentiary. But the same jury that had condemned her for what they judged a crime, signed a petition to the governor for her pardon. She was released because she was a woman, while her companion in the work was sentenced to serve fifteen years in the penitentiary. 85 THE CIVIL WAR

ing. It had sore trials; but they realized that they would a committee of sixty of the most honorable citizens always be provided for. They knew nothing about of the place were deputed to go to the office of The the life into which they True American and take possession of it. The whole Characteristics of the would be taken. More- proceeding was managed in the most orderly man- slaves over, the careless, irrespon- ner. The secretary containing the private papers of sible existence they led the editor was sent to him at his home. The press, made them unthinking. type, etc., were packed by printers and sent to the They lived for the moment, and if they could steal care of a reliable firm in Cincinnati, and the editor was informed that he would find them there awaiting his order. Of course the committee of sixty had to be tried, for their action was illegal; but the jury, without hesitation, gave a verdict of “not guilty.” All over the The State commends State enthusiastic meetings the action of Lexing- were held in commenda- ton tion of the action of the citizens of Lexington, and strong resolutions were passed recommending the prevention of such incendiary publications as The True American in the State. This shows that the unwise conduct of extreme abolitionists awakened much excited feeling that otherwise might not have existed. Kentucky was rapidly growing intensely proslavery. The majority of her people believed to a Negroes’ Dance certain extent in the doc- off at night and meet together at some neighboring trine of State rights. All Proslavery and Union “quarters” for a dance, they gave themselves up to their sympathies were in sentiments the frolic with reckless disregard of the pun- harmony ishment which might follow on the morrow. with the The leader of the antislavery move- customs of the Southern States; and ment in Kentucky was Cassius M. Clay, a yet, at the same time, Kentucky had man of strong will, ever been most ardently attached fearless in advocat- to the Union. As an evidence of An abolition newspa- ing his opinions. this fact note the words which the per In 1845, he began legislature of 1850 ordered to be to issue at Lexing- engraved on a block of Kentucky ton an abolition newspaper called The True marble that was to be placed in the American. Its tone was inflammatory and “General Washington Monument” was considered altogether improper. The at Washington City: “Under the citizens of that town met and decided that auspices of heaven and the precepts its publication was detrimental to the peace of Washington, Kentucky will be of the community, and that it must be dis- the last to give up the Union.” Cassius M. Clay continued. When the editor, who was at Slowly, steadily, the division home ill at the time, was informed of the action of between the two sections of country was widening. the meeting, he sent back a defiant reply; whereupon But all the while the great and patriotic mind of Henry

86 THE SITUATION IN KENTUCKY

Clay was struggling to adjust the differences which first Emancipation ticket in Kentucky was run, with threatened dissolution to the Union. The predic- Cassius M. Clay at its head, as nominee for gover- tion which Clay had made nor. His vote, was only about thirty-six hundred. concerning the annexation Archibald Dixon, who had been the Whig nominee Henry Clay’s Com- of Texas in 1845 was fast for governor against Powell, was elected United States promise Bill being fulfilled. Already a senator in the place of Henry Clay, resigned. The war with Mexico had been days of the Whig party were numbered. fought. Out of the vast territory ceded by Mexico in With the election of Franklin Pierce, the 1848 to the United States, new States were forming. Democratic nominee for President, in 1852, the Already California had framed its constitution and Whig party disappeared asked for admission into the Union. The ques- from national Downfall of the Whig tion whether slavery should be allowed in the new politics, never party States raised a conflict of opposition on the one to reappear. hand, and advocacy on the other, such as had In Kentucky, never before occurred in the nation. for several years longer, it continued to In this condition of affairs, on the 29th of exist as a distinct organization, under the January, 1850, Henry Clay came forward in the leadership of John Crittenden. But a United States Senate with his celebrated Compro- disruption had occurred in its ranks. mise Resolutions, which were known later as the Some of its members, more extreme in Omnibus Bill. Clay’s earnest speech in exposi- one direction, had gone off with the abo- tion of these measures of peace lasted two days, Franklin Pierce lition movement; while others, of the op- beginning February 5. For months the bill called posite tendency, had united with the Democratic forth exciting debates in the halls of Congress; but forces. finally the various measures which composed it were In the unsettled, agitated condition of the passed before the close of that memorable year. This nation it was inevitable that new parties should arise was Clay’s last great effort. Two years later he died, to embody the various opinions the times in- Know-Nothing party spired. The American or Know-Nothing party, as it was commonly called, appeared like a meteor only to fall like a meteor. It existed from 1853 to 1856. In Kentucky elections of 1855 for State officers and members of Congress this ticket was mainly successful. Charles S. Morehead, a former Whig, became governor. But the variations in the politics of the State Clay’s Home, Ashland, Kentucky were like the waverings of a newly started pendulum before it finally assumes its just prior to the downfall of the Whig party, of which regular beat. The hour of Democratic su- he had long been the leader in spirit, if not in place. Democratic supremacy premacy In 1851, Lazarus W. Powell, one of the most was at hand. In 1856, John talented members of the Democratic party, was C. Breckinridge of Ken- elected governor. But the tucky, the Democratic nominee for Vice President, Whigs secured a majority was elected, with James Buchanan as President. State politics of the other State offices Young Breckinridge was peculiarly fitted to become and elected most of their the leader of the Democratic forces of his State. He men to both houses of Congress. At this time the was brave, with a winning manner and a ready ora-

87 THE CIVIL WAR

tory. His sympathies went out ardently toward the C. F. Burnam, W. B. Kinkead, Joseph R. South in the question which was now before the na- Underwood, and Nathaniel Wolfe; of such distin- tion. In the ensuing State elections, the Democrats guished statesmen as Joshua F. Bell and James were victorious. In 1859, Beriah Magoffin, Demo- Guthrie; and of such brilliant editors as George D. crat, was elected governor, and a majority of Demo- Prentice of the Louis- crats was obtained in both houses of the legislature. ville Journal, John H. Although the Democracy held the scepter of Harney of the Louis- power, yet there still existed in the State that old con- ville Democrat, and D. servative element whose influence has been repeat- C. Wickliffe of the edly noted. This element Lexington Observer The conservative has been known to us most and Reporter. And element recently under the appella- there were many others tion Whig. Left now with- who, in the legislature, out a party name, the men in public speeches to of that policy became designated for a time simply as the citizens of the State, the “Opposition.” But they were soon to make for and in the newspaper themselves a name which is expressive of the work editorials, likewise la- they did for their State and the nation, — Conserva- bored to avert the tive Union party. threatened dissolution This body was composed of some of the pur- of the nation. Of these John C. Breckinridge est and most patriotic men the State has ever pro- men, John J. Crittenden stood as the representative duced. In their number will be found the names of type in the Federal Congress. All hopes turned to such able judges as L. W. Andrews, R. A. Buckner, him to save the Union.

RECAPITULATION • The North and the South hold contrary views. • Her ardent attachment to the Union. • They interpret the Federal constitution • Henry Clay’s prophesy concerning Texas differently. fulfilled. • Slavery becoming a serious problem. • New States ask admission to the Union. • Slavery not necessary to Kentucky. • Question of slavery in the new States. • Large slave population of the State. • Clay’s Resolutions of 1850. • The slave problem repeatedly disturbs the • The various measures carried. people. • Clay’s death two years later. • Gradual emancipation advocated. • Whigs carry most of the elections of 1851. • Extreme abolitionists excite temper in the • Lazarus W. Powell, Democrat, elected people. governor. • “The underground railroad.” • Cassius M. Clay heads an Emancipation ticket • Many slaves captured in this way. in 1851. • The careless lives of the slaves. • Archibald Dixon succeeds Clay in United • An abolition newspaper forcibly discontinued. States Senate. • The “committee of sixty” tried and acquitted. • National downfall of the Whig party. • Lexington’s action commended by the State. • Crittenden holds it together a little longer in • Kentucky opposed to abolitionism. Kentucky. • Her belief in State Rights. • Rise and fall of the Know-Nothing party. 88 THE SITUATION IN KENTUCKY

• Democratic supremacy. • Old Whig party first called the “Opposition.” • John C. Breckinridge the Democratic leader. • Becomes the Conservative Union party. • Beriah Magoffin, Democrat, governor. • Its members men of weight in the community.

89 THE CIVIL WAR

90 CHAPTER XV KENTUCKY’S POSITION OF NEUTRALITY, NOV. 1860-JUNE 1861

t is a curious coincidence that the two men which, if adopted as amendments to the Federal con- who were destined to take the political stitution, he hoped would bring peace between the Ilead in the great conflict of the nation were North and the South. But the propositions were born in Kentucky, within one year of each other. voted down. The country was in no state of mind to Jefferson Davis was born listen to reason. Ten years had passed since Clay June 3, 1808, in that part had carried in that same body his compromise mea- Lincoln and Davis, Lincoln and Davis, of Christian County which sures of 1850. For ten years fuel had been added to natives of Kentucky natives of Kentucky afterward became Todd the flame which was then burning in the North and County. In in the South. In 1850, it was pos- his infancy his family moved south- sible to subdue it; in 1860, it had ward to Mississippi, where he became grown beyond the power of man to imbued with the spirit and the customs quench. of the planters. Abraham Lincoln was In January, 1861, a commit- born in a log cabin in that part of tee composed of one member from Hardin County which afterward be- the representation in Congress of came Larue County, on the 12th day each of the Border States met and of February, 1809. framed other compromise resolu- In his boyhood, his family tions which Crittenden, a member moved northward into the uncultivated of the committee, accepted as sub- regions of the newly opened West. stitutes for his own. But these pro- From a life of vigorous physical toil posed amendments met the same and earnest mental exertion, he fate as their predecessors. In the learned those lessons of truth and free- meanwhile, at home, the Union dom which prepared him for his mis- men upheld the hands of their sena- Abraham Lincoln sion. tor. Conventions passed resolutions In November, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was in favor of his efforts to elected President of the United States. The leaders avert the approaching ca- Efforts toward com- of the South had declared tastrophe. Earnest speak- promise unavailing that in the event of his elec- ers addressed the citizens Secession of South- tion they would withdraw in different parts of the ern States from the Union. Secession State and implored them to be moderate in their feeling was growing. On actions. “Secession,” they said, “means revolution, December 17, South Carolina met in a State con- and revolution means war. And war with whom? vention that resulted in the secession of that State With our neighbors, our friends, our brothers!” In from the Union on December 20. Within two glowing language they urged the citizens nobly to face months Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Loui- the wrongs which the South had suffered from the siana, and Texas followed this precedent. On De- North, not failing to recognize, at the same time, the cember 18, John J. Crittenden offered in the United honor and the blessing of living in a great united coun- States Senate certain compromise propositions

91 THE CIVIL WAR

try; and to stand firm in the position they had taken was only through the action of a State convention for the Union. that such a step could be taken. They believed that if On the 17th day of January, 1861, the legis- a convention were called, lature met in called session. Governor Magoffin, in Kentucky might be led to Union views on the his message, set forth the secede. They were assured subject condition of the country as that most of the people of The governor’s it appeared to him at the the State were attached to message time, and strongly recom- the Union; but they knew that in times of high excite- mended the calling, forth- ment men may be tempted to rash action, contrary with, of a State convention to determine the future to their sober judgment. attitude of Kentucky toward the Federal government. In the legislature, this important matter was The governor also recommended the arming of the earnestly argued by both sides; but finally the deci- State; the appointment of commissioners to act for sion was reached that action at that time on political Kentucky in a convention of Border Slave States to affairs was both unneces- meet in the city of Baltimore at an early day; and the sary and inexpedient, and Legislature against a presentation of the Crittenden compromise, or its the legislature refused to State convention equivalent, as an ultimatum. call a convention that might Many members of the Democratic party ad- take the State out of the vocated calling a State convention. Notable among Union. On February 11, the legislature adjourned these was Vice President until March 20. Little was done at this second ses- Breckinridge, who defi- sion of sixteen days beyond further discussion of the Democratic views nitely expressed his views state of the country. By special invitation, an address on the subject in a letter to from the Union standpoint was delivered by John J. the governor received a few days before the legisla- Crittenden, which was followed several days later by ture convened. After giving a summary of the another from the Democratic point of view by John Crittenden compromise propositions, and mention- C. Breckinridge. Crittenden had just left the United ing other efforts which had been made to settle the States Senate. Breckinridge was his successor. political differences then dividing the country, he On the 4th of February, a Peace Conference stated his firm conviction that no plan of adjustment of twenty-one States assembled at Washington. Ken- would be adopted by Congress. He therefore gave tucky sent six delegates, — his voice for a State convention. In his opinion, civil William O. Butler, Joshua Definite turn in war was imminent unless it could be arrested by the F. Bell, James B. Clay, affairs prompt and energetic action of the several States in James Guthrie, Charles S. their sovereign capacity. He believed that it might Morehead, and Charles A. be arrested if Kentucky and the other Border States Wickliffe; but nothing was accomplished by this should calmly and firmly present a united front against meeting. All efforts toward compromise were of no it. But if the war could not be avoided, he desired avail. Matters were tending to a crisis. By this time that Kentucky should be in a position to decide seven States had seceded. On the same day that the whether she would support the Federal Union or the Peace Conference opened in Washington, delegates Southern cause. from six of the seceded States met at Montgomery, On the other hand, the Union men were dis- Alabama, to frame a government for The Confeder- tinctly opposed to calling a State convention. They ate States of America. Jefferson Davis was elected argued that such a convention would not better the President. On the 4th of March, Abraham Lincoln condition of Kentucky, that the legislature had full was inaugurated President of the United States. power to do everything necessary for the good of the On the 12th of April, 1861, the first gun in Commonwealth. On one point only it could not act. the war between the States was fired on Fort Sumter, It could not withdraw the State from the Union. It in South Carolina. The garrison was under the com-

92 KENTUCKY’S POSITION OF NEUTRALITY

mand of Major Robert Anderson of the United States They believed that the disagreement between the army, a native of Kentucky. On the 14th, the Fed- North and the South ought to be settled in some eral forces were compelled peaceable way. They shud- to abandon the fort. The dered at the thought of civil Beginning of the war Kentucky’s attitude President immediately war — war between friends toward the war made proclamation for and kindred. Therefore troops. Kentucky was called on to furnish four regi- there was no probability, ments for the service of the government. Governor just at this time, that the State would decide to unite Magoffin promptly telegraphed the following reply with the Federal government in resisting the seces- to this demand: “In answer, I say, emphatically, Ken- sion of the Southern States. tucky will furnish no troops for the wicked purpose The extreme Unionists — those who were of subduing her sister Southern States.” Troops re- ready for war — were in the minority. But it was pos- quested for the Confederate States were also refused sible that Kentucky might decide to support the by the governor. Southern cause. The Conservative Union men and The Union men now nerved themselves for the Democrats were agreed in believing that the a mighty effort to hold Kentucky in a Northern congressmen had no right position of to make laws against the slave prop- neutrality. erty of the South. But the Democrats Efforts to hold Ken- On the 17th believed in the doctrine of State rights, tucky neutral of April, — that a State had the right to secede Crittenden when it judged that the Federal gov- made a speech to a large audience in ernment had acted unconstitutionally Lexington. He brought all the weight toward it. They dwelt upon the wrongs of his great intellect to bear on his ap- the South had suffered, and the sub- peal to the people to maintain an in- ject appealed to the spirit of many of dependent course. Kentucky, he the gallant young men of the Com- showed, had done nothing to bring on monwealth. The Kentuckian, from this war; she had done everything in the days of his earliest conflict with In- her power to prevent it. Now that civil dians, had allowed no foe to overcome strife was begun, there was no reason him. It was his impulse now to rush why Kentucky should be forced to Jefferson Davis forward and take his stand beside his take part either with the North or the South. Let her resisting brethren. It would not have been impos- strand true to the Union alone and remain in her sible, perhaps, by a few impassioned speeches on this place as a peacemaker. line, to have turned the State into the Confederacy. The Union State Central Committee (formed In this state of feeling the legislature was again January 8) followed up this line of argument in an assembled in called session, May 6. At first it ap- address to the people. They earnestly urged that peared as if the Southern Kentucky should persevere in a position of neutral- Rights element was in the Legislature favors ity, and they recommended that she should arm her- majority. But there were in mediatorial neutrality self thoroughly, so that she might protect her soil from that body a number of old the invasion of either the Federal or Confederate tried Whigs, — Union men forces. Similar Union meetings were held in various now, — who braced themselves to exert every effort localities. Everywhere, it was evident, the desire of to keep their State from the horrors of this war, and the people was for neutrality. to hold her true to the Union. Their strength was as Thus two facts are apparent to us, — that the the strength of many because they were convinced people of Kentucky were ardently attached to the that their purpose was righteous. Moreover, they Union, and that they were distinctly opposed to war. were upheld by the will of the people. Petitions

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poured in from the women of the State, imploring Throughout this study we have had occasion the legislators to “guard them from the direful ca- to notice the sober dignity with which Kentucky has lamity of civil war.” Furthermore, several members met every serious issue in her history; and we have who had been elected as Democrats before this cri- also observed the important work she has done for sis of war had come, now went over to the aid of the the nation. Let us especially recall the period of her Union men. Notably among these was Richard T. severest trial, — her tedious struggle for independence Jacob, later colonel of the Federal army, and lieu- from Virginia, — and we shall find that she decided tenant governor of the State. And so it came about her course of action in this present vital hour of the that this legislature decided the fate of the State, and nation’s life in harmony with that judgment which perhaps of the nation, by voting in favor of mediato- controlled her in the former period. rial neutrality. The governor issued a proclamation setting Kentucky’s position of mediatorial neutral- forth the fact of Kentucky’s neutrality, and likewise ity was primarily a decision for the Union. It did not warning and forbidding any mean that the Federal gov- State, whether of the The governor’s ernment had no right to United States or of the Meaning of mediato- proclamation raise troops for its defense Confederate States, to en- rial neutrality on her soil. It rather indi- ter or occupy Kentucky cated such a right, and was with armed forces. The legislature also directed that simply a request to the Federal government for a the State should be armed for her own protection. postponement of that constitutional right, in order The necessary funds were immediately raised, and that an effort might be made on her part to try to win arms and ammunition were procured for the State back the seceded States to the Union and to secure Guards and the Home Guards; and it was especially peace.1 But if peace were impossible, and the war provided that neither the arms nor the militia were should continue, Kentucky was determined to stand to be used against either the United States or the by the Union, even to her temporary disadvantage in Confederate States, but solely for the defense of the the possible destruction of her slave property. What State of Kentucky. The governor appointed Simon was gained by this position was delay. In that hour of Bolivar Buckner inspector general, Scott Brown ad- impassioned action every moment of rational inac- jutant general, and M. D. West quartermaster gen- tion was of vital importance. eral. The Union victory was attained by only one The President called a special session of vote in the House and a meager majority in the Sen- Congress for July 4, 1861. The election thus made ate; but none the less was it necessary is described by regarded by the Conserva- one of the Union workers Union victory Union men elected tives as a triumph which of that time as follows: would result in immeasur- “And now the contest able good. In the list of those who accomplished it opened before the people of Kentucky, and the are found the names of men who are known to the Union men went boldly and confidently into the nation. There are R. A. Buckner, Speaker of the fray.... All eyes were at once turned to Mr. House, C. F. Burnam, Lovell H. Rousseau, James Crittenden, and his services were demanded in that Speed, Joseph R. Underwood, Nathaniel Wolfe, and Congress.... The noble old man heard the call and others too numerous to mention. Old men who were did not hesitate for a moment.... Animated by in- present in that legislature tell us today of the deep tense patriotism and the stirring scenes around him, earnestness of the discussion through which that de- he moved through the district with all the vigor and cision was reached. spirit of a young man, unbent by age, his manly form erect, his voice clear and thrilling, his eye blazing with

1. Synopsis of House Resolutions in exposition of the position of the legislature of 1861. Offered by the member from Oldham, Richard T. Jacob, and accepted by the legislature, September 1, 1861. 94 KENTUCKY’S POSITION OF NEUTRALITY all the fervor which the high responsibility of his po- legislature had contributed much to prevent injudi- sition inspired. Crowds flocked to listen to him; the cious action. His eloquence and his great popularity people everywhere responded to his appeal.... He secured the triumph of the was elected by a large majority. Many others of the Union men in his district; Crittenden’s influence best men of the State were sent to Congress.1 The and the great confidence most trusted men were selected for the legislature, the whole State reposed in and secession was no longer thought of in Kentucky. him kept the State in the Union. Should Kentucky “No one doubts that had Mr. Crittenden fal- at that critical moment have cast her destiny with the tered at all, or had he pursued any other course than South, who can calculate what might have been the that which he did pursue, Kentucky would have been result?”2 lost to the Union. His personal influence in the late

RECAPITULATION • Both Lincoln and Davis born in Kentucky. • Legislature addressed on the condition of the • Lincoln elected President of the United States, country. 1860. • J. J. Crittenden speaks from the Union point of • His election objectionable to the South. view. • South Carolina and six other States secede. • J. C. Breckinridge speaks from the Democratic • Crittenden’s compromise resolutions rejected point of view. by the United States Senate. • Peace conference at Washington accomplishes • Border States’ compromise resolutions also nothing. rejected. • The crisis approaching. • Crittenden’s efforts for peace appreciated at • The Confederate States of America formed. home. • Jefferson Davis chosen President. • Speakers urge the people to be moderate in • Lincoln inaugurated President of the United action. States. • The legislature meets in called session. • Confederates fire upon Fort Sumter, South • The governor’s message. Carolina. • He recommends calling a State convention. • Major Robert Anderson, U.S.A., in command. • Democrats generally desire this step. • Federals obliged to abandon the fort. • Views of Vice President Breckinridge on the • President Lincoln makes proclamation for subject. troops. • He earnestly advocates holding such a • Confederate States also request troops. convention. • Governor Magoffin declines both requests. • It would enable the State to decide her course • Union men strive to hold Kentucky neutral for toward the war. a time. • Union party strongly oppose calling a State • Crittenden recommends an independent convention. course. • They fear the State might thus be led to secede. • He shows that Kentucky had no part in • Legislature decides not to hold a State bringing on the war. convention. 1. The men selected to represent the State in this Congress were Henry C. Burnett, James S. Jackson, Henry Grider, Aaron Harding, Charles A. Wickliffe, George W. Dunlap, Robert Mallory, John J. Crittenden, William H. Wadsworth, and John W. Menzies. 2. W. B. Kinkead in an article on John J. Crittenden in the New York Sun. 95 THE CIVIL WAR

• He urges the people not to rush into the • Democrats believe that a State has a right to contest, but to remain peacemakers, true to the secede. Union. • Second called session of legislature. • Union meetings held in various localities. • Southern Rights element in the majority at first. • All recommend the same course. • Conservative Union men make a strong fight. • Kentucky much attached to the Union. • Several Democrats come to their aid. • Generally opposed to war. • Mediatorial neutrality carried. • Does not intend just yet to enter the war on the • This was a plea to the Federal government to Federal side. postpone raising troops in the State while • More chance of her supporting the Confeder- further efforts for peace were made. ate cause. • Above all it meant a decision for the Union. • It appeals to the sympathy of the young men of • The State armed for her own protection. the State. • Special election of Congressmen held. • Conservative Union men and Democrats • Crittenden helps to secure the Union victory. widely differ on one point.

96 CHAPTER XVI THE INVASION OF KENTUCKY, JULY 1861-APRIL 1862

ad the other States followed Blanton Duncan. And still, the State’s neutral posi- Kentucky’s example of forbear- tion was not yet officially abandoned. H ance, there would have been no On the 20th of May, 1861, the definite Con- war. But perhaps war was necessary. Perhaps it federate government was organized was the only means by at Richmond, Virginia. In that State, which the abolition of sla- on the 21st of July, the first great Beginning of the Beginning of the very could be accom- battle of tragedy tragedy plished. Of course it was the war Kentucky is Union impossible for Kentucky was fought to make peace, and equally impossible for her to along the remain apart from the combat. banks of Bull Run stream, not far Outside the borders of the State, at Camp from Manassas Junction. The result Clay opposite Newport, and Camp Joe Holt oppo- was defeat to the Federals, and a gen- site Louisville, Federal regiments were being re- eral rout and flight of their forces. cruited, and thither in the summer of 1861 hastened Hope was inspired in the hearts of many Unionists of the State. Many dissatisfied Se- the Confederates; but the Federals cessionist assembled at Camp Boone near fought with renewed energy. Each Clarksville, Tennessee, where Confederate troops Confederate Soldier side watched Kentucky with interest. were being enlisted. And thus began the tragedy in The August elections came off, and the State voted Kentucky! Most of the other States went solidly with overwhelmingly in favor of the Unionists. Seventy- one side or the other; but Kentucky was divided six Union to twenty-four State Rights members were against herself! Fathers differed from sons, and went elected to the House; twenty-seven to eleven, to the forth to fight against them. Brothers Senate. The newly elected legislature assembled Sep- parted from brothers, friends from tember 2, 1861. friends. Ah, the awful anguish of it all! The day following, by an almost simultaneous On the soil of Kentucky itself move upon Kentucky, the State was invaded by Con- Federal forces were organized at Camp federate forces at two different points. Major Gen- Dick Robinson, in Garrard County, by eral Leonidas Polk, of Ten- General Will- nessee, occupied and forti- Confederates invade iam Nelson. fied a strong position at Federal and Confed- Kentucky General Hickman and Columbus, erate forces organized Humphrey in the southwest, and Gen- in Kentucky Marshall had a eral Zollicoffer established troops near Cumberland recruiting Gap, in the southeast. Whereupon, on the 5th, a camp in Owen County, thirty miles from Federal army of several thousand strong, under an the capital, where Confederate forces Union Soldier order from Brigadier General U. S. Grant, entered were organized. In other parts of the Kentucky and took its position at Paducah. The leg- State, Confederate troops were raised by Colonel islature promptly ordered that the flag of the United

97 THE CIVIL WAR

States be hoisted on the capitol, to proclaim end, and to call out the militia force of the State un- Kentucky’s Union attitude. der his control, and place it under the command of General Polk notified Governor Magoffin General Thomas L. that he would withdraw his troops provided the Union Crittenden; (4) to in- troops were simultaneously voke the patriotism withdrawn; and offered the and aid of every Legislature orders further guarantee that Con- Kentuckian for the withdrawal of Confed- federate troops should re- defense of the Com- erates main out of the State pro- monwealth. Again vided Federal troops the governor used should not be allowed to enter or occupy any point his right of veto, and in Kentucky in the future. Now the Union people again the legislature disapproved of the condition thus laid down by the disregarded his act. General Polk.1 On the 11th, the legislature passed Several days later, a resolutions to the effect that Kentucky expected the bill was passed, — confederate troops to withdraw from her soil uncon- notwithstanding the ditionally. The governor, who was opposed to the usual veto, — direct- Thomas L. Crittenden Union policy, and in sympathy with the Confederacy, ing the governor to call out not less than forty thou- vetoed the resolution, but it was passed immediately sand Kentuckians to be placed under the authority over his veto. of the commanding general, to aid in expelling the As the Confederate forces refused to com- invaders. ply with this order, on September 18, the State, in The State Guard, who had been armed and her General Assembly, equipped by the State for her own use and protec- abandoned the neutrality tion, laid down their arms Neutrality position position, and declared her- in some instances, and in abandoned The State Guard self an active supporter of others carried them with the Federal government. them, and went almost in a Resolutions were introduced and carried: (1) to re- body into the ranks of the Confederacy, whither their quest General Robert Anderson, who had already principles or sympathy led them. On September 18, been appointed com- their leader, Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner, mander of the De- was ordered to invade Kentucky and to fortify a cen- partment of the tral camp at Bowling Green. This point became, for Cumberland, which a time, the headquarters of the Confederate Army included Kentucky, of the West, then placed under the command of Gen- to take instant com- eral Albert Sidney Johnston, a Kentuckian by birth. mand, with authority As early as July, General Lloyd Tilghman, a to call out the volun- resident of Paducah, had resigned his position in the teer force of the State Guard, and at the head of the third Kentucky Commonwealth for regiment of infantry, had joined the Confederate the purpose of expel- army. Paducah was intensely Southern, and most of ling the invaders from the young men of the city, previously members of the soil; (2) to protect the State Guard, went with Tilghman. From the force all peaceable citizens of the State Guard, also, went John Hunt Morgan, while this necessary Robert Anderson then captain of the Lexington Rifles, to become the duty was being performed; (3) to request the gover- famous Kentucky cavalry raider, — General Morgan nor to give all the aid in his power to accomplish this of the Confederacy. By some daring stratagem, he

1. See p. 94, the meaning of mediatorial neutrality. 98 THE INVASION OF KENTUCKY

succeeded in evading the Federal authorities, and United States Senate to become brigadier general in leading most of his company, all carrying their arms the Confederate army. Other notable leaders of Con- with them, he reached Bowling Green a federate volunteers were Roger W. few days after General Buckner had taken Hanson, Ben Hardin Helm, George W. his station there. Johnson, Humphrey Marshall, William On the contrary, the Home Preston, and John S. Williams. Guards were nearly all supporters of the Meanwhile the State was gather- Federal govern- ing loyal soldiers for the Federal service. ment. But they It is difficult to The Home Guard were a body of estimate the Divided households undisciplined exact numbers troops who were not always wise in their furnished to conduct. Arrests of innocent persons were the Confederate side; but it may be gen- frequently made by them, and thereby erally stated that about three times as wrath was awakened among the Southern William Preston many of the inhabitants of the Common- sympathizers against the Union policy the State had wealth went into the Federal army as went into the adopted. Confederate. Nevertheless, many mothers and aged The legislature heartily condemned all such fathers who remained at home awaited in anguish unjustifiable arrests, and General Anderson, who was and suspense the tidings from the opposing armies, always fair as well as brave, issued a proclamation of each of which contained dearly loved members of protection to the people. It was to the effect that no their divided families. Kentuckian should be arrested unless he took part, The departure of the Confederates left va- either by action or speech, against the authorities of cant a number of State offices. John W. Finnel, an the general or State government, held correspon- efficient Union member of dence with, or gave aid or assistance to, the enemy. legislature, was appointed Important official Under a construction of this order of the com- adjutant general, in the changes manding general, a number of arrests were made of place of Scott Brown, and men who, by their position, William A. Dudley quar- Prominent Confeder- were able to give efficient termaster general, in the place of M. D. West, who ates arrested aid to the Confederate had followed his associate into the Southern army. cause. James B. Clay was Bland Ballard was appointed United States district arrested for this reason, as judge, that honorable were also Reuben T. Durrett, editor of the Louis- position having been ville Courier, and ex-governor Charles S. Morehead, vacated by its holder, who were sent to political prisons in the East. The Thomas B. Monroe. judge of Harrison County and other officers of that John C. Breckinridge court were arrested and sent to the United States was deprived of his seat barracks at Newport. Every effort was put forth to in the United States constrain the citizens to submit to the Union policy Senate, and Garrett which the State had adopted. Davis was chosen by the The State was being rapidly divested of her legislature to succeed Southern sympathizers among the soldiers. During him. the last week of September, Previous to the nearly one thousand Ken- 21st of October, only Bland Ballard Confederate leaders tuckians passed into Vir- insignificant skirmishes had taken place on Kentucky ginia, to join the Southern soil; but on that day occurred quite a desperate en- forces. John C. Breckinridge left his seat in the counter at Camp Wild Cat, in the Rockcastle hills.

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The Federal troops were commanded by Colonel unwavering efforts for the Union; but they still hoped T. T. Garrard; the Confederate, by Brigadier Gen- to gain possession of the State. On January 19, 1862, eral Zollicoffer. The Con- General George B. Crittenden, commanding a Con- federates were out- federate force of about five thou- First battles in Ken- numbered, and in sand infantry, came upon the ad- tucky spite of the efforts of vancing Federal army, com- their able commander, manded by Major General were forced to retreat. Shortly afterward, not George H. Thomas, under far away, at Ivy Mountain, in Pike County, a simi- whom lar victory was gained by Federal troops under were Significant Federal General William Nelson. Colo- victory in Kentucky On the 18th of November, there oc- nels curred a unique event. Delegates, elected by the Speed dissatisfied minority of Smith Fry and Frank L. Confederate govern- the State, assembled at Wolford, at Mill Springs, in ment of Kentucky Russellville, in Logan Pulaski County. The Confeder- County, and formed ate attack was led by General William Nelson what they called a pro- Zollicoffer, who was killed after visional government for Kentucky. George W. a few hours’ hard fighting. The Federal force, which Johnson was chosen governor, and a full corps of at the outset was somewhat less than that of the en- State officials was also elected. Bowling Green was emy, was about this time reinforced. The Confeder- selected as the new seat of government. Henry C. ates were thrown into confusion and driven to re- Burnett, sometime representative in the United States treat into Tennessee. This was the first of the impor- Congress, William Preston, and William E. Simms tant victories which led to the evacuation of the State. were sent as delegates to Richmond, Virginia, and Another discouraging defeat to the Confed- on the 10th of December, the government there es- erates was soon to follow. On the 6th of February, tablished went through the form of admitting Ken- tucky into the Confederate States. This little episode had small effect, however, upon the even tenor of Kentucky’s real administration. Soon the principal actors in it themselves left their provisionary posts, to enter into the serious events of Southern warfare. On November 13, Brigadier General Don Carlos Buell succeeded to the command of the department which included Kentucky. Early the fol- Buell in command lowing month, Bombardment of Fort Henry he had organized at Louisville for General Lloyd Tilghman, in command of the Con- the Union army about sixty thou- federate Fort Henry, on the Tennessee River, was sand soldiers. The Confederates compelled to surrender to held a long military line from General Grant. On the Fall of Forts Henry Cumberland Gap into Arkansas 12th of the month, General and Donelson and Missouri. They had strong Grant began his celebrated fortifications on the Cumberland, Don Carlos Buell assault on Fort Donelson, Tennessee, and Mississippi rivers. on the southwest bank of the Cumberland River. The They had been greatly discouraged by Kentucky’s Confederate troops were commanded by Generals

100 THE INVASION OF KENTUCKY

John B. Floyd, Gideon J. Pillow, and Simon B. 6th of April, although desired by the Union army, Buckner. Two Kentucky regiments were engaged was hastened by the wisdom of the Confederate com- on each side: Colonel John H. McHenry’s and Colo- mander. The battle of nel James M. Shackleford’s, on the Federal; Colo- Shiloh was one of the most Battle of Shiloh nel Roger W. Hanson’s and Colonel H. B. Lyon’s, terrible in the war. The Battle of Shiloh on the Confederate. The terrible carnage lasted fighting continued for two nearly five days, during bitterly cold weather, rain, days. At the close of the first day the Federals were and sleet. On the night of the 15th, Generals Floyd driven in disorder to the river, and it seemed as and Pillow escaped with portions of their brigades. though victory were with On the 16th, General Buckner proposed terms of the Confederates, al- capitulation, but General Grant demanded and ob- though their com- tained an unconditional surrender. mander, General On the 14th, before the fate of Donelson was Johnston, had fallen with definitely decided, the Confederates abandoned a mortal wound. But in Bowling Green. On the the night General Grant Kentucky evacuated 27th, Columbus was also was reinforced by Gen- by the Confederates evacuated. Federal troops eral Buell with twenty under the chief command thousand men. After a of General Buell — rushing march of twenty- 114,000 men — were meanwhile pressing southward. five miles, General Buell On the 25th of February, they took possession of reached the field in time Albert Sidney Johnston Nashville, Tennessee. to turn the victory to the The retreating Confederates passed through Federals. But the loss of life was very great, and the Nashville before the advance of the Federals. Gen- Kentucky regiments suffered more than their pro- eral Albert Sidney portion. Johnston reorganized his army at Murfreesboro, and having been reinforced by General Beauregard, again moved southward to Corinth, Mississippi. General Grant pushed his forces in a parallel direction and established his camp at Pittsburg Landing, near Shiloh Lloyd Tilghman Church, on the Tennes- see River. The engagement which occurred there on the morning of the Attack on Fort Donelson

101 THE CIVIL WAR

RECAPITULATION • Kentucky’s futile efforts for peace. • General S. B. Buckner invades Kentucky, • It was impossible for her to remain apart from September 18. the war. • Bowling Green the Confederate headquarters • Kentucky Federals and Confederates recruited for a time. outside the State. • The Confederate general John Hunt Morgan. • Kentucky’s futile efforts for peace. • The Home Guard almost entirely Union. • It was impossible for her to remain apart from • A body of undisciplined troops. the war. • Cause trouble by making unlawful arrests. • Kentucky Federals and Confederates recruited • Prominent Confederates arrested. outside the State. • Efforts to constrain the citizens to submit to the • Kentucky’s tragic situation. Union policy. • Federals and Confederates organized within the • Many Kentuckians join the Confederate army. State. • Notable Confederate leaders. • The neutrality position not yet abandoned. • About three times as many join the Federal • Confederate victory in the battle of Bull Run. army. • Conservative Union party carries the State • The households of the State are divided. elections of 1861. • A number of civil offices left vacant by • The newly elected legislature assembles Confederates. September 2. • First battles in Kentucky. • Confederates invade the State on the 3rd. • Federal victories at Camp Wild Cat and Ivy • General Polk establishes troops in the Mountain. southwest; General Zollicoffer, in the south- • Confederates meet at Russellville, Logan east. County. • Legislature orders withdrawal of the Confeder- • Frame a provisional government for Kentucky. ates. • George W. Johnson chosen their governor. • General Polk refuses unless Federal troops are • Don Carlos Buell commander Kentucky also withdrawn. Department. • Legislature demands an unconditional • Sixty thousand Federal troops organized at withdrawal. Louisville. • Neutrality abandoned, September 18. • Battle of Mill Springs, Pulaski County. • Kentucky declares herself actively for the • Federals gain a significant victory. Union. • Fall of Confederate Forts Henry and • Robert Anderson appointed commander of Donelson. Kentucky department of war. • Kentucky evacuated. • T. L. Crittenden, commander of Kentucky • One hundred and fourteen thousand Federal militia. troops pressing southward. • Other important resolutions passed by the • Nashville taken possession of. legislature. • Another Federal victory in the battle of Shiloh. • State Guard joins the Confederate army. • General Buell’s part in the battle. • Young men from Paducah follow General Lloyd Tilghman.

102 CHAPTER XVII THE SECOND INVASION OF KENTUCKY, APRIL-DEC., 1862

he Conservative Union people of vost marshals were appointed in every county. Any Kentucky loved the Union and the one suspected of aiding or abetting the Confederacy T constitution above all property con- was arrested and com- siderations, sacrificing for it kindred and ties of sym- pelled to subscribe to an Kentucky adverse to pathy, and life itself. Very oath of allegiance to the this course many of them were large government of the United Congress actively slave owners, and they re- States before he was dis- favors abolition lied upon the protection charged. The printed formula of the oath stated that which the constitution of its violation was death. the United States gave to their slave property. Many For some time the lives and property of loyal who regretted the existence of such property, as well citizens had been disturbed by lawless band of men as those who approved it, were agreed in maintain- called guerillas. The guer- ing that government had no right to interfere with it. rillas were mostly soldiers Martial law offensive During all the early months of that time of trial they who had broken away from clung — with a trust that refused to see the tendency the ranks of the Confed- of the issue — to the belief that the government did eracy, — wild, reckless men, who had been made in- not intend to invade the rights of the South; that its human by some injury they or their families had suf- sole object was to suppress the rebellion, and then to fered from the Federal soldiers or authorities. They restore the Union and the constitu- banded themselves together and dashed tion. But all the while events were through the country, wreaking their ven- steadily pressing towards the abolition geance upon the innocent victims in the of slavery. In April, 1862, the first Commonwealth. Now the order went step in this direction was taken by forth that whenever such depredations Congress abolishing slavery in the Dis- should hereafter occur, the Confederate trict of Columbia. The venerable sympathizers in the neighborhood where John J. Crittenden made one of his the offenses were committed should be last great efforts to defeat this mea- held responsible and made to pay the sure, as did other of the statesmen of damages. Although these raids were ex- Kentucky, — Aaron Harding and Wil- ceedingly harassing, the measures em- liam Henry Wadsworth, in the House ployed for their suppression were most of Representatives, and Garrett Davis objectionable to the Kentuckians gener- in the Senate. ally. However, General Boyle endeav- An Antagonism was therefore Jeremiah T. Boyle ored to execute the severe orders of the spreading throughout the State to the secretary of war with as much leniency Federal authorities at Washington. This was greatly as possible. increased by the military policy which was now Meanwhile, an excitement of a very practical adopted. On June 1, 1862, Kentucky was placed nature had been created in the State. Exaggerated under martial law. Brigadier General Jeremiah reports were spreading wildly, concerning General Tilford Boyle was made military commandant. Pro- John Hunt Morgan, who with his Confederate cav-

103 THE CIVIL WAR

alry had entered Monroe County early in July on his should be agreeable to him. The lieutenant gover- first Kentucky raid. This nor, Linn Boyd, having died, the president of the daring leader of a few hun- Senate, John F. Fisk (to Morgan, the Confed- dred men did most effec- whom the governor was in- erate cavalry raider Orderly change in the tive service to the Confed- imical) would have be- State administration erate cause. The methods come governor upon the he employed required quick wits and coolness of vacation of the office. That action. gentleman, perceiving the situation, consented to re- At Tompkinsville he defeated two hundred sign his position. James F. Robinson, a harmonizing and fifty Federal cavalry, and then moved northward, member of the Union element, was elected speaker. following the line of the Louisville and Nashville rail- Governor Magoffin resigned, and Speaker Robinson road, through Glasgow, to Bear Wallow. There an became acting governor. Whereupon, the honor- expert operator on his able John F. Fisk was reelected to his former office. staff tapped the tele- Morgan’s bold ride through the State was but graph wire and, on the a preparation for the military disturbance which was ground that all things now anticipated. Since the are fair in war, sent battle of Shiloh there had General E. Kirby false dispatches con- been organizing at Chatta- Smith’s invasion cerning Morgan’s nooga a force of more than numbers and move- forty thousand Confeder- ments, and also re- ates, under the chief command of General Braxton ceived information in Bragg, for the invasion of Kentucky, and especially John Hunt Morgan regard to the Federal for the capture of Louisville and Cincinnati. Gen- plans. The telegraph eral Buell, the department commander, did not an- was frequently employed in this manner, and Fed- ticipate this move. He held his troops between eral officers were much mystified and alarmed. Murfreesboro and Nashville, expecting an attack in Along the line of Morgan’s march, railroads central Tennessee. During the last week in August, were destroyed, supply trains were captured, and General E. Kirby Smith, with about one third of this horses were seized for the use of the Confederacy. Confederate army, entered Kentucky at Big Creek At Cynthiana, quite a severe contest occurred. A Gap and moved on towards Richmond, where the Federal force of nearly five hundred, under Colonel only organized force of the State was stationed, — John J. Landrum, was captured, after a resistance of two brigades of seven or eight thousand, mainly un- nearly two hours. Being pursued by General Green disciplined troops from Ohio and Indiana, under the Clay Smith and Colonel Frank L. Wolford, with a command of General William Nelson. Federal force somewhat superior in numbers to his Skirmishing began on the 29th between the own, Morgan hastened southward, capturing several advance of both armies. General Nelson was absent town on his way, and destroying government stores. from headquarters. Gen- He traveled over one thousand miles in twenty-four eral Manson of Indiana Battle of Richmond days, fought repeatedly, and lost only about ninety (the officer next in com- of his men. mand), believing he should It is noteworthy that in this time of intense encounter only one of the raiding parties then nu- excitement a change in the highest civil office of the merous in the State, pushed on the next morning Commonwealth was made in an altogether dispas- with his one brigade and gave attack to the whole of sionate and rather unique manner. The governor, a General Smith’s army. The Federals held their own Southern sympathizer, had been forced out of ac- for several hours, but were finally overcome and cord with the rest of the administration. He indi- driven back in wild confusion towards Richmond. cated his desire to resign, provided his successor

104 THE SECOND INVASION OF KENTUCKY

After a furious ride, General Nelson reached governor of Kentucky, in place of George W. the scene of disorder. Raging and desperate, he vainly Johnson, who had fallen at Shiloh. The act was hardly tried to rally his forces. One of his own officers called completed when the advance guard of Buell’s army to his men to scatter and run, and the infuriated reached the town. Governor Hawes hastened to Nelson drew his sword and cut him to the ground. Lexington, and the provisional government of Ken- But he had arrived too late. The victorious Confed- tucky vanished, never to reappear. erates moved on to Lexington, where several days The two armies came together near later they were joined by Morgan’s Confederate cav- Perryville, in Boyle County, on October 8. There alry. was fought one of the sever- On Sunday night the legislature met and ad- est contests of the war: a Battle of Perryville journed to Louisville (according to a provision which battle terrible in loss of had been passed for such an emergency), carrying valuable lives on both sides, the archives of the State thither for protection. and yet undecisive in result. Of the twenty-five thou- While Kirby Smith impatiently awaited the sand Federals and fifteen thousand Confederates orders of General Bragg, that officer, with the main engaged in it, at least seven thousand fell in the few army, was making his slow hours the fighting continued between noon and twi- march into Kentucky. By light. The immediate commander of the Federal Bragg and Buell’s way of misleading Buell, force was Major General Alexander McCook; of the contest for Kentucky Bragg first moved westward Confederate, Major General William J. Hardee. to Nashville, and when he Nearly half of the Confederate army was at Frank- reached Glasgow, in Barren County, he had lost at fort, while the Federals had heavy reinforcements least ten days. Sixteen more days were consumed in (Major General Thomas L. Crittenden’s corps) within a march to Lexington. Meanwhile Buell had out- summoning distance. The battle was brought on reached him, and through a misunderstanding on the part of the Con- with an army now federates, who believed they were attacking only a numbering one detachment of the Federal force. General Buell, who hundred thousand expected an engagement the next day, was some dis- men, had entered tance away and was not informed of what was taking Louisville on Sep- place before the battle was half over. And then, tember 25. The through a misunderstanding on his part of the true conditions of the situation, — supposing Bragg’s entire army was en- two armies were re- gaged, — he determined not to press the action fur- versed. The ther until the morning. Federals had a most But on the morrow Bragg had withdrawn his decided advantage. forces and begun his retreat from Kentucky. At Western troops had Harrodsburg he was joined Braxton Bragg hastened to the de- by General Smith’s corps. Failure of Confeder- fense of Cincinnati. The Federal General Lew With wise caution, Buell ates to secure Ken- Wallace was in command. All chance of the Con- refrained from bringing on tucky federates capturing that city and Louisville was lost. an engagement with the On October 1, Buell moved out of Louis- Confederates. Only skir- ville to give attack to the Confederates. A detach- mishes took place. No other definite battle occurred; ment was sent toward Frankfort, while the main army and Bragg escaped from the State, having made a followed a southeastward course. Instead of vigor- failure of his whole campaign. After this, fighting on ously grasping the situation, Bragg tarried at the capi- a large scale was practically ended in Kentucky. Again tal, where the Confederates went through the vain and again Morgan’s “wild riders” spread terror ceremony of inaugurating Richard Hawes provisional throughout the State, and repeated skirmishes oc-

105 THE CIVIL WAR curred in various localities; but no other Confeder- Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, ate effort was made to secure Kentucky. Vicksburg, etc.; and everywhere, on both sides, they were conspicuous for their courage and power of en- The soldiers of durance. They were all Kentucky volunteers, and belonged to the best families of the Commonwealth, — strong, tall men, unequaled in size by any other troops of the United States, with the exception of those of Tennessee. The Confederate army continued to receive recruits from Kentucky until the end of the war. Though it is impossible to state precisely the number given to that service, it has been fairly estimated as over forty thousand. It is possible to be more exact in regard to the Federal numbers. According to the estimates of the adjutant generals, before the close of the war the State had given to the Federal service Morgan’s Wild Riders upwards of one hundred thousand white men, — The soldiers of Kentucky were now engaged nearly one tenth of the entire population. Besides in many of the great battles of the South. They took this, eleven thousand Negroes were enlisted for the part at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary United States Army.

RECAPITULATION • Love of Kentucky Conservatives for the Union. • His victory in the battle of Cynthiana. • Their trust that the constitution would be • His effective service to the Confederacy. restored after the war. • The State administration mainly Conservative • Belief that the government did not intend to Union. destroy the institutions of the South. • Governor Magoffin, a Southern Rights man, • The first step in the revolution taken. resigns. • Slavery abolished in the District of Columbia • His successor chosen in a unique manner. by Congress. • James Robinson, Conservative, becomes • Kentucky statesmen vainly try to defeat the governor. measure. • Over 40,000 Confederates organized at • The State excited against the Federal govern- Chattanooga. ment. • General Braxton Bragg in chief command. • Martial law enforced, June, 1862. • The invasion of Kentucky proposed. • General J. T. Boyle military commandant. • The State invaded by E. Kirby Smith with one • Provost marshals appointed in every county. third of this army. • Terrible raids of outlaws called guerillas. • The only organized force of the State at • Severe measures enforced to suppress Richmond. guerrillas. • General William Nelson, Federal, in com- • Morgan’s first Kentucky raid. mand. • His quick wits and bold methods. • Confederate victory in the battle of Richmond. 106 THE SECOND INVASION OF KENTUCKY

• They triumphantly enter Lexington. • Fighting ends at twilight. • Are joined by Morgan’s Confederate cavalry. • Buell proposes to continue the action on the • The legislature adjourns to Louisville. morrow. • Bragg’s dilatory march to Kentucky. • Bragg withdraws his forces the next day. • Buell reaches the State first. • Buell refrains from bringing on another • Takes possession of Louisville. encounter. • Federals also in possession of Cincinnati. • Bragg, joined by General Smith, escapes from • Buell has the advantage of Bragg. the State. • Bragg’s army inaugurates a governor at • War practically at an end in Kentucky. Frankfort. • Kentucky soldiers in the great battles of the • The two armies meet at Perryville. South. • A terrible engagement. • Their courage and conspicuous size. • An indecisive result. • Numbers furnished by the State to each side.

107 THE CIVIL WAR

108 CHAPTER XVIII CIVIL CONFLICTS, 1863-1865

he opposition in Kentucky to the martial law was declared. The polls were guarded by Lincoln administration rose to a high soldiers, and no disloyal person was allowed to vote. T tide when on January 1, 1863, the The Kentuckians very generally resented this inter- President issued his Emancipation Proclamation, lib- ference of the military rulers with their civil govern- erating the slaves in the se- ment. ceding States. Kentucky, In the autumn of 1863, President Lincoln Kentucky opposed to Kentucky opposed to being loyal, was not imme- called for three hundred thousand more men to pros- Lincoln’s policy Lincoln’s policy diately concerned; but the ecute the war. Kentucky’s proclamation was deemed quota was twelve thousand Negro soldiers en- a violation of the constitution of the United States. seven hundred and one. rolled President Lincoln had been elected under a Early in January, 1864, the policy which declared that all the people in the se- Federal government began ceded States had to do was to lay down recruiting in the State negro regi- their arms and return to their allegiance ments for the United States army. to the Union, and that then they would Now the people of Kentucky had be protected in all their rights by the con- ever been true to the Union. No stitution. As the war progressed, it call for men and money had been seemed necessary to the President to de- made upon them that was not part from this policy. But the People of promptly met. They were gallant Kentucky, at that exciting time, could soldiers, proud of their military not perceive as we do today the destiny record. The negroes were their which urged Lincoln on to mighty slaves. To arm these slaves and deeds. place them by their side in battle The Radical or Unconditional seemed to them at that time a deg- Union element in the State alone up- radation to themselves and to that held the ad- high calling for which they had vol- ministration; unteered their lives. What we Opposition increased Drilling Negro Recruits but the con- name race prejudice today was, at trolling power was still the that time, an almost unconquerable feeling. Conservative Union, or Union Democratic party, as Opposition to this measure and to the men it was now called. Their ticket was victorious at the who controlled the Federal government burst forth August election. Thomas Elliot Bramlette and Ri- in denunciatory speeches chard T. Jacob, both Federal officers, were chosen within the State and in Con- Indignation of Ken- respectively governor and lieutenant governor. Al- gress. At Lexington, the tucky though there was hardly a possibility of the Union daring Federal cavalry ticket being defeated, the most arbitrary means were raider, Colonel Frank L. enforced to secure it success. The military officers Wolford, with his picturesque, untutored eloquence, of the State were controlled by orders from the War roused the people to revolt from the idea of “keep- Department in Washington. Prior to the election, ing step to the music of the Union alongside of negro

109 THE CIVIL WAR

soldiers”; and for his defiance was arrested and im- lishment of peace they were disturbed and enfeebled prisoned. Lieutenant Governor Jacob also de- by unavoidable conflicts with the military rulers which nounced the methods of the administration, and like- the secretary of war placed over the State. wise suffered arrest. In Congress, Aaron Harding The new commanding officer, General spoke ably on the same subject, and William Henry Burbridge, assumed control of the State. The mea- Wadsworth made a speech which increased sures which he adopted to Kentucky’s claim to orators. suppress the guerillas were Civil and military Early in January, 1864, General Boyle re- thought very generally to be conflicts signed the position of military commandant of Ken- as brutal as the acts of those tucky. He had striven to outlaws themselves. He is- fulfill his trying duties as a sued an order to the effect that whenever a citizen Military oppression Christian gentleman; and was killed by the guerrillas, four military prisoners his resignation was a mis- should be taken to the spot where the murder was fortune to the Kentuckians. For the next two years committed, and hung in retaliation. These prison- the people were harassed by a series of military rulers were supposed to be guerrillas, yet as has been ers who were regarded at the time as nothing less stated, guerillas were seldom captured. The victims than tyrannical. In February, Major General Steven were usually simply Confederate prisoners of war. G. Burbridge was appointed commander of the de- Strong opposition to such measures was expressed partment of Kentucky. He belonged to the extreme throughout the State, but to no effect. In the western Radical wing of the Union party in his State, and he district, where Brigadier General E. A. Paine was in met the situation in Kentucky in what seemed a harsh command, the military acts grew so oppressive — and unrelenting manner. extending even to bold murder and robbery — that The terrible guerilla raids, alike condemned many peaceable citizens were obliged to abandon by honorable Confederates and Federals, became ex- their homes to escape a horrible fate. In several cases, asperatingly frequent dur- even loyal men who had fought for the Union, were ing the last years of the war. arrested by order of General Burbridge and sent Notorious guerrillas Scarcely a county in the outside of Kentucky, because they had expressed State escaped their depre- their opposition to the men in control of national dations, and their leaders usually succeeded in evad- affairs. But these were not all the grievances which ing the officers of the law. It was only after long the people of that day had to deplore. The Federal months, when unnumbered crimes had been com- officers further encroached upon the civil powers by mitted, that three of the most notorious leaders were attempting to control the elections of the State. captured; and then by accident. Captain Billy In August, 1864, the election for judge of the Magruder, of a powerful gang, had been dangerously court of appeals in the second district was to take wounded. Two of his comrades, Henry Metcalf and place, as well as for some “Sue Munday,” — showing that spark of goodness minor county and precinct Victory of Conserva- which exists in all human beings, — had tarried by to officers. Judge Alvin tive Union party nurse him. They were captured, and Munday, the Duvall, a Southern Rights most conspicuous of the three, was taken to Louis- man, was the Democratic ville and hung, although to the last he maintained his candidate for reelection. The division in the Union innocence of the crimes with which he was charged. party of the state, which has already been noted, was Meanwhile terror filled the hearts of the aged, steadily becoming more pronounced. Mortimer M. and the women and children; for none were exempt Benton, an eminent lawyer of Covington, was the from the guerilla cruelties. The civil authorities of nominee of the Radical wing of that party. the Commonwealth made an earnest effort to sup- Several days before the election, General press this evil, but they did not have the power which Burbridge ordered that the name of Alvin Duvall belonged to their offices. From now until the estab- should not be allowed to appear on the poll books

110 CIVIL CONFLICTS

as a candidate. This interference of the military au- Conservative thorities with the civil government was not only in- Union, or Union sufferable, but altogether unnecessary. Kentucky was Democratic, con- still a zealous Union State. There was no chance just vention, of which yet of any Southern James Guthrie was rights candidate being the leading spirit, elected. The coast boldly announced now seemed cleared its opposition to for the election of the Lincoln and de- Radical candidate, clared for General Benton; but the Con- George B. servative Union men, McClellan. The in righteous resent- Democratic, or ment of General Southern Rights, George B. McClellan Burbridge’s order, on convention was the very morning of harmonious with the Conservative, and in favor of the election, tele- McClellan. George Robertson graphed over the dis- President Lincoln received the nomination trict the name of a new on the basis of reestablishment of the Union without candidate, George Robertson, formerly chief justice, slavery; General McClellan, of reestablishment with and he was elected. slavery. Lincoln was George Robertson, who was one of the most elected November, 1864, End of the tragedy competent judges in Kentucky, had always been on by an overwhelming major- the Conservative side in ity; but Kentucky gave a politics. He had taken part majority of over thirty-six thousand to McClellan. George Robertson in the interesting conflict Peace was at hand. The State was becoming relieved between the Old Court and of her military oppressors. Toward the end of the New Court parties, upholding the former faction. He had been a stanch Whig, and now he was a Conser- vative supporter of the Union. He stood prominent in the midst of such able lawyers as Madison C. Johnson, George Blackburn Kinkead, Thomas A. Marshall, and Aaron K. Woolly, of the Lexington bar, and Samuel Smith Nicholas, James Guthrie, and James Speed, of the Louisville bar. The political state of Kentucky was most interesting at this time. The year 1864 was the year of the presidential election. Kentucky held three con- Action of the three ventions to select delegates parties to the national conventions. The Unconditional Union, or Radical convention, was presided over by Ulysses S. Grant Robert J. Breckinridge, a Presbyterian divine and political speaker, — a strong controlling spirit in his year, Paine was deprived of his office in the western party. This convention indorsed the administration district, and the following February General and voted for President Lincoln’s reelection. The

111 THE CIVIL WAR

Burbridge was replaced by General Palmer, to the great satisfaction of the Kentuckians. On April 9, 1865, the Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General U. S. Grant, at Appomattox courthouse, Virginia. Five days later, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s theater, in Washington. But he had finished his work. The cause for which he lost his life was established. In December, 1865, the Thir- teenth Amendment to the Federal constitution — which declared that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude should any longer exist in the United States — was ratified by three fourths of the States and be- Robert E. Lee came a part of the constitution. Kentucky opposed the amendment.

RECAPITULATION • Lincoln departs from the policy he was elected • Munday, Magruder, and Metcalf, notorious under. guerillas. • Issues the Emancipation Proclamation, January • Confederate prisoners of war hung in retalia- 1, 1863. tion. • Radical Union party of Kentucky approves his • General E. A. Paine’s course in the western course. district. • Conservative Union party denounces it. • The military attempt to control elections. • Conservative Union party the controlling • Judge Alvin Duvall, a Southern Rights man, power. candidate for reelection to court of appeals. • Colonels T. E. Bramlette and R. T. Jacob, • Military forbid his name to appear on the poll Conservatives, elected governor and lieutenant books. governor, August, 1863. • Efforts of the military to elect the Radical • Martial law enforced during the election. candidate. • Negro soldiers first recruited in the State, • Defeated by the prompt action of the Conser- January, 1864. vatives. • Jacob and Wolford denounce the administra- • George Robertson, Conservative, elected. tion on this account. • Conservative Union, Radical Union, and • They are arrested and banished. Democratic conventions held. • General Boyle resigns his office. • The Radical Union convention for Lincoln. • S.C. Burbridge, a Radical Union man, • Conservatives and Democrats support appointed commander of Kentucky military McClellan for President. department. • President Lincoln reelected. • The beginning of harassing situations. • Kentucky’s large vote for McClellan. • The State’s civil rulers are Conservative. • General Burbridge replaced by General • The military rulers are Radical. Palmer. • They are in conflict until peace is established. • Kentucky rejoices over Palmer’s appointment. 112 CIVIL CONFLICTS

• Paine removed in the western district. • The Thirteenth Amendment passed. • Peace at hand. • Slavery abolished in the United States, • Lee surrenders at Appomattox courthouse. December, 1865. • Abraham Lincoln assassinated.

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114 V — THE NEW KENTUCKY, SINCE 1865 CHAPTER XIX THE RESTORATION OF PEACE, 1865-1875

n December 18, 1865, the Conser- creased in the State, and at this time received also a vative majority in the legislature portion of the Conservative force. This party put Opassed resolutions of general par- forth a ticket headed by S. M. Barnes and R. T. don to all citizens who had fought for the Confed- Baker. eracy. As the Confederate The men who still adhered to the Conserva- soldiers re- tive doctrine organized in Louisville in the Return of the Confed- Return of the Confed- turned to spring of 1867 erates their old and nominated Downfall of the places, the W. B. Kinkead Conservative party Conservative men, who still had con- for governor, trol of the State, stretched forth their Harrison Tay- hands in welcome, with a promise to lor for lieutenant governor, John M. forget the differences which had sepa- Harlan for attorney-general, J. S. Hurt for rated them in past issues, in the hope auditor, Alfred Allen for treasurer, J. J. that the good men of all parties would Craddock for register, and B. M. Harney unite with them for the restoration of for superintendent of public instruction. peace. They had no hope of carrying the elec- But in this they were disap- tion. Their purpose in presenting a ticket pointed. The Confederate soldiers was the opportunity thereby gained of had just William B. Kinkead making known their principles. Their suffered work was finished. They soon dissolved Powerful Democratic defeat. They believed that as an organization and passed mainly into the Demo- organization the support which the Con- cratic party. A few, servative men caused the however, went with the State to give to the Union was an important factor in Republicans. Distin- that defeat. Therefore, they had little desire for party guished among these harmony with those men. Also, the people in gen- were C. F. Burnam, eral, who had stayed at home and taken no active John M. Harlan, part in the war, had suffered so much from the mili- James Speed, and tary rulers which the Republican party had placed William Henry over the State, that they felt a temporary hostility to- Wadsworth, who re- wards Union principles. Even a portion of the old ceived high national Conservative element went over into the more ex- appointments. treme position of the Democrats. Thus, when the The Demo- Democratic State convention met at Frankfort, Feb- cratic ticket was com- ruary 22, 1867, to select nominees for the pending posed of John L. William H. Wadsworth August elections, it showed a large and powerful body. Helm for governor, At the other extreme stood the Radical, or Republi- John W. Stevenson for lieutenant governor, John can, party, which had steadily, though slowly, in- Rodman for attorney-general, D. Howard Smith for

115 THE NEW KENTUCKY

auditor, J. W. Tate for treasurer, J. A. Dawson for slavery should no longer exist in the United States. register, and Z. F. Smith for superintendent of pub- We have seen that the emancipation act of 1863 did lic instruction. The Demo- not practically affect Kentucky, which was a loyal cratic candidates were State; but the agents of the Freedmen’s Bureau at- Democratic triumph elected by an enormous tempted to enforce this law in Kentucky. They de- majority, and the politics of manded money for the services of the wives and chil- the State was settled for many years to come. Until dren of negroes who had been enlisted in the United the present day this party has had almost undisputed States army. The proceeding was deemed unconsti- power. Only Democrats of Southern sympathies tutional, and was deeply resented by the Common- were elected to Congress, with one exception. Ma- wealth. jor George M. Adams, a Federal soldier, who had A number of suits were brought for this cause now joined the Democratic party, received the elec- by the Freedmen’s Bureau; but they were all lost, as tion in the 8th district; and for some time he alone the court of appeals sustained the lower courts. The was allowed to take his seat in Congress. first was against Garrett Davis, then ably represent- On September 3, 1867, John L. Helm re- ing Kentucky in the United States Senate, — a staunch ceived the oath of inauguration as governor, while Union man and a large owner of slaves. The effect lying dangerously ill at his of the Freedmen’s Bureau was: (1) to irritate the John W. Stevenson home in Elizabethtown. people against the Republican party, the party in Five days later he died, and power in the nation; (2) to strengthen the Democratic John W. Stevenson, the party; (3) to retard the advancement of the negro. lieutenant governor, became acting governor until the The organization assumed the guardianship following August, of the race. It awoke an opposition on the part of when he was elected the slave to his former owner, and thereby prevented governor. Governor the friendly relations which today exist between the Stevenson was a man two races. By 1870, the Fourteenth and Fifteenth eminently fitted for Amendments to the United States constitution were the position to which ratified and the rights of citizenship and suffrage were he was called. He was conferred upon the negroes of the nation. a lawyer, and at the Another cause of the disturbance of the peace Covington bar had was the terror created in various counties of the State gained the reputation — especially Marion, Boyle, Lincoln, and Mercer — of exceptional ability. by bands of men at first By this time Ken- called Regulators and after- Kuklux tucky was in a state of ward Kuklux. These men Kuklux financial prosperity took it upon themselves to and comparative John W. Stevenson punish the offenders against the laws of the State. peace, though law and order were not yet firmly es- When a crime was committed, a large number of tablished. them would go out together in the dead of night, thor- One of the causes of the disturbance of the oughly armed, and disguised by masks, proceed to peace was the establishment in the State, in the year the home of the culprit, drag him out of bed, take 1865, of agencies of the him to the woods, and whip him or inflict some other Freedmen’s Bureau. In torture upon him. The members of the Kuklux pre- Freedmen’s Bureau March, 1865, Congress tended that such acts were done by them in order to had passed an act setting intimidate evildoers, and thereby improve the moral free the wives and children of negro soldiers. This condition of the State; but in reality these men made was prior to the adoption of the Thirteenth Amend- themselves criminals of the most dangerous order. ment to the Federal constitution, which declared that Their conduct was wrong enough when their cruel-

116 THE RESTORATION OF PEACE

ties fell upon the guilty; it was horrible when the in- away. Center College, chartered by the Presbyterians nocent became their victims. The Kuklux were sup- in 1819, still existed, and retained somewhat of that pressed by 1873, but the lawless spirit which animated picturesque interest which had formerly belonged to them has not yet wholly died out in Kentucky. Some- it. Its distinguished presidents were from some of times, particularly in the hill country, lynchings still the most prominent families of the State, — Rever- occur — the speedy executions of mob law. ends Jeremiah Chamberlin, Gideon Blackburn, John Governor Stevenson, having been elected to C. Young, Lewis W. Green, and William L. the United States Senate in February, 1871, resigned Breckinridge. Other denominational colleges existed the position of governor, in various parts of the State, but Kentucky was begin- and Preston H. Leslie, act- ning to realize that it is upon the public schools that Negroes vote for the ing lieutenant governor, as- the educational life of a State depends. first time sumed the duties of the of- The financial condition of the Common- fice. The following August wealth at the close of the war was good. In 1873, he was elected governor. His opponent was the emi- there occurred a financial nent Republican, John M. Harlan. John G. Carlisle panic which was the great- Period of quietude was elected lieutenant governor. The Democratic est ever known in the his- majority was greatly reduced, because of the addi- tory of this nation. Though tion to the Republican numbers for the first time of much individual loss was endured in Kentucky, as a the negro vote. Whereas, in the presidential vote of Commonwealth she suffered less than many of the 1868 the Democratic majority in the State had been other States of the Union. seventy-six thousand, at this time it was scarcely more A bill having passed the legislature to estab- than thirty-seven thousand. lish a geological survey in Kentucky, in 1873, Gover- At the close of the war was begun a much- nor Leslie appointed Nathaniel Southgate Shaler, needed reform in the public school system of the then filling the chair of Geology in Harvard Univer- State. We have noticed sity, as chief of the corps of survey. Professor Shaler, Educational affairs that Kentuckians had never a Kentuckian, brought into the work an earnest en- been indifferent to educa- thusiasm, as well as exceptional scholarship. Vast tion; nevertheless, the facili- sums of money were expended, and the wealth which ties for public education had never been of the very lies hidden in the depths of Kentucky was discov- highest. Old Transylvania University had now passed ered and made known.

RECAPITULATION • Conservatives still in power. • He is succeeded by John W. Stevenson, • Pardon and return of the Confederate soldiers. lieutenant governor, who is elected governor • Large growth of the Democratic party in 1867. the following year. • Lesser growth of the Republican party. • The Freedmen’s Bureau causes annoyance and • Conservatives offer a ticket with no hope of retards the advancement of the negro. election. • The Kuklux, a low order of secret outlaws, • They pass mainly into the Democratic party, disturb the peace. but some become distinguished among the • Governor Stevenson elected United States Republicans. senator. • Democrats carry the State. • Preston H. Leslie becomes acting governor, • Governor John L. Helm dies a few days after and then governor (1871). his inauguration. • John G. Carlisle, lieutenant governor. 117 THE NEW KENTUCKY

• Negroes vote for the first time. • Professor Shaler, State geologist. • A public school reform begun. • Kentucky’s resources pointed out. • Financial panic of 1873.

118 CHAPTER XX THE ERA OF TRANSITION, 1875-

he future greatness of Kentucky must nation of applicants between the ages of fourteen and depend largely upon education. The twenty-four years; but preference is given to those T reform in the public instruction of the who have passed through the public schools. The State, begun after the Civil War, has been progress- University is thus the head of the common school ing toward a more elevated system of Kentucky. standard. For the training The three State administrations from 1875 Public education in of school teachers, the to 1887 were concerned with few matters of definite the State State established (1906) importance for this history. two well-equipped Normal In 1875, James B. State politics Schools for white persons, one at Richmond and one McCreary, the Democratic at Bowling Green; and (1886) one for colored per- candidate, was elected gov- sons, at Frankfort. The State has also a continually ernor. During his term of office, two United States enlarging institution for higher education. senators were chosen, — James B. Beck, for six years The State College of Kentucky (Agricultural from the 4th of March, 1877; and General John S. and Mechanical College) owed its origin to the act of Williams, from 1879. Dr. Luke Pryor Blackburn, Congress of 1862 donating public lands for its en- Democrat, was elected governor in 1879; his term dowment. From 1865 to 1878 it was attached to the was notable for his humane effort to relieve the suf- old Kentucky University. In 1880 it was placed upon fering in the State penitentiary, due to the over- an independent basis, under the management of a crowded condition of the institution. J. Proctor Knott, Board appointed by the State. In Democrat, was elected governor in 1883, 1908 it was reorganized as the State by a majority of nearly forty-five thousand University (the older Kentucky Uni- votes. James B. Beck was returned to versity being renamed Transylvania the United States Senate, and J. C. S. University). It now owns grounds, Blackburn succeeded John S. Williams. buildings, and other property valued In the year 1884 was started in the at about $1,000,000. To James K. city of Louisville an organization that has Patterson, its learned and efficient had the greatest president from 1869 to 1909, and to influence in The Filson club the late Judge W. B. Kinkead, long discovering the chairman of the Executive Board, and preserving is due the provision which opens all the interesting facts in the State’s history. its classes to young women, placing The Filson Club owes its origin mainly them on an equal basis with the male to the inspiration of its first president, the students. Each county is entitled to Reuben T. Durrett, First President late Colonel Reuben T. Durrett, whose of the Filson Club send a certain number of white stu- knowledge and enthusiasm in regard to dents who may attend the University for a full four Kentucky subjects were unsurpassed. The members years’ course, free of tuition, matriculation, and dor- of the club reside in the various counties of the State. mitory fees. All appointments are made by the county By them old garrets have been searched for forgot- superintendent of schools, upon competitive exami- ten manuscripts, old letters have been brought to light,

119 THE NEW KENTUCKY

and new and important information has been gath- then: much was lost; much was gained. There were ered concerning the character and life of the early present this day the old grandchildren of those who settlers. The publications of the Filson Club are in- had taken part in the first celebration, by the side of valuable to students of Kentucky history. the young great-grandchildren. The In the State elections of 1887, former looked back with wistful pride into the Democratic party continued in the past, with which they were more power. Gen- nearly connected; while the latter looked eral Simon B. eagerly forward to a future brightened by State elections of Buckner was reflections from the heroic background. 1887 elected gover- Philadelphia sent three paintings as an of- nor. Three fering to the State. Speeches were made other tickets were run, — a Prohibition, in thanks for these and also to extol, in a Union Labor ticket, which received true Kentucky fashion, the glories of the an insignificant vote, and a Republican past and present. At Woodland Park a ticket, headed by W. O. Bradley. A barbecue was prepared; and under the considerable increase in the Republican shade of ancient oaks and elms, burgoo vote was discovered. At this time, also, Simon B. Buckner — that mysterious concoction which Ken- the voters decided to revise the State tuckians know how to brew — was served Constitution. with the finest of beef and ham and Southdown mut- On the 3rd day of May, 1890, an act to call a ton which the country could offer. And thus another constitutional convention passed the legislature, and century of promise was ushered in. the second Monday (the In 1891, John Young Brown, Democrat, was 8th day) of September fol- elected governor; but four years later the Democrats The new constitution lowing was appointed for its were divided. On June 25, assembling. Important 1895, the Democratic State The currency ques- changes were made in the three departments of State convention met in Louis- tion government, — the executive, legislative and judicial. ville, for the purpose of Under the first head, a conspicuous alteration is that nominating the various all officers are debarred from holding the same of- State officers for the election which was to be held fice two consecutive terms. Under the second head, the following November. At this time a desolating special legislation was abolished and necessary pro- panic was sweeping the country. Consequently, the visions in regard to corporations were made. Under thoughts of the people the third head, the superior court and all statutory were much occupied courts were abolished. An increase was made in the with consideration of fi- number of judges of the appellate court, — not less nancial matters. P. W. than five nor more than seven being required, and in Hardin, one of the aspir- the number of circuit courts, one being allowed for ants for the governor- every forty thousand inhabitants. ship, advocated the free On the 1st of June, 1892, one hundred years coinage of silver. had passed since the admission of Kentucky into the Cassius M. Clay, Jr., his Union; and the people opponent, maintained again assembled at Lexing- that the money question The centenary of ton to do honor to the was not a pertinent issue Kentucky State’s nativity. Here, in in a State election. The the midst of almost unbro- national administration, John G. Carlisle ken forests, had been organized the first government under Cleveland, strongly opposed the principle of of the new Commonwealth. All was changed since the free coinage of silver, and the secretary of the

120 THE ERA OF TRANSITION

treasury, John G. Carlisle, of Kentucky, made three cratic” ticket — Palmer and Buckner. The latter had speeches in the State, upholding the gold standard. been governor of Kentucky in 1887. The result in Hardin, however, received the nomination. the State and in the nation was a victory for McKinley, The Republican party nominated for gover- the Republican candidate. nor William O. Bradley, an advocate of the single At a special session of the legislature in 1897, gold standard. Populist and Prohibition part tickets the contest over the vacant seat in the United States were also named. Be- Senate was resumed. The cause the difference in caucus nominees were Senatorial elections the Democratic party again J. C. S Blackburn, over the currency ques- Democrat, and W. tion, the Republicans Godfrey Hunter, Republican. Intense excitement elected their entire and bitterness were aroused. Finally W. J. Deboe, ticket, and Kentucky Republican, was elected. In 1900, Blackburn was had her first Republi- elected senator to succeed William J. Lindsay. Six can governor. years later he was succeeded by Ex-Governor James During Gover- B. McCreary (elected in 1902). nor Bradley’s term as The legislature of 1898 enacted and election governor much distur- bill introduced by William Goebel, State senator, and bance was caused by passed it over Governor Bradley’s veto. This placed tollgate raiders. Many the appointment of election officers and the canvass- William O. Bradley tollgates were de- ing of returns in the hands of a State board of three stroyed, and the collection of tolls prevented by vio- commissioners to be elected by the legislature, and lence. The property of many turnpike companies of county boards to be appointed by the State board. was bought by the counties, and order was restored. In 1899, the Democrats, after a prolonged The turbulent legislature of 1896 was com- struggle in their convention, nominated William posed of an even number of Republicans and Demo- Goebel for governor, and crats, with two Populist J. C. W. Beckham for lieu- On the verge of civil members. For United tenant governor. Demo- Legislature of 1896 war States senator, J. C. S. crats opposed to Goebel Blackburn, a free sil- and to the ver advocate, was selected as the Democrat cau- new election law named an opposition cus nominee for reelection. Eleven gold stan- ticket headed by Ex-Governor John dard Democrats, however, refused to go into Young Brown. The Republican can- the caucus. W. Godfrey Hunter, a representa- didates were William S. Taylor for gov- tive in Congress, was the Republican nominee. ernor and John Marshall for lieutenant A few Republicans refused to vote for him. In- governor. Populist, Prohibition, and tense excitement prevailed, and the legislature Socialist-Labor tickets were also in the adjourned without having effected an election. field, as they have been in many elec- The silver question in 1896 caused a tions since. The majority of the elec- split in the Democratic party. The regular or- tion commissioners declared Taylor ganization favored and Marshall elected and they were the free coinage of sil- sworn in. The Democrats contested Election of 1896 ver, and supported the election. Hundreds of armed men William J. Bryan for came to Frankfot and petitioned the leg- William Goebel the presidency. Some of the Democrats op- islature not to depose Taylor and posed to free silver voted for the candidates for Presi- Marshall; for it was believed that the legislature was dent and Vice President of the “National Demo- about to decide the contest in favor of Goebel and

121 THE NEW KENTUCKY

Beckham. On January 20, 1900, Goebel was shot missioner from each of the two chief parties, together by an assassin concealed in one of the rooms of the with the sheriff. executive building. Governor Taylor declared it In the presidential elections of 1900, 1904, unsafe for the legislature to continue its meeting in 1908, and 1912 Kentucky voted for the Democratic Frankfort, and by proclamation adjourned it to meet candidates. In 1900 Act- at London, February 6. The Democratic majority ing Governor Beckham Politics since 1900 of the legislature ignored his act, but were shut out of was elected governor for the State House by militia. Nevertheless they awarded the unexpired term, by a certificates of election Goebel and Beckham. Goebel close vote. He was again elected governor in 1903, was sworn in as governor, January 31, and on his for the next full term, by 27,000 plurality. In 1907 death was succeeded by Beckham, February 3. Tay- the Republicans lor and Marshall refused to give up their offices, un- elected their State til after the case was decided against them by the State ticket, headed by Court of Appeals (March 10), and the Supreme Court Augustus E. Wilson of the United States declined to interfere (May 21). for governor, and W. For three weeks there was to be seen daily the strange H. Cox for lieutenant spectacle of two different organizations of the State governor, by 18,000 senate both meeting in the same room at the same plurality. The legisla- hour, but ignoring the presence of the other. Marshall ture of 1908 had a presided over the Republican senators, who after their Democratic majority roll call would adjourn for lack of a quorum. The of 8 votes. Ex-Gover- Democratic majority were presided over by a presi- nor Beckham was the dent pro tem., and carried on business. Democratic nominee Thus from January till May a condition ex- for United States sena- Augustus E. Willson isted which in other lands would have promptly tor to succeed Senator caused a civil war. It is greatly to the credit of Ken- McCreary, but a few Democrats refused to vote for tucky that nearly all our citizens refrained from vio- him. The contest was prolonged till February 28, lence, and quietly waited for the decision of the courts. when four Democrats voted with the Republicans for Many men were accused of complicity in the Ex-Governor Bradley, and elected him. murder of Goebel. Of the few brought Much disturbance was created in to trial, some were convicted and some the State, especially during the years 1905 acquitted. Taylor was one of the men in- to 1908, as an dicted, but he fled to Indiana, and the gov- outgrowth of The “Tobacco War” ernor of that State refused to honor Gov- the compli- ernor Beckham’s requisition for him, cated situation claiming that men accused of Goebel’s that existed in relation to the tobacco in- murder could not obtain a fair trial. dustry. Companies of men called “night Governor Beckham called a spe- riders” resorted to various acts of vio- cial session of the legislature to modify the lence. By them growing tobacco was de- election law. It stroyed, tobacco barns were burned, and was provided men were assaulted and whipped. In all, Election law that the State many hundred thousand dollars’ worth board should of property was destroyed by “night rid- consist of two commissioners appointed J. C. W. Beckham ers.” by the governor, one from each party, together with The legislature of 1904 appropriated the clerk of the Court of Appeals; and that each $1,000,000 for a new capitol building, and two years county board, likewise, should consist of one com- later added $250,000. A new site in South Frankfort

122 THE ERA OF TRANSITION

was chosen, and there a beautiful capitol, in keeping Act, creating eleven congressional districts, of which with the growth and dignity of the State, was erected nine are normally Democratic, and two Republican. in 1905-1909. On May 23, 1914, Senator William O. Bra- In 1911, former United States Senator James dley died. Governor McCreary appointed Johnson B. McCreary, Democrat, who had been governor in N. Camden, Democrat, for the few remaining weeks 1875-79, was again elected of Bradley’s term prior to the November election. governor by a plurality of Camden offered himself, and won, for the short term Democrats again in 34,000 votes over the Re- which ended March, 1915. Ex-Governor Beckham power publican nominee, Judge was the Democratic aspirant for the long term. It E. C. O’Rear; and Edward was a hotly contested campaign, as Beckham strongly J. McDermott, Democratic nominee for lieutenant advocated state prohibition. He won over his Re- governor, defeated L. L. Bristow, Republican. Ollie publican opponent, Ex-Governor Willson, by a plu- M. James, Democrat, representative in Congress, was rality of more than thirty thousand votes. Only two elected United States senator, to succeed Thomas Republicans won in the congressional elections: John H. Paynter. His opponent was Edwin P. Morrow, W. Langley of the Tenth district, and Caleb W. Pow- United States district attorney for the eastern district. ers of the Eleventh. The legislature was largely Democratic. The prohibition movement has advanced Many acts of importance were passed by the steadily in the State for twenty years, since the law legislature of 1912. Chief among these are the two requiring scientific temper- following, of a social na- ance instruction in the pub- Prohibition move- ture: (1) The County Unit lic schools was secured Recent legislation ment Extension Bill is an act to through the efforts of the amend the Kentucky stat- Kentucky Woman’s Chris- ute pertaining to the local option law passed many tian Temperance Union. In 1915 all but fourteen years ago, under which each county could decide for counties of the State had voted in favor of the aboli- itself whether or not to prohibit the sale of intoxicat- tion of the liquor traffic. There were only twenty- ing liquors within its borders. Under the new act the three places in Kentucky where licenses were issued, exception made in the old law as to cities of the first and all of the rural territory was under local prohibi- four classes was stricken out. A law was also passed tion. A bill offered before the legislature of 1914 by in 1912 prohibiting the taking or shipping of intoxi- W. M. Webb, representative from the counties of cating liquors into such territory, unless upon the pre- Johnson and Martin, submitting the question of state- scription of a licensed physician. (2) Another act wide prohibition, passed the lower house by more qualifies and entitles all women able to read and write, than the required vote. It was defeated in the senate and possessing the legal qualifications required of by a parliamentary technicality. male voters in any common school election, to vote Kentucky has made recent marvelous ad- at all elections of school trustees and other school vancement in industrial affairs. Improved methods officers required to be elected by the people, and to of farming are now being hold any school office, or office pertaining to the generally adopted. Since Industrial progress management of schools. 1880, the annual product Two other highly important acts that may be of her farms has more than defined as laws of more distinctly political nature were doubled in value, as has also that of her manufac- passed in 1912: (1) A compulsory Primary Law, tures. But the greatest development has occurred in whereby all nominations are placed under state con- her coal industry. In 1915 it was estimated that the trol, Republicans and Democrats being required to State had in her two coal fields, the Eastern and the select their nominees for all elective offices on the Western, at least one hundred and twenty billion tons same day, with the same machinery, and at the ex- of available coal, and that Kentucky was fifth among pense of the State; (2) A Congressional Redistricting coal-producing states. Her mining industry has ad-

123 THE NEW KENTUCKY vanced rapidly since 1900, when her coal output was viding for Sunday closing of saloons, a bill prohibit- only five million tons. During 1914 it was more than ing fraudulent advertisement, and a Pure Food bill twenty million tons. The special development has that places Kentucky in the lead of all states in this been on the upper waters of the Big Sandy River and matter. Also a bill was passed making Lincoln’s birth- its tributaries. There have also been developments, day a legal holiday. though as yet less extensive, on the upper waters of In June, 1916, the National Guard was called the North Fork of the Kentucky River, and on the out, to serve on the Mexican border. A portion of Cumberland River, as well as in the western part of the Kentucky brigade (the old First Kentucky Infan- the State. try) was not mustered out before the United States In recent years the two Normal Schools for entered the world war (April 6, 1917), and was then, white persons have been placed under a bipartisan with the other parts of the state troops, taken into the board. Likewise the board of control for charitable Federal service. The Kentucky Guard was trained institutions, previously partisan, was, in 1908, made for overseas service at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. A bipartisan. The legislature of 1912 abolished the old cantonment for the training of National Army sol- Prison Commission, and created a board of control diers was Camp Zachary Taylor, situated at Louis- to consist of three member appointed by the gover- ville, Kentucky. nor. The legislature of 1914 passed an act providing For the first time in twelve years a special ses- for the election of six additional members of the sion of the General Assembly was called by Gover- Board of Trustees of the State University, to be nor Stanley, to convene February 14, 1917. A per- elected from the alumni, by ballot of the graduates manent Tax Commission, to succeed the temporary and of those who have received degrees of the insti- one appointed in 1916, was created, and a number tution, one fifth of the governor’s appointees being of bills designed to increase the State’s revenues, and also of the alumni. to distribute the burden of taxation more equitably, The important movement pertaining to good were passed. But the most important session of the roads in Kentucky, which began about ten years ago, legislature for twenty years was that of 1918. The received special impetus during the year 1915 through National Prohibition amendment was ratified by a the project to intersect the State by three great high- vote of 93 to 15, and a bill to submit to the voters at ways, the Dixie, the Jackson, and the Boone High- the next general election (November, 1919) the State- way. Road Building in Kentucky began in 1829, and wide Prohibition amendment was likewise passed. the State now has a national reputation in this rela- Also additional reforms in the ancient financial meth- tion. She stands fourth among the commonwealths ods of the State were effected, the most important and territories in point of improved roads, having in being a bill providing for the Budget System of state constant use nearly 9500 miles of turnpike, most of appropriations. Appropriations aggregating which is surfaced with stone, her roads being valued $1,150,000 were made. at nearly $1,150,000. Ollie M. James, United States senator, the At the November election of 1915 the Demo- nominee of the Democratic party to succeed him- cratic candidates for governor and lieutenant gover- self, died August 28, 1918. Governor Stanley ap- nor, A. O. Stanley and James D. Black, defeated by pointed George B. Martin, of Catlettsburg, for the a small plurality the Republican nominees, Edwin P. short term, ending March, 1919. Stanley was cho- Morrow and Lewis L. Walker. sen the nominee of the Democrats by the State Cen- Several acts of general interest were passed tral and Executive Committees, September 5, 1918, by the Democratic legislature of 1916, among which and at the November election he defeated his Re- may be mentioned a bill appropriating $5,000 yearly publican opponent, Dr. Ben L. Bruner. for two years to the Illiteracy Commission, a bill pro-

124 THE ERA OF TRANSITION

From the foregoing there may be gained some has passed away; the new order has not yet been fully idea of the events occurring in the State at the present developed. Kentucky’s past usefulness has been time. But an account of the new Kentucky must be clearly demonstrated, but her possibilities for future mainly a matter of prophecy. The old order of things greatness can only be pointed out and anticipated.

- Elizabeth Shelby Kinkead

125