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NATHANIEL MASSIE,
A PIONEER OF OHIO.
A SKETCH OF HIS LIFE
AND
SELECTIONS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE.
BY
DAVID MEADE MASSIE.
93 7$ti
CINCINNATI:
THE ROBERT CLARKE COMPANY.
1896.
(V^\i>
Copyright, 1896, By DAVID MEADE MASSIF,.
To the Memory of My Father, HENRY MASSIE,
THE YOUNGEST CHILD OF
GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE.
PREFACE.
Any one who studies the early history of Ohio will soon dis- cover that its birth as a state was due to a conflict between Gen- eral Arthur St. Clair, the Territorial Governor, and certain citi- zens of Chillicothe who were called Democrats ; that St. Clair was overthrown, and that these Chillicotheans obtained Ohio's admission into the Union under a constitution framed by them, and that they formed a state government and for many years largely administered its affairs.
And the student of history who seeks to study these events and the motives of the chief actors therein, will also soon discover that the side of General St. Clair and his followers has been fully set forth by Burnet, Cutler, and the St. Clair papers, enlarged by many historians, and given due prominence in all works covering that period. But he will ask in vain for any auto- biography, or history, stating the case of the Chillicothe party, for there is none ; nor is this in any way remarkable, for the Chillicotheans were of Virginia origin, a people little given to writing of their political achievements, being better satisfied with exerting influence and making history. "Esse quam videre" should be their epitaph.
This year being the centennial anniversary of the settlement of Chillicothe, seems to be a most fitting time for placing before the world a statement of the case of her founder and his fol- lowers ; to claim for them a fair share of the credit due them among the makers of Ohio, and to secure for them the historical recognition, which they so well deserve.
This little work, while primarily an account of the life of Nathaniel Massie, aims at presenting him as one of a certain class of men, as a representative of the rising Democracy of one hundred years ago, as a factor in a political movement, and as an historical quantity.
To rightly understand any man's life, one must consider
(v)
vi Preface.
the time in which he lived and the circumstances which sur- rounded him, hence a brief review of the early political history . of our country is necessary before beginning the life of Nathaniel Massie.
After the close of the revolutionary war, the overwhelming necessity for the existence of a federal government caused men of many minds to unite in securing the adoption of the Consti- tution of the United States. As soon as it had been put into operation, two schools of political belief concerning its true in- terpretation sprung into being: One, the Federalist, led by Alexander Hamilton, favored a strong central government with ample powers ; another, the Republican, led by Thomas Jeffer- son, advocated as much individual liberty as possible, a strict limitation of the powers of the national government and the building up of the influence of the states. Fortunately, at the beginning, Hamilton, under Washington's two administrations, had his way and secured an effective federal power. When John Adams was elected President, he endeavored to continue in the course of Hamilton, and for a time events seemed to favor him, especially the folly of the French friends of the American Repub- licans ; but the moment of his greatest triumph, the publication of the X, Y, and Z dispatches, was t he beginning of his down- fall. Feeling secure of their position, the Federalists enacted the Alien and Sedition laws. Then Jefferson saw his opportunity and drew a vivid picture of what was to follow, calling the at- tention of his friends to the situation in such words as these: "The Alien and Sedition laws are working hard. I fancy that some of the State Legislatures will take strong ground on this occasion. For my own part, I consider those laws as only an experiment on the American mind to see how far it will bear an avowed violation of the Constitution. If this goes down, we shall immediately see attempted another act of Congress declar- ing that the President shall continue in office during life, re- serving to another occasion the transfer of the succession to his heirs and the establishment of the Senate for life. At least this may be the aim of the Oliveriaus, while Monk and the Cavaliers (who are perhaps the strongest) maybe playing their game for the restoration of his most gracious Majesty, George the Third.
Preface. vii
That these things are in contemplation, I have no doubt." The whole country was soon aroused, public meetings were held, and the Legislatures of Virginia and Kentucky adopted their famous resolutions of 1798 ; a perfect tidal wave of Democratic feeling swept over the whole country, and soon gave Jefferson and his party control of the National Government for many years. Especially in Kentucky did Democracy flourish, for in no quarter was individualism, naturally, so popular.
In reading the life of Nathaniel Massie, it must be borne in mind that he and his followers were Virginians by birth and Kentuckians by training ; that the Democratic Republicans of these states were their personal friends, and that they fully shared their opinion as to the powers of government and the rights of the individual. From this standpoint, Nathaniel Massie appears as a man in sympathy with his times and race, as a man filled with the spirit of his age carrying forward its ideas in his own community, and this explains the hearty and steady response of the people to his political leadership.
The materials for this work were found in the correspondence and papers of Nathaniel Massie— a part of which are, for the first time, here published in the many general histories which cover that period and in the following books, which bear especially on the subject: McDonald's Sketches, The St. Clair Papers, Burnet's Notes on the Early Settlement of the North-western Territory, The Autobiography of the Rev. James B. Finley, Life Among the Indians by the Rev. James B. Finley, The Laws of Warrants, Entries, Surveys, and Patents in the Virginia Military District in Ohio, by Henry Folsom Page, The History of Ohio by Rufus King, Journal of the Constitutional Convention of 1802, and in the Journals of the various General Assemblies.
Much use has been made of these, especially McDonald's Sketches, and full credit has in each instance been given.
It is to be regretted that many of Nathaniel Massie's letters and papers have been lost since his death, but enough remain to throw much light on his times. The letters written by Gov- ernor Worthington and Judge Byrd, which are here published for the first time, are of great value; as they, at last, disclose the motives and hopes of the early anti-Federalists of Ohio, and
viii Prefact .
in themselves give an admirable history of the contest for state- hood from their standpoint. It is to be hoped that adequate lives of Massie's friends and fellow-workers, Edward Tiffin, Thomas Worthington, and Charles Willing Byrd, will soon be written, for until this is done, no complete history of Ohio can be published.
Brief explanations concerning the writers of the various let- ters will be found in Appendix A.
A few old miscellaneous papers are given in Appendix B as throwing some light on the early days of Chillicothe and her citizens.
DAVID MEADE MASSIE.
Chillicothe, Ohio, June 3, 1896.
CONTENTS.
PAET FIRST.
CHAPTER I.
Virginia — Family and Early Years — Kentucky 11
CHAPTER II.
The North-west Territory — The Virginia Military District — The
Land System — Surveying Adventures 23
CHAPTER III. The Founding of Manchester and Chillicothe. . . 47
CHAPTER IV.
The Government of the North-west Territory — First and Second Territorial Legislatures — Conflict between St. Clair and Massie— The Beginnings of Politics in Ohio — The Triumph of Democracy — Statehood in Sight 65
CHAPTER V.
The Constitutional Convention — Ohio a State — Legislative Serv- ices— Contest with Meigs — The Militia 85
CHAPTER VI. Private and Domestic Affairs — Death ; 104
PART SECOND.
Selections from Correspondence and Papers 108
A ppendix A '_'(>!»
Appendix B 274
(ix)
THE LIFE OF NATHANIEL MASSIE.
PART FIRST. CHAPTER I.
Virginia — Family and Early Years — Kentucky.
England during the seventeenth century founded the American Colonies which have grown to be the United States. Of all these, Virginia was most like the Mother Country, chartered by King James, the first, its government framed by him and settled by men of every rank and kind for no other purpose than to better their fortunes and to extend the British Empire ; it was in all respects modeled on the England of that day, and as nearly as possible developed along its lines — the laws, customs, manners and ideas of the cavaliers being heart- ily adopted by the Virginians.
The King of Great Britain and Ireland was the King of Virginia also, and to him her colonists were sincerely loyal. The Established Church was the Vir- ginia Church supported by its tithes and an integral part of its social and political system. The landed aris- tocracy of England found its counterpart in the planters of Virginia, most of whom were connected by ties of blood with their English prototypes. These classes
(11)
12 The Lif( of Nathaniel Massie.
were the real rulers of their countries ; both based their entire political systems on the ownership of land, and from it they derived their livings, their luxuries, their social and political importance — they lived on it, by it, and for it. Their very amusements were such as be- came a race of land owners, hunting- and horses being the most conspicuous features. The Virginians lived well and enjoyed life; they owned large estates which easily furnished an abundance of food and clothing for their dependents and many luxuries for themselves and their families. The superabundance of slaves freed them from all manual labor and gave them plenty of time for whatever pursuits seemed most pleasant. Their business and tastes took them much out of doors and gave them the health and physical strength to enjoy their own existence and its material blessings. They were sure of their social standing and the importance of their class. They delighted in associating together and vied with each other in lavish hospitality. They had enough education to enable them to appreciate the lit- erature which the world then possessed and so much of the intellectual life of the day as found its way to the colonies. They believed in the secular and ecclesiastical government under which they lived and did not trouble their minds and consciences with those questions so dear to their Puritan neighbors in New England. Above all, they were perfectly sure of themselves, their place in the world, and their relations to God and man. In short, they were very well content with existence as tiny found it. and were sure it was meant — with a few recognized and proper restrictions — for their present en-
The Life of Nathaniel Ma'ssie. 13
joyment, and that the Being who had dealt so kindly with them in this world could he trusted to do even better by them in the next. While their mental and material content rendered them self-satisfied, it did not make them dull, nor did their loyalty to the crown cause them to be blind worshipers of all things English. The}- knew that they had interests of their own which could and did conflict with those of the Mother Country, and these they stoutly upheld against royal governors and all others who might menace them.
In the earlier days, Bacon's rebellion is the most striking example of the Virginia spirit of independence. Later on, this same spirit produced the Virginia Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence, overthrew the Established Church, and in its fullest strength drove out the Federalists and culminated in the triumphant Democracy of Jefferson.
There is apparently an anomaly in a people being at the same time country gentlemen of the English type and Democrats.
Yet this is easily explained when their character and circumstances are considered. Above all, the Vir- ginians believed in themselves and their inalienable rights. Self-preservation and self-respect compelled them to assert themselves, which they did, justifying their conduct by the declaration, " that all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inalienable rights, namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of pursuing and obtaining hap- piness and safety." Among equals the only possible form of government is some kind of a republic. In a
14 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
new country it is sure to be based on manhood suffrage. There was probably little fear of popular rule among the Virginia planters; for they knew that with their superior intelligence, wealth and position, they could easily control matters as they pleased, and this they did for generations, their leaders being almost without ex- ception of that class, although elected and kept in power as Democrats. This they doubtless regarded as an ex- ample of the law of natural selection and the survival of the fittest.
Amons the English families which furnished Vir- ginia with colonists were the Massies of Chestershire, which is their original home, and where many of that name may still be found. Charles- Massie, the grand- father of the subject of this sketch, together with two brothers, came from the Mersey to the James about 1690, and located in New Kent county, Virginia, where they had grants of land. Here they married and reared large "families which seem to have prospered, for they owned rich plantations and many slaves and occupied important positions, such as vestrymen, members of the J louse of Burgess, and various other local offices. About 1700, Nathaniel Massie, Sr., married Elizabeth,. eldest daughter of Thomas Watkins, of Chickahonomv. and moved to Goochland county on the James river, above Richmond, where his father, Charles Massie, had several grants of land — here he made his home and lived the remainder of his life. lie was a man in com- fortable circumstances and stood well in the community. being at various times a justice of the peace, member of the vestry of St. -lames' parish, Northam, and during
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 15
the revolution a captain of the Goochland militia, and as such saw active service.
The first child of Nathaniel Massie, Sr., and Eliza- beth, his wife, is the subject of this sketch ; he was born December 28, 1763, and named in honor of his father, Nathaniel. We know but little of his earlier years. He had three brothers and a sister. When he was eleven, his mother died. Two years later, his father married again, and a large number of half brothers and sisters were soon added to the family. Nathaniel must have been given a substantial education, for he always writes good, grammatical English and possessed suf- ficient knowledge of mathematics to be a first class sur- veyor; his letters show him to have been thoroughly in- formed concerning the commercial and political ques- tions of his day, and those who knew him always write of him as an educated man. The times in which his youth was cast were in themselves equal to an educa- tion ; the agitation leading to the revolution, the war itself, and the ardent discussions involved in the settle- ment of the problems which followed it, must have in- terested and instructed the dullest minds.
In 1780 and 1781, when only seventeen years old, young Nathaniel Massie served with the militia of his county in their campaigns against the British under Tarleton, and was probably present at the surrender of Oornwallis at Yorktown.
The close of the revolution brought more to the Americans than independence ; it brought many prob- lems of statesmanship and finance, social and material development. They were free; they possessed an em-
16 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
pire, much of it as yet barely known to them ; they were ignorant alike of their strength and weakness: they were vaguely aware of their great opportunities. It was only natural that a spirit of unrest should possess them. Where should they begin ? What should they do? How could they make the most of their splendid chances? To the older men with experience and repu- tation, the political field was most inviting; to men with capital, the established cities and states offered a rich field for commercial enterprise; to a young man with education and spirit, no part of the country held out such attractions as the west. Already Boone, and the backwoodsmen who followed him, had filled the land with accounts of the great beauty and richness of the country beyond the Alleghanies. Toward it the stream of emigration had begun to move, willing to bear hard- ships and face dangers for the sake of entering into and possessing it.
Among those who decided to seek their fortunes in I be west, was young Nathaniel Massie, who in 1783, when only twenty, set out for Kentucky. He did not go as a penniless soldier of fortune; Daniel Boone had already located lands in Kentucky for Nathaniel Massie, Sr. — these be gave to his son, as also an outfit and some capital. Other Virginians commissioned him to locate land for them; and lie was provided with letters of in- troduction from men of standing at home to the leaders of the Kentucky settlements, most of whom were also natives of Virginia.
In ITS:;. Kentucky had been settled about ten years, but bad grown very slowly (.wing to the revolution in
The Life of Nathaniel 3Iassie. 17
the east and the constant Indian warfare around her. The population at that time is estimated to have been twelve thousand, but this was scattered over much space and civilization was most primitive. There were only two stores in the state and the people still lived inside stockades with block-houses to protect them from the ever menacing savages. In fact, no man's life was safe from these skulking enemies after he left the frontier settlements east of the Alleghanies ; and wherever he went and whatever he did it was always necessary to have his rifle at hand ready for instant use. It is said that in Kentucky between 1783 and 1790 more than fifteen hundred persons were either killed or, worse yet, captured by the Indians. The man who came to Ken- tucky at that time entered upon a struggle for existence, which was constant and severe, and in which he was obliged to rely wholly on himself. The innumerable hardships and ceaseless dangers must have tried the souls of the very bravest, but these people were of the strongest stock which the Anglo-Saxon race ever sent forth, and have never failed to hold their own in any contest with man or nature.
These were the people with whom Xathaniel Massie cast his lot and began his career. He entered at once into the active life of the settlements, dividing his time between locating lands and commercial enterprises.
The surveyors played an important part in the win- ning of the west ; it was their business to explore the countiy, select good lands for their employers, and so mark and describe them that their owners and others could identify them. The business was attended with
18 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
much danger and many hardships as well as with con- siderable profit; the surveyor, when entrusted with the choosing of land, often receiving as much as one-half of it for his services. A great many young men of education and position adopted this calling — Washing- ton himself, in his earlier days, having been of the number.
" Massie," says McDonald, " as he was young and extremely active, and one of the best footmen in the west, soon became an expert woodsman, to be which was an indispensable qualification of a land locator, as the country was then an entire and unbroken wilder- ness. No roads, or even paths, led from one part to the other ; and besides these difficulties, the restless Indians were continually on the alert to surprise and cut off surveying parties. The surveyors, too, had to explore the country, in order to find the most fertile lands, and in doing this they were obliged to traverse the woods in every direction, guess at courses, and judge of distances. Young Massie soon became an expert surveyor, and it was a matter of astonishment (as he was raised in the dense population east of the mountains) how soon he acquired the science and habits of the backwoodsmen. Although he never practiced the art of hunting he was admitted by all, who knew his qualifications as a woods- man, to be of the first order. He could steer his course truly in clear or cloudy weather, and compute distances more correctly than most of the old hunters. He could endure fatigue and hunger with more composure than the most of those persons who were inured to want on the frontier. He could live upon meat without bread,
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 19
and bread without meat, and was perfectly cheerful and contented with his fare. In all the perilous situations in which he was placed he was always conspicuous for his good feeling and the happy temperament of his mind. His courage was of a cool and dispassionate character, which added to great circumspection in times of danger, gave him a complete ascendency over his companions, who were always willing to follow when Massie led the way."
Massie, at times, turned aside from his land busi- ness to take part in commercial ventures — thus we find him in 1786 trading in salt and furs in partnership with General James Wilkinson, who at that time was one of the most prominent men in Kentucky. Salt was the most expensive article which the western people were obliged to buy and furs were the most valuable which they had to sell, so this trading should have yielded handsome profits. Massie must have been successful in both his land and commercial affairs, for he rapidly ac- cumulated property, and at the time he began his life's work in the North-West Territory in 1791, he was con- sidered a man of means.
What he did and what he acquired in his Kentucky days are of little moment in comparison with the value of the experience and the associations of which he had the benefit. The constant contact with men and nature, and the ever present necessity of holding his own, must have developed his courage, tact, and self-reliance, and prepared him to become a leader of pioneers. In a frontier life men are valued in accordance with their strength, skill and bravery ; so that any tendency to
20 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
judge men by the Virginia standards was modified to a truly Democratic tone ; and Kentucky had become a very hot-bed of Democracy. Kentucky politics during these years were full of interest, the question of separation from Virginia and independent statehood being first; then came the new federal constitution and govern- ment; after these, and involved with them, were the Indian wars, British possession of the military posts on the Great Lakes, and the navigation of the Missis- sippi.
There was almost unanimity of sentiment on these questions: people differed only as to the way of securing their desires; all wanted Kentucky to be an independent commonwealth, and cared little for the new national government, which seemed more likely to hinder than to help them in dealing with the Indians and their British backers along the lakes, or with the Spaniards who held the Mississippi and closed it against them. They knew that they were free Americans and fretted at any restraint placed on them whether by state or nation, they felt abundantly able to deal with the difficulties and dangers which beset them, and to settle these prob- lems to their own entire satisfaction. These people were not by any means mere ignorant backwoodsmen, but many of them were educated men who took an in- telligent interest in all the questions of the day.
A striking example of this is found in the political club formed in Danville in 1786, and which debated mo>i subjects of current importance. Jefferson was the chosen philosopher and prophet of these people, his po- litical ideas pleased them, and this one thing is certain —
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 21
whatever maybe said or thought of him — of all Ameri- can statesmen, Jefferson most fully appreciated the pos- sibilities of the west and alwa}'s advocated and ad- vanced her interests ; he was in deed and in truth her best friend. Living among such men and in such times, it is not strange that a young man like Massie became a Democrat in his political convictions, believing that the state was made for man and that the best government was that which gave the greatest liberty to the individ- ual, and that no free American needed any paternal su- pervision of his affairs, and that the. more fully each was allowed to act for himself the better — in this, we shall find an explanation of the whole political life of Na- thaniel Massie.
Before the scene of this narrative is transferred to the territory north-west of the river Ohio, where Xa- thaniel Massie's life work was done, it will be well to consider him as he was about to begin his career.
Born and reared in Virginia, he had the manners and social feelings of his state and people ; educated by the revolution and the political discussions in Kentucky, he was a thorough Democrat; nearl}7 ten years' success- ful contact with men and danger had developed him mentally and morally, so that he was a natural leader of men ; his reputation as a locator of lands and a surveyor had brought him much business, and enabled him to es- tablish financial relations in the east which were of great value. Of his personal appearance it is said : He was tall and "an uncommonly fine-looking young man ; his form was slender, well made, and muscular, and was
22 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
calculated, from his good constitution and uncommon activity, to endure fatigue, exposure, and privations in an eminent degree. That his countenance was open and expressive of great energy and good sense, and well suited to gain favor from men of enterprise."
The Life of Nathaniel Ma&su . 23
CHAPTER II.
The North-West Territory— The Virginia Military District— The Land System — Surveying Adventures.
The territory north-west of the river Ohio from which were formed Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin was first explored and settled by the French ; wrested from them by the English in 1759, and in time, taken from Great Britain by the Virginians under General George Rogers Clark in 1778. The treaty of Paris in 1783 confirmed the title of the United States to this vast domain, but by no means decided its ownership, for not less than four of the original thirteen states laid exclusive claim to more or less of it by reason of their charters. For a while, it seemed as if the very life of the young nation would be imperiled by this quarrel, but at last patriotism prevailed, and the states all ceded their individual claims to the nation. In 1787, Congress constituted this territory a district for the pur- poses of government; at that time, it was an unbroken wilderness in every sense, its only inhabitants being either hostile Indians or ignorant French habitants ; little, if any, thought was given to these by the framers of the ordinance for the government of this land ; they rose to the dignity of prophetic vision and did their work with a view of what was to be — the result of their labor was the ordinance of 1787, one of the greatest monuments of American statesmanship.
24 77m Lif< of Nathaniel Massie.
The questions concerning" the ownership and gov- ernment of the territory having been settled, Congress soon had applications from persons who desired to pur- chase lands. The first sale was to the Ohio Company, which secured about a million and half of acres along the Oliio and Muskingum rivers, and in 1788, took actual possession and founded their town of Marietta. The next purchase in importance was made by John Cleves Symmes and his associates, and embraced a million acres on the north bank of the Ohio between the two Miami rivers; on this, Cincinnati was founded in 1788.
The Ohio Company was made up of New England men. Symmes and his associates were from the Middle States; no southern company was formed to buy lands in this region, probably for the reason that Virginia, when ceding her claims, had reserved a portion of it for her own purposes.
Virginia voted her revolutionary soldiers large bounties in lands and set apart a tract on Green river in Kentucky for the purpose of satisfying them ; it becom- ing evident that these lands would probably not be suf- ficient to meet her obligations, Virginia, in 1783, when she ceded her claims to the North-West Territory to the United States, inserted the following stipulation in the act of cession: -That in case the quantity of good land on the south-east side of the Ohio, upon the waters of Cumberland river, and between the Green and Ten- nessee rivers, which have been reserved by law, for the Virginia troops upon continental establishment, should, from the North Carolina line bearing in further upon
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 25
the Cumberland lands than was expected, prove insuffi- cient for these legal bounties, the deficiency should be made up to the said troops in good lands, to be laid off between the rivers Scioto and Little Miami, on the north-west side of the river Ohio, in such proportion- as have been engaged to them by the laws of Virginia."
The land embraced ill this reservation constitutes the Virginia Military District in Ohio, and comprehends the counties of Adams, Brown, Clinton, Clermont, Highland, Fayette, Madison and Union, and a portion of Scioto, Pike, Ross, Pickaway, Franklin, Delaware, Marion, Hardin, Logan, Clark, Greene, Champaign, Warren and Hamilton.
This district containing 4,209,800 acres is the largest reservation or grant in Ohio, and embraces the very best and richest of her agricultural lands. "It was reported to the Executive of Virginia that a deficiency of good lands upon the waters of the Cumberland, now provided for in the act of cession, existed, and Congress passed an act, August 10, 1790, authorizing locations to be made between the waters of the Little Miami and the Scioto rivers." Until the passage of this act, the Virginia Military District was legally closed to the surveyors and locators, which partly accounts for the date of its settle- ment being later than that of the Ohio Company's and Symmes' purchases ; but another reason is found in the fact that it was more exposed to danger from the In- dians than either of the others. Marietta was founded under the shadow of Fort Harmar ; Fort Washington and its garrison of regulars watched over Cincinnati's early da}7s. At no time were the pioneers of the Vir-
2G The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
ginia Military District protected by any federal troops, and their chosen field of action was most dangerous, for the region embraced between the Scioto and Little Miami was the home of the Shawnees, the most intelli- gent and warlike of all the Algonquin tribes. Here they had their towns and their corn-fields, and here they were resolved to die rather than give up their fertile val- leys and beautiful hills. These Indians infested the Ohio river front of the Virginia Military District, mak- ing their head-quarters at the mouth of the Scioto and waging a ruthless and relentless warfare on all who came within their reach. Burnet says concerning this place : " The pioneers who descended the Ohio, on their way westward, will remember while they live the lofty rock standing a short distance above the mouth of the Scioto, on the Virginia shore, which was occupied for years by the savages as a favorite watch-tower, from which boats, ascending and descending, could be discovered at a great distance. From that memorable spot, hundreds of hu- man beings, men, women and children, while uncon- scious of immediate danger, have been seen in the dis- tance and marked for destruction. The murders and depredations committed in that vicinity at all periods of the war were so shocking as to attract universal notice ; letters were written to General Harniar, from various quarters, calling his attention to the subject, and praying that measures might be taken without delay to check the evil. They informed him that scarcely a boat passed the rock without being attacked, and in most in- stances captured ; and that unless something were done
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 27
without delay, the navigation of the river would neces- sarily be abandoned."
The Shawnees continued their warfare on the whites until Wayne's victory, in 1794, put an end to their activity ; during the early years of Massie's ex- ploration and surveying, they were an ever present menace to life.
Before going further with this narrative, it will be necessary to give a brief account of the wrhole land sys- tem of the district. We have seen how Virginia re- served a large area to pay her revolutionary soldiers, who were entitled to tracts of land of various sizes ac- cording to their rank and periods of service. The mode of obtaining their share was as follows: "A certificate granted to a commissioned officer or his heirs by any general officer of the Virginia line or the commanding officer of the troops on the Virginia establishment, as the case might be, and a certificate issued to a non-com- missioned officer or soldier or his heirs by the colonel or commanding officer of the corps or regiment to which they respectively belonged, entitled them to the quantity of waste and unappropriated land engaged to them re- spectively by law. This certificate specified the time of service, or death of the party during service, that he had served the time required by law, and the regiment in which such party served.
Upon proof being made before any court of record in the State of Virginia by the person's own oath, or other satisfactory evidence, of the authenticity of this certificate, and that the party had never proved his claim to the land therein mentioned, the clerk of the court was 9
28 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
required to indorse upon the original certificate this tes- timony, and to make an entry thereof on his order book. A list of all certificates granted was required to be sent to the register's office.
Upon the application of any person, his heirs or as- signs, having title to waste and unappropriated lands, and upon his lodging the certificate in the land office, the register was required to grant to such person, " a printed warrant under his hand and the seal of his office, specifying the quantity of lands and the rights upon which it was due, authorizing any surveyor duly quali- fied according to law, to lay oft" and survey the same." These warrants were generally placed in the hands of a surveyor acquainted with the district whose business it was to select the land needed to satisfy them, to enter it at the land office by filing the warrant, together with such a description of the lands he proposed to survey, on the books kept for that purpose, that others could know what land had been located. This having been done, the surveyor proceeded to survey the entry by metes and bounds and returned a plat of his work to the office of the principal surveyor. " On the transmis- sion of this survey under the hand and seal of the prin- cipal surveyor, accompanied by the original warrant, or a copy, to the general land offiee, a patent was issued to the person apparently entitled to it."
• Colonel Richard Clough Anderson, who was the principal surveyor of the Virginia military lands, opened his office at Louisville in 1784. Xo survey was legal unless made by him or one of his deputies. Every per- son concerned in making these surveys, even markers
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 29
and chain carriers, were required to be duly appointed and sworn. Nathaniel Massie, who had much experi- ence as a surveyor in Kentucky, and who had spent some time as a clerk in Colonel Anderson's office, was in 1790 by him appointed a deputy surveyor.
Massie's wide reputation as a surveyor, the fame of his exploring expeditions north of the Ohio, and his large acquaintance in Virginia, soon brought to him many holders of warrants eager to engage his services. The surveyors were paid by their clients either in cash or were given a share in the lands located by them, gen- erally from a quarter to a half. The most profitable plan was for them to buy the warrants and locate the lands for themselves. The warrants sold in Virginia all the way from twenty cents to one dollar per acre for each acre represented by them. Massie made many trips to Virginia for the purpose of buying warrants and for years had partners in the east, who purchased the warrants and sent them out for him to locate, the prin- cipal ones being Messrs. Pickett, Pollard and Johnson of Richmond. Massie must have been exceedingly in- dustrious and successful in his profession, as his books show that during the decade from 1791 to 1801, he sur- veyed 708 tracts containing over 750,000 acres, and is said to have been the largest land owner in the entire district. The mere surveying was only a small part of the labor involved in this business, which included purchasing warrants, selecting land, making the necessary entries at the land office, obtaining patents, selling the land when in his possession, and leasing and looking after what he retained or that which was placed under his care as
30 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
agent for its owners in Kentucky and Virginia. The largest part of his correspondence concerns land trans- actions and of itself must have been considerable of a burden, but these dry statements of business detail are of little interest compared with the active work of the surveyor when afield, especially when exploring a new country and constantly in the presence of danger to life from savage foes and inhospitable surroundings. For an account of this part of Nathaniel Massie's life we are obliged to rely almost wholly on the accounts of his com- panion and friend, Colonel John McDonald, from whose interesting " Sketches" the remainder of this chapter is copied almost verbatim.
"The first excursion made by General Massie into the interior of the district north-west of the Ohio was in the year 1788; but no account of the particulars of this expedition or his companions is now known. He was probably in company with Arthur Fox, who was at that time engaged in surveying lands in the district, and a particular friend and companion of Massie. . . .
The locations of land warrants in this district prior to 1790 were made by stealth. Every creek which was explored, every line that was run, was at the risk of life from the savage Indians, whose courage and perseverance was only equaled by the perseverance of the whites to push forward their settlements. It was a contest for do- minion ; and the bravery, the stratagem, and the boldness displayed by the Indians in executing their plans could only be equaled by their fearless onsets in attacks and their masterly retreats when defeated.
The Indians, at this time, had among them a mini-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 31
ber of master spirits, and it is greatly to be regretted that the history of their exploits is lost forever. The patient resolution and fortitude with which they con- tended against superior discipline and numbers, the wiles and stratagems displayed by them during their long and bloody wars, proved that they possessed intel- lectual qualities of the first order. Their fortitude in enduring pain, fatigue, and starvation was unequaled, except by such of the whites as were long disciplined in the Indian school.
Besides exposure to the Indians while surveying, the surveyors of the district had other difficulties to en- counter. By passing the Ohio, they placed that river between them and their place of retreat, in case they were defeated and pursued. The season of the year, too, chosen by them for surveying was the depth of win- ter, as they were then more secure from interruption ; as the Indians were at that time of the year in their winter quarters, and when hunting were found in small bodies. Against danger and exposure, the surveyors we're with- out shelter in the district.
In the early part of the winter of 1791-1792, Massie was engaged in locating and surveying the lands on Brush creek, as far up as the three forks, intending, as soon as there was less danger from the Indians, to pro- ceed on a larger scale. It was in the spring of the same year that he was engaged in surveying the bottoms of the Little Miami. He had advanced up the river as far as the spot where the town of Xenia is now situated, without molestation. Early one morning the party started out to perform the labors of the day. Massie
32 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
was walking in advance of the party, when an Indian was perceived by General William Lytle, with his gun pointed at Massie, and in the act of firing. Lytle, with uncommon quickness, fired, and killed the Indian. After this occurrence, they advanced cautiously, and soon found themselves near an encampment of about one hundred and fifty Indians. The party commenced a rapid retreat, and were closely pursued by the Indians. The retreat and pursuit continued without relaxation, until the party safely reached Manchester, or, as it was then called, Massie's station.
During the winter of 1792-1793, Massie continued to locate and survey the best land within a reasonable distance of the station. As the Indians were always more quiet during the winter, he employed two men, Jo- seph Williams and one of the Wades, to accompany him to explore the valley of Paint creek, and part of the Scioto country. He found the bottoms rich beyond his expecta- tions, and made entries of all the good land on that creek. During that expedition, Kenton, Helm, and others, who had accompanied the various detachments from Kentucky which hud invaded the country, made a few entries, but a large bulk of rich land was still va- cant. . . .
The plan adopted by Massie, in his various survey- ing excursions at that time, was such as to secure safety to the party. Three assistant surveyors, with himself making the fourth, were generally engaged at the same time in making surveys. To each surveyor was attached six men, making a mess of seven. Every man had his prescribed duty to perform. Their operations were con- ducted in this manner: In front went the hunter, who
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 33
kept in advance of the surveyor two or three hundred yards, looking for game, and prepared to give notice should any danger from Indians threaten. Then fol- lowed, after the surveyor, the two chainmen, marker, and pack-horse men with the baggage, who always kept near each other, to be prepared for defense in case of an attack. Lastly, two or three hundred yards in the rear, came a man, called the spy, whose duty it was to keep on the back trail, and look out lest the party in advance might be pursued and attacked by surprise. Each man (the surveyor not excepted) carried his rifle, his blanket, and such other articles as he might stand in need of. On the pack-horse was carried the cooking- utensils, and such provisions as could conveniently be taken. Nothing like bread was thought of. Some salt was taken, to be used sparingly. For subsistence, they depended alone on the game which the woods afforded, procured by their unerring rifles. In this manner was the largest number of surveys made in the district. But to return.
In the fall of the year 1793, Massie determined to attempt a surveying tour on the Scioto river. This, at that time, was a very dangerous undertaking; yet no danger, unless very imminent, could deter him from making the attempt. For that purpose, he employed about thirty men, of whom he chose three as assistant surveyors. These were John Beasley, Nathaniel Beas- ley and Peter Lee. It was in this expedition Massie employed, for the first time, a young man by the name of Duncan McArthur as a chainman or marker. This man had distinguished himself remarkably on several
34 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
occasions, and particularly in Harmar's unfortunate expe- dition. He was one of the best woodsmen of his age. He was a large, strong, and muscular man, capable of endur- ing fatigue and privations, equal to the best trained In- dians. His courage was unquestioned, to which was added an energetic mind, which soon displayed its powers. He afterward became a surveyor, and was one of the most acute land speculators in the western country. Such a man Massie desired to have on an expedition of this character.
In the month of October, some canoes were pro- cured, and- Massie and his party set off by water. They proceeded up the Ohio to the mouth of the Scioto, thence up the Scioto to the mouth of Paint creek. While meandering the Scioto, they made some surveys on the bottoms. After reaching the mouth of Paint creek, the surveyors went to work. Many surveys were made on the Scioto, as far up as Westfalf. Some were made on Main, and others on the North Fork of Paint creek, and the greatest parts of Ross and Pickaway counties in the district were well explored and partly surveyed. Massie finished his intended work without meeting with any disturbance from the Indians. But one Indian was seen during the excursion, and to him they gave a hard chase, lie, however, escaped. The party returned home delighted with the rich country of the Scioto valley, which they had explored.
During the winter of 1793-1794, Massie, in the midst of the most appalling dangers, explored the different branches io their sources, which run into the Little Miami river, and thence passed in a north-eastern direc-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 35
tion to the heads of Paint and Clear creeks, and the branches that form those streams. By these expeditions he had formed, from personal observation, a correct knowledge of the geographical situation of the country composing the Virginia Military District.
During the winter of 1794-1795, Massie prepared a party to enter largely into the surveying business. Na- thaniel Beasley, John Beasley and Peter Lee were again employed as the assistant surveyors. The party set off from Manchester well equipped to prosecute their busi- ness, or, should occasion offer, give battle to the Indians. They took the route of Logan's trace, and proceeded to a place called the deserted camp, on Tod's fork of the Little Miami. At this point they commenced surveying, and surveyed large portions of land on Tod's fork, and up the Miami to the Chillicothe town (now in Clark county), thence up Massie's creek and C?esar's creek nearly to their heads. By the time the party had pro- gressed thus far, winter had set in. The ground was covered with a sheet of snow, from six to ten inches deep. During the tour, which continued upward of thirty days, the party had no bread. For the first two weeks, a pint of flour was distributed to each mess once a da}', to mix with the soup, in which the meat had been boiled. When night came, four fires were made for cooking, that is, one for each mess. Around these fires, till sleeping time arrived, the compan\T spent their time in the most social glee, singing songs and telling stories. When danger was not apparent or immediate, they were as merry a set of men as ever assembled. Resting time arriving, Massie always gave the signal, and the whole
36 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
party would then leave their comfortable fires, carrying with them their blankets, their fire-arms, and their little baggage, walking in perfect silence two or three hundred yards from their fires. They would then scrape away the snow, and huddle down together for the night. Each mess formed one bed; they would spread down on the ground one-half of the blankets, reserving the other half for covering. The covering blankets were fastened together by skewers to prevent them from slipping apart. Thus prepared, the whole party crouched down together with their rifles in their arms, and their pouches under their heads for pillows; laying spoon-fashion, with three heads one way and four the other, their feet extending to about the middle of their bodies. When one turned, the whole mess turned, or else the close range would be broken and the cold let in. In this way, they lay till broad daylight; no noise and scarce a whis- ner being uttered during the night. When it was per- perfectly light, Massie would call up two of the men in whom he had the most confidence, and send them to rcconnoiter, and make a circuit around the fires, lest an ambuscade might be formed by the Indians to destroy the party as they returned to the fires. This was an in- variable custom in every variety of weather. Self- preservation required this circumspection. If immor- tality is due to the names of heroes who have success- fully labored in the field of battle, no less honors are due t<> such men as Massie, who- ran equal risk of life from danger with less prospect of eclat, and produced more lasting benefit to the country.
Massie proceeded to survey up Cresar's creek, nearly
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 37
to where its waters interlock with the waters of Paint creek. Late one evening he came upon the tracks of Indians in the snow. Some of his men were dispatched to search out the Indian encampment, while others were sent in pursuit of the assistant surveyors, in order to collect the force into one body, that he might be pre- pared to attack or defend as circumstances might direct. A short time before sun down his force was collected. In a few minutes after the two men returned who had been sent to discover the Indian camp. They reported that they had proceeded as near the Indian encampment as they could with safety, and that it consisted of eight or ten tents, and that from the noise about the camp they had no doubt but that there was a large number of Indians. Massie, thereupon, concluded that it would be too hazardous to attack them while the snow was on the ground, believing it would endanger the whole party if they would be compelled to retreat, encumbered with any wounded. He therefore resolved to desist from surveying and make a rapid retreat to his own station, not doubting but that he would be pursued, as the In- dians would have no difficulty in tracking them through the snow. The line of march was formed for home by the party, who traveled until ten or eleven o'clock at night when they halted and remained until morning, when they again resumed their march, moving in a southern direction. About twelve o'clock they came to a fresh trail, which was made by four horses and eight or ten footmen. This trail was crossed diagonally, and was again struck upon after traveling a few miles. After a consultation with some of the most experienced
38 The Life of Nathaniel Massi .
of his men, Massie concluded the Indians, whose trail had been crossed, knew nothing of them, and deter- mined to pursue them so long as they kept the direction in which they appeared then to be going. The pursuit of the Indians was kept up as fast as the men could walk until dusk without overtaking them. The party then halted to consult as to their future operations. In a few minutes the Indians were heard at work with their tomahawks, cutting wood and tent poles, within a few hundred yards of the place where the party had halted. It was put to vote whether the Indian camp should be attacked immediately or whether they should postpone it till daylight. . A majority were for lying by and attacking them in daylight. Two or three men were then sent to reconnoiter their camp and bring away their horses. The horses were brought away, and preparations made to lie by for the night. Massie, who was more thoughtful than the rest of the company, be- gan to reflect on the critical situation of the party. He told them he did not approve of the idea of lying by until morning as there was no doubt they were rapidly pursued by the Indians from the head of Caesar's creek, and that by waiting until morning the pursuing Indians might come up in the course of the night and when daylight appeared they would find themselves between two fires. He said it was true the Indians might be de- stroyed more effectually in daylight, but that it was dangerous to loiter away their time on a retreat, and advised that whatever they did to the Indians should be done quiekly,and the march continued toward home. It was resolved to follow his advice.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 39
It was about two hours in the night when this oc- curred. The day had been warm, and had melted the snow which was eight inches deep and quite soft on the top. At night it began to freeze rapidly, and by this time there was a hard crust on the top. In this situ- ation, the crust, when broken by a man walking on a calm night, could be heard at a distance of three hun- dred yards. Massie, under these circumstances, pre- pared to attack the Indians forthwith. The men were formed in a line, in single file, with their wiping sticks in their hands to steady them when walking. They then commenced moving toward the Indian camp in the following manner: The foremost would walk about twenty steps and halt; then the next in the line would move on, stepping in the tracks of the foremost to pre- vent any noise when breaking the crust of the snow. In this cautious and silent manner, they crept within about twenty-five yards of the Indian encampment, when an unexpected interruption presented itself; a deep ravine was found between Massie and the camp which was not perceived by the reconnoitering party. The Indians had not as yet laid down to rest, but were singing and amusing themselves round their fires in the utmost self-security, not dreaming of danger in their own country in the depth of winter. The bank of the ravine concealed Massie and his men, who were on low ground, from the light of the Indian fires. After halt- ing a few minutes on the bank of the ravine, Massie dis- covered, a few paces above him, a large log which had fallen across the ravine. On this log he determined to cross the gully. Seven or eight of the men, on their
40 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
hands and knees, had crossed, and were within not more than twelve or fifteen paces of the Indians, crouching low, and turning to the right and left, when too many men at the same time got on the log; and as it was old and rotten, it broke with a loud crash. This startled the Indians. The whites, who had crossed over before the log broke, immediately fired into the Indian camp, shouting as they ran. The Indians fled, naked, and without their arms. Xo Indian was killed in the camp, although their clothing and blankets were found stained with blood. Xo attempt was made to pursue them. Their camp was plundered of the horses and arms, mak- ing altogether considerable booty. The party traveled that night and until noon the next day, when they halted to cook some provisions and rest their wearied limbs. After taking some refreshments, they loitered about the fires a short time and again commenced their march through snow and brash, and about midnight of the second day, arrived at Manchester after a fatiguing march of two days and nights from the head of Caesar's creek.
On the last day of their march, about a mile north of where "West Union now stands, one of the men who carried a bag of Indian plunder, and rode one of the horses, dropped the bag and did not miss it until they arrived at Manchester. Some time in the succeeding day, two of the men took fresh horses and rode back on the trail to look for the bag. They found the bag some distance south of the brow of the hill, and concluded tiny would go to the brow and look over for deer. When they reached it, they were astonished to find the
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 41
spot where a large party of Indians had followed the trail to the top of the hill, and there stopped to eat their breakfast, leaving some bones and sinewy jirk that was too hard to eat. Had the Indians pursued the trail one -hundred yards further, they would have found the bag and laid in ambush for the whites to return, and would doubtless have killed or taken the men who returned for the bag. This was truly a narrow escape.
The winter of 1794-1795 was attended by no dis- turbance from the Indians, as the defeat they had sus- tained the summer before from General Wayne had completely checked them in their depredations. In the spring of 1795, Massie again prepared a party to return to the waters of the Little Miami, Paint creek, and the Scioto, for the purpose of surveying. He employed three assistant surveyors, with the usual complement of men. Every man carried, as usual in these surveying tours, his own baggage on his back. No one, indeed, was exempt from this service ; and when the weight is taken into consideration, and the incumbrance from it, there seems to be little ground for the complaints, which have latterly been made, about the inaccuracies of early surveys. Indeed, it is really astonishing how they could be made so accurate as they are found to be.
Early in March the party set off from Manchester. The weather was fine, and the spring appeared to have commenced in earnest. Massie commenced surveying on the west fork of Ohio Brush creek. The woods then furnished game in great abundance, such as turkeys and bears, of the finest quality. A description of the method in which bears were taken, although familiar to
42 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
the old backwoodsman, will be perhaps interesting to their descendants, as these animals have become scarce since the settlement of the country. It is well known that bears retire to the hollows of rocks or trees about the last of December, and remain in a dormant state un- til the winter breaks, be it early or late. When the weather becomes warm, they will bustle out of their holes to the nearest water, once in two or three days. In walking from their holes to the water, they are care- ful to step in the same track; and as the earth at that season of the year is soft and spongy, the feet of the bear, in passingand repassing, make a deep impression. These impressions are called by the old hunters " the bear's stepping place." When the hunter finds the stepping place, he can easily followT the track, until he finds the tree, in the hollow of which, or in some cave or hole in the rocks, the animal lies at ease. They are then, by various means, driven from their holes and shot. During this expedition, a young man by the name of Bell, who was very active in climbing trees, exhibited great boldness in driving them from their holes. When a bear was tracked to a tree, this man, when the tree was not very large and smooth, would climb up and look into the hole, and punch the bear with a sharp stick until it would come out. Bears at this season are very lazy and difficult to move. By punching them, however, for some time, they will move heavily in their holes, and slowly drag themselves out. As soon as they were clear of their holes, some one or two picked marksmen would shoot them. Bell, so soon as lie would provoke the bears to come out, would slip
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 43
out on a limb, and wait with perfect composure until the marksmen would shoot them. These feats are speci- mens of Bell's daring. He was, altogether, one of the most hard}7, fearless, and thoughtless men of danger I ever saw. In this way numerous bears were found and killed. The fat part of the meat, boiled or roasted with turkey or venison, makes a very luxurious repast. But to return.
The weather for some time continued quite pleas- ant, while the party surveyed toward the head waters of Brush creek. They thence passed to the Rocky and Rattlesnake forks of Paint creek; thence crossing Main Paint, they passed up Buckskin, and across to " the old town," on the north fork of Paint creek. While sur- veying in this section of the country, the weather be- came cloudy, and commenced snowing and hailing. The snow continued to fall and drift for two days and nights ; and when it ceased, the ground was covered between two and three feet deep. The camp was on the ground, at this time the farm of Colonel Adam Mallow, four miles above Old Town (or Frankfort, as it is now called).
About the time it ceased snowing, the weather be- came warm, and a soft rain fell for a short time. Sud- denly it became intensely cold, accompanied by a frost, which soon formed a strong crust on the snow, which had been previously softened by the rain. The snow, although somewhat settled by the rain, was at least two feet deep, with a crust that would bear about half the weight of a man. This was the deepest snow I ever saw, before or since, in the western country. The turkeys, and 3
44 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
other small game, could run on the crust of snow, which disabled the hunters from pursuing and killing game; and, as the party had no provisions with them, the dole- ful prospect of death by starvation stared them in the face.
This tour was subsequently called the starving tour; and the remnant of those who are on this side of the grave yet remember with horror their situation at that time. The prudence exercised by them heretofore, of sleeping away from their fires, was not attended to. The party laid around their fires by day and night, anxiously pray- ing for a change in the weather. Some of the strongest and most spirited among the party several times made ineffectual attempts to kill game. Among these hunters, General Duncan McArthur, of Fruit Hill, near Chilli- cothe, and William Leedom, of Adams county, were conspicuous. On the third day of the storm they killed two turkeys. They were boiled and divided into twenty- eight shares or parts, and given equally to each man. This little food seemed only to sharpen their appetites. Not a particle of the turkeys was left. The heads, feet, and entrails were devoured, as if most savory food.
The fourth morning of the continuance of the snow, Massie, with his party, turned their faces homeward. The strongest and most hardy of the men were placed in front, to break through the snow. This was a fatigu- ing and laborious business, and was performed alter- nately by the most spirited and strongest of the party. They thus proceeded in their heavy and disconsolate march the whole day, and at night reached the mouth of the Rattlesnake fork of Paint creek, a distance of
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 45
about ten miles. In the course of that day, the sun shone through the clouds, for the first time since the storm commenced, and by its warmth softened the crust on the snow. This rendered the traveling less laborious. As the party descended the sloping ground toward the bank of Paint creek, they came across a flock of turkeys, and killed several. These were cooked and equally di- vided among the men. That night the party lay by their tires without guards or sentinels ; and, as the night was warm, the snow gradually melted. Early next morning, the most of the party turned out to hunt, and killed a number of turkeys? some deer, and a bear. When these were brought to camp, a feast ensued, which was enjoyed with a zest and relish which none can prop- erly appreciate but those who have been so unfortunate as to be placed in a similar position.
The writer of this narrative accompanied General Massie on this tour, and had previously passed through many trying and distressing scenes; but the hardships and privations of this tour were the most trying to the firmness, resolution, and fortitude of men he ever saw or experienced. Only reflect, reader, on the critical sit- uation of twenty-eight men, exposed to the horrors of a terrible snow-storm in the wilderness, without hut, tent, or covering, and, what was still more appalling, without provision, without any road or even a track to retreat on, and nearly one hundred miles from any friendly aid or place of shelter, exposed to the truly tremendous and pitiless peltings of a storm of four days continuance, and you can fancy to yourself some faint idea of the sufferings of this party.
46 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Although more than forty years have passed, I can scarcely think of our sufferings, even at this length of time, without shuddering. The people of the present time, who now inhabit our western country, and are sheltered from tempestuous storms in comfortable and elegant mansions, and are blessed with peace and plenty, can scarcely appreciate the sufferings and privations of those who led the way in settling our western country. Under all the hardships of this tour, Massie always showed a cheerful face, and encouraged his men to hope for better times. Nothing like despondency ever clouded his brow, nor did his good humor forsake him during the gloom and despair of this trying occasion.
The storm being passed, fine weather and plenty ensued, and the party again went cheerfully to work. Massie surveyed all the hind he at first designed, and re- turned to Manchester without any adventure worthy of relation. . . ."
So much space has been devoted to this subject to show the hardships and dangers which our pioneers en- countered. Massie was not a man like Boone or Kenton, who hunted and fought for the sake of the excitement, but was seeking to clear the path for civilization, and his object was always to develop and improve the land he had determined to possess.
The Life of Nathaniel 3/ossic. 47
CHAPTER III.
The Founding of Manchester and Chillicothe.
A base of supplies on the Ohio river, which was one of the pathways from the east to the west and also the frontier of such civilization as Kentucky then pos- sessed, was absolutely essential to the safety and exist- ence of Massie and his surveying parties while north of that river. To supply this want, Massie, in 1790, deter- mined to establish a station in the Virginia Military District, and selected for this purpose the bottom along the Ohio river opposite the lower of the three islands, some twelve miles above the present town of Maysville, Kentucky, then called Limestone.
In order to secure settlers for his station, Massie advertised his project in Kentucky, " and offered each of the first twenty-five families, as a donation, one in- lot, one out-lot, and one hundred acres of land, provided they would settle in a town lie intended to lay off at his settlement." His terms were soon accepted by nineteen men. The American Pioneer gives the following con- tract, which was drawn up and executed by Massie on the one part, and his followers on the other :
CONTRACT.
"Articles of agreement between Nathaniel Massie, of one part, and the several persons that have hereunto
48 The Life of Nathaniel Massii .
subscribed, of the other part, witnesseth : That the sub- scribers hereof doth oblige themselves to settle in the town laid off, on the north-west side of the Ohio, oppo- site to the lower part of the Two Islands ; and make said town, or the neighborhood, on the north-west side of the Ohio, their permanent seat of residence for two years from the date hereof; no subscriber shall absent himself more than two months at a time, and during such absence furnish a strong, able-bodied man, suffi- cient to bear arms at least equal to himself; no subscriber shall absent himself the time above mentioned in case of actual danger, nor shall such absence be but once a year; no subscriber shall absent himself in case of actual dan- ger, or if absent, shall return immediately. Each of the subscribers doth oblige themselves to comply with the rules and regulations that shall be agreed on by a ma- jority thereof for the support of the settlement.
In consideration whereof, Nathaniel Massie doth bind and oblige himself, his heirs, etc., to make over and convey to such of the subscribers that comply with the above conditions, at the expiration of two years, a good and sufficient title unto one in-lot in said town, containing rive poles in front and eleven back, one out- lot of four acres convenient to said town, in the bottom, which the said Massie is to put them in immediate pos- session, also one hundred acres of land, which the said Massie has shown to a part of the subscribers; the con- veyance to be made to each of the subscribers, their heirs or assigns.
In witness whereof, each of the parties have here-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 49
unto set their hands and seals, this 1st day of Decem- ber, 1790.
JSTathaniel Massie, John Ellison,
John Lindsey, Ellen Simmeral,
William Wade, John -f- M'Cutchen,
John Block, Andrew + Anderson,
Samuel + Smith, Matthew + Hart, Jesse + Wethington, Henry + JSTelson,
Josiah Wade, John Peter C. Shanks,
John Clark, James Allison,
Robert Ellison, Thomas Stout,
Zephaniah Wade, George -f- Wade.
Done in presence of
John Beasly, James Tittle."
Early in 1791, the station was located, and by the middle of March it was " inclosed with strong pickets firmly fixed in the ground, with block-houses at each angle for defense."
The town was laid out into lots, and the name changed from " Massie's Station " to Manchester. This was the first settlement in the Virginia Military District and the fourth in Ohio ; Marietta, Cincinnati, and Galli- polis being older. It is universally admitted to have been the most exposed of all to danger from the In- dians, and at all times relied wholly on itself for safety, no fort nor regular troops, as in the case of the older towns, watching over it. The two following incidents related by McDonald show how ever present the danger from the Indians was :
50 The Life of Nathan 'id Massie.
" Early in the spring of the year 1792, Massie pro- ceeded to make some surveys on a small creek, which empties into the Ohio, four miles above Manchester, ac- companied by Israel Donalson and two others. They meandered up the river to the mouth of the creek and sat down on a log, not far from the bank of the river, to eat some junk. As they were eating and amusing themselves with chit-chat, they were not a little startled to see seven or eight Indians walk up the bank of the river without their arms, having left them in their canoe at the mouth of the creek. Massie and his party lied. The Indians, yelling horridly, pursued them. When the surveying party reached the foot of the hill they had a deep ravine to cross, about ten or twelve feet wide and as many in depth. Massie and two others of his com- panions leaped the ravine ; but poor Donalson, being less active in making the leap, plunged into the ditch. Massie and the two others soon ran to Manchester and gave an account of their misfortune. He was ignorant whether or no Donalson was killed. Early next morn- ing he collected twenty men and went to the ravine and found that Donalson must have been taken. The trail of the Indians was pursued for some distance when it was concluded that if the pursuit was continued, and the Indians were aware of it, they would immediately kill Donalson ; but that if they were permitted to go off unmolested they would, in all probability, save his life. The pursuing party immediately returned to Manchester, permitting the Indians to pursue their course.
Some time passed before the fate of Donalson was known at the station, and that was made known by his
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 51
own sudden appearance. From his account of the affair, it appears the Indians had been trapping up Big Sandy River and were on their return to Wapatomaka town (now Zanesfield), on Mad river. That the Indians had passed from the mouth of Big Sandy down the Ohio until they reached the mouth of the creek, where they landed with their canoes and had given pursuit to the party. The foremost Indian, pursuing them closely, saw Donalson make his unfortunate plunge, and before he could re- cover leaped upon him tomahawk in hand. Donalson instant!}' surrendered and was made a prisoner. It was late in the evening when they took him, and they im- mediately loaded him with their peltry and made a rapid march homeward. In a few days they reached the Chillicothe town, on the Little Miami. At this time he began to think about effecting his escape, although the difficulties against which he had to con- tend were great, owing to the extreme caution and watchfulness of the Indians. At night they confined him in the following manner. They took a strong tug (a rope made of the raw hide of the buffalo or elk) and fastened it around his body, each end of the tug being tied around the body of an Indian. The tug was tied so tightly that it could not be slipped, nor could he move to the one side or the other without drawing the Indian after him. It was from such a situation he had to extricate himself. One night, while the Indians were tying him'after the usual manner, he puffed up his body to its full extent by drawing in his breath ; and when they had completed the process he found that there was a good deal of play in the noose of the tug. He laid
52 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
very still until the Indians were fast asleep. Then, having partly undressed himself, he began slowly and cautiously to slip from the noose. After a long trial he succeeded in slipping himself out, and found himself once more a free man. He instantly rushed to the thickets. The night was clear, and he could steer his course by the stars. Striking off in a southern direc- tion he traveled all night, The next day he fell on Harmar's old trace, and followed its course to the south. In two days he reached Fort Washington, now Cincin- nati. Here he remained a few days to recruit himself, and then returned to his friends at Manchester, where he was most joyfully received, as there had been with them great anxiety as to his fate. The creek, at the mouth of which he was taken, was called after him "Donalsoirs Creek;'* which name it still retains, and will retain when the event which gave birth to its name will be forgotten. Mr. Donalson is still living, the patriarch of Manchester, and is, I believe, the only one of the first settlers who lives there at this time. He held many public offices. He was a member of the con- vention which formed the constitution for the State of Ohio, and uniformly preserved the character of an honest and useful man. .
In the spring of the year 1703, the settlers at Man- chester commenced clearing the out-lots of the town;. and while so engaged, an incident of much interest and excitement occurred. Mr. Andrew Ellison, one of the settlers, cleared a lot immediately adjoining the fort. He had completed the cutting of the timber, rolled the logs together, and set them on fire. The next morning,
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 53
a short time before daybreak, Mr. Ellison opened one of the gates of the fort, and went out to throw his logs to- gether. By the time he had finished this job, a number of the heaps blazed up brightly, and as he was passing from one to the other, he observed, by the light of the fires, three men walking briskly towards him. This did not alarm him in the least, although, he said, they were dark-skinned fellows ; yet he concluded they were the Wades, whose complexions were very dark, going early to hunt. He continued to right his log-heaps, until one of the fellows seized him by the arms and called out in broken English, " How do ! how do ! " He instantly looked in their faces, and to his surprise and horror found himself in the clutches of three Indians. To re- sist was useless. He therefore submitted to his fate without any resistance or an attempt to escape.
The Indians quickly moved off with him in the di- rection of Paint creek. When breakfast was ready, Mrs. Ellison sent one of her children to ask their father home; but he could not be found at the log-heaps. His absence created no immediate alarm, as it was thought he might have started to hunt after the completion of his work. Dinner time arrived, and Ellison not return- ing, the family became uneasy, and began to suspect some accident had happened to him. His gun-rack was examined, and there hung his rifle and his pouch in their usual place. Massie raised a party, and made a circuit around the place, and found, after some search, the trails of four men, one of whom had on shoes; and as Ellison had shoes on, the truth, that the Indians had made him a prisoner, was unfolded. As it was almost
54 The Life of Natkaniel Massie.
night at the time the trail was discovered, the party re- turned to the station. Next morning, early preparations were made by Massie and his party to pursue the In- dians. In doing this they found great difficulty, as it wasso early in the spring that the vegetation was not of sufficient growth to show plainly the trail of the Indians, who took the precaution to keep on hard and high land, where their feet could make little or no impression. Massie and his party, however, were as unerring as a • pack of well-trained hounds, and followed the trail to Paint creek, when they found the Indians gained so fast on them that pursuit was vain. They therefore aban- doned it, and returned to the station.
The Indians took their prisoner to Upper Sandusky, and compelled him to run the gauntlet. As Ellison was a large man and not very active, he received a severe flogging as he passed along the line. From this place he was taken to Lower Sandusky, and was again com- pelled to run the gauntlet, and was then taken to Detroit, where he was generously ransomed by a British officer for one hundred dollars. He was shortly after- ward sent by his friend, the officer, to Montreal, from whence he returned home before the close of the sum- mer of the same year.
Another incident connected with the station at Manchester occurred shortly after this time, which, although somewhat out of order as to time. I will take the liberty to relate in this place.
John Edgington, Asahel Edgington, and another man started out on a hunting expedition toward Brush creek. They camped out six miles in a north-east direc-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 55
tion, from where West Union now stands, and near where Treber's tavern is now situated, on the road from Chilli- cothe to Maysville. The Edgingtons had good success in hunting, having killed a number of deer and bears. Of the deer killed, they saved the skins and hams alone. The bears they fleeced ; that is, the}" cut oft' all the meat which adhered to the hide without skinning, and left the bones as a skeleton. They hung up the proceeds of their hunt on a scaft'old, out of the reach of the wolves and other wild animals, and returned home for pack-horses. Xo one returned to camp with the two Edgingtons. As it was late in December, no one apprehended danger, as the winter season was usually a time of repose from In- dian incursions. When the Edgingtons arrived at their old hunting camp, they alighted from their horses, and were preparing to strike a fire, when a platoon of In- dians fired upon them at a distance of not more than twenty paces. Asahel Edgington fell to rise no more. John was more fortunate. The sharp crack of the rifles and the horrid yells of the Indians, as they leaped from their place of ambush, frightened the horses, who took the track toward home at full speed. John Edgington was very active on foot, and now an occasion occurred which required his utmost speed. The moment the In- cians leaped from their hiding-place, they threw down their guns and took after him. They pursued him, screaming and yelling in the most horrid manner. Edgington did not run a booty race. For about a mile the Indians stepped in his tracks almost before the bending grass could rise. The uplifted tomahawk was frequently so near his head that he thought he felt its
56 The Life of Nathan id Massie.
edge. Every effort was made to save his life, and every effort of the Indians was made to arrest him in his flight. Edgington, who had the greatest stake in the race, at length began to gain upon his pursuers, and, after a long race, he distanced them, made his escape, and safely reached home. This, truly, was a most fear- ful and well contested race. The big Shawnee chief, Captain John, who headed the Indians on this occasion, after peace was made and Chillicothe settled, frequently told the writer of this sketch of the race. Captain John said that " the white man who ran away was a smart fellow, that the white man run and I run, he run and run, at last, the white man run clear off from me. . . ."
McDonald gives the following picture of life at the station :
"As soon as Massie had completely prepared his sta- tion for defense, the whole population went to work and cleared the lower of the Three Islands, and planted it in corn. The island was very rich, and produced heavy crops. The woods, with a very little industry, supplied a choice variety of game. Deer, elk, buffalo, bears, and turkeys were abundant, while the river furnished a variety of excellent fish. The wants of the inhabitants, under these circumstances, were few and easily gratified. Luxuries were entirely unknown, except old Mononga- hela double distilled. This article was in great demand in those days, and when obtained freely used. Coffee and tea were rare articles, not much prized or sought after, and were only used to celebrate the birth of a new comer. The inhabitants of the station were sen-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 57
erally as playful as kittens, and as happy in their way as their hearts could wish.
The men spent most of their time in hunting and fishing, and almost every evening the boys and girls footed merrily to the tune of the fiddle. Thus was their time spent in that happy state of indolence and ease, which none but the hunter or herdsman state can enjoy. They had no civil officers to settle their disputes, nor priests to direct their morals ; yet amongst them crimes were of rare occurrence. Should any one who chanced to be amongst them prove troublesome, or disturb the harmony of the community, his expulsion forthwith would be the consequence ; and woe be to him if he again attempted to intrude himself upon them. . . ."
The chief point of interest concerning this settle- ment lies in the fact that its founders were all sturdy Anglo-Saxons seeking their fortunes in a hostile wilder- ness and relying wholly on themselves for every thing. They were not a company, organized and equipped in the east with capital and education behind them, with rules and religion provided for their use, but were mostl}T simple backwoodsmen with only their rifles and axes, brain and brawn, to sustain them. They were by in- stinct and association perfect Democrats, believing wholly in themselves and their right to rule themselves as seemed best to them.
During the three years following the settlement of Manchester, Massie made many surveys along the Scioto river and Paint creek, and became the owner of much rich land in that region. Wayne's victory at Fallen Timbers, in 1794, and treaty at Greenville, in 1795, had
58 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
about put an end to danger from the Indians, and many persons in Kentucky and Virginia were anxious to emi- grate to that much praised part of Ohio. These people were actuated by various motives, the restlessness of the race and a desire to better their fortunes influenced many ; others desired to get away from the uncertainty of the Kentucky land titles, and a few were anxious to separate themselves from slave-holding communities.
Among those who cast longing eyes to the north were Rev. Robert W. Finley, a Presbyterian minister of Bourbon county, Kentucky, who, according to his auto- biography, in 1794, addressed the following letter to General Massie :
"Bourbon County, Ky., December 12, 1794. Sir: — After compliments to you, I take the liberty of addressing you for information. I understand you have a large quantity of land on the Scioto and Paint creek for sale. I would be pleased to know its qualities, and what advantages two large societies could have. A number have thought of purchasing fifteen or twenty miles square for the settlement of two congregations, and have been informed that you could supply us. Sir, I request the favor of you, by Mr. Rogers, the bearer, to furnish me with the situation, quality, and the quantity you could sell, and what would be your price per hundred acres, and what your terms of payment, by taking such a quantity of land as would be sufficient to settle two congregations, or say three hundred families. But it is probable the present circumstances of the country would require some time to make a settlement in it with pru-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 59
denee. You will please let me know at what time this winter it would meet your convenience to go with us and show us these lands. A number of us would love to see the advantages which the country will afford for such a settlement. Your compliance will much oblige your humble servant,
" Robt. W. Finley. " Mr. Nathaniel Massie, Esq."
This letter, doubtless, encouraged Massie to put into execution a long cherished project, the founding of a town on the Scioto river near the mouth of Paint creek. Accordingly, he gave notice in Kentucky of his inten- tion, and as usual offered liberal terms to those who were willing to follow him. In this instance, an in-lot and an out-lot of four acres in the proposed town to the first one hundred settlers, provided they would become permanent residents in the towm or its vicinity. This proposition brought together at Manchester, early in 1795, a party of respectable citizens of Kentucky, in- cluding the Rev. Mr. Finley. General Massie started with these people to the Scioto Valley, and the follow- ing account of their adventures is taken from Finley's " Life Among the Indians :"
" When the day appointed for the rendezvous at Massie's Station arrived, there were assembled, includ- ing those from my father's two congregations and from Pennsylvania, about sixty individuals, all burning with ardent desire to see, with their own eyes, the country of whose fertility they had heard so much, and which 4
60 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
seemed to them the land of promise. The party felt more secure from the attacks of the Indians because General Wayne was, at that very time, in treaty with them at Greenville; and, therefore, they pushed boldly forward into the interior. They were divided into three companies, one led by Massie, one by Finley, and the third by Fallenach, an old pioneer among the Indians. In a few days they reached Paint creek, near the falls. Here they encamped for the night.
In the morning, they found thev were in the vicin- ity of a body of Indians, and proceeding down the creek, .soon came within hearing of their horse-bells. It was now too late to draw back, and an action with the In- dians was inevitable. Some of the company were what was called raw hands ; that is, unaccustomed to border life and adventure. Full of enthusiasm, they had often expressed a desire ' to smell Indian powder.' One of the party, who had fought during the Revolutionary war, and also with the Indians, retorted upon these vaunting fellows : - If you get the smell you will run, or I am very much mistaken.' Their vaunted courage was now brought to the test.
Leaving Captain Pattee with a rear guard, the three divisions under Massie, Finley, and Fallenach, made a simultaneous attack upon the Indian camp. They proved to be a party of Shawnees and Senecas who (had refused to enter into treaty. Charley Wilke was their leader, and they were eucamped on the bank of the creek, at what is called Reeves' crossing. They were taken completely by surprise. Two of them were killed, and several wounded ; and the rest took to
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 61
flight. But after escaping across the creek, they rallied in the woods for a short time, and returned the salute of the whites. One man, Joshua Robinson, from Penn- sylvania, was shot dead. As the old Revolutionary veteran had predicted, some of the raw hands, who had boasted so much, fled at the first 'smell of Indian pow- der,' and hid behind the logs in the rear. Captain Pattee reported them, while in this condition, as ' hav- ing the shakes," from the trembling of their bodies.
The company, having buried their dead compan- ions, hastily gathered the horses, the skins, equipage, and other plunder of the Indian camp, and started for the station at Three Islands. That night they reached Scioto Brush creek, and there encamped upon an ad- vantageous spot. Suspecting the Indians would be on the pursuit, their sentinels were carefully posted for the night. Just before day-break one of the sentinels per- ceived something gradually working toward him on the ground. Calling out, he received no answer, and in- stantly leveled his piece, probably wounding or killing the Indian. The battle now commenced. The Indians met with a noble resistance from a part of the men, while the others displayed their cowardice by hiding from the bullets of the enemy in a deep sink-hole in the earth. The action lasted about an hour, when the In- dians retreated, with the loss of two killed, and several wounded. On the part of the whites, several horses were killed, and one man, a Mr. Gilfillan, was wounded in the thigh. After this, the party made good their re- turn to the station, without further molestation. This ended the exploration of the Scioto Valley, for that
62 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
year; and it was also the last battle fought with the Indians during the old Indian war."
Nothing daunted by this failure, Massie decided to make another attempt the next year, and, accordingl}', early in 1796, he assembled his followers in Manchester and divided them into two parties ; leading one by land and sending the other in pirogues up the Ohio and Scioto to the mouth of Paint creek. Here the parties met and encamped at a spot known as the Station Prairie. The party which came by water brought the tools needed in building and farming, and with these, on April 1, 1796, they began to build cabins and plow the open prairie, so as to plant corn, three hundred acres being soon turned by thirty plows. McDonald says : " That season was attended by great prosperity to the settlers. Although they suffered, at one time, greatly fo'* the want of some of the necessaries of life, yet in this they were soon relieved by the luxuriant crops of their plantations."
Meanwhile, Massie selected as the site for his town the level ground between the Scioto and Paint creek and along the foot of the hills which divide those streams. No better, nor more beautiful spot, can anywhere be found ; the land itself is very fertile, alluvial soil un- derdrained by a bed of sand and gravel ; the river and creek afford splendid water and excellent drainage, while the surrounding hills give a beauty and variety to the landscape which is unrivaled.
Massie proceeded to lay out his town on a liberal scale. The streets all run cither parallel or at right angles with each other and are from sixty-six to ninety-nine
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 63
feet wide. The in-lots have a frontage of ninety-nine feet and a depth of one hundred and ninety-eight feet to an alley — the out-lots adjoined the town and con- tained about four acres each, being almost square. The original plan has two hundred and eighty-seven in-lots and one hundred and eighty-nine out-lots. The town having been laid out, and the streets, alleys, and lots having been marked by blazing the trees, the proprietor, on consultation with his friends, gave the settlement the name of Chillicothe, which is the Indian word meaning a town.
Then the first hundred pioneers proceeded to draw the in-lots and out-lots to which they were en- titled by their contract with Massie. This drawing seems to have taken place in July, 1796, Massie giving his written obligation to each to make them deeds. Some lots were also sold at ten dollars apiece, so the town must soon have had oyer a hundred inhabitants. We are told that "it increased vapidly, and before the winter of 1796 had several stores, taverns, and shops for mechanics." This was made possible by the great in- rush of white settlers which followed the termination of the Indian wars. Chillicothe having been settled by Virginians and Kentuckians naturally attracted most of the emigrants from those states. These were of various kinds, from the ordinary backwoodsmen to college grad- uates, but all intent in their own way on improving their fortunes. Many of them brought letters of intro- duction to Massie, asking his favor in general, and usually his assistance in buying land, or advice, as to choice of locations or business ventures. Massie must
64 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
have been glad to receive these, for his whole policy was to build up his community, and with this end in view, he sold his lands at exceedingly low prices and in any quantity from a few acres up, taking as pay either cash or promises. He adopted the same course as to all business ventures, which might be of benefit to the community, lending them his name and credit. Among others whom he helped in this way were Duncan McAr- thur, Thomas Worthington, and Michael Baldwin.
The rapid growth of Chillicothe soon made it one of the principal towns of the North- West Territory. Its people being mostly of Virginia and Kentucky origin, naturally had the tendencies of those states and soon de- veloped them to a remarkable degree, which we shall try to trace in the next chapter. Before beginning it, how- ever, it will be well to finish with Nathaniel Massie as a founder of towns. Besides Manchester and Chilli- cothe, he laid out Bainbridge in 1805 and several smaller places, some fourteen in all. His }'ounger brother, Henry Massie, founded Portsmouth in 1803 — a record probably unsurpassed by any family in the North- West Territory.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 65
CHAPTER IV.
The Government of the North-West Territory — First and Second Territorial Legislatures — Conflict between St. Clair and Massie — The Beginnings of Politics in Ohio — The Triumph of Democ- racy— Statehood in Sight.
The government provided for the jSTorth-West Ter- ritory in the Ordinance of 1787 was that same year com- mitted b}T Congress to Arthur St. Clair, as Governor, three Judges and a Secretary, at the same time, being associated with him. St. Clair was President of Con- gress at the time of the adoption of the ordinance; had served as a Major-General during the revolution and was a warm personal friend of General Washington. The first eight years of his administration were mostly taken up with the continuous Indian wars, which ha- rassed the country on both sides of the Ohio. General St. Clair's chief distinction during this period was his crushing defeat by the Indians under Little Turtle on JSTov. 4, 1791, when he lost about half his army and all its equipments. General Wayne's victory in 1794, called the battle of the "Fallen Timbers," and his treaty at Greenville in 1795, finally ended the Indian wars in Ohio. As soon as the people of the older states became convinced that peace actually existed in the North- West Territory, immigration set in on a large scale, so that a census taken in 1798 showed that there were five thou- sand free white male inhabitants within its limits. Ac- cording to the terms of the ordinance, this entitled the
66 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Territory to elect a Legislature of its own, and Governor St. Clair made proclamation to that effect and issued writs for an election. All historians agree that the peo- ple of Ohio selected their ablest leaders to represent them in this first Territorial Legislature, " men thor- oughly awake to their wants and conditions."
Adams county elected Nathaniel Massie as one of her two representatives, Joseph Darlington being his colleague. Ross county, in which Chillicothe is situated, sent Thomas Worthington, Elias Langham, Samuel Fin- ley and Edward Tiffin. Of these, Worthington and Tiffin were destined to play important parts in the early history of Ohio. Tiffin was born in England in 1766; emigrated to Virginia while a youth ; studied medicine and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1789.
Worthington, who was a few years younger than Tiffin, was a native of Virginia ; a man of education and means, and an old friend of Nathaniel Massie.
Tiffin and Worthington, who were brothers-in-law, about 1796, emancipated their slaves and removed from their Virginia homes to Massie's town on the Scioto, Chillicothe.
They were valuable acquisitions, for they possessed character and ability of the highest order, and were men of reputation and influence in the east.
This first Legislature met at Cincinnati, Sept. 23, 17'.'(.>. The Governor delivered an address of welcome and advice, laying especial stress upon the necessity of providing an adequate revenue and a reliable militia.
Massie was made a member of the Committee of
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 67
Ways and Means, of the " committee to bring in a bill for levying taxes and regulating revenue;" chairman of the committee to draught and prepare a militia law and served on several minor committees. Most of the laws enacted were such as are needed in every new state and are of no especial interest. The business was conducted harmoniously, and without regard to any political di- visions. At the close of the session, however, Governor St. Clair rudely disturbed this primitive simplicity by the vigorous use of his veto.
In 1798, a controversy had taken place between St. Clair and Massie concerning the power of the Governor to fix the seats of justice in the new counties which he erected. The Ordinance of 1787 authorized the Governor to lay out parts of the districts into counties, but said nothing concerning the location of county seats. When Adams county was created, Massie naturally wanted his town of Manchester to be the county town ; St. Clair decided on Adamsville. Massie, and the other magis- trates of Adams county, insisted on holding court where they pleased and were taken to task by Governor St. Clair for their behavior. When the Legislature con- vened, a bill was passed fixing Manchester as the seat of justice in Adams county. Bills were also passed di- viding and creating other counties. The Governor held these bills until the end of the session, and then vetoed them all, giving various reasons, but probably stating the true one when he said : "It appears to me that the erecting of new counties is the proper business of the executive." This action, naturally, caused a great deal of feeling, especially, among those who were largely in-
68 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
terested in lands; Nathaniel Massie being the chief op- ponent of the claim advanced by the Governor. These bills were probably of small consequence in themselves, but contained the beginnings of politics in Ohio, for be- neath this little controversy lay a great question — should the people decide for themselves what was best for them, or should a Governor, deriving his authority from without the territory ? Should the government be pop- ular or paternal ? Aristocratic or Democratic ?
Governor St. Clair, who was by training and asso- ciation a strong Federalist, believed the people but ill qualified to decide political questions for themselves, be- lieved that a wise and good man, provided like himself by some far away superior power, was much better fitted to be intrusted with all such matters. Nathaniel Massie and his self-reliant followers were sure that they knew their own best interests and did not propose to be gov- erned by any one except themselves ; nor did they have much respect for the distant federal government which, heretofore, had furnished them scant protection from their enemies, and still suffered the English along the Great Lakes and Spaniards in Louisiana to menace their political and commercial freedom. They, doubtless, were in full sympathy with their kindred in Virginia and Kentucky concerning the alien and sedition laws; they were Republicans and followers of Jefferson; they did not admire nor approve of President Adams and his administration. The first outbreak of party spirit is generally supposed to have occurred at the close of the first session of this Territorial Legislature, when five members of the House — Messrs. Bond, Goforth, Lang-
The Life of Nat hay, id Massie. 69
ham, Ludlow and Meigs — refused to vote for a laudatory address to the President of the United States, but this action was probably more personal than political in its nature. The two parties thus created, at once, began hostilities. That St. Clair's plan was to keep the Terri- tory in a state of tutelage as long as possible, is abun- dantly proved by a letter which he wrote his friend, James Ross, a federalist Senator from Pennsylvania, just after the close of this session of the Legislature— this letter, which can be found in the St. Clair Papers, shows so clearly Governor St. Clair's position, that it is best to give the portions of it bearing on the question :
''December (no date), 1799. Dear Sir: — Our assembly, at length, is up, and the session has been a very harmonious one, notwithstand- ing that I was obliged to put a negative upon a good many of their acts. Their last act was a very handsome address to the President, from which there were only four dissentients. I have inclosed a paper, which con- tains what I said to them when they were prorogued. . . . X have conversed with you on the subject of di- viding this Territory into districts and erecting two gov- ernments in it. You seemed to think it would be a proper measure, and that nothing made against it but the additional expense it would occasion. To me that has always appeared a small consideration, when com- pared with the inconveniences that would probably fol- low from its soon becoming a State; and, if it is not di- vided, it must become a State very soon. It is even thought by some that the requisite number of inhabit-
70 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
ants are now within it, and measures have been taken by the Legislature to ascertain it. But no time shall be lost, when it does come about, by directing an annual enumeration.
A multitude of indigent and ignorant people are but ill qualified to form a constitution and government for themselves; but that is not the greatest evil to be feared from it. They are too far removed from the seat of government to be much impressed with the power of the United States. Their connection with any of them is very slender — many of them having left nothing but creditors behind them, whom they would very willingly forget entirely. Fixed political principles they have none, and though at present they seem attached to the General Government, it is in fact but a passing senti- ment, easily changed or even removed, and certainly not strong enough to be counted upon as a principle of action ; and there are a good many who hold sentiments in direct opposition to its principles, and who, though quiet at present, would then take the lead. Their gov- ernment would most probably be democratic in its form and oligarchic in its execution, and more troublesome and more opposed to the measures of the United States than even Kentucky. All this, I think, may be pre- vented by the division of the Territory. Time would be afforded for the cultivation of a disposition favorable % to the General Government, as the inhabitants would meet with nothing but friendship and protection from the United States, and the influence of the few wealthy would cease entirely, or scarce be felt, and gratitude and attachment would become fixed habits of the mind.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 71
But it is not every division that would answer those purposes, but such a one as would probably keep them in the colonial state for a good many years to come. In a letter which I wrote to the Secretary of State by the last post on this subject I mentioned the proper boundaries to them, but on further reflection I think it would not answer ; that it would divide the present in- habitants in such a manner as to make the upper or eastern division surely Federal, and form a counterpoise from opposing local interests in the western division to those who are unfriendly to the General Government, I think is certain ; but the eastern division is too thinly inhabited, and the design would be too evident. A line drawn due north from the mouth of Eagle creek, where it empties itself into the Ohio, would answer better. There would then be the counties of Adams, of Ross, of Washington, of Jefferson and Trumbull in the eastern division, and all of them must hereafter be subdivided and other counties made out of them ; and the western division would contain the counties of Hamilton, Wayne, Knox, St. Clair and Randolph, and each of them would have a sufficient number of inhabitants to continue in the present stage of government — that is, to make laws for themselves by their representatives; whereas, were the territory divided by the great Miami, the western division must return to the tirst stage. The expense, which you seemed to think would be the principal obstruc- tion, would be but trifling, for, undoubtedly, an increase of judges there must be if any regard is had to the people. It is utterly impossible that three judges can do the business, but were they sufficiently numerous for
72 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
the country as it now is they might serve for the whole of it when divided into two districts. The whole ad- ditional expense then that the division would occasion would be the salary of one Governor.
The division of the Territory, I am persuaded, will be pressed, and I believe it to be a part of Colonel Worthington's business in Philadelphia ; and the great Miami, or a line drawn from the mouth of it, will be set forth in the strongest manner as the proper line. The people of Ross are very desirous it should take place. Their views are natural and innocent enough. They look no further than giving consequence to Chillicothe. But I am very much mistaken if their leaders have not other and more extensive views. They think the divi- sion in that way would but little retard their becoming a State, and as almost all of them are democrats, what- ever they pretend to the contrary, they expect that both the power and the influence would come into their hands, and that they would be able to model it as they please; and it is my fixed belief it would be in a man- ner as unfriendly to the United States as possible. This, however, is in contidence, and I particularly re- quest that my sentiments may not be confided to Mr. Worthington, who, I have discovered, not to be entirely that candid man I once represented him to you, and who I now think a very designing one."
St. Clair's proposition to divide the Territory into two parts, bounding the eastern division on the west by Eagle creek, thus making a sure federalist territory and keeping both the proposed divisions "in the colonial state for a good many years to come," was also broached
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 73
by him to the Secretary of State, Timothy Pickering, who showed the letter to William Henry Harrison, the representative of the IsTorth-West Territory in Congress. This, of course, disclosed the whole scheme and put the opponents of the Governor on their guard, although reference to the letter from Thomas Worthington to General Massie, written December 27th, 1799, shows that the Republicans were thoroughly disgusted with St. Clair, and were determined to obtain a government of their own. Mr. King, in his " History of Ohio," doubts whether Worthington had this as the object of his visit to Philadelphia, but this letter seems to make it clear that he had faith enough in his cause to ask justice even of his political enemies.
The chief opponents of St. Clair's plan were Massie, Worthington, Tiffin and the Virginia element, who, nat- urally, had with them the representative of the Terri- tory in Congress, William Henry Harrison, who was also a Virginian. Their hope was to so divide the Ter- ritory that their party could control its affairs and bring it to statehood as soon as possible. Of course, to have Chillicothe made its capital was an incidental benefit that they expected to accrue.
In May, 1800, Congress passed an act due largely to Mr. Harrison's efforts, dividing the Territory into two parts by the Greenville treaty line, from the Ohio up to Fort Recovery, and thence directly north through Michi- gan. The eastern division continued to be called the North-West Territory, and Chillicothe was made its capital ; the western was named Indiana Territory, and Vincennes was made its capital. St. Clair remained as
74 The Life of Nathan id Massie.
Governor of the former ; Harrison became Governor of the latter. This division was the one feared by St. Clair and advocated by Worthington. It was a great victory for Massie and his friends. His town in four years had become the capital of the Territory, and statehood was in sight.
St. Clair and his followers were vociferously angry and by no means discouraged, as the sequel shows.
The first General Assembly met for its adjourned session at Chillicothe on Xovember 5, 1800. Governor St. Clair delivered an address mainly on the affairs of the Territory, but closing with some very bitter words concerning his opponents. The Council and House re- turned civil answers.
Among the first acts of the assembly was the adop- tion of the following offered by Massie :
"Whereas, It is the opinion of this House that the Ordinance for the government of this Territory has vested the right of laying out and erecting new counties in the legislature thereof; and, whereas, his Excellency, the Governor, has differed in opinion from the House on that subject ; therefore,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed on the part of this House, jointly with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the legislative council, to prepare an address to his Excellency on that subject, ex- pressive of their regret on the difference of their opin- ion, and that the said committee be directed to point out in said address that part of the Ordinance which gives said power to the legislature."
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 75
A committee was appointed of Messrs. Massie, Goforth and Worthington.
This committee soon prepared the address, advanc- ing arguments in behalf of the right of the Legislature to lay out and erect two counties, and closing by civilly asking the Governor to return bills of which he disap- proved within ten days after receiving them. St. Clair replied in an argument of considerable length on the county question, maintaining his former position, says his friend Judge Burnet, " by reasons more plausible than solid ; some of which were by no means compli- mentary to the judgment or intelligence of the As- sembly."
(" So far as pride of opinion was involved, the As- sembly afterward had the satisfaction of knowing that their construction of the Ordinance in regard to the power in question, was sanctioned by Congress, without any effort on their part to produce that result.")
Concerning the request that bills be returned within ten days he said, " that it is altogether out of my power to comply with it."
Here both sides had rested their case, when the Gov- ernor, on December 2d, notified the Assembly that on the 9th of that month the session must close, as his term expired that day, and the law in that case did not authorize the secretary to take his place. No doubt, the opponents of the Governor hoped that the Secretary, Charles William Byrd, would become acting Governor, for he was heartily in sympathy with them, being a Virginian and also a brother-in-law of General Massie. 5
76 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
The Governor's enemies, however, must have had much to console them for their temporary disappointment — this action of St. Clair's being another illustration of the proverb, " That those whom the Gods would de- stroy they first make mad." Governor St. Clair did not act with frankness in this matter, nor with a due regard to the public interests. Judge Burnet, one of the ablest and best members of the legislative council, and a warm friend of St. Clair's, says, concerning this ,in Ins well-known " Notes on the Early Settlement of the North-Western Territory :"
" It was somewhat remarkable that the opinion of the Governor, and his purpose to adjourn the Legis- lature, were concealed in his own bosom, till it was too late to confer with the Secretary of the Territory ; who was then absent from the seat of Government. As it was known, that his own opinion of his own powers, coin- cided with that of the Legislature, it was not doubted, that, if such a conference could have been had, he would have taken the responsibility of giving notice, at once, that he would issue his proclamation, bearing date on the day, next after the expiration of the Governor's term of office, re-assembling the two Houses, forthwith, for the dispatch of business, before the members should separate, and return to their respective homes. By that measure the sitting of the Assembly would have been continued, till the public business then pending was dis- posed of.
It was the prevailing opinion, that the Governor ought to have given notice of his view, of the powers of the Secretary, and of his intention to prorogue the
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 77
Legislature, in his address at the opening of the session. It was strongly insinuated, that he withheld the informa- tion, for the express purpose, of preventing the inter- ference of the Secretary, till it would be too late to ac- complish the object. Many of his best friends were apprehensive, that such a motive, might have an im- proper influence on his mind.''
St. Clair was soon afterwards reappointed Governor of the .North-West Territory by President Adams and his nomination confirmed by the Senate, not, however, without opposition, which would have been more vigor- ous had the Republican Senators not feared "that should he be rejected, some person more obnoxious might be appointed, and that it would only be exchanging an old and feeble tyrant for one more active and wicked."
Both sides began at once to prepare for continuing the battle ; the Republicans by agitating for statehood ; the Federalists by scheming for another division of the Territory. This time the Scioto was to be the western boundary of the eastern division.
The representatives elected in October, 1801, as members of the second Territorial Legislature, were in- clined to be favorable to Governor St. Clair; those from Ross and Adams counties, including Massie, Tiffin and Worth ington, were, of course, in opposition.
Thomas Jefferson had been inaugurated, as Presi- dent, a few days after the Senate had confirmed St. Clair as Governor, and a Republican Congress began its term at the same time. Under these circumstances, it would seem that the merest political tyro would have known enough to, at least, let the Republican minority rest in
78 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
peace, if not try to conciliate them ; but Governor St. Clair and bis followers still seemed bent on self-destruc- tion, for when the Legislature met Xovember 24, 1801, they renewed the battle by having their majority pass- bills declaring the assent of the Territory to a change in the boundaries of the states to be formed under the Or- dinance of 1787, and moving the capital from Chillicothe to Cincinnati. Governor St. Clair approved both these bills, which were aimed as death-blows at Massie, his town of Chillicothe and his fellow Virginians. General Massie and Ins. followers voted, against these measures- and entered a vigorous protest on the journal against them. Ontside the Assembly, passion ran high ; a mob attacked the quarters of the Governor, and some of the members who supported him. This is said to have been led by Michael Baldwin, a brilliant and wild young lawyer of Chillicothe, a protege of Massie and a bitter enemy of St. Clair. General Massie and his companions in the minority were justly indignant at this violence and were active in suppressing it. The Republican leaders organized at once in self-defense and sent Worthington and Baldwin to Washington to op- pose the approval of the act changing the bound- aries of the territory, which Paul Fearing of Ma- rietta, the delegate in Congress, was endeavoring to secure. The mission of the two Chillicotheans was successful; the House of Representatives refusing by a vote of 81 to 5 to approve the act of the Territorial Legislature. " Dr. Cutler," says King, " singularly was one of the five for marring the ordinance."' But the Republicans were not satisfied with this negative victory,.
The Life of Nathaniel Massii . 79
they were determined to have something further — St. Clair's removal from office and admission to the union. Massie prepared charges against Governor St. Clair, which were laid before the President by Thomas Wor- thington in February, 1802. They were :
"1. He has usurped legislative powers, by the erec- tion of courts and location of the seats of justice b}T proclamation, on his own sole authority.
2. He has misused the power of negativing legislat- ive acts by putting his negative on laws useful and nec- essary for the Territory.
3. He has refused to perform the duties of his office but on the payment of arbitrary fees not established by any lawful authority.
4. He has negatived acts of the Legislature abolish- ish those fees, and passed their act giving him $500, meant as a compensation for that abolition, thereby holding both the fees and compensation.
5. He has attempted to effect the dismemberment of the Territory, and to destroy its constitutional bounda- ries, in order to prevent its advancement to those rights of self-government to which its numbers would enti- tle it.
6. He has granted commissions generally during pleasure; but that of Attorney-General to his own son during good behavior.
7. He has endeavored arbitrarily to influence and control the proceedings of the judiciary, and has re- voked or effected a surrender of the commissions of those who have refused to bend to his will.
8. He has appointed persons residing out of a
80 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
county to offices the duties of which were to be habitu- ally performed within them.
0. lie has (neglected and thereby) obstructed the organization and disciplining of a militia for the defense of the Territory by withholding the appointment of officers eighteen months after a law had passed estab- lishing them.
10. He has avowed his hostility to the form and substance of republican government (and contempt of militia regulations). "
The President took no action on these charges, probably, because he knew that Governor St. Clair would soon be disposed of in another way; for the chief object of the Republicans of the North-West Territory was statehood, and in this they had the active assistance of the leaders of their party in Congress.
The letters written home by Worthington show- that he soon found there would be but little trouble in preventing the proposed division of the Territory, and that Congress was more than willing to grant them state- hood. Jefferson had recently been elected President with great difficulty and by a very narrow margin, and his followers were naturally anxious to secure additional political strength, besides it was according to Democratic doctrine to magnify the states and minimize the federal power. Petitions for statehood were hurried to. Wash- ington as well as protests. Judge Burnet, the ablest supporter of St. Clair, states the arguments both pro and con so fairly that his statement deserves to be quoted at length. He says : " On the one side it was alleged that the existing government was anti-republican; that the
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 81
inhabitants did not enjoy the political rights which be- longed to freemen ; that neither the Governor, the Judges of the General Court, nor the Legislative Coun- cil, were, in any form, amenable to the people ; that the power of appointing to office, held by Congress, was dangerous ; that it had been abused ; that the Governor controlled the will of the Representatives of the people ; and that there was no remedy for these evils, but a radical change of government."
" On the other hand, it was contended that notwith- standing those allegations were technically true, yet they produced but little, if any, injury in practice, that they were the unavoidable result of the plan adopted for the settlement of the Territory, which was originally ad- mitted to be wise, judicious and safe ; that the objections to the form of government were theoretical defects, rather than practical evils ; that the exercise of the ap- pointing power, as far as it was held by Congress, was fully compensated for by the payment of the salaries of all the officers whom they appointed ; that the in- habitants of the district were too few and too poor to bear the expense of a State government ; that their numbers were rapidly increasing ; that in two years, at most, the district would have a population which would entitle it, as a matter of right, to become a State, with- out conditions or restrictions, and that it was better to endure the inconveniences complained of till the time should arrive when the proposed change would be a matter of right, and the people better prepared to meet the expenses of the change.''
Worthington did his work so well that Congress,
82 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
on April 30, 1802, passed an act authorizing a conven- tion of delegates to be elected by the people of the Ter- ritory in the following September for the purpose of de- ciding, first, whether it was expedient to form a state government. If so decided by a majority of the dele- gates, they were authorized to proceed to adopt a con- stitution.
The campaign over the election of delegates was spirited and resulted in an overwhelming Republican victory ; even their opponents admit that creditable selections were made, " the most intelligent men in the counties " being chosen.
Nathaniel Massie was one of the delegates elected by Ross county. The delegates met in Chillicothe on November 1, 1802, and organized by electing Edward Tiflin, of Ross county, President of the Convention.
As soon as the Convention had adopted rules and selected minor officers, a motion was made that "Arthur St. Clair, Sen., Esq., be permitted to address the conven- tion on those points which he deems of importance." Nineteen members voted yea, fourteen nay. Massie was one of those voting yea. This shows that he was either fair-minded enough to give his arch-enemy a chance to state his case or shrewd enough to know that St. Clair would do himself more harm than good. This, Governor St. Clair did, for his address was unwise in the extreme, going so far as to state that the act (au- thorizing the convention) was " an interference with the internal affairs of the country, which Congress had neither the power nor right to make : the act is not binding on the people, and is in truth a nullity."
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 83
The Governor's address had no effect on the Con- vention, for, as soon as he had finished delivering it, a resolution was introduced and adopted, " That it is the opinion of this Convention, that it is expedient, at this time, to form a constitution and state government." Thirty-two delegates, including Massie, voted for .this resolution ; only one, Mr. Cutler, of Marietta, against it. This was the dawn of statehood for Ohio.
As soon as Governor St. Clair's address was laid before President Jeff'ersoiij he caused the following let- ter, published in " The St. Clair Papers," to be sent to Governor St. Clair:
" Department of State,
Washington, November 22, 1802.
Arthur St. Clair, Esq.:
Sir: — The President observing, in an address lately
delivered by you to the convention held at Chillicothe,
an intemperance and indecorum of language toward the
Legislature of the United States, and a disorganizing
spirit and tendency of very evil example, and grossly
violating the rules of conduct, enjoined by your public
station, determines that your commission of Governor
of the North-Western Territory shall cease on receipt of
this notification.
I am, etc.,
James Madison."
This ended General St. Clair's connection with the North-West Territory, Charles Willing Byrd, the Sec- retary, acting as Governor until the election of state officers.
84 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Almost a hundred years have passed since the con- flict between Arthur St. Clair and Nathaniel Massie ended, and it is possible to form a clear and impartial judgment on its merits. Both men had their strong and weak points ; both, probably, had the usual human mo- tives for much that they did ; they were representatives of opposing political forces, and as such are of interest to history. St. Clair stood for the federalist element; was the advocate of a strong central power and a pa- ternal government; had great faith in the few; none at all in the many.
Massie was the representative of the rising Democ- racy ; believed in the people and was anxious to intrust them with their own affairs.
Time has shone that Nathaniel Massie was right.
Ohio was ready for statehood, and through the brains and brawn of her people has become one of the greatest of American Commonwealths. To have di- minished her territory or hampered her citizens at the beginning would have been a fatal error. The victorious termination of this contest is the greatest glory of Na- thaniel Massie's life. He believed in the people; he be- lieved in the destiny of Ohio ; he stroved for these and won.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 85
CHAPTER V.
The Constitutional Convention— Ohio a State— Legislative Serv- ices— Contest with Meigs — The Militia.
The same day that Governor St. Clair addressed the Convention and it resolved that a state government was expedient, it began the work of framing a constitution. The method adopted was to appoint a committee and assign to it a certain subject. This committee would generalhT, on the day following its creation, report an article of the proposed constitution covering the subject allotted to them. The Convention would then go into a committee of the whole Convention and discuss and amend the proposed article, keeping this up from day to day, until they were ready to adopt it.
There were eight subjects thus assigned to as many committees. First, the preamble and legislative power; second, the supreme executive authority; third, the ju- diciary; fourth, the qualifications of electors ; fifth, the militia ; sixth, concerning certain county townships and minor state officers; seventh, certain miscellaneous ques- tions such as oaths of officers, bribery of electors, new counties, location of state capital, amendments to the constitution and boundaries of the state; eighth, a bill of rights and schedule for carrying into complete opera- tion the constitution and government.
Nathaniel Massie was a member of the committees having in charge the articles concerning the Legislature,
86 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
the supreme executive authority, the judiciary and the militia; the first three being by far the most important committees appointed. He also served on several com- mittees concerned with transacting the affairs of the Convention and was, in every way, one of its most prom- inent members and is said to have exerted great influ- ence in its deliberations. While there was considerable discussion over each of the articles proposed, the points raised were of little importance then, and of no interest now, excepting two. One of these was on the question of submitting the constitution prepared by the Conven- tion to the people " for their acceptance and confirma- tion," which was decided in the negative by a vote of twenty-seven to seven, the yeas coming from the four Washington county representatives, Messrs. Wells and ITpdegraff, of Jefferson county, and Mr. Riley, of Cin- cinnati.
It would have been a useless waste of time and money to have had the people vote on the constitution ; they had strongW shown that they favored immediate statehood and had indorsed the political ideas, of the men most prominent in advocating it, by electing them members of the Convention; they afterward approved this action by elevating these same men to office under the state government.
The most interesting contest was on the question of negro suffrage. At one time, fourteen members voted to abolish all race distinctions in the qualifications of electors — the same day, by a vote of nineteen to fifteen, the Convention adopted a proviso, "That all male ne- groes and mulattoes, now residing in this territory, shall
The Life, of Nathaniel Massie. 87
be entitled to the right of suffrage, if they shall within six months, make a record of their citizenship." By a vote of seventeen to sixteen, the Convention refused to extend this proviso to the descendants of such negroes and mulattoes as shall be recorded.
There must have been some vigorous work done about this time, for, when the article of the constitution containing this proviso came up for final adoption, the proviso, above quoted, was stricken out by the casting vote of Edward Tiffin, the President of the Convention, the vote standing seventeen to seventeen without him. This is of interest as showing the feeling, at that time, toward the colored race.
This Convention was controlled by men from the slave-holding states of Virginia and Kentucky, yet we find them badly divided on this question. One of their own leaders, Charles Willing Byrd, a Virginian of the Vir- ginians, standing steadily for the right of the negro to vote. On the other hand, Messrs. Huntington, of Trum- bull county, and Mclntire, of Washington county, scions of New England stock, were with Massie and Worthing- ton against negro suffrage.
In this connection, it may be said, that in examin- ing Nathaniel Massie's correspondence, containing sev- eral hundred letters written by Virginians and Ken- tuckians concerning their lands in the North-West Territory, only two were found objecting to the pro- visions of the Ordinance of 1787 on the subject of slavery, and these were both written by one man.
After each section had been adopted separately, the constitution was ratified by the Convention and
88 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
signed by the members. This instrument has been the subject of much adverse criticism by legal writers and historians, mainly on the ground that it gave all power and dominion to the Legislature, made the executive a mere figure-head and created a short lived elective judiciary. These critics lose sight of the circumstances under which it was made and of what it means as an historical land-mark. The readers will recall the dis- agreement between Governor St. Clair and Nathaniel Massie over the question of creating new counties and locating county seats ; how this little conflict grew to be a bitter contest between two opposing political systems ; between popular and paternal government; between the Federalists and Republicans, and how, at last, the latter triumphed, securing statehood and the Governor's re- moval.
The Constitutional Convention was the first fruits of the Republican victory. It was their Convention. The men who had sided with Massie and his fellow Chilli- cotheans controlled it completely. Edward Tiffin was ks President, and a careful study of its committees and proceedings will disclose what an iron grip they had upon it, and how fully they directed its actions.
For years these men had been contending for the right of the people to govern themselves through their representatives, and had been fighting the paternal policy of their Governor. It was but natural, when the op- portunity came, for them to try to secure perpetually these principles and to embody them in their constitu- tion. The Governor was made a mere figure head, given no control whatever over the Legislature, by the
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 89
right of vetoing its acts or otherwise; he was not even required to sign its laws before they went into effect (provisions still in force) ; was shorn of all patronage and allowed to name no officers, except an adjutant gen- eral. The Legislature made all the appointments of state officers, including the judiciary; its powers were bounded only by the constitution itself, which protects the people by a long and liberal bill of rights and pro- vides an easy way of amending its provisions. This constitution was the full and complete triumph of Democracy, and is the crowning glory of those who brought it about ; for the history of the Anglo-Saxon race in its broadest sense is a record of the struggles of the people to assert themselves against their rulers. The great trophies in this contest are the Magna Charter and the Bill of Rights of 1689, won by our ancestors in the old home across the sea, and the Declaration of In- dependence, made good by our revolutionary forefathers in America. Each of these marks a long step forward toward a " government of the people, by the people and for the people," but none go quite so far as to claim for the people absolute power, freed from all control by king or president or governor. The first to reach that goal were the founders of Ohio, led by the Chillicothe statesmen, who had been trained in their backwoods' struggles with savage men and rugged nature to rely on themselves alone, and to allow no man to dictate what was best for them and theirs.
It must not be for one moment understood that these men were a body of primitive anarchists. The leaders, Massie, Tiffin, Byrd and Worthington, were
90 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
men of education in its broadest sense, men of large affairs and men of the world. They were not as one brilliant writer says " men of very unattractive faults," but were born and bred as gentlemen of as good old stock as any in America. Their lives had brought them much in contact with the men of their race, they be- lieved thoroughly in them and in their ability to hold their own with any body, anywhere. All they asked was to be allowed to spend their lives and seek their own happiness as they pleased, to live under just such a government as to them seemed best — a true democracy — where there should be no classes, no property qualifica- tions, no religious tests and no requisite for citizenship, save manhood. Under what other conditions could self-respecting and self-reliant men be happy ?
The adoption of the constitution made the people of Ohio a body politic, but did not provide them with a government nor admit them to the union. Worthing- ton was sent to -Washington to submit the constitution to Congress for its approval, which was formally given by an act passed March 3, 1803. The schedule attached to the constitution provided that the election of state officers and members of the Legislature should be held January 11, 1803, and that the General Assembly should meet at Chillicothe, March 1, 1803. The Chillicothe party had things all their own way at this election. Edward Tiffin was chosen Governor. Massie, Worthing- ton and Baldwin were elected members of the General Assembly, which organized by electing Nathaniel Massie President of the Senate, and Michael Baldwin, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Thomas Worthington
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 91
was made one of the two United States Senators, his colleague being John Smith of Hamilton county, who had both in the Territorial Legislatures and Constitu- tional Convention, acted with the Republicans. Jere- miah Morrow, also of Hamilton county, was elected the representative in Congress. Morrow, like Smith, had taken the Republican side in the Territorial Legislature and Constitutional Convention, and was now just enter- ing on a long and brilliant public career, being a mem- ber of Congress for sixteen years and twice Governor of Ohio. Charles Willing Byrd was soon appointed United States District Judge by President Jefferson, ornament- ing that position until his death in 1828. William Creighton, Jr., a young man from Virginia, brother-in- law of Massie and Byrd, was elected the first Secretary of State of Ohio, thus beginning a long and useful pub- lic life.
This marked success must have been very gratifying to the early Republicans of Chillicothe whose previous conduct was thus given the stamp of popular approval, which they and their able successors held for many years.
This first General Assembly was, necessarily, much occupied in enacting such laws as were demanded by the circumstances of a young state. The duties of the new ofiicials were prescribed, and their salaries fixed and at very modest figures, the Governor and Judges of the Supreme Court received nine hundred dollars each, and the others less, some as little as four hundred dollars. The courts were organized, and the practice of the law regulated, laws were passed concerning marriage, taxa- 6
92 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
tion, elections, corporations, the transfer of real estate and many similar subjects; these laws seem all to have been formed with wisdom and tempered with justice, Nathaniel Massie taking a leading part in their creation — the same may be said concerning the second Senate of Ohio, in which Massie, again, represented Ross county.
In 1806, Nathaniel Massie was elected a member of the House of Representatives of the fifth General As- sembly; here, again, he seems to have been prominent; but the subjects before the law-makers were less primi- tive— public improvements had become a burning ques- tion ; in one place, we find the statesmen providing for public roads, in another, appointing. " a committee to bring in a bill granting a lottery to improve the banks of the Scioto opposite Chillicothe." In a secret session, Governor Tiffin called their attention to Burr's conspir- acy; Massie was made chairman of the committee to whom was referred the message and promptly reported " a bill to prevent certain acts hostile to the peace and tranquillity of the United States*' — the rules were sus- pended, and the bill, at once, became a law ; under its provisions, Blennerhasset was forced to flee from Ohio, forever.
Massie closed his legislative career by serving as a member of the House in the eighth General Assembly. Its journal shows him to have been an active and useful member during its uneventful session.
The most striking feature of these early assemblies is the quality of their members. Such men as Worthing- ton and Tiffin, after having been United States Senators and Governors, seeking seats in their State Legislature
The Life of Nathan!,/ Massi* . 03
and giving freely the benefit of their experience and wis- dom, while many younger men, like Duncan McArthur and Lewis Cass, whose abilities carried them into the highest places in the land, are found upon their rolls.
Nathaniel Massie was one of the three presidential electors selected in Ohio in 1804, and had the satisfaction of casting his vote for his political chief, Thomas Jeffer- son ; in 1808, lie was again chosen an elector and voted for James Madison.
The part of Nathaniel Massie's political life, which is now most frequently recalled, although of no especial significance, is his contest with Return Jonathan Meigs over the governorship. Massie, who had been urged to offer himself as a candidate for this position on the ad- mission of the state into the union, had declined for the reasons stated in his letter to Thomas Worthington, dated February 8, 1802, and printed in this volume. In 1807, yielding to the importunities of his friends, he consented that his name might be used in that con- nection and became a candidate. His opponent was Return Jonathan Meigs, of Marietta, who was originally a Federalist and supporter of St. Clair, but- came over to the Republican side in the contest over statehood and had been a constant office holder ever since. There was no difference in the politics of the two men, but the politicians, probably, preferred Meigs as being the more ambitious, and, therefore, to them the more useful man. Many of Massie's friends, in view of his financial troubles, doubted the wisdom of his turning aside from his own affairs, and were, perhaps, half hearted in their support. At all events, Meigs received 5,550 votes to
1)4 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
4,739 for Massie. Meigs1 vote came largely from those counties in northern and eastern Ohio, which had been settled by New England people, of whom he was one. Northern Ohio had no part in nor knowledge of the St. Clair controversy and statehood contest, and so Massie was an entire stranger in that region. Where Nathaniel Massie had lived and labored, among his own people, his vote must have been most gratifying to him. Ross county, his home, gave him 1,032 votes to 02 for Meigs ; Highland, 279 for Massie, 3 for Meigs ; Adams, 441 for Massie, 114 for Meigs; Franklin, 332 for Massie, 30 for Meigs. The General Assembly canvassed the vote for Governor, and referred the returns to a committee, who, after examination, reported that "there appears to have been votes cast for Return J. Meigs, Junior, Return J. Meigs, and Return Jonathan Meigs, and are of the opin- ion, from reading the 13th section of the law to regu- late elections, that the)7 are intelligibly and in fact given to Return Jonathan Meigs. Trumbull and Geauga counties are rejected because the returns of said counties are blended together, and returned under the seal of Trumbull county; and the return of Greene county for the same reason, it being jointly returned with Cham- paign county; and also of Athens county, it being re- turned by the clerk of Washington county ; also the re- turns from Champaign, Ross, Belmont, Highland and Washington, counties, because it does not appear that the abstracts had been made by the clerks, with the as- sistance, as the law requires; and also of Adams county not being certified under the seal of the county. Com- paring the residue of the returns, we find that Return
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 95
Jonathan Meigs lias 3,299 votes, and Nathaniel Massie has 2,817 votes, such as your committee consider as legal, and that Return Jonathan Meigs has a majority of 982 votes." Massie did not accept the result as final, but de- cided to contest the election on constitutional grounds, and served notice accordingly. When the two branches of the General Assembly met in joint session to decide the contest, Nathaniel Massie was asked whether he had served notice on Judge Meigs, whereupon he produced a copy of such notice, as follows :
" To Return Jonathan Meigs, Jun., Esquire :
Sir: — You will take notice that I intend to contest your election to the office of Governor for the State of Ohio, on the following grounds :
1. That you do not possess the qualifications re- quired by the Constitution of this State to hold and ex- ercise the office of Governor.
2. That you have not been an inhabitant of this State four years next preceding the election of Governor, on the second Tuesday of October last past (1807), as expressly required by the third section of the second article of the Constitution of this State.
3. That within four years next preceding the late election, as aforesaid, you have resided in, and exercised the office of Judge of the United States in the Terri-4- tory of Upper Louisiana, to which you were duly com- missioned by the President of the United States, sworn to discharge the duties of Judge as aforesaid, and received the salary attached by law to said office, during
96 The Life of Nathaniel Mas*i< .
which time yon resided, and was an inhabitant of Upper Louisiana.
4. That you now hold an office under the United States.
5. That on the second day of April last past, you were appointed by the President of the United Stale- Judge of the Michigan Territory, and received the sal- ary attached to said office.
jSTathaniel Massie. Chillicothe, Dec. 25, 1807."
The legislative journal then gives the following ac- count of their proceedings: " Mr. Brush was admitted as counsel for Massie, the contestor, who moved to post- pone the trial until the contestor should collect testi- mony to establish the specifications made. Mr. Meigs, Jr., the Governor elect, informed the President and the two houses that he conceived it to be his duty to repl}r to the specifications contained in the notice, which he read in his place, as follows, to wit :
"Nathaniel Massie against Return Jonathan Meigs, Jim., mi Contest of Election to the Office of Governor:
REPLY.
To the specification of the first point contained in the notice of the contestor, the said Return Jonathan Meigs replies that he doth possess the qualifications re- quired by the Constitution of this State to hold and ex- ercise the office of Governor.
To the specification of the second, he replies that he hath been an inhabitant of this state for four years
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 97
next preceding the election for Governor, on the second Tuesday of October last past, as expressly required by the Constitution of this State.
To the specification of the third point he replies, that true it is, that within four years next preceding the late election, as aforesaid, he did temporarily reside in, and exercise the office of Judge of the United States in the Territory of Upper Louisiana, to wit, from the 4th day of July, 1805, to the 20th day of said month, and from the 6th day of May, 1806, to the 15th day of July following, to which office he was duly commis- sioned by the President of the United States, sworn to discharge the duties as Judge aforesaid, and did re- ceive the salary attached by law to said office from the said fourth day of July, 1805, until the last day of March, 1807, and that he was not an inhabitant of Upper Lou- isiana.
To the specification of the fourth point he replies, that he doth not now hold an office under the United States.
To the specification of the fifth point he replies, that true it is that on the 2d day of April he was ap- pointed by the President of the' United States Judge of the Michigan Territory, and received the salary at- tached to said office, to wit, until the last day of Sep- tember last.
And the said Return Jonathan Meigs reserves to himself the right of explaining, by testimony, the cir- cumstances and facts which relate to the aforesaid points, conceded or denied.
Return Jonathan Meigs, Jun."
98 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Mr. Brush waived his motion, and the following statement of facts were agreed to be given in evidence :
STATEMENT, ETC.
" In December, 1804, I left Ohio, and arrived in Louisiana in January, 1805, bearing a commission of colonel in the army of the United States, and command- ant of the district of Missouri. The office of command- ant and colonel expired by law at the close of the session of Congress, in the spring of 1806. In July, 1805, I received a commission as Judge of the Territory of Louisiana. I returned to Ohio in August, 1805, having been then absent from Ohio but 7i months, and having then resided in Louisiana but 6 months.
In April, 1806, 1 went to Louisiana, and returned in July, 1806, having been then absent from Ohio between three and four months, and having then resided in Louis- iana but little more than 2h months. The whole absence from Ohio, both times included, amounts but to 11 months, and the residence in Louisiana to 8i months.
During the last session of the Legislature of Ohio, I was commissioned by the Governor of the State to carry into effect the law " to prevent certain acts hostile to the peace and tranquillity of the United States within the jurisdiction of this State," under which I acted in arresting Burr's flotilla, etc. During the same session I was elected by the Legislature trustee for lands granted for religious purposes in the county of Washington, un- der which I acted. On the 4th of July, 1807, I received a commission as Judge of the Territory of Michigan, which I accepted. The commission was dated either the
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 99
1st or 2d of April preceding, and had been missent to Louisiana — was never qualified to office in Michigan. Almost immediately after the receipt of the last com- mission, I was summoned to Richmond on Col. Burr's trial — returned as soon as discharged, in October last.
I have (except the several absences above men- tioned) resided with my family at Marietta, in Ohio, 13 years, and not elsewhere. During that period my family never left Marietta. My absence in Louisiana was on a colonial commission, on behalf of the State of Ohio, as well as for the United States. If an}^ material fact or circumstance is herein omitted, I will readily insert it.
R. J. Meigs, Jun. Chillicothe, December 14, 1807."
Mr. Joseph Hammond was admitted as counsel for Governor Meigs. Both parties, by their counsel, were heard before the joint session of the General Assembly, and after a full hearing, and " the testimony being gone through on both sides," the following resolution was adopted by a vote of yeas 24, nays 20 :
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That Return J. Meigs, Jun., is not eligible to the office of Governor."
Yeas — Senators Bigger, Bryan, Claypool, McArthur, Thomas; Representatives Alex. Campbell, Mathias Cor- win, William Corry, Andrew Ellison, Thomas Elliott, George Harlan, Benjamin Hough, William W. Irvin, John Jones, Philip Lewis, Jr., William Lewis, Elias Langham, James McClure, Jeremiah McLene, John
100 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Patterson, John Pollock, Joseph Tatman, Win. Vance, Thomas Worthington — 24.
Xays — Senators Cone, Dillon, Jewett, McConnell, McLaughlin, Price, Scofield, Sharp, Wood; Kepresenta- tives John R. P. Bureau, Daniel C. Cooper, Zebulon Foster, Othniel Looker, John Matthews, Thomas Mc- Cune, James Montgomery, Joseph Palmer, John Sloane, John W. Seely, Philemon P>eecher (President)— 20.
The two Houses acting in the capacity of a court, adjourned sine die, December 30, 1807."
Massie, it will he seen, at no time claimed the offiee, nor was his right to it discussed at all as far as the legis- lative journals show. His friend, McDonald, says, "he was too magnanimous to accept it when his competitor had a majority of the votes." His probable reason for contesting was to please his friends and to give the place to his faithful supporter, Thomas Kirker, of Adams county, who, by reason of being President of the Senate, succeeded to the vacant office. The next year, Massie received the support of his section of the state in the General Assembly for the United States Senatorship, hut was again defeated by Judge Meigs.
Nathaniel Massie had been commissioned by Presi- dent Adams a colonel of the militia of the North-West Territory and was, under the new state constitution, elected the first Major-General of the second division of the militia of Ohio, which position he continued to hold until 1.810, when he sent in his resignation. In those days, when Ohio was a frontier state, constantly men- aced by the Indians and British along her northern
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 101
borders, the militia were a most important body, and the officers held in high esteem. The last public act of General Massie's life was in this very connection, and is thus related by McDonald : " In the spring of the year 1813, when the British and Indians besieged the army, under the command of the brave General Harrison in Fort Meigs, the news of the danger with which our army was threatened, roused Massie from his retreat at the falls of Paint creek. Although now getting on in years, a spark of his youthful lire still remained un- quenched. As soon as he learned that his countrymen were in danger, he shouldered his rifle, mounted his horse, and rode to almost every house on Paint creek, urging to his fellow-citizens every argument that pa- triotism could suggest to take the field without delay, and relieve our army from its perilous situation. Al- though he had no legal right to command, this did not deter him from joining his countrymen in arms. Num- bers joined him from Paint creek. With these he pro- ceeded to Chillicothe. There, likewise, a number joined him. There was no time to organize, as delay might be fatal to our countrymen, who were cooped up in Fort Meigs, surrounded with thrice their number of white and red savages. The party, being on horseback, moved rapidly to Franklinton, gathering strength as they went along. At Franklinton, there was a depot of public arms. Arms and ammunition were there distributed to upwards of five hundred men, and Massie was elected commander by acclamation. They left Franklinton with- out delay, and as the men were all mounted they dashed ahead as fast as their horses could carry them to the
102 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
scene of action. When they had nearly reached Lower Sandusky, they were met by an express from General Harrison with the news, that the enemy had raised the siege of Fort Meigs and returned to Canada. Massie and his volunteers returned to Chillicothe, where they disbanded themselves and returned every man to his farm. Thus ended the expedition, after the absence of a few days."
So much space has been devoted to Nathaniel Mas- sie's public life on account of its historical interest, for by reason of his being the beloved leader of the pioneers, the helpful friend of every new settler, the most widely known, outside of the Virginia Military District, of any of its citizens, and by far the wealthiest, most popular and influential of them all, he was, naturally, their acknowl- edged political leader, and, according to all contempo- raneous testimony, possessed a high degree of char- acter and ability, which left a lasting impression on our state. Both his letters and those of his contemporaries show, that he cared more for principles than for place ; that he had little desire for a public career; was not ambitious in that direction, and was often indifferent and sluggish in political affairs. What he did was more from a sense of duty and for the sake of facilitating the development of the commonwealth than for per- sonal aggrandizement. The long years spent by him in the wilderness without a family, or home, undoubtedly, made him very eager to enjoy those blessings and to prefer them to the turmoil of public life. His property, too, demanded careful attention; for, while he owned much land, its possession and improvement had burdened
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 103
him with a large indebtedness. It is certain, that after he had seen all his dearest political hopes realized by the adoption of the constitution, his chief desire was to settle on his farm and while enjoying his home to de- velop his property, pay his debts, and provide for the education and establishment of his children. The clos- ing chapter of this sketch will be devoted to this side of his life's work.
104 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
CHAPTER VI.
Private and Domestic Affairs— Death.
Nathaniel Massie was wise enough to know that his large estate would be of little value until the country became settled and civilized, until the forests were felled, roads laid out, stores and shops opened and schools and churches built. With these objects in view, he encouraged immigration both by donations and sales of laud on liberal terms, founded towns that the people might have convenient centers for barter and trade, and also established new industries. In his papers and letters we find him building saw, grist and paper mills, erecting an iron furnace and starting a distillery. He was always an intelligent farmer and anxious to forward the interests of agriculture, both by improving the strains of horses and cattle, and by procuring the new- est and best varieties of seeds and fruit trees. His cor- respondence about procuring some clover seed (the most valuable of all fertilizers) is in itself sufficient to establish his reputation as a farmer.
Of course, the details of managing his real estate occupied the greater portion of his time. Making sales, sub-dividing surveys to suit purchasers, perfecting titles, writing deeds, paying taxes and making leases, was work enough for one man. Besides his own property he had charge of the lands of numerous non-residents who kept him busy answering questions and acting for them
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 105
in the management of their estates. These people, not only freely used his time, but usually asked him to pay their taxes and draw for the amount — at that day a very slow and uncertain proceeding. During the early years of this century, money was scarce in Ohio, and credit was much in vogue. Most of Massie's land sales were on time. Many of his enterprises required cash. He thus became much involved, both as a creditor and debtor, and was constantly under a severe strain to meet his obligations. With his public duties and private cares, Nathaniel Massie was a very busy man, yet he always had time to show hospitality to the numerous persons who came to the new state either on business or pleas- ure. Says McDonald : " This country, at that time, was very much visited by the citizens of Virginia, as the}' owned large quantities of land in this section. General Massie's residence was the usual resort, where they al- ways met with a welcome reception and were hospitably entertained. In his hospitalit}-, indeed, he rather bor- dered on extravagance, especially when visited by any of his old war-worn and woods companions. No gratification, which he could afford, but was freely ex- tended to those who followed him in times of danger. His lady, although raised in polished and fashionable life, took great pleasure in rendering his awkward woods companions easy and at home. I well remember it was in Mrs. Massie's room I first saw tea handed around for supper, which I then thought foolish business, and still remain of that opinion."
The residence referred to in the foregoing extract was the home which Nathaniel Massie had built for his
106 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
bride; it is located near the Falls of Paint creek on a little plateau overlooking for miles the rich • bottoms which bound that stream and surrounded by the beauti- ful hills which follow its course. The house, a large comfortable frame structure, is still occupied, and the farm on which it stands has always been considered among the best in Ross county. None combines such rich plow ground, magnificent bine-grass pastures and splendid streams of running water. It is now the property of Elijah Rockhold, Esq., of Bainbridge, and is about two miles west of that town.
Nathaniel Massie in his numerous journeys to Ken- tucky was a frequent visitor at Chaumiere des Prairies, near Lexington, the handsome and elegant Jiome of Colonel David Meade, a member of the well known Vir- ginia family of that name. Here he met Susan Everard Meade, one of the daughters of the house, and here he married her in 1800. The home in Ohio to which he brought his bride was like those of their people in Vir- ginia and Kentucky in all, save that there were no slaves. A numerous retinue of retainers of many kinds and colors, however, took their place. One of these was the hunter, who supplied the family with game, the Shawnee chief, Waw-wil-a-way, whose tragic death is one of the foulest crimes ever committed in Ohio.
General Massie was allowed to enjoy his home and family for only a few years, dying November 3, 1813, of pneumonia, or rather of the treatment, which was then prescribed for that disease — profuse bleeding.
His wife and five children survived him, three sons and two daughters. The sons were Nathaniel, Richard
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 107
and Henry, and the daughters, Eliza, afterwards the wife of AVm. L. Thompson, of Louisville, K\\, and Xancy, afterwards the wife of William Y. Strong, of Chilli- cothe.
Nathaniel Massie lived less than fifty years, but ac- complished in that brief period more than most men are ever allowed to do, and his influence extended far beyond his own day and generation. As a pioneer he led the way for his race to enter into and possess one of the most fertile and beautiful regions in our country. As a statesman, he exerted a strong and lasting influence on the commonwealth which he helped to found. He loved and was loved by his fellow citizens. " Indeed, his good offices to the first settlers of the country were so numer- ous that it would have been risking a good deal to speak irreverently of the man." Xo man is perfect. Nathan- iel Massie was a man, and, doubtless, had his faults. These died with him. His influence for liberty and right still continues to bless those who follow him.
General Massie was buried on his farm. In June, 1870, his remains and those of his wTife were removed to the Cemetery at Chillicothe, where they now rest under a handsome granite monument erected by his descend- ants, and which overlooks for miles the beautiful Scioto Valley, into which he was the first to bring civilization. 7
108 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
PART SECOND.
SELECTIONS FROM THE LETTERS AND PA- PERS OF GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE.
(For explanations see Appendix A. i
Thomas Massie, Jr., to Nathaniel Massie, Jr.
April 10th 178(3. Dear Brother : — I Have The favourable opportunity of writing by Mr. Perkins And Can Inform you we are in Tolerable Good Health at Present, and Hope These lines will Meet with you in like state of Health, Mr. Perkins Brings you Three pounds from Me And three from your Father, which I lent Him. I Promised to do it when He wrote His letter, I Ve parted with Some Money since and could not Collect any, or I would send you More; I am in Hopes you Have finnally sold The laud you Informed me you had Conditionally sold, be- fore you Came in, if you Have, there is no danger of your suffering, if you Have sold it, or do sell it, before you Come in & its Convenient to }7ou, to bring in two strong work Horses for me, I should Take it exceeding Kind, as they are Very dear in this part of the world, I've nothing new to Inform you of only the Arrival of a fine son & the death of Geo. Holland & John Parrish, Geo. Holland Had a Very Hard fight with Jas. Wood- son at Goochland Court last & was Very Much Beaten
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 109
& was taken Very 111 in one or two days & was a Mad Man as long as he lived which was only eleaven days after This Battle, John Parrish droped dead in His New Ground a few days ago.
I conclude with being Yrs. in the Greatest Esteem
Thos. Massie Jr.
X. B. I should be Glad to Hear when you Intend in by the first opportunity. Give my Compliments to Mr. T. Hopkins. T. M.
[This letter was written in Virginia and addressed to Fayette county, Kentucky.]
John Marfan to Nathaniel Massie..
Hanging Forke April 26th 1786. Dear Sir: — I am at this Time Not able to cum over to see you, on the Business that I promised you as for My attending the survays it will not Make the Lest Dif- ference as you can Do it as well as if I was with you. I wish you to Devide the Lands that is survayd Belonging to the Duchmen and survay the Enters that Lys Joining of them Lands, and Devid the Enters also. Survay that land you Purchased of Capt. Owing and survay the 1500 acre Entery that is Located at Logans old Camp on Berds Trace a Bought one Mile from a Mother Large Camp; the old Camp was Maid on the first Camppaine in year 80, and the other the next camppaine — I wish you to survay the Enters that is on the heads of grassey Creek, in Name of howard Lewis ; if you Can find whear Crews w7as Bureyed at a Camp you Can Esey find the Enters, you Must take the Marked way from the Camp
110 The Life of Nathaniel 31<tssie.
up a ridge Westardly Course, a Bought Two Miles and the way Is Marked all the way for the two miles with a Tommahock, and then you will turn Down a hollow to your left hand nntill you Cross a Branch of grassey creek, and you will see sum stumps whear there has Ben sum fire wood Cut on the Est side of the Branch, and Contenue the Marked way the Same Cours prohap 2h Miles Near the head of the G-C waters and there you will finde sum Trees Marked as the Enterys Calls for on the West side of a Black Oake and sum small Trees Marked Xear the S- Oake and 3-011 will re- turn Down to the same Branch and keep Down the same Branch to the Creek and Down the Creek to the fork and Cross at the forks and go a south Est Course a Bought lour Miles nntill you cum to a Creek, then up S- Creek nntill you find a Camp on S- Creek in the Bottom whear you will see Trees peeled & stumps and a old Camp — and there is Mr. howard Lewises Entery of 2000 acres you will find Beginning a Bought 50 Roods below the Camp on Bufelow Trace on a ash Tree Marked with M Black with Powder. The Mark is faceing Down the Creek. I peeled the Bark of with my knife and survay Stephen's Entery a Bout Mearney and Youngs preemtion and that I think will Be as Much as Can Do at this Time.
Xow My good friend if you Cannot Do it pray Wright a Letter to me and Direct it To Mr. Xeagle in Danville But I will be Glad if you Can Do it and I will give you live pounds besids your fees-
Promis your Cheain Caryers goods for their wages
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. Ill
which I will pay on your return and I am sir your friend
and Very humble servt.
John Mart an Mr. JSTath Masey —
General James Wilkinson to Nathaniel Massie.
Danville 15 Dec 1786 Dear Sir: — I beg you to proceed with all posible dispatch to the Falls. You will call by the Lick & urge the provision of the Salt, and prepare some way of con- veying it to the River, when you get to the falls you will call in Mr. Joyes and Col. Anderson. You will receive from the former, the Barge, Tackle &c ; with the neces- sary provision, & push around for the salt: when this is shiped you will make the best of your way to Nashville, and there dispose of it for Cotton, Beaver, Furr, rack- oons, otters &c. and horses which would be suitable for the draft not younger than 3 or older than 7 years, and such as would sell here for If) pounds & 20 pounds Cash. — If Cowes can be brought up safe and you find dull sale for the other articles you may exchange for them — but you will always observe to get as much Cash as you can — When you have completed your sales, you will your- self move with the Florses &c by Land & commit the other articles with the Barge to Capt. Alexander with direc- tions to Him to proceed up to the Falls, there secure the Boat & property and give me the earliest advice of his arrival by Express or otherwise.
The Goods which Capt Alexander carries down to the Falls I wish you to exchange for such Horses as I have already described, or for elegant, high Blooded
112 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Mares if yon can get great bargains — otherwise sell them for Cash, Peltry or Cotton or Cowes if they can be brought up, — or if you find it impracticable to part with them on these terms & can get a Capital bargain in Land situated on the River with secure Title, you may let them go — You will go to the Lick & if Capt. Carberry is not there make such arrangements emporting the Salt ns you may judge proper, taking care to receipt "for no Salt which is not clean k dry. You will make the man now there account for all he may have received and dis- charge Him as soon as you think proper; before yon leave the place you will settle with Mrs. Christians Granger and transmit me by a safe Hand a Copy of the A nit: — Yon will allow no credit but on my orders & what you yourself receive, & remember the Bond to me is for a clean dry Salt which you will take care to have measured, in a proper & honest way, with a spade or shovel and suffer no sifting — the quantity I was to re- ceive is 666| Bushels, I think I have drawn for about 17<> Bushels the balance with what you may get from Mr. Sebastian, you will take down with you on our Joint Acct : — one Smith is preparing to go down with 2 or 300 bushels ; from the Cow Lick, endeavor to get off before Him and if you cannot, persuade Him to stay for you, but you must not wait for him a moment as it will be your interest to arrive before Him — you will remember you are going among a sett of sharpers and therefore must take care of yourself — Above all things be careful of the Large; if you should find it difficult to get rid of the salt perhaps it would he well to send Capt. Alexan- der to part with 100 bushels in a perogue. You must
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 113
write to me by every opportunity leting me know how you come on, don't fail in this. God bless you and give you good Luck — Yours sincerely,
J. Wilkinson ]ST. B. You will allow in the settlement of the salt, appropriated by Capt. Carberry — & what Mr. Joyes had — you will inclose me before you sail by a safe hand, a Bond for the amount of the salt you received at 12 p per bushel, & for one half of the cost of the Barge and Expences at Louisville — when you return I will give you credit for the Barge — don't fail to do this as I am answerable for the whole distinguishing your amount between the salt reed at the two licks ; say how much from Sebastian, Capt Alexanders trunk will be sent down to the Falls b}" the waggon which brought it up next week. Send up from Ferguson and by the pack horse Alexander takes down, the Sugar & Coffee. Jo}^es will do this.
J. Brown to Rev. T. B. Craighead.
Danville Decemb. 22d 1786. Dear Sir: — This will be handed to you by Mr. Xath'l Massie a young Gentleman who supports a good Character in this Country & who as an acquaintance of mine, I beg leave to recommend to your friendship & attention. Mr. Massey takes with him a large quantity of Salt which he proposes to Barter for the produce of your Country. But as he will be altogether a stranger & consequently liable to great Impositions, & more especially as Gen'l Wilkinson a particular friend of mine is principally concerned. I must therefore request that
114 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
you will assist him in this Business with your Advice & with any Information you may think necessary. I am with esteem
Yr mt Obt Thos. B. Craighead. J. Brown.
General James Wilkinson to Nathaniel Massie.
Fayette, 29th, Dee. 1786, Friday morning.
Dear Massie : — I approve of your plan to go to the port with two hundred bushels of salt, and sell for cash or furs, but take no deer skins. Be sure and get as many otters as possible. Be cautious in your move- ments, guard against the savages, coming and going, and discharge your men the moment you get to the port.
The only thing you have to dread is the ice. To be caught in the ice would be more than the devil's own luck.
Act with decision and dispatch ; whatever you do. God bless you. J. Wilkinson.
Nathaniel Massie, Sr., to Nathaniel Massie, Jr.
Goochland County, May 3d, 1787. Loving Son : — I received yours from Capt. Greenup wherein you informed me that you had undertaken to cut a road from Lexington to the Great Kenawa, which you judge to be 150 Miles nigher and a better way. I am glad to heare that you are doing well for yourself, have wrought by Mr. Morris that I should be glad to
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 115
see you the first opportunity you have ; as you have found a nigher way shall be glad to see ^ou soon. Mr. Turner Richardson is a Gentleman of My Acquaintance and has a desire to move to that Country, shall take it kind if you will direct him to land that is safe from disputes, and to look me out a good place that is con- venient. If please God to spare me shall move to that Country. There is a great schearcety of plants and corn likely to be scharce. I am in hopes this will find you in perfect health, we are all well as Commonley we
are and am your
Loving father
Xatii'l Massie.
Nathaniel Massie, Jr., to Thomas Miller.
Fayette, March 9th, 1787. D. Sir: — I make no doubt but you have long ex- pected to have received your patent before this ; on my arrival to this Country the last time I found the claim that yours depended on was disputed, upon consulting one of the attorneys he advised me to stop the patents from Issuing until it was determined whether the claim would be established which I have done ; should the claim be proved not surveyed on the improvement by which it was obtained, it must undoubtedly lose the land, in consequence of which, all the other entries must share the same fate ; altho' you have Martin obli- gated to make the laud good, I have thought the most advantageous plan is to let the party contending point out said improvement and in case they should destroy the claim you then can have the privilege of
116 The Life of Nathan it I Massie.
surveying agreeable to the improvement established, it was to have been determined this last court but the party contending* did not appear. I have some reason to believe the claim will be established but as the Judgment of the court is uncertain, it would be im- proper to carry matters too far ; so as they can not be recalled, should you have the misfortune to lose your land the Gentleman obligated is not able to make satis- faction which is one of my principle reasons for acting in the manner I have, you perhaps may be of a contrary opinion and Judge the proceedings not altogether as you would wish as I have acted without any authority, but you may rest assuredly that every thing that is done from the best advice in this country, and as I am con- siderably interested in this matter and the whole of the entries depend upon yours it is necessary to act with caution as there is no alternative when carried too far.
I shall proceed in about ten days to open a road from Lexington to intersect the road upon the great Kenawa which will cause a greater intercourse between the western and Eastern settlements than been hitherto.
Should Capt Greenup make it convenient to call on you he can give you some Idea of the claims in this country as he is a clerk to the supreme court, with es- teem remain yrs
Mo. Ob. H. Sr.
X. Massie, Jr.
John Machir to Nathaniel Massie. Sir: — Having unluckih' missed seeing you at my return from Danville I left an open note with the Col. requesting you to bring up some platts for me, since
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 117
recollecting some more business at Louisville I beg leave to trouble you a little farther. I inclose a receipt of D. W. Easter's for a balance due on a iSTote I assisted him which I wish you to press him to discharge. I in- tended sending it in Jan'y last and settled the Interest to that date as you will see in the back, what has accrued since, you will please to add & if he cannot or will not pay off' take his note for the Balance in my name. Pray enquire into the state of Holliday &c claims & return what you find clear, you will be examining into the fate of the Por run entries on your own acct, take notice of Shepherd Jacksons at the mouth of the run a late entry in the name of Bayles & let me know how they stand affected at your return, also Win. Henry ad- joining you P. A. Hall & N. Long adjoining McGuires or in a word any other you know me to be concerned in in that quarter. If Mr. Cove has agreed to accept my offer for his salt let me know by the bearers return, or if he has left a power with you to dispose of it, his lowest terms. Salt is extremely scarce here but I cannot think of buying any otherwise than to sell out for 2 Barrels Corn. Col. Lyne used to sell for Eight bushels & it seems taking an ungenerous advantage of the peoples necessity in an article they are obliged to have to exact an exorbitant price. I will give thirty-five Barrels corn for the twenty bushels if It can be delivered at the house of the persons I may sell to or thirty and deliver it where Col. says he means to settle. Command my serv- ices in any thing I can do for you here. In the mean- time I am Sir your Hble Sevt J. B. Machi'r,
Woodstock 2<l Jmn- 88.
118 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Nathaniel Massie, Sr., to his Son.
Goochland County
Octr 4th 1788. Loving Son: — I ree'd yours, favoured by Mr. Un- derwood, wherein you informed me that you had not exchanged the land that we had of Mr. Morton, as for my part of the land I have at Iventuckey shall leave it all to you to make the best you Can of it, to exchange for Lands that are more Convenient ; should you give boot your Cousin Tommey will sell you his part of the land we had of Mr. Morton ; you likewise informed me that you had made a trip over the Ohio, that you tarried but a few days, am afraid that you venture too much, Should you escape after doing what you have engaged, would advise you to drop venturing so much. Mr. George Holland lost his warrant before he died, I can 't find who has got it ; I am informed they have held a Committey at Kentuckey whether they should be con- formable to the Constitution, I wish they would not be too fast; by your last that you would finish all you have undertaken by the spring, God send you a safe return, Archelus Riddle and Famaley has moved to the Sotheard, they like that Country much — we have had a very wet summer Crops of Wheat & Corn are Good, not above half Crops of Tobacco, Great Crop of Cider & brandey. Shall keep a cask of Cider till the first of April expecting then to see you, if God willing. It is very sickley times, not many departes in our nabour- hood : have one nesrro girl sick, all the rest well as Com-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 119
mon ; Famaley Joines in love to you and am your loving Father — Nathl Massie.
James Wilkinson to Nathaniel Massie. Mr Nathl Massey
Dear Sir: — I will esteem it a very particular favor if you can in conjunction with Col. Orr purchase all the Tobacco in the Limestone Settlement on the following terms, to wit at 10/ or 12/ per 100 H. Cash. I will pay in Hand for 25 or 30 Hodgs. 100 Dollars and the balance in nine months'or goods immediately, and so in proportion tho it will not be an object to purchase less than 15 Hogsheads. The Tobacco to be in good neat Hogsheads & exported by Col. Lee — the quality must be good or it will not answer. — I will honor your draft for the Cash and must beg to know the Issue of your attempt as soon as possible, in case the purchase is made I shall be obliged to you ; to secure a good strong well covered Boat & five hands at 35 Dollars the Trip to N Orleans— I shall want the Tobacco at the Falls by the 8th of April, but will give you future advice when to embark it.
I shall also be much obliged to you to examine and divide Whites surVey agreeable to the plan — we con- versed on & to add a Certificate of the Quality, Situation &c. with your opinion of the Value of that Land — I will allow 12 pounds in Merchandise for this service. I am with sincere Esteem D Sir
Yr. Mt Obclt Sevt
James Wilkinson Lexington Feby 22nd 1790.
120 Tfu Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Thomas Massie, Jr. to Nathaniel Massie.
Goochland County
April 10th 1790 Dr Sir: — I had the pleasure of Receiving a Letter from you dated October the 11th 1789. . . .
I have nothing worth relating only the Greatest part of your old Sweat Harts are single yet. I am with Esteem yr friend & Relation
Thos. Massie Jr.
Joseph Wat kins to Nathaniel Massie.
Virginia Feby 22nd 1793
Dear Sir: — Your favour dated at Lexington July the 8 1792 by Cap. Webber I received.
The present price and has been for a Considerable time for Military Certificates is 1576 in the pounds and those of all descriptions.
I acknowledge the favour of the Constitution of the State of Kentucky which 1 was desirous to have seen for some time past. This Constitution perhaps have fewer defects than all most any in the Union and so far as my Judgment Extends am pleased with it — tho much depends on Good government by those persons who have and hold the reans thereof.
Should you in your Toner in the Wilderness dis- cover any real or natural Curiositys I will thank you for a description thereof. By the Latest Accounts from France it appears theay have driven the Duke of Bruns- wick out of there Territory and have taken a Number
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 121
of Towns belonging to the Austrians. All Europe ap- pear to be Arming — making preparation for War. En- gland has already sent a fleet of forty seven ships of the Line — and Ireland in a State of Rebellion.
With respect to any of my business on the N. W. of the Ohio do as you may Judge prudent. Wishing you prosperous and remain with due respect your
Friend
Joseph Watkins
P. S. I have a 100 acre warrant in the Continental
Line if it will be of service to you advise me of it.
W. Mlzey, Jr. to Nathaniel Massie.
Baikds Town June 26th 1795 Dear Sir: — I understood from you that you were about to carry a considerable sum of money thro' the wilderness — If you are not disappointed in getting this money will you do me the fav. to let me have a part of it for Bills upon Alexandria or Richmond to be paid at sight — I have at present a prospect of making a bar- gain in this neighborhood in which case I shall want from GOO pounds to 1000 pounds — I can satisfy you that I have a right to draw for any sum, and as it will be saving you the risque of carriage I hope you will accom- modate me with the money. You will please inform me by the first opportunity to Danville whether you will have it in your power to serve me or write me to the care of Mr. Innis B. Brentz, Lexington. I am sincerely
yr aft'ec friend
W. Ellzey 2nd
P. S. I can only tell you by Capt. Hite that I have
122 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
been disappointed in this plan will inform me if you
please whether you can accommodate me for the sum
I mention or anv thing less.
W. E. Jr. Mr. Massie.
■Nathaniel Massie to .
Philadelphia December 31st 1795.
Dear Sir: — Your letter of the 20th Instant I re- ceived yesterday — to what circumstance my letter of the 10th of Nov'r from Goochland having not reached you, I cannot amagine supposing however that my father had thought it advisable to deliver it himself. It con- tained a letter to Gen.l Hopkins and Williams with a statement of the Order given to Mr. Watkins and ray failure in the purchase of Harriss land, should it not reach you by your next I will give you the contents fully.
I received on the 29th Instant of Mr. McClure & Co. on account of Mr. John Graham two thousand dol- lars, six hundred of which I have applied to the pur- chase of three thousand acres of Continental Virginia Military Warrants for him, the balance I shall indeavor to appropriate in the same manner. There was a per- son in this place when I was last here that offered me six thousand acres of warrants on the same terms that is twenty dollars per hundred, but on my application since I have been here, his price is twenty -five dollars per hundred which I do not think myself at liberty to give without advice from Mr. Graham, I have engaged Brokers to purchase warrants for me while I continue at this place.
The Life of Nathaniel Massk. 123
On my application to Mr. Massey to purchase Gates land he informed me that a few days before he had an offer for the whole at one dollar per acre, but from the advice of Mr. Van Murrey his friend in congress he had declined selling any part, a division was made of the land purchase of Ellzy the three hundred acres is to be laid off at the upper end of the fifteen hundred acre survey in Scioto, the other is a separate survey of five hundred acres and I took his obligation accordingly.
I have some prospect of making a purchase of One thousand acres of land on the Ohio, being one half of a survey of two thousand acres made for Gen.l Scott, which he sold while at this place last winter to a Mr. Scott of Lancaster the. highest price I contemplate giv- ing is One dollar per acre it lies seven miles above where I live immediately opposite Graham's Station. I called on Mr. Duff to purchase, his survey on the north fork of Paint creek, he has promised to call on me in a few days to let me know his determination we had some conver- sation about the price I proposed one third of a dollar, he thought it very moderate but as he had not thought on the subject he could not make any terms.
There was a motion made in the House of Repre- sentatives for opening a land office for the Northwestern lands of the U. S. The subject is now before a commit- tee, the lowest price spoken of is One dollar per acre. I think there is a probability of its being opened at a higher price little less than a dollar & half — whatever the price will be the military lands in a great measure will be regulated by it.
124 The Life of Nathaniel Massii .
When I leave this place which will be about the 15th of January I shall take the way of Winchester in Virginia. If you should have any occasion to write there it will be a convenient place for me to hear from you.
There has been an attempt to obtain a tract of country on lakes Huron, Erie & Michigan containing about Eighteen or twenty Millions of acres by corrupt- ing some of the members but were detected, you have the subject as full in the proceedings of the House of Eepresentatives as have transpired.
I am Sir Yr. Ob. II.
Xatii. Massie.
Joseph Watkins to Nathaniel Massie.
Goochland County Virginia 28th
April 1796 D Sir: — Your letters of December and February Came to hand with the order on Mr. Graham. The amount of which I have received it appeared to be your wish that I should purchase the boy Sawney brother to the one you purchased for Colo Anderson at the Sale of Underwoods Estate. For Various Causes the Sale of those Negroes has been protracted until some few days past. I had not the pleasure of seeing Colo Anderson on his return from Philadelphia tho took it for granted that it would be agreeable to you to make the purchase. The price Sixty three pounds it was a few pounds more than I suppose he would have sold for before the Sale tho boys of that Size Sell well I have him now in my possession to be delivd your order.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 125
On 3'our leaving Richmond as well as Colo Ander- son I found the Land Speculation in Some measure to be less spoken of than when you were in town in short I here of few Sales that have taken place Since, tho it Continues to Rise in its Value what purchases I have heard of appear to be made in private and little said on the subject. I have discovered a Number of persons from allmost every point of the Compass in Serch of Land of that discription as the Sales heretofore made appear more favourable than the terms proposed by Congress, the Lands for sometime past on the S. East side appeared to be dull I now find theay are Looking up rapidly as there are a Number of persons leaving there Vews in that Quarter for Military Lands.
I have been able only to purchase a warrant of 200 acres I suppose you will take it for granted I am deal- ing in the small way — we have Little News in this Quarter at present the Treaty appears to ingage the attention of allmost every person at this time to little purpose. I am with Respect your Friend and Huble
Servt
Joseph Watkins
Nathaniel Massie to James Herron.
Manchester July 3 1796 Sir:— Your letters of the 20th of April and 30th also the 10th of May covering land warrants to the amount of 1900 acres and of the 20th I have received since I wrote you last; you are correct in your statement of the warrants sent and received when at Richmond.
126 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Received in Richmond 600 Acres. Philadelphia 666f
Covered by Mr. Davis 1900
Total 3166f
I shall set out on Wednesday next to the office pre- pared to locate them, the land I expect to cover with them will be worth at present 8 p. per acre I am anxious to hear of your prospect with Braekenridge, The order to Fowler is clear in my opinion if the land was not sold prior to the date of Means contract; they arc willing to give up the land if that should appear^ however you understand the nature of the contract bet- ter than I do ; I have been lately informed that Mr.
Cameron who claims Gen.l Williams land have offered it for sale if the tract on your list cannot be purchased separate I would recommend the whole to be purchased if it can be had for a dollar and a quarter, and take the earliest opportunity to make the trial. The prospect of making purchases in this country is dull there being 20 purchasers for one seller; I shall endeavor to make a purchase on the Scioto of 3000 acres of Doer Knight in a few days, the result you will hear from me at Lexing- ton on my way from the falls if I fail in that purchase and you do not make Bracken ridge 1 shall not know what use to apply the money that may arise from the sale of Tibbs land, which at present will sell for two Guineas per acre, unless you & Mr. Graham may think proper to lay out the money in a few valuable sections on the upper side of the Scioto or have it remitted to
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 127
you ; as I am of the opinion that it will not increase in value in proportion to a larger tract on this side of the Ohio; indeed the opening of the office for the sale of the U. S. lands has given a check to the rapid rise of Kentucky lands, I wish you to enclose my account that I may have sufficient time to remit what I am indebted by the first safe conveyance, yon will please to inform Mr. Means to forward his warrants as soon as possible. The business of locating is drawing to a close very fast.
G-en.l Hopkins has sold his claims for 1.0/ ; my tour up the Scioto was not attended with any considerable profit, the country in general not answering my ex- pectations.
I shall write yon again in a few days. I am Dear Sir respectfully
Your Ob. H. S.
Xatii.l Massie.
J. Watkins to Nathaniel Massie.
27th August 1796 Dear Sir: — I am very desirous and without hopes, but that this will be handed yon, by my relation & particular friend Mr. Abram B. Venable— Our member of Congress for this District, one of the most deservedly esteemed among us — who has at this time of the Recess of Congress — a desire to see your much famed Western Country— should he find you on the Banks of the Ohio — where you directed me, when I had the pleasure of those few moments of your Company in Richmond last winter, the first & only time that I ever saw this one of my sister's sons, — who has strayed off from us — and
128 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
taken a course different from all other of our relations — but judiciously & fortunately I hope, as 'tis said for him- self. Before I quit this subject, I trust you will excuse me when I give it you in particular charge — not to let the Indians scalp my friend — I have no doubt of your friendly offices to him while with you.
It would afford me a real pleasure to have accom- panied him out, as I am anxious to see those fine Lands — But tied down as I am here to some offices, I am de- prived of this pleasure as well as that of seeing you at this time. But not altogether without hopes I may at some future day have this pleasure at your Ohio Villa.
I am one of those of your relations who have been accustomed to the busy scenes of life, have a numerous family, — and saved some money to settle them. But undetermined in the choice of plans — all our most Independent & married men, seem to be running to the West, the greater proportion to the Kentucky & Ten- nessee States.
The migrations from the Eastward who have an aversion to slavery — go your way — and these are the most valuable class of citizens & among these I had rather choose settlements for my family. But as I have before observed I cant look out for them on account of the reasons already mentioned.
If you have not forgot the tics of relationship in the pursuit of wealth, and there is any Garden Spot left on your side of the Ohio which you do not wish to possess such as it is — esteemed of the Rich Old Cream, in the Vicinity of a good body of Land — claim title, & 8 or 10,000 Acres — belonging to any person on the
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 129
Eastern Waters. (I mean Atlantic States), which in your Opinion can be purchased, please drop me a line, describing every necessaiw particulars. I shall esteem the favor highly, and a very great favor indeed.
Our relations to the Southward (among whom are some very clever and deserved men) Correspond with me, and these of this State visit, and we enjoy each oth- ers Company with a great deal of pleasure, but you have never made yourself acquainted by a visit on the South side of James River. It has been excusably discussed by all. But we do expect tis time for you to lay aside future exertions, and be Content with an abundance.
Therefore if you do not the next time visit us when on the Eastern Waters, we shall not forgive it, unless a reasonable excuse can be offered. Referring you to my friend for news &c &c
I am with great esteem & regard
Yr aff Uncle
J. Watkins.
Nathaniel Massie to John Graham.
Manchester April 4th 1797 Dear Sir: — I have been disappointed in completing my business as early as I expected, I find it will be im- possible for me to set out to Virginia before some time in June, in consequence of which I have sent by my friend Mr. Daniel Vertner to be paid unto Messrs. Will- iam McClure & Co. of Philadelphia on your account, being the whole of the light money I could procure. I have also inclosed a note of Robert Means for three hun- dred and eighty six dollars, to be placed to my credit as
130 The Life, of Nathaniel Massit .
soon as it is paid, since writing yon of the 4th of Octo- ber I have received your letters of the 20th of August 7th of September 10th of October 10th of August and the 14th of November. With the warrants inclosed, the whole of which is located. I shall determine respecting the revolution warrants immediately, I see some of mem- bers of congress from Kentucky. There can be no risk as you supposed, because when a location is made on a warrant the land stands appropriated, and may remain in that situation as long as a person may think proper or may be removed and located at pleasure, should I think proper to detain any of your warrants for that purpose — They will be located. I have not made the exchange with Slaughters tract of 500 acres for the one I men- tioned on the Scioto. The person and myself could not agree on the terms since which I have leased the land for six years to have improved with two good hewed log houses and a stone chimney in each, intending to make two small farms. I am offered for this land ten pounds per hundred acres annually for twenty one years or three lives, and to make considerable improvements with or- chards &c, but wishing to consult you and Mr. Heron on the subject I have put off the business untill I see you. Slaughters tract of 1000 acres at the mouth of eagle is, if the contract is confirm, a good purchase. There is a considerable improvement already made. The survey on eagle creek I will bring with me.
Since having the proposal to lease the tract of Slaughters on the river at ten pounds per hundred I have made some inquiry and find it not a difficult mat- ter to lease several tracks well situated for that price.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 131
I prefer that mode to the one we have generally in our country of renting annually for produce it relieves a person of a great deal of trouble. The only objection is the time is rather long.
I am Dear Sir Y.r Ob. H.e
ISTath. Massie.
W. Sargent to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati 25th of August 1707 Dear Sir: — I am so extremely anxious that the mi- litia of the Territory should be upon the most respectable Footing possible, that I am induced to write unto you a private Letter upon the occasion notwithstanding I have confidence in your attention and Exertion — The men must be well armed and when they shall neglect to fur- nish themselves they must be fixed as the Law directs which it is presumed will have the effect.
In addition to the usual Exercise of our Woods manner of fighting you must keep in view that it is possible in the Course of Events we may be opposed to regular Troops.
Almost the whole Territory I am happy to find are very fast getting military Zeal and Enthusiasm — the County of Adams I hope and trust will not be behind
hand —
I am with much Esteem
Your humble servant
W Sargent
132 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Washington Sepr 9th 1797
Dear Colo.: — I this moment received your favour by Mr. Gooding and am happy to hear you will pass through our country and expect you will when you get to Shepherdstown. Come to my house without further ceremony. I have heard of the yellow fever raging in Philadelphia and was I permitted to advise you it would be to keep from the city for some time to come as this is the season that all Large towms is most subject to be unhealthy and by the by if you stay in Berkeley for two weeks perhaps the Bargains we talked of may be made with the widow or some of our Berkeley Girls so that no time will be lost.
The Gentleman of whom I expected to receive
money is at present in Pittsburg but will be in this
town today. I have wrote him to pay you all the
money he can raise if he can not pay you the whole five
hundred dollars. I hope he will pay you the whole. I
am D. Sir with wishes for your safe arrival to our town
Your Hble St.
T. Worthington
X. B. I will deliver your letter to Colo. Shepherd.
Mr. Joseph Swearingen is the Gentleman I expect will pay you the money and lives with Mr. Parviance when at home. T. W.
John Graham to Nathaniel Massie.
Preston November 1st 97 Dear Massie: — I wrote you sometime ago that I had
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 133
sent on the Papers relative to Winkins Business by Mr. Lauman of Lexington with Directions to him to leave them at the House of Lauman and West in Philadel- phia if neither you or ray Brother were in the City. I hope you will rind them there together with a Warrant of Colo. Fleming's for 6000 acres which was inclosed with them.
In a former letter I acknowledged the receipt of yours from Pittsburg which is the only favour we have had from you since you left this Country — We had the Pleasure to advance your Brother 250 Dollars of which Mr. Tebbs informed you at the same time requesting you to pay 250 Dollars' to Mr. Wm. I. Hall, Merchant Alexandria, he expected from you what your Brother told him that he would want the other 100 Dollars shortly — If his letter should have miscarried this I hope will reach you in time to let you know where to pay the Money.
As it is very possible that my last letter did not get to hand (I directed to Phila) I will again mention my desire that you would dispose of our Military Lands if anything near what you think the value of them can be had — nothing but ray great anxiety to pay Kenton for this Bottom that I may get Deeds from him, should induce me, to part with those lands —
George writes me that he has purchased Xieholsun's Warrants and as you have located them for my name- sake of Richmond I believe blended them with others of his he probably would give more for them than any body else — I have written to my Brother on the Subject of our Lands and doubt not that he has communicated
134 The Lifi of Nathaniel Massie.
to you his wishes if he declined selling I suppose I must do so too. as he in that ease must certainly have other Sources from whence to draw the Money for Kenton —
You must observe that I write to you without any kind of disguise having the most implicit confidence in your Friendship —
I had the Pleasure of seeing your Brother Henry at the District Court, he was in Washington for the pur- pose of looking up your Debtors — I should be happy to know when we may expect you Home and to know whether you will bring a wife with you as you were prevented from going to P— as soon as you wished 3*011 have had fine time to beat about in Virginia. Get one with a younger Sister and bring her out for Yr Affectionate Friend
Hbl Sevt
John Graham.
I have been husking corn until my Fingers are too stiff to write even with a Good Pen & Ink at present I have very bad of both and am in great haste.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Shepherdsto wn Novr 24th 17'.»7. ] )> ar Sir: — I yesterday reed your esteemed favour of the 13th instant informing me of the reception of mine of the 29th of October. I wrote you a few days since by my friend Genl Darke and expected he would have found you in richmond but am sorry to find he will not as I hud requested him to call on you and deliver a verba! message and know lie wished and expected to see you.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 135
I expected when I last saw you that my family would have increased before the 15th of October but was disappointed. Mrs. Worthington had a daughter on Sunday last and is very unwell so that I cannot with any degree of propriety leave home otherwise I would immediately set out for richmond and see Mr. Harris re- specting his land and not impose on your goodness by accepting your kind offer to contract with him for me. Three dollars per acre is high indeed but as I am deter- mined to buy no more than that tract of land (Mr. Har- ris's) at present and as it joins me I am willing to give that price. I think you mention that one half must be paid in a short time and that 9 or 12 months will be given for the remainder. If you will my good sir please make a contract for me you may depend every article shall be strictly complied with on my part and as I men tioned to you in my last I am willing to give any price you may think proper to agree on and wish you to make the purchase for me if possible and I will if ever in my power repay the favour done me. Westfall has re- turned to this Country and in consequence of my declining to take his lands he offers the whole of, them for sale — You expressed a desire to own that tract which joins yours on the North fork of Paint creek. I can purchase that singlely for you if you want it, he the other day offered it to me for 12/ pr acre and I think he will take less as I declined purchas- ing at that price and no person in this country knows the situation of any of his lands myself excepted. "Will you signify your wishes to me in your next on this sub- ject. I hope you have not suffered any inconvenience
136 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
from my not paying yon the money cine yon. Can yon not take Shepherdstown in your rout to Phila. Leave your Horses at my house and take the stage from here and when you return your horses will be fresh and ready to perform your western journey and shall cost you nothing. I am obliged to go to Philadelphia in Deer and will accompany you from this place — will you please put out of the payment of the first moiety to Mr. Harris untill the 20th of J any or the first of Feby — I have wrote to Chas. Lee on the subject of establishing the road from wheeling to limestone as post-road and have received his answer wish to be in Philadelphia at the same time you are think this business may be effected and now is our time to obtain by petition to Congress land or property for the purpose of supporting an uni- versity hereafter. The plan you mention I think an ex- cellent one and hope no pains will be spared to effect it — If we petition and gain nothing we will not be the loosers thereby and should the petition be granted the advantages resulting therefrom will be great — I am Happy to hear that the storm which threatened the disolution of the french republic is blown over thus far without bloodshed. I take it for granted that this is the last struggle of the royalists — Should the three di- rectors be acting from pure principles and harmonize the republic in a proper manner their names deserve to be perpetuated whilst time lasts — I suspect History does not exhibit such a circumstance.
I hope you will come by this place 'tis very little out of your way we shall be happy to see you. Please write me as soon as you can. I shall expect you will
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 137
make the purchase for me and prepare Acordingly I am Dr Sr with Esteem & respect Sincerely yours
T. WORTHINGTON.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Shepherdstown Nov.r 29th 1797 D. Sir: — I wrote you a few days since but meeting with a safe and speedy opportunity I again write you fearing my last may not have met with so speedy a con- veyance as I could wish — I mentioned in my last that Mrs Worthington was extremely unwell otherwise I would have been in richmond on the 1st of Deer — You were so kind as offer to contract with Mr. Harris for me. I must accept your kind offer and hope I shall have it in my power to make a return of the many kindnesses I have reed of you. You mention that the land can not be had for less than 18/ One half shortly and 12 months for the other please give that price and I will pay within 00 days (less if necessary) the sum you may contract for without fail — I do not intend to purchase any more land (Mr. Harris's excepted) for sometime to come and wish you my good friend to secure it for me if possible should you find it necessary to give as high as 24/ pr acre, I will take it this is between ourselves and I rest satisfied that you will get it as low as you can — Will you not take Shepherdstown in your rout to Richmond I shall be happy to see you and will accompany you to Phila- delphia by way of the stage, your Horses shall be well taken care of at my House — I yesterday seen a man immediately from Massieville who tells me that 70 fam- ilies have removed to that town and its vicinity since
138 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
we left it — do you wish to purchase Gatts laud winch joins you on the N fork of Paint creek I can get it for 10/ or 12/ — Will you be so kind as write me as soon as possible
I am Dr Sir with respect and esteem your Hble St
T. WORTHINGTON.
Dr. Tiffin's compliments to you.
1ST. B. I this day have been in company with Genl Mason in Martinsburg he is willing to exchange his part of his military lands for my Berkeley Count}' lands he tells me you did not call on him will you please give me your advice on this subject in your next — he Genl Mason starts in about ten days from this time to Phil'a.
Yours sincerely
T. W.
A. S. St. Clair to Nathaniel Massie and others.
Cincinnati 29th June 1798 Gentlemen : — I have received authentic information of a transaction of yours, in your character of Magis- trates of the County of Adams, and holding the Courts for that County, which has, indeed, astonished me : — It is, that you have taken it upon yourselves to remove the Courts from Adams- Ville, the place appointed for their sessions b}^ proper authority, to some other part of the County, contrary to every principle of good order.
The Power of fixing the places where the Courts are to be held, in every County, is exclusively in the Governor: for it is an exercise of executive authority of which no other person or Persons is or are legally capable ; and it is important to the People that the
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 139
Places, where they have been appointed to be held, should not be subject to wanton change. When People lay out their money in improving county Towns, it is in cofidence of their stability, and when the Courts are removed from those Towns their importance is lost, and the property of the adventurers sink with it and it is to them a real breach of public faith. Adams- Ville was declared by Proclamation to be the place where the Courts for the County should be holden, and an attempt to remove them was a most unwarrantable assumption of Power, and contempt of authority, by the Justices, which might subject them to prosecution. I am willing however to believe that it did not proceed from that source, but from a misapprehension of the Law, and of their own Powers.
By the 2d Session of the Act, entitled " an act directing the building and establishing a Court House, Jail &c in every County passed at Cincinnati the first of August 1792 " it is enacted that " every Court House and Jail to be erected as aforesaid shall be formed of such materials and to such dimensions, and on such Plans as shall be directed by the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas or a majority of them in each County who are hereby authorized to plan and project the same, and to accept as a Gift, or to purchase for the use of the County so much ground as they may judge convenient and necessary whereon to build all & any of the struc- tures aforesaid. You will be pleased to observe Gentle- men, the Act is silent as to the power of appointing the Place where the Courts are to be held, and the power of the Judges is confined to the planning and projecting 9
140 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
the buildings, and accepting as a Gift, or purchasing, ground whereon to erect them, and it is a fair and clear implication that the ground must be accepted or pur- chased in the place where the sessions of the Courts had been previously fixed, and that is always prior to, or coeval with, the appointment of those Judges. It is a maxim that a power by Grant cannot be extended to anything which lies out of the Grant; and the shadow of a power to fix the place where the Courts are to be held is surely not within a Grant to direct the size, the figure and the materials of the public-buildings.
A Law was passed at Cincinnati on the 6th Novem- ber 1790 whereby the Governor was directed, in every new County, to be hereafter erected " to ascertain and specify and publish by Proclamation on what days in the year and the place and places in such new Counties where the Courts of common pleas and also the Courts of general quarter sessions of the Peace shall respectively be opened and held in each and every year." That Law has been repealed ; but it gave no new Power to the Governor, and was merely in affirmance of the constant Practice, and to render the places more generally known than the commission to the Court would effect — Were it still in force, it would be clearly explanatory of that part of the before recited clause of the Law of 1790 (and passed before it) which gives power to the Judges of the Court of common Pleas to accept or purchase Lands whereon to erect the public buildings — They were to accept or purchase them -where the Courts were appointed to be held. The PowTer of the Governor to lay out Counties and to fix the places where the Courts
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 141
are to be held, which is incident to it, stands upon the Ordinance for the Government — of the Territory and not upon any Law adopted in pursuance of it.
It appears to me, Gentlemen, that very proper steps were taken by the Secretary, in whom the powers of the Governor were then vested, to ascertain a proper place for the sessions of the Courts in the county of Adams, and the Proclamation by which lie declared it was like- wise proper, on account of more general notoriety, tho not necessary: should, however, notwithstanding the pains he took, the place he found to be an improper one, it may yet be remedied, as no private buildings, I be- lieve, have yet been erected there in consequence of the Measure: — but not in the manner, Gentlemen, you have thought proper to adopt. If the people of the County represent the matter to me in that light, — I shall cer- tainl\r take it into consideration, and they will always line! me ready to listen to their reasonable requests, and to comply with them so far as they comport with my duty and the public Good. In the situation of a County Town a Governor can have no private interests of his own to serve, but it is very possible that even a majority of the Persons who may have been appointed Justices may have such Interests, and be disposed to prefer them to those of the public at large; and, where there are conflicting opinions on the subject, investigation and de- liberation are necessary.
I have been farther informed, Gentlemen, that you are proceeding to erect the necessary public buildings at the place to which you have attempted to transfer the Courts. I presume, you will see the impropriety of such
142 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
proceedings, and will arrest them. But, I think it proper to inform you that, I have prohibited the Treas- urer to accept any Orders of yours or pay out any Mon- ies of the County upon them, for that purpose. I have the honor to be
Gentlemen
Your obedient Servant
Ak. S. Clair — Colonel Massie and the other Justices of the Courts of Common Pleas and general Quarter Session of the Peace for the County of Adams. —
Nathaniel Massie to John Graham.
Manchester 13th July 1798 Dear Sir: — I have sold since my return to this coun- try our tract of land in the name of William Reynolds on three mile creek at three dollars per acre, one half paid immediately the remainder to be paid in Twelve months, also the five hundred acre tract on the Scioto purchased of Pekering & Hodgdon at the same price and payments. I find the demand for land not quite so great as I expected, it may however be owing in a great measure to the season of the year, early in the Spring or late in the fall is the seasons for selling of land. I shall endeavor to procure a bill in Phila. as soon as possible to remit you the amount of these sales and any other that I ma)' make. I am told that some of the United States agents will be down shortly from Pittsburg and will want specie for drafts on the Treasury of the United States. I have a prospect of selling Tibbs tract, and the 300 acres on the Scioto for which I have had some offers
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 143
but the payments was not such as I liked, I fear it will be difficult to raise money on our back lands without making a sacrifice. The lands on the Scioto, Ohio, or any land contiguous to settlements are the only lands that will sell to an advantage. The value of the lands and their ready sale depends entirely on the advancements of settlements, towards the approach of fall I am in hopes it may produce more application. I have not been down at the office since my return but expect to set off in about ten days. The enclosed land law adopted in this Territory will produce new attention to land, There is another law entitled " a law establishing of a Registers office which is connected with this it recpuires all land to be listed with the Register under penalty of incurring thrible taxes by the first of December a copy I will get printed and enclose to you. I am Pear Sir
Your Ob. Servant
Nath.l Massie.
f Governor St. Clair to Nathaniel Massit and Benjamin
Goodin.
Cincinnati, 23d Jul, 1798. Gentlemen : — Your letter of the 11th instant was de- livered to me yesterday, and in reply to it I have to observe that you say "the court (meaning the court of common pleas for the county of Adams) at their last term, having taken up the business for erecting a jail, proceeded to plan and project the same, the attention of the court was naturally led to fix upon a piece of ground for that purpose.'' The inference is just, and, had the
144 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
court confined themselves to fixing upon the most proper piece of ground whereon to place it and the place where the courts were by proper authority appointed to be held, and accepted as a gift, or purchased the same for the use of the county, they would have acted with pro- priety, consistently with their powers, and agreeably to law. I admit, however, that the place where they had been fixed, being disputed property, and a suit depend- ing, is a good objection to it, and, consequently, to the erecting the buildings there : because, though the person in possession (by whatever title he was in) had consented to their being erected, should he be defeated in. the action, it would be in the opinion of the person recover- ing to confirm the ground on which the building stood to the county, or to convert them to his own use. Still, that circumstance should have been represented to the executive, and, if it had been represented, I presume it would have had due weight; with me it would have been conclusive. But the objection, strong as it is, does in no manner justify the removal of the sittings of the ("iiit to any other place by a majority of the court of common pleas, to do which they had no authority, either by law or custom.
There are but two ways in which the courts of com- mon pleas could have acquired power (to) fix or alter the places of their sessions (tor it surely is not incident to them as courts), to-wit: either by law or by their commissions. But it has not been given to them by law, and the commissions only empower them " to hold pleas of assize, scire facias and replevins, and to hear and determine all and all manner of pleas, actions, and
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 145
suite and causes, civil, personal, real and mixed, accord- ing1 to law. The law which gives any agency to those courts in the matter of places where the courts were to be held, respects the mode and manner of the public buildings only, at the same time that it empowers them to accept as a gift, of to purchase for the use of the counties a piece of ground whereupon to erect them, and this involves the right of judging of the fitness of the piece of ground for the purpose, and no more. A con- sistent meaning and explanation is to be given to every law, and clause of ;i law, if it will admit of it. But it would be absurd that the executive should fix the places for the courts in the counties respectively, and that the courts of common pleas should have the power to accept or to purchase grounds and to erect the public buildings on them at other places. The law authorizing the Gov- ernor to ascertain the times and places at which the courts were to be held in any new counties that might be erected, passed the 6th November, 1790, was, as I had the honor to observe in a former letter, in affirmance of what had been the constant practice, and it confined the Executive to a like practice in future.
The law of the 1st August, 1792, only provided for a case not provided for before, to-wit : the erecting the necessary public buildings, the effecting of which was laid upon the courts of common pleas, but did not re- peal or alter the law of November, 1790. They both stood together (and stood well together) for the last, you will please to observe, was not repealed until the 14th July, 1795. Until that time the Governor's power, by law, to fix the places for the services of the courts
146 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
still existed. At that time, his authority in the case, by law, ceased to exist, and was not vested anywhere else. But how does the law now stand? is the question. The courts of common pleas have still all the power respect- ing the public buildings they ever had, to-wit : to plan and project them ; to determine the materials of which they shall be constructed ; to accept of or to purchase ground whereon to erect them, at the places that had been previously fixed by the Governor, and to contract for the execution of them, and no more. As to the rest, gentlemen, you have yourselves furnished the answer, for you observe that " the Ordinance is totally silent as to the Governor's power of fixing the places where the courts are to be held ; the Ordinance being silent on that subject, there can be no doubt but the power must be vested in the Executive until otherwise provided by the legislature." If the law, then, of November, 1790, had made a different deposit of the power, which it did not, the law of July, 1795, repealing that law, restored it to where it was ; for it is a maxim that a law repealing a law revives the antecedent law. It is clear, then, from your own reasoning, that the power to ascertain and fix the times and places for the sessions of the courts is in the Executive, and nowhere else.
I did suppose, gentlemen, that it was upon the sec- ond section of the law directing the erecting of court- houses, etc., that the court of common pleas of the county of Adams had founded their opinion " that they had the right of judging of the propriety of the spot whereon to erect the public buildings within the comity ; " but it is evidently an unfounded opinion ; and
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 147
it is easy to see inconveniences that might follow from such a right in the courts; for it is only to suppose a change in the members and a preponderancy of opinion in a majority in favor of other places than those chosen, either by the Governor, or their predecessors, and the places may be changed from time to time, ad infinitum, with the changes that must necessarily happen upon the benches ; and something like this has actually happened in the neighboring State, where the court of quarter sessions have power, by law, to fix the place of their sit- tings; and it is, I believe, the only State in America where these or any courts have that power.
The injury that arises from the want of good and sufficient jails, both to the public and to the inhabitants of the several counties, I am very sensible of. I believe the law making the counties answerable for escapes, to be a very bad one ; because it favors negligence in the sheriffs, and lays a burden on the people the}' ought not to be charged with : and, if I have influence enough with the legislature, at their next session, it will be re- pealed.
After all, gentlemen, I have no predilection for Adamsville, and, with the disadvantages you have stated, it is certainly an improper place for the county-town, though well enough as to situation with respect to the county at large, and the divisions of it that must take place in future. When new counties are laid out, they are generally, from necessity, very large ; and the places where the courts are fixed, in the first instance, and the public buildings, of course, erected, should be relative to that part which will probably remain together after
148 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
those divisions rather than the present circumstances; that the public buildings may be still in a suitable situ- ation, otherwise a lasting injury might be done for the sake of a temporary convenience. If I am rightly in- formed, the objections to Adamsville, from the difficulty of access in high waters, apply equally to Manchester: but it is my intention to visit Adams county immedi- ately after the August court here, and it will be very grateful to me to do in respect to the county-town what may be desirable at present and permanently useful. I have the honor respectfully to be etc.
John Graham /<> Nathaniel Massie.
On the banck of Little Sandy
May 29th 1799—
Dear Sir : — I arrived at this place (which is about half way from the mouth of the Creek to the Licks) the evening before the last; we were stopecl here by the want of water which on the ripples was too shallow for the keel boat — I am now getting on the Kettles &c in a perogue & two small canoes I hope to get them all up in four or five days at farthest —
Mr. Coonse the Man who has had a furnace at- the Lick for some time & who when I was last up agreed to come under my claim has changed his mind since & again reverted to Coleman who has posted up a notice forwarning me or any person under me from Sittling at the Lick; I do not regard this, for at that time our Man- ager was fixed in a House, at the very spot which I had erected more than twelve months ago and have been in possession of ever since — The man tells me that Cole-
The Lift of Nathaniel Massie. 149
man tryecl to bribe him to give up to him — Colo .John- ston has been here, but went off in a few days — Mr. Grayson tells me he was anxious to enter into an accom- modation with him ; they are to meet' at the District Court in Washing-ton I wish yon could be there & I will exert myself to have things fixed here & be down my- self, if not I will write to you I think it prudent to make some arraignment either with Johnston or Nicholas & then will be the time to do it, as they will both be at the I !ourt —
P. S. Coonse does not pretend to prevent us from going to work, so far from it that lie lent me his Canoe to bring up our things; he tells me he believes our claim to be the best, but considers himself bound bj his contract with Coleman not being certain whether you would be at Home — I have drawn on Mr. Vertner for the Hire of the boatmen say 2 L 8 s cash — exclusive of an order on myself in favour of Stanton the owner of the Boat for five or six pounds which he has directions to present to Mr. Vertner if you are not at Home —
Yrs Sincerely,
Jno Graham —
John Graham to Nathaniel Massie.
Salt Lick ox Little Saxdy
6th Jum 99 Dear Sir: — I wrote you by the Boatmen that Mr. Koonse (the man who first began to make Salt at this place) had again joined himself with Coleman who pretends to have a claim here under a Survey of Rich Ridgslys, the Entry of which was made after our Snr-
150 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
vey; this claim gave me no uneasiness, but I thought it best to come to some kind of a compromise with Koonse and Kites least they might join themselves with Powell if they did so thought it might give me a good deal of trouble to oust them. I wish to act against Powell al- together on the defensive. Under these impressions I have agreed to let them in for one sixth part of 6000 acres, upon their relinquishing to me full and entire pos- session and upon their paying me 500 Dollars in twelve months & 500 Dollars in two years. They are to bear their proportional part of all Expences in defending our claim — The other participants of the contract I shall explain to you when we meet which I hope will be dur- ing the District Court in Washington, I wait merely to see the works set a going & if no bad weather intervenes I hope to see about half our Kettles under way on Mon- day ; Should things so happen that I cannot get down I wish you would join with Colo Orr & Mr. Grayson & give to Colo Nicholas a handsome retaining fee ; their claim stands upon the same Basis that ours does so that the defence of the one will be the defence of the other. I am particularly anxious to get Nicholas, for depend upon it this property is very valuable— The People who have been used to this water say they can make 70 or 80 Bushels of Salt a week with the number of Kettles which we have got, our Manager says he will not posi- tively promise more than 50 which lie thinks can easily be made —
With great regards I am Dear Sir
Yr Most Hble Sevt
John Graham
The Life of Nathaniel Massit . 151
Israel Donalson to Nathaniel Massie.
Manchester, 20th Octr 1799 Dear Sir: — With pleasure I received your favour pr Mr Kirker the connection you are wanting will be handed by Mr Kerr or a sort of abstract though I have not seen it — Your Ideas in regard to our business I hope are well founded, and in your opinion I am sure they are, yet I cant help thinking there is room for doubts Altho it will be a glaring piece of conduct in the Governor, but from past experience we cannot count with certainty on anything from that source.
At present I have no peculiar information to com- municate to you
I am Dear Sir with Sentiments of Esteem Yours &c
Israel Donalsox
Johit (iridium to Nathaniel Massie.
Washixotox Novr 28th 99. Dear Massie: I have been down from Sandy two or three weeks: before I left that I rented out the Licks for 400 Bushells of Salt payable quarterly. I have also rented Water about a quarter of a mile above for Eighty Kettles at 200 Bushells of Salt— I hear nothing of Hite if he will let us alone I think we shall do pretty well for there is more Water to be had — I have sold your Oxen for what they cost payable in Salt. — The Product of our works this Summer has been incon- siderable I doubt we shall not have more than enough
152 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
to pay expenses — I have left some with your Brother, which I had packed to the mouth of Sandy.
Will you be at home before you go to Lexington I want much to see you & should be glad to know — You certainly are much engaged in settling the affairs of the nation, as you remain so closely in Cincinnati, when you are so strongly tempted to leave it. I have just received a Letter from George in which he desires me to present to you his Compliments of congratulation. Yrs. very Sincerely,
John Graham.
David Walker to Nathaniel Massie.
Jessamine 28th Decern her 1799.
Dr Colo: — I gave Lucas Sulevant a power of At- torney to draw my Extra bounty Land warrant about eighteen months passed, if you know anything of the man be pleased to tell me what probability I have to calculate on his discharging his trust properly. I have never heard of him since I executed the power to him — tell me my friend how I am to proceed with my plats and certificates to obtain patents and the sum necessary to be deposited with each 1000 Acres plat and certificate when delivered in the office — have you been able to effect the sale of the Siotho land for me, if not can you recommend me to a purchaser, for altho I am now per- fectly convinced that ZohefFs claim is not equal to mine, yet would I cheerfully sell at quarter price rather than engage in a Law suit — I have plat and certificate of that Darbey's Creek survey and if I could sell would give
thereon — Now my friend let me wish that your
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 153
Ideas of connubial enjoyments may be truly extravagant, and that in reality your happiness may exceed them — for by the lord if you make a husband deserving the girl you are about to take you'll be full up to the highest ground of Bliss on this side of the Elysian plains. Your friend
David Walker. Colo. Massie.
J. Brown to Nathaniel Massie.
Phila 19th 17!'!' Dear Sir: — This letter I expect will be handed to you by Mr. Michael Baldwin a young Gentleman from the State of Connecticut who has it in contemplation to establish himself in the Territory N". W. of the Ohio should he meet with due encouragement. He is Brother to the Honble Mr. Baldwin Member of Congress from the State of Georgia with whose character you are well acquainted, & having finished a liberal course of Educa- tion, & obtained a license to practice the Law in the Courts of Connecticut he goes to your Country with in- tention to prosecute his profession. Having great confi- dence in the information I have reed respecting his Talents, good Morals, & good disposition I with pleasure recommend him to your notice & friendly attentions, & will acknowledge any civilities you may render him as favors conferred upon
Dear Sir
Yo Mo Ob Sevt
J. Brown Colo !N\ Massie
154 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Chillicothe {Dec.) 27th 1799 Dear Sir: — I reed your favours by Mr. Kerr with their Inclosures and will attend to them. Mr. Kerr told me he would leave town last evening otherwise I would have given you a lengthy letter in detail of circumstances which took place after your departure. I suppose that you will be informed by Mr. D — will only therefore re- mark that I feel more dissatisfied at our present Govern- ment than I supposed I ever should. You have no doubt before now seen the Governors reasons for his Veto on 11 of our Laws and am clear you will not be satisfied with them — I wish to make every effort in my power to get the Territory devided into two Districts at the present session of Congress and if you think with me on this subject I wish you to write to your friends in Congress and thereby aid my efforts. The Gov.r has positively declared that he intends serving no longer than the next session of Congress and if a division of the territory was to take plaee I am convinced the Leg- islature would sit in Chillicothe next winter — I write you in haste will you let me hear from and have your Ideas on this subject — I wish you a happy matrimonial voyage sincerely— .The lotts I wish eonveyed are Inn lott No — and Out lott No — originally the property of pennyweight also (3 outlotts purchased of yourself the Numbers you will recollect — I should be thankful if you would forward the deed so soon as you get Madam at home and have made other necessary arrangements — I
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 155
leave on Monday next. Our court is now sitting and
will be a lengthy one I am Sir with much Esteem
respectfully
Your Obt St
T. WoRTHINGTON.
William H. Harrison to Nathaniel Massie.
Philadelphia 17th Jany 1800 My dear Sir : — Before this reaches you, you will no doubt have exchanged the solitary life of a batchelor for the soft silken bands of Hymen in other words — I suppose at this very hour (for it is eleven oclock P. M.) you are locked in the arms of the charming Susan — what a repast for a susseptable mind ! feast my dear sir with a keen appetite but recollect that one — too many now may deprive you of a great many hereafter.
On the first meeting of congress the Political cam- paign promised to be a very pacific one — but the Reso- lution introduced by Mr. Xicholas for disbanding the army (or a large part of it) called up all the warmth of the parties — This appeared to me to be a very foolish measure as we shall shortly hear wheather our Envoys to France will succeed in the objects of their mission — Should they succeed the Reduction of the Army to a few Regiments will follow without a dissenting voice — the resolution was lost 38 to 59 — A few nights ago Mr. J. Randolph a member from Virginia was insulted in the Theater by some young officers of Marine, this was oc- casioned by Mr Randolph having applied the terms mercenary's & vagabonds to the army in one of his 10
156 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
speeches in the house of Representatives — The affair is now before a Committee of Priviledges & will I fear occasion much trouble and loss of time — Soon after the commencement of Congress in the house of Representa- tives I introduced a Resolution for reforming the Su- preme Court of the Territory by ading three more Judges & reported a bill for that purpose — this bill has been twice before a Committee of the whole house but I have not yet been able to get it through yet awhile — I do not know but I shall move in a day or two to have it recommitted to a select committee to consider the pro- priety of errecting that portion of our Territory which lies below the line to be drawn from the mouth of the Great Miami North into a separate Government — this Yanderbergh informs me will be very agreeable to the people below & can do no injury to those above but on the Contrary will be an advantage.
You know that Byrd is the Secret'y of the Terri- tory I suppose — Give }^our Susan a kiss for her old friend & neighbor and make Mrs. Harrison best respects to all the family together with those of your friend —
Wm II. Harrison. Nathaniel Massie esqr.
James Smith to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati 17th March 1800.
Dear Sir: — Yours of the 4th Instant came to hand
by this days Mail, wishing information in the suit
against Simon Kenton wherein you were security, the
debt I am informed is paid, and I now hold an exe-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. ■ 157
cution in my hands for the costs returnable to this term.
I have seen Kenton a short time ago on the business he promises to pay the costs next week which when he dos I will give you information.
I am with Esteem your verry Humble Servt
James Smith
B. K. Meade to Nathaniel Massie.
April 22d 1800. Dear Sir: — The liberty of an entire stranger which I now take I flatter myself will be my excuse when I inform you that the information of your marriage to one of my nieces, will in my opinion, & earnest desire, produce an intimacy between us although we may not be gratified by a personal acquaintance, which however I will hope for, should your business bring you to this part of our country, sooner or later. It is my inclination & in- terest with my large family & small fortune, to have vis- ited my military lands in your quarter this summer, but this depended upon my gouty habit, & more especially on the health of a very indisposed & valuable wife — the trip too would have been the more pleasing to me from the idea of seeing a Brother whom I love. I have long ago heard of your name — from my neighbour Maj'r Massie, & must confess that your acquaintance in my Brothers family afforded me joy — Sukey is a favorite of mine, & I cannot doubt but that she possesses all the necessary qualities both by nature and her own good sense and study to render you happy by meriting the appellation
158 • The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
of an amiable wife. Sensible of the blessing of domes- tic life, I do most sincerely wish you both a large share & of it. My wife & children often talk of my
Brother & his family — Sukey is now yonrs, & you hers fix' (J at your own abode, you will both accept our purest love
6 good wishes. Many months ago I had a letter writ- the to my brother, but opportunities are rare; last week Colo. Morgan was so kind as to let me know of his trip to the westward, that he knew you both, with an offer to be the bearer of letters. I am now to conclude, as I have said without the least acquaintance, or cere- mony, to request your assistance, should it not be attended with too much trouble on your part.
My military claim consists of 6 surveys of 1000 Acres each in your fertile country, but whether I have had justice done me as to the quality of the land, or not is unknown to me — I hope I am fortunate, as I have
7 children to provide for. Mr. I. Obannon assur'd me that the land was excellent — I paid him & Colo Anderson about L 100 for locating &c, & no one I believe paid more, or more punctually, which has induced me to suppose my land of the first quality. The informa- tion obtained from Mr. Obannon, when he was here, was that it lay 6 or 7 miles from the Ohio, and besides its being rich, that it was all well watered, with 2 or 3 fine mill streams, as you will see by the inclosed plats, which accompany extracts of the patents as a guide to find the different surveys more readily — My object is to know where the land lies with certainty, & as there must necessarily be a tax laid to support the govern- ment, to get at least as much of it rented out as will
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 159
pay the tax ; but at any rate, not to suffer any to be
sold for payment of the taxes, for which reason I am to
request the favor of you, in case the lands will not rent
for the amount of the taxes, that you will give me
notice to forward you the amount in time as I would by
no means be in arrears. Should the business I have
boldly yentur'd to beg your attention to, give you too
much trouble, I request you to recommend some person
to me, on whom I can rely, that will do it with fidelity
on commission. My gouty fingers are pretty well tired
with writing a longer letter than I am accustomed to,
the only addition then shall be a repitition of our purest
love that I should be happy in a personal knowledge of
you & that I am with my best wishes & earnest regard
Yr affectionate hum St.
R Iv Meade
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
AValnut Grove Aug Uth 1800 Dear Sir: — I received a Letter a few days since from Major Shepherd who informs me that he had reed your letter and that he could not accede to any of the propositions you had made him and mentions that if you could not suit Mr. Swearengen in lands or otherwise comply with the proposition he made you he felt inclined to keep his land. At his request I give you this in- formation. .
I wish you could have made it convenient to come as far as this place when you were at the falls of paint creek — I wish much to see you and regret you are not a resident at the falls. I can give you no news worth}'
160 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
your attention — The people here are so far with some exceptions very healthy indeed none are attacked with the ague except a few of those who have settled here this spring — Last year those who were attacked with it were taken before this time — I hope we shall soon be able to contradict the report entirely of the bad health of the people residing here ray family are in perfect health as well my neighbours. A report is current here that Mr. Byrd is afraid of endangering his health by re- moving to this place. I am convinced if he has health at Cincinati he will have it in Chillicothe.
Nathan Corry called on me whilst I am writing and enforms me that you have a Judgment against him and that this property will be sold unless you give him a little time, he has offered property to me for the express pur- pose of paying you. Money is very scarce here indeed at his request I mention this to you. He says he can certainly pay you in 2 or 3 months. I reed a few days since a Letter from W. H. Harrison he was in richmond and informs me he has accepted the government of the Indiana Territory and that he would be in Chillicothe at the meeting of the Legislature.
Will you write me by Mr. Swearengen and say whether you can (if circumstances appear favourable) get your own approbation to become a candidate for congress — Major L — Has offered long since but it is im- possible almost that he can be elected — I am told Mr. J. Burnet will not be a candidate — A. St. Clair will of course and God forbid that he should be elected. I in- close you herewith a very extraordinary publication that
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 161
has appeared here against your good friend Doctor Buel — Mr. John McCoy wishes to get a small piece of Land of your tract to make his even it will not injure yours. Will you please let me know if he can get it and at what price. I rather promised he should have it when I laid his out and as it will do you no injury I should be well pleased 3^011 would let him have it.
I inclose the notes of the survey made between porter and Covington. Please so arrange the business that Mr. Swearingen can get the plat and survey. I am Sir yo urs respectfully
T. WORTHINGTON.
Charles W. Byrd to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati, The 18th of Aug. 1800.
Dear Sir : — I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 6th Accept my thanks for your friendly proposition relative to my claim against Mr. Clay. The horses I gave up to release him were valued at $180. . . .
Parson Smith (the Representative) requested me to acquaint you with the nature of a Petition handed about at this time in Cincinnati. — It is in substance, to peti- tion Congress, at the next session, to continue the old man in office, and to censure the Inhabitants of Ross for their misrepresentation of his conduct. Parson Smith has desired me also to inform you of a declara- tion made by our friend Harrison — that if his friends upon the Ohio and at Chillicothe should on his arrival express a wish for him to resign, that he will give up his
162 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
new dignity of Governor in the Lower Territory. Be pleased to present my regards to Mrs. Massie &c. Your obliged humb. servt.
Charles Willing Byrd. Colo. Massie
Lexington
Charles Willing Byrd to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati The 20th. of August 1800 Dear Sir: — Mr. Hunts impatience will not permit him to wait for an answer to my letter of the 18th ad- dressed to you by Post : and he sets out immediately for Lexington in pursuit of Clay or his property. As I ex- plained myself fully (in the letter referd to) upon this business, it will be unnecessary for me to add anything more on the subject, excepting only a request, that you will favor Mr. Hunt with any information with which you may be possessed respecting Mr. Clay's funds. Should the Politicians of Cincinnati fail, as I expect they will, in their attempt to get a Law enacted earl}' in the next session of our Legislature to remove the seat of Government to this place, I shall be glad to avail my- self of your proposal relative to the conveyance of my furniture to Chillicothe. McCullugh has contracted to deliver to your order at the time required two hundred of Sargents young fruit trees. He asked of me a quarter of a dollar per tree ; but I talked him down to six pence this currency. A few weeks ago the Governor dined with me, and at table your conduct with Arm- strong in Avery's tavern which was said to be on the evening when you left our house, was brought upon the
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 163
carpet. One of his Excellency's Myrmidons who was present, represented your conduct on that occasion much to your discredit. He did it I suppose to ingratiate himself with the old gentleman, and being convinced that it was a misrepresentation I undertook without being acquainted with the merits of the question to con- tradict it. I wish you to acquaint me with the circum- stances, in order that I may contradict it more effectu- ally and particularly.
I am yr. friend & ob. sevt.
Charles Willing Byrd.
Charles W. Byrd to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati, September the 24th, 1800, Dear Sir: Can you inform me whether Michili- machinac is in the upper or lower Territoiy ? It is of importance that I should ascertain it before I proceed to take the Census in the County of Wayne : and I cannot procure at Cincinnati satisfactory information upon this subject. Perhaps you are acquainted with the game which the people of this place and Marietta are playing for the downfall of Chilicothe. It is this: — The Mem- bers of Hamilton are to unite witli the representatives of Washington in electing one of the Delegates from Muskingum to a seat in Congress. In return for this favor, — the members from the latter place are to give their influence to those of Hamilton in their endeavors to remove the seat of Government from Chilicothe to Cincinnati. They are then to play into each others hands; — the Delegate in Congress and the Governor are to use their joint influence to continue the old General
164 The Life of Nathan iel Massle.
in office : — to effect a second division of the Territory ; and — to procrastinate the formation of the District into a separate State as long as possible. The Governor has been absent for several weeks. Among other instances when the Seal was called for, the Court of Adams re- commended the appointment of a Magistrate in that County. When application was made for the Seal, Mrs. Dill, the Governors private Secretary, gave me to understand that his Excellency has carried it with him out of the Territory. Should this conduct be properly represented before the Senate, it would not I think operate much in his favor.
I am Dear Sir yours &c.
Charles Willing Byrd. Colo. Massie.
near Lexington P. S. I believe this is the first Letter I ever wrote on politics.
< harles W. Byr<l to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati, The 26th of Nov. 1800.
Dear Sir: — Will yon inform me when in your opin- ion the Session will be closed?
It may be necessary for me to be present before the house rises in order to receive the inrolled Bills &c. It is confidently asserted here that the Governor's term of service expires on the 9th of next month. If I believed this declaration, I would certainly go immediately to Chilicothe, with a view to act in the governors place and to enable the Legislature to continue in Session still later than the 9th as I suppose you would not wish
The Life of Nathan id Massie. 165
to rise so soon. But instead of giving credit to the re- port, I consider it as a trick practiced by the Governors friends to prevent Petitions from being forwarded against him. Because if this information gains ground, it will be thought by Judge Symmes and the people ineffectual to take an active part against his Excellency as the ap- pointment would be made before Letters, Remon- strances &c could arrive at the City of Washington. I am Dear Sir
Your friend and obt. servt.
Charles Willing Byrd. Colo. Massie
Seat of Government.
John C. Symmes to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati the 29th Decemr 1800.
Dear Sir: — I am informed by John Smith Esqr that you have a number of charges to exhibit against Governor St. Clair, in case lie should be reappointed to the Government. I beg leave to observe that I have not a few which I mean to exhibit to the general gov- ernment in case of his succeeding again to the admin- istration of the government of the Territory
If you can put so much confidence in me Sir, as to furnish me with a list of your complaints against him, and what the nature of the evidence may be, by which you mean to support the accusation in case of an im- peachment, I shall be much obliged to you and will give you my opinion on the subject, whether an im- peachment will lie on the charges you exhibit.
I do not yet dispair, but we shall get well rid of him
166 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
without any trouble, but in case of his reappointment, which god forbid, I intend to disclose all I know, or rather all I can recollect against him as a governor, which I think will shake if not overturn some of his future hopes —
Pray Sir, honor me with a line before you set out for the City of Washington. With high respect
I am Sir your obliged
very humble Servant
John C. Symmes. Col. Nat'h Massie.
B. J. Meigs to Nathaniel Massie.
Marietta, 15th January, 1801. Dear Sir: — We had a meeting of the Citizens of this Town on the 4th Inst, the subject of going into a State Government was taken up & discussed — a Com- mittee of five persons were chosen to report an address to the Citizens of this & the other Counties — the Citizens convened at the Court House agreeably to adjournment on Monda}^ last — an address was reported — it is lengthy and in the main well written, & utterly disclaims the Idea of going into a state Government ; But certain parts of it were very exceptionable to a number there present, which caused lengthy & animated debates — the ex- ceptionable parts are as nearly as I can recollect as fol- lows viz. " That designing Characters were aiming at self aggrandisement & would Sacrifice the rights & property of the citizens at the Shrine of private am- bition " " That the political Horizon is clothed in
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 167
frowns, that the risque of a foreign war, can only be equaled by the danger of domestic tempests."
These parts of the address were objected to by a number of persons, amongst them myself & Son, a long debate ensued on motion to strike them out — the argu- ments in favor of retaining them were clearly refuted : but the spirit of the times roused by the event of the late election had interwoven itself into the address, a plan where it ought not to have the remotest influence or effect. The address was therefore carried by a large majority except some small alterations, particularly the word Brittish was stricken out, and the word foreign substituted in lieu thereof. — In Justice to myself & Son & other friends, I think it my duty to make you this Statement as we utterly disclaim the illiberal & dangerous sentiments held up in those parts of the address above recited — I have wrote Colonel Worthington as I wish our friends not to entertain an Idea that we are capable of giving; credit to sentiments so illiberal & dangerous, so distrustful of our political affairs for I realy think that instead of Frowns, our political Horizon is Clothed in Smiles & that no domestic tempest threatens us.
With respect to going into a state Government we all agree in opinion that it would be ill policy — If the Governors negative can be qualified, which will un- doubtedly be the case, our present System of Govern- ment cannot be oppressive in any respect — I sincerely hope that your Citizens will agree with us on this im- portant subject — to enter into a state Government would involve us in expenses beyond our power to support,
168 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
many reasons might be addressed, they will occur to your mind as you reflect on the Subject.
I am Sir with esteem & regard
R. J. Meigs.
Gen'l JST. Massie.
B. K. Meade to Nathaniel Massie.
10th March 1801 Dear Sir: — The hope of seeing you according to your expectation last month is now banished from my mind ; I shall therefore seek some opportunity to offer you a few lines.
I am now to thank you for the two letters I have got from you, & to return you my sincere acknowledgments for the friendly & useful services you are so well dis- posed to do me; having an acquaintance, but with few on your side of the river, I feel myself fortunate in your promise to settle my Land Tax, which I trust will not bring on you the least disappointment hereafter. Your accnt of the soil situation & health of my military prop- erty was pleasing to me ; as to the disposal of them by lease, although, I had in all probability, better be gov- erned by you, yet when I reflect on the different ages of my Sons, & that there is a probability of their settling in your part of the world, it would not be well to lease the whole of the lands for so long a term as 10 yrs, but 4000 acres might go for that period according to your ideas of justice & propriety; the remaining 2000 on such terms as you please, not exceeding 5 years lease — I congratulate you on the birth of a Son, & sincerely hope you will experience much felicity in your offspring,
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 169
& in the love friendship & utility, of my amiable niece. I should have deriv'd much satisfaction in seeing you here, from the many questions I should have asked re- specting my Brother his family ivc &c &c
There is no important news of so late a date but what must have reach'd you before this — should there any occur before I find an opportunity to forward this — you shall have it, & only add the joint love of my family to mjr own for you & Sukey —
Believe me Dr Sir with regard & affection yr friend.
II K Meade
Arthur St. (lair, Jr., to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati, March 23rd 1801 Dear Sir: — I have taken the liberty of requesting your opinion upon the value of the lands as described by the enclosed certificate.
Mr. Henry Purviance and Major Bellee have been for some time on the eve of a law suit respecting a claim which Mr. Purviance had against Major Bellee in set- tling his father's estate, but has eventually agreed to take lands in discharge of it; which lands the Major agreed to lease to the valuation of any two men I should appoint. I have therefore taken the liberty of request- ing vour iudo-ment on the case and shall write to Mr Carr on the same subject presuming you are better ac- quainted with the subject than any others I could men- tion. If you could enclose to me a certificate of your opinion it would confer an obligation on Sir
Yours respectfully,
Ar St Clair Junr.
170 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
X. B. in that valuation I wish you to consider yourself in the situation of either buyer or seller.
Charles Willing Byrd to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati— May the 4th. 1801. Dear Sir: — On my return to Kentucky (about ten days ago) your Letter was delivered to me with an ac- count of McCullogh's conduct relative to the trees, which he |had contracted to send you at six pence per Scion. I have to lament that my absence from the Territory should have occasioned you any disappointment — I had deposited twenty dollars with Major Zeigler, and had given directions to Xed and McCullogb, to procure you the fruit if applications should be made for it previous to my return; and I had flattered myself that eventually there would have been no disappointment. My land- lord who received a severe rebuke from me for his breach of contract, says, that altho the agreement was such as I stated it to be, that nevertheless your neglect in not sending at the time appointed (during the Winter) left him at liberty to alter the price. As no future confi- dence can be reposed in him, it will not I conceive be expedient to engage with him any more. From Mr. Taylor I have received on your account two or three and twenty dollars — two of which were paid for Warfields advertisement, and the remainder shall be retained sub- ject to your order. Major Zeigler tells me that Mr. Campbell paid 12h cents per Scion for 100 trees — I sup- pose that he appropriated a part of the fifteen dollars, mentioned in your Letter, to that purpose, and that the balance has been returned to you. An Indented Serv-
The Life of [ Nathaniel Massie. 171
ant of yours (his name I think is Abraham) is here in pursuit of his freedom. His story is this — that by your threatening to sell him if he did not sign the indenture, and by other menaces he was compelled to subscribe it, and that as it was not a voluntary act, he ought to be emancipated by the Judiciary — Before my arrival Mont- gomery had hired him to Ruflin, and is of opinion that he will not attempt his escape, nevertheless I should im- mediately have committed him to jail, but the Prison is so insecure that it cannot be considered as a place of safety: I am therefore obliged to content myself with employing Spy's to watch over his conduct, until we can hear from you.
I hope my Letter will find yourself, your wife, and your Jonathan in good health — Be pleased to present my Love to Suckey.
I am Sir
Yr. ob. servt.
Charles Willing Byrd Colo. Massie.
Charles Willing Byrd to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati, May 11—1801. Dear Sir: — I had the pleasure to receive your Letter by Mr. Collins, and I give you my thanks for sending me the census of your County. The enumiration of the Inhabitants of the Territory, exclusive of Jefferson from which I have had no return, is as follows, — Hamilton 14,691— Ross 8,520— Adams 3,432— Washington 5,427— Wayne 3,206— and Trumbull 1,303 ;— amounting in the 11
17- The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
whole, independent of the first mentioned County, to 36,579.
McCullogh's conduct has evinced a considerable de- gree of impertinence as well as a want of integrity; but as it is probable that you have received before this time my Letter b}7 the Mail, wherein I made some remarks upon his and your Servant's behaviour, it will be unnec- essary to trouble you with any further observations upon this subject.
Among other particulars you were informed of my having twenty or twenty one dollars of yours subject to your order: I am at a loss whether I ought to transmit it to you by Mr. Collins ; but I believe it will be proper for me to retain it in my hands until you may deem it expedient to write for it. I would wish Mr. Gooden to postpone an application for his claim upon the Treasury until September, as the census will not be completed before that time.
A few weeks ago I went to Kentucky for my fam- ily ; but the badness of the weather and roads prevented me from bringing them down ; In the course of next month I shall make another essay to get them home.
Your company at our house would afford me much pleasure. How easy will it be for you in the Summer to put yourself, your Suckey, and your Jonathan on board a boat, — to descend the Ohio, and to make us a visit? We have a most abundant garden and a flattering pros- pect of Currants, Peaches, and Nectarines. I am with respect Your obedient Servant
Charles Willing Byrd. Colo. Massie.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 173
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Chillicothe June 13th 1801 Dear Sir: — I reed your letter by your brother and think if the glass you mentioned was safely conveyed to this place or 5 boxes of it it would be sufficient for our Court house for which it is intended but should it be sent by land I fear a considerable quantity would be broke — particularly should your cart overset once or twice — your Brother tells me that opportunities fre- quently offer by which the glass could be sent to this place by water. I should prefer this method of getting it here and shall take the liberty of requesting you will please endeavor to have it sent in this wray two boxes could be taken on a horse to the falls from here. In haste yours respectfully
T. Worthington.
Charles Willing Byrd to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati, June the 13th, 1801. Dear Sir: — Mr. Collins handed me your letter, and agreeable to your directions received from me thirteen dollars. I will take some early opportunity of settling your account with Conner. Your Servant arrived at this place before my return ; and Montgomery, in your name, took out a writ from the General Court against him, but permitted it to be returned to the office without having it executed; he then hired him out to Ruffin,and afterwards suffered him to hire himself to Mr. Burnet, who directed the Jailor to commit him to prison ; and
174 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Abraham remained some weeks in jail. I suppose an account will be exhibited for jail fees; however as I un- derstand that the keeper employed the Prisoner to work for him in the day, I shall endeavor to frame an account in your behalf against the Jailor as a sett off; In all events there is money more than sufficient to pay his ac- count due from Persons who at different times have hired. your Servant.
I consented to his liberation from confinement as soon as I discovered symptoms of repentance, and have been waiting some time for an opportunity of sending him to you.
Unless he has grossly deceived me, he is anxious to return to you and will voluntarily accompany Mr. Collins.
Be pleased to give my love to Suckey.
I conclude in haste, and am respectfully yr. ob.
servt.
Charles Willing Byrd. Colo. Masse y.
Nathaniel Massie to David Massie.
•2 July 1801 Dear Sir: — I have anxiously expected a letter from you this two mails past but am disappointed, by this time you are or have been at Washington city, I can say but little to you at present untill I hear from you on the subject of the papers that you took to obtain patents which I am in hopes your information will be full in my letter of the 27th of may I mentioned that I wished you to obtain pattents as soon as possible for
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 175
John Grayham survey No 2337 for one thousand acres if there is any objections to a patent ensuing for a sur- vey be particular in stating- them I have now to repeat my request, as the land is sold and I am to receive the money in Alexandria as soon as I can make a deed which cannot be done untill I receive the pattent, Mr. Andrew Allison will set out shortly for Washington by him I will send you more papers, I do not expect you can leave that place before the first of September
I have heard a great deal respecting the vaccine or Cow pox If it is pretty well established that it will an- swer all the purposes of the small pox I would recom- mend it to you to be innoculated — You will have a great deal of leisure time on your hands you might copy all the surveys you have with you as well as to take a very particular account of the warrants that is, to whom issued, to whom sold, who was the witness &c your Fathers family was well two days ago I am Dear Sir
Your Ob. Servt.
Nath. Massie Mr. David Massie
Alexandria City, Virginia
Charles Wilkens to Nathaniel Massie.
Lexington 29th Deer 1801. Dear Sir: — I authorised your brother to make the proposal for pork mentioned in your letter of the 25th lust — I am still willing to sell any land north west of the Ohio river belong to my brother altho' the prospect for selling pork has much changed since I made the offer —
176 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
I shall therefore refer you to Mr. Kerr for the price of the Lands & am willing to confirm any bargain made with him for the sale of any land which he may be au- thorised to dispose of belonging to my brother (the Tract at the lower falls of paint creek excepted). I would not agree to take pork in payment for any Cash Contract made previous to this time — The pork will be received any time before the 1st of Feby next at Man- chester & shall depend upon you to procure hands to conduct the boat to the Bayou piere or Natchez as I shall direct before the boat is ready to set out — The usual hire of hands to the Bayou-piere or Natchez is from 40 to 50 dollars for the trip to be discharged upon the de- livery of the cargo — be pleased to inform me by the re- turn post whether or not I may depend on you for this supply of pork — or if you would prefer extending the quantity of pork to 200 barrels it would make up a load for a boat, & would be more agreeable to me
Yours sincerely,
Chas. Wilkins Col. Massie.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Lanes Villa Deer 31st 1801. D. Sir : — I came to this place last evening and have been obliged to wait on Mr. Baldwin to receive such papers as were forwarded by him to me — I regret ex- tremely that I have been obliged to wait for him I find him the worst traveller I have ever met with and should I continue to wait for him one month must elaps before we should reach the city. He has by bad
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 177
treatment rode down his horse and this morning I shall certainly cain him — Arthur is certainly driving on at a round rate it is to be hoped his career will be stopped. I request you will be so good as inform my family of my health. Accept my best wishes for yours
T. WoRTHINUTON.
Colo. Massie.
f Nathaniel Massie to Thomas Worthington.
Ciiillicothe, Jan. 3, 1802.
Dear Sir: — I have inclosed you a Chillicothe paper of yesterday's date, wherein you will observe every thing- material that has taken place since your departure. The correspondence between Colonel Finley and his Excel- lency is entirely of a piece with the rest of his conduct, and need no animadversions on it for me, as you are too well acquainted with his former conduct.
I can not, however, help being a little apprehensive that the deposition of J. Lane will be attempted to be made use of to your and Mr. Baldwin's disadvantage; that is, to endeavor to excite animosity between you. But let me entreat you not to suffer any thing of the kind to intercept the principal object, and I am in hopes that you will endeavor so to explain the transaction as to give Mr. 'Baldwin's friends no uneasiness.
The committee has not proceeded on their mission, but I anticipate the principal object, which is to attach as much odium to Baldwin's character as possible, and, of course, to show that you are not much better, for, by lessening the character of one, will, in a great measure, attach some suspicion to the other.
178 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
You will receive, inclosed, a petition that I picked up the other day while I was on a tour as far as the Falls with Colonel Meade, who arrived at this place the day you left it. Dr. Tiffin has mentioned to me that he would inclose you a copy of a letter that he received from Mr. Wm. Ludlow a few days ago. It appears from Mr. Ludlow's letter that there will be considerable opposition from Hamilton. So much the better. I would recom- mend that on your arrival, if you find there is any doubt about an act being passed to express the disapprobation of the General Government, endeavor to have the busi- ness postponed a short time, until the Hamilton peti- tion can arrive. They must have their proportionable weight.
I have written Mr. Brown and General Mason by this mail. Having said every thing that occurs at this time, I can only assure you that I shall be as industrious as possible on the occasion, both in writing to my ac- quaintance in Congress, and endeavoring to procure as many petitions as possible. . . .
P. S. The charges against the Governor will be made the evening of the rising of the legislature.
John Machir to Nathaniel Massie.
Sir: — I find from a copy of your legislative proceed- ings a coalition is formed for the destruction of Chilli- cothe : or at least if successful in their objects must have that tendency. But like faithful representatives I see the middle county members steadily oppose it — I am not well enough acquainted with the situation geography & population of the Western county to form an opinion of
The Life of Nathaniel Massi . 179
its true policy but unless the boundary of' the States as fixed by the ordinances of Congress are altered it has always appeared to me some place on the Scioto was the most eligible spot to give consequence to & encourage the internal prosperity and population of your division. At all events it is necessary for you to have a seperate State as soon as possible for the internal policy of a State while subject to extrinsick controul is too liable to party & partial influence to have the general weal for its com- mon object. I wish the contest may turn out for the prosperity of the western county & the welfare of its
citizens & I am
Sir
Your most obt
Jno Machir Washington 4th Jany 1802
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington Jany 14th
1802. Dear Sir: — I came tp this place two or three days since and so far as I can determine have reason to be- lieve we shall obtain our utmost wishes yet exertions must not be slackened and should you be active and de- cided in making proper charges against the governor I have had assurance from some friends he will be re- moved from office — He has given much umbrage in the comments (in his address) on the French Government and I was this day told by the post-master Genl that there was some tear that the french charge de affairs would complain of it — I give you this in confidence and
180 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
wish you to keep it so as yet — I have wrote the commit- tee shall be happy to hear from you
Yours Respectfully
T. WoRTHINGTON.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington Jany 17 1802 Dear Sir: — I wrote you a few clays siuce informing you of my arrival at this place — Since then I have had much conversation with many of the members of the house of representatives & Senate on the subject of the territory and am fully convinced that if proper pains is taken our Governor will be removed from office — I have therefore again ,to request you will take pains to forward such statements of his conduct properly supported as you can obtain — The receiving fees by him in any case not authorised by law is a proper subject of complaint Doctor Tiffin can certify so far as it respects ross county that Gov StClair has received fees on marriage & ferry licences unauthorised by law and no doubt you will recollect such parts of his conduct as has been exceptionable I suggest to you the propriety of ob- taining information of his conduct in other counties and of circulating petitions praying for his removal — Should he be removed the question is who shall be our Gov- ernor? Will it be proper to appoint any person residing without the Government ? I think not. If so who is to be the man within the Territory ? Knowing that we can confide in you I think you the most proper man with one exception only and that is that having made charges against the present governor motives of delicacy may
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 181
" oppose you to the acceptance of the office — This diffi- cult}7 must be got over. I respect and esteem Colo. Mi-eggs as an honest worthy man but fear his connection with our determined enimies may influence him more than could be wished of this I am doubtful & believe on the whole that I could rely on his Integrity. We must do something decisive or be kept in a continued scene of confusion by this unhappy old man — I shall therefore act in this business in the best manner my Judgment will suggest trust to a ruling providence for the conse- quences— Mr. Giles will undertake our business in the house of representatives with spirit and you may calcu- late soon to hear more of it through the medium of the publick prints — Mr. Fearing still declines to commence the business here but I shall not wait longer than to- morrow for him — I write to you in confidence expect you will write as often — your kind attention to my little fam- ily & concerns will be gratefully acknowledged by me. I have just received your letter of the 3rd Inst, and find our old gentleman is determined not to stick at trifles as usual — I am very glad the old man has gone so far for I assure you I conceive lie has effectually done his busi- ness in this last act — scarcely a doubt rests on my mind of his removal yet I may be mistaken and commit these things to you in confidence — I hope our friends will not for a moment believe that any difference will take place between Mr. Baldwin and myself. I request you will assure them of this — He has acted with great prudence and propriety since at this place. Our business is going on smoothly and I trust will conclude much to the satis- faction of our friends — I waited on the president today
182 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
and informed him of the situation and that in a few days I should lay before him certain complaints against the Governor and also a little disappointed in not receiving them with your letter however I am pleased on the whole that you have suspended your operations to the close of the Session except on one acct which is that I shall be detained here so much the longer and you may rest as- sured I am extremely anxious to get home — When I ar- rived in Fredericktown I found Mr. Pittinger 10 !N\ W. of that place and that It would take me a day to trans- act the business I therefore prevailed on a gentleman of my acquaintance and on whom I could depend to attend to the business who rode my horse and set out from Frederick the same morning I did — I have not as yet herd from him and from this circumstance have reason to believe no money was obtained — Mr. Brown left this place yesterday morning if I should receive any money what will be done with it? I hope your exertions will not be slackened. My respects to Mrs. Massie and all
our friends.
Yours Respectfully
T. WoRTIIINGTON.
f Nathaniel Massie to Thomas Worthington.
Chillicothe, January 18, 1802. Dear Sir: — On "Wednesday next, I am in hopes, this session of the General Assembly will end. Nothing very material has been done since you left this place. The committee of inquisition has not made their report, and I am sure if they were left alone they never would, but, for the credit of the inhabitants of this place, I
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 183
shall endeavor to make them. I attended at their tak- ing of depositions, and every exertion was made to im- plicate some persons with a design to raise a riot to dis- turb the Governor and certain members but they failed. Indeed, it appeared that some of the members were greatly to blame. Mr. Baldwin was particularly aimed at, but nothing could be raked up.
A resolution was laid on the table some days ago, b\T mjself, requesting Congress to pass an act for our immediate admission into a State government, but it was soon kicked out of the House, it was hardly treated with common politeness. We have now before us a bill to take the census this year, but I am sure it will fail.
You will receive a large packet of petitions by this mail, and chiefly from Hamilton county. From the latest information, that county is more than one-half op- posed to the measure, and it appears that the more the subject is examined, the more it is deprecated. I am very sanguine that at the next session the tone of mem- bers will greatly be changed in favor of a State govern- ment.
A report is in circulation, at this place, that 'Squire Brown is shortly to set out for the city, with instructions to support the Governor's interest, and to use his influ- ence to obtain a judgeship for himself, for, in case the late judiciary system is changed by Congress, I appre- hend a judge will be wanting in this Territory, and I rather suppose this is his object, together to use his elo- quence to get the division act passed. If there should be a federal judge appointed in this Territory, I should be pleased with Judge Meigs receiving that appoint-
184 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
ment, and, in that case, a territorial judge will also be wanting; I think Mr. Byrd would fill that office with respect and give general satisfaction. On this subject, you can be better informed from Mr. James Brown, if be is at that place.
f Nathaniel Massie to James Madison.
Sir: — Believing that Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the North-western Territory, has violated that confi- dence and trust reposed in him by the constituted au- thority of the United States in presiding over the Terri- tory as their chief magistrate, I have thought proper to exhibit to the President such parts of his conduct which appears inconsistent with the nature of his appointment, trusting that when a high and responsible officer has violated his constitutional duty, that an inquiry will be made into his conduct.
The following' charges I wish and request you to lay before the President of the United States :
1st. That Governor St. Clair has degraded his official character in attempting to divide the Territory, by as- suming to himself the right of recommending to the Hon. William H. Harrison, the then delegate to Con- gress from this Territory, in the session of the year 1799, when the legislature of this Territory had been but three weeks out of session, and to Mr. Pickering, the then Secretary of State, a plan of division which was calculated to deprive the inhabitants of the advantage and opportunity of forming a State government agree- ably to the provisions of the Ordinance for the govern- ment thereof, which lias ever been considered as their
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 185
constitutional guide. That, in bis letter to the delegate, he s;ave as a reason that the division ouo-ht to be made as recommended, otherwise a certain part of the Terri- tory would be materially injured, which appears to be that part in which the delegate, as he supposed, was most interested, when to Mr. Pickering he used quite a different reasoning, to-wit : that if the division as recommended did not take place, that the then admin- istration might, with reasonable certainty, expect that the eastern State, as contemplated by the Ordinance, would in a short time become a State government, and the consequence would be that the representatives chosen from said State to represent them in the General Government would oppose the then administration. Indeed, his Excellency did not stop here, but conde- scended to criminate and represent the individual opin- ions of the different settlements of the Territory, saying that such a district of people was Republican, and another was in favor of the then administration ; and to inforce his reasoning more strongly on the probability of the majority of the said contemplated State being Re- publican, he referred him to the neighboring States of Kentucky and Tennessee; but, trusting that if the divi- sion as recommended was made, that such an influence as the General Government was capable of making might operate a change to their advantage. Viewing such conduct as degrading to the office of a chief magis- strate, inasmuch as it appears that he was placed over the independent sentiments of the inhabitants of the Territory rather than their chief magistrate, I can not not for a moment believe that the President will ever en-
186 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
courage such conduct. To his letter to the Hon. Mr. Harrison, which was printed for the use of the members of both Houses at that session, and to his letter to Mr. Pickering at the same time, I beg leave to refer you ; if the last-mentioned letter was a private one, a copy, or the substance thereof, I can procure and will forward when requested.
2d. That the Governor has demanded and received from the citizens of this Territory oppressive fees in the execution of his official duty unauthorized by law; for the confirmation of this article, I refer you to his letter on that subject.
3d. That the Governor has violated the constitution of this Territory in assuming to himself the legislative powers thereof, by erecting new counties out of counties already laid out, and thereby altering their boundaries, and fixing the permanent seat of justice. I will refer you to his several proclamations on this subject.
4th. That in public companies he lias frequently manifested a hostile disposition to a republican form of government in asserting that a monarchical government was the only form that could or ought to be supported, thereby degrading his official character as the chief magistrate of a people attached to a republican form of government.
5th. That the Governor has attempted by his official influence to make justices of the peace of this Territory depart from their duty, and thereby to place the life, liberty and property of the citizens at his control; his conduct in the case of Colonel Samuel Finley, as a jus- tice of the peace, and certain citizens of the town of
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 187
Chillicothe, as will appear from the Scioto Gazette of the date.
Having the fullest confidence in the Chief Executive Magistrate of our General Government, I trust the above charges will have his serious and mature consid- eration.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington Jany 25th 1802 D. Sir: — I have reed your letter of the 7th with the enclosed petitions — I can now with confidence pronounce that the law from the Territory will be rejected and that it will be unnecessary that any more petitions should be forwarded after this letter is received — The conduct of our enemies will be their own inevitable ruin beyond all doubt and the exercise of prudent and uniformly up- right conduct on our part is all that is required to estab- lish us beyond their power.
Congress appear determined to' pass a law giving their consent to our admission into the union and every exertion ought to be made to prepare the minds of the people for this event — However I fancy they are pretty well prepared since I last wrote you — Mr. Fearing has laid the Ter'l law before congress & Mr. Giles has pre- sented the petitions and by the next mail I expect you will hear the decision — M37 friends generally have made it a common cause particularly Mr. Gallatin Mr. Baldwin of the senate Mr. Davis &c. I have every support I could wish but have been obliged to dance attendance for the last ten days faithfully — I received no instruc- 12
188 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
tions from the committee on the subject of a state gov- ernment although I mentioned to them that I thought congress would pass a law on the subject — I wish you to forward to me immediately on receiving this letter the Governors proclamation for erecting Clermont, Belmont & Fairfield Counties — I expect they will be found in the scioto gazette filed in my office and with Willis also I request that you will not neglect this request as these documents are important to me — I shall write to Dr. Tiffin & Colo. Finley on the same subject I am With respect & Esteem your
Obt St
T. WORTHINGTON.
John Fowler to Nathaniel 31assie.
Washington 29th J any 1802. Dear Sir : — I received your favor by Colo. Worthing- ton on his arrival here, and am happy to inform you that he has succeeded, and well to the full extent of his mission, and I flatter myself to the satisfaction of his constituents. His progress in business here in producing a revolution in your Government has been with as much facility as Buonaparte's crossing the Alps, to him much Credit is due by the friends to the revolution. The Legislative Act passed by your Legislature for altering the boundaries of the ~N. W. T. was rejected by a majority of 85 against five. A committee wras this day appointed to bring in a Bill giving The Citizens in the ~N. W. T. the option of becoming a Member of the United States by a Convention to be elected for that
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 189
purpose, this bill will no doubt be passed I believe by a unanimous vote of Congress
I have strong reasons to suspect the Governor is under marching orders, but you have not furnished your delegation with materials so promptly as they have executed their mission ; Citizen Baldwin deserves well of his County for his industry and talents in discharge of his trust since his arrival, except a little too much eagerness, tempered rather high —
I enclose you a paper which contains the most important part of the debate on a motion for repealing the Judicial Act passed last session.
The laws imposing internal taxes will all be repealed a mode of raiseing a revenue not productive and yet op- pressive and distressing, odeous in its nature and in my opinion repugnant to republican principles
please to make my respects to your Lady and Brother Accept assurances of sincere friendship from Yr Mt Ob Servant
John Fowler.
Nathaniel Massie to Thomas James.
Feby 3d 1802 Mr. Thomas James
Sir: — I have prepared a boat which I am in hopes will answer the purpose of conveying the cargo safe, for my part there will be ninety three barrels of Pork and four of hog lard all of which I shall commit to your care to do the best you can for me, It is my wish on your arrival at the first market which is Natchez if you can get Ten dollars a barrel for you to sell, if you cannot get
190 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
that price when you arrive at Orleans if you can get twelve dollars to dispose of the pork &c. I had rather take these prices than to risk a sale at any of the Islands I have requested Mr. Boyd to let you have two hundred, dollars which I suppose will be sufficient for yourself and the expenses attending- my proportion of the freight of the pork you will receive an order on Mr. Ball who I have furnished with some flour and who will take charge of my boat with the hands I have engaged, Mr. Ball is to pay you the amount of the order and his proportion of his freight of the boat, the Boat cost 10 shillings prfoot and the two hands sixty dollars each for the trip besides provisions &c after allowing sixty dollars for Balls wages proportion what each of us is to pay as above mentioned, one of the hands Mr. Collier I wish you to pay the amount of his wages that is sixty dollars and the other Mr. Byrield let him have fifteen dollars to pay his Expenses and furnish them with as much flour and pork as they can with convenience take with them, in case Mr. Ball cannot pay you the amount of the order receive from him what he can pay — Having said thus much to you as my wish If you cannot dispose of the pork as above mentioned you will do with it as you do with your own resting satisfied that you will do the best you can. Wishing you a safe voyage I am Dear Sir
Your friend &c
Xath Massie
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 191
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington Feby 8tli 1802 D. Sir: — Colo. Sam'l Cabell has been informed that Lewis Washburn can establish the beginning of his entry on the waters of Eagle and straight Creek. I have told him that I have reason to believe you know Washburn and can give him character — Colo. Cabell will write you by this mail and in his situation if you can render any service you will add to my obligations.
I wrote you b}T last mail since then the committee for the 1ST. W. T. have met and the only difficulty which exists is that the petitions generally have not prayed for a state government. If you recollect at our meeting I wished the petitions to embrace this object but was over-ruled — Thus you see our hopes are like to be blasted by our own neglect, I find from the petitions I have received from hamilton county they have acted with a degree of spirit which does them honor. The conduct of the Govr k his party are boldly stated and the petitioners pray congress to admit us as a state — I have not received for 10 days past a line from the Ter- ritory except twTo letters from the committee from fair- field county so that here I am unsupported in what I assert to be the wishes of our people — I believe I shall be able not withstanding to effect our wishes but much more time will be lost but what can I do as I mentioned in my last shall the work be almost completed and then relinquished? No this is not my method of doing busi- ness I am determined to stay at this place untill may If
192 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
by doing so I can promote the interest of our country and can any circumstances tend more to this than the removal of a tyrant and obtaining the permission of congress to emerge from our present degraded state — Let me therefore request my good friend that you will attend to this business with activity for I can assure you if this is done the Govr will certainly be removed — I have stated that the Govr has reed fees on civil & mili- tary commissions these facts I hope you will substanti- ate by proper testimony for they are certainly true — Every civil officer in Ross paid for his commission when that county was laid out & I believe this lias been the case generally — I have also stated that you were rem'd from office because you would not agree with the Govr in the construction of an existing statute law that law I have with me and it is only necessary that the fact should be procured which you know can be done — I expect McMillan here in a few days and shall have to combat both fearing and him but am perfectly prepared if you will only act your part — I can now make no other than a dishonourable retreat if any and am determined not to do this if it be possible to avoid it.
I write you this in confidence and in much haste— You will please direct your letters to Mr Fowler who will take charge of them if I should not be here — He deserves much from our country —
Yours Respectful \y
T. Worth ington. Colo. Massie.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 193
f Nathaniel Massie to Thomas Worthington.
Chilltcothe, February 8th, 1802. Dear Sir : — Your letter of the 28th ultimo, together with your two other letters, came safe to hand. In the hurry of writing this letter, I can only tell you that I now inclose you the several proclamations asked for, and by the next mail you will receive the charges against the Governor in due form. Suffer me, my dear sir, to tell you that I am highly gratified with your conduct, and if you can remain a short time longer you will be assisted with all the aid that we can give you. However, I be- lieve you have never thought that we would not afford you every assistance that was in our power.
You have been pleased to observe, in one of your let- ters, that in case the old man was removed who was to be the man, and asked me whether I would accept of the office. Be assured, sir, that under the circumstances in which I at present stand, nothing on earth would in- duce me to accept of the office. My first and greatest wish is to get him from the head of our government, and then I am sure some suitable character might be found. I differ from you in opinion, and in that difference you will readily reconcile to yourself that our object is the same, viz : The happiness of our country is our primary object. Such, I believe, to be yours. Any person that is not a resident will come to this country unconnected with party concerns. Such I must view every character at present among us, and most probably such a person w7ill give more general satisfaction than any other.
194 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
However high I respect my country, I must be suffered to tell you that a short time hence I will not be seen in public life ; not that I believe myself possessed of any extraordinary talents to render my country that service which at present she requires, but I believe, after a State government is formed, I can, with safety and peace of mind, remain at home, where social happiness is only to be found. I am now writing with our friend Tiffin, who will probably tell you something more than I do at present. I must, before I close this letter, inform you that at our next session the prospect of a State govern- ment is greater than it has ever been since our ac- quaintance.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington Feby 9th 1802 D Sir : — I wrote to you this morning and this even- ing reed your two letters of the 18th & 25th ultimo and must confess I was not a little surprised to find not a word said on the subject of the charges you promised to forward against the Governor — I am convinced if you will suffer yourself to reflect on this subject you will confess I have reason to complain — You will recollect that I mentioned to you that I would wait at this place untill your charges were forwarded that you proposed and promised to forward them.
I am sure you will remember I mentioned to you that I was under no apprehension that congress would assent to the Territorial law that my great desire and wish was a removal of the Governor and obtaining the permission of Congress to form an independent state
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 195
Government — I again assure yon these objects may be effected if rightly attended to and I have no doubt but Mr. Baldwin will give you full information of what I wish or think ought to be done as the means by which to obtain our wishes — I have 7 principle charges against the Govr Viz 1st rejection of laws through improper motives 2nd partiality in appointing civil officers that is in the erection of new counties taking the officers from other counties when the offices were lucrative as in the case of Ross and adams 3rd fees reed by the Govr Viz on ferry, tavern, & marriage licences on Civil and mili- tary commissions & C 4th Breaking Justices at pleasure as in your case and almost the same thing with Colo. Finley 5th Usurping the power of giving commissions during pleasure and revoking them in the same way. 6th His enmity to a republican Government and militia. 7th Creating parties in the Territory to answer his own views — Now Sir if you will only forward depositions to support the 3rd & 4th charges made here I will ask no more and this is clearly in your power Four of the other charges I have documents to support — Let deposi- tions be taken before some one or two Justices of the peace & have the county seal to them — Doctor Tiffin can certainly prove the 3rd charge and the 4th is notorious — Dr. Tiffin writes me that the marriage law is again re- jected forward the circumstances attending it — enclose your letters forme in a cover to Mr. John Fowler — I hope if you can you will attend now & then to the situ- ation of my business.
I will only add that I rely on your exertions and
196 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
that you may depend on mine here I am Sir with much Esteem Your Obt St
T. WoRTHINGTON.
Colo. Massie.
John Foicler to Nathaniel Massie.
Washington 9th Feby 1802.
Dear Sir: — The Bill repealing the Judiciary Act of last session, passed in Senate on the 3d inst and now stands committed in the house of Representatives for discussion, to Monday next: The laws imposeing internal taxes will certainly be repealed.
Your North Western disputes is before a commit- tee to be taken up on Saturday next, no doubt but a law will pass giving you the option of becomeing a member of the Union, Colo Worthington has been very industrious in the execution of his mission, but from his information, you have not been so, on your part, did you not promise him to forward documents to support sev- eral charges made by him against the administration of the Governor StClair. If you did make this promise you have neglected to do your duty, he has written you by this mail, his letter I have seen, and do tell you that its highly important that you should loose no time in com- plying with his requests, your failing to do this, places your friend in a disagreeable Situation, he has pledged himself to support certain charges, and it rests with you to enable him to do so.
The people in your Territory has warm friends in the Republican party of this Congress, and are willing
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 197
fo accommodate you to the utmost of your wishes, un- der these circumstances it behooves you to be active :
I trust you will not make this letter public as I have a personal regard for some of your opposite party. I shall be glad to hear from you and authorise you to command my services.
Please to tender my respects to your Lady and be- lieve me with high respect and afl't regard
Yr. Mo. Ob. Srvt
John Fowler
Thomas Worth ington to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington Feby 20th 1802 D Sir: — By last mail I reed your favour of the 8th Inst which has given me much satisfaction. I hope you will not fail to complete the business you speak of in due form. One point I wish established, viz., that the Governor did commission his son Atty Genl during good behaviour and that his is the only one held by that tenure. Mr. Byrd can no doubt establish this fact as all commissions are recorded in his office. Nothing more has been done in relation to our admission into the union. The house of representatives have been engaged for 10 days past in passing a law repealing the Judiciary law of last session this subject will.take up at least one week more after our business will I hope progress — I find I must of necessity stay here untill this business is ended and am almost certain in my own mind that the Govr will be removed that we shall have a law passed for our admission into the union there is no doubt I am sorry you are determined to quit publick life yet I am con- vinced you are right so far as it respects your own Indi-
198 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
vidua! happiness but in relation to that of your country I am not so certain. We will leave this subject for after discussion. I am informed by Dr. Tiffin that we may expect his excellency here in a few days. I shall be happy to see him and think you will not see him re- turn in the same character — How lon"2; I shall continue here I can not say but (truly disagreeable as it is to me) I will not leave it so long as a prospect of rendering services to my Country remains. Your kind attention to my family will greatly oblige me — The president will I expect forward to the Govr a copy of the charges made against him — I wish you therefore to keep a good look out to prevent improper testimony from being ob- tained— You had better apprise some friend in hamilton of this circumstance.
I am very respectfully your obt St
T. WoRTHINGTOX.
J. Brown to Nathaniel Massie.
Washington bth March 1802 Dear Sir: — I had this morning the pleasure of your favor of the 20th Ulto. & sincerely thank you for the at- tention already given to my request as expressed in mine of the 14th Jany, & for your promise of further assist- ance in accomplishing my object, which is to raise a sum of money from the sale of part of my military lands in your Country. In addition to what I have already stated on this subject I have only to add at present that it is my wish that you procure in any manner you may think advisable to effect a sale (if not at too great a sacrifice) as I must if possible raise some money from
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 199
that source. I submit in this Business to your better Judgement — shall ratify any contract you may make on my behalf, & feel gratified for your friendly aid. I en- close the National Intelligencer of this Day to which re- fer you for information relative to the final proceedings of the H. of Representatives on the Bill to repeal the Judicial act of the last Session. As this mission was hinted at by the President in his message there remains no doubt but the Bill will receive his approbation, & that the Federal Judicial System which existed previous to the last Session will be revived.
It is still my opinion that amendments to that Sys- tem must be made, particularly for the accommodation of the Districts which now compose the 6th Circuit. Without a new provision your Territory will be deprived of Federal Court, & notwithstanding, Colo Worthingtou & Mr Baldwin expressed an opinion that it is not neces- sary I am not fully convinced that the Territorial Judici- ary is so perfect, as to afford a satisfactory remedy in all cases, particularly in cases requiring the intervention of Chancery Jurisdiction — In looking out for suitable char- acters to till the office of Judge, or Governor for your Territory some difficulty occurs— & in both cases this difficulty may have an influence, upon the ultimate ar- rangement. But more on this Head hereafter. As Colo Worthington who is very attentive to the Interests of the Territory will doubtless write you fully I shall not trouble with my remarks at this time being much engaged with the Business of Senate.
The Executive have as yet no official information relative to the Cession of Louisiana to France until
200 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
lately I gave little credit to the report in circulation on that subject, but a variety of circumstantial testimony has induced me to think it very probable. Indeed some French officers who left France since the sailing of the French fleet for the West Indies assert that part of that armament is destined to take possession of New Orleans.
That Fleet we are informed by an arrival at Balti- more has arrived at St. Domingo. It is also said that that upon their approach, Toussaint, put to death every white & Mulatto on the Island — burnt & distroyed all the plain Country & retired to the mountains firmly re- solved on Liberty or Death —
I expect a long session as very little Business has been yet completed —
I am very respectfully
Yo Mo Obt. Svt,
J. Brown.
Thomas Wortliington to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington March 5th 1802 Dear Sir — .-Nothing of consequence has taken place since my last — I have reed your letter of the and think you have omitted some of the principle charges against Govr StClair. However they are noticed by others — and are now submitted to the president — As yet I cannot tell what will be his determination — Whilst I am writing I have read your letter of the 19th ultimo and must con- fess I am soriw to find there does not exist uniformity of opinion among my friends in the territory on the sub- ject of a state government — I have been positively in- structed by the committees of fairfield and Ross Counties
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 201
to endeavor to obtain the permission of Congress for our admission into the union — I have reed petitions signed by thousands from Hamilton to the same effect & am in- formed by Mr. Darlington that the like Instructions will come from adams county— Under these circum- stances I have believed my duty directed to pursue the wishes of those for whom I act — at the same time be- lieving it both necessary and proper that congress should interfere and enable us to form an Independent govern- ment as soon as circumstances will permit — For my part I can see no personal interest we have to promote ex- cept it be to procure the setting of the convention at Chilicothe and so far as it respects myself I would rather it should sit at Marietta if it would have a tendency to conciliate the jealousies which have subsisted — But let me ask you whether these people have not made every effort to destroy the prospects of our country and can you for a moment believe that the great body of the people have any enmity towards us — Has it not been confined to Govr StClair and his tools for the}' deserve no better name — Have we ever given the people of the Territory cause for enmity towards us — On the con- trary have we not uniformly advocated their rights and thereby drawn upon us the persecution of their oppres- sors— What is now our object ? It cannot be our own aggrandizement — No It is to give to the people a gov- ernment of their own choice and free them from the clutches of a tyrant and his accomplices — The more I view the late attempt to destroy the prospects of our country in relation to a state government the more abhor rant it appears in my eyes and I take it for
202 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
granted that the same men if they had the power would again practice the same conduct — You seem to think any interference by the IT. S. would injure the republican cause — My Dear sir can you suppose that the great body of people are pleased with our present form of govern- ment? I think not. Let us examine how far congress intend to interfere. They say we believe your Govern- ment oppressive and that through the artifice of your rulers every attempt you make to change it is defeated we will therefore point out a mode by which to know your real desires — should you prefer a state govern- ment we are willing to receive you on the other hand should you prefer your present government }7ou are at liberty to do so.
This sir is the language of congress and can this give umbrage to any republican in the territory?
If it does give me leave to say he deserves not the name nor would I believe he had any pretensions to it — It will be near two years before we can get a state gov- ernment into operation with all the expedition we can make & by then I think it will be full time to change — If congress do not Interfere when or by what means do you suppose we shall be admitted into the union — I am convinced that 18 months must elaps before we have 6000 Inhabitants and after that at least 18 months more before we commence a state government and after all we must obtain the consent of congress that is our Consti- tution must be submitted to their inspection or in some way their assent must be obtained. The committee to whom wTas refered the petitions and census from the N". W. Territory have made a report, a copy of which I
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 203
send you — How far you may consider the proposition made in it advantageous to our state I cannot say yet I am induced to believe you will believe them highly bene- ficial. From the best view I have of the subject I think so — from the best calculations I can make the state will obtain property amounting to at least 500,000 dollars and will not loose a sum exceeding 50000 dollars besides the advantages of the contemplated roads which will be of the utmost importance to our state. Whilst I am writing this petitions signed by a thousand persons have been reed from Jefferson county praying congress to pass a law for our admission into the union — I fear I have tired you — I could say much more — I am I) Sir very respectfully your Obt St
T. WORTHINGTON.
Israel Donalzon to Nathaniel Massie.
Manchester 14th March 1802 Dear Sir: — My having not met you agreeable to appointment was oweing to some circumstances unavoid- able, and I understand the indisposition of Mrs Massie prevented your being down at Court.
It has struck me that there would now be some chance of relieving this County from its embarrisment as to the Seat of Justice through the Secretary as he is now possessed of all Governmental powers in the absence of old St Clair, should you think with us and have the business affected it would add much to the convenience
of the County
I am Sir Yours
Israel Donalzon 13
204 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington March 23rd 1802 D Sir: — I mentioned to you in a former letter that I had sent a messenger in Jan}' to Mr. Pittinger for your money and that he could not at that time pay it — Since then and after the bonds became due I have had a second application made and have reed the whole amt 888 61/100 dollars out of which I have been obliged to pay 20 61/100 dollars to the person who collected the money and Brought it to this place placing the sum of 868 dollars in my hands which I will put into the hands of Mr. John Brown subject to your, order — Nothing of consequence has transpired since I last wrote you — I ex- pect our business will be taken up tomorrow — I am sensible of Mr. Baldwins good intentions towards me and feel thankful but I could have wished he had said nothing in relation to the report mentioned in his publi- cation— I am entirely easy as to any ill natured report of this kind knowing it is false. I fear this publication will tend to bring forward others which may have no good effect — The Govr came to this place friday last & is now confined with the Gout — He has been furnished with the charges against him — You have not yet for- warded proof of your removal from office by the Govr. Very respectfully I am
Your obt st.
T. Worthington. Colo. Massie.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 205
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
D. Sir: — I do myself the pleasure to enclose to you a copy of a law passed for the admission of the Terr'y into the union as a state. I leave this place in an hour. Yours in haste.
T. Worth ingtox. City of Washington 30 of April 1802. Colo. Massie.
Charles Willing B>/r>f to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati— May the 20th— 1802. Dear Sir: — The Inhabitants of the County of Ham- ilton have been sounded on the subject of a Candidate for the office of Governor under the proposed new State ; and the general wish is, that as ours is the most populous County in the Territory, we should elect the first magistrate under the State Government from this County. The Governors Partizans are in favor of either him or McMillan. The Party in opposition feel them- selves at a loss upon this subject. Some of the Members of the Legislature have solicited me to become a Can- didate for that office, and have promised me the support of the Republican interest in Hamilton County. Per- haps they intended only to flatter me; but whatever their intentions may be, I do not hesitate to say, that I am conscious I should not have the smallest chance of success, and even if there was the fairest prospect in my favor I would decline the offer, because the appointment would not be acceptable to me. Under this impression I have embraced every opportunity of directing their
206 The Life of Nathan id Massie.
attention to yon. And I am happy in being able to in- form yon, that yon are the only Person (ont of the County of Hamilton) who will be able to command their votes. Captain White, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Dunlavy have bound themselves by a promise to give you their interest. Those Gentlemen and some others of influ- ence have told me, that their first wish was to see you the Governor of the contemplated State, and myself upon the Bench of the Supreme Court. With regard to me this was probably mere flattery ; but as it relates to you I am convinced that they are serious. Each of them expressed an apprehension that you would be pre- vailed on, contrary to their wishes, to decline in favor of some other character in Ross, and that by doing so you would divide the Party in opposition to St. Clair and McMillan, and perhaps open the door or rather pave the way for one of them. From all the information which I am able to collect, it seems to be their deter- mination, if you do not offer, to risque everything in favor of some Inhabitant of this Comity ; and I am frequently solicited to importune you to become a Can- didate.
Petitions have been received to convene the assem- bly ; and I have promised to take time for reflection be- fore I make up my mind on the Subject. Both parties have united in this application, but I confess that I am jealous of the Council, and believe that they would not accede to any measure, with a view to cooperate with the Act of Congress in effecting a change of Govern- ment in our County. What is your opinion upon this
The Life of Nathanu I Massie. 207
question? I will thank you to write to me immediately on the subject. I am Dear Sir your oh — humh — servt.
Charles Willing Byrd. P. S. Our love to Suekey— Colo. Massie Paint.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Chillicothe May 20th 1802 D Sir.: — I have expected the pleasure of seeing you at this place for some days but have been so far disap- pointed— Will you please make it convenient to come down as soon as you can — I have much to say to you of a very interesting nature — politicks begin to run high here — You will be astonished to find the pains taken by the few federalists in this place to send federal repre- sentatives to the convention — Some system is necessary on our part — We have delayed a meeting on the subject expecting you — please let me know when you will be down and let that be as soon as you can. Yours Respectfully
t. worthington. Colo. Massie.
J. Brown to Nathaniel Massie.
Frankfort 1st Jane 1802 Dear Sir: — I called at your Gate on my return
from Washington but made no stop hearing you were
from Home, & being myself anxious to prosecute my
Journey.
Presuming that ere now you have had an interview
with Colo. Worthington k obtained from him particular
208 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
information of every thing worth notice which occurred during the late Session of Congress, especially of these which have relation to the X. W. Territory. I shall not now trouble you with any remarks on these subjects further than to express my wishes that what has been done for the Territory may largely promote its prosper- ity & the Happiness of its Inhabitants.
I wished much to have known whether you have had any otters for any part of my Military land, & whether there is a prospect of selling shortly. I am in want of money & would agree to sell very low for Cash or short credit. Be so good as to let me know whether in your opinion anything is to be expected from that quarter & whether you have obtained any further infor- mation relative to the quality & value of my lands, the courses of which I sent to you last Winter.
A line on this subject will much oblige Sir
Yo mt obt St
J. Brown N. Massie Esq.
Thomas Janus to Nathaniel Massie.
Philadelphia 1st June 2 I) Sir: — I have nothing of consequence to inform you more than I'm safe landed here — My trip has been long and tedious 49 Days on sea and when landed im- mediately attacked with fever & ague which I seldom or ever miss on this side the mountain. I could but feel surprised at finding Genl Saint Clair in this place who informed me he had been from the Territory since the first of March, which raised my curiosity & on in-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 209
quiryfind I can congratulate yon on your late advantage of a free and independent state N. W. the Ohio.
The prices of produce at iSTew Orleans I have sent on to Chillicothe several times, flour, from 5 to 7 Dol pork 9 to 11 though I sold none at nine which was ow- ing to its superior quality —
My intentions after arriving at Orleans and finding the prices low were to ship.
But on consideration and the advice of W. Brown thought proper not — the principal part of trade the Ha- vannah was shut to all American schooners — and am Sir
Your Hble Svt
Thos. James
Charles Willing Byrd to Nathaniel Massie.
Secretary's Office — Cincinnati —
June thc 7th— 1802. Dear Sir: — Agreeable to the petition from Adams and to the hint communicated in your Letter of the 24th ulto— I have made out the enclosed commissions. Not having any direct private conveyance to that County and knowing that you have much intercourse with its Inhabitants, I take the liberty, by Mr. Nimmo one of the Cincinnati Merchants, to send them to you in order that they may be forwarded to the Gentlemen appointed. Sally and myself will expect the pleasure of seeing you Mrs. Massie and your Son in the Course of the Summer. I suppose from your Brother Henry's staying so long, that he will bring from Jessamine an increase of Popu- lation to the Territory. Jacob Burnet is endeavoring
210 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
to distract the minds of our Citizens by telling them that we can hold no election for Convention men under the Act of Congress : as it cites a Law of the Territory for the regulation of the Election which has been repealed; I have made some attempts to counteract his exertions. It is my opinion that no person will be chosen a member who is not in favor of a State Government. We are glad to hear of the valuable discovery on your Estate; and I am Dr Sir
With esteem yr. ob. servt.
Charles Willing Byrd. Colo. Massie Falls of Paint.
Charles Willing Byrd to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati— June the 20th— 1802.
Dear Sir: — I had the pleasure by your Nephew to receive your favor of the 15th.
Mr. John Smith and the rest of the advocates for a New State who petitioned for the convening of the Legislature, are now satisfied (at least they express them- selves in that manner) with the objections which were urged against the measure as an apology for not com- plying with their application. But the Governors Party are highly exasperated, and Burnet has frequently declared in large companies, that the most violent tumults in the Territory, such as were never before witnessed in any Country, would be the certain con- sequence. The Democratic Societies of Hamilton are as jealous of Mr. John Smith as they are of McMillan and Burnet, and are attempting to prejudice me against him ; I may be deceived in him, but I entertain so
The Life, of Nathaniel Massie. 211
favorable an opinion of his character, that I must credit his assertion when he declares that he is extremely anxious to go immediately into a State Government.
Be pleased to present my respects to Mrs. Massie, and tell her that Meade is very like her. We shall at some time or other attempt to visit you, but the Swamp between Williamsburg and ISTew Market presents many difficulties to Female Travellers.
With esteem I am D Sir yr — most ob — servt
, P. S. A ship has just descended the Ohio.
Colo. Massie Falls of Paint
John Graham to Nathaniel Massie.
Madrid (Spain) 13th July 1802 My Dear Colo : — I flatter myself that after an ab- sence of twelve or fifteen months you will receive with pleasure this Letter from your old Friend written with a view to assure you of his regard and of the interest which he takes in your Happiness —
I congratulate you on the admission of the Territory into the Union as a free & Sovereign State — indeed from some of the proceedings of your last Session, it appears to me time that the Government should be directed by the voice of the People —
It is only from some detached newspapers, that I see or hear anything of American affairs, and they, in gratifying my Curiosity give pain to my pride, & my sensibility as a citizen of the United States — Believe me there is nothing which tends more to lessen the Dignity of our Country abroad than that unfortunate propensity which our newspaper writers have to abuse Public men
212 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
& Public measures — but when this propensity has an in- fluence upon the conduct of members in Congress it is then really dangerous — for it produces an opinion — that we are a divided People, and when the nations of Europe are convinced of this, depend upon it, they will press very hard upon us — I will not say that they wish to dis- troy us ; but I believe they do not wish to promote our prosperity — because those who have possessions in America fear that our power may one day or other be troublesome to them — I have also an idea that they do not like our kind of Government (I mean the Rulers, for the People in this quarter of the Globe have little or nothing to say in public affairs) & are pleased to hear of our dis- putes as they tend in some measure to strengthen their declarations — " That Republicanism is a mere theoretic doctrine and will not do in practice " So far as it re- lates to Europe I believe they are right in this position : but I trust we shall long remain a proof of the error of their opinion, when applyed to more virtuous Countries.
I have a great desire to be again with you and to settle myself down as your neighbor for life — I hope you have not left Harrican Hill — as the Ohio has great charms for me, and if we should loose Kennedy's Bot- tom, I am still determined to have some little place upon the River — I will not pester you with any account of this country — I will onl}- say that in every respect it is the opposite of the Territory, and consequently I know you would not like it —
The very unequal distribution of Fortune occasions a melancholy contrast in the situations of Individuals — while some have an income of nearly a million of Dollars
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 213
annually, others (and there are a very numerous class) are obliged to depend upon chanty for their subsistence — This disparity of Fortune will account for much corrup- tion of morals (yet if the accounts which I have heard are true) other causes must have contributed to produce the effect — You will see from this how much you ought to rejoice at being born an American — or that Fortune has cast your lot in the Country least exposed to the corruption of European manners — but as time goes on the contageon will probably reach us — and your De- scendants will be among the Princes, which is certainly better than being among the Beggars of the Country —
The climate of this part of Spain is very much like ours in the Summer particularly — There are two, things in which we have greatly the advantage of them — They have little rain & no Trees — You may imagine what is the appearance of a sandy, poor, gravelly country under these circumstances at this time of the year — You have no Idea of the value of the fine Forests you possess — if I ever turn Poet I shall celebrate them in Song — and endeavor to convince you that the Tree which gives us Fire in winter & shade in Summer is among the best things of this world —
I had written thus far in my Letter to you, when I was called off by Business & have now very little time to finish it — You will have heard before this that the French are to become our neighbors on the Mississippi — It is said they will send out an army in September to take possession of New Orleans — what are their inten- tions with regard to our trade I know not — It is a Sub- ject on which no one here seems to be informed & I
214 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
think it more than probable that the French Government have not yet determined what course to pursue — but will shape their conduct according to circumstances — in this event we must be firm —
Our Enemies on the Mediterranean are increasing — a short time since the Emperor of Morocco most wan- tonly declared war against us — and I should not be sur- prised if other Barbary Powers were to follow his ex- ample— On this point I am not very uneasy for if they all were to make war against us ten or a dozen Frigates with a few Sloops of war would be an over match for them — the burthen of these would not be very sensibly felt, and they would be an excellent nursery for our naval officers — The time must come when we shall be obliged to have a Navy — & officers brought up in a school like this will be wonderfully diligent — not having heard any thing of private affairs since I left America I have nothing to say to you about Business : but if you will have the Goodness to say something to me on that subject I shall be obliged to you — tho if you do not write soon it is very possible that the Letter will not find me in Europe.
Pray present me to Mr. & Mrs. Gordon, Brothers, Major Beasley & all my old friends who enquire after me — ,
With most Respectful Compliments to Mrs. Massie — Your Affectionate Friend
John Graham —
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 215
Israel Donalzon to Nathaniel Massie.
Manchester 15th July 1802 Dear Sir: — By a letter received a few days ago from Mr. Darlington accompanying one to you I expect lie has urged you in the strongest manner to solicit Col. Byrd for Additional Commissions, has enjoined it on me as a duty I owe to myself and Country to use my best endeavors with you on this subject and altho this Anxiety may appear Childish at the expiring moments of the present Administration (and I can assure you I feel the greatest delicacy on this Occasion) yet I find all we have accomplished will stand us no stead unless an addition could be affected Viz two more justices of Gen- eral quarter Sessions & one more Judge of common Pleas as of the former they have a decided Majority all the Judges being commissioned in a double capasity and of the latter it would be impossible to hold a court without one of their Fraternity (I think Mr. Edie would make a good Judge) Our fifth Judge has lately discovered in himself a much greater stock of knowledge than he knew he had before in a sitting as a commissioner of the County, but one of his coleagues to wit Noble says he
is a d d fool and he put him in this time but he never
will put him in as Commissioner again in haste Yours Respectfully
Israel Donalzon
216 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Charles Willing Byrd to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati Aug — the 7th — 1802.
My clear Sir: — I sincerely participate in your sorrow for the loss of your poor sweet Boy. You have how- ever one consolation ; his sufferings were not of long duration.
Commissions have been made out by me and trans- mitted to Adams, agreeable to request ; so that in the Quarter Sessions there will be hereafter a majority of the Court opposed 'to the Governor's party. The appoint- ments were enclosed to Mr. Donaldson. Previous to the receipt of your former Letter relative to Mr. Scott, many applications had been made for the office of Collector in the Military District; but as McGlaughlin refused to re- sign until the arrival of old St. Clair, I of course made no appointment to that office. The Governor has given it to Carlisle, who I understand is not a favorite with the Inhabitants.
With much esteem I am Dear Sir yr — ob — servt —
Charles Willing Byrd. Colo. Massie, Paint.
Henry Massie to Nathanid Massie.
Richmond 3d October 1802 D Sir: — I make no doubt but the Death of our Father will reach you before this will, his Death was in the Month of May with an illness which lasted 15 or 16 days, he was Sensible of his approaching Death, & with a Will has made ample provision for the Girls, all his
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 217
personall Estate is left to them, except two Negroes to Gidion, he has provided a Home, " during their being single" on the Tract of land he lived on, with the Hire of their Negroes will be Sufficient to Support them, in- dependent of any other aid, the Estate is Clear of Debt, and a Very good Crop on hand which will fetch at least $1500, I found all things in good order and the greatest harmony existing between the Girls.
I am making arrangments to bring out two of the Girls, Nancy, & Patsy has agreed to come out with me, I expect Gidion will come also, if so, Tomme}* will stay, this arrangement has not been finally determined on as yet — I have purchased a Coachee, to bring the Girls out, with an expectation it will Suit your Family after it gets out, the price is $380 with Silver mountings or $300 with Brass, upon making a calculation I find the difference in taking the Girls out in a carriage & on Horse back, will be not less than $80 in favour of the latter besides the Horses, it would take Six Horses, to go on Horse back & three would do in the other case. I shall not be obliged to make use of more than $100 of your money for the payment of the Carriage, all of the Girls expenses will be paid by Mr. Miller as Extr to the Estate — I wrote you before I left Home, respecting the amount of money you wish me to apply to Mr. Sul- lavent, Colo Worthington has wrote to Mr. Beckly say- ing you had settled with me, for the amount of his Draft, or Mr. Sullevant, Will you Say whether I am to pay any more than $400 for Mr. Sullevant, I have al- ready paid the $400, if Beckley's Draft is paid off in full it will take $100 more, however I shall wait until I hear
218 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
from you before I do any tiling in the business, if you write me immediately after the rec't of this, to this place it will meet me before I leave this Country, I leave this tomorrow for Goochland in a few Days shall set out for the City of Washington, but do not expect to arrive there until the latter end of the month. I am in hopes I shall be able to set out for Home about the 15th of Novem- ber— there is no Xews in this place of consequence My best respect to sister, tell her I expect to have the pleasure of seeing a fine Nephew or a' Niece on my re- turn I am Dr Sir
With esteem
Your Ob St.
Hen. Massie.
Henry Bedinger to Nathaniel Massie.
Martinsburg October 30th 1802. Deeir Sir: — Permit me to introduce to you Mr. George Hoffman, a Young Gentleman of Uncommon Talents and Character, he is young but his experience, his talents and his Industry as a Clerk exceed his years, lie has long acted as a Deputy Clerk of Shannandoah, and of late has performed under Mr. John Peyton the whole Duties of the District office at Winchester, lie aspires at something more than a Deputy, and as enter- prize is a part of his character, he is Willing to try his fortune in the New State, Could he be so happy as to obtain your particular patronage, I will vouch that he will never dishonor his patron, nor commit a single act of ingratitude, for any attention, favor or advice you may please to bestow.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 219
Yon will find him strongly recommended by Gen- tlemen of Character and Fortune, who have known him from his infancy, and I have no Hesitation in saying that I am not acquainted with any Young man of Su- perior Character — I know you love to encourage Virtue, here then is a subject whose protection and promotion may add to your future felicity —
Please excuse my intrusions as no Doubt you are much engaged in the contemplation of your New Gov- ernment, you have a weighty task to perform, I am However happy that you have so many Republicans to assist you in the arduous undertaking
am Dear Sir your Obt Servt
Henry Bedinger Colo jSTathl Massie
f Nathaniel Massie to Thomas Worthington.
Falls of Paint- Creek, December 8, 1802. . . . I have little or nothing to say on the sub- ject of our propositions; but, at all events, endeavor to secure to the State the Salt Licks. I could wish that you would endeavor to know the situation of the port of Orleans. I make no doubt but the Executive, before this, has had full information on the subject. I am told the inhabitants of Kentucky are very uneasy, and that the legislature of Kentucky is about to, or before this time has, drawn up a memorial to the Executive of the General Government. As it will affect our country in the same manner, if not to the same extent, as it does that State, we ought not to be remiss on the subject. I 14
220 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
have taken the liberty of mentioning it to Mr. Giles, and also to Captain Fowler. I am in hopes that the shutting of the port is only intended to give the two na- tions time and leisure, without being interrupted, to set- tle the necessary arrangements attending such business. Should, however, this not be the case, and that it is done for the purpose of setting aside our treaty with Spain, I assure you the consequences will be serious, as I am sure the inhabitants will never submit for the navigation of that river to be stopped, and they must have a place of deposit near the mouth. Let me hear from you shortly. Direct to Brown's Cross Roads, Ross county.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington 25th Deer 1802. D Sir: — Nothing of consequence has transpired since my arrival at this place. Our friends appear highly pleased with the proceedings in our quarter & so far ap- pear heartily disposed to render every attention to our affairs — Our business is before a committee of congress and I hope will very soon pass through. Your papers are put in train but I fear I shall not be able to obtain your patents as the clerks tell me they have as much business as they can do for two months to come — I shall have some conversation with Mr. Madison on the subject and endeavor to get another clerk employed. I had near an hours conversation with Mr. Jefferson a few days since on matters which relate to our country, and particularly New Orleans. He informs me the most prompt measures have been pursued to do away the difficulty at that place that the Spanish minister on re-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 221
ceiving information of the state of affairs there had im- mediately dispatched a pilot boat with a communication to the intendant and to the governor general who resides at the Havannah. That there is good ground to believe the Intendant has acted unauthorized by his government and that matters will very soon put in their usual train — He introduced the subject of Mr. Bs appointment and from what I can understand little difficulty will exist on that subject. I had not learned until] I reached this place that Govr St. Clair was removed. Our friends here censure the majority of the convention for permit- ting him to address them and execrate the address but are highly gratified that it had no other effect than to create disgust & contempt — This poor old man has at length got out of publick life dishonourably — Will you write me what effect his removal appears to have. I presume you will receive this on the eve of our elec- tion. In relation to myself I can only say now as be- fore I am willing to be disposed of as shall be thought best by my friends in the county — I am very respect- fully your friend
T. WORTHINGTON.
N. B. Our friends here are generally well pleased with our Constitution.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie
City of Washington Jany 6th 1803
D Sir : — I have reed the following information from
the war office in relation to your papers Viz. In the
survey to Wm. Croghan for 667 acres " The original of
warrant ISo 2668 or a copy of it must be obtained be-
222 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
fore a patent can Issue." In the survey of Nathl Massie for 1580 Acres " The warrant no 1089 on part of which the within survey was made is not produced nor a copy certified under the seal of office. "
It will be necessary you will see to forward these papers before patents can issue. Xo other objections that I know of to your papers. Nothing of consequence has transpired since my last — Congress has done nothing as yet — They have resolutions in relation to Orleans and Louisiana now before them but I believe feel at a loss what course as yet to pursue — As usual business makes a slow progress yet I hope all which relates to our country svill be done to our satisfaction — I just informed of the death of Mrs. Langham — I hope she is now in a place free from trouble & care she had her portion here — I hope your family are as well as usual. I find you a bad correspondent — not having reed a line from you — I am informed you have many candidates for the Legisla- ture among whom is Mr. M. Baldwin. Congress II of E have been (debating I suppose) all da}' 7th with closed doors on the subject of Orleans & Louisiana. My re- spects to Mrs. M
Yours with much Esteem
t. worthington.
Colo. Massie.
John Smith to Nathaniel Massie.
Round Bottom Mill Jany 22d 1803 Dear Sir : — Messrs Burnet & Bowers looks blacker than ever since the election — I never saw a party so much chagrined as that of the old Governors — I think
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 223
he will now be forsaken as he has not the loaves & fishes any longer at his disposal — Poor old man he has ruined himself — He has found that true which you properly observed at the convention — " Give him rope and he will hang himself" —
It is said that he will not return to our new state again — but remain to condole with some of his friends in the East — I am well pleased to see the acct of your election in Ross — I am pleased with it — I am pleased much — As it is another proof of the Republican firmness of the County of Ross — I have not seen the return from Adams but I presume it exhibited similar proofs of their attachment to cause of our new State — I am requested to say to you Sir that Mr. Dunlavy will be a Candidate for the office of the president of the pleas for the west- ern District — And John W. Brown is a Candidate for the office of Clerk to one of the Houses of the Legisla- ture. It is wished by some of their friends that they may be favoured with your support —
I expect in a few days to embark for 1ST Orleans — I hope to return in May or June at furthest —
Meanwhile accept the assurance of the high con- sideration & respect with which I am I)r Sir
Your most obedient Servt
John Smith
William Goforth to Nathaniel Massie.
Columbia Feb. 11th 1803. Dear Sir: — I have taken an opportunity, by post, to inform you that my clover seed is now cleaned and
224 The Life of Nathaniel, Massie.
waits your order, I should be glad you would by next Post, or in such way as may be most agreeable to you, inform me of the number of apple trees you wish to have, and of what kinds: or if it should be agreeable to you, to determine the number and leave it to me to make out the assortment, I [believe I can furnish you with fifteen or twenty different kinds of excellent fruit, and by fixing talleys to them, you can by a little care in planting and makeing a record know what sort of fruit to look for or be able to take Scions for grafting from such as you would more particularly wish to propagate, and as the season is near at hand for sewing the grass seed and planting the trees: therefore it would be expedient for you to be in possession of them as soon as possible. I take the liberty to observe that Col. Worthington eno;a<>:ed half a bushel of ijrass seed of me and perhaps it might be convenient for you to send by one person, I further observe that a man who is a neigh- bour of Col. Worthington is to be down this spring in order to furnish himself with Scions for grafting, per- haps he might be engaged to take charge of them for you both. I would thank you, if any of your friends should wish to be furnished with clover seed to inform them I have several bushel by me for sale. I shall only add that I am with every sentiment of esteem yours
William Gofouth. To Nathaniel Masste, Esquire.
It was a bushel you spoke to me for which you may depend on my keeping for yon.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 225
Daniel Symmes to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati 20th Februy— 1803— Col. Massey :
Sir: — I trust that it will be unnecessary to apolo- gize to you for this intrusion — thus impressed I have taken the liberty of addressing a few lines to you — and permit me here Sir, to congratulate you on the unani- mous suffrage of }'our County for you as Senator — I hope to see you fill the chair in that Body — you have no doubt heard of the violent opposition made against me at our Election by the St. Clair faction who to carry their favourite Reily have in the most wanton and malicious manner progogated the vilest lies to injure me at that crisis — Mr. Armstrong (of the Camelion Tribe) to give weight to those falsehoods — made out a Statement in his official capacity which he certified to be true ; and from the trifling sum of Judges fees — say 40 or 50 Dollars he had augmented it to 12 or 1,500 $ — In short under the mask of a Republican he has used every means and all his art to divide and distract our Republican Institutions, and has uniformily persued such measures as would tend to split the republican Interest — and favour our enemies, but Johns cloven foot has lately made its appearance, and hence forward I think he must be equally detested by all parties. Last month Mr. Short arrived here with his Lady in good health, she was the widow of Armstead Churchill & daughter of Mrs. Mary Henry —
They both set out for Kentucky last tuesday, Mr.
226 The Life of Nathaniel Massic.
Short despairs of being able to live among us as he can not do without his domesticks.
I am told that a large possee of St. Clairs friends and favourites are going to the Legislature among whom are Schenck & 'Reily, each for a Clerkship and the rest for Commissions, offices &c tis presumed they will take different stands in the Town of Chillicothe to carry into effect their out door business —
Col. Gibson is a candidate for the auditors office and I believe he will run pretty generally here I hope as he has discharged his duty well, and ever been a moderate man that you will consider of his application, and grant him your support if he should meet your approbation.
I also beg leave to submit to you the Revd I. W. Browns application for the clerkship of the Senate, I trust he will meet a generous support from our Republi- can friends —
Mr. Byrd & family are all well, he takes his Lady to Iventuckey in a few days and proposes being at Chilli- cothe the 20th of March—
with esteem I remain your most Obdt Sevt
Danl Symmes —
Israel Donalzon to Nathaniel Massie.
Manchester 16th March 1803 Dear Sir; — Feeling a deep interest in the concerns of my country I want information from every source and hope you will inform me on the principle points of this truly important session and what will be the fate of our County whether any advantage would derive from raising money to erect publick buildings in this
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 227
place in lieu of the contemplated plan of buying Land in the center of the County and laying out and spiling Lotts for that purpose.
One of your horses sent down for the purpose of bringing on your Family took sick by the way and re- mains at this place David Massie went over yesterday to procure another and the carriage went down this
Morning.
I am Sir Respectfully yours to serve
Israel Donalzon
Jacob Burnet and others to Nathaniel Massie. (Circular.)
Cincinnati 9th of May 1803 Sir: — A number of your friends in this quarter im- pressed with a sense of the importance of the approach- ing election as it respects the honour and interest of the state determined to make exertions in favour of some qualified character to represent us in Congress if such au one could be induced to offer as a candidate.
The day set apart for the election is so near at hand that it appears impossible to consult with our friends who reside at a distance on the propriety of a nomina- tion, this step would be extremely pleasing to us but should it be taken the opportunity of exertion would probably pass before we were prepared to act. Under these circumstances we concluded to make application to William McMillan who has reluctantly consented that his friends may make use of his name if they judge it prudent promising to accept the appointment should it be conferred. We have therefore concluded to support
228 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
him and we hope the nomination will meet your appro- bation. Confident that if it does you will use your in- fluence. No doubt you feel anxious to give the state a representative whose principles have been tried, whose talents will be respected and who therefore must be worthy the trust and capable of executing. Your knowledge of William McMillan we have reason to think is sufficient to enable you to decide that he is such a character. Did not we believe him to be a person whose talents and integrity justly entitled him to the confidence of his fellow "Citizens we would not have of- fered him our support much less would we have solicited your influence in his favour. As the character of our state is but yet little known it will be judged of in some measure by his talents of our first representatives in Congress consequently our reputation as well as our in- terest is at Stake, which renders it the duty of all good citizens to unite their influence in favour of a person calculated to secure these important objects. From pres- ent appearances we have great reason to believe that if proper exertions are made in favour of the proposed candidate his election may be secured but if those per- sons who are disposed to aid in the choice of the most worthy candidate divide their influence it is more than probable the choice will fall on some person but little known and less qualified for the duties of the station. We are respectfully
Your fellow citizens J. Burnet Ethan Stone
Marten Baum John Eeily
James Smith W. Stanley
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 229
Charles Willing Byrd to Nathaniel Massif.
Lexington, 10th of August 1803.
Dear Sir:— At the desire of Mrs. Byrd I write to request that you will have some clausets put up in our Cabins; I believe I expressed to you my wish to have the fire places of the same width with yours in your dining room.
Be pleased to advance to your brother H — as much
money as he thinks will be necessary for the purchase
of a few articles for me in Chillicothe of which he has a
memorandum. Yours respectfully.
Charles Willing Byrd. Colo. Massie
Our love and compliments to Suckey and your
sisters.
Janus Sargent to Nathaniel Massie.
Clermont County Washington Septmbr 19 — 1804.
Dear Sir: — The Commissioners appointed Last session of the assembly to fix on the place for the seat of Justice in this county, has not come forward yet, the Citizens in this part of the county is very anxious for their coming, I have heard that one of these Gentlemen has declin'd to serve, but I am at no certainty of its being the case, I expect you are acquainted with those Gentlemen, and perhaps may know their intention, if either of them has declin'd coming I cou'd wish the others two to chuse the third out of Adams county, and perhaps it wou'd be as well for them to come the lime-
230 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
stone road us far as Mr. Januarys, from there they wou'd come through a settled part of the Country.
I am informed that Mr Jones of Hamilton County, that was nominated for one of the Electors, is mov'd to the Indianna Territory and Major Goforth is taken up in his stead, but do not know at a certainty that this is the case, the ticket I intend to support for Electors, is your- self, Mr. Pritchard, and any other that the Republicans in Ross think proper to nominate, and also Jeremiah Morrow for Representative to Congress, I live in so re- mote part of this County, that I have not the oportunity of information on these subjects — Information from you b}7 letter lodgd in the post office Williamsburgh, or by any person coming to this part, on the above subjects, will much oblige Sir your hum Servt
James Sargent
George Gordon to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati, Norem. 20 1804 Dear Sir: — After I left your house on Sunday last it struck my mind to otter my services to carry the Votes (for President and Vice President) of this state to the City of Washington —
I called on Judge Goforth on my way home & ob- tained his influence, what makes me particularly desir- ous to convey them, I have a petition that will be laid before congress this session, & my being on the spot might save me from eight to nine hundred Dollars, which will totally be out of my power if I cannot pro- cure your Vote — my extream anxiety to be there must be my appoligy for thus importuning you — pleas write
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 231
next post what you think of my success if I should be
so fortunate as to succeed what time I must start from
Chillicothe, or whether it would not be better for me to
be there at or before the Votes are takeu —
Your friend & Hum. Sevt.
Geo. Gordon. ~N. B. excuse this scrawl —
J. Savary to Nathaniel Massie.
Millersburg 15th Febry 1805.
Sir: — We have passed an act in our last Genl As- sembly to invigorate the Ohio canal company, to which some priviledges & tolls have been granted for ever. I was firmly against, having proposed before another Bill on the Subject; to appoint Commiss'ers in order to ac- quire the previous informations on what was more con- venient, to clear the Channal, or cut a canal & to know the presumed expences & revenue & to dispose of the un- dertaking by Voluntary Subscriptions, or Lotery, or in fine to give it to a company at reasonable terms and for a Limited time ; but my poor & single opposition has been unavailing & that business of so great & national importance, has passed without other opposition & al- most without debates.
I have the honour to be with Esteem
Sir Your most obt Servant
J. Savary. Gen'al Nat'el Massie.
232 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Wyatt $ Redd to Nathaniel Massie.
Lexington May 8th 1805 Sir: — If you wish harness furnish'd to the Carriage we are making for you, We should he glad to know as soon as possihle whether you will have plated (or brass mounting) We also would be glad to know at what time you wish the Carriage finished, and in case we should not have it in our power to get it ready as soon as you wish it, we will write you immediately after the receipt of yours, informing you at what time you may send for it, you will write us immediately, and inform us in what manner the harness shall be made, If you wish a seat fixd on the body for the Coachman it will not be necessary to make a Postilion saddle :
Yours with esteem
Wyatt & Redd
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Washington Feby 16th 1806 D Sir: — Your letter of the 7th ultimo did not reach untill the 6th instant. . . .
I have according to your request prevailed on the post-master Genl to fix a postofiice at your town and ap- point Mr. Cutler postmaster. So far as I have been able to decide I do not apprehend a war with either Spain or England is probable though there would seem to be some danger of such an event from the publick prints. These you know do not always give correct in- formation.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 233
The French Emperor has over-run Germany and has brought about events which like others he has effected that no human being calculated nor can we form anything like a correct opinion of where he will end.
Indeed he is now becoming formidable to the whole world and many believe like Alexander he aims at uni- versal conquest.
Mr. Pritchard informs me that he is a candidate for congress in opposition to Mr. Morrow. I am at the same time informed by letters from other members of the Legislature two days later than his that no meeting on
this subject had taken place Mr. P therefore seems
to have come forward on his own bottom and " on the solicitation of a number of our first character," as he himself tells me in his letter. You know this gentleman & Mr. Morrow therefore I will not trouble you further on this subject that to observe I hope we shall not get from better to worse in our representatives to con- gress. . .
I enclose you a little book for Betsy you must tell her that I say she must learn to read before James and I will send her another pretty book.
My respects to Mrs. Massie & Miss Nancy. Yours with much esteem
T. WORTHINGTON.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Washington April 9th 1806 Dear Sir: — I have nothing important to give you by letter but much to say to you when we meet & lest
234 The Life of Nathan u i Massie.
you should think me as bad a correspondent as yourself I will write and tell you so you will perceive b\' the public prints that the secret doings of congress was nothing more or less than the passage of a law appro- priating 2 millions of dollars to enable the president to purchase the Florida's of and settle our western boun- dary with Spain. So far I am able to decide I think there is no good reason to expect war with any nation whatever. The unexpected & extraordinary change which has taken place in the British Ministry at the most critical crisis in our affairs with that nation and as we believe favourable to our affairs will there is good reason to believe (so our minister writes) that our differ- ences will be amicably settled. The most disagreeable circumstance now existing among us is the1 seism in the republican party which has been carried to the most disagreeable lengths. It is this to which I have refer- ence in the beginning of my letter and which propose to explain to you when we meet. Congress will adjourn on the 21st of this month.
lieineinber me affectionately to Mrs. Massie and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness. Yours respectfully
T. Wo-RTHINGTON.
1 send you some little Books for my little friends Betsy & your son whose name I forget.
(i iilum Granger to Nathaniel Willis.
General Post Office April 14, 1806. Sir: — Mr. Andrew Marshall who contracted to carry the mail between Wheeling & Chilicothe has failed to
Z%< Lifi of Nathaniel Massie. 235
carry it according to contract, & it is probable is qo1 competent to the undertaking. It has therefore become necessary to employ some person to carry the mail in hi- -trad. I wish you to make enquiry and inform me if you find any person willing t<> undertake to carry the mail in stages: with the name- and prices which they demand: in the meantime I wish you to have the mail carried on horseback on that route, until it is so im- proved that stages can pass 141011 it with proper expedi- tion. When on your return you will call upon the several supervisors of the roade & endeavor to persuade them to improve it. A line of stages would he of great advantage in carrying the mail and afford considerable accommodation to the inhabitants & I hope to see one erected as soon as the road is in proper order.
I do not wish you to set your stages in motion he- tween Chilicothe A: Frankfort until they are in operation between Wheeling. & Chillicothe, but as soon as that i- the case yours must he in motion. And it must be un- derstood that if the Establishment of a line of Stages fails the contract price must be reduced to a fair equivalent on the whole route from Wheeling to Frank- fort, Ky., for horse mails.
Your sincere friend
<iri>*.\ Granger (Post Master <1< rn ral)
Christ. Greenup to Nathaniel Massie.
Frankfort J 11 hi 1st 1806 Dear General: — Mr. Thomas &-. Hindi- informs me 1.",
236 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
he is to set out for Chilicothe in your State, perhaps to reside there, I therefore take the liberty to introduce him to your acquaintance and Civilities — Mr Hinde has transacted business here in several departments highly to his honour and the Satisfaction of the public. If you can assist him in his pursuits you will confer an obliga- tion on me which I shall always acknowledge with gratitude. I am with much respect Dear Sir
Your Obt Servt
Christ. Greenup
John Graham to Nathaniel Massie.
Dumfries 31st July 1806 My Den- Sir: — A day or two ago I received a letter from my Brother Richard in which he tells me that you had informed him, you had written to me in April in- closing a copy of my account with you. That you may not be surprised at not getting an answer to your letter I hasten to inform you that I never received it — Richard writes me that my military lands over which you had a direction were sold at 2 Dollars per acre provided I ap- proved of the Sale — If you think it a good one I shall certainly approve of it and beg you will take such steps as you may think proper to carry it into effect — I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in October early, as I intend to pass thro your state on my way to Kentucky & Orleans whither I shall be obliged to return some what sooner than I expected in consequence of the Gov- ernors having obtained leave of absence for the winter I have however some hopes (as they write me he is going
The Life, of Nathaniel Massie. 237
to be married) that he won't wish to avail himself of the permission granted him — in that case I shall be able to spend a month or six weeks among my old Friends in Ohio & Kentucky — I am here at present making ar- rangements for the removal of some negroes belonging1 to our Family to the westward — If we have no war with Spain or England I shall I think take them to the Mis- sissippi Country where their Labour will be very profit- able either on a Sugar or Cotton Plantation if we are to have a war I shall leave them in Kentucky until it is over — My Flan is to engage Richard to take charge of these negroes and go on myself to purchase a Place to fix them on so that you see it would be vastly con- venient to me to get some money for my military lands as I pass on or at least to have it so secured that I might draw on it to meet the payments for any land I might purchase in the lower Country. We have no news here of any consequence so far as I know tlio we have a right to expect "very early intelligence both from our nego- ciators at London & Paris — it would seem that Randolph speech has thrown some difficulties in the way of the former and I fear that the news Papers (which you know have been filled with declarations that we have bribed France to bully Spain) will embarrass the latter — I pray that I may be mistaken for it is important to us at Orleans that the United States should acquire the Country which is the object of the late mission to France & Spain —
You will be pleased to hear that your old friend George has got a very fine son — his Father thinks him a perfect nonsuch & is of course very proud of him —
238 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
I beg you to present me to Mrs. Massie & to your
Brothers and believe me with the most Sincere Regard
& Esteem.
Your Friend & Servant
John Graham — Gesl Nathl Massie
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Washington Novr 30th .06 X). Sir: — I reed yesterday your letter of the 16th ultimo which Mrs. Worthington forwarded to me. I intended if I had heard of your arrival to have rode up to your house before I started but as I did not hear of your return I was obliged to set out without seeing you. I regret it because I wished to have had conversation on several subjects with you-. I am gratified to hear of the facts found by the jury in your cause and hope you will have but little more trouble with it. Watts has acted a simple part in my opinion from the commencement of this business. It will give me pleasure to transact any business for you in my power. I wish you would loose no time in informing me of what you wish done as I found it necessary to make the best arrangements in my power on the subject I had a conversation with Colo. McArthur in relation to my warrants & shall write you soon on the same subject. I have reason to believe you will have Vincent Hallers business done in good time. You will before this reaches you see the presidents proclamation in relation to western affairs. He tells me he has satisfactory proof that Mr. Burr has had the ac- complishment of one of these objects seriously in view.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 239
•
1st a seperation of the western from the Atlantic states. If this failed the 2nd is an expedition against the Span- ish province of Mexico and the 3rd was to serve as a cover to the two former should they fail which was to take his followers with him and settle lands granted by Spain to Baron Bahstross which lands either in part or the whole have been purchased by Mr. Burr & others. The first object failed in the onset & the second is now said to be in progression and will be also frustrated by the Government. You will be pleased to hear that in the whole of this business Ohio is unsuspected except only one man who I believe innocent. Our affairs with england are in a good way and there are good reasons for believing every difficulty will be settled. Our affairs with Spain remain precisely as they were 12 months since and little prospect of adjusting them. I have thus hastily given you what I considered most interesting to you & know you will have the goodness to communicate what you think interesting to your friends in the assem- bly as you know it is not in my power to write every gentleman. I will send by the very first opportunity the presidents message which I expect we will receive to- morrow perhaps the letter may cover it very Respectfully I remain
Your Obt St
T. Worth ington.
Thomas Worthington to Nathaniel Massie.
Washington Deer 24th 1806. Dear Sir: — I have nothing important to give you from this quarter. We are all anxiety to hear what Mr.
240 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Burr is doing and for 3 weeks past the Marietta mail has failed to come to this place. I have not heard a word from you since the commencement of your session. I think if you wish to send any letters with safety you had better direct the postmaster at Chillicothe to send your letters by the Wheeling rout for although they may be a day or two longer they will be more certain. Yours very Respectfully
T. WoRTHINGTON.
Thomas Wovthington toNathaniel Massie.
Washington Jany 29th 1807 D Sir: — The last mail brought me your letter of the 17th inst. Your long silence I must acknowledge left me in doubt about the cause when I considered the importance of the transaction in which you were en- gaged. It will always give me very sincere pleasure to hear from you and discharge with sincerity & punctual- ity the duties I owe you as a friend a brother an old ac- quaintance— and fellow labourer for whom I have very sincere esteem. The Legislature of Ohio have done themselves immortal honour and as one of their agents here I have received the highest gratifications from the almost universal approbation expressed from every part of the union in favour of the course pursued by my fellow citizens of Ohio. The part I have acted from the commencement of our political existence as a state & before has been the cause of additional gratification to my mind. The conduct of Mr. Burr lias been the most extraordinary which was ever exhibited to any people. That a man of as good sense as I have always supposed
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 241
him to have should form the wild the desperate plan of overturning this government the choice of the people and to involve it in Bloodshed and ruin when the people are happy and highly pleased in the present order of things fills the mind with horror and astonishment. Y ou_ will see in the public papers before this reaches you the whole of his nefarious schemes exposed to public view by the depositions of Wilkinson, Eaton & the com- munications of the president & other documents which I have forwarded to the printer at Chilicothe. From the best information we have received Mr. Burr will have after all a very contemptible few with which to ef- fect his mighty designs and of the course he will ulti- mately preserve we are left to' conjecture only. I have heard you had a bill before you to raise by lottery a sum of money to secure the bank at Chilicothe. I believe I shall be contented to wait untill I come home to get the tickets you mention & shall be satisfied if I find they are all sold. I have reed two of the resolutions of which you speak & am doing all in my power to effect the wishes of the Legislature but I doubt of success. Y^ou will remember when the convention were acting on the subject of school lands I told you it would be best to have nothing to do with the Virga M tract but to ask the proportion of school lands on the East side of Sioto. I was convinced it would be given by congress but the convention thought differently. It will be a melancholy circumstance to see the people of the Vira M. T. de- prived of the advantage of school lands whilst their fel- low citizens are amply provided for. It will be the cause of eternal dissatisfaction. I think in the last con-
242 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
versation I had with you I understood from you that you thought an extension of the time unnecessary. I will however do all in my power to get lands elsewhere which will settle the business. If this. is done I have no objection to an extension of the time. Two of Mr. Burr's principal agents Balman & Swatwort are here in close Jail & will I presume be tried for treason ere long. I send you two little books which you will please give your little Daughter & Son in my name. Mr. Smith has arrived & taken his seat — With esteem & respect
I am your Obt St
T. WORTHINGTON.
Please present my affectionate respects to Mrs. Massie.
William Creighton, Jr., to "Nathaniel Massie.
Chillicothe April 20th 1807 D Sir: — I reed by Mr. Johnston your letter covering Warnack's agreement I have directed suits, the Sheriff" has promised me to have the writs served before Court — The Militia law will be compleated for delivery in two or three days. By the resolution of the Legislature I am directed to deliver to each of the Majors General six hundred copies, Will you have the whole number of copies forwarded or will you have the number you allow for this Brigade left here for distribution 'i Yours with respect
Wm Creichton J ux.
The Life of Nathaniel' Massie. 243
Nathaniel Massie to Dei rid Massie.
Mr. David Massie
Si?*, you will receive a letter to Mr. James Abrahams with an agreement for their payment of two hundred and ninety three dollars on or before the first day of September next, but he is to pay the Greater part when called on for that purpose. Mr. Abrahams lives at or near red stone old fort, you will call on him and deliver the letter and show the agreement and if any money is paid credit him with it. You also have a letter to Joseph Crawford living about five Miles above red stone old fort to receive two hundred and ten dollars, call on him after you see Abrahams. — You also have a letter to Mr. Creighen living near Moorefield on the South branch of Potomack with an assignment from William Ray for one hundred acres of land for which Mr. Creighen will pay you two hundred and fifty dollars you will observe that the assignment is left blank for him to fill up to himself or any person that he pleases if the money is not paid you will keep the assignment, to find the way to Moorefield you will go by a Town by the name of Enmney Hampshire County from thence there is a road to Moorefield on the South branch and you have also a letter to Mordicai "Walker from David Faulkner living on Apple pye ridge Frederick Count}- Virginia to re- ceive one hundred and eighty dollars, also a letter to Col. Meade of Frederick for fifty seven dollars, If you receive all the money contemplated you will deposit what you may not want in the hands of some person in
244 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
Alexandria that Colo. Ellzy will inform yon. Subject to the order of Mr. John Graham of Richmond, or you will exchange it for bank notes of the united States and enclose to him at Richmond on my account. On your way through Frederick you will call on Major Massie and deliver him the letter, I believe Col. Meade lives not far from Maj. Massies, from thence you will call on Col. William Ellzy living in Loudon Comity Virginia, not far from the City of Washington, you will observe by my letter to him that I have requested him to assist you with the business of obtaining pattents, and every other that you may stand in need of to him you will ap- ply for information by memo.s to obtain pattents is as full as I can make them, you will write me from Win- chester direct your letters to Washington Kentucky, by the time you reach Alexandria or shortly afterwards you will hear from me I shall direct my letters to you at Alexandria as I prefer you should stay at that place than the city the accommodation is cheaper and better and not more than six miles distant, I wish a pattent to be obtained as soon as possible for John Graham, survey of 1000 acres No. 2337 and enclose to me at AVashington, Kentucky where you will direct all your letters.
]$. Massie. Chillicothe 27 May 1807.
P. S. You have also an order from Jno. Parrill Jun. to John Parrill Senr. for two hundred dollars he lives on Cape Capos on or near your road from Moore- field to Winchester find him out if possible the Or is in the letter take care and not let him have it unless he pays the money. N". M.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 245
William Creighton, Jr., to Nathaniel Massie.
Chillicothe August 23rd 1807 Dear Sir: — I was anxious to see you before you set out for Kentucky to have some conversation on the sub- ject of the ensuing- election, it seems within the last three weeks two writers supposed to be the same person one under the signature of "A Farmer" the other "Frank- lin*' has recommended Colo Worthington to the people of the state for the next Governor, the Colo at first ap- peared to express great uneasiness that he was not willing or desirous of serving in that office, but that his patriotism and love of Country was such that if the people would right or wrong elect him that he could not get over serving — the way being thus prepared I was frequently consulted and told that his friends were determined at all events to run him and that it would l»e most advisable for the friends of each of you to have a meeting to see which would give way. I explicitly stated that your friends were as determined to run you as his friends could possibly be to run him that as to your declining a poll under any circumstances was cer- tainly out of the question, that you was the first spoken of in the state, that for yourself you had no desire or ambition to gratify in that way, that after numerous solicitations and as many refusals on your part, you was at length prevailed on by the personal and collective solicitations of a number of respectable Gentlemen from the different parts of the state to stand a poll, and that at this period to decline you would be acting inconsistent
246 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
with yourself and improperly towards your friends. Notwithstanding this I know you will be hardly pressed to give way by one or two of the friends in opposition — and that when they find they are unsuccessful they will recede from the contest — A number of your friends have spoken to me on the subject, they say that you must stand a poll at all events let the result be what it may, they also think it is a duty you owe yourself and them to drop a line to your acquaintances in the different parts of the State if nothing more to let them know7 that you are a Candidate — By the last mail I received a letter from Colo Pritchard he charged me with his best re- spects to you he says he will give you a majority in Jefferson Yours respectfully
Wm Creighton Jun.
John G-raham to Nathaniel Massie.
Richmond 30th August 1807 My Dear Sir: — I wrote to you not long before I left New Orleans to say that I was coming round to this part of the world. Since my return I have accepted the place in the Department of State lately occupied by Mr Wag- ner which was offered to me by Mr. Madison, and I need not I hope assure you that I shall take great pleasure in rendering you any service in my power during m}7 residence in the City. I should not I believe have ac- cepted this appointment but that I am about to form a matrimonial connection in that quarter of the world and my intended is unwilling to leave it at least for a year or two. To make the necessary preparations for House keeping I shall want all the money I can raise I should
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 247
therefore be much obliged to you if you would remit me what you owe me if you can conveniently spare it.
I have not my Papers with me and therefore cannot point out the amount : but your Books will enable you to come near it. On you I must depend for the amount of the Fees to which I was entitled for the Surveying I did when }"on, Peter Lee & myself were out together. Least some accident should happen to either of us, it is better that these old accounts should be settled up — I have been here for a month attending as a witness on the Trial of P>urr as yet nothing is done. The last ten days have been taken up by the lawyers in the discussion of some points of law growing out of these two cpues- tions — 1st Whether Burr being absent could be involved by any overt act of Treason on Blanerhassets Island — 2nd Whether any such act has taken place there. These are questions which Burr has moved to the Court to de- cide on — and today the Judge will give his opinion — I will not close this letter until I can give it to you —
afternoon — The Judge has given his opinion and it is such as puts an end to the Trial for Treason here. It was a very long one and I could not distinctly hear it — You will soon however see it in the Papers — Whether the Trial for Misdemeanor will now- commence or what will be done I know not.
I beg you to present me to Mrs. Massie & say that her Brother Mr David Meade is well — I dined with him today —
Wishing you Health & Happiness and success in your Election for I hear with great pleasure that you
248 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
are a Candidate for the Government of your state & am My Dear Massie
Very Sincerely your Friend & Servant
John Graham The times require men of Firmness & Patriotism in office I therefore pray you to exert yourself in securing an election.
John Mathews and others to Nathaniel Massie.
Zanesville Sept 15th 1807 Sir: — Among the Candidates for Governor we have heard you mentioned, but we never have understood di- rectly whether it would be agreeable to you to serve tin- State in that office, we therefore take the liberty to make the enquiry — and at the same time give our assur- ances that should you not decline being a candidate we will Support your Election with our Votes and interest — An answer to this directed to either of us as soon as convenient will be desirable We remain respectfully
Your Most Obt Servt
John Mathews John McIntire
Levi Whipple IIenrey Crook
Jno. Leavens David Herron
Dan Conouch Robert Layson
Genl Xatiil Masse
Thomas Worthington to .
D Sir: — On consultation with friends it is concluded desirable and proper that you should if you can con- sistant with your duty present a memorial to the legis-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 249
lature requesting them to provide the way by which the Election of R. J. Meigs may be contested. It appears from the constitution that this would be the most correct course if therefore you think with us you will please loose no time in sending to some friend of this house a short memorial
Yours Respectfully
T. WuRTHINGTnX.
Monday Morning.
To the general assembly of tin StaU now in session.
I have thought proper to acquaint you that so soon as you will by law provide the mode for contesting the Election of a Governor that I will on constitutional grounds contest the election of Return J. Meigs to that office.
Chillicothe 14th decemr 1807 A Copy Xath Massie
John Graham to Nathaniel Massie.
City of Washington 16th March .08 My Dear Sir: — I received your Letter asking me for some information relative to the Treaty made by Governor Hull with the Indians. Inclosed you will find an Extract which will enable you to determine how far your conjectures were accurate. It may be proper to observe that several Tracts of six miles square are re- served by the Indians.
I am really much pleased to hear that you are com- ing in and shall be very glad to see you here : you will observe however, by my writing to you now that I do n't
250 The Life of Sathaniel Kassie.
expect you this month — If you come during the next, yon will probably find me a House Keeper and I hope you will take up your residence with me while you stay. Be pleased to bring in with yon all the Papers or infor- mation which may be necessary for the settlement of our accounts, for no one but ourselves can settle them satis- factorily. Under a contract made by my Brother with Simon Kenton we are to give him $(300 in lands. You will oblige me very much if you will by some sort of ar- rangement pay this out of the 500 acres which you lo- cated of mine in the name of John Graham of Rich- mond. He tells me you have a land acct to settle with him. Take the 500 acres at their estimated value and pay Kenton the $600s worth of laud and give me the Balce in land elsewhere or in Horses — or if you find it more convenient let him have the $600s worth of land for me and you shall have that amount out of the 500 acres — this will be an accommodation to me and I hope not inconvenient to you.
Will have the goodness to urge your Brother to remit me by you the money due me on the 1st of Jany last as I am just beginning the world as it were I am somewhat pushed to make out cash for my nec- essary purchases of Furniture <tc and that Snm from him would help me prodigiously.
I have written to my brother to send me in a pair of good strong Horses and my man David — I wish you would let them come with you. If he has not got the Horses and you can conveniently get such a pair as you think would suit me and at a reasonable price I should.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 251
be obliged to you if you would bring them iu for me. You will readily believe that Horses have fallen very much in price.
I fear with you that that conspiracy is not at an end — you must keep a good look out in the west, for there is great dependance on you, your state especially has got its name up by the promptitude and energy with which you acted last year.
Nothing is to be expected from the mission of Mr. Rose — it will I presume be at an end in a few days and then a communication will be made to congress by the President of the negotiations with Great Britain as will those which relate to the Treaty as those which relate ti) the affair of the Chesapeake. It will then I think be made manifest in every true American that the adminis- tration have discharged with zeal & fidelity the Duties which they owed to their country. The People must now follow their example for the time is come to take an imposing attitude & show to the world that we are ready to maintain our Rights at the point of the Bay- onet. If we do this we may yet have Peace on honor- able terms ; tho I confess that my Hopes are by no means sanguine.
You will see from the Public Prints that much has. been said on the subject of the Presidential Election. From the best information that I can get there is every reason to believe there is a large majority in favour of Mr. Madison. I hope it is so, for a warm contest under existing circumstances would be a most disastrous event 16
252 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
for our Country. I beg you to present me to Mrs. Mas- sie and be assured of my very sincere
Regard & Esteem
John Graham.
Daniel Connie to Nathaniel Massie.
Scioto Salt Works May 18th 1808 Sir: — Having understood that you have a bank of Iron Ore which you intended to improve — Altho a Stranger to you Sir, I take the liberty of informing you ; that I have been engaged in that Business a number of years & profess to understand the Furnace as well as the Forge business. At present I am not engaged in either & would willingly assist actively or with Counsel in either of the above Branches — I am also acquainted with different kinds of Iron Ore— If you should think a personal Interview necessary & will inform me by the Bearer Mr. Stephen Radcliffe, I will cheerfully wait on you when & Avhere you may direct.
Interim I am with Respect, your Obt. Sevt
Danl Connir
J no. Cropper to Nathaniel. Massie.
Accomack County Virginia 2d June 1808 Dear Sir: — The civilities received from you when I Avas in the western country, in the year 1804, induce me to take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance Mr. Levin S. Joynes. He is the son of Col. Levin S. Joynes who served in the American army of the revo- lutionary war, and goes to look after the lands which his father obtained for his military services.
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 253
Mr. Joynes is quite a youth, but is of very respect- able connections in this county, and of amiable char- acter.
With much respect,
Your obedient Servant
Jno. Cropper.
Jacob Burnet to Nathaniel Mass;,:.
Cincinnati June 23, 1808. Dear Sir: — When I was last in Chilicothe, it was my intention to have some £hat with you, as to the situation in which you considered me placed by the conversation which passed between us in the year 1801 — You may recollect that at that time you gave me a half — request- ing me to consider myself generally retained for you in any case that might hereafter arise, to which I assented — Since that time some applications have been made to me against you which. I have refused— Israel Matthews spoke to me to be concerned in a case of his, in which I should have charged him a retainer of $25 — and such additional fee as the case might render proper — Col Watts also called on me offered a fee in a case which he said was of great importance and in which I should have charged him $50 as a retainer and such further fee as the difficulty and importance of the case might jus- tify, but in consequence of which has passed between us, I continued his offer alledging a prior engagement — But from length of time and change of circumstances as to the number of Counsel and the facility of employ- ing them it would be incorrect in me to desire you to be longer bound by anything that has heretofore passed
254 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
between us on that subject, tho it will be correct and just that I should receive from you a sum equal to what I might have received from others, during the seven years that I have held myself retained, had the retainer not ex- isted— You will do me the justice, my friend, to believe that this communication does not proceed from a de- sire to be disengaged on a belief that your opponents (should you have any) will be more liberal than your- self, but from a belief or rather conviction that the same motives, which induced you to engage me in the first in- stance, do not now exist and also from a desire that the engagement if it does continue may be more explicit in its terms — In fact, I am not certain that you recollect the conversation by which I considered myself bounds as it took place in the confused moments of our parting at the close of a Session of the Legislature and a number of years have since elapsed — but be that as it may, I wish you now to consult your own wishes, and having done so, to inform me whether I shall consider myself generally engaged or not.
It will occur to you that after it is generally known that an attorney is engaged for a particular individual in all cases — that attorney will not receive as many applications as he otherwise would do, in cases in which his employer is interested, consequently the number of such applications is not a correct criterion by which to determine the consideration lie ought to receive for his
engagement.
Your Obt friend
Ja. Burnet.
The Life of Nathan iel Massie. 255
Duncan McArthur to Nathaniel Massie.
Chillicothe 19th August 1808 Sir: — Your letter of this morning I reed in which you very nearly acknowledge our agreement with re- spect to the land on Darby. But Sir perhaps it is most conveanut for you to have it canceled.
You are pleased to lay strong Emphasis on the word "' friendship" when I said I located that land & refused the money for it, to enable you to comply with your promise to Major Petty, which I believe impartiality will say you ought to have done when it was in your power. I now sir, assure you that I have ever respected and Cheerfully acknowledged your friendship.
I well recollect when young and poor, commencing business in your imployment, and it is a pleasing reflec- tion to me, that I have never desceived you in any busi- ness which you ever intrusted to my care. I may not, sir, have fully discharged the obligation which your former favours has laid me under, at a time when I be- lieved that our friendship was Keciprocal. But now Sir, I beg you to remember that, as it is at your request ; that our friendship is now at an end, until] that request is revoked, I shall ever endeavour to comply with your wishes. Your Ob Servt
Duncan McArthur Genl K"athl Massie
P. S. I am now at Messrs James & McCoy's store where you can have your money on returning my receipt to Mr. Milligan. When you find it conveanent, please
256 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
to make me a quit-claim Deed for that part of the sur- plus laud in John Thompsons survey on Buckskin which I paid for. At the request of Mr. Philip R. Thompson, I wish to know if it will be conveanent for you to take up the notes which he put into my hand for collection
D. McA.
Duncan McArthur to Nathaniel 31assie.
August 22nd 1808 Sir : — Your 2nd note of the 19th Inst I reed. But must confess myself at a loss to understand the whole of its contents. You say, " I now call your attention to a late conduct of yours respecting those lands &c." If yon allude to changing the Entry, I ask Genl Massie if he does not recollect faulting the calls of the Entry, and requesting the alteration. -
If you allude to the alteration lately made in John McDonalds Entry (over which I have no controal) I refer you to his letter on the files of the office, when you will see that he made and directed his own entry, which you certainly had time and oppertunity to prevent and even before he made his first entry there were several years- in which you might have made an alteration (if you thought proper) in yours, but I did not take that advan- tage of your neglect which was in my power; and I could mention to Genl Massie, if it was necessary, many other advantages which I could have taken of his busi- ness, and which through friendship I omitted, untill others availed themselves of the opertunity, and even the land from Greenfield for which I reed Horses and have just paid him money, I could, and would have
The Life- of Nathan u I Massie. 257
them entered ; had he not offered it for sale, and after you had entered it for Henry Meeehman, David Staferd, and others ; I was convinced it was not to stand. How- ever, improperly }7ou may have been impressed with the idea that I sought opportunities to take advantage of your business ; I do not wish to convince you of your mistakes, by endeavoring to show you my ingenuity in taking advantage of it —
There is another paragraph in your note which I shall Quote and wish explained. "As to friendship I shall most cheerfully and indeed feelingly restore it to Genl McArthur, but under present circumstances I would not no nor I would have it if he had it to give" when this is done I shall know how to meet Genl Massie. —
Genl Massie says " it was always foreign from him to ask a favour from a person with whom he was in the habits of friendship. I ask Genl Massie if he supposes those persons can always know his wishes or his Interest, except he by some means communicates it to them. Genl Massie never asked me to withdraw my 400 acres entry on Darby, nor said that it was a breach of friendship in me to receive a person who has injured him as a friend; on account of his General character be- ing that of a Gentlemen, I can however assure him it is
not mine.
Yours respectfully,
Duxcan McArthth.
Wm. Creighton to Nathaniel Massie.
Chillicothe, Jany 30th 1809 Dear Sir: — On friday the 20th after you left us the
258 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
High Court of Impeachment noted in the case of Judge Tod, 15 Guilty, 9 not Guilty, there not being a constitu- tional Majority the Judge was of course acquitted the votes stood as follows, Guilty, Messrs Abbot Barrow Bryan Curry Dillon Elliott Irwin McConnel McArthur McLaughlin, Price Sharp Smith Wood Kirker — not guilty Beggar Burton Bureau Cone Cooper Foos Kinuey Massie Schofield — The managers and the majority in the Lower House were so provoked at their failure in not having the Judge convicted that on friday evening after the decision of the Court was known the chair- man of the managers when they returned to the Repre- sentatives chambers submitted a resolution to adjourn immediately, by the next morning their determination was changed to be revenged they took up the Justice Bill and increased the Jurisdiction of Justice's of the peace to one hundred dollars in disputed cases, in undisputed cases to two hundred dollars, it is now de- pending before the Senate I can't say whether it will pass — A Bill has passed the Lower House establishing a new County between this and Franklin the lower line of the proposed County is within ten miles of Chilli- cothe — the last Bill is also before the Senate — This day Judge Pease appeared before the High Court of Im- peachment they have indulged him until Wednesday to prepare and file his plea and answer, he has just waited on me and asked me to defend him — the result in his case is very doubtful — In a day or two Mr. H. Massie and myself will dispatch a man to make collections for you, your wood cutters and haller do very well, they are very industrious and extremely attentive to their busi-
The Life of Nathaniel Massie. 250
tiess — immediately after you left us, the water rose about your house as high as it had rose the last fresh — We ■could not persuade Mrs Massie to quit — she was here today in good health — the children are very well — Write me from "Washington. I shall be glad to hear the result of your suit, and shall with pleasure attend to any business you have here and wish transacted during your absence.
Your friend & Hble Sevt
Wm Creighton Jux. N. B. Give my compliments to Richard —
Nathaniel Massie to his Win.
Philadelphia "3d March 1800 My dear Susan : — I got to this place on the Evening of the 1st Instant having left the city of Washington on the 20th February finding my suit could not be tried untill about the 20th of this month my sta}T at that place was not necessary and besides I believe it one of the dearest places on the Continent. Kidder visited me agreeable to appointment and stayed the whole day I was pleased with his enquiries, he is much stouter than I at first expected being 5 feet ten inches high nearly as tall as myself, but I felt myself considerable hurt at the omission of his education and he is quite sensible of it himself as he tells me that he understands very little of Arithmetic or of Grammar nothing, appears to be more his wish than to visit his friends next winter and in the meantime to attend to his education, you would hardly suppose but that he knew his age but it is a fact he does not, I am writing in a noisey Tavern, the rattling of carts
260 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
and the prating of politicians, I know not which is the worst, I set out in a few minutes for Xew York and ex- pect to return to this place next Wednesday on my way to Washington.
I flatter myself with meeting- Mr. McCoy either at this place or at Baltimore where I expect to hear from you ; not a word from any person since I left home, I feel extremely anxious indeed as your health was not as good as could be wished and your unpleasant situation would not contribute towards restoring it, Kiss the lit- tle ones for me and .tell them that I wish very much to be with them again
Your affectionate Husband
Nath Massie.
Jesse Hunt to Nathaniel Massie.
Cincinnati December 13th 1809 General Massie :
Sir: — Your favour of the 5th Inst came duly to hand adviseino- that vou had at Length got the Patent for our Land &c also your address to the President and directory of the Miami Exporting Company, which has been laid before this Board of Directors who have in- structed me to inform you that your note for fifteen hundred dollars with the Enclosures you have named will be discounted for 60' Days the usual time but the directory are not willing to come under any engagement or stipulation for a continuance, as that they avoid in all cases, if the funds of the company recpuire it, your note will be called on as others are, for my own part I think there is no doubt but the accommodation will be
The Life of Nathaniel Massu . 261
continued for 4 months and perhaps as long as you
may require, but this you will consider as an Individual
opinion — please to transmit to me a copy of the Patent that
I may obtain a transfer from Mr Gordon as he assures
me his is ready at any time to convey this Land also
wish you to point out to me a place that we shall meet
and Exchange Titles I hope it may be convenient for
you to come to this place, if so please to Bring the Power
from Mr. Graham. Our Discount days are tuesday or
rather the note is to be put in on that day before two
Oclock and on the Day following the money is paid out;
with offer of my attention am Sir
Your Obt Sevt
Jesse Hunt
William Sillimau to Nathaniel Massie.
Zanesville, Deer 18, 1800.
Dear Sir: — I do myself the pleasure of introducing Judge Heckewelder of the County of Tuscarawas — Mr. Heckewelder was one of the earliest Inhabitants of this State, having resided on the Muskingum nearly fifty years — and the head of the Moravian Society — Judge Heckewelder waits on the Legislature to procure the passage of a law to incorporate the Moravian Society.
The grant by the government of the United States to the Society of three tracts of land renders it necessary that their business should be done by agents— and can be transacted much better in a corporate capacity —
Your attention and interest I take the liberty of so- liciting— I am Sir respectfully,
Your obt Sevt . Genl Massie W Silliman
262 The Life of Nathaniel Mamie.
John Cross to Nathaniel Massif.
Geo. Town Ivy. Febry 24, 1810
Dear Sir: — I have taken the Freedom in sending you a few lines hoping you will interest yourself in my behalf.
You must know Sir that I have an intention of build- ing a Paper Mill in the State of Ohio and being a Stranger in that country, I hope you will give me all the Informa- tion you can in regard to Mill seats.
Understanding that you own large tracts of land in Ohio, I have been recommended to you as a proper per- son for Information. Its my wish if possible to get a seat on a constant stream that is I mean one that will grind all the year anywhere between Chilicothe & Lan- caster would answer, a stream that will drive a grist mill would answer for a paper Mill as they take nearly the same force of water. I am a young man though married that has nothing but what I have earn'd but by Industry, consequently would not be able to give a high price for a Mill seat as the undertaking would be very expensive.
If you can furnish me with one or give me Informa- tion where I can procure it I shall esteem it a favor an es- tablishment of that kind would be a great benefit to the people and a saving to the State as large sums of Money is carried out from this Western Country from our de- pendence upon foreign markets for this most valuable article — Paper.
I am a Paper Maker by Trade having servd seven
The Life of Nathan id Massie, 263
years to that business ia old England and I think that I could make as good paper in your State as any in Amer- ica, I expect to be at Chilicothe in May or June in the meantime I hope you will write to me on that subject, I at present superintend the Paper Mill of Jas. Johnson & Co. at the Great Crossing near Geo. Town, Scot County, Keny. Your compliance with the above shall be esteemed as a great favor by
Your Humble Sevt
John Cross Genl Nath'l Massey,
. N. B. I have been Informed that (Kinicannick) I
believe is the name of the stream near Chilicothe would
answer if there is a seat that could be procured on it, as
I am told its a small stream and a constant one such a
one I would prefer —
John Cross —
Nathaniel Massie to David Meade,
Falls of paint creek 23rd Nor. 1811 Dear Sir: — By a letter I received from Mr. George Clark lately he mentions that he had sent a Girl to your house to wait until she could be sent for, the bearer John Claybourn comes for that purpose, I flatter myself from the character given her by Mr. Clark that she will be useful to us, Sukey informed me that she had an- swered your letter to her on the subject of our removing to your part of the country, I can assure you that it would give me great pleasure and I am confident that Sukey would cheerfully join in adding comfort to her parents in their declining days, but our increasing family
264 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
renders it necessary for us to remain in this country where the only resource for their support and education I have. I make no doubt but you are well apprised of the difficulty of disposing of property in this country to any considerable amount for cash without great sacri- fice, without which there could be nothing done, I am at present engaged in erecting a furnace, my pros- pect of ore is abundant should my expectation be real- ized, and wealth added to the extent that would justify our quitting this country I shall not hesitate to do so, but on the contrary If I am disappointed we shall have to struggle with our difficulties, and remain where we are, the boy waits
I am with great regard
Your friend
ISTath Massie
Duncan McArthur to Nathaniel Massie.
Zanesville Deer 17th 1811 Dear Sir: — I suppose my note in Bank for the use of Mr. Willis will become due shortly. I hope he will pay it oft* now if ever, but if he should not, as you and Mr. Pauls are endorses and equally bound with myself, I wish you would put in another note and I will ever consider myself equally bound with you for the payment of it,
When I saw you last I then expected to have had time to have conversed with you on the subject of the Ironworks, but being called on to view the ground for a road from Athens to Chillicothe, the week before I left
The Life, of Nathaniel Mossi, . 265
home for this place, put it intirely out of my power to <lo so. I still feel a wish to be concerned in the Iron- works which may be erected on paint creek and think it probable that I could meet one third or one fourth part of the expences.
But as I have no idea of the manner in which the business now stands I can say but little on the subject,
A Bill repealing the law commissioning certain offi- cers passed the 2nd reading in the house of repr. last evening 28 to 18, but I have but little expectation that it will pass the senate.
The usual exertions are making to prevent the seat of government being removed to Chillicothe, I fear the members to the West & N. W. will join the Eastern members to fix the perment seat at the walnut plains and keep the temporary seat, here they talk of the bank of the Scioto East of Franklinton, but there is but little said about selles. I am however, in hopes that the ex- ertions of the Tammany society, here, to prevent the re- peal of the commissioning law will be a means of re- moving the seat of government from this place but on the other hand Col. Dunlap's exertions in favour of the sweeping resolution, will opperate against its returning to Chillicothe.
I wish some of his Tammany friends would advise him on the subject. The Tammany and resolution members chiefly live in that upper end of the state and will at all events oppose the removal of the seat of gov- ernment whilst our friends who are insulted at the con-
266 The Life of Nathaniel Massie.
duct of the Colo, and Tammany men chiefly reside to- the \vest. In haste I am Dear Sir
Your Ob. Hb Servt Genl Xathl Massie Duncan McArthur
Duncan McArthur, T. Worthing/ton and David Kinkead to Nathaniel Massie.
Circular Chillicothe Octr 7th 1812
Sir: — As your name is held up to the public as an Elector of President and vice President, & as it is im- portant to your fellow citizens to know who you intend to support for these important offices. We have been requested by some of them, to address you on the sub- ject. We therefore in their behalf and our own, request you to state in the most unequivical manner, who you mean to vote for as President & vice President — should you be elected.
We deem it unnecessary to inform you that we are firm supporters of James Madison for President & El- bridge Gerry for vice President, as we presume, our opin- ion will have no effect on your determination. But as violent exertions are making in several of the states to Elect Dewit Clinton the next President, it is all import- ant that your sentiments should be known on the subject. You will please forward your answer to us, and to the Editor of the paper nearest to you for publication, as- soon as possible. Very respectfully
We are sir, your friends and fellow citizens.
Duncan McArthur t. worthington Genl Xathl Massie. David Kinkead.
The Life of Nathaniel 31assie. 267
James Morrison to Nathaniel Massie.
Franklinton Jany 22 1813
Dear Sir: — I have received yours of 17th Inst by Mr. Wood — At this moment there is no Birth in my power to bestow, worthy Mr. Woods acceptance —
Gen'l Harrison never mentioned, or ordered me to purchase Cannon ball if he should, it would give me pleasure to make a contract with you.
But recollect making Cannon Ball is more difficult than you suppose — they cannot be made such as they ought to be save in Iron moulds — preparing of which requires Iron of the most unliable quality, and a man of some mechanical talents to turn them out perfectly true — I have had considerable experience in this busi- ness— and before you undertake (should an apply offer) to make a contract, inquire where you could find a man capable of making the moulds.
I pray you to have the conveyance made to I Ross for the 200 acres of land in Ky.
I would advise you to write to the Sec'y of War, thro some friend at Washington.
I think from your local situation you could get a contract for Ball. The price I have given for Ball de- livered at Orleans to J. D. Owings was from 90 to $120 per ton. I am in haste
Bear Sir
Your friend & II St Genl !N\ Massie James Morrison
17
268 The Life of Nathaniel Masm .
The foregoing letters are all in the possession of David Meade Massie, except the six marked f, which were copied from " The St. Clair Papers."
Appendix A. 269
APPENDIX A.
Containing a Few Brief Explanations Concerning Some of the Foregoing Letters.
Baldwin, Michael. A native of Connecticut. Well educated. Came to Chillicothe about 1799. A brilliant lawyer — the idol of the rabble. Active member of the Republican party. Accompanied Worthington to Wash- ington in their interests. Member of the Constitutional convention and first Speaker of the Ohio House of Rep- resentatives. Died when only thirty-five in 1811. Many interesting anecdotes are related concerning him.
Brown, John. A native of Virginia. Educated at Princeton. Soldier in Revolution. Emigrated to Ken- tucky. Member of Continental Congress. Member of Congress. First United States Senator from Kentucky. Prominent in securing admission of Kentucky to Union. Died in 1837, the last survivor of the members of the Continental congress.
Burnet, Jacob. A native of New Jersey. Educated at Princeton. Came to Cincinnati in 1796. A leading lawyer. Member of the legislative council of the north- west territory. United States Senator from Ohio. An able and ardent supporter of Governor St. Clair and author of "Notes on the Early Settlement North- West- ern Territory."
270 Appendix A.
Byrd', Charles Willing. Son of Colonel Win. Byrd of Westover, Va. Educated in Philadelphia as a lawyer. Emigrated to Kentucky. Married a sister of General Nathaniel MassieVwife. Appointed by President Adams secretary of the north-west territory in 1799. Became act- ing governor on General St. Clair's' removal from that office. An ardent Republican member of Constitutional convention. Appointed United States District Judge by President Jefferson, serving as such until his death in 1828.
Creighton, William. A native of Virginia. Att'y at law. Came to Chillicothe in 1799. First Secretary of State of Ohio, served seven years. Twice a member of congress. First a Republican, afterwards a Whig. Mar- ried a sister of Mrs. Massie and Mrs. Byrd.
Donaldson, Israel. Member Constitutional conven- tion. See his Indian adventure in chapter 3.
Fowler, John. Revolutionary soldier. Member congress from Kentucky 1797-1807.
Graham, John. Born in Yi\. Educated at Colum- bia College. Emigrated to Kentucky. Chief clerk State Department, under Secretary of State, James Madison. Secretary at ISTew Orleans. Secretary of Legation at Madrid. Special mission Buenos Ayres. Minister to Portugal. Resident at Rio Janeiro. Died in 1820 in his forty-fifth year.
Appendix A. 271
Granger, Gideon. Postmaster General under Pres- ident Jefterson.
Greenup, Christopher. Member congress from Ken- tucky 1791-1797. Governor of Kentucky 1804-1808.
Goforth, William. Member Constitutional conven- tion.
Harrison, William Henry. A native of Virginia. Setretary of north-west territory. Representative in congress. United States Senator from Ohio and Presi- dent of the United States.
Meade, Richard K. Aid-de-camp on General Washington's staff during the revolution ; father of Bishop William Meade of Virginia.
Meigs, Return Jonathan. Native of Connecticut. Graduate of Yale. Emigrated to Marietta in 1788. Judge Supreme Court north-west territory, also of Louisiana territory. United States Senator. Governor of Ohio and Postmaster General in both Madison's and Monroe's cabinets.
James, Thomas. Married a sister of General Massie. Father of Mrs. Dr. Bush of Lexington, Ky., and Mrs. Nathaniel Pendleton of Cincinnati.
McArthur, Duncan. Native of New York. An early immigrant to Chillicothe. Surveyor. Friend to Massie, Worthington and Tiffin. Brigadier-General regular
272 Appendix A.
array, in war of 1812. Member of congress and Gov- ernor of Ohio.
Smith, John. Member territorial legislature of north-west territory, of Constitutional Convention, and United States senator from Ohio 1803-1809.
Sargent, Wiuthrop. First secretary of north-west territory and Governor of the Mississippi territory.
Symmes, John Cleves. Founder of Cincinnati.
Symmes, Daniel. President of Ohio State Senate during second and third general assemblies.
St. Clair, Jr., Arthur. Son of Governor St. Clair and Attordey-General of the north-west territory.
Tiffin, Edward. Born in Carlisle, England, June 19, 1766. Came to Berkeley county, Va., when eighteen. Studied medicine at University of Pennsylvania. Mar- ried a sister of Thomas Worthington. Manumitted his slaves in 1796 and emigrated to Chillicothe. Speaker of territorial legislature of north-west territory. Presi- dent of Constitutional Convention. First governor of Ohio and afterwards a United States Senator. Man of character and ability and took a leading part in the con- test with Governor St. Clair. Unfortunately his letters and papers have been destroyed. Living in the same place with Massie, they naturally had little or no cor- respondence.
Appendix A. 273
Wilkinson, James. A native of Maryland. Officer in the Revolution. Engaged largely in trade on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Intrigued with the Spaniards. Stirred up much political strife in Kentucky. Brig- adier-General in the regular army. Accused of many evil things, but never convicted, unless by public opinion and historians, who devote much space to him.
Worthington, Thomas. Born in Jefferson county, Va., in 1769. Emancipated his slaves and came to Chillicothe about 1796. Member of the territorial legislature. Member of Constitutional Convention. One of the first two United States Senators from Ohio and Governor of the state. A man with an educated mind and polished manners. Represented the Republi- cans of the territory at Washington during their struggle for statehood and did much to bring about that result. His letters here published for the first time throw much interesting; lio-ht on that whole transaction.
274
Appendix B.
APPENDIX B.
|
Jany Gen'l N. Massie |
15, 1809. |
|
To Scioto Bank Lottery |
Dr. |
|
To tickets from No 97 to 200 is |
102 |
|
from 1401 to 1500 |
. 100 |
|
3625 to 3776 |
152 |
Tickets
Returned July 7th 1808 77 tickets between Nos 1401 & 1480 Dead Tickets — by return 55 " Drawn by Bank 13
Tickets
209 Tickets at $2.50 each is
354
145
. 209
. $522.50
Sir: — The above is presented for examination & cor- rection if necessary — Send me a bill of your charges against the lottery if any — the prize Tickets on hand by their members
Respectfully I am
Sir Your Obt Servt,
John Kerr,
Sec'y Gen'l N Massie January 15th 1809
Appendix B. 275
1811 Wm Surrel Dr.
Deer 8th To eash reed of Geirl Massie and J.
Taylor Esq $33.00
Cr. By expenses going to Zanes-
ville . . . $2.68f
By Do 9 days in Zanes-
ville . . . 17.061
of which $5.81^ was for drink By Cash to Servants . . .62|
By D to Barber & Washer- woman . . . .50 By expenses returning home 2.06^
J2.9a| 22.93!
Balance doe . . $10.06^
The 7 days I staid after your business was finished, were at my own expense, and began the 23 day of Jany — your business being finished on tuesday evening the 22nd.
(The above is the bill of an early lobbyist.)
Reed of James Sibet twelve dollars and seventy four cents in pay for two inn & two out lotts in the town of Chillicothe No. Ill & 120 inn lotts and out lotts No 91 & 67 Duncan McArthur
for Nath. Massie.
Test
Jos R Gltnn
276 Appendix B.
Philadelphia, Oct. 23d 1795.
Received from Mr. Nathaniel Massie Nine dollars being the Subscription for the Philadelphia Gazette and Universal Daily Advertiser, from the twenty third day of October 1795 to the twenty third day of October 1796.
For Anclw Brown
James Cary
Sepr 8th 1796 Received of Nathaniel Massie four- teen shillings & 6d being the ballance of my proportion of Indian Property taken in May 1795.
Archibold McDonald.
Major Nathaniel Masseb
Sir: — I have sold my right title claim and interest in and to lott No. 5 in the town of Chillicoffee (As- signed me by lott) to Thomas Worthington and desire that the same may be conveyed to the said "Worthing- ton at the expiration of the time fixed on for lott s to be conveyed to settlers in said town by you and this shall indemnify you for so doing given under my hand this 21st day of July 1796.
Witness present
Jno Machir
Anthony Smith Fielden Atchison
Reed July 21st 1796 of Thomas Worthington
Appendix B. 277
Twenty dollars as a full consideration for the lott above
mentioned which I have sold unto him
Fielden Atchison Test
Jno Machir
Nathaniel Massie to Mealhouse.
I promise & oblige myself, my Heirs, Executors or administrators to make a good and sufficient deed unto John Mealhouse, his Heirs or assigns, unto One Hundred acres of land on the waters of the Sioto known and dis- tinguished by (No 27), also One Inn lott in the town of Chilicothe known by (No. 48), and one out lott in said Town containing four acres (No. 4), the conveyance to be made on or before the first day of April next insuing the date hereof, on the said Mealhouse or assigns com- plying with the conditions of settling in the town of Chilicothe from the present period, I bind myself my Heirs Executors & administrators in the penal sum of Three hundred dollars; in witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 3d day of December 1796
Witness
Wm Latton Nath. Massie
Mr. Nathaniel Massie
Sir: — You will please convey my donation out Lott No Thirty nine in the town of Massieville, commonly known by the name of Chillicothe, to Thomas Wor- thington he having paid me the sum of ten pounds as a full satisfaction for the said lott and this shall indemnify
278 Appendix B.
you in so doing given under my Hand this 20th day of July 1797 Test
Michael Thomas Andrew Edgar
I do certify that I Weighed Six English Guineas
for Mr Jos Gardner which weighed thirty two penny
weights wanting one grain which at eighty nine cents pr
pennywt conies to 28.45
Chillicothe Feby 15th 1802
Jno Waddle
Prices of various articles at Chillicothe as shown by old bills and receipts during, her early days.
Coffee, 47 cents per lb.
Pork, $2,50 per hundred.
Tea, $2.00 to $2.50 per lb.
Sugar, oly cents to 37J cents per lb.
Whiskey, 50 cents per gallon.
Brandy, $3.50 per gallon.
Salt, $2.00 per bushel.
Cut glass tumblers, 37J cents each. Bar iron, 10 cents to 11 cents per lb. Tin pans, $1.00 each. Iron chafing dish, $2.25. Shovel and tongs, $2.00 per pair. Iron spoons, $2.00 per dozen. Spades, $1.75 each. Shovels, $1.25 each.
Appendix B. 279
Shoes, $2.50 to $3.00 per pair.
Boots, $5.50 per pair.
Pins, 50 cents per paper.
Cotton hose, $2.25 per pair.
Bandana handkerchiefs, $1.00 each.
Calico, 50 cents per yard.
White flannel, 62^ cents per yard.
Baize, $1.25 per yard.
Muslin, 37i cents per yard.
Brown holland, 58 cents per yard.
Superior blue cloth, $7.00 per yard.
Making suit of clothes, $3.75.
Silk per skein, 12^ cents.
Pair Ross blankets, $10.50.
Horses, $35.00 to $100.00 each— average, about $50.00.
Cows, $9.00 each.
Oats, 33 J cents per bushel.
Hay, $7.00 per ton.
Wheat, 66§ cents per bushel.
Corn, 33J cents per bushel.
Flour, $2.00 per 100 pounds.
Plank— walnut and poplar— $1.25 to $1.50 per hun- dred.
Wages seem to run from 50 cents per day up.
Country linen, sugar and whiskey passed for cash.
INDEX.
A.
Adams County, 66.
Adams, John, 77 ; address to. 69. Anderson, Richard Clongh, 28. Appendix A, 269. Appendix B, 274.
B.
Baldwin, Michael, 64, 78; goes to Washington, 78; Speaker House of
Represenatives, 90. Bedinger, Henry, letter, 218. Blennerhasset, !>2. Brown, J., letters, 113, 153, 198, 207.
Burnet, Jacob, 76, 80 ; quoted, 26, 75, 76 ; letters, 227, 253. Burr, Aaron, conspiracy, 92. Byrd, Charles Willing, 75, 83; U. S. Judge, 91; letters, 161, 162, 163,
164, 170, 171, 173, 205, 209, 210, 216, 229.
C.
Cass, Lewis, 93.
Chillicothe, first attempt to .settle, 59 ; settlement, 62 ; location, 62; named, 63; character of inhabitants, 63; lots assigned, 63; cap- ital, 73; mob, 78.
Cincinnati, 24, 25, 49, 78.
Congress, divides territory, 73 ; refuses to change boundaries, 78 ; authorizes constitutional convention, 82; approves constitu- tion, 90.
Connir, Daniel, letter, 252.
Constitutional convention, 82; forms constitution, 85; submission of constitution to popular vote, 86 ; negro suffrage, 86 ; criti- cisms, 88.
(281)
282 Index.
Creighton, Win., 91 ; elected Secretary of State, 91 ; letters, 242, 245,
257. Cropper, John, letter, 252. Cross, John, letter, 262. Cutler, Dr., 78. Cutler, Ephraim, 83.
D.
Darlington, Joseph, 66.
Donaldson, Israel, letters, 151, 203, 215, 226.
E.
Ellzy, W.i Jr., letter, 121.
F.
Fallen Timbers, battle of, 57.
Fearing, Paul, 78.
Federalists, 77.
Finley, Robert W., 58 ; letter, 58; quoted, 59.
Finley, Samuel, 66.
Fowler, John, letters, 188, 196.
G. Gallipoiis, 49.
Goforth, Win., letter, 223.
Gordon, Geo., letter, 230.
Graham, John, letters, 132, 148, 149, 151, 211, 236, 246, 249.
Granger, Gideon, letter, 234.
Green River, 24.
Greenup, Christopher, letter, 235.
Greenville Treaty, 57.
H.
Harrison, Wm. Henry, 73, 102; becomes Governor of Indiana Terri- tory, 74 ; letter, 155. Hunt, Jesse, letter, 260.
I.
Indiana Territory, 73.
Indians, in Kentucky, 17 ; in Virginia Military District, 26.
Index, 283
J.
James, Thomas, letter, 208.
Jefferson, Thomas, 20, SO; President, 77; removes St. Clair from office, 83.
K.
Kentucky, 16 ; early politics of, 20.
King, Rufus, History of Ohio, 73 ; quoted, 78.
Kirker, Thomas, 100.
L.
Langham, Elias, 66.
Legislature, First territorial, 66 ; second session of, 74.
Legislature, Second territorial, 77; consents to division of territory, 78; removes capitol, 78; first state, 91; second state, 92; fifth state, 92"; eigth state, 92; quality of members, 92.
M.
Machir, John, letters, 11<>, 178.
Manchester, 47 ; contract, 47 ; founded, 49; dangerous position, 49; Indian adventures at, 50; picture of life at, 56; historical in- terest, 57.
Marietta, 24, 25, 49.
Martan, John, letter, 109.
Massie family, 14.
Massie, Henry, 64; founds Portsmouth, 64; letter, 216.
Massie, Nathaniel, birth, 15; education, 15; revolutionary soldier, 15; backwoodsman trader in Kentucky, 19; early political sur- roundings, 19, 21 ; personal appearance, 21 ; surveyor, 29 ; land- owner, 29 ; surveying adventures, 30 ; business policy, 63 ; founds other towns, 64; member first territorial legislature, 66 ; contro- versy with St. Clair, 67; resolution, 74; member second terri- torial legislature, 77 ; charges against Governor St, Clair, 79 ; elected member of constitutional convention, 82; significance of conflict with St. Clair, 84 ; elected President of state Senate, 90; services in Senate, 92; elected member ef second general as- sembly, 92; fifth general assembly, 92 ; eighth general assembly, 92 ; presidential elector, 93 ; contest with Meigs, 93 ; services in
284 Index.
militia, 100; political estimate, 102; business life, 104; hos- pitality, 105; home, 105; wife, 106; children, 106; death, 106; burial, 107; estimate as a man, 107; letters, 115, 122, 125, 129, 142, 174, 177, 182, 184, 189, 193, 219, 243, 249, 259, 263.
Massie, Nathaniel, Sr., 14; letters, 114, 118.
Massie, Thos., Jr., letters, 108, 120.
Matthews, John, letter, 248.
Meade, Colonel David, 106.
Meade, Richard Kidder, letters, 157, 168.
Meigs, Return Jonathan, 93 ; contest with Massie, 93; letter, 166.
Morrison, Jas., letter, 267.
Morrow, Jeremiah, 91.
Mc.
McArthur, Duncan, 64, 93; letters, 255, 256, 264, 266. McDonald, John, quoted, 18, 30, 50, 56, 62, 100, 101, 105.
N. Negro suffrage, 86.
North-West Territory, 23 ; government of, 65 ; census of, 65 ; di- vided, 73.
O.
Ohio, becomes a state, 90 ; first election of state officers, 90 ; first general assembly, 91 ; second general assembly, 92 ; fifth general assembly, 92 ; eighth general assembly, 92.
Ohio Company, 24.
Ordinance of 1787, 23.
P. Paint Creek, 57, 62.
Politics, in Kentucky, 20; beginnings of, in Ohio, 68. Portsmouth, 64.
R. Republicans, 68, 77, SO, 82. Revolution, 15.
S Sargent, Jas., letter, 229. Sargent, W., letter, 131. Savary, J., letter, 231.
Index. 285
Scioto River, 25, 57, 02, 77.
ShawneeSj 26.
Silliman, Win., letter, 261.
Smith, John, 91 ; letters, 156, 222.
Statehood, 79, 80; agitation for, 80.
St. Clair, Arthur, Jr., letter, 169.
St. Clair, General Arthur, Sr., 65,78; veto, 67 ; political principles, 68 ; letter to Ross, 69 ; division of territory, 72 ; reply to resolu- tion, 75; adjourns legislature, 75; reappointed Governor, 77; ad- dresses constitutional convention, 82 ; removed, 83 ; letters, 138, 143.
Surveyors, 17.
Symmes, Daniel, letter, 225.
Svmtnes, John Cleves, 24; letter, 165.
T.
Tiffin, Edward, 66; member territorial legislatures, 66, 73. 77; con- stitutional convention, 82 ; elected Governor, 90.
V.
Vincennes, 73.
Virginia, 11 ; land bounties, 24; Military District, 25; land system, 27.
W.
Walker, David, letter, 152.
Watkins, Jos., letters, 120, 124, 127.
Waw-wil-a-way, 106.
Wayne, Anthony, victory, 57, 65; treaty, 57, 65.
Wilkins, Chas., letter, 175.
Wilkinson, General James, 19; letters, 111, 114, 119.
Worthington, Thomas, 64, 66, 80, 81; visits to Philadelphia, 73;
member territorial legislature, 66, 77 ; goes to Washington, 78, 90 ;
elected United States Senator, 90; letters, 132, 134, 137, 154, 159,
173, 176, 179, 180, 187, 191, 194, 197, 200, 204, 205,207,220,221,
232, 233, 238, 239, 240, 248. Wyatt & Redd, letter, 232.
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