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atjhttp : //books . qooqle . com/
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THE
BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS,
EMBODYING TH1
FUVATl J0U1NAI 01 IAIIAH BL1NNEEH ASSITT.
AND THE HITHXBTO UNPUBLISHED OOBBB8PONDBNOE OF
BURR, ALSTON, COMFORT TYLER, DEVEREAUX, DAYTON,
ADAIR, MIRO, EMMETT, THEODOSIA BURR
ALSTON, MRS. BLENNERHASSETT,
AND OTHERS, THEIB CONTEMPORARIES J DEVELOPING THE PURPOSES AND
AIMS Of THOSE ENGAGED IN THE ATTEMPTED
WILKINSON AND BURR REVOLUTION;
EMBRACING ALSO THE FIRST ACCOUNT OF THE
"SPANISH ASSOCIATION OF lEHTffCIY,"
ASD A
MEMOIR OF BLENNERHASSETT,
BT "WILLIAM H. SAFFORD.
CINCINNATI:
MOORE, WILSTACH, KEYS & CO.,
26 WEST FOURTH STREET.
18 6 1.
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\^F /85/a-
UN:VtRSITY
LIBRARY
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year I860,
By MOORE, WILSTACH, KEYS & CO.,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the
Southern District of Ohio.
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TO MY FRIEND,
SENECA W. ELY, Ebq.,
THIS VOLUME
18 RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.
Takglewood, November 19th, 1860.
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PREFACE.
In the year 1850, the author published a small volume, enti-
tled "The Life of Blennerhassett," which has passed through
several editions. While collecting the material for it, he learned
of the existence of the Blennerhassett manuscripts, and made an
ineffectual effort to secure them. They were then in the cus-
tody of B.'s invalid son, in the city of New York, who could
not be prevailed upon to submit them to the author's inspec-
tion. The latter was, consequently, compelled to send the work
to the press, with such limited information as could be gathered
from contemporaneous history and the personal reminiscences
of friends. On the death of this son, in 1854, the papers
passed into the possession of Joseph Lewis Blennerhassett,
the youngest surviving child of the family, from whom they
were obtained in the spring of 1859.
Upon an examination, the author was gratified to find that
his former publication, although written upon such unsatisfac-
tory data, so far as it professed to relate the life of Blenner-
hassett, was in every material particular correct. But the addi-
tional fund of interesting and important information which was
disclosed — particularly with reference to this most romantic epi-
sode of American history — seemed to impose the necessity of an
entire revision of his work. In the performance of this duty,
so much new material has been added from the private mem-
oranda, journals and correspondence of Blennerhassett, that he
has thought it advisable to change its title. Hence he has
adopted that of " The Blennerhassett Papers ;" and so nu-
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6 PREFACE.
merous have been the changes, that it may now be regarded as
a separate and independent publication.
In the selection and arrangement of the materials, he has
endeavored, impartially, to place before the public every im-
portant fact connected with the subject. Having no object to
conceal the faults or infirmities, nor inclination to apologize for
the acts, of Blennerhassett, the author has been careful to sup-
press nothing to shield him from censure, nor has he invented
excuses to extenuate his conduct. Wherever and whenever it
has been necessary, for the interest of the work and the inform-
ation of the reader, that the motives by which Blennerhassett
was actuated should be disclosed, he has not hesitated to reveal
them, even though it involved the invasion of private corres-
pondence.
It is possible, nay, probable, that much is here presented which,
oould it have passed under the personal supervision of Mr.
Blennerhassett, would have been materially modified, or entirely
withheld ; particularly after time had smoothed the asperities
of personal rancor, and obliterated the memory of private wrongs.
But this is certainly not the province of the impartial biogra-
pher, whose paramount aim is the verity of history, and not
the unwarranted aggrandizement of individual character.
These remarks apply more appropriately to the observations
on men and measures, contained in the journal and private
correspondence of Blennerhassett. The scathing criticisms, and,
in many instances, unmerited censure, with which its pages are
replete, can only be extenuated by the smarting sense of per-
sonal injustice to which he deemed himself subjected. It is to
be borne in mind, however, that none of his notes were ever
intended for the public eye; that they were written exclusively
for the entertainment of his wife and friends, at a time when
party spirit ran high, and the jealous rivalries of leading poli-
ticians had discarded the amenities of social intercourse ; when
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PREFACE. 7
Colonel Burr himself strove to give a partisan bias to the pros-
ecution for treason, by charging Mr. Jefferson with political
malevolence and private revenge. Under such considerations,
we are prepared, at least, to excuse the warmth of his invec-
tives, however much we may dissent from his conclusions.
Time has demonstrated, that whatever ' personal inconvenience
and sacrifice of private interest the arrest of the Burr Expedi-
tion occasioned the parties immediately involved; whatever mo-
tives may have influenced the action of the executive in the
prosecution of its leader, it is certainly now clear, that it main-
tained the integrity of the Union, and re-established the confi-
dence of the world in the power and perpetuity of the govern-
ment.
The chapter devoted to the Spanish intrigues in Kentucky,
seemed necessary to a proper understanding of the causes which
induced, and the parties who influenced and projected, this
noted undertaking. If the remarks upon the conduct of Gene-
ral Wilkinson should seem severe, the author can only say that
they have been prompted through no feeling of personal en-
mity, but in justice, merely, to those who were the victims of
his duplicity and bold breach of faith.
He has to regret the haste with which the necessities of the
case have compelled him to prepare the work for the press. It
has been completed in exactly one year from the time the
papers were submitted to his inspection, and at such intervals
of leisure, only, as he could appropriate from the duties of an
arduous profession. He can not, therefore, flatter himself that
it is free from occasional errors, or that it will successfully
escape the criticism of cultivated and correct taste. But how-
ever numerous may be its faults, he can only hope that he may
in some measure elude criticism through the interest which the
subject itself creates.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
lineage of Blennerhassett ; Placed at Westminster to school; Grad-
uates at Trinity College; The Irish Bar; Preferences, by the Irish
gentry, for the legal profession ; Studies at the King's Inns ; Called
to the degree of Barrister; Determines to travel ; Sets out for the
Continent; France; Witnesses the adoption of the new Constitu-
tion ; Returns ; Irish Revolutionists, John and Henry Sheares ; Dis-
content of Ireland ; Monopoly of England ; English tyranny; Effect
of American Revolution on Ireland ; On Europe ; Repeal of Stat-
ute Sixth of George First; Blennerhassett determines on removal;
Starts for Kingsale ; Proceeds to England ; Miss Agnew ; Marriage
and Migration 19
CHAPTER II.
Ships for New York; Letter to Lord Kingsale; Ohio and Mississippi
Valleys; Sets out for the West; Arrives at Pittsburg; Takes pas-
sage for Marietta; Population of the village; Resolves to locate;
Selecting a site for a residence; The Island; Moves to a block-
house, and commences improvements ; Simplicity not consulted in
the construction of the mansion ; Description ; Domesticity. ... 29
CHAPTER III.
Personal appearance of Blennerhassett; Anecdote of; Experiment;
Proficiency in music ; simplicity of character; Anecdote of; Afraid
of earthquakes and thunder-storms ; Mrs. Blennerhassett 50
CHAPTER IV
Character of the early settlers of Western Virginia ; Variety; Social
distinctions abolished ; Amusements; Feats of strength ; Chivalry;
Patriotism; Washington's compliment; Early settlers of Belpre*;
New England origin ; Puritanical practices ; Bravery ; Patriotism ;
Education ; Comparison of the two types of character 56
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10 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
Difficulties attending the early colonisation of the Mississippi Valley ;
Navigation of the river cause of discontent ; Tardiness of Congress
in asserting the rights of the people; Murmurings of discontent;
Want of unanimity of the people on the subject of redresB of griev-
ances ; Disunion advocated ; Intrigues of the Spanish Crown ; Gen-
eral James Wilkinson ; Endeavors to secure the free navigation of
the Mississippi; Arrested by order of the Governor of Louisiana;
Released; Entertainment; Permission to trade; Suspicious inti-
macy ; Gardoqui and Miro without concert of plan ; Gardoqui ap-
points Pierre d'Arges to execute scheme; D'Arges' movements;
Plans of Spanish agents threaten collision; Dispatch of Miro to
Valdes ; Wilkinson sails from New Orleans to Philadelphia ; Pro-
ceeds to Richmond ; Addresses a letter to Gardoqui ; Colonel George
Morgan; Efforts at Colonization; Wilkinson returns acrosB the
mountains; His splendid equipage creates suspicion; Enters into
large contracts for tobacco; Communicates with Miro by special
messengers ; Advises him of the disaffection of the Kentucky people,
and the probable success of their plans ; Wilkinson suspicioned by
Miro as working for pecuniary advancement; Dispatch of Miro;
Major Dunn sent by Wilkinson as supercargo; Is introduced by
letter to Miro ; Wilkinson communicates further intelligence of the
disposition of the Eentuckians ; Major Dunn corroborates his state-
ments; Dispatch from McGillivray, the half-breed chief; Miro elated ;
Wilkinson still ignorant of Gardoqui' s plans ; Diplomacy ; Wilkin-
son on a wrong scent; Wilkinson sowing the seeds of dissension
in Kentucky; Constant agitations; Wilkinson's success animates
others; A new cause of excitement; The new Constitution of the
United States ; Convention of Virginia called to meet at Richmond ;
A District Convention called to meet at Danville to frame a Consti-
tution for the new State; Wilkinson chosen as a member; Sudden
termination of its deliberations ; Letter on the subject from Wilkin-
son to Miro ; South-Western feeling ; Wilkinson still suspicioned ;
General Morgan's movements; Wilkinson's distrust of Morgan;
Sordid desires ; British intrigue; Connally deputed by Dorchester;
Visits Kentucky; Propositions; Interview with Wilkinson; Coun-
terplotting; Spain consents to the navigation of the Mississippi on
terms; Effect of the measure; Wilkinson discouraged; Apprehen-
sions for his own safety excited; Desires to become a Spanish sub-
ject; Is dissuaded by Miro; Miro' s hopes dampened ; Proposes to
pension Wilkinson to guard the interest of Spain, and Sebastian to
guard Wilkinson; Kentucky admitted; Wilkinson commissioned as
Lieutenant-Colonel; Reason therefor; Discontent still prevailing;
Genet's intrigue; Jacobin Clubs ; Address of the Society at Philadel-
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C0NTENT8. 11
phia ; General George Rogers Clark commissioned a Major-Gencral
in the French Revolutionary Legions; Washington embarrassed;
Demands the recall of Genet; General Wayne ordered to repair to
Massac ; Tranquillity, for a time, restored 68
CHAPTER VI.
Clouds gathering; Burr visits the West; Object; Visits the Island;
Interview with Wilkinson; Blennerhassett on a visit to Emmctt;
Duped by Harte ; Letter to James Brown, Esq. ; Despondent ; Pro-
poses to change his residence; Letter to Devereux ; Burrs first com-
munication to Blennerhassett ; Answer to Burr ; Burr to Blenner-
hassett; Burr's third letter ; Burr's fourth and fifth letters; Arrival
at the Island ; Interview ; Projects ; Wirt's description ; Burr con-
tinues recruiting; Tempting inducements held out 106
CHAPTER VII.
Preparations; Burr visits Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Kentucky; Terms
of enlistment ; " Querist ; " Lexington, Kentucky; Mrs. Alston joined
by her husband at the Island, in company with Blennerhassett; visit
Lexington ; Reception ; Ruse ; Col. Alston ; Letter of Blennerhassett
to Jos. 8. Lewis & Co. ; Apprehensions of the publio mind ; Retro-
spect; Rumors of the Expedition; Graham appointed a secret agent
to investigate its object; Instructions to Wilkinson; Marches to-
ward Natchitoches; Orders the fortification of New Orleans; Re-
fused forces by the Executive of Mississippi Territory ; Sends Bur-
ling to Mexico to apprise the Viceroy; Meeting at New Orleans;
Preparations for resistance; Mutiny in Wood county, Va.; Mrs.
Blennerhassett alarmed ; Dispatches a messenger to Blennerhassett ;
He returns from Lexington; Dr. Bennett; Letter to Colonel Phelps;
Reply; Interview; Letter from Devereux; Burr'B arrest in Ken-
tucky; Advises Blennerhassett; Discharge; Graham visits Mari-
etta ; Interview with Blennerhassett ; Visits the Governor of Ohio
at Chillicothe; Act of the Ohio Legislature; Militia of the State
called out; Anecdotes; Comfort Tyler; Tyler to Blennerhassett;
Hon. Charles Fenton Mercer; Interview; Reflections; Arrival of
Tyler at the Island ; Blennerhassett disheartened ; Persuaded by his
wife to proceed; Boats guarded by the militia; Toung recruits
attempt a rescue 131
CHAPTER VIII.
Burr dispatches communication in cipher to Wilkinson; Revelations;
Evidences of Wilkinson's complicity ; Wilkinson's treachery, Com-
municates with the President; Proclamation of the President;
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12 CONTENTS.
Blennerhassett alarmed; Preparations; Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Es-
cape of the Expedition from the Wand j Col. Phelps with his forces ;
Ineffectual attempt to arrest Blennerhassett at Point Pleasant;
Instructions sent to Tennessee; Graham leaves Frankfort for Nash-
ville ; The movements of Burr; Kentucky militia ordered out;
Burr's flotilla ; Burr leaves the Cumberland ; Lands at Fort Massac ;
Is visited by the Commander, Captain Bissel ; Supplies Burr with a
messenger to convey a letter to the Lead Mines in Missouri ; His
wife presents Burr with provisions ; Burr and his party prooeed to
Chickasaw Bluffs ; Has an interview with the Commander, Lieuten-
ant Jacob Jackson; Fails in his designs; Communication of the
President to Wilkinson; Burr supplies himself with lead, toma-
hawks, etc., and proceeds to Palmyra, and thence to Bayou Pierre ;
Blennerhassett' s Journal of the voyage down the river. 167
CHAPTER IX.
Morgan Neville, and William Robinson, Junior ; Embark from Pitts-
burg in a fiatboat; Espied by the Wood county militia, and arrested ;
Escorted to the Island to await the return of Colonel Phelps ; Diffi-
culties with the militia ; Trial of the young men ; Conduct of the
militia on the Island ; Mrs. Blennerhassett' s return from Marietta ;
Her fortitude on the occasion ; Embarrassed situation ; Accepts the
offer of the young men to convey her to her husband; Colonel
Phelps's return to the Island; Young men embarrassed at the
announcement of his arrival ; Character and description of Colonel
Phelps ; Rebukes the militia for their riotous conduct ; His politeness
to the young men ; Proffers his services in accelerating Mrs. Blen-
nerhassett'8 arrangement to go to her husband ; Apologises for the
misbehavior of his men; Mrs. Blennerhassett prepares to depart;
Leaves the Island in company with the young men; Passes the
month of the Cumberland; Disappointed in not finding her hus-
band; Arrives at Bayou Pierre, and is restored to Blennerhassett;
Painful situation of Burr and Blennerhassett; Burr sinks the arms
for the Expedition, in the Mississippi 193
CHAPTER X.
Proclamation of Cowles Mead in Mississippi ; Burr visited at his boats
hy George Poindexter, Attorney-General ; Letter from Cowles Mead ;
Surrender ; Examination before Rodney ; Jury called ; Refuse to find
a Bill of Indictment; Censure the arrest; Burr resolves to escape;
Letter to Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Makes flight ; Burr's forces arrested ;
Other seizures at New Orleans ; Habeas corpus granted by Workman ;
Wilkinson refuses to surrender his prisoners; Workman resigns;
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CONTENTS. 19
Burling returns from Mexico; Wilkinson and Admiral Drake;
Trial and discharge of Bollman, Swartwout, Ogden and Alexander;
Letter of Blennerhassett to Graham ; Blennerhassett arrested) and
released on bail 199
CHAPTER XI.
Burr's arrival in the Tillage of Wakefield, Alabama; Inquires for
Colonel Hin8on's ; His conduct excites suspicion ; He is pursued by
Nicholas Perkins and Bright well, the Sheriff; Is found at Hinson's;
His agreeableness ; Suspicions of the Sheriff; Mrs. Hinson's inquis-
itiveness; His departure from Hinson's ; Delinquency of Brightwell;
Perkins sets out for Fort Stoddard, to procure assistance of Lieuten-
ant Edmund P. Gaines ; They start in pursuit ; Burr is arrested ;
His imprisonment at the Fort; Kindness to George S. Gaines;
Amusements at the Fort ; Burr's traveling companion, Major Ash-
ley, arrested, and escapes ; Difficulties in procuring a guard to con-
vey Burr to Richmond; Burr leaves the Fort under guard; Sympa-
thy of the ladies ; Guard ; Perkins fears the influence of Burr ; Par-
ticulars of the journey; Burr attempts to escape at Chester; Is
unsuccessful ; Arrives at Richmond, Virginia ; Letter of Alston to
Governor Pinkney, of South Carolina 214
CHAPTER XII.
Blennerhassett leaves Natches for the Island ; Letter of Blennerhas-
sett to Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Same to same; Travel's history ; Letter
from Mrs. Blennerhassett to Mr. Blennerhassett ; Blennerhassett to
Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Another ; Letter from D. Woodbridge to Blen-
nerhassett; From Mrs. to Mr. Blennerhassett; Burr to Blennerhas-
sett; Alston to Blennerhassett; From Mrs. Theodosia Burr Alston;
From Burr to Blennerhassett ; Arrest of Blennerhassett at Lexing-
ton ; Advises Mrs. Blennerhassett by letter ; Narrative of the events
by himself; Blennerhassett to Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Account of the
arrest from the " Western World ; " Letter from Henry Clay ; Letter
from Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Blennerhassett to Mrs. Blennerhassett,
from the Penitentiary; Account of the journey and incidents at
Richmond ; Burr to Blennerhassett ; Same to same ; Blennerhassett
to Mrs. Blennerhassett; Burr to Blennerhassett; Mrs. Blennerhas-
sett to Mr. Blennerhassett ; Same to same ; Burr to Blennerhassett ;
Same to same; Blennerhassett to Mrs. Blennerhassett; Same to
same ; Devereux to Blennerhassett ; Blennerhassett to Mrs. Blenner-
hassett; Trial of Burr commenced; Counsel engaged; Verdict of
acquittal ; Blennerhassett to Mrs. Blennerhassett 281
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14 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
Blennerhassett's Private Journal 808
CHAPTER XIV.
Letter from Blennerhassett to Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Same to same;
Letter from Luther Martin to Blennerhassett; Blennerhassett to
Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Blennerhassett to Colonel Burr ; Blennerhas-
sett to Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Same to same ; 8ame to same ; Returns
to Natchez; Pecuniary distress; Purchases a cotton plantation;
Finds a home; Mrs. Blennerhassett' s management; Devereux to
Blennerhassett ; A small remittance ; Joseph S. Lewis to Blenner-
hassett ; Thomas Addis Emmett to Blennerhassett ; Joseph S. Lewis
to same ; From the same ; From the same ; Blennerhassett to Gov-
ernor Alston ; Effect of the embargo ; Island Mansion destroyed by
fire ; Letter from Joseph S. Lewis ; From the same ; From the same ;
From the same ; From the house of Joseph 8. Lewis & Co. ; From
Joseph S. Lewis ; From the same ; From Joseph S. Lewis & Co. ; Burr
in Europe; Suspicioned in England; Visits Edinburg; Returns to
London, and iB imprisoned ; Set at large, and ordered to quit the
kingdom ; His subsequent movements ; Returns to New York ; Letter
from to Blennerhassett; Blennerhassett to Burr; Letter from Mr.
Emmett 608
CHAPTER XV.
Origin of the Burr Expedition ; History of events preoeding ; Gayoso's
intrigues ; Power dispatched to Wilkinson ; Plan for dismembering
Kentucky; Wilkinson's complicity; Power's second mission; In-
structions; Wilkinson's reply ; Spanish-American settlers ; United
States tardy in taking possession of Spanish forts under the treaty
of 1783; Spain is jealous of her American possessions; Memoir of
the First Consul of France ; Advises that Wilkinson be enlisted in
the service of France; Wilkinson the author of the Burr Expedi-
tion ; Burr's project not a new one ; Miranda's Expedition ; Extent
of Burr's intrigues; Misrepresentations; Wilkinson's complicity
and treachery ; Jefferson accused 664
CHAPTER XVI.
Blennerhassett unsuccessful; Disposes of his Mississippi estate, and
removes to New York; Removes to Canada in hopes of obtaining a
Judgeship ; Unsuccessful ; " The Deserted Isle ; " Sails for Ireland ;
Disappointed in recovering estates; Letter from Mrs. Blennerhas-
sett; Distress of Mrs. Blennerhassett; Letter to Blennerhassett;
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CONTENTS. 16
Colonel Archibald Henderson to Mrs. Blennerhassett ; Same to the
same ; Blennerhassett seeks office in England ; Letter to the Marquis
of Anglesey; Letter from Mrs. Blennerhaasett; Letter to Not. de
Courey; To Lord Courtney; From Mrs. Blennerhassett; From the
same; To General Devereux; To J. Kingdom ; To Devereux; To the
Marquis of Wellesley ; His history ; Marries Mrs. Patterson, of Bal-
timore, formerly Miss Eaton ; The Tabinet Ball ; Reverses of fortune ;
Letter from the poet Campbell ; Blennerhassett returns to Canada,
to remove permanently to England; Mrs. Blennerhassett' b health
declining; Letter to Lord Anglesey; Answer; ToHarman Blenner-
Jbassett; Premonition of death; Removes to Guernsey; Death; Re-
flections; Mrs. Blennerhassett visits the United States; Presents
her memorial to Congress; Claim reported favorably upon; Death
of Mrs. Blennerhassett. 682
APPENDIX.
I. Secret Correspondence • • • W7
n. The Battle or Muskingum, or Deteat or the Burbites. . . 661
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INTRODUCTION.
More than fifty years since, the inhabitants of the
West were gratified by the intelligence that an indi-
vidual of rank and fortune had renounced allegiance
to his father-land, to take up his abode among them.
In those primitive days, every addition to the little
band of early pioneers was deemed of some import-
ance; but the accession of one whose manners and
customs differed so widely from their own, who could
build and adorn a palace in the western wilds, was
considered an event of wonderful magnitude.
"With satisfaction they beheld the first germs of civi-
lization springing from beneath the plastic hand of
taste, and bursting into full maturity through the gen-
ial influence of wealth. This western Eden, while it
captivated their eyes with its beauty, amazed their
minds with the resources of its possessor. They wit-
nessed the accomplishment of his ends in the subjuga-
tion of nature to his will ; saw " the desert bloom and
blossom as the rose;" stood as anxious spectators
when the whirlwind of popular prejudice prostrated
the hopes of his household; and wept for the desola-
tion which succeeded.
Since the celebrated expedition of Aaron Burr, the
earlier fortunes of Blennerhassett have been the sub-
ject of singular curiosity. Many have been the sur-
mises as to the causes which led this scion of Euro-
2
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18 INTRODUCTION.
pean aristocracy to renounce the hereditary honors
(consequent upon family, for the secluded life of an
unpretending republican. Some attribute it to au
early alliance with a lady whose fortune and rank
were unequal to those of his own ; others, to a want
of success as a member of the Irish bar; while the
uncharitable are anxious to throw around the subject
conjectures of the darkest character.
The mystery which surrounds him and his "island
home" has served, for more than fifty years, to enter-
tain the passing traveler, as he glides by the spot
where once stood the American Alhambra. The mar-
velous stories of Spain, of Moslem enchantment and
Moorish gold, are scarcely less credible than the tales at
such times repeated to the attentive ear of the listener.
Memory reverts with fond delight to the earlier days
of our youthful pastimes, when, strolling through the
embowered coppices of the isle, or seated beneath the
vine-clad cotton tree, the stern realities of life were
forgotten, in the tragic narratives of by-gone years.
Around the name of Blennerhassett, and every thing
connected with it, was waved the enchanting wand of
romance ; and tales of beauty, of splendor, and of crime,
while they fascinated us with their witchery, startled
us with his deep and dark designs.
Who Blennerhassett truly was, and what his origin
and destiny, it is our object to disclose; — to strip the
subject of that mysteriousness which ignorance, wilful
prejudice, or a love of the marvelous has thrown
around it, and reveal to the inquiring reader the acts
and character of the man.
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THE
BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS
CHAPTER I.
Little of incident is anywhere related of the early
life of Blennerhassett. He was the youngest son of a
distinguished family, which could trace its lineage from
the time of King John. His grandfather, Robert,
having emigrated from Cumberland in the reign of Eli-
zabeth, became the head of three highly respectable
branches of Irish gentry.
The first son was the proprietor of Ballyseedy; the
second of Conway Castle, Killorglin, both in the county
of Kerry ; and the third established himself at Riddles-
town, in the county of Limerick.
The subject of this memoir was of the Castle Conway,
or Killorglin line. He was born in Hampshire, on the
8th of October, in the year 1764 or 1765, while his parents
were on a temporary visit to England. A younger son,
and by the laws of primogeniture, destined to a profes-
sion, he was placed by his father at an early age, in the
celebrated school of Westminster. He was afterward
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20 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
entered at Trinity College, Dublin, where it is said he
graduated with honor to himself and credit to his pro-
fessors.
At that time the Irish bar — a body formidable to the
then existing government— comprised many sons of the
noblemen and commoners of Ireland. The legal science
was not then a mere trade, but a profession, requiring
both learning and time to master its abstruse truths.
Eloquence was looked upon as a qualification for the
Senate, and almost every peer and commoner had a
relative among its members.
This inordinate preference for the legal profession is
said to have arisen from numerous causes. Chief
among these 'was the ambition of their gentry, and their
family pride. The first anxiety of a parent was to secure
for his son a calling befitting, in every particular, the
dignity of the ancient name. In this respect the bar
has at all times proved the highway to fortune and
political preferment. But the consideration of wealth, or,
perhaps, a seat in the Privy Council, were not the only
inducements to such a selection. Although they were
not to be regarded with indifference, yet there has also
been an adventitious dignity conferred upon the profes-
sion, by the political circumstances of the country, and
the individual influence of many of its illustrious names.
Until 1792, no Catholic could be admitted to the pri-
vileges of a barrister, and the dignities of the profession
were confined to a favored few. The highest families
were anxious to secure positions, which stamped an
aristocratic character upon the importance of the calling ;
and to be a counsellor in those days was to be no ordi-
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IN FRANCE. 21
nary personage; the title was an indisputable passport
to aristocratic society and intellectual association.
Blennerhassett having, therefore, selected the law as
the surest road to preferment and wealth, was placed
at the King's Inns, as an entered apprentice; and at
Michaelmas term, 1790, at the age of twenty-five, was
generally admitted into the " Honorable Society," and
called to the degree of Barrister therein.
Having now successfully accomplished a severe course
of study in which, in a few years, he had passed through
the first literary, scientific and legal institutions of Great
Britain ; and, by the death of his eldest brother, having
but recently succeeded to the family estates, rendering
exertion in his profession unnecessary as a means of sub-
sistence, he determined before entering upon its duties,
to indulge himself for a time in the recreation of foreign
travel.
Accordingly, in company with one of his companions,
he set out for a tour upon the continent. France, both
then as now, was the center of interest for all the world.
For the philosopher, statesman, or man of pleasure, she
has long possessed, and still presents, superior attractions
over any of her sister Kingdoms. At the period of
Blennerhassett's visit, she had been rocked by the whirl-
wind of revolution ; and the established despotism of her
military monarchs had been crumbled into atoms. The
massive structure of the Bastile, every stone of which
echoed the groans of four centuries of oppression, had
been torn from its summit to its foundation, by the infu-
riated advocates of popular freedom. On the anniver-
sary of its destruction, Louis Sixteenth, with thirty
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22 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
thousand delegates from the confederated National
Guards of the kingdom, in the presence of five hun-
dred thousand of their countrymen, had taken the oath
of fidelity to the nation, to the Constitution, and, all
save the monarch himself, to the king. But France was
still trembling from the convulsions of her people. Her
recuperative energies were starting afresh, on a new sys-
tem of government, which lacked all the great elements
of success. To one who had been familiar with the
daily complainings of an oppressed nation, who, although
himself but upon the verge of manhood, had already
been strongly suspected of a secret league with the revo-
lutionary spirits of Ireland, thoroughly read in the poli-
tical writings of Voltaire, and a disciple of Rosseau,
a more interesting and opportune period could not have
presented itself.
He was still an unwilling witness to the murmurs
of the people. Confidence in the permanency of the
government had not been secured by the affections of
its subjects, and society had received a shock from
which it had seemed impossible to recover.
Having remained long enough to witness the adop-
tion of this new measure, Blennerhassett returned to
his own country, in time to escape the storm, which
prostrated the hopes of its friends, and destroyed the
life of the unfortunate Louis. There were quite a
number of the young men of Ireland in Prance at
the time of the emeute. Many of them entered into
the spirit of the Revolution with great zest, and
endeavored to enlist the sympathies of the insurgents
in their cause against the oppression of England.
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DISAFFECTED IRELAND. 23
Among the more noted of these for their subsequent
misfortunes, were John and Henry Sheares. They
were hativeB of Cork, well educated, both lawyers,
and of respectable parentage. They were present at
the taking of the Bastile, and John was seen, on his
return to Ireland, to flourish with exultation a hand-
kerchief stained with the blood of Louis XVI. They
subsequently became involved in the outbreak in
1798, for which they were prosecuted for treason.
Although they were ably defended by Curran, they
were, nevertheless, convicted, and suffered the extreme
penally of the law. Much dissatisfaction was after-
wards expressed on account of the character of the
evidence upon which they were found guilty. There
was but one witness, and he a government decoy,
who had himself counseled more treason than either
had ever conceived.
But the same spirit of discontent which prevailed
in France had extended to Ireland. For centuries
had she groaned under the oppression of England.
Her submission to the sceptres of Henry and of
Richard had been construed into the right of con-
quest; and they sought to crush the native spirit
of her people, by fomenting discord and exercising
tyranny. Ireland had been blessed with a genial soil.
Nature had lavished her brightest gifts upon her.
The native character of her population was not infe-
rior to that of other nations. But of what avail were
fertile fields, or gigantic Intellects, when national dis-
organization and political faction perverted the gifts
of Providence to selfish purposes, or destroyed their
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24 THE BLBNNEBHASSKTT PAPERS.
useftilness in the general wreck of distracted govern-
ments and divided subjects? Her manufacturing inter-
est and commercial enterprise struggled long against
the monopoly of England; but the superior power of
her ruler enabled her to check their prosperity, by the
heavy hand of arbitrary restraint. A deplorable want
of union of sentiment, and firmness of purpose, at all
times prevented a successful separation from her
powerful oppressor; and every attempt to claim her
independence proved vain and abortive.
England, fearful of her growing strength, sought to
subdue her spirit, by onerous exactions, and denying
her the privilege of a free legislature. Not only against
Ireland had she exercised her arbitrary will, but also
against the colonies of her planting in North America.
Vain in the conceit of her imperial power, she dared
to exact obedience from peoples separated by the wide
Atlantic, and command the same submission with which
the oppressed subjects of Ireland had yielded. While
her experimental philosophy had taught her that to
retain her authority she must exercise tyranny, she had
not reflected that there was a point in the system of her
oppression, where submission ceased to be a virtue.
The spirit of independence was hovering over the
bloody altar of the American Revolution, when Ire-
land again awoke to a sense of her own condition. She
gazed with animated delight at the increasing success of
American arms. Every new victory found a sympathetic
influence, responding with joy, in the recesses of her own
bosom. The feeble colonies of America, spread over a
vast extent of territory, with but few facilities for con-
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LIBERAL PRINCIPLES SPREADING. 25
ducting a war, with a hostile Indian enemy in their rear,
and the boasted chivalry of England at their front;
undismayed by difficulty or the fear of defeat, after seven
years of war, were finally victorious. The arrogance of
England bowed its proud head to the shrine of liberty ;
and Lord Cornwallis, her favorite general, led back the
relics of her conquered army, to commemorate, in the
mother country, the impotence of her power and the
emancipation of her colonies.
Before they had well considered the reason of their
solicitude, the same spirit of independence had animated
the Irish bosom ; and, in every corner of her territory,
the fire of liberty burst forth, in a blaze that threatened
equal destruction to British usurpation and kingly gov-
ernment. The nation became aroused. English influ-
ence and English interests secured partizans in church
and state ; and opposing factions, from their intolerance
and party animosity, had already commenced the Irish
revolution.
The success of the cause of liberty in the American
colonies affected, most sensibly, the whole of Europe.
It appeared, indeed, as though the fiat had gone forth,
that monarchies and despotisms were for ever to cease
from among men. " Strange and unforeseen events
were crowding the annals of the world ; the established
axioms of general polity began to lose their * weight
among nations; and governments, widely wandering
from the fundamental principles of their own con-
stitutions, appeared carelessly traveling the road to
ruin."
Such was the State of Europe; presenting an aspect
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26 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
not unlike that upon which we, of later days, have
gazed (and to which we still look, with feelings of
solicitude and hope), when Blennerhassett left the
unhappy shores of France for those, not less discon-
tented, of his native country.
Ireland, it is true, from the helpless situation of
England, at a time when her foreign wars and hapless
defeats had exhausted the resources of that powerful
nation, had successfully demanded the repeal of stat-
ute sixth of George First, entitled "An Act for the
better securing the dependency of the kingdom of Ire-
land upon the crown of Great Britain ; " but her situa-
tion was not less distracted than before.
Although it was difficult to keep aloof from the entan-
gling snares of party strife, Blennerhassett chose rather
to pursue the more flowery paths of literature than the
sterner and more rugged way of political preferment.
To a mind which sought within itself for sources of
enjoyment, the bustle and hurricane which reigned
around served to distract his meditations, and inter-
rupt the pleasure which, in seclusion, he had hoped to
find.
Being the possessor of an estate, with considerable
additional fortune inherited at the death of his father,
he determined no longer to remain in Ireland, subjected
to the inconvenience and danger which usually attend
the feuds of faction; but, in some more remote and
peaceful region, where the infuriated mob and the
clamor of war were never heard, he hoped to spend a
life of repose.
He accordingly disposed of his lands to his relative,
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MARRIAGE AND MIGRATION. 27
Mr. Mullins, afterward Baron Vintry, and made immedi-
ate preparation for departing. Having closed his busi-
ness he started for Kingsale, a seaport in the county of
Cork, where his sister, the consort of Lord Kingsale
(Baron de Courcey), at that time resided.
His estates had yielded him an ample fortune of one
hundred thousand dollars. From Kingsale he proceeded
to England, to complete, his arrangements for transmit-
ting it to America, and supplying himself with his
necessary outfits.
While here he frequently met with, and finally became
affianced to, a Miss Agnew, daughter of the Lieutenant-
Governor of the Isle of Man, and grand-daughter of the
celebrated General of that name, who fell at the battle
of Germantown. She was young, intelligent, and beau-
tiful. Possessed of an uncommon degree of energy,
coupled with a temperament of romantic ardor, she lis-
tened, with captivated delight, to the fairy stories he
repeated of the far-off land in the Western world. She
did not, therefore, hesitate tor consummate the nuptials,
and link her destinies with his in that rural paradise
which his imagination had so vividly depicted.
Upon the precarious sea of life, almost without com-
pass or chart, Blennerhassett had now launched his
adventurous barque. The sudden truth flashed across
his mind, that he, too, was an adventurer; not, how-
ever, for the gold of Peru, for discoveries in the material
world, or the subjugation of a foreign power. Gold
and honor were already his ; but these, compared to the
revelation of truth in the great volume of nature, to
the inquiring mind, which sought to unfold her hidden
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28 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
mysteries, were but as "sounding brass and tinkling
cymbal."
To him, that sea appeared serene and safe, with no
adverse winds to interrupt his onward course; while,
in the dim distance of imagination, he descried that
shore of sweet repose, where the deceit and treachery
of man should never disturb the quietude of a mind at
peace.
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CHAPTER II.
Having supplied himself, in London, with an extensive
library and a philosophical apparatus, together with
other materials deemed necessary for future use, Blenn-
erhassett shipped for New York in 1796, where he
remained for several months, to study the topography
of the country and the character of its inhabitants.
An account of the voyage, and description of the
country, are entertainingly given in the following letter,
addressed to his nephew, the Hon. Thomas de Courcey,
afterward Lord Kingsale :
New Utrecht, Long Island,
August 18^, 1796.
My Dear Tom: — Although I feel that your anxiety
and my own wishes equally urge the dispatch of this let-
ter, yet that its end should not be altogether unattained,
I have not only deferred beginning it since my landing
on the 1st instant, but shall probably conclude with a
date considerably distant from that with which I have
commenced; for I shall sooner depend upon your rely-
ing on the chances in fevor of the safe issue of my voy-
age, than merely send you an account of it such a
distance as divides every thing but our hearts, unaccom-
panied with some account of things as they shall strike
me in this country from time to time, which, as they
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30 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
will necessarily affect my interests, will, I know, on that
account, be more than entertaining to you. As to our
passage, as nothing very material happened in the course
of it, I shall only tell you that we made it very tediously,
that is, in seventy-three days from our sailing from
Gravesend, till we landed at New York. During our
vicissitudes of calms and adverse winds, which, instead
of the direct distance, compelled us to submit to a tra-
verse sailing of, I suppose, not less than ten thousand
miles, I was relieved from any sense whatever of confine-
ment by the variety and awfulness of nature in the
Western Ocean, and particularly in what is called the
Florida Gulf Stream, together with the almost daily
occupation of examining, and finally, when we made the
land, correcting the dead reckoning of the ship by means
of two excellent instruments, with which, among others,
I provided myself in London ; the one a Hadley's sex-
tant, the other a chronometer watch, made by the maker
to the British Board of Longitude.
On first setting my foot on American soil, I was visited
with sensations which I certainly never experienced in
the old country. With any particular description of
these I shall not trouble you, but while they excited
severe regrete, as I cast my eyes back on the sea that
interposed so wide a space between me and the many
dear ties I left behind, they soon after inspired more self-
ish reflections to cheer me with the contemplation of so
grand a barrier between me and the malevolence of my
enemies, while it seemed, at the same time, the only
limit of my natural and political independence. But
these prospects, I must admit, merely dawn at present;
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NEW YORK IN '96. 31
and my expectations will not ripen under their meridian
heat till I shall have acquired a landed property equal
to that with which I have parted.
The climate, as well as the voyage, which Maggie has
home well, has received us kindly, and still continues to
treat us with benignity. The situation of New York,
with which I know Morse has acquainted you, save in
the lower parts of the town, where, from its rapid
increase in trade, and I may say, the almost insular situ-
ation of the city, the inhabitants have, for some time,
been making new ground for docks, and building lots,
with bad and filthy stuff; its situation, I say, is provided
with almost every requisite to check, if not destroy, the
tendency of the climate (which in spring and summer is
damp, and suddenly and violently variable), to produce
the intermittent very general here, and known by the
name of the fever and ague, which, to all appearance, is
the same complaint with the ague in Europe. But the
severe heat generally prevalent in the months of July
and August, raising the thermometer some days to 96°;
by its pernicious influence on the docks, and new low
grounds, renders it advisable for foreigners to retire to
the country. Principally upon this account, added to a
severe handling from the musketoes, which, during our
stay in town, used to come over from the Jersey shore,
opposite to which we lodged upon the Hudson, I removed
to this place last Saturday, where we have joined a
tolerably pleasant party, chiefly of subscribers, who have
built a handsome house, with a large room and balcony
in front, of near seventy feet in length, and other apart-
ments, containing about thirty good bed-rooms. The
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32 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
situation is pleasant and cool upon the shore, compared
with the town, from which it is distant about twelve
miles. Here we shall remain till the latter end of the
month, when the heat will moderate, and I shall pass
through Jersey on my way to Philadelphia. In the
meantime, I shall further explore this Island, having as
yet, from the heat of the weather, done almost nothing
in that way. But in two or three rides I have witnessed
the general poverty of the soil which, though extremely
shallow and sandy, exhibits a beautiful diversity of cul-
tivated country, in the appearance of large and well
fenced fields of cucumbers, musk and water-melons, with
plenty of apple and peach orchards. The peaches,
though no more attended to than your wildings in
Kerry, have as good a flavor as the best ever produced
at Reen. Judge then what a garden I look to in a better
soil and climate. Grapes are universal, but seem totally
neglected except for pies, though I am persuaded they
might even here be brought to perfection. Indian corn
is so much the staple of consumption on this island, that
it alone is called corn, every other species of grain being
distinguished by its proper name. The farmers, nine
out of ten Dutch, or their descendants, are not only
comfortable but rich. And though the state of agri-
culture among them is ridiculed by the Anglo-Americans
for its backwardness, there is not an acre of land
between this place and New York (from the easy vent
which the latter offers for the above-mentioned produce,
with garden stuff, and perhaps a few other articles), that
does not annually bring in from £25 to £30 of this,
currency, the dollar being eight shillings here. Hence
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BARLY POLITICS. 83
I need scarcely tell you that land is extremely dear. I
have it from good authority, that, in the back parts
of the State, capital has been, within these five years
past, uniformly doubled every two years by the purchase
and re-sale of small lots of military lands.
You remember the advantages this State possesses in
being the best watered in the Union, both by nature and
art, and, accordingly, all its waste lands are settling with
surprising rapidity, chiefly from New England. These
accounts, nevertheless, shall not, at present, seduce me
into any purchases here, because the British funds have
fallen considerably since I purchased into them; and
there is now less than a twelvemonth to run of the pres-
ent Presidency.
It seems to be the general opinion of the few informed
acquaintances I have yet been able to make (most of the
persons to whom I am here addressed having retreated
for the summer in different directions, into the country),
that Washington will not stand as candidate again, and
that there will be a severe contest between the North
and the South ; the former straining every nerve to elect
Adams, the latter making equal exertions in behalf of
Jefferson. The expected struggle is regarded by both
sides with eager anxiety, while maneuvering is practiced
by both parties to the degree even of multiplying the
States. To explain this : — You will probably have seen,
by the papers, that a sixteenth State, viz., that part of
the territory South- West of the Ohio, called the Tennes-
see country, has, in the last session of Congress, been
admitted, by virtue of the amount of its population,
into the Union. Now it is insinuated in the Northern
3
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34 THE BLENNEMIASSETT PAPERS.
and Middle States, where Adams is the favorite, and by
whose preponderancy he would probably succeed, that
the admission of Tennessee was obtained through a false
census. However, this objection, whether true or not,
now comes too late. The business is done. But, in order
to effect a counterpoise, the District of Maine is to be
separated from Massachusetts. So when you see this
event also in the papers, you will know how to construe
the real motives for erecting the district of Maine into a
separate State, out of the ostensible reasons set forth for
the measure.
In the midst of these transactions I have had an
opportunity of witnessing the attachment of both par-
ties to the real interests of the country, though they
reciprocally launch the imputations of aristocracy and
democracy against each other; and the candor on the
one side in allowing the superiority of Jefferson's tal-
ents, is equalled by the honesty on the other in admit-
ting that Adams has done more for America than his
opponent. Still, the administration of the new Presi-
dent, if not his election, will, in my opinion, as seems
granted indeed, operate as a test of the constitution, to
confound or confirm the idea in Europe, that Mr. Wash-
ington is, alone, in America, the preserving cement of
order and good government; and, at all events, the
period will operate a crisis which I shall in prudence
abide, before I settle the whole of my property on this
side of the Atlantic.
Upon this account, alone, I have said so much upon
general politics; from which, however, you must not
infer that I do not see more than equal security of pri-
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EARLY TRADE. 8$
vate property with any that can be boasted in Europe,
where the many have nothing to lose, compared with
the proprietary interest; but, in this country, there is
no peasantry.
In the meantime speculations of every possible sort
are driven forward daily, I think, so far, unhappily, as
they induce a species of gambling; for one-half must
ever lose, at every sort of play, while the advantages of
regular trade, being reciprocal, all parties are benefited.
These speculations are commercial, properly so called —
and landed. I shall give you an example or two of
each. iNo adventures in the former line have been
more weighty or enterprising than in the article of
flour. This I call a speculation, because flour is no
natural subject of trade between America and Europe,
since the latter can always raise enough for consump-
tion; but ideas of its partial scarcity in England and
France, during the war, have so engaged the merchant
and farmer, that both have for the most part been ruined
within these last eight months, the former on his disas-
trous returns at a full third below first cost, having only
to condole with the latter still keeping his granaries shut
up, for he has now no market but the home; the arti-
cle having there too fallen near six dollars in the barrel.
Hence you will not be surprised to learn the extravagant
prices of the necessaries of life, and the high rates of
wages, which have not yet come down in proportion to
the wholesale fall. Men-servants still have twelve dol-
lars a month. Masons, at New York and Philadelphia,
from sixteen to twenty shillings a day ; carpenters, a shil-
ling less, and both, in country situations, according to
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36 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
the distance from these cities, may be had from one to
fire or six shillings less. House-rent, also, still keeps up
enormously ; a two-roomed house, according to its situa-
tion, fetching from £150 to £250 in these towns, of New
York currency. To estimate the rate of other necessa-
ries, I shall send you a price current, which you must
understand by adding about a third to every article for
each hand through which it passes before it reaches the
consumer. While the above speculations in grain and
flour have been going forward, latterly, with such ill
success, others have distinguished this country. Of these
the East India trade is the most considerable ; commenced
under every disadvantage to be apprehended from the
great capitals, and old companies of Europe. Yet, has it
grown to a size that now begins to alarm men's minds,
for the great draught of specie it drains from America,
and a conviction of the inferiority, notwithstanding the
cheapness of the India returns, except sugar and nan-
keens, compared with the linen articles of wear, which
were more in use before from Europe. But adventure
has not stopped here. Some time last summer, a Yankee,
at a little town in the State of Massachusetts, learning
the times were mortally sickly at Port au Prince, con-
ceived a scheme of sending there a cargo of — coffins.
Those commodities were made up in nests of sizes, from
the largest to those for infants ; and, that no room should
be lostr the inner coffin of the nest was packed with
cakes of — gingerbread. I have only to add, that the
speculation turned out a capital hit, — our Yankee having
actually returned fall freighted with the best West India
produce,, in return for his timber.
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LAND SPECULATIONS. 37
Now for the land hits. These are going on every day,
not only in England, but even in America, on principles
no better than horse-jockeying. In this play, also, many
fortunes are made and lost, the adventurers purchasing
on credit, and a presumption of re-selling within a certain
time their former acquisitions, at an advance equivalent
to enable them to make good their former engagements.
But they have found their calculations to exceed dread-
fully the capital settling this country from Europe, and
now the paper of a Mr. Morris, of Philadelphia, who, in
the last war, had more credit than the Union altogether,
is selling at 4s. 6d. in the pound, though he still con-
tinues proceeding with a house that can not cost less
than £200,000. There is not one cipher too many.
Hence, you'll perceive, there is yet no bankruptcy sys-
tem established. Congress yet fear to cramp industry
and enterprise in the young country for which they legis-
late, or to open a door to commercial fraud by any
attempt of that sort, which, in the present state of the
community, they wisely imagine would prove upon trial
too lax or too rigid. And for my part, from the little I
have yet seen, I can not but approve of their wisdom in
leaving the creditor in a situation to see his debtor's
knees begin to tremble, rather than run the risk of
bringing both to the ground together.
You must perceive then from what has been said, that
there must be an infinity of land of every quality and
situation in the market, and yet Congress have adver-
tised some townships to be sold at auction next January,
which, upon full deliberation, they have resolved shall
not be put up at less than two dollars an acre. There is
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£8 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
however, an increase of wealth annually flowing into
the country, unequaled in the annals of any other, from
emigrations. These I can not now exactly estimate, hut
their effects are visible, in the increase of settlements in
every direction, from the Atlantic to the Ohio and
Mississippi. Witness the population of Kentucky (now
considered almost an old country), swollen to 73,677, and
even of Tennessee, to 77,262. In this track I am now
preparing to set forward, but can not say how long I
shall be anywhere stationary for a month before the next
fall, at which time, after having explored Kentucky,
Tennessee, and the Miami country, concerning all of
which you shall hear the particulars in due time. I
shall return through the wilderness by Virginia, if a
settlement does not arrest me in the way. . But I must
postpone for the present any further particulars of my
route to the West, on account of the remaining remarks
I have to make on those parts of the country which I
have seen since I began this letter, with which I am now
proceeding at Philadelphia.
On our return from Long Island, we were received
at New York, as well by the acquaintances we made
without as by those to whom we had introductions from
England, more in a parental and brotherly way than
in a manner you would call polite or elegant. European
etiquette is not yet prevalent, or it is that which reigned
on the other side of the water, at least half a century
back, but toward the particular style of English dress,
both sexes have made greater advances. But these
matters, with the state of domestic economy, I shall
leave for Maggie to describe. After some days stay in
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TOURING IN "JERSEY." 89
and about New York, we set out for Newark, iu New
Jersey. On our way two objects were conspicuously
impressive in a distance of only ten miles from our
outset. The first, a swamp, through which we passed,
three miles in a direct line over a well-made, new road.
This swamp was not merely remarkable from its being
the first I had seen, but from a hill of solid land, called
Snake-hill, thickly wooded, which rises with almost
perpendicular declivity to a hight in the center, that in
an Englishman's eyes, would merit the name of a moun-
tain. When I say that the moment you could reach the
base of this mount, in descending toward the plain, you
would find far less footing than in an Irish shaking-bog,
Snake-hill will be regarded by you, as it has been by me,
a lusus natural of no small magnitude.
The next object, a production of art, was the bridge
over the Hackinsack, to which may be added that over
the Passaic river, both about three hundred yards in
length, which unite neatness and strength of work-
manship to an extent in timber that might well invite an
European ten miles out of his road. The expense of
erecting each of these, I conclude, from the account
I have had of a similar one I have since crossed at
Brunswick, over the Raritan, to be £30,000 Pennsylvania
currency. Newark possessed sufficient attractions within
itself to induce me to tarry there for some days, even
if I had not resolved to do so for the sake of visiting the
Passaic Falls, about fifteen miles off the main road.
Newark, if considered as a village, which it more
resembles than a town, is perhaps the handsomest in the
world- Of extent, nearly three miles ; it is seated in a
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40 THE BLENNBRHAS8ETT PAPERS.
plain, clear and level as a parlor floor, on the banks
of the Passaic, in an amphitheater environed by gently
swelling hills. Its Academy, Court-house, and two neat
buildings for public worship, added to nine stages,
which, besides an infinity of wagons, every day pass
through it between New York and Philadelphia, give
an air of business and gaiety to the place. It is also the
residence of many private families of respectability,
with some of whom we were previously well enough
acquainted to be entertained longer than we chose to
remain there. Land is here, within five miles round,
from £30 to £40 an acre, New York currency.
The Passaic Falls, as they differ, I fancy, from all
others in America, will always invite and entertain the
naturalist. Their peculiarity arises from a fissure in the
bed of the river, which is of solid rock, cleft in an
oblique direction to a depth of eighty feet. The river
meanders a considerable way in a serene current without
a murmur, till it reaches the chasm where it falls with
the mjyesty of thunder, and forever throws up a spray
that, when interposed between the eye and the sun,
exhibits an assemblage of rainbows of the most fantastic
beauty.
From Newark to Philadelphia, I have only to remark
the general sandy and poor appearance of the soil
through Jersey State, which, however, is regarded as
one of the best cultivated in the Union, and this indeed
appears in the large extent of its corn country, and other
agricultural improvements which, by trimming its tim-
ber, have rendered it sufficiently champaign to have
caused it, during the late war, to be exposed to the
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AMATEUR IMPRESSIONS. 41
constant harrassings of the British. In this route I
passed, with pleasing reflections, over the memorable
grounds of Brunswick, Princeton and Trenton. At the
latter place I crossed the Delaware, in sight of the spot
where Providence, or his happy fortune, gave the Presi-
dent and America that confidence in the issue of the
contest, wherein the Hessians were surprised, which, to
save the country, could not have been delayed for a day.
On this side of the Delaware industry seemed to stride,
rather than to saunter, as she did, comparatively speak-
ing, in the States of Jersey and New York. Here, after
traveling in every direction over the soil, which yet she
has not deserted, you may trace her footsteps not only
under the earth, but from thence upward through all
the stages of manufacture wood has yet passed in any
country, and iron full one-half as far as it has reached in
England. Of the extent of cotton, linen and wool,
throughout the country, I can not yet positively speak.
A considerable capital has been embarked at Patterson,
near the Passaic Falls, in the cotton line; but it has
altogether failed from a variety of causes, which, I think,
independent of the long credits given in Europe, and
the vast wilds here doomed for half a century yet to
howl for population, will so long, at least, frustrate all
attempts at adventure in the three last mentioned
branches of trade.
The approach to Philadelphia, in this line, announces
more a large busy city to which it leads, than any of
those that surround New York ; yet, from the detail of
business I have before and since seen in both, assisted by
a commercial view of the continent, it is pretty apparent
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42 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
that the latter place is treading hard on the heels of the
former already, and will soon step it by. At present,
however, you see more stir at Philadelphia, more bustle
in the streets, and far more English activity in both sexes.
I inclose you a plan of the city, which, with fewer defects
than any I know of, seems to have been conceived by
Penn, upon the best principles to suit the climate, and
provide for the health, while it accommodates the busi-
ness, of the inhabitants. So much for Philadelphia.
The only great person I regret not having become
acquainted with is the President. He unfortunately set
off for home two days after my arrival, which prevented
my attending his lev^e ; but the day before his departure
we were so fortunate as to be seated at church in the pew
opposite to him. Adieu, my dear nephew, and believe me,
Your ever affectionate uncle,
H. Blknnerhassett.
P. S. — Maggie will speak for herself.
At that time, the territory west of the Alleghanies,
particularly the valley of the Ohio and Mississippi, was
comparatively a wilderness. The enterprise of the pio-
neer had driven, to more distant regions, the aborigines
of the West. The occasional hamlet, with its few
acres of cultivated ground, interrupted, at intervals, the
" boundless contiguity of shade," and marked the abode
of civilized and associated man. Villages, with rude
habitations, here and there, broke the silence of the
forest, and presented the cheering signs of dawning civi-
lization. Through this vast solitude, the silvery current
of the Ohio wended its way to the " father of waters."
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IN THE WEST. 48
The innovating steamer had never yet ruffled its bosom,
nor startled its inhabitants with the sound of its machin-
ery. The deer browsed among the thick undergrowth of
its bottoms ; the fox sought shelter in its caves ; and the
wail of the wolf was heard from the a<^acent hills.
Lands of almost inexhaustible fertility skirted its mar-
gin, and isles of peculiar beauty decked its surface.
Captivated with various descriptions of the country, in
company with his wife, Blennerhassett set out to seek
this delightful land. Crossing the rugged barriers of the
Alleghanies, then a tedious and difficult undertaking,
they arrived at Pittsburgh in the fall of 1796. Here they
obtained passage on a keel-boat, in those* days the most
comfortable mode of traveling on the western waters,
and shortly arrived at Marietta, a town of greater
importance than any other in the State of Ohio.
The population of this pleasantly-situated village was
unusually intelligent and moral. The puritanical charac-
ter of its earlier inhabitants gave a tone to society, which
identifies the present generation with their fathers who
repose in their beautiful cemetery.
Fully satisfied with the attractiveness of the country,
Blennerhassett abandoned his contemplated explorations
of Kentucky and Tennessee, and resolved to locate in
this enterprising settlement.
During the winter his time was pleasantly occupied
in visiting the various families, and making occasional
excursions through the neighborhood, to select a site for
a residence. Above the village, and within a convenient
distance, is an eminence of considerable height, com-
manding an extensive view of the river and surrounding
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44 THE BLENNERHA88ETT PAPERS.
scenery. With this situation he was much pleased, and
had almost determined to erect on its summit a castle,
after the manner of many in his native country ; but the
ascent being difficult, and the declivities too precipitous,
he abandoned the idea, and sought a situation more easy
of access.
The following spring, he purchased an island in
the Ohio river, about two miles below Parkersburg, or
the mouth of the Little Kanawha, which, to his pecu-
liar mind, possessed superior advantages to the adja-
cent farm. To one of romantic temperament, its locality
was truly delightful. Upon its sloping banks waved the
branches of the willow, and laved their foliage in the
passing stream. The majestic forest trees, untouched by
the hand of civilization, reared their trunks, as monarchs
of the land ; while the wild-brier and woodbine, blending
in promiscuous profusion, entwined their tendrils around
the shrubbery of the wild- wood. Flowers of rare beauty
burst spontaneously from the soil, and mingled their fra-
grance with the passing breeze. The feathery songsters
warbled their notes in the secluded groves, making vocal
each branch with nature's music.
Could the mind, in pursuit of seclusion and repose,
picture to its imagination a situation more desirable?
Here might his cultivated taste adorn, to every extent,
the ruder touches of nature, and mellow into softer
shades the harsher outlines of her pencil; here might
the mind, unfettered from worldly cares, drink deeper
draughts from Truth's ever-flowing fountain; here,
"At the shadowy close of day,
When the hushed grove has Bung its parting lay;
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ON THE ISLAND. 45
When pensive Twilight, in her dusty car,
Comes slowly on, to meet the evening star,
Above, below, aerial murmurs swell,
From hanging wood, brown heath, and bushy dell
A thousand nameless rills that Bhun the light;
Stealing soft music on the ear of night;
So oft the finer movements of the soul,
That shun the sphere of pleasure's gay control,
In the still shades of calm seclusion rise,
And breathe their sweet, seraphic harmonies."
When fatigued with the severer studies of science, he
could amuse himself with the traditions and stories of
several intelligent revolutionary soldiers who resided on
the Belpr6 shore ; or, as game abounded, might engage
in the delightful sports of hunting and fishing.
That portion of the island purchased by Blennerhas-
sett, was known by the familiar cognomen of " Backus's
Island," and contained about one hundred and seventy
acres. General Washington, it is said, embraced this
gem of nature, in the many valuable tracts of land
entered by him on the bottoms of the Ohio.
In 1798, Blennerhassett, having purchased the upper
portion of the island, at a cost of four thousand five
hundred dollars, moved into a block-house situated near
the head. This, to those who had enjoyed the splendor
of palaces, with the many conveniences which the arts
of civilization afford, was a sorrowful exchange which
few could desire, and fewer still would have made. lie
energetically commenced clearing the grounds of the
thick growth of timber and underwood, for a site upon
which to erect a dwelling. Many hands were requisite,
in addition to the slaves he had recently purchased, for
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46 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
the laborious task. The forest trees were uprooted, and
their boughs and trunks conveyed away. The small
inequalities, not suiting his fastidiousness, were smoothed
and regulated as fancy dictated.
Vainly ambitious to excel any private residence west
of the mountains, and to fashion it after those of his
own country, economy and simplicity were not consulted
in its construction. " The house and offices I occupy,"
he writes Devereux, the Irish patriot refugee, " stand me
in upward of thirty thousand dollars, not mentioning
gardens and shrubbery, in the English style, hedges, post
fences, and complete farm-yards, containing barns, sta-
bles, overseers' and negro houses," etc.
To the mind of the voyager descending the river, as
the edifice rose majestically in the distance, spreading its
wings to either shore, the effect was magical; and
emotions were produced, not unlike those experienced
in gazing on the Moorish palaces of Andalusia. There
was a spell of enchantment around it, which would fain
induce the credulous to believe that it had been created
by magic, and consecrated to the gods. On a nearer
approach, was observed the beautifully graded lawn,
decked with tasteful shrubbery, and interspersed with
showy flowers; while, a little in the distance, the elm
threw its dark branches over a carpet of most beautiful
green sward. Beyond these, the forest trees were inter-
mingled with copse-wood, so closely as to exclude the
noon-day sun ; and, in other places, they formed those
long sweeping vistas, in the intricacies of which the eye
delights to lose itself; while the imagination conceives
them as the paths of wilder scenes of sylvan solitude.
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ELENNERHA6SETT,8 SEAT. 47
The space immediately in the rear of the dwelling was
assigned to fruits and flowers; of which the varieties
were rare, excellent and beautiful; and the manner in
which they were disposed over the surface, unique, ele-
gant and tasteful. Espaliers of peach, apricot, quince
and pear trees, extended along the exterior, confined to a
picket fence; while, in the middle space, wound laby-
rinthine walks, skirted with flowering shrubs, and the
eglantine and honey-suckle flung their melliferous blos-
soms over bowers of various forms.
On the south was the vegetable garden, and adjoining
this, a thrifty young orchard, embracing many varieties
of fruit, promising abundant supplies for future use.
Xot entirely neglecting the useful for the ornamental, a
hundred acres had been cleared where were cultivated
the various crops adapted to the soil.*
♦The Lower Kanawha is one hundred and fifty yards wide at its mouth.
Opposite to this river is the town of Belpre*, three miles from which is
Backus' b Island. On leaving Marietta, a lady and gentleman, who had
been on a visit there, desired a passage to the island. This request was,
with much pleasure, granted ; and I had only to lament that the voyage
was so short, which was to terminate my acquaintance with persons so
truly interesting and amiable. The island hove in sight to great advan-
tage from the middle of the river, from which point of view little more
appeared than the simple decorations of nature— trees, shrubs, and flowers
of every perfume and kind. The next point of view, on running with the
current, on the right hand side, varied to a scene of enchantment; a lawn
in the form of a fan inverted presented itself, the nut forming the center
and summit of the island, and the broad segment the borders of the water.
The lawn contained one hundred acres of the best pasture, interspersed
with flowering shrubs and clumps of trees, in a manner that conveyed
a strong conviction of the taste and judgment of the proprietor. The
house came into view at the instant I was signifying a wish that such a
lawn had a mansion. It stands on the immediate summit of the island,
whose ascent is very gradual, is snow white, two stories high, and fur-
nished with wings which interlock the adjoining trees, confine the
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48 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Such was the residence of Blennerhassett, after he had
expended much labor and money to render it the reality
of what before was but ideal, an image of which had
long haunted his dreams of youthful fancy, as the picture
of sylvan beauty, of peaceful solitude, and of calm
repose. How marke.d the mutations of a few short
years ! Ireland, but as yesterday, claimed him as a
representative of one of her great families, and the
uncompromising advocate of her long neglected rights.
The deference, due alike to rank and birth, in a monarch-
ical government, was his by inheritance ; and the favor
prospect, and intercept the sight of barns, stables, and out-houses, which
are so often suffered to destroy the effect of the noblest views in England.
The full front of the house, being the signal for pulling in for the island,
we did so immediately, and fell below a small wharf that covered an eddy,
and made the landing both easy and secure. There was no resisting the
friendly importunity of my passengers; no excuse would be taken; to
stop the night at least was insisted upon, and with a convincing expression
that the desire flowed from hearts desirous not to be refused. There is
something so irresistible in invitations of such a nature, that they can not
be denied. I gave instructions respecting my boat /and giving the lady
my arm, we walked up the beautiful lawn, through which a winding path
led to the house. It was tea-time; that refreshment was served and con-
ducted with a propriety and elegance which I never witnessed out of
Britain. The conversation was chaste and general, and the manners of
the lady and gentleman were refined, without being frigid ; distinguished,
without being ostentatious ; and familiar, without being vulgar, importu-
nate, or absurd. Before the entire decline of day, we walked in the gar-
dens, which were elegantly laid out in your country's Btyle, produced
remarkably fine vegetables, and had a very favorable show of. standard
peaches and other fruits. We next turned into the woods. I soon per-
ceived why the island was named Bacchus. The island took its cognomen
from the gentleman of whom it was purchased. It abounds with vines
which grow to great hight and strength, but never produoe to any perfec-
tion. The path we had taken led to the water, the border of which brought
us to the boat, where, it seems, all the servants of the family had assem-
bled to hear what news my people might have brought into their little
world. We found them seated on the green around Mindeth, who, proud
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DOMESTICITY. 49
of courts and of coronets was obtained without an effort,
and resigned without control. Around him, a restless
and distracted population were daily enacting scenes of
outrage and oppression; and the hand of civilization,
while it gave energy to intellect, and advanced the arts
and sciences, proved a powerful auxiliary in aggravating
the causes, and perpetuating the scenes of the revolution.
To-day we view him as the retired citizen of a republic,
in the bosom of the forest of the Western world, with
no tie of kindred, save the faithful companion of his
bosom, and the two little sons, Dominick and Harman,
who had been added to his household. Quietly retired
from the busy haunts of man, his hours of study were
only intruded upon by the friendly visits of his neigh-
bors, to whose natures, dissimulation and flattery were
alike unknown, and whose society and attachment he
cherished by reciprocal attentions.
to be their historian, related tales of such peril, that they gazed on him
with sensations of wonder and astonishment. I saw the lady so pleased
with this scene, and so delighted in particular with Cuffee's truly rural
establishment, that I proposed supping on the shore. My proposition was
joyfully acceded to, and instructions £Wen accordingly. After chatting
some time on subjects immediately rising out of occurring incidents, and
admiring the versatility. of mind which one time finds felicity in towns,
and midnight masquerades at another, acknowledges happiness on the con-
trasted theater of the rivers and wildernesses, we sat down to our repast,
and in a short time paid it the strong encomium of a satiated appetite.
Next morning I with difficulty tore myself away from this interesting
family. Ton will excuse me for omitting the names of this amiable couple.
They were emigrants of the first distinction from Ireland. — Ache 9 Travel*
im America, a eerie* of letter* addreued to a friend m England in 1806.
4
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60 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
CHAPTER III.
Blennerhassett was about six feet in stature, of slen-
der proportions, and slightly stooping. He was entirely
devoid of that suaviter in modo, which is so attractive to
the gentler sex, and not unfrequently captivates the
minds of firmer mold, in society at large. His forehead
was prominent, and claimed for its possessor an intelli-
gence above the ordinary capacity of mankind. His
nose was the distinguishing feature of a face which wore
an aspect of seriousness and thought, almost amounting
to cold reserve. Like many of the nobility, he was
extremely near-sighted ; and, unlike many of the pres-
ent age, who ape this defect of nature, he found it a
matter of serious inconvenience. In gunning, particu-
larly (an amusement of which he was passionately fond),
he had usually to be accompanied by his wife, or some
one of his servants, who levelled his fowling-piece and
brought it to bear on the game. Peter, a domestic, who
sometimes attended him, was in the habit of taking
his station at a short distance, and giving directions
after the following manner :
" Now, level, Mr. Blennerhassett. A little to the left !
Now to the right ! — there ! — steady !— -fire ! " — Oft' would
go the gun, and not unfrequently the game.
His usual dress was of the " old English style, with
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EXPERIMENT. 51
scarlet, or buff-colored, small-clothes and silk stockings ;
shoes, with silver buckles ; and a coat generally of blue
broad-cloth. When at home, his dress was rather care-
less ; often, in warm weather, in his shirt sleeves, with-
out coat or waistcoat ; and, in winter, he wore a thick
woollen roundabout or jacket."*
Retiring in disposition, his life was sedentary and
studious ; books and philosophical experiments possess-
ing greater attractions than the gay and fashionable
assemblies of the ball-room. Always entertaining, he
never indulged in trivial conversation, but interested his
audience in something calculated more to instruct the
understanding than to amuse their fancy.
His scientific studies, which were much facilitated by
means of his various apparatus, included chemistry, elec-
tricity, galvanism, and astronomy. By the aid of a tele-
scope and solar microscope, it was with much satisfaction
that he could demonstrate the truth of his theories by
practical observation, and acquaint himself more fully
with the motions and positions of the planets, as well as
the minuter bodies of the earth. While experimenting
in chemistry, he had conceived the idea that animal sub-
stance might be so adipocerated as to subserve the use of
spermaceti for light. He accordingly placed pieces of
meat in a small inlet from the river, to undergo a chemi-
cal change. When the proper time had elapsed, as he
supposed, to test the truth of his theory, on visiting the
cove he found the finny tribes of the water had antici-
pated his experiment by converting the meat into food.
•Hildreth— "American Review," 1848.
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52 THK BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS,
The act was not repeated, and his theory remained unde-
monstrated.
He was a connoisseur in music, and performed admir-
ably upon the violin and violincello. Many of his hours
of recreation were whiled away with this delightful
amusement; and, being an adept, pieces of his own
composition were played with animating effect
Of an unsuspecting disposition, he was easily imposed
upon by the misrepresentations of others. Not unfre-
quently had he to pay enormously for his practical know-
ledge of life and human nature. It is reported of him
that, on one occasion, having employed an individual to
collect muscle shells from the beach, on which they were
scattered in great profusion, when the laborer came to
receive his pay, Blennerhassett inquired the reason of
his high charge.
" The diving's so deep, and the shells are so scarce."
" But," replied Blennerhassett, " you do not dive, do
you?"
"Ay, indeed! In fifteen feet water."
Believing there was no occasion for misrepresenting a
fact, which could be readily ascertained by a short walk
to the river, Blennerhassett paid the man his money — a
anm equal to five times the real value of the shells.
Of a nervous temperament, he not unfrequently
imagined objects which had no existence in nature,
and apprehended evils that were never to be realized.
Earthquakes and thunder-storms, to him, were intensely
alarming ; and such was his timidity on the approach of
a threatening cloud, that it was his usual custom to close
the* doors and windows of his house, and place himself
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THE LADY. 53
in the centre of a bed, to avoid the accidental effects of
the electric fluid.
Of his forensic talents, or legal ability, he never,
in this country, gave evidence. He was not deficient,
however, in either. The county court of Wood county
recommended him to the Governor of Virginia for the
magistracy ; and by his Excellency he was duly commis-
sioned: but presuming it a condescension for which he
should be poorly paid, and still less respected, he mod-
estly declined to "qualify/' and remained a private
citizen.
Let us turn, for a time, from the man, to contem-
plate the person and character of his companion.
History affords but few instances where so much
feminine beauty, physical endurance, and many social
virtues, were combined with so brilliant a mind, in
the person of a female.
Her stature was above the ordinary bight of her sex;
her form well proportioned p,nd beautifully symmetrical ;
her manners of the most captivating gracefulness, with
sufficient dignity to repel familiarity and command
respect. Her dark-blue eyes, beaming with love and
affection, and "sparkling with life and intelligence,"
looked forth from beneath the long brown lashes, which
hung as curtains to conceal their charms. Features of
Grecian mold, embellished by a complexion whose car-
nation hue health and the hand of nature alone had
painted. Her hair, which was of a dark-brown color,
was usually concealed beneath a head-dress of rich-
colored silk worn after the manner of the Turkish
forban.
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54 THE BLENNERUASSETT PAPERS.
Her mind was not less polished than her manners;
and the fluency with which she wrote and spoke the
French and Italian languages, indicated a high degree
of cultivation, to which few, even in this golden age of
science and letters, have ever attained. Her taste for
dramatic composition led her to adopt, as a favorite pas-
time, the rehearsal of Shakspeare's plays. These were
usually executed with an effect which would have done
honor to more professed connoisseurs, and exhibited a
talent which needed only cultivation to have won lau-
rels of lasting freshness in the theatrical world. Her
familiarity with various French and English authors ren-
dered her an agreeable companion for the man of letters,
and proved a valuable assistant to her husband in recal-
ling to mind some opinion or expresion of an author
which had escaped his memory.
She cultivated, to some extent, a taste for poetry, and
produced several pieces which are still in existence. As
we are enabled to offer a specimen of her powers in this
flowery department of literature, we forbear an expres-
sion of opinion, but leave the lines to represent their
authoress.
But it is only in the evcry-day affairs of life that we
can gain a perfect knowledge of the true character of
individuals. It was in this peculiar sphere that Mrs.
Blennerhassett exhibited an uncommon degree of excel-
lence, and won the affection of all within her influence.
She adapted her customs to the society around her, and
joined in their amusements and festivities with all the
spirit of one accustomed to frontier life from earliest
infancy! Riding on horseback was a delightful ajad
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THE HOUSEWIFE. 65
healthy exercise, in which she frequently participated.
At such times, she was usually habited in a fine cloth
riding-dress, of scarlet color, richly bespangled with gold
lace and glittering buttons. From her downy hat waved
" the graceful plume of the ostrich," and the rich folds
of her drapery fell gaily over the flanks of her noble
steed. Over hill and through dale, with the fleetness
of the deer, she took her course, and seldom did her
attendant get a glimpse of his sprightly charge until
she checked her speed to await his coming.
That she was capable of extraordinary physical endur-
ance was frequently demonstrated by the long and speedy
walks she performed, whether on business or visiting
some favorite friend. She has been known to accom-
plish a pedestrian tour, of from ten to twenty miles,
with as much ease as other ladies would make their
usual calls among city or village acquaintances. Fences
or fallen timbers were no impediments. Bounding over
them with astonishing agility, she carelessly pursued her
way, as though tracing the more familiar paths of the
wild woods.
Although she participated in the various amusements
through the country, and was the ruling spirit of every
assembly, she never neglected the ordinary duties of her
household ; every apartment received her personal atten-
tion, from the kitchen to the chambers, and was duly
cleansed and arranged according to her direction. By
her were the daily tasks of the servants assigned, while
she performed with cheerfulness the duties devolving
upon herself.
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56 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
CHAPTER IV.
The character and habits of life of the early settlers
of Western Virginia, are topics which have engaged the
labors of but few pens ; but they are not the less inter-
esting on that account.
Many of the inhabitants of this new, and hitherto
uncultivated, portion of the State, were intelligent sons
of families of distinction in the " Old Dominion." The
great abundance of game of nearly every variety, the
free and exciting sports of a life in the Western wilds,
devoid of care and free from the conventional restraints
of society ; the health-invigorating glorious fun of fol-
lowing
" The stag to the slippery crag,
And chasing the bounding roe/1
combined to allure the ardent and pleasure-loving youths
from the tamer scenes of their childhood to those bound-
less fields of new and ever-changing excitement. Others
enjoying smaller patrimonies, hearing of the rich allu-
vial bottoms of the Ohio and its tributaries, and the
low price at which land could be procured, deserted their
less inviting homesteads to seek new sources of wealth
beyond those blue peaks which many regarded as the
Western limit of civilization. Penury, and the exhaust-
ed lands of other portions of the State, drove no incon-
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FRONTIER LIFE. 67
siderable number in search of genial soil, where the
hand of man might realize rich returns from the toil
bestowed upon it ; or the abounding game should furnish
supplies without the eftbrt which nature requires of
those who seek her bounties.
Populated by these various classes, enticed thither
through considerations as different as the dispositions
and circumstances of the individuals themselves, that
love of society which is seldom lost in man served to
banish distinctions of rank, and render an absolute
equality essentially necessary to their social existence.
Around the blazing fire, the son of the wide-famed
statesman tripped merrily in the mazes of the dance
with the daughter of the unknown peasant. The
scholar, orator and divine strove, in eager emulation,
to plant their rifle-balls as near the center of the target
as that of the uncultivated woodsman.
Remote from friends, from society, and the pleasing
associations of earlier years, they devised amusements in
every thing, and made frolic of labor itself. A house-
raising, or log-rolling, was as cheerfully attended as the
wedding of a favorite friend; and a corn-husking col-
lected the inhabitants from several miles around. The
almost daily interchange of civilities, and constant asso-
ciation of the various classes, as well for the purpose of
joint protection against the deadly rifle of the savage,
as the innate love of company, served to mold the
general character of the population into a distinct type,
peculiar to themselves, and stamped their virtues with
an originality which the mutations of time have failed
to change.
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58 THE BLENNER1IASSETT PAPERS.
The Virginian, thus re-molded (if we may be allowed
the expression), from his active habits of life, was capable
of extraordinary feats of strength and astonishing agility
of limb. For a wrestle or a foot-race, he was always
ready, and never refused a challenge to take a trial at
either. While, to gratify his revenge, he would have
grappled with Apollo for the tripod of the temple ; yet
the overflowing fountains of his heart gushed forth, in
streams of sympathy, for the misfortunes of his fellow-
men. Chivalrous, brave, and independent, "he would
not have courted Neptune for his trident, nor Jove for
his power to thunder." With a generosity bordering on
extravagance, his house, his horse, his gun — yea, every
thing but the sacredness of virtue — were at the disposal
of his friends. Clad in the buck-skin moccasin, with a
hunting-shirt of linsey-woolsey, his rifle on his shoulder,
and a butcher-knife at his side, he never changed his
apparel to suit the circumstances under which he was
placed ; and, whether pursuing the fleeting game, visit-
ing a neighbor, or attending the services of the church,
the same attire was suitable both to the day and the
occasion.
The deer hunt, the horse-race, and ever-glorious fox-
chase, were the usual sources of amusement among the
men ; while the women found enjoyment at the various
wool-pickings and quiltings throughout the neighbor-
hood. The circumstance of their spending so much
time in the enjoyment of lawful amusements, is to be
accounted for in the fact, that, at that early period, they
had but few desires to be satisfied, and fewer wants to
be supplied. There being then but little, if any, demand
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WESTERN PATRIOTISM. 69
for agricultural produce, it was unnecessary to raise
more than the consumption of the immediate vicinity
required. Remotely situated from the extravagance and
luxury of more cultivated society, there was no need of
mahogany sideboards, groaning with champagne, nor
of Brussels nor Turkey carpets to decorate their floors.
Their unflinching patriotism was repeatedly tested in
the Revolution, and in various engagements with the
Indians. At the first call of their country's voice, the
animated response was heard in every hamlet. "When
they had neither the soldier's uniform, nor equipages,
nor arms, they seized their trusty rifles ; and, from their
smiling fields of toil, from the pleasant scenes of their
sportive pastimes, they flew to win a soldier's name or a
soldier's grave. The result of their efforts shall glow
beneath the pencil and the pen — shall live in national
song, and survive in the spirit-stirring anthem, till none
are worthy to repeat the strain, or to paint the scenes of
their country's glory ! When the question of the pur-
chase of Louisiana was first mooted in our national
councils, and it was then urged that the inhabitants of
that territory would prevent a free and easy navigation
of the Mississippi river; — " Give me," said Washington,
" three hundred picked men, well-tried and true, of old
West Augusta,* and I will carve my way to the Gulf."
What higher compliment could have been paid to the
patriotism and bravery of the original settlers of the
•This was the term appliM to all the territory west of the Allegha-
nies, known as the Nortb-West Territory. Augusta County then com-
prising the whole.
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60 THE BLENNKRHAS8ETT PAPERS.
trans- Alleghany country, of whom a few still remain,
as land-marks by which to trace the characters of the
departed ?
While this type of character occupied the Eastern
shore of the Ohio, that of the West contained another,
as marked and distinct as that of the Cavalier from the
Roundhead. Many revolutionary officers and soldiers of
the Northern States, who had exhausted their resources
in fighting the battles of their country, and who, from
the depleted state of the national finances had to
remain for a time without indemnity, either for their
services or losses, sought this new land, where they
could recuperate their shattered fortunes by economy
and industry. Others, too, of the sons of New England,
attracted also by the fruitful valleys of this beautiful and
majestic river, bade farewell to the rocky and ungrateful
soil of their birth, and, with a plow and a bed, a Bible
and a wife, set out for the West. Here, hundreds of
miles from father Aminidab and mother Patience, they
set themselves industriously to work, clearing up farms,
from which to realize fortunes, as soon. as the circum-
stances of the country would permit. That their most
sanguine expectations have been fully realized, is hap-
pily demonstrated by the fields waving with grain, val-
leys filled with herds, and hills covered with flocks,
which meet the eye of the traveler as he passes along
the stream. While the meed of praise has been awarded
them for their indefatigable industry, they have not been
regarded as possessing that generous hospitality which
is characteristic of their neighbors of Virginia. Edu-
cated to believe there was no product without labor, no
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blennsrhassett's neighbors. 01
wealth without economy, they indulged but little in
amusements, and were careful against expense. In their
moral and religious observances, they were rigidly aus-
tere. Like the Puritans of Plymouth Rock, from whom
they were descended, the Bible formed the chief rule of
their conduct. Their family government was based upon
its precepts, and its holy teachings were listened to, each
Sabbath, in the " forest sanctuary." True, some there
were who occasionally broke over the more austere les-
sons which had been taught them by their parents, but
the exceptions, "like angels' visits, were few and far
between/' If their liberality at any time exhibited
itself, it was usually toward objects of charity, or to
spread the teachings of that gospel which they had been
taught ever to revere. For bravery and devotion to the
welfare of their country, they were justly regarded the
equals of their neighbors; and acts of Indian cruelty
were jointly revenged by the two. Having enjoyed
early advantages in the best schools and academies of
their native States, they were fully informed upon the
subjects usually taught at such institutions, and many
possessed talents of superior brilliancy.
Such were the men with whom Blennerhassett had
cast his fortunes. The variety of characters, perhaps,
was as great, if the number of persons was far less, as
that of the society he had recently abandoned. There
was the hospitable Virginian, who, though he neither
claimed nor desired the titular dignity of a nobleman,
exhibited a generosity equal to that of its proudest
possessor, — a generosity which knew no bounds, and
awaited no emergency for its exercise. With a reckless
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62 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
profligacy, he scattered his bounties broadcast; threw
open the doors of hospitality; lavishing, with an
unsparing hand, the gifts which fortune had bestowed
upon him. There was the high-toned chivalry of the
Crusades, which stooped to no baseness ; cringed to no
superior; nor was intimidated by menace; performing
kindnesses, without ostentation, acts of daring, without
boasting, and relieving the wants of the distressed,
without the hope of reward. There was the zealous
Puritan, acknowledging no superior but God; no law
binding on the moral man but the Bible; no religion
but that of Calvin ; rejecting the unmeaning forms of
Popery; combating the doctrine of apostolic success-
Bion; and discarding, in his worship, the use of the
gown, the surplice, and the prayer-book. There, the
meek and pious Christian, dispensing charities without
parsimony ; visiting the sick and the afflicted, and min-
gling the comforts of religion with the sad and agoniz-
ing scenes of death. And there, too, alas ! — the crafty
and wily miscreant, making promises never to be ful-
filled; taking advantages in trade; regarding neither
the teachings of Holy Writ, nor the precepts of moral-
ity ; but ever faithless, ever insincere, prostrating virtue
without compunction, and indulging in every lawless
vice.
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TROUBLE BREWING. 68
CHAPTER V.
Before entering upon the more important incidents
in the life of Blennerhassett, a preliminary view of
Western history is necessary to a knowledge of subse-
quent events.
But few of the millions who now populate the valley
of the Mississippi, are familiar, eveA by tradition, with
the difficulties which attended its early colonization.
While the States of the Atlantic had engaged the
energies of the government, the pioneers of the wilder-
ness had been seriously neglected. That young and
fertile region lay yet an unbroken forest, but sparsely
inhabited, and separated from the sea-board by inter-
minable mountains and boundless solitudes. Shut out
from the avenues of trade, it contributed nothing to the
resources of the government, then much reduced by the
Revolution, and the demands of its citizens were regard-
ed as burthens to the State, and useless exactions from
the public treasury. Nature; it is true, had supplied
it with those noble rivers, now the great arteries of
trade, but the arbitrary interdict of Spain had closed
them against the enterprise and energy of the people.
The navigation of the Mississippi had been a fruitful
source of complaint almost from the first occupation
of the territory. Favorites had been rewarded by the
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64 THE BLBNNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
authorities of Louisiana, but even these had been com-
pelled to contribute to the Spanish Crown. Congress
had been frequently solicited to assert the rights of the
people, whose prosperity was retarded by the restrictive
intercourse of trade, yet such was the embarrassment
of the government, they could but faintly hope for relief,
and that, if at all, at a distant day, and under many
disabilities.
The murmurings of discontent which thus far had been
comparatively, but faintly, heard, began now to assume
a more threatening tone. Those who had been most
loyal in their affection for the Republic, faltered in their
allegiance to the confederation. The Government had
been admonished of a rupture of the Union, and a forci-
ble alliance with a rival power. Measures of relief had
been seriously determined on, but the manner of their
accomplishment was a subject of no little diversity of
opinion. While some advocated the separate* organiza-
tion of a new Republic, independent of the United
States, and closely allied with Spain, others desired
annexation to Louisiana, and submission to Spanish
domination. Some there were who advised a war with
Spain, as affording a pretext for seizing on New Orleans ;
while a fourth suggested that Congress should be pre-
vailed on to show preparation for war, and by alarming
their apprehensions, " extort from the Cabinet of Madrid
what it persisted in refusing." The fifth and last sug-
gested, that France should be solicited to procure a
retrocession of Louisiana, and to extend her protection
to the inhabitants of Kentucky.*
Martin's History oT Kentucky, Vol. II, p. 101.
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GEN. WILKINSON. 65
The extension of its American possessions, and the
control of trade, had long been the desire of the Span-
ish Crown. The occasion was opportune, and did not
escape the superior vigilance of its public servant. The
obstruction to navigation, which had been purposely
thrown in the way of the inhabitants of the upper
country, seemed now to have produced the desired
result ; and Miro, the Governor of Louisiana, flattered
himself, from the discontent which appeared every where
prevailing, that at no distant day he could report to the
Cabinet the dismemberment of Kentucky from the
Union, and its voluntary acknowledgement of Spanish
domination.
General James Wilkinson was at that time one of the
leading men of the district. He had been a successful
soldier in the Revolution, and greatly distinguished him-
self by his unflinching courage and superior military
tact. Like many of his compatriots, at the close of the
war, he had been left with limited pecuniary resources,
and found it necessary to turn his attention to other
pursuits. Still comparatively young, with a vigorous
constitution, and superior intellectual attainments, he
hoped soon to establish an independence of fortune, and
elevate himself to distinguished civic position. With a
remarkably discriminating judgment, few men better
understood the motives which influence human action,
and none more successful in wielding that knowledge
to his own advantage.
In the fall of 1787, having laden a boat with tobacco
and flour, he descended to New Orleans, with the osten-
sible purpose of making arrangements with the Spanish
5
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63 THE BLENNERII ASSETT PAPERS.
authorities, by which to secure to the inhabitants of the
upper waters the free navigation of the river, and a
market for their products. Scarcely had he landed,
however, before ho found himself surrounded by a
retinue of officers, who informed him that they were
directed to seize upon his cargo, which had been confis-
cated to the Government, and that he himself was
required to appear before the Governor. Miro soon dis-
covered that the individual, of all others, whom he could
have most desired for the furtherance of his objects, was
then in his presence, a suppliant for his favor. He
found in "Wilkinson a man of ripe experience and exten-
sive influence. Insinuating in address, bold but reserved,
with a ready familiarity in the passing affairs of foreign
governments, not less than in those of his own, he pos-
sessed in an eminent degree many of the higher qualities
of an accomplished diplomatist. Hence, it was of the
first importance that his services should be secured to the
interest of the crown, which might thus, by the efficient
aid of an emissary in disguise, perfect its plans without
the hazard of detection. At the close of the interview,
the boats were released, and permission granted to
dispose of the cargo. A generous display of hospitality,
on the part of the Governor and citizens, soon succeeded.
Costly feasts and brilliant assemblages became the daily
entertainment, to which Wilkinson was invited. Per-
mission was also granted him to " introduce into Louis
iana, free of duty, many Western articles of trade which
were adapted to the market."
The sudden and growing intimacy between the Span
ish Governor and American planter had been marked b}
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SPANISH INTRIGUE. 67
many, and excited a suspicion of intrigue between the
two. It was slyly insinuated that something beyond
commercial privileges was in negotiation; but with its
objects and entire extent they were, as yet, imperfectly
acquainted. Nothing was at that time disclosed further
than that' Wilkinson had written a dissertation " respect-
ing the political interests of Spain and the inhabitants
of the United States, dwelling in the regions upon the
Western waters." This was addressed to Miro, to be
forwarded to the King of Spain, with whom he desired
it to be known that he was then negotiating for the free
navigation of the Mississippi. But it has been asserted,
and certainly not without proof, that this communica-
tion was intended by Wilkinson to conceal a different
design, indorsed by Miro, and to which but few others
were privy.
Gardoqui, the Spanish minister in Philadelphia, with-
out the knowledge of Miro, and, therefore, without con-
cert of plan, had conceived the project of settling
Louisiana by emigration from the United States. By
this means he hoped to draw to the interest of the
Spanish Crown the people of Kentucky, which should
result in her secession from the Union, with other dis-
tricts then similarly disaffected.
To Pierre d'Argfts, Gardoqui committed the execution
of his scheme. By authority of the Cabinet at Madrid,
he invited the inhabitants of Kentucky, and those dwell-
ing along the Cumberland, to remove to West Florida,
and the Florida district of Lower Louisiana, and place
themselves under the protection of Spain. Liberal
grants of land, with extensive privileges, were offered to
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68 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
all who desired to better their condition ; and as a greater
inducement to those owning property, slaves, stock,
farming utensils, and provisions for two years, were to be
admitted free ; while a duty of twenty-five per cent, was
levied upon property imported into the colony for trade
or consumption.
But the plan of the Spanish representative threatened
a collision with that of Miro. Both were ambitious of
the favor at court, with which the success of their under-
takings would be rewarded; and hence they desired to
keep as a secret the means by which the object was to be
effected.
In a dispatch addressed by Miro on the 8th of January,
1788, to Vald&s, the Minister and Secretary of State for
the department of the Indies, writing of the plans of
D'Argds, he says: "I fear that they may clash with
Wilkinson's principal object. In the first place, D'ArgSs
having presented himself here with very little pru-
dence and concealment, it may turn out, that Wilkin-
son, in Kentucky, being made aware of the mission of
this agent, may think we are not sincere, and that,
endeavoring to realize his project without him, we use
him merely as a tool to facilitate the operations of
D'Argds. Under 'the impression that D'Argds may reap
the whole credit of the undertaking, in case of success,
it may happen that he will counteract them ; for this
reason I have been reflecting for many days, whether it
would not be proper to communicate to D'ArgSs Wilkin-
son's plans, and to Wilkinson the mission of D'Argda, in
order to unite them, and to dispose them to work in
concert. But I dare not do so, because D'Argfcs may
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Wilkinson's movements. 69
consider that the great projects of Wilkinson may destroy
the merit of his own, and he may communicate them to
some one who might cause Wilkinson to be arrested as
a criminal; and, also, because Wilkinson may take
offense at another being admitted to participate in con-
fidential proceedings upon which depended his life and
honor, as he expresses himself in his memoir."*
In the same dispatch he continues: "The delivering
up of Kentucky into his Majesty's hands, which is the
main object to which Wilkinson has promised to devote
himself entirely, would forever constitute this province
a rampart for the protection of New Spain. * *
****** * *
The Western people would no longer have any induce-
ment to emigrate, if they were put in possession of a
free trade with us. This is the reason why this privilege
should be granted only to a few individuals having influ-
ence among them, as is suggested in Wilkinson's memo-
rial, because, in their seeing the advantages bestowed on
the few, they might be easily persuaded to acquire the
like by becoming Spanish subjects.".
Wilkinson, having remained several months at New
Orleans, instead of returning to Kentucky by way of the
river, sailed for Philadelphia, from whence he proceeded
* This official dispatch of Miro's reveals the fact of what had before rested
only on suspicion, that Wilkinson prepared two memorials to the king — one
for the eye of the public, particularly the people of the West, asserting their
rights and the importance of their trade to Louisiana and to Spain, and ex-
pressing his fears, in the meantime, lest the English should intervene, and,
by joining with the disaffected portion of the western districts, wrest from
the Spanish crown its possessions in Louisiana; the other, intended only
for the Cabinet at Madrid, disclosing a plan for the acquisition of Ken-
tucky, by her separation from the Union and attachment to Louisiana.
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70 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
to Richmond, Virginia, then the seat of Government for
the Kentucky District. From this point he addressed a
letter to Gardoqui, relative to the affairs of Louisiana,
and, as he subsequently informed Miro, to sound him
upon his plans, and to divert his attention from himself,
as he had been informed that his own reception at New
Orleans had been the subject of comment by the Span-
ish Minister.
Gardoqui, in the meantime, was busily engaged in car-
rying forward his scheme of colonization. Col. George
Morgan, a soldier of the Revolution, had conceived
himself greatly injured by the Government, in rejecting
what he believed a meritorious claim, and smarting
under his disappointment, resolved to avail himself of
the opportunity of placing himself beyond the limits of
the United States, and, by securing a liberal grant of the
Spanish Crown, to restore his broken fortunes in the
fertile valley of the Mississippi. Having applied to Gar-
doqui, he obtained the conveyance of a vast tract of
land, situated some seventy miles below the mouth of
the Ohio, upon which he stipulated to place a large num-
ber of families, and subsequently laid out the town of
New Madrid. D'Argds had already informed Charles de
Grandprd, Governor of Natches, to have preparation
made for the reception of fifteen hundred and eighty-two
families, which were expected soon to arrive from Ken-
tucky to take possession of their promised bounties.*
* To each family not owning negroes was granted six arpens of land,
fronting a bayou or water-course, with forty in depth, making a total of
two hundred and forty arpens ; to such as had two, three, or four glares,
or had a family composed of four or six adult unmarried sons capable of
working, ten arpens in front by forty in depth ; to such as had from tea
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Wilkinson's movements. 71
During the month of February, 1788, Wilkinson re-
turned across the mountains to Kentucky. His splendid
equipage and numerous servants attracted the attention
and excited the wonder of his old companions, while
rumors were freely circulated, that his sudden exhibition
of wealth was to be attributed to something beyond the
profits on his Southern cargo. It was suggested that
others, who should follow his example, might discover
the source from whence it sprung, and that the philoso-
pher's stone, which was to turn every thing it touched
into gold, lay \yithin the limits of the Spanish dominion.
On the subject of the navigation of the Mississippi he
grew quite enthusiastic, demonstrating in glowing lan-
guage the benefits to be derived from direct commercial
relations with New Orleans, and at the same time inform-
ing his friends of the exclusive privileges which had
been granted him by the Spanish Governor. He entered
into large contracts for tobacco, and at once excited the
jealousy of his rivals by the liberal prices offered for
western products.*
Soon after his return he dispatched a pirogue, with two
oarsmen, to New Orleans, conveying a communication!
to twenty negroes, fifteen a r pens by forty ; and to those owning more than
twenty negroes, twenty arpens by forty.
• Marshall's History of Kentucky, Vol. I, p. 283.
fMost of these dispatches, if not all, were originally in cypher; they •
are to be found at length, and in Spanish, in the archives of Spain. Copies
made in compliance with a resolution of the Legislature of the State of
Louisiana, under the supervision of M. de Gayangos, a gentleman distin-
guished for his learning and literary works ; and also under the direction
of his Excellency Romulus Saunders, who was then the United States Min-
ister Plenipotentiary at Madrid, arc deposited in the office of the Secretary
of State at Baton Rouge. — Oayarres UUlory of Lom»Una} Vol, III, p. 211.
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72 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
to Miro, informing the latter of his safe return across
the mountains, and assuring him that their joint de-
sign was soon to be accomplished, as Kentucky had
separated herself from Virginia, and the rest, as Spain
desired, must inevitably follow. " I have," he says, " col-
lected much European and American news, and have
made various interesting observations for our political
designs. It would take a volume to contain aft that I
have to communicate to you. But I dispatch this letter
with such haste, and its fate is so uncertain, that I hope
you will excuse me for not saying more until the arrival
of my boats, and, in the meantime, I pray you to content
yourself with this assurance, all my predictions are verify-
ing themselves, and not a measure is taken on both sides of
the mountains which does not conspire to favor ours. * * *
I beg you to be easy, and to be satisfied that nothing
shall deter me from attending exclusively to the object
we have in hand, and I am convinced that the success
of our plan will depend on the disposition of the court"
Whether Wilkinson was really in earnest in carry-
ing into execution the designs of the Spanish Gov-
ernor, may, by some, be regarded as a matter of con-
jecture; but that he was, nevertheless, using him for
pecuniary gain, is clearly established by Miro's frequent
dispatches to the home government, recommending the
purchase of increased amounts of tobacco, in which it
was known that Wilkinson was then dealing.
" There is no means," he writes, " more powerful to
accomplish the principal object we have in view, in the
memorial which has been laid before his Majesty, than
the promise, that the government will take as much as
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MAJOR DUNN. 78
six millions of their tobacco, instead of the two millions
which arc now bought from them."
In a subsequent dispatch, after the arrival of several
flat-boats, owned by Wilkinson, and under charge of
Major Dunn, which the Governor was assured cost seven
thousand dollars in Kentucky, Miro says, that, from the
beginning, "Wilkinson had informed him that he was not
possessed of any pecuniary resources ; that on the recom-
mendation of the Intendant, he had obtained a loan
of three thousand dollars from a gentleman in New
Orleans, and, therefore, requested that his cargo should
not be seized, as he had pledged the product of its sale
to refund the sum, and to pay his crew, and the amount
due on the tobacco, which had been purchased oh credit.
The balance was to enable him to support himself with-
out embarrassment, and to contribute to preserve and
increase his influence in his own State. " Although his
candor," he continues, " and the information which I
have sought from many who know him well, seem to
assure us that he is working in good earnest, yet I am
aware it may be possible that his intention is to enrich
himself at our expense, by inflating us with hopes and
promises which he knows to be vain. Nevertheless, I
have determined to humor him on this occasion."
Dunn had left Kentucky, in charge of the boats and
cargo, on the 15th of May, bearing with him a letter of
introduction from Wilkinson. He informed the Gov-
ernor and Intendant that the Major was an old military
companion, who had come to settle in the country during
his absence. The reliance which he placed in his honor,
his discretion, and his talents, had induced him, after
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74 THE BLENNERI1ASSETT PAPERS.
sounding his disposition witli proper caution, to choose
him as a fit auxiliary in the execution of their political
designs, which he had embraced with credulity. Dunn,
he said, would, therefore, present himself in order to
confer wTith them on those points which wrould require
more examination, and to concert with them those
measures which they might deem necessary to expe-
dite " our" plan, and that, through him, he, Wilkinson,
might be able to receive the new instructions which they
might deem expedient to send him. " I have also chosen
him, he continues, " to bring back the product of the
present cargo of my boats."
For these reasons, he wished to recommend him as one
worthy of their entire confidence, and as a safe and saga-
cious man, who was properly acquainted with the poli-
tical state of the American Union, and with the circum-
stances of the Western country.
lie further informed them, that on the first day of
January of the next year (1789), by mutual consent, the
district of Kentucky would cease to be subject to the
jurisdiction of Virginia. That while it was true it had
been stipulated, as a necessary condition of their inde-
pendence, that Kentucky should be acknowledged as an
independent State by Congress, and be admitted, as such,
into the Federal Union, yet a convention had already
been called to form the constitution of that district, and
he felt persuaded that no action on the part of Congress
would ever induce the people to abandon the plan which
they had adopted, although he had received recent intel-
ligence that that body would, beyond a doubt, recognize
Kentucky as a sovereign State.
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PROJECTING. 75
The convention was to meet in July ; and in the mean-
time he would inquire into the prevailing opinions, and
should thereby be able to ascertain the extent of the
influence of the members elected. When that was done,
after having previously come to an understanding with
two or three individuals capable of assisting him, he
should disclose so much of their great scheme as might
appear appropriate. He, as yet, had been communicative
but to two individuals ; he, however, had sounded many ;
and wherever he had made known to any of them Miro's
answer to his memorial, it had given the greatest satis-
faction. Col. Alexander Leatt Bullitt, and Harry Innis,
the Attorney-General, were the only persons to whom
he had fully communicated; and should any mishap
befall him before the accomplishment of their ends, he
desired the Spanish authorities to address themselves to
these gentlemen, whose political designs, he asserted,
agreed with their own. An early organization of the
State government was anticipated, at which time it was
intended to appoint an agent to treat with Spain ; and as
for Congress opposing any obstacle to the measure, it
was ridiculously absurd ; for under the federal compact,
that body could neither furnish men nor money ; and, as
to the new government, Rhould it ever establish itself, it
would have to encounter difficulties which would keep it
weak for three or four years, before the expiration of
which, he had good reason for believing, that himself
and Miro would complete their negotiations, and would
become too strong for any force that could be sent
against them.
Urging upon the authorities the great importance of
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76 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
permitting him to trade unmolested, and allowing but
few individuals to pass duty free, he says : " The only
tie which can preserve the connection of the Western
country with the Atlantic States, is the necessity of
relying on them altogether for their supplies of such*
articles as are not manufactured by the people; and as
soon as they ascertain that these can be procured
through the river, their dependent state will cease,
and with it all motives of connection with the other
side of the Apalachian mountains."
Major Dunn confirmed the statement of Wilkinson,
and assured Miro that the next year after the meeting
of the first assembly, in which Kentucky would act as
an independent State, she would separate from the Fed-
eral Union. He further assured the Governor, that
many of the most distinguished citizens of the State
had expressed themselves to that effect, and that the
direction of the current of the rivers, which washes in
front of their dwellings, pointed clearly to the power to
which they should ally themselves.
About this time Miro was much gratified at the receipt
of a copy of a dispatch from McGillivray, the half-breed
Chief of the Salapouches, to the Governor of Pensacola,
in which he informed the Spanish official that the settlers
in the Cumberland and Kentucky districts, against whom
he had committed many atrocities, had sued for peace ;
and, as an inducement to a cessation of hostilities, had
assured him that they would throw themselves into the
arms of his Majesty, as subjects, and were determined
to free themselves from their dependence on Congress,
because that body could not protect either their persons
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DIPLOMACY. ' 77
or their property, nor, by favoring commerce, promote
their prosperity: hence they owed no obedience to a
power which was incapable of benefiting them.
Elated with the prospects of success, Miro's dispatches
to the King spoke so encouragingly, and with such confi-
dence, that they did not fail to create high hopes in the
breast of the Cabinet as to the favorable result of his
plans. Martin Navarro, his associate, had left the prov-
ince for Spain, and Miro exercised in his own person the
two offices of Intendant and Governor. No other person
had been sent to supply his place ; it being deemed best
to leave negotiations entirely with the few who had been
admitted to the secret, lest "Wilkinson and his associates
might be exposed.
Until now, Gardoqui and the Governor had been act-
ing separate parts. Both were ambitious to accomplish
their projects, and both were emulous of the rewards
which were to follow. Neither had communicated his
secrets to the other, while both were struggling for a
common design. With such privacy had they conducted
their several schemes, that even Wilkinson was as yet
uninformed of the secret agency of D'Argds. Miro had
failed to apprise him of it for fear of the displeasure it
might occasion him and Gardoqui, through a distrust
of the General, and a desire to accomplish his object
without his co-operation.
The diplomacy displayed by these two officials of his
Majesty evinces talents of no ordinary ability. Both
were dealing with an experienced tactician, who prided
himself upon his superior sagacity. He had, as yet,
gained neither the affection of the one, nor the confi-
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78 THE BLKNNBRHASSBTT PAPERS.
dence of the other. Both had read their antagonist,
and conceived they knew the individual with whom they
confederated. Miro had, therefore, to suppress a smile at
Wilkinson's ingenuousness in communicating the fact
that he had heen approached hy both French and Eng-
lish emissaries, who were busily engaged in enlisting,
each in his own behalf, the interests of Kentucky.
" It is to my knowledge," writes Wilkinson, " that the
Court of Versailles has, for years past, been collecting
every sort of information with reference to this district,
and that it would give a great deal to recover its posses-
sions on the Mississippi. In the year 1785, a knight of
St. Louis, named D'Argis, arrived at the falls of the
Ohio, gave himself out for a naturalist, and pretended
that his object was to inquire into the curious produc-
tions of this country, but his manner of living contra-
dicted his assertion. He made few acquaintances, lived
very retired, and during one year that he remained here
he never went out of Louisville, where he resided, fur-
ther than six miles. On his perusing the first memorial
which the people of this district presented to the Legis-
lature of Virginia, on the question of separation, he
expressed his admiration that there should be in so new
a country, a writer capable of framing such a composi-
tion; then, after having made some reflections on the
progressive importance of our settlement, he exclaimed
with enthusiasm, 'Good God! my country has been
blind, but its eyes shall be opened/ The confidential
friend of this gentleman was a Mr. Tardiveau, who had
resided many years in Kentucky. D'Argis used to draw
drafts on M. dc Marbois, then Consul of France, at New
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RUMORKD TREATY.. 79
York ; and, finally, he lived as one who belonged to the
family of Count de Moustier, the French Minister ; and
I am informed, from a good source, that he presented to
this same Count de Moustier, a very elaborate memorial
on these settlements, which was forwarded to the Court
of France.
"Perhaps, sir," he continues, "you will think this
information frivolous, but I am sure you will believe that
it proceeds from my devoted zeal for the interests of
Spain. Please remember that trifles light as air, fre-
quently are, for the faithful and the zealous, proofs as
strong as those of Holy Writ." * This same D'Argds
was then in the actual service of Gardoqui, under
instructions from the Court of Madrid, and in conference
with Miro.
Wilkinson had been actively engaged in sowing the
seeds of dissension in Kentucky. George Muter, Harry
Innis, John Brown and Benjamin Sebastian, conspicuous
and influential men, had been admitted to the secret, and
were fully committed to the enterprise. Possessing
talents of marked ability themselves, they, nevertheless,
looked to Wilkinson for counsel and direction. The
people were kept in constant agitation by conventions
and meetings on the subject of their grievances. The
Secretary of State, Mr. Jay, it was asserted, had formed,
or was about to form, a treaty with Spain, by which the
exclusive right to navigate the Mississippi for twenty-five
years, on the part of his Majesty, was to be recognized
by the United States Government. Delegates had been
♦Gay aire, Vol. Ill, p. 288.
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80 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
assembled from the principal counties of Kentucky, had
discussed their grievances, and had separated without
any organized plan. The people became distracted, their
burthens became more and more intolerable ; and many
seemed willing to resort to any thing that promised a
present relief. It was true that not a few of the evils of
which they complained were imaginary — some unavoid-
able— perhaps all, in time, would have been satisfactorily
adjusted ; yet they conceived themselves aggrieved, and
it was the policy of their leaders to cultivate such a
belief.
Wilkinson had returned in February, 1788. He had
sailed from New Orleans to Philadelphia ; visited Rich-
mond, Virginia ; was present in the Assembly when the
separation of Kentucky was voted on, and was greatly
gratified when the result was announced. His entrance
into Lexington was grand and imposing. He had left
there poor and in debt, only the summer before, but now
flourished in splendid chariot, drawn by four richly-
caparisoned horses, and attended by several slaves.*
Unfavorable rumors were freely circulated. By some, it
was hinted that at New Orleans he had sold both his
cargo and himself; that, in fact, he had taken the oath
of allegiance, and had already become a subject of Spain.
He informed them, himself, of the exclusive privileges
granted him by the Governor, by which he could ship
tobacco, and deposit it at the king's store at ten dollars
the hundred, which was a privilege allowed only to his
Majesty's subjects. He advocated the right to navigate
* Marshall's History of Kentucky, Vol. I, p. 268.
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OBNOXIOUS FEDEBALISM. 81
the Mississippi, urged the great importance of a com-
mercial connection of the two countries, and insinuated
that it might all he effected by a separation from the
Union and the independence of Kentucky. Many were
already convinced ; others felt that their prosperity had
been too long retarded by the inactivity of the Govern-
ment. "What has been accomplished by Wilkinson,"
they argued, " may also be effected for ourselves." As
yet they had derived no benefits from the Union ; but as
an independent State they could form an alliance with
Spain, and reap the advantages of her liberal patronage.
The incredulous, of whom there were many, were reluct-
ant to move. Although they divined the object of Wil-
kinson's mission, still he stood high in popular favor,
and they were cautious of giving offense. Some there
were, who would have openly denounced him, but the
facts upon which to base an accusation had been care-
fully concealed. By the multitude, however, his acts
were highly extolled, and he was flattered by the
acknowledgement that to him alone were the citizens
of the West indebted for opening that navigation, which
Mr. Jay had offered to surrender, and of realizing that
commerce which Congress had failed to secure.
But there was a new cause of excitement which
promised to facilitate his design. The merits of the new
Constitution of the United States, which had been
recently adopted by eleven States of the Union, was the
subject of universal interest. The policy of its accept-
ance was daily discussed in bar-rooms, at the hust-
ings, and in social assemblies. Many of its provisions
were known to be unpopular with a majority of the
6
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82 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
citizens of Kentucky, yet it was hoped that the objec-
tions might all be obviated by subsequent amendment.
The people of the Kentucky district had been called
upon to send delegates to Richmond, to meet in Conven-
tion in the month of June, at which time it was expected
that Virginia would declare her sentiments upon the
subject. The session was protracted for three weeks.
At length a vote was taken, on the 20th of June, and
the instrument ratified by a vote of eighty-eight to
seventy-eight ; but three of the Kentucky members vot-
ing for it, while eleven declared against it.
While the preliminary elections were being held, for
members of the Convention at Richmond, the people
were also required to select delegates to a District Con-
vention, to assemble at Danville, charged with the
important trust of framing a Constitution for the new
State. Wilkinson was chosen a member of that body.
It convened on the 28th of July, and proceeded to
organize. Its deliberations, however, were suddenly
terminated, by the announcement of its president, that
he had received a dispatch stating that Congress had
declined any further action on the subject of Kentucky ;
had, in fact, adjourned without having passed an act for
her admission into the Confederation, and leaving the de-
cision, on that important question, to the Congress about
to be formed under the recently-adopted Constitution.*
" From this proceeding of Congress," writes Wilkin-
son to Miro, " it resulted that the Convention was of
opinion that our proposed independence and separation
* Marshall's History of Kentucky, Vol. I, p. 228.
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SOUTH-WESTERN FEELING. 88
from Virginia, not being ratified, its mission and powers
were at an end, and we found ourselves in the alternative,
either of proceeding to declare our independence, or of
waiting according to the recommendation of Congress.
This was the state of affairs when the Honorable Caleb
Wallace, one of our Supreme Judges, the Attorney Gen-
eral, Innis, and Benjamin Sebastian, proposed a prompt
separation from the American Union, and advocated,
with intrepidity, the necessity of the measure. The arti-
fice of Congress was exposed, its proceedings reprobated,
the consequences of depending on a body whose interests
were opposed to ours, were depicted in the most vivid
colors, and the strongest motives were set forth to
justify the separation. The arguments used were un-
answerable, and no opposition was manifested in the
course of the debates. It was conceded, unanimously,
that the present connection was injurious to our interests,
and that it could not last any length of time. Never-
theless, sir, when the question was finally taken, fear and
folly prevailed against reason and judgment. It was
thought safer and more convenient to adhere to the
recommendation of Congress, and, in consequence, it was
decided that the people be advised to elect a new Con-
vention, which should meet in the month of November."*
"To consolidate the interest and confirm the confi-
dence of our friends ; to try our strength ; to familiarize
the people with what we aim at ; to dissipate the appre-
hension which important innovations generally produce,
and to provoke the resentment of Congress, with a view
• Gayarre's History of Louisiana, Vol. III., p. 227.
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84 THE BLBNNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
to stimulate that body into some invidious political act
which might excite the passions of the people ; these are
the motives which influence me, and on which I rely fbr
my justification."
Wilkinson's solicitude for the measure at length
became so apparent, that it excited the suspicions of
the people. But, judicious in selection of his agents —
adroit in pushing others forward, while he, the arch
mover, concealed himself behind the screen of secrecy,
corresponding monthly with the Spanish authorities, and
forwarding volumes of plans and information respecting
affairs, not only in Kentucky, but throughout the United
States, he presents an unparalleled success in the art of
traitorous diplomacy.
General Morgan was now actually in league with the
Spanish authorities. He had accepted his grant; had
surveyed the land, and laid out the town of New Madrid.
It was a princely donation, extending from the mouth
of the St. Francis to point Cinque Hommea, embracing
from twelve to fifteen million of acres. Already had
fifty adventurous settlers planted themselves in this
garden of the Western wilderness. But the settlement
presented a serious impediment to Wilkinson's progress.
It was too near the scene of his own operations not to
become familiar with his intrigues; besides, it was
known that the town had been purposely established to
intercept descending trade, for which reason it had been
declared a free port of entry. "Probably," says Wil-
kitason to Miro,* "it will destroy the noble fabric of
• QayarrVs History of Louisiana, Vol. JUL, ft. 244.
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SATAN REPROVING SIN. W
which we have laid out the foundation, and which we
are endeavoring to complete."
" I am informed," he continues, " that Morgan intends
visiting you as soon as he shall have finished the survey
of the lands conceded to him. Permit me to supplicate
you, my esteemed friends, not to give him any knowl-
edge of my plans, sentiments, or designs. It is long
since he has become jealous of me; and you may rest
assured that, In reality, he is not well aftected toward
our cause, but that he allows himself to be entirely
ruled by motives of the vilest self-interest, and, there-
fore, that he will not scruple on his return to destroy
me."
That Morgan was prompted by the incentive with
which he had been charged, Miro did not feel disposed
to question. Men were only to be influenced in such an
undertaking by the strongest considerations of private
advantage. In fact, it was to that interest only he
appealed, and by it alone he could hope for success.
But, emanating from such a souree, it was Satan reprov-
ing sin. Himself a soldier and officer of the Revolution,
who had passed successfully through many a scene of
doubtful conflict ; who, at the sacrifice of his private for-
tune, and at the imminent peril of his life, had aided
in effecting the independence of that country he now
secretly conspired against ; who had received her honors,
her confidence, and her gratitude ; — was not he himself
now seeking, for Spanish influence and Spanish gold, to
tear down the noble fabric he had helped to rear, and
transfer to Spanish despotism those liberties for which so
gallantly he had fought ? " It is not necessary," says
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86 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Wilkinson to Gardoqui,* " to suggest to a gentleman of
your experience and knowledge that man throughout the
world is governed hy private interest, however variously
modified it may be. Some men are avaricious, some are
vain, some are ambitious. To detect the predominant
passion, — to lay hold, and to make the most of it, — is
the most profound secret of political science."
Wilkinson's object was too transparent not to be
detected by the penetration of Miro. " Some men are
avaricious, some are vain, some ambitious." Wilkinson,
he knew, combined the whole. " Hundreds," says he in
a subsequent letter,f " have applied to me on this subject
who are determined to follow my example ; and I do
not deceive myself, nor do I deceive you, sir, when I
affirm that it is in my power to lead a large body of
the most opulent and most respectable of my fellow-
citizens whither I shall go myself at their head ; and I
flatter myself that, after the dangers I have run, and
the sacrifices which I have made — after having put my
honor and my life in your hands — you can have no
doubt of my favorable disposition toward the interests
of his Catholic Majesty, so long as my poor services
may be necessary."
"After having read these remarks, you will be sur-
prised at being Informed that, lately, I have, jointly
with several gentlemen of this country, applied to Don
Diego Gardoqui for a concession of land, in order to
form a settlement on the Yazoo. The motive of this
*1 Jan'y, 1789; Gayarre, Vol. Ill, p. 247.
t Gayarre, Vol. Ill, p. 238, Feb. 12, 1789.
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BRITISH INTRIGUE. 87
application is to provide a place of refuge for myself and
uay adherents, in case it should become necessary for us
to retire from this country in order to avoid the resent-
ment of Congress,"
In the meantime, the attention of the representative*
of the British Government had been attracted toward
the intrigues of the Spanish authorities with some of
the more influential citizens of the "West. It had been
currently reported, that a severance from the Union had
been determined on, and that the people were ready to
throw themselves into the arms of any power which
would protect them from Indian hostilities, and guar-
antee the free navigation of the Mississippi.
A Doctor Connally was deputed by Dorchester, Gov-
ernor of Canada, to visit Kentucky and ascertain the
disposition of the people. He arrived at Louisville in
the month of October, 1788, having traveled through
the wilderness from Detroit to the Great Miami, and
thence down the Ohio. He gave attentive audience to
the numerous complaints of the citizens, and suggested
a plan by which they could relieve themselves from
the embarrassments which the neglect of Congress had
thrown around them. Great Britain, he asserted, was
desirous to assist American settlers in their claim to the
free navigation of the river. She would join them, with
zeal, to open up this avenue of trade, and arrest from the
Spanish Crown the Territory of Louisiana. Although
the forces in Canada -were too few to allow of any dimi-
nution of their number, yet Dorchester stood ready to
supply the implements of war, and would equip ten
thousand men with money, provisions and clothing.
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88 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
As soon as the plan of action should be agreed upon,
these articles would be forwarded from Detroit, through
Lake Erie, to the Miami, and thence to the Wabash, to
be transported to any point on the Ohio where the neces-
sities of the case might require. A fleet of light vessels
would be ready at Jamaica, to take possession of the
Balize, simultaneously with an attack to be made by the
upper settlements. He desired to raise two regiments in
Kentucky, and was authorized by Dorchester to confer
rewards and honors on the men of influence who might
desire to join him. Officers of the late Continental
army who would take command, should rank the same
in grade with the officers of Great Britain.*
The proposition of Connally met with little encour-
agement. Dorchester had incited the hostilities of
Indians against the Government of the United States,
and the inhabitants of the West had been the chief
sufferers. Their desolated homes were yet draped in
mourning for the victims of savage barbarity. Their
wounds were too fresh, and their resentment too impla-
cable, easily to forget the sanguinary authors of their
sorrow, or to forgive their not less cruel abettors. Wil-
kinson had heard of Connally's arrival, and wrote him,
requesting an interview. His object was to penetrate Mb
designs, that they might be communicated to the Span-
ish Governor. Connally was unsuspecting, and revealed
his plans without reserve. Wilkinson listened atten-
tively, and was surprised at the boldness of his measures
and the extent of his ambition. Great Britain was not
* Marshall's History of Kentucky, Vol. I, p. 848.
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COUNTERPLOTTING. TO
only contemplating a recovery of her American possess-
ions, lost to her at the conventions of Utrecht and Aix
la Chapelle, but, also, the extension of their limits to
the Gulf of Mexico. His own interests were not less
involved in the scheme than those of Spain; for with
the loss of Spanish empire followed the loss, to him, of
Spanish favor and contemplated fortune. It was import-
ant to check the enterprise ; but it was equally import-
ant to avoid suspicion, and give no offence to Connally.
He desired to impress him with the implacability of pri-
vate resentment, and the impossibility of an English
alliance. The manner of its accomplishment is com-
municated to Miro in his letter of the 12th of Feb-
ruary, 1789*
"In order to justify this opinion of mine, and to
induce him to go back, I employed a hunter, who
feigned attempting his life. The pretext assumed by
the hunter was the avenging of the death of his son,
murdered by the Indians at the supposed instigation of
the English. As I hold the commission of a civil judge,
it was, of course, to be my duty to protect him against
the pretended murderer, whom I caused to be arrested
and held in custody. I availed myself of this circum-
stance to communicate to Connally my fear of not
being able to answer for the security of his person, and
I expressed my doubts whether he could escape with his
life. It alarmed him so much, that he begged me to
give him an escort to conduct him out of our territory,
which I readily assented to ; and on the 20th of Uoveni-
•Gayarre Vol. III., p. 287
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90 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
ber he re-crossed the Ohio on his way back to Detroit. I
did not dismiss him without having previously impressed
upon him the propriety of informing me, in as short a
time as possible, of the ultimate designs of Lord Dor-
chester."
To induce emigration and trade, the Spanish Gov-
ernment, contrary to the remonstrances of Wilkinson,
finally consented that the products of the upper coun-
try might pass through the Mississippi on the payment
of a duty of fifteen per cent This, as he had foretold,
operated to retard the progress of his plans. With the
prospect of a ready market, labor resumed its wonted
activity, and the murmurs of the people were silenced.
Lands rose rapidly in value, wages were increased, and
the pursuits of agriculture promised an adequate return
for the capital employed. Apprehensive of having it
perish on their hands, they had heretofore been deterred
from raising more than the consumption of the imme-
diate neighborhood demanded; "but now," said Wil-
kinson,* "they have no longer any such fears, on
account of the ready outlet they find, at New Orleans,
for the fruits of their labor."
Other circumstances, too, were rapidly combining to
allay the public discontent. As a measure of policy, the
President had distributed a few of the public offices
among those who were regarded as disaffected toward
the Government, and whose loyalty might be purchased
as readily by the bestowal of executive favor as by the
tempting promises of Spanish gold. "On my arrival
•Gayarre, Vol. III., p. 277.
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COVERING RETREAT. 91
here," writes Wilkinson to Miro,* " I discovered a great
change in those who had been so far our warmest friends.
Many who loudly repudiated all connection with the
Union, now remain silent. I attribute this to the hope
of promotion, or to the fear of punishment. According
to my prognostic, Washington has begun to operate on
the chief heads of this district. Innis has been appointed
a Federal Judge, with an annual salary of one thousand
dollars ; George Nicholas, District Attorney ; Samuel
McDowel, son of the President of the Convention, and
Marshall, to offices somewhat resembling that of Alguazil
Mayor; and Peyton Short, the brother of our chargS
d'affaires at Versailles, is made a Custom-house officer ;
but he has resigned, and will probably visit you next
spring. I do not place much reliance on George Nicholas
and Samuel McDowel. But I know Harry Innis is
favorable to Spain and hostile to Congress, and I am
authorized to say, that he would prefer receiving a pen-
sion from New Orleans than from New York. Should
the king approve our design, on this point, it will have
to be broached with much delicacy, caution and judg-
ment." He adds : " I fear that we can rely on a few
only of my countrymen, if we can not make use of
liberal donations."
But Wilkinson's apprehensions began now to be
excited for his own safety. If he was to be thus aban-
doned by his associates, and his plans defeated by the
admission of Kentucky into the Union, some provision
was necessary by which to escape the odium of defeat.
*26th January, 1790. Gayarre, Vol. Ill, p. 278.
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92 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPER8.
The monopoly of the upper trade had been swept from
his grasp by the last act of the Court at Madrid. It had
placed on terms of equality' all who possessed the capital
and energy to compete for the patronage of the Spanish
Government. Scores of boats, laden with the products
of the country, were pouring their commerce into the
lap of New Orleans. The new Constitution proved much
more popular than was generally anticipated, and was,
day by day, increasing in favor with the people. Wash-
ington, too, the illustrious commander in the Revolution,
was now the chosen chief of the Union, and his selection
had inspired a spirit of loyalty which it was difficult,
nay, dangerous to tamper with. Already had Wilkinson
been marked as a traitor, and spies were vigilant in seek-
ing the evidences of his intrigue. " My situation," says
he,* " is mortally painful ; because, while I abhor du-
plicity, I am obliged to dissemble. This makes me
extremely desirous of resorting to some contrivance
that will put me in a position in which I flatter myself
to be able to profess myself publicly the vassal of his
Catholic Majesty, and, therefore, to claim his protection
in whatever public or private measures I may devise to
promote the interest of the Crown." " You may rest
assured," he adds, "that the constant persecutions of
Congress can not produce the slightest impression on my
attachment and zeal for the interests of Spain, which I
shall always be ready to defend with my tongue, my pen
and my sword."
It would be presumed that Miro would gladly have
♦Gajarre, VoL IIL p. 280.
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MIRO'S DISTRUST. 98
assented to the proposition, and suggested the " contriv-
ance " by which to have secured him " a vassal of Spain,"
but the Spanish Governor knew too well that Wilkin*
son's power to subserve his Majesty's interest, lay in his
connection with the people of Kentucky, and his intimate
knowledge of the affairs of the Federal Government.
For were it once understood he had become a subject
of Spain, he would, of necessity, be excluded from par-
ticipation in their affairs, and his influence lost to the
interest of Louisiana.
" I much regret," replied Miro,* " that General Wash-
ington and Congress suspect your connection with me,
but it does not appear to me opportune that you declare
yourself a Spaniard, for the reason which you state. I
am of opinion that this idea of yours is not convenient,
and that, on the contrary, it might have prejudicial results.
Therefore, continue to dissemble, and to work as you
promise, and as I have above indicated.
Miro now began to feel gloomy forebodings of the
result. Wilkinson's late communication had dampened
his hopes, and rendered him suspicious even of the Gen-
eral himself. He was either the victim of punic faith, or
his American emissary had been himself deceived. Yet
he was reluctant to believe that Wilkinson, although
willing to become a traitor to the Union, could also
prove a traitor to Spain. Perhaps an over-weaning con-
fidence had induced him to promise what he never could
perform. It might be that, full of zeal, and persuaded,
from the experience of the past, that he could bring
•Gayam, Vol. Ill, p. 234.
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94 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
round to his own opinions the chief men of Kentucky,
he had declared in anticipation that he had won over
many of them. But still, it was a fact, that he had never
once approached them on the main question, and now
that encountering invincible obstacles and, above all,
personal risks, it might be his desire to avail himself of
the motive set forth in his letter to cover his precipitation.
" Nevertheless," said Miro, " I am of the opinion that
said Brigadier-General ought to be retained in the service
of his Majesty, with an annual pension of two thousand
dollars, which I have already proposed in my confidential
dispatch, No. 46,* because the inhabitants of Kentucky,
and of the other establishments on the Ohio, will not be
able to undertake any thing against this province with-
out his communicating it to us, and without his making,
at the same time, all possible efforts to drive them from
any bad designs against us, as he has already done re-
cently. Miro concludes, by recommending that a pension
be granted to Sebastian, " because I think it proper," said
he, " to treat with this individual who will be able to enlighten
tne on the conduct of Wilkinson, and on what we have to
expect from the plans of the said Brigadier- General"
We have at length arrived at a point in the history of
this intrigue which renders it unnecessary to pursue it
further. The key is disclosed which unlocks the door
of mystery, and reveals other truths which for half a
century have been enveloped in darkness and in doubt ;
Wilkinson pensioned to guard the interests of Spain, and
Sebastian to betray his confederate Wilkinson.
•Gayarre, Vol. Ill, p. 286.
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STILL TROUBLED. 95
Time rolled on. Kentucky had been admitted into
the Union, as an independent State. Wilkinson bore
the commission of a Lieutenant-Colonel, signed by
George Washington, and was in actual command of the
American forces. The announcement of his appoint-
ment spread consternation among his enemies, and elated
his confederates. The question was repeatedly asked,
k4By whom was he recommended?'* "By myself,*'
replied Col. Marshall, who had been his most formida-
ble opponent. He considered Wilkinson, he said, well
qualified for the commission he bore; that while he
remained unemployed by Government, he regarded him
as dangerous to the tranquillity of Kentucky, perhaps to
her absolute safety. If his commission did not secure
his fidelity, it would place him under control, in the
midst of faithful officers, whose vigilance would make
him harmless, if it did not make him honest. Wilkin-
son would not be permitted to command the army while
there existed a doubt of his integrity, and General
Washington remained as President of the Republic. At
sdl events, he could see no good reason for not putting
the lion in the toils which he himself had solicited.*
Although the admission of Kentucky into the Union
for a time silenced the complaints of the people, yet it
failed to restore a unity of sentiment and concert of action.
The navigation of the Mississippi was still the subject of
discord, not only between the authorities of Louisiana,
and the western inhabitants of the States, but also
between the mother country and the American Repub-
* Marshall's History of Kentucky, Vol. II, p. 891
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96 THE BLBNNERHASSETT PAPERS.
lie. Negotiations had been protracted, misunderstandings
had ensued, and an imbittered diplomatic controversy
threatened a collision of arms between the contending
countries. Miro, after a service of twenty years, had
been recalled to Spain, at his own request, and the gov-
ernment of the province committed to the Baron de
Carondolet. Louis Sixteenth had perished on the scaf-
fold, and Charles the Third, as the avenger of his death,
had declared war against his ruthless executioners. The
astounding news of the French Revolution had crossed
the Atlantic and penetrated the forests of the western
hemisphere. It gave new hopes to the friends of free-
dom in Europe, and fresh impetus to the cause of liberty
throughout the civilized world.
Genet, the representative of the French Republic, had
not been a disinterested spectator of the intrigues of
Spain. His mind involuntarily reverted to that unfortu-
nate day when the King of France, grown disgusted
with a possession which, for more than half a century,
had been the cause of .heavy expense, without giving
even a faint promise of adequate compensation in the
future, ceded to his cousin the King of Spain, without
any remuneration whatever, but merely from the pure
impulses of his generous heart, and from a sense of the
affection and friendship which existed between them, all
the country known under the name of Louisiana ; thus,
by one stroke of the pen, stripping France " of those
boundless possessions which she had acquired at the cost
of so much heroic blood and so much treasure, and
which extended in one proud, uninterrupted line from
the mouth of the St. Lawrence to that of the Mississippi ;
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BIENVILLE. 07
the adventuroos and much-enduring population which
had settled there, and had overcome so many perils,
under the flag of France, coldly delivered over to the
yoke of foreign masters." He heard yet the prayerful
remonstrance of the citizens of New Orleans against the
impolitic and ungrateful usurpation. In a retrospect of
the past he saw the venerable Bienville, with a body bent
by the infirmities of eighty-six years, yet with his intel-
lectual faculties unimpaired, with the tears gushing from
his eyes, prostrate before the Duke de Choiseul, in hum-
ble supplication, pleading the cause of that country for
whose welfare and prosperity he had spent a life of toil
and self-denial. " Was France now to give up the last
inch of that territory which he had acquired for her at
the cost of so many perils, and so much endurance?
Was it for the Spaniards he had called New Orleans into
life ? Were the Louisianians ; were the numerous mem-
bers of his own family, whose homes he had selected in
the cradle of his future fame; were his many friends
and the old companions of his labors, to be no longer his
countrymen?"* He recalled also the indignation of
those Acadians who, under the humiliating treaty
between England and France, had been thrust out
by British force from their quiet and happy habita-
tions, where
"Blemidon rose, and the forests of old, and
Aloft on the mountains
• Gayarre's History of Louisiana, Vol. H, p. 129.
7
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98 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Sea-fogs pitched their tents, and mitts
From the mighty Atlantio
Looked on the happy valley,"
and who had,
" Friendless, homeless, hopeless, wandered from
City to city;
From the cold lakes of the North to
Sultry savannas;
From the bleak shores of the sea, to the land
Where the Father of Waters
Seizes the hills in his hands, and
Drags them down to the ocean."
How they wept on the receipt of the intelligence that
they were again transferred to a foreign power against
their consent and without their knowledge ; how Lafrd-
n\ere and his followers had defied the authorities of
Spain, and declared never to acknowledge any domin-
ion but that of their own beloved France ; how they
took possession of the government, and were only sub-
dued by the appearance at the Balize of a Spanish
Armada under the renowned O'Reiley. He had reason
for believing that a remnant of that feeling still existed
among the French settlers in Louisiana; and although
years had elapsed, and most, if not all, who had been
the actors in those scenes had passed away, yet it was
believed that their recollections were still green by tra-
dition, and their descendants still cherished an affection
for the land of their forefathers; and now that France
had become the champion of her governments and
republican liberty, more than ever would they long for
her dominion, or seek her protection in any effort they
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GENET. 99
might make to secure a like government for them-
selves.
Genet, therefore, set himself privately to work to
effect a revolution in Louisiana; hoping, with the aid
of the western settlers, to establish an independent
government under the protection of France. At his
instance, Jacobin clubs were formed in many of the
principal cities of the United States, which were to be
the active agencies for effecting this purpose. The
society at Philadelphia, in the beginning of the year
1794, had caused to be printed and circulated an address
from the freemen of France to their brothers in Louisi-
ana. In this they declared that the moment had arrived
when despotism must disappear from the earth; that
France, having obtained her freedom, and constituted
herself into a Republic, after having made known to
mankind their rights, after having achieved the most
glorious victories over her enemies, was not satisfied
with success, by which she alone would profit, but
declared to all nations that she was ready to give her
powerful assistance to those that might desire to follow
her example ; that the French nation, knowing their sen-
timents, and indignant at seeing them the victims of
the tyrants by whom they had been so long oppressed,
could and would avenge their wrongs. " Now is the
time," continues the address, " to cease being slaves of a
government to which you were shamefully sold, and no
longer to be led on, like a herd of cattle, by men who,
with one word, can strip you of what you hold most
dear — liberty and property."
Recapitulating a long catalogue of grievances to
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100 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
which their brothers had been subjected, they say:
"You quiver, no doubt, with indignation. Tou feel
in your hearts the desire of deserving the honorable
appellation of freemen; but the fear of not having
assistance, and of failing in your attempt, deadens your
zeal. Dismiss your apprehensions; and know ye that
your brethren, the French, who have attacked with
success the Spanish Government in Europe, will in a
short time present themselves on your coast with naval
forces; that the republicans of the western portion of
the United States are ready to come down the Ohio
and Mississippi, in company with a considerable num-
ber of French republicans, and to rush to your assist-
ance, under the banners of France and Liberty, and
that you have every assurance of success. Therefore,
inhabitants of Louisiana, show who you are; prove
that you have not been stupefied by despotism, and
that you have retained in your breasts French valor
and intrepidity. Demonstrate that you are worthy of
being free and independent, because we do not solicit
you to unite yourselves with us, but to seek your own
freedom. "When you shall have the sole control of your
own actions, you will be able to adopt a republican con-
stitution, and, being assisted by France, as long as your
weakness will not permit you to protect or defend your-
selves, it will be in your power to unite voluntarily with
her and your neighbors, the United States, forming with
these two Republics an alliance which will be the liberal
basfs on which, henceforth, shall stand our mutual politi-
cal and commercial interests. Tour country will derive
the greatest advantages from so auspicious a revolution ;
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G. ROGERS CLARK. 101
and the glory with which you will cover yourselves, will
equal the prosperity which you will secure for the coun-
try and for posterity. Away with pusillanimity ; Ca ira 1
ca ira! audaces fortuna juvat." *
Genet also dispatched Lachaise and Michaux to Ken-
tucky, to organize a force which was to descend the
Mississippi to New Orleans, and act in concert with the
French inhabitants. The time of their arrival in the
country was peculiarly propitious. They found the peo-
ple divided in political sentiment, but all insisting on free
navigation. Jacobin clubs were organized, and inflam-
matory appeals were issued, setting forth the grievous
burthens under which they continued to labor. Too
long, they asserted, had the citizens of the West placed
implicit dependence on the impartiality and virtue of
the General Government. Patient under the ungener-
ous local policy by which that government had been
uniformly actuated; patient under the delays which it
had feigned, and the obstacles which it had opposed to
the procurement of their rights; patient under the for-
ever-to-be-detested attempt to barter away that right;
they had hitherto submitted to the oppressive exactions
of the jealous Spaniards, and had not even raised their
faltering voices to say to the arbiters of their fate : " You
have done amiss." " Awake," they exclaimed, " from
your lethargy! think and act for yourselves. Let the
example of France and her glorious success animate
you in the pursuit of those advantages which nature
has bestowed upon your country."
General George Rogers Clark, a man of distinguished
military merit, then a prominent citizen of Kentucky,
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102 THE BLENNERUASSETT PAPERS.
had been commissioned, by Genet, a Major- General in
the French Revolutionary Legions on the Mississippi,
with power to name and commission other officers, and
to raise a military force for the reduction of the Spanish
posts on that river ; to open its trade, and give Freedom
to its inhabitants.
All persons serving the expedition were to receive one
thousand acres of land ; those engaging for one year, two
thousand ; and an enlistment of two years, or during the
war with France, three thousand acres. Officers were
to receive in proportion to other French troops ; lawful
plunder was to be equally divided according to the cus-
toms of war, and every precaution taken to secure the
safe return of those who might wish to quit the service.
France was to supply the munitions of war, and commis-
sions to grade according to the number that each could
bring into the service.
Genet had also sent his emissaries to other States in
the South and West, who had been successful in stimu-
lating a spirit of adventure among many of the inhabi-
tants. In Tennessee, and on the frontiers of Georgia, it
was reported that large forces were being assembled,
who, it was expected, would act in concert with the
Creek warriors, in a descent upon the Spanish dominions.
Thus, through the energy of the French plenipoten-
tiary, had a formidable expedition been set on foot for
the subjugation of Louisiana, with the declared purpose
of revolutionizing her institutions, and rendering her an
independent Republic, with Genet as its recognized head.
Of this new enterprise against the interests of Spain,
Wilkinson and his adherents were silent, but not careless,
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WASHINGTON EMBARRASSED. 103
observers. Although then holding the commission of a
lieutenant-colonel in the army of the United States, and,
as was surmised, a secret pensioner of his Catholic
Majesty, he neither openly encouraged nor publicly con-
demned the contemplated expedition. The terms of the
address, the grievances enumerated, and the measures
of relief proposed, were almost in the exact language
with which it had been his custom to inflame the peo-
ple, except the new idea of wresting from Spain her
possessions in Louisiana.
In the mean time, rumors of the projected design hav-
ing reached the ears of the President, General Washing-
ton issued his instructions to Generals Wayne and St.
Clair, as also the Governor Shelby, of Kentucky, com-
manding them immediately to suppress any movement
having for its aim any attack against the Spanish domin-
ions. The reply of the latter caused the executive and
his cabinet much concern. They feared that Shelby
himself had either given in his adhesion to the cause, or
was privately disposed to countenance his execution.
The great sympathy which was manifested for the
friends of liberty in France — a deep sense of gratitude for
her generous aid in the American Revolution, together
with a lawless spirit of adventure in many of the more
restless and discontented leaders of the country, rendered
the extent of Genet's influence among the people a matter
of painful uncertainty to the President. He felt his situa-
tion to be one of embarrassment. While he conceived
it to be the true policy of the Government to observe a
strict neutrality between the contending powers of Europe,
there was, nevertheless, a large party, with powerful
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104 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
leaders at their head, who differed from him in opinion,
and who openly declared their sympathy for the masses
contending against despotism in the old world. Again,
it was a fact, that having successfully thrown off the
authority of Great Britain, many were impatient of
restraint, and yielded, at most, a reluctant ohedience to
the power of the new Government. Yet, while these
symptoms of revolt were manifesting themselves in
several parts of the country, and seemed to threaten
the stability and security of the Union, they stimulated
Washington to stricter vigilance and more decisive
action. He feared the influence of Genet's rash and
revolutionary design, condemned his interference with
the peaceful relations of the United States, and demanded
his recall. Anxious to harmonize the interests of every
section of the confederacy, he considered that amicable
relations with European powers were indispensable to
the prosperity, if not to the existence, of the Union itself.
General Wayne was therefore ordered to repair immedi-
ately to Massac, on the Ohio, to construct a military fort
and intercept any descending force hostile to Louisiana.
These and other effective measures on the part of the
executive, together with the condemnation and recall of
the French minister, served to disband the enterprise,
and, for a time, restore tranquillity to the country. Thus
were the citizens of the West, for a period of several
years, kept in constant agitation by the intrigues of
foreign powers, aided by the disaffection of a few ambi-
tious spirits, who, for personal aggrandizement, were
willing to sacrifice their own integrity, and their coun-
try's welfare.
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CLOUDS GATHERING. 105
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CLOUDS GATHJBBTNG. 105
CHAPTER VI.
Eight years had already elapsed since Blennerhassett
bad made the island his residence. The flowers and
shrubbery planted by his hands had now sprung up in
luxuriant perfection, and regaled the senses with their
fragrance. The products of his husbandry secured at
least a comfortable supply of all the necessaries of life,
and more than this would have been superfluous. The
independence of his situation enabled him to procure any
or all of the delicacies which a more epicurean taste
might have desired ; but these had been resigned, with
the pomp and glitter of his former station. Around him
he viewed a contented family, rejoicing in the buoyancy
of health, and with the sprightliness of youthful vivacity.
The returning seasons brought with them returning
pleasures. New scenes of interest, new engagements,
and wider fields of usefulness, daily presented themselves
to his awakening impulses ; but, in the midst of all this
peace and cheerfulness — this " constant sunshine of the
soul " — a dark and portentous cloud gathered in the hori-
zon of his effulgent future, destined soon to burst with
sad fatality upon the unsuspecting circle of his house-
hold.
In the spring of 1805, Aaron Burr, late Vice-President
of the United States, after the closing of the session of
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106 THE BLEXNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Congress, set out on a journey through the Western
States. The object of this tour, although never definitively
declared, was doubtless three-fold :
First. To ascertain the sentiments of the people of
the West upon the subject of a separation from the At-
lantic States.
Secondly. To enlist recruits, and make arrangements
for a private expedition against Mexico and the Spanish
provinces, in the event of a war between the United
States and Spain, which at that time seemed inevitable.
Thirdly. In the event of a failure of both of these
measures, to purchase a tract of land of Baron Bastrop,
lying in the Territory of Louisiana, on the Washita river.
Upon this, he contemplated the establishment of a colony
of intelligent and wealthy individuals, where he might
rear around him a society remarkable for its refinement
in civil and social life. That each of these stupendous
enterprises was determined on, is clearly inferable from
the evidence afterward adduced against him.
With a mind tortured by remorse for the unfortunate
duel with Hamilton, sickened by disappointment in polit-
ical preferment, disgusted with the more pacific measures
of Jefferson, he could only direct his thoughts in scenes
of outward conflict, and bury the disquietudes which
were tearing his soul, by plunging into deeds of wonder-
ful magnitude.
Knowing full well the advantages which wealth and
influence would add to either undertaking, he sought first
to secure the co-operation of the most conspicuous char-
acters of the country. Blennerhassett was a shining
treasure, too valuable to remain unnoticed — a gentleman
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THE BMMETTS. 107
of opulence and ease, possessing a mind of superior scien-
tific acquirements ; and who, from the discontents of his
own country, it would readily be presumed, was- well
acquainted with military tactics ; such a personage would
indeed prove a powerful auxiliary in any measure he had
proposed to himself. Burr, accordingly, landed at the
island, and, in company with a Mr. Shaw, strolled over
this far-famed paradise. The family were absent from
home on a visit to the East. Having partaken of the
hospitality of those left in charge, Burr re-embarked on
board of his boat, and proceeded down the river to view
the country and hold conferences with the inhabitants at
various points.
General Wilkinson, who commanded the western forces,
was, at that time, temporarily at Fort Massac, near
the mouth of the Ohio. As a previous correspondence
had been held between them, which had brought them
into intimate relations, Burr wished to ascertain with
what confidence he could rely on the aid of that officer
and his men, in the event of an expedition to Mexico.
The result of that interview has never been definitely
ascertained ; but it was strongly suspected, however, that
Wilkinson assured him of his support. Here, the Ex-
Vice-President was furnished by the General with an
elegant barge, sails, colors, and ten oars, with a sergeant
and ten able hands to prosecute his journey.
About this time, Blennerhassett, having received intel-
ligence of the arrival in New York of his classmate and
friend, the celebrated Thomas Addis Emmett,* who had
* There were three Emmetts, sons of Dr. Emmett, who had been State-
physician at Dublin, and was an extreme liberal in his political opinions.
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108 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
been compelled to flee hiB country by reaeon of serious po-
litical difficulties, hastened to meet him. The feelings of
the exiles, as they again clasped hands on the western bor-
ders of the Atlantic, can only be fully appreciated by those
who have experienced similar vicissitudes. Here he found
one with whom he could freely sympathize, and who, in
return, could as freely sympathize with him. Often, in
early life, had they sported together over the same green
meadows, and participated in the same amusements. And
when, at a more advanced age, they had been honorable
competitors for academic honors, no selfish ambition had
served to loose the bonds which early childhood welded,
although the contest was never so spirited, or the prize
was never so dazzling. Still later in life, they had deplored
together the fate of their country ; had witnessed her deep
degradation, and sighed over the hopeless prospects which
were shadowed in the distant future. After several
weeks spent with his friend, during which time he re-
newed his former acquaintance in the city, he returned to
his family on the island.
But a short time previous, a young man by the name
of Harte, the son of an acquaintance in Ireland, having
Temple, the eldest, who distinguished himself in the university and at the
bar, died at the age of thirty. Thomas Addis, born in 1764, also became
a barrister, got involved in the revolt of 1798, was allowed to expatriate
himself, arrived at New York in 1804, where he was at once admitted to
practice (by special dispensation, although opposed, Phillips says, by
Chancellor Kent), became attorney-general of New York in 1812, and died
in 1827, greatly respected and lamented. Robert, who was only twenty-
three years old, joined in the insurrection of 1808; was tried, condemned
and executed — lamented even by multitudes who disliked his politics.
Robert Emmett's defense, as it is called, though actually spoken after his
condemnation, when called on to receive judgment, is one of the most
touching specimens of eloquence ever uttered. — Mackenzie.
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IMPOSED UPON. 109
applied to Blennerhassett for pecuniary aid, presented a
letter of introduction, purporting to have been written
by bis father. His address was that of a gentleman, and
the respectability of his family connection precluded any
doubt as to the truthfulness of his representations. Pre-
vious to his departure from England, he said, he had
taken the precaution to obtain drafts in London, on a
house in Boston, for the sum of one thousand pounds ;
that on his arrival in the United States he found the
house to be fictitious ; that as this was his sole reliance
he had been left entirely destitute of funds. He thought
that he should not be chargeable with carelessness, as he
had previously advised with Sir Owen Hunt, who had
assured him that the gentleman with whom he dealt was
a man of strict integrity. The story was a plausible one,
and Blennerhassett, desirous of performing an act of
charity toward the young gentleman, furnished him with
letters of credit and introduction to many of his influ-
ential acquaintances, among which was one to Colonel
Burr, and another to the Hon. James Brown, a brother-
in-law of the colonel. From the various sources to
whom he had been accredited, Harte obtained large sums
of money, and fled to Canada. It subsequently appeared
that he had forged the letter of introduction to Blenner-
hassett, and, at the tifrie of his appearance at the island,
was an exile from his father's house for similar practices
in England. On being advised of the facts by Mr. Brown,
Blennerhassett addressed him the following reply :
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110 the blennerha8sett papers.
Wood Court-Housb, Va.,
December 9th, 1805.
Jambs Brown, Esq.,
Dear Sir : — On my arrival home yesterday evening, I
received your two letters of the 13th and 18th August
last, which have laid at the office here, I know not how
long. By them I fear you have no effects of Harte's in
your possession, as you do not mention the horses I un-
derstood, by Mr. Shaw, he left with you, which, with the
presumption I had requested you to indorse his drafts to
an amount not exceeding a thousand or twelve hundred
dollars, induced me, as I wrote you November 7th, from
New York, to risk the return of one of the drafts you
indorsed for one thousand dollars. But your letters re-
ceived here, have caused me the utmost concern, lest I
should not be in time by to-morrow's post to advise Mr.
Morton, as Mr. Clay has suggested, to arrest the draft be-
fore its return upon you, though I am persuaded my
protegS has altered my figures, which, indeed, would make
no difference to your disadvantage, if he had done so to
the last dollar I am worth. Be the effect, therefore, what
it may upon my property, your time and ingenuity might
have been better spent than in justifying the steps you
had taken to accommodate Mr. Harte upon my recom-
mendation.
I will only add, I shall. take my chance of whatever in-
demnity you can procure for me, by an attachment of any
property within your reach. That Harte still is the son
of the man I expected, I have a letter from his father
acknowledging, but declaratory of his having fully dis-
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DESPONDENT. Ill
carded him, long ago, and affording me no prospect of
retribution.
I should hope the pleasing intelligence I have fre-
quently had of Mr. John Clay's present good circum-
stances, may permit me to anticipate he will settle with
me for the sale he made of a negro woman of mine, in
Kentucky, through you.
The hints you have given of the predilection you en-
tertain for your last chosen meridian, have kindled in
our minds a fire of enthusiastic curiosity, which our pres-
ent embarrassments will constantly fan, until your details
shall extinguish it with a faithful muster of the fogs and
musquitoes of the Mississippi.
But in sober sadness, I wish to learn with what capital,
or in what speculation or profession, I could enjoy your
neighborhood, when I can bid adieu to the spot on
which I have so long hoped I should rest my bones for-
ever. I am inclined to hope my highly-valued friend,
Woodbridge,* would accompany me, if he could see any
mercantile prospects more inviting than this country
affords. I have no doubt your friendship will find a mo-
ment of repose in your present cares of fame and fortune,
in which I highly rejoice, to gratify mv expectation in
this respect.
Since I find you give us such just credit for the senti-
ments with which Mrs. Brown and yourself have inspired
us, I will offer no repetition of them — only a more possi-
ble prospect of personally testifying them, you may be
sure, makes them more vivid, even in the abandonment
* The mercantile partner of Blennerhassett.
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112 THE BLBNWERHASSBTT PAPERS.
of books and science, to' which, I fear, the state of my
affairs will henceforth, I know not how long, condemn me.
Farewell ! dear Brown, and believe me always to be
Your attached Mend,
H. Blbnnerhassstt.
On the 15th of December, 1805, he dispatched the fol-
lowing letter to General Devereux : *
My dear Devereux:
Sensible for your kind concern for us, I use the first
opportunity since our return home to acquaint you, that
we effected our journey with safety, and had the blessing
to find our dear boy recovered, so that nothing threatens
henceforward to interfere with our enjoyment of your
company when we can obtain it, but unavoidable atten-
tion to some embarrassments my circumstances have
lately undergone ; the effect of which more and more dis-
poses me to endeavor to change my situation, by selling
or letting this place to effect a removal to another, where
I could embark in mercantile pursuits, or the resumption
of my old profession.
Now, not wishing to advertise the place, I know no
* General Devereux was a descendant of one of the most ancient and
noted families of Ireland. One of his ancestry drew his sword upon
Queen Elizabeth, when she slapped him in the face for his impertinence,
and insisted that if she were a man he would dispatch her for the indig-
nity. He finally became reconciled, but was subsequently beheaded for
treason. The General was one of the leaders of the United Irishmen in
the Rebellion of '96 and 1803, and subsequently made his escape to the
United States. He afterward joined Bolivar in the Columbian Revolution,
where he greatly distinguished himself by his bravery and military skill.
On the emancipation of the South American Republics, he was made Min-
ister to Russia, and, I believe, afterward to the United States.
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FOR SALE. US
better means of disposing of it than through the industry
of your friendship, I, therefore, request your attention
to my views, and the following description of my situa-
tion, to enable you to procure such a purchaser or tenant
as would suit me, and effect our common happiness by a
residence in the same place. Respecting the farm, which,
through want of skill and capital, I am unable to make
the best advantage of, you may, with the utmost truth
and honor, represent it as containing about two hundred
acres of the richest land in the world, which, rented out
to the poorest of tenants, can, at any time, command a
rent of five dollars per acre, payable in corn at the market
price in this country ; but would prove more lucrative in
the hands of a capitalist, with forty or fifty negroes, who
would engage in raising hemp or tobacco. These pro-
ducts better afford a rent of twenty-five huudred dollars
a year than one thousand in the other way. Such a rent
I should expect of such a tenant as I could let the whole to,
namely, a gentleman of fortune, disposed to reside in this
country, who would find an elegant seat with (a desirable)
convenient improvements ; no want of which would dis-
turb his care or withdraw his attention for the ease and
profit with which he might reside here, whence he might
send his tobacco, cordage, cotton or flour, to New Orleans,
at the rate of one dollar and a quarter per barrel, where
the market will always afford him a medium price, twelve
or fifteen per cent, higher than the farmer dependent on
the Atlantic towns can have, without taking into consid-
eration the excess of western produce.
If a purchase should be preferred, I could not in justice
to my family sell at less than twenty-five years' credit, on
8
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114 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
the above twenty-five hundred dollars, which would be
then sinking a serious part of the money I have expended
on this place, which may be easily conceived when it is
understood the house and offices I occupy, stand me in
upward of thirty thousand dollars, not to mention gardens
and shrubbery, in the English style — hedges, post-fences,
and complete farm-yards, containing barns, stables, over-
seers' and negroes' houses, etc., etc. ; though, for the sake
of removing from a place which does not now so well
suit myself, I would sacrifice somewhat of the money I
have expended.
Any one disposed to treat for the place will be apprised
beforehand, by all who have seen it, from the most unob-
serving passenger, to Mr. Harris, of its good order,
richness and elegant situation, opposite the handsome
settlement of Belpr6, fourteen miles below Marietta, and
within view of Wood Court-House in Virginia, in the
midst of a country, where "the lumber and provision trade,
with ship-building, has commenced, and will be established
above and below it, from Pittsburgh to the falls of the
Ohio.
I would only direct a purchaser's attention to this
sketch, which he can easily verify, and the rent required
for such an establishment can not be considered high,
when compared with what is so unaccountably obtained
for a single house in Baltimore. If the style and extent
of the house should be demanded, it may be stated as
highly and completely finished, containing, with the
wings connected to it by circular corridors, thirty-six
windows, glazed with lights 12 by 18 inches.
You will not forget to have General Macon, who lives
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RESPONSIBILITIES. 116
on an island near Georgetown, and I hear, like myself,
prefers an insular situation, informed how commodiously
he might accommodate his family, if I have truly heard,
he desires to move to the western country, in which case
I could take landed property of his below, at a valuation,
in exchange, if he would give me my price.
H. Blbnnerhassett.
Among other letters which he mentions as having ac-
cumulated during his absence at the East, was his first
communication from Colonel Burr, regretting that the
absence of Blennerhassett from home had deprived him
of the pleasure of improving his personal acquaintance,
when visiting his island residence. In an insinuating but
guarded manner, he alluded to the talents of Blenner-
hassett, as deserving of a higher sphere than that in
which they were employed. He was surrounded, to be
sure, with all the comforts of life, but those very comforts
only served to effeminate the mind, for want of active
engagements. His pleasures were merely passive, and
were better suited to the negative enjoyment of the rude
and unconscious herd, than to those delightful sensations
experienced by the intelligent mind when in the active
exercise of all its ennobling powers. There were other
considerations, too, which should induce him to feel that
physical effort was necessary. He was surrounded by a
growing family, who demanded of him superior advan-
tages over those to be obtained in his new and unpolished
neighborhood. His fortune was gradually diminishing,
while no effort was made to add to his present estate.
The inevitable consequence therefore must be the impov-
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116 THE BLENX3PHASSETT PAPERS.
erishment of his children by his listless attention to all
financial affairs. Suggesting several plans by which
Blennerhassett might enhance his fortune, and render
himself a more important individual in society, he left
him to meditate on the truthfulness of the picture so
dexterously set before him.
Such apparently disinterested counsel, from one whose
judgment and experience he respected, caused Blenner-
hassett to turn his attention, more particularly than he
had hitherto done, toward himself and his own affairs.
The result was all that Burr could have desired. It
called forth the suggestions with reference to his removal,
in his letter to Brown, and gave rise to the following cor-
respondence :
- December 21tf, 1805.
Aaron Burr, Esq.,
Sir : — The receipt of your letter, by post, has been de-
layed until my return home from Baltimore. While it
enables me to return my acknowledgments for the honor
of your kind remembrance, it affords the opportunity of
expressing my extreme regret that we were absent at the
time of your intended visit. This disappointment can
not be removed but by another of like condescension,
which may, in some measure, compensate us for the past.
The mention, sir, you have made of the attention you
were pleased to give to young Mr. Harte, on my recom-
mendation, would alone make it my duty to apologize for
having obtruded upon your notice a man whose acts, as I
have heard since he left this, have qualified him for no
better situation than that of a jail. But my belief that
he was really the son of the gentleman in Europe I took
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CALCULATIONS. 117
him for, which turns out to be correct, though he is dis-
carded by his father, and the confidence and credit ob-
tained from me, through a letter from his father, which I
supposed authentic, by which I have lost four thousand
dollars: these circumstances, sir, your liberality will
regard as some ground of excuse for the liberty I had
taken with you. I am now about to venture another, on
my own account, to which I presume to request an
answer at your first convenient leisure.
Estimating the value of your reflections on the view
you have taken of the western country, and particularly
of Louisiana, I have thought it of great importance to
obtain your sentiments to confirm or correct the irresist-
ible attraction my friend, Mr. James Brown, assures me I
should follow, to settle in his vicinity, if I would but
visit that country. His words are, my " removal would
be inevitable " — an expression, truly, strong enough, when
viewed through my regard for his friendship, and my
confidence in his judgment, to endanger my repose on
this island, where for eight years I have dreamed and
hoped I should rest my bones forever.
But the interests of a growing family, I feel, will sum-
mon me again into active life, to the resumption of my
former profession of the bar, mercantile or other enter-
prise, if I should find an opportunity of selling or letting
my establishment here to a gentleman who could, with-
out a sacrifice, give me a price by which I should not lose
too much of the money it stands me in, say $50,000 ; or
afford me a rent of $2,500, which, by proper manage-
ment, it might be made to realize without paying, at the
highest rate, half the yearly value of the extensive and
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118 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
numerous conveniences on the place, with a detail of
which I forbear to trouble you, observing, merely, that
there is now in good order, say two hundred acres, which,
with twenty well-managed hands, employed in raising
hemp, would afford a handsome profit. In either way,
if I could sell or leave the place, I would move forward
with a firmer confidence in any undertaking which your
sagacity might open to profit and fame.
Having thus advised you of my desire and motives to
pursue a change of life, to engage in any thing which
may suit my circumstances, I hope, sir, you will not
regard it indelicate in me to observe to you how highly I
should be honored in being associated with you, in any
contemplated enterprise you would permit me to partici-
pate in. The amount of means I could at first come
forward with would be small. You might command my
services as a lawyer, or in any other way you should sug-
gest as being most useful. I could, I have no doubt, unite
the talents and energy of two of my particular friends,
who would share in any fortune which might follow
you. The gentlemen alluded to are Mr. Dudley Wood-
bridge, junior, of Marietta, and Mr. Devereux, of Balti-
more, a cidevant-general in the Irish rebel army, neither
of whom, it is proper to remark, could be prevailed upon
to enlist in the undertaking.
Not presuming to know or guess at the intercourse, if
any, subsisting between you and the present Government,
but viewing the probability of a rupture with Spain, the
claim for action the country will make upon your talents,
in the event of an engagement against, or subjugation
of, any of the Spanish Territories, I am disposed in the
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LETTER FROM BURR. 119
confidential spirit of this letter to offer you my friends,
and my own services to co-operate in any contemplated
measures in which you may embark.
In making this proposition, I hope, sir, you will feel
that it flows in a conviction of your judgment and talents,
from a quarter that ever did and always will prefer to
seek fortune and fame through the call, rather than the
coercion, of any government.
A further development of my views would at present
aggravate the trespass on your time by this letter, too
much prolonged, and would besides, I hope, be a guaran-
tee of the perfect confidence you may repose in my
integrity in any communication you may be pleased to
honor me with.
I shall await with much anxiety the receipt of your
reply, and with warm interest in your success and pros-
perity,
I remain, dear sir, your obliged and obedient servant,
H. Blennerhasbett.
Burr to BlennerhassetL
Washington City, April lbth, 1806.
Dear Sir : — Your very interesting letter of the 21st of
December, arrived here just after I had passed through
this city on my way to South Carolina, and was not
* received until about two months after its date : the sub-
ject of it has since that time been daily in my mind.
Independently of considerations personal to myself, I
learn with the utmost pleasure that you are to be restored
to the social and the active world. Your talents and
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120 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
acquirements seem to have destined you for Something
more than vegetable life, and since the first hour of our
acquaintance, I have considered your seclusion as a fraud
on society.
The confidence you have been pleased to place in me is
extremely flattering, and it would seem that there has
been, without explanation, a sort of consent between our
minds. In a matter of so much moment, and on which I
am so imperfectly informed, it would be hazarding too
much to offer advice ; yet it is due to the frankness of
your letter, to acknowledge that I had projected, and still
meditate, a speculation, precisely of the character you
have described. It would have been submitted to your
consideration in October last, if I had then the good for-
tune to find you at home. The business, however,
depends, in some degree, on contingencies, not within
my control, and will not be commenced before December
or January, if ever. From this circumstance, and as the
matter, in its present state, can not be satisfactorily ex-
plained by letter, the communication will be deferred
until a personal interview can be had. With this view I
pray to be informed of your intended movements the
ensuing season, and in case you should visit Orleans, at
what time, and at what port you may be expected on the
Atlantic coast. But I must insist that these intimations
be not permitted to interrupt the prosecution of any
plans which you have formed for yourself — no occupation
which shall not take you off the continent can interfere
with that which I may propose. You would certainly
be pleased, probably charmed, with the manners and the
society of Orleans. As a place of business, too, it offers
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ANOTHER LKTTER. 121
great advantages; most of those who style themselves
lawyers, are become visionary speculators, or political
fanatics. Mr. Brown, by avoiding these follies, has in-
spired confidence, and is growing rich. The country is
deficient in the means of education, and the climate is
thought, I believe with reason, unfriendly to children.
We shall have no war unless we should be actually in-
vaded. Some estimate of the views and temper of our
Government may be formed from the proceedings of the
House of Representatives, with closed doors. A copy of
that part of their journal is sent for your amusement.
Accept, dear sir, assurances of the great consideration
and respect with which I am,
Yours obediently, A. Burr.
H. Blennerhassett, Esq.
Burr to Blennerhassett.
Baltimore, May 17th, 1806.
Dear Sir : — About the 15th of April, I wrote you from
"Washington, in answer to your letter of December,
apologizing, at the same time, for the lapse of so great
a period between the date of your letter and that
of my reply. For God's sake, therefore, do n't retaliate
on me in this particular. My movements for the sum-
mer, as far as can now be ascertained, will be to return to
Philadelphia to-morrow, to pass one month (something
less) in that vicinity ; thence to Bedford, in the mount-
ains of Pennsylvania, where I may remain several weeks,
taking excursions to Pittsburgh, Union Town, etc. The
mountain part of my project is for the health of my
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122 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
daughter * who has just come on from South Carolina, to
pass the season with me. I would take her on to your
house, if it were not for the extreme inconvenience of
re-ascending, especially with the incumbrance of a three-
yeaf-old child. With entire respect,
Your friend and obedient servant,
A. Burr.
Address me at Washington city. If the "city" be
omitted, your letter may go to forty Washingtons with-
out meeting that which is intended. In case of a direct
opportunity to Philadelphia, you may address me there,
to be left in the "Post-office" The former, however, is
the safer mode. A. Burr.
H. Blennerhassett, Esq.
Burr to Blennerhassett
Philadelphia, July 24th, 1806.
Dear Sir : — Owing to an absence of unexpected dura-
tion from this city, your letter of the 23d of May was not
received until a few days ago. My daughter has gone
on to Bedford. My engagements in this city not permit-
ting me to attend her, I shall follow in a few days, and
be at your house before the 20th of August. Let me
find you at home, or not far off. I propose to pass two
or three days with you. My daughter was charmed with
your hospitable and friendly overture, and wished much
to avail herself of it. This, however, will not be in her
• Mrs. Alston, wife of Col. Jos. Alston, Governor of South Carolina.
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burr's letter. 128
power till October, the period of my return from Ken-
tucky, when it is probable she may.
I omit, till a personal interview, a further answer to
your obliging letter.
Two young gentlemen of respectable connections and
character, are on their way down the river, Mr. P.
Swartwout,* of New York, and Mr. S. Ogden, of New
Jersey. I have desired that they would stop at your
door, hand you this, and wait long enough to answer any
inquiries you might please to make about Cis-Montane
men or things. I pray that they may experience your
wonted courtesy
Very respectfully, your friend and faithful servant,
A. Burr.
Burr to Blennerhassett.
Bedford, August 15thy 1806.
You perceive, my dear sir, that I have made a little
progress. I shall leave this to-morrow, but a detention
of two or three days at Pittsburgh will not allow me the
hope of seeing you at Belpr£ before the 23d or 24th.
I leave here my daughter and her son, who have both
greatly profited by the use of the waters, or, what is per-
haps more probable, by the mountain air. She desired
much to accompany me to your house, but we have com-
promised by my consenting that she shall meet me at
Belpr6 on the 1st of October.
With great respect, yours, A. Burr.
H. Blennerhassett.
• Samuel Swartwout, afterward collector of New York.
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124 THE BLENNERIIASSETT PAPKRS.
Some time in the month of August, 1806, Col. Burr,
in company with Col. De Pestre* and Dudley Wood-
ridge, Junior, arrived at the island. At this time, as we
are informed, Burr, with considerable reserve, partially
revealed the objects and plan of the contemplated enter-
prise. Prom information received from reliable sources,
he was induced to believe that the sentiments of a re-
spectable majority of the people of Orleans and Missis-
sippi Territories were disaffected to the Government;
that such was the dissatisfaction of the people, unless
early measures were adopted to prevent it, they would
fling themselves into the arms of any foreign power
which should pledge itself to protect them. In such an
event, the "Western States would be placed In a dilemma,
out of which they could only escape by an eastern or
western ascendancy of interests ; that after an examina-
tion of the subject, so clearly satisfied would they become
that their connection with the Atlantic States was inimi-
cal to western interests, they would no longer consent to
the alliance, but would sever themselves from the Union.
So far as he was personally concerned, he had no further
interest in the event than of a speculative character. The
people, however, should be advised, lest they should be
unexpectedly involved in a crisis for which they were
unprepared.
The separation of the Western from the Atlantic
States, he assured them, was no new project. It was a
subject of daily discussion at the seat of Government,
* Burr's confidential agent or minister, who had been sent on a mission
to Europe, and was then in negotiation with the representative of the
Spanish Court.
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CONSULTATION. 125
and by some of the heads of the department; that it
was seriously apprehended the maladministration of
the Government might precipitate the event much sooner
than it was desired or expected. So thoroughly disgusted
were the people of New Orleans with the conduct of the
administration, both with reference to themselves, and as
to Spanish American affairs, that he expected to hear of
their beginning a revolt by seizing on the bank and cus-
tom-house and appropriating to themselves the revenues
and forces of the Territory. Even then, he declared,
there was a society of young men in New Orleans,
denominated "The Mexican Society," who had seized
and shipped a number of cannons belonging to the
French, for a Mexican invasion, and that while there,
but a short time previous, he himself had been solicited
to become their leader.
With the questions of a war with Spain, and the
separation of the Western from the Atlantic States,
Burr declared he had no concern; but, in any event,
neither would interrupt his enterprise; nor would they
be adverse to his own views, let them precede or follow
his own undertaking.
He assured Blennerhassett that he was advised as to
the views of the Administration ; that the expulsion of
the Spaniards from the American Territory then vio-
lated by them, or even an invasion of Mexico, would be
pleasing to Mr. Jefferson, if either could be effected with-
out a declaration of war against Spain, which was now
prevented by parsimony on the one hand, and dread of
France on the other.
As this interview and its results, somewhat figura-
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126 THE BLENNBRHASSBTT PAPERS.
tively drawn by Mr. "Wirt, on the trial at Richmond,
have invested the name of Blennerhassett with greater
interest than, perhaps, it would have otherwise attained,
it is here inserted:
"A shrubbery, which Shenstone might have envied,
blooms around him; music that might have charmed
Calypso and her nymphs, is his; an extensive library
spreads its treasures before him ; a philosophical appara-
tus offers to him all the mysteries and secrets of nature ;
peace, tranquillity and innocence shed their mingled de-
lights around him ; and, to crown the enchantment of
the scene, a wife who is said to be lovely, even beyond
her sex, and graced with every accomplishment that can
render it irresistible, has blessed him with her love, and
made him the father of her children. The evidence would
convince you, that this is only a faint picture of real life.
In the midst of all this peace, this innocence, this tran-
quillity, this feast of mind, this pure banquet of the
heart, the destroyer comes : he comes to turn his paradise
into a hell ; yet the flowers do not wither at his approach,
and no monitory shuddering, through the bosom of their
unfortunate possessor, warns him of the ruin that is com-
ing upon him. A stranger presents himself. Introduced
to their civilities by the high rank he had lately held in
his country, he soon finds way to. their hearts by the dig-
nity and elegance of his demeanor, the light and beauty
of his conversation, and the seductive and fascinating
power of his address. The conquest was not a difficult
one. Innocence is ever simple and credulous ; conscious
of no designs itself, it expects none in others ; every door
and portal of the heart are thrown open, and all who
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RECRUITING. 127
choose it, enter. Such was the state of Eden when the
serpent entered its bowers. The prisoner " (Burr), " in a
more engaging form, winding himself into the open and
unpractised heart of Blennerhassett, found but little diffi-
culty in changing the native character of that heart, and
the objects of its affections. By degrees, he infuses into
it the poison of his own ambition ; he breathes into it
the fire of his own courage ; a daring and desperate thirst
for glory ; an ardor panting for all the storms and bustle
and hurricane of life. In a short time, the whole man is
changed ; and every object of his former delights relin-
quished. No more he enjoys the tranquil scene ; it has
become flat and insipid to his taste. His books are aban-
doned ; his retort and crucible thrown aside ; his shrub-
bery blooms and breathes its fragrance upon the air in
vain, he likes it not ; his ear no longer drinks the melody
of music, it longs for the trumpet's clangor and the can-
non's roar. Even the prattle of his babes, once so sweet,
no longer affects him, and the angel-smile of his wife,
who hitherto touched his bosom with ecstasy so unspeak-
able, is now unfelt for and unseen. Greater objects have
taken possession of his soul ; his imagination has been
dazzled by visions of diadems, and stars, and garters, and
titles of nobility ; he has been taught to burn, with rest-
less emulation, at the names of Cromwell, Caesar, and
Bonaparte," etc.
Leaving his daughter with Mrs. Blennerhassett, Burr
proceeded immediately to recruiting men for the expe-
dition. His mind was now fully determined on the en-
terprise. Every thing appeared favorable ; and what was
to prevent the realization of his dreamR?
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128 THE BLENNEBHASSBXT PAPEBS.
" Far away to the south-west, a thousand miles beyond
the Mississippi, lay a vast and wealthy empire, governed
by tyrants whom the people hated, and defended by
troops whom soldiers should despise. For years, the
riches of that kingdom were the theme of travelers. Her
mines were inexhaustible, and had flooded Europe with
gold. Her nobles enjoyed the revenues of emperors ; her
capitol was said to be blazoned with jewels. It was
known to look down on the lake, into whose waters the
unhappy Guatemozin had cast the treasures of that long
line of native princes, of which he was the last. Men
dreamed of that magnificent city as Aladdin dreamed of
his palaces, or Columbus of Cathay. Costly statues;
vessels of gold and silver; jewels of untold value ; troops
of the fairest Indian girls for slaves ; all that the eye de-
lighted in, or the heart of man could desire, it was cur-
rently declared, would form the plunder of Mexico. A
bold adventurer, commanding an army of Anglo-Saxon
soldiers, could possess himself of the empire. The times
were favorable to the enterprise. The priesthood through-
out Mexico was disaffected, and would gladly lend its aid
to any conqueror who secured its privileges ; and the
priesthood then, as now, exercised a paramount influence
over the weak and superstitious Mexicans. America, too,
was thought to be on the eve of a Spanish war, when the
contemplated expedition might easily be fitted out at
New Orleans. Burr saw the glittering prize, and resolved
to seize it. He would conquer this gorgeous realm, and
realize, in this new world, as Napoleon did in the old, a
dream of romance.
" He would surround his throne with dukes and mar-
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ENTHUSIASM. 129
shals, and princes of the empire. The pomp of chivalry,
the splendors of the East, should he revived in this court.
Realms equally rich, and even more easy of spoil, opened
to the South, to whose conquest his successors, if not
himself, might aspire. Perhaps nothing would check his
victorious banner until he had traversed the continent,
and stood on that bold and stormy promontory, where
the contending waters of the Atlantic and Pacific lash
around Cape Horn."
With that eloquence of expression and power of im-
agination which were peculiarly his, he infused into the
minds of his auditors a thirst, like his own, for the bril-
liant scenes of Mexico. At Marietta he had an opportu-
nity of meeting with the militia, who were assembled for
the purpose of an annual training. Being called upon
for that purpose, he exercised the regiment in a few evo-
lutions, by which he demonstrated to the doubting his
superior knowledge of military tactics, and capability for
commanding. A ball succeeded the training, in the even-
ing. The congregated beauty of the surrounding neigh-
borhood greeted him with their smiles ; while the men
of rougher mould gave encouragement to his enterprise.
Offers of distinction and rank, and the dazzling dreams
of wealth, were arguments irresistible to the young and
adventurous ; and Burr soon found himself surrounded
by men impatient for the expedition.
Let it not be presumed that the honest and patriotic
spirits of the West for a moment contemplated treachery
to their country, or meditated a willful violation of her
laws. They who had breasted the storms of adversity,
in every conceivable shape ; who had scaled the barriers
9
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130 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
of the Alleghanies, amid the dangers of Indian warfare ;
who, for many years, had stood upon the frontier of civ-
ilization, and grappled, in deadly conflict, with the ene-
mies of their country and their race; who had pursued
the savage to his wigwam and startled him from his
mountain fastness ; these were men whom impartial his-
tory must pronounce incapable of a crime so base, so
revolting to the mind of every patriot. But they were
deceived, in their over-credulousness, in the statement of
Burr, and joined the expedition, under the well-grounded
belief that Jefferson favored it ; and that, in the event of
war, it would be neither illegal nor contrary to the wishes
of the government.
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WETTING IT UP. 131
CHAPTER VII.
Ik the month of September, 1806, Burr commenced
active preparations for the contemplated expedition.
Contracts for fifteen large bateaux, sufficient to con-
vey five hundred men, and a large keel-boat for the
transportation of provision, arms, ammunition, etc.,
also for flour, whisky, corn-meal, and other eatables,
were entered into; for the most of which Blenner-
hassett became responsible. Much of the corn, from
which the meal was made, was raised and kiln-dried
on the island.
While these operations were being carried forward,
Burr visited Chillicothe, then the seat of government
of Ohio, and continued his trip to Cincinnati, and
thence to Kentucky. The object of this tour was to
extend his acquaintance, and add new recruits to his
enterprise. Each private was to supply himself with
proper arms and clothing, and to receive, as a com-
pensation for his services, one hundred acres of land
on the Washita; while officers were to receive accord-
ing to their grade.
Soon after his departure, Blennerhassett prepared a
series of essays which appeared in the Ohio Gazette, a
newspaper published at Marietta, by Fairlamb, under
the signature of Querist These exhibited a general
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182 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
and relative view, in a political aspect, of the Union and
the western country ; presenting motives of expediency
which should induce a separation from the Atlantic
States in a peaceable and constitutional manner. He
designed to prepare the minds of his fellow-citizens for a
crisis which he believed was sooner or later approaching,
not from the motives of Burr, but from the state of
affairs then existing on the Mississippi, at which an es-
pousal of eastern or western ascendancy would determ-
ine their future prosperity. A second, and perhaps
paramount, object was to divert public attention from
too close a scrutiny of the plans against Spain, which, if
successfully concealed, might be tacitly approved by the
Government, and suffered to proceed without serious in-
tervention. I insert but one of these communications,
as the whole are too voluminous for the design of this
work:
September, 1806.
To the Editor of the Ohio Gazette:
Sir: — Of all the causes that produced our colonial
war, which terminated in the establishment of our inde-
pendence, it has appeared to me that the most operative,
if it has ever been fully appreciated by our politicians,
has been least insisted upon. Our complaints and our
struggles against the mother country, however they have
attempted to be bastardized by the blunders of the igno-
rant or the craft of the designing, had really a commercial
and no other parentage. The unbiassed judgment of
posterity will no doubt decide that the good people of the
colonies, however justly entitled to all the rights they
have vindicated, were, nevertheless, in establishing them,
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ESSAYING. 133
from the beginning to the end, ths unconscious instru-
ments of a small party or interest among themselves;
namely, the commercial. To prove this truth, the im-
parted history of our own times will adduce ample evi-
dence, without need of citing our early petitions and
remonstrances to Britain, which alone would place it
beyond all doubt.
That the colonies then, in effect, took upon them the
burden of the war for the advantage of merchants, though
the issue of it has produced the greatest benefit to us all,
is so far our concern at this day as to induce us to ex-
amine the influence of the present commercial interest in
the United States at large, and the western country in
particular. And this becomes the more necessary, as the
present party in power are said, by their adherents, to be
political economists of the school of Monsieur Quesnai,
desirous to promote the agricultural at the expense of the
commercial interest ; while their predecessors in office, as
rigid followers of Mr. Colbert, would advance on an en-
tirely opposite system. But neither the one nor the other
will promote the resources of any country without great
modification.
If the opinion I have formed be well founded, that the
war we have happily concluded by our independence was
produced by the interests of the mercantile system on the
Atlantic, I have been led, also, to suspect that the polit-
ical federation of the State comprises within it, in like
manner, the spirit of a commercial confederacy; the
effects of which, I trust, our penetration and conduct will
succeed to direct to further beneficial consequences to our
country than are contemplated or regarded by its members.
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184 THE BLENNERIIASSETT PAPERS.
In examining the. commercial history of all nations, I
have nowhere found a parallel to such a degree of trade
carried on in any other country as that of our own, with
the protection of so small a navy, and the assistance of so
much foreign capital. The extent of our navy is known
to every one. But it is not, probably, generally under-
stood, that two-thirds of the capital made use of is not
our own, but that of foreigners and belligerents — some of
it embarked in our home and foreign trade ; the rest in
our carrying trade. What influence from this source
may flow into the country it much concerns us to weigh
und watch. But I have observed some resemblance in
the general character of our Atlantic commerce, and the
Teutonic confederacy, founded in Germany about the
middle of the thirteenth century. There was created a
commercial confederacy of cities, distant from each other
in local situation and interests. The Hanseatic towns
associated for trade, not only all the maritime cities of
Germany, but even comprehended some of France and
England — the whole directing the partial views and inter-
ests of individual members to the profit of the company.
The Atlantic confederation has conciliated the different
interests of the North and South, with the general profit
of the whole. The Teutonic confederacy was carried on
without interfering with the various sovereigns on whom
they depended. The Atlantic confederacy has hitherto
progressed with a successful accommodation of the vari-
ous sovereignties and local interests of the respective
States. The German confederacy became objects of the
jealousy, and victims of the hatred of other nations, by
the arrogance arising out of their prosperity in appropri-
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VATICINATIONS. 135
ating to themselves the trade of the world which they
had engrossed. The Atlantic confederacy may reach a
similar prosperity, but will expire by a like fate.
From this hasty sketch of the state and principles of
our Atlantic commerce, we are naturally led to ask, "in
what manner these cis- Allegheny countries can control or
be effected by its interests ? " As to the latter member
of this query, I have already said enough to show how
diligently we should guard against the insinuation of
its influence among us, and shall reserve myself on that
topic for such further animadversion as may hereafter
bo due to the contingent remarks of others. But as to
the former, our means or our motives to injure the com-
mercial pursuits of our brothers on the Atlantic, will
now engage my attention.
When I hear suggestions made of the danger of our
rivaling the Atlantic States in their trade, 1 really sus-
pect some motives for uttering them worse than igno-
rance. That the whole western country must, at least
for a lapse of ages, content itself under the injunctions
of nature, with the condition of an agricultural and manu-
facl!uring country, is a proposition too evident to be
seriously questioned by any one. In the present state of
information, it is equally known to the fishermen of
Nantucket, and the rice-planter of Georgia, that it will
forever remain impracticable for our shipping to perforin
a return voyage against the currents of our long rivers ; *
that the port, of New Orleans, our only outlet, must
always, from its situation, be indefensible against a single
* Steam had not then been applied to the purposes of navigation.
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136 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
frigate, and that from our distance from the sea, and
many temporary obstacles added to those that are already
stated to be perpetual and insurmountable by ourselves,
the United States, or some other commercial power, must
ever be the carriers of our surplus produce from New
Orleans.
It was no serious alarm, therefore, of our being ever
able to entertain the project of appropriating generally to
ourselves, either a part of their foreign or of their carry-
ing trade that has hitherto engendered in the Atlantic
merchant a desire to foster a scheme of jealous and narrow
policy, which they have succeeded in infusing into all our
cabinets and councils against the advancement of our
western interests since the Revolution, which, from the
period of the reservation of the Salt springs, to the last
moderate increase of the price, in what are called Con-
gressional lands, our trusty representatives have so tem-
porarily forborne to expose to their constituents. The
real object was, the monopoly of the West India market.
But that market they must share, and indeed abandon to
us, however our political situation may vary. It should
not, however, be inferred, that the use we can make of
it, for a great many years to come, can materially injure
the commercial interest of the Atlantic States. How
paltry, then, has been the little jealousy of us, conceived
upon this ground ! How mean and treacherous the conceal-
ment of it from the people ! But how criminal has been
every system of all our Federal and Republican cabinets,
as regarding this division of the Union, how masked to
our citizens, we will now inquire.
A wilderness that hardly had felt the footsteps of civil-
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PIONEERING. 187
ized man, is pierced in the midst of a foreign war. Our
adventurous citizens first encounter all the miseries of the
forest, and the savage warfare of the Indians, in prospect
of acquiring a patrimony for their children. Their num-
bers are small, but they maintain their posts, and even
march against a foreign foe on their frontier, whilst their
brethren are encountering him on the sea-board. After
many vicissitudes of hardship and privation, they are
joined in the woods by their relatives and friends, who
only brought with them, out of the Revolutionary war,
the scars and wounds they received in fighting for their
country, depending on her gratitude for the recompense
of their labors. Thus united, all strive in common against
the savages, and participate in the equal prospect of in-
demnity from the State and from Congress. In a short
time they discover that those lands which owed all their
worth to themselves are ceded to the Union. Indian
titles are set up, and extinguished by some trinkets and
some spirits, and the real conquerors of the country,
are either confined to the corn fields they had planted,
or left to pine unknown in some more distant retreats
in the wilderness. Such has been the fortune of our
adventurers into the country generally, for twenty years,
from Pittsburgh to the Mississippi, particularly in Ken-
tucky, Such has been the retribution of our country to
her children, who have shed their blood for her honor
and independence !
Notwithstanding all restrictions, however, of impolicy
and injustice, our country advances in population and
settlement. Immense numbers of emigrants from the old
States flock to our woods, and unite with us in forcing
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138 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS
the face of our wilderness to unbend somewhat of the
rigors of its savage features to take upon it the cheering
smiles of agriculture. In ten or twelve years our disin-
terested statesmen on the Atlantic felicitate our delegates
on the growing prosperity of our country; profess to
them assurances of the fatherly love and protection of the
Federal Government ; invite them to return into the
family of the Union, from which they had eloped by
their emigration, so soon as they shall be entitled to re-
admission therein, by some years probation in passing
through the purgatory of a territorial government, when
they shall be honored by being permitted to contribute to
State and Federal revenues, not through the coercion of
an ordinance of Congress, but by their own representa-
tives ; when, instead of no representative government at
all, they shall be placed under two, without paying both
of which, they will be neither able to protect themselves
against Bonaparte or the grand Mogul, to make laws for
the restraint of crimes or the security of property in the
woods. Such or similar topics of comfort and admonition
have been swallowed by the large ears of our representa-
tives ; such they have echoed to their constituents. The
people, on their side, illy fitted, by their habits and occu-
pations, for Bounding the depths of these speculations,
have innocently believed their interests, if not duly at-
tended to, were not at least betrayed. But now they be-
gin to inquire what mysterious complication of circum-
stances reduces them to the necessity of supporting two
governments, with two judiciaries to repress private
wrongs, and enforce private rights, in a country where
both are few and simple ; to contribute two revenues to
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querist's conclusions. 189
two executives, some of them non-resident among them,
and all alive to their own interests ; in short, to pay the
wages of a double representation, which has hitherto
neglected or sacrificed the proper objects of its mission.
When we soberly interrogate ourselves on these subjects
we readily find a clue that will easily lead us out of the
mazes of the labyrinth in which we have so long wan-
dered. We shall then behold, in the open field of inves-
tigation, into which I perhaps have first entered, the two
principal, if not the only, enemies of our rights and inter-
ests— ill-founded prejudices of commercial growth and
origin in the Atlantic States, against the effects of our
prosperity in the western country, and the neglect of that
inquiry or information hitherto by our citizens, which
should enable them properly to appreciate their civil and
political situation both present and to come.
How far I may have deserved well of the country in
reconnoitering the enemy in his trenches, as I promised
in my last, and have endeavored in this paper, I will not
presume to judge. At some after period, when the
warmth of interest, passion and party shall subside, I will
patiently, and I hope with dignity, abide the judgment
of my fellow-citizens. In the same spirit I shall, in my
next paper, consider those objections that have occurred
to me against the measure of a severance of the Union,
with the reputations they may require. But I wish it
understood, that I have no intention of recommending
either the mode or the time in which it should be effected.
An individual embarked in the vessel of my country,
when I alarmed my shipmates with my report, that the
helm is deserted or improperly manned, I do not pre-
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140 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
sume to dictate to them how or whither they should steer
till called upon to do so. In the mean time, however, the
timid or designing among the crew may do well to com-
pose their alarms, or regulate their schemes, by an implicit
assurance that through all changes and chances of the
voyage I shall always be found at my post, wherever pri-
vate honor or public duty may summon me.
Querist.
Lexington, Kentucky, was then a central point in the
western Territories of the United States ; then, as now,
its society was of the most intelligent and' refined in
the Mississippi valley. The best and most ancient and
honorable families of Virginia and the South had its
legitimate representatives in her gay assemblies. No one
accustomed to the elegancies of refined society, either in
the old or new world, ever visited its hospitable mansions
without an agreeable surprise at the taste and cultivation
of its ladies, and the high-toned gallantry of its men,
No other village of equal population, no other suburban
settlements, I assert it not disparagingly, could boast a
longer catalogue of equally illustrious names. In those
days, to cross the Alleghennies without running over to
Lexington, would be to visit France without a stroll along
the Boulevards, or to wander over Italy without look-
ing in upon the Vatican.
In the month of October, Mrs. Alston, the accom-
plished daughter of Col. Burr, was joined by her husband
at the Island Mansion. The ostensible object of the
visit was *the re-establishment of her health, and the
gratification of her father, who desired her company on
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COL. ALSTON. , 141
bis wild and solitary rambles. Lexington had been
designated as the point of rendezvous, and thither they
repaired, accompanied by Blennerhassett. The manner
of their reception — the marked respect and generous hos-
pitality which was every- where extended, flattered them
with the hope of the popularity of the movement. Meas-
ures were immediately initiated for a thorough organiza-
tion. It was strongly suspected that meetings for this
purpose were being secretly held after the manner of
those inaugurated by Genet. Hence the utmost precau-
tion was necessary to conceal from the public observation
every thing that might excite their alarm. Among the
desirable qualities for a successful commander, it is said,
not the least is the art of conducting a safe retreat, as
well as a decisive attack. He should know how to cover
his retiring files, as well as to order to an advance. To
quiet the apprehension of the country it was necessary to
adopt some plausible pretext with which to mask the real
design, and actually to be embraced in case of a failure.
Hence it was announced that the object of the movement
was the colonization of the Bastrop lands. A purchase
was therefore agreed upon for several thousand acres
lying on the waters of the "Washita, which, with many
of the uninitiated, was supposed to be their real destina-
tion.
Col. Alston was a man ot large fortune. He was ex-
tensively engaged in the culture of rice, in the State of
South Carolina; but a succession of failures in crops had
left him destitute of ready means to supply the neces-
sities of Burr. These, upon his personal guaranty, were
furnished by Blennerhassett, who had to resort to his
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142 v THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
friends for his own accommodation. The following letter
throws some light upon the subject, and may settle the
question which was afterward disputed :
Lexington, Ky., Oct. 18th, 1806,
Messes. Jos. S. Lewis & Co., Phila. :
Dear Sirs : — Having found in this place a most valua*
ble opportunity of participating with some friends of the
first respectability and resources in the Union, in a com-
mercial and land speculation, the prospect of effecting
which depends on my obtaining a credit with you, or
some other friends, for eight or ten thousand dollars, by
your honoring my drafts at sixty and ninety days, I feel
no hesitation in resorting to your approved friendship for
my accommodation. In order to supply the deficit of my
actual funds, under your management, in the stock,
I can vouch for your receiving about one thousand pounds
Irish on my account, in the course of twelve months.
But I can at any time give security on the vast estates,
and other property of Joseph Alston, Esq., of South
Carolina, who is absolutely exempt from all manner of
incumbrance, and is the son-in-law of Col. Burr.
In a case of such interest and importance, which, be-
sides in the event of my success, will not be indifferent to
your mercantile concerns hereafter, I hope I need urge
no further apology, for the first freedom of this kind I
have ventured with you.
I shall therefore expect your answer as soon as I can
have it by post, directed to me at home ; and, in the
mean time, I remain as I ever shall, dear sirs,
Your faithful friend, Harman Blennerhassett
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RETROSPECT. 143
P. S. — I can not embark on an aid short of $8,000, but
$10,000 would improve the concern I look for almost
doubly. H. B.
The expedition, in the eyes of many, began now to
assume a serious aspect; and, through the medium of the
press, attracted the attention of those more remote from
the scene of preparations. Apprehension and alarm
seized'on the public mind, and spread dismay throughout
the country. Spain had refused us compensation for her
spoliations during a former war. Our commerce passing
on the Mobile river continued to be obstructed by arbi-
trary duties and vexatious searches. The boundaries of
Louisiana remained in dispute, producing much uneasiness
and discontent in the south-west. The Government had
been deterred from a declaration of war by Napoleon,
from the effects of whose arms Europe was then trem-
bling, and who had intimated that France would take
part with Spain in any contest she might have against
the United States. Adding to this, the impressment of
American seamen by British vessels, and it will be seen
our nation was at once reduced to a situation of painful
humiliation.
Feeble, indeed, would be that rid which a disunited
people could render, in time of perils such as these.
Never before, in the history of the nation, had rebellion
and disunion so openly avowed itself. How far this dis-
affection extended was, to many, a matter of mysterious
and anxious conjecture. Burr had, but a few years previ-
ous, closed a close and popular canvass for the executive
chair. It was known that, not only his partisans, but his
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144 THE BLBNNERHASSETT PAPERS.
personal friends, were numerous; many of whom were
men of wealth and influence, who could rally to their
standard a formidable number to support the cause of
faction. Party malevolence and personal animosity added
fuel to the flame, and ultimate ruin hung, as a withering
pall, over the destinies of the country.
A rumor was gaining ground that a numerous and
powerful association, extending from New York, through
the Western States, to the Gulf of Mexico, had been
formed ; that eight or ten thousand men were to rendez-
vous in New Orleans, at no distant period; and from
thence, with the co-operation of a naval force, follow
Burr to Vera Cruz ; that agents from Mexico had come
to Philadelphia during the summer, and had given assur-
ances that the landing of the expedition would be fol-
lowed by such an immediate and general insurrection as
would insure the submission of the existing Government,
and silence all opposition in a very few weeks; that
a part of the association would descend the Alleghenny
river, and the first general rendezvous would be at the
rapids of the Ohio, toward the 20th of October, and from
thence the aggregate force was to proceed in light-boats,
with the utmost velocity, to New Orleans, under an
expectation of being joined on the route by men raised
in the State of Tennessee and other quarters.
It was said that the maritime co-operation relied on
was from a British squadron in the West Indies ; that
active and influential characters had been engaged in
making preparations for six or eight months past, which
were in such a state of readiness that it was expected the
van would reach New Orleans in December, where the
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ON THE LOOK-OUT. 145
necessary organization and equipment would be com-
pleted with such promptitude that the expedition would
leave the. Mississippi toward the first of February. It
was added, that the revolt of the slaves, along the river,
was relied on, as an auxiliary measure; and that the
seizure of the banks of New Orleans was contemplated
to supply the funds necessary to carry on the enterprise.*
Mr. Jefferson, then President of the United States,
through considerations of caution, and to quell the appre-
hension of danger, adopted the precautionary measure of
appointing Graham, the Secretary of the Territory of
Orleans, a secret agent of the Government, with instruc-
tions to spy out and investigate any plot hostile to the
national interest ; empowering him to enter into confer-
ences with the civil and military authorities in the "West,
and, with their aid, to call on the spot whatever should
become necessary to discover the designs of the supposed
conspirators ; and also to bring the offenders to punish-
ment, when he should have fully ascertained their in-
tentions.
It being known, at this time, that many boats were in
preparation, stores and provisions collected, and an un-
usual number of suspicious characters in motion, on the
Ohio and its tributaries, orders were given to the Gov-
ernor of the Mississippi and Orleans Territories, and to
the commanders of the land and naval forces, to be on
their guard against surprise, and in constant readiness to
resist any enterprise that might be attempted.
On the 8th of November, instructions had been sent to
* Martin's History of Louisiana.
10
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146 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
General "Wilkinson, to hasten on accommodations with
the Spanish commander on the Sabine, and fall back with
his principal force on the hither bank of the Mississippi.*
This order, however, had been anticipated by "Wilkinson,
who, on the 5th of the same month, three days previous
to the dispatch of the instructions, having received intel-
ligence that the Spanish camp on the Sabine would be
broken up on that day, began his march toward Natchi-
toches. Immediately on his arrival there, he had directed
Porter to proceed with the utmost expedition, and to
repair, mount, and equip for service, every piece of ord-
nance in the city ; to employ all hands in preparing
shells, grape, canister and musket cartridges, with buck-
shot; to have every fieldpiece ready, with horse, harness
and drag-rope, and to mount six or eight battering can-
nons on fort St. Charles and fort St. Louis, below and
above the city, and along its front, flanks and rear.
Porter left Natchitoches with all the artifices, and com-
pany of one hundred men, and had been followed by
dishing with the rest of the forces, leaving only one
company behind. Wilkinson, on his way to New Or-
leans, stopped at Natchez, and made application to the
Executive of the Mississippi Territory for a detachment
of five hundred men of its militia to proceed with him ;
but, declining to communicate his motives in making the
requisition, the Governor refused a compliance with so
mysterious a demand,
From this place, Wilkinson, on the fifteenth of Novem-
ber, dispatched Burling, one of his aids, to Mexico, for
* Jefferson's Message of 22d of January, 1807.
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RUMORS CONFIRMED. 147
the ostensible purpose of apprising the Viceroy of the
danger with which his sovereign's dominions were men-
aced ; but, in reality, as the general mentions in his mem-
oirs, on grounds of public policy and professional enter-
prise, to attempt to penetrate the veil which concealed
"^he topographical route to the city of Mexico, and the
military defenses which intervened — feeling that the
equivocal relation of the two countries justified the ruse*
As soon as Wilkinson arrived in New Orleans, he held
an interview with Governor Claiborne ; at which time it
was deemed expedient to convoke the merchants of the
city, to adopt precautionary measures for their security.
The latter, in an animated address, exhorted them to
assist him in his efforts for the defense of the city, and
solemnly swore, in the enthusiastic style peculiar to him,
that, if it were taken by the vessels, he would perish in
the endeavor to repel the assault. The meeting adopted,
unanimously, some spirited and patriotic resolutions. A
considerable sum was subscribed to be distributed as
bounty among such sailors as might engage to serve on
board the ships. Many of the guns of the city were
placed upon the merchantmen in the river; and a re-
spectable fleet was suddenly formed, to oppose that of the
British, which was expected from the West Indies.
The rumors which had" induced this energetic action,
on the part of the Government, had been but recently
confirmed by the reception, on the part of the President,
of the proceedings of a meeting in Wood County, Vir-
ginia, expressive of alarm for the safety of the country,
* Martin's History of Louisiana,
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148 THE BLKNNERHASSETT PAPERS.
by the- accumulating evidences of the complicity of Burr
and Blennerhasset, in a mysterious and, as many believed,
treasonable design.
The cause of their apprehension proceeded from a par-
tial revelation of the objects of the expedition to some
of his more intimate acquaintance, by Blennerhassett*
and to whom, also, he had made a secret acknowledgment
of the authorship of " Querist."
Mrs. Blennerhassett, having learned of the meeting,
and being informed that a battalion of three companies,
under command of Col. Phelps, were then mustering at
the Point (Parkersburg), intending to make a descent
that evening, to burn the mansion and seize the kiln-
dried corn, dispatched Peter Taylor to Kentucky, to in-
form her husband of the danger with which his person
and property were menaced.
On the receipt of the intelligence he immediately left
for home. Reflecting on his way that he should be un-
provided with the means of defense to protect himself
against the attack of the militia, he called upon Dr. Ben-
nett, of Mason County, Virginia, to learn any particular
of which he was advised, and to secure such aid as the
Doctor might be able to afford him in the defense of his
property at the Island. He protested the innocence of
their designs, and abjured any" intention of a separation
of the Union, unless by the voluntary act of the people,
when such a measure should be rendered expedient. He
communicated the fact of the purchase of the Bastrop
lands, and desired to enlist such persons as might be
desirous of emigrating. Taking leave of the Doctor at
the ferry, he arrived at the Island on the following day.
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GRATEFUL SENTIMENTS. 149
The excitement had by no means abated. Rumoh* had
reached him that an attempt would be made on his per-
son that evening ; but as Col. Phelps had assured Mrs.
Blennerhassett, during the absence of her husband, that
she should be protected against violence, he felt no imme-
diate apprehension of danger. On being informed of the
facts, he dispatched, by a messenger, the following com-
munication to the Colonel :
Wood County, Nov. M, 1806.
Colonel Phelps:
Dear Sir: — Just returned home, after a journey of
seven hundred miles, I hasten to express to you the satis-
faction with which I learned, on the road, that you had
been invested with the command of the two volunteer
companies that had been raised in this country during my
absence, as that circumstance afforded me a sure guaran-
tee against the idle reports I had heard, of any misguided
violence intended by my neighbors against my family or
property while I was not on the ground to defend them.
But the information my wife has given me of the purport
of the friendly message you sent her, at a time when you
thought it would be expedient, has laid me under per-
sonal obligations to you, and rendered it a duty with me
to endeavor to revive our former neighborly intercourse,
especially at a season when so much misconception mis-
leads the people, propagated, as I have no doubt I can
satisfy you, by your enemies and their own, when I shall
have the pleasure of an hour's unreserved conversation
with you, in which I expect I can make you some propo-
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160 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
sitions that will engage your attention and be serviceable
to your best interests. I therefore embrace the earliest
opportunity of soliciting an interview with you, and, in
consideration of my fatigue, I take the liberty of request-
ing to see you this evening, and accept of a bed with us ;
or 5f that should be inconvenient to you, I shall do my-
self the pleasure of attending any appointment you may
designate for to-morrow.
I am, dear sir, your obliged and obedient servant,
Harman Blennerhassett.
Col. Phelps to Blennerhassett.
Newport, Nov. 6th, 1 806.
Dear Sir : — From circumstances of business, it was out
of my power to attend at Col. Cushing's so early as my
appointment. A short time after you left there I went
over, and found your note requesting me to wait upon
you this day. I am sorry that, from similar circum-
stances, I shall not be able to comply ; but, if you should
be at home, I shall do myself the pleasure to wait upon
you to-morrow.
Your obedient servant, Hugh Phelps.
Col. Phelps having visited Blennerhassett, according to
appointment, the latter thanked him for informing his
wife of the rumors which were afloat, and the measures
which had been adopted to arrest the designs of himself
and associates. He effected, however, to ridicule the
reports he had heard of the injuries threatened his fam-
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CONSULTATION. 151
ily, and suggested that he suspected the other party in
the country under the influence of the Hendersons, was
becoming so strong that its leaders would probably over-
turn the Colonel's interest, on which alone they had
hitherto depended for whatever popularity they had
acquired, and cautioned the Colonel against any coalition
or co-operation they might seek with him, in exciting
clamor or suspicion against the views or intentions of
Aaron Burr or his friends, which the past conduct of the
Hendersons toward him should induce him to avoid.
Col. Phelps, in reply, complained much of the ill-treat-
ment he had received from the Hendersons. Blennerhas-
sett stated his concern with Aaron Burr in a land pur-
chase; that he solicited or invited no person to join in
the emigration, though many had voluntarily offered to
do so, but added that if the Colonel wished a. concern for
himself or his friends, he might look to the example
of General Jackson, and other characters of distinction,
who, Blennerhasaett understood, were going to join in
the settlement with many associates; that, as to the
rumors and suspicions that had been circulated of Col.
Burr, or his friends, which accused them of engaging in
any thing against the laws of the United States, such
were wholly groundless ; but it was not unlikely that the
proximity of the purchase to that part of the country
where an engagement had already taken place, or might
soon be expected, between General Wilkinson and the
Spaniards, would engage Col. Burr and his friends in
some of the earliest adventures of the war; General
Jackson being already prepared to march with one thou-
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152 THE BLBNNBRHASSBTT PAPERS.
sand or fifteen hundred of his Tennessee militia, when-
ever he should think himself authorized by the orders or
wishes of the Government to put that body in motion.
Col. Phelps received this information with declining to
embark himself, on account of his family and the unset-
tled state of his affairs, but said he had no doubt many
young men from "Wood county would be glad to go with
Blennerhassett, to whom he would recommend the specu-
lation, as he might have opportunities.
From General Devereaux.
Baltimore, Oct. 13/A, 1806.
Harman Blennerhassett, Esq. :
My dearest Friend : — Your last esteemed letter I have
duly received. I am both rejoiced and saddened at it.
Rejoiced I am, that it should be my good fortune to be so
kindly held in the light I see I am, by those so dear to
me, as you and your estimable lady. I am, however,
both saddened and distressed, that my affairs are not in
that train to permit me to join you in this month, as I
had fondly contemplated, and as you so much wish.
Such is the nature of our business, that it is utterly im-
possible for me to wind it up at present, and this from
new and unexpected obstacles — obstacles which I shall
fully explain to your satisfaction, and the satisfaction of
our great and common friend, when we meet.
How grateful and flattered do I feel, my valued sir, for
the good opinion you are pleased to express and entertain
of me. On this subject I shall only further add, that I
trust I shall never disappoint you in these sentiments,
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PROSECUTION. 158
and that I may yet have opportunities of evincing my
gratitude by actions instead of words.
Please present your worthy Mrs. Blennerhassett with
my kindest and best respects, and assure yourself, my
ever dear sir, of the warm attachment I shall ever feel
for you, and those that belong to you.
Yours most truly, J. Devereux.
p# S. — Should you see our distinguished friend shortly,
recall me to him with that ardent respect and attachment
which I feel for him. Do n't forget.
Shortly after his arrival at the island, Blennerhassett
was joined by Burr, who had also returned from Ken-
tucky and his journey through Ohio. He did not remain
long, however, at the scene of preparations on the Mus-
kingum. Having completed his arrangements, he left
Blennerhassett to superintend the construction of the
boats, to make the necessary preparation, and to follow
him, as soon as practicable, to the mouth of the Cumber-
land, with the men, provisions and boats.
Burr proceeded down the Ohio to Kentucky, where he
had hardly landed before he was arrested, and carried
before the United States' Court, on a charge of " treason-
able practices, and a design to attack the Spanish do-
mains, and thereby endanger the peace of the United
States." He announces the fact as follows :
Lexington, Nov. 6th, 1806.
Yesterday, Mr. Jos. Davis, the district attorney of the
United States, made an application to the federal court at
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154 THE BLENXERHASSETT PAPERS.
Frankfort, for a warrant to apprehend nie for treasonable
practice, or on some suspicion thereof. The charge is
not well-defined by my informant, but the substance is,
" a design to attack the Spanish dominions, and thereby
endanger the peace of the United States." How this
charge was supported, I have not heard ; but absurd and
ridiculous as it may appear, the judge has taken time
until this day to consider if he should refuse to grant the
warrant. He must expect a tornado of abuse from the
W. World and some other papers. It is also probable,
that villains enough may have been found to encounter
all the perjuries which may be thought necessary to grat-
ify malice. These things taken together, it is fair to
infer, as probable, that the warrant will be granted. Un-
fortunately this being a proceeding on suspicion, and
previous to any inquiry by a grand jury, no immediate
trial can be had, and the object undoubtedly is to give a
sort of sanction to the. charge by this measure, in order
to influence public opinion. You perceive, my dear sir,
that this step will embarrass me in my project of the
Washita settlement. I pray, however, that you will have
no solicitude about me ; and it will afford me the highest
gratification, if my friends should feel as little anxiety for
the result as will be felt by your faithful and affectionate,
A. Burr.
IT. Blennerhassett, Esq.
P. S. — You perceive that this event will deprive me of
the pleasure of seeing you at your own house. I should
not have disturbed your repose with this relation, had
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DISSUASION. 155
I not known that it would come to you with exaggera-
tions through an hundred channels. A. B.
The arrest was premature, and Burr was discharged
for want of evidence.
Near the middle of November, Graham, the Govern-
ment's confidential agent, proceeded to Marietta, where
extensive preparations were going on. Here he met, and
held an interview with, Blennerhassett. After discoursing
upon the subject of the expedition, with a frankness
which was only warranted by a well-founded belief (from
what Burr had previously intimated) that Graham was
considered as one of the recruits, Blennerhassett read to
him some communications he had just received by the
hand of Capt. Elliott, and also from the preceding one
of Bnrr, in relation to his arrest and trial at Frankfort,
npon which Blennerhassett animadverted with great
severity. Graham finding Blennerhassett was laboring
under a delusion, in regard to the part that he was to
perform in the transaction, informed him that Burr's
representations, as to him (Graham) being with or favor-
ing the expedition, were groundless. With no little sur-
prise, he asked Graham whether he had not heard of an
association, in New Orleans, for the invasion of Mexico.
Upon Graham venturing to assure him that there was no
such association there, Blennerhassett stated that he had
been informed by Bradford, the printer of the "Gazette
d'Orleans," that about three hundred men had already
joined the expedition.
Considering Blennerhassett most cruelly deceived, Gra-
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156 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
ham endeavored to draw him off from the undertaking,
in which he was engaged ; and conceiving it the policy
of the Government to prevent, rather than to punish,
such enterprises, he informed Blennerhassett that, so far
from being concerned in the plan, he was the Govern-
ment's authorized agent to inquire into the facts relative
to the enterprise in the western country, and to take such
steps as might be necessary for repressing it. He then
stated to Mr. Blennerhassett, from reasons drawn from
Burr's visit to New Orleans during the preceding sum-
mer, from the information which the Government had
received, and from the nature of the preparations which
Blennerhassett himself was then making, why he believed
the object of Burr was either to attack the Territories of
Spain or those of the United States ; and added, that any
collection of armed men on the Ohio river would, under
the circumstances, be considered a violation of the laws,
and repressed accordingly.
The object and extent of the preparations at Marietta
having ben fully ascertained by Graham, according to
instructions, he visited the Governor of Ohio, at Chilli-
cothe, to procure the aid of the State authorities in sup-
pressing the suspected formidable measures. Governor
Tiffin communicated the matter to the Legislature, then
in session, whereupon an act was immediately passed, en-
titled " An act to prevent certain acts hostile to the peace
and tranquillity of the United States, within the jurisdic-
tion of the State of Ohio."*
* Chase's Statutes of Ohio, Vol. I, p. 553.
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INCIDENTS. 157
Under this act, Governor Tiffin ordered but the militia
of the adjacent neighborhood, under command of Major-
General Bell, of Marietta, with instructions to that
officer to take forcible possession of the boats and stores,
not only upon the Muskingum, but also of all others of a
suspicious character descending the Ohio.
A warlike array of undisciplined militia, with cannon,
necessary equipage and arms, stationed themselves along
the banks of the river, to cut off the forces expected from
above. Many amusing jokes were played off at the
expense of the raw recruits during this campaign — such
as setting an empty tar-barrel on fire, and placing it in an
old boat or raft of logs, to float by in the darkness of the
night. The sentries, after duly hailing, and receiving no
answer, would fire a shot to enforce their command ; but
still " dread silence reigned," and calmly the phantom
vessel, with her stolid crew, floated onward and down-
ward in utter recklessness. Irritated at such manifest
contempt of their high authority, they plunged into the
stream to seize the boat and capture its luckless navi-
gators, when naught appeared but the remains of a log
and a barrel, which some laughter-loving wag had
freighted for their mischance and his amusement.
On another occasion, they had learned that Tyler * and
his men had passed down the river as far as Blennerhas-
sett's island, from whence he was expected to return, to
re-capture the boats and provisions. To cut off all possi-
ble communication with Marietta, where the boats were
* Comfort Tyler was one of Burr's principal captains.
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158 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
tied, particular instructions were given, in the evening,
to bring away all the water-craft from the lower side of
the Muskingum. Several sailors, who boarded on the
opposite shore, considered the opportunity for sport too
favorable to pass unimproved. The plan first proposed
for the accomplishment of this end, was to raise an
armed party, with blank cartridges, and fire at the senti-
nels. Upon strict search, however, they found that all
the muskets, blunderbusses, rifles and shot-guns had been
previously appropriated by the militia. The cannon was
then thought of, when this, also, it was ascertained, had
been called to the aid of the State authorities. Determ-
ined not to be defeated, in the laugh they had promised
themselves, they resorted to the expedient of emptying a
half-keg of powder into a canvas sack, wrapping it closely
with twine. This they deposited under ground, care
being taken to leave a communication with the contents
by means of a priming-hole and slow-match. At mid-
night, when all, save the faithful and lonely sentinels,
were enjoying that repose so necessary to the refreshment
of the wearied soldier, after a destructive attack
" On whisky and peach-brandy," *
a confused and foreboding sound, from the opposite
shore, grated unmusically on the ear of the guards. Al-
though appearances were somewhat ominous, yet they
concluded not to disturb the slumbers of their brothers
in arms until a more satisfactory demonstration had been
* See Appendix.
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SLIGHTLY SCARED. 159
made. For this opportunity they were not kept long in
suspense. Suddenly the earth began to heave and throe,
as if drunk with the heel-taps of the soldier's glasses,
and, following in quick succession, a report, that many
mistook for the summoning trump of the end of time.
The scene which succeeded is more easily imagined than
described. Those less confused did, indeed, take time to
adjust their outside garments, but much the greater num-
ber started with nothing but their nether vestments,
without regard to uniform or military parade. Here
stood one, vainly struggling to thrust his feet through
the arm-holes and sleeves of his linsey icarmus, while, at
his side, a companion had drawn his pants over his
shoulders, illustrating, most ludicrously, but literally,
the lines of doggerel :
" Put on his shirt outside his coat,
And tied his breeches round his throat.
Shivering, in the chill winds of December, they " hur-
ried in hot haste " to the tanta-ran-ta of the trumpeter,
and the rub-a-dub-dub of the " drum-major-general."
Whether any had taken the precaution to "load" or
"prime" is a question which time and reflection have
never settled. The major, who was a tailor, is said to
have charged the cannon with his goose; the State hav-
ing made no provision for ammunition. The deputy, as
he mounted his horse, was heard to say, that, " as great
men were scarce, he thought it best to flee from danger."
Had Tyler and his men been the real cause of their
alarm, he would doubtless have met with a stern re-
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160 THE BLBNNERHA8SKTT PAPERS.
sistance, but, fortunately for him, he was unconsciously
asleep at the Island.
To Comfort Tyler, a chief assistant from New York,
had been committed the duties of purveyor. It was
expected that he would procure the necessary supplies in
Pittsburgh, and descending the Ohio, join Blennerhassett
at the Island. For want of means, and the delay of sev-
eral associates who had appointed to meet him on the
Ohio, he was detained beyond the time designated for his
departure. To quiet the apprehension which his absence
had occasioned, and in answer to a letter which had been
forwarded from Blennerhassett, he writes as follows :
Pittsburgh, Nov. 14*A, 1806.
Dear Sir: — Your favor, by Capt. Elliot, is duly re-
ceived, for which I thank you. My calculations have
at all times been to leave Beaver on the first of next
month. The only difficulty that I have to encounter is,
the procuring the provisions necessary for my settlers,
some of whom are behind, and I fear they will not arrive
in time ; but I shall be off with the few that may happen
to l^e with me, and trust to those behind to follow on. I
shall also encourage some gentlemen to forward on flour,
pork and whisky, with a promise that they may have
their pay for them on the way.
I have been unfortunate in having means furnished me
equal to fulfilling contracts that might have been made
for the article of whisky, in a particular manner, as the
merchants are under the necessity of paying ready cash
for it (they can not procure it on a credit). I expected
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NO SALE. 161
Mr. Thompson or a Mr. Hopkins would have returned to
me with some means, to enable me to make greater
speed, but as they do not come, must suppose they have
cither not met with our friend, who is the principal agent
in the purchases, or that the distance has been too far for
them to return by this time. I think, however, that
before you receive this, one of the men will be at Mari-
etta, on their way to me ; but be assured, that no time
shall be lost on my part to be ready and on my way by
the 1st; and by the 8th of the month, can, of course,
be with you, or, at farthest, on that day. I shall, how-
ever, expect instructions through you, how and where I
am to call, and of whom I may expect aid in any case :
not being acquainted with any one, after I leave Beaver,
I shall therefore expect some person to look for me, with
your letter of introduction to me, with directions where
I am to call on you. In the mean time,
Believe me, dear sir, your faithful friend,
Comfort Tyler.
H. Blennerhassett, Esq.
On Saturday evening, the 6th of December, the Hon.
Charles Fenton Mercer, in the course of his journey east
of the mountains, stopped at the island, with the view of
purchasing this " most elegant seat in Virginia." Finding,
however, that Blennerhassett estimated it at fifty thous-
and dollars, which (he remarked) was ten thousand less
than it had cost him, Mr. Mercer abandoned the idea of
purchasing; and the rest of his time, during the visit,
was spent in conversation with Blennerhassett and his
11
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162 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
accomplished lady. It turned upon his removal to the
" "Washita" — the name of his new purchase. With great
earnestness, he pressed Mr. Mercer to become a partici-
pant; suggesting how much it would augment his for-
tune, and enforcing the inducement by an assurance that
the society he invited him to join would soon become the
most agreeable and select in America. He spoke of Burr
as the moral head of it ; and when Mr. Mercer expressed
a doubt of the permanency and happiness of a union
formed under such auspices, and dwelt upon such traits
of Burr's general character as he deemed exceptionable,
Blennerhassett vindicated him, with the enthusiasm of
an ardent admirer.
Blennerhassett having intended to visit Marietta on
Sunday evening, Mr. Mercer proposed accompanying
him, as that was directly on his route. As a tribute of
merited gratitude, he remarks, that he left the mansion
in perfect good will to all its inhabitants; regretting
that the engagements of its proprietor and his own
dreary journey, but just begun in the commencement of
winter, forbade him to prolong a visit which, although so
transient, had afforded him so much pleasure. All that
he had seen or heard corresponded so little with the
criminal designs imputed to Blennerhassett, that, if he
could have visited him with unfavorable* sentiments,
they would have vanished before the light of a species
of evidence which, if not reducible to the strictest
rules of legal testimony, had, nevertheless, a potent in-
fluence over all sensitive hearts; and which, though it
doth not possess the formal sanction of an oath, hath
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VINDICATION. 168
often in it a great deal more truth than statements thus
verified.
" What ! " remarks Mr. Mercer, " will a man who,
weary of the agitations of the world, of its noise and
vanity, has unambitiously retired to a solitary island in
the heart of a desert, and created a terrestrial paradiae,
the very flowers, and shrubs and vines of which he had
planted and nurtured with his own hands ; a man whose
soul is accustomed to toil in the depths of literature;
whose ear is framed to the harmony of sound, and whose
touch and breath daily awaken it from a variety of melo-
dious instruments ; will such a man start up, in the de-
cline of life, from the pleasing dream of seven years'
clumber, to carry fire and sword to the peaceful habita-
tions of men who have never done him wrong? Are his
musical instruments and his library to become the equi-
page of a camp ? Will he expose a lovely and accom-
plished woman, and two little children, to whom he
seems so tenderly attached, to the guilt of treason, and
to the horrors of war ; a treason so desperate ? — a war so
unequal? Were not all his preparations better adapted
to the innocent and useful purpose which he avowed,
rather than to the criminal and hazardous enterprise
which was imputed to him ? Whence arose those impu-
tations ? From his union with Col. Burr. But it is evi-
dent he has been led to this union from his admiration
of the genius, and confidence in the virtue and honor, of
the person with whom it has connected him. That
which, with a harsh-judging world, is the foundation of
a belief of his guilt, when thoroughly and candidly ex-
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164 THE BLKNNERHASSETT PAPERS.
arained, carries on its face, therefore, the stamp of his
innocence."
On the same day of the arrival of Mr. Mercer at the
Island, also landed Comfort Tyler, with his boats and
provisions, and a small party of men under his com-
mand. He found Blennerhassett much disheartened as
to the enterprise, and nearly resolved to abandon it
altogether. Through the persuasive eloquence of his
wife, however, who had now enlisted in the undertak-
ing with heroic enthusiasm, and the arrival of Tyler's
men, " the lord of the isle," as if some demon of evil
haunted his footsteps, and urged him on to an un-
known destiny, yielding rather to the wishes of others
than to the dictates of his own better judgment, again
embarked his fortune and fame in the enterprise of
Burr.
The boats and stores at Marietta being in readiness for
embarkation, orders were issued to the guard to exercise
the utmost vigilance in preventing their departure. Sus-
picions of the illegal character of the enterprise became
daily more confirmed. Many had already abandoned it,
while others hesitated to commit their fortunes to one
whom popular prejudice condemned, and to whom popu-
lar rumor had attributed such alarming designs. Blen-
nerhassett saw that the storm was rapidly gathering, and
to delay would result in his own discomfiture and the
defeat of the expedition.
On the evening of the 8th of December, a party of
young men, assembled at the hospitable fireside of a
Belpr£ neighbor, were engaged in animated conversation
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ON THEIR MUSCLE. 165
on the subject of the enterprise before them. They were
yet young, but ardent and daring, and joined the expe-
dition from the love of adventure, and to visit foreign
lands. Above all, they desired to realize the enchant-
ments of those vast and far-off savannas which fancy,
bending her iris of many-colored hues, had draped in
perpetual verdure, where myriads of blossoms, exhaling
delicious odors, gemmed the variegated landscape with
their dazzling sheen. Reposing In the honor and cour-
age of their leaders, they determined to explore that
unknown world beyond, heedless alike of the admo-
nition of friends, and the perils by which they were
surrounded.
The boats at the mouth of the Muskingum were in the
hands of the authorities, and it was determined to bring
them away by a coup (Fassail. As the night closed in,
the young men ended their conference, and proceeded in
a body to the scene of operation. This was their first
adventure, and became intensely exciting from its nov-
elty. The route lay along the ravine of the Ohio for a
distance of about twelve miles. The road being nearly
obscured by over-hanging boughs, the surrounding dark-
ness afforded effectual protection against observation.
Advancing with caution, they eluded the vigilance of
the soldiers until they approached the shores of the Mus-
kingum. As they proceeded to unfasten the boats, the
noise attracted the attention of a sentinel, and the alarm
was given. An exciting engagement ensued. No arms
were used, their efforts being wholly directed to main-
taining the custody of the boats by physical force.
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166 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
Friend and foe were equally undistinguishable. The
contest for a time seemed doubtful, as the middle of
the stream had been reached, and the darkness rendered
pursuit difficult. At length, however, they were all re-
captured by the authorities, save one, which with its crew
was safely conducted to the Island, and the young men
returned to their homes, greatly amused with the inci-
dents of their first engagement.
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BURR IN CYPHER. 167
CHAPTER VIII.
On the 29th of July, 1806, Burr had dispatched, from
Philadelphia, by the hands of Swartwout, to General
Wilkinson, the following communication in cypher :
" Your letter, postmarked 13th May, is received. At
length I have obtained funds, and have actually com-
menced. The eastern detachments from different points,
and under different pretenses, will rendezvous on the
Ohio, 1st of November. Every thing internal and
external favors our views. Naval protection of Eng-
land is secured. Truxton is going to Jamaica, to arrange
with the Admiral on that station. It will meet us at the
Mississippi. England, a navy of the United States, are
ready to join, and final orders are given to my friends
and followers. It will be a host of choice spirits. Wil-
kinson shall be second to Burr only, and Wilkinson shall
dictate the rank and promotion of his officers. Burr
will proceed westward 1st of August, never to return.
With him go his daughter and grandson. The husband
will follow in October, with a corps of worthies. Send,
forthwith, an intelligent friend with whom Burr may
confer. He shall return immediately with further inter-
esting details : this is essential to harmony and concert
of movement. Send a list of all persons known to Wil-
kinson west of the mountains, who could be useful, with
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16S THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
a note delineating their character. By your messenger,
send me four or five of the commissions of your officers,
which you can borrow under any pretense you please.
They shall be retained faithfully. Already are orders
given to the contractor to forward six months' provision
to points Wilkinson may name ; this shall not be used
until the last moment, and then under proper injunc-
tions. Our project, my dear friend, is brought to a point
so long desired. Burr guarantees the result with his life
and honor, with the lives, and honor, and the fortunes
of hundreds, the best blood of our country. Burr's plan
of operation is to move down rapidly, from the falls, on
the 15th of November, with the first five hundred or one
thousand men, in light boats now constructing for that
purpose, to be at Natchez between the 5th and 15th of
December, there to meet you> there to determine whether
it will be expedient, in the first instance, to seize on, or
pass by, Baton Rouge. ... on receipt of this, send Burr
an answer, .... draw on Burr for all expenses, etc.
The people of the country to which we are going are
prepared to receive us ; their agents, now with Burr, say
that if we will protect their religion, and will not subject
them to a foreign power, that, in three weeks, all will be
settled. The gods invite ?t* to glory and fortune; it
remains to be seen whether we deserve the boon. The
bearer of this goes express to you; he will hand a
formal letter of introduction to you, from Burr ; he is
a man of inviolable honor and perfect discretion, formed
to execute rather than project, capable of relating facts
with fidelity, and incapable of relating them otherwise.
He is thoroughly informed of the plans and intentions
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THE PLOT PROSPERING. 169
of , and will disclose to you, as far as you inquire,
and no further; he has imbibed a reverence for your
character, and may be embarrassed in your presence;
put him at ease, and he will satisfy you." *
The mystery in which it was ever the delight of Burr
to enshroud himself— the secrecy with which he had thus
far conducted his plans, revealing them but vaguely,
even to those who from their position and aid were
entitled to his confidence — forbids the conclusion that
Wilkinson had remained unadvised of his designs or
uncommitted to his enterprise. After the perusal of
Burr's letter, to believe otherwise would be to charge
him with madness, and of this he was never accused.
Wilkinson was known to be friendly to Burr. He had
held secret conferences with him, at the seat of govern-
ment, only the Spring before, and that, too, after Burr's
return from the western country, and while actively
engaged in organizing his schemes. When on the Ohio,
the closest intimacy had existed between them. Wilkin-
son had freely imparted information of the country, and
acquainted him with the dispositions of the leading
inhabitants ; had furnished him with letters of introduc-
tion to his friends, and supplied him with facilities for
travel. On the 28th of May, 1805, he had written to
General Adair, from the falls of the Ohio : " I was to
have introduced my friend Burr to you, but in this I
failed by accident. He understands your merits, and
* The words in italics were stricken out, and, in some instances, sup-
plied by others, in the copy which was presented to the Legislature of
Louisiana by General Wilkinson. His reason for the alteration being to
divert public suspicion from himself as being connected with Burr.
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170 THE BTJENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
reckons on you. Prepare to visit me, and I will tell you
ail. We must have a peep into the unknown world
beyond me.* On the 9th of June, in the same year, he
writes Daniel Clark, of New Orleans: "This will be
delivered you by Col. Burr, whose worth you know well
how to estimate. If the persecutions of a great and
honorable man can give title to generous attentions, he
has claims to all your services. You can not oblige me
more than by such conduct, and I pledge my life to you
it will not be. misapplied. To him I refer you for many
things improper to utter, and which he will not say to
any other." f Only on the 16th of July, but thirteen
days previous to the cypher letter, General Dayton, of
Ohio, had written him : " Your present is more favorable
than your late position, and as you can retain it without
suspicion or alarm, you ought, by no means, to return
from it, until your friends join you in December, some-
where on the river Mississippi. Under the auspices of
Burr and Wilkinson I shall be happy to engage, and
when the time arrives, you will find me near you. Write
and inform me, by first mail, what may be expected from
you and your associates. In an enterprise of such
moment, considerations, even stronger than those of affec-
tion, impel me to desire your cordial co-operation and
active support. Wealth and honor, courage and union,
Burr and Wilkinson ! Adieu." Again, on the 25th day
of July, but five days before the date of the cypher let-
ter, Dayton writes : " It is well ascertained that you are
* Clark's Proofc against Wilkinson, p. 158.
f Clark's Proofs against Wilkinson, p. 1 19.
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burr's designs. 171
to be displaced at the next session. Jefferson will affect
to yield reluctantly to the public sentiment, but yield he
will; prepare yourself, therefore, for it; you know the
rest. You are not a man to despair, or even disposed,
especially when such prospects offer in another quarter.
Are you ready? Wealth and Glory! Louisiana and
Mexico ! " *
Again, it was charged that Burr's designs were inim-
ical to the United States ; that his plan comprehended a
dismemberment of the western country ; that he was to
seize on New Orleans, and revolutionize the Territory ;
that, crossing the gulf, he was to land at Vera Cruz,
march to the city of Mexico, and establish a mighty
empire, extending from the Apalachian Mountains to
the borders of the Pacific, of which he himself was to
be the chief. Several millions of dollars were reported
on deposit in the banks at New Orleans, which, with a
feigned regard to the rights of private property, he de-
signed appropriating, with the hope of returning it when
time and circumstances should render it convenient.
Burr himself informs Wilkinson, that he will meet him
at Natchez, "there to determine whether it will be
expedient to seize on, or pass by, Baton Rouge." And,
referring to Swartwout, he adds : " The bearer of this
goes express to you from Burr; he is a man of inviolable
honor, and perfect discretion ; capable of relating facts
with fidelity, and incapable of relating them otherwise.
* Clark's Proofs against Wilkinson, p. 158. This letter was also in
cypher, being the same character used in the correspondence between
Burr and Wilkinson.
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172 THE BLBNNERHAS6KTT PAPERS.
He is thoroughly informed of the plans and intentions
of Burr, and will disclose to you so far as you inquire,
and no further."
Wilkinson was commander-in-chief of the army of
the United States, and Governor of Natchitoches. His
whole force was in active service, thoroughly disci-
plined and drilled. Obeying the dictates of honor, as a
soldier, if not prompted by the impulses of a patriot,
he was bound by every consideration of duty to arrest
the progress of the scheme. Of all others, therefore, he
was the most to be feared, and the most to be avoided by
Burr. Yet while his plans are but partially revealed to
his acknowledged confederates, while he diligently en-
deavors to elude the suspicions of his enemies, Burr suf-
fers no opportunity to escape, without fully informing
him of his designs, and asking his advice upon questions
of doubtful expediency. To regard Wilkinson, there-
fore, in any other light than a chief accomplice, after the
perusal of the cypher letter, would render the act of
writing it the sheerest folly imaginable.
But Burr was the victim of a misplaced confidence.
Wilkinson, through considerations of a personal charac-
ter, fully to be explained in a subsequent chapter, revealed
the plan and fastened the treason upon Burr. On the
21st of October, he communicated the substance of the
cypher letter to Mr. Jefferson, then President of the
United States, who, on the 27th of November, issued his
proclamation, warning and enjoining those who had been
led to participate in the unlawful enterprise to withdraw
without delay, and requiring all officers, civil and mili-
tary, of the United States, or any one of the States or
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ON THE QUI VIVE. 173
Territories, to be vigilant, each within his respective
department, in searching out and bringing to punishment
all persons engaged or concerned in the undertaking.
Under the authority, and by virtue of this proclama-
tion, the Virginia militia, of Wood county, were called
out, by command of Col. Hugh Phelps, of Parkersburg,
as soon as he had received the intelligence, which was
not until the 8th or 9th of December.
On the 10th of the month, Blennerhassett, having
received information of the preparations making by
Col. Phelps, who, it was expected, would march to the
island on the following day, to take possession of his
person, boats and stores, became much alarmed.
Having advised with his followers as to the propriety
of remaining longer under these threatening circum-
stances, it was determined that further delay would be
perilous to the enterprise. Orders were accordingly
issued to have every thing in immediate readiness to
precipitate their departure before the dawn.
The island soon became the scene of busy preparation.
It was night, and innumerable lights flitted back and forth
along the walks, and up and down the river. Voices in
suppressed tones were heard uttering the words of com-
mand, while the muffled oars of the* boatmen scarcely rip-
pled the stream. The kitchen fire of the mansion reflected
the shadowy outlines of bending forms, hurriedly engaged
in running balls and folding cartridges. No longer the
halls echoed the peal of merriment. No longer was heard
the boisterous laugh, the piquant jest, and song of revelry.
No longer the music of the violin inspired the dance. A
new zeal had animated them ; the hour for action had ar-
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174 THB BLENNBRHASSETT PAPERS.
rived ; and, as the curtain lifted on the scene, each man
assumed his roll in this grand, imposing drama. Such
was the celerity with which the stores were transported to
the hoats, that, long before midnight, nothing remained
to delay the embarkation of the new commander and his
eager followers.
But, of all that busy crowd, none were more active than
Mrs. Blennerhassett. An inspired enthusiasm had seized
upon her, and urged her forward to wonderful effort. She
seemed indeed the ruling spirit of the occasion. As her
sylph-like form glided gracefully through the various
apartments, from kitchen to hall, and from parlor to
chamber, tarrying a moment to direct a servant, or deliver
a message from her husband, many paused from their oc-
cupations, to catch a glimpse of the heroine of the expe-
dition, and stood in wrapt admiration of her grace and
energy. With her, the die had been cast, and on it de-
pended her happiness or her ruin. To retreat, even if re-
treat were possible, involved the loss of property, of social
relation, and, above all, her own proud self-respect, which
never yet had yielded to the temptations of fortune or the
maledictions of envy. "Onward! onward!" she urged
to the hesitating and doubting husband. "To the pla-
teaux of the sunny South ; to the land of perennial ver-
dure, where grow the citron and the olive, the orange and
the pine apple ; to the land of gold ; to the Imperial City,
the gay, the dlite, the dazzling empire of the new world."
The prize was indeed a tempting one. But eight years
previous, they had left the shores of England, as adven-
turers in the forests of the Western world ; they were now
soon to return, not as private personages, but to the Court
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THE E8CAPADB. IJJ
of St. James — Blennerhassett as the proud representative
of that giant empire, sweeping in its mighty circumfer-
ence over half of the continent, with its millions of sub-
jects, and she as the heroine of the conquest, and the
partner of his triumphs. " Go," she urged, " before the
minions of the Government are upon you. Wait not for
me and the children ; they dare not molest the mother and
her innocents. We shall follow at a more opportune sea-
son, and meet again beyond the powers which pursue."
Calling her maids to her assistance, she busied herself
in arranging such articles of clothing as might be needed
by her husband before she could reach him, at the com-
pletion of which nothing was found neglected which could
contribute to his health or administer to his comfort.
As the last trunk left the hall, the clock announced the
hour of midnight — the eventful moment of departure.
Blennerhassett, issuing from bis chamber, ordered all
hands to the river. Drawing her robes about her, his wife
placed her arm through his, and both proceeded to the
boats in close consultation. A deep snow lay upon the
ground. The winds, sweeping the long reaches of the
river, sighed among the leafless branches. It was pene-
tratingly cold. On the beach, near the stream, a large fire
curled its flames into the air, dissipating the immediate
darkness, and painting spectral forms against the curtain
of night still further beyond. Encircling this, Blenner-
hassett and his companions held secret council preparatory
to their final departure. Not the least among these was
his anxious and hopeful wife. To elude pursuit and pass
Gallipolis in safety was the subject under immediate dis-
cussion. Nahum Bent was called forward and inquired ot^
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176 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPER8.
whether he could not furnish horses for Tyler and Blen-
nerhaasett, and, crossing the country by land, meet them
somewhere in the vicinity of that place, that the two might
thence proceed through Ohio and Kentucky, to the mouth
of the Cumberland. But Bent had but one horse, though
he thought another could be procured from a Belpr<5
friend. lie was directed by Blennerhassett to visit Cap-
tain Dana, and request the purchase or loan of one, and
meet him above Gallipolis, where himself and Tyler would
leave the boats, and, passing around the town, intercept
them at a point below.
Mrs. Blennerhassett suggested that less inconvenience
would be occasioned by taking a canoe, which lay adja-
cent, and on their approach to the town, the two should
leave the boats, and floating leisurely by in an open vessel,
used only for short voyages, would awaken no suspicion
on the part of those who had been set to watch. As
Blennerhassett was proceeding to give further directions,
the company were suddenly startled by the abrupt intru-
sion of an officer, who, attracted by the light, had been
watching their movements during the night. Stepping
forward to Blennerhassett, he clapped his hand upon his
shoulder and exclaimed :
" I arrest you, Harman Blennerhassett, in the name and
by the authority of the State of Ohio ! "
Instantly the muzzles of seven or eight muskets were
leveled at the intruder's breast, and the sharp click of their
locks sent a thrill of indescribable sensation through every
nerve. Apprehending fully the danger of his situation,
General Tupper, as they now distinguished him to be,
cried out :
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COL. PHELPS. 177
" Forbear, men ! Forbear ! Would you act bo rashly ? "
" By the gods ! " exclaimed one, " we will protect our-
selves, at all hazards, from an arrest. If in doing so it
should become necessary to use our arms, we shall not
hesitate to shoot, not only you," he added, "but all
others who may interfere."
The General, finding resistance had been determined
on, and that his own person was in imminent peril,
endeavored to persuade Blennerhassett to reconsider his
resolution of departure, surrender himself to the Govern-
ment, and stand his trial, assuring him that it would
satisfy the public indignation and curiosity, and result in
no particular inconvenience to himself.
Finding, however, that he was deaf to entreaty, and
was fully resolved and settled in his purpose, Tupper
bade him and the party adieu, and wished them a safe
escape down the river, and a fortunate adventure.
The conference thus abruptly ended, Blennerhassett,
bidding his wife an affectionate farewell, with directions
to follow as soon as her convenience would permit, em-
barked on board, and unmooring the boats, floated down
the stream.*
In thus abandoning the partner of his bosom, with her
helpless and defenseless household, Blennerhassett had
not mistaken the character of the individual who, he
rightly presumed, was soon to take charge of his man-
sion. From intimate association with the man, he knew
that innocence and feebleness would ever be sacredly
regarded by Col. Phelps ; that, while duty to the calls
* Albright' e Evidence on the Trial of Burr.
12
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178 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
of his country compelled him to exercise the functions
of his office, and that, too, in defeating the plans of his
most intimate friend and associate, that power would be
exerted with the strictest adherence to the laws of hu-
manity and the highest sentiments of honor ; that while
no menaces would deter him from the disagreeable duty
imposed, no act of wanton violence should stain the
honor of the friend.
On the succeeding morning, Col. Phelps, with a small
body of men, proceeded to the island. They found it
deserted by its proprietor. Inquiries were made among
the servants, who informed them of the circumstances
of the preceding evening ; adding, that Mrs. Blennerhas-
sett was then on her way to Marietta, to secure, if possi-
ble, the boat originally intended for the conveyance of
Blennerhassett and his family to the Washita.
Leaving the greater portion of his men in possession
of the premises, Col. Phelps started across the country to
intercept the descending boats, at the mouth of the Great
Kanawha. None having passed, during the previous day,
answering to the description of those of which he was
in pursuit, Col. Phelps informed the citizens of his de-
signs, and procured a party to watch the river that
night. Accordingly, a large fire was built upon the bank,
around which the watch attempted to keep their mid-
night vigils. Following that ancient custom of "keep-
ing the spirits up by pouring spirits down" — like the
model " officer," who was enamored of the " landlady of
France " — they soon became oblivious to military duty,
and reckless of the consequences to result from their in-
attention. Taking advantage of the darkness of the
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ALL AFLOAT. 179
night, Blennerhassett glided silently by, without disturb-
ing the slumbers of the guard, and, before the early
dawn, was many miles beyond his discomfited pursuers.
At the mouth of the Cumberland, he joined the flotilla
of Burr, which was then awaiting accessions both from
that river and the Ohio.
Xot apprised, until late, that boats were being con-
structed on the Cumberland, the effect of the President's
.proclamation had been trusted to, for some time, in the
State of Tennessee ; but, on the 19th of December, simi-
lar communications and instructions with those of the
neighboring States, were dispatched, by express, to the
Governor, and a general officer of the western division
of the State ; and, on the 23d, Graham, the agent, left
Frankfort for Nashville, to put into activity the means
of that State also. Burr, however, had been too prompt
in his movements for the agents of the Government.
On the 22d of the same month, he had descended the
Cumberland, with two boats laden with provision and a
fow additional forces.
The Governor of Kentucky, after the arrest and dis-
charge of Burr, hearing of his arrival at the mouth of the
Cumberland, with a flotilla of numerous vessels, and that
he was there congregating his forces, ordered out the
militia for his arrest; but Burr, anticipating the move-
ment, slipped his moorings and proceeded on.
The flotilla now consisted of four boats under command
of Tyler, two under Burr, two under Floyd, one under
Ellis, one under Blennerhassett, and a commissary boat
under Dean.
On the evening of the twentyi-ninth, Burr stopped a
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180 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
short distance below Fort Massac, then under the com-
mand of Capt. Bissell. The following morning, he was
visited by that officer, who gave him a polite invitation to
visit the fort and partake of its hospitalities. It is due to
Capt. Bissell to state, (although the evidence on this point
is conflicting,) that he was, at that time, without any in-
structions from the Government. He remarks, that he
had learned, unofficially, of Burr's arrest and acquittal in
Kentucky ; hence, he concluded, that his mission was one
of peace, and for the purpose, ostensibly held out, " of
colonizing the Bastrop lands." He furnished Burr with a
messenger, to convey a communication to the lead mines
in .Missouri, as well as one or two men for his enterprise,
and a small quantity of provision ; the latter, however,
Bissell asserts, was sent by his wife, who was an early
acquaintance of Burr, and who returned it, in compliment
for a barrel of apples which Burr had forwarded to her.
On the evening of the third of January, 1807, Burr,
with one boat, landed at Chickasaw Bluffs, a military sta-
tion at that time commanded by Lieut. Jacob Jackson.
He immediately dispatched a messenger to the commander
of the fort, to inquire if quarters could be furnished him
during the night, who shortly returned with an affirmative
answer. The following morning, he had an interview
with Jackson, on the sulgect of the expedition, in which
he stated that he was going on a project of which many
wished to know, but, from their inquisitiveness, he was
not disposed to gratify them, but assured him that it was
an enterprise which would be honorable to him, Jackson,
and would be the making of those who should follow
him, provided they survived the undertaking. Every ar-
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THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER. 181
gument was resorted to, to shake the fidelity of that
young officer, to his country, and prevail on him to join
the expedition, with the whole of the forces under his
command. To the ardent and enthusiastic mind of youth,
panting for scenes of glory and distinction, his offers of
fame and emolument were truly tempting; particularly as
they were enforced by the sophistical reasoning of that
astute and experienced diplomatist. But, to his honor,
and to the honor of American youths, particularly Ameri-
can officers, he foiled the attempts of the seducer, and
came off moral victor in the attack. While in the service
of his country, no offer of wealth, or place, or power,
could decoy him from the path of rectitude. The Govern-
ment had confided the command of that fort to his
youthful hands, and so long as he retained that trust, his
best energies should be exerted to preserve it with fidelity
and honor.
On the 3d of January, 1807, the President dispatched
the following communication to Gen. Wilkinson: — "I
had yesterday intended to recommend, to Gen. Dearborn,
the writing to you weekly, by post, to convey informa-
tion of our affairs in the West, as long as they are inter-
esting ; because it is possible, though not probable, you
might sometimes get the information quicker this way
than down the river ; but the General received, yesterday,
information of the death of his son in the East Indies,
and, of course, can not now attend to business. I, there-
fore, write you a hasty line, for the present week, and
send it in duplicate by the Athens and Nashville route.
" The information in the inclosed paper, as to the pro-
ceedings in the State of Ohio, is correct. Blennerhassett's
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182 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
flotilla, of fifteen boats and two hundred barrels of
provisions, is seized, and there can be no doubt that
Tyler's flotilla is also taken ; because, on the 17th of De-
cember, we know there was a sufficient force assembled
at Cincinnati to intercept it there, and another party was
in pursuit of it on the river above. We are assured that
these two flotillas composed the whole of the boats pro-
vided. Blennerhassett and Tyler had fled down the
river. I do not believe that the number of persons en-
gaged for Burr has ever amounted to five hundred;
though some have carried them to one thousand or
fifteen hundred. A part of these were engaged as set-
tlers of Bastrop's land, but the greater part were engaged
under the express assurance that the projected enterprise
was against Mexico, and secretly authorized by this Gov-
ernment Many expressly enlisted in the name <of the
United States. The proclamation, which reached Pitts-
burgh, December 2d, and other parts of the river suc-
cessively, undeceived both these classes, and, of course,
drew them off; and I have never seen any proof of their
having assembled more than forty men, in two boats,
from Beaver, fifty in Tyler's flotilla, and the boatmen of
Blennerhassett. I believe, therefore, that the enterprise
may be considered as crushed ; but we are not to relax in
our attentions until we hear what has passed at Louis-
ville. If every thing, from that place upward, be suc-
cessfully arrested, there is nothing from below that [is]
to be feared. Be assured that Tennessee, and particu-
larly General Jackson, is faithful. The orders lodged
at Massac and the Chickasaw Bluffs, will probably secure
the interception of such fugitives from justice as may
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PRECAUTION. 188
escape at Louisville ; so that I think you will never see
one of them. Still, I would not wish, till we hear from
Louisville, that this information should relax your prepa-
rations in the least, except as far as to dispense with the
militia of Mississippi and Orleans, leaving their homes,
under our orders of November 25th. Oiily let them con-
sider themselves under requisition ; and be in a state of
readiness, should any force, too great for your regulars,
escape down the river. You will have been sensible that
those orders were given while we supposed you were
on the Sabine, and the supposed crisis did not admit
the formality of their being passed by you. We con-
sidered Fort Adams as the place to make a stand, be-
cause it covered the mouth of Red river. You have
preferred New Orleans, on the apprehension of a fleet
from the West Indies. Be assured, there is not any
foundation for such an expectation, but the lying exag-
gerations of these traitors to impose on others and swell
their pretended means. The very man whom they
reported to you as having gone to Jamaica and to
bring the fleet, has never been from home, and has
regularly communicated to me every thing which had
passed between Burr and him. France or Spain would
not send a fleet to take Vera Cruz; and, though one
of the expeditions, now near arriving from England, is
probably for Vera Cruz, and perhaps already there, yet
the state of things between us renders it impossible
they should countenance an enterprise unauthorized by
us. Still, I repeat, that these grounds of security must
not stop our proceedings or preparations until they are
further confirmed. Go* on, therefore, with your works
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184 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
for the defense of New Orleans, because they will always
be useful, only looking to what should be permanent
rather than means merely temporary. Tou may expect
further information as we receive it; and, though I
expect it will be such as will place us at our ease, yet
we must not place ourselves so, until we be certain, but
act on the possibility that the resources of our enemy
may be greater and deeper than we are yet informed.
"Tour two confidential messengers delivered their
charges safely. One arrived yesterday only, with your
letter of November 12th. The oral communications he
made me are truly important. I beseech you, take the
most special care of the two letters which he mentioned
to me — the one in cypher, the other from another con-
spirator of high standing — and send them to me by the
first conveyance you can trust. It is necessary that all
important testimony should be brought to one center, in
order that the guilty may be convicted and the innocent
left untroubled."
On the 5th of January, having supplied himself with
thirty pounds of lead and three dozen tomahawks, to-
gether with other articles, Burr proceeded down to
Palmyra, and thence to Bayou Pierre.
Note. — The following is a Journal of Blennerhassett's Voyagb
down the river:
16*A December. — Tuesday, we left Jeffersonville ; crossed the falls;
nothing extra; all our boats crossed safe.
17 th. — Pursued our journey at twelve o'clock at night; landed at Salt
river; took in seven hands; stopped some time; and started again at four
o'clock in the morning. About ten o'clock, A. M., parted with Colonel
Tyler, and four keel-boats left us. We had a very bad night, occasioned
by heavy rain, which continued until morning.
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VOYAGE DOWN. 185
18th. — Nothing remarkable; passed Anderson's river at thirty-five min-
utes past two o'clock, A. M. ; passed one of the keel-boats at twelve o'clock
at night.
19dL— Passed French Island at half-past nine, A. M. ; passed Green river
at half-past eleven, A. M. About one, P. M., had some trouble about a canoe,
which some of our hands, being ashore after wood, had taken away. The
owner followed ; we had to pay him two dollars, and give up the canoe.
Nothing more worth notice, until we arrived at Red Bank, then about sun-
down ; found it to be a place of small note ; there we remained two hours,
and proceeding, passed Diamond Island about twelve o'clock at night.
20th. — About five, P. M., met with some difficulties among some sawyers,
which is a term given by boatmen to old trees, which settle in the river,
and which rise and fall by the rapidity of the current. They are often
dangerous, and sometimes fatal. Immediately after disengaging our
boats from the difficulty, we were prevented from proceeding by a ledge
of rocks; with much hazard we cleared ourselves about seven; passed
Highland Creek, where Btands a town of small note, entirely inhabited
by Roman Catholics. At half-past nine passed the Wabash river, came
up with Colonel Tyler and his boats. In the forks of the Ohio and
Wabash, stand a few houses, but of no consequence. The latter river
here is of considerable magnitude, and runs into the Ohio, opposite the
center of an island, which takes its name from the river. The Ohio, here,
has a beautiful appearance, interspersed with handsome plantations along
its banks. Four miles below the mouth of the Wabash, there is a large
island, the name unknown to us. At half-past twelve, P. M., arrived at
Shawneetown : this is a place of deposit for the salt, made at the saline,
but of no other importance, being a place of no trade.
2Ut. — Nothing remarkable.
22<Z. — Nothing in the course of the day, but had a very wet night.
28£ — A beautiful day ; nothing extra.
24th. — Very windy ; repaired our boats, they being very leaky in the
roofs. At eleven o'clock, P.'M., an express arrived from Colonel Burr
informing us of his intentions to meet us at Cumberland river; likewise
orders for us to proceed; but we were prevented by high winds, so
remained that night.
Burr to BlennerJuutett.
Near Nashville, Dec. 20, 1806.
My young friend Stokely Hays, the son of a respectable old revolution-
ary officer, will hand you this, and will bring me your reply. I have
experienced distressing delays ; but shall be at the mouth of the Cumber-
land on the 23d, Sunday. Please to repair thither. Enter on the east
(upper) side of the island, which lies in the mouth of the river.
I anticipate impatiently the pleasure of meeting you.
A. BURR,
H. Blennebhasbett, Esq.
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186 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
25th. — Left Shawneetown at eight o'clock, A.M.; the wind fresh and
ahead. Passed an island, name unknown to us. This day the wind blew
so hard, that our boats were totally separated ; with much difficulty our
boat reached the Kentucky shore, after riding a tremendous swell; re-
mained until sundown, and then proceeded on to join the rest of our
company, who were in the same dilemma, being obliged to put in on the
Indiana shore.
26**.— About five o'clock, A. M., one of Mr. Blennerhassett's boats joined
us, being one of fifteen 'that were stopped at Marietta. At half-past seven
o'clock passed the Rock and Cave ; went ashore and viewed it ; found no
curiosities, more than a hollow cavern. Passed Hurricane Island and Creek
at half-past ten o'clock ; passed Clover Creek, eleven o'clock, on the In-
diana side ; passed the Copperas Banks at half-past three, P. M., Indiana
shore.
27M.— Arrived at Cumberland river, at half-past , A.M.; joined
Col. Burr, at the above place. The day was very stormy, and put our lit-
tle fleet to considerable trouble.
Burr to Blmnerkassett.
Sunday Evening.
It is said that you have landed a mile below. We must all be stationary
till morning. Send to me by return of this boat, Mr. Hays, with five
hundred in twenty post notes, and fifty dollars in silver.
We will endeavor to start all the heavy boats at an early hour in the
morning : those below are to wait till those above shall come down. A
gun will be fired as a signal for moving.
All is well, very well, at this garrison.
Your friend,
A. BURR.
P. S. — Mr. Elliot has handed me some money. The silver is necessary,
if it can be come at, and about three hundred dollars of paper. Hays
need not come.
2Sth. — This day a boat joined us from Cumberland river, with Cols.
Burr, Harris, etc., on board. Pushed off on our journey, and landed on
the Kentucky shore eight miles distant from the above place. In conse-
quence of high wincls, we landed about eight o'clock, P. M.
29tk. — This day pushed off at eight o'clock, A. M.; wind ahead and
strong; obliged to land immediately opposite the mouth of Tennessee
river, where we lay by for several hours ; pushed off again at sundown,
and passed Fort Massac at half-past eleven, P. M., and landed one mile
below.
ZOth. — Pushed off at five o'clock, A. M. ; pleasant weather; came into
the Mississippi at half-past three o'clock ; passed the Iron Banks at half-
past eight o'clock, and passed the Chalk Banks at half-past nine, A. M.
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JOUBNAL CONTINUED. 187
Sl$L — Pleasant weather; nothing happened worth notice. Landed, at
sundown, on the Louisiana shore.
January lit. — This day landed at New Madrid, at nine o'clock, A. M.;
remained about three hours, and left one of our hands, Major G. Wood,
behind with a canoe, in order to engage some men that purposed coming
on with us. This evening on coming ashore, owing to our being in rear
of the fleet, and going after dark, our boat ran aground, but got off with
some difficulty, and effected a good landing in a short time.
2d. — Pushed off this day at four o'clock, A. M. ; passed the little prairie
at eight o'clock ; fine weather ; landed at five o'clock at the Little Horse-shoe.
3d. — Pushed off this day about five, A. M. ; passed a number of islands ;
saw no inhabitants. I believe the whole of the fleet, our boat only ex-
cepted, got into an eddy ; we escaped only, and by our timely exertions
gained the opposite side of the island and river, say the right hand side ;
the rest put ashore. Although contrary to Colonel Burr's orders, we alone
pushed on.
4th. — This day at seven, A. M., we landed at the Chiokasaw Bluff, where
there is an American garrison, commanded by Lieut. Jackson.
6th. — This day at six o'clock, A. M., left this place, and floated all day,
and landed at nine, P. M., on an island, in consequence of a very high
wind ; pushed off again at eleven o'clock.
StA. — Floated all day j nothing extra.
1th.— Do.
8th.— Do.
9th. — Floated all day, until two o'clock, P. M. ; landed to wait for Col.
Burr; got some wood; perceived the sign of horses, but no inhabitants
any where to be found ; pushed off again at three o'clock, being joined by
the Colonel and his boats; floated all night through a very dangerous
navigation ; about eight o'clock one of Col. Tyler's boats being lashed to a
flat, and striking against a sawyer, was broken loose, in consequence of
which Capt. Dean's boat stopped, and dispatched a keel-boat in search of
the one lost. Major Floyd's boat put ashore, in consequence of being de-
terred by a sudden squall of wind, which arose about eight o'clock ; the
rest of the boats proceeded.
10tk— At four o'clock, A. M., got into an eddy; could not get out, the
night being very dark ; stayed until daylight appeared -r then got out, and
came up with Col. Burr's two boats, namely, the boat he lived in, and one
that had horses ; they gave us a signal for landing, with which we complied,
and effected a landing in the Mississippi Territory. About twelve o'clock
thiB day, Col. Burr pushed down the river with a bateau and twelve men,
and appointed to meet us again at Bayou Pierre ; passed Palmyra at half-
past one o'clock'; passed several islands, and landed about fifteen miles
below.
llth.— This day pushed off at eight, A. M, and landed at Bayou Pierre
at four o'clock, P. M.; joined Col. Burr and party; had some intention of
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188 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
staying at this place some time, but were prevented by a rumor spreading
in the country of our intentions being hostile, in consequence of which a
party of militia came and stationed themselves in the woods, some dis-
tance from our boats, with an intention to stop us the next morning.
We being apprised of their intentions, pushed off in the night, and landed
four miles below, on the Louisiana shore.
12tk— This day were visited by Col. and some of his dragoons;
talked with Col. Burr respecting his business, and went away well satis-
fied. This day Major Floyd joined us from Natchez.
ISth. — This day were visited by Col. Fitipatrick and some of his dra-
goons; we brought them over the river; talked with Col. Burr, and
seemed well pleased. Col. Fitzpatrick brought with him about sixty men,
all armed, in order to stop us ; but on hearing our business, he sent the
men home, and left us quietly.
14th. — Visited by several militia officers.
16th. — Visited by Col. Shields, Gov. Williams's aide-de-camp, who con-
versed with Col. Burr, and appointed a meeting between him and the
Governor, and then departed.
17 {h. — This day Col. Burr started, agreeably to his appointment, to meet
the Governor at the mouth of Cole's Creek, with several gentlemen with him.
This day was remarkable for a heavy fall of snow, perhaps fflur inches deep.
ISth. — The water falling rapidly, we thought it prudent to remove from
our situation ; and, agreeably to the orders of Mr. Blennerhassett, two of
our boats moved down the river about a mile, being afraid of being blocked
in by a bar that was outside of the creek, where we then lay.
19 th. — This day Col. Fitzpatrick, with some other officers, came on board,
and took an inventory of all the stores and property we had on board ;
we then pushed off, but were immediately challenged by a Major Flaharty,
with about thirty armed men, in a keel-boat, who ordered ub to put on
shore. Being told that his Colonel was in the rear, and that it was by his
sanction we put off, he left, and troubled us no more. That night we put
on shore at the Petit Gulf, on the Louisiana side; Major Flaharty and
party immediately opposite, on the other side.
20th. — This day, about ten o'clock, in consequence of a very bad land-
ing, we thought proper to remove our boats up the river, which we effected.
This day several boats trading to New Orleans were stopped by Major
Flaharty and party, examined, and permitted to proceed.
{The rest of this Journal is in the handtoritiny of Harmon Blennerhastett.]
In the evening the Major visited H. B. ; professed friendly intentions,
and a determination to join us, with the greater part of his regiment.
2Ut. — We received news of the approach of a Capt. Davison, with a party
of horBe, coming, under the orders of Col. Fitzpatrick, to search for concealed
arms, supposed to have been secreted in the brush ; during the night a party
was sent out by to obviate effectually the success of the design.
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JOURNAL, CONTINUED. 189
22d. — This morning an altercation took place between Majors Floyd and
Flaharty, which induced the former to address a letter to the latter in a
sort of defiance. This measure haying been taken without my approba-
tion, I informed Major Floyd I would not co-operate with him in any acts
he should enter into upon his letter or motives, but should, by myself and
my party, resist such conduct on the part of Major Flaharty as I should
deem improper, or as occasion required. Major Floyd, I believe, appre-
hending no attack or removal of our boats from their present station,
seemed to yield to my observation, and in the morning made a visit to
Major Flaharty, to engage with him in a shooting-match. On his return
to the boats, he informed me that Major Flaharty, this evening, expected
fresh orders from the Government, to enable him to move our boats down
to Cole's Creek. Eleven o'clock at night, there were several shot fired
from Major Flaharty' s party on boats passing by to bring them to, but
without effect. Damage to the boats or their men unknown. This morn-
ing Col. Comfort Tyler was taken from his boats, by an escort of the
militia, to appear before the Governor at Washington, the seat of the Ter-
ritorial Government, about thirty miles from our station. The officer,
Capt. Davison, who made the requisition to Col. Tyler, observed to him
that he had no warrant. Col. Tyler agreed to the Governor's wishes with-
out that requisite. This day Major Flaharty, who can neither read or
write, and is not a magistrate, informed me that he had taken and for-
warded to the Governor the affidavit of a man, who deposed before him,
that he had seen, fifty miles above our present position in the Petit Gulf,
thirteen of Col. Burr's boats containing arms and ammunition, with an
unusual number of men. During several days past, some individuals of
our party have been obliged, at Washington, to undergo examination, and
enter into recognizance to testify, on the part of the United States, against
A. B. at the next federal court, to be held on the first Monday in February.
About ten o'clock this morning, Major Floyd communicated to me the
following letter, received by Capt. Burney from Major Flaharty :
January 28d, 1807.
Sir : — Not wishing to go to rash measures, I have to inform you that I
must comply with the orders of the commander-in-chief, if you keep your
present position ; and, as I am certain that it can't be injurious to your-
self nor any of the people with you, I wish you to move opposite the
mouth of Cole's Creek, where the communication 4s more convenient for
you and me. Tou mentioned in your letter to me, yesterday, that you did
not wish to put the militia to any more trouble. Your compliance will save
the march of two companies that are ready to join me, if called on.
I am, with much esteem,
Tours, etc.,
JACOB FLAHARTY,
Ma job Floyd. Major, 2d Regiment,
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190 THE BLBNKBRHA86BTT PAPERS.
On perusal of the above letter, which Flaharty could not write, I ac-
quainted Major Floyd that if it was worthy of credit in the intimation it
held out of the orders of the commander-in-chief, and the truth of his
menaced reinforcements of two companies, it might as well answer our
present views and situation to comply as to adhere to the determination
expressed yesterday, of maintaining our present position ; that, on the
other hand, the Governor would be as responsible to us and the law for any
impropriety of conduct toward us by the militia, as for any other acts of
authority unduly exercised toward us. I therefore suggested to him the
substance of the following letter in reply to Flaharty :
Petit Gulf, January 2Za\ 1807.
Sir : — Tour communication, by the hands of Capt. Burney, I just now
had the honor of receiving. You mention your wish for us to move to the
mouth of Cole's Creek ; the request I would take a pleasure in complying
with, had not Col. Burr directed me to stay where we now are until his
further commands. I do expect to have a messenger from Col. Burr to-day,
perhaps time enough to move down this evening. At all events, we will
determine, to-morrow morning (23d), what step will be proper for us to
take. Report says, the officer commanding the district opposite you is
determined to prevent the commanding officer of the Mississippi Territory
from interfering with the jurisdiction of the Territory of Orleans. This
report, if true, may be proper for you to be informed of. At all events,
we are awaiting a legal investigation into our conduct; and I contend
that, during that investigation, and while we are, properly speaking, in
the hands of its authority, the military law has no right to interfere. I am,
Respectfully, etc.,
DAVIS FLOYD.
Major Flahartt.
This letter, by means of the unfounded suggestion, submitted to Major
Floyd, of the jealousy of the people on the Louisiana side, of any en-
croachments on their jurisdiction, or by other matter it contained, pre-
vented Flaharty from carrying his declarations into effect, if he really
had authority under orders from the Governor so to do ; and he was re-
moved from his post opposite to us the following morning (24th), on the
arrival of Col. Fitzpatrick, who substituted only a party of ten men, under
the command of Capt AbramB, with orders to board boats civilly, without
firing upon them, and seise only such arms and ammunition as they might
contain. Col. Burr, this day, returned to the boats from Washington,
where he had remained since the 17th under a voluntary submission to the
civil authority, which had been exacted of him at Cole's Creek, on his
reception there on the 17th by Mead, at the head of five or six hundred
of the militia, half armed and generally discontented, in disregard of the
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DEMORALIZATION. 101
connection that had been entered into by Mead and himself. The Acting-
Governor, it now appeared, had threatened him with all the armed force of
the country unless he submitted. No securities, however, were required
for his appearance at the adjourned Federal Court, to be holden on the first
Monday in February. His own single recognizance was taken, in the sum
of dollars. Accordingly, his return to the boats was free. I Boon
heard from him that Mr. Mead had received dispatches announcing the
statements by Flaharty of what had passed between him and Major Floyd,
which so exasperated the Governor, that he threatened to have Floyd
brought to him in irons, but was induoed to retract his menaces on learn-
ing Flaharty's character to be fraught with the utmost ignorance and
assurance, while Major Floyd's temper was both mild and amiable. Col.
Burr also acquainted me with the indignation the Federal Judge, Rodney,
had expressed at the exercise of the military law over Col. Burr and his
friends, both in the Mississippi and Orleans Territories ; the Judge assur-
ing him, in opposition to the U. S. Attorney, Mr. Poindexter, that the civil
authority of the Territory was competent to try him ; adding, at the same
time, that if Wilkinson, or any other military force, should attempt to
remove his person out of the Mississippi Territory, prior to his trial, he,
the Judge, would again, as he expressed it, put on old " '76/' and march
out in support of Col. Burr and the Constitution. This day, about three
o'clock in the afternoon, my family arrived in the boat of Mr. Thomas
Butler, who, having, on his way from Pittsburgh, called to take them on
board at my house, on the Ohio, there underwent, with eight or ten other
gentlemen, a captivity for three days, diversified in its scenes by a mock
trial, in my hall, alternate insult and plunder, committed in common on
them, my family and property, in a variety of particulars, for which I
refer to Mr. Neville's journal.
25th. — Nothing material occurred till eight o'clock at night, when we
cast off to drop down about twenty-six miles, to Cole's Creek, opposite
which we took another station on the Orleans shore. Here we remained,
without any material prospect of a change in our affairs, till the 27th, when
we heard that intelligence had reached Mississippi Territory that Col. B.'s
drafts on New York had been protested, and that Gov. Williams, who had
returned to resume the functions of his office in the Mississippi Territory,
was reported to be friendly disposed toward us. Col. B. determined to
visit the Governor, and set out next morning (28th) for that purpose, and
to prepare, probably, for his trial on the following Monday. Reports now
reached us of the near approach to Natchez of a division of nine or ten
gun-boats, under the command of Commodore Shaw, bearing a special order
from the " Secretary of the Navy " to take Col. Burr, or the next in com-
mand under him, and to take or destroy all the boats under his command.
By this time the effects of general disorder and want of regulation in the
use or distribution of liquors and provisions, with a total disregard of all
pretense at authority whenever attempted to be assumed by superiors,
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192 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
which had long since manifested themselves throughout all our numbers.,
now openly broke out among particular leaders, who even threatened to
turn out of their boats the provisions, in payment for the demands of some
of the men who had become discontented and threatened to leave us.
29<A. — Nothing occurred till 2d of February, when the Court at Washing-
ton had not that day charged the grand jury, who, of course, had not found
any bill against Col. Burr, owing to objections, I suppose, made by the
Attorney-General, to the jurisdiction of the Court over actions done by
Col. Burr, without the limits of their Territory. Next day (Feb. 8d),
Mr. N. brought me intelligence of the arrival of Graham at Washington,
and of his having had an interview with Col. Burr.
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YOUNG AMERICA. 198
CHAPTER IX.
Morgan Neville and William Robinson, jun., with a
party of fourteen young men, early in December, em-
barked from Pittsburgh, in a flat-boat Most of these
were sons of gentlemen of affluence and ease, who knew
but little of the realities of life, farther than was learned
within the walls of an academy.
They had proceeded down the river, as far as Parkers-
burg, when their boat was driven on the shore by
the ice during the night, and they were espied by the
Wood county militia, and the whole party arrested as
accomplices of Burr.
With "savage magnificence," they were escorted to
the island, to await the return of Col. Phelps, who was
then absent, at Point Pleasant, in an ineffectual attempt
to arrest Blennerhassett. Somewhat chagrined at their
luckless adventure, so far, the young men endeavored to
pass their time as pleasantly as possible, by ridiculing
the militia, and threatening them with the strong arm
of the law.
But the intrepid captors were not to be deterred from
duty. They parried the sarcasm of their adversaries,
and occasionally retorted with considerable effect. The
impertinence of the captives, at length, becoming insup-
portable, three justices of the peace were sent for, to
13
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194 THE BLENNERHA6SETT PAPERS.
institute an examination into the facts, to commit for
further trial, or acquit, the young men, as the evidence
might warrant.
They were accordingly arraigned, and, after a fiill
investigation of the facts, mostly upon the evidence of
the young men themselves, the court acquitted them of
all hostile designs against the United States.
" During the trial, the mob-spirit of the militia began
to run riot, and, by the time it was ended, all was con-
fusion. The well-stored cellars of the mansion began to
pour forth their riches ; drunkenness ensued ; fences
were torn down, to pile upon the blazing fire of the sen-
tinels ; the shrubbery was trampled under foot."
In the midst of this scene of confusion, Mrs. Blenner-
hassett returned from her unsuccessful visit to Marietta,
whither she had gone to procure the family boat of
Blennerhassett. A scene of such desolation and ruin
of all that was fair and beautiful, and around which her
young affections had clung with fond associations, was
calculated to crush a heart whose native character was
remarkable for its strong attachments to the objects of
its love ; but she had long since resigned her beautiful
abode, for the more tempting lands which her imagina-
tion had dressed in fancy's brightest colors, where serener
skies and gayer flowers " shed their mingled delights "
over the perennial green of nature's bosom. The suc-
cessful issue of the expedition was to her a matter of
weightier moment than all other considerations; and,
thus it was, she remained unmoved amid the general
wreck of her fair possessions, by the ruthless mob.
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COL. PHELPS.
195
Her situation, however, was one of painful embarrass-
ment. Blennerhassett, having departed in haste, with-
out making arrangements for her voyage, and the refusal
of the authorities, at Marietta, to deliver her the boat,
constructed for that especial purpose, left her, for a time,
in almost hopeless despair of joining her husband at the
appointed place* The weather had been intensely cold,
and the fast-accumulating ice, in the Ohio, appeared to
forbid a re-union with Blennerhassett until the following
spring, when, in all probability, she could only find him
in the Spanish dominions. It was, therefore, with feel-
ings of mingled gratitude and pleasure that she accepted
the proffer of a room in the boat of Thomas Butler, one
of the young men, who promised to make the accommo-
dations as comfortable to herself and children as the
circumstances of her situation would permit.
During the course of the evening, Col. Phelps returned
from his tour across the country. In this unexpected
arrival, the young men had new cause of anxiety and
alarm. They had congratulated themselves upon their
successful defeat of the functionaries of the law, which
they attributed mainly to their superior tact in mystify
ing their judges, and intimidating their accusers ; but
here was one who could not be duped by sophistical
reasoning, or swerved from his duty by the fear of con-
sequences. Although dressed in the usual style of the
backwoodsmen of that day, the careless manner in which
he wore his garb added gracefulness to a form both
attractive and commanding. They recognized in him,
an individual of physical as well as intellectual superi
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196
THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
ority, and therefore wisely concluded to assume a differ-
ent bearing from that they before had observed toward
their captore and judges.*
In a thoughtful and classic attitude, he surveyed the
destruction of the premises, and the evident marks of
bacchanalian revelry which the party under his command
had disgraced themselves; then, turning upon them a
look of withering rebuke, he spoke in such terms of in-
dignation as caused them to shrink with fear and trepi- .
dation. " Shame ! men," he exclaimed ; " shame on such
conduct! You have disgraced your district, and the
cause in which you are concerned ! "
To the party of strangers, however, he was courteous
and attentive. They soon ascertained that they had no
cause to apprehend the frustration of their plans by Col.
Phelps ; indeed, so far from that, he willingly acceded to
their wishes, in permitting the departure of Mrs. Blen-
nerhassett, and proffered his services, in accelerating her
arrangements to go to her husband, who, he said, he
knew could never return to her. To Mrs. Blennerhassett
he expressed his deep sense of mortification, for the riot-
* The following anecdote of him, related by General Cass, in his work
styled " France, its King, Court and Government," is perfectly character-
istic. He say 8 :
" I recollect a similar incident, which took plaoe in a small Tillage upon
the banks of the Ohio. The court was in session, and the presiding officer
was a Colonel P , a man of great resolution, and of herculean frame.
A person entered the court cabin, and, by his noise, put a stop to the pro-
ceedings. He was ordered out, and the sheriff attempted to remove him :
but he put himself upon his reserved right*, and made such a vigorous re-
sistance that the officer retired from the contest. Colonel P— , there-
upon, descended from the bench, coolly took off his coat, gave the
brawler a severe beating, and, after putting him out of his house, resumed
his garment and' his seat, and continued his judicial functions.11
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DESERTION. 107
oufl acts of his misguided men, and assured her, of what
she was already aware, that if he had been present, the
shameful act would not have occurred.
" Early next morning, Mrs. Blennerhassett commenced
her preparations for a final farewell of the island Eden,
where, for eight years, she had been the presiding genius.
Her energy and zeal were such, that, in a few hours, she
took possession of the humble chamber prepared for her
in the boat, and, by the assistance of Col. Phelps, who
rivaled the young men in courtesy, the necessary stores
and furniture were embarked. On the 17th day of De-
cember, the boat swung from the shore, lashed to another
of the same class, belonging to A. W. Putnam, of Belprfi."
In the latter part of December, they passed the mouth
of the Cumberland, where it was expected she would join
her husband; but, as we before have shown, he had
passed out of the Ohio into the waters of the rapid Mis-
sissippi, and moored at the entrance of Bayou Pierre.
Early in January, she was restored, with her children, to
Blennerhassett, who received them with that deep-felt
affection which a parent and husband can only appreciate.
The situation of Burr and Blennerhassett had now
become one of painful anxiety. It was evident, from
surrounding circumstances, that the strong hands of the
general and State governments had become too powerful
for the small forces under their command. Burr saw that
he was the "victim of bad faith." Those who had
favored the enterprise at first, and gave him to understand
that their aid could be relied on, abandoned their designs,
upon the issuing of the President's proclamation. The
authorities of the States and Territories bordering on the
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198 THE BLEXNERHASBETT PAPERS.
Ohio and Mississippi rivers had ordered out the militia,
for the apprehension of the parties ; and; from Pittsburgh
to the Gulf, the most rigid measures had been adopted, to
give an effectual check to the further progress of the
expedition.
As for Blennerhassett, his situation was cheerless in
the extreme. For Burr, had he abandoned his home with
all its endearments, his books, his studies, his property,
and, withal, was deeply involved for debts contracted for
the enterprise. As if the furies were not yet satiated in
their revenge, he was hunted and pursued, as a malefac-
tor, and momentarily expected the chilling touch of the
officer of the law, to summon him to justice.
On a dark and dreary night, in the month of January,
as the flotilla pushed slowly from the landing at Petit
Gulf, might have been observed the master-spirit of the
expedition, seated on a rough stool, in the inclement
cabin of a flat-boat, lighted only by the cheerless rays of
a solitary candle, and the decaying embers of a rudely-
constructed fireplace. With his face buried in his hands,
while his elbows rested on a table of unplaned boards, he
who had heretofore braved the disappointments which
had attended his undertaking, with a fortitude that
Astonished, while it gave confidence to, his followers,
now sat gloomy and dejected. Upon what he mused is
beyond human ken; but, starting suddenly from his
revery, he caught up an axe, and directed his attendant
to make an opening in the side of the boat. Through
this, in the silence of the night, when he supposed there
was none to witness, the chests of arms for the expedition
were silently sunk beneath the waters of the Mississippi.
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POINDBXTER. 199
CHAPTER X.
Cowlbs Mead, secretary of the Mississippi Territory,
performing the duties of Governor, had, on the third day
of December, 1806, issued his proclamation for the arrest
of " the Burr conspirators ; " and, at the same time, call-
ing on the officers of the Government to take the oath
of fidelity to the United States. To this proclamation,
Burr, on the 12th of January, 1807, replied in a letter of
some length, in which he disavowed any designs hostile
to the tranquillity of the country, stating that his only
object was a peaceable settlement of the lands of his new
purchase. "If the alarm which has been excited," he
remarks, " should not be appeased by this declaration, I
invite my fellow-citizens to visit me at this place (Bayou
Pierre), and to re<5eive from me, in person, such further
explanations as may be necessary to their satisfaction,
presuming that when my views are understood, they will
receive the countenance of all good men." This letter,
he requested, might be read to the militia, who, he under-
stood, were assembled for his arrest.
Having moved his boats to the western margin of the
Mississippi river, a short distance below Bayou Pierre, he
was visited by George Poindexter, Esq., the Attorney
General of the Territory, who had been appointed by
Mead as an honorary ald-de-camp for the arrest of the
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200 THE BLBNNERHASSETT PAPERS.
parties. The object of this visit was to gain correct in-
formation as to the situation of Burr ; to ascertain his
views, so far as they might be communicated; and to
procure his peaceful surrender to the civil authorities.
Major Shields, who accompanied Poindexter, delivered
to Burr the following letter from the Acting-Governor :
Washington, January 16th, 1807,
Sir : — Your approach to this country has excited not
only the apprehensions of the General Government, but
alarmed, in a high degree, the good citizens of this Ter-
ritory. From these causes I have ordered my militia to
rendezvous at such places as will enable them to guard
this Territory against any design inimical to this govern-
ment; but having heard, through Col. Waldridge, that
you profess perfect innocence of the views charged to
you, I have thought proper to send to you a confidential
aid-de-camp, to receive from you such information on
this subject as you may please to make. He will com-
municate freely with you, and you may implicitly confide
in every assurance which he may make in my name. I
haye the honor to be,
Your humble servant,
Cowles Mead.
To Col. A. Burr.
P. S. The gentleman attending Major Shields, is an
honorary aid, and one who likewise possesses my fullest
confidence. Mr. Poindexter, though a high civil officer,
visits you as my aid. Yours, etc.,
Cowles Mead.
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SURRENDER. 201
Thef sentence relating to guarding the Territory against
any designs inimical to the Government, Burr repeated
with a sneer, adding that he had no intention to injure
the citizens of the United States, " As to any projects
or plans," he continued, " which may have been formed
between General Wilkinson and myself, heretofore, they
are now completely frustrated by the perfidious conduct
of Wilkinson ; and the world must pronounce him a per-
fidious villain. If I am sacrificed, my portfolio will prove
him to be such." He stated further, that, so far from
having any designs hostile to the citizens of the United
States, he intended to have met Mr. Mead, at Port Gib*
son, on the day of the general muster, which happened
at that place about the time of his arrival at Bayou
Pierre; but was deterred from so doing, by the belief
that he would be assassinated, if seen passing through
the Territory.
Mr. Poindexter then requested him to surrender him-
self peaceably to the fcivil authorities ; stating that, un-
less he did, the Governor would certainly arrest him by
force. Burr declared his willingness at all times to sub-
mit, and proposed that an interview should take place
between himself and the Acting-Governor, at some con-
venient place, on the next day ; claiming protection from
personal violence in the mean time.
Stipulations were entered into, by which it was agreed
that Burr should be returned to his boats, if Mead should
not accept of his surrender ; that his flotilla should re-
main in the position it then occupied, until after the pro-
posed interview should have taken place ; and that, in
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202 THE BLENNBRHASSETT PAPERS.
the mean while, his men should commit no breach of the
peace, or violate any law of the United States or Missis-
sippi Territory. The place designated for the conference
was the house of Thomas Calvert, a respectable citizen
of the Territory, who resided near the mouth of Cole's
Creek, where the detachment of militia which descended
the river was stationed.
Burr, accordingly, on the seventeenth day of January,
dropped down the river as far as Thomas Calvert's, ac-
companied by Col. Fitzpatrick, who directed him to be
taken in charge by Captain Davidson's company of dra-
goons. Here he was joined, according to appointment,
by Mead ; when further stipulations were required as to
the terms of his surrender. These were, first, that the
agreement entered into, for the purpose of procuring that
interview, should be declared void. Secondly, that Burr
should give himself up, unconditionally, to the civil
authority. And, thirdly, that his boats should be searched,
and all military stores and apparatus found on board be
disposed of, as the Executive should think fit.
To these terms, the Acting-Governor required Burr's
unequivocal reply, in fifteen minutes; and, if not agreed
to, he was to be instantly returned to his boats, and the
militia ordered to seize the whole party by force.
As there was no chance of escape, the conditions were
accepted of and carried into effect. Burr declared his
unwillingness to fall into the hands of Wilkinson, and
requested, if any attempt should be made to arrest him
by a military force from New Orleans, that it might be
opposed. He was conducted to the town of Washington,
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THE JURY. 203
where he was delivered over to the custody of the law,
and the examination of the witnesses immediately com-
menced before Judge Rodney.
Mr. Poindexter was called on, in his official capacity as
attorney-general, to give his written opinion as to the
course which ought to be pursued. He, accordingly, fur-
nished an able argument against any attempt to try the
accused in the courts of the Territory. He stated that
they had no evidence to convict him of any offense com-
mitted in Mississippi ; that the Supreme Court of the
Territory, to which a jury was about to be summoned,
had no original jurisdiction of any prosecution, and could
only take cognizance of law reserved at the trial in the
Circuit Court. It was his opinion, therefore, that Burr
should be sent to the city of Washington, where the Su-
preme Court of the United States would be in session ;
and the judges, attending from every part of the Union,
could direct him to be tried in the District, where, from
the evidence, it might appear that an overt act of treason
had been committed.
But Judge Rodney thought differently ; and a venire
facias was issued, requiring the attendance of seventy-six
jurors, at an adjourned session of the Supreme Court of
the Mississippi Territory, to be held in February. From
the number attending, at the appointed time, a grand
jury of twenty -three persons was selected, who received
a charge from the judge and were adjourned until the
next day.
The following morning, a motion was made, by the
attorney-general, to discharge the grand jury ; first, be-
cause the court did not possess original jurisdiction in any
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204 THE BLENNERHAS6ETT PAPBR8.
case ; secondly, because the depositions, submitted to his
inspection, did not furnish sufficient evidence to convict
Burr of the offenses with which he was charged, so as to
bring them within the Mississippi Territory ; and, thirdly,
that a warrant might issue, transmitting the accused to a
court having competent jurisdiction, to try and punish
him, if guilty of the crime alleged against him. The
court being divided on this motion, it was, in conse-
quence, overruled, and the grand jury retired. The
attorney-general, thereupon, determined to prefer no in-
dictment, and left the court-room.
In the afternoon the jury returned with the following
presentments :
"The grand jury of the Mississippi Territory, on a due
investigation of the evidence brought before them, are
of opinion that Aaron Burr has not been guilty of any
crime or misdemeanor against the laws of the United
States, or of this Territory ; or given any just cause of
alarm or inquietude to the good people of the same.
"The grand jurors present, as a grievance, the late
military expedition, unnecessarily, as they conceive, fitted
out against the person and property of the said Aaron
Burr, when no resistance had been made to the civil
authorities.
" The grand jurors also present, as a grievance, destruct-
ive of personal liberty, the late military arrests,* made
without warrant, and, as they conceive, without other
lawful authority; and they do sincerely regret that so
much cause has been given to the enemies of our glorious
• The arrests of Bollman, Swartwout, Ogden and others, at New Orleans,
on suspicion of being engaged in the expedition.
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SUSPENSE. 205
Constitution, to rejoice at such measures being adopted,
in a neighboring Territory, as, if sanctioned by the Ex-
ecutive of our country, must sap the vitals of our polit-
ical existence, and crumble this glorious fabric in the
dust."
The attorney-general declared his astonishment at such
unwarrantable presentments by the grand jury, and, in-
forming the court that he should take no notice of them,
retired. Judge Rodney strongly reprobated such conduct
on the part of the jury, and, after rating them in no very
mild terms, dismissed them without delay.
In the evening of the day on which the court sat, Burr
visited the house of Colonel Osborne. He had asked to
be discharged from his recognizance, as he had fully com-
plied with its terms ; but, learning that it was the inten-
tion of Gov. Williams to seize on his person the moment he
was discharged by judicial authority, he requested John
Dana, one of his force from Belprf, with two others, to
convey him, in a boat, to a point about twenty miles from
Bayou Pierre, whence he could escape across the country.
Before leaving, he hastily advised Mrs. Blennerhassett
of the result of the investigation, as followsc
Washington, January 81sf, 1807.
Mas. M. Blennerhassett :
Our persons and our property are safe from violence
and from pursuit. It is with regret and mortification
that I acknowledge, that, at present, nothing more can be
said ; yet there is reason to hope for something more, for
permission (how humiliating !) to go on to Washita.
My presence is necessary here, and will be so for three
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206 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
or four days. The separation from my friends is extremely
irksome and painful. Adieu. A. Burr.
Procuring a boatman's dress, in which to disguise him-
self, he proceeded on his tour. Upon hearing of his
escape, Williams issued a proclamation, offering two
thousand dollars for his apprehension and safe delivery to
the proper authorities. A few days afterward, a negro
boy was discovered near the mouth of Cole's Creek, oppo-
site which the boats were stationed, riding on a horse
which belonged to Burr, and having on his surtout coat.
These circumstances created a suspicion; the boy was
searched, and, sowed up in the cape of his coat, was found
a note to the following effect :
" If you are yet together, keep so, and I will join you
to-morrow night. In the mean while, put all your arms
in perfect order. Ask no questions of the bearer, but tell
him all you may think I wish to know. He does not
know that this is from me, nor where I am."
To C. T. and D. F *
From Blennerhassett's journal it appears that, to add to
their discomfiture, they learned that Burr's drafts on New
York had been returned protested. General disorder
reigned among his followers, who having indulged to ex-
cess on the use of ardent spirits, and witnessing the total
destruction of his enterprise, had thrown off all authority,
and threatened to appropriate the supplies in compensa-
tion for their wages.
In consequence of the discovery of Burr's letter to
• Comfort Tyler and Davis Floyd.
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MORE ARRESTS. 207
Tyler and Floyd, the men were arrested and placed under
guard, wherfe they were detained until the alarm was
over. Many, if not all of them, were permitted occa-
sionally to walk about, free of restraint, on their parole
of honor.
In the mean while, several arrests of the supposed ac-
complices of Burr had been made at Fort Adams and
New Orleans. Among the number were Bollman, Ogden,
Swartwout, Adair, Dayton, Smith and Alexander, against
whom the most rigid and unjustifiable authority had
been exercised by General Wilkinson; in many cases
upon bare suspicion, and without resistance at any time
to civil authority. General Adair, who had arrived at
ISTew Orleans on the 10th of January, was besieged by
one hundred and twenty men, under command of Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Kingsbury, accompanied by one of Wil-
kinson's aids. They seized upon him while at dinner in
a public-house, dragged him from the table, and con-
ducted him to head-quarters, where he was placed in
confinement, and secreted, until an opportunity offered to
convey him away.* It was even attempted, in the Legis-
lature of Louisiana, at the suggestion of the Governor,
♦An Irish gentleman of wit and humor happened to be confined in
prison for debt, when it was announced to him by one of the officials, that
Gen. Adair was in the adjoining room. He immediately struck up in a
full musical roice, to the tune of Robin Adair :
" Ye are welcome to Orleans,
Johnny Adair, —
Te are welcome to Orleans,
Johnny Adair I
How does little Aaron do? —
And Irish Blanny, too? —
Why did'nt they come with you,
Johnny Adair I
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THE BLBHNBKHASSBTT PAPERS.
to suspend the writ of habeas corpus — that inestimable
guarantee to the liberties of every American citizen,
more effectually to aid the harsher application of mili-
tary law and military dictation.
Toward the writs of habeas corpus, issued by the courts,
to bring the accused parties before them, Wilkinson ob-
served the most profound contempt. So ineffectual was
the process of the courts, in bringing either the prisoners
or Wilkinson before them, that Judge Workman recom-
mended to the Governor, that Wilkinson should be
opposed by force of arms. He stated that the violent
measures of that officer had produced great discontent,
alarm and agitation in the public mind ; and unless such
proceedings were effectually opposed, all confidence in
-Government would be at an end. He urged the Governor
to revoke the order, by which he had placed the Orleans
volunteers under Wilkinson's command, and to call out
and arm the rest of the militia as soon as possible. He
stated it as his opinion, that an army would not oppose
the civil power, when constitutionally brought forth, or
that if they did, the Governor might soon have men
enough to render the opposition ineffectual.*
No satisfactory answer having been made to Workman
by the Governor, he again addressed him on the subject.
It was notorious, he remarked, that the commander-in-
chief of the military forces had, by his own authority,
arrested several citizens for civil offenses, and avowed on
record, that he had adopted means to send them out of
the Territory, openly declaring his determination to usurp
* Martin's History of Louisiana.
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DILEMMA. 209
the functions of the judiciary, by making himself the
only judge of the guilt of the persons he suspected, and
asserting in the same manner, and without contradiction,
that his measures were taken after several consultations
with the Governor.
Although a common case would not require the step
he was taking, yet he deemed it his duty, before any
decisive measure was pursued against him, who had all
the regular force, and, in pursuance of the Governor's
public orders, a great part of the Territory at his disposal,
to ask whether the executive had the ability to enforce
the decrees of the court of the county ; and if he had,
whether he would deem it expedient to do it in the pres-
ent instance ; or whether-the allegations, by which Wil-
kinson supported the violent measures, were well founded.
" Not only the conduct and power of Wilkinson," he
continued, " but various other circumstances peculiar to
our present situation — the' alarm excited in the public
mind, the description and character of a large part of the
population of the country — might render it dangerous in
the highest degree to adopt the measure usual in ordinary
cases, of calling to the aid of the sheriff the posse comi-
tatus, unless it was done with the assurance of being sup-
ported by the Governor in an efficient manner."
The letter concluded by requesting a precise and speedy
answer to the preceding inquiries, and an assurance that
if certain of the Governor's support, the judge would
forthwith punish, as the law directed, the contempt
offered to the court. On the other hand, should the
Governor think it impracticable to afford the required
aid, the court and its officers would no longer remain
14
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210 THE BLENNEKHASSETT PAPERS.
exposed to the contempt or insults of a man whom they
were unable to punish or resist.
The same silence and indifference having been observed
by the Governor toward the last, as toward his former
communication. Workman resigned his office as he had
before indicated.*
Burling, who had been sent to Mexico, returned, with-
out having accomplished the object of his mission. It
appears that, instead of his being sent " to penetrate the
veil which concealed the topographical route to the city
of Mexico, and the military defenses which intervened,"
as alleged by Wilkinson, he was, on the contrary, com-
missioned to display to the viceroy the great pecuniary
sacrifices made by that general, to frustrate the plan of
invasion meditated by the Ex- Vice-President against the
kingdom of Mexico, and to solicit, in consideration of
such important services, a pretty round sum of at least
two hundred thousand dollars.^
Don Joseph de Yturrigaray received this communica-
tion with due contempt and indignation, bidding his in-
terpreter to tell Mr. Burling that General Wilkinson, in
counteracting any treasonable plan of Mr. Burr, did no
more than comply with his duty ; that he, the viceroy,
would take good care to defend the kingdom of Mexico
against any attack or invasion ; and that he did not think
himself authorized to give one farthing to Gen. Wilkin-
son, in compensation for his pretended services. He,
thereupon, ordered Burling to leave the city of Mexico,
* Martin's History of Louisiana.
f Correspondence of Maria Ines Jauregui de Yturrigaray, Vice-queen.
Davis's Life of Burr, yoI. ii, p. 401.
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INCREDULITY. 211
and had him safely escorted to the port of Vera Cruz,
where he embarked for New Orleans.
On the seventh of December, previous, Wilkinson had
dispatched Lieutenant Swann, of the army, to Jamaica,
with a letter to the officer commanding the naval force
on that station, informing him of Burr's plans, and that
a report was afloat that the aid of a British naval arma-
ment had been either promised or applied for : he there-
fore warned him, and all other British military and naval
officers, that their interference, or any co-operation on
their part, would be considered as highly injurious to the
United States, and affecting the then present amicable
relations between the two nations. The communication
concluded with a hope, that the British government
would refrain from any interference, and prevent indi-
viduals from affording aid to the enterprise; assuring
him that the writer would, with all the force under his
command, resist any effort of a foreign power to favor
Burr's projects.
To this Admiral Drake replied, that, from the style
and manner in which the communication was written, he
was at a loss how to answer it ; but begged him, Wilkin-
son, to be assured, that British ships of war would never
be employed in any improper service, and that he should
ever be ready most cheerfully to obey the orders of his
sovereign. Sir Eyre Coote trusted, and sincerely be-
lieved, the representations made to Wilkinson were to-
tally groundless, as his letter contained the only intelli-
gence received* on the subject.*
* Martin's History of Louisiana.
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212 THE BLENNBRHA8SBTT PAPERS.
Bollman and Swartwout were conducted to the city of
Washington for trial. After having been imprisoned,
for some time, on the charge of treason, as joint-conspira-
tors with Burr, they were discharged from confinement,
by order of the Supreme Court, as the evidence was not
sufficient to retain them longer in custody.
Ogden and Alexander were transported to Baltimore,
as accomplices in the same crime. The former of these
was taken before a magistrate, in the city, and set at lib-
erty for want of sufficient proof. The latter was released,
in Washington, whither he had been recently conducted,
because of the improper averment of the offense.
Blennerhassett, having learned that Graham, while in
the vicinity of the island, had obtained the affidavit of
Col. Phelps, which, among others, had been forwarded
to the President, addressed him the following letter :
Douglas Pebbt, Feb. 24, 1807.
J. Graham, Esq.:
Sir : — Having heard, from respectable authority, that
you have forwarded to the President an affidavit of Hugh
Phelps, wherein he deposed that I had imparted to him
certain views or objects, in which I participated with
Col. Burr, hostile to the United States, or to some of the
Spanish dominions, I am naturally led to inquire how far
I may inflame or abate the persecution, with which I am
honored by the Government or its agents, by proposing
to you to forward another affidavit, to the same quar-
ter, deposing that Col. Phelps had declared, soon after
the only interview I had with him, that I did not commu-
nicate to him the object. I can not pretend to state the
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PB0TE8TATI0N. 213
facts that may appear on the face of the affidavits on
either side, until such documents come forward, any more
than the tenor of fifty other affidavits or testimonies I
can procure from my neighbors of respectable character,
who will testify to the very contrary of what Col. Phelps
has done — men, all of them, possessing my good opinion,
and believing Mr. Phelps is the last man in the world I
would venture a secret with, if I had any.
Provided, sir, with such means of counteracting the
evidence of Mr. Phelps, or any other that may be ad-
duced against me, I can have no other solicitude for the
issue of an arraignment any where than the intervening
distress in which my family will be thereby involved.
But as this nor any other consideration shall ever influ-
ence me to shrink from investigation, I now, sir, invite,
through you, all the justice or persecution of the Govern-
ment. Why, or how, I may have become personally ob-
noxious to them, or to yourself, the public may hereafter
understand. But if I am singled out as an early victim
or example, I shall wish not to be severed from my
family, by being thrown on board a prison ship, while I
tender security for my appearance at the city of Washing-
ton or elsewhere, whenever it may be required.
I request your answer, and with due consideration,
I remain, sir, your obedient servant,
HAEMAN BLSNmBBHABSBTT.
Blennerhassett was arrested and recognized to appear
at the next District Court for the Territory of Mississippi,
where we shall leave him for the present, to follow the
fortunes of Burr.
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214 THE BLENNEBHAS8ETT PAPBBS.
CHAPTER XI.
Late at night, about the last of February, Burr, with a
companion, arrived at a small log tavern, in what is now
the village of Wakefield, in Washington county, Alabama.
Without alighting, he called at the door, and inquired
of the inmates if Colonel Hinson resided in the neigh-
borhood. Receiving for answer that he did, they further
informed him that the house was seven miles distant ; the
road to be traveled, obscure and difficult ; and a deep and
turbid creek lay in the route. Nothing daunted, he
eagerly sought information as to the forks, and directions
as to crossing the stream. This having been communi-
cated, he put spurs to his horse, leaving the observers
involved in astonishment.
Near midnight, the glimmering of a light, through the
distant trees, directed the travelers to the rude but com-
fortable quarters of Colonel Hinson. Having hailed and
received no answer, they dismounted and entered the
kitchen, where the remaining embers in the fireplace
were soon kindled into a comfortable blaze. Seating
himself before it, Burr left his companion to take charge
of the horses, and had just begun to feel comfortable,
when he was interrupted by a stranger, who, he con-
cluded, had ridden till late to reach desirable lodgings.
But in this he was mistaken. The real cause of hia
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HESITATION. 215
appearance, at this unseasonable hour, originated in
Burr's mysterious departure from the inn. As it after-
ward appeared, Colonel Nicholas Perkins observed, by
the light of the fire, as Burr sat upon his horse, that,
although he was coarsely dressed, yet he possessed a
countenance of unusual intelligence ; an eye of sparkling
brilliancy; and a demeanor wholly unsuited to the garb
he wore. The tidy boot, in particular, which his vanity
could not surrender, with his other articles of finer cloth-
ing, attracted Perkins's attention, and led him to con-
clude that the gentleman before him was none other than
the famous Colonel Burr, described in the proclamation
of the Governor.
Perkins immediately started after Theodore Bright-
well, the sheriff, who occupied an adjacent cabin; and,
awakening him from his slumbers, hurriedly communi-
cated the circumstances of the traveler's appearance,
conversation and departure, and requested him to join
him in the pursuit of the parties. Brightwell consented ;
and the two, mounting their horses, took the road to
Hinson's. The night was cold and windy, and the moan-
ings of the lofty pines, along the solitary road, rendered
their journey gloomy and inauspicious. Still they pressed
on ; for the object of their pursuit was of no small im-
portance, at that particular time, to the minions of the
Government. As they arrived in sight of the illuminated
dwelling, Perkins, recollecting that the travelers had seen
him at the tavern, declined entering, but sent Brightwell,
whom he requested to return to him, at a certain place in
the woods, after he had ascertained whether or not the
suspicious individual was Aaron Burr.
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216 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
As Brightwell called at the door, his voice was recog-
nized by Mrs. Hinson, who was his relative, and who
until now had remained silent in another room, through
fear of the strangers, in the absence of her husband. She
soon prepared something to eat for her unknown guests.
As Burr seated himself at the table, he thanked her, in
the most courteous terms, for her kindness, and apolo-
gized for the trouble he had imposed upon her. His con-
versation was sprightly and agreeable, so much so, indeed,
that Mrs. Hinson soon discovered that the gentleman and
his attire did not correspond. His attention was often
directed to Brightwell, who stood before the fire, and at
whom he cast the keenest glances, evidently endeavoring
to read Ms thoughts. A momentary separation having
taken place during the night, between Burr and his com-
panion, at the suggestion of Brightwell, the latter was
asked by Mrs. Hinson if she had the honor of entertain-
ing, as her guest, the celebrated Col. Burr. Fearing to
make the disclosure, the man remained silent, and shortly
after left the room.
Early in the morning, Burr privately communicated to
Mrs. Hinson his real name, and regretted the absence of
her husband, whom he had seen at Natchez, and with
whom he had promised himself to remain a week ; but
that, as he was detected, he should prosecute his journey.
After inquiring the route to Pensacola, and Mrs. Car-
son's ferry on the Tombigbee, he called for writing
materials, and indited several letters. His companion,
who had been dispatched on the back route, for some
purpose, returned about nine o'clock, and the two again
set out for the " cut-off" not very far distant.
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RE-ARREST. 217
For some unaccountable reason, which has never yet
been explained, Brightwell neglected to return to Per-
kins, whom he left highly excited and shivering in the
cold. Having remained at his post until his patience was
exhausted, and supposing that Brightwell, probably on
account of the fascinations of Burr, or the pity which
had seized him, in his behalf, had betrayed their plans,
Perkins mounted his horse, and rode rapidly to the house
of Joseph Bates, at Nannanhubby Bluff, to avoid the
creek which intervened on the main route to Fort Stod-
dart. Here he was furnished with a canoe, and a negro
to navigate it, and, descending the Tombigbee, arrived at
the military station early in the morning. The late Gen-
eral Edmund P. Gaines was then the lieutenant in com-
mand. Perkins briefly acquainted him with the particulars
of the preceding night's adventure, and of his suspicions,
which, although of slight foundation, had nevertheless
impressed him with solid convictions of truth. Placing
himself at the head of a file of mounted soldiers, the
lieutenant started in pursuit, accompanied by Perkins.
They shortly encountered the object of their search, with
his traveling companion, and the sheriff, Brightwell.
The parties having met, Lieutenant Gaines accosted one
of the strangers, remarking, that he presumed he had the
honor of addressing Colonel Burr.
"lama traveler," answered Burr, " and in a strange land,
and do not recognize your right to ask such a question."
" I arrest you, at the instance of the United States,"
replied Gaines.
" By what authority do you arrest me, a stranger on
the highway, on my own private business?"
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218 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
The lieutenant then informed Burr that he was an
officer of the United States army, and held in his hand
the proclamation of the President, as well as that of the
Governor of the Mississippi Territory, directing his arrest
Burr asked him if he was aware of the responsibility
of arresting a traveler ; to which Gaines answered, that
he was perfectly aware of his duties, in the premises, and
should endeavor to perform them.
Burr then entered into a brief argument to show that
these proclamations should never have been issued, and
that in following their dictates, the lieutenant would be
subjecting himself to much damage and blame. His
manner was firm; his air majestic; and his language
impressive; but the resolute young officer told him his
mind was made up; the prisoner must accompany him
to his quarters, where he would be treated with all the
respect due the Ex- Vice-President of the United States,
so long as he made no attempt to escape. He was then
conducted toward Fort Stoddart, where the parties ar-
rived in the evening, and an apartment being assigned
the prisoner, he took his dinner alone.
Late at night, a groaning was heard in an adjoining
room. Burr arose, opened the door, and ascertained that
George S. Gaines was suffering from severe indisposition.
He approached the sufferer's bed and kindly offered his
services, as he had traveled much, and had some knowl-
edge of medicine. They soon entered into a sprightly
conversation in regard to the state of the country, and
particularly on the subject of the Choctaw Indians,
among whom Gaines lived, as United States factor. The
next day, being introduced to the wife of the command-
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A HARD ROAD. 219
ant, who was a daughter of the late Judge Toulman,
Burr dined with the family, and enlivened the company
with his wit and elegant discourse. In the evening, he
played chess with Mrs. Gaines, with whom he was often
a frequent competitor in that interesting game. Of
nights, he sought the company of the invalid, who be-
came exceedingly attached to his society. During their
midnight conversations, how often would the good heart
of his auditor grieve over the misfortunes of Burr. But
it was a remarkable fact, that, as often and long as they
were together, this unfortunate man never once alluded
to his arrest, his troubles, or his future plans. From his
early youth, it had been his custom to conceal things in
relation to himself, and he always endeavored to throw
an air of mystery over his acts.
After Burr had been secured, as a prisoner at Fort
Stoddart, Perkins departed for Wakefield, and caused the
arrest of his traveling companion, who proved to be
Major Ashley. He was placed under a guard, from
whom he escaped and made his way to Tennessee, where
he afterward made himself serviceable to his friend, in
collecting evidence in his behalf for the trial at Rich-
mond.
Three weeks had passed away since the arrest of the
distinguished prisoner, and still the lieutenant had been
unable to convey him to the seat of the general govern-
ment for trial. The difficulties were great, and, for a
time, the undertaking appeared impracticable. In those
days, there were comparatively no roads, no ferries, and
few men could be found, in that sparsely-settled country,
who would undertake a journey so long and perilous,
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220 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
over savage lands. The inclemency of the weather, at
that season of the year, added much to the unpleasant*
ness of the tour, and, with many, formed an insuperable
objection, as they must, necessarily, for want of houses
of accommodation, be exposed, both night and day, to
the vicissitudes of the month of March. At last, Burr
left the fort, under guard, and proceeded, in a govern-
ment boat, up the Alabama river, into the Tensaw lake,
accompanied by Lieutenant Gaines, and stopped at the
house of John Mills. The ladies of the house, seeing
the strait to which Burr was reduced, wept, through sym-
pathy for his misfortunes. One of the number, it is said, ^
a Mrs. Johnson, named her son in honor of this distin-
guished individual. He is still alive, and is not the only
boy bearing the name of "Aaron Burr" in the State of
Mississippi. The ladies every where espoused his cause,
in the south-western New World. It is a prominent and
noble trait, in female character, to admire a man of dar-
ing and generous impulses, and to pity and defend him
in his adversities.
At the boat-yard, in the present county of Baldwin, in
the State of Alabama, the crew disembarked, where
William and John Pierce (who introduced the first cotton
gins into Alabama) had a trading establishment. Gaines
gave the command of the guard to Perkins, and directed
him to convey the prisoner to Washington city. His
guard consisted of Thomas Malone, of Alabama, Henry
B. 13lade, of North Carolina, two McCormacks, of Ken-
tucky, and two United States' soldiers. They were all
men whom Perkins selected, and upon whom he could
rely in any contingency. He took them aside, and ob-
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IN THE FOREST. 221
tained the most solemn pledges, that, upon the whole
route to Washington, they would hold no interviews with
Burr, nor suffer him to escape alive. Perkins knew the
fascinations of Burr, and he feared his familiarity with
his men ; indeed, he feared the same influences upon him-
self. His character, for making strong impressions upon
the human mind, and attaching men to him by associa-
tion, was well known to the world.
When Burr fled from the authorities in the Mississippi
Territory, he had disguised himself in a boatman's dress.
His pantaloons were of coarse, copperas-dyed cloth, with
a roundabout of inferior drab. His hat, a flapping, wide-
brim beaver, had, in times long past, been white, but now
gave evidence of having encountered much rough weather.
Placed upon his fine horse, he bestrode him most elegant-
ly, and flashed his large, dark eyes, as though he were at
the head of his New York regiment. Each man carried
provisions for himself, and some for the prisoner. They
were all well mounted, with no arms except pistols in
holsters, and two muskets borne by the soldiers. » On the
last of February, they set out upon their long and peril-
ous journey. Within a quarter of a mile from the point
of departure, the dreadful massacre at Fort Mimms
occurred six years after. Pursuing the Indian path,
which led from the " 'Bigby settlement " to Fort Wilkin-
son, on the Oconee, they reached a point thirty miles dis-
tant the first day. At night, the only tent in the company
was pitched for the prisoner, who reposed himself upon
his blankets. The country abounded in immense pine
forests. Here the Ex-Vice-President lay the first night,
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222 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
before the blazing fire, which threw a glare over the dis-
mal woods.
To what an extremity had he now been reduced ! In
the boundless wilds of Alabama, under a small and com-
fortless tent, amid the perils of Indian barbarities, with
the cry of the panther, answered by the howl of the
hungry wolf ringing in his ears ; while the moaning of
the winds through the tops of the lofty trees added
dreariness to the solitude of the night ; with none with
whom to hold converse ; surrounded by a guard to whom
he dared not speak ; a prisoner of the United States, for
whose liberties he had fought, and whose Government he
had helped to form ; exiled from the State of his adop-
tion, whose statutes and institutions bore the impress of
his mind ; deprived by death of his devoted wife ; his
only child then on a distant coast of Carolina ; his pro-
fessional pursuits abandoned, and his fortune swept away ;
the magnificent scheme of the conquest of Mexico up-
rooted, and the fragments dispersed; slandered and
hunted down, from one end of the Union to the other ;
these were considerations sufficient to weigh down an
ordinary individual, and sink him to an untimely grave.
But his was no common mind; and the characteristic
fortitude and determination which had ever marked his
course, still sustained him in the darkest hour. In the
morning, he arose cheerfully, and pursued his course.
Although guarded with vigilance, his few wants were
gratified, as far as they could be, and he was treated with
respect and kindness. The trail being narrow and
obscure, Burr rode in the middle, having a part of the
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ON THE MARCH. 223
guard in front, while the rest followed behind, in single
file. The route lay about eight miles south of the pres-
ent city of Montgomery, then an Indian town called
Eaconcharte — meaning Bed Ground.
In the year 1811, General Wade Hampton cut out the
" Federal Road " along this trail, which was well known
to early settlers as the only highway in South Alabama.
The guard passed by the site of the present Mount
Meigs, and stopped at the house of "Old Milly," the
former wife of a British soldier, who, with her husband,
in 1770, left the barracks in Savannah and came to the
Creek Nation. She had long been a resident of these
wild woods, now lying in the county of Montgomery.
Her husband, at this time a colored man, named Evans,
was employed by Perkins to pilot the party across the
dangerous creeks, Lime, Dubahatchee and Calabee, all of
which they had to swim. It was a perilous and fatiguing
march ; and, for days, the rain descended in chilling tor-
rents on those unsheltered horsemen, collecting in rivulets
and swimming them at every point. Hundreds of Indians
thronged the trail, and the party could have been shot
down ; but the fearless Perkins bore on his distinguished
prisoner, amid angry elements and human foes. In their
journey through Alabama, they always slept in the
woods, near swamps of reeds, upon which the belled and
hobbled horses fed during the night. After a hastily-
prepared breakfast, it was their custom again to remount,
and march on, in gloomy silence, which was but occa-
sionally broken by a remark about the weather, the
creeks, or the horses. Burr was a splendid rider, sitting
firmly in the saddle, and ever on the alert. He was
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224 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
always a hardy traveler, and although wet for hours,
with cold and drizzling rains, riding forty miles a day,
and at night stretched upon the hare ground, on a thin
pallet, yet, in the whole distance to Richmond, he was
never heard to say that he was sick, or even fatigued.
At the Chattahoochie, was a crossing-place, owned by an
Indian named Marshall. The effects of the expedition
were carried over in canoes, while the horses swam along-
side. In this manner they passed the Flint and Ocmul-
gee. At Fort Wilkinson, on the Oconee, they entered
the first ferry-boat they had seen on the whole route. A
few miles further on, they were sheltered by the first
civilized roof — a house of entertainment, kept by one
Bevin. While breakfast was preparing, and the guard
were seated around a large fire, the host, like all publicans
on the highway, inquired from whence they came. As
they were from the " 'Bigby settlements," he immediately
fell on the fruitful theme of the traitor, Aaron Burr. He
asked if he had been taken ? " Was he not a very bad
man ? " " Was n't everybody afraid of him ? " Perkins
and his party were very much annoyed and embarrassed,
and made no reply. Burr was sitting in a corner by the
fire, with his head down ; and, after listening to the
inquisitiveness of Bevin until he could endure it no
longer, he raised himself up, and, planting his fiery eyes
upon him, said :
" I am Aaron Burr ; what is it you want with me ? "
Bevin, struck with his appearance, the keenness of his
look, and the solemnity and dignity of his manner, stood
aghast, and trembled like a leaf. He uttered not another
word while the guard remained at his house.
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UNSUCCESSFUL RUSK, 225
When Perkins reached the confines of South Carolina,
he watched Burr more closely than ever ; for in this State
lived the son-in-law of Burr, Col. Alston, a gentleman of
talents, wealth and influence, and afterward Governor of
the State. Upon reaching the frontiers of Georgia, he
endeavored to convey the prisoner in by-roads, to avoid
the towns, lest he should be rescued. The plan was at-
tended with difficulty ; they were lost often ; the march
impeded ; and the highway was again resumed. Before
entering the town of Chester, in South Carolina, the
party halted. Two men were placed before Burr; two
on either side, and two behind ; and, in this manner, they
passed near a tavern on the street, where many persons
were standing; while music and dancing were heard in
the house. Burr conceived it a favorable opportunity for
escape ; and, suddenly dismounting, exclaimed : '
"I am Aaron Burr, under military arrest, and claim
protection of the civil authorities!"
Perkins leaped from his horse, with several of his men,
and ordered him to remount.
"I will not!" replied Burr.
Not wishing to shoot him, Perkins threw down his
pistols, and, being a man of prodigious strength, and
the prisoner a small man, seized him around the waist
and placed him in his saddle, as though he was a child.
Thomas Malone caught the reins of the bridle, slipped
them over the horse's head, and led him rapidly on. The
astonished citizens had seen a party enter their village
with a prisoner ; had heard him appeal to them for pro-
tection; had witnessed the feat of Perkins; and the
party vanished, before they had time to recover from
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226 THE BLKNXERHA8SBTT PAPERS
their confusion ; for, when Burr dismounted, the guards
cocked their pistols, and the people ran within the piazza
to escape from danger.
Burr was still, to some extent, popular in South Caro-
lina ; and any wavering or timidity on the part of Per-
kins would have lost him his prisoner ; but the celerity of
his movements gave no time for the people to reflect, be-
fore he was far in the outskirts of the village. Here the
guard halted. Burr was highly excited ; he was in tears !
The kind-hearted Malone also wept at seeing the uncon-
trollable despondency of him who hitherto had proven
almost iron-hearted. It was the first time any one had
ever seen Aaron Burr unmanned.
The guard becoming very much alarmed on the subject
of Burr's rescue, Malone and Henry advised the purchase
of a carriage. The former took charge of the guard,
while Perkins returned and purchased a gig. The next
day, Burr was placed in a vehicle, and driven, without
further incident, to Fredericksburg, Virginia. Here Per-
kins received dispatches from the President, requiring
him to convey the prisoner to Richmond. The guard
took the stage, and soon reached that place. The ladies
of the city vied with each other in contributing to the
comfort of Burr. Some sent him fruit; some clothes;
some wine; some one thing; some another. Perkins
and his men went to Washington; were paid for their
services, and returned to Alabama, by way of Tennessee *
* The foregoing incident* are taken from Pickett's History of Alabama.
With but few exceptions, I hare followed nearly the exact language of
the author.
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IMPLICATION. 227
Col. Alston, finding himself deeply implicated by the
proclamation of the President, and mortified at the indis-
cretion of Col. Burr, to release himself of the suspicion
which rested upon him, promptly addressed the following
communication to his Excellency Charles Pinckney, then
Governor of South Carolina :
Oaks, February 6th, 1807.
Dear Sib: — I have received and read the President's
Message with deep mortification and concern; but the
letter annexed to it, stated to be a communication in
cyphers from Col. Burr to Gen. Wilkinson, excites my
unfeigned astonishment. I solemnly avow that, when
that letter was written, I had never heard, directly or
indirectly, from Col. Burr, or any other person, of the
meditated attack on New Orleans ; nor had I any more
reason to suspect an attack on that place, or any other
part of the United States, than I have at this moment to
suspect that our militia will be forthwith ordered on an
expedition against Gibraltar. On the other hand, I had
long had strong grounds for believing that Col. Burr was
engaged by other objects, of a very diiferent nature from
those attributed to him, and which I confess the best
sentiments of my heart approved. I need not add that
those objects involved not the interests of my country.
Without adverting to that integrity of principle, which
even my enemies, I trust, have allowed me, can it bo sup-
posed that a man situated as I am — descended from a
family which has never known dishonor, happy in the
affection and esteem of a large number of relations and
friends, possessed of ample fortune, and standing high in
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228 THE BLEKNERHASSETT PAPERS.
the confidence of his fellow-citizens— could harbor, for an
instant, a thought injurious to the country which was the
scene of those blessings? The supposition would be
monstrous. No, sir ; it was but a short period before the
impression became general, that apprehended the possi-
bility of Mr. Burr's intentions being hostile to the Union ;
and the moment which gave birth to that apprehension,
gave birth to the resolution which became a citizen. I
confess, however, there are times even now, when, in
spite of the strong facts which have been exhibited, I am
almost inclined to believe my suspicions injurious. What-
ever may be thought of the heart of Mr. Burr, his talents
are great beyond question, and to reconcile with such
talents, the chimerical project of dismembering the
Union, or wresting from it any part of its Territory, is
difficult indeed. I traveled through a part of the western
country, during the last summer, and have no hesitation
in saying, that either of those projects would have been
as much reprobated there as in the Atlantic States. With
respect, however, to the communication annexed to the
President's Message, which occasions you the trouble of
this letter : after my solemn assurances to you that I had
never given Col. Burr, or any other person, the smallest
reason to imagine that I could be induced to engage in
any project against my country, it would be infinitely
satisfactory to me, could I explain to you, with the same
certainty, the motive which led him to introduce my name
as he did. But here, unfortunately, all is conjecture.
Two motives only suggest themselves. He imagined,
perhaps — which, by the way, he has no right to do— 4hat
his influence would be sufficiently great to induce mv
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MOTIVE. 229
assent, and thought, therefore, he might as well consider
it already obtained ; or, which is more probable, he might
have imagined, that by the apparent concert of a number
of persons from different States, a stronger impression would
be made on his correspondent Considerable effect, too, was,
no doubt, anticipated by Mr. Burr's discernment from the
perfect self-confidence which would have been manifested
by his taking with him his daughter, receiving my co-
operation, and thus embarking in the scheme the fortunes
of his infant grandson, the only relative, except his
daughter, that he has. But whatever the motive which
drew from Col. Burr the expressions contained in this
letter to Gen. Wilkinson, facts, incontrovertible fads, prove
that he had no authority for making them. His daughter
did not go with him; the navy of the United States is still
faithful to its duty ; Commodore Truxton, I am told, at
the very moment he was said to have gone to the West
Indies, was in Philadelphia, which I know not whether
he has ever left ; and I, instead of following with a corps
of worthies j am now at my usual residence, where I have been
ever since the adjournment of the Legislature, peaceably
directing the plowing of my rice-fields, and preparing
my lands for the ensuing crop. This is conclusive. A
conspirator against the happiness and liberties of his
country would have been, at this moment, very different-
ly employed. Conspirator ! the blood that burns my
cheek, as I write the word. But I meant to confine
myself simply to the disavowal I have made you, of a
single action or word hostile to my country. To feel
even that disavowal necessary is sufficiently painful : I
have yielded, however, to circumstances, and made it.
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280 THE BLENNERHA88ETT PAPERS.
My unequivocal manner of making it, I trust, will not
leave a doubt upon one candid or honest mind. Still I
am aware that the common interchange of good offices
with a man with whom I have been long nearly con-
nected, may have given rise to circumstances which,
however innocent in themselves, malignity will delight
in distorting, and the illiberal among my political adver-
saries exult in disseminating. I am aware that there will
be men base enough ; for you and I have, not long since,
seen proofe of it, to whisper even the circumstance of my
connection, by marriage, with Col. Burr, as a circum-
stance warranting suspicion. About the opinions of such
men I am indifferent. To the more ingenious and better
part of my fellow-citizens, of whatever sect or party, I
can only solemnly repeat, as I have done to you, sooner
would I have perished than harbored a thought sub-
versive of the liberties, the happiness, or the integrality of
my country. Let me always be judged by my own acts,
and I shall be satisfied. If Mr. Jefferson or Qen. Wil-
kinson ever find any thing to urgp against me, let it be
adduced. My residence is well known, and I shall never
shrink from investigation. Nay more, presumption, where
I can not repel it by positive proof, shall be received as
good evidence, and the slightest suspicion which I can not
satisfactorily explain, shall be admitted as guilt.
I remain, my dear sir, with much respect and regard.
Tours always, Joseph Alston.
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REDEEMING THE Tin. ' 231
CHAPTER XII.
Blbnkerhassktt having been arrested and discharged
in the Mississippi Territory, imagined no further annoy-
ance from the Government. Feeling desirous to ascer-
tain the situation of his property at the island, which he
had learned from his wife and others was much injured
by the proceedings of the Wood county militia, he left
Natchez in June, with the intention of visiting it.
The following correspondence will advise the reader of
the incidents of his journey, and afford satisfactory in-
formation, in the mean time, of the situation of the
respective parties :
Blennerhassett to Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Gibson's Port, Saturday, June ISfA, 1807.
I arrived here about half-past seven o'clock this morn-
ing, after having lost half the day yesterday by lying by
at Greenville, with a headache too heavy to ride with. I
am now perfectly well, and after losing to-day with the
Belpr6 folks here, and the detention occasioned by getting
little Bay shod, shall resume the journey this evening.
The road is pretty open, having been lately cut out ;
but 1 shall endeavor, by traveling a good part of the
night, to make up for whatever indulgence of shelter or
rest I may allow the horses and myself in the day. I
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THE BLRNNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
find the cap the most comfortable luxury I ever traveled
with, And think I can adjust a simple handkerchief about
my head and face in a way to parry the musquitoes, or
their more formidable companions>the horse-flies.
I have no care, I assure you, for any thing* affecting
myself, but through you and my boys ; could I, then, only
be assured, that you would be as industrious to seek your
recreation, and frequently shift the subject of your labors,
as you are criminal in protracting the intervals of your
sedentary occupations, — that my boys would not be ever
exposed to the sun bareheaded and barefoot, my reflec-
tions on my business, or subjects of interest or amuse-
ment would not, I protest, suffer a moment's interruption.
Improve, then, the blessing you did not expect, for you
could never find it on the Ohio, which a benignant God
has reserved for you among strangers, in the generous
regards of so many worthy families and individuals who
have become your friends. Farewell !
Har. Blennerhassett.
Give my particular love to Scott and F , and kiss.
Anne and the boys for me.
Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Blennerhassett to Mrs. Blennerhassett.
TOCKSHISH, IN THE CHICKASAW NATION,
(310 miles from Natchez,) June 14th, 1807.
I rest here to-day under the most severe embarrass-
ments I have suffered since I left you ; namely, the state
of my tormented legs. The respite, however, is not less
necessary for my horses, which have hitherto performed
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travel's histoby. 288
veiy well. I mention the condition of my legs the more
freely, because I know you will not disregard such an
affliction. But whether from the heat of the weather,
meager, and often scanty meals, the state of my blood
has contracted an acrimonious habit it never had before,
't is certain the myriads of musquitoes and horse-flies,
with the almost incessant perspiration that I suffered for
five days after I left you, which allowed me no repose,
until exhaustion made me callous, and sleep now in my
cot, then on the ground, prepared a revival of fresh sensi-
bility to new sufferings, — all, I can aver, were not more
intolerable than the anguish of my legs, which the ardor
of my industry to prosecute my journey would not until
now permit me to find ease, even when at rest ; no doubt,
chiefly from so much pendent motion on horseback. But
to that benignant Providence, which has so often had mer-
cy upon me, be rendered all gratitude and thanksgiving.
I shall make good my journey, as I can convert my eye
into a microscope, by which I am enabled, through Di-
vine goodness, to make this pen write to you. Through
the same favor I shall pass unhurt through all the diffi-
1 culties and dangers I may yet encounter, and I will again
embrace you and our boys, or we shall be indemnified
hereafter.
I omit to detail, at present, particulars of the journey
hitherto. It is true, women and children perform it, for
women will attempt and perform any possible undertak-
ing, and they will not leave their teams behind ; but it is
no less certain, that many of them languish on the way ;
and the hardiest boatmen, and even Joe, who behaves
admirably, swear they will never again attempt it at this
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284 THE BLENNBBHASSBTT PAPERS.
season of the year. We are now, by estimation, about
216 miles from Nashville, of which distance there is about
fifty miles yet to pass through this Nation. We shall
take from this place a fresh supply of corn for our horses,
and a recruit to our remaining provisions, of two quarts
of parched meal. You will see by the map, we shall
then, when we cross Duck river, enter Tennessee, where
we shall want for nothing. Water has been tolerably
convenient and palatable so far; henceforward, I am
told, it will be very good and plenty. I have had no
scruple in drinking heartily while contending with heat,
horse-flies, smoke and musquitoes. How fondly have I
wished for the solacing society of Harding and Russel.
0 ! how I could walk then.
The Chocataw country, for an extent of 250 miles which
I have passed through, has not been altogether uninter-
esting, either from the condition of the natives, who are
beginning, at least in the vicinity of this path, to enter
somewhat into the pastoral state, and in some solitary
instances, from the example of about one hundred white
men, settled through their Nation, exhibit some com-
mencements of agriculture, or from the appearance of
their country, nine-tenths of which consist of either
prairies or timber lands, well stocked with a variety of
fine grass and plants, which exhibit a pleasing appearance
— from the total freedom from brush and underwood,
which disfigure all the forests you have seen in America.
But the Chickasaw lands, for twenty miles back we have
traveled since we entered the Nation, deserve, in every
point of view, the character of a Paradise, so far as any
inland country, without the features of water scenery in
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bissel's impeachment. 235
its landscape, can claim it. Besides the beauty and
variety of the whole vegetable clothing of the country,
the clearly undulating surface of its woods, and the more
advanced progress of the Chickasaws in agriculture, and
the domestic economy that provides for the comforts of
life, contrasted, as it is, with a tenacity of most of their In-
dian habits and manners, form altogether a variety truly
interesting. This people must, in less than fifty years,
become as respectable, in the " shepherd state," as they
have hitherto been in the characters of the best warriors
of all the tribes south of the Ohio. They have already
no hunting ground nearer to them than the Mississippi,
100 miles distant. This circumstance will insure it.
I have heard, by the way, pretty consistently, that Bis-
sel is impeached, and will probably suffer for his civilities
to Col. Burr. Jackson is sent down to the Heights, or
Orleans, to be tried on a multitude of charges, and Ser-
geant D is taken round by "Wilkinson to testify to —
God knows what.
When you write, as you will, I trust, every week until
first of November, be careful to set down nothing that
may not meet the public eye ; and I think it safest to
inclose to me, under cover to Gen. Tupper. I trust you
will soon accustom yourself to the free enjoyment of all
the hospitable kindness and attention that will be tend-
ered to you from Natchez to Bayou Sara: this is one of
my best hopes, as I fear not we shall be able to find
opportunities hereafter to requite the goodness of our
friends. As I constantly meditate on the prospect of
your satisfaction with them, they all pass in review of
my most grateful remembrance. During such moments,
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236 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
however, my thoughts seem to soar on the wings of fancy,
to a hight at which I lose sight of all other mortals,
except the Scotts ; while at other intervals of my reflec-
tions, I seem to gravitate, like falling bodies through the
air, to Harding, as the immovable center of your comfort
and protection during my absence. I hope you got my
first letter from Gibson's Port, and my second from C ,
100 miles back. I have only time to say again, God
bless you and the boys ! The post hurries me.
Harhan Blennerhassett.
I shall resume the journey before day, to-morrow, 7
o'clock P. M.
From Mrs. to Mr. Blennerhassett.
July 6th.
I received your letter from, the Nation, also the one
previous to it, but derived but little pleasure from the
general tenor of the last. Its contents are too gloomy,
and I wanted no addition to the causes of low spirits I
have experienced ever since you left ; for these, however,
I know I am to blame. I trust you are in good health.
Our dear, fine boys are almost the only children here who
keep well, and grow fat.
While I find my society more than ever courted, there
is, and will be till you return, an insurmountable barrier
to my peace of mind, in the fear of 'your becoming in-
volved in private quarrels. If they can, with honor, be
avoided, I trust and pray they will.
I see no reason for any despondency whatever. We
can undoubtedly make a good beginning here, and, from
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TRBATMBNT. 237
what I have experienced since your departure, I am per-
fectly satisfied that this climate, in summer as well as
winter, is every way more desirable than the one I left
on the Ohio, so that, please God ! our happiness is now
more in our own keeping than ever before. I trust your
limbs are already well; if not, I wish you to try the
leaves of the Jamestown weed. You need only take two
or three of them, and, after softening them a little by
beating between the palms of your hands, bind them well
on the sores, after having first washed them with sugar
of lead. Repeat the dressing three times, and then apply
salve made of sugar of lead.
I hope you will be able to procure all the things men-
tioned on your list. If you can, I want you to get some
of the early cucumber that the Barnes's used to have up
the Kanawha, and bring every rare-ripe peach tree which
can be moved out of the garden, as I find that sort are
not grown in this country. If Peter Taylor, the gardener
of Blennerhassett, comes, he must bring every flowering
shrub he can move, or you find room for.
I left a pair of wafer (not waffle) irons in the kitchen,
which I wish to have again, if possible. Should it be
convenient to send my side-saddle, by safe hands, before
you come yourself, I hope you will do so, as, perhaps, I
may need it, though I have, at present, more carriages at
my service than I can possibly use. I trust, however,
this state of dependence may be removed by your bring-
ing me some sort of a vehicle on your return.
In my next I shall give you a full account of the way
in which I have spent my time since you left me : mean-
while, you can hardly calculate the attentions I receive
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238 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
from every one ; but Harding and the Scotts will ever be
foremost in real affection. Ruple, I fancy, is on his way
up, as is also Captain Leonard.
I have some prospect of exchanging houses with Cap-
tain Voss. He went two days since in pursuit of Peter
Dexter for that purpose, and has not yet returned. Mr.
H will manage the business for me, and when I have
completed moving, I shall take leave of town, for two or
three weeks, for Second Creek, accompanied by Miss
Percy, who has not yet been able to join me, but makes
fair promises. Should she fail, Mrs. Whittle will go
with me.
I have had a most pressing invitation from Mr. and
Mrs. Borlin, and am expected to visit them when I go
down : she is a charming little woman. Mr. Hunt has
not yet returned, but is expected daily. I have hired
Diana out. Molly and her Spaniard do every thing for
me ; she is very good, and he the most obliging creature
in the world. He stays here a great deal, goes to market,
gets wood, and is said to be a very honest man.
An aid to General Wilkinson met you near the Nation,
and said you were well. He also circulated a report, and
even told Scott, that it was now discovered that Jefferson
was concerned with Burr, and had even given him his
cypher. Harman says I must say they are good boys ;
but Dominick* replies, that would be a falsehood. I
send you their ugly faces. Remember me with affection
to the Belpr^ folks. God bless you! farewell till next
week!
M. BLENNERHASSETT.
* The too children of Mr. and Mrs. Blennerhassett.
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ARRIVAL. 289
P. 6. I find I must inclose this in a wrapper (envelope),
as I am too lazy to copy it, and am hourly expecting com-
pany to call. Tell Peter Taylor, if he should not like to
stay with us, he can, hy supplying the Natchez market,
very soon make a handsome independence for his family ;
but he had better leave them where they are for the
present, as they will be much healthier, and he can main-
tain them there for almost nothing compared to the cost
of living here ; besides, when he deems it prudent, he
can have them brought down at almost any time. Say to
Amy that the boys speak every day of her children, and
that none of them shall have reason to repent coming to
this countrh.
Blennerhas8ett to Mrs. Blennerhassett
Nashville, June 29th, 1807, past 5 P. M.
I arrived here about one o'clock this day, being the
eighteenth since I left you, including about three and a
half days, during which I lay by ; namely, at Greenville
and Gibson's Port, nearly one and a half days ; one at
Tockshish, in the Chickasaw Nation, from whence I
wrote to you, as I did from Gibson's Port ; and one more
a little within the entrance of this state, fifty-three miles
back, occasioned by the state of the horses, all of which
had completely given out with fatigue and sore backs.
It required much address to get here, even when we did ;
and here we are to remain, for five days at least, to get
the horses and my legs in a condition to proceed, and
perform the remainder of the journey.
My entrance into the Unitpd States has not been very
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240 THE BLENNBRHAS8ETT PAPERS.
auspicious. Last Friday evening, soon after I had passed
what is called the line that separates Tennessee from the
Wilderness, I endured, for upwards of an hour, the heavi-
^ est fall of rain I was ever under ; indeed, none ever fell
heavier. Packing through mud in the pathway, covered
with six miles of running water all along, part of the
time in the dark, I was still, however, able to keep my-
self perfectly dry, by passing my head through a hole in
the middle of my blanket, which hung on my shoulders
and covered me every-where, a contrivance I supposed
myself indebted for to the care Hardings' servants have
had of my great coat. The next mishap was my last de-
tention, fifty-three miles back. The next was meeting a
man yesterday morning, about forty-five miles back, who
looked strongly at me, and passing by to a man who was
traveling in company with me, inquired of him my name ;
then said he had a letter for me, but would not deliver it,
as it lay, he said, in the bottom of his saddle-bags. Had
Joe or I learned this before we had traveled too far to
turn back, we should certainly have had the letter, one
way or another. You will get it, I hope, and forward it,
with any others you receive for me, with all possible dis-
patch.
Journeying on hither, I was much mortified, as I
stopped to breakfast yesterday, by the perusal in a paper
of the first proceedings at Richmond against Col. Burr,
which evince the most rancorous malice of the Govern-
ment against his life. But they will be disappointed by
the negative and cautious conduct he has all along pur-
sued. In the course of the proceedings it appears Jeffer-
son's runners have been industrious enough to ferret out
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A DREAM. 241
Peter Taylor and Jacob Albright, to prove that there was
a body of armed men assembled on Blennerhassett's
Island. This may surprise you, but it matters not. I
need not write to you the particulars I have further seen ;
they will reach you by the papers sooner then through me.
Some short time before day this morning, my next tor-
ment was a dream, where I slept last night, ten miles
back, in which I beheld our Harman fallen a victim to
the bite of a dog, and you an insane mourner, wan and
sallow, without a tear. You know I am sincere in deny-
ing all virtue to dreams, either as cause or effect of human
events. I therefore mention this, with every confidence
in God's mercy, that he will permit you to tell me our
darling boy has continued well, long after the period of
my dream. But the manner in which you there appeared
to me has all day long so haunted me, that I wished, soon
after I got my valise taken to my room, to chase away
such a phantom with a view of the little Mammy, when,
alas! my yet last and greatest misfortune was visited
upon me — the treasure, the greatest, after yourself and
the boys, I could have in this world, for if I do not
i^cover it it is irreparable — how shall I mention it? I
lost your second self. Joe sets out twenty miles back-
ward, to-morrow early, in quest of it, where we have
some hopes of recovering it. O ! had Mrs. Alston, by
one of the best impulses that ever actuated her, had she
purloined it, how consoling would be the prospect of my
journey, it would animate me to visit it. How, my love,
will you soothe this heaviest of my sorrows? I have
complained to you of none until this overtook me. May
this be the last letter you will receive from me in such a
16
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242 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
state of mind as I now suffer under ; may I be blest with
the recovery of that talisman that I now so fully feel
would never fail to keep my strength from falling, and
my hopes from becoming forlorn in the midst of all I
may suffer from the malice of my enemies— captivity or
death. Perhaps it is reserved for me to recover this sol-
ace of every trouble that I shall endure, until I again em-
brace you.
So far I had written yesterday. You will feel with
what weight at my heart, though I knew before I sat
down this letter will not leave this before Friday. To-
day, Tuesday, I have been chiefly occupied — since I got
Joe off on the greatest service, if successful, he can ever
render me — with further perusals of the proceedings at
Richmond, up to the 6th instant, when Wilkinson had
not arrived, though hourly expected, as it was supposed
he must have set out three weeks sooner from Orleans
than he did. I hope your friends, Harding and Scott,
will get you the fullest accounts of the trial, from time to
time. Nothing can hardly interest you more. You may
read some things that may alarm you for A. B. or H. B. ;
but I have no doubt the rancor of Government will be
baffled in its purpose to fasten any treason upon us, or
oven a misdemeanor.
This place appears very dull and ugly, but tolerably
cheap. The inhabitants are chiefly the offcastings of
North Carolina, and I do not know a single face I have
yet seen. The living, of course, at this inn, is rough and
uncomfortable, except the tea and coffee, which will
redeem many sins of the table with me. But the attend-
ance is very bad every-where, and criminal, where I want
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DEATH. 248
it most, in the stables, at a time when I can not walk.
On this view of my situation, I have thoughts of moving
Bix or eight miles onward to-morrow, there to wait for
whatever Thursday's post may bring here for me ; and
endeavor to get the poor horses on, by easy journeys, as
well as we can. It is now almost nightfall. I look for
and dread Joe's return every hour to-night. You see,
however, I am lighter at heart than I was yesterday ; and
is not this a crime in my situation, yet no- way mended ?
I had not light to finish the last sentence *of Tuesday
evening, when Beaumont, the pilot, who took me over
the Falls in one of Floyd's boats, called upon me to in-
quire after him, and told me Mrs. F. had paid the debt
of nature, about the middle of this month, having left
behind her a fine child. It is painful, but necessary, that
we should be the messengers of these sad tidings, if they
have not otherwise reached him, because his affairs at
home require his speedy return, his property of every sort
depending only on the care of a negro wench,
. Yesterday, I spent the whole day in perplexing anxiety
for Joe's absence, and the care of my unfortunate legs,
on which it is not only misery to walk, but even to put
them on the ground for a moment. They also prevent
my rest a considerable part of the night. Nothing seems
to succeed but close bandaging from the toe to the knee,
which I have again resorted to. Up to this moment, Wed-
nesday noon, July 2d, we have no intelligence of the thief
who, we doubt not, stole my treasure. I have more than
one runner out after him ; have offered ten dollars, and
would not depart hence, if myself and horses were able,
till all chance was hopeless. Joe has returned, after a
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244 THE BLENNBBHA6SETT PAPERS.
fruitless and unremitting search for him of forty hours. I
hope Russell has returned, and is received as he deserves*
Assure Kitty I cordially wish her no worse a husband
than would write to her, and feel for her, after thirteen
years' trial, as I do for you. I depend upon his vaccinating
Harman, and attending you all three, if necessary. The
state of your chest, I rely on your solemn promise to me,
has surely been submitted to him, and I hope he has lost
no time to administer every palliative and preventive he
could best imagine. My concern for your keeping the
boys7 heads and feet always covered, I can never cease to
dwell upon and repeat.
I must leave you for some sort of dinner. God grant
I may be able to add one more pleasing line than any I
have yet written, before the mail closes this evening.
Well, " par hazard," I have made a better dinner than
any I have had yet in this place, i. e., the first bit of
wheaten bread I could eat, and one cut of good mutton,
well roasted. But does this ennui afflict a man who was
satisfied and cheerful, after forty -five miles' ride, with half
a tin-cup of water-gruel twice a day, in an Indian wilder-
ness ? Have I only returned into what is called civilized so-
ciety, to wish myself out of it? Much have I projected to
execute of that active exertion which Harding so kindly
urged me to. But I am now a cripple, without a leg to
stand upon, or a mind capable of emerging from that sea
of trouble in which it has sunk so deeply. I shall, how-
ever, wait the news next Monday's mail may bring from
the eastward. It is not impossible some tidings may
arrive to determine me hence westward, even direct to
the chance of an asylum, under the government of Grand
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PROMISE. 245
Pri; for I have little doubt Jefferson, if he can not
effect our ruin by our conviction, will seek it by harrass-
ing us to beggary. I think if I should be prosecuted
with the virulence that has marked the proceedings
against Burr, my acquittal, by the trouble and expense
that would be incurred to obtain it, would be worth little
more than a condemnation. One thing is certain, I shall
take nothing from you to fee lawyers. I shall have none
that may not volunteer their assistance. So you will
have another short letter from this place, or its neighbor-
hood, to announce to you upon what terms, and in what
temper, I leave it: my anxiety augments largely for fre-
quent and long letters from you-
I trust you have long since left the Chateau of Poin-
dexter, and have previously made every necessary ar-
rangement for a regular intercourse with the Post-office
at Natchez. I hourly expect Col. Panil, whom I over-
took and passed by 150 miles back, without seeing him.
I wish he was come to break in upon my ennui. I have
nothing to comfort me but this last refuge — hope. All
this tumult of my heated head — has it been kindled by
you, or a trinket? God bless you all three, and all our
good friends. The mail is near closing. Adieu.
Harmam Blbnnbrhassett.
Blennerhassett to Mrs. Blennerkassett.
Nashville, Sunday, July 6th, 1807.
As I am very anxious to leave this to-morrow evening,
after I shall peruse whatever I may find interesting by
the mail, which may occupy me the best part of the day,
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246 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
I now use that time it might cost me to-morrow to tell
you my legs are now nearly quite well, which I am in-
debted for, to a week's rest, and the most careful skill I
possess. Col. Panil arrived here on Friday evening,
much improved in his looks by his long journey, in which
he did not distress himself by hard riding, whatever he
might otherwise have suffered from insects and hot
weather. He eats like a dray-horse, and can not find a
single complaint, in the catalogue of all human, bodily
infirmities to appropriate to himself. There is one there,
however, which, though he will not see it, or utter its
name, has fastened pretty hard upon him. Hypochon-
dria has marked him for her own, and he will sink under
her, unless he abandons his plantation near Natchez. I
have been so far particular, that you may, if you have an
opportunity, convey to his family a more unbiassed
sketch of his situation, than they will probably receive
from himself.
By a private arrival here to-day, I collect, by calcula-
tion on the intelligence by way of Knoxville, Wilkinson
had arrived at Richmond, but did not probably get there
before the 17th or 18th ultimo. It .is most likely the
grand jury has been detained to the period of his arrival.
I hope to-morrow's papers will afford more satisfaction.
Have you really missed writing to me by two mails that
have left Natchez since I came away, without your hav-
ing been prevented by something you could not obviate.
Judge of my mortification to see Col. Panil read letters
from home of 23d, while I was looking over Natchez
papers of the same date, after I had left you on the 11th.
It will give me five days' work to get to Lexington, say
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LAST REFUGE. 247
200 miles, with horses in the condition of mine ; and, as
I shall endeavor not to delay there longer than two days
to rest the horses, I fear I have little chance of hearing
from you before I reach Marietta; so little have you
cared, or so unhappily have you been forbidden to use
the time which is past. You will surely need no further
hints of this sort. I hope you have not suffered the
idolatrous grief, with which I filled my last letter, to
affect you much. It was a weakness in me to pour the
melancholy effusions of my heart into your breast ; but
how could I resist so natural a remedy for my pain?
While I possessed your image, I did not feel how really I
was an idolater. When my hard fortune deprived me of
it, I could see nothing in the loss so lively as the image
of your death. Hence, hope, my last refuge, led me to
dwell upon yourself; besides, I thought you could not be
afflicted by my misfortune as I am. Joe, and others, are
out still, and yesterday I again advertised in the paper,
and am not absolutely in the abandonment of despair to
recover my treasure. I already feel, however, time will
wear out the impression of this calamity, as it effaces all
others. So far in my fifth letter, which I will continue
to-morrow.
The mail arrived late this morning, Monday, 7th, and
brings no Richmond papers. I have seen, however, a
Virginia paper of the 12th ultimo, by which it appears
that Burr had applied to the court for a " subpena duces
tecum" directed to the President, requiring him to appear
as a witness, and bring along with him a letter, he stated
in one of his messages to Congress to have received from
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248 THE BLENKERHA88ETT PAPERS.
Wilkinson, which letter has not yet been made public.
The chief justice doubted of the power of the court to
order the personal attendance of the President, and fixed
upon the next day to have his mind made up, by an argu-
ment on the motion.
It has rained so hard, by frequent and heavy showers
all day, that I should not have set out at any rate. To-
morrow I shall be accompanied by a Doctor Floyd, the
husband of the ci-devant Miss Preston. We shall be
together better than half the way, when he will strike
off to Louisville. Since writing the above, I have seen
some lengthy articles of further proceedings at Richmond,
which you may first learn, and inform Harding, -etc., that
Burr's motion has been granted, after great and splendid
exertions by himself and his counsel, particularly Edmond
Randolph, and that the celebrated original cypher letter
is not forthcoming, having been said to be lost; that
Randolph (Edmond) said in court, " Wilkinson, in a few
weeks, would be in the rank of a private citizen ; " and
that from private letters received here, it is believed, that
immediately after the trial, he will have to settle his pri-
vate accounts with Gen. Jackson, and four or five other
persons. I have also seen a detailed account of the object
and issue of a Mr. Burling's mission to Mexico, by
which it appears he was chiefly sent to insure the balance
of $300,000, of which Wilkinson had before received
$120,000, transported from St. Antoine to his quarters on
mules, in the night. On the whole, Mr. Jefferson and
his party must be ruined, by the support they have
afforded Wilkinson, even if it were possible Burr could
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PROPERTY ATTACHED. 249
be convicted of any thing. Farewell, my love ! if I do
not write again on the road, I shall immediately on reach-
ing Lexington.
Harmax Blennerhassett.
Monday, 12 at night.
Richmond, June fith, 1807.
Dear Sir : — Your favor of February last was received
by me a few days before I left Marietta for Richmond.
I most sincerely regret that a service of foreign attach-
ment, of the 20th of February, has placed such of your
property as was under my control out of my power. The
writ was served on account of Miller, of Kentucky ; and
Sanders, of Kentucky, has since filed in a claim. A writ
of foreign attachment has also been served on D. Wood-
bridge, Esq., attaching the claims you had upon him;
and all your movable property at the " Island " is at-
tached. A certificate from the sheriff follows, by which
you will perceive that property of every description in
my hands was attached :
" I do hereby certify, that on the 20th day of February,
1807, 1 served a writ of foreign attachment on D. Wood-
bridge, as garnishee of H. Blennerhassett, attaching all
the lands, tenements, goods, rights and credits, moneys
and effects, which the said Blennerhassett might have in
his, the said Woodbridge's hands, or possession.
" John Clark, Sheriff.
" County of Washington, State of Ohio"
The inclosed letters, with one which I shall lodge in
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250 THE BLBNNKRHAS8ETT PAPERS.
the Post-office at the same time with this, I took the lib-
erty of opening in February, just as I was going over the
mountains, thinking they might require some attention
and answers. I should have sent them to you long since,
but did not know where to direct them. You will receive
here, with your account, a letter from Col. Cushing, which
makes a different package, but will be put in the office at
the same time. I expected to have seen you at this place.
The report in our country was, that you were arrested,
and were to have your trial at Richmond. I should think
it much better for your interest, if you do not return to
the Island, to have an attorney vested with full powers,
to attend to your business in Marietta and Virginia.
Your property has, and will continue to suffer very much,
unless you have a person authorized to attend to it. You
probably heard from Col. Cushing, that your negroes had
left Virginia, and were strolling about on our side of the
river ; that Barker, in consequence of a letter of yours,
of the 9th December, had recovered about $400 for the
work done on four unfinished boats, although he had
offered before to take from me $200, which circumstance
was known to James Wilson ; that the Neals and Phelpa
had recovered a considerable sum against you, to satisfy
which demands, Ransom, and a greater part of your mov-
able property on the Island, was sold. I can not give
you any particulars relating to these transactions, as I
was over the mountains from February until May, and
the day I arrived at home was subpoenaed to attend Col.
Burr's trial, at this place. Buell has gone on, under the
direction of the Government, to sell such a part of the
pork, meal, etc., etc., as he attached, and the boats are
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NO POLITENESS. 251
fitting up to take the United States' troops to St. Louis.
Wishing yourself and family much happiness, I am,
Tour obedient servant, D. Woodbridge.
Mrs. Blennerhassett to Blennerhassett.
I can scarcely express the joy communicated to me by
your last letter from Nashville. Thank God, the anxiety
of your mind is somewhat relieved. I have little doubt
that Col. PanniPs hypochondria did you more service
than even a cheerful companion could have done. "What
a misfortune, in your state of mind, not to have got the
letter which Mr. Tyrrel, of this place, passed you with
in his saddle-bags. I now inclose it, and hope by this
time the attachments may be in a fair way to be taken
off our poor property. I inclose every other letter I have
received, except one from D. Woodbridge and one from
Col. Cushing, as I trust, long before this reaches you,
you will have seen them both. I feel greatly for the im-
pression which must be made on you by the present state
of the Island ; but think, my dear husband, how thankful
we may be to have preserved the health of our dear boys,
and also yours, during such a dreadful journey.
Col. Burr has every thing in his favor, and I now think
will never let us sustain any eventful injury. Tou can't
think with what joy and pride I read what he says of his
daughter. I never could love one of my own sex as I do
her : how can she live with such a man as Alston? You
see he has not had humanity, or even politeness enough,
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252 THE BLBNNBRHA8SBTT PAPERS.
to answer your letter. I did not write the mail after
your departure, and the week following. Thought the
surest way for my letter to reach you would be to write
to Lexington. I wish I had calculated better, but trust
your uneasiness is long since removed. After I wrote
last week, I went to spend some time with the Scott's ;
but after leaving town, I learned of the arrival of a
French Consul, who wished to rent my house. Mrs.
Whittle — to whom I am under the greatest obligations —
was confined with a pleurisy. I was therefore under the
necessity of spending a day at with her, and took
that opportunity of engaging half of James Moon's
house, on the condition that if he had an offer for the
whole, he was to give me the refusal. Mrs. Whittle keeps
possession of the other half, where she will reside a good
deal when recovered, which I hope will be soon, as she
was much better yesterday, which I spent with her. We
are to go together to Second Creek, where I have press-
ing invitations from Berling's family to visit, but I am in
doubt whether I ought to go there; I will consult my
valuable friend and adviser on all occasions. Poor man!
he has much anxiety about Winthrop, who has constant
returns of pleurisy, and as he is cutting two back teeth,
we are in hopes they are the cause of his illness. My
visit to Scott's, you see, was curtailed, as I went out on
Monday evening, and returned on Thursday, when I saw
the gentleman whose name I do n't yet know ; referred
him to Harding, saying my rent would be the same I paid
myself, and he might have the place for the continuance
of my lease. I then went home ; about the middle of the
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REMOVAL. 263
day, Thursday, had all my things packed up, and many
of them removed that evening. The rest I had here, and
next morning took possession of my new habitation,
which was in such disorder that it took me two days,
with the assistance of Molly and her husband, to settle
myself, so that altogether I underwent much fatigue;
but, thanks to my constitution, I am recovering from a
bad cold, received from exposure when heated, and pains
in all my limbs, occasioned by my violent exertions, and
being too tired to sleep for three nights ; but yesterday I
rested well with Mrs. Whittle, and last night slept sound-
ly. I have this day put Dominick to a most excellent
school in town, in a healthy, airy place. Thanking God
for every thing, our situation is a Paradise to the one we
left ; you will soon feel the benefits of it ; 't is impossible
here to feel heat at any hour of the day, and I have every
convenience around me, but still I miss the Island.
Harman says, u tell * Pappy ' I am a very good boy."
Dominick has just returned from school to dinner. He
bids me tell you how he loves you ; he has come home
quite pleased, though Mr. Harding and I left him crying
at school. The schoolmaster's name is Graham, and it
seems he had taken it into his head, " it was, as he said,
that Graham who was bad to Col. Burr and us." You
must know, I have lately learned from Col. Scott that
Graham actually proposed to him to invite Col. Burr to
his plantation, and when there, under the shelter, as it
might be supposed, of his honor and hospitality, to pro-
cure good horses, and kidnap him off to the Federal city.
Col. Scott made answer, that he already had done his
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254 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
duty, under the command of Wilkinson, by going to
Cole's Creek, and would do nothing more. He, Scott,
was rather intoxicated when he told me this. God bless
you ! M. Blbnnerhassbtt.
Harman Blennkrhassett, Esq.
Burr to Blennerhassett.
Richmond, May 21st, 1807.
H. Blennerhassett, Esq. :
I have barely time, by the opportunity of Mr. Tyrrell,
to assure you and Mrs. Blennerhassett of my devoted
attachment and regard, and to express my sympathy for
all the vexations you have encountered. Mr. Tyrrell will
tell you of all the strange things which are passing here.
Of the bills, the first which you indorsed has been paid
by Mr. Alston. The $10,000 indorsed at Lexington are
in the hands of an agent with whom I am in negociation
at this place. That which was left with Mr. Luckett has
not, to my knowledge, been negociated. Within a few
months after my release from this place, I may hope to
be in cash for all these and some other purposes.
May God preserve you and yours in health and spirits.
A. Burr.
If you should not go on the Washita lands, would you
like a conveyance of the quantity promised to you. Tell
Mrs. B. that the one-half of every letter I receive from
my daughter is concerning her. Affectionate regards
and grateful acknowledgments to our learned and amiable
friend Harding.
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ERRONEOUS JUDGMENT. 255
Alston to Blennerhassett.
Oaks, June 22d9 1807.
Dear Sir : — You perceive, from the very first word I
have written, that I address you with the same feelings
with which we parted. There are certain expressions in
your letter of April last, which, if you recollect, you must
acknowledge, are not calculated to conciliate : they spring,
however, so manifestly from a zealous attachment to Col.
Burr, and a misapprehension of my feelings, that they
have produced none of those sensations which, under
different circumstances, they would not fail to excite. I
pass them over, too, the more readily, as I am persuaded
from your temper, the moment of discovering your error
will be the moment of regret at having indulged it.
Suffer me then to assure you, I have inflicted none of
those wounds upon my " friends or relatives " which you
apprehend. Col. Burr feels that he has not the smallest
grounds of resentment against me ; he is perfectly satis-
fied ; nor does there exist a shadow of that animosity
between us that you deprecate. The fact is, from not
having a view of the whole ground, you have judged
precipitately and erroneously of my error, in giving faith
to the letter attributed to Col. Burr by Gen. Wilkinson,
I have long been satisfied from several quarters. Noth-
ing but the shape, apparently so unquestionable, in which
it came, could have gained it credit with me, for a mo
ment. These things, however, will shortly be put to
rights. As soon as the trial, now pending at Richmond,
is over, the event of which, I am persuaded, can not but
be favorable, Col. Burr will be with us. A letter from
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256 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
him, of the 12th instant, announces health, spirits and
confidence. Your letter was received the beginning of
the present month, and, but for the necessity of ascertain-
ing the intentions of Col. Burr upon the subject of it,
should have been acknowledged immediately. I for-
warded it to him directly, and have just heard from him.
He informs me that the bill-holders have instituted no
suit against you, but are at present expecting payment
from him; that he has hopes of shortly effecting an
arrangement by which he shall be able to meet the bills
himself, which will, of course, relieve you, and render a
reference to me unnecessary. He adds, that a gentleman,
as agent for him, was to set out in a few days for the
western country, thrbugh whom you should hear further
and more amply upon the subject; These expectations
of Col. B., I trust, will be accomplished. I have this day
written to him, making certain offers which, I hope, will
facilitate them ; but should they unfortunately fail, I shall
certainly consider myself bound, both in honor and
justice, to fulfill my engagement to you. The total
failure of my crop, caused by the storm of last fall, has
occasioned me a temporary embarrassment; but should
your reimbursement devolve upon me, I shall cheerfully
make any arrangement for a settlement which may prove
satisfactory : the troubles and vexations you have under-
gone, the dreadful solicitudes and painful situation, so
long endured by your amiable family, have my liveliest
sympathies. The energy of mind, which distinguishes
Mrs. Blennerhassett, has had a painfully ample field for
exertion; but the storm is past, and better moments, I
trust, are about to arrive. Of the friendly attentions and
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INDISPOSITION. 2&Z
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INDISPOSITION. 257
unremitting hospitalities received from you during our
tour through the western country, allow me to assure you
of my grateful recollections. Were it within the scope
of probabilities, I need not tell you how much pleasure
the presence of yourself and family, at the Oaks, would
give us. Tender, I pray you, to Mrs. Blennerhassett, my
profound and most friendly respects.
Believe me, with much esteem, your very obedient,
Joseph Alston.
Harman Blennerhassett, Esq.
P. S. Being unwell myself, Mrs. Alston has acted as
my amanuensis. It is so customary at this time to pub-
lish extracts from every letter in which the name of Col.
Burr happens to be mentioned, that I was about to
observe to you, what you will readily perceive without
the observation, that this is not meant for the same pur-
pose, but merely for your own perusal.
J. A.
Having acted as amanuensis for Mr. Alston, I now beg
leave to speak for myself, and inquire after the health of
Mrs. Blennerhassett ; her fortitude has, I hope, supported
her through the troubles of the winter. May they be
the last she has ever to encounter. I wrote to her last
autumn, but I suppose my letter has not reached her.
The fulfillment of our mutual promise of corresponding
would afford me great pleasure ; for it will now be the
only means of supporting, a friendship, which I flatter
myself commenced in conformity of sentiment and sin-
cerity ; but whatever may be the length of our separation
or discontinuance of intercourse, the happy days I spent
17
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268 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
on the Ohio, and the character of Mrs. B., will remain
indelibly impressed on the mind of her friend and
admirer. T. B. Alston.*
* One individual alone clung to Burr in his hour of trial ; need -we say
that it was a woman, the only daughter of the accused.
If there is a redeeming feature in the character of Burr, it is to be found
in his love for that child. From her earliest years, he had educated her
with a oare to which we look in vain for a parallel among his contempo-
raries. She grew up, in consequence, no ordinary woman. Beautiful
beyond most of her sex j accomplished as few females of that day were
accomplished, she displayed to her family and friends a fervor of affection
which not every woman is capable of; the character of Theodosia Burr
has long been regarded almost as wc would regard that of a heroine of
romance. Her love for her father partook of the purity of a better world ;
holy, deep, unchanging;' it reminds us of the affection which a celestial
spirit might be supposed to entertain for a parent, cast down from heaven,
for sharing in the sin of the " Son of the Morning." No sooner did she
hear of the arrest of her father, than she fled to his side. There is nothing
in human history more touching than the hurried letters, blotted with
tears, in which she announced her daily progress to Richmond ; for she
was too weak to travel with the rapidity of the mail. Even the character
of Burr borrows a momentary halo from hers, when we peruse his replies,
in which, forgetting his peril and relaxing the stern front he assumed
toward his enemies, he labored only to quiet her fears, and inspire
her with confidence in his acquittal. He even writes from his prison
in a tone of gayety, jestingly regretting that his accommodations are not
more elegant for her reception. Once, and once only, does he melt; and
that is to tell her that in the event of the worst, he will die worthy of
himself.
After his trial, Burr went abroad, virtually a banished man. He was
still full of his schemes against Mexico and the Spanish provinces; but
in England he met with no encouragement, the nation being engaged in
the Peninsular war. He afterward visited France, where his petitions
were equally disregarded, the Emperor being engrossed in the Continental
wars. Here his funds failed. He had no friend to apply to, and was forced
to borrow, on one occasion, a couple of sous from a cigar-woman on the
corner of the street.
At last he returned to New York; but in how different a. guise from
the days of his glory I No cannon thundered at his coming, no crowd
thronged the wharf. Men gazed suspiciously upon him as he walked along,
or crossed the street to avoid him, as one having the pestilence. But be
was not, be thought, wholly destitute. His daughter still lived ; his heart
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blsnnerhassbtt's arrest. 259
Richmond, June 29M, 1807.
Dear Sir : — I recommend to you to place Mrs. Blen-
nerhassett and your children with Mrs. Alston, till these
agitations shall be composed.
For other matters, I refer you to my friend, Major Ash-
ley, who will hand you this.
Faithfully, yours, A. Burr.
Mr. A. will perform his engagement. The bill for two
thousand dollars was duly paid.
H. Blennerhassett, Esq.
To Mrs. M. Blennerhassett.
Lexington, Ky., Tuesday Eve., July 14fA, 1807.
On my arrival here to-day, I was taken into custody
for my indorsement of some of Col. Burr's bills, of
which I am now getting clear by an arrangement Mr.
yearned to clasp her to his bosom. She left Charleston, South Carolina,
accordingly, to meet him. But although more than thirty years have
elapsed, no tidings of the pilot-boat in which she sailed have ever been
received. Weeks grew into months, and months glided into years. Yet
her father and husband watched in vain for her coming. Whether the
vessel perished by conflagration, whether it foundered in a gale, or whether
it was taken by pirates, and all on board murdered, will never be known,
until the great day when the sea shall give up its dead.
It is said that this blow broke the heart of Burr ; and that though in
public he maintained a proud equanimity, in private tears forced them-
selves down his furrowed cheeks. He lived thirty years alter this event ;
but, in his own words, " felt Bevered from the human race." He had
neither brother, nor sister, nor lineal descendant. No man called him by
the endearing name of friend. The weight of fourscore years was on his
brow. He was racked by disease. At last death, so long desired, came ;
but, it is said, in a miserable lodging and alone. Was there ever such a
retribution ? Aicontmotjs.
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260 THE BLENNERHA8SBTT PAPERS.
Clay is" drawing up between Mr. Sanders and me, effected
by my transferring Col. Alston's obligation, etc. Col.
Mead's son, by a rapid journey from Richmond, per-
formed in twelve days, brings intelligence of bills of in-
dictment having been found against Col. Burr and my-
self for high treason and a misdemeanor, and that Burr
is in close custody. The Federal marshal sent out to
summon a jury from Wood county, and the trial fixed to
come on the 3d of August. Burr's situation is thought
to be perilous, as may be my own. If I go on to the
Island or Marietta, I must expect to be immediately sent
to Richmond. I have no idea of attempting an escape,
which I could probably effect by Detroit to Canada. I feel
conscious of all want of law or evidence to convict me, and
shall therefore not seek to avoid an arrest anywhere, but
promptly appear on any call for me at Richmond. Wil-
kinson will fall and be disgraced, whatever fate may
attend Burr or myself. Seven of the grand jury were
for presenting or indicting him, but all were unanimous
for indicting Burr and me. I shall advise with Mr. Clay,
this evening, on my situation, and the course I should
pursue. It has appeared to me probable I should be
arrested here, and sent on from hence ; Mr. Clay thinks
that will not be ; you shall hear from me, however, the
first new opportunity. Dudley Woodbridge, Edm. Dana,
David Wallace, and almost every one you could suspect,
have been taken to Richmond on subpenas; John and
S. Henderson, of course. Bollman has refused the Presi-
dent's pardon, as I should, unless it were issued upon
petition to him from yourself and my respectable ac-
quaintances in the Mississippi Territory and the United
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INTERRUPTION. 261
States, unsolicited by me. I will not fly, even from Wood
county witnesses and juries.
I must now tell you I was interrupted when I had writ-
ten so far, by a visit from Mr. David Mead, to arrest me
on the part of the United States. He is an amiable, kind
young man, with whom I shall set out in a few days for
Richmond. He has offered me every service since I have
been confined, and is very busy in summoning witnesses
on behalf of Col. Burr. He has just left me in a new
lodging, which is very comfortable, I assure you, being a
clean, airy room in the jail, left entirely to myself, where,
I call God to witness to you, I do not feel at all uneasy at
the sense of confinement. It is true, I have not yet tried
it half an hour ; but the same Providence that has ever
supported me will let my time and my reflections flow as
smoothly here as if I were at liberty. You must serve the
same God, and by strong and steady endeavors think of
this, and the worst that persecutions can inflict upon me,
as lightly as I do. Attend to the duties you owe, and the
delights that will be afforded you, by our dear boys, till I
see them again, which I shall surely do somewhere. For-
ward to Richmond an affidavit from my valued friend
Harding, stating at large the proceedings that were had
against me at Washington, and a duplicate, for fear of a
miscarriage. The jailer, a civil American, of the name
of Prentiss, has just informed me has orders to let no
one speak to me but in his presence, and to let no letters
come to me or go from me. I have just sent him out to
demand of Col. Crocket, the United States Marshal, or
Mr. Bibb, their Attorney, that I may write to you a sealed
letter or an open one, as they will venture to prescribe.
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262 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
He returns with an answer that I may send closed letters
to you ; but any others I may wish to write must be seen
by him and the jailer before they are sealed. I make
memoranda of all these occurrences, which I read over to
the jailer, and he has engaged to sign.
If you wish to sympathize with me, do not grieve for
my situation, as I am not at all discouraged. This even-
ing, 't is true, is warm ; but how much more distressing
was the heat in the vast prairies and barrens I have
passed through, tormented, too, day and night with
insects, from which I am here free. Is my tumbler
so greasy I can not wash it clear ? I am chemist enough
to know that not a particle of the grease will adhere to
the water ; and how very much cooler is my drink ! I
have just been sent, per Joe, a mug of good tea, with
toast, from Mrs. J., with mattress, sheets, etc. My win-
dows are grated, but large and open, and their appear-
ance no more disturbs my reflections, which kind Heaven
never suffers to fail me, in place or time, than the figure
of those we sometimes admired on the Island. You must
dismiss, then, all concern for every mortification you will
falsely think I suffer, except what arises from the want
of the picture, which I do 'nt yet despair of, through the
kind offices of a young man at Nashville, a printer, of
the name of Rob. Alleson, who has kindly assured me he
will engage himself to forward it to you or me. I must
now close, to insure this letter time enough in the office
to go by to-morrow's mail. Joe has just come to take
them. God bless you! Write every post. Kiss my
boys for me, and never fear a failure of my spirits or my
constancy. Harman Blennerhassett.
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FRIENDSHIP PROVED. 268
To Mrs. M. Blennerhassett.
Lexington, July 18*A, 1807.
It should afford you the fullest proof of my contentment,
in my present situation, to learn, that without any inter-
ruption of good health, I have not appropriated any part
of my time, since Tuesday, to writing to you. When I
was closing my letter to you that day, I thought it would
go from hence next morning ; I am happy since to hear
it will not go forward before this, which, I hope, you will
first read. In the midst of my occupation, by the cares
of my concerns with the Government, I have made
arrangements for removing, I expect, the greatest part
of the incumbrances affecting our property on the Island.
Miller, who, you know, attached the chief part of our
effects, is not here, but will probably accept of the same
accommodations, accopted by Mr. Sanders, namely, a
transfer of Alston's obligation, with a deed of trust on
the Island, as a further security. Our valued friend
Harding will explain this to you. lie ought to see my
letters to you, while the press of more indispensable occu-
pation prevents my writing to him. Details relating to
my arrest on Tuesday evening, and the proceedings that
have already, and will hereafter occur, you will see, must
be too voluminous to find place in my letters. You must
content yourself with the statement you will find ot
them in the papers. I will not fail, however, to give you
such particulars as you may not see there.
The degrees of adversity seem to graduate the scales
of friendship, and the sincerity of the professions we
receive in life. I have been visited by Col. Meade, who
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264 THE BLENNEKHASSBTT PAPERS.
has not probably ridden to town for two years, on any
two other occasions, while Morton, the Harts, and many
others you would first count upon, have not appeared
within the walls. More call upon me, however, than I
wish to see, while poor Tracy is offended with me, be-
cause I will not take any of the little money he has
gathered by so many years' hard earning, and several
other persons daily load me with general offers of service.
If confinement could, in itself, have any ills for me, they
could not fail to be greatly abated, by the interest excited
by my visitors and the unremitting exercise of my pen.
But while I have these resources — aided, besides, by the
kindest attentions of the jailer and his family, who in no
instance omits to render my situation not only easy, but
even comfortable, without transgressing the line of de-
markation between his duty and his inclination — I hope
the ease I experience, and the indifference I feel toward
future prospects, will not induce you to suspect that the
most loathsome dungeon, or the most unjust issue of my
prosecution, could exhibit me unworthy of the favor of
your constancy and virtue. Although I live very com-
fortably in every respect, Mrs. Sanders, late Miss Nich-
olas, persists in sending me a nice breakfast every
morning, and Mr. Postlethwaite has endeavored to pro-
cure my removal to his house, a mile distant in the
country ; but popular passion is so strongly engaged on
the side of the Government, that it could not be effected
in this focus of Democracy ; the ardor of which, however,
I am generally assured — the manner of my deportment,
and address in the court — have cooled down .into some
degree of sympathy and confidence in my honor.
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SPECIAL DIRECTIONS. 265
I have been very much engaged the last two days in
preparing letters and various papers for Joe to take to
the Island. I got him off in the afternoon ; he took with
him two new horses I got for the three I left Natchez
with, which he will take to his uncle's on the Monanga-
hela, and keep until he takes them down to Richmond,
where I shall want him and Scott to prove the inveterate
animosity borne me by some of the Wood county wit-
nesses I expect to appear against me. I think it probable
I may have occasion, on my defense, to make use of the
first letter I wrote to Col. Burr; that being destroyed,
probably my letter-book may be received as evidence of
its contents. The book, therefore, which I left in the
small trunk, containing my papers, together with every
letter you can there find, or in any part of my writing-
desk, from Col. Burr to yow, or myself, you must, with
the aid of Mr. Harding, or other friends, whose zeal and
punctuality can be depended upon, have forwarded to me
at Richmond, together with the morocco case, containing
my music, and the two sheets of manuscript I lent
Mrs. Wallace, with my spectacles; the whole carefully
packed, sealed and directed, in a small trunk or box, in
the safest and most expeditious manner, by Orleans, to
some port where I may get the earliest intelligence of its
arrival, and thence procure it by the coach. I expected
the return to town last evening of my young friend, Da-
vid Meade, from the country, where hfc is fatiguingly
employed in serving subpenas for witnesses on the part
of Col. Burr. On Monday I shall set out in his charge —
he being deputy-marshal — with a guard of four, three, at
least, of whom are respectable, and will, I am assured,
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266 THE BLENNERHA8SBTT PAPERS.
prove agreeable companions. I am extremely sorry to
find the injury to private individuals of this country in
consequence of a baseless authority for Burr's financial
operations here last autumn, far exceeding my greatest
suspicions. If it be shown that he had not funds and
friends pledged to him to warrant his drafts, his conduct
would appear nefarious enough to displace all the friend-
ships he ever formed. These strictures are particularly
extracted from me by something I have heard of him
relating to myself in a pecuniary sense, which will be
examined, and come hereafter to your knowledge, if ma-
terial. They may therefore be kept secret from all but
friends, in whose honor and attachment we can confide.
David Meade has just left me. We shall certainly go on
Monday, and proceed by easy journeys, comfortably
equipped. Beware to enter upon Dominick's heart, but
by small and cautious advances while informing him of
my situation. Welcome the means you may derive from
it, of forming him to a habit of patience and courage in
suffering; pity for the vices of mankind, and a steady
contempt for malice, which the vengeance of power can
never subdue. As it regards yourself, reflect and rejoice
that your husband will not be unworthy of you by the
tenor of his life ; while, through all the trials he may yet
pass, the approving spirit of your virtue will embellish
his fame and smile upon his courage. I have written to
my friends, Jas. S. Lewis & Co., to honor Mr. Harding to
amount of $500 or $600 to answer your occasions, as well
as to accept all bills drawn by yourself, to amount of my
remaining funds in their hands: this last instruction I
gave them in contemplation of your making a small pur-
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DETENTION. 267
chase, and having need of Borne money to make ready
payments and prepare for getting in a crop the ensuing
season, which you ought to endeavor to effect for the
children in the manner I have proposed; though any
other you may be advised to will not be displeasing to
me. Mr. Biggs will soon, I hope, reach Natchez, with
some few hands, and I have begged of Col. Cushing to
endeavor, as soon as possible, to send you every thing he
can from the Island, from whence I think it probable you
will receive some supplies in the course of this fall. My
detention at Richmond will extend nearly to Christmas,
owing to the distances from which I shall be obliged to
collect my witnesses ; so that if I shall be able to run the
gauntlet through Democratic juries and witnesses, you
may easily calculate the time I could return to you by
sea, or by land and the Ohio, taking the Island in my
way. In the mean time, it is possible I shall not be kept
in jail, but confined in a comfortable way in the Peniten-
tiary, or other safe quarters, under guard, at Richmond,
as Burr now is. The federal marshal there has a good
character from David Meade, and is brother to General
Scott. Continue to repeat to all our worthy friends, par-
ticularly Harding, Col. and Mrs. Scott, and Russell, etc.,
etc., my grateful obligations for their goodness to you ;
tell Russell I do not cry " Divil burn the iron boults,"
though I sometimes sing " Smolileu."
A mail in to-day from Natchez, and no letters from
you. I have had but one; the postmaster's date being
23d ult., concerning the boys', works. For God's sake,
write oftener, and give me the. satisfaction of hearing
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268 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
how many of my letters, this making the seventh of
eighth, you received from your husband,
Harman Blennerhassett.
P. S. As I can't write to many of your friends, I hope
all will excuse me.
Sunday noon, July 19th. — I am just going out to walk
in town, to make some visits with the jailer. H. B.
The following is a notice of the arrest and proceeding
alluded to, taken from the " New World :"
Lexington, July 21st.
On Tuesday last Herman Blennerhassett arrived in this
town from the Mississippi Territory. Immediately oil
his arrival he was arrested, at the instance of Mr. Saun-
ders, on a civil process, and hefore his discharge was
again arrested hy the marshal for the Kentucky district,
on an affidavit made hy Mr. David M'eade, the purport
of which was, that Blennerhassett had been indicted for
treason, and a true bill found by the grand jury at Rich-
mond, Virginia. It fortunately happened that Judge
Todd was in town, before whom Mr. Blennerhassett was
immediately brought ; but as he wished to be heard by
counsel, he was committed to jail, and ordered to be
again before the judge at nine o'clock the next morning,
at which time he read to the court an affidavit which he
had drawn up. The crowd was so. great that the editor
was unable to hear the whole of it, but he understood it
went to give a history of his arrest and discharges in the
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EXTRACT.
Mississippi Territory ; of his being on his journey home,
when he heard at Danville of the indictment being found
against him ; of the means he used to ascertain the truth
of the report ; and that being satisfied of its correctness,
he had hastened to this place, to surrender himself to
Mr. Bibb, attorney for the United States ; that soon after
he arrived he was arrested upon a civil process ; that he
had met with Mr. Clay, to whom he communicated his
intentions, and requested advice as to the mode he should
adopt ; that Mr. Clay said he was too much engaged to
attend at that time to his applications, but promised to
see him on the subject at nine o'clock the next day. He
declared it to be his- wish to be sent on to Richmond to
receive his trial at that place. Mr. Clay, as counsel,
assured the court, that he was instructed by his client to
express his wish to be sent on for trial ; he only wished
an unnecessary rigor might not b*e observed, and that he
might be forwarded in a manner as delicate as the nature
of his situation would permit. Mr. Clay at the same
time took the liberty, as a citizen, to protest against, or
rather object to, the mode which had been pursued by
the court ; he viewed the proceedings unprecedented and
illegal. He, however, wished it to be understood, that
his observations were made as a citizen, and not at the
instance of Mr. B. ; it was his real wish to be sent on for
trial. Mr. Bibb stated that he had provided himself with
authorities to prove the proceedings proper ; but that he
had that morning inquired of Mr. Clay whether any ex-
ceptions would be taken to the legality of the proceedings,
and being informed that none would be taken, had neg-
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270 THE BLENNBRHASSBTT PAPERS.
lected to bring his authorities into court; that he was
now surprised to find the exceptions taken.
Mr. Clay stopped him again, to declare that the excep-
tions were not by the consent of Mr. B., who he believed
was really desirous of being conveyed to Richmond.
Mr. Blennerhassett assured the court that Mr. Clay
had justly stated his desire, and pledged himself, that
whatever might be the decision of the judge, he would
accompany Mr. Meade, the deputy-marshal, to Richmond.
But he wished not to be understood as making a parade
of willingness which he did not feel, of meeting investi-
gation, as he was more desirous of going as a prisoner at
the public charge, than at his own expense, as his fortune
was greatly impaired. He made an affecting appeal to
the citizens of Lexington, which would have been very
favorably received, had not the high crimes with which
he was charged forcibly rebutted it. He spoke of the
friendly attention and hospitable treatment experienced
by himself and family, and hoped they would not believe,
without evidence, that their attentions had been bestowed
on unworthy objects.
The judge took time to make up an opinion as to take
up the proceedings which ought to be had in the case ;
and issued a warrant for his commitment and safe keep-
ing, until the district-judge could be applied to, who
ordered him to be delivered to the court in Richmond,
without delay.
He was yesterday sent off, attended by Mr. Meade and
a guard of five men.
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UNPLEASANT TI DENGS. 271
Lexington, July 22d, 1807.
Sir : — Your favor of the 20th was delivered to me ; the
apology you offer, on the subject of my fee, is abundantly
sufficient, and the compensation you propose, adequate.
You will be pleased to inclose a Virginia bank note to
me from Richmond, by the mail. I did not understand
that by the agreement between Mr. Sanders and you,
Mr. Miller was to be any way interested in the " deed of
trust" upon your Island, and am pretty positive it waa
not agreed that he should- be concerned in it, which is
evident, indeed, from the face of the deed itself. Never-
theless, you may give Miller an order upon Sanders, to
pay him out of the proceeds of the sale of the Island,
if they should exceed Mr. S.'s demand, and Mr. Alston
should not be willing or forced to pay according to his
engagement. I think, therefore, you ought to acknowl-
edge the deed before the General Court in Virginia.
You will only, by refusing to do it, give Mr. Sanders the
unnecessary trouble of having the deed returned to be
proven and certified from this place, or commencing a
suit against you, to coerce an acknowledgment.
Your obedient servant, Henry Clay.
Harman Blennerhassett, Esq.
Natchez, August 3d, 1807.
My dearest Husband : — After having experienced the
greatest disappointment at not having heard from you
for two mails, I at length learn of your arrest, which
afflicts and mortifies me, because it was an arrest.
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272 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
think, had you of yourself gone to Richmond, and so-
licited a trial, it would have accorded better with your
pride, and you would have escaped the unhappinees of
missing my letters, which I wrote every week to Mari-
etta. God knows what you may feel and suffer on our
account before this reaches you to inform you of our
health and welfare, in every particular; and knowing
this, I trust and feel your mind will rise superior to every
inconvenience that your present situation may subject
you to ; despising, as I do, the paltry malice of the up-
start agents of Government, and that you may in some
measure be the means of exposing them to the world.
Let no solicitude whatever for us damp your spirits ; we
have many friends here, who do the utmost in their
power to counteract every disagreeable sensation which I
suffer from your absence. I have removed into a part of
Mr. Moon's house, where I can scarcely feel the heat of
the weather, having let mine to the French Consul, who
has come to reside here. The boys have a good school,
and I find many conveniences here which I wanted at
Poindexter's house. Mrs. Whittle spends most of her
time here, which is a great advantage now, when I do n't
go any-where, which I have determined not to do till I
learn the result of your affairs, though pressed by all my
acquaintances to go to the country, where I spent some
time before I learned of the alteration of your course. I
inclose several letters of business to General Tupper, at
Marietta, for you, among which was the one that Mr.
Sorrel, of this place, had in his possession when he passed
you in the wilderness, but which can be of no conse-
quence now. Mr. Biggs has returned with only three
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STRONG ATTACHMENT. 273
negroes, not having been able to procure funds for more.
I shall live in the hope of hearing from you next mail,
and entreat you, by all that is dear to us, not to let any
disagreeable feelings on account of our separation ener-
vate your mind at this time. Remember, that every one
will read with great interest whatever concerns you, but
still, do n't trust too much to yourself; consider your
want of practice at the bar, and, if I still retain the same
influence over you which you have over me, do n't spare
the fee of a lawyer ; we shall never miss it in this coun-
try, and if we did, that, in such a case, should be no con-
sideration now. Assure Col. Burr of my warmest ac-
knowledgments for his and Mrs. Alston's kind remem-
brance, and tell him to assure her that she has inspired
me with a warmth of attachment that never has, nor ever
can diminish while I live. I wish him to urge her to
write to me* a letter from her now would be most accept-
able God bless you ! M. Blennerhassett.
I hope you have done tormenting yourself about the
loss of my picture. I inclosed you, to Marietta, what is
of infinitely more value, the profiles of the two darling
lovely boys.
To Mrs. M. Blennerhassett
Richmond Penitentiary,
Tuesday, Aug. 4tth, 1807.
Do n't startle at a word ; I am not in the quarters of
old M ; you must wait for a description of my lodg-
ing until I conclude some little account of my journey,
18
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274 THE BLBNNBRHASSETT PAPERS.
This has been as comfortable and accommodating as the
severity of the weather and much fatigue would permit.
The guard, consisting of five gentlemen, vied with each
other all the way in emulating the exertions of that excel-
lent young man, David Meade, to promote my ease. I
had, consequently, no restraint, and might, I believe, have
effected my escape, if I had been disposed to attempt it.
We arrived in town to-day, the 16th inclusive since we
left Lexington, a quarter before 2 o'clock. We rode up
to the Washington tavern, where we had an excellent
dinner; after which I was visited by another deputy-
marshal with a warrant for high-treason, and conducted
in a carriage to this place, where I am lodged in a suite
of commodious apartments, affording me a walk of forty
paces in length, lately occupied by Col. Burr, who has
been removed to another house, under guard, for the
more convenient intercourse with his counsel during his
trial; these are numerous, and all volunteers in his
defense. I was not half an hour here when I had a lively
note from Col. Burr, a present of tea, sugar and cakes
from Mrs. Alston, and a visit from Alston, and Edmond
Randolph, to offer his advice and services gratis. Morgan
Neville has been looking for me, and was denied admit-
tance to my room at the tavern, through officiousness or
mistake, for all my friends may come here to me, though
I can't go out to them. Mr. Randolph and Alston assure
me the prosecutions for treason have already become
ridiculous among the best informed, so that none of us
will probably be hanged, nor can a conviction for the
misdemeanor be effected from any thing we can learn,
any more than from any acts or declarations of ourselves,
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PRIDE. 275
for none such ever escaped us to warrant one. Our only
indemnity, therefore, will consist in our promoting the
eclat, or whatever it may be, which will reward the zeal
of the Government for our persecution.
I had a visit to arrest the progress of my letter from
Mr. Mercer; he sat fully two hours with me, and was as
interesting as he always is. My new lodging, though
spacious and commodious, is unfurnished ; I have there-
fore been forced to have indispensable necessaries fur-
nished from the tavern, which, however, I shall only
continue until I can make more economical arrangements.
In my anxiety to save for you and the boys, I must still
indulge my pride by spurning the liberal subsistence
allowed by the United States to their State prisoners, of
fifty cents per day. I hope you will duly receive my two
letters from Lexington jail, and forward the things I
therein wrote for. Request of Harding to see or write
to Tyler, to advise him to offer a surrender of himself,
and get subpened, if he does not hear soon after you get
this, that the Government will abandon the chase they
are at present engaged in ; I say abandon, for it is now
generally believed, by all parties, that two of the grand
jury, of the most respectable character, would not have
concurred in finding any bill for treason, and none, pro-
bably, would have been found, if these had not mistaken
the meaning of the judge's report of his opinion in case
of Swartwout and Ogden. Having yesterday rode forty-
five miles, and thirty-five to-day, before the variety of
incidents that has occupied me this evening, and having
other matters to engage me for an hour before I go to
bed, I will reserve the rest of this sheet for such part of
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276 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
the news of to-morrow as may concern me, and may not
reach you through the papers. Good night.
Wednesday ', 11 o'clock, P. M. — Variety is charming, and
never more pleasantly exemplified than in the succession
■of that of my levees here. I believe I should have been
stupid, or perhaps indisposed a little to-day, from the
transition from great exercise in the open air and broiling
sun to sudden confinement, if I was not almost hourly
stimulated by the appearance of some person I am pleased
to see, or the hearing of some news to interest me. As
to persons, I have seen this morning Mr. Botts, who will
also take part in my defense, without pecuniary compen-
sation from me, and I expect his example will be followed
to-morrow by a similar offer from Mr. AVickham. Tell
Harding my indictment, as appears from a printed copy
sent to me this evening, contains two counts ; the first for
levying war against the United States on the 10th of De-
cember, which will be attempted to be supported by the
perjured evidence of Taylor and Albright, of resistance
made to General Tupper's arresting me; while Tupper
will prove he never attempted to arrest me, or any of the
party ; for which insolent behavior of his, bye-the-bye,
it is rumored that he is threatened also with a State pros-
ecution. The other count is for planning, and going
down the river on the 11th, to effect the seizure of New
( )rleans, which I suppose the evidence of the Hendersons
is chiefly relied upon to maintain ; but this testimony I
shall also, I expect, be able to defeat; also, let him know
or read that in filling many of the blank spaces with my
name, which occurs several times, an e is uniformly used
in the Christian name, instead of an a, as I have ever
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POSTPONEMENT OF TRIAL. 277
written it, and in the surname an a is as often used as
an e. I want to learn from him whether any, and what,
advantages may be taken of these variances, and when ?
To return to my visitors — D. Woodbridge and Edmond
Dana called in the morning, both my. friends, by whom I
heard Joe had safely given all the papers I charged him
with to Col. Cushing. A great deal of property has been
sold, I hear, but the purchasers are fHendly enough to offer
to let me have it, by placing them as they were before the
sales. No negroes are sold, but all are vagrant and latitant ;
still none will be lost. The laws of Virginia and Kentucky
only allow an absent debtor or defendant to come in
within seven years, and set aside, or seek redress for a
sale made against law or equity. Again, it seems as if
every one I ever knew, and more, were now in Richmond ;
for to-day the prosecuting counsel had about one hundred
witnesses called in court, and, for the second time, put off
the trial for two days, because about fifty more did not
appear; and nothing less than Morgan Neville and Bob
Robison were here this evening.
Friday, 8 o'clock, A. M. — I was a little indisposed yes-
terday, which, with the hinderance of company, etc., pre-
vented my writing. A small dose of ipecac, has to-day
restored my strength and appetite, so that I hope I have
already surmounted whatever seasoning may have been
necessary to fit me for the sojourn I shall make in this
place. Mr.-Wickham, as was expected, waited upon me,
with Mr. Botts ; these, with Mr. Randolph, all three my
gratuitous counsel, I severally and distinctly assured, no
apprehension of a capital conviction, or sentence of death,
could induce me to draw from the sympathies apd exi-
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278 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
gencies of my family to defray any charge of my defense,
either at present or any after period I could contemplate.
Mr. W., a staunch Federalist, and Messrs. Randolph and
Botts, perhaps as warm Democrats, are of opinion I shall
be enlarged on Col. Burr's acquittal of the treason charge,
if I can procure bail for the misdemeanor, which I sup-
pose I could easily do, but would as soon remain where I
am, until all the claims of Government upon me are dis-
posed of. It will much depend on the progress and turn
of Burr's trial, when mine can come on, though our cases
will be kept as wide apart as truth and their merits justly
require. It is truly painful to me to tell you to expect
nothing from the Island, though most of the purchasers,
even Miller, the principal, would return the property on
the terms I have before mentioned ; yet the recovery of
any thing depends on his acceptance of the best and only
arrangements Alston can make. Alston is endeavoring to
raise money here to meet all the demands, the success of
which I shall learn to-day or to-morrow, but little depend
upon. On failure of this, he, Alston, will assume the
whole, payable one-half a year from next January, the
remainder the January following, with interest. The
impossibility, he declares, to raise money in Carolina, by
sale or mortgage, and his having fewer negroes than his
estates require, make this the best arrangement he can
make ; but which, I fear, will not be accepted. I will
endeavor to learn and effect the speediest means of for-
warding to you as many of the negroes as possible,
which, I suppose, you will hire out; but, in all your
affairs, be Harding your guide.
Alston talks confidently of Burr's recovering his de-
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TENDER OF FRIENDSHIP. 279
mands upon Government, to the amount of $50,000.
This event would be prosperous, indeed, but I have little
faith in it. Mercer has sat an hour with me since last
sentence ; news to-day by him is all war, traced up to
declarations by the President, that the ground the Gov-
ernment will take is the inviolability of a neutral flag ;
every one is in arms, to be ready on the first signal to
take Quebec and the West Indies. Mercer prays you to
accept the admiring homage of his remembrance ; I send
my letters for you, by arrangement with him under cover
to his friend B. Taylor^ Esq., attorney-at-law, Alexandria,
who will duly forward them to Scott. Tou will also
inclose to the same gentleman, who will forward your
letters to me through Mr. Mercer. I have just received a
tender of friendship by Mr. Ormsby, of Kentucky, from
General Henry Lefe, and offers of soups, jellies, etc., from
Mrs. Carrington, with their compliments.
Prom your husband, Harman Blennerhassett.
Burr to Blennerhassett.
Sunday, August 4th.
My dear Sir: — You may take it an ill compliment
that I tell you I am heartily glad to hear of your arrival.
Mr. Alston and Mr. Neville successively made attempts
to see you at the tavern, but were denied. Having this
minute heard that you have gone to my late quarters, I
send to inquire of your health, of that of Mrs. Blenner-
hassett's, and in what I can be useful to you. What
counsel shall I send you ?
Faithfully yours, A. Burr.
H. Blennerhassett, Esq.
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280 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Burr to JBlennerhassett.
August hth, 1807.
I am much gratified, my dear sir, by your letter and
notes. It is impossible for us to communicate freely, ex-
cept through the intervention of counsel. I recommend
to you to employ Mr. Randolph and Mr. Botts, and that
you write a line to each of them this morning. They
will not expect money, at least at present, and when I
shall be discharged, I shall be able to furnish it. Write
also to your friend Emmett,* to come on forthwith. My
trial is essentially yours; it will settle principles which
will govern in both. The political character of Mr. Em-
mett will give him weight ; and it is greatly to be desired
that a man of discernment and impartiality should wit-
ness the mode of these prosecutions and the extraordi-
nary efforts and extraordinary means used to produce
conviction, right or wrong.
Your faithful friend, A. Burr.
H. Blennerhassett, Esq.
If there be any thing wanting to your comfort, advise
me.
To Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Richmond Penitentiary, Aug. 13*A, 1807.
All is going on very well ; I am hearty and in good
spirits, but have only time to charge you to suffer not the
appearance of a summons to bring you here, or to fret
* Thomas Addis Emmett, of New York.
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INDECISION. 281
you, and tell you you must not obey it. Tour want of
funds, and the helpless state of your children, must op-
pose a barrier, which the Government will not venture to
break down. Tell Harding to be of the same mind with
my excellent counsel here. Adieu ! in haste for the mail.
H. Blbnnbrhassbtt.
Mrs. M. Blennerhassett.
Burr to Blennerhassett.
Friday, August 14th.
I perceive the advantages from your presence, but am
not at this moment able to decide whether the thing be
practicable. One or more of our counsel will wait on
you this afternoon, to confer on this and other points.
I am surrounded by visitors, which prevents me from
adding more than the assurances of my respect and at-
tachment.
A. Burr.*
To Blennerhassett.
Natchez, August l%th.
Your first letter from Lexington has just come to hand,
and, notwithstanding the predictions of your former one,
I do n't find it by any means so melancholy as the first I
received, as it assures me of your accommodations in that
place (which I can neither bear to repeat or write) to be
* Burr' 8 answer to a note wishing to be informed if lie (Blennerhassett)
could be allowed to examine witnesses as his (Burr's) agent or advocate,
or at least be present at their examination.
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282 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
much better than I expected. I also feel now, that in
such a court as Richmond, absolute falsehoods can't pass,
when, in opposition to all that can be sworn to by Wood
county, you have the most respectable witnesses from the
State of Ohio ; and surely every person in Belpr£ can
testify that Tyler's boats landed on the Island in noon-
day, and had no arms on board, and admitting that what
all these villains said were true, how were you concerned
in what was done by Tyler or others ? Ashley has told
Mr. Harding that Peter Taylor said something that in-
jures you ; and Col. Burr writes in his letter to Harding,
which I have seen, that " Mr. Blennerhassett has injured
him, both by what he has said and what he has written."
Good God ! what a world this is : tell Col. Burr, from
me, if you think it worth while, that I wanted not this
aggravation to my unhappiness; at least,- that I looked
not for aggravations from him. He also writes to tell
you to place your family with Mrs. Alston : tell him were
Mrs. Alston only in question, I would now, this moment,
without hesitation, take refuge with her, and that I
should not think my life even worth its present value, did
not I hope once more to see and converse with that
woman whom I think almost above human nature ; but
I would at the same time do nothing that might lessen
the dignity of the attachment I feel for her.
We are under the greatest obligations to Doctor Com-
mins, for carrying your package, which you will receive
sooner than you could any other way.
I believe, from what I have learned, that Tyler will
injure you, if he can ; he is by this time arrested. Kow
let me again intreat you to spare no costs that can serve
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PERJURY. 283
you ; if our negroes come down from the Ohio, I repeat
again, we can make a good beginning here. Capt. Percy
has been here again, urging me to go to the Spanish
dominions, where you will be well received, and where I
shall make a visit, when I know the termination of your
prosecution. I spent three days at Col. Scott's since I
wrote the letter you will receive with this. You may
perceive my spirits are much mended ; but I am still de-
termined to adhere to what I then said I would, in case the
perjury of the mob should prevail ; though every con-
versation I hear on the subject tends to encourage me, at
least with regard to yourself. I shall write every mail to
assure you of the health of myself and the boys.
Farewell for another week ! remember that your fami-
ly are well, and that you are adored by your
M. Blbnnbrhassbtt.
H. Blbknerhassett, Esq.
To Blennerhassett.
Natchez, Aug. 26th, 1807.
My usual depression of spirits has been much increased
by not having received any letter from you by this mail,
aided by the shock of hearing from Ashley to-day, for the
first time, that it was by the perjury of Peter Taylor that
a bill was found against you. 'T is true, I feel fully con-
fident such evidence must be done away with ; but I also
feel, that it is owing to this alone that you are in your
present situation, the thoughts of which haunt me night
and day. Gracious God ! confined in a prison in the dog-
days, and by the perjury of a wretch not many degrees
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284 THE BLENNBRHASSETT PAPERS.
from a brute ! I used to give him credit for the utmost
honesty; Jmt it is in vain, I am convinced more and
more every day, to expect principle without some refine-
ment, at least where interest is concerned. Ashley says
he hears they have given the wretch a tract of land some-
where. If this can be proved, it will be sufficient. As
for Albright, I can make oath to his secreting our two
negroes, who ran away when you left the Island ; and
Elmwood, the blacksmith, told me of his taking stolen
melons and sweet potatoes to Marietta to sell for negro
Jim, whom he saw steal them out of the field, where
there were no others but mine. I see plainly enough, the
Wood county rabble only want some pretext to vindicate
their plunder ; but I feel great confidence in the evidence
I trust you will have from Marietta and Belpr6, and
hope no lawyers' fees will be spared. Why can't I be
with you ? But I feel it would not do ; your mind is
stronger without me, and the boys are an insurmountable
objection to my going round, which I should only do in
a case that I hope can't possibly happen.
I have only been to Mrs. Scott's since I heard of your
arrest, and shall probably not go anywhere until I learn
the result. Miss Percy is still with me. Major T., who
visits me often, begs to be kindly remembered to you.
Dr. Commins left home, I believe, three days ago, for
Richmond, where he was called as a witness by Govern-
ment. He took with him all the papers, etc., you wrote
for from Lexington, but I suppose this will reach you
first, though he went through the wilderness and took a
pack-horse.
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FEVER UNAVOIDABLE. 285
The boys are well, and still, thank God ! insensible of
your situation, though they often pierce me to the heart
by their questions about you, and threaten very often,
when I correct them, to "tell their pappy how bad I
am." They both of them join in sending, to use their
own phrase, " their good love to their dear pappy."
I wish, when your mind is fully disengaged from your
present embarrassments, that you would make a thorough
calculation of the profits and losses between this country
and the one we have left. Perhaps you may sell the
Island ; if you can do so, it will be best ; if not, nothing
but a certain loss would prevent my wish of returning
there. My attachment for that place is strong indeed,
but not so strong as to entirely counterbalance our inter-
est ; at the same time, I would have you consider there is
only one thing in favor of this country — the raising of cot-
ton— which for a moment gives it any preference ; for, in
spite of all you may have heard, it is a sickly country,
both for black and white. Intermitting fever is inevita-
ble ; both the, children have had it, but Harman's was
the worst; he was completely cured by Dr. S., with
whom I am much delighted as 9, physician. Dominick
was then attacked, but I stopped the progress of the dis-
order myself. I am told Bayou Sara is much more
healthy generally than the vicinity of Natchez, where
fevers are constant ; and from this statement of the sick-
ness of this country I leave you to judge how far it will
agree with your constitution. As to mine, I believe it is
impossible I ever should have an "intermittent;" I only
suffer at times from the pain in my breast, which uni-
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286 THE BLENNERHAS6ETT PAPERS.
fbrmly increases in proportion to the anxiety of my mind.
I grow very thin, notwithstanding my appetite is good ;
but I believe nobody's mind ever had more influence on
the body than mine, but do n't let this concern you ; all I
suffer now will only tend to make me completely happy,
on your delivery from your present situation, which, I
begin to think, must take place soon. 'T is not possible
you can be injured by the perjury of such complete
fools.
The cotton crop promises very badly on account of the
drought, in all the land about Natchez ; but wherever the
land is new, the drought does not affect it. Now let me
urge you to weigh well the advantages and disadvan-
tages of this country, and let your mind be no way in-
fluenced by what you have thought of the society of the
place. It is not what I at first supposed it ; and any way,
I consider it scarce a feather in the scale. If you can sell
the Island, do n't hesitate to do so ; if not, consider that
while we are making money here we are losing it by
the house going to rack, and the land lying idle there;
whereas, if we can keep up that place, it, with the in-
crease of our negroes, will be enough for the boys;
then, on the other hand, if we go to Bayou Sara and
plant cotton for four or five years, we may, at the end
of that time, be enabled to go to the Northern States.
Consider well what I have said, and remember that, at
all events, your happiness is the first object with your
M. Blennerhassbtt.
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BUSINESS ITEMS. 287
Burr to Blennerhassett.
Richmond, August 27th, 1807.
Dear Sir : — Mr. Luckett* and I have an unsettled ac-
count to a considerable amount. He holds a bill indorsed
by you. If you can devise means to procure him any aid
at this moment, it would gratify me much.
Your faithful and obedient, A. Burr.
H. BliENNERHASSETT, ESQ.
Burr to Blennerhassett.
September 1st, 1807.
Dear Sir : — It seems that some misapprehension exists
on the subject of the bill held by Mr. Luckett. I could
not with delicacy propose to you to take up my bill ; but
I repeat that it would gratify me that it could be done.
My present inability is too manifest. Yours, perhaps, not
very different. • If, however, you choose to request Alston
to assume this bill as part of his engagement to you, the
arrangement would give me real pleasure, and I have no
doubt may be made satisfactory to him.
I felicitate you on the events of yesterday, and am
alway faithfully yours.
A. Burr.
H. Blennerhassett, Esq.
* Mr. Luckett advanced money to Col. Burr on Blennerhassett' 8 indorse-
ment.
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288 THE BLBNNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
To Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Richmond, Va., Sept. 11th, 1807.
A few days have elapsed since I might have written to
you to announce the second event that rendered last
Monday remarkable as a day on which I might be sup-
posed to have been elated with the long desired change
of my condition for the better. That was the termina-
tion of my imprisonment, by the abandonment on the
part of the prosecutors of the indictment against me for
treason, and my admission to bail, under the other indict-
ment for a misdemeanor. But the receipt of your letter
of the 3d ultimo, by a speedy arrival, was the event
which constituted the first blessing that day returned to
so many hopes and prayers offered up to obtain it. I
have since received, I believe, all your other letters from
Marietta, though your negligence in omitting dates dis-
tresses me, as I am ignorant of any time which I can con-
nect with any thing you tell me of yourself, the boys, or
our friends. I am delighted with the profiles. It would
cost you more calculation than you will ever enter upon
to discover the one-hundredth part of the lines, or parts
of lines and curves, on which I shall rapturously specu-
late in these bits of paper. You know it is not my tem-
per to feel surprise or emotion on transition from one
extreme to another. I therefore passed from imprison-
ment to liberty with the same unconcern with which you
have sometimes observed me to take the air, after three
days voluntary confinement. But this may be more ex-
plicable from some daily notes I have kept for you since
my arrival at Lexington. Our ingenious Harding will
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DEATH. 289
not be a little surprised to learn from you, that after a
deprivation of liberty for fifty-three days, I was freed
from the treason case, on which I had been arrested at
Lexington, without arraignment, and shall probably get
clear of the misdemeanor case in the same way, by the
success of six similar points, which will be decided, I
expect to-morrow, by the court, in favor of Burr. So
you see I have little prospect of an opportunity to speak
in my own cases, especially as I am so well provided with
counsel. Still there is a chance of my being here put on
trial for the misdemeanor, or being involved in the issue
of a motion to send us to the Kentucky district for trial,
in either of which events I shall say something.
I have had two dollars worth of letters forwarded
from Philadelphia : first, from Ireland ; two from Mar-
tin, one telling me to inquire after an estate he thinks
has fallen to me of £6,000 a year, by the death of
Lord Ross, ci-devant Oxmantown, and Captain Jones,
in the West Indies, next to whom I stand in the entail.
I do not wish you to build at all on this intelligence,
though it is not at all improbable it may be realized.
Should that ever happen, in how many instances may our
gratitude do justice, in fact, to our dispositions. I hope
I shall within a week re-open the small credit our nar-
row funds will entitle us to in Philadelphia. Lewis has
already written to me, to say he will endeavor to have
every bill taken up his house had rejected, that he can
come at. I board with Major Smith, at a comfortable
house, as cheap as wc can, i. e., at seven dollars a week
each, but shall proceed to Marietta as soon as I am dis-
charged from the court, as I do not expect any attempt,
19
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290 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
if made for our transmissal to another district, will pre-
vail. Do, however, continue to write hither until dther-
wise advised.
I can add little more by this mail than to say, I am not
sufficiently satisfied you can so surely be healthy where
you are, in the fall, as if you were six or seven miles from
the river. Therefore, on the earliest threatening to your-
self or the boys of any autumnal attack, I entreat and
enjoin you to let nothing prevent your removal.
It would be impossible to enumerate all our excellent
and accomplished friends ; still more so to say the hun-
dredth part of what my gratitude would express to them
for their generous attention to you. You will acquit me
of this duty with every one of them as well as you can.
I wrote to Harding, who I hope will long enjoy his and
Winthrop's good health. Colonel and Mrs. Scott, Mrs.
Whittle, and friends, have, with many others, claims
upon my grateful regards that will never be obligated.
Your husband, Harman Blennerhassett.
P. 8. I will endeavor to execute so much of your wishes
as time and circumstances will permit.
To Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Richmond, Va., Oct. 1th, 1807
I write this by Col. MoKee, who leaves town to-day for
Natchez ; though, from occasional interruptions he expects
in his journey, you may not get it until after one or two
other letters of more advanced date may reach you by post.
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ANTICIPATION. 291
It will, however, serve to quiet your auxiety for my delay
in arriving at Natchez, as that pleasure must give way to
the control of contingencies I can not govern. This day
all the evidence is closed on the motion now before the
court, for our transmissal to Kentucky; the debates will
end, and the motion be refused, I have every reason to
believe, by Saturday ; but, in that event, I shall be de-
tained, three or four days, to put my demands on Col-
Burr on some footing of adjustment ; after which I pro-
pose to use all diligence I can to haste to Marietta, from
whence, I fear, I shall find great difficulty in effecting the
recovery and removal of the negroes. I can not teaze
you with particulars of my expectations ; I may have to
go to Philadelphia or South Carolina, and, possibly, not
be able to descend the river until after it shall break up in
the latter part of January. You must economize in the*
mean lime, and seek all the resources you can draw from
the friends who surround you. I will write again by
Tuesday's post; I have not cared to risk many letters, as
you see weekly by the papers, or must conclude, I am
every day before the court. I wish you to be very
reserved in all your communications, except with Hard-
ing, whom I wonder you have not mentioned in every
letter I received from you. I had none since Sunday's
mail, and since the news of our boy's sickness, by yours
of 25th August ; I am truly miserable in my alarms for
my Harman, whose situation, as well as your own, with
regard to the pain in your breast, I can see yon have im-
parted to me with reluctance and reserve.
Perhaps we shall yet enjoy ease and wealth, if Martin's
expectations of my succeeding to the estates of the late
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292 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
D. Harman, by tlie death of Lord Oxmantown, and Capt
Jones, shall be realized ; therefore, I only beseech Heaven
to inspire you with the same prospects of contentment
and delight with which I can enjoy the remainder of my
days in a cottage with you and our boys — God grant I
am warranted to add them. Assure Dr. S. of perfect
esteem and confidence in his talents and learning, and
cultivate the opportunities of his closest attendance upon
yourself and the boys. I have no news by (his opportunity;
it is uncertain and precarious. Adieu !
Harman Blennerhassett.
P. S. I hope Harding has not missed hearing that J.
S. Lewis, in his individual capacity, will honor bills,
drawn for your necessities, to the amount of $500.
Devereaux to Blennerhassett.
Baltimore, Oct. 12th, 1807.
My dearest Friend: — I know you must think it
strange at not having heard from me since your arrival
in Richmond, and I am sure you must think it untimely
in bidding you now farewell, to give only this paltry
proof of my most affectionate regard and friendship ; yes,
my dear Blennerhassett, my thoughts have been con-
stantly occupied in reflecting on those poignant and try-
ing afflictions, with which it has pleased a cruel destiny
to overwhelm you, and for which I feel, not • as the gen-
eral run of mankind, but as one, I may say without
vanity, not unworthy to participate, as I really and sin-
cerely do, in your griefs. How often have I thought of
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TO HIS WIFE. 298
Mrs. Blennerhassett ; I feel so much for your misfortunes
that I durst not glance at the cause of them. I am now
on the eve of embarking for our loved and native country ;
I go by the way of England, for the more safety. Per-
mission was granted me, by the last administration, to
return for a twelvemonth, and I now take advantage of
it in the hope of recovering my former estate, which, if
I should, I may not only be a very independent, but a
rich man in this country. Should I succeed, my friend —
of which there is but little doubt — you and your estima-
ble lady shall find by my actions, instead of words, what
I truly and sincerely feel toward you both. In the mean
time, I have made a friend for you, who offers to come
forward in a pecuniary point of view, if necessary. The
person is Mr. Pierce Butler, of Philadelphia, a noble-
minded countryman of ours, with whom you need feel no
scruple in calling upon in this way. The offer came, un-
solicited, from himself, and he requested me to mention
it to you. As I can not, unfortunately, at present, do
more, I have nothing more to say, and conclude, my dear
friend, with an affectionate remembrance to Mrs. Blen-
nerhassett,
Tour truly attached and unalterable friend,
J. Devereux.
Habhan Blbnnbbhassett, Esq.
To Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Richmond, Va., Oct. 19th, 1807.
This day's mail, my beloved, brought me your double
letter from Natchez, and Col. Ellis's, of the 3d and 8th
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ult., though I see, by the Washington postmark, it did
not leave that office before the 15th. You have not, I
find, been spared by the climate. Well, I trust in the
favor of Heaven for the full re-establishment of your
health, through the same mercy to me that has granted
your recovery. My misery has been severe, from not
having heard from you for three weeks back. During
my anxiety for the cause of my disappointment, I attrib-
uted the latter to a relapse of Harman's sickness, which
much distressed me. There is certainly a Providence
which ordains, in compassion of our weaknesses, that we
shall sometimes dread calamities far less than that it is
pleased to conceal from us. But why do you permit your
concern for me to weaken your strength or deject your
spirits ? you might conclude from the papers, the worst
that can befall me is the loss of three or four months'
detention from you. To-morrow, I expect we will all be
discharged ; after which nothing shall retard my return
to you, but the care I must give to your property and
affairs. Why fret about what you regard without due
consideration, the disappointment of that confidence yon
have heedlessly placed in mankind? What claim could
your merits have upon the envy of upstarts ? Is not the
sincere attachment of two or three friends of more value
than the momentary and lying attentions of the crowd ?
But why dwell as you do upon the Island ? Have you
forgotten Marietta and Wood county, or can you regen-
erate them? or, if we should succeed to £6,000 or £7,000
a year, by the decease of Lord Oxmantown, etc., would
you bury it with ourselves on the Island ? Compose your-
self, therefore, till we meet, if it should not be these six
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. FRIENDSHIP PROVEN. 295
months; if we should still prefer a cabin near Fort
Adams, but six miles from the Mississippi swamp, where
none of us, please God, need fear to encounter the climate.
I rejoice to learn that you find a new friend to replace
some old ones, who have not stood the test. If H. has
not sunk the man in the merchant, he will prove a
brilliant exception to Harding's rule, pronounced against
the influence of mercantile habits and obscure birth. It
will be no consideration with hiiri, that we may yet draw
for his indemnity upon other funds than our grateful
hearts. Harding's own rule will preserve him steadfast ;
but you should not mention to any living person the
pecuniary prospects opened to us, were it only the better
to enable us to prove the hearts of others, but also be-
cause it may not be realized.
It will not surprise you to learn that I have had unsolicit-
ed offers of horses and money, which I have declined. No
less than three Irishmen have come forward in this way ;
namely, Jas. O'Hennessey, a Kerry-man, who never spoke
to me until he rode hither, 105 miles to see me ; Mr. Pat.
Hendren, a lawyer, in easy circumstances, settled thirty
miles from hence ; and Mr. Pierce Butler, whom I have
never seen, who resides in Philadelphia, is very wealthy,
and has made an unlimited offer through D . Mr.
Chevallter lent me $1,000 to-day, to send to a negro sale,
which I have not used, and shall return untouched ; and,
while I was confined in the Penitentiary, General H. Lee
offered me similar aid through a friend. Thus we find a
few choice spirits to .compensate for the inconstancy of
false friends. May they reconcile us to the world.
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296 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
#
I have only written one letter by mail since I left the
Penitentiary. I missed two post-days through my attend-
ance on the court, or some other unavoidable occupation ;
but I confided two letters for you to private conveyance,
by Strickland and Col. McKee ; if you have not already
discontinued writing to me at this place, you will do so
from the time this reaches you. I shall possibly go to
Baltimore and Philadelphia before I see the Ohio ; if so,
I shall accompany Burr to one or the other, in a day or
two. I forbear to trouble you with my motives until I
can impart the result.
Our long-protracted contest with the Government has
blasted Wilkinson's fame and credit, never to be revived,
though the investigations may not exhibit Burr's charac-
ter or designs unequivocally immaculate. But my name
has so regularly met your eye in the papers weekly, that'
it was unnecessary to detail particulars ; you would, of
course, conclude I was daily present in court. As to my
health, I never enjoyed better ; though I had two or three
slight illnesses while in confinement, I have since recov-
ered much more flesh than I lost there.
Tuesday, 20th. — Since writing the above, yesterday
evening, I had a pretty long consultation with Burr, the
result of which is a more probable conjecture that I shall
go to Philadelphia with him, to try his success there in
raising some money for me. I will write frequently to
advise you of my movements. I have no words to ex-
press my feelings for Kitty Perry's kindness. I hope we
shall ever retain her attachment.
Tour husband, If. Blennerhassbtt.
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MEN OF TALENT. 297
For various reasons, which it is not necessary here to
enumerate, the trials of Burr, Blennerhassett, Dayton,
John Smith of Ohio, Comfort Tyler, Israel Smith of New
York, and Davis Floyd, were postponed, from time to time,
until the third of August. From the fifth until the seven-
teenth of the month, the court was engaged in obtaining a
jury for the trial of Burr, and discussing points of law.
Never before, in the history of the country, was wit-
nessed so grand a display of legal acumen and forensic
talent. Upon the bench sat the venerated Marshall, spot-
less in purity, and, for soundness of judgment, without
an equal. Calm, dignified, and attentive, he analyzed the
arguments of counsel, and noted their relevancy with the
nicety of a critic. At the bar was Wirt, whose fervid and
soul-thrilling eloquence, even on this very trial, placed
' him at once among the first of American orators. With
a brilliancy of imagination which startled his auditors,
he swayed the minds of the jury with wonderful effect.
There, too, was Martin, who had been previously distin-
guished, in the trial of Judge Chase, before the United
States Senate. Every word that he uttered, like a two-
edged sword, pierced the arguments of his opponents at
every point. There was Hay ; always ready to take ad-
vantage of suspicious circumstances, and wield them,
with tenfold force, against the prisoner. There was Ran-
dolph,— slow, calculating, and careful; building up the
vulnerable points of his case against the attacks of his
adversaries. There was Botts, — facetious and playful;
sometimes descending to the ludicrous, but often rising,
with convincing argument, to the grand. There was
Wickham, — dignified and commanding; taking up his
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298 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
subject with a master hand, and holding it to view, in
every conceivable light. And there, too, was Burr, —
proudly pre-eminent, in point of intelligence, to his breth-
ren of the bar. He had been the Vice-President of the
United States. He was accused of the highest and dark-
est crime in the criminal code. He stood before the su-
preme tribunal of his country, with the eyes of the
nation gazing upon him. In the opinion of many, he
was already condemned. He had the talent and tact,
and the resources of the government, to contend against.
Every faculty of his mind was exerted in his own defense.
The magnitude of the charge ; the number of persons in-
volved; the former high standing and extraordinary
fortunes of the accused, had excited an interest in the
community, such as never before had been known. The
witnesses against him were mostly officers of the Govern-
ment, with whom, at one time or another, he had been in
some way connected.
For twenty-six days, the court was arduously engaged in
the investigation of the offense. The evidence of sixty wit-
nesses had to be examined and noted. Meanwhile, there
being no suitable quarters in the city, Burr was confined
in the Penitentiary, in the suburbs of Richmond. Every
day he was marched into court, on foot, escorted by a body-
guard of two hundred men, which would have done honor
to an eastern prince. On the first of September, the jury
returned a verdicts" that Aaron Burr is not proved to
be guilty, under the indictment, by any evidence submitted
to us ; we, therefore, find him not guilty." Burr objected
to the verdict, as being incorrect in point of form, and
asked that the same might be given in the usual way —
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NOT GUILTY. 299
simply, " Not Guilty." Mr. Hay answered, that, in fact
it was a verdict of acquittal ; and that it should be en-
tered in the jury's own words.
"There was no precise form of words by which the
jury should be governed."
" They have no right to return a written verdict at
all," replied Burr ; " they have no right to depart from
the usual form." He then called for the recital of the
common directions given the jury by the clerk. They
were read, and end as follows:
"If you find him guilty, you are to say so: if not
guilty, you are to say so, and no more."
" The jury can not be indulged," said Burr. " They
have defaced a paper belonging to the court, by writing
upon it words which they have no right to write. They
ought to be sent back." After a short consultation, it
was agreed that the simple verdict of "Not Guilty"
might be entered on the records of the court.
On the ninth of September, Burr was again arraigned,
upon an indictment for a misdemeanor, which consisted
of seven counts ; the substance of which was, that Aaron
Burr did set on foot a military enterprise, to be carried
on against the territory of a foreign prince, viz., the prov-
ince of Mexico, which was within the territory of the King
of Spain, with whom the United States were at peace.
After the prosecution had examined some of their wit-
nesses, and the court had decided that the testimony of
others was not relevant, the District Attorney made a
motion to discharge the jury. To this motion Burr
objected ; insisting upon a verdict. This was on the fif
teenth of the month. The court, being of opinion that
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800 THE BLENNERHASSKTT PAPERS.
the jury could not, in this stage of the case, be discharged,
without the consent of the accused, accordingly retired,
and very soon returned with a verdict of " Not Guilty"
To Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Richmond, Va., Oct. 22rf, 1807.
Ashley offers a desirable opportunity of informing you
of the effect of the final order of the court here, which
is, that Burr and myself are to be tried at Chillicothe, on
the first Monday in next January, for a misdemeanor. I
speak of the effect, because it is generally understood the
Government will drop all further proceedings. The judge
has given this as his private opinion off the bench. Hay
has expressed the same belief; and all further ideas of
prosecuting for treason must be at an end, as the judge,
in giving his opinion yesterday, declared no ground was
laid before him, by the evidence, to entertain a suspicion
of an overt act, having been committed, which was essen-
tial in making out the charge, though he thought proof
enough had been exhibited of a treasonable design. It is
therefore probable the recognizance I entered into yester-
day with Doctor Commins and Major Smith, my securi-
ties for my appearance at Chillicothe, will in the end be
of no other use than to enlarge the records of the court.
Thus, you perceive, I shall probably never again be a
prisoner, and will not be prevented from descending the
river, before it closes, if I do not learn, by intelligence
expected from the President the day after to-morrow,
through the Attorney-general, that Government intends
to abandon all further proceedings against us.
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CALCULATIONS. 801
I think I shall go with " B." from hence, on Saturday,
for Philadelphia, four days journey thither, and a stay of
three or four days there will leave me a full month for
my journey to Marietta, the transacting of whatever busi-
ness I can finish in that quarter, and getting under way
afloat.
I will write a line, through the Federal city, to apprise
you of my freedom from further probable molestation
by Government, or obstruction in my journey to Natchez,
where I hope to arrive, not far from New- Year's day.
One way or the other, I am very anxious this informa-
tion should reach you before you misconstrue or brood
upon the statements you see in the papers of A. Burr and
myself, being here committed, or sent off to Ohio. My
chief object in going to Philadelphia is, to arrange my
pecuniary demands upon A. B., though only in the pros-
pect of securing them, and to raise by the friendships of
Mr. Butler, or Joe Lewis, as much cash as will enable me
to purchase a dozen slaves, whose hire or labor may give
us subsistence until we learn the result of our expecta-
tions from Ireland, and support our independence after
they may fail. I will dispatch my letter through the
Federal city this evening, but will not close this before
to-morrow, to collect further intelligence for you.
All friends of the Chief Justice here are as much dissat-
isfied with his opinion yesterday as Government has
been with all his former decisions. He is a good man,
and an able lawyer, but timid and yielding under the
fear of the multitude, led, as it were, by the vindictive
spirit of the party in power. But you will console your-
self in the assurance of my wanting nothing, through the
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THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
support of many friends.* And should my obligations,
under my recognizance, prevent my return to you, .as I
had hoped above, you must yet weather it out, without
attempting a voyage or a journey which, instead of
hastening our meeting, would possibly, at this season,
prevent it forever, in this world.
October 23d. — I shall be off to-morrow or next day,
with Dr. Commins, etc. He and myself are endeavoring
to procure some negroes in partnership, upon part credit,
but I can't answer for our success. I have no hopes of
learning here, as I expected, the designs of J. ; but if
they are hostile, I shall find means of effecting my
wishes, of which I have little doubt. Endeavor with
Capt. P. to procure us a lodging in his neighborhood;
it may be very convenient. You will hereafter learn the
motives of this suggestion, but I shall write more fully
from Philadelphia.
Saturday, 24*A. — I leave this at 6 o'clock to-morrow
morning, in company with Dr. Commins ; Burr and L.
Martin followed next day. I shall stop a day at the
Federal city, to learn the disposition of Government,
where I have no doubt I shall obtain a release from all
further demands upon me in a criminal way ; but, if I am
not certified of this, I shall not yet be bereft of resources
to meet and indemnify you, in as reasonable a space of
time as you should expect. I have more to do to-night
than will give me half sleep. Farewell! I will write
from Philadelphia, if not sooner.
Your faithful husband, Har. Blennerhassett.
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PRIVATE JOURNAL. 803
CHAPTER XIII.
[Blennerhassett's Private Journal) kept during the trial, wherein are
minutely narrated the incidents which occurred from the time of his
arrest, in Kentucky, until his discharge at Richmond.]
Richmond, Va., Aug. ith9 1807.
We aet out as usual from Scottsville before day, rode
twelve miles to breakfast, then proceeded to T 's,
eight miles on our way, where we rested one hour in ex-
cessive heat; afterward, proceeded to Richmond, where
we arrived at forty-live minutes past 2, P. M. Distance
from Lexington, 564 miles. Prom T 's, Mr. Meade
sent a note to Major Scott, the federal Marshal for the
district of Virginia, to inform him of our approach. We
traveled this last stage as usual, until we got within
three-quarters of a mile of Manchester, where Mr. Meade
left us, at a turnpike gate, and rode oft* at a quick pace.
Now Capt. took the command of the party, and
said to me that it would be proper to observe some order ;
to which I answered, I had no objection. He then ordered
Mr. Morton, the High Sheriff of Kentucky, and Mr. Wil-
lis Morgan, to form a file in front, Mr. McCally and Mr.
David Todd to form another in the rear, directing me to
ride single between the files, while he took his station in
front of the whole ; in this order he led the escort with
the prisoner, in an easy walk, under a broiling sun, over
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304 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
a road in which I was almost suffocated by the dust,
owing to a long drought with which the country seemed
to have been affected, and a smart breeze in our rear.
During this embarrassment I called to the gentlemen in
front of me to observe, " that I supposed it was not neces-
sary those in the rear should ride so close to me." They
did so, probably, from the Captain's having used the
words " close order " in forming the procession. Those
in front, however, Mr. Morton, or Mr. Morgan, answered
me in the negative ; upon which the rear file fell back a
few paces. We continued still in the same order, in which
I endeavored to keep my station, as was assigned me, as
nearly as possible, until we drew near to M bridge,
over James river, when the Captain left his station in the
front and rode back to the rear, I suppose to order them
to ride closer up, for they immediately afterward did so.
We now reached the bridge, on which the Captain shook
hands with Col. Meyo, en passant, and telling him one of
the gentlemen in the rear would pay the toll, which Mr.
Todd did very expeditiously, without much deviation
from his station. We proceeded at the same gait, until
we entered the Main-street, commonly called the Brick-
row, where I was disappointed to see no particular notice
taken of the party, except by a little boy, who called out
to some of his comrades, " O, see the troop of horse, but
they have forgot their colors ! " The walking gait was
still preserved until we got in sight of the Washington
tavern, when the Captain was pleased to trot up to the
house, in which pace we followed him as closely as possi-
ble. On alighting from my horse, I was welcomed by
Mr. Meade, in the presence of many gentlemen standing
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OLD FRIENDS. 805
in the portico. He then asked me to go tip stairs, ordered
dinner, etc., after which he delivered me into the custody
of the Deputy Marshal of the Virginia district, by whom
I was conducted in a carriage to the Penitentiary, Mr.
Meade and the Captain accompanying me. In the even-
ing I was visited by Mr. Alston, Mr. Mercer and Mr.
Randolph ; the latter having obligingly tendered me his
services and advice as a lawyer. Here my apartments
are large and convenient, but very warm, from the hight
of the windows preventing a free admission of air. The
Deputy Marshal, on taking charge of me, read a warrant
by Judge Marshall, but refused to leave it, or a copy,
with me.
Wednesday, August 5, 1807.
I slept until 7 o'clock ; had a light breakfast this morn-
ing from the tavern ; hired a servant at $13 a month, by
the week, he finding himself; was visited by Mr. Julian
Dandridge, with whom I used to assist here, seven years
ago, at the Harmonic Society ; by Prichard, the book-
seller, whose hospitality I remember then to have re-
ceived, and who tendered me his best services, reminding
me of some pecuniary accommodation I had conferred
upon him, which I had forgotten. Visited again by Mr.
Alston, who brought me a letter from Col. Burr ; also, by
Dudley Woodbridge, jun., Edmond Dana, with letters from
Miller and Col. Cushing, by Mr. John Banks, who re-
minded me of my gold chronometer in his possession, and
hy Mr. Craughton, who conferred great civilities on me
neven years ago at Fredericksburg, and now warmly ten-
dered me his best services. Mr. Alston repeated orally
20
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306 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
to me the necessity Col. Burr observed in his letter for
my employing counsel, as the only proper intermedium
of our communications. I assured him I was very de-
sirous of such aid, but was determined not to strengthen
my defense, however disastrous the issue of it might
prove, by drawing from the exigencies and sympathies of
my family a single dollar to defray its charges. He still
urged "me to write a few lines to Mr. Botts, which I did.
stating that I was solicitous of the aid of Mr. B.'s talents
on terms I wished to propose to him in person. On Mr.
B.'s appearance soon after in my room, I stated to him
that Col. Burr and Mr. Alston had expressed a desire
that I would employ him, though they were apprised of
my determination uot to spend a dollar on my defense,
being a resolution the exigencies of my family imposed
upon me, but Mr. Alston having assured me Col. Burr
would arrange the matter with Mr. Botts, I wished Mr.
B. to believe I should regard the aid of his talents on my
trial as most beneficial to my interests, and flattering to
my wishes. Mr. B. handsomely replied to me, by assuring
me that he would think it dishonorable to withhold his
professional aid from my inability to make him a pe-
cuniary compensation. I returned, that from the state
of my affairs that inability would probably be permanent,
and again referred him to the contingency of Col. Burr's
or Mr. Alston's remunerating him on my account, as well
as on Col. Burr's, as it was in this view, and at their
special instance I had given him the trouble of calling
upon me, though I could sincerely assure him that, were I
in circumstances to remunerate him in a degree propor-
tional to the sense I entertained of his talents, etc., he
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IN PRISON. 807
would be one of the first counsel I should employ. Mr.
B. seemed perfectly satisfied, and was pleased to say he
would, with my leave, bring Mr. Wickham to see me,
who, he was sure, would be happy to assist me in the
same way with himself. I thanked this generous and
enlightened stranger with all that awkward embarrass-
ment with which the impetuosity of gratitude suffused
my countenance, making every pore of my face an outlet
to the flow of my heart, which found too narrow an issue
at my mouth. It will soon appear how necessary it was
to explain the occasion and manner of my interview with
Mr. B. I took this opportunity to observe to Mr. Botts,
that Mr. Edmond Randolph had last evening called upon
me, and obligingly tendered his advice, by which I said I
could not presume to suppose Mr. R. meant I should con-
sider him as my counsel, gratuitously engaged to defend
me on my trial. Mr. Botts was in the act of taking leave
when I made this remark to him, which prevented my
distinctly understanding his reply. I was visited this
evening by my Lexington escort, en masse, who took the
opportunity to inspect the building and the armory, took
their grog, and then took leave. Morton, who arrested
me so rudely, while engaged in conversation with Mrs.
Jourdan, and Miss Van P 1, at Lexington, endeavored,
by the most assiduous attentions on the road, to repair
that outrage, and now, I thought, exhibited in his coun-
tenance every concern for my situation. I find I have
every liberty allowed me but that of passing from under
this roof by day, or out of my room by night, the door
being locked upon me at 8 o'clock, and opened at sunrise.
I have got a supply of groceries and liquors ; my dinner
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308
THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
is furnished by the tavern, and I have every prospect of
living well. This evening I have inclosed various papers
to Mr. Alston, showing him how my property has been
sacrificed on the Ohio, and praying his aid to recover it
for my children, by virtue of his responsibility for my
indorsement of Col. Burr's protested bills. Continued
my labors to comfort my poor wife, by another page of a
close written letter, and went to bed at midnight.
Thursday, August 6, 1807.
Woke this morning with severe headache and general
lassitude ; took a little breakfast, with no appetite. At
10, A. M., took a small dose of medicine; repeated at
noon ; had a long conversation with Alston, in which he
expressed great concern for the embarrassments occa-
sioned me by my indorsements of the bills; declaring
that, for my sake, he would do any thing in his power,
observing, however, that it was impracticable to raise
money in South Carolina by sale or mortgage of lands ;
that through his anxiety to have all the protested bills
taken up, he now had a friend employed in this town,
endeavoring to- raise as much money as would cover all
the demands ; that I shall learn the result to-day or to-
morrow, which, if successful, would remove all difficul-
ties. I proposed to him an alienation to me on some of
the holders ©f the bills of some negroes to be sold at
Natchez, where, I suggested, he might avail himself of
the advance they would fetch upon their vallie in Caro-
lina, and by that means he would probably sink half the
demands upon him; but after some consideration, he
stated the value of slaves in Carolina full as high as it is
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HIGGLING. 809
at Natchez; and at last observed, that bis estates needed
mare slaves for their cultivation than he owned. He
offered, however, to assume all the demands upon me, if
the creditors will accept one-half, payable with interest,
next January twelvemonth; the other half, etc., the
January following. But my children's property is, and
will be, irrevocably sacrificed in the mean time.
Quicquid delirant Reget plectuntur Achiri.
Mr. A. next referred to a memorandum he had in his
pocket of some inquiries to be made of me on the part of
Col. Burr, of which two are remarkable: first, had I
written, or would I write, to Emmett, to come to the
trial ? second, in what instance did I intend, when I ob-
served to Mr. Edm. Randolph, that " Col. Burr had
sometimes been too cautious ; sometimes, too little so ? "
To the first I answered, " that I had no doubt Emmett's
friendship for me would bring him hither to assist in my
defense, if he thought I stood in need of him ; but as I
was, on the one hand, determined to expend no money in
my own defense, I was, on the other, equally averse to
bringing my friend on a journey from his large family, or
withdrawing his industry from that harvest on which
alone that family depended for their support ; but could
I engage Mr. Emmett at a suitable compensation, I would
write to him forthwith." Mr. A. said, "his expenses
should be paid." I replied, I .could not say what Mr.
Emmett might understand by the term expenses ; but I
was sure he would never hand in an account of his
tavern-bills or traveling charges. I must, therefore, at
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810 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
present, decline to disturb him. Mr. A. was now led by
some association of ideas to remark, that Messrs. Randolph
and Botts had signified to Col. Burr or himself, that, when
they offered their professional services to me, I seemed
rather to desire to decline them, or consider them as in-
trusive. This evening, Mr. Botts brought Mr. Wickham
to my room, when I asked Mr. Botts " if he understood
me in the sense Mr. Alston said he did ? " On the con-
trary, Mr. Botts declared he did not ; nor did he think
Mr. Randolph did. Mr. Wickham added a few words in
compliment of my candor, and said all three considered
themselves voluntarily engaged, without any expectation
of pecuniary compensation from me. In answer to the
second inquiry, I informed Mr. Alston that in making
use of the expressions reported to Col. Burr by Mr. Ran-
dolph, I alluded to no particular instances, but could
easily cite some. I then instanced the confidence reposed
by Mr. Burr in General Wilkinson, on which Col. Burr
had known my opinion long since, and the committal of
himself to Col. Morgan and sons, both as examples of
defect of caution on his part, and was proceeding with
equal ease to call up errors of an opposite nature (God
knows, I know a hundred, both ways), when I was stop-
ped by Mr. A/s shaking his head, expressing his assent
to my remarks on Wilkinson, and interrupting me by
Haying: "Mrs. Blennerhassett had good reason for her
opinion of Col. Morgan.* I was the less scrupulous to
enter explicitly upon these explanations for the satisfac-
tion of Col. Burr and Mr. A., because I did not feel that
Col. Burr had ever suffered as yet from any avoidable
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"serpent's tooth." 811
indiscretion of mine ; though I was likely to do so far
more than I had done already by his errors. I suspected
that he had sent Mr. Edm. Randolph to deliver me a lec-
ture on caution ; and, above all, I should, least of all ex-
amples I could imagine, wish to emulate the caution Mr.
A. has exhibited to the world. Him, therefore, I re-
garded as the most improper organ of Col. Burr's wishes ;
nor was I yet without another motive. I had occasion to
inform Mr. A., when on the subject of the protested bills,
that Mr. Barton, who had had an interview here with
Col. Burr on that business, informed me at Lexington
that Col. Burr told him I was a bankrupt, not worth a
dollar, or other words fully of the same import, which 4
Mr. Barton protested he would, at any time or place,
repeat and support. Bankrupt ! Hah ! Who made me
so? O God of retributive justice! That Col. Burr also
declared to him that he did not believe Mr. Alston had
executed any writing by which he, Alston, could be bound
to me. What ! did his memory, perhaps the most ener-
getic of all his talents, here lose its polish by the abrasion
of his own calamities? Did he forget that he himself
drafted that very paper, after having considered another
which Mr. A. had written as insufficient ? But Mr. Bar-
ton has shown him a copy of the original, and he has
probably recognized his own composition.
Received some visits this evening; could get no tea,
because Mr. Douglas, the keeper, and Harwood, one of
his assistants, were out, and another turnkey, with whom
I had not yet got acquainted, would lock me up at night-
fall. Headache still continued. I went to bed about 10,
being unable to write.
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812 the blenherhassett papers.
Friday, August 7, 1807.
"Was visited by Mr. Mercer, who staid nearly one hour
with me ; begged, on the part of a lady unknown to me,
who did not wish to have her name mentioned, I would ac-
cept of soups and jellies from her, if they were desired by
my appetite or state of health. I told Mr. M. my grati-
tude impelled me to take a liberty with the lady, which I
hoped her goodness would pardon. It was to engrave
her name on the tablets of my heart, and enable my
family to consecrate it in their regards. He then men-
tioned Mrs. Carrington. I prayed him to offer, in his
own manner, a more just return of my sentiments than I
could express. Soon after, Mr, Ormsby, of Louisville,
Kentucky, called upon me to show me a letter signed
H. L., directed to him by General Henry Lee, stating that
he understood H. B., meaning myself, was friendless in
this place, and tendering with warmth any services I
might stand in need of. This offer I declined, charging
Mr. 0. with a suitable verbal answer of grateful acknowl-
edgments to the General, of whom Mr. O. cautioned me
to beware in case of any dealing with him, at the same
time acquainting me that the character of the General
was, as I had long before been apprised, that of a man
c < iii ally violent in his friendships and his enmities. From
the numerous instances of a violation of private confi-
dence and public faith that have of late disgraced the
Government and the country, by liberties that have been
taken or permitted at the Post-offices, I procured, through
the friendship of Mr. Mercer, the means of sending my
letters and receiving those from my wife, through B.
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INDIGNANT. 318
Taylor, Esq., attorney at law, Alexandria. Closed a long
letter to my wife, begun as long ago as Tuesday evening,
on my arrival in this place. Began to brief my case for
my counsel, of which I finished first folio. Have not
seen or heard from Mr. Alston, or Col. Burr, to-day.
Received the papers, and continued this journal until past
midnight
Saturday, August 8, 1807.
Overslept myself this morning. Spent more time than
I could well spare in getting combed and shaved. Read
the papers, the Federal one stating that they learn my
arrival here ; that I speak confidently of my innocence,
and desire a speedy investigation. Those on the other
side, dropping the "Mister," mention my name in con-
formity to the style of the President; and his Wood
county myrmidons insinuate that I was caught, as it
were, fortunately in Kentucky, from which I was brought
hither under guard, meaning, no doubt, like a felon or
convict, as I should be. For to-day, my only visitor was
Mr. Hendren, a lawyer, who resides in Charles City
county, and has generously ottered to come to town, and
live at his own expense, whenever I will permit him to
serve me. Mr. H. repeated assurances, which had before
been made to me by Mr. John Banks and Mr. Ormsby,
that the jury, not only so far ms that part of the panel
that was returned from Wood county, but all the rest
that completed it, from the body of the state, was grossly
packed, with the exception of not more than two or three ;
that Col. Burr and myself could not be too much on our
guard, for he was persuaded that every Democrat, to a
man, now in this town, was thirsting for our blood, and
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814 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
"John Jourdan," who has returned here to-day from
Wood county, has told me this evening he has brought
with him ample evidence of the most damning manoeu-
vres and intrigues that have been practiced in that quar-
ter. Say, Thos. Jefferson ! thou philanthropic messenger
of peace and liberty to this favored country ! under thy
administration, are these things unknown to thy tender
heart, or are they the unhallowed doings of thy worthy
and industrious partisans, to overcharge or adorn the can-
vass already burdened with the splendor of thy renown ?
The papers will inform my friends of the. progress and
conduct of the trial of A. Burr ; but perhaps they may
learn only from these notes, that the issue of it, whether
it prove serious or comical, will be the product of error
in the grand jury that found the treason bills; for two of
the most respectable and influential of that body, since it
has been discharged, have declared they mistook the
meaning of Chief Justice Marshall's opinion as to what
sort of acts amounted to treason in this country, in the
case of Swartwout and Ogden ; that it was under the in-
fluence of this mistake they concurred in finding such a
bill against A. Burr, which otherwise would have prob-
ably been ignored. I am well to-day, and had a keen
appetite at dinner ; soon after which, Jourdan stepped in,
but with no particular ne\vs regarding my affairs on the
Ohio. Saw Robinson and Mr. Simpson summoned with
him, on the part of Col. Burr.
Sunday, August 9, 1807.
Visited by Prichard, at 9 o'clock, A. M. He stayed
folly two hours, during which he confirmed many former
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VEXATIOUS DELAY. 315
accounts given me of the meanness and cowardice of Jef-
ferson's Attorney General, George Hay, whose insolence
to poor Prichard, some years ago, occasioned P. to throw
a plate at his head, which terminated the affair, and kept
Mr. Attorney, ever after, within the hounds of civility.
P. informed me, negroes now sell in this place at the
same prices they could be bought at wheu I was here
before, seven years ago. He has offered to get me a
woman, aged about thirty years, with two sons, twelve
and eight years old, belonging to his sister-in-law, for
|500. Eh ! Mr. Alston, are negroes so much lower here
than in South Carolina ? He has also promised to get
me Molly's three children, two girls and a boy, if the
owners will part with them, upon like reasonable terms —
as he thinks they will. After P. left me, I continued the
briefing of my case for my counsel, and completed the
third folio. If the prosecutors attempt again, to-morrow,
to put off the trial to a fourth adjournment, I shall not
think it unwarrantable to begin to suspect they fear to
advance upon the ground they 've taken, lest the mines
of Mexico, or of Tartarus, be sprung upon them. This
suspicion seems to be somewhat countenanced by the cir-
cumstance of their being correctly informed of the places
where General Dayton has been for several days, and
will continue, near this town, without the Marshal, who
is certainly a vicious partisan, having yet made any
attempt to disturb him ; while the once redoubted Eaton *
has dwindled down in the eyes of this sarcastic town,
into a ridiculous mountebank, strutting about the streets,
* American Consul at Tunis.
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316 THE BLENNBRHASSBTT PAPERS.
under a tremendous hat, with a Turkish sash over colored
clothes, when he is not tippling in the taverns, where he
offers up with his libations the bitter effusions of his
sorrows, in audibly bewailing to the sympathies of the
bystanders — " that he is despised by the Federalists, mis-
trusted by the Democrats, and heu ! too long for his fame,
"too long for his purse," uQais talia fando temper et a
lachrymis"
General Dayton, however, I hear, will offer himself up
to-morrow, or the next day, and will therefore live rent-
free like myself, for some time ; but how far reasons of
State may prevent my partaking of his society here, I can
not yet tell. It is | now 11 o'clock, P. M. I will walk
about for some time with a fan, and then endeavor to
slteep, to preserve my strength and appetite.
Monday, August 10, 1807.
Rose at 6, A. M., dressed, and walked until 8. Had a
call from Col. Q r, a violent Democrat, who calls
every one "Tory" that is not of his own party, and
talked a great deal about ruining England in the expected
war with the United States. D. Woodbridge stepped in
while I was at breakfast, and returned me in frames the
two drawings presented me by Miss Vanpool at C ,
Col. Meade's place, near Lexington, the day I left that
town under guard for this city. After Q r took leave,
D. Woodbridge informed me, he was told some time since
by Col. Morgan, a subpoena had actually been dispatched,
a fortnight past, to Natchez for my wife, and he heard
somebody say last evening, General Wilkinson had assert-
ed the same thing. I immediately addressed a letter to
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IN COURT. 817
Messrs. Randolph, Wickham and Botts, stating this in-
telligence, and appealing to their feelings to vindicate,
from this outrage of party, the rights of a wife and the
fundamental principles of law and justice. Mr. Mercer
called in as I was folding up the letter, and kindly took
upon himself the charge of delivering it for me, as well
as of inquiring at the Post-office for any letters he could
bring me from thence.
I had but half finished the last sentence but one, when
I heard the voices of strangers coming up stairs, and Mr.
Douglas entered my room with one of the Deputy Mar-
. shals, to invite me to take an airing, that is, to attend the
court. I was ready in three minutes, and on reaching
the outside gate, perceived a carriage and two horse-
guards in waiting. I stepped in, found the air and exer-
cise very agreeable ; was told by the way, I should have
the trouble to pass through a large crowd, to which I
answered, " I was indifferent," and soon arrived at the
capitol, where, without doors, I did not perceive near as
many people as I expected; within, the court is held in
the Hall of the Assembly, which is spacious and hand-
some, and was pretty full at my entrance. I was first led
by the Deputy Marshal below the bar; soon after, some-
body else invited me to walk within it, pointing to a
bench ; and again, I was directed to walk to the opposite
side, directly in front of the Chief Justice's seat, where I
sat down near a table at which Col. Burr's counsel sit.
The court was not yet opened ; I was soon accosted, suc-
cessively, by Messrs. Randolph, Wickham and Botts, who
all inquired, what occasioned my appearance in court ; I
said I was ignorant, but supposed for arraignment. The
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318 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
counsel did not know I had been furnished three days
ago with a copy of the indictment ; but I told them I had
not yet received a list of the witnesses that might be
called to testify against me, which I submitted to them,
whether I was entitled to before arraignment. I then
entered into a conversation, upon a hint from him in
French, with Mr. Wickham, who, upon a first address to
a stranger, possessed a talent of infusing into his manner
an air of ease and friendly interest, that is truly adapted
at once to engage the hearts of his acquaintance. Some
considerable time after the court opened, it was engaged
in a desultory way, with applications from jurors to be
excused from serving on the trial of A. Burr, on various
grounds, and excused. During such occupation, Col.
Burr entered ; came over to that side where I was, shook
me by the hand, and smilingly said, he was extremely
glad to see me indeed. Observe, I had not before heard
from him since Thursday. The prosecuting counsel
seemed occupied with those of the defendant, A. Burr, in
completing those lists of the witnesses, with the places
of their abode, and agreeing upon some form of an ac-
knowledgment to be made by A. B., that he had been
duly served with the same, for which the court was pa-
tiently waiting, when Mr. Hay coolly observed, " that it
might, in the mean time, be as well to arraign Mr. Blen-
nerhassett ; " to which Mr. Botts objected, for want of
preparation by me and my counsel. Mr. Hay replied,
that if it was not done to-day, a great deal of time would
be lost. Mr. B. said he could not help it, it would be im-
proper; on which Mr. Hay returned, " that I might then
be remanded," which I soon after solicited, from the
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MR. THOMPSON. 819
warmth of the place and a wish to get back to my writ-
ing. I therefore left the court, having bowed to the
bench, under charge of another Deputy Marshal, and
another gentleman, with whom I returned hither on foot,
much heated by the walk, about fifteen minutes past 2.
Saw and saluted many faces on leaving the court ; among
them, ¥m. Lewis, who appeared glad to see me, and in-
quired particularly for my family ; also, David Wallace,
who arrived yesterday. Dined with less appetite than I
had yesterday ; oppressed in the evening by the heat of
the weather; tried to get cool, by walking and fanning,
but was so weak I was obliged to lie down on the floor,
where I slept, I know not how long, until I was awak-
ened by the name of Mrs. Alston, at which I started up,
as if electrified, and perceived a servant of hers with a
large present of oranges, lemons and limes. Wrote her,
in form of a card, three lines of devotion and gratitude,
seizing the opportunity of inquiring after Alston, who is
confined to the house, to pray her to let me hear again
from her to-morrow. Drank tea as usual, at nightfall,
and was soon after locked up. Through excessive heat,
I have written the sixth folio of my brief, and will now
try to sleep, it being 2 o'clock, the 11th.
Tuesday, August 11, 1807.
Rose late. Saw Jourdan while at breakfast. He re-
mained all day to copy my brief. Visited in the evening
by Dav. and Robert Wallace, with P. Howe. Had a
friendly, sympathizing letter from Mr. Wm. Thompson, a
lawyer of handsome talents, though a violent Democrat,
the brother of the author of the Letters of Curtius. 1
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820 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
got acquainted with him at AbingtoD, on the road hither.
I do not hear any more of Mrs. Alston's intention to
attend the trial of her father. I hope neither will add
this to the many indiscretions already committed by him.
Jupiter might invisibly elude the guards of Danae, but
the bonne amie of the Col. does not I suppose occasionally
pass his keepers with the same address. Proh pudor!
Worked to-day chiefly on my brief, of which I have to-
night, past 12, entered on the eleventh folio.
Wednesday, August 12, 1807.
Rose at 7, A. M. Was visited by Dav. Meade, who
tell 8 me himself and the guard that escorted me hither
from Kentucky will be allowed only one-half of what
they expected, namely, instead of 10, only 5 cents per
mile for coming and returning ; and he expects his bill
against the United States will not be paid under two
years after his having advanced his money for them : also,
he understands the Marshal, Major Scott, will not pay
Burr's witnesses, while he answers all the calls of those
on the part of the prosecution. Does a culprit, then,
with an empty purse, look in vain to the provisions of the
Constitution, which declare " that the accused shall have
compulsory process to enable him to enforce the attend-
ance of his witnesses ;" and may he be hanged for want
of money, as well as of innocence ? I fear the murmurs
of agents and returning officers will be so widely diffused,
that no one will undertake to serve subpoenas for me on
witnesses, however material to my defense, while I will
not lay out a dollar for promoting its success. A consid-
erable fall of rain last night and this morning has very
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FALSE WITNESS. 321
agreeably lowered the temperature of the air, the high
degree of which has, for a week past, been go very op-
pressive. I have had, by Mr. Meade, another advance
from female humanity. Mrs. Chevalier, wife of the
French Consul, has solicited by him my acceptance of
any refreshments or delicacies she could send me. Read
the three papers published here, of which the " Inquirer,"
incorrectly, and rather impertinently, notices the occasion
of my counsel's declining to permit me to be arraigned
last Monday. Was interrupted by idle visitors, desirous
of gratifying their curiosity to survey my countenance
and quarters. One of them, a rejected juryman from
Wood county, of the name of Morrison, with whom I
am not acquainted ; the others, strangers to me, and came,
like many others before them, without recommendation,
to solicit employment of serving subpoenas on witnesses.
Had a friendly visit in the evening from Mr. Fowler, in
company with Jourdan, and procured, through a friend,
copies of the depositions, before the grand jury, of Peter
Taylor,. Jacob Albright, and David Wallace. The first
having sworn that I told him we would stab all those that
went with us to get land, and would not go on our expe-
dition ; the second, that General Tupper arrested me on
the "Island" the night I left it, from which I effected
my escape by my friends directly presenting six guns at
the General ; and the third, that I offered him the post
of Surgeon General, if he would embark in the expedi-
tion. " 0 God of Truth and Justice ! " avenge such mur-
derous villainies in mercy ; and then, my beloved wife,
behold and adore a guardian Providence, that ordains the
conviction of perjury to issue in the same breath from
21
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322 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
the lips of falsehood accusing the innocent. Mr. Fowler
assures me Mr. Hay begins to feel sick of the business,
and doubts not a nolle prosequi will be entered on the rec-
ords, on Burr's acquittal of the treason.
Thursday, August 13, 1807.
Rose at half-past 6 ; walked, dressed and breakfasted.
Had a friendly letter from Prichard, requesting me to
command his heart and hand ; also a long letter, sent by
Phelps, but lastly from Col. Burr, from Tom Neale, con-
fessing, at last, that 't was he bought Ransom, whom he
will return to my wife or to myself at the same price he
gave for him. Heard by letter from Col. Burr, in answer
to one I wrote to him, covering another for him to for-
ward, if he wished it, to Mr. Hendren, requesting him to
come to town, to assist Burr with his knowledge of the
jurymen. Heard that Alston is to-day confined to his
bed. Visited by David Meade, with two gentlemen of
his acquaintance, summoned as talesmen, or on another
venire pro defectum juratorum, on the last. To one of
these, finding he was acquainted with Will. Thompson, I
was fortunate, in procuring an opportunity, connected
with the subject of conversation, to show Mr. T.'s hand-
some letter to me. As this party were taking leave,
Messrs. Wickham and Botts appeared at the door; they
seemed pleased to find the ennui of my confinement
relieved by company ; sat half an hour, during which
they told me, they understood the Hendersons would
swear much against me, but seemed to think with me,
their story could bear but little on either count of the
indictment. They concurred in opinion, that I should
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WILKINSON. 323
not hurry my trial, but should rather wait until party
prejudice was more allayed, and the great crowd of wit-
nesses now in town somewhat dispersed. They confirmed
to me the fact of a subpoena having been actually issued
for my wife, her name being one on the list of witnesses
furnished to A. Burr. My complaints on this head they
seemed to regard as irremediable, because A. Burr is not
her husband. In how many instances is the letter of the
law at war with common sense, and its own principles ?
Are not all accomplices principals in treason? are not
Burr and myself charged by exactly similar indictments
with the same overt acts, at the same place ; and, conse-
quently, can the same jury, if I should choose it, or any
other in my case, shut their eyes to testimony upon which
Burr may be by possibility convicted? I hinted these
ideas to these generous and accomplished advocates ;
their silence seemed only to reply, sed ita lex scripta est.
They, however, were of opinion that the helpless state
of the children would justify her non-compliance with
the summons. The moment they left me, therefore, I
dispatched a few lines to her to that effect, which I hope
were time enough at the office to go by this evening's
mail. The slow march of the trial, I am told, has put
Wilkinson out of all patience. He has been heard to
swear in his wrath, that if Burr is not hanged, he cares
not how soon himself were stretched on the same gal-
lows. Mr. Botts said he saw the " Querist" at old Hen-
derson's, and will advise my presence in court when the
sons are produced to give their testimony. Progressed
with my brief, of which I entered on the thirteenth folio,
bringing the narrative of the case, so far as I hope I can
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324 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
prove it, down to the period of my first interview with
Graham, on Burr's affairs at Marietta, in last November.
I learn or conclude by letters I have received, that old
Richard Neale and James Wilson must be in town; I
have as yet seen neither. Jourdan tells me, Burr lives in
great style, and sees much company within his gratings,
where it is as difficult to get an audience as if he really
were an Emperor. If these things be so well founded, as
is the hint in last Tuesday's notes, I fear Vm. Thompson
is sketching his portraits of the characters connected
with the trial too far West, not to lose some lines of cer-
tain features that would not escape his pencil if he
were here.
Friday, August 14, 1807.
Went down to the kitchen after breakfast, in this wing
of the building, my servant having gone to town to beg
of one of the cooks there to request a keeper to bring
the barber to shave me. Cooks were preparing the din-
ner for the convicts now confined here, to the number of
about 130. This meal, I learned, generally consisted of
three-quarters of a pound of meat, one and a half pints of
soup, and one pint of corn-meal dough, which suffers by
baking a diminution of one quarter of the weight. The
breakfast, the only other meal allowed in the twenty-four
hours, consists of the like quantity of the same sort of
bread, and half a gill of molasses, diluted with a pint of
water. Not having before spoken of the police of Ihis
establishment, I will now mention what has fallen under
my own observation regarding it. The convicts are con-
fined, for various terms of years, according to their several
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PRISON DISCIPLINE.
offenBee, for which the heaviest sentence is, I believe, for
the space of eighteen years. They are kept to labor in
the respective trades or occupations they had been bred
to, with no allowance of rest on any day, but Sunday,
except during meals, being set to work at daylight, and
leaving off at sunset. The present keeper is a 6mart, in-
telligent man, who tells me, before he came here, the
value of the annual labor of the prisoners did not exceed
$5,000 ; the expenses being nearly, as at present, $11,500.
But he speaks confidently of raising the former, in his first
year, to $ 14,500. I believe great diligence will be neces-
sary in him to effect it. The men have not now, as under
his predecessor, the benefit of any work they might try to
do, over and above the limits of their task. Mr. Douglas
assigns two curious reasons for discontinuing that little
indulgence to these wretches ; 1st, that it was found to
occasion expense to the State, by encouraging some folks
to commit and confess small offenses, in order to get
boarded here gratis for six or twelve months, when they
would be turned out, with a sum of money in their
pockets, for their extra labor during their confinement,
which they would soon renew in the same way; 2d,
that those confined for a long term of years would prob-
ably soon debilitate themselves through this stimulus, to
an increase of industry, by which their maintenance
would become a dead charge, without any return to the
State. The stimuli of Mr. D., therefore, or his superiors
through him, are dark confinement in the cells, and the
cow-skin, with short allowance of bread and water, which
is not very well calculated, to prevent the last evil — the
debility — now sought to be avoided. My unfortunate
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326 THE BLENNBRHASSBTT PAPERS.
barber, I hope, fell on a lucky day for his punishment,
well or ill deserved, for I was soon told in the kitchen
that he was in the cells ; but expressing my concern for
the poor fellow's misfortune, one of the cooks stepped
out, I suppose, to signify to the proper authority the ma-
turity of my beard, no doubt, rather than the expression
of my sorrow; and, in ten minutes, Vaun was in my
room with his whole apparatus. This Vaun, my friends,
is only here for eighteen years, merely for cutting his
wife's throat, with precisely the same sort of instrument
with which he operates most delicately on mine, every
other day. Nor do the largest cities I have ever lived in
boast an artist, in his line, that should supplant him in
my favor. The physiognomy of his countenance, and the
steadiness of his hand, with the keenness of his instru-
ment, admirably correspond with the firmness and sensi-
bility of his heart — would to Ileaven I could add, its
purity. But hideous jealousy entered there, and goaded
this wretch to murder and madness. A gentleman of
Petersburg, who called in last evening with David Meade,
assured me that Vaun, on the day he killed his wife, sat
at his door for an hour or two, showing the bloody razor
to the passengers in the street, and telling them how he
had used it. The gentleman declared, had he been of
the jury, he should not have concurred in the conviction.
This convict is black, was born free, lived in good circum-
stances, has been to Europe, and always supported an
excellent character. Poor Vaun ! the gloom of thy soul
is now as dark as thy countenance ; but yet may one ray
of Divine mercy enlighten it ! Thou shalt still shave me.
Col. Burr wrote me to-day, that he was so surrounded
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NEW VISITORS. 327
by company he could not make up his mind upon a com-
munication I made him by letter, of which he said he
perceived all the importance and advantages. I wrote to
him to summon Henderson, the father, for reasons that
will appear by my brief, urged the advantage that would
result from my cross-examining all the witnesses that I
knew, particularly the Hendersons, which may be pro-
duced against him, if in my present character I could be
allowed to act, during his trial, as an agent or advocate
for him ; or if that should not be permitted, that I should
at least be in court when such witnesses appear. I also
submitted to him the expediency of one of our counsel
seeing my brief, so far as I had written it. He added in
his letter that one of them should call upon me for that
purpose, and to confer on other matters this evening.
But I have received no such visit, and must confess I am
rather led to ascribe my disappointment less to the negli-
gence of the advocate than to that of the client. The
vivacity of his wit, and the exercise of his proper talents,
now constantly solicited here in private and public exhi-
bition, while they display his powers and address at the
levee and the bar, must engross more of his time than he
can spare for the demands of other gratifications. Man
is prone to what St. Pierre aptly names the harmony of
contrast, in which the mind and the eye are as much de-
lighted in physics and in ethics as the ear is in music.
My reflections will perhaps borrow from this principle
hereafter, in attempting to do more justice, in expression
of character, to a third portrait of an original, so differ-
ently appearing to my regards at Richmond and on the
Mississippi. Was visited this morning by Belknap and
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328 THE BLBNNERHASSETT PAPERS.
P 1; the latter, one of the most active in seizing the
boats and provisions at Marietta, last December ; also by
D. "Woodbridge, who read my brief, but to whom, as well
as to every one else that calls upon me, I never speak on
the subject of evidence yet, or hereafter to be, given by
them on these trials. Had a very friendly letter from
Col. Cushing, lamenting my situation, and assuring me
of every exertion of hiB friendship to serve me ; another,
from Thos. JSeale, exactly to the same effect as his last;
also a very friendly one from Mr. John Banks, accompa-
nying a present from Mrs. Banks, of two bottles of cor-
dials, and a large cake. Visited by Alston, this being
the first day he could venture out in a carriage. He says
appearances every day strengthen the expectation of
Burr's acquittal on both bills, Hay having been heard
to say, out of court, he does not think he will be able to
substantiate the charges. It is believed, however, a mo-
tion will be made to the Court, on the acquittals, but be
rejected, to transmit us to other districts for trial, accord-
ing as evidence may appear or be procured, as may be
contended to implicate our conduct as treasonable else-
where out of this district. Douglas has also heard Duane
confess, that he, too, is fearful Burr must be acquitted.
Had this evening an obliging visit, and one hour's inter-
esting French conversation with Col. de Pestre, who in-
formed me his brother-in-law, a promising young man
of various merit, had been turned out of his place as
Clerk in the War Office, because he could not accuse the
Col. of Burr-ism ; and afterward, some honorable friends
of the Government had the delicacy to insinuate how
handsomely the Col. might be provided for in the army,
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burr's poverty. 829
if his principles or engagements were not adverse to the
administration. The Col. replied, that he understood the
hint, but it neither suited his honor nor character to serve
in such employment. Wrote to Col. Cushing, requesting
him to forward to me an inventory of all my effects that .
have been sold under attachments, and all my negroes,
to my wife, or Col. Scott, or Mr. Ilarding, at Natchez,
for her. Have not worked to-day on my brief, from a
prospect held out by many of my discharge on Burr's
acquittal. Chatted as usual in the evening with Douglas,
and having left a letter I began to Miller, for to-morrow,
continued this diary until midnight.
Saturday, August 15, 1807.
Half-past 8, P. M. Have not, during the forenoon, seen
a face, but that of my servant Billy, who, by the comfort
I derive from his remarkable neatness and assiduity, my
wife will not think undeserving of mention in this diary,
which I have resolved to keep only for her gratification.
Every one is probably at court, where this is a day of#
some interest, as the jury will probably be impanneled.
Have done nothing but walk, and read the papers, my
face continuing very sore with a disagreeable eruption.
Will now finish my letter, begun yesterday, to Miller, and
. conclude the notes of to-day after tea, by which time I
may probably collect something worthy of notice from
Jourdan, whom I hourly expect. While at dinner, Mr.
Ellis called in to know if I could yet inform him when I
might want him to serve subpoenas for me, otherwise he
should soon leave town, seeing no prospects of getting
any money from Col. Burr, against whom he has a de-
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380 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
mand of about eleven dollars, for a boat and cargo sold
turn in October last on the Ohio. B., it seems, has dis-
posed of all such claims, by a declaration, it is said, he
made in court, before my arrival, of his being a bankrupt.
But in emptying his strong-box, which seems to have
lost all his treasures as quickly as those that took wing
from Pandora's,- he has, I am told, like that goddess,
closed the lid time enough to prevent the escape of that
hope on which some favored dependents may yet mort-
gage to him their future services and the property of
their children. It would even baffle the acuteness, and
exhaust the deliberation, of our worthy Harding, to
estimate the amount of this treasure, or conceive the
structure of the debenture by which it is secured ; I must
therefore explain both. Know, then, that it has been
whispered to me, with the important gravity so confiden-
tial a communication required, that the sum is $50,000 ;
the security, a claim upon Government for the damages
sustained by the culprit now trying for his life, but who
%rill probably obtain his acquittal of the treason with
more ease than he can procure one on another charge
recorded against him in Kentucky, of having robbed the
Western country of $100,000, to say nothing of the ab-
surdity of suing the TJnited States in the face of a
positive statute. As I was closing my letter to Miller,
Jourdan stepped in with Rob. Nicholas, a Democrat,
furious, keen and selfish, in chase of Alston, to secure and
hasten the payment of bills, protested and indorsed by
me to Sanders, to amount, with charges, etc., of $10,000,
for which I will never give more than my bones, and the
holder believing me determined, now depends on Alston's
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QUEER CHARACTER. 331
responsibility to me, which I have transferred to him.
To-morrow, I shall be visited by Mr. Edmond Randolph,
on the part of Sanders, and on my own business ; I an-
ticipate the conference with much interest. Jourdan is
quite desolate and dispirited by the treatment of B., of
which he will give me particulars to-morrow.
Sunday, August 16, 1807.
Rose late this morning, very ill, but satisfied I was
affected by no influence of confinement, or the place ; a
severe headache, under which I 've all day labored, pro-
ceeding only from a derangement of the stomach, to
which I am frequently subject. While at breakfast, I
was visited by Mr. P., a merchant of consideration here,
who had not before called upon me, for which he apolo-
gized, and in whom I admired here, in the spring of
1800, the most amiable manners, with a fine musical taste,
and handsome execution on the violin, he and myself,
during my stay, being the principal performers in the
Harmonic Society. My worthy friend Prichard led the
way, as much heated by the warmth of his friendship as
of his two miles' walk, bringing with him also Wood, the
late editor of the Atlantic World, a paper, which is now
extinct, and may be truly said to have been the last faint
effort, save these trials, of expiring Burr-ism under the
relentless fury of Democracy. Wood is a singular look-
ing man, with a countenance expressive of great oddity,
if not of genius ; of few words, with embarrassed man-
ner, but said to be skilled in mathematics. His appear-
ance altogether inspired some interest to know him
better, and he will, by my desire, enable me to improve
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332 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
our acquaintance. I was agreeably occupied with this
party until General Tupper appeared ; the news of his
arrival in town, brought me yesterday evening by Jour-
dan, must have caused some little mental uneasiness last
night and this morning, of which I was unable to render
an account to myself. This intelligence could not reach
my ears without arriving in the same instant at my heart,
where it was at once amalgamated with all my hopes and
anxiety for my family. With what rapidity did I calcu-
late, over and over, and conclude that I must hear from
Natchez by the General. I had written to my wife from
the Chickasaw Nation, to direct to me under cover to the
General. I hardly permitted myself to conclude an inter-
change of salutations with him when I eagerly inquired
for a letter ; he had none, and he left home as late as the
5th instant. But a few more mails from Lexington and
Marietta, without the blessing of a letter, and I shall en-
deavor to prepare myself for more awful trials than the
death-warrant of a wicked or a jealous Government.
General Tupper's conversation, which lasted about one
hour with me, was very interesting, both to my curiosity
regarding the intelligence I could derive from him on my
own account, and my admiration of that honorable inde-
pendence he will yet make the Government feel more of,
on his part, when they wish or desire, from the experience
they have already had of his temper. It seems much of
the artifice of intrigue, on the part of Government or
their runners, has been put in requisition to endeavor
to mold the General's disposition in the temper of the
present prosecutions. He has next encountered attempts
upon his honor indirectly, to induce him in some degree
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DISAPPOINTMENT. 383
to countenance the testimonies of Taylor and Albright to
the facts of his having arrested me, with my rescue and
escape from him, mentioned 12th instant; outrages upon
his character and feelings, which he has repelled with
that disgust and contempt suggested by his honor, but
not without thereby incurring, what, until then, the con-
servators of Jeffersonian fame never thought of, insinua-
tions of his concern, and threats to involve him in the
pains and penalties of the conspiracy. Either before or
after this analysis of the stuff, which would not take the
dye, proposed, it was politely signified to him, that al-
though he had been recognized as a witness, on the part
of the United States, the prosecutors, in kind considera-
tion of the inconvenience another journey might put him
to, would dispense with his further attendance. He said,
however, he would return were he obliged to travel on
his hands and knees. He also tells me, Doctor W is
alarmed at my presence here to confront him, when he
shall dare to offer such testimony again as he has ven-
tured before the grand jury, and is terrified, for he is no
doctor, at the thoughts of being examined publicly by
those who are of that profession, to prove he is not one.
See my notes of 12th instant, and it will appear how
properly I wanted to fill the place of Surgeon-General ii»
the expedition ; but General Tupper says, he knows a
person to whom W. said I was jesting with him when I
spoke of his going with me as Surgeon-General. I have
not been gratified with the visit I expected to-day with
so much interest from Mr. Randolph, but have had a
long one from Alston, which was taken up chiefly with
the subject of an arrangement of the demands of Sanders
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334 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
and Miller; the agency of Nicholas has been so far
effective as to induce Alston to offer to take a journey
forthwith to South Carolina to try to raise the money,
leaving Mrs. A. here until his return. He can not offer
hopes of the success of this attempt, and no final adjust-
ment, I believe, will be effected, but by the opinion and
advice of Mr. Randolph. Mr. Craughton called this
evening, after a severe walk of three miles, and remained
about two hours.
Monday, August 17, 1807.
This is a black Monday indeed with me, whether the
cloudiness of my mind or of the sky makes it appear
such. I feel well to-day, and took breakfast with some
appetite, during which Col. de Pestre entered, and kept
up an interesting conversation with me until noon, which,
from the complete coincidence of our opinions on certain
characters, and the reflections arising from the notes we
had to compare on our past interest, and connection with
them, could not much tend to fortify me for encountering
the new mortifications occasioned me by a letter I have
just received from my estimable friend, Jos. S. Lewis, in
his private capacity, informing me that the house of
which he is the head, had, in consequence of attachments
served on my funds, my last pecuniary resource of my
poor family in their hands, been obliged to dishonor all
the bills I had drawn, that were presented for acceptance
since the 20th of last January, the day such attachments
were served, at suit of the Kentucky Insurance Company
and Lewis Sanders, of Lexington. What discredits and
embarrassments the return of bills I have drawn at
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DISTRESS. 335
Natchez, to amount of $700 or $800, will occasion my
afflicted wife, I fear to estimate. Every day's trial seems
to inflict a new wound upon my heart, or some part of it
that has not bled for my wife and children ; my own suf-
ferings have long since destroyed the tone, and established
the apathy, of every nerve that vibrated to the first im-
pulses of the perfidy and injustice that, by their continued
action, since the beginning of last October to the present
hour, have relieved my mind from all care for the dura-
tion or issue of my confinement. I have just dispatched
a letter to Alston, requesting to see him, and another to
Prichard, desiring him to retain, or, if disposed of, to try
and take up a small bill I drew on Philadelphia a few
days since for $100. Joe Lewis tells me he will honor
Harding's bills, drawn on himself for $500, in considera-
tion of my wife's situation. 0 ! my wife, we thought we
were serving a P . . . . , and have been the dupes of an
advocate. De Pestre has justly taken up the ideas sug-
gested in my notes of last Friday. This generous foreigner
has narrowed his means of maintaining a large family,
besides some orphans, to the amount of $5,000, for which
he has not been even thanked. I hear Alston's carriage,
and must now close, but for what purpose ? to hear a re-
petition of the same professions of concern already made
me, to which is added, however, an offer to go to Caro-
lina, in two or three days, to try to raise some money, the
success of which, however, I must understand, is very
problematical. What could I reply to the professions of one
of the richest men in the Union, offering to assume these
demands, ready to sell or mortgage, but yet unable to get
the money I never used a cent of, but for which the cries
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886 THE BLENNBRHASSETT PAPERS.
of rapacious creditors rend the walls of my prison — ah !
that would be indifferent to me, did I not fear they are
loud enough to reach and swell that heart that will echo
them back to mine. For what purpose could I desire to
see him again on this business, but to make the last sacri-
fice I had to offer ; alas ! I once thought it impossible ; I
blush to name it, to humble the pride of integrity before
that of wealth — to solicit his charity. I have thus sought
relief through the storm by every effort of skill or dili-
gence I could make, until, wearied and exhausted, I have
set down in the humility of my heart, to drift perhaps to
that shore where the mercy of Heaven will recompense
me, in the participation of the rewards prepared for the
fortitude and virtues of a wife I have been so long
blessed with. It is a relief to my heart to fill a whole
page with a single sentence. The flood of my sorrows is
too copious to suffer the artificial breaks and pauses of
critical rules. My wife will feel this, if no one else can.
I wrote a very long letter to Joe Lewis, which I immedi-
ately began when Alston left me, to acquaint him that
bills with my indorsements, on account of which one of
the attachments had been served on his house, as my
garnishee had long since been paid by Alston's agent,
Mr. Sam. Allen, of Philadelphia ; that I had, in addition
to the arrangement I made with Sanders at Lexington,
Kentucky, a prospect of making further arrangements
here, through Alston, with Rob. Nicholas, the agent, and
Mr. Edmond Randolph, the lawyer of Mr. Sanders, by
which I should, I expected in a few days, have the attach-
ment at suit of Sanders taken off, and in the mean time,
until I could see Mr. Randolph, which I could not do
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WHO WROTK IT? 887
to-day before the mail closed, I hoped Mr. L. would be-
lieve his house would not be proceeded against as my
garnishee, and whatever obstruction to their currency
the little resources I yet possessed through his house in
Philadelphia were incumbered with, would be removed.
I have, to-night, also written to Mr. Randolph, to request
him to call upon me to-morrow, before court opens.
Speaking to-day, while Alston was here, before Col.
McKee, of what was doing in court, whither I wrote to
Alston to come to me, A. said, they left Hay stating
the case, on the part of the prosecution, damned the
speaker, and declared he would whip a son of his, were
he only twelve years old, that could not make a better.
This led me to praise a pamphlet, entitled "Agrestis,"
which Alston yesterday brought me, being two letters on
Wilkinson's proceedings at New Orleans, which for its
arrangement and strength, as well as for some imagery
of the language, I observed, would not be unworthy of a
Curran, at the same time inquiring who was the author.
A. said that was not known. I then repeated the ques-
tion to Col. McKee, who said it was a friend of ours ; at
least Mr. A. was suspected. I mention this trifling occur-
rence for the sake of observing that Alston was now
silent, thereby appropriating to himself the merit of the
book, which his wife, I have no doubt, might produce ;
for by the fitle-page of the second edition printed here, it
appears the former, or first edition, was published in
South Carolina, or else it has proceeded from some other
genius of much mind and erudition; but to suppose
Alston the author would be preposterous ; obscurity may
consistently veil the parentage of Hercules, but it would
22
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3S8 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
be ridiculous to suppose him the offspring of a dwarf*
Take this trait and test it by the fact. There is a pro-
vincial phrase or two in the pamphlet which I will keep,
that proves it first saw the light at New Orleans.
Tuesday, August 18, 1807.
, It may easily be conceived how difficult it must be for
one in the state of mind in which I closed my notes of
the heavy hours of yesterday, to fall into that oblivious
repose, through sleep, which easily ensues upon the ces-
sation of ordinary labor of body or mind, and enables us,
by recreation, to perform the task of misfortune allotted
for the morrow. Accordingly, I dtd not find my bed
what it always proves to the peasant or the mariner, the
grave of care. The tumult of my mind had so inflamed
my body, that irritation on the surface could not be
allayed, while trouble reveled within. I was restless, for
I was sick at heart, and slept not soundly until toward
morning. Yet I rose betimes, and had an early visit
from Mr. Randolph, who called upon me, in pursuance
of my request to him by letter of last night. I stated to
.him my embarrassment, by Mr. Sanders attaching the
only remaining funds that were tangible, and insufficient
for the support of my family ; observing, that if Mr. S.
did not withdraw the attachment, which I hoped Mr.
Randolph would forthwith, as S.'s lawyer, persuade his
agent, Mr. Nicholas, to do, I should consider my arrange-
ments at Lexington with Mr. S., to secure and settle his
demands through Mr. Alston, as abrogated. This seemed
to engage his reflections ; but I was sorry soon to find he
had the indelicacy, not only to inquire what was the
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CANDOR ! 339
amount of my funds in the hands of Messrs. Jos. S. Lewis
and Co., but even to tell me that if a sum of $1,003, or
even $500, could be got immediately for Nicholas and
Sanders, who, he knew, wanted money, such an expe-
dient, he rather believed, would tend to give effect to
some arrangement into which Mr. Alston might be in-
duced to enter ; adding, as he was taking leave, " that I
knew how much a little ready cash helped these sort of
things forward." I had before observed to Mr. R. that
he must know now, from the nature of my financial em-
barrassments, detailed to him in these transactions, how
little I could presume on counsel I could not remunerate,
Before he left me, he said, Burr has an excellent jury, on
the whole, with the exception of Parker alone, who, he
acknowledged, is a worthy, honorable man, but a violent
Jeftersonian partisan. I expressed my surprise at Burr's
accepting him, after he had avowed in court as strong
prejudices as some who had been rejected. This indis-
cretion on Burr's part he censured. He then told me
Hay was very weak yesterday in stating the case, and he
had no doubt of an acquittal ; but to save time and labor,
he very" much wished the Chief Justice should concur in
opinion with the counsel on the defense, who yesterday
contended, in a lengthy argument with their opponents,
that no evidence of intentions should be gone into until
overt acts had been first proven. How the court have
decided I shall know in the morning. I now soon dis-
patched a note to Alston, and fortunately continued
reading Agrestis until I heard his carriage-wheels, which
seemed to rattle in my ears ; " read on " until after he had
entered the room ; i. e., a thought struck me that possi-
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840 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
bly he might have had something to do in the compo-
sition, and I might do more with him, through his van-
ity of authorship, than I had yet been able to effect
through any other channel. Admirable ! cried I, before
I answered his salute ; he smiled — " what ! " said he,
" Agrestis, are you pleased with that little thing? Well,
I did not care to notice it yesterday ; but I will now tell
you in confidence, 't was I wrote it." I then pointed out
to him an image or two, particularly one in the first let-
ter, of Justice, surrounded by the laws, in the sanctuary
of her temple, poising in their presence the balance with
her own hand, which, I said, would be a fine subject for
the relief, alto relievo ; while the stations of her executive
officers, assigned them without the sanctuary, might beau-
tifully form the intaglio, or back-ground, of a good piece
of sculpture. Here I threw down the book, which he as
readily took up, to descant on other merits it possessed,
or point out errors of the press; all of which engaged
my most profound attention. The organ now wound
up ; I lost no time to try upon it the tune ray heart first
called for ; how do you think it went ? To admiration !
the instrument was now so much improved ; the piece, so
often tried on it before, was now not only performed in
half the time it used to be, but was worth double the
money it would bring yesterday. In plain English, in-
stead of paying one-half the money next January twelve
months, and the other half the January following, ac-
cording to his utmost powers, to-day he was tuned up to
the incredible power of paying the whole, not indeed to-
day, but next April twelve months. Who knows yet but
a judicious combination of discords to be selected from
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ASPIRATION. 841
the letter to Pinkney, with some more of the melody of
Agrestis, might produce a harmony which, if it can not
move the oaks, may still solicit the responsive cadence of
the dollars? He left me with animated assurances of
seeing Nicholas to-day, and myself again upon the busi-
ness, not, however, without some pretty simpers about
Mr. Randolph's hint of the $500, which he regarded as
soliciting a douceur for Nicholas; but even that, he
hinted, in the suavity of his self-complacency, would not
be impossible, when I assured him it should go in part
of the demand. I have had two or three reasons to-day
of lightening my heart of the load that oppressed it yes-
terday. After Mr. Randolph left me, I walked about,
invoking the saving providence of Heaven over my wife
and children; secondly, better prospects opened to me,
from my interview with Alston ; and, thirdly, the sincere
pleasure I felt in writing to another Eugenius, as dear to
me as the first was to Yorick, to communicate to Hard-
ing a transcript of my notes of yesterday, and a short
letter of to-day, to enable him to observe the better under
what part of the tottering fabric of my affairs he may set
the firm prop of his care and friendship for my family —
a service in which, I feel, he will not dally. The regards
of my wife may one day give him a perusal of these
notes, as a supplement to his comments on " Agrestis,"
which I have also sent him. I feel no tedium loci, and
have no want but that of letters. Cock-crow announces
the morn. Grant, 0 God ! it brings health to my family !
"Wednesday, August 19, 1807.
Saw Dud. Woodbridge, before breakfast, who told me
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842 THE BLENNERHAS6ETT PAPERS.
Eaton, Truxton, Taylor, and Albright were yesterday
examined on the trial. This intelligence has fretted me,
becauae I find Burr disregards the caution I gave him, to
have me present during the examination of the witnesses
I knew, as they should be produced against him. I have
heard he alters the notes of his counsel, increased yester-
day by the addition of Mr. Lee, and for the most part
marks out the course they pursue on his defense. I hope
his negligence of the suggestions I have made to him
will not furnish more cause of repentance than he is
already burdened with. Hay, having again called for my
arraignment, ajid Mr. Botts having, I am told, said he
would try to be ready by Saturday, I must again revert
to my labors on my brief, which I shall resume this even-
ing. The Chief Justice has, I think properly, allowed
the prosecutors to follow their own course in adducing
their evidence, provided they offer none of any other
treason than what is laid in the indict. It will appear,
from a correct report of the trial, how far Hay contends
that the doctrine of constructive treason is law in this
country. How candid he is ; and what a virulent dispos-
ition McRae manifests to insinuate bias in the court to-
ward the accused. Mr. John Banks brought me, this
morning, a paper containing Bollman's long letter to
Duane, respecting B.'s communication to the President,
which, if not quite a justification of the writer, settles
however, forever, the honor and good faith of Jefferson.
I have not seen Alston, according to my expectation and
his promise ; — the general interest and curiosity engaged
at the capitol must suspend all other concerns. This
evening General Tupper tells me that Hay boasts of hav-
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TEDIUM. 848
ing a number of witnesses to establish the credit of Al-
bright. Eternal Justice, then, support my innocence of
the facts he has ventured to swear against me, until I shall
appear before thy tribunal, where the vicious shall only
testify to their own crimes. General Tupper has also a
suspicion that Meiggs may venture to injure his credit as
a witness ; but the slightest attempt of that sort shall ex-
hibit Meiggs branded in the next papers as a liar and a
coward. Eaton's manner and delivery in giving his evi-
dence is highly extolled in the two Democratic papers,
the Argus and Inquirer; but I am better informed he
strutted more in buskin than usual on that occasion, and
the effect was as diverting to the whole court as it prob-
ably was beneficial to the defense. Still, Douglas, who is
pretty regular in his evening visits to me, or to my grog
and cigars, tells me Burr is as cheerful as ever, though he
can not feel insensible to the advantage the prosecutors
have taken, in framing the indictment in a manner to
correspond in its form with the substance of the opinion
given by Chief Justice Marshall, in the cases of Bollman
and Swartwout, and the industry they practice to train
and back their witnesses to support it. But as a jockey
might restore his fame in the course, after he had injured
it on the tight-rope, so perhaps the little " Emperor,"' at
Cole's Creek, may be forgotten in the Attorney at Rich-
mond. I have been weak all day, and again put off brief-
ing until to-morrow. 11 P. M.
Thursday, August 20, 1807.
I had Mr. Douglas called to me, to request him to treat
me to a walk in the yard this morning before breakfast.
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844 THE BLBNNBRHASSBTT PAPERS.
My visitors, in the course of the day, generally complain
of the closeness of my apartment, and some tell me they
choose to reside in certain quarters of the town for the
sake of high elevation and more air ; others, that they
prefer country quarters near town, for similar reasons, and
wishing me soon to partake of like advantages. My
walk for half an hour in the yard this morning, being the
second time I have been from under the roof of this
building, save the day I was taken to court, 10th instant,
was very agreeable, notwithstanding its narrow limits,
both of time and space, and the high walls and buildings,
in defiance of all which my lungs seemed to me to quaff
their aerial draughts with a spring and vigor I have sel-
dom felt before. I have procured materials from the
druggist for making some oxygenized muriatic acid gasy
with which I will, perhaps to-morrow, destroy the noisome
miasma that infests the air of these rooms. Continued
my labors on my brief, of which J completed the seven-
teenth folio by dinner time, when, who will believe it ! I
was visited in the most friendly manner by David W e.
It is inconceivable how he will profit by the hints he has
had from General Tupper, or if called upon again, which
he seems to dread, how he will travel out of his deposi-
tion before the grand jury. I received him with the
courtesy of a prisoner, now in his own quarters. He sat
a little, and then took leave, confused. I was not after-
ward left fifteen minutes alone, before every muscle of
my face was relaxed from the rigor in which W. had
bound them, to wanton in the liveliest welcome of Little
Gates, who hurried to take my hand with an ardor and
frankness that testified the sincere interest he felt in see-
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DILEMMA. 845
ing me well. He bad been in town since Sunday, but bis
duties of attending to the cbance of his being called as a
witness in court, and the irresistible interest excited there
since his arrival, prevented his calling on me sooner. He
staid better than an hour, during which his conversation
was full of interest and entertainment, from certain com-
munications he made me, of men and things, of which
I shall make use in my brief, as well as from two or three
anecdotes and stories he told me of some military char-
acters, and their achievements at Marietta, on the night
the boats were seized there, of all which he acquitted
himself with great humor and spirit. I shall expect the
fulfillment of his promise to visit me often, with as much
interest as I felt this evening. Visited by a sensible, gen-
teel man, with a hard Dutch name, which I forget, hav-
ing lost his ticket. He reminded me of having 6een me,
seven years ago, in this town, and invited me to his house,
when I recover my liberty. My last visitor was Stokely,
who declared, had he been in Wood county at the time
of the troubles, by which my family and property so
much suffered, he would have exerted whatever influence
he had to prevent them, nc said he was very sorry to
observe the counsel on both sides agreeing in one thing
at least, that is, to keep me so constantly as they do in
the front of the fight. He could not understand the
policy of A. Burr's counsel, contending that their client
is not answerable for any acts of mine, and affected to
lament deeply his fears, that, in addition to all I had al-
ready suffered, I should end at last by falling a victim be-
tween the cunning of Burr, on the one side, and the fury
and prejudice of the prosecutors on the other. I thanked
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846 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
him, and said, I had thoughts of summoning him as u
witness for certain purposes that might he connected with
my defense, hoping, if I should do so, he would excuse
the trouble of the journey ; to which he assented, with
expressing great desire to see me again settled in the
" White House on the Island." But how much sooner
should I suspect treachery in this man twelve months
past, than in others who have since been seeking my ruin.
Old Neale will not come to see me, partly from scruples
as to thf obligations of duty, being summoned on part of
prosecution, and the aversion he would feel to see me in
this place. Hay having yesterday stated he would rest
the evidence, as to the overt acts, Wickham has to-day
spoken very ably for four hours, chiefly to contend, that,
the acts not having been proved, no evidence should be
offered of the intentions, or that if the acts have been
proved, Burr, as an accessary at a distance from the scene
of action, can not be proceeded against, until I, as a prin-
cipal, shall be convicted. If I .have been correctly in-
formed, the ground has been judiciously taken, and will
no doubt be ably maintained by Mr. Wickham, and the
host that will follow him. I can not expect, at such a
crisis, Alston will give a thought to any thing out of
court. I should have added, when speaking of Stokely,
that I learned from him that James Wilson has lost his
wife, and left Wood county for another residence. How
has he left my business ? and what has he done with the
valuable papers I intrusted to his charge? My children,
will your unhappy father yet have days and health suffi-
cient to gather together the little fragments of your prop-
erty, so widely scattered over the face of the earth ? If
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HONOR. 847
he but live to finish that task, he will then be ready to
take the last journey for his wages. My wife will, if I
can not, seek the obligations of Dud. Woodbridge, sen.,
and others, from J. Wilson, before she spares a sigh to
time.
Friday, August 21, 1807.
D. "Woodbridge called and sat with me this morning
longer than he has done altogether since I have been
here. He has got over the care of his examination,
which worried him yesterday in court nearly two hours,
and was, I understand, rather a disservice to the interests
of the prosecution than otherwise. No witnesses are yet
discharged, and all are as uncertain how long they will
be detained as ever, unless there be grounds for an opin-
ion Mr. Botts has given to Duane, that the trial will be
over by "Wednesday or Thursday. Mr. B. must think
Hay, who, I hear, has demanded time to examine authori-
ties cited on the other side in support of Wickham's
motion, will not succeed in opposing it. It appears my
name is as often made use of in court, during my absence,
as it will be again on my own trial, when some curious
contrarieties of facts and testimonies may come out, if I
ever shall be tried. D. Woodbridge, from looking over
that part of my brief narrating the conduct of the Hender-
sons, in betraying my confidence to Graham, etc., was led
to acquaint me with a fact I was not a little mortified to
learn, viz., that Botts is married to a sister of Mrs. Sandy
Henderson. Must I, then, withhold to defend myself
against the most serious witnesses against me, though my
generous benefactor and enlightened patron, engaged to
protect my life and character against the deadly assaults
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348 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
of his own relatives, with no other recompense than the
pride of interposing the barrier of his talents between a
distressed family and its menaced ruin, be averse to
listen to a statement he would still less choose to advocate
of his connections ? Had I been apprised of this difficulty
in my first interview with Mr. B., I know not how he
could have relieved me from it. I must see him on the
subject before I send him a brief. Strange, that every
embarrassment I labor under, great or small, is derived
from the same source. Dudley tells me my wife's favor-
ite horse, Robin, was stolen, with other things, by one
Welch, who has not since been heard of; that J s, the
honest, returned him the $40, and that M , the zeal-
ous, kept the other $20. Falsehood ! thy name is Man —
not Woman. Willey visited me to-day, and was truly
glad to see me again. I made him give me a detail of all
his adventures from leaving the boats. He had traveled,
in his story, as far as Fort St. Stephen's, on the Tombig-
bee river, where he was arrested, after having lost one of
his horses, and lived with the mulatto boy Harry for six
days on damaged corn. Having missed his way, he had
not seen Col. Burr from the time he left Judge B 's
till he found him at Washington City.
Saturday, August 22, 1807.
While at breakfast, little Luckett stepped in. He pro-
duced to mc, I hope, the last bill, with my indorsement,
drawn by Burr ; I had no note or recollection of it. It
was drawn on the same baseless authority as the rest, for
$2,500, and had, of course, suffered a like fate; yet
Luckett had not attempted any proceedings against me,
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PREPARING. 849
though he showed me an account stating a balance
against Burr of upward of $8,000, by which, and losses
he has sustained, he says, he has been quite ruined. He
intreated my best interests with Alston, and never expects
any thing from me. I hope soon to be able to state the
details of a final arrangement with Burr and Alston, to
extricate me from all these embarrassments. Having
learned from Luckett, I was to be taken to court to-day,
at noon, to be arraigned, I was in the act of dressing
when two Deputy Marshals called upon me, half an hour
earlier than was necessary, excusing themselves by say-
ing my watch was so much too slow, though it was
exactly with the town clock. The distance from hence
to the capitol being nearly a mile, and as I have not been
well, I had sent my servant to town to procure me a
horse, but as he had not yet returned, I asked these gen-
tlemen if they had brought a carriage, as had been done
the last day I was taken to court, telling them my reasons
for not wishing to walk. They answered, " the law did
not make any such provisions, and the walk would serve
me." So I soon attended them, though not in the style
that was provided the 10th instant. My two attendants
on foot, to-day, were unarmed, both going and returning.
I had time enough before court opened to prepare for my
counsel a list of thirty-nine witnesses I should have time
allowed me to get here before I could be ready to go to
trial. Of these, I informed Mr. Botts, twelve I deemed
material to disprove all evidence that did, or might yet
attempt to, prove my having committed any overt act ;
the rest to prove I had in nothing manifested a traitorous
design, and of the number I wanted subpoenas duces tecum,
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850 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
for five or six, to procure the production of various docu-
ments that might be necessary to my defense. My other
witnesses are summoned on either side, in the present
trial ; so that the original list I took with me to court to-
day contains no less than fifty-five. Mr. B. then stated,
that as a long list of witnesses I had furnished him lived
as distant from hence as Natchez, it seemed best to post-
pone my arraignment until the opinion of the court
should be known on the several points made on the part
of A. Burr, which would equally affect my case and his,
when, if necessary, I should be prepared to state at what
time I could expect the forthcoming of my witnesses, so
that I might be arraigned by Wednesday. To this, Hay
agreed ; the court, which sat to-day only on my account,
was adjourned, and I returned to this prison as I left it,
that is, unarraigned. I hear Bollman is with Burr' con-
stantly, and no doubt busy. If it does not appear that
Burr can boast as Chas. Fox did, amicitice sempiternce, yet
may he say inimicitice placabilis. Alston's prose, and Boll-
man's talents for intrigue, are recommendations or ano-
dynes to a mind that finds no difficulty in obliterating the
impressions of sensations heretofore received from either
by the letter to Pinkney, which is before the public, or
the process-verbal of the interview with Jefferson, which
is not yet given to the world in detail. Enough has
already appeared in these notes to warrant my suspicions
as to Alston ; and, in addition to the hint given, to-day
and 19th instant, of my opinion on Bollman's manoeuvre
with Jefferson, I am the more confirmed in a disposition
to mistrust both the motive and the matter of the inter-
view, as well as his letter to Duane, because, as yet, he
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FRESH AIR. 851
has not had the curiosity to see me ; neither a community
of interest nor suffering has affected him. He has had no
other motive probably to suggest to him a wish for my
acquaintance, for he has possibly never heard from
authority that I had been offered to choose him or Shaw
for my private secretary, when I should name a diplomatic
appointment for myself. This would have been a useless
and dangerous humiliation of Mr. B.'s pride, which, no
doubt, his master has long since found more accommo-
dating to his views than mine. My visitors, this evening,
were General Tupper, D. Woodbridge, Belknap, Wood
and Doctor Bennett. The last, who has been brought
here to support P. Taylor's evidence, of my having writ-
ten to him a treasonable letter, by Taylor, is friendly, and
can swear that I wrote nothing to him of a traitorous
nature, though Taylor told him the letter was of that
sort when he gave it to him. The doctor says, he sup-
posed I wanted the arms I wrote to him to endeavor to
borrow for me, ten or twenty guns, to defend my family
and property against illegal outrage he knew I appre-
hended at that time from the Wood county volunteers,
in the same sense in which, in my brief, I have stated this
part of my case to counsel. General Tupper read over a
most humorous lampoon on most of the military charac-
ters engaged in the heroic feats of arms they performed
on the night of the 10th of December last at Marietta,
of which, I hope, I shall obtain a copy to relieve the
ennui of these notes. I find it very agreeable this even-
ing to get upon a chair, by which I am enabled to raise
my mouth to the lower tier of openings in the grating
of the windows and breathe another air for half an hour.
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852 the blennerhassett papers.
Sunday, August 23, 1807.
If Alston could not make the same excuse for not call-
ing on me yesterday that he might have offered some days
back, still less could he do so to-day, when I suspect he
has been sent to me. Luckett, this morning, told me it
was Col. Burr's wish that I should write to Alston, to do
the best he could for him, about the dishonored bill L.
holds with my indorsement. Suspecting the correctness
of this statement, I replied, " that Col. Burr was a ready
penman, and in the habit of writing to me on matters of
Jbusiness ; that L., therefore, must endeavor to get him to
specify, under his hand, how it was necessary Mr. Alston
should learn his wishes from me while they saw each
other every day; my own wishes for the relief of L. I
had no objection to signify to Mr. Alston in my own way."
Luckett posted off, and has procured by his importunities,
not a letter from Burr, who never puts pen to paper
but under the influence of necessity, though he is, per-
haps, the most constant writer in America, but a visit
from Alston. When he came in, I inquired, "what
were Col. Burr's expectations of the fate of the motions
now before the court ? " He said, " they, or some of them,
would prevail, and the trial would be over by Wednesday
or Thursday ; that he and Mrs. Alston would very soon
leave town, and that Col. Burr, on his discharge, would
immediately occupy himself with the business of form-
ing a land company, and settling the Washita lands."
Perceiving he had an interest in thus abruptly informing
me of this project, I encouraged him to dwell upon it,
when I found that, though he had been conversing with
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suspicion. 353
Burr on the subject, he wished me to inform him whether
Burr had ever seen the lands. I told him I was not cer-
tain, but believed not, adding, that Tyler and Smith,
who had once been very intent on settling there, had long
ago abandoned the scheme, believing, from information
they had procured, and could rely upon, Lynch's title was
bad, and they were accordingly busily preparing to settle
in the Attakapas country, very distant from the Washita
lands, which were condemned by very good judges I
named to him, who had visited them. Alston seemed
4 surprised at this intelligence, and said the commissioners
had confirmed Lynch's title. I told him I doubted that,
but it was immaterial, as Lynch had long ago been a
bankrupt, so that I had not much thought of accepting
or purchasing 10,000 acres of those lands which Col.
Burr had offered me. I should not be surprised to learn
very soon that Burr has been promising to replenish
Alston's coffers, which he will empty of $50,000 at least,
from his Eldorado on the Washita, I well know B.'s
address, in preventing or evading the simple questions he
does not like to answer. I have seen Alston often yield
to it, and wonder not that he shall seek from me that in-
formation of which he found Burr so tenacious. This,
then, may turn out another instance, in addition to many
others I have furnished, in which B. may see cause to
deprecate my knowledge of him, and curse that candor
of integrity that has so often traversed his purposes.
Bollman'a cautious skill, perhaps, will never betray him
into similar indiscretions ; but Major Smith will be here
to-morrow, and then bursts the bubble. After I had next
given Alston some account, by his desire, of the country
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854 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
about Natchez, in which I also took liberty to correct
many errors in Col. Burr's view of that subject, I con-
trived to let him broach the business he came on. He
asked me if I had seen Nicholas to-day. I said no ; but
Luckett had been here with another of my indorsements,
and an account he showed me, with a balance struck
against Col. Burr, of something better than $8,000 ; thus,
said I, almost every week I discover some new demand
upon me on account of this business ; and I have now
ascertained that, besides other losses, my name has me
responsible for $21,000. Well ! says he, it will cost me at
least $50,000. I mentioned the bill and balance together,
to try if he would offer any objections to responsibilities
I had entered into exceeding the amount of his guarantee
to me, but finding he did not, I then told him the amount
of the bill was only $2,500. With the account between
Col. Burr and Luckett I had no concern, and recom-
mended the latter to such present relief as he could afford
him. He seemed pleased ; said Nicholas would probably
accept his terms ; should remove the incumbrances on my
property in Philadelphia, and invited me to Carolina, and
promised soon to see me again. Then, returning to the
subject of the trial, he told me a piece of news, which
well deserves a place here — as so much secret history,
characteristic of the feelings and energies of the Chief
Justice. It seems, after the Judge had determined to
give the prosecutors time, from Friday until Monday, to
prepare to answer the arguments of the opposite counsel
on four points, any one of which being supported by the
court, the trial ends. A friend of General Marshall asked
him if, in suspending a criminal prosecution by granting
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VATICINATION. 355
this indulgence, he had not made a rule that had no pre-
cedent. To this he answered, "he knew it;" but if he
should decide against the prosecutors on any of these
points, he would be reproached with not being disposed to
give them an opportunity to answer them ; and that he
will probably not overrule them at all is more probable
from an expression of his, while playing at chess with
Wickham, since the latter made the points. " Do n't you
think," said he, " you will be able to check-mate these
fellows, and relieve us from being kept here three weeks
more ? " In the evening Gates called, and soon left me,
to give way to Wickham and Botts. This visit provided
for a wish I yesterday expressed, in court, to Mr. B., to
see him in the course of this day, my object being to state
to him candidly the objections I had lately discovered to
his appearing as an advocate for me in my defense, which
might expose the breach of honor and confidence I com-
plained of, on the part of his connections. But as he
brought Mr. Wickham with him, and it seemed their
joint opinion that the decision on the points now before
the court would probably this week put an end to Burr's
trial, and occasion the relinquishment of mine, or, if that
did not happen, they had determined upon a plea in
abatement, for a misnomer to the indictment in my case,
which they thought must prevail, and then the prose-
cutors would probably despair of success in getting
another grand jury to find another bill against me ; or,
if they should make such an experiment, I should most
probably, in the mean time, be admitted to bail. From
this view of their opinions, I said I hoped it would not be
necessary to trouble them with my brief, and I could not
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356 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
venture the appeal to Mr. Botts's feelings, which I pro-
posed to make in this interview. My accomplished
friends now terminated their visit with their accustomed
kindness, and left me in a sublime reverie on their virtues
and talents, which was soon broken in upon, by the ap-
pearance of Mr. Douglas with a stranger; I should rather
have said, by two apparitions, for it was now near night-
fall, and Douglas no sooner appeared than he turned on
his heel, saying, "Colonel Duane, sir," and ran down
stairs. The surprise of this interruption the stranger,
whom I had never before seen, did not suffer to endure
long enough to allow me to invoke the angels and min-
isters of grace for my protection. I was already within
the grasp of this Gabriel of the Government. He seized
my hand, and bade me dismiss my surprise, however
natural it might be on his appearance before me. I
handed him a chair, and said, " I had lived long enough
in this country to be surprised at nothing it could produce
or exhibit, but yet desired to learn from what cause I had
the favor of this visit."^ " Having heard Mr. Douglas ob-
serve," said he, " you would be pleased to see me." " Sir,
Mr. D. has made a mistake ; he must have meant some-
body else." " No matter," continued he ; " having seen
and known your present situation, I could not as a man,
and an Irishman " — here he digressed, to show how he
both was, and was not, an Irishman — " I would not leave
this town without warning you of the sacrifice now pre-
paring to appease the Government by your friends, of
which you are destined to be the victim. You can not
desire any other key to my meaning than the course the
defense has this week taken ; but if you think the Gov-
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COL. DUANE. 357
eminent will not cease to pursue that justice they possess
the means of insuring, and suspect, as you ought, the
designs of those you have too long thought your friends,
it might yet appear no better, on my part, than a nominal
service to give you these cautions. I have therefore
sought you, not to tender you words, but deeds ; the only
return, on your part, will be that care of yourself which
will find a shield in my honor " — here he very awkwardly
struck his breast, and grinned a ghastly smile — "and
that confidence I can command in the Government, whose
good faith is not misplaced in the zeal I have testified to
serve it." To this harangue, delivered somewhat less,
perhaps, with the action and manner of Satan personat-
ing Duane than that of a felon, he added violent prot-
estations of his wishes to serve me, saying that for that
purpose he would put off his journey back to Phila-
delphia, which otherwise was irrevocably fixed for Wed-
nesday, and would now, or at any time hereafter, go to
Washington for me, where nothing he should ask would
be refused him. In thanking him for the frankness and
zeal with which he cautioned me against my friends,
and a negligence of my safety, I assured him I was not
afraid to meet the prosecution, as I expected I should,
before my arrival here, without counsel or friends ; but
from present appearances I was more curious than in-
terested to learn what were those means he said Govern-
ment possessed of insuring justice? Finding by his
answer he was now disposed to allure me into a con-
fession of having written certain papers in the hands
of the prosecutors, I told him, " the warmth of his offers
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358 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
to serve me could not make me forget either his situation
or my own, with relation to the Government; that I
cared not what writings should be charged upon me,
I should admit none until fairly proved, which, if any
such should ever appear, I would justify, if necessary,
on the scaffold. He now summed up the objects of his
mission, whatever produced it, with abuse of Burr,
Tyler and Smith, acknowledging that he had been
served gratis by the first, in the most handsome man-
ner; that the others were more concerned against the
Government than I was ; but swearing that he believed,
if I did not follow his advice, they would make a scape-
goat sacrifice of me for their deliverance. Can I make
no use, then, of this adventure ? yes, I will put this in-
terest in requisition, if I can't find readier means to
abbreviate the imprisonment of Vaun. I have again laid
by my brief, which I shall not probably soon resume
until all my expectations of Burr's success and my own
are reversed. In the mean time, I will attend to the
adjustment of m^ private affairs. Ellis called in to-day,
and seemed pleased with having it in his power to offer to
spare some money to me, if I wanted it. I was very glad,
I said, to find Col. Burr was in cash. "Not at all," said
he ; "I was with the Marshal, and pretended a subpoena
had been served on me at Natchez, and got 140 odd dol-
lars. This was all Col. Burr could yet do for me." This
is caution, with a vengeance. The Marshal's runners
have these two nights past been in busy search of General
Dayton. If he is taken this way, how will he appear
to the multitude?
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ALSTON. 859
Monday, August 24, 1807.
Between 8 or 9, A. M., arrived Major Smith in this
place. He has got the room under me to sleep in, and
no reasons of state or measures of public safety appear
at present, though they were obvious three weeks ago, to
prevent our living together until bed-time, that is, 8, P. M.
He has not heard from Burr, though Mr. Martin has
visited and offered him to be his counsel, gratis. I was
visited by De Pestre, whom I was obliged to send away
to attend to Nicholas, who will probably do something
definite as to Sanders with Alston to-day or early to-
morrow. For, strange to say, the latter, De Pestre
assured me, was going home to-day, but Nicholas says he
will put it off until to-morrow. I apprehend I shall be
obliged to accept of that friendly invitation he gave me
yesterday. Smith heard that Burr has made financial
arrangements in Philadelphia to settle every thing after
his acquittal. Midnight.
Tuesday, August 25, 1807.
The unexpected arrival of Alston on the stairs before
8 o'clock this morning, while I was walking with Major
Smith in the passage, operated as a panic, and soon
inspired a conviction of the apprehensions I entertained
yesterday, after having seen De Pestre, that he would be
off with French leave. I composed myself, however, to
receive him with an air of confidence I have generally of
late dissembled toward him, affecting at the same time a
little surprise at so early a visit. This he parried, with a
whiff of his cigar, which gave him time to think to say,
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360 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
" the court was to sit as early as nine, and he meant to
lose nothing of all that was expected from Wirt, who
would have the advantage of a good foil afforded him
yesterday by the wretched exhibition of McRae, which
soon became so flat, that it nearly cleared the Louse."
" He affected," said he, " to prance at starting, but could
only crawl all day over the ground ; even Hay confessing
he did not understand the question, and Botts, who would
next have spoken, declaring that he had heard nothing
that required a reply from him. Alston now called me
into my apartment to dispatch the object of his early
visit, which seemed to be, to leave town without incurring
any complaints of mine for not concluding, before his
departure, the so long-expected arrangement with Nich-
olas. He therefore objected to the difficulties that he
said Nicholas and Randolph pretended to feel in remov-
ing the attachment from my funds in Philadelphia, with-
out particular orders from Sanders. I said I should
expect or coerce Sanders to do that, in virtue of the set-
tlements I had made with him in Lexington, whether Mr.
Alston furthered that settlement or not. He then said
Nicholas yesterday promised to have the necessary papers
ready last evening, but he would have me completely
exonerated from the demand before he did anything; to
which I, of course, assented. But, I asked, what had
occasioned the determination I heard he had formed of
leaving town yesterday or to-day? uO! the "certainty
of the trials ending this week had made him desirous of
leaving this place, of which he was heartily tired, as soon
as possible, and his anxiety to try to raise even a part of
the money for my relief would the more hurry him away/'
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RUMORS. 361
He forgot, I suppose, he yesterday told Nicholas he had
just received letters that suddenly called him home. A
propensity to rely more on his wits than his memory, is a
prominent trait in this character. It would, then, have
answered no purpose to have inquired into the fact of the
letters being concerned, rather than my sufferings, with
the period of his journey. He could easily say, " 't was
true, he had letters ; " for he is very circumspect to avoid
changes upon his words, which I took an occasion
again to-day to put to the test by observing to him, that
I supposed my losses by Miller's sale of my effects, which
had been sacrificed in Wood county, would not be much
short of $15,000, which sum would not replace two-thirds
of my library, my furniture, instruments, house-linen, etc.,
with all my farming-stock and implements of husbandry,
for all which I had no other hope of indemnity but what
I could derive from the honor and resources of Col. Burr
and himself; to all of which he was silent. But he might,
and did, add, nothing more engaged his concern so much
as his wishes to relieve my embarrassments. He then
told me Col. Burr wished me to be upon my guard
against spies, as he apprehended some had been lately
visiting me under the mask of friendship. On asking
him whether he alluded to any particular persons, I found
he had heard of Duane's visit to me on Sunday evening,
which was next day in every body's mouth, and may pos-
sibly have had some share in engendering a report which
as yet has been only whispered, though it may have stolen
into some of A. Burr's private audiences. This report
states that I now see Burr in a different light from that in
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362 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
which I first regarded him, and that my fellow-prisoner,
Major Smith, is come on determined to denounce Burr,
and turn an approver. Alston did not hint this rumor to
me, but I thought it would be serviceable to the interests
of my pecuniary expectations from him to send him
back to Burr, satisfied of my vigilance and perseverance
in those duties of honor and good faith which, if they
doubted in me, I should never forget I owe to myself.
" Ha ! " said I, " you 've heard of Duane's visit to me,
then ; would you wish to see my notes of what passed
between us?" " Yes," said he, eagerly, " very much in-
deed." I then read to him the minutes I had taken on
Sunday evening, with which he seemed highly pleased,
and said they ought to be published. To this I told him
I could not accede, though it might seem to him the more
necessary from some observations made to me by Duane,
more than I thought necessary to enter in my notes, of
which I recollected one, that concerned Alston himself,
who now seemed all anxiety for the disclosure he ex-
pected. But I affected to attach little importance to the
thing, and said, after no small enjoyment of his solicitude
about it, " 't was only that Government had got posses-
sion of one of his letters to me." " One of my letters ! "
said he; " I never wrote to you but two upon business of
a private nature, and any other letter they can have of
mine must be a forgery." " To be sure," said I ; "or at
all events, from the favorable course things are now likely
to take, such a letter could do no harm." " But what did
the rascal," continued he, " state to be the purport of the
letter?" "Nothing more," said I, "than proving that
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COLLOQUY. 863
you and myself were equally involved in all Col. Burr's
projects." He then abused Duane, repeated his wish my
notes were published, and took leave,
I find I have omitted to observe, owing to the hurry
and fatigue I suffered the day I arrived in this prison,
that Alston, on his first visit to me that evening, acknowl-
edged the receipt of the letter I had written him from
Natchez, containing a reprobation of his public letter to
Gov. Pinkney, when he said, "he felt now no uneasiness
at certain reflections I had therein made use of, which he
knew proceeded from a warmth of temper natural to me
upon a misconception of his motives, which he had ex-
plained to the satisfaction (is it possible ?) of Col. Burr."
To which I answered, that the letter itself would say it
was not designed to excite any unpleasant sensations,
though it was written under impressions that could not
be obliterated, and that his not answering my letter,
which was so incumbent on him, from the nature of that
part of it relating to money matters, so irritated and con-
vinced me that he disregarded my expectations from him,
arising from his guarantee for my losses by my concern
with Col. Burr and himself, that I was further led to
declare, at Lexington, that he was as fully concerned
with Col. B. as myself, stating at the same time to him a
further motive for such a declaration, which will be found
in my notes of the 6th instant. All this he accepted very
kindly, assuring me he had written two letters to me.
"What! two!" yes; he not only then, that is, on the
fourth instant, said two, but said so again to-day. Now
those who are blest with his correspondence, will find he
is not in the habit of bestowing two answers on one letter,
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364 THE BLENNERHAS6ETT PAPERS.
especially when that one has chiefly for its object to bring
a demand upon him into action, much less to grant a sin-
gle reply to a letter which, through respect to his wife,
he might at least acknowledge. I allude to our friend
Harding's letter to him that he confessed he had received,
but told me on his first visit it merely inclosed some papers
to him, and required no answer. So the generous labors
of the head and heart of one of the best men living did
not deserve even the thanks of this coxcomb. But it
appears from all this, that if his .second letter was in
answer to the only one I ever wrote him, his first was
occupied with some other subject ; and the palpable inter-
est with which he listened to the late news Duane left
with me for him, joined with the motives that induced
him to write the death-warrant of his character to Pink-
ney, and some late rumors of designs in Government, to
institute a prosecution against him also, all leave little
room to doubt that the prosecutors have got hold of
something he would not like to see. But if this alarm
will give me hold upon him, to keep him long enough
here to carry some of his sincere wishes into execution,
I shall owe Duane more obligations for his visit than he
is aware of. I received a note from Prichard, covering
the bill I had drawn on Philadelphia in his favor, which
was returned for reasons already given in my notes of
last Monday. Behold me, then, without a dollar, except
the few that remain of thirty Prichard sent me a fort-
night since. On this very bill I have had my coat re-
paired, my umbrella newly covered, my hat dressed, and
my boots new-tapped. But this economy will not pay
my tavern bill, nor those of my grocer and washer-
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APPREHENSION. 365
woman. Nor will it restore to me the only funds on
which I depended for my only care, the maintenance of
my family. My own wants will never solicit the mantle
of charity to shelter them from the pinching blast of ad-
versity, until death shall lay the storm. Until then the
cry, even to the heart of Mr. Alston, pray spare a trifle
from your stock, to clothe my naked family, with that
credit of which you Ve stripped it. In this spirit I wrote
him what follows : " I have just received the inclosed, by
which you may convince Mr. Nicholas of the unjust and
absurd obstruction of my credit in Philadelphia, by the
continuance of Mr. Sanders's attachment. Having no
other source of pecuniary supply to which I can resort
for subsistence of my family, until I can collect the wreck
of their property, I await the accommodation of such
credit or remittances as your dispositions may devise for
the relief of my exigences. Yours, H. B." The servant
returned with a verbal answer, in these four words — "He
will see him," importing that Alston would see Nicholas,
as if seeing N. will indemnify me for all I have suffered,
or support my family. Alston told me Belknap has con-
fessed he received from Smith $700 for me, which he
denied the night he arrived on the " Island " from Ken-
tucky, the night I left it.
Wednesday, August 26, 1807.
The bird, I believe, has not flown to-day, but may take
wing, I know not what moment. I have neither seen
nor heard from him since his verbal answer to my letter
of yesterday. The little animal has clapped its wings in
screaming essays toward the " Oaks ;" but yet may it re-
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main a little longer on that egg it has not yet hatched,
for the cuckoo that laid it. Wirt raised his reputation
yesterday, as high as McRae sunk his the day before.
The former, I learn, paid me some compliments. We
have many visitors, as usual, of whom I shall only notice
Kerr, who sat one hour here this evening. Was cautioned
by Dud. Woodbridge to beware of Bennet. But I have
him secured by Tupper, who tells me he, Tupper, will
support the declarations made by Bennet to him and me,
on Bennet's first visit here to me. Major Smith is suffer-
ing something of a seasoning.
Thursday, August 27, 1807.
Rose at a quarter past 5 this morning, to walk in the
yard, as I had agreed with Major Smith last night ; but
he rested badly, and had a profuse perspiration when I
called upon him, which determined him, with my advice,
to stay in bed. So I walked for an hour alone, under a
disagreeable fog, with a view to try whether breathing so
long another, if not a better, air than that of my room
might not enable me to escape to-day a periodical head-
ache, with some fever, we both complain of about 2
o'clock every day since Sunday, and of which we are not
free some nights, before we go to bed. Young Swartwout
called upon us with Alston. The latter called me out to
tell me things will be completed to-day with Nicholas,
from whom he will get the original bills on which the
attachment was served on the house of J. S. Lewis & Co.,
as my garnishees, by which, I suppose, I can again open
the channel of my credit which the attachment has so
long shut up in Philadelphia. He assures me Luckett's
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MR. DUNCAN. 867
account is not admitted to be correct by Burr, and that I
shall not be liable for the bill of $2,500 with my indorse-
ment in Luckett's hands. He has also offered me a draft
at sight on Charleston, for the bill returned me by Prich-
ard. He concluded his money business with me this
morning, by telling me Col. Burr will be soon in cash,
having concluded some financial arrangements with a
Mr. Pollock, who is very rich. I must not forget, how-
ever, he also told me his settling both Sanders's and Mil-
ler's claims, if the latter will come into the^arrangement,
will, with the incidental charges, require payments by
him to the amount of $16,000 ; so that after settling San-
ders's claim, if Miller won't settle in the same way, he has
proposed to take up his present letter of guarantee and
give me another to indemnify me for what Miller may be
entitled to recover of me, to which I have assented. Mr.
Alston has found Wirt, though not without merit, so far
as he was figurative, monotonous, with bad or no action,
and better recommended by the foil McRae afforded him
than any interest his late essay could inspire. He seems
to-day to partake of apprehensions entertained by Col.
Burr's friends, that the Chief Justice may yield to want
of energy, in ruling all the points now before him, as the
able efforts of the counsel for the defense can not fail to
prove the law requires. Surely, if the law has not been
mistaken on the side of the accused, the calumny which
has been propagated through the crowd, of Burr's emis-
saries having made an attempt to take off Mr. Duncan
by laudanum, would tend to strengthen rather the en-
ergies of such a head and heart as the Chief Justice is
probably blessed with. This Duncan has been brought
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868 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
here, I am told, to prove a negative ; namely, that Wil-
kinson is not a Spanish officer or pensioner. Duane has
kept his promise to abandon the field yesterday. I find
to-day he is an expert angler, and adapts his flies and
tackling not only to the waters and seasons of his choice,
but to that kind of fish that are the objects of his sport;
at least, the first cast of his line has caught that wary fish,
the natural history of which has engaged so much of
these notes. I have been accordingly informed, a formal
demand has been made upon Hay to declare whether the
Government or himself possess a certain letter, of which
a sketch has been given here the 25th instant. The scene
that this interview probably presented will, I know not
how long, be reserved for recital in the secret mysteries
of the prosecution. Alston, on his part, gave me too
sublime a rehearsal of the dignity and force with which
he launched the bolts of his defiance on all the Titans of
Virginia, for me to presume to imitate it in these memo-
randa, without incurring the suspicion at least of being
disposed to burlesque it. The Titan Hay, however, he
assured me, he overwhelmed with mountains of con-
sternation and dismay ; in short, the fact was denied, and
what was very extraordinary, as the like never happened
before, imprecations of mendacity, on the fame of Col.
Duane, were endured with patience by Jefferson's attor-
ney. The existence, however, of the letter, be it remem-
bered, is as yet no more disproved than A.'s title to
Agrestis is established. When Alston observed to me,
to-day, he would give me a new guarantee against the
amount of Miller's recovery, I said, that would be neces-
sary for two purposes ; first, for the purpose of transferring
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tupper's song. 869
it, as I had the former one, to Sanders, or raising money
on it, as I had nothing else left to pledge ; secondly, for
the benefit of my family, in the event of my death, which
I thought very probably might soon happen. I could see
well enough to discern a pointed attention on his part to
the last reason. He had on a former occasion observed,
when I assured him I should publicly expose the perfidy
and dishonor of Graham and the Hendersons, at all
hazards, be the issue of these trials what it might, " that
my short sight would lay me under very unfair disadvan-
tages ; " to which I answered, " I should know how to
accommodate the distance to the extent of my sight ; "
and, to-day, he hoped with earnestness that I would not
think on any gloomy subject to cloud the prospect of
many happy years I shall yet enjoy. This was not his
language, but his precise meaning ; how far it was sin-
cere may be imagined from his talking in this way, after
he returned me what another man might have kept, my
letter given here the 25th instant, without lisping a sylla-
ble on the exposure I made to him in that letter of my
second humiliation before his wealth, to solicit an atom
from the heap to assuage the distress he is bound to
relieve. Be it remembered, he has never questioned de-
mands I made upon him, independent of his first guaran-
tee for disbursements I have made for Col. Burr, to be-
tween four and five thousand dollars, in a letter of which
he acknowledged the receipt on the 4th instant, any more
than statements of other losses, an indemnity for which,
when ascertained, will be sought in the honor and re-
sources of Col. Burr and himself. Tupper has promised
me a copy of his song of the " Battle of the Boats," and
' 24
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870 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
tells me the Hendersons now afiect that they are obliged
to testify against me. When we recollect their menaces
in Wood county to denounce me, after they had prosti-
tuted their honor to a spy, we must rather believe they
regret to testify against that letter Sandy wrote his
father, soliciting his consent to his son's espousing the
principles and conduct, I confidentially recommended to
them, which letter will show what treason I recommend-
ed or was engaged in. Robison and others tell us, this
evening, Hay had the insolence to insinuate to-day, to
the Chief Justice, an impeachment, if he did not over-
rule all the points now before the Court. Does the Chief
Justice want energy at such a crisis to declare the law ?
surely this in&ult should give it to him. Prichard assures
me Burr, on his acquittal, will not soon leave this town.
Civil demands upon him will gather round him from all
quarters, to a far greater amount than he can find bail
for, if Pollock, or some other preserving angel, does not
shield him from this new host. Then, indeed, will he
fall more inglorious than from a gibbet. I am very
unwell this evening, suffering under a return of the like
oppressive weather I endured during the first fortnight
of my imprisonment.
Saturday, August 29, 1807.
I awoke yesterday morning with a continuance of the
indisposition under which I had labored on Thursday
evening. I was affected with much fever and racking
headache, to a degree of severity that compelled me to
return to bed before breakfast, after taking three or four
grains of calomel. Dud. Woodbridge called mc aside
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APOLOGY. 371
this morning to complain that the " Enquirer " has mis-
represented the evidence he gave last Wednesday. He
said he had been to the printer on the subject. I could
not understand distinctly, however, what particular fact
had been misstated. He observed to me that he was at a
loss to conceive the object of the counsel on both sides,
examining him upon matters altogether irrelevant to the
questions before the Court ; such as, his opinion of my
talents and studies, his knowledge of the amount of my
property, and particularly the value of my place on the
Ohio. But he supposed the drift of Col. Burr was to
show that I could in no sense be regarded as a military
character. He apologized for his having .said that "I
had more other sense than common sense," an expression
which he said escaped him in the hurry and warmth of
his examination. I accepted this explanation, but wished
him to inform me what motive the counsel could have to
exhibit me to the jury as a character less skilled in the
ordinary affairs of life than common men? He now
stated to me, that Burr's special confidants, who formerly
sought his company here, of late, seemed rather inclined
to avoid him, for which he was at a loss to account ; but
that, while he boarded in the same house with Bollman,
this gentleman had devoted much pains to learn from
him all he could of «my character, by which, having ex-
tracted from him an opinion that I was eccentric, Boll-
man, who was informed of the testimony he had given
before the grand jury, regretted very much that D. Wood-
bridge had not informed that body of the circumstance.
All this is mysterious to me, and will remain so until I
can explore the matter by opportunities I shall not fail to
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872 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
seek. I have had a large draft upon my little funds, of
$2.55 for a large packet from Philadelphia, covering the
following inclosures ; namely, two letters from Elliott and
another from his wife, with the seal cut open, and several
others of importance. Burr yesterday informed me, by
note, he had an unsettled account with Luckett, who holds
one of his drafts for $25, with my indorsement, which it
would gratify him much if I could discharge : but Alston,
two or three days ago, assured me Luckett's account was
not allowed, and I should not be called upon to pay this
draft. Will these adventurers never meet but in du-
plicity ? Mr. Alston has not appeared to me since Thurs-
day; he is probably engrossed to-day by Martin's con-
cluding speech, in reply upon the points now before the
Court. Wood, this morning, gave me some information,
which, if true, proves Burr as bad a general out of the
field as I have no doubt he would prove in it. Speaking
of several characters that Burr had subpoenaed from Ken-
tucky, I inquired, what benefit he expected to derive from
John Brown, who I heard had arrived ? " He can expect
none from him," said Wood ; " he will find Brown more
Wilkinson's friend than his." " Brown is as truly pen-
sioned as Sebastian was by the Spanish Government;"
and Col. Burr must have strangely overrated his own
powers, if he ever thought that these men would have
joined him in any thing but words against Spain, while
he might with the greatest ease, when he was in Ken-
tucky, have enlisted Daveiss and the whole Marshall
party in his interest. "Daveiss and Dr. Marshall," he
added, " would gladly have embarked in all or any of his
speculations; they had no Spanish ties to break, and
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6KBASTIAK. 878
Daviess instituted the first proceedings against him, partly
from a sense of neglect on the part of Burr, and through
enmity to the President, who he fully believed was con-
cerned with Burr, or connived at his operations. Be
these things as they may, true or false, as Wood is more
or less deserving of credit — it should be remembered that
Wood once possessed the confidence of the Marshall fac-
tion, by which he had an opportunity of knowing their
dispositions — that however unprincipled he may have
proved in other instances, he still adheres to the denunci-
ations he published in the " Western World/' which have
already ruined Sebastian, and may yet lead to the con-
viction of other culprits, and that as he has now aban-
doned all concern with politics and newspapers, save so
&r as he can be serviceable to Burr, he can have no cal-
culable interest in depreciating the views or talents of any
of the persons he has reflected upon. But the present
trial can not fail to furnish ample testimony, if not to the
guilt, at least to the defect of every talent, under the as-
sumption of which this giddy adventurer has seduced so
many followers of riper experience and better judgment
than myself. Tou were right, therefore, honest Hay, in
observing the other day to Woodbridge, while expressing
your concern for my situation. " that I must now think
Burr had duped me ; " but you were wrong in supposing
I am indebted to you for the discovery ; I am possessed
of it these nine months. I am still without relief of my
anxiety for my poor family. I pray the mercy of Heaven
to prepare me for the first news I shall hear from them.
II o'clock, P. M.
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874 the blennerhassett papers.
Sunday, August 30, 1807.
I have heard this morning from Ellis, that General
Jackson is hourly expected in town, and Ashley's arrival
also looked for, this evening or to-morrow. If by either
of these chances I shall be blessed with no disastrous
news of my family, or even with a revival of those hopes
that I have too long brooded upon, of once more behold-
ing the picture of my beloved wife, how great a load of
care my hours of sorrow will throw off. I trust Almighty
God will first ordain I shall bow with devout gratitude
before I bound in levity or transports, to which I have
so long been a stranger; or, if I idly dream, to wake
perhaps to realities of sad reverse, then let me first
invoke the Divine mercy, to retain me faithful to all my
duties, in every task allotted to my destiny. I had a very
interesting conversation this morning with John Banks
and Mercer, and both eagerly charged themselves with
the care of sending me good soup ; and as my late sick-
ness induced me at their desire to complain of the quality
of necessaries sent from the tavern, in pursuance of
which, soon after, Mercer left me a present of refresh-
ments of fruit and good butter, and fine calves-feet jelly,
was sent in ice by Mrs. Gamble. The conversation, of
course, had no other object so natural to engage our in-
terest as a comparison of the foundation of different con-
jectures respecting the decision the Chief Justice will
deliver to-morrow on those points which have so long
balanced this town between law and faction, and will so
much longer poise the trembling passions of the distant
multitude on the same pivot. Each of us was not with-
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BANKS. 375
out an inuendo, or an anecdote, of no small interest to
Major Smith, who, I was happy to see, continued of the
party. My hints were thrown out only in general terms,
alluding to the inferences I had endeavored to draw from
the intelligence Wood yesterday gave me. Mercer, who,
it is said, is much enamored of a very accomplished
young lady, a relation of the Chief Justice, ably exerted
his happy address for some time, not indeed to confirm
the sense Banks and myself professed we so fully enter-
tained of "General Marshall's high talents, deep erudition
and amiable virtues, but to discharge our apprehensions
of some doubts we said we lamented they had imbibed,
that the Chief Justice would possess all the energy that
would be necessary to reconcile the opinion he had deliv-
ered on the part of the Supreme Court in the case of
Bollman and Swartwout, with such another as would be
required of him to establish the most material of all the
points now before him. Mercer insinuated he had oppor-
tunities from whence he could deduce a different antici-
pation. But neither Banks nor myself could hereby
perceive his conjectures to be better warranted than our
own. Banks was now led, after indulging himself with
some general reflections on the difficulty and delicacy of
the Chief Justice's present dilemma, in which we all
concurred, to tell us an anecdote, with which I was sur-
prised to find Mercer unacquainted, from whence Banks
indeed did not infer that the Chief Justice will, on the
present occasion, shrink from his duty, as an able judge
or a virtuous patriot, to avert the revenge of an unprinci-
pled government, or avoid other trials menaced, and
preparing for himself by its wretched partisans, but he
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876 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
lamented, and certainly our choicest sympathies harmo-
nized with his feelings, that the facts he had mentioned,
of which he vouched the verity, referring Mercer to the
office and file of the Argus, had already proved that the
Chief Justice had explained or accommodated his en-
ergies on the bench in conformity to the views of his
enemies, by ordering or permitting in his private character
something to be inserted in the Argus, in the form of an
apology to, or exculpation of, Wilkinson, purporting to
contravene, but altogether inconsistent with, the tenor or
expressions of declarations of opinions he, as a judge,
had delived on the bench. This will, no doubt, engage
Mercer's interest and anxiety so much that I will, to-day,
add not a word to what I have already said, on a discov-
ery that has not a little depressed me. Yet I am certain,
whatever dust or insects may have sought the Judge's
robes while off his back, none will venture to appear
upon the ermine that bedecks his person. Mercer and
Banks gave me not less than two hours of their company,
which, whether considered with regard to the elegance
and interest of Mercer's conversation, or the friendly
concern testified by Banks for the issue of the trial, con-
stituted one of the most agreeable visits I have received
since my imprisonment. Mercer promised to bring me the
earliest tidings of the decision to-morrow. Alston is too.
much occupied to call upon me, when such an effort is
not indispensable.
The influenza has arrived here, and found its way into
half the families of the town. I am severely affected
with it ; this is the third illness I have had here, which
has compelled me to resort to medicine. As we were
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LUTHER MARTIN. 377
chatting over some of Mrs. Gambled fruit after dinner,
in came the whole rear-guard of Burr's forensic army — I
mean the celebrated Luther Martin, who yesterday con-
cluded his fourteen hours' speech. His visit was to Major
Smith ; but he took me by the hand, saying, there was
no need of an introduction. I was too much interested
by the little I had seen, and the great things I had heard,
of this man's powers and passions not to improve the
present opportunity to survey him in every light the
length of his visit would permit. I accordingly recom-
mended our brandy as considered superior, placing a pint
tumbler before him. No ceremonies retarded the liba-
tion; no inquiries solicited him on any subject, until
apprehensions of his withdrawing suggested some topic
to quiet him on his seat. Were I now to mention only
the subjects of law, politics, news, etc., on which he de-
scanted, I should not be believed when I had said his
visit did not exceed thirty-five minutes. I imagine a man
capable, in that space of time, to deliver some account of
an entire week's proceedings in the trial, with extracts
from memory of several speeches on both sides, including
long ones from his own, to recite half columns, verbatim,
of a series of papers of which he said he is the author,
under the signature of " Investigator," to caricature Jef-
ferson, give the history of his acquaintance with Burr,
expatiate on his virtues and sufferings, maintain his credit,
embellish his fame, and intersperse the whole with sen-
tentious reprobations and praises of other characters.
Some estimate, with these preparations, may be formed
of this man's powers, which are yet shackled by great
embarrassment of delivery. In this his manner is rude,
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378 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
and his language ungrammatical, which is cruelly aggra-
vated upon his hearers by the verbosity and repetitions
of his style. With the warmest passions that hurry him
like a torrent over those characters or topics of his con-
versation that lie most in the way of their course, he has
by practice acquired the faculty of curbing hi* feeling*,
while he never suffers to charge the enemy until broken
by the superior numbers of his arguments and authorities,
by which he always outflanks him ; then he lets loose the
reserve upon the center with redoubled impetuosity. Yet
fancy has been as much denied to his mind as grace to
his person or habits. These are gross, and incapable of
restraint, even on the most solemn public occasions.
Hence his invectives are rather coarse than pointed;
his eulogiums more fulsome than pathetic. In short, my
amiable young friend Mercer, in his accustomed classical
neatness, gives me every trait of his portrait, when in one
word he calls him the "Thersites of the law." Yet,
though Mr. M. did not intend to sit here to so bad an
artist, he has literally promised me his portrait by a bet-
ter hand, and I believe he is not without many moral
good qualities, not very inconsistent with the sketch I
have attempted of his character. I have no doubt he is
unrivaled for zeal in the service of his friends, while he
retains them from the concern with which he spoke of
Burr's financial difficulties, declaring his friend could find
security in Baltimore for $100,000, which I doubt, though
I do not at all question Martin, as he said so, would be
his bail for $10,000. I regret to find Smith neglected, not
only by Burr, but Burr's satellites. I asked Martin if the
prosecutors won't succeed, as I predicted by letter to B^
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INDISPOSITION. 379
before I got here to put him upon a defense on the trea-
son bill, that wilh nearly amount to a confession of the
misdemeanor ? I think this has actually happened. Mar-
tin thought that because Burr alleges he expected war
between Spain and the United States, his expedition was
lawful. But may not a jury think Burr did not expect
the war, and find their verdict then on the confession ?
Monday, August 31, 1807.
I suffered total privation of sleep last night, by the un-
remitting severity of my cough. This is the most
oppressive day I have yet endured in this place, and my
lassitude was so great, that after seeing Strickland, who,
I am glad to hear, sets out for Natchez about Saturday, I
read for two hours, but was obliged to go to bed, where
T slept until awaked by Mercer, with a report of the
Chief Justice's opinion, stating, in substance, that all the
points of so much expectation had been established in
favor of the accused, and my indictment virtually got rid
of, by the Judge's opinion, that the evidence adduced to
prove the overt acts did not prove such an assemblage as
the law required to constitute a traitorous one. Mercer
took much pains to state every detail his memory could
suggest; but I was little revived with' the news. I have
yet too many other trials to pass. The Court adjourned
to six o'clock this evening, when the prosecutors are to
be prepared to state the course they will now pursue.
The result I shall learn • to-morrow morning, and be
thereby probably enabled to look to the period of my
imprisonment. When I shall have access to Burr and
Alston, it will be my fault if I do not see them when I
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380 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
ought. My chest is very sore ; I will take some medicine,
and endeavor to sleep, after first offering up my cares and
prayers to Heaven for my wife and boys.
Tuesday, September 1, 1807-
This morning I find my influenza much abated by the
good effects of the medicine I took last night. Visited,
as usual, by a variety of persons, before and after the ad-
journment of the Court, by whom we learn, Hay observed,
with an affectation of terseness, that he had examined
the opinion of the Court, and had no further arguments
or evidence to offer, by which I should understand he
meant to envelop in uncertainty the course the prose-
cutors will now pursue, of which no conjecture can be
formed before to-morrow. A diversity of opinions, how-
ever, seems already to dissect the speculations of the
prosecutors ; some supposing all the indictments will be
abandoned by nolle-prosequis ; others, that Burr will be
proceeded against immediately on the misdemeanor ; and
some more, that a motion will be made to have him sent
to the District of Kentucky, where things may work
more favorably to convict him of overt acts, suggested to
have been committed by him at the mouth of Cumber-
land river ; while, on the other hand, it is said, Burr will
to-morrow move for nothing less than to be discharged
from the indictment for the misdemeanor. But this
seems to me too bold a dash on the part of the accused.
I should rather presume, on the contrary, that the Judge
would allow the prosecutors all the latitude of discretion
they may desire in adducing evidence to prove that de-
gree or probability of guilt that may induce the Court to
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ARGUMENTATION. 381
transmit the accused to another district, from which they
had precluded themselves by the form in which they had
framed the indictment for treason. Yet I can not believe
the Chief Justice will ever say, a man once put in jeop-
ardy of life in one district for treason, charged to have
been therein committed and acquitted thereof, may after-
ward be put to answer charges of other overt acts of the
same treason in another district. Though a man may be
responsible to the law, in -twelve districts severally, for a
distinct treason committed in each, provided the animus
or design quo (with which) he sought his object by the overt
acts in each be proven to have operated the overt acts, as
their immediate preceding motive, within the district
where they are laid in the indictment to have been com-
mitted. Thus, a man may successively meditate, and
mentally organize or arrange, eleven separate treasons, in
as many States, the execution of all which he may aban-
don ; but finally, in a twelfth, he may attempt to reduce
his project into action. But evidence of. overt acts in the
last State can not borrow evidence of the design from any
of the former to complete his crime. The jury, I hope,
have to-day evinced more of caprice than party spirit, by
affecting to bring in something like a special verdict of
acquittal. It will, however, be entered generally on the
record. Burr has written to me to solicit Alston to as-
sume the amount of the bill Luckett holds, and felicitates
me on the events of yesterday. I have gratified Luckett
with a letter to that effect to Alston, whom I have not
seen since Thursday.
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{882 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Wednesday, September 2, 1807.
My cough still causing me some loss of rest, I had not
risen this morning before seven, when I was visited by
Wickham and Botts. They staid about fifteen minutes,
and called to acquaint me they meant to-morrow to offer
the special plea to my indictment, on which account they
had come to invite me to visit the folks at the capitol.
They told me Burr was not solicitous about his discharge,
which they thought would not take place for three or
four days. They apprehended an attempt would be made
to have us all transmitted to the Kentucky or other dis-
tricts, which they did not appear to think would prevail.
After breakfast, being very languid, we did nothing but
read until a little after noon, when a Deputy Marshal un-
expectedly roused us into action, by a summons to attend
the Court. We dressed in five minutes, and accompanied
the officer in a distressing warm walk. We did not re-
turn till the Court adjourned, about half-past four. On
our arrival, the Court seemed disengaged, as if it had
been waiting for us. During this pause I could only col-
lect from Botts, that some motion was before the Court,
which he had not time to explain, before Hay rose to ob-
serve, that as Major Smith and myself were present, and
as we were similarly circumstanced with A. Burr, the
same course should be pursued with us all. This called
up T>o:is, who was followed by Wickham, both in very
alle arguments, contending that our cases were totally
separate and distinct from Burr's; the latter not being
now, on account of his acquittal of the treason, legally
present before the Court ; the only proper means to bring
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burr's guard. 88S
him there, to answer to the indictment for the misde-
meanor, being, by summons 6r venire facias, according to
the laws and practice of Virginia, where process of capias
is not allowed for any offense less than capital. Burr
said he was ready to enter an appearance to the indict-
ment for the misdemeanor, insisting, until he did so, he
was not legally in court on that charge ; from whence I
Inferred, that the motion made before my arrival was
probably for his discharge under the proclamation that
should have ensued, on recording the verdict yesterday
of his acquittal. Wickham and Botts supported their
arguments with not only English and Federal authorities,
but with the doctrines of Hay himself, delivered by him
in his evidence on Chase's trial, which they dressed up in
such comments and strictures as exhibited Hay the most
bewildered spectacle of confusion and mortification I
ever saw exposed to a public assembly. The Chief Justice
said he should proceed to assign counsel to Major Smith
— for which purpose the latter got me to write a letter
for him yesterday — if the counsel of the United States
meant to proceed against him on his treason bill, to which
Hay answered, " it would be unnecessary, he believed."
The Judge then observed, that the arguments would
require his postponing his opinion until to-morrow morn-
ing. After the Court was adjourned, Burr and ourselves
were detained about ten minutes by the absence of the
Marshal and his deputies, who had stepped aside some-
where out of my sight, I believe, upon some consultation
respecting the expense of Burr's guard until to-morrow;
for I soon heard Burr tell Botts he would pay the ex-
pense himself. The guard over him, at his present
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384 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
quarters, has hitherto cost the United States seven dollars
a day, which, it is now understood, he must pay himself
until discharged, since his life has been redeemed from
the mortgage the Government had on it. Burr, during
this detention, said he hoped he should be able to come
to see us to-morrow or next day ; but I fancy we shall
have the liberty of the town as soon as his highness ; and
so after all, it is one hundred to one, I shall never be ever
arraigned for treason. On entering the dome of the
capitol I was indemnified for the severity of my walk,
not merely by the pleasure of the transition from the
heat abroad to the shade and lower temperature of that
part of the building, but by the enjoyment of beholding
a face I had not yet seen in town. I passed close by
Phelps, whose visage exhibited so high-colored a picture
of the disappointment of his malice, that I involuntarily
smiled upon him with such satisfaction as almost tempted
me to wish him joy. My hurry, however, did not permit
me to speak. I must reserve my words for something
more human. Tupper expects letters this evening. I
have charged Billy to see him, and be with me as early
as he can. If I but wake to good tidings from Natchez,
how shall I sacrifice to the God of fathers, for his pre-
servation of my Harman, whom I have again dreamed I
have lost.
Thursday, September 3, 1807.
I opened my eyes first this morning in quest only of
that object, in exclusion of all others, that occupied my
heart last night. But instead of letters through General
Tupper, Billy brought me early a note from him, to an-
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INCERTITUDE. 385
nounce that there were three letters from my wife, Dot
here, arrived for me, but at Marietta. To Almighty God
be first offered my grateful and humble thanksgiving. I
am hereby enabled to conjecture, with much probability,
my beloved wife, at least, was well about the middle of
July. But I dare not so far presume upon the favor of
Providence as to conclude my boys, particularly Harmon,
were in health at that period, much less, how long they
and their mother have since continued well. This note
has given me, however, a vivacity to-day, in spite of the
oppressiveness of the weather, I have not before experi-
enced in this prison, where, it is true, my friends have
sometimes made me bear a part in the humor or interest
of the story ; but I have ever felt on such occasions in the
state Nicholas described, when he gives us the account
of that part of his life during which he was conscious
of being under the influence of two minds at the same
instant. Or, at least, my heart would pity the momentary
fluttering of my spirits, which, on such occasions, could
never soar above its trouble. That truly worthy Irish-
man, Mr. Hendren, has come again to town, apparently
on purpose to see me. (See notes of 8th ult.) If I shall
be detained here, as is probable, for some time,' after I-
shall be bailed or discharged, I have engaged to visit him
at Shirley, twenty miles from here. Not having seen any
one since the rising of the court this evening, we are
without any knowledge of the proceedings there to-day.
Luckett called, this morning, to tell me Alston required
me to write to him again, to desire he would settle or
assume the amount of the bill Luckett holds, with my
indorsement, saying my last letter to him on Monday to
25
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386 THE BLENNBRHA66ETT PAPERS.
do so, did not express my desire with sufficient certainty.
This is admirable! Major -Smith has seen that letter, and
only wanted to hear this statement by Luckett, which, if
true, settles Mr. Alston's intentions and mine. The first
to put off, the last to hasten ; if he leaves this town, with-
out his having reasons I shall approve of for not making
the settlements he has undertaken, my purpose is fixed to
follow him to the " Oaks " with a friend, very soon after
my discharge, when it shall not exceed forty-eight hours
to conclude all my business with him. I have written to
William Thompson a long letter, accepting his tender of
a correspondence, and returning him my sincere disposi-
tion to improve our acquaintance into a friendship. Re-
curring with Mr. Smith to some incidents that happened
soon after our arrival at Natchez, and speaking of Cowles
Meade, I was much surprised to learn what I had never
heard before, that Meade had seriously taken up an idea
of Col. Burr's being then deranged, alleging that he
could not be mistaken, as he, Meade, had very long
known him. Be this as it may, Burr, yesterday, looked
fifty per cent, better than I have ever seen him, and dis-
played a command of tone and firmness of manner he
did not appear to me to possess before the verdict of
Tuesday. 11, P. M.
Friday, September 4, 1807.
Visited this morning by Ellis and Doctor Monholland,
who inform us yesterday was spent in Court in a desultory
disputation on Hay's attempt, moved or suggested to
have Burr transmitted to the Kentucky District; on
which the Chief Justice has yet made no rule, as they
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MISDEMEANOR. 887
understand he conceives the indictment for the misde-
meanor must be first got rid of here. They also tell us
Burr went out about 1 o'clock to procure bail, which
they supposed he did not effect, as his guard were in
statu quo this morning. I have written a thankful letter
to two : I have received one from Jas. O. Hennessy, a
Kerry schoolmaster, who appears to be settled as a private
tutor in the family of Hudson Martin, Esq., near York
Post-office, Albemarle county, and is very solicitous to
serve me. Read the best part of this morning, as is
generally my practice when not otherwise employed, and
which will show I have not been idle, wherever it might
appear by this diary the minutes of any particular day
are few or uninteresting. Hay has made a special return
instanter, to a subpcena, duces-tecum, ordering him to pro-
duce a letter from Jefferson to Wilkinson, which Hay
did not wish made public, as parts of it were confidential.
But his return was not accepted, and he has been co-
erced to produce the letter. The whole day has been
spent in altercation on this subject, and the question
whether evidence should be gone into to determine upon
the transmissal of us all to another district, before our
indictments for the misdemeanor are here disposed of.
In Burr's case, the Chief Justice has determined his dis-
charge from his treason bill, and ordered his trial for
the misdemeanor to proceed directly. 11, P. M.
Saturday, September 6, 1807.
Burr is to-day to give bail to the misdemeanor, the
Chief Justice having yesterday determined a capias is the
proper process, and not a summons, on grounds I am
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888 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
ignorant of. The sum was settled at $5,000, Burr having
prayed it might be reduced below what it had been for-
mcrlyfixed at since his acquittal ; and his being in cus-
tody on civil process, altered his situation, and now made
it more difficult for him to find bail than before. Strange !
I should never before have heard of this arrest on civil pro-
cess having been made upon him, and still being unre-
moved. I observed to Alston, who has just left me, that
I found by to-day's papers, Col. Burr and the Judge had
both referred to this circumstance as influential in settling
the quantum of the bail. He did not like it, and asked,
peevishly, " What is it the papers will not talk about ? "
This man, with his most active associates, Bollman and
Sam. Swartwout, to whom probably young Dayton may
now be added, has, I believe, been more active with every
thing than his purse to serve the interests of Burr ; his
industry enabled him, rather , than his judgment or
knowledge of the subject, to anticipate the opinion of the
Chief Justice on the late arguments of an entire week,
long before anybody else scarcely would venture an opin-
ion, or conjecture about it. And if the Coryphai of the
prosecution were solicitous to collect, from every opportu-
nity they could derive from the Judge's conduct, materials
to fabricate an impeachment against him, the Triumviri
above mentioned were not less busy in their preparations,
by rumors or publications, to arraign him for timidity be-
fore the tribunal of public opinion, in case his judgments
had been adverse to their wiahes. Notwithstanding the
dignity and independence of the Judge's mind, I suspect
from some hints dropped to me by Mercer, Mr. Marshall
early perceived his course lay between Scyllaand Charyb-
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DOUBTS. 889
dis, though he equally disregarded the dangers that men-
aced him on either side. Again, Alston has detected, by
his spies, some curious governmental manoeuvres, that
have been going on in Kentucky, nothing less than prep-
arations by Bibb, the District Attorney there, for our
prosecution in that State to be instituted, if not already
commenced, the moment we are discharged here, provided
only the necessary witnesses can be trained and suborned,
and a grand jury packed for the purpose. Alston assures
me the grand jury was actually to have been embodied
yesterday, if the scheme had succeeded, of which he ex-
pected to be advised by Monday. Hence we learn to ac-
count for Hay's delays, to dismiss the other treason bills
here, which he may yet possibly proceed upon, though
he has declared he would enter nolle prosequis if he finds
his speculations in Kentucky likely to miscarry. Why
else has Major Smith been served, to-day with copies of
his indictments? Alston tells me, Duncan was yesterday
evening examined upon interrogatories by consent, by
Burr and Botts, preparatory to his, Duncan, leaving town
to-day. The object was to obtain matter to discredit
Wilkinson. It is pretended Duncan has proved Wilkin-
son guilty of forgery, in erasing and altering the cipher
letter. But I do not place implicit reliance on the full
extent of this statement. Burr's guard, it is added, will
be dismissed to-day. But the business of bailing may
undergo some procrastination, I suppose, if any part of it
depends upon expectations from Alston, who has not
to-day said a word to me upon money matters, from
which I do by no means imagine he has yet concluded
any thing with Nicholas or Luckett. I was not sorry he
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890 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
did not call me out. I shall not forget to construe his
silence upon my last note to him, to settle with Luckett
for the bill as an acceptance of one demand, at least,
beyond the limits of his letter of guarantee. Though had
he spoken to me in private, I was prepared to express to
him my surprise at the freedom he used in speaking of
what passed during my visit from Duane, after I had
apprised him I did not wish it published ; also, to warn
him of my being acquainted with the officious inquiries
his friend Bollman had been making about me, and to ac-
quaint him, that though his agent in Philadelphia would
probably exonerate me from one of the attachments, yet
he had not paid the bill, in the manner stated to me on a
former occasion. (See notes of 27th and 29th ult.)
Since writing the above, before dinner, I find this even-
ing I have been much mistaken in my conjectures of the
morning respecting the hero of these notes. Luckett has
just stepped off with Alston's letter of guarantee to me,
on which I have seen a special receipt from Nicholas to
him, for a bond and mortgage. Luckett brought it to me
to request I would also endorse on it an order to settle his
demand for the bill, which I did very readily. The news
by this arrival is, that Burr, besides his bail already men-
tioned, procured security to-day, also, for $30,000, in civil
suits, which have been here commenced against him ; that
he enjoyed a long walk this evening with Mrs. Alston,
in which he exhibited himself through the greater part of
the town, and will probably honor me with a visit to-mor-
row. It is again threatened that Alston will be off to-
morrow, but not without seeing me ; I fancy he will, in
case he comes pour prendre congSy take away with him,
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SPECULATION. 891
from my valediction, more matter of reflection for him to
ponder on, at the Oaks, than has yet troubled him on my
account. Half past 10, P. M.
Sunday, September 6, 1807.
As I learned yesterday, which I Ve omitted to mention,
that Burr's trial for the misdemeanor had been ordered
by the Court to commence to-morrow, the uncertainty of
its duration has caused me no small uneasiness, lest it
might prolong my imprisonment until the period of its
termination. This apprehension has led me this morn-
ing to suggest, by note to my counsel, the expedient of
my pleading* in abatement to both my indictments, to-
morrow morning on the opening of the court, at once
before the trial begins. I have had a short line in answer
from Botts, saying, he will this evening confer with Ean-
dolph and Wickham, and endeavor to have me brought
into court, pursuant to my desire. My speculation, on
the success of this manoeuvre, opens to me a prospect of
no small interest and amusement, as it may affect the
recovery of my liberty, at least for a time, and promises
to occasion no little embarrassment to the prosecutors,
whb can not, I believe, support a demurrer to the plea,
which when established will, of course, destroy both of
the present indictments against me, and thereby reduce
Hay to the dilemma of seeing me fully discharged by the
Court, or oblige him to apply for a recommitment, in
order to have me transmitted to another district. But to
open and examine the evidence from which alone he
could exhibit even the semblance of probable cause to
induce the Court to grant such a motion, would occasion
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892 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
such an interference and obstruction of Burr's trial now
pending, that he must be inevitably distanced, unless he
can prevent my pleading until the present trial is at an
end, which I also expect he will fail in, because I conceive
it a matter of right that I should plead when I am ready
to do so. Besides, the Court will have sufficient leisure;
for I understand from Mercer and Kerr, that Burr's trial
will not, in fact, commence before Tuesday, or perhaps
Wednesday. These gentlemen, in giving me this intelli-
gence this morning, acquaint me with some curious cir-
cumstances, which havcf occasioned the expected suspen-
sion. It seems, after Hay's special return to the subpoena
duces-teeum on Friday, stating that he deemed certain
parts of Wilkinson's letter, of 12th of November, to Jef-
ferson, confidential, which he therefore could not part
with, etc., was held insufficient, after an animated discus-
sion by the Court, which threatened to enforce Mr. Hay's
compliance with its orders. He then begged time to learn
Wilkinson's pleasure, as to his producing the letter.
Yesterday, however, he took new ground, and prayed to
amend his return, which now set forth, " that on a fur-
ther perusal and examination of the said letter, he dis-
covered it contained some secrets of state, whereupon he
prayed time to obtain Jefferson's consent or dissent to his
producing it." Four days, I am told, is the extent of the
time allowed for his receiving an answer from Monti cello.
Bfit it is a little curious, that in order to learn his master's
pleasure he should send the letter to him, which I am
assured he has actually done, so that we may, by possi-
bility, be gratified with the scene that may ensue on Jef-
ferson's heroism, opposing his shield to the onset of the
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ANECDOTE. 898
Chief Justice upon his attorney. But the bewildered
Hay has, in the mean time, " let the cat out of the bag ;"
for the great secret of state is now all over the town. It
happened thus. "While the guardian of state secrecy and
private confidence was yesterday descanting before the
Court on the sacred obligations of these duties, the deities
or demons of theft and discord, combining with the evil
genii of Jefferson and Hay, directed the keen scent and
piercing eye of a vulture to that prey most natural to his
appetite. John Graham, whose name may find a place
perhaps in the history of the present administration, from
his exploits as a spy and informer in their service, politely
stepped up to the table where the letter lay, and while
Hay was earnestly defending the inviolable secrecy of its
contents, this " Bird of Paradise " was pecking at the for-
bidden fruit. The example was followed by other fowl,
I know not how far, of the same feather. But some
magpies, I find, were so delighted with the fruit, of which
they had eaten-in the same manner, that they flew through
the streets in the evening, intoxicated with its flavor, and
chattering the words, "Militia traitors!" These fine
birds could not speak in detail of all the sweets on which
they had regaled themselves ; yet can they rival that cel-
ebrated parrot that detected a Prince of Orange incog.,
and squall, when a little man passes by them, "Great
General." The oracles of intrigue, however, at the capi-
tol, have been resorted to on this occasion, who have
answered, " that a great General expressed his opinion,
as a secret of state, that the Mississippi and Orleans mil-
itias should not be trusted." I am a little pleased with
this anecdote, and have some thoughts of giving it to the
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394 THB BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
public. I find Tupper and many other witnesses are
about to return home, some being discharged as they
arrived; i. e., unexamined, some having, by consent of
parties, left their affidavits. I am inclined to infer, from
these appearances, that poor Hay rather feels craw-sick,
than that he is not yet fully gorged with the banquet of
professional fame, at which he has made so long a sitting.
As for McRae, he is utterly chop-fallen ; an object of dis-
gust to his friends, and pity to his enemies. Luther Mar-
tin sat some time with us this morning. He said he
came to see his client Major Smith ; but his vanity as an
author and a father led him to bring me his strictures on
the barbarous and sanguinary toasts that were drank on
the Fourth of July, against Burr and himself, at Elktowij,
in Maryland, and also to read two letters from two of his
daughters. His retort on the toasters is a good philippic
on their bloody ignorance of the law, but a mass of verbi-
age, engrossing more than one page of a paper, the points
and arguments of which might all be neatly expressed in
half a column. He improves in interest, as I get a nearer
view of his sensibilities, through which he shines far
brighter as a father or a friend than he will ever appear
through his oratory or his writings as an advocate or an
author.
Monday, September 7, 1807.
This day, at 11 o'clock, A. M., ended my captivity,
which has lasted fifty-three days. I was taken down to
Court about ten o'clock, when Mr. Botts called upon Hay
to know what he meant to do with my treason -bill, which
Hay agreed to have discharged, but required my deten-
tion in custody on the indictment for the misdemeanor,
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OUT OF PRISON. 395
which produced a conversation on the subject of bail,
during which D. Woodbridge offered me his services.
After an examination on the amount of his property, he
was accepted as my security in $5,000, myself being bound
in the same sum, on condition that I attend the court on
Wednesday, and not depart the same from day to day,
without license, until discharged. John Banks had also
come up to court to assist me in the way of bail. He
afterward accompanied me in quest of a lodging, which
I have found at a Mr. Walton's, who seems a good sort
of man, and will, upon my solicitation, if necessary, come
forward to-morrow to bail Major Smith, though L. Mar-
tin will take that friendship on himself. We then re-
paired to the Post-office, where I was made happy by a
letter from my beloved wife, of the 8d ult, whom the
favor of Almighty God permitted the "blessing of her
health, and that of our boys. I then visited Aaron Burr,
now settled in the house occupied lately by Alston, who
has at last gone off this morning in the way he has so
long threatened, that is, without taking leave. In the
evening, I returned to the Penitentiary to visit Major
Smith, and, after acquainting him with my having pro-
vided more agreeable quarters for him, I came away with
L. Martin, and took up my abode at my lodgings, under
a severe headache, the forerunner of another day's sick-
ness, which I shall probably undergo to-morrow. But it
is just the happiness conferred by a letter from Natchez
should be tempered with an alloy.
Wednesday, September 9, 1807,
As I apprehended on Monday night, I spent yesterday
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396 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
in bed, under much fever and sickness. In the morning,
I fortunately begged Mr. Walton to take my cloak, as he
was an invalid, and it was very rainy, and step up to
court, in case of his assistance being wanted to bail Major
Smith. Mr. W. had on Monday agreed, after much
solicitation on my part, to come forward as the Major's
bail, if necessary. But as I had some slight fears of
Martin's forgetting engagements he had made while in
his cups, thought it most prudent to have Walton on the
spot, and the event justified my prudence; for though
Martin had not forgotten his promise, he was incapable
of executing it, through the effects of yesterday morn-
ing's potations. I was informed by Major Smith, that
had not Mr. Walton arrived when he did, the Court
would very soon have remanded him for want of bail,
Martin having in vain endeavored to express his purpose,
in which Burr interrupted him, not liking the statement
he was trying to make to the Court, though Martin
would gladly have entered bail to any amount, for he is,
I am now convinced, one of the best-hearted men alive.
I slept badly last night, and am very weak to-day, though
I have attended my place in court, where rthe trial of
Burr proceeded on the misdemeanor, Hay having pre-
sented from Jefferson a mutilated copy of Wilkinson's
letter, out of which Jefferson has reserved all the parts
alleged to be confidential, in disregard of the opinion of
the Court rejecting the special return to the subpoena
aleady offered to that effect by Hay. How far the Court-
will accept from Jefferson, what it has refused from Hay,
will not appear until the fate of six points, made by Botta
to-day, to arrest all further evidence in this case similar
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CONSULTATION. 897
to what was done in the treason case, shall be determined.
The arguments on this motion will not probably be
closed before the end of the week. I had, this evening,
a pretty long tSte a tSte with Burr, during which General
Dayton was sequestered in another room. This old sly-
boots, or Burr, who is often closeted with him, did not
mention a hint of my seeing him, though Burr had the
candor to tell me, when I was taking leave, he would
return to General Dayton in the next room ; so that
both were equally conscious I should despise the intro-
duction. Our conversation turned altogether on the
subject of my involvment in pecuniary claims upon him,
in which I represented distinctly, and with firmness, that
I should expect indemnity from him for every loss I
might incur by his paper or my disbursements for him,
specifying to him, at the same time, many instances in
which my property on the Ohio had already been sacri-
ficed on those accounts, and adding, that I particularly
held Alston answerable to me for any bills, with the
charges upon them, which I might have indorsed beyond
the amount of Alston's guarantee to me by letter, unless
Burr would settle such claims. He assured me he would
adjust all such demands, whenever he can be freed from
the present prosecutions, and can have reasonable time to
collect his resources ; until when, he expressed a desire
that I should employ Jacob Burnet, now here, to procure
as much procrastination of execution on Miller's attach-
ment as he can, Alston having got Nicholas and Luckett
to accept of his paper for their demands to the amount
of 812,500, with charges. I will have one more consulta-
tion with Burr before I make my first demand upon
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898 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Alston for the balance of his guarantee by letter, which
will be $2,500, at least. When that is disposed of, I shall
meditate upon other demands, on his verbal guarantee to
me. 10 o'clock, P. M.
Thursday, September 10, 1807.
I have, this morning, conferred with J. Burnet, who
tells me Miller may be delayed in effecting sales against
me in Ohio for twelve months to come. I have also en-
gaged him to act as my attorney in Ohio Federal Court,
against old Woodbridge. The Court heard Botts and
Martin argue further on Botts's motion, and adjourned
early, on account of the absence and indisposition of
some of the otter counsel. I then enjoyed a further
repast, prepared for me by my beloved wife, which had
been withheld, I know not how long, from me. It was
the letters she had addressed to me at Marietta, with
others inclosed in them, to the amount of nine dollars
postage. These being without dates, I knew they must
be old. The profiles they inclosed of my dear boys were
morsels of such exquisite and uncloying flavor, that they
have developed within mc sensations of delight I did not
know I possessed. How many parts of all the lines and
curves of these dear heads I shall scan and reflect upon,
in many a precious reverie, it is given to few besides
myself to care or comprehend. But did I truly know
my patience had obtained for me any particular bless-
ing, among the many I derive alone from a beneficent
Providence, then how much better should I know tl^
pre-eminent value of that blessing, and study the holy
tenure by which I could preserve it. I will never dare to
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IN DEBT.
ask, but will receive from Divine dispensation, in this
sense, its permission of the health and comfort of my
little family, which I yet know not, but beseech Almighty
God to teach me how I may deserve it. I went this
evening to the Harmonic Society, at which I could not
assist for want of my spectacles. The vice-president
requested I would consider myself an honorary member
while in town. The flutes are good, with four moder-
ately good violins, two tenors, two bass players, one
telerably good and three excellent singers, who performed
some charming trios of Doctor Calcott's, new to me, and
composed for some affecting extracts from Ossian. The
instrumental music was all old, and known to me. I
passed a pleasant evening, and came away at 12. Next
Thursday I shall take a part.
Friday, September 11, 1807.
Saw Burnet again this morning, and showed him Al-
ston's letter of guarantee, which I assigned to Sanders,
and is now returned to me, by his agent Nicholas, with
the tatter's receipt indorsed upon it for Alston's paper,
which he has taken in satisfaction of his principal's
demand. I have written to Lewis, to state this settle-
ment, and hope it will restore my credit with his house,
from whtence I have requested a remittance of $200, as
I am in debt and without funds. Court, to-day, was
occupied with further arguments on Botts's points. I
heard Wirt for the first time. He is a handsome speaker,
but faulty in his figures, rather through defect of study
♦ban genius. Edmond Randolph followed on the other
tide; he has suffered a depression, in manner and
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400 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
matter, of fully one-half, since I saw him display here
in 1800.
Saturday, September 12, 1807.
Randolph finished his argument this morning, and was
as labored, inanimate and uninteresting as on yesterday.
He advanced nothing new, except an objection to the in-
dictments not setting forth with sufficient certainty that
the expedition was carried on from the United States,
pursuant to the manner in which the offense is described
in the statute ; as he insisted, in the present indictment,
the words " from thence " referred to the Island, and not
to the United States. The point seemed to me a good
one, and the Chief Justice took a note of it. Martin
followed for two hours, and was, besides being clear in
his positions, though, as usual, totally regardless of ar-
rangement, less cumbrous than in common with his
verbiage. But Wickham, who closed on that side, ex-
hibited a masterpiece of strong, condensed argumenta-
tion, followed with a severe, but measured philippic on
the motives, ignorance and misconduct of the prose-
cutors. This occasioned such agitation to Hay, who was
alone hardy enough, of the three on that side, to with-
stand the impression, that he declared his feelings ought
not to be trusted with the duty imposed on him, to offer
remarks on expressions so unprovoked and unmerited,
which Mr. Wickham would retract. He therefore re-
quested to be heard on Monday ; the Court then immedi-
ately adjourned. But I trust the Judge will not allow
Hay to prove what he can alone do ; namely, Tutius est
igitur fictis contendere verbis quam pugnare manu. I have
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NO CAPITAL. 401
this evening progressed with letters to A. Martin, so long
delayed. (See notes of the 29th ult.) Should I ever suc-
ceed to the large estates which Martin supposes now awaits
me, who would imagine, that did not know my indiffer-
ence to wealth, I should be so careless of it
Sunday, September 13, 1807.
I was this morning informed by Mr. Walton, a gentle-
man had arrived in town last night from the country,
who had come a considerable distance to see me, and
would call at 9 o'clock. I therefore staid within to
receive him — certain it must be either Mr. Hendren or
O'Hennessy — and was called upon to the minute, when a
stranger appeared somewhat agitated. I inquired whether
it was Mr. O'Hennessy I had the pleasure to receive, and
being answered in the affirmative, I invited him up stairs.
This man, I soon found, who had seen me only once or
twice in Kerry, when I was one of the counsel attending
John Crosbie's election, I believe, in 1793, who had never
spoken a word to me in his life until this day, has suf-
fered many a sleepless night through his anxiety for me
under the present prosecutions, and the first moment he
learned he could have a chance of seeing me, he set out
and rode 105 miles for the purpose. This is not all ; he
intreats me to suffer him to follow me to any indefinite
distance, declaring he regards it as the first object of his
heart to settle near me. He has no capital; but, as a
schoolmaster and a skillful dealer in horses, can command
the means of a comfortable livelihood any where in
America. At Natchez he can soon get rich. He will, *
therefore, accompany me with a Mr. O'Connor, a mathe-
26
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402 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
matician, who will follow his fortune, so that I have
secured a good tuition for my boys in the dead languages,
English, and the elementary branches of the sciences,
until a prospect of bettter means for their advancement
may be more clearly opened in Europe — the only con-
tingency that can draw me from the Mississippi. O'Hen-
nessy has besought me to command a fine horse, and
what money he can raise. The latter I have thankfully
declined. I visited Burr this morning ; he is as gay as
usual, and as busy in speculations on reorganizing his
projects for action as if he had never suffered the least
interruption. He observed to Major Smith and me, that
in six months our schemes could be all remounted ; that
we could now new-model them in a better mould than
formerly, having a clearer view of the ground, and a
more perfect knowledge of our men. "We were silent,
feeling the full force of his last remark on men ; which,
however, we did not fail, I believe, duly to apply both to
him and ourselves. It should yet be granted, that if
Bnrr possessed sensibilities of the right sort, with one-
hundredth part of the energies for which, with many, he
has obtained Buch ill-grounded credit, his first and last
determination, with the morning and the night, should
be the destruction of those enemies who have so long
and so cruelly wreaked their malicious vengeance upon
him. But time will prove him as incapable in all his
future efforts as he has been in the past. Honest Hen-
nessy dined and spent the evening with me.
Monday, September 14, 1807.
Major Smith, soon after breakfast, brought me a letter
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HAT UNHORSED. 408
from the office, from my wife, dated the 11th ult. This
letter, too, has announced to me, through the favor of a
preserving Providence, the good health of my wife and
boys, up to that date. I dare not, then, indulge a wish
to. lament the grief occasioned her by my arrest in Lex-
ington, and the anguish that has festered in her breast
from her reflections on the severity of my confinement in
the Dog-days. To-day, the Chief Justice has delivered
an able, full, and luminous opinion as ever did honor to
a judge, which has put an end to the present prosecution.
But I have no doubt the prosecuting counsel will show
their ignorance and malevolence by carping at it as they
did at the other in the treason case. The jury must to-
morrow deliver a verdict of acquittal — Hay, in the mean
time, having prayed the Court to adjourn, to give time to
study the opinion, and thereby shape his future course.
But in this he could not avoid showing his petulance, by
pretending the prosecutors should exclusively be accom-
modated with the opinion, which he would not say, when
he would return to the other side. An application, how-
ever, from Botts, to have it left with the clerk for the
benefit of both parties, corrected this insolence, under
which Mr. Hay sunk as usual. O'Hennessy could not
leave town to-day until he heard the opinion, and saw
Burr, to whom I introduced him in court. He was
highly delighted with both, and again visited me after
dinner, and will return to Amherst county to-morrow — I
mean as far toward it, of his 105 miles, as he can. I
have this evening progressed further in my letter to A.
Martin.
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404 the blennerhassett papers.
Tuesday, September 15, 1807.
Saw Burnet, this morning, who tells me he has given
such information to D. Woodbridge as will probably in-
duce him to become bail to the attachment against me at
suit of Miller, by which I hope to procure time enough
for Burr or Alston to settle that demand, and exonerate
my property at Marietta from it. The prosecutors, still
true to evil purposes and malicious designs, attempted to-
day to get rid of the prosecution against Burr by a nolle
prosequi. This produced an argument, in which they
were overthrown, having nothing to rely upon on their
side but a dictum in Foster's Treatise on Homicide. The
jury were ordered out, and after an insidious attempt, but
which failed, with one of them to bring in a special ver-
dict, they returned into court, in half an hour, with a
general verdict of acquittal. Hay then said he would to-
morrow enter nolle prosequis on Smith's and my indict-
ments, and proceed with his motion to the Judge to com-
mit and transmit us all to some other district. All are
busy in preparing for this new contest, in which I shall
probably personally take a part, from want of instruc-
tions in my counsel, absence of witnesses, and other rea-
sons which will appear hereafter.
Wednesday, September 16, 1807.
On opening the court this morning, nay, after some
desultory conversation on both sides of the bar, exhibited
a general charge against us in writing, of having levied
war against the United States, at Cumberland Island, in
Kentucky, at Bayou Pierre, on the Mississippi, or at
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BURR AGAIN. 405
some intermediate place. We were all three, that is,
Burr, Smith and myself, proposed to be subjected together
to the inquiry, leaving it to the Judge to separate and
apply to each such evidence of overt acts as the testimony
might disclose. The Judge acquiesced in this proposition
of Hay's, and one James McDowel was called, who
proved nothing more at Cumberland than that Burr
formed there a circle, and said, " he would not tell his
secrets at that place." There are, however, a dozen
other witnesses on the ground here who were at Cum-
berland at that time, and will swear that nothing of the
sort took place there. Hay then attempted to examine
as to facts in the Mississippi Territory, which called up,
after some conversation, an argument on four points
made by Botts ; namely, want of power in the Judge to
transmit, under the judicial act ; right of Burr to a bar
by two acquittals here; his discharge by a grand jury
already in Mississippi Territory ; and all his acts taken
together constituting but one offense, for which he has
already been tried and acquitted, within a district which
the prosecutors have selected out of the whole for the
purpose. Botts was very able and perspicuous in opening
the argument, which Burr very neatly summed up and
condensed, before the Court adjourned, about half-past 3.
I had no opportunity that presented the least necessity
for my rising, and think that will probably be the case
until the motion for our recommitment is disposed of and
defeated altogether. I was glad to find that Burr had at
last thought of asking us to dine with him, as I was
rather curious again to see him shine in a partie quarrie,
consisting of new characters. We, therefore, walked
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406 THE BLBNNERHASSETT PAPERS.
with him from court, Luther Martin, who lives with
him, accompanying us. We found but one other face
that was strange to us, and a foreigner, who, I hoped,
might turn out to be Bollman. Martin, by the way,
told me, " he thanked his God he should not now labor
under the lock-jaw, which had hitherto restrained him
before Democratic juries. He should now be no longer
tongue-tied." Our foreigner was very taciturn and re-
served, and turned out to be a cousin of Judge Prevost's,
and of the same name. The dinner was neat, and fol-
lowed by three or four kinds of wine— splendid poverty !
During the chit-chat after the cloth was removed, a letter
was handed to Burr, next to whom I sat. I immediately
smelt musk. Burr broke the seal, put the cover to his
nose, and then handed it to me, saying, " This amounts
to a disclosure." I smelt the paper, and said, "indeed I
think so." His whole physiognomy now assumed an
alteration and vivacity that, to a stranger who had never
seen him before, would have sunk full fifteen years of his
age. " This," said he, " reminds me of a detection once
very neatly practiced upon me in New York. One day a
lady stepped into my library while I was reading, came
softly behind my chair, and giving me a slap on the
cheek, said, i Come, tell me directly what little French
girl, pray, have you had here ? * The abruptness of the
question and surprise left me little reason to doubt the
discovery had been completely made ; so I thought it best
to confess the whole fact, upon which the inquisitress
burst out into a loud laugh on the success of her artifice,
which she was led to play off upon me, from the mere
circumstance of having smelt musk in the room." We
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ARGUMENTS HEARD. 407
all applauded this anecdote as it deserved; but I have
given it a place here only to convey an idea of that tem-
perament and address which enabled this character on
certain occasions, like the snake, to cast his slough, and,
through age and debauchery, seem to uphold his ascend-
ancy over the sex. After some time, Martin and Prevost
withdrew, and we passed to the topics of our late adven-
tures on the Mississippi, on which Burr said little, but
declared he did not know of any reason to blame Jack-
son, of Tennessee, for any thing he had done or omitted.
He has not heard of J.'s letter to Claiborne, which Wat-
kins talked so much about in the executive council at
Orleans, on the question respecting the legislative memo-
rial to Government. Such a general may well continue
to sacrifice to Venus, rather than to Mars; but he de-
clares he will not lose a day after the favorable issue of
the present contest at the capitol, of which he has no
doubt to devote his entire attention to settling up his
projects, which have only been suspended on a better
model ; in which work, he says, he has even here already
made some progress. Martin presented Smith and my-
self each with his portrait, tolerably engraved, as he had
long since promised. I intend to have it neatly framed
by Prichard.
Thursday, September 17, 1807.
This morning, the Court heard a continuation of the
•arguments on both sides, which lasted until 5 o'clock this
evening, when Randolph begged the Judge to indulge
him with about an hour's hearing to-morrow morning,
promising that he would show, under the Constitution
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408 THE BLENNERHA88ETT PAPERS.
and the spirit and genius of the laws of their country,
that the Court could not comply with Hay's present
motion, to have us again committed and transmitted to
another district. Of the success of such an attempt I can
see no prospect, even if the Judge should be of opinion,
contrary to what has been so ably contended by Burr's
counsel, that the Court has a power to commit under the
judicial act; as a total failure of evidence to prove any
overt act upon us must undermine the motion. I spent
the evening at the Harmonic Society, where I took a part
in a symphony and a quartette by Pleyel, but with less
effect than if I had been provided with my own specta-
cles. I had the pleasure of meeting there Neville, Spence
and other visitors ; besides hearing several good glees, in
some of which a Miss Coniers took the upper part. She
is a very pretty girl, and is said by Neville to be accom-
plished. The society broke up, however, early — the music
not producing the best effect, from the state of the
weather, and the room being too much crowded. I found
an old letter in the Post-office, announcing protest of the
bill held some time since by Luckett, with my indorse-
ment for $2,500, so that every thing that little shop-
keeper had told me of no proceedings having ever been
taken against me, as an indorser, was utterly false. I
was called upon this evening by David Meade, who
seriously assured me that vicious partisan, Scot, the Mar-
shal, had been trying to make a bargain with him to
undertake the office of a Deputy, for the purpose of re-,
conducting us to Kentucky, anticipating the success of
the present motion, though Hay has certainly said out cf
court, this evening, he does not expect he shall succee 1.
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DOUBTFUL POSITION. 409
Such are the tricks of these jugglers, in and out of
court. Midnight.
Friday, September 18, 1807.
Randolph kept his promise this morning, so far as
making out his hour, but did little more service, having
offered nothing new, except one argument to show that
where a man had been charged for the same murder in
different States, the law arising upon his acquittal in the
first was different from what it would be on an acquittal
of an overt act of the same treason in the first district,
where the offender was tried. Then the Judge delivered
his opinion, condensing the four points made by Botts
within the observations he made on two of them;
namely, power of the Court under the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, to arrest and transmit to a
Territory j which he decided in the negative; and the
effect of Burr's acquittal, which, he hoped, it would not
be necessary for him to decide upon, as he should prefer
a decision by the Supreme Court of the United States.
It followed, as he laid it down from this adjudication, that
the prosecutors might adduce any evidence in their power
to prove any overt acts against us, Burr included, com-
mitted any where in the United States, to authorize him
to transmit us to any district thereof. But, does it not
thence follow, that a persecuting and vindictive Govern-
ment may order its attorney to harrass an obnoxious, but
innocent, victim of its wrath, by playing off the farce of
a prosecution against him, in a district of its own selec-
tion, without effect, and afterward ruin him, by dragging
him through every other district in the Union ? What
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410 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
better answer can be given to this supposition than say-
ing such a case is rendered improbable, by supposing no
government will be wicked enough to contrive such a
villainy ? But this is begging the question. I have here
put a case, which has not been supposed at the bar ; but,
with very little alteration, it is our own case. How long
is it since the prosecutors began to digest all the infor-
mation it collected by the most illicit means, from the
most foul sources, not of our acts, but of our designs,
before we committed any acts? Did they not order
prosecutions fifteen hundred miles from the present ? Did
they not make two selections of their ground, besides an
attempt at a third, by Graham, their agent, or at his in-
stance as a spy and informer, in the State of Ohio, which
was only avoided by my flight, and after having failed in
all of proof, do they not now seek to drag us back again
to the same district where they have already miscarried
and failed in every thing, but the success of the plunder
and outrage committed on my family and property, by
informers and personal enemies — the dregs of all the
human society — in my absence, when I had incurred no
forfeiture?
The Judge having further declared the prosecutors
might now proceed with their evidence, they called up
James McDowel, who swore to some unimportant state-
ments, which, if necessary, we can disprove by a dozen
witnesses. But they attempted repeatedly to go into
evidence, not only of alleged facts, but even of declara-
tions of third persons, to prove overt acts and designs
within the United States ; and the Judge, for reasons I
can not imagine, seemed disposed to countenance the pro-
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PARTIALITY. 411
ceeding, which is certainly in direct hostility with his
own opinion this day delivered; unless as a committing
magistrate, he thinks he ought to indulge a greater lati-
tude of investigation than he would permit on a trial.
But to-morrow's proceedings will further elucidate these
matters. 10 o'clock, P. M.
Saturday, September 19, 1807*
Strickland called upon me before the sitting of the
Court this morning, to say he should in two hours set off
for Natchez. I wrote a short letter to Harding, to give
him some account of my situation, and tell him I hoped
the present demands of the Government on our persons
would be satisfied on Monday ; after which, I hoped to
be at Marietta in fifteen or sixteen days, whence I should
proceed to Natchez as speedily as my affairs would per-
mit. But I since regret to find, from the complexion
of affairs in court to-day, that our detention may yet ex-
tend even to a month, unless our counsel shall succeed, in
eftbrts they will not cease to make, to confine the prose-
cutors within the limits of the established rules of evi-
dence, and the adjudications already pronounced by 'the
Court ; for this whole day was spent in arguments and
altercations in violation of both. This was chiefly occa-
sioned by the prosecutors persisting in the conduct they
pursued yesterday, which produced a corresponding op-
position, which I lamented to see the Judge not only
permit, but in some degree participate in ; for instance,
Dunbaugh was allowed to-day to testify to facts at and
below Bayou Pierre, while two or three witnesses yes-
terday were always stopped, with the concurrence of
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412 THE BLENNERHAS6ETT PAPERS.
the Court, as often as they attempted to speak of any
thing without the lines of the United States. How this
is reconcilable with the opinion of the Court, I have yet
to learn. Altercations on points already settled, or on a
series of topics, where the contest is a logomachy, have
always a narcotic influence on me. Nor could any sense
of the interest I had in the consequences, or any stimulus
the ingenuity of Wickham or Botts could apply to all
the intensity of my admiration of their talents, prevent
my paHsing the day in a sort of doze ? Burr, I observed,
seemed so irritated with the Judge's apparent incon-
sistency with himself, that he would not trust himself
to rise to sum up and condense the forces displayed by
his counsel, into compact columns, after the engagement,
toward the close of the day, as is generally his practice.
He has no fear of the final result, but feels what a
mortifying check he has received.
Sunday, September 20, 1807.
I proposed this morning to devote the entire day to
writing, my attendance in court through the week totally
preventing almost the whole of the labor demanded of
my pen. But a solicitude to confer separately with Burr
and Mercer, on the course indulged to the prosecutors by
the Court the last two days, forced mo to go in quest of
those so oppositely interesting characters : and the debts
yet unpaid, that laid so heavy a burden on my reflections,
which I wanted to discharge to Mrs. Gamble, Mrs. Chev-
alier and Col. de Pestre, who had long been confined with
the influenza, hurried me out of doors immediately after
breakfast. I found Burr, just after a consultation with
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RICHMOND LAMBS. 4lft
his counsel, secretly writhing under much irritation at
the conduct of the Judge, hut affecting an air of contempt
for his alleged inconsistency, as he asserted His Honor did
not for two days understand either the questions or him-
self; had wavered in his opinions before yesterday's ad-
journment, and should in future be put right by strong
language, I am afraid to say abuse, though I think I
could swear he used that word, on the part of the de-
fense. I observed, that though I believed the Judge's
the purest of all human hearts, I could not, in my best
judgment, reconcile the latitude he permitted the' prose-
cutors, either with the letter or spirit of his last opinion
delivered on Friday. Burr replied nothing to my offer
of tribute to the Judge's heart, but said his — Burr's —
opinion should draw him back from his deviations from
it, tod he would hang him, not so facetiously, indeed, as
Eaton swore he would hang Miranda, but upon every
comma of his opinion. He then inquired where Mercer
was, and expressed a strong desire to know his thoughts
on the Judge's late conduct. I answered, " that I had
come out chiefly to gratify the same desire, and should
go directly to seek Mercer." I left Smith with him, and
took leave. I bent my way to Mr. Chevalier's, to see De
Pestre, whom I found at home. Mrs. Chevalier received
me very kindly, and prevailed on her husband, who was
confined to his room, to come down stairs to see me, and
beg of me to partake of a family dinner with them,
which I accepted. After an hour's conversation, I then
made a visit to Mrs. Gamble, who seems a most amiable
old lady, and so fraught with the generous humanity
characteristic of her sex, as to suffer not the connections
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414 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
of her daughters, Mrs. Cabell, the Governor's wife, and
Mrs. Wirt, to prevent her expressing not merely a con-
cern for the general hardships we have suffered, but even
to censure the last two days' proceedings in court. I was
not fortunate enough to find Mercer before I returned to
Chevalier's to dinner, where I spent a pleasant evening,
save so far as Mr. Chevalier was not of our company,
being confined to his bed. Mrs. C. is as lively and agree-
able as it is possible for any woman to be with limited
endowments and without beauty. I had an hour's inter-
esting conversation by means of a walk before tea with
De Pestre in the garden, which, however, touched on no
new matters, except his informing me that Mrs. Alston
had expressed to him a wish that he would engage in
nothing before next spring that might prevent her father
from having an opportunity of forming another connec-
tion with him, conveying an intimation which he avoided
as delicately as he could. "We again harmonized in repro-
bation of Alston, in every point of view, when I hinted to
the Colonel some expectations and reasons I entertained
for urging Burr or Alston to give me an obligation, if
they can't raise money, for the amount of my losses by
them, yet unsatisfied, which he approved of. He will
spend some time with me to-morrow evening, when we
will prosecute our thoughts.
I visited Mr. C. in his bedroom, after tea, for awhile,
and on my return home, I learned from Smith, a confirma-
tion of what De Pestre had already mentioned to me, that
Burr sets off immediately for England, after his libera-
tion from the present motion before the Court, to collect
money for reorganizing his projects, which I now have
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suspicions. 415
ascertained to be as baseless as the interests of the parties
or persons to whom he discloses them are opposed or
variant. For he assures his creditors here — at least he
has done so to Smith — that when he raises money in
England, he will not be strict in questioning demands
upon him in this country, which he will fully discharge.
In London, no doubt, he will pledge himself to appropri-
ate every guinea they will advance him to the promotion
of such operations on this continent as will best serve the
interests of Britain; and if he had not already exposed
his duplicity and incapacity in his favorite art of intrigue
to Yrujo, he would again as readily promise to advance,
with Spanish dollars and Spanish arms, the fortunes of
the Spanish minister and his master. But is it not a
little strange that he should have never dropped even a
hint to me of his projected trip to England. I have had
more of his confidence than either Smith or De Pestre ;
for he has insinuated to me that the former was not dis-
posed to fight on the Mississippi, when I thought he had
the disposition not to do so himself; and he has, during
our embarrassments on that river, through "Wilkinson,
spoken, in the presence of Major Smith, myself, and
others, of the probability of De Pestre's being hanged,
through failure of an enterprise he had sent him on, as
an event which he treated with the utmost indifference.
Surely I may repeat, that whatever feeling this man pos-
sesses, is confined within the sensuality of his tempera-
ment ; if indeed his conduct, in the eyes of all who really
know him, does not warrant the suspicion of Cowles
Meade, and fully prove, while the whole bar as little
knew him as Col. Swartwout, whose attachment is still
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416 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
unshaken, that there is at best but method in his mad-
ness.
Monday, September 21, 1807.
Dunbaugh was reproduced to-day, with no other effect
than to contradict himself, by saying Burr communicated
to him in secret his having been betrayed by "Wilkinson,
though he swore, on Saturday, Burr imparted to him no
secrets. The Judge has noted enough in this witness to
destroy all credit in his testimony. The day passed in
the examination of other witnesses called by prosecutors,
whose evidence was altogether favorable to us, though I
was mortified to see the Judge, considering himself as an
examining magistrate, open so wide the door to the wan-
ton discretion of the prosecutors, as to allow them to offer
testimony of any sort, which they alleged to be explan-
atory of the so-called overt acts on Cumberland Island, at
which place, it is confessed, the assemblage, at most, was
doubtful or equivocal in its character. I can not com-
prehend the distinction taken by the Court between ad-
missible and operative evidence ; nor do any of the bar
here, I believe, perceive how evidence that can not oper-
ate upon the subject be admissible. It seems to me, that
perhaps the Judge has at last thought it necessary to sac-
rifice a little to public prejudice, when the concession can
not cause any serious consequences in the issue of this
strange contest. This evening De Pestre spent an hour
with me, which was passed in a more dilated view of his
past concerns with Burr. He gave me a description of
the manners and character of Yrujo, who is reconfirmed
in his embassy to this country, in spite of all the efforts
of this Government for his removal. This minister is,
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burr's management. 417
according to De Pestre's portrait of him, a shrewd politi-
cian, who pierced the cobweb tissues of Burr's intrigues
with him at a single glance. Though he assured De
Pestre, who was charged in Kentucky, last October, with
a special mission to him, that had Burr opened his designs
with frankness, and really projected a severance of the
Union, and nothing hostile to the Spanish provinces, he,
Burr, might have had an easy resort to the Spanish treas-
ury and its arsenals, while his confidence would have been
safely lodged in the honor of a Spanish nobleman. But
Yrujo laughed at the awkwardness with which Burr en-
deavored to mask his designs on Mexico, and expressed
his concern for De Pestre's having lost his time in such a
service. But Burr, if he had capacity or money for re-
animating his projects, has lost a season never to be
recalled. He might, last winter, have had the whole
equipage of two French ships of war, who offered to
bring their small arms with them into his services. If
he had not talents, or spirits to use them, he is where
he should be.
Tuesday, September 22, 1807.
A variety of witnesses, examined to-day by the prosecu-
tors, seem to me to advance their cause but little, though
their newspapers pretend they throw great light on the
mysterious proceedings of Burr. But his mysteriousness
is surely an impenetrable shield to cover his treasonable
designs, if he had any. I have seen a complete file of all
the depositions made before the grand jury in Burr's pos-
session. It must be confessed that few other men in his
circumstances could have procured these documents out
27
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418 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
of the custody of offices filled by his inveterate enemies.
I have long been at a loss to imagine the means he used,
of which I am not yet fully informed. But I have learned
accidentally that Skelton Jones has become friendly to
him. This Jones, a noted duelist, the brother of the late
Reviewer, and he who formerly conducted the Examiner,
an influential Democrat, I am told, received a letter some
time since from Burr, covering a bank-note, without
specifying for what purpose the money was sent. % Jones
returned it, with civil remonstrance, which gave Burr an
opportunity of requesting an interview, which, if it did
not succeed in removing the easy scruples of this honor-
able patriot, has, however, since that event, completely
attached Mr. J.'s interest, as I have learned from a Mr.
Braxton, a young lawyer here of some talents. Burr has
again asserted to-day, in court, that he expects, by the
mail, documents to enable him to show that Eaton must
be an incompetent witness in any court. This, if estab-
lished, will give the coup de grace to the fame of the Der-
nean hero, who, I am assured by Robison, has sworn the
peace against a Mr. Smith, of Petersburgh, who threat-
ened to kick this General out of the room ; and yet he
appears every day in court, affecting by his looks an air of
defiance. Wilkinson also exhibits his boasted arrogance,
sometimes in the same place. But his examination can
not come on for some days. When it takes place, it must
be of the highest interest in the eyes of those who, know-
ing his character and the insidiously artful deposition he
has made before the grand jury, will contemplate a spec-
tacle of depravity seldom equaled ; while such a sum-
mons to the address, I will not yet add the firmness of
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SANDY HENDERSON. 419
Burr, will leave no nerve untouched. But I may venture
to predict that Burr will sink under it. For, apart from
the merits or demerits of either, there are reasons why it
should be so in this country, if not in any other upon
earth, which I will unfold at large hereafter. I find by D.
Woodbridge, many people have died at Marietta, within
two months past, of a malignant disease prevailing there.
Did God's mercy place us elsewhere ? Midnight
Wednesday, September 23, 1807.
It chiefly engaged my attention in court to-day to hear
Burr contend, that conversations by me with others,
respecting him while he was absent, and prior to the
period of any alleged acts, should not affect him. This
attempt was made to obviate the effect he apprehended
from the testimony of the Hendersons ; but the Judge was
pleased to overrule it. Woodbridge has expressed some
wish to be discharged, and return with Belknap to Mari-
etta, but assures me he will still wait until the whole
affair is finished, or while he can be of any service to me.
I have begged he may not, observing, his being my bail
need not detain him ; and have told him, at the same
time, to take no trouble on my account, etc. He seems
satisfied, as I have informed him of the fact of General
Dayton having gone to Ohio, though not discharged from
his recognizance.
Thursday, September 24, 1807.
This morning I was treated to the narrative of Sandy
Henderson, which is considered to bear more particularly
on me than any other testimony. I had projected a long
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420 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
cross-examination of him, which I should have pursued
with good effect, but our counsel feared it might operate
quite contrary to my expectations from the uniform ex-
perience they have, that within these virtuous States,
when once witnesses determine to swear for a purpose,
all attempts to involve them in inconsistency only tend
to render them more desperate. I therefore agreed to
postpone my cross-examination until the next day, that I
might, in the meait time, confer with Mr. Wickham on
the subject, as he feared, I suppose, that something might
break out injurious to Burr, through my pressing Hender-
son ; and Mr. Botts, from his connection with that family,
wished to be excused from taking any part in this exam-
ination. I had here another check, from the obligations
Mr. Botts has already imposed upon me. But I assured
him I had discovered his connection too late to prevent
his having been concerned for me. It was yesterday I
should have mentioned as having seen Henderson first
called, and in consequence of the difficulties affecting
Wickham on account of Burr, and myself on account of
Botts, I last night drew up a series of interrogatories,
which I wished Henderson to answer upon affidavit by
consent, with which I called upon Wickham in the even-
ing. He also conferred with Burr upon them; all ap-
proved of the questions, but still feared the effect of them,
from the apprehended hostility of the witness; so that
we concluded on one only of them, which we put to him
this morning in court; namely, " whether, at the time of
my alleged communications to him, he did not, and doth
not yet, entertain a strong prejudice against Col. Burr?"
which he answered in the affirmative. I met this even-
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MORE EVIDENCE. 421
ing with an introduction, at the Harmonic Society, to a
very handsome woman, a Mrs. Meyio, who has been too
many years a widow, though I hear she is soon to be
married- I mention her as being the niece of the amia-
ble and highly esteemed Mrs. Carrington, whom I have
not yet visited to thank her for her generous offer, more
than once made through Mercer, to send me refresh-
ments to the Penitentiary. I took a part in a quartette
of Haydn's, and in a glee, and returned home after mid-
night.
Friday, September 25, 1807.
Yesterday, John Henderson gave his testimony to the
same effect Sandy had done, and underwent little or no
examination. John Graham also delivered his to the
same purport with that he gave against me, before Toul-
min and Rodney. But, in cross-examining him, I asked
him to say " who was to pay the $1,000 for forfeiting his
recognizance to appear to prosecute me in the Mississippi
Territory:" he applied to the Court to be excused answer-
ing this question ; denied he had applied to Col. Scott to
invite A. Burr to his house to dinner to have him kid-
napped, and said, he has got his present office of chief
clerk in the Secretary of State's office, lately. To-day,
after consultation with our counsel, I agree to waive ob-
jections I had offered against reading the "Querist" in
print, or Henderson's evidence of my having shown him
only a manuscript of a composition by me with such
signature. The reading of the fourth number by the
prosecutors, with examination of Dana and Gilmore,
finished the day.
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422 thb blenwebhassett papers.
Saturday, September 26, 1807.
To-day, the long-expected examination of "Wilkinson
came on, after that of Eaton, upon matter and conversa-
tions between him and Burr, which had been excluded as
improper evidence on the trial-in-chief, but was now
thought admissible before the Judge as an examining
magistrate. I have taken, I believe, faithful notes of
every thing that fell from both of these persons, by which
it will appear that Eaton's testimony is indefinite as to
any bearing that it should have upon Burr's designs,
without seeking for those inconsistencies with his former
story before the grand jury, and on the trial-in-chief,
which Martin, under the signature of u Investigator," is
endeavoring to establish in the Virginia Gazette here.
The General exhibited the manner of a serjeant under a
court-martial, rather than the demeanor of an accusing
officer confronted with his culprit. His perplexity and
derangement, even upon his direct examination, has
placed beyond all doubt "his honor as a soldier, and his
fidelity as a citizen." It will appear from the gauntlet
he has begun to run, which he will not finish before
Monday evening, that he has confessed he altered a du-
plicate of the original cipher letter for the express purpose
of erasing from it an acknowledgment by Burr, of
Burr's having received a letter from him, Wilkinson, of
the 27th of February ; that this was done for the avowed
purpose of concealing from the Legislature of Orleans a
part of that letter, from which that body might infer that
he was privy to, or concerned in, the projects of Burr;
that he substituted other words in the room of the
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ADJOURNMENT. 423
erasure as a translation of the erased ciphers afterward,
but at what time he could not recollect ; that the transla-
tion of the document sent to Government was from this
mutilated original ; and that he had sworn, by an affidavit
he produced himself in court, that such translation faith-
fully rendered the substance of the original. On the
other hand, Burr, who was very unwell, preserved a com-
posure, inspired by Wilkinson's self-condemnation, and
supported by his indisposition, contrary to the expecta-
tions I had formed a few days past. The cross-examina-
tion progressed but a little way, and was adjourned until
Monday. Yesterday evening, Woodbridge called upon
me in the most abrupt manner, to repeat to me what he
had before observed on Wednesday evening, that he was
very desirous to return home, and hoped I would that
evening look out for other bail. But he hardly allowed
me time to answer, " that I would, and whether I suc-
ceeded or not, I wished him not to stay a moment on my
account," before he had the unfeeling ingratitude to add,
" that if I did not, he should give me up in the morning."
I was accordingly prepared on the opening of the court
this morning, to state to the Judge, " that Mr. Wood-
bridge was about to be discharged ; but previous to his
leaving town he wished also to be discharged from the
recognizance he had entered into on my account, for
reasons I did not inquire into; that it thence became
necessary I should find other securities, or be recommitted,
of which I should prefer the latter, rather than solicit
bail in a place where I was almost an utter stranger.
But I believe two citizens of this place were voluntarily
attending, for the purpose of entering with me into
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424 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
another recognizance. John Banks and a Mr. A
then were called forward, and thus ended, I wish I could
say my last concern, with the Woodbridge family. Of
Dudley, it must not be concealed, that although he is
reputed to have given a fair, candid, and to us advan-
tageous testimony, he has not yet told the whole truth —
having suppressed my communication to him of our
designs being unequivocally against Mexico, which I
suppose he kept back, because he embraced and em-
barked* in the plan on the first mention of it to him,
though he afterward receded from it, upon his own re-
flections or the counsels of others.*
Sunday, December 27, 1807.
While at breakfast, this morning, I received a verbal
message from Burr, importing that he wanted to see me.
On my arrival soon after at his house, I found him in
bed. He informed me he wanted to see me, to know
what I would advise him to do in his complaint, observ-
ing, he had no confidence in the physicians here. I sug-
gested to him my being of the same opinion, unless I
accepted McClung, whom I believed to be a man of some
genius, and probably possessing considerable skill in his
profession. Burr said he was a creature of rule; and
calling again for my opinion, I said I would have some
pills made up for him, which he could take for two or
three nights. I left him to go to the druggists, where I
had the medicine carefully prepared, which I sent him
*The integrity and respectability of Mr. Woodbridge is undoubted by all who knew him.
From a personal acquaintance for some years previous to his death, I am enabled to add, that
such was the purity of his character, through a long and useful career, as to stamp with un-
truthfulness any reflection upon his honor as a man or his veracity as a witness.
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INTERVIEW SOLICITED. 425
about two o'clock, accompanied with a note conveying
directions for his diet, and the use of the medicine. I
called there again in the evening to see him ; but while I
was engaged in the parlor with several persons, where
Martin was reading to us a heavy manuscript of his next
Investigator, I found on going into Burr's bedroom, soon
after Martin had done, that he had just taken, instead of
my medicine, a dose of laudanum. He said he felt so
weak, and was in such want of rest, he thought it best to
take an opiate. I told him he must then omit my pills
for this night, wished him good rest, and took leave.
On my return to the parlor, Baker told me a Mr. Smith,
who knew my family in Ireland, and might probably
recognize me, solicited him to bring us together. "He
should accordingly bring Mr. Smith, with my leave, to
my lodgings." I assented, and thanked him. He also
acquainted me that Mrs. Broughenbrough, commonly
called Brokenberry here, who is regarded as the nearest
approximation in this town to a savante and bel-esprit, has
expressed no small solicitude, and has insisted that Hay
will enable her to read the "Querist/' which is much
praised here. Martin boasts of the fourth number, not a
little, as a piece • of argumentation which the prosecutors
had better conceal from the public, while they wish to
keep them uninformed on the merits of the question re-
specting a severance of the Union. Martin has also
assured me Judge Tucker, though a violent Democrat,
seriously contended at a party, with Judge Marshall, in
this town since May last, that any State in the Union is
at any time competent to recede from the same, though
Marshall strongly opposed this doctrine. I find Kobin-
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426 THB BLBNNERHA88ETT PAPERS.
eon, the only correct stenographer, who takes exact notes
of all the proceedings at the capitol, and is besides a
scholar, who understands five or six languages, will give
the " Querist " a longer life by incorporating it in his book
than it was likely to enjoy in the barren soil of the " Ohio
Gazette/' where it appeared to bloom but as an humble
flower, and trampled under the feet of the sovereign peo-
ple. Baker is a young lawyer, whom Burr employs,
more for the benefit of his influence out of doors than
from the aid of talents or services in court, where he is
only of use through his humor and the freedom with
which he lavishes his abuse. £ believe he possesses as
good a heart as is permitted to a Democrat, and his
spirits and popularity are perhaps, in effect, as valuable
to Burr as the talents of Wickham or Botts.
Monday, September 25, 1807.
I had, this morning, a long double letter from my
adored wife. Its red seal was as welcome to my eyes
as the evening star to the mariner after the agitation of
a storm. For I had, last week, suffered no small anxiety
from the want of a letter. But the seal, notwithstanding
its color, and every curve and turn of the letters in the
superscription, had long passed under jealous inspection,
to undergo every scrutiny from which I could augur the
import of the intelligence within, before I would venture
to break it open. But I was assured by the seal there
was no mortality, at least on the 25th ult., as by the post-
mark. I trust, then, the heartfelt offerings of thanksgiv-
ing I tried to breathe forth to Heaven were borne to
Almighty God, before I consulted the contents of the
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DREAMS. 427
letter. There I soon saw how industriously my beloved
continued to practice the only fraud her pure soul is capa-
ble of conceiving — that of endeavoring to hide from me
all she feels for me, and has suffered for our dear boys.
Her complaint in her chest is mentioned in away to alarm
me, through the vail of disguise she has attempted to
throw over it. But the weekly reports she will not fail
to see of the criminal proceedings here, will, I trust,
lighten much of the anxiety she labors under, which, I
know, so much aggravates the affection in her breast. I
next find my boys have, both of them, had fevers ; and
my dear Harman, who has suffered most, was perhaps at
the height of his disease, about the period when I last
dreamed I had lost him, and has perhaps been spared to
us, through the merits of his incomparable mother, which
have not been beheld with the less favor of Providence,
while I was offering up my prayers, in the Penitentiary,
for his preservation. I have, I find, in concluding my
notes of the 2d inst., observed, I again dreamt I had lost
my Harman. Did my first dream of his irrecoverable
injury from a dog typify the disease of which he was to
suffer ? and did my second dream, which was visited upon
me in the Penitentiary, a night or two before I noted it on
the 2d inst., come upon me as another vision to announce,
perhaps, a relapse he has undergone, since his mother's
letter of the 25th ult. was written. These things are
only known to the Eternal and All-wise Dispenser of
our mortality. But while reason shall continue my only
guide to faith, I will yet wonder in mysterious awe of
such dreams as these, which my understanding can not
scan, while they appall my heart. If I shall be blessed
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428 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
with the sight of another red seal next Monday, I shall
put off a heavy burden of anxiety which now oppresses
me. The Court does not sit to-day, on account of Burr's
illness. I find he is much worse than yesterday. He says
he will take my medicine to-night, and has rejected bleed-
ing, proposed to him by McClung, in which I fully agreed
with him that he should not part with his blood, even at
a Joe a drop. I called upon De Pestre, this morning, at
Mr. Chevalier's, where Mr. C. kindly pressed me to dine
en famille, which I declined, through a desire to write at
home and attend a private quartette-party at the Har-
monic Society's room this evening. The invitation of
Chevalier was given in the most friendly manner, with a
reprobation of the restriction imposed on the hospitable
dispositions of the families of this town by the effects of
a system of espionage, which is kept up by Government
and its agents to a degree that has generally prevented
those attentions we should otherwise receive. This must
be the case, as I have not received a visit from any family-
man, much less an invitation, since my release from im-
prisonment, though Mr. Pickett, who lives in the first
style here, informed my landlord, Walton, the other day,
he means to invite me to his house. So that etiquette
seems also to be totally disregarded ; and, no doubt, here,
as in other countries, a want of better breeding is received
by strangers as a proof of inhospitality not merited.
Tuesday, September 29, 1807.
Uurr took my medicine last night as he promised,
rested well, and is much better this morning. But he
has prudently declined attending court, though he is evi-
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CORRUPTION. 429
dently mortified, he is not able to witness the progress of
his recrimination of Wilkinson, conducted by his counsel,
in which he is so desirous to take a part, especially as
Botts has retired to Fredericksburg, to attend to other
professional calls upon him. I perused this morning, at
Burr's, some interesting documents, forwarded to him
from New Orleans by Ed. Livingston and Alexander, all
tending to overtake Wilkinson with a portion of that re-
tributive justice he has so fairly earned. Of these papers,
I trust the Chief Justice, in the spirit of that latitude he
has so liberally permitted to the prosecutors, will, as an
examining magistrate, allow the affidavits of Derbigeny
and Mercier to be read, as both go to prove the Bri-
gadier's corruption in having received from Carondelet,
in 1796, a douceur of $9,000 at Cincinnati, which, added
to every thing else that will appear against him, should
surely settle his integrity and credit, if not his admissi-
bility as a witness.* On opening of the court, Graham
•John Mercier, jun., of the city of New Orleans, being duly sworn,
maketh oath, that he was one of the clerks in the office of the Governor
in the time of the Spanish dominion, during a period of nine years, from
the year 1792 to the year 1801. That while this deponent was employed
in the said office, to-wit, in the years 1795 and 1796, a secret correspond-
ence was carried on in cipher between the said Governor, then the Baron
de Carondelet, and some person of note, who then was in the western part
of the United States, and, as this deponent believes, on the waters of the
Ohio. That this deponent had no certain knowledge of the name of the
said person, but that it was a matter of notoriety, among those who were
employed in the said office, that the said person was General Wilkinson.
That this deponent was intrusted with the care or charge of deciphering
mo me of the letters which were received from the said person, and of copy-
ing Home of the answers which were made to them by the Governor. That
the cipher was understood by means of a small English dictionary ; and
that so far as this deponent now recollects, the number of the page and
the line where the word was in the dictionary was made use of, instead
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480 THE BLENNERHA88ETT PAPERS.
voluntarily came forward to explain a part of his testi-
mony, and, I know not why, was pleased to declare I had
told him at Marietta, " that both Burr and myself per-
ceived the people were not ripe for a severance of the
Union; that we should not hurry it, as it would take
place from natural causes of itself, and we had no per-
of the word itself. That this deponent very well recollects that the project
treated of in the said correspondence was the dismembering of the West-
ern States and Territories from the Union, but that he is not able to recol-
lect the particulars. And this deponent further swears, that some time
toward the end of the year 1795, Mr. Thomas Power, who was employed
as the confidential agent of the Spanish Government for this secret nego-
tiation, was intrusted with a sum of nine thousand dollars, or thereabouts,
destined tor the said person, which sum was delivered to the said Power,
in the office of the Governor, in the presence of this deponent. That the
said Power set off with it, and, as this deponent believes, with the dis-
patches which were prepared on that occasion for the said person.
J. Mercier.
Sworn before me at New Orleans, the 81st August, 1807.
Bona m r, Justice of the Peace.
John McDonaugh, jun., being duly sworn, doth depose, that some time
in the month of March, in the year 1804, General Wilkinson consulted with
this deponent, as a commission merchant, on the probability of sugar or
cotton shipped from this country to the Atlantic ports turning to advan-
tage. The advice of this deponent was, to ship sugars in preference ; upon
which the General requested this deponent to purchase for him sugars to
the amount of nine or ten thousand dollars, payable in cash. This depo-
nent, accordingly, purchased for the General, through Messrs. Dusan and
Dubourg, brokers, one hundred and seven hogsheads of sugar, and char-
tered the ship Louisiana, in which the General took his passage, to transport
it to New York, the said sugar being shipped on the sole risk and account
of the General. That the amount of the said sugar, as invoiced, was eight
thousand and forty-five dollars and thirty-five cents ; and this deponent
gave the General a bill of exchange on New York for one thousand dollars,
the sugars not amounting to the sums which the General risked to be in-
vested in them. That the amount of the said two sums, being $9,045 85,
was paid to this deponent by the General, in Mexican dollars, and that
some of the bags containing the said money were Mexican bags, such as
come from Vera Crux ; and this deponent recollects that the said purchase
excited at the time much speculation among the American inhabitants of
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COMPARISONS. 431
sonal interest in the event/' Then came on the little
Brigadier, whose demeanor, to-day, was no doubt as op-
posite to that arrogance in which he strutted at Orleans,
during the reign of his brief authority, as was the car-
riage of Dionysius at Corinth, compared with his royal
port before at Syracuse. But I should not have degraded
New Orleans, as to the resources of the General which enabled him to pay
so large a sum of money in cash ; and the Governor himself, some time
after the departure of the General, spoke to this deponent upon the subject,
appearing to be desirous of ascertaining the amount of the sugars which
had been purchased, and the means by which the General had been enabled
to pay for them. John McDonaugh, jun.
Sworn before me, this 4th September, 1807, at the city of New Orleans.
John Ltnb, Justice qf the Peace.
Peter Derbigeny, of New Orleans, Counselor-at-Law, being sworn on
the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, deposeth, that some time in the year
1796, this deponent being then a resident at New Madrid, on the Missis*
sippi, Mr. Thomas Power, then employed by the Spanish Government on a
private agency, went up the Ohio as far as Cincinnati, as this deponent
was told, and returned some time afterward to New Madrid, in quest of a
sum of money, which was delivered to him by Dr. Thomas Portall, the then
commandant of that post. That this deponent was informed by a Spanish
officer, on whose veracity he had every reason to depend, that the said
money was destined for General Wilkinson, who was in secret correspond-
ence with the Spanish Government. That Mr. Thomas Power, in order to
conceal the said money, which was, as far as this deponent can recollect,
a sum of nine thousand dollars, or thereabouts, bought from this deponent
some barrels of sugar and coffee, in the center of which the said money
was packed up in small bags which were made for that purpose in this
deponent's family. That after these preparations were gone through, Mr.
T. Power set off on his way back to Cincinnati ; and that, on said Power's
return from thence, this deponent was told that the said money had arrived
safe, and had been delivered to General Wilkinson. And this deponent
further saith, that shortly after the surrender of Louisiana to the United
States, a rumor having circulated that General Wilkinson had shipped in
the vessel in which he returned to the Atlantic States a large quantity of
sugar, the price of which he had paid him in dollars lately coined, con-
tained in bags not yet unsewed, and such as they are when sent from the
Spanish mint, this deponent grew suspicious that it was again money paid
by the Spanish treasury to General Wilkinson, and felt it his duty toward
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432 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
the fortunes of that tyrant by a comparison with this
urchin. I continue to take notes of his testimony to his
own turpitude, which I shall not transcribe here, as they
may be seen among my papers, by my friends. But it is
here I should observe, that the address of Wickham, in
conducting the cross-examination to-day, was masterly
and ingenious, not only in regard to the witness, but to
the Administration which so embarrassed Hay, as well as
the General, that it would be impossible to say which of
them most heartily welcomed a sudden adjournment, in
the Government, to whom he had of late sworn allegiance, to inform the
Governor of this province of the facts to him known concerning the money
sent up to General Wilkinson in 1796 ; that Governor Claiborne then re-
quested this deponent to write to the President of the United States on the
subject; that this deponent wrote accordingly to the President of the
United States, and delivered his letter into the hands of Gov. Claiborne,
after having shown him the contents, which he approved of; and that, as
the said letter was not signed, this deponent, by the advice of Gov. Clai-
borne, mentioned therein to the President that he might know the name
of the writer from Gov. Claiborne himself, if he should wish it.
And this deponent further swears, that in the winter of 1804 to 1806,
this deponent being then at Washington City, in the capacity of a deputy
from the inhabitants of Louisiana to Congress, jointly with Messrs. Dos-
trehan and Sawis, he was introduced to Col. Burr, then Vice-President of
the United States, by General Wilkinson, who strongly recommended to
this deponent, and, as he believes, to his colleagues, to cultivate the ac-
quaintance of Col. Burr, whom he used to call " the first gentleman in
America;" telling them that he was a man of the most eminent talents,
both as a politician and as a military character ; and this deponent further
swears, that General Wilkinson told him, several times, that Col. Burr, so
soon as his Vice-Presidency would be at an end, would go to Louisiana,
where he had certain projects ; adding, that he was such a man as to suc-
ceed in any thing he would undertake, and inviting this deponent to give
him all the information in his power respecting that country ; which mys-
terious hints appeared to this deponent very extraordinary, though he
could not then understand them. P. Derbigkny.
Sworn before me, at New Orleans, the 27th of August, 1807.
Bon a my, Justice of the Peace.
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SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS. 483
which Hay hastily sought the only retreat that was left
to his confusion. The Judge had hardly risen from the
bench, when a general buzz about Wilkinson's embarrass-
ment ran through the crowd, and in five minutes every
Democrat in the capitol was expressing his surprise at
the effect with which we had so suddenly changed our
characters and turned accusers. I sat this evening an
hour with Burr. Bollman and Major Smith were the
only other persons of the party. Here was an oppor-
tunity to confirm my conviction, that neither Burr nor
Bollman desired I should have any acquaintance with
the latter, for neither solicited nor proposed an introduc-
tion. Both, no doubt, have discovered, long since, I am
not of a temper to further their intrigues, but they are
short-sighted in not perceiving how effectually I can and
will assuredly frustrate them. Well ! we chatted, never-
theless, on the exclusive topics of our present concerns
with the Government, among which, it was observed by
Burr, " that he should not be surprised if the next * In-
quirer ' attributed his absence from court, at this time, to
fear of confronting Wilkinson." I remarked, " that such
misrepresentation could have no effect, as the " Virginia
Gazette" would contradict it. Burr said, "this last
paper had no circulation ; " and if $300 could be raised
immediately, the press of the "Impartial Observer,"
which has been obliged to stop for want of funds, could
be again set to work. The editor was bold and ingeni-
ous, passed for " a good Democrat, would represent things
right, and print every thing that was required of him."
He then asked me, " if I could not raise even $120, with
which a beginning could be made ? could not I get twenty
28
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484 THE BLENNERHAS6ETT PAPERS.
subscribers, even to advance $10 each? How sorry he
was Tupper and Mercer were gone away. They would
readily contribute. Would not I look about," etc. I
said, " I knew not a man that would advance a dollar/'
He seemed surprised that I did not eagerly offer my
services as a runner to beg for him, and said, " I might
look out if I pleased ; that is," he added, " if I felt any
interest in the thing." Now, I'm at a loss to divine the
drift of this set upon me. Was it to remind me to
smother any rising thoughts within me, to renew my
hints to him, of other calls for mqney ? Was it to ex-
hibit me to Bollman in a character he would not appear
to impose upon him ? I own I am at a loss for a solu-
tion. But certainly, however solicitous he may be to
revive the impartial observer, he was not indifferent to
making use of this occasion for some other purpose.
Smith, however, said, " he would look about him ; " and I
abruptly took leave. Bollman kept silent during the
most of the visit. He is engaging in his appearance, but
I have yet had no opportunity to catch any lines of his
character, which I hope will not hereafter escape me.
Swartwout is dispatched to Washington on some secret
mission, which is as mal-apropos, during Wilkinson's ex-
amination, as Burr's disappearance from court. Swart-
wout, it is said, will be back on Thursday. Eaton has
come forward to-day in court, to say the toast * was first
* General Eaton's evidence on the trial went to prove that Burr medi-
tated a dissolution of the Union. Eaton, in order to rid himself of Burr's
importunities, proposed the following toast at a dinner given to him
(Eaton) at Philadelphia or Georgetown ; he could not distinctly recollect
which : " The United States — palsy to the brain that should plot to dismem-
ber, and leprosy to the hand that will not draw to defend, our Union."
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FORTUNATE ESCAPE. 485
given at a public dinner given to him at Georgetown,
which, being in or before December, 1805, contradicts
what he before swore to on that subject.
Wednesday, September 30, 1807.
The court having been only opened to-day for the pur-
pose of adjourning until to-morrow, to accommodate the
bar, who are obliged to attend the Court of Chancery, I
spent an hour with Burr in miscellaneous conversation,
during which Bob. Bobison and Smith were present.
The arrival in town of Poindexter and Williams, from
Natchez, being mentioned, and conjectures offered as to
what Poindexter could say as a witness for the Govern-
ment, Bobison observed, " he was inclined to think Col.
Burr was fortunate in having made his escape when he
did from that country, as, had he delayed it for another
day, he would probably have been seized, and have fallen
into the hands of Wilkinson." Bobison seemed unin-
formed altogether of the nature of Meade's stipulations
with Burr, last January or February, in what was called
the armistice at Natchez. Burr now entered into a train
of statements to show Bobison how Meade had violated
his engagements on that occasion. If he had made out
such a story as he now told in the presence of Smith and
myself, where we were not by, it might perhaps pass like
other representations which have, I know not in how
many instances, been received upon the credit of his
word. But that he should tell any one, in our hearing,
that Meade pledged his honor to him that our people
should all keep their arms, when we know the solicitude
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436 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
with which he afterward had them all hid, and sunk in
the river, — and say, he was not taken a prisoner, under
guard, to Washington in the Mississippi Territory, from
the interview he had, as it was called, with Meade, at
Cole's Creek, in pursuance of his forbearing to prefer
resistance, which he might have made to a surrender of
his person, — it would indeed surpass all credibility, if he
had not with the same temerity assured Wiekham, the
other day in court, " that the Mississippi militia, while
ordered out against him, could hardly be kept by him
from deserting to him by whole companies. What they
might have been disposed to do, had he shown himself
worthy of their support, is too far removed from what
they did to need any attestation from us, or our Mends,
in that country. But young men, whom I can redeem
from future connections with every incapacity but the
talents for intrigue, must not be entangled in those snares,
so imprudently or so rashly laid for their credulity. In-
deed, I am again disposed to call to my aid Cowles
Meade's impression last winter, that Burr was at times
deranged, as the only means of accounting for his occa-
sional rashness in his assertions. Certain I am, he ex-
hibited at that season every derangement but that of
avoidable hazard; and as his memory is confessedly
strong, he can riot now surely rely upon his facts, without
a similar, if not a worse, apology. I saw to-day a curious
parallel of Burr's character and my own, drawn by Wirt,
in his speech, reported in the " Enquirer/' on Wickham's
motion to arrest the evidence in the treason case. I'll
transcribe it hereafter.
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poindexter. 487
Thursday, October 1, 1807.
Wilkinson's cross-examination was continued this
morning by Wickham, with great ability, and suspend-
ed until to-morrow, to give him time he desired for re-
flection, and further recurrence to his papers, and also to
enable Burr to finish it to-morrow, as the latter is not
well enough to attend to-day. Then came forward the
ingenious Poindexter, who delivered a very petulant and
dogmatical testimony, in the course of which he had the
effrontery to state the whole affair of the alleged recog-
nizance of Burr taken by old Rodney, in a manner to in-
duce, if he could, a belief that Rodney was perfectly cor-
rect; that Burr had forfeited an original recognizance,
and that Rodney was one of the best men living ; while
no honest man in the Territory believed a word of the
stories that were told there of another recognizance or
memorandum for one having been suppressed ; he even
went so far as to say, he heard, and believed, that Hard-
ing had begun to write an original, but got tired before
he finished it, and it was thrown under the table. O!
Harding, my estimable friend, may you soon be able to
scourge this paltry pettifogger, who further declared, on
his oath, that the matter was now before the Supreme
Court of the Territory, where the securities would get
off, not upon the merits of the case, but because the
Judge who bound them had not cognizance of the offense.
Friday, October 2, 1807.
Burr attended to-day in court, and concluded the cross-
examination of Wilkinson ; after which, Poindexter was
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488 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
again called for, and was, if possible, a greater curiosity
as a witness than he had been yesterday. His parade of
his opinion of the jurisdiction of the courts in the Mis-
sissippi Territory, his strictures on the presentments by
Burr's grand jury there, his justification of his conduct
as honorary aid-de-camp and Attorney General, and his
insolence to Burr and his counsel, all exhibited him in a
light which introduced a character into the piece now
performing at the capitol, as novel as it was unexpected.
Then succeeded a witness of a very opposite cast, a Mr.
Trisley, one of the late grand jury here, who has riveted
on Wilkinson's character and credit those fetters Jeffer-
son and himself were so long forging together for the
fame and liberty of others. After a close struggle be-
tween opposite counsel, Wickham succeeded by his usual
address in wresting from the prosecutors a very curious
letter by Jefferson to Wilkinson, of the 3d of last Janu-
ary, which I must, if possible, get a copy of. Martin
was both yesterday and to-day more in his cups than
usual, and though he spared neither his prudence nor his
feelings, he was happy in all his hits. 11 o'clock, P. M.
Saturday, October 8, 1807.
Wilkinson, though it was thought by many yesterday
that his cross-examination was concluded, was, this morn-
ing, again further interrogated as to the import of his
instructions to Lieutenant Pike, and the nature of his
confidential intercourse with Kibby. But nothing could
be got out of him as to the former ; and, as to any deal-
ing with Kibby, of the sort alluded to in Kibby's pub-
lished affidavit, he would no more confess it than that he
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CHALLENGE. 48ft
is said, by the records of scandal, to have had in his youth
with General G * * * . He produced two copies of
alleged instructions to Pike. These papers, being of his
own manufacture, left his adversaries, of course, to con-
tent themselves with whatever effect the suspicions aris-
ing from their questions might produce in the minds of
the auditors, if not of the Judge. But the publication in
the " Argus," to-day, of no less than six documents, of-
fered by Wilkinson in the course of his examination, and
rejected by the Judge as improper to be given in evidence,
will operate a preponderating counterpoise in his favor.
Before he withdrew, he appealed to the Court on the
attempts that had been made, during his examination,
upon his honor and veracity; observing, "that it now
would be easy for him to show his whole conduct in its
true light, freed from all manner of doubt or suspicion
of his motives, if Burr would produce the letter of the
13th of May, alluded to in the ciphered letter, which
would enable him to expose other letters from Burr
which occasioned that letter." He then declared that
Burr's assertion, " that the letter of the 13th of May had
been put out of Burr's power into the hands of a third
person, with Wilkinson's knowledge," was unfounded,
and destitute of all manner of truth ; that Burr knew
the very reverse was the fact ; and with warmth and as-
perity of language, he again challenged him to produce it.
Burr, with an air of dignity and composure which, I think,
he borrowed from an opinion that he is not bound to give
Wilkinson a meeting ojit of court, demanded whether thia
sort of language and such topics were giving testimony;
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440 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
and then observed, " that the General was there to tell
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, upon his
oath, and should reserve other matters for another place."
Wilkinson now withdrew ; but who can not perceive that,
in this scene, the craft of the advocate shrunk from the
charge of his enemy. I examined, soon after this, Gates
and Jones — the latter of whom fully proved the terms of
a parole agreement to go down the river with me last
winter — in a manner to defeat every effect the testimony
of the Hendersons could possibly produce to my preju-
dice. I find Burr has a heavy bill against the United
States, on account of advances he says he has made to
agents employed for summoning his witnesses. How
many have undertaken this service for him I know not;
some I do know who advanced their own money, in ex-
pectation of being refunded by Burr or the United States.
But how far Burr will be indemnified for his advances in
this business may be guessed from the transaction already
narrated of the manceuvre, by which he put Ellis, one of
his creditors, in cash. (See conclusion to notes of 23d of
August.) But Ellis, who was to-day examined, parried
some lounges made at him, during his examination on
this subject, by saying, "it was a verbal summons he got
at Natchez — the proper one was served upon him here."
I will now set down here Wirt's parallel of Burr's char-
acter and my own. After having stated that Burr was
manoeuvring to effect his escape from the prosecutions, by
having me sacrificed in his stead, he asks, " By what sort
of legerdemain is it, that Burr wants to shuffle himself
down to the bottom of the pack, and turn me up, princi-
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ABOUT TO TRAVEL. 441
pal traitor ? "* He then proceeds as follows : " Who, then,
is Aaron Burr — and what the part which he has home in
this transaction ? "
Sunday, October 4, 1807.
I called on Burr this morning, when he, at last, men-
tioned to me, during a short tSte a t$te, that he was
preparing to go to England ; that the time was now aus-
picious for him ; and he wished to know whether I could
give him letters. I answered, " that I supposed when he
said England, he meant London, as his business would
probably be with people in office ; that I knew none of
* Will any man Bay that Blennerhassett was the principal, and Burr
bnt an accessory ? Who will believe that Burr, the author and projector
of the plot, who raised the forces, who enlisted the men, and who procured
the funds for carrying it into execution, was made a cat's-paw of? Will
any man believe that Burr, who is a soldier, bold, ardent, restless, and
aspiring, the great actor whose brain conceived, and whose hand brought,
the plot into operation, that he should sink down into an accessory, and
that Blennerhassett should be elevated into a principal ? He would startle
at once at the thought. Aaron Burr, the contriver of the whole conspiracy,
to every body concerned in it, was as the sun to the planets which sur-
round him. Did he not bind them in their respective orbits, and give
them their light, their heat, and their motion? Yet he is to be con-
sidered an accessory, and Blennerhassett is to be the principal, who,
thus deluded from his interest and his happiness, thus seduced from
the paths of innocence and peace, thus confounded in the toils that were
deliberately spread for him, and overwhelmed by the mastering spirit
and genius of another — this man, thus ruined and undone, and made to
play a subordinate part in this grand drama of guilt and treason, this man
is to be called the principal offender; while he, by whom he was thus
plunged in misery, is comparatively innocent, a mere accessory I Is this
reason ? Is it law ? Is it humanity ? Sir, neither the human heart nor
the human understanding will bear a perversion so monstrous and absurd !
so shocking to the soul ! so revolting to reason ! Let Aaron Burr, then,
not shrink from the high destination which he has courted ; and having
already ruined Blennerhassett in fortune, character, and happiness for-
ever, let him not attempt to finish the tragedy by thrusting that ill-fated
man between himself and punishment. — Extract from W. Wirft Speech.
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442 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
the present ministry, nor did I believe I had a single
acquaintance in London," He replied, "he meant to
visit every part of the country, and wonld be glad to get
letters to any one." I said, that I would think of it ; that
I might discover whether I had any friends there, whom
it would be an object worth his attention to know, and
took leave. Thus it is, this strange man continues to
expose his inconsistency with himself, rather than lay
aside the mysterious mask, with which he has ever
sought, and still continues, to disguise his very hints — a
practice, I believe, he has not departed from in any
instance, from Wilkinson down to myself. We can only
conjecture, therefore, his designs. For my part, I am
disposed to suspect he has no serious purpose of reviving
any of his speculations in America, or even of returning
from Europe, if he can get there. His anxiety to elude
his creditors is, I believe, occupation enough for his
energies, which are little, except in his reveries. Out of
them he tells different stories to different persons, enjoin-
ing confidence from all, but committing himself in noth-
ing to any one. I have suspected for some time, however,
he really does dream of appearing in London, with some-
thing, according to his ideas, in the nature of a suite.
Some weeks past, he consulted De Pestre, to learn from
him how much money would be wanted to enable him to
go and return. He said, he supposed that $10,000 might
answer. De Pestre told him, that would depend on the
nature of his business, and the time it would require to
transact it. But he has mora lately been engaged in en-
deavoring to attach to him some young men who may
accompany him. I yet only know, positively, two. Sam.
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FRIENDLY INTERPOSITION. 44$
Swartwout was enraptured with the prospect, and still
may feast his imagination upon it ; though I could not
resist the propensity I felt to convey to this fine young
man, without his suspecting from whence it came, a curb,
which may restrain his "generous ardor and innocent
credulity. His relation, Major Smith, has endeavored to
apply it. Bob. Robison was the other, and, to save him,
my breast heaved with indignation against his tempter,
while my heart labored for the danger of my young
friend, when I found that his property was Mr. Burr's
object; for Burr, it seems, in the first place, certified
himself by inquiries of Major Smith, that Robison's
father was wealthy, and Robert an only ehild, before he
proposed the voyage to him, which I find he had the
insolence to introduce by telling him, Smith, Robison
' would be much pleased to accompany him, as Mr. Blen-
nerhassett had assured him, than which nothing is more
false. But Burr is as careless of his facts as of his
religion, where neither is exposed to scrutiny ; and any
liberty with them may advance his purpose for the mo-
ment. I had seasonably prepared this young man, who
will to-morrow make his escape to Pittsburgh, from the
fascinations of this serpent. I was much entertained for
two or three hours by the performance on the piano by a
young Frenchman, who is a fine performer, and made me
acquainted with some new music of Haydn and others,
which he executed with masterly skill and expression.
Monday, October 5, 1807.
This day was chiefly consumed with hearing testimony
adduced to prove Eaton's incompetency or discredit;
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444 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS. •
which failed, according to the legal rules of evidence,
though Eaton himself has already fully anticipated the
object of his adversaries. I am very unhappy in failing
to hear from Natchez, to relieve my anxiety for Harman.
But why should I presume to pray for the removal of my
trouble for him and his mother, when I know how un-
worthy I have been of the many blessings I have already
enjoyed in them. I have ever thought too highly of
Dominick, in prejudice to his brother ; my late cares for
the latter have equalized the account.
Tuesday, October 6, 1807.
Burr and Martin made a considerable blunder to-day,
by producing a Major Brough, to the discredit of Wil-
kinson, as they thought. The Major, it is true, told some
curious stories to the Court and to the General, as unex-
pected by the Judge, probably, as they were unpalatable
to the Brigadier ; but the effect only tended to show both
equally rivals in treachery to the State, if not to them-
selves. Burr would gladly have pretermitted 'the exhi-
bition of this scene, but it was too late ; the curtain had
risen, and " Peacham " and " Locket " stood confessed in
every line of their characters, except a compromise of
their differences. But as, in such cases, "honest men
come by their own," the public feelings on the Mississippi
will necessarily be relieved, by the disclosures of this wit-
ness, from the insult and mortification of again seeing
Wilkinson command in that country. It is in vain that
Wilkinson has promised to destroy the credit of this wit-
ness. The Major has brandished his sword with such
effect and address, on this occasion, that he has not only
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GIFT. 445
cut down the General, but even disarmed his auxiliaries —
Jefferson, Dearborn and Rodney — who have so long
fought by his side throughout this criminal warfare. In
short, unless this testimony, which, from its effect upon
Jefferson, etc., I regard as the most interesting that has
occurred, can be totally obliterated from the reports of
the present motley proceedings at the capitol, and the
Major be absolutely foxed, the execration of the admin-
istration will soon be sown on the Mississippi, to produce
a crop similar to that which sprung from the teeth of the
hydra. I regret the whole narrative will not probably
appear in fall before Robertson's report of the whole
proceedings. This evening, my friend Hendren, who has
again come up to town chiefly to see me, has called to
express his satisfaction at the near prospect of my restora-
tion to my family, and to solicit my acceptance of a
horse he has a long time destined for me, together with
whatever money I may have occasion for. He has duly
tempered the frankness of these propositions with senti-
ments of corresponding delicacy. I, alas ! have made no
better return to this generosity than words that lightened
not the burden that he had laid upon my heart, which, I
hope, God will give it strength to carry to my grave.
How long have I sought, through life, friends without my
family; and where have I found any, until the hand of
Divine mercy pointed their regards to that piety that has
supported the patience of my distress. I have declined
Hendren's favors, and quieted his solicitude to serve
me, by requesting him to look out for a few negroes
I want to purchase. He will see me again next Monday.
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416 the blennerhassett papers.
Wednesday, October 7, 1807.
Wilkinson was not ready to-day to undertake his attack
upon the credit of Major Brough, but he will attempt it
to-morrow. Nothing was done, of any consequence, in
court to-day. Soon after it adjourned, I took a letter for
my wife to the " Eagle," to go by Col. McKee, who leaves
for Natchez to-morrow. I had there the happiness to see
Doctor Commins, just arrived. He made me happy, by
assuring me my boys were running about on the 25th of
August, when he last saw them, and has brought me a
packet, which I shall receive in the morning. I find I
have omitted to note a very curious discovery made in
court last Saturday. Nothing less than letters of McKee's,
some of them dated in January and February last, pro-
duced by Wilkinson, proving the Col. to have been with
us on the Mississippi, far more as a spy than a friend.
The capillaries of the Colonel's physiognomy, during the
reading of the said letters, were swollen to bursting. The
man, I believe, would have hissed upon immersion in
cold water. He was struck dumb, and, upon his release,
went off in a tangent. Burr can't endure a hint of this
incident; and yet he has since been more than once
closeted with the Colonel. Can he find no better friends,
or is he really deranged ?
Thursday, October 8, 1807.
Wilkinson has not kept his promise of to-day, dis-
crediting the testimony of Major Brough. An unim-
portant witness or two were examined by way of killing
time, which now seems to be the favorite object of the
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EXCITEMENT. 447
prosecutors. Afterward, Hay at last announced that the
evidence was closed on the part of the prosecution, but
reserved his right to examine, without restriction, all of
those witnesses that may arrive, according to his fancy,
which was conceded to him. He then entered upon his
speech, to comment on the evidence, which appeared to
me the best effort I have yet heard from him ; it was per-
spicuous and somewhat ingenious. I have therefore
taken pretty close notes of all such parts of it as appeared
to me to be worthy of notice, or particularly applicable to
myself. He spoke, however, to empty benches until the
rising of the Court, which was, for his accommodation,
protracted half an hour longer than usual. A few
minutes before he stopped, I was much diverted by a
display of his irritability, which was excited by McRae's
interrupting him with a whisper to stop at 4 o'clock.
Upon this, the attorney fired with indignation, and in
his wrath very plainly exhibited his contempt for his co-
adjutor, by telling him he would not be interrupted by
him ; and then endeavoring fruitlessly to compose his ire,
he lamented the condition of counsel, that could neither
agree with those on their own side, or those who were
opposed to them. I sent to Doctor Commins, this morn-
ing, for the packet he brought me from Natchez, but not
having received it, I called upon him this evening,
when he delivered it to me in a wretched state, it hav-
ing been taken from him in the Creek Nation of In-
dians, by Col. Hawkins, the agent of that tribe, who,
after examining my letter-bag, and every original letter
my wife had sent me, except perhaps two sealed letters
from herself, and, after taking such extracts and copies
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448 THE BLBNNBRHASSETT PAPERS.
of the whole aa he chose, then returned to Doctor Com-
mins as many as he thought proper. This outrage I
shall have formally stated in an affidavit by the Doctor,
in order to procure an attachment against the Colonel. I
spent a very pleasant evening at the Musical Society,
where I met Mrs. Chevalier and Mrs. Wickham. They
seemed pleased with some performances, in which I took
a part, particularly a quartette of Pleyel's. Mrs. Chev-
alier gave me some hospitable reproaches for the scarcity
of my visits. I believe her husband a most generous and
benevolent man, which his countenance fully bespeaks.
Friday, October 9, 1807.
It is a little singular that my birthday should yesterday
have passed by without my having noticed it ; but this
has been the case for several of the last years of my life,
and I suppose the reason is, that my mind is hardly occu-
pied once a year in thinking of myself. I may have
taken my height and weight, perhaps full twenty times in
the course of my life ; but I am certain I never remem-
bered, much less noted, the amount of either, so that I
could recollect it one hour after trial. Yesterday, then, I
completed my forty-second or forty- third year; for my
father and mother could never agree whether I was born
in 1764 or 1765, though they coincided as to the day, fix-
ing it on the 8th of October. But at such a distance from
my suffering family, I can not estimate how much hap-
piness or misery they have been preparing for my future
years. Hay finished his speech to-day. He was followed
by Eandolph, in a style that will read much better than
it was delivered. He relied chiefly on the effect of Burr's
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RAISING MONEY. 449
acquittal, and arguments drawn from the Constitution.
As to me, he seemed to forget my case altogether, save
so far as his concern for Burr obliged him to mention my
name and writings. This, I suspect, wiH also be the case
with Wickham- Nous verrons.
Saturday, October 10, 1807.
The Court does not sit to-day, at the request of the
prosecutors; yet they are eternally complaining of the
tedious length of the trial, and their own confinement
and sufferings by it. The accused have no sufferings, it
. seems, worthy of their notice. I have to-day spent much
time in painful reflections on the state of my affairs with
Burr. It appears by a statement of my private account
with him, so far as I can now collect all my charges
against him here, for he has but two credits, he is in-
debted to me in a balance of $2,864.96, independent of
my account against him, for what I have already paid
and lost, by my indorsement of the bill held by Miller for
$4,000. It will be useless, or worse, for me to attempt to
appear at Marietta without a sum of money, if not suffi-
cient to discharge Miller's claim, at least necessary to
enable me to get my negroes away from Ohio, if that is
now possible, and to redeem some few valuable articles
of my property that have been sacrificed at sheriff's
sales. I have therefore imagined a method of forcing
Burr's exertions to raise money for me, which is the most
likely to succeed. It is founded on the principle of
effecting through his vanity and interest what it is now
evident I should in vain, seek through his justice or
generosity. T will hint to him my ability to introduce
29
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450 THE BLENVBRHA8SSTT PAPERS.
him into the first circles in England, by introductory
letters; at the same time, showing him my expectations
of becoming soon possessed of a large fortune in Europe,
from which, I doubt not, I shall be enabled to engage his
best endeavors, if not his warmest interest. This plan
I shall put in execution to-morrow, of which I will note
the effect upon him. Leaving it to ripen in his medita-
tions for a week, I shall then open my present distresses to
him in detail, and present him with his account. It is
a little painful, I own, to feel oneself obliged to bring
even a bad man into the path of his duty by artifice.
But the details of the manoeuvre, when examined, will, I
trust, do me no discredit with my friends.
Sunday, October 11, 1807.
It being very warm and dusty this morning, I sent to
John Banks for a horse to visit his family and Chevalier's,
they living two miles apart, and take the benefit of a
short ride. But I previously called upon Burr, whom I
found alone and in good spirits. He attributed the re-
moval of his indisposition exclusively to the effect of my
pills, and his inflamed eye was nearly cured. Daniel
Clark and Mr. Powers had arrived from Orleans to sup-
port the depositions of Derbigeny and the younger Mer-
cier, to the confirmation of Wilkinson's character and
ruin. Availing myself of such a state of things, I en-
tered into desultory conversation affecting all freedom of
thought from any particular object. The affair of the
Leopard and Chesapeake being mentioned, Burr observed,
that though the difference between the United States and
Great Britain on that account might be expected to be
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"friends at court." 451
soon settled, there were many other causes of dispute
which would not soon be removed ; that this was a most
auspicious moment for his purposes to visit England, and
he had no doubt he could, in serving himself and his
friends there, show them, the ministry, their best interests
in a manner that would convince their judgment. This
was the best opportunity I could have desired for my pur-
pose. I now told him, as he happened to be alone, I had
been reflecting on the application he had lately made to
me for letters to England, to assist the better means he
no doubt possessed of establishing his intercourse with
the best society in that country. I regretted that, through
the fluctuations of parties there, I had no acquaintance
with any member of the Administration. But I had
thought of three noblemen, with whom I had been at
school at Westminster, and there intimate with them all,
though I had never since met with any of them, except
Lord Sackville, who had visited me in Ireland. To Lord
8., therefore, I could write, and also to Lords Elgin and
Courtenay. The latter I was very intimate with at
school; and the former, I presumed, from the circum-
stance of his having been not long since ambassador at
the courts of Petersburgh and Constantinople, must be
much respected by the present ministers, if not in office
with them. To all these personages, I said, I thought I
could properly address a mere letter of introduction,
which if it would not of itself produce the end proposed,
would not fail to do so when supported by the appear-
ance he would make in London, the address with which
he would be as impressive there as here, and the distin-
guished rank he lately occupied in the American Govern-
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452 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
ment. The effect of this communication was rapture.
The whole man was changed. "With all his studied re-
serve, he could not restrain his transports, which agitated
his countenance and his movements far more than the
news of a capital prize in the lottery could have done. I
now, after pausing a little, to give his reflections time to
recover his usual composure, asked if he remembered a
hint I had sometime since given him, that I entertained
some expectations of hereafter becoming easy in my cir-
cumstances, and perhaps wealthy. "Yes," he hastily
replied, " very well." I then alluded to a communication
by letter from a friend in Ireland, which I would now
acquaint him with, and from which I might expect, if my
prospects should be realized, possibly to meet him in
those circles in Europe, into which I proposed to intro-
duce him; now drawing from my pocket A. Martin's
letter of 16th of last May, which luckily contained no
other matter than that I wished him to see, and some
political news. I presented it to him. He read it delib-
erately, over and over, and I now beheld myself estab-
lished in an influence upon his feelings, and a considera-
tion from his notice, to which I am persuaded I had
never before possessed the least title. Hey-day ! behold
the wretched and beggared Blennerhassett about to rise
out of the misery in which I have plunged him, and his
unhappy family, into wealth and consequence. The heir,
too, of a nobleman ! nis new wealth and his dignified
connections must Bupply me with better materials for my
projected speculations than all others I have hitherto col-
lected. His connections and his purse shall lay the foun-
dation under which I will again bury his credulity and
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" ONE THOUSAND." 458
rear upon it my aggrandizement. I am persuaded all
this, and probably much more to the same purpose, en-
tered and pervaded the mind of this arch-financier, with
the velocity of light, in an instant. Be it so. Let him
outwit himself. He shall have my letters to the British
nobleman, and may make his own use of them, if he
will first exonerate me from Miller's demand, and pay
or secure the balance he owes me before we part. Other-
wise, we break upon a writ, and for every thing else, I
fear not his address in future.
Chevalier, as usual, pressed me to dinner. I have such
full confidence in his goodness that I believe I shall ven-
ture to request him to indorse or negotiate a bill on Phil-
adelphia for me.
Monday, October 12, 1807.
I am miserable this morning, by being denied a letter
from Natchez. The season advances, and witnesses con-
tinue to arrive so constantly, that I am filled with appre-
hensions of being unable to descend the Ohio before the
breaking up of that river. Martin commenced his speech
on the evidence this morning, and only reached the first
full stop at the hour of adjournment He will probably
hold out full two days more.
Tuesday, October 13, 1807.
Martin kept on his feet again to-day until the adjourn-
ment. He has only come to the second period. I had
this morning an extremely friendly note from Chevalier,
telling me he never lends his name to any body, but has
one thousand dollars at my command, which I have ac-
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464 THE BLENOTRHASSBTT PAPERS.
cepted, to send to the sale by Commins. I have spent a
pleasant evening at Banks', where I often take Smith
with me, as he knows no one here. Banks has given me
some lines he made on the late Miss , which I will
here transcribe, as they deserve preservation :
SWEET SHADE.
Within our hearts, thy mem'ry is embalmed
Beyond the usual gifts that grace thy sex ;
. Thy various virtues and acquirements shone :
The dignity of worth (like thine) it would
Degrade to Mason each peculiar claim
That marked thy value here ; for all who knew
Thee felt its force, and every tongue seemed
Emulous to praise. The young, enraptured,
Hung upon thy name j with equal rev'renoe
And grateful love hailed the bright exemplar
That adorned the sex. Pleased with the theme,
The aged matron, too, for this laid by
The frigid caution of maturer years ;
With joy exulting, joined the general praise,
And wished, a pious wish, her offspring might
Through life's alluring scenes tread the chaste paths
That marked Eliza' b steps.
One kindred trait, that marked thy latest hour,
Unknown to all but to thy weeping friends,
Who clung around the sable couch of Death,
'T were impious not to note. The God who emote
Still bleBsed thee to the last. Its power* thy mind
Retained ; while, conscious of th' approaching call,
Thy steadfast soul still stood serene and firm.
No tumult there, no dread, no terror could
Disturb the heart which purity inspired.
'T was Resignation^ calm I Thy closing eyes,
'T is true, a transient tremor felt, and o'er
The fevered cheek a drop let fall. 01 't was
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MARTIN AND 1MLAS. 45i
A sacred gem, incalculably rich I
A legacy divine ; for others' woe*
It fell. 'T was filial sympathy, which, like
A shook electric, struck the palsied nerve,
Impervious but to this. Dim though thy sight,
Yet still thou sawest a parent's
Agonising pangs ; a precious pearl
Thou gav'st; and with the boon expir'd.
Sweet Shade ! this tribute is not half thy due.
Alas ! too soon we pay the solemn meed ;
Tet bear it on thy wing ; 't will pleasing prove
A passport to the skies ; and when, blest Shade,
Thy sisbeMpirits, who thy flight await
At Heav'n's portal, shall peruse the scroll,
In strains celestial, not unknown to thee,
They '11 chant the theme divine, until it reach
The Throne of Grace. There, in regal state,
The King of Kings, in all the majesty
Of Heaven arrayed, with sweet solacing smile,
Shall hail thy welcome to the realms above,
While myriads of the just around him sing :
"This the reward of virtuous acts below,
Eternal life and bliss for evermore 1 "
Wednesday, October 14, 1807.
Martin at last concluded at 4 o'clock, with the adjourn-
ment this evening. Want of arrangement, verbosity, and
eternal repetitions, have more than sated the malice of
his enemies.
Thursday, October 15, 1807.
McRae consumed this whole day with somewhat less
discredit to himself than might have been expected. It
appears that he is now the only one of the three prose-
cuting counsel that labors to bolster up the credit and
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456 THE BLENNERHAS8BTT PAPERS.
consistency of Wilkinson. Hay has declared, out of
court, "he has ^washed his hands of him." I had a
friendly letter from Devereux, announcing his being
about to return to Ireland, where he expects to recover
his estate, and assuring me, with much concern for my
present sufferings, his actions shall prove his friendship,
whenever his means can give it that operation he now so
generously laments he can not direct to my succor. He
assures me, however, Pierce Butler, Esq., of Philadelphia,
has directed him, without solicitation, to invite me to call
upon him for any pecuniary aid I may need.
Friday, October 16, 1807.
Wickham followed Martin, instead of McRae, yester-
day, and was, I think, far below his former efforts. He
occupied the day nearly. It was to-day McRae exhib-
ited, as I have just mentioned, not having had time to
write down* yesterday's notes till this evening.
Saturday, October 17, 1807.
Wirt spoke very much to engage the fancy of his hear-
ers, to-day, without affecting their understanding; for he
can not reason upon the facts before him, and can no more
conduct a law argument than I could raise a mountain.
As Junius says of the king, " The feather that adorns
him supports his flight." " Strip him of his plumage
and you fix him to the earth." He attempted to be sar-
castic on all his opponents. Randolph he charged with
a decay of professional and oratorical powers, which keep
pace with the march of his years. Martin he upbraided
with ill earned and unmerited fame, which bad disap-
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VISITING. 457
pointed the expectations of the Virginia bar, before which
he had shone through so many moons, but had never yet
appeared in any of the phases of the law. I mention this,
as a specimen of his efforts in the figurative style, to show
how unhappy he is in his researches into those minds of
taste and study which the fancy of an orator never ex-
plores in vain. Wickham he boldly accused of unadorned
plagiarism, in appropriating to himself the arguments of
Dallas and Lewis in the case of Fries, and even express-
ing their ideas with inferior eloquence. I took some notes
of this orator's performance, which Wickham was very
glad to get, as he was absent during the delivery of what
was so pointedly applied to himself. " 0 that mine enemy
would write a book ! " Wilkinson is writing one, which,
some say, is to ruin not only Burr, but Jefferson too.
Sunday, October 18, 1807.
I staid at home until evening, owing to the high wind
and dust that annoyed every one who ventured abroad.
But I drank tea, and spent the evening until 10 o'clock,
at Mrs. Chevalier's. I there met Mrs. David Randolph,
who is a middle-aged lady, and very accomplished; of
charming manners, and possessing a masculine mind.
From this lady, the near relation of the President, and
whose brother is married to%his daughter, I heard more
pungent strictures upon Jefferson's head and heart, be-
cause they were better founded than any I had ever heard
before, and she certainly uttered more treason than my
wife ever dreamed of; for she ridiculed the experiment
of a Republic in this country, which the vices and incon-
stancy of parties and the people had too long shown to
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458 THE BLBNNBRHASSETT PAPERS.
be nothing more than annual series of essays to complete
a work ill begun, and which appeared to be nearly worn
out before it was half finished. But "she always waa
disgusted with the fairest ideas of a modern Republic,
however she might respect those of antiquity/' And as
for the treason, " she cordially hoped, whenever Burr, or
any one else, again attempted to do any thing, the Atlan-
tic States would be comprised in the. plan." She talked
much of Thomas Moore, with whom she was highly
pleased here, and recited some favorite extracts from
him ; but she is very much mortified by the indiscrimi-
nate censure of Virginia, with which he has requited the
hospitality and consideration with which he was uni-
versally treated in this State — his only two exceptions
from his strictures being Wickham and the Chief Justice ;
but in the former he could discover no accomplishment,
beyond professional skill and a slight knowledge of
French, with a talent for repartee, and an imagination
denied all favors which it would in vain solicit from
nature and the sciences. Of the Chief Justice, I can not
speak, out of the precincts of the law, or his politics,
which I already begin to fear will exhibit his heart, as
unlike those of Hardwick or Cambden, as his mind may
resemble theirs." I also obtained from this interesting
lady some sketches of the characters of General Dayton
and Bollman, with both of whom her acute penetration
seems to have had sufficient opportunities of informing
her judgment. The sentence of my moral craniology oil
these heads thus presented to me was this, that the one
is that of an unprincipled speculator and crafty politician,
who never appeals to his reason but to deceive, and never
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A CHALLENGE. 4&9
departs from it but to be sensual. The other is that of
an individual possessing similar talents, more highly re-
fined by nature, but less consolidated by experience, with
syren faculties of speech and manner, never exerted to
captivate, but to destroy their victim, and a temperament
of antipathy, rather than of inclination to the sex. I,
this morning, closed long letters to A. Martin, for Ireland,
after, I believe, full two months' neglect. I have so long
been dosed with the incessant vexations of my prosecu-
tion, that I sometimes imagine my apathy is better lent
me to befit me for the future frowns of unsteady fortune,
than to prepare me for the insidious smiles. I am already
her puppet.
Monday, October 19, 1807.
Wirt concluded with perhaps a better two hours' dis-
play of his powers than he has yet exhibited. Lieutenant
Jackson, at last, made his appearance, but fell very short
of what the prosecutors expected of him, from the pur-
port, of his affidavits, which they have published in the
" Argus," and of his own infamy : though he made out
enough of treachery and perjury, probably, to swell the
current of suspicion against Burr's treasonable designs.
Swartwout* has sent "Wilkinson a challenge, but with-
out effect.
* Swartwout sent a challenge to General Wilkinson by Israel Smith,
which he (W.) refused to read, saying that " he held no correspondence
with traitors or conspirators." This raised Swartwout's ire, and induced
him to publish the following in the " Virginia Gasette : "
To His Excellency Brigadier-General James Wilkinson.
Sir : — When once the chain of infamy grapples to a knave, every new
link creates a fresh sensation of detestation and horror. As it gradually
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460 THE BLENffERHASSETT PAPERS.
Tuesday, October 20, 1807.
I have said nothing of my relief, yesterday, by a letter
from my beloved, bearing the intelligence of her recovery
from a fever. Who would think I was glad to receive
this letter ! I had been miserable for three weeks in ap-
prehension for Harman. This new calamity has affected
me with a kind of lethargy, from which I awake often in
surprise, to wonder that we are all four alive, as if life,
upon any terms, was unnatural in our present prospects.
0, Melancholy ! how long wilt thou brood upon me. I
have begun a letter to my wife. Sustain her strength, O
God, who approvest her virtue, and can best assuage her
sufferings. Mr. Marshall, at length, has delivered an
or precipitately unfolds itself we behold in each succeeding connection,
and arising from the same corrupt and contaminated source, the same base
and degenerate conduct. I could not have supposed that you would have
completed the catalogue of your crimes by adding to the guilt of treachery,
forgery and perjury, the accomplishment of cowardice. But every succeed-
ing day presents you in a new light to the public, and plunges you still
deeper in crime and ignominy. Having failed in two different attempts to
procure an interview with you, such as no gentleman of honor could refuse,
I have only to pronounce and publish you to the world as a coward and
paltroon. One word more before I take my leave. This is a critical moment
in the life of your Excellency. Your reputation is gone for ever, and your
life totters on the verge of dissolution. As you can not pretend to the es-
teem of any man living, you should have sought a momentary reputation
in the applause of even your enemies. You should have been brave, and died
like a man. Tour enemies would then have forgotten the wrongs you had
done them. Your country would have been appeased, and even Judas for-
given. You should have considered that there is some small merit in even
a villain's bravery ; it was all you were supposed to possess this side of
the grave. You should have made much of it; it might have served to
wipe away some portion of the stain which your treachery and turpitude
have fixed upon your character. S. Swabtwout,
Richmond, 21st October, 1807.
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LONGINGS. 461
elaborate opinion, purporting that he can not commit any
of us for treason ; not because we had none in our hearts,
but because we did none with our hands. But the last
article has determined him to commit me for trial, to
Ohio, for a misdemeanor. Burr is, of course, ordered on
this new dance. I shall, however, I fancy, leave the little
emperor to exhibit in it alone; for it is now time I
should withdraw behind the scenes, even though I should
employ Duane to shift them. I shall therefore set out to
Philadelphia, first for this object, and next to close my
pecuniary affairs with Burr there, which I could not do
here. I have given bail for my appearance at Chil-
licothe, the 4th of January; bondsmen, Smith and
Commins.
Wednesday, October 21, 1807.
Burr is in a sort of keeping at his own house, en-
deavoring to get all his bail renewed in the civil suits
here depending against him. Martin has become his
security, I believe, to the amount of $15,000. How much
of this he may eventually sink in the purchase of the
old staple of experience, he will ascertain in about six
months.
Thursday, October 22, 1807.
Wrote to my wife a letter to go by Ashley, which I
will not close until the moment before I leave this town.
It will reach her, and, I trust, tend to support her until I
can escape, and then into Florida with her, if necessary,
which I am determined to attempt, rather than play a
part in a second trial, which would separate me from my
family, probably, for not less than a year from hence.
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462 THE BLENNBBHAS8BTT PAPERS.
Was I criminal in seeking some little refuge from my
trouble this evening at the Musical Society ? I met there
Mesdames Wickham, Chevalier and the Misses M. I
only took a part in one quartette* By particular desire of
those ladies. Midnight.
Friday, Oci*)ber 23, 1807.
Breakfasted at Mrs. Chevalier's, where I met a pleasant
party. At ten o'clock I rode out to visit Banks, and pre-
scribe for an indisposition with which he is affected.
Smith, being finally discharged by the Chief Justice, left
me yesterday for New York. I am endeavoring to ob-
tain a lot of negroes, in partnership with Dr. Commins,.
though I fear we shall not succeed. This evening visited
Wickham, to fee him with a few — words. He thinks, in
case Government should be disposed to desire my convic-
tioil at Chillicothe, Woodbridge's evidence will enable
them easily to affect it. Revisited and spent the evening'
with Banks. He has offered to lend me one hundred
dollars, which I shall probably accept, to enable me to
return Chevalier's money. I take a horse* and gig from
Banks, as there is no conveyance from hence, in any pub-
lic or private carriage, for ten days to come. Burr, Mar-
tin, Commins, and myself, with two servants, will proba-
bly form a cavalcade to move to-morrow or next day. I
must raise money in Philadelphia, on chances, and even
strain a point with Commins, there to aid me whatever
success I may have with Burr.
Saturday, October 24, 1807.
I have been all day too ambulatory to spend a moment
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METAL. 468
with these notes, before now, 11, P. M. I am just re-
turned from a two-mile walk in th« dark, to take leave
of the family of my friend, John Banks, who has kindly
pressed me to borrow the largest sum, I believe, he could
spare. And before I lie down to take two hours' rest,
before I am called up to set off in the stage for the Fede-
ral city, I must note my having closed a letter I began
several days ago to my wife, to go by Ashley, who will
commence his journey to-morrow or the next day. My
excellent Mend Jos. Lewis, I find by letter from him this
evening, has removed my fears for my credit and honor*
,by remitting to Mr. Chevalier $1,000, to replace that sum
lately lent me by Mr. C. The house it seems, in Phila-
delphia, must still suspend my credit, on account of the
removal of Sander's attachment. But J. L. will lend his
generous friendship to succor that honor of a friend in
distress, who is not, I trust, unworthy of the sympathies
of his liberal heart. His counsel will soon direct my dis-
tracted cares to peace.
•
Washington City, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1807.
Luther Martin has just made his final immersion into
the daily bath of his faculties, after a series of appari-
tions, in all the phases of his accustomed orbit. Whether
in a stage-coach, or a tavern, he is indefatigable, under
the united stimulus of egotism and benevolence, to harrass
the gratitude or tax the patience of his friends. At 3
o'clock, A. M., on Saturday morning, at Richmond, he
joined us in the coach, and neither the privation of sleep,
nor the fatigue of the journey, have in the least checked
his loquacity, or lessened his good humor. He read to
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464 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
me an able pamphlet, on the subject of Jefferson's rejec-
tion of the new British Treaty, while we were jolting and
jarring over as bad a road as any country can lament,
with more dispatch than I could peruse it in my chair.
His strong memory made him interesting all the way, in
his anecdotes and stories ; and he is not unhappy in his
powers of ridicule, which is well pointed, until it soon
becomes blunted by the suggestions of his benevolence
and the abrasions of his verbosity, which, like the revo-
lutions of a grindstone, soon wear away the subject ap-
plied to it, without undergoing in itself any sensible dim-
inution. We spent last night at Alexandria, where we
recruited our strength by a good night's rest, and reached
this city to-day, by a packet-boat, about 1, P. M. Here,
at Hotel, Martin has kept up an incessant fire
against Democrats and the Administration, for he has
had no want of that ammunition with which he always
primes and loads for such duty. In our own room, occu-
pied by Commins, Martin and myself, he is not content
to confine his feats for the gratification of ourselves and
a few occasional visitors. He has several times carried
his arms into the enemies' country — I mean the public
room occupied chiefly by members of Congress, with
many of whom he has no acquaintance, while all admire
and acknowledge him privileged. I had the satisfaction
of reading the President's message in half an hour after
it was communicated to-day to Congress. The news is
here, that Jefferson will yet support Wilkinson, though
he may not find a more respectable Democrat than McRae
to back him. Yet he says nothing in the message of the
General's honor as a soldier, or his fidelity as a citizen.
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PAMPHLETEERING. 465
He now speaks only of his energy, which, in conjunction
with the exertions of the army and the patriotism of the
militia, dissipated the plots that were formed on the Mis-
sissippi. The same paragraph of the message opens by
implicating a contingency that may induce the Govern-
ment party in Congress to impeach Mr. Marshall, by sig-
nifying a doubt, whether we have not still the use of our
necks through the misconduct of the Judge. Should the
latter suffer, *t were penance for that timidity of conduct,
which was probably as instrumental in keeping him from
imbruing his hands in our blood as it was operative in
inducing him to continue my vexations, to pacify the
menaces and clamorous yells of the cerberus of Democ-
racy with a sop which he would moisten, at least, with
the tears of my family. Should this be well founded,
what pity would sacrifice to his sufferings ; and if it is
undoubtedly true, that in a private conversation he had
with Martin, soon after the latter first arrived in Rich-
mond, he observed to him, " that it would be difficult or
dangerous for a jury to venture to acquit Burr, however
innocent they might think him," who hence will believe
that the greatest talents lodged in such nerves are not,
when exercised in the judgment-seat, rather a public
curse executed on a nation, than a natural blessing con-
ferred upon the individual. Besides, the seasonable ap-
pearance, at this crisis, of a pamphlet by J. Daveiss, the
Judge's brother-in-law, and late District Federal Attorney
for Kentucky, removed from his office, for his premature
and unsuccessful prosecution of Burr ; the indiscriminate
censure, in this pamphlet, of Jefferson, Wilkinson and
Burr; the probable information the Judge must have had
30
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466 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
of this intended publication, when he opened to the pros-
ecutors as wide a field of investigation as they desired on
their motion for our recommitment; and, in short, the
well-known spirit of clanship and co-operation with
which the Marshalls and all their connections are so uni-
formly animated — ail these motives will clearly explain
how readily the Judge must be disposed to favor alike
the ruin of Burr, "Wilkinson and Jefferson, in every thing
short of murder. Ah ! generous and accomplished Mer-
cer, how will your virtues hereafter receive my devotions,
if you should think them polluted with these blasphemies
against the admired relative of your adored? But as my
reflections are penned for no eye but that of my wife and
two or three confidential friends, it will not be suspected
by those who know my heart, that whatever share of
further sufferings may result to me from the conduct of
the Judge, can in the least generate my suspicions of his
integrity, or warp my judgment of his behavior. Com-
mins leaves this early to-morrow morning, for Balti-
more, where I expect to join him the day after to-mor-
morrow. I entertain strong hopes of being able to
obtain some negroes in partnership with him. Burr did
not come along with us from Richmond, but will, we all
believe, be through here in a day or two. I am enabled
to say, from separate information I have obtained from
Martin and Gommins, he has made use of all the confi-
dence he could inspire them with, to the utmost extent at
Richmond, where he has induced them to become his
securities, in all the civil suits instituted there against him,
to amount of $36,000. I have no doubt he has set every
engine of his ingenuity at work to effect this object. The
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PECULATING. 467
credulity and good nature of Martin, who worships even
his vices, and is as assiduous in enlarging upon his looks
and sayings as ever Boswell delighted in such drudgery
for Johnson ; and the vanity of Commins, to purchase the
interest of a man whose resources appear to his under-
standing inexhaustible; both needed but little the col-
lateral security of Pollock, which, however, Burr has noc
only exhibited to them, but he has besides laid before
them my expectations of succeeding to a large fortune
in Europe; thereby meaning to persuade them also, no
doubt, that he will then control my finances ; although
he had promised me he would not communicate my pros-
pects of the probability of that event to any one. Such
is his honor; such his unerring purpose to take every
chance of converting even the hopes of his acquaintances
to his own interest. On the whole, I should be well
pleased with this last liberty he has taken with me, if it
should hereafter make a part of that basis on which I
shall endeavor to ground his effects to arrange my present
pecuniary demands upon him. It is quite unaccountable
how he has disposed of all the cash he raised in Kentucky
last year. Jourdan has convinced me that he, Burr, actu-
ally received through his hands, at Lexington, not less
than $40,000, of which he never advanced more than
$15,000 to all his agents and associates, to say nothing of
all the property he procured upon 'his drafts. He
could since have spent but little money, having received
much from the United States, and having been in custody
until very lately. I shall, to-morrow, endeavor to investi-
gate the further views of Government upon me.
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468 the blennerhassett papers.
"Wednesday, October 28, 1807.
I have, this morning, written by Martin to Rodney,
the United States Attorney-General, to request him to
inform me, officially, whether Government is now dis-
posed to prosecute me any further, in conformity with
the late adjudication of the Chief Justice, or will finally
discharge me, as has been done, I hear, in the case of
Tyler ; or will dispense with my personal appearance at
Chillicothe until the September session of the Court
there, as Government can not probably be prepared to
prosecute at the next January term; and, in the mean
time, the occasions of my family, and the serious de-
mands of my private affairs, require my presence at
Natchez. I am very anxious to receive an answer before
dinner, in which I much fear I shall not be gratified,
through my friend M.'s more indispensable devotion to
his libations. I shall, however, note the result, I hope,
to-night.
But I have been disappointed; for, though I spent a
dollar in coach-hire to go with Martin, this evening, in
quest of Rodney, we could not see him, as he was not
returned from the President's, where he dined. Martin,
I find, is very incontinent of every thing, which ordinary
discretion should not disclose, where there is no injunc-
tion, in terms of secrecy. He assured me, to-day, he is
prepared to sacrifice $10,000 for Burr, if the collateral
security of Pollock should fail ; that it will be nothing
more than diminishing a provision of so friuch he had
made by will for his three daughters, which he had orig-
inally destined for a Miss Thompson, now Mrs. Living-
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WASHINGTON CITY. 469
ston, to whom he gave an allowance of $600 a year, for
Bix or seven years. But her husband is now richer than
himself; "however, let the worst happen," he added,
" he had signed blank bonds, which he left to be filled
up by the attorneys employed against Burr ; " and such
bonds, he says, are void by late decisions of the English
Courts, adopted by the Courts here. This would seem
inconsistent with the warm spirit of integrity which
seems to breathe in all his thoughts and actions. And
he declared accordingly, he would not take advantage
of the circumstance. I also find his idolatrous admira-
tion of Mrs. Alston is almost as excessive as my own,
but far more beneficial to his interest, and injurious to his
judgment, as it is the medium of his blind attachment to
her father, whose secrets and views past, present, or to
come, he is, and wishes, to remain ignorant of. Nor
can he see a speck in the character or conduct of Al-
ston, for the best of all reasons with him ; namely, that
Alston has such a wife.
This city has certainly no resemblance to any other
upon earth. Its extent, as originally laid out, has been
known for some years past, upon paper; but a few of
its singular features, as they now smile or frown upon
the Potomac, are remarkable. As to streets, literally
speaking, there is not one yet in existence, unless the
few wide paths and half-made roads that intersect each
other can be called streets. On a hill, at the head of
one of these, about a mile from the river, stand the two
wings, without the body, of what is to constitute, but is
already called, the Capitol. They are cumbrous, ill-pro-
portioned, piles of building to my eye ; with too small a
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470 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
space for the central building, if ever reared. About
another mile's distance, io the westward, stands the Presi-
dent's house, with a low dead-wall in front, and an
ordinary post-and-rail fence in the rear of it. On either
si de of it, stands what are called its wings, which any
person would require to be told were such before he could
believe it ; for they are of brick, and at too great a dis-
tance to appear to belong to the large White House be-
tween them any more than to the Capitol. They are each
a row of ordinary brick houses ; in those to the West is
kept the Post-office ; in those to the East, the Secretary
of State's office is, etc. ; and both, it is said, are to be con-
nected with the center by a garden. But the last feature
of architecture has not yet made its appearance. From
the Capitol you behold, in four or five different directions,
at the distance of from one to Four miles apart, rows of
houses, each of five or six together, so that the whole
appears like a jumble of fragments of villages, except
that part, being one and a half mile north-east of the
Capitol, where the Navy-yard is said to stand, which is
more built up than any other quarter of the city. #But
after all, every foreigner, after his arrival here, will in-
quire for fifty years to come, as is now very common,
" where is the city of Washington ? " Martin visited Rob.
Smith this evening, where he heard Wilkinson extolled,
and Burr as heavily denounced, as if he had not yet been
tried. Mr. and Mrs. Smith declared Government had
abundant proofs against Burr, which they could not pro-
duce from confidential restrictions. Martin, before he
left them, convinced himself they would gladly dispense
with his visit.
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no wab! 471
Thursday, October 29, 1807.
I went this morning with Martin, in a carriage, to visit
Eodney, before breakfast. R. is a trifling negative char-
acter, from whose manner I could at once perceive he had
yesterday spoken with Jefferson of my arrival here. He
abruptly told us, " Government meant certainly to pro-
ceed against us ; " on which he was received with a volley
of abuse by Martin, who thanked his God for the news,
as Government would thereby hasten the consummation
of their own infamy. Rodney seemed surprised to learn
from us that not a single witness had as yet been bound
or summoned to appear in Ohio. I told him, as my call
upon him was in his official character, I would leave him
the letter I had yesterday written to him, which he prom-
ised he would, and did, answer this evening, by three or
four lines, saying, " he could only observe, at present, that
I would be bound to attend, pursuant to the recognizance
I entered into at Richmond. So he is also trained to
teaze, if he can not injure, the infidels who worship not
the divinity of Jefferson. Martin has solemnly pledged
himself to meet Government, at the sitting of the Court
in January, in Ohio ; to see things are conducted regu-
larly, so far as may concern Burr and me, whether we
personally appear there or not. He has found out from
Robert Smith, that Jefferson has no thoughts of war
with Britain, of which he has so much affected the con-
trary ; for he will never act as he speaks or writes ; he
will always counteract his political professions by his
back-stairs committees, until Jack Randolph shall finally
sever him from them. Burr, I hear, is arrived at George-
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472 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
town, three miles from hence, up the river. If so, he
will probably be of our party to-morrow, to Baltimore.
We set oft* at five in the morning, in the stage. Several
northern members of Congress, whose names I know not,
have had the curiosity or politeness to visit us. From
one of them I was truly concerned to learn the death of
Mr. Hunt, which happened last July, as he himself pre-
dicted, on his new purchase at French Grant, on the
Ohio. This place has been extremely tiresome to me.
The taverns are very dear, and badly kept; so that I shall
leave it with pleasure. I wrote to-day to my landlord,
"Walton, John Banks, and my wife, lo gratify, as far as I
could, all their cares and solicitude for my future desti-
nies. To all I acknowledged that tribute I so justly owe
to Martin, who, with better breeding, and a redemption
from his habits of inebriety, would be a perfect character.
His heart is truly overflowing with the purest milk of
benevolence. His potations may sometimes, perhaps, co-
agulate, but they will never acidify the fluid with which
it is so well replenished. May it never be wasted on the
unworthy.
Washington, October 80, 1807.
Rose before five this morning ; but, as the coach then
drove up with a cargo of eleven passengers, I have been
detained here another day. I have borne the ennui, with
which I have spent it, with such patience that I would
not walk fifty yards from the tavern to visit the Hall of
Congress, or observe how they ballot there for their
officers or their committees; though I certainly should
have gone so far to hear a debate, had there been any.
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GENEROUS BARBER. 473
The election of officers reminds me of a curious Repub-
lican caper at Richmond, last winter, which, as it was of
a negative nature, can not be recorded in that State, but
should be known every-where else, to convict it of im-
moral conduct, if not of impiety. It was nothing more
than a " remembering to forget," on the part of the Legis-
lature, I mean the house of delegates, during the whole
session, the immemorial custom to appoint a chaplain.
Burr, I hear again, is somewhere in this city. But I no
more depend upon his appearance than on that of a new
comet. We start to-morrow again.
Baltimore, November 1, 1807.
Before I mention my having arrived here, at last, I shall
note the generosity of my barber at Washington, who re-
luctantly received three-quarters of a dollar from me, be-
cause I observed to him, " I should give him more than
his charge, if I was not rather poor at present." And he
evinced his sincerity by assuring me he had $100 at my
service, which he requested me to accept. How is this to
be accounted for ? Devereux, Hendren, O'Hennessy, and
Butler will all exclaim, " He was an Irishman ! " So he
is : his name is Dixon, and it shall ever remain recorded
in the duties of my gratitude. Yesterday, Martin and
myself were wedged in among ten other passengers in the
coach. A Mr. Blount, brother of the late Governor of
Tennessee, was of the number. He is an infuriated Demo-
crat, was at the battle of Germantown, and ordered the
aim of the riflemen who shot General Agnew in that
affair. I saw Tyler on alighting from the coach, who
showed me his discharge, in the handwriting of Rodney,
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474 THE BLBNNERHASSKTT PAPERS.
whom he declares he has not seen, having received it
from Captain Pike, who escorted him to Washington
City. Tyler denies his having made any deposition
against me any where, and professes his friendship and
attachment to Burr, whom he is very anxious to see
before he sets out for New York with Sam. Swartwout.
To-day I left my cards at Pringle's and the Gilmore's.
Of these families, I only saw Mrs. Vm. Gilmore, who
seemed glad to see me. I have a little curiosity to collect
in my fallen fortune as many exceptions as I can .establish
to the general condemnation of mankind pronounced
upon them by the adversity of individuals. I break-
fasted with Martin, and shall dine with him to-morrow,
as well as all the Burrites in town. Burr, I hear, was,
last night, at Georgetown. His appearance here is as
much a matter of curiosity with his enemies as of inter-
est with his friends. But the elements of his orbit, I
repeat, are as unsettled as those of a new comet. Mar-
tin thinks he might have been detained to raise money
enough to pay his tavern-bills, etc., while Commins says
Burr assured him he should suffer no detention on that
account. So it uniformly turns out, that no two persons
of his acquaintance will ever understand him alike ; and
yet all who still adhere to him profess a unity of con-
fidence in him. Commins has brought on a fever by
his debaucheries. I shall stay here at least till Wed-
nesday. 11, P. M.
Baltimore, November 2, 1807.
I spent the principal part of the morning with Martin,
reading the papers and conversing with various visitors
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booties' march. 475
he received. The news we deemed worthy of most notice
before dinner, was that of two arrivals in town, namely,
"Wilkinson's baggage, preparatory to his taking up his
quarters at Fort McHenry, near this city, and Burr's
appearance at the French Hotel in Gay street. So the
Brigadier, as I expected, will probably never revisit the
Mississippi in his present command, nor probably long
retain it here, notwithstanding all the control he may pos-
sess over the heart of Jefferson, and though he boasted,
not long, since, at Richmond, that he would be at Natchez
in thirty days. Burr will probably show himself as little
as possible to the public. He has, therefore, sneaked into
obscure quarters, though Steward, who now manages this
house since Evans's death, declared he would accommo-
date Col. Burr and his friends with as much attention in
their adversity as he could have done in the days of their
better fortune. The expression of this sentiment was
drawn from him on the occasion of some liberal Demo-
crats threatening to leave the house, if we were received
into it. I dined with Martin, who had a select party,
though he left out two Burrites, Tyler and Luckett.
Burr called upon Martin, for a few moments, before din-
ner. He returned in the evening, and had a long confer-
ence with Tyler in an adjoining room ; during which the
attention of our party in the dining-room was called forth
to receive, at the windows, some public honors offered
to us from the street. A desperate Democratic printer,
commanding a company of one of the city regiments,
whose name is Frely, drew up his men under the win-
dows, and there halted, while his fife and drum played
the " Rogues' March" for us ; then gave three cheers, and
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476 THE BLENNEKHASSETT PAPERS.
marched off. This salutation has prepared fresh fuel to
keep up the blaze of Martin's wrath against all his oppo-
nents. Burr, on his return with Tyler to us, said, " these
excesses of indecency always recoil on those who enter
into them;" and he soon after withdrew, not evidently
indifferent to such manifestations of public regards,
which, however,- 1 am sure, Martin will make his own
use of with good effect against Wright, the Governor of
Maryland, whom Martin first brought into notice, which
the Governor no longer remembers. I left soon after, that
is, about 8, P. M., but did not go to bed till 11. At 10,
I had a long conversation with Tyler, who, I find, has
long since taken up all my impressions of Burr, and will
spare no labor to infuse his opinions into the prejudices
of Colonel Swartwout, whom, he has no doubt, he will
induce to adopt his sentiments.
Tuesday, November 8, 1807.
Having accidentally met Hayden, the dentist, this
morning, who mentioned to me the late arrival, at the
Academy, of a grand electrical machine, I could not sup-
press my wishes to see it. Hayden obligingly offered to
walk there with me, which I accepted. He introduced
me to the Principal of the Seminary, who received me
very politely, and presented me to a Mr. Paguet, who
took upon him the exhibition of the powers of the ma-
chine. This was a superb plate of forty-six French inches
diameter, with a conductor, forming three sides of a par-
allelogram, one of them in front of, and parallel to, the
plate ; the two others, perpendicular to it. The machine,
with two turns of the plate, gave sparks twelve inches
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JUDGE LYNCH. 477
long, and charged a battery, about fifteen feet of coated
glass, in ten turns, which killed a duck. On my return
from the seminary, I repaired to L. Martin's, where one
of his students informed me he expected a mob would
this evening attack the house, and offer violence to Mr.
Martin, Col. Burr and myself, of which notice had been
given by hand-bills, which had been circulated through
the town. Martin was not at home. I eagerly sought a
view of one of the bills, which is in these words :
" Awpul ! ! !
" The public are hereby notified that four * choice spir-
its ' are this afternoon, at 3 o'clock, to be marshaled for
execution by the hangman, on Gallows Hill, in conse-
quence of the sentence pronounced against them by the
unanimous voice of every honest man in the community.
The respective crimes for which they suffer are thus
stated on the record : first, Chief Justice M. for a repeti-
tion of his X. T. Z. tricks, which are said to be much
aggravated by his felonins capers in open Court, on the
plea of irrelevancy ; secondly, His Quid Majesty, charged
with the trifling fault of wishing to divide the Union,
and farm Baron Bastrop's grant ; thirdly, B , the
chemist, convicted of conspiring to destroy the tone of
the public Fiddle ; fourthly, and lastly, but not least,
Latoyer Brandy-Bottle, for a false, scandalous, malicious
Prophecy, that, before six months, ' Aaron Burr would
divide the Union.' N. B. The execution of accomplices
is postponed to a future day."
My .first inquiries of the few acquaintances I met in the
streets, who now know me, were directed by a desire to
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478 THE BLBNNBRHASSBTT PAPERS.
acquire some estimate of what we might expect in the
evening; but I obtained little satisfaction. I then thought
Burr might be best informed, as his vigilance I had be-
fore proved to be lively at all times, was most sharp on
the approach of danger. I know not whether Tyler had
smelt out what was brewing before I had heard any thing
about it, but found, on my return from the seminary, be-
fore I had heard the news, he had fled rather precipi-
tately ; for he had declared to me, not two hours before I
last went to seek him, that he should not go away until
to-morrow. I therefore bent my course straight to Burr,
at his shabby quarters, in Gay Street, where I waited full
fifteen minutes before I could see him. I afterward found
he was packing up his things to escape in the mail, which
was to leave in ten minutes. He labored hard within, I
could plainly see, to exhibit that composure of manner, to
which he has devoted so much of his life, to form .his
exterior by. He would not wait to write the superscrip-
tion of a letter, which he requested me to direct for him
to David M. Randolph. I bid him adieu, with an assur-
ance that I would follow him to-morrow, and he said I
should find him at G , in Philadelphia. On my return
to Evans's, I found Martin, Luckett and Commins in my
bed-room. Martin defied the menaces of the mob, but
he assured me he had just left the mayor, who had prom-
ised him to make all necessary arrangements to secure
the peace of the city, and protect every one from per-
sonal injury.
Luckett having come by a different way from that I
took, though I was walking the streets in every direction
all the morning, told me Burr and Swartwout had been
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KIND TREATMENT. 479
escorted by a guard sent them by the mayor, from their
lodgings to the stage-office, from whence he had seen
them start, under the good wishes of many spectators.
Commins denounced the Government and its rabble, and
said, it was impossible any thing should be attempted
against us ; but I thought otherwise. I deliberated a lit-
tle on the various reports I had heard, however different
in particulars, yet all agreeing that Martin and myself
should at least receive an addition to our wardrobe, of a
suit of tar and feathers. I thought it would not be im-
proper to leave town, or at least change my lodgings
forthwith. But I soon reflected, how naturally Burr
might expect to receive unwelcome obloquy for his flight,
and I at once determined to keep my ground. At din-
ner, therefore, I took my seat, amidst a very large com-
pany, at the long table, and remained there conversing a
long time with a Frenchman, who sat next me, at least
half an hour after 3 o'clock, the time designated in the
hand-bills for the spectacle that was to take place in the
evening. I should have sat, I know not how much
longer, had not Steward, who manages the house, brought
a man up to me, who inquired my name. On giving it
to him, he said he belonged to the police of the city, and
had been sent, with several others of that body, to watch,
and give notice of any attempt upon the public peace, or
on the persons of individuals. "That the mayor had
particularly mentioned me to him by name," which I be-
lieved, as he said Mr. Thoroughgood Smith observed to
him, " he had formerly known me and my lady here." I
took this man out; his name is Goldsmith. I then
ordered liquor for him and his companions in another
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480 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
room, where I thanked them for the service they, in the
way of their duty, were come to render me. They
informed me, two troops of horse were ordered out,
and I had nothing to fear. The time passed away in
conversation with these men, about twelve in number,
until near 5 o'clock, when I sent Goldsmith to request
Martin to come to me, as I wished to share his fate, hav-
ing understood from them that I ought not to go out
of the house, which I interpreted into something like
a wish on the part of the mayor. Soon after I returned
to my room to write, Goldsmith came to me with intel-
ligence that Martin could not be seen at his house ; that
his students and some friends were armed, and well
prepared to repel an expected assault on the house ; " but
that the people were in motion in great force, had every
thing prepared for tarring and feathering," and would,
he believed, if disappointed or opposed, tear Martin and
myself to pieces. He then begged of me not to leave the
room I was in, adding, "that his companions would
drown him, if they could, in a basin of water, for his
attention to me, though he was as good a Republican as
any of them." I now suspected this man might possibly
direct the drunken desperadoes of an enraged multitude
to my apartment. I therefore determined to change it
for another the moment he left me. In a few minutes,
Steward came up stairs, and told me to go into the gar-
ret, which I soon did, under an apprehension that I was
betrayed or sought after. In the garret, I observed two
trap-doors opening through the roof of the house, on
which I resolved to take my station, from whence I
might contemplate at my leisure, if I could not distinctly
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THE MOB. 481
see the scenes that might shortly pass in the streets
below. Both the trap-doors were open. I shut down
one of them, and intended to cut off my return into the
nouse by shutting the other, should it become necessary.
But an uproar soon rose to my ears from below, and
from one of the garret windows I saw the mob pass by
the house, to the amount of about fifteen hundred, as
well as I could estimate, in full huzza, with fife and drum
playing the " Rogue's march." I have since learned, they
drew along with them, in two carts, the representatives,
habited for execution, of the Chief Justice, Burr, Martin
and myself. They passed on to Martin's house, in
Charles-street, where they broke some of his windows,
and performed some other feats, of which I have not yet
learned the particulars. In the mean time, two troops of
cavalry patrolled the streets, not to disperse the mob, but
to follow and behold their conduct. They, the mob,
made as much noise as if they were about to destroy the
city, and returned about 7 o'clock to the point from
whence they came, headed, I hear, by one Patterson, who
lives there ; while the cavalry have, I suppose, been long
since dismissed, in full confidence in the honor of the
mobility. I have been down stairs to supper at the long
table. It is now near 10 o'clock, and I have not these
two hours heard any more of either of them. How far
the respectable part of the city will think it worth their
while to show they had no participation in this frolic,
which, I am informed, was chiefly made up at the " point,"
we shall hereafter learn. I believe it altogether orig-
inated with the Democratic printers here, who are but
little controlled by one spiritless Federal paper, which is
31
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482 THE BLENNERUASSETT PAPERS.
all there is at present on that side; while there are three
or more Federal prints supported in Philadelphia, where
I have no expectation of receiving similar public honors
to those conferred upon me here. Wrote to Natchez, to
counteract, by anticipation, the alarms my friends there
might take up for my safety, from the rapid circulation
of rumors, etc.
Wednesday, November 4, 1807.
Went early this morning to Martin's, where I saw Mr.
Ray, a warm friend to him, who had taken, last night,
the direction of the gentlemen who had volunteered to
defend the house. Martin and his property, I found, were
untouched last night, the mob having contented them-
selves with menaces and abuse, offering a defiance to the
party within and the cavalry without, from whence I
conclude that the mayor was intimidated by them and a
large majority of the two troops of horse, well disposed
to their views or their leaders ; namely, one Biayo, and
others from the " point." Martin did not appear to his
friends until this morning. I took leave of him on my
way to the packet, by which I set out for Philadelphia,
where I arrived, with no occurrence during the journey,
on Thursday, 5th of November, at 3 o'clock, P. M. Put
up at the Mausion House, late Bingham's, kept by an
Englishman, in the best style I ever saw in America.
Dined, dressed, and visited Burr and my worthy friends,
Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Lewis. Burr pretended he should
have waited, if he had not believed every thing at Balti-
more would have ended with the hand-bills. He was
very glad to hear of Martin's having so well escaped, and
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IN PHILADELPHIA. 483
said he would give Bollman, who boarded where I did, a
letter of introduction to me. I observed to him, that
probably Dr. Bollman did not wish my acquaintance, as
he had never called upon me in Richmond. Burr tried
to excuse this, but failed. He is trying to live here
incog., but every one knows he is in town. I supped
with Mr, and Mrs. Lewis, en famille, where my friendly
reception, kind inquiries, and the interesting conversa-
tion of my amiable friends, agreeably detained me until
midnight, when I took leave, with a promise to dine
«
with them to-morrow.
Friday, November 6, 1807.
Spent the morning chiefly in examining the newspapers
and visits to the Lewises, Conrad, C h and TurnbulPs
families, as my friend Joe Lewis's dinner-hour is 2 o'clock.
Before I went there, I had a call from R. Lewis, to bring
me a letter from Walton, of no importance, and engage
me to dinner with him to-morrow. Passed the evening
sociably, t$te-a-t£te, with Joe L. ; during which I was
chiefly occupied in conversation with him on the subject
of Burr's trials and adventures, and also that of my pres-
ent financial derangements. About 7, P. M., we were
called into the street by an alarm of fire, which turned
out to be groundless ; and I saw him back to his house,
where I then left him, to return to my lodgings, as I had
a severe headache. Before I went to bed, I observed that
the " American," a Democratic paper of Baltimore, con-
tained an invidious paragraph approving of the insults
offered to us there last Tuesday evening, Bollman has left
his card with me, with a letter of introduction from Burr.
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481 the blenxerhassett papers.
Saturday, November 7, 1807.
At breakfast, this morning, Bollman presented himself
to me upon his credentials, and I received him into my ac-
quaintance with all the ease of courtly etiquette I am mas-
ter of. I invited him to take a seat by me, and entered
into conversation with him on general topics, which was
sustained for half an hour, and succeeded by his obliging
me with his view of the Mississippi country, and particu-
larly the environs of New Orleans, for which he enter-
tained a decided preference to any other quarter, and pro-
jects, probably without the command of a dollar, nothing
less than the purchase of an estate, at $60,000, within five
miles of that city. Daniel Clark has assured him it is a
great bargain, as it will yield a revenue of $15,000 a year
by adding a few slaves to those already on it ; and Boll-
man only wants a friend or two to join with $10,000 each,
and he can effect the rest. I have little doubt Bollman
has conceived I may be of use to him in this affair ; but
I am certain he can not serve me in it. Mrs. David Ran-
dolph had no small trial of her skill in detecting this
man's character, if her judgment has not erred in the
attempt ; for his countenance, manner and address possess
every qualification to engage the warmest interest in his
favor as a scholar, a gentleman, or perhaps a gallant. Yet
he has formerly failed in this town as a merchant, rather
through his excesses in speculation and intrigue than from
any natural inaptitude to that sort of life. And his late
wife's family discovered enough in him to determine them
to oppose his connection with the N". family as far as was
possible. But I will, at present let him rest. I dined
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HEALTH RESTORED. 485
and spent the early part of the evening with Jt. Lewis, in
the same way I did yesterday with his brother, that is,
in the enjoyment of good wines and friendly conversation.
I must, however, partake of no more of these early din-
ners, as the long sittings that succeed them leave no time,
these short days, to transact whatever business may yet
detain me here. Duane has announced the arrival of
Admiral Blennerhassett, at the Mansion House, and re-
published, from the " Baltimore Whig," its invitation to
invest us with a suit of " Yankee ermine/' as well as the
process-verbal of the mobility of that city. But I shall
visit this apostle of Democracy on Monday.
Sunday, Novembbb 8, 1807.
Visited, this morning, by Tom. Butler, who made me
very happy, by learning from him my beloved wife had
quite recovered from her fever, and she and the boys were
well after the middle of last September, when he saw them.
While I was attending the service at the Roman Catholic
chapel in Fourth Street, I had the honor of morning vis-
its from sundry great personages, who left their cards for
me ; namely, Burr, Bollman and George Pollock, reputed
to be very rich, whose education, I have heard, Burr has
had some concern with, and at whose house here he has
taken up his quarters. After my return from Mass, I was
visited by a Mr. Reckless, of New Jersey, who seems a
warm partisan of Burr, and is engaged in endeavoring to
do away an indictment, pending in that State against
Burr, for the killing of General Hamilton. Upon the re-
moval of this impediment, I find Burr means to try the
effect of requisitions upon a considerable party he consid-
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486 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
ers attached, to him in that quarter. Mr. R. treated me with
much consideration, and said, " while I was abroad, some
members of the Jersey Legislature had come with him to
wait upon me." I find, indeed, the greater part of the
numerous strangers who frequent the Mansion House re-
gard me with no common attention. I form acquaintances
among them without previous introductions ; but this is
more to be attributed to the sinking of Democracy here
into the coalition of the Federals and Quids, which has
nearly annihilated the faction of Duane, than to any
claim I could have upon public favor from the merit of
my acts or the singularity of my fortune. I have, among
others, met here with a Mr. B., from Charleston, South
Carolina, who has traveled much, and has embellished
good talents with much accomplishments.
Monday, November 9, 1807.
Conversed for half an hour, after breakfast, with Boll-
man, chiefly upon medical and physiological subjects, in
which I was much pleased with some novelty of fancy
recommended by that suavity of manner and easy address
which endanger the judgment of those who listen to him.
I had invitations from Pollock and Joe Lewis for din-
ner to-morrow. Dined with Turnbull, spent part of the
evening with Tom. Butler, and supped with Joe Lewis en
familUj where I sat until midnight.
Tuesday, November 10, 1807.
Soon after breakfast, visited Burr and Pollock. Burr
has again opened an audience-chamber, which is much
occupied. Although I found two or three friends with
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SUDDEN FLIGHT. 487
him at breakfast, he was called out the moment he had
finished, and was absent about an hour and three-quar-
ters, during which interval Mr. Pollock gave me his
company. I find him a very well-bred man, who has had
advantages in Europe. He spoke less of 'Mrs. Alston than
I expected, and has never seen her husband, whose vari-
ous talents, however, he does not the less correctly esti-
mate. "With respect to Burr, whatever may have been
the ground of his present intimacy with Mr. P., I can ven-
ture to affirm, it has already been abused on the part of
the former, although the latter, as yet, is evidently un-
aware of it. Pollock withdrew, and I entered upon the
objects of my visit. After informing Burr that Martin was
resolved to appear for us at Chillicothe, he seemed all sur-
prise ; and nothing could be more natural than the colli-
sion of such generosity with his own ingratitude ; for he
fled from Baltimore, without waiting even to thank his
friend for the long and various services he had rendered
him. Further, he had not written to him from hence.
On recovering from this new charge of Martin's benevo-
lence upon his feelings, he exclaimed, " What a man ! "
but told me I must write to him not to think of the jour-
ney till he should hear from him ; that I should direct
him, in the mean time, to write to Burnet and Michael
Baldwin, the late Marshal of Ohio, to retain both (no
doubt, with Martin's advance of their fees), and that he
still had no thoughts of going to Ohio, though he had
given notice to Scott, the Virginia Marshal, to be prepared
with a guard of gentlemen, by the tenth of December, at
Richmond, to conduct him from thence to Chillicothe.
He added, " that Martin's too great zeal and indiscretion
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488 THE BLENNERHA88ETT PAPERS.
would do us great mischief in Ohio, and the skill of Bur-
net, with the influence of Baldwin, who was popular with
the blackguards, and exasperated against the Administra-
tion since the loss of his office, were the best means to
frustrate the efforts of Government to have bills found
against us, which they would exert themselves to effect,
to divert his, Martin's, attention from other objects." He
now again assured me he would be glad I could extri-
cate myself from the Government upon any terms agree-
able to my own feelings, and fully approved of my effect-
ing that object through Duane, in any way my judgment
might suggest. This business being thus dispatched, I
next solicited him on the subject of his finances, on which
indeed he had partly anticipated me, by inquiring, " what
were my prospects through my friends, the Lewises?"
I informed him I had no expectations from that quarter,
and should absolutely starve, while I was possessed of
such splendid hopes in Europe, if I was not relieved in
the mean time. He regretted much the absence from
town of two persons with whom he expected to do some-
thing; but he had, he said, negotiations on foot, the suc-
cess of which he could not answer for, but should know
in two or three days. I now represented to him the
probable necessity I could not resist, of urging Alston,
but hoped such a measure would not be displeasing to
him or to Mrs. Alston. Upon this suggestion, he was
less reserved than he had been with me at Richmond,
before he was acquainted with my pecuniary views and
my means of advancing him in Europe, and freely de-
clared neither Mrs. Alston nor himself would be dis-
pleased with any steps I might take against Alston, who
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STILL CRAVING. 489
had treated him in a manner I could well enough judge of,
to save him the mortification of expressing his opinion of
it. He even assured me he had demanded from Alston
an explanation of his conduct in addressing the letter to
Pinckney, immediately on his arrival in custody at Rich-
mond, observing, " that no humiliation of his condition
could make him forget what he owed to his own dig-
nity;" that Alston had shown much contrition, and
made every possible concession, including an offer of
a public reconciliation in print ; but Burr said he thought
it would be prudent to spare him this extreme of humili-
ation, I suppose, for his daughter's sake. By the by, it
is remarkable that many persons of penetration and in-
telligence, who have indulged an eager interest in investi-
gating every thing during the last year relating to Burr,
within the reach of their inquiries, should have preter-
mitted that irredeemable passage of Alston's letter, im-
puting to Burr a design to bereave his infant grandson
of his patrimony. Before Burr returned from the audi-
ence chamber, I found Mr. Pollock had made a like omis-
sion; and, upon my acquainting him with the circum-
stance, he expressed his feelings suitably of the con-
founded folly and turpitude of the writer, who had long
before repeated to me assurances he had given his father-
in-law, that his property was worth one hundred thou-
sand guineas, and he would, if necessary, embark the
whole of it in the furtherance of Col. Burr's plans. I
did not leave Burr until he had again reminded me of his
hopes of my forwarding his views in England ; to which
I answered, " I could only lend my endeavors to serve
him by the letters I had already offered him." He said,
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490 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS. ,
it was to those only he alluded; so the baits I havo
thrown out to him do not yet glitter in vain, which further
appeared, by his observing to the party present, when
first I called upon him, "that he supposed I had not yet
taken the trouble to find out whether a certain man was
dead or alive, upon whose death I should be entitled to a
fortune worth, at least, one hundred thousand guineas,"
adding, " I had a strange fond of indifference to objects
few other men could resist." This was truly well thrown
out for Pollock, etc. But I was not a little amused to
observe he had been calculating how many years' pur-
chase my expected estates of £6,000 a year would sell
for ; so that while this bait glitters he will not lightly
break from me. Dined and spent the evening with a set
party at Joe Lewis's. I have found it due to so worthy
a friend, to offer him a perusal of these notes, as I hope
they will more fully develop to him my character and
necessities than he could otherwise become acquainted
with either; and I took to his aid and counsel, rather
than to any other present means, to lighten the actual
burdens that bear so heavily upon my family. He has
perused the first volume with so much interest and satis-
faction that he has given it a second reading. This alone
would be an ample compensation for the little labor I
have spent upon it. I feel I have penned many reflec-
tions, and passed many characters with my own, in review,
in a light which should be admitted to few eyes besides
those of my wife. But I fully rely upon the safe keeping
of the confidence I have ventured with my friend, who
will therefore be enabled to take a better view of my suf-
ferings and necessities. I have lost some time in visiting
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OCCUPATIONS. 491
Duane, which 1 shall not effect before Thursday. There
are two excellent papers here lately set up against him ;
namely, the " Spirit of the Press " and the " Tickler,"
which would he perfect, if they were not too local.
Wednesday, November 11, 1807.
Soon after breakfast, I was called, by note, to Lewis's
counting-house, to meet Bartlett, the partner of Tom
Hart, of Lexington, who kept me waiting there for him
the best part of the morning ; but, at last, arrived, and
paid me $832, being so much saved out of my losses by
Hart, in 1805. Dined with a formal party at my friend
R. Lewis's, where I sat with a pleasant set, after dinner,
until 11 o'clock, and received an invitation to dinner from
Mr. Tightman, an amiable and convivial young merchant
of this city, and son of the Judge of that name. Reeve
let freely loose the flow of soul and of wine. He is an
excellent mimic, and a truly comic character, and might,
if he had not a far better calling, excel upon the stage.
Thursday, November 12, 1807.
Occupied this morning, chiefly, by reading the papers,
particularly a London Courier, containing an excellent
speech of Sheridan's, or rather only a skeleton of it, on
Irish affairs. This paper Mr. Bee was kind enough to
procure for me, without solicitation on my part. Until
dinner time, I passed the remainder of the morning in
walking and buying a few articles for my wife. Burr
has taken an excursion of about twenty miles up the
Delaware, to return, I expect, on Saturday, when I pro-
pose, in the event of his being still out of cash, to make
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492 THE BLEXNERHASSETT PAPERS.
my last demand upon him so long projected ; namely, a
requisition to him to procure security, to which my family
can resort, in this country, for my claims upon him, to
the amount of about $9,000, made up by my account
already presented to him, and the debt and charges aris-
ing from Miller's demand. The mercantile folks are
much alarmed with the news of to-day, threatening a
speedy war with Britain. And I have heard it said, that
shares in some of the Insurance Stocks have fallen to-day
ten per cent. But I observe the successful energies of
my native country against Copenhagen have a petrifying
effect upon the Democrats, while nineteen-twentieths of
the merchants, who are Federalists, awfully contemplate
the approaching crisis with England. This evening, I
received a novel remedy for a sharp toothache, with
which I was affected. It was grounded on a principle,
that great mental engagement and exertion would operate
a diversion of inordinate action expended upon a small
diseased portion of the body. I attempted to put this
fancy to the test, by effecting my too long-neglected in-
terview with Duane. After tea^ I set out upon this
adventure, and arrived at his dwelling in much pain,
about 8, P. M. I think it deserves notice that I should
mention, because my feelings were singularly affected by
the preparation I found I had to undergo, to obtain not
only an audience of this high priest of Jacobinism, but
even admission within the walls that contained his Holi-
ness. I had pulled the bell three times, without produc-
ing the common effect of bringing any one to the door
from within, and was in the act of applying my hand to
a fourth experiment, when a man answered from with-
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nusii welcome! 493
out, an Irishman. He inquired my name, in a full Cork
accent, but very low voice, and on hearing it, said Mr.
Duane was not at home, but if I would leave my name
and business he would mention it to him. I#said, I
should suppose my name was now become familiar
enough with every one in the employment of Mr. Duane
to render my leaving it in writing unnecessary. The
printer's devil replied, " to be sure, every one knew Mr.
Hassett, and Mr. Duane would be glad to see him."
While this conversation was passing, Duane, who had
been listening in the alley adjoining the house, came for-
ward without his hat ; for he had passed from the rear
of the house into the alley, to spy secretly the chances of
safety, as he could ascertain them by observing what he
could see or hear, between his scout and me. The Colonel
has been further seasoned to the service of his party, of
which he now begins to feel a little tired, by two drub-
bings, since his return from Richmond ; and as he rises
in military rank, and suffers in service, he grows more
wary in caution, and has learned from experience the
folly of exposing his person by night, without full assur-
ance of the peaceful intentions of his visitor. All scru-
ples of this sort being removed upon the present occasion,
I apologized for the unusual hour I had fallen upon for
my visit, which had seemingly broken in upon the Col-
onel while he was engaged with business or company, as
lie had been denied to me, though I was fortunate enough
to find him at home. To this I received some blundering
answer; the scout withdrew, and I was invited into the
house, where I was introduced to Mrs. Duane.
In a few minutes I signified a desire to speak with the
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494 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Colonel in private. Upon this suggestion he took up a
candle, and I followed him up stairs. I opened the inter-
view by informing him that I could not leave town with-
out calling to thank him for the visit and friendly offers
I had received from him during my imprisonment in
Richmond ; that I felt disposed to regard his motives to
that visit aa distinct from considerations of party or poli-
tics, the mere dictates of national feelings, and the natu-
ral impulse of an Irishman to serve a suffering country-
man in distress ; that, besides this motive to my visit, I
felt much curiosity, and some personal interest, to learn
how far he approved of the determination of Government
to pursue me with further and indefinite prosecutions,
which could add nothing in their result to the public
interest or the credit of the Administration, however they
might diminish or ruin my fortune; that, although it
might be deemed politic to keep Col. Burr busy by such
vexations, Government could apprehend nothing from
me, and at all events I was sure he could not approve of
the vindictive spirit that had even refused to dispense
with my personal appearance at Chillicothe, next Janu-
ary, when Government can not be prepared to go to trial,
much less shall I; then, reminding him of the offers he
had made me at Richmond, I said, my situation at present
was very different, as it regarded my connection with
Col. Burr, from what it was at that time ; for I now re-
garded myself as cleared from all charges that the Gov-
ernment had failed to establish against mc, and no longer
felt it incumbent upon me to undergo endless prosecu
tions to vindicate whatever concern I had in Col. Burr's
speculations, especially as he probably will never renew
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WITH DUANB. 495
them ; and if he could, I should have no further concern
in them.
I had no need to sound any deeper in the shallow wa-
ters of my research, which by no means possess that
depth that is commonly supposed. Burr had advised me
that this man loved wonderfully to hear himself talk,
and that the best way was to let him run on until he
was out of breath, and afterward take him back to those
points on which he had stumbled, and on which I wished
to fasten his attention. The hint was serviceable, and I
made more use of it than I might have done if I had de-
pended upon the reserve Duane affected on his visit to me
in the Penitentiary, which I now see arose from a dis-
covery he soon made on that occasion, that he durst not
broach the unhallowed purpose for which he then visited
me, which was a bargain to induce me to betray my en-
gagements or connections; while, on the present occa-
sion, he considered me rather as a politician assailing his
interest underhand, than a suitor soliciting his good
offices. I concluded my observations with stating that I
understood Colonel Burr meant again to surrender him-
self into the custody of the Marshal of Virginia, with
intent to be conveyed from Bichmond, about the tenth of
next month, to Chillicothe, at the public expense, and if I
should not soon discover that Government would decline
further proceedings against me, I should immediately
prepare to commence the expenditure of so much of the
public money as the law would allow me toward the
charges of my defense, which had not hitherto cost the
United States a dollar. But I wished him to be assured
it was not my purpose to ask any favors from Govern-
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496 THE BLENXERHASSETT PAPERS.
ment at any time, or through any quarters whatever, my
chief object in making him this present visit being to
learn, as far as I could through him, whether the Admin-
istration still preserved a spirit of hostility to me person-
ally? He now launched out into abuse of Burr and
Marshall, and said, the Government were committed with
the sentiments of the majority of the people, who would
never be satisfied without our conviction on such full evi-
dence as had come out, particularly that of Wilkinson,
Dunbaugh and the Hendersons ; that it would look like
persecution of Burr, to grant me any forbearance, and
that the Chief Justice must atone for his conduct to the
country. Luther Martin, he declared, had lately done
Burr more harm than his enemies could have wished in
the public sentiment, by his silly and intemperate publi-
cations. "Wilkinson, he acknowledged, was as much con-
cerned in Burr's schemes as Burr himself; but his excul-
pation was not only due to him, from his seasonable
discovery and overthrow of the plot, but his country
should canonize him for it, and the Government could
never sufficiently requite him. He declared he, Duane,
had a regular correspondence with Hay, who, he would
not believe, had ever censured or neglected to vindicate
the General. I expressed my surprise at his entertaining
such sentiments seriously, however he might advance
them in his paper ; but he was frank enough to protest
to me that he considered Gallatin* now the most danger-
ous man in the country ; Randolph was mad; Burr might
still play the part of Coriolanus or Alcibiades ; but Jeffer-
* Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury.
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SEMPER PARATUS! 497
son and Madison were the only men on whom the coun-
try could depend, though he had no doubt Monroe would
have been President, had it not been for the interference
of Randolph, which had ruined his prospects. As for him-
self, he had been proposed as senator, during his attend-
ance at Richmond, without his knowledge, which was the
reason he had lost his election. Mr. Erskine's dispatches,
which had been used as a trap to ensnare him, only con-
tained some newspapers, and he had defeated the scheme
by forwarding thfcm after the mail. It appears plainly
from this sketch, that we have authority for knowing the
present party in power are divided among themselves;
that the Chief of the nation is still afraid of Burr, which
is further proved by his own indiscretion ; for Jefferson
has lately said, that whenever Burr could get to the
Netherlands, he could command $400,000. Yet Duane
continues his daily attacks upon Burrism, and complains
a good deal of Burr being in town, though his bothered
runners can not find out where he lives. Before I left
him, he affected to disapprove of the late rising in Balti-
more, no doubt, because he can't excite the good people
of this town to another here. He seemed surprised to
learn I had the hardihood to dine and sup in public, on
the day my effigy was executed ; and when I told him I
was always provided with a brace of pistols, he twirled
on his seat. Having given him this impression for the
benefit of himself and his friends, I left him, in perfect
freedom from my toothache. I returned to the Mansion
House, where I passed the remainder of the evening in
miscellaneous conversation with several agreeable men.
32
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498 the blennbrhassett papers.
Friday, November 13, 1807.
I have nothing material to note to-day, except my din-
ing and spending the evening with Mr. Edward T ,
whose hospitality but too successfully seduces the pru-
dence of his guests.
Saturday, November 14, 1807.
Took a family dinner, to-day, with Jos. Lewis, who had
yesterday appointed to take me, this evening, to see a fine
grazing farm, about six miles from town, belonging to a
man of the name of Sickle, at the confluence of the Dela-
ware and Schuylkill. We set out in Lewis's carriage, in
company with a Mr. Hamilton, a very amiable English-
man, who formerly belonged to the Navy, is curious in
paintings, of which he has a handsome collection that I
have not yet seen, and kfeeps a small and well-regulated
academy with much credit. We reached the place early
enough to see it and the fine cattle belonging to it, to-
gether with a remarkably beautiful heifer, at a neighbor-
ing plantation of Sickle's, on our way homeward. This
heifer, about three years old, besides her fine make, would
weigh, it is said, fifteen hundred pounds. The farm was
remarkable for its banks, faced with stone, and luxuriant
pastures, of which, however, a great deal is wasted for
want of better care, notwithstanding the crops of hay
taken off every spring and summer.
Sunday, November 15, 1807.
I am much mortified by my detention here, through the
probably delusive hopes Burr has held out to me of the
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BAD TASTE. 499
probable sucoess of bis efforts to raise money. I bave
almost let slip tbe season for descending tbe Ohio, for
there is much appearance of an early winter ; and thus
will another item be probably added to the long account
of my sufferings by this man.
Wrote to my wife ; read and dined at home with a com-
pany of about thirty, among whom were counted individ-
uals of thirteen different nations, and General Moreau,
who sets out, to-morrow, for New Orleans, with a single
companion, in the stage, by the way of Pittsburgh. The
General spoke to nobody; but his companion, Bollman,
assures me he is a man of little speech and no ideas,
except on military affairs ; so that I had no loss in dining
with a conversable party at a distant part of the table.
Wr6te this evening to Luther Martin and Doctor Com-
mins, to put the former off his design of going to Chilli-
cothe for Burr and myself, and to remind the latter of my
intention to travel with him, and have a concern in his
negro purchases.
Monday, November 16, 1807.
Bollman, to-day, handed me a printed estimate of the
value and yearly profits of sugar estates in the Orleans
territory, furnished him by Daniel Clark, now here, who
will decline visiting me, I apprehend, until I shall have
extinguished the last spark of Burrism within me, with
which, T suspect, he has been sufficiently singed to dread
the fire. Spent the best part of the morning shopping,
after some conversation with Bollman, who further rec-
ommends himself by a disclosure of his family affairs and
narrow circumstances, unsought altogether on my part
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500 THE BLENNERHAS6ETT PAPERS.
The result of 'Clark's statement is a yearly return, in
Acadia county, of twenty-eight per cent, on the capital
invested, and twenty-two in the vicinity of Orleans, which
is represented superior to any thing farming can produce
any where else, because no more, in fact, than one-third
of the capital is advanced for the first installment, the
produce of the estate clearing itself in four years. But,
though examples are given of what has been done by two
or three planters for as many successive years in the vicin-
ity of Orleans, the counties of Acadia and La Fourche, as
yet, do not furnish experience of what might be expected
in those situations, and the best management and no acci-
dents are presumed.
Supped this evening with Joe Lewis, and on my return
home was blest with a letter from my beloved wife, which
I found on my bedroom table, and probably was for-
warded, under cover from Baltimore, to Burr, as it had
no postmark, and did not reach me through Lewis. This
letter is of 28th of September, at which time all was well
at Natchez.
Tuesday, November 17, 1807.
Had a note from Burr, this morning, to dine with
him to-morrow at 4 o'clock, which invitation I have
accepted, in anticipation of mixing, probably for the last
time, with a few of his choice spirits. Spent the evening
and supped, en famille, agreeably with Joe Lewis. There
is a great fall of snow since yesterday. R. Lewis has
solicited to see my notes, which I could not refuse. He
pledged his discretion, in which I fully confide.
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DAVIESS 8 PAMPHLET.
501
Wednesday, Novembeb 18, 1807.
So much of these short mornings is consumed with
visits, the papers, and the unavoidable waste of time
that can not be denied to acquaintances only, that little
business can be dispatched by me before dinner, when
that call must be answered at 2, or even 3, o'clock.
To-day, however, I did a little shopping before I came
home to dress for Burr's party, which I joined at half-
past four, consisting only of Mr. Biddel, one of his most
attached friends, and brother to the notary public here,
DaVi Randolph, Tom. Butler, Doctor Commins, Mr. Pol-
lock, Burr and myself. The party was as insipid as pos-
sible. Burr is evidently dejected; and though he often
affected to urge and enliven the conversation, it lan-
guished through the stupidity of Randolph, the uncon-
cern of Pollock, the vacant reserve of Commins, the in-
capacity of Butler, the nothingness of Biddel, and the
aversion of myself to keep it up, until 8 o'clock, when
it expired ; and I took leave soon after the entrance of a
General Kichol, who seemed another of Burr's gaping
admirers, and much resembles, in manner, breeding and
intellect, General Rupel, of Kentucky. Thus ended the
last invitation I shall ever probably receive from this
American Chesterfield, who is fast approaching the limits
of that career he has so long run, through the absurd
confidence of so many dupes and swindlers. I had yes-
terday put into my hands, for the first time, by David
Randolph, Joe Daviess's pamphlet. It is a hasty, pas-
sionate performance, seldom alluding particularly to me
by name, but bearing hard upon Jefferson's hypocrisy
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502 THE BLENN£RHA6SBTT PAPERS.
and neglect of the author, and the early information he
gave him of Burr's designs and first movements. The
book will, with all its defects, mortify Jefferson, by prov-
ing to the world that he would at no time open his eyes
or ears to "Wilkinson's intrigues with the Spanish Govern-
ment, and, therefore, to use an expression of the author,
" the President is as much espanishized as the Brigadier."
It has also great merit in its comments, and the parody it
contains on Jefferson's communication of last January to
Congress, on Burr's operations last winter on the Ohio and
Mississippi, which has very much diverted me. This per-
formance, together with Judge Marshall's last volume of
the Life of "Washington, exposing the origin and views of
the present Democratic party in power, have, by this time,
I have no doubt, inspired Jefferson with a more deadly
hatred of the Marshall faction than he has ever con-
ceived of all the Burrites he ever heard of. I was present-
ed, to-day, by a Mr. Nolta, a young Italian, who has often
met Wilkinson at parties in New Orleans, with a caricature
of that General & la Falstaff. It is a good resemblance,
and pleased me, though it is not thought as well done aa
another he has made of Edw. Livingston, as a companion
to the first, under the title of Lawyer Greyhound. I have
paid my second week's bill here, amounting, in the whole,
to about thirty dollars ; and for this, though I do not dine
at home half my time, I can not have a fire in my room.
Thursday, November 19, 1807.
Visited, this morning, the infant Academy of the Arts,
lately established here, with Joseph Lewis, who is a sub-
scriber to the Institution, and showed me the way from
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PAINTINGS. 503
his counting-house, where I pass half an hour every
morning. The present collection, in a well contrived
building, at the upper end of Chestnut Street, is slender
in paintings ; all of which, however, I did not stay long
enough to examine. Two fine large ones, by West, of
scenes from Lear and Hamlet, are lent for exhibition
by their owner Mr. Fulton ; and there are few other orig-
inals, of much value, for painters will, for at least a
century yet, find too much encouragement in Europe to
permit the establishment of an American school. But
the many fine casts taken, by permission, of Bonaparte,
and now exhibited here, offer a feast to better connoisseurs
than myself, of high relish. During the little time I
spent there, however, I was highly pleased, among a
great number my notice was directed to by Lewis, to
contemplate, particularly, a large and a small Venus de
Medicis, of which I did not like the line of straight con-
tinuation between the nose and the forehead, so justly
condemned by Lavater. I speak of the larger of the two,
which otherwise is exquisite. The other one is a copy in
marble of Venus coming out of the bath ; has a better
face, and is extremely beautiful. The group of Laacoon
and the Apollo of BelVidere are perfect to my admiration,
which would not be exhausted upon them for hours ; and
the Farnesian Hercules is as well copied in our Lavater
as ever an engraving represented a piece of sculpture
But Lewis's ^,rly dinner hour was at hand, and my appe-
tite for these morceaux was obliged to give way to his for
his beefsteaks ; so I made only a first offering, on this
occasion, of my admiration to the artists of antiquity,
with a devout hope of discharging the full debt of my
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504 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
homage hereafter to them, when I shall speak more of
this Institution.
Dined with Lewis very agreeably, as usual, and, in the
evening, young Mr. Coates, son of Samuel Coates, whom
we knew here in '96, stepped in and invited me to dinner
for next Monday, at his country place on the Schuylkill,
to join a small party.
Friday, November 20, 1807.
Having determined, last Wednesday, I would not see
two days more pass away without leaving my ultimatum
with Burr, I set out this morning for his quarters, re-
solved to burst the cobweb duplicity of all his evasions
with me upon money matters. It will be seen every-
where in these Nnotes, how long and how insidiously he
has trifled with my claims upon him, from the time when
he assured Barton I was a bankrupt, and denied to him
my possessing any legal claims upon Alston or himself;
while, at the distance of fifteen hundred miles, he was
writing most affectionately to me until the last interview
I have this day had with him, in which he treated me
not as a faithful associate, ruined by my past connection
with him, but rather as an importiftiate creditor invading
his leisure or his purse with a questionable account. The
time therefore has fully arrived, at which I should deter-
mine whether I should attempt to secure upward of
$7,000 for my family, or sacrifice it to an absurd and am-
phibious character of an associate and confidant in his
views to future projects, without principle or object, and
destitute of all means to promote them. Under these
reflections, patience now became exhausted, and to pro-
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OLD SCORES. 505
crastinate any longer now appeared treason to my family.
I therefore set seriously about the task I had allotted
myself for this morning. I found him alone, and had
not been ten minutes with him, after he had discharged
a shop-boy, with whom he had been trifling, I know
not how long, about some article of dress, before he asked
me if I had heard of Mr. Luckett's treatment of him?
On my answering in the negative, he informed me that
Luckett had sent a marshal to him yesterday, and obliged
him to give bail to the amount of about $16,000, Luck-
ett's claim, I suppose, being about half that sum. This
intelligence mortified me, as it convinced me I had lost
time. I expressed my concern for this new embarrass-
ment he had experienced, as it might narrow his means
to satisfy other claims which he did not conaider ques-
tionable, like Luckett's. He asked me upon this, what
claims I alluded to ? I said it was with great regret I
should mention my own; namely, the amount of the
account I had furnished him with in Richmond, and my
claim for his protested draft held by Miller, with my in-
dorsement for $4,000, on account of which my property
on the Ohio had been sacrificed to four times the amount.
Now, had you seen how " that eye of his did from its
lustre fly," you would have beheld a little man indeed.
He was dumb and motionless ; but he soon recovered his
accustomed affectation, and asked, what was the amount
of my account, declaring he had never looked into it
since I had handed him it. I said it was a small one, ob-
viously meaning by comparison with most others he had
settled or secured. "A pretty small one," he replied,
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506 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
" of only about $3,000 ; " and said, lie had not yet ex-
amined it. This sneer, at the amount of my account,
and the questioning of its fairness, by referring it to ex-
amination, which he falsely said he had not given it ; for
he looked it over the evening I presented it at Richmond,
asked a question or two on some of the items, which I
answered, informing him I had vouchers for most of
them, which he said he did not want to see, and was
satisfied it was correct ; such a diminution of that suav-
ity of address, with which he had already too often
diverted me from my purpose, now exhibited him a heart-
less swindler in the last swoon of his disorder, and de-
termined me to hasten my departure. I suppose I testified
my feelings sufficiently by my looks and manner, with-
out removing his doubts of the impression this treatment
made upon me, by now telling him, as I did, that my
time and expectations were exhausted, and I should stay
in Philadelphia no longer; that I perceived he could
give me no hopes of money, which I did not expect, but
that, though I was contented to starve myself, I must
secure something for my family, since I knew he had
found means in that way to accommodate every other
creditor, which was all that detained me in town. He
now pretended he had nobody he could call upon. I
observed, I thought it very possible he might never
return from Europe, in- which case my family must have
a security to resort to in this country. To this remark
he had the kindness to reply, "that when I said my
family, I meant myself, and that I knew all his friends."
"You do," said he, "Mr. Blennahassett " — so he has
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A CRISIS. 507
frequently pronounced my name before, when he has got
beyond self-management. " Sir," said I, " I must insist
upon it, I do not know all your friends." Upon this
contradiction, he begged my pardon, and said he really
thought he had informed me of all who were his friends
in that city.
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508 THE BLENNKBHASSETT PAPERS.
CHAPTER XIV.
Washington City, Oct. 29th, 1807.
My deab Wife : — To-morrow I set out from here for
Baltimore, in company with Luther Martin, who has
pledged himself to attend, on the part of Col. Burr and
myself, at the Circuit Court of the United States, to sit at
Chillicothe, on the 4th of January next, whether we shall
personally appear or not, to see that all matters respect-
ing us are properly conducted. It is probable I shall not
regard a non-compliance on the part of Government with,
not a request, but a desire, I have expressed through Rod-
ney, the United States Attorney General, that they would
dispense with my personal appearance until the ensuing
term in September, through my wishes, in the mean
time, to revisit my family and attend to my private af-
fairs ; for the proceedings that should necessarily precede
a forfeiture of the recognizance I have entered into can
not be gone through before January, 1809. The courts
of the United States sitting in Ohio only twice a year,
namely, in the months of January and September, Hard-
ing can explain to you how two writs of scire facias must
be returned, in case of my absence from the district,
before my recognizance becomes forfeited. So that my
present plan is to push for Natchez, about the middle of
November, in company with Doctor Commins, by way of
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MARITAL SOLICITUDE. 509
the Ohio. Government, while they smart tinder the mor-
tification arising from the issue of the proceedings at
Richmond, seem determined to pursue Burr and myself
until we cry mercy ; but the world shall first cry shame !
This evening I shall receive Rodney's answer to my let-
ter, probably negativing my demand, but that will not
affect my movements. My affairs will detain me about
ten daye^ in Philadelphia, after a stay of two in Baltimore.
I have strong expectations of putting my claims upon
Burr and Alston on a desirable footing.
As to news, you may inform those most interested, par-
ticularly our esteemed friend Mr. Hunt, there will be no
war with Britain, much less with Spain. This conclusion
is not drawn merely from the President's message to Con-
gress, but from better authority. Electioneering, secretly,
is very active here on the part of Madison, Clinton and
Monroe, for the exclusion of Jefferson from the next Pres-
idency, while the efforts of others to obtain the Vice
Presidency, establish a schism in the present party in pow-
er which exhibits a warning type of the future destinies of
this country. Tyler left this for Baltimore, this morning.
I shall see him there and learn the manner in which he
has obtained his discharge, which has been given him
only verbally, by Rodney. Duane, I expect, will soon
take a decided part against Jefferson, because he has not
been less awkward in tampering with letters that have
passed through his hands.
. I hope you will keep up a rational confidence in my
resources to preserve my health and spirits ; and I beseech
you to seek continually the utmost variety and change of
scene, which I so well know the happy effects of upon
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510 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
you, as the only means of restoring you to my eyes in the
state I beseech God to grant I may find you.
Luther Martin is certainly one of the most benevolent
men alive. His heart is overflowing with the milk of
philanthropy, which his potations may sometimes coagu-
late, but will never acidify.
Kiss my boys for me. Your sickness has diverted my
reflections from them of late ; but our preserving Provi-
dence will restore us in its own time according to our
merits. H. B.
Baltimore, Tuesday, Nov. Sd> 1807.
Col. Burr set off to-day at 1 o'clock, P. M., in the mail,
for Philadelphia, with S. Swartwout, as he had no par-
ticular desire to behold a representation of his execution.
I was a little more curious ; and, notwithstanding hand-
bills were this morning scattered through the town, pur-
porting that the execution of Judge Marshall, A. Burr,
Luther Martin and myself would take place at Gallows
Hill, at 3 o'clock this evening, I both dined and supped at
the public table, with very large companies, here at
Evans's, and am, after all, hearty and in good spirits.
The mob was made up from the Point, but pledged their
honor, which they did not violate, that they would hurt
no person. They were followed by two troops of horse
through the streets, to see they did their business orderly.
All have dispersed at least three hours ago, it being now
11, P. M.
I start to-morrow for Philadelphia, where I am sure
I shall not receive *uch public* honors. I tire you with
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IN BALTIMORE. 511
too many letters ; but it is to prevent your paying any at-
tention to the newspapers. I expect Doctor Commins and
myself will travel together to Natchez. I pray God this
may find you and the boys well. This is the only care
that occupies
Tour husband, Harman Blennerhassett.
Baltimore, Nov. 14*A, 1807.
Dear Sir : — Your favor of the 8th inst. I have received,
and thank you for the friendly and affectionate sentiments
you have expressed for me. Should you return by this
place, you will certainly see me. I shall, I flatter myself,
occasionally hear from you, should you leave Philadelphia
by a different route. I have written to Baldwin and Bur-
net, and have inclosed for Judge Todd an open letter,
under cover, to Col. Burr. I certainly should wish to
avoid a journey to Chillicothe at so severe a season of the
year, if thought unnecessary. Whether witnesses will at-
tend against Col. Burr or yourself, is uncertain. Whether
bills will be found, is more uncertain ; and it is impossible
that trials should take place at next term, even should
bills be found. Under these circumstances, the presence
of neither of us ought to be necessary. We are once more
at peace ; I mean in the city of Baltimore. The conduct
of the mob is most unmercifully condemned and dis-
cussed ; and the leaders are, in truth, though they keep
up the best appearances they can, heartily ashamed of
themselves. Dr. Commins leaves me to-day, by the
water-stage. I direct this to his care, lest you should
have left Philadelphia. Though I shall ever feel pleased
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512 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
in having been introduced to your acquaintance, yet I
must regret, on your account, the circumstances under
which that acquaintance hath been formed. You will
introduce me, though not personally, yet with my beat
regards, to your lady and your little ones ; to hear of
their and your happiness will increase mine.
I am, my dear Sir, with great sincerity, your friend
and obedient servant,
Luther Martin.
H. Blennerhassbtt, Esq.
To Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Philadelphia, Nov. 17th, 1807.
My dear Wife: — As I expected when I wrote last
from Baltimore, this day fortnight, I have found my
reception in this city easy and undisturbed. I have
been here a week last Wednesday, having arrived the
5th inst. I hope you received that letter to prepare
you for a just reception of the accounts that must
reach you by the papers of a rising at Baltimore, of
which my effigy only was one of the objects.
I am much teased by various causes of detention here
which I can not control. The arrangement of my pecu-
niary claims on Col. Burr, and the acquisition of slaves,
neither of them yet effected, are the principal. It is un-
certain still how soon I can even hope to leave this town.
Many motives incite me to go round by sea, in a fine ves-
sel, with Bollman and other agreeable passengers, to sail
about the middle of next week ; for there are reasons why
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DIFFICULT TRAVEL. 518
I should not even appear at Marietta, though so many de-
mands call thither. But I yet think that will be my
course. I receive the most friendly attentions from my
friends, the Lewises, and others.
To-morrow I dine with Mr. Pollock, a gentleman of
fortune and great respectability, where Col. Burr has
taken up his quarters. I wonder you have not yet drawn
upon J. 8. Lewis, for any sum not exceeding $500,
through Harding. I am at a loss to conceive what you
have resorted to, particularly as you call upon me, in your
most welcome letter of 28th September, to direct the dis-
position of about $1,200 you expected to receive on your
negro speculation. My only wish is that you should
apply the money to your own occasions, calling to the aid
of your judgment the advice of that excellent friend
whom you will one day further discover I have justly
appreciated. Butler, who is now here, made me very
unhappy, by telling me he left him very sick, and I sin-
cerely sighed to be at his bedside.
A large fund of stoicism will be necessary to support
the want of letters from you till we meet ; for I suppose
you have, according to directions long since given you,
ceased to write ; and it would be impossible to instruct
you how to direct to me, my change of place will be so
variable.
We have to-day a heavy fall of snow here, and I fear
I shall not be able to take water on the Ohio before it
breaks up. This, with other considerations, lends much
to determine me upon the voyage by sea to New Orleans.
But I can not make up my mind until I again see D.
Commins, whom I hourly expect here from Baltimore,
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514 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
with whom I must endeavor to procure some negroes, or
by some other means, as I can not think of returning
without some new ones, or at least our old ones from
Ohio.
I live here at the Mansion House Hotel, late Bing-
ham's, in Third Street, kept by an Englishman in the
best style I have yet seen in America. My expenses are
heavier than I wish, on every account, but I have become
so public a character, any thing tending to shabbiness or
obscurity would bring discredit upon you/ to avoid which
I know you would prefer a larger share of future sacri-
fices. The company are genteel and numerous, princi-
pally foreigners, and not a Democrat in thirty, the general
number at the house.
My silence on your recovery and the health of the boys
arises from inability to express my joy and thanksgiving
to God. But I beseech you to seek the utmost chauge of
company and occupation. Nothing can better insure my
hopes of finding you re-established in your constitution ;
and every day's experience convinces me of the wisdom
and facility of not only mitigating the ills of life, by
resolving to contemn their mischief, but even of our
capability to be happy in spite of them. Without disap-
pointing contrary conclusions you would draw from our
separation, I could give you many examples, during my
reverses, since I left you; but you will 'hereafter find
them with more satisfaction in my notes. I shall only
add, that you should never forget that a steady pursuit
of gaiety will prove the best prescription for the longest
enjoyment of the summer season, and prepare the largest
and most serene autumn of life. We have prospects
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LQVB OF STYLE. 515
already opened to you that beckon us to wealth and
repose; if they should prove delusive, our piety aud
moderation will insure tranquillity.
I am much at a loss to know how to buy any thing
here for you. I shall, however, procure some things. J
have rigged myself out iu consideration of the extrava-
gant prices of things at Natchez ; and have not forgotten
the boys' shoes, though God knows when they will get
them, and I can badly guess the sizes. I could tell you a
good deal of what might pass for news with you, but it
is not worth while, and could not find room here. I
must not refuse, however, to mention that I have heard
here young Michael de Courcy is married to a rich lady
in England, and has a child or two. The Admiral's
daughter is married to a Captain Dashwood, of the Navy.
1 learned no other particulars of the family. Wilkinson,
I hear, has taken passage from Baltimore for New Or-
leans, contrary to every expectation I could form, which
I mention as a circumstance, if true, not quite indifferent
to my future tranquillity on the Mississippi.
You forgot to put Kitty Percy's, and your own, hair
into your letter, with the boys' drawings. The disap-
pointment, I hope, has not arisen from my knowing how
to prize both. How happy I should feel, hereafter, in the
pleasure Miss P. might enjoy, and confer upon us, by
making a trip with us to Europe. Burr has given notice
to the Marshal of Virginia, to be prepared with a guard
of gentlemen at Richmond, to conduct him from thence,
on the 16th of next month, to Chillicothe ; but some in-
tervention or other, I apprehend, will prevent that jour-
ney. ITarding will smile at this ; but let him mourn
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516 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
over the misery of talents without strength of nerve or
energy of character, which have only shone to consume
the fame of the Chief Justice, who has disappointed
every lawyer and friend he possessed, and may possibly
fall a sacrifice to the mob government of the day, for
attempting to stroke, while he should have muzzled, the
tiger of Democracy. Remind H g continually of my
attachment; and assure the Scotts, Major Trask, and all
other friends, of my warm regards. War direct with
Britain is even yet the dread of the Democrats; but
should it happen in six months afterward, down fall Jef-
ferson and company.
From your husband, Harman Blennerhassett.
To Aaron Burr, Esq.
Mansion House, Phila., Nov. 28th, 1807.
Sir: — I have reflected, with much concern, on an ob-
servation which fell from you yesterday; namely, that
my account was not a small one, and that you had not yet
examined it. You may recollect, when I presented it to
you at Richmond, I told you I had vouchers for most of
the items it contained ; to which I will now add, that I
can substantiate the whole, whenever it may become nec-
essary -T and, on receiving it from me, you said you were
satisfied it was correct, and wanted to see no vouchers.
If I have misunderstood you, on either of these occasions,
I shall expect to hear from you in the course of this even-
ing, with a statement of your objections, if any, to my
charges.
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TO HI8 WIFE. 517
The exact amount of my demand, on account of my
indorsement of the bills upon which I have been sued by
Miller, I can not immediately ascertain. I believe the
damages are £10, chargeable with interest, as well as the
principal, from the time the bill was returned.
In the close of the late interesting intercourse that has
so long subsisted between us, you must perceive, sir, I
feel myself released from the performance of an offer I
made you of introductory letters to the Lords Elgin,
Courtenay and Sackville. I feel that I could not solicit
their attentions to you as my friend ; and I should wish
to decline doing so on any other grounds.
I am, sir, with all respect and consideration, your
obedient servant, Harman Blennerhassett.
To Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Philadelphia, Nov. 80th, 1807.
My dear Wife : — I have just closed a trunk which,
with a box, a bundle of coach-harness and a demijohn of
lamp oil, will leave to-day by the brig Mary, directed to
you to the care of Lenlow, Turner & Co. In the bottom
of the trunk you will find two small volumes of my
notes, intended for no eye at Natchez but Harding's and
your own. Tou will, therefore, when not in your hands,
always keep them under lock and key. The ducks are to
be put upon water, and the pointed end of the magnet
brought near their beaks to make them approach you ;
the blunt end will make them recede. Keep the mag-
net from wet, and do n't let it fall.
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518 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
I hope you will soon safely receive the things I sent
before me, which I will follow as soon as I can ; but I find
it impossible to avoid going to Marietta, without irrep-
arable prejudice to our affairs, and I think it better to
be a month longer away before we meet, than to have to
leave you again in August, which might probably happen
if I did not appear in Ohio, where I may prevent the
finding of other bills against me, or otherwise get rid of
the criminal proceedings against me altogether. I there-
fore set out at 4 o'clock to-morrow morning, in the Pitts-
burgh coach, and shall not delay to write to you from
thence or from Marietta.
As you will observe by my notes, I apprehend I have
broken with Aaron Burr on a writ, and shall succeed that
way, since all others have failed to secure a demand upon
him of $8,000, as you shall better understand hereafter.
You may depend upon my exertions to get upon the
water as speedily as the season and my circumstances will
permit. I shall give charge of the key of the trunk to
the Captain of the Mary, or Doctor Bollman, who goes
passenger in her. I have told him he is recommended to
your polite attention, if he should visit Natchez, as he
proposes to do ; but beware of the most insidious influ-
ence of his manners and address, as they are irresistible
by ordinary minds.
It is already reported in the best circles here, that I
have become a friend to Jefferson. This is amusing, and
may be very serviceable.
I have not time to add more, as the mail is near clos-
ing. Tom. Buller is to travel with me as far as Carlisle.
From vour husband, Har. Blennerhassett.
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BURNET AND BALDWIN. 519
Marietta, Dec. Yith, 7, P. M., 1807.
Dear Wife : — I have been here since Tuesday morning,
and find appearances of every sort infinitely more flatter-
ing than I had expected. Col. Cushing has been up to
see me, and will not leave me before noon to-morrow. I
have an opportunity, by the favor of Wilkins, on his
way to Natchez, of speedily informing you I shall endeavor
to fly from the declining storm of Jacobin malice in eight
or ten days, if the waters will favor my escape. But if they
do not, you may be assured I have nothing to fear at Chil-
licothe, where I can overawe the miserable speculations
of the marshal, based upon the profits he expects to make
of the trials there. I have seen all the negroes, except
Ransom and Clara ; I think they are well disposed to ac-
company me, and I shall get them off", with more or less
difficulty. I even propose purchasing Daniel, and a fam-
ily of six heads, for $1,400. I look daily for the arrival
of Commins, whom I have joined in fitting out a boat at
Pittsburgh. My coming on here without Commins, was
to dispatch as much of my business in this quarter as I
could, while his detained him some time above. I have
only time to add, I have retained Burnet and Baldwin ;
the former will be a host of law with the decent part of
the citizens of Ohio ; the latter, a giant of influence with
the rabble, whom he justly styled his " bloodhounds," and
has in good training to bait Wilkinson, whenever he gives
them the scent. God bless you and our dear boys. I hope
I shall soon embrace you all in health, if Mr. Wilkins was
not mistaken when he informed me he heard by letter
from Mr. Elliot, dated in October, you were then well.
Tour husband, Har. Blennerhassett.
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520 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
To Mrs. M. Blennerhassett.
Nine Miles above Natchez,
Sunday, Feb. 8th, 6, P. M.
To secure the success of the two objects of my present
journey; namely, the conveyance to you of what pro-
perty I could bring away from the Ohio, and the enjoy-
ment of a few months' repose with you, I have deter-
mined not to yield to the hopes or fears with which I
have approached you, by leaving my boats until Harding,
to whom I have written, may advise me to venture my
appearance on shore.
Uncertain whether Dr. Shaw or my other enemies are
yet apprised of my having failed to make my personal
appearance at Chillicothe, on the 4th of last month, and
ignorant how far they may speculate upon whatever news
they may have received from that quarter since that
period, I am resolved to continue afloat, that I may, at a
moment's warning, start with my light keel-boat, and be,
in about four hours, beyond the line, about sixty miles
below Natchez, whither you can follow with your family
and effects by my flat-boat, under the care of my friend
Mr. Weaver, who has traveled with me.
If this arrangement takes place, I shall want one of
your black men, in lieu of whom I shall leave a boy;
and you will also forward to me, or bring with you,
such letters from Grand Pr6, as can be obtained from
Minor, Vidal and Mr. Dunbar.
You may now privately make your way to my boat,
under the guidance of Mr. Weaver or Honest Moses;*
* A family aerYant.
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DIARY ENDED. 521
one of whom will deliver you this letter. You must
not mention my arrival to the boys or servants until I
see them, or shall have left the shore.
Heaven grant that I may happily embrace you in
health and spirits.
From your husband, Har. Blennbbhassbtt.
P. S. — I refer you to Moses for all intelligence you
may desire upon small matters.
Thus, after the close of this memorable trial, which
had occupied the public attention for several months,
Blennerhassett returned to Natchez. The continued
anxiety attendant- on a tedious investigation of the charge
of treason, in which character and life were involved ;
the accumulation of debts ; the neglect of domestic inter-
ests, and the rapid decline of his resources, were discour-
agements, indeed, under which stouter hearts might well
have sunk without the charge of effeminacy.
The creditors, who had advanced funds upon his obli-
gations, tfnding his pecuniary affairs becoming daily more
embarrassed, were insolent and exacting. Liquidation
was demanded ; and, when they saw that he neither had
the funds to meet them, nor the ability to procure further
credit, they pursued him with the precepts of the law,
with a rapacity equaled only by their uncharitable invec-
tives. A portion of his library and philosophical appa-
ratus, which had been his amusement in prosperity, and
the solace of his darker hours ; the remaining furniture
possessing value to him, wholly unappreciated by others,
were attached and sold at a criminal sacrifice.
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522 THE BLENNSRHASSETT PAPERS.
His beautiful mansion, together with its surrounding
shrubbery, had been regarded and used as public prop-
erty. Its fair gardens had been destroyed, not less by the
hands of the ruthless freebooter than the negligence of
his tenants and the floods of the Ohio. Not satisfied
with that which might be removed without injury to the
freehold, the window-casings were torn out, to procure
the leaden weights by which the sashes were raised.
Even the beautiful stone roller, used for leveling his
grounds, was crushed to pieces, to obtain the iron axles
on which it ran. The island itself was extended, by a
writ of elegit, at the suit of Robert Miller, of Kentucky,
who commenced the culture of hemp, and the manufac-
turing of cordage.
Such is but the every-day lesson of human experience !
Such is the sympathy of unfeeling man with the misfor-
tune and distress of his fellow man ! To-day he kneels
at the shrine of friendship, as the bestial Caliban at the
feet of Stephano, and calls the object of its worship,
"god;" to-morrow shrinks cowardly from it, and returns
his gratitude in foul misdeeds and wanton injuries.
Cotton, at that time, commanded an exorbitant price.
Investments in lands adapted to its culture, and slaves to
work it, afforded rich returns for the amount of capital
employed. Many were turning their attention to it.
Blennerhassett conceived it a favorable mode of retriev-
ing his shattered fortune. He therefore concluded a pur-
chase of a thousand acres of land, in Claiborne county,
at St. Catherine's, near Gibsonport, Mississippi, and
placed upon it a small number of slaves. Ilere, again,
after the varied incidents of two long years, in which he
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at home again! 523
had been buffeted about, by the whirlwind of uncourted
excitement, he found a home.
Those accustomed to battle with the vicissitudes of for-
tune but struggle the greater when encountered by oppos-
ing difficulties. On the contrary, those cradled in the lap
of ease, are but poorly prepared to meet adversity, unless
endowed with unusual perseverance. This latter quality
it was not Blennerhassett's fortune to possess. Accus-
tomed not only to the comforts but the elegancies of life,
he was a stranger to want. His sleep had never been
disturbed by visions of distress ; nor his energies excited
through cupidity or avarice. It may well be imagined,
therefore, that he was but slightly qualified to sustain
himself, under his present embarrassments. For him,
life had but few attractions, save those that were found
in the pursuits of science ; and to deprive him of these,
was to deprive him of the happiness of existence.
With a full appreciation of her husband's feelings, Mrs.
Bleunerhassett undertook to aid him in the management
of his farm. At the early dawn, she mounted her horse,
to convey to the overseer the instructions committed to
her charge. In this, however, she never neglected the
affairs of her household, or those affectionate attentions
to her family, which render the felicities of home bright
to the recollection of husband and child, when the mem-
ory of all else has perished.
Devereux to BlennerhassetL
London, Sept. 7*A, 1808.
My dear and respected Sir : — This makes my second
letter to you since my arrival in this country. In my for-
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524 THE BLENNERHA88ETT PAPERS.
mer, I acknowledged with gratitude and thanks the re-
ceipt of your dear and most welcome letter from Rich-
mond. What trials, what misfortunes, have you not un-
dergone, and your dear and worthy Mrs. Blennerhassett
too! But, my friend, though great your misfortunes,
what are they when compared to those which the gener-
ous and ill-fated Barry family have lately undergone ? I
am really so overwhelmed with grief at the sad tidings I
have had within these few days of that family, that I can
scarcely arrange my thoughts so as to be understood.
Only think of it, that poor Mrs. Barry, after the demise
of her beloved husband in New York, hastened with her
only remaining daughter to Madeira, in hopes of preserv-
ing her existence by a change of climate; but, alas! it
was too late : she died soon after her arrival there ; and
her poor mother, broken-hearted, is now left the last of
her family. This melancholy and deplorable event has
awakened all my woes. My dear friend, what is this life,
after all ?
From the trying afflictions you and your worthy Mrs.
Blennerhassett have so lately experienced, I should not
thus obtrude my griefs upon you. But they are griefs pro-
duced by the sufferings of one of the best of families, and
who, with yours, most attract my regards of any in this
world. Enough of this painful subject — too painful to
dwell upon.
As I mentioned to you in my last letter, I perfectly
agree with you in the sentiments you expressed to me
from Richmond, and which I have long felt, I assure you.
Yes, my friend, from what is past, and from what is gone,
never to be recalled again, I could most willingly estrange
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" WHAT IS LIFE?" 526
myself from this world to share a little content with you
in any corner or in any obscurity.
I have already mentioned to you that I failed in my
application to this government. They will not even per-
mit me to visit my native country. I, knowing the cause,
am not surprised at it; for you must know they inter-
cepted one of O'Connor's letters to me, about three years
ago, in which he offered me a flattering rank to enter the
French service with him. This offer, though made to aid
misfortune more than rebellion, has operated very seri-
ously against me ; and, was it not for the precaution I took
previous to my leaving the United States, I might now be
immured in the Tower. But, my dear friend, the disap-
pointment does not now affect me; for, truly, I never
cared so little as to independence in money matters as
I do at this moment.
Without adverting to the cause of my inquiry, I asked
two or three gentlemen from about Cork as to the per-
sons you have named, but could gain no satisfactory in-
telligence. Had I been permitted to have gone to Ire-
land, I should have gone every length in tracing that
subject. As I feel extremely anxious to hear from you,
and of your estimable lady and children, I entreat you to
write me as speedily as possible of your future plans, and
where we are yet to meet.
As I can not express to you, my dearest friend, what I
feel, I shall end this scrawl with best wishes and regards
to you, dear Mrs. Blennerhassett, and my young friend
Dominick.
Your most truly attached and distressed friend,
J. Dbvereux.
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526 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
P. S. — I do 'nt mean to return to the United States
immediately. There is no prospect I should think of
the embargo's being very soon raised, unless for a more
active scene of operation; and, of course, if so, there
could be nothing to engage my attention particularly
there; and by remaining here, I am more to myself
from the sight of the world. Hoping that you will not
omit writing to me by the first opportunity, I am, again,
Yours, most sincerely, J. D.
A remittance of £300 from Ireland, being a balance
from Lord Ventry, on the sales of his estates, enabled
Blennerhassett to start afresh in his new field of enter-
prise. The business correspondence between himself and
his consignee, Joseph 8. Lewis, of Philadelphia, is vo-
luminous, and of but little interest to the general reader,
further than showing his efforts were not altogether in-
effectual. A few of these only, together with one or two
letters from his old friends, are here inserted :
Joseph S. Lewis to Blennerhassett.
Philadelphia, July, 1809.
My dear Sir: — On Saturday, I received from Mr.
Harding your esteemed letter of the 9th of June, ac-
quainting me with your having consigned your son
Dominick to me. I accept this trust with pleasure, ac-
companied, at the same time, with great anxiety; and
you may assure yourself my care of him shall only be
second to that of my own children.
Mr. Harding will inform you that the Board of Health
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ADOPTION. 527
will not permit him to come into the city before the 4th
of August, although every one on board the ship was in
good health, and that, therefore, they have stopped at
Darby, about seven miles from town, where I have been
twice to see them, and, yesterday, took Mrs. Lewis with
me, who feels all a mother's anxious care, and enters into
Mrs. Blennerhassett's feelings on parting with so beloved
an object as a son. I have the pleasure to say that I
have procured a situation for Dominick, such as I think
you would every way approve, if you were here yourself
— one equally removed from the bigotry of a monastic
education, and the more uncourtly forms of our society.
The Academy to which I refer was established, about four
years ago, by a number of our most respectable gentle-
men, for the education of their own children, and is
conducted by two French gentlemen of the name of
Carrf.
The situation of the school is high, healthy and pleas-
ant, about four miles north of Philadelphia, a distance
which will afford me an opportunity of seeing Dominick
often, and of bringing him home occasionally to spend a
holiday. Mr. Harding being obliged to leave this morn-
ing for New York, Dominick has been placed under the
charge of a respectable old lady, where I shall see him
every day or two until his quarantine is out ; after which
I shall bring him home, and, as soon as every thing is
prepared, place him with Messrs. Carr£, who are men of
amiable and respectable character, sufficiently rigid to
keep their boys within a correct line. Present my best
regards to Mrs. Blennerhassett, and also those of Mrs.
L. ; tell her to dissipate all anxiety about her son, that
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528 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Mrs. L. will take upon herself a mother's care, and that
my affection for his parents will insure my attention to
his comforts, to his wants, and to his well-doing. * * *
Tours, with great esteem, J. S. Lewis.
H. BLENNERHASSETT, ESQ.
From Thomas Addis EmmetU
New York, Sept. lbth, 1809.
My dear Blennerhassett: — It was not without con-
siderable emotion and pleasure that I received yours a
few days since by Mr. Harding, and heard from him the
first news I had been able, authentically, to collect of
your present situation. Of what is past, it is not fit I
should say any thing in a communication of this kind ;
• of the future, you will believe me perfectly sincere, when
I assure you that your prosperity and happiness will
always interest me very strongly. In return for the
pleasing intelligence I have had of you, accept similar
accounts of me and my family. My success has been
greater than I could have calculated upon. My health
has been extremely good, and Mrs. Emmett and the
children enjoy the prosperity which has succeeded to our
trials ; such, I trust, will also be the event of your present
situation. Mr. Harding mentioned to me that he had
brought along with him your oldest son, Dominick, and
placed him at an Academy at Germantown, Pennsylvania.
As Mrs. Blennerhassett has brought her mind to part
with him, a thought struck me, which I now lay before
you. I have three sons at school at Flatbush, Long
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FROM FRIENDS. 529
Island, five miles from this city, under the care of a Mr.
Thompson, who is very competent, a graduate of Trinity
College, Dublin, and of very unexceptionable character ;
his wife is a Mary Anne Connell, cousin to Maurice Con-
nell, of Iveragh; came over here a widow, of the name
of Yielding, with strong letters from Kerry friends to
Mrs. Emmett, and was married in my house to Mr.
Thompson. I have mentioned your son to them both,
and can answer that he would be treated with more than
common affection and care ; and, being at the same school
with my own, I should have opportunities of showing
him, perhaps, some attention, which, situated where he
is, would be out of my power. I am not fond of sup-
planting a person like his present master, who, I presume,
would discharge his duty, but I submit the proposition to
your consideration.
Adieu, my dear Blennerhassett. Do you and Mrs. B.'
receive the best wishes of me and my family for every
thing that concerns you, and believe me sincerely
Yours. Thos. Addis Emmett.
From Joseph S. Lewis.
Philadelphia, Sept 22d9 1810.
My dear Friend : — About ten days ago I received your
esteemed letter of 8th August, and I enter with much
warmth into your situation and the means proposed for
improving it. I have been engaged, in my mind, since
its receipt, to contrive some way of meeting your desire
of obtaining the sum you want to borrow, but I do not
find any one here who is willing to lend money on such
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530 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
distant security ; and even the 'offer of more than usual
interest would serve to introduce in the mind of strangers
a doubt of the goodness of the security ; and there are
none of our money-lenders who would be willing to take
the chance of being compelled to go to Ohio or the Mis-
sissippi Territory, to look after his payment. I propose,
then, that after the sale of your cotton, which we hourly
expect from New Orleans, you should draw, in addition
to what our advance may then be, as much as will make
$5,000, which you shall have at six per cent, interest per
annum. You are to consign to us all your cotton for
sale, on which we shall charge the usual commission
of five per cent. * * * * *
Very respectfully your friend, J. S. Lewis.
From the Same.
Philadelphia, Dec. 17th, 1810.
My dear Friend: — Your favor of 14th November I
received yesterday, and am much pleased to learn the
happy effect of my last letter upon your uneasiness about
Domini ck, whom I have not seen for a few weeks, but
I hear from him frequently ; and, a few days ago, I saw
Mr. Carr£, who said he was well, and spoke favorably
of an increased attention to his studies. There is no
doubt you can obtain excellent lodgings in the neigh-
borhood of the city, at a moderate rate, say five or six
dollars a week each, for Mrs. Blennerhassett and yourself,
including board. I suppose your passages would cost
$100 each ; about half that for your son, and the same
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COTTON TRADE. 581
rate for your servants. I should think $1,100 or f 1,200
would be an ample allowance for your expenses for a trip
of five or six months, bating the temptations such a large
shop as our city would afford you to lay out money for
luxuries, etc., which, of course, your own prudence would,
in some measure, guard you against. On the score of
health the jaunt would be desirable, and I shall be glad
you make use of any excuse to give Mrs. Lewis and
myself the pleasure of seeing you and Mrs. Blenner-
hassett.
Very respectfully your friend, J. S. Lewis.
From the Same.
January 6, 1811.
I can not conceive any reason why the New York mar-
ket should offer a better price for cotton than ours. It is
not quite so steady, and the people are more speculative.
If your cotton goes there to our correspondent, we must
pay his commission, and we should not be quite so well
natisfied of the solidity of the persons to whom sale
would generally be made as here. •
Your cotton has arrived, but I can not at present effect
a Bale on such terms as I like. The gloomy prospect of
our affairs with England is such, that we do not consider
a speculation in cotton as safe, and its value here will also
be much affected by the proceedings of Congress regard-
ing the Bank of the United States. If the charter should
not be renewed, and there Beems much doubt of it, prices
of every article will fall very materially. In addition to
this, the situation of exchange is such, that bills can not
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582 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
be drawn on London without the utmost difficulty, and
then at a loss of seven or eight per cent.
The proceeds of your cotton now on hand, and for
which at present there is no sale, we estimate at $2,000.
Tours very respectfully, J. S. Lewis.
In viewing the complacency with which Blennerhas-
sett had heretofore regarded Burr's actions toward him-
self, we are at a loss whether to attribute his silence to
the mildness of his temper, or a lack of courage to vin-
dicate his honor from the aspersions of his enemies.
But, for his unfortunate alliance with Burr, he might still
have reposed in the shady groves of the isle. But for
Burr, he might have continued to enjoy those peaceful
pursuits for which he had abandoned Castle Conway, to
secure a home in the secluded forests of America; but
for him, he might yet have enjoyed a competency beyond
his wants, and luxuriated in the fields of literature, with-
out the fear of pecuniary distress.
It was not, however, until driven to it by necessity, that
Blennerhassett attempted to show how much he had
really been injured by the man whom he had regarded
and cherished as his friend ; but who had now deserted
him in the hour of misfortune. Almost bankrupt in
purse, with a large family dependent upon him for sup-
port, to whom could he look for indemnity for the losses
sustained in "the enterprise of Burr? He had contributed
largely, if not entirely, to the procuring of boats, imple-
ments and provisions for the expedition, and, as yet, had
received nothing in return. Both Burr and Alston had
turned a deaf ear to his petitions for relief; indeed, Burr,
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LETTER TO ALSTON. 588
had it been his desire, could afford but poor satisfaction
from the meager remains of a once large fortune. Blen-
nerhassett, accordingly, addressed the following letter to
Governor Alston :
Blennerhassett to Gov. Alston.
La Cache, Port Gibson, Miss. Ter.,
March 2d, 1811.
Sir : — As a letter from me, after so long a suspension
of our correspondence, will probably be as little welcome'
as expected, I anticipate, on inditing it, only such atten-
tion on your part to its object as your reflections may
deem consonant to your interest. I proceed accordingly,
without fiirflier preamble, to apprise you, that having
long since despaired of all indemnity from Mr. Burr for
my losses, by the confederacy in which I was associated
with you and him, I count upon a partial reimbursement
from you upon grounds and motives which it is the ob-
ject of this letter to develop and recall to your recollec-
tion. Having mentioned Mr. Burr, I wish you, sir, to
observe, that I shall never more consider a reference to
his honor, good faith, or resources in any other light than
as a scandal to any man offering it who is not already
sunk as low as himself. You will therefore feel, I hope,
as little disposed to speak, at this day, of his intentions
as of his means to indemnify his friends. It is on you,
sir, that as regards myself, devolves this duty. The
heroic offer you made to co-operate with your person and
fortune in our common enterprise, gave you, in my esti-
mation, a color of claim to that succession in empire you
boasted you would win by better titles — your deeds of
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merit in council or the field. For examples of these
exploits, I anxiously invoked the season of their achieve-
ment; but I confess, sir, I attached a more interesting
value to the tender you so nobly pledged of your whole
property to forward and support our expedition, together
with your special assurances to me of reimbursement for
all contingent losses of a pecuniary nature I might indi-
vidually suffer. These considerations, sir, as they in-
volved me on your responsibility, naturally refer me to
you for the acquittal of it, and possessing such ample
powers to discharge it, I flatter myself I shall be able to
induce you to the full exercise of them. To this end I
now apprise you, that the period has arrived in which I
feel myself warranted to tell you, that in virtue of your
oral and written assurances to guarantee me against all
injuries to my property by reason of my participation
in the confederacy of 1806, I finally determined to em-
bark with you, and have thereby sustained damage to the
amount of $50,000, of which sum I now demand (15,000,
payable at New Orleans or Philadelphia, in August next.
The respective sums you have paid already in part dis-
charge of your written obligation, I believe, (12,500,
together with the (15,000 now required, will leave a
balance of (22,500, which you may, if you please, adjust
by your obligation, on receipt of which, if required, I
will dismiss my demand against Mr. Burr by suit in
Philadelphia.
Here, sir, you perceive is a demand instituted on the
guarantee of the good faith of a gentleman, who can
never plead specially thereto but out of a court of honor.
Within that jurisdiction, he must acquiesce or rely on the
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REMEMBRANCERS. 535
general issue. Your adjusting this affair in the manner
proposed, I would, at a certain period of our acquaint-
ance, have suffered no man to question ; but the cruel,
cold-blooded indifference with which you have so many
years beheld a distressed family, in vain endeavoring to
collect some fragment of the property embarked and
wrecked in the voyage you had insured, without acquit-
ting the debt of your guarantee — such a demeanor, sir,
naturally obliges me, as a further and final result of all
my labors and deliberations that relate to you to submit
to your reflections, other motives of action besides those
already offered. These are certainly of a character and
complexion I regret it should be my lot to exhibit to the
public. To you, however, it belongs to say whether they
shall remain shrouded within the sanctuary of your
own breast, or stalk forth the heralds of the private trea-
son and public perjury they will proclaim infallibly to the
honest Democratic electors of South Carolina, who would
thence remove you from the chair of their assembly with
a different kind of zeal from that through which they
placed you in it. Yes, sir, I submit it to your discretion,
to keep concealed from your friends and from your coun-
try that led you to take part in our confederacy, which
you pledged yourself to me to back with all your prop-
erty, worth, as you stated, 200,000 guineas, to join and
support us at New Orleans, at the head of 2,000 to
3,000 men, to leave with me, besides your oral and writ-
ten guarantee of indemnity for all my losses, a private
cipher, the inscrutable vehicle of our correspondence ;
afterward, to commit the shabby treason of deserting from
your parent by affinity, and your sovereign in expectancy;
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and then, finally, in your letters to your Governor, to
vilify your father-in-law, and perpetrate an open perjury
by publicly denying all privity or connection with his
views or projects. Assuredly, sir, a picture of this kind,
on which I have occasionally worked during the last four
years, can not, you must imagine, be viewed by your
Democratic friends with less horror than a death's head
in a phantasmagoria ; and yet, after all my labors, I feel
no wish to exhibit it to vindicate my character in associ-
ating with Mr. Burr and yourself in the judgment of the
mobility of the low people, or to appease the impotent
vindictiveness of Mr. Jefferson and his miserable parti-
sans. The fact is, I have survived all the labors of body
and mind imposed upon me by the evil genius of Jeffer-
son and of Burr, 'except the remaining one of exposing
both.
But I must bequeath to my children and friends a
memorial of that honor, loyalty and courage, to which
you and I made our first offerings on entering into the
association, but which you did not follow with me in
the expedition ; such a. remembrance, containing sketches
of Mr. Burr's cabinet and correspondence with myself
and other associates ; the history of my interviews and
consultations with Mr. Alston, relative to Mr. Burr's
designs upon New Orleans and Mexico, with ample
references to letters and other rare and original docu-
ments, that will be lodged in Charleston or Philadelphia,
for the inspection of the curious, — the whole, sir, is now
ready for the press, but shall not be sent away for pub-
lication until you shall have failed to announce your com-
pliance with the engagements of honor herein required
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LISTEN ! 587
of you, by forwarding a credit for $15,000, payable as
before mentioned, and accompanied with your obligation,
or some other equivalent proposal, for adjusting the
balance. Now, sir, to conclude, you may gather from
what you have read, that I hold myself bound by no
obligations of secrecy to any one who has broken faith
with me, provided the disclosure work no injury to an
innocent third person. That you may have full notice, I
have no objection, in apprising you of the nature and
design of the proposed publication ; but to give you an
opportunity of keeping it out of view, by discharging
the debt of honor you have contracted, whereby, in doing
an act of justice, you will prevent the necessity of my
selling to the public that detail of infamy and falsehood
which you should exclusively purchase ; that your past
experience of my principles and temper will guarantee
the sincerity of these sentiments, and to exemplify this
assurance, I promise you, that whether the demand I have
made upon you be complied with or not, I will, at any
time after publishing my book, which shall be suppressed
or expedited by your determination, promptly attend to
any call you may think proper to make upon me.
I have to add, that I have no doubt of my book's
producing $10,000, if you do not think proper to prevent
its appearance. Should you decide in the negative, you
may rest assured I shall not, to save the trouble of smelt-
ing, abandon the ore I have extracted, with such expense
of time and labor from the mines, both dark and deep,
not, indeed, of Mexico, but of Alston, Jefferson and Burr.
I send, besides the original, a duplicate and triplicate of
this letter; namely, one directed to Columbia, one to
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588 THE BLEXNEBHASSETT PAPERS.
Charleston, and the third to Georgetown. This is done
with a view, by lessening the chances of my letters' mis-
carrying, to expedite your answer, for which I shall wait
double the time necessary to bring it to me in the regular
course of the mails.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Harman Blennebhassett.
Col. J. Alston.
The success of his new undertaking animated Blenner-
hassett in the hope of reclaiming his losses in a very
short time. Such, indeed, would have been the result
had not the war of 1812, and the embargo which fol-
lowed, put a decided check to our commercial transac-
tions. Produce, of every description, immediately fell in
price, until the commodity would scarce pay the expenses
of marketing. A bare subsistence, therefore, was all he
could promise himself, until a termination of hostilities
between the contending nations.
But misfortunes seldom come singly. It was but a
short time previous that he had heard of the fate of his
island residence, rented by him to one of his Belprd
friends, but who was afterward dispossessed by the Ken-
tucky creditor. As the beauty of the grounds had been
entirely destroyed, and the mansion itself much injured,
through carelessness and neglect, it had lost its primitive
attractions, and was now regarded as a mere convenience
in farming. In the year 1811, the tenant raised an un-
usual quantity of hemp, which was stored in one of the
wings Of the building. On a very cold night, several of
the slaves, who had been permitted to visit their Virginia
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KINDNESS. 589
friends, overturned the boat in which they were return-
ing, and one of their number was drowned. Suffering
under intense cold, they proceeded to the cellar where
the spirituous liquors were kept, to obtain the stimulus
for counteracting the ill effects of their accident. Pass-
ing through the entrance of the hemp-room, to which
the stairway led, by accident they communicated the
flame of the candle to the hemp, and, in a few moments,
the destroying element was beyond their control. Stupid
with astonishment, at the awfulness of the spectacle in
the darkness of the night, they neglected to apprise the
inmates, who would all doubtless have perished, had not
some one of them fortunately awakened in time to give
the alarm. Escaping, with nothing but their night-
clothes and a few articles of furniture, they beheld with
awe this beautiftil mansion, which, but a few years previ-
ous, had been the abode of peace and happiness, adorned
with all that could embellish or beautify its appearance,
rapidly reduced to a mass of ruins.
From Joseph S. Lewis.
Philadelphia, March 26tt, 1811.
Dear Sir : — Your favor of 27th ult. has just reached
me, and it affords me much pleasure in hearing from you.
It would be very gratifying if it were oftener. I regret
extremely that you should be thrown back by want of a
sufficient capital to work your estate to the best advan-
tage, and I should be extremely happy in offering you an
increase of the credit sometime ago granted you ; but
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540 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
even that credit is very inconvenient, in consequence of
the uncommon situation of the times. Owing to the
charter of the United States Bank having expired, and
the severance of our intercourse with England, a total
stagnation of business has occurred, and we want all our
means to make ourselves comfortable, when our stores
are overloaded with goods, etc. Tour cotton we have
not been able to sell a bale of, and our advances for you,
at this moment, are about $ 8,000. Under all these cir-
cumstances I can not encourage you to draw any further,
but certainly I will not dishonor those already drawn,
and which you have advised as payable at September and
January next, and the one to Capt. Vidal of #700, rely-
ing that you will, as early as possible, send your cotton
down to our friends at New Orleans, with orders to sell
it, or send it round here as soon as they can, as we may
meet some chance of selling it ; and you may be assured,
that whenever I can do it, I will extend the credit.
I hope you may succeed in making a sale of your
Island. I have recently heard from Mr. Woodbridge,
who was in town a few days ago, that your house on the
Island was burned down, and it happened in consequence
of Miller having stored it with hemp, which took fire
from a candle taken in by a negro woman. I most
heartily regret this circumstance, which must injure the
value of the property ; but I should conceive Miller was
liable in having done what his lease could not authorize,
making a storehouse of a dwelling. As to Alston, there
seems no chance of a recovery from him.
Your letter for Dominick I will send to him ; he con-
tinues in good health, and is improving in his studies.
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BUSINESS. 541
Mrs. L. and my family are all well. I hope you will be
able to make your arrangements in such a way as will
enable us to see personally that you and Mrs. B. are so
too. Present my best respects, and believe me ever
Yours, Jos. S. Lewis.
Philadelphia, June 2\$t> 1811.
Dear Sir: — Your favors have all been replied to." "We
have not been able to dispose of your cotton, and the
price is nominally thirteen cents. We see no better pros-
pect for what is to come, and we therefore recommend
your sending your new crop to Amory Callender, New
Orleans, with orders to sell it at once, and remit us as
soon as they can. Our political affairs do not promise
us much amendment in the article of cotton, and the
sooner, therefore, it can be turned into money the better.
Dominick is well, and improves in his studies considera-
bly. Your cotton here is still on hand.
Jos. S. Lewis & Co.
September 7th, 1811.
We see no prospect of a rise in the cotton, and would
willingly sell yours at twelve cents, if to be had, for
there is no use in keeping it. Jos. S. L.
H. Blennbrhassett, Esq.
Philadelphia, Dec. 18th, 1811.
Dear Sir : — Your esteemed favor of 19th ult., dated at
Natchez, reached us yesterday, and affords us pleasure to
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542 THE BLBNNEBHAflSBTT PAPERS.
learn th&t you and your family were recovering from
your sickness, which has been so generally fatal upon the
Mississippi this year. On the score of confidence in you,
we should not decline to accept your bills for any reason-
able sum, in addition to what we are already in advance,
but these are not times when we can do so without very
great inconvenience. Business generally is suspended,
and the usual facilities of procuring money are cut off.
In fact, two years ago, the advance of $6,000 could not
have been so inconvenient as $1,000 now. Our advance
now is about $ 18,000, and taking into view your cotton
here, and what we may receive of your next crop, the
whole will not amount to $3,600, and thiB will be a long
time first Under these circumstances, we have con-
cluded not to accept your last bill of $600 to W. Jackson
& Co., although the alternative is extremely painful to
us ; but as there seems a prospect of making sale to Mr.
Anthony, of your Island, we shall immediately write to
him, and if it should seem likely the business can be con-
cluded in a reasonable time, we will take care that your
bill shall not go back. We have given as a reason for
non-acceptance, that it is for want of advice. After
offering your cotton upon every occasion for sale, with-
out effect, and seeing no prospect of a favorable result by
keeping it longer, we have concluded to ship it to Liver-
pool, and have put it on board the ship United States,
which being intended for your interest, we have no doubt
you will approve. "With respect to the present crop, we
recommend you to direct to Messrs. Amory, Callender &
Co., to make sale of it immediately, and remit at once to
us, or, if they can not do this, to lose no time in shipping
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HOPE DAWNING. 548
it to Liverpool, consigned to Messrs. Leigh & Shellock.
Here, it will not sell for more than at New Orleans. Our
brother in New York sold a large parcel last week at 10$
cents. We see no prospect of an improvement in cotton
while the continent is shut. England has now two years
supply on hand, and unless this market is opened to her
manufactories, cotton will go down. Dominick is in
excellent health, and very contented with his situation.
With our best respects to your good lady, and our sincere
regards for yourself, we remain,
Tour friends, Jos. S. Lewis & Co.
From the House of Jos. S. Lewis $ Co.
December 1st, 1811.
Agreeably to our annual custom, we wait on you with
your account to this date, showing a balance in our favor
of 1 12,150T80V We also inclose you, on account of the
charges on your cotton, which we have shipped by the
United States, amounting to $909TVu, which is included in
the above balance. We have no reply to our letter to
Mr. J. C. Anthony, concerning the Island.
December Slst, 1811.
Your esteemed lines of 1st instant I received on Sun-
day, and should be very sorry that our private corres-
pondence should be suspended on account of the state of
our mercantile affairs. It is true, the advance is particu-
larly inconvenient just now, but I hope soon to hear of
your crop reaching New Orleans, and if your correspond-
ent there ship it at once to Liverpool, it may do well, as
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644 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
the article has risen by the last accounts, and I hope we
shipped yours by the United States at a favorable moment.
Jos. S. Lewis.
February 22d, 1812.
My dear Friend : — Tour few lines of 11th ult., accompa-
nying a letter to the house, lies before me. No circum-
stance for a long time has given me as much pain as the
necessity of staying my hand from any further uncovered
advances to you; but I am satisfied, however distressing
it may be to you, that you have correctness of mind suffi-
cient to estimate the true reason, and not feel offended at
the circumstance. Dominick is well, but has not been in
town since his Christmas holidays. I trust what the
House have proposed will meet your object, and afford
you relief. J. 8. Lewis.
H. Blenherhassett, Esq.
Philadelphia, Feb. 22d, 1812.
Dear Sir: — Your favor of 11th January has reached
us only yesterday, and its perusal has caused us some very
unpleasant feelings, in the reflection of your situation, as
you now paint it. We would willingly make any sacri-
fice in reason to help you, but the reasons which induced
the refusal of your bill still operate, and with our capital
locked up with you, and more largely in other places, we
have not the means, without great inconvenience, to ad-
vance further. The bill of $600 has gone back, and is
now too late to help it, or we would go that step further ;
but we will do this : Send your cotton to our friends at
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GOOD ADVICE. 545
New Orleans, with orders to sell the same, if it will bring
a price that you think enough, and if it will not, to ship
it immediately to Messrs. Leigh & Shellock, of Liverpool,
and you may, on its arrival at New Orleans, draw upon
us for two-thirds of whatever our friends say would prob-
ably be the net proceeds of the cotton if sold at the cur-
rent price at that time at New Orleans. This, it appears
to us, will relieve you, and, at the same time, make us a
small payment on account. Tour cotton will probably net
you 12 cents, which, on 40,000 lbs., is $4,800, two-thirds
of which is $ 3,200, which is about the sum you have
stated as being wanted by you to meet your debts and
provide for family expenses. You have never mentioned
to us what quantity of ground you hold, and the number
of your negroes which would be a satisfaction to us to
know, that in case of accident to you, these would be
something for your family, as well as for us.
We have corresponded with Mr. J. C. Anthony, and
prepared to meet him at Washington, to complete the
contract. We inclose you copies of his letters to us, by
which you will see you are very wide in your idea of the
value of the Island; we should think that money is
worth more to you than any rise in the property will ever
realize, and if he comes near your mark, should accept
the offer.
As to the removal of Dominick, on account of the cost
of his education, that is quite out of the question, and no
more need be said on that business.
It will afford us the highest gratification to learn that
the plan proposed meets your view, and will answer your
purpose.
35
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646 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
We hope for better times, which will enable you to
resume that feeling of independence which you so much
enjoy ; and, in the mean time, we remain, very sincerely,
Your friends, J. S. Lewis & Co.
H. BLENNERHASSETT ESQ.
We are informed, by his biographer,* that, after the
trial at Richmond, Colonel Burr, believing that the polit-
ical situation of Europe afforded opportunities for ac-
complishing the object he had long contemplated, of
emancipating the Spanish American colonies from the
degrading tyranny of Spain, conceived the design of
soliciting the aid of some European government in such
an undertaking, and that with these views he sailed from
New York for England on the 7th of June, 1808.
During the first three months of his residence in Lon-
don, he made various unsuccessful efforts to approach the
English Government, but there were two obstacles in the
way, both of which were insuperable. The Spaniards
were then resisting the invasion of Napoleon ; and
the enthusiasm of the British nation in favor of the
Spanish patriots, as well as the policy of the British
Government, were absolutely opposed to any scheme for
separating the colonies from Spain. "But, in addition to
this obstacle," continues his biographer, " Colonel Burr,
from the moment of his landing in England, was an
object of suspicion and distrust to the Government."
He afterward visited Edinburg, where he remained for
several months; but the suspicions of the Government
* Matthew L. Davis's Memoir of Burr, Vol. II, p. 412
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COOL TREATMENT. 547
becoming daily more aroused, he was peremptorily or-
dered back to London by Lord Melville. Here he was
seized, conveyed to Stafford Place prison, and his papers
searched. After an imprisonment of two days, he was
set at large, with orders to quit the kingdom ; but, linger-
ing for a few days, he received a more decided mandate
from Lord Liverpool to leave London on the following
day, and the kingdom in forty-eight hours.
In April, 1809, he embarked from Harwich for Gotten-
burgh. On leaving England, his future movements
seemed undetermined. He was unwilling, says his biog-
rapher, to renounce the projects which carried him to
Europe, and all hope from England being ended, he
looked next for aid to Napoleon, whose policy, from the
resistance of Spain and the preponderancy of the British
navy, was now in favor of the independence of the Span-
ish American colonies. He finally resolved to wait in
Sweden until he received advices from America, and then
proceed to Paris, to communicate with the Emperor.
From Sweden he passed through Germany to Paris, vis-
iting Hamburgh, Hanover, Saxe-Gotha, Weimar and
Frankfort. He arrived in Paris in February, 1810.
Here he made a long and unsuccessful attempt to obtain
an audience of the Emperor. He attributed his failure
to the unfavorable representations of Talleyrand and the
United States Minister. Several months of neglect and
inattention', at length, discouraged him, and he resolved
to return home. But here again an unforeseen difficulty
presented itself. On applying for a passport to the
United States, he was informed by the police that he
could not have one to go out of the empire. After four
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548 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
months' detention, during which time he had exhausted
his entire means, he addressed a memorial to Napoleon,
praying permission to return home. This also passed
without notice. He next addressed notes to Jonathan
Russell, American charge d'affaires at Paris, and Mr.
MeRae, the American Consul, for a certificate of citizen-
ship. Russell thus harshly replies : " The man who
evades the offended laws of his country ,abandons, for the
time, the right to their protection. This fugitive trovi
justice, during his voluntary exile, has a claim to no
other passport than one which shall enable him to sur-
render himself for trial for the offenses with which he
stands charged ; such a passport will Mr. Russell furnish
to Mr. Burr, but no other."
His situation seemed one of almost hopeless despair.
In his diary of November 25th, 1810, he writes: "Noth-
ing from America, and really I shall starve. Borrowed
three francs to-day. Four or five little debts keep me
constantly in alarm — altogether, about two Louis."
" December 1st, 1810. — Came in upon me this morning,
just as I was out of bed, for twenty-seven livres. Paid
him, which took literally my last 6ous. When at Denous,
thought I might as well go to Pelasgie; set off, but
recollected I owed the woman who sits in the passage
two sous for a cigar ; so turned about to pursue my way
by Pont des Arts, which was within fifty paces ; remem-
bered I had not wherewith to pay the toll, being one
sous ; had to go all the way round by the Pont Royal,
more than half a mile." *
* Davis's Memoirs of Burr, Vol. II, pp. 428-4.
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CORRESPONDENCE. 549
At length, in July, 1811, a ship being about to sail, in
ballast, he received permission to return. He arrived at
Amsterdam in August, and, after a delay of a month,
embarked for the United States ; but the vessel in which
he sailed was captured by an English frigate and carried
into Yarmouth. The Vigilant, for such was its name,
and the effects of her passengers were taken possession
of by the Government ; and as Burr had paid for his
passage, and was reduced in funds, he found it necessary
to remain for a time in England. Finally, on the 6th of
March, 1812, he sailed in the ship Aurora, and arrived in
New York in June, 1812, just four years after his depart-
ure from America.
Blennerhassett having instituted proceedings against
him at Hew Orleans, during his absence, to recover some
securities which had been pronounced available, and,
learning of his arrival, addressed him a communication .
upon the subject, when the following correspondence
occurred :
New York, March 8th, 1813.
Sir : — Your letter of the 24th January has been some
days in my hands, and I have been searching but in vain
for something to enlighten me as to the nature of the
action which you would propose to bring against Wilkins,
etc. No objection, however, occurs to me against making
the assignment you ask. When you shall inform me of
the grounds of the proposed suit, if they shall appear to
me to be well founded, and not calculated to produce a
reaction on myself, it is probable I may accede to your
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550 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
wishes without delay, not, however, with any reservation
of an interest as you have proposed.
I am, sir, your obedient, A. Burr.
To Aaron Burr.
La Cache, Port Gibson, April 16M, 1813.
Sir: — Perceiving you seem disposed to assign to me
your interest in the contract you entered into with Wil-
kins and Morrison, in 1806, provided "I can enlighten
you as to the nature of the action I would bring against
them," I hasten to acquaint you that I should prefer
suing them directly, in the character of your assignees,
for the amount of the advance you made to them, in bills
rendered negotiable by my indorsement, to the contingent
recovery I might obtain against them as garnishees in a
suit already instituted at New Orleans.
Copies of the contract, and of the receipt of Wilkins
and Morrison for* $15,000, in bills, shall be forwarded to
you, and if you think proper, without delay, to transmit
me a properly authenticated assignment of all your
claims for the above advance, and for damages on account
of the non-fulfillment of the contract, I will order the
present suit commenced against you at New Orleans to
be dismissed. As your letter of the 8th ult. appears to
have been dictated by a spirit of accommodation, permit
me now, sir, to test its character by suggesting that I
have no view " to reaction " upon you in whatever opera-
tions I may essay to obtain some indemnity for my losses.
These, Governor Alston may have stated to you, I esti-
mate at $50,000, of which his Excellency has already
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THREATS. 551
reimbursed, I believe, $12,500, and it is very probable
nothing short of the publication of my book, hitherto
postponed only by sickness, will bring me any part of
the balance so long sought in vain from his honor and
engagements. His well-earned election to the chief ex-
ecutive office of his State, and your return from Europe,
will, however, now render the publication more effective
than it would have been prior to these events, and it will
be expedited within three months from this date, if all
other means of indemnity fail within that period. I
would still agree to accept from any other source $15,000,
^in lieu of the balance I claim of $37,500, and, of course,
withhold the book, which is entitled, " A Review of the
Projects and Intrigues of Aaron Burr, during the years
1805-6-7, including therein, as parties or privies, Thos.
Jefferson, Albert Gallatin, Dr. Eustis, Gov. Alston, Dan.
Clark, Generals Wilkinson, Dearborn, Harrison, Jackson
and Smith, and the late Spanish Ambassador, ,
exhibiting original documents and correspondence hith-
erto unpublished, compiled from the notes and private
Journal, kept during the above period ; by H. Blenner-
hassett, LL. B ; " with this motto, which will find appli-
cability in every page of the book : " It is only the Phi-
losopher who knows how to mark the boundary between
celebrity and greatness."
You will now, sir, I hope, perceive distinctly upon
what terms I would execute a general acquittance to
Gov. Alston and yourself. I have long since abandoned
every chance of reimbursement from either of you, un-
less I should succeed in forcing the object through the
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552 THE BLENNBRHASSBTT PAPERS.
alarms of his Excellency, or the fears and interest of other
characters. I have only to add, respecting those of Wil-
kins and Morrison, who have pocketed the money with-
out a consideration, that as an action would not lie by
me against them., the credit having moved from you to
them, after it had passed from me to you, it is therefore
I have applied for the assignment desired, which would
enable me to sue them directly, which I should prefer to
continuing the suit now pending against yourself. Be
pleased, sir, to inform me whether Gen. Jackson is or is
not indebted to you in a balance of $1,726T6&, as is stated
on the face of an open account in his own hand-writing.
While he was here with his militia, I had him summoned
as a garnishee to the Circuit Court of Adams county,
where having made default, if he does not personally ap-
pear at the next October term, I understand judgment
will go against him for $5,000, that being the sum sworn
to in the affidavit on which the attachment was issued.
From, sir, your obedient servant,
H. Blennerhassett.
From Mr. Emmett.
New York, August 24*A, 1815.
Dear Blennerhassett : — I hope, and am willing to
believe, that a letter I wrote you now some four or five
years since, and which remains unanswered, was never
received by you. It was directed in the same way as
this, and the uncertainty of its fate makes me wish I
knew a more safe and sure direction. I can not, how-
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T. A. EMMETT. 553
ever, permit the inclosed,* which I have recently received
from Ireland, to go forward without accompanying it hy
a few words from myself.
Mr. Berwick has written to me also, and so far as I can
judge, considering your situation, and the almost impos-
sibility of your pursuing your claim, I think the proposal
contained in his letter very advantageous. It is very sel-
dom that an opportunity occurs here of learning any par-
ticulars respecting individuals in your part of the world ;
but I have been led to hope that you have found it pleas-
ant and profitable to yourself and family ; and I assure
you few persons would more rejoice at your prosperity
than myself.
Mrs. Emmett presents her best compliments to you,
and joins in sincere regards with, dear Blennerhassett,
Yours affectionately, Thos. Addis Emmett.
* The letter inclosed by Mr. Emmett, was from Mr. Berwick, a solicitor
in Dublin, who was engaged to collect information respecting a property
in Ireland, called the Bawn estate, to which Blennerhassett was entitled
in right of his descent from the Harman family.
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554 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
CHAPTER XV.
Mobt, if not all, of the characters involved in the en-
terprise of Burr have passed from the theater of life;
their acts are left to the anxious scrutiny of an impartial
posterity. The sanctity of the sepulcher should cover
their remains with the mantle of charity. But an ac-
count of the origin, and a relation of the circumstances
attending the event, may not be unacceptable to the
readers of the present day, and will prove a theme of
historical interest to those who follow us.
The disaffection which had existed in the West, al-
though greatly diminished by the failure of the designs
of the French minister, had never been entirely recon-
ciled. The zeal of the Spanish emissaries received but a
temporary check in the abortive attempt of Wilkinson
and Miro. Wilkinson was yet a pensioner of Spain, and
an officer of rank in the American army. Miro had been
gratified in his long-cherished wish to return to the
mother country, and the Baron de Carondelet had suc-
ceeded to the government.
In the year 1795, Governor Gayoso ascended the Mis-
sissippi with a detachment of the King's troops, destined
to erect and garrison the fort of San Fernando de las
Barancas. Thence he proceeded to New Madrid, and
held an interview with Don Thomas Portell relative to
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PLANS. 555
the affaire of the western country. It was resolved
to send Thomas Power with important dispatches to
General Wilkinson. Power had twice before been in-
trusted with similar important missions. In 1794, he had
penetrated Kentucky as a Spanish spy on the movements
of Genet, and had also accompanied the* captive Span-
iards, who had robbed and murdered Owen, the bearer
of six thousand dollars from the Spanish Government to
Wilkinson, it being the pension granted by the Court at
Madrid to him and other Spanish- American emissaries in
Kentucky.
Power proceeded up the river in a pirogue, as far as
Red Banks, whence he diverged across the country to
Cincinnati, and, after numerous delays, occasioned by
sickness, reached Lexington on the 8th of October. Here
he found Wilkinson, to whom he delivered his dispatches
and the verbal messages which had not been committed
to writing. As yet, Power had been but partially admit-
ted to the secret, but Wilkinson now disclosed the whole
design, which embraced a separation of the Western
from the Eastern States.
As a means of effecting this, among other plans, it was
proposed that the mouth of the Ohio should be formida-
bly fortified ; that the works to be erected should be of
sufficient strength to arrest the progress of an army for
an entire campaign ; that in its construction Kentuckians
only were to be employed — this, it was presumed, would
dissipate national prejudices and patronize the citizens of
the respective governments. The manufacture of neces-
sary ordnance was to be carried on in the district of
Kentucky. The establishment of a bank, with a capital
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556 THE BLENNBRHA88ETT PAPERS.
of one million of dollars, the directors of which were to
be chosen from the most distinguished and leading men
of the country, was expected to wield an irresistible influ-
ence over the public councils and private sentiments of
the Territory. Money was to be conveyed by packing it
in barrels of coffee or sugar, unknown to the parties
transporting it, and effectually concealing it from public
observation. Under no circumstances was the fort of
San Fernando to be surrendered by Spain, as such an act
would lessen her importance and invite the rapacity of
the American Government. As the seeds of approaching
rupture had already been sown, it was important that
additional fortifications should be erected, and an in-
creased number of Spanish agents distributed through
the disaffected districts, with a sufficiency of funds for
any and every emergency. General Clark and his ad-
herents, who were involved in the intrigues of the French
and in the pay of the French Republic, were to be trans-
ferred to the service of Spain, with promises of greater
emoluments, and equal participation in benefits. New
Madrid was designated as a depositary for the munitions
of war, of which an adequate supply was to be kept
always on hand.
Power was directed by Wilkinson to proceed to the
French settlement, at Gallipolis, to sound the disposition
of the people, who, it was conjectured, were favorable to
the measure, and were willing to proclaim their inde-
pendence whenever, by concert of action, on the part of
other districts, the act should be deemed available. From
thence he was to proceed to Red Bank, where he should
meet Sebastian, Innis, Murray and Nicholas, whom he
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HOSPITALITY. 567
was to convey to the mouth of the Ohio, where Gayoso
was in waiting to receive them.
Having performed this mission, Power again reached
New Madrid, where, purchasing a pirogue for the accom-
modation of his companions, toward the beginning of
December, he set off for the Red Banks.
On his arrival he found Sebastian only, as Innis had
been detained at home through indisposition; Nicholas,
through fear that his absence from court might occasion
suspicion ; and Murray, in consequence of his habits of
dissipation, rendering him incompetent for business.
Sebastian had already engaged a passage in a flat-boat,
and the two set out for the mouth of the Ohio. Here
they found Gayoso encamped on the opposite bank of
the river, where he had been amusing himself in con-
structing a small triangular fort, more for the purpose
of eluding suspicion than from any necessity the occasion
demanded. Wilkinson's dispatch, in cipher, was delivered
by Power to Gayoso ; a conference between Sebastian and
himself was held ; and, after a detention of several days
by rain, the whole party descended to Natchez, where
they were hospitably entertained by Gayoso at the Gov-
ernment House.
Sebastian had been invested with plenary powers to
co-operate with Gayoso in perfecting the plans of Wil-
kinson and his Spanish associates. Power proceeded in
advance to New Orleans, whither he was soon followed
by the Governor and Sebastian.
The succeeding spring, the latter, accompanied by
Power, sailed for Philadelphia, to reconnoiter the route
across the Alleganies. Proceeding as far as Shippens-
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658 THE BLBNNBRHAS8BTT PAPERS.
burg, they placed their baggage in a wagon, and con-
tinued their journey to Red Stone on foot. Here they
embarked in a flat, bound to Cincinnati, where they
arrived about the middle of May. At this point the two
separated, Sebastian descending to Louisville and Power
proceeding to Greenville, then the head-quarters of Wil-
kinson.
Wilkinson had but recently learned of the arrival, at
New Madrid, of a large sum of money, forwarded from
the authorities in Louisiana, and requested Power to pro-
ceed immediately thither, and have the same safely
delivered in Kentucky. Power, having satisfactorily
performed the mission, by delivering it to Philip Nolan,
the accredited agent of the General, returned to New
Orleans. *
But Power was not destined long to remain inactive.
He had proven himself an adroit and energetic agent,
and stood high in the estimation of the Spanish Govern-
ment. In 1797, he was again intrusted with a similar
mission to Kentucky. Among others, he presented his
scheme to George Nichols, an attorney at Lexington,
who, Wilkinson had informed him, was favorable to
Spanish interest. But no sooner had he disclosed his
designs than Nichols rebuked him for his impertinence,
and spurned the idea of receiving foreign gold. Power,
finding but little encouragement in Kentucky, sought an
interview with Wilkinson, then at Detroit. He was
received by the General with cold civility; nay, with
haughty abruptness. This was in public. In* private he
• Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol. II, Appendix No. 46.
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INSTRUCTIONS. 669
whispered, " we are both lost, without being able to de-
rive any advantage from your journey." Rumor had
connected him with the Spanish intrigue. Power was
known as a Spanish spy, and Wilkinson had been often
observed in conference with him. His complicity with
the authorities of Louisiana had been the subject of a
communication from Wayne to Washington; and Elli-
cott, the commissioner, was instructed to watch him.
Through the medium of a person in the service of the
Governor-General, Ellicott had learned of the mission of
Power, and of the instructions with which he was
charged. As they disclose a plan similar, in many re*
spects, to that of Burr, and as there is now but little
doubt that it was, at least, suggestive, it is here inserted
for future illustration. After stating the ostensible object
of his visit to be the adjustment of the difficulties and
securing the delay of the Spanish Government, in sur-
rendering to the United States of the forts of Walnut
Hills and Natchez, under the second article of the treaty,
Of which fortifications Wilkinson had previously advised
the Baron de Carondolet he was preparing to take forci-
ble possession, the instructions proceed :
" The second object of your commission, which no one
must penetrate, and for which reason you must retain in
your memory, is to sound and examine the disposition of
the people of the Western States, whose militia, it is
reported to me, has received orders to march on the
first advice ; and, in case that be true, you will inform the
commandant of New Madrid of it, by the first oppor-
tunity you find. But, in order not to render yourself
3U8pected, you will content yourself with putting the
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560 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
date of your letter at the bottom, and will only treat of
indifferent subjects. If hostile preparations are making,
you will put before your signature a stroke like that
which freemasons use, and which you see at the bottom
of this letter ; the number of dots above will designate
that of thousand men, and that below, the hundreds of
which this expedition is to be composed. You will point
out the number of pieces of artillery by a number of
points placed in your flourish, according to your custom,
the points on the left signifying tens, and those on the
right units. This letter will be immediately sent me by
the commandant of New Madrid, in consequence of the
orders I shall give him. On your journey, you will give
to understand adroitly, to those persons to- whom you
will have an opportunity of speaking, that the delivery
of the p9sts, which the Spaniards occupy on the Missis-
sippi, to the troops of the United States, is directly op-
posed to the interests of those on the West, who, as they
must one day separate from the Atlantic States, would
find themselves without any communication with Lower
Louisiana, from whence they ought to expect to re-
ceive powerful succor in artillery, arms, ammunition and
money, either publicly or secretly, as soon as ever the
Western States shall determine on a separation, which
must insure their prosperity and their independence ; that
for this same reason, Congress is resolved on risking
every thing to take these posts from Spain ; and that it
would be forging fetters for themselves to furnish it with
militia and means which it can only find in the Western
States. These same reasons diffused abroad, by means
of the public papers, might make the strongest impres-
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ANTICIPATIONS. 561
sion on the people, and induce them to throw off the
yoke of the Atlantic States ; but, at the very least, if we
are able to dissuade them from taking part in this expe-
dition, I doubt whether the States could give law to us,
with such troops alone as they have now on foot.
"Ifa hundred thousand dollars, distributed in Ken-
tucky, could cause it to rise in insurrection, I am very
certain that the minister, in the present circumstances,
would sacrifice them with pleasure ; and you may, with-
out exposing yourself too much, promise them to those
who enjoy the confidence of the people, with another
equal sum to arm them, in case of necessity, and twenty
pieces of field artillery. You will arrive without danger,
as bearer of dispatches for the General, where the army
may be, whose force, discipline and dispositions you will
examine with care ; and you will endeavor to discover,
with your natural penetration, the General's disposition.
I doubt that a person of his character would prefer,
through vanity, the advantage of commanding the army
of the Atlantic States to that of being the founder, the
liberator, in fine, the Washington, of the Western States.
His part is as brilliant as it is easy. All eyes are drawn
toward him. He possesses the confidence of his fellow-
citizens and of the Kentucky volunteers. At the slight-
est movement the people will name him the General of
the New Republic ; his reputation will raise an army for
him, and Spain, as well as Prance, will furnish him the
means of paying it. On taking Fort Massac, we will
send him, instantly, arms and artillery; and Spain, limit-
ing herself to the possession of the forts of Natchez and
Walnut Hills, as far as Fort Confederation, will cede to
36
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562 THE BLBNNERHASSETT PAPERS.
the Western States all the eastern bank to the Ohio,
which will form a very extensive and powerful republic,
connected by its situation and by its interest with Spain,
which, in concert with it, will force the savages to become
a party to it, and to confound themselves in time with its
citizens. The public is disconcerted with the new taxes ;
Spain and France are enraged at the connections of the
United States with England ; the army is weak and de-
voted to Wilkinson; the threats of Congress authorize
me to succor, on the spot and openly, the Western States ;
money will not then be wanting to me, for I shall send,
without delay, a ship to Vera Cruz in search of it, as
well as of ammunition. Nothing more will consequently
be required but an instant of firmness and resolution to
make the people of the West perfectly happy. If they
suffer this instant to escape them, and that we should be
forced to deliver up the posts, Kentucky and Tennessee,
surrounded by the said posts, and without communica-
tion with Lower Louisiana, will ever remain under the
oppression of the Atlantic States.
" If you represent forcibly these reasons to Wilkinson,
Sebastian, La Casagne, etc., and if you diffuse these no-
tions among the people, gaining by promises, which shall
be fully realized, the best writers, as Breckenridge and
others, you will be able to effect the most fortunate and
most glorious commotion ; you will cover yourself with
glory, and you may expect the most brilliant fortune ; if,
on the contrary, you should fail in this commission, it
will not deprive me of the opportunity of obtaining for
you, from the minister, an appointment which will render
you independent of hatred or jealousy."
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RECEDING. 568
When Wilkinson, therefore, found himself publicly
approached by Power, he conceived it prudent to dissem-
ble, to cast from himself any suspicions which this visit
of Power might have occasioned. Hence he informed
him that the Executive had given orders to the Governor
of the North-West Territory to arrest him, and send him
to Philadelphia; that there was no other resource of
escape but by permitting himself to be conducted under
guard to Fort Massac, and from thence to New Madrid.
With reference to the Baron's instructions he said, that
the project was chimerical ; that the inhabitants of the
Western States, having obtained by treaty all they de-
sired, would not wish to form any other political or com-
mercial alliances ; that they had no motive for separating
themselves from the interests of the other states of the
Union, even if France and Spain should make them the
most advantageous offers; that the fermentation which
had existed four years back was then appeased ; that the
depredations and vexations which American commerce
suffered from the French privateers had inspired them
with an implacable hatred for their nation ; that some
of the Kentuckians had proposed to him to raise three
thousand men to invade Louisiana, in case war should be
declared between the United States and Spain ; that the
latter had no other course to pursue, under the circum-
stances, but comply with the recent treaty which he de-
clared had overturned all his plans, and rendered useless
the labors of more than ten years. As for himself he
had destroyed his ciphers, and burned his correspondence
with the Spanish Government ; that duty and honor did
not permit him to continue it, and that the Governor of
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564
THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Louisiana ought not to be apprehensive of his abusing
the confidence which he had placed in him. He added,
that Spain, by delivering up to the United States the ter-
ritory of Natchez, might, perhaps, name him governor
of it, and that then he would not want opportunities to
take more effectual measures to comply with his political
projects.*
These facts disclose the continued complicity of Wil-
kinson with the Spanish Government, long after his ap-
pointment as Brigadier-General of the American forces
in the "West, and at and after the death of Wayne, upon
which event he became Commander-in-chief.
A descent upon Mexico, on the part of many of the
Spanish American settlers, was a subject of secret agita-
tion during a period of years prior to the cession of
Louisiana to France. "The emigration from the west-
ern part of the United States," writes Don Luis de Pefl-
alvert y Cardenas, Bishop of Louisiana, in 1799, " and
the toleration of our government, have introduced into
this colony a gang of adventurers who have no religion,
and acknowledge no God. They have made much worse
the morals of our people, by their coming in contact with
their trading pursuits."
" The adventurers I speak of have scattered themselves
over the districts of Attakapas, Opelonsas, Ouachita and
Natchitoches, in the vicinity of the province of Texas, in
New Spain; they employ the Indians on their farms,
have frequent intercourse and conversation with them,
and impress their minds with pernicious maxims, in har-
* Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol. II, p. 54.
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PRECAUTIONS. 566
mony with their own restless and ambitious temper, and
with the customs of their own western countrymen, who
are in the habit of saying to such of their boys as are
distinguished for a robust frame, while patting them on
the shoulder, l you will be the man to go to Mexico.9 "*
Since the year 1785, the United States had aimed at
taking possession of Natchez and all the Territory which
had been assigned to them by the treaty of 1783. Spain
had persistently opposed the measure, and, through her
emissaries in the western provinces of the Union, and her
protracted negotiations, had succeeded in suspending the
hostilities with which she was afterward threatened.
Until the year 1797, she successfully eluded the claims
of the American Government, when she was compelled
to accede to its demands, in order not to expose herself
to the loss of the whole of Louisiana.
As the Americans had now become in possession of
the new frontiers, it became more than ever urgent to
secure to the Spanish Government an effectual barrier
for the protection of Mexico. There were two ways sug-
gested by which this object was to be accomplished ; f
first, to establish in Louisiana a population sufficiently
large to defend her against any aggression ; second, to
form a union with Kentucky and the other districts of
the "West, with the obligation, on their part, to serve as a
rampart against the United States.
* Gayarre's Hist. Louisiana, Vol. Ill, p. 408.
f M. de Pontalba to the First Consul of the French Republic. — Gayarre,
VoL III, p. 410.
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566 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
In a memoir addressed to the First Consul of Prance,
by M. de ]jontalba, who had been directed to collect in-
formation on the resources of Louisiana, he says : " All
this proves that the only commercial outlet for their pro-
duce is the Mississippi ; that Louisiana can never cease to
be the object of their ambition, as they depend on her in
the most absolute manner ; that their position, the num-
ber of their population, and their other means, will ena-
ble them to invade this province whenever they may
choose to do so ; and that, to preserve her, it is necessary
to conciliate and control them by keeping up intelligences
with the most influential men among them, and to grant
them privileges until this province be sufficiently strong
to defend herself with her own resources against the tor-
rent which threatens her. Should its waters be let loose,
there is no doubt but that they would sweep every thing
on their passage ; for the Kentuckians, single-handed, or
allied with the inhabitants of the neighboring districts,
may, when they choose, reach New Orleans with twenty
or thirty thousand men, transferred on large flat-boats,
which they are in the daily habit of constructing, to carry
their produce to market, and, protected by a few gun-
boats, loaded with more provision than they need. The
rapidity of the current of the Ohio, and of the other
waters which discharge themselves into it, makes it an
easy undertaking ; and the paucity of their wants would
accelerate its execution. A powder-horn, a bag of balls,
a rifle, and a sufficient provision of flour — this would be
the extent of their military equipment. A great deal of
skill in shooting, the habit of being in the woods and of
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EXPECTATIONS. 567
enduring fatigue — this is what makes up for every de-
ficiency." *
Again, he remarks, " what entitles Louisiana to pecu-
liar attention is the fact of her being a port in the Gulf
of Mexico, where no other power than Spain has any ;
but what gives her still more value is, her position in
relation to the kingdom of Mexico, whose natural barrier
is the Mississippi.
" It is necessary to make this barrier an impenetrable
one. It is the surest means of destroying forever the
bold schemes with which several individuals in the United
States never cease filling the newspapers, by designating
Louisiana as the high road to the conquest of Mexico,
particularly ever since the occurring of differences with
regard to its limits."
Pontalba advised that peace should be observed be-
tween France and the United States ; for otherwise the
inhabitants of the West would precipitate themselves
upon Louisiana, and wrest it by force from the dominion
of France. This, he declared, had been the policy of
Spain since 1797. " It was assisted in this policy," he
says, " by a powerful inhabitant of Kentucky ,f who pos-
sesses much influence with his countrymen, and enjoys
great consideration for the services he has rendered the
cause of liberty when occupying high grades in the army
of the United States; who, from that time, has never
ceased to serve Spain in all her views, and who will put
the same zeal at the command of France, because he thinks,
* Gayarre's History of Louisiana, Vol. Ill, p. 410.
t General Wilkinson.
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with reason, that an intimate union between her and
Louisiana is more advantageous to his country, Ken-
tucky, than its present relation with the United States." *
M. de Pontalba discloses the fact that he also had been
in secret conference with Wilkinson, who had imparted
to the French agent his knowledge of the policy and
designs of Spain, and his own complicity with the Span*
ish authorities. " This individual," he continues, " whose
name I shall not mention, in order not to expose him,
but which I shall make known when his services are
wanted, came to New Orleans in 1787. He informed the
Spanish Government of the state of things then existing
in Kentucky and the adjoining districts, and of the efforts
which the inhabitants of those provinces were making to
obtain their independence and the free navigation of the
Mississippi. He also declared that there was a general
disposition among the people to place themselves under
the protection of Spain, should Congress refuse to do
justice to their claim.
" It is on that refusal that this inhabitant of Kentucky
had founded all his hopes, and, in that case, he had .
offered to declare himself the vassal of his Catholic Ma-
jesty. He proceeded as such to give information of all
that the inhabitants of that region would undertake for
or against Louisiana, in order to increase our strength.
It was with this disposition he went back."
In a note at the bottom of the manuscript he adds :
** Four times, from 1786 to 1792, propositions were made
to Kentucky and Cumberland to attack Louisiana; and
* Gayarre's History of Louisiana, Vol. Ill, p. 414
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WILKINSON. 509
every time this same individual caused them to fail,
through his influence over his countrymen. I make
these facts known to show that France must not neglect to
enlist this individual in her service" *
A minute detail of events, which occurred subsequent
to these transactions, and prior to the organization of the
Burr expedition, belongs more particularly to the province
of history. Taken in connection with the facts afterward
developed, they point unerringly to Wilkinson, as the
author of that famed event. From the year 1787 to
within a brief period preceding the movements of Burr,
he has been shown to have been closely allied to the in-
terests of the Spanish crown. He had not only secretly
advocated disunion, but was undoubtedly a pensioner of
the Spanish Court. From his intimacy with the affairs
of Louisiana, and the designs of Spain and the French
Republic, his intelligence upon all subjects involving the
interests of either, was seldom surpassed by those of their
own officials. A life of restless activity, an intimacy with
the inhabitants, both of the western country and Lou-
isiana ; a thorough knowledge of the topography of the
country and the routes which penetrated the Spanish
dominions ; a lust for power and position, with an unholy
ambition for wealth, at the sacrifice even of honor, in-
tegrity and patriotism; a cultivated talent for intrigue
and a dissembler in national diplomacy, with a spirit of
adventure, which time had not subdued, and surrounded
by restless spirits, to whom war was preferable to repose,
he stood unrivaled as a leader of predatory incursions
and revolutionary leagues.
Gayarre's History of Louisiana, Vol. O, p. 414.
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570 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
He was known to be the intimate friend and companion
of Burr. They had served in the revolutionary strug-
gles together. On the fatal occasion of the fall of Ham-
ilton, he had been among the first to rally to the support
of the declining popularity of his early associate. He
had spent the winter preceding the close of Burr's Vice-
Presidency, at Washington, and secured his agency in
procuring the governorship of Louisiana. He had held
secret counsels with him, introduced to his acquaintance
many of his personal friends, and, as Burr repeatedly
alleged, detailed to him all the information he possessed
respecting Mexico, and pointed out the facilities which
would probably be offered by the inhabitants in effecting
a revolution. As has been related in a former chapter,
on his first visit to the West, Burr visited Wilkinson, by
whom he was most graciously received, and furnished
with letters of introduction to many of the energetic and
influential characters of the South and West.
The project of a dismemberment of the Union, and the
annexation of the trans- Allegany Territory to Louisiana,
can not therefore be said to have originated with Burr.
It was a subject of almost constant agitation in the coun-
try for more than fifteen years prior to his undertaking,
and, at one time, embraced many leading supporters in
the West. Nor was the invasion of Mexico a startling
proposition, now for the first time advanced, for it too
had its advocates, and preceding the purchase of Louis-
iana, by the United States, might have been successfully
carried into execution.
There was another scheme, however, which had but
recently before been originated, and which, perhaps, aided
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' MIRANDA. 571
more than all others in giving it vitality and setting it
on foot.
The provinces of South America had long felt a desire
to resist the authority of Spain. Miranda, a bold and
energetic leader, with other of his fellow-patriots, had
conceived the design of overthrowing the Spanish dy-
nasty, and establishing, on its ruins, an independent
republic. He hoped to procure, as allies, in this hercu-
lean undertaking, both the United States and Great
Britain. With that view, he visited this country, in
1797-'8, and sought the acquaintance of the most distin-
guished Americans. Knox and Hamilton, who stood
high in influence and official station, favored his project.
He afterward proceeded to England, and presented
himself to the British ministry. They entered into his
views. The proposition was that the United States
should furnish ten thousand troops, and, in that event,
the British Government agreed to supply the necessary
funds and ships to carry on the expedition. From sev-
eral communications addressed by Miranda to General
Hamilton, it appears that the auxiliary land forces were
to be exclusively American, and that of the navy, Eng-
lish. The enterprise would, doubtless, have proceeded,
had not the elder Adams, who was at that time Presi-
dent, declined entering into the arrangement.
At the period of the commencement of the expedition,
various favorable circumstances rendered the undertak-
ing apparently auspicious. The difficulties with Spain,
before alluded to; the restlessness and disaffection of
many of the officers and soldiers of the regular army in
the West, who had become tired of a life of inactivity
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672 THE BLENNERHA83BTT PAPERS.
and ease, where there were no amusements to while
away their vacant hourH, nor fields of battle from whence
to pluck the never-fading laurels of conquest ; a lack of
harmony, not only between the civil and military author-
ities, but in the ranks of the military themselves ; all
these considerations might well have flattered Burr that
the fates were favorable to the adventurer. " Indeed, I
fear treachery has become the order of the day/' writes
General Jackson to Claiborne. "There is something
rotten in the state of Denmark," The facetious McKee,
in a communication to "Wilkinson, remarks: — "Your
letter found me far gone in the blue devils, doubting
whether I had better expatriate myself, and try my for-
tunes amid the storm now gathering in Europe ; how-
ever, nil disperandum Teucro duce auspice Teucro. I'll
remain here till X'mas."
An extensive correspondence with various distinguished
characters of the country, assured Burr of their counte-
nance and co-operation, in the event of a war with Spain.
Wilkinson writes him, under date of October, 1805 : " I
fear Miranda has taken the bread out of your mouth."
"Wilkinson's regular force consisted only of about six
hunded men, around which the followers of Burr were
to form. These, in fact, were the only disciplined corps
relied on. It is said the commander had pledged him-
self to strike the blow, whenever it should be deemed
expedient. All that was wanting, with him, was a pre-
text for the commencement of hostilities against Spain.
" On his suggestion, Daniel Clark twice visited the coun-
try. He held conferences, and effected arrangements, with
many of the principal military officers, who engaged to
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ihtrigue. 578
favor the Revolution. The Catholic Bishop, resident at
New Orleans, was also consulted, and prepared to pro-
mote the enterprise. He designated the priests of the
order of Jesuits as suitable agents, and they were accord-
ingly employed. The bishop was an intelligent and
social man. He had been in Mexico, and spoke with
great freedom of the disaffection of the clergy in South
America. The religious establishments of the country
were not to be molested. Madam Xavier Taijcon, su-
perior of the Urauline nuns at New Orleans, was in the
secret. Some of the sisterhood were also employed in
Mexico. So far as any decision had been formed, the
landing was to have been effected at Tampteo." *
Daniel Clark engaged to advance, for the purpose of
the expedition, $50,000; but, being disappointed, was
unable to furnish it. Murray, the British Plenipotentiary,
resident in the United States, was consulted on the sub-
ject. He communicated to his Government the project
of Burr. Col. "Williamson, the brother of Lord Balgray,
was dispatched to England on the business; and, from
the manner of his reception and the encouragement he
received, it was expected that a British naval squadron
would have been furnished for the enterprise.
But of all the devices which his ingenuity suggested,
there was none so startling as his intrigue with the Span-
ish minister. Spain, although having surrendered her
dominion in Louisiana to France, who, in turn, had ceded
that Territory to the United States, still held possessions in
Florida. She yet cherished her old resentments against
* Davis's Memoirs of Burr, Vol. II, p. 382.
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574 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
the American Government, and would have willingly co-
operated to effect a severance of the Union. A protracted
and angry correspondence between the plenipotentiaries
of both governments had given rise to much acrimony
of feeling ; and an open rupture, if not an immediate
resort to arms, seemed almost inevitable. It was at this
juncture of affairs that Burr, having become familiar
with her former intrigues through Wilkinson, dispatched
De Pestre, his confidential agent, to Yrujo, the Spanish
minister, offering the services of himself and followers to
the cause of the Spanish crown. Proposals were made
that Spain should furnish the means and arms, while the
forces were to be supplied by Burr.
Yrujo, however, learning, in the mean time, that so far
from aiding the cause of his Spanish master, it was
merely a device to procure the means and arms to wrest
from the possession of the crown its possession in Mexico,
withdrew his aid before the negotiations were entirely
completed.
" This evening," says Blennerhassett, " De Pestre spent
an hour with me, which was passed in a more detailed
view of his past concerns with Burr. He gave me a de-
scription of the manners and character of Yrujo, who
is reconfirmed in his embassy to this country, in spite of
all the efforts of the Government for his removal. This
minister is, according to De Pestrc's portrait of him, a
shrewd politician, who pierced the cobweb tissue of
Burr's intrigue with him at a single glance. Though he
assured De Pestre, who was charged in Kentucky, last
October, with a special mission to him, that had Burr
opened his designs with frankness, and really projected
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MISREPRESENTATIONS. 575
a severance of the Union, and nothing hostile to the
Spanish provinces, he, Burr, might have had an easy
resort to the Spanish treasury and its arsenals, while his
confidence would have been safely lodged in the honor
of a Spanish nobleman. But Yrujo laughed at the awk-
wardness with which Burr endeavored to make his de-
sign on Mexico, and expressed his concern for De Pestre's
having lost his time in such a service."
Burr was much mortified and annoyed at the penetra-
tion of his intended victim, and at the time of his em-
barrassments on the Mississippi, by Wilkinson, declared,
in the presence of Smith and Blennerhassett, that De
Pestre should be hung for his ineffectual negotiations.
Twice, as we have seen, Burr visited the "West. Wher-
ever he went he spoke disrespectfully of the Government
of his country, with the view to facilitate the consumma-
tion of his own designs. He represented it as destitute
of energy to support or defend our national rights against
foreign enemies, and of a spirit to maintain our national
character ; that, in fact, we had no character at home or
abroad. To those in whom he confided, he asserted, that
all men of property and influence were dissatisfied with
its arrangements, because they were not in a proper situ-
ation, to which they were entitled ; that with five hun-
dred men he could effect a revolution, by which he could
send the President to Monticello, intimidate Congress
and take the government of the United States into his
own hands ; that the people of the Union had so little
knowledge of their rights, and so slight an inclination to
maintain them, that they would tamely acquiesce in this
shameful usurpation. This was addressed to the inhab-
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576 THE BLENNERHA8SETT PAPERS.
itants of the East. In the West, lie sought to arouse
their old and long-cherished prejudices. He told them
they were in a state of colonial dependence on the Atlan-
tic States, and annually paid millions to the Government,
from which they derived no benefit, nor received protec-
tion, in return. He urged that a severance of the Union
was necessary, and must inevitably take place ; that this
would not be effected by the operation of natural or of
moral and political causes, but as determined by a chain
of events ; that the destiny of the Republic was fixed,
and that this resolution would be accomplished in less
than two years. To the world at large, and to those with
whom he had not tampered, the object of his enterprise
was held forth as a settlement of the Bastrop lands. To
some, intimations were dropped of an approaching rupture
with Spain, against whose provinces the expedition was
intended; and the conquest of Mexico was alluded to.
To a few only his real design was developed ; but to all,
he said, there was a great scheme in view ; that the en-
terprise was a just and honorable one, known and ap-
proved by the Government, in which the co-operation
of the army was to be expected, in which great wealth
was to be acquired, and that if would be fully disclosed
at the proper time.
Such were the preparations : — a plan well matured, and
auguring success, in the event of a war with Spain ; for
upon this event alone, let it be remembered, had his prin-
cipal force consented to join the expedition. As soon,
however, as intelligence had been received, that such sat-
isfaction had been rendered, on the part of the Spanish
Government, as to obviate the necessity of a resort to
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LOSING GROUND. 577
arms, many of the warmest advocates of the plan aban-
doned their former designs, and turned their attention to
scenes less dazzling but more productive of substantial
enjoyment. " I had written a great deal," says McKee,
" about recruiting in Tennessee, about cutting and slash-
ing and packing dollars, and enjoying otium cum digni-
tate, but * all our differences being settled with Spain9 knocks
all my Utopia to the devil ! "
Burr had dreamed too long of the wealth and splendor
of the halls of the Montezumas, to resign their captivat-
ing pleasures for the tamer scenes of a government in
which he was becoming daily more unpopular; and
which, he now conceived, viewed his actions with un-
grateful suspicions. For years had he cherished the
hope of investing himself with the regal power of that
ancient kingdom, and transmitting its crown to his latest
posterity. For the realization of this, had he sacrificed
the comforts of home; traversed the States to the ex-
tremes of Florida ; often traveling through pathless wil-
dernesses, sometimes without shelter, and occasionally
without food, alluring to his standard men of every
grade, prompted by every motive of action.
Confident of the aid of Wilkinson, and the forces un-
der his command, he continued his exertions, after every
prospect of a war with Spain had ceased. Whatever
motive may have influenced the subsequent conduct of
that officer, there is but little doubt that he had given
Burr the most indubitable assurance of his firm adhesion.
In the vagueness of conjecture, charity would, indeed,
suggest such reasons for the change, as usually actuates
the soldier and the patriot; but, unfortunately opposed
37
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578 THE BLENNEHHASSBTT PAPERS.
to this conclusion, is his demand of the Spanish viceroy,
of the sum of two hundred thousand dollars, " for great
pecuniary sacrifices, in defeating Burr's plans, and, Leon-
idas-like, throwing himself in the pass of Therm opyte."
Notwithstanding the suspicions with which his move-
ments were observed by the Government, the acts of the
Ohio legislature, and his arrest in Kentucky, Burr still
persisted in his measures, giving confidence to his follow-
ers by his unflinching determination. Even the procla-
mation of the President, and of the several Governors
within the respective States and Territories along his
route, could not deter him. But, when he was informed
that the measures adopted by the government for his
arrest were through the advice and at the instance of
"Wilkinson ; that he had not only proved treacherous by
exposing the scheme and magnifying its object, but was
the chosen instrument for his arrest ; that courage, which
had before characterized his actions, completely aban-
doned him ; then, and not till then, did he sink under
the accumulated difficulties which beset his path.
He was arrested, tried and acquitted, "but his country
refused to believe him innocent. Though stout old Trux-
ton had testified in his favor ; though Jackson had seen
nothing wrong in Burr's project, the popular voice con-
tinued to regard him as a traitor, whom accident alone
had prevented from dismembering the Union.
" The real secret of the popular belief is to be found in
the character of Burr. In him, the elements which make
great and good men were strangely mixed up with those
which we may suppose the spirits of evil to pride them-
selves. He was brave, affable, munificent, of indomitable
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JEFFERSON. 579
energy, of signal perseverance. In his own person, he
combined two opposite natures. He was studious, but
insinuating; dignified, yet seductive. Success did not
intoxicate, nor reverse dismay him. Turning to the other
aspect of his character, these great qualities sunk to
insignificance, beside his evil ones. He was profligate in
morals, public and private ; selfish and artful ; a master
in dissimulation, treacherous, cold-hearted. Subtle, in-
triguing, full of promise, he shot upwards in popularity,
with astonishing velocity; but a skeptic in honesty, a
scorncr of all things noble and good, he failed to secure
the public confidence, and fell headlong from his dizzy
eminence. Here lies the secret of his ruin. There was
nothing in his character to which the great heart of the
people could attach itself in love; but they shrank from
him, in mistrust, as from a cold and glittering serpent.
The public rarely errs in an estimate like this."
It has been alleged of Mr. Jefferson, that he was
privy to Burr's arrangements ; and that they were tacitly
assented to by him. In viewing the various circum-
stances, particularly the conduct of the President himself,
it would at first appear that such an allegation was not
altogether groundless. Burr had been a formidable rival
in his master-struggle for the Presidency. It had re-
quired thirty ballotings to decide the question between
them, and Jefferson's final success was owing to a com-
promise of the members of the Senate, by which the
votes of Vermont, Delaware and Maryland were with-
drawn from the opposition, through no particular prefer-
ences for the latter, but to conciliate parties and bury in
silence the exciting topic.
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580 THE BLENNERHA6SETT PAPERS.
The subject of the conquest of Mexico was daily con-
versed upon by the officers of the various Departments,
as is clearly established by the evidence on the trial. The
Spanish war was a theme of universal interest ; and, had
that event happened, what cared the President whether
the American forces paused on the banks of the Sabine,
or carried their arms into the heart of Mexico. Already
had arrangements been effected between the Government
and the Spanish officers of Louisiana and Florida, by
which those officers were to favor the Americans, in case
of a war, and rally under the standard of the forces of
the Union.* And such would, doubtless, have been the
• " John Smith, a member of the United States Senate from Ohio, who
was arrested as an accomplice of Burr, in a conversation with his friends,
stated that, before the movements of Burr had attracted general notice,
Mr. Jefferson requested a confidential interview with him, Smith, at which
he inquired if he was not personally acquainted with the Spanish officers
of Louisiana and Florida. On being answered in the affirmative, he went
on to state, that a war with Spain seemed to be inevitable ; and that it was
very desirable to know the feelings of those men toward the United States,
and whether reliance could be placed on their friendship, if a war should
take place between the two countries. At the same time, he requested him
to visit the country, with reference to that object, Mr. Smith stated that
he did visit the country, as requested; and that, on his return, he re-
ported to Mr. Jefferson that the governor, the inferior officers, and the in-
habitants generally, were not only friendly, but were desirous of attach-
ing themselves to the United States. This was in the summer preceding
the ' war message ' against Spain, which was sent to the two Houses of
Congress, in December, 1805. Although the message was confidential, it
soon became known to the diplomatic corps at Washington ; and the French
Ambassador was ordered, by his master, Napoleon, to inform the American
Government that France would take a part with Spain, in any contest she
might have with the United States. It is a matter of history, that, after
that notice, the project against Spain, communicated in the confidential
message, and referred to in the conversation with Mr. Smith, was aban-
doned ; and about the same time, measures were taken to stop the move-
ments of Burr.— Burnet* Notes, p. 294."
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PROBABILITIES. 681
case, had a declaration of war been proclaimed ; but an
intimation from the French Ambassador, that the meas-
ure would call Napoleon to the aid of Spain, induced the
Government to abandon its designs, and arrest the opera-
tions of Burr.
But, whatever may be said to the contrary, it is hardly
to be presumed that any treasonable designs were known
to the President; at least, no satisfactory evidence has
ever been disclosed to implicate him with the movement.
Had a collision with Spain actually occurred, it is prob-
able no prosecution would ever have been instituted ; for,
in that event, American arms proving victorious, Spanish
domination would have been swept from the continent of
the North, and the banners of Burr would have floated
proudly over the halls of the Montezumas.
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582 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
CHAPTER XVI.
Ten years had passed rapidly away since the occur-
rences of the "Burr expedition/' The prospect of re-
gaining his fortune became daily less flattering to Blen-
nerhassett. His means were insufficient to enable him to
procure a sufficient number of slaves to render the pro-
duction of cotton profitable. Hence he determined to
dispose of his Mississippi estate, and try his fortunes in
the growing metropolis of Hew York. An advertisement
of the sale describes his possessions as consisting of one
thousand acres of land, two hundred of which was under
cultivation; a dwelling-house, orchard and cotton gin,
with many other improvements, within thirty-six miles
of Washington, Mississippi Territory, and six from navi-
gation ; also, twenty-two negroes, the whole estimated at
the sum of $27,000.
From the proceeds of his sale he was enabled to satisfy
his clamorous creditors, and make a small investment in
the stocks of the banks of New York, to which city he
shortly after removed.
During the interval, from the time of his removal from
the Mississippi Territory until the year 1819, he has left
us no record of his history. The Duke of Richmond, an
old schoolmate, had been recently appointed Governor of
Canada. He had heard of the misfortunes of his friend,
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"TUB DESERTED ISLB." 588
and addressed him a communication tendering his assist-
ance. Blennerhassett's legal attainments qualified him
for the duties of the bench, and, through the influence
of the Governor, he hoped to secure a judgeship in one
of the provincial courts. He accordingly removed to
Montreal in 1819, and resumed the practice of the law in
partnership with a Mr. Eossiter. Their success, however,
did not prove flattering. Clients were few, and, as it
appears from the correspondence which subsequently
passed between them, were not of that class which most
rapidly advance the fortunes of the profession. Blenner-
hassett entertained greater expectations of the bench than
of the bar, but no vacancy occurred in the judicial corps.
It was while here, with prospects of poverty and blighted
hopes thickening around them, that Mrs. Blennerhassett
wrote the following lines descriptive of the " Isle," her
former home. They are from the overflowing of a heart
which had passed through much sorrow, and are an
eloquent lament over the misfortunes and ruin of the
family a?d fortune of Blennerhassett :
"THE DESERTED ISLE.11
Like mournful echo, from the silent tomb,
That pines away upon the midnight air,
While the pale moon breaks out, with fitful gloom,
Fond memory turns, with sad but welcome care,
To scenes of desolation and despair,
Once bright with all that beauty could bestow,
That peace could shed, or youthful fancy know.
To the fair isle, reverts the pleasing dream.
Again thou risest, in thy green attire,
Fresh, as at first, thy blooming graces seem;
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584 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
Thy groyeg, thy fields, their wonted sweets respire;
Again thou 'rt all my heart could e'er desire.
Ot why, dear Isle, art thou not still my own?
Thy charms could then for all my griefs atone.
The stranger that descends Ohio's stream,
Charm' d with the beauteous prospects that arise,
Marks the soft isles that, 'neath the glittering beam,
Dance with the wave and mingle with the skies,
Sees, also, one that now in ruin lies,
Which erst, like fairy queen, towered o'er the rest,
In every native charm, by culture, dress'd.
There rose the seat, where once, in pride of life,
My eye could mark the queenly river's now,
In summer's calmness, or in winter's strife,
Swollen with rains, or battling with the snow.
Never, again, my heart such joy shall know.
Havoc, and ruin, rampant war, have pass'd
Over that isle, with their destroying blast.
The black'ning fire has swept throughout her halls
The winds fly whistling o'er them, and the wave
No more, in spring-floods, o'er the sand-beach crawis.
But furious drowns in one o'er whelming grave,
Thy hallowed haunts it watered as a slave.
Drive on, destructive flood! and ne'er again
On that devoted isle let man remain.
Too many blissful moments there I 've known,
Too many hopes have there met their decay;
Too many feelings now for ever gone,
To wish that thou couldst ere again display
The joyful coloring of thy prime array;
Buried with thee, let them remain a blot,
With thee, their sweets, their bitterness forgot.
And, oh I that I could wholly wipe away
The memory of the ills that worked thy fall;
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ADVERSITY. 585
The memory of that all-eventful day,
When I return' d, and found my own fair hall
Held by the infuriate populace in thrall,
My own fireside blockaded by a band
That onoe found food and shelter of my hand.
My children, oh! a mother's pangs forbear,
Nor strike again that arrow to my soul;
Clasping the ruffians in suppliant prayer,
To free their mother from unjust control,
While with false crimes and imprecations foal,
The wretched, vilest refuse of the earth,
Mock jurisdiction held around my hearth.
Sweet isle! methinks I see thy bosom torn;
Again behold the ruthless rabble throng,
That wrought destruction taste must ever mourn.
Alas! I see thee now, shall see thee long;
But ne'er shall bitter feelings urge the wrong,
That, to a mob, would give the censure, due
To those that arm'd the plunder-greedy orew.
Thy shores are warmed by bounteous suns in Tain,
Columbia! — if spite and envy spring,
To blot the beauty of mild nature's reign,
The European stranger, who would fling,
O'er tangled woods, refinement's polishing,
May find, expended, every plan of taste,
His work by ruffians render'd doubly waste.
" Misfortune having marked him for her own," Blen-
nerhassett's anticipated promotion was never realized.
The capriciousness of the British ministry had removed
from office the sympathizing friend, and he found him-
self- cast hopelessly upon the world, at an advanced age,
without health, without energy, and almost destitute of
the means of a comfortable subsistence.
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586 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
As a last resort, he determined to prosecute a rever-
sionary claim still existing in Ireland, regarded by him
with indiffereuce in his more affluent days, but which
now, in his destitute situation, recommended itself strong-
ly to his attention. Through the influence of friends, he
hoped also to obtain an office under the English Govern-
ment, by which he might the more readily gain the
means for conducting the suit.
Under these considerations he left the province of
Canada and sailed for Ireland, in 1822. As the receding
shores of the American continent were dimly shadowed
in the distance, he cast a glance toward the fading scene.
A recollection of the past was no pleasing retrospect. A
quarter of a century had passed since he had hailed those
shores, with buoyant hopes and joyful anticipations of
future happiness. To him, it was then a land wherein
was to be realized all that was lovely — all that was desira-
, ble of earth — a land of freemen, with whom was the
abode of peace. Then, he was in the noontide of man-
hood ; blessed with health and a competency beyond his
wants. The smile of friendship, the marked and decorous
respect with which he was met, the welcome greeting —
all gave evidence of lasting enjoyment. But how mys-
terious are the dispensations of Providence toward the
children of men ! He had lived long enough to see every
one of those bright hopes perish ; his fortune had been
lost ; his health most seriously impaired ; and, to fill the
measure of unhappiness, he was branded, by public opin-
ion, with a design of overthrowing- the liberties of that
government which had allured him across the Atlantic.
These were reflections gloomy in the extreme, and still
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NO HOPE. 587
the future was not less cheerless. As the green fields of
his native isle broke upon his view, how like the Prodigal
Son, who had spent his substance in a foreign shore, did
he return to his fatherland. But for him, alas! there
was no " plenty and to spare ; " no fatted calf was killed ;
no fond embrace of anxious friends. In the long space
of twenty-five years, how many changes had served to
break the ties which bound him to his childhood's home !
As again he trod the fields of his former sports, memory
turned, with melancholy tenderness, to those boon com-
panions of his earlier years. Where, alas ! were they ?
Nought now remained to identify him with the past;
and he stood a stranger on his native land !
On the next day after his arrival in Ireland, he called
upon his solicitor, Mr. Berwick, the gentleman referred
to in the letter of Mr. Emmett, to consult with reference
to the Bawn estate, then in the possession of Lord Ross,
ci devanty Oxmantown.* But Dean Harman had been
dead for more than twenty years, and Blennerhassett's
* Lord Boss was formerly Sir Laurence Parsons, and was an able and
eloquent advocate of Emancipation in the Irish House of Commons. He
was not less a poet than an orator. Some effusions from his pen have
found their way into the standard history of his country, and are much
admired by his partisans, the United Irishmen. The following lines, from
his pen, are selected from " Wolfe Jones's Memoirs : "
" How long, 0 Slavery I shall thine iron mace
Wave o'er this isle, and crouch its abject raoe?
Full many a dastard century we 've bent
Beneath thy terrors, wretched and content
11 What though with haughty arrogance and pride
England shall o'er this long-duped country stride,
And lay on stripe on stripe, and shame on shame,
And brand to all eternity its name V
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588 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
claim was barred by the statute of limitations. Besides,
Lord Ross was both wealthy and influential, and was not
disposed either to deliver up possession or suggest a
compromise.
Blennerhassett, on leaving Quebec, having inclosed his
will to his wife, she responded as follows :
From Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Flatbush, July 29th, 1822.
Your dear and long-looked-for letter from Quebec
reached me a fortnight ago, and would have been much
more welcome without the melancholy memento that
accompanied it, though such precaution, I must confess,
is necessary where a family is concerned ; and I trust in
God we have yet two children worthy of all we can do
for them. Dominick * sailed three weeks ago for Savan-
nah, where he may, from all accounts, do well. As to
St. Domingo, that place is now out of the question, for
many reasons you may have heard respecting its present
situation. * *****
Tou will be surprised to learn where I am now ; I there-
fore will endeavor to state every thing concerning us
since we parted, providing you have never received the
letter I wrote on leaving Troy, where I found it impossi-
ble to settle with either convenience or economy ; though
" 'T is right well done ; bear all, and more, I say ;
Nay, ten times more ; and then for more still pray I
What State in something would not foremost be?
She strives for fame, thou for servility."
* Eldest son of Blennerhassett.
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ECONOMIZING. ' 589
Mr. Dickenson made every exertion in his power for my
accommodation. He then advised my coming to the
neighborhood of New York, and mentioned this place or
Greenwich.
I therefore came to Mr. Emmett for further advice, and
he thought this place would be best, and gave me a letter
to the Professor of the Academy here, who has been
very kind to me. I found boarding here very high, and
therefore engaged two rooms in a farm-house, at three
dollars a week, and have Harman* with me, who has
not, nor is likely to get, employment ; and I find, after
all the saving in my power, I can not maintain my two
children, Mary and myself, under ten dollars a week, in-
cluding every thing. * * * *
My dear kind friends, the Emmetts, have been my great-
est support. Could I tell you all the affectionate kind-
ness they have lavished on us, you would scarcely credit
even me. Mrs. Emmett was not in town when I first ar-
rived, but came in next day to see me. We cried together
a long time, and Mr. Emmett said we were so foolish he
must leave us. I went out with them to the country,
where I spent three days. I did not wish to stay so long,
but Lewis was with me, and so delighted with the beauti-
ful place and all the attention he received, that I wished
to indulge him ; besides, I found Mrs. Emmett's advice
and consolation acted powerfully in restoring me to some
tranquillity; for never in my life have I been so com-
pletely wretched as since I parted from you. She would
not hear of my doing any thing in the way of gaining a
* Second son of Blenncrhassett.
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livelihood while any prospect remained of your prefer-
ment, but cheered me with hopes of your success. They
were then preparing to go on a visit to Potsdam, to their
daughter; but Harman has seen them since, and told
them of my present plan, which they highly approve.
It is this : on finding what my expenses, at the lowest
calculation, amounted to here, I wrote to my sister to let
me know what we could get boarding for in Wilksbarre,
thinking, should you be detained any time, I might there
make out much longer than here. To this letter, written
a fortnight since, I have just received an answer. Sister
is delighted, and has engaged boarding at two dollars for
me and one for Lewis,* per week. As for Mary, I do n't
know what they will charge ; for, intending to persuade
her to find a place here, I never mentioned her, and now
find it impossible to get rid of her. She positively de-
clares she will never leave me, nor suffer me to pay a
dollar for her traveling expenses ; she agrees only to let
me pay for her board, as she thinks my washing would
cost me as much. *****
Mr. D. wrote to me to get Mr. Emmett to address a
recommendation to the Secretary of War for Harman ;
but no answer has been returned, and, from all accounts,
there are too many applicants for West Point to expect
success. Poor fellow! he is one of the best children,
and the kindest of brothers. He managed Dominick as
if he had been an old man, and now labors hard in
teaching Lewis; so he will not forget what he already
knows. You would be delighted to hear the Emmetts
* Third son of Blennerhassett.
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DESPONDENCY. 591
praise him. Mrs. Emmett took me up to the top of the
house to show me the room she had prepared for him
when first he came, and complained of his not taking it.
Young Swartwout overpowers him with kindness, and
is, like many, others, endeavoring to get him some em-
ployment. We shall set out for Wilksbarre in a few days.
* * * * This house is only three miles
from the bay ; and on a still night, when I could not sleep,
but listened to the roaring of the sea, O ! it was dreadful.
Poor Dominiek, perhaps he is yet on it. God help me !
I have lived too long, indeed, yet I still hope to be pre-
served to meet you again; and could I render the re-
mainder of your life happy, what matters all the present
sufferings I undergo.
Tour affectionate wife, M. Blennerhassett.
As the biography of Blennerhassett is peculiarly en-
hanced in interest by his associations with this most
devoted companion, my readers will pardon a digression
which relates more exclusively to herself.
After the departure of her husband for Europe, Mrs.
Blennerhassett, with two of her sons, Harman and Lewis,
visited her sister, a Mrs. Dow, then residing at Wilks-
barre, Pennsylvania, where she remained until December,
1822. The separation from her husband, the limited
state of her finances, and the absence of her eldest son,
who was then in the South, and exposed to the diseases
of the tropics, had contributed to produce a state of de-
spondency from which she found it difficult to rally. To
add to her already overburdened distress, she received
information of the arrival in New York of her unfortu-
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nate child, who had returned from Savannah, wrecked in
health, from an attack of yellow fever, and a penniless
wanderer in the streets of that crowded metropolis. He
had been liberally educated, and had prepared himself for
the practice of surgery. But through the indulgences of
his youth, he had contracted habits of dissipation, and
proved utterly incapable either of aiding his unfortunate
parents or of providing for his own necessities. The sad
history of her erring first-born son is thus feelingly
related by a mother, with whom many an aching heart
may mingle a sigh of sympathetic sorrow :
From Mrs. Blennerhassett.
New York, March 12th, 1823.
My ever dear Husband : — Your letter of the 29th of
August, the first I have received since you sailed from
Quebec, brings with it sensations I can not describe.
After the dreadful despondency I have endured, for a
period longer than I could have ever conceived myself
capable, so extreme has been my wretchedness, that I
have often conceived myself sinking into a state that
promised a speedy termination of my sorrows: yet, as
often have I rallied again, and struggled against such
forebodings for the sake of my darling Lewis alone.
Another thing that has caused me more recently to hope,
was a communication from Mr. Dow, saying that he had
learned, by a letter from B. Stafford, that you had left
Ireland, and was in London, prosecuting a suit against
Lord Ross, in which it was generally thought you would
be successful. Here was, then, the dreadful fear of your
death removed, and though •! had no idea that fortune
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BOARDING. 598
would ever again smile upon us, at least to any great
extent, I thought the celebrity of such a suit might be
favorable to your prospects in Canada.
I have only written once since my letter from Flatbush,
not knowing afterward where to direct. I remained at
Wilksbarre from the last of August to the 25th of De-
cember, when I was induced to come here, partly by the
hope of being more in the way of receiving your letters,
the cross mails being very uncertain, and partly, if pos-
sible, to save poor Dominick ; but I will not anticipate.
I wrote you that he had sailed for Savannah; and,
endeavoring to discard him from my thoughts, I went
with Harman and Lewis to Wilksbarre. I placed the
former with Doctor Covel, a skillful and worthy Yankee,
who paid him great attention without, as yet, demanding
any remuneration ; the latter had the benefit of a good
country school, which he attended regularly. Mary re-
sided with my sister, Mrs. Dow, where she did enough to
pay for her board, and washed for us. I obtained board
for the boys and myself at six dollars per week; this
agreed with my finances, and I willingly endured the
canting and vulgarity of the people of Wilksbarre for
such advantages. But after getting my mind composed
on Dominick's account, having received two letters from
Savannah, saying he was doing well, his correspondence
suddenly ceased. Some ten weeks elapsed, when I re-
ceived another from New York, announcing his arrival
there in the most deplorable condition, after having
escaped, as he expressed it, burying his bones in the
sands of Savannah, where he had had a long and re-
peated attack of yellow fever. His life had been saved
38
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694 THE BLENNEBHASSBTT PAPERS.
by a friendly physician ; but his protracted confinement
had involved him so in debt, that, when scarcely able to
walk, he shipped himself privately for New York, rather
than be taken to die, as he must certainly have done, in
jail. He had given his clothes and books to defray his
passage to New York ; and, but for the humanity of an
Englishman, who is the keeper of a small tavern here,
might have lain down to rest in the streets of the city.
I wrote to Robert Emmett to give him twenty dollars out
of my half-year's dividend I had ordered to be paid to
him, with which request he complied, and answered me,
saying that his embarrassments prevented him from offer-,
ing money, though Dominick had not communicated to
him his necessities. Afterward, I received another com-
munication from D., stating that he had determined no
longer to be a burden to me ; that he had gone to the
Navy- Yard, to enlist as a common marine, in hopes that,
by good conduct, he might be appointed to a good posi-
tion in the hospital; but that on being referred to the
surgeon for examination, he was rejected, in conse-
quence of the critical condition of his health. Mr. Em-
mett had previously written me that D. was much
improved, and that he yet hoped he might do well. I
dreaded his enlisting, though the surgeon, on inquiring
his name, advised him against it, and promised his in-
fluence in having him appointed as an assistant; and,
though well aware you will blame me, I could not rest
while his fate was so doubtful ; but, in dreadful weather,
over the roughest roads, we set out, and reached this on
Christmas Eve. Robert Emmett was conducting me to
their house, when Dominick espied me, and hid, rather
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CONSULTATION. 695
than excite my feelings in the street. *T was well he
did ; for the next morning, when he came to me at Mr.
E.'s, his appearance was shocking beyond all description.
It gave me, however, consolation to know that my timely
appearance prevented his enlistment; for, on that very
day, he had resolved to do so, as the only means of
escaping starvation. lie said he was quite restored ; but
such restoration I never saw. When I witnessed my once
dear child's situation, I felt, indeed, that I had lived too
long. I dismissed the poor fellow with a trifle to aid his
most pressing wants, not wishing him to return to the
military station at Brooklyn, where, for some days, he
had been assisting in the hospital, and living with the
common soldiers. After consulting with my friends, Mr.
and Mrs. Emmett, I wrote to Colonel Henderson, at
Washington, who commands the corps, and in a few days
received one of the most generous and gratifying answers
that I could have desired. He said that to have an oppor-
tunity of obliging where he owed obligations never to be
forgotten, gave him real pleasure ; that he had taken my
letter to the Secretary of War, and obtained the promise
of an appointment, as surgeon's assistant, for my son, in
Commodore Porter's Expedition, which was to sail in a
short time; requested me to lose no time; and, as you
were absent, solicited me, in the most generous manner,
to draw on him for any sum I deemed necessary for Dom-
inick's outfit. I showed this letter to Mr. and Mrs.
Emmett, and, of course, not choosing to incur a pecu-
niary obligation, and as Dominick's reformed habits jus-
tified my doing the best I could for my child, we agreed
that I ought to sell a share of my bank stock, which was
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596 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
accordingly done ; and, after the necessary clothing, with
money sufficient to bear his traveling expenses to Wash-
ington, I bid him farewell, with more extatic happiness
than I conceived myself capable of experiencing under
my gloomy apprehensions as to yourself. Col. Henderson
having requested me to send him directly to his house,
where, I am told, he lives in very genteel style, on Dom-
inick's arrival, received him as kindly as his own son, and
wrote me immediately to assure me of Dominick's safety,
and of the expected sailing of the expedition in a few
days.
I heard no more from D. for a week, when you may
guess my astonishment on his entering my room like an
apparition. To tell you what passed is useless, but I
gathered from him enough to convince me that by the
return of his old habits he had completely disgusted CoL
Henderson, who had given him thirty dollars to bring
him back to his most unfortunate mother. I gather from
Donrinick, that he received a severe reprimand from the
Colonel, who yet assured him that if he would give him
his word that he would never again so far forget himself
as to get intoxicated, he should still go in the expedition.
Dominick's answer was that he could not answer for
himself. Thus ended the business, and thus am I bur-
dened with this unfortunate child, whose existence 1
will prolong, while my own lasts, whether you gain an
independence, or I am obliged to retire to a situation
which, however humble, will yet afford me the means of
giving him bread ; and which I now no more expect him
to gain himself than I should do had it pleased God to
bring him an idiot into the world. My obligations, in
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FAMILY DISTRESS. 597
that event, could not be greater to maintain him than it
is at present; indeed, the most hopeless idiot has no
more claims on a mother's care and solicitude than he ;
for I firmly believe he has no longer the power to refrain
from drink ; and did I not guard him, even to the pres-
ervation and custody of his own clothes, he would be
stripped at once ; yet he is to me as docile as a lamb, and
I have placed him with a poor but excellent woman, who
boards him for three dollars and a half a week. I can
not trust him with money, though certainly there never
was a more devotedly affectionate son. Harman feels
just as I do, and were I on my death-bed I should not
fear to resign to him the care of his unfortunate brother.
* * * * Should you return next month,
as your letter to Mr. Emmett mentions, I shall hope we
may return to Canada. If your expectations are suffi-
ciently encouraging to detain you in London on this law
writ, and should you be successful even in gaining a fair
compromise, I trust we shall soon be able to go to you ;
for, let our situation be what it may, never can I think
of ending my days in this country. Mr. Emmett is in
Washington, but Mrs. E. showed me your letter, which
she will retain until his return, which is expected in a
fortnight. To tell you how I love this family would be
impossible. It grieves me, therefore, to say that I think
they are somewhat embarrassed, at present, in their cir-
cumstances. They lost their fine son, Temple,* last
autumn, who died of the yellow fever, on board of the
Macedonian. ***** *
* The two sons of Thomas Addis Emmett were called after his brothers
Temple and Robert.
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I have written a long letter, that you may never re-
ceive ; but I trust, if not, you will be on the water on
your return. My mind seems buoyed up now for hap-
piness, and whether poverty or affluence awaits us, every
effort of my declining years shall be used to make yours
pass with as little uneasiness as can be expected to await
on old age and disappointed hopes. For my part, for
upward of eight months, I have endured too much to
look forward without hope to the future that will restore
you to
Your affectionate M. Blennerhassett.
From Col. Archibald Henderson to Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Washington, Jan. 7*A, 1823.
My dear Madam : — I do not know when I have received
a letter which has conveyed to my mind such strong rec-
ollections of mingled pleasure and pain. It has irre-
sistibly carried me back to the period when, under your
hospitable roof, I received every attention of hospitality
and kindness; it was my debut in life. I have often
spoke, and far oftener thought, of the halo that was
thrown over my monotony of existence, in that wild
country, by my visits at the beautiful and isolated spot of
your former residence. I must, however, cease to write
on this subject. As long as my heart beats and feels, I
shall never forget your kindness ; I therefore need not
say with how much alacrity and anxiety I took your let-
ter to the Secretary of the Navy, and how much pleasure
it gives me to communicate to you that he has the good-
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FRIENDSHIP. 599
ness to consent that Dominick may go, as a volunteer
surgeon's mate, in this piratical expedition, with the usual
pay and emoluments. No appointments can be now
made, and the Secretary of the Navy will not pledge
himself as to any future appointment ; I therefore hope,
my dear madam, you will be satisfied with what has been
procured. I spoke to Mr. Dickinson on the subject last
night ; he will enforce all future arrangements.
Dominick had better come here as soon as possible,
and bring his trunk to my house. As Mr. Blennerhas-
sett is away, I hope I may take the liberty, which grati-
tude for former kindness now induces me to take, to offer
niy young friend any assistance he may require in com-
ing on to Washington, and any draft for that purpose, I
hope he will not hesitate to make on me. I trust you
will excuse me if I feel over-anxious ; *t is my gratitude
alone that prompts it.
I now conclude, assuring you that I feel every solici-
tude in serving you and yours, and I beg you to believe
me, with gratitude and truth,
Sincerely yours, Arch. Henderson.
Col. Archibald Henderson to Mrs. Blennerhassett.
Washington, Jan. 20*A, 1823.
My dear Madam : — Dominick arrived a few days ago,
and is awaiting the arrival of Captain Porter, who is
daily expected here to proceed on the service that has
been marked out for him. It is fortunate some little
delay has taken place, as he is somewhat indisposed from
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600 THE BLENNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
the fatigue of traveling, and will not prevent his joining
the expedition on which he is to proceed.
I should have sooner answered your kind letter of the
11th, but thought it better to wait until he had left me
for Norfolk ; but as that may not be the case for several
days, I have concluded to write lest you might feel some
anxiety at not hearing.
Your indisposition, I hope, may be evanescent. You
rate entirely too high the trifling service it has been in
my power to do you. It is indeed trifling when compared
with that received by me from you and yours. I shall
carry the recollection of it with me "to that bourn
whence no traveler returns." I am much of a wanderer
still, and I may yet hope to meet you in this world.
Should Mr. B. still reside in Canada, I shall probably see
you next summer, as I have it in contemplation to de-
scend the lakes to Montreal. This world, however, is
full of change ; it may therefore be our fate never again
to meet here, but I sincerely wish that your decline of
life may be less checkered than its spring and summer
have been ; that it may be rendered happy, and that the
scions which are growing up around the parent tree, may
invigorate, support and comfort it, until it is cut down
by the same hand that planted and caused it to grow.
I will write again when Dominick leaves me, and, in
the mean time, beg you to believe me with sincere regards
Yours, A. Henderson.
In a subsequent letter, dated Montreal, September 12th,
1828, Mrs. Blennerhassett continues her narrative :
I had no money, having for some weeks paid my way
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PARENTAL RBGRET. 601
by borrowing from Mr. Emmett ; because, having looked
for you by the spring ships, I wished not to encumber
the Montreal bank stock. The whole expenses of the
family stood me in about sixteen dollars per week. I
found I could do nothing in the States, and, upon the
advice of Rossiter, concluded to return to Montreal. The
Emmetts, with whom I consulted, agreed with me as to
the propriety of the measure ; for New York was then
becoming objectionable, on account of the extreme heat,
and they were about removing to the country. They
having invited me to accompany them, I accepted their
kindness, and did so, taking Lewis with me, to remain a
week. Before leaving, however, I told Dominick that 1
must now think of his father, who had nothing, and of
the other children, and that he must maintain himself.
Having remained a week in the country, where every
attention was paid me by the family in the most affec-
tionate manner, I returned to the city. Having received
the money for two shares of my bank stock, which
Robert sold, I paid my debts, and leaving Harman with
my necessary baggage, and money sufficient to maintain
him until your arrival, my last severe task yet remained
to see and bid adieu to my unfortunate, though still
dearly loved son. Harman sought him out, and found
him already enlisted ! brought him to me at the Steam-
boat Hotel, dressed in a common soldier's garb, but quite
happy and unconcerned. O God ! had I been guilty of
the greatest crime, the punishment of that moment
ought to have expiated it ; but the subject is too painful
to dwell upon ; I will only add, that he went with a de-
tachment up the Mississippi, and is now, I believe, acting
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as surgeon's mate, and, as yet, I have received no com-
munication from him.*
Lewis and I had a safe, and, had I been happy, an
agreeable journey. At Albany we received the kind
attentions of Major Smith and family, and arrived at La
Prairie, where we awaited our friend Rossiter, to whom
I had previously written to have lodgings prepared for
us. Having remained here during the night, and Ros-
siter failing to arrive as early as I expected, we crossed
over without really knowing where we should go. But
he met us on the bank, on his way to us, and conducted
us to the residence of Mrs. Turnstall, who had insisted
on my stopping with her. Her reception was truly affec-
tionate, and seemed quite hurt that I would not consent
to remain longer than two days. Rossiter accompanied
me to see several houses which he had examined, but
would not engage until I came. I, after some hesitation,
finally fixed upon the one I am now in. It was in bad
order, but has attached to the lot a good garden, which
to me, who desire to live retired, is the greatest acquisi-
tion. The rent being but £20 per year, determined me to
fix myself here rather than in a lodging where boarding
for Lewis and myself could not be obtained for less than
ten dollars per week. You know that I must have one
servant any how, and one is all that I have now. Mar-
keting is cheap, being now lower by half than when you
were here. But, after all, the prospect of having a home,
* This unfortunate youth afterward was found in a state of destitution
in the streets of New Orleans, by Nathaniel Cox, Esq., an acquaintance
of the family, who prooured for him a situation in the Charity Hospital,
as assistant apothecary. He remained for a short time, when he left for
St. Louis, since which his fate is unknown.
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ANXIETY.
though ever so humble, to receive you, was the chief
inducement to my determination. This, however, like
all my visions of hope, has faded. I see plainly that you
are never to return here ; nor can I say that I would wish
it, unless as a judge, for I am well assured that you would
not again get practice as a lawyer, the idea having be-
come prevalent that you are not versed in French law. I
fear there is no chance for yojir promotion to the judge-
ship, unless the Marquis of Anglesey would write to Lord
Dalhousie for his recommendation to Lord Bathurst, as I
am well informed that all recommendations must pro-
ceed, in the first instance, from the Commander-in-chief,
and I fear the interest of Sir J. Gordon Sinclair may not
be enough with the Governor, as he and the Richmond
faction were at variance. I wish, therefore, that you
would make this last effort with Lord Anglesey, as I
firmly believe it is the only one that can serve you.
Should it fail, then turn your thoughts to something at
home, I care not what, if it will only furnish us bread.
But to be parted from you I can not longer bear ; and if
being with you should have the effect of injuring either
your interest or reputation, then let me be lodged some-
where in obscurity, where I may sometimes see you ; and,
in the event of Lewis's being in the navy, give me the
chance of seeing and hearing from him occasionally.
As to your coming in December, 't is utterly out of the
question; and should you, to my surprise, obtain the
appointment you seek, it can not be before next June.
We mjist winter here at all events, during which time I
hope to hear from you again. My situation at present is
alarming. I have only six shares remaining in bank,
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604 THE BLENNEBHASSETT PAPERS.
after the utmost economy. 'T is true I have furnished
my house, though humbly, and paid three months rent
in advance, and have also one hundred dollars by me;
but what is this? I had resolved, before I received your
letter, to commence, at the expiration of the term now
paid for, in a larger dwelling, and keep a boarding-house,
which, from the reduced rents, cheap markets, and high
rate of board, might have, at least, maintained us, if it
did not prove profitable. But now I can not degrade
myself while their is a hope remaining of your success.
I have been treated with the greatest attention by all
our former acquaintances, and visited a great deal, but,
of course, do not entertain, nor is it expected of me ;
while a few friends call without ceremony, and I assure
you I am now so pleased with Montreal, that could you
return I would never wish to leave it. * * *
* * ******
To say how ardently Lewis loves you is impossible.
Tour very name fills the dear creature's eyes with tears.
Though the first mention of his going into the navy gave
him great delight, still the thought of leaving me caused
him much pain. By degrees, however, I have gained his
consent, and although he has long been, and is still, my
greatest consolation, I nevertheless will give him up to
one whom I feel worthy of the trust. Tell H., then, he
shall have him.
Could he see me at the moment I write the fiat that will
tear me from my idolized child, while memory reverts to
the days of his own infancy, when, with my dear aunt
and uncle De Coursey, I passed many a happy day in
the same house with him and dear little Michael (Ann
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HARDSHIPS. 606
was not born at Reese), I say, could he, or any of those
friends who fondly recall me to their recollection, but see
my present suffering, what a flood of sympathy would
overwhelm me ! But I am glad they do not ; it is better
that I suffer alone. My dear aunt Avice ! how joyfully
would I watch over her feeble health, and share with her
the cares and anxieties for the sick and suffering Ad-
miral ! I was much gratified to hear from you that she
intends writing; but am I still to be an exile? 'T is
hard ; and if my present afflictions continue, I feel that
I can not long live. *****
*** *****
Farewell ! I am perfectly miserable at this long sepa-
ration. When, when will it ever end ?
Tour affectionate wife,
Marg't Blennbbhassbtt
In the mean time, Blennerhassett, having abandoned
the hope of recovering the estates in Ireland, set him-
self industriously to work to procure an office under the
English Government From the correspondence which
follows, it appears that, such were his necessities, he was
willing to accept almost any position promising subsist-
ence for his family. He had been severed from his former
pursuits ; his fortune entirely expended ; and now, a waif
upon the sea of life, he shuddered to look forward to the
future, while the past was a troubled dream of disap-
pointed expectation. The hour, however, had arrived for
a sublime but terrible contest for existence. To falter
were to perish; to be resolute, perchance victorious.
Connected with the then-existing Government, were
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many of his early classmates, and several distinguished
dignitaries, related by the ties of consanguinity ; from the
latter of whom, at least, he conceived he had the right to
expect promotion. From a mass of correspondence of
the same character, during a period of several years, I
have selected the following letters as conveying an intel-
ligible idea of his struggles and reverses, as well as of
those with whom fate had linked his destiny :
To the Marquis of Anglesey.*
London, October 16*A, 1822.
My Lord: — I beg to accompany the letter, intended
to be communicated to Lord Bathurst, according to
your Lordship's obliging suggestions, made to me at
* The Marquis of Anglesey, who was born in 1768, was eldest son of the late
Earl of Uzbridge; and, after studying at Oxford, was appointed, in 1798,
when Lord Paget, to the command of a regiment he had raised among his fa-
ther's tenantry. He served with this corps, under the Duke of York, in Flan-
ders, and again in the British expedition to Holland, in 1799. He had risen
to the rank of Major-General, when he joined Sir John Moore's army in the
Peninsula, and assisted in the retreat of Corunna and the battle there,
January 16, 1809, where Moore was killed. He was married, in 1795, to
a daughter of the Earl of Jersey, by whom he had eight children ; but,
soon after his return from Portugal, figured as defendant in a crim. con.
suit, in which the plaintiff was Wellesley, brother to "the Duke," and
created Lord Cowley, in 1828, who recovered twenty thousand pounds
sterling damages. The result was, a double divorce: Lady Paget from
him (she afterward married the late Duke of Argyle), and Mr. Wellesley
from his guilty wife, n€e Lady Charlotte Codogan. Lord Paget married
the frail fair in 1810, and they had a large family ; two of their sons were
members of the British House of Commons, in 1854. The trial and its reve-
lations gave much unenviable notoriety to Lord Paget. He is alluded to
by Byron in the line,
" And, worst of all, a Paget for your wife ; "
and Moore, albeit little of a moralist, thus had his fling, in a didactic poem
called "The Sceptic," a philosophical satire:
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607
Beau Desert, on the 10th inst., with an explanation of
the motives that urged me to resort to the severe neces-
sity of leaving my family in America for the purpose of
personally soliciting your Lordship's interest in hehaif
of my labors to serve the Government, as you had made
one already, without eftect, to recommend me to the Colo-
nial Department.
The proud distinction of your Lordship's patronage
once conferred upon me, although unsuccessful, sunk
deep into the grateful hearts of an embarrassed family,
" Paget, who sees upon his pillow laid
A face for which ten thousand pounds were paid,
Can tell how quick, before a jury, flies
The spell that mocked the warm seducer's eyes."
Many years subsequently, when he had become Viceroy of Ireland,
the Irish ladies declined visiting his wife; and haying caused the
arrest of O'Connell, on a charge of seditious language, the orator, in
another speech, said: "He has caused my wife to weep. Does he
know the value of a virtuotu woman's tear? In 1812, Lord Paget
succeeded his father as Earl of Uxbridge. He had a cavalry command
at Waterloo; and having lost a leg, was created Marquis of Anglesey.
In 1820, he voted for the bill of Pains and Penalties against Queen Caro-
line. In February, 1828, " the Duke," who had just become Premier, sent
him to Ireland as Viceroy ; and his conduct there was generally impartial.
But in December, 1828, having received a letter from Br. Curlis, the Cath-
olic Primate, which the Duke of Wellington had written to him, suggesting
that the Catholic claims be " buried in oblivion " for a time, Lord Anglesey
wrote back an epistle, which was published, recommending the continued
agitation of the question. This gave great offense to George IV, who had
become tired of eternal discussion on Catholic wrongs, and the writer was
recalled. Two months after, the final settlement of the question was rec-
ommended in the King's Speech at the commencement of the Parliament-
ary Session. Soon after, he was again made Viceroy of Ireland, and so
continued until September, 1833. But his latter reign was not popular.
He has held other high offices connected with the army, and was the Senior
Field-Marshal in the British army, in 1864, then in his eighty-sixth year. —
Mackenzie.
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608 IHE BLENNJBEHASSBTT PAPERS.
and shed a ray of cheering hope upon the gloom of their
despondency that the generous impulse which had before
determined your Lordship to desire that relief, would not
now abandon their head, whose honor and character,
however, stood as high as when they enjoyed your Lord-
ship's esteem in early life.
The authority given to me to make my suit through
your Lordship to Earl Bathurst, and the condescending
attentions ordered to be shown to me at Beau Desert,
fully confirm your Lordship's desire, at least, to benefit
me. Under such auspices, I can not anticipate disap-
pointment; while, for myself, my views extend not be-
yond the acquisition of a pittance on which I could sub-
sist any where, after devoting the residue of ,my official
salary to the maintenance of my family, if I could not
remove them from Canada, where there is now a judicial
vacancy in the District of Montreal. I would accept a
situation in India, or any other part of the world, or even
one I should dislike of all others, that of Assistant Bar-
rister of Quarter Sessions in Ireland, in preference of
which I would as soon choose an agency to any estate
that would maintain me.
In so wide a range to seek employment, the generous
disposition of your Lordship, already manifested, to assist
me in Canada, can not fail to succeed, if exerted, while I
am in the way to avail myself of the opportunity. Hence
it is that I have left my family in the most painful anxiety
to learn the result of my endeavors in England, of which
a total failure would result in hopeless ruin.
Having had an opportunity of knowing that a person
in America, over whom I possess some influence, is about
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thb mother! 600
to publish a volume under the title of " Secret Memoirs
of her Serene HighnesB the Duchess of Quedlinburg," a
near relative of his Majesty, containing original letters
of rather a scandalous character, addressed to a Col. Staf-
ford, Chamberlain to the Duke of Brunswick, of the first
eight of which I have copies here, a publication which
probably the King would not wish to appear, I had '
thought it my duty to engage the proprietor of these
letters to suspend his intended publication until I could
endeavor to ascertain the King's pleasure on the subject.
Presuming your Lordship will approve of the principle
of loyal concern for his Majesty's fame, for which I have
interfered in this matter, I beg your Lordship's direction
to guide me in controlling the proprietor of these letters,
or leaving him to take his course. The copies in my pos-
session are, if desired, at your Lordship's orders. The au-
thenticity of the whole can be established, and an English
translation is intended, with the French originals annexed.
I beg to apologize for having so long trespassed upon
your Lordship's leisure ; and with assurances of the most
profound esteem and heartfelt gratitude, pray to be con-
sidered, my Lord,
Tour Lordship's faithful and obedient servant,
Harman Blennerhassett.
To Blennerhassett.
Montreal, January 3d, 1824.
My dear Husband : — Let me flatter myself that, hav-
ing, as I hope, received my last two letters, written since
39
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610 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
I received yours inclosing the gift from my aunt, this,
penned at the commencement of a new year, may find
you more cheerful than myself, though my situation is in
no way changed, and we are all well. But, it having been
so long since we have heard from you, and dreading the
delays of the approaching season, my spirits have become
exceedingly depressed. You must not forget that if I am
condemned to live separated from you, my only solace is
in your frequent letters. If I am not permitted, as the last
comfort of my declining life, to watch over yours, let me,
at least, know that you are well, and I shall not murmur.
I trust, therefore, you will not again condemn me to the
anxieties of a six months' silence.
My last letter was forwarded several days since, by New
York, and I now avail myself of the opportunity of send-
ing, by Mr. David, the Jew, who sets out for London in
two days, trusting that some of my letters, at least, may
reach you.
I am told here that any young man may get into
the marines, through naval interposition; and as a war
seems approaching, and poor Harman has no prospect of
a maintenance but what I may afford him, I wish you to
exert yourself among our relatives to accomplish this, if
possible. Could we succeed in getting a situation for him,
and should you fail in procuring one for yourself, we might
still provide for the education of Lewis, so as to fit him
in turn for some one of the useful occupations of life. If
I have been misinformed as to the facilities of getting into
the marine corps, I wish to be advised as to conditions
under which an applicant can enter without such inter-
position as my kind friend, Mrs. T , would endeavor
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THE WIFE ! 611
to get her younger son into that service, and could I be-
lieve, if necessary, purchase in. If I have harbored false
hopes for Harman, darken them at once rather than keep
me in suspense.
I have been very much alarmed, since I last wrote, for the
fate of our friend Rossiter, who has been confined these last
five weeks with a liver complaint, which brought him to
the brink of the grave. He is now, however, nearly recov-
ered, although it will be some time before he can get out.
^^ ^p ^p ^^ ^p ^p ^p ^n
By the time this reaches you I suppose our old friend
Devereux will be in London. He is now in Washington,
the received ambassador from the Colombian Republic.
His laurels have been dearly won. I would give much
to see him, but that is impossible. However, I think
that, should you see his name announced in London, it
might be worth while to go and see him, as he could cer-
tainly do something for Harman, should what I have
before proposed fail. Tou know my disposition too well
to wonder at the solicitude I feel for my child ; and, even
if my efforts should all prove fruitless, it will still be a
cause of consolation to know that I have done all in my
power to serve him.
I have promised you some pleasing intelligence in my
last two letters, which I hope and believe I shall soon be
able to communicate; but the time for it has not yet
arrived ; when it does, be assured that no pleasure could
be much to me without your participation.
The winter here is very severe ; but I find so much
more comfort than I did last season, in New York, that,
while I can live, I will not repine, and trust you will fol-
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612 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
low my example. Say every thing for me to my dear
friends who kindly interest themselves in my behalfc
God only knows whether ever again I shall see them or
be permitted to eryoy any friendship, other than that of
strangers, yet for this I am not unthankful. There are
some of these, even, who are unremitting in their kind-
ness. While from what is called society, that is, parties,
I am excluded, as I must necessarily be, both from my
situation and inclinations, yet, I am seldom alone, and
continue to take exercise enough for health, as severe as
the season is. This is the first winter for nine years that
I have escaped a cold, or have not suffered from a return
of my breast complaint. It is certainly cause for thank-
fulness, as a similar attack to that of last winter would
rob my dear Lewis of his only protection.
Adieu ! my dear husband. Take care of yourself, and
some happiness may yet be in store for
Your wife, M. Blennerhassbtt.
To Nev. de Courcy.
(PBXVATB AHD COHFIDENTIAL.)
Stoketon House, March 29*A, 1824.
My dear Nev. : — How fully I am persuaded your anx-
iety to serve me is solicitous to consider the best means
of availing yourself of such opportunities to do so, as
this, your second visit to Portugal, may offer, I will leave
to futurity to evince through the grateful affection of a
distressed family, whose head is already devoted to you.
If, therefore, you have acceded to my wish in accepting
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POLITICS. 613
the offer I have made you, to put on paper my views of
the best means of succeeding for me, you will not im-
agine that in so doing \ have any purpose, either to
stimulate your zeal or to induce you fr> substitute my
judgment and policy for your own, in scenes and circum-
stances of which you will be able to judge on the spot,
but which I can only estimate through, perhaps, a delu-
sive medium at a distance. If the suggestions I am
about to present to you should be sanctioned by the
results of your own observation, or modified by the char-
acters and circumstances that you will be concerned with,
an occasional review of the former may not, however, be
quite useless as a sort of chart on which you may prick
off your course, not so much by the bearings and dis-
tances I have set down, as by the winds and currents of
party and intrigue you may be affected by in the voyage.
Without further preamble, then, I conceive the means
of effecting my introduction into the civil service of the
Portuguese Government can only be obtained through
the patronage of the actual minister, whether Pampeluna
or any other. Without such a passport it will be in vain
to linger in the confidence which even the King's prom-
ises may inspire, or the assurance** his other courtiers
may profess; the former can never be realized without
the fiat of the minister ; the influence and sincerity of the
latter must submit to the same test.
The best affections of a monarch, situated as is John
VI, must ever be confined to the royal breast, powerless
and inert, until the minister shall become the conductor
between them and the object to which they are directed.
Hence arises the necessity of engaging the minister's in-
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614 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
terest, at a period early enough to prevent his suspicion
of neglect. But upon what terms, i. e., through the in-
sinuation of what future return, on the part of the candi-
date, is the first question of either doubt or difficulty that
presents itself? .Now, whatever may be your views or
policy of the minister, I should not hesitate to pledge
myself to espouse them all, subject to the proviso that
nothing therein tended to the detriment of his Majesty.
Ever alive to the influence of this sentiment, I should
make no compromise, nor hold any interview with the
party of the Queen or Don Miguel, even if I could in-
trigue for my object through their influence. But to a
candidate, circumstanced as I am, there can be no great
difficulty in choosing between the French and English
parties at court, should such an election become neces-
sary. In the present state of Portugal, which, politically,
if not commercially speaking, must, under continental
contact, yield to the destinies of Spain, I could conscien-
tiously enlist under the banners of the shortest side,
which I would endeavor accurately to ascertain before-
hand. So far this outline is made to include advances to
foreign ministers, as well as Pampeluna, especially the
French and Russian, whose interest ought, at the same
time, to be early courted. When it is represented to all
these personages that the candidate, who had already
obtained some royal notice of the recommendation which
the King has favorably received of him, is qualified as a
jurist and a scholar to serve his Majesty in any diplo-
matic or judicial office; and you may add, if every thing
else fails, as a forlorn hope, " in an ecclesiastical charac-
ter," that in Europe or America he would strenuously
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in extremis! 615
and ably advance the beet interest of his patrons in a
diplomatic character, etc.
I trust it is not too much to expect, that if your exer-
tions should overreach their farthest aim, they will not
altogether fall short without reaching some intermediate
point between total failure and success, where I may find
myself once entered upon some station in which I may
subsist until I can thence work out promotion. I will
exemplify my meaning here by observing, that I should
not deem it disparagement of the condition I derive from
my ancestry and profession, of which even poverty must
not divest me, to accept any situation, any where, not
even accepting Angela, which was not beneath the rank
of a consul or collector. As to location, my preference
would be first in Europe, next in America, any where
preferable to the United States, where, being obnoxious
as a persecuted supporter heretofore of legitimate mon-
archy, I could not so easily fill all the duties of a diplo-
matic station. Should such an appointment be unattain-
able, you will next try to work out one in the law ; or if
that fail too, then, finally, endeavor to obtain such an
establishment in the Church as in its income would enable
me to spare you two or three hundred pounds a year,
after leaving me as much more on which to subsist.
Now, this is the only topic of this letter ; I wish you to
regard it as inviolably confidential ; for, although I could
as easily satisfy your reason and feelings as my own, that
I should neither offend against the duties of true religion
and morality, in accenting such a treasure, were it not
even justified as the best effort I could make for a
starving family ; yet how vain would the undertaking
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616 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
prove with others ! If, then, you should be reduced to
the necessity of canvassing for me in a spiritual charac-
ter, you need not hesitate to say of me, " que vous un
connaissez un bon Catholique"
I will close this tiresome letter by begging of you to
look at it occasionally, to remind you that the time draws
near for my return to my family , " to live or starve to-
gether, as we can, for the remainder of our days ; " * but,
until death shall relieve us of our wants, we shall ever
cherish the most affectionate regards for you. This con-
sideration will suggest to you the expediency of giving
me speedy intelligence of the result of your exertions on
my behalf.
And believe me, etc., Hab. B tt.
To Lord Courtney.
Stoketon House, Saltash, April lbth, 1824.
My Lord: — After the long lapse of years through
which your lordship and myself have passed with the
respective portions of happiness and misery each of us
has experienced since the days of our juvenile friendship,
when boarding together at Mrs. Clapham's, it will, I
hope, be less matter of surprise than of satisfaction to
you to learn that your old school -fellow, Blennerhassett,
though hitherto silent, now takes the first opportunity of
soliciting a revival of friendly intercourse by proposing a
correspondence which may enable him to testify the acute
* An expression in one of Mrs. B.'s letters to himself.
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TO AN OLD FRIEND. 617
sense he has of the injuries which have so largely been
unaccountably suffered to, undermine your lordship's
fame and just rights, in which no one has yet antici-
pated him in standing forward to vindicate.
It is only since my late return from America, after an
absence of near thirty years, that I have been given to
understand your lordship has, during so many years,
been the victim of so much malice and self-interest, with-
out the aid of a protecting arm, to turn aside those of
the moral assassins that have beset your fame, that they
might thereby divest you of your property. Now, to
grapple with the ruffians, and oust them of whatever con-
trol they may have usurped over your mind and estate, I
tender you, under the guarantee of our juvenile friend-
ships, my services as an experienced barrister, together
with those offices of friendship which I am disposed to
think you might require and return in circumstances not
incompatible with our respective stations in life.
But I forbear troubling you with any thing like stipu-
lation, unless called upon to do so, after having proved
the success of the efforts I would make to deserve your
confidence, which, in the first instance, I may, in some
degree, appreciate from the tenor of your answer.
If I should join your lordship's society, I would ob-
serve, my habits are those of a literary man, though I
easily accommodate myself to any mode of life, and am
no less than I was in boyhood, an enthusiast in music, in
which I have become a proficient. Tour speedy answer
will be anxiously looked for by, my Lord,
Tours most faithfully,
Harman Blenkebhassbtt.
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618 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
To Blennerhassett.
Montreal, May 19*A, 1824.
My dear Husband : — Your letter, conveying the melan-
choly tidings of our much-lamented Admiral's death, not
unexpected, should have been answered sooner if the
state of my mind had not made me dread that my writ-
ing might grieve you more than my silence. But I am
now more tranquil, and am at a loss for appropriate
words of condolence. Tell my aunt Mary that I deeply
sympathize with her in her great affliction, and that the
image of those virtues which shone forth in her noble
husband's character are as fresh in my recollection as
though I had seen him but yesterday. I sincerely hope,
if you have not already, that you may prevail on my
aunt Avis to remain near her sister, as this will be, for a
time at least, her only consolation. * * *
* * ******
You can not surely remain from us forever. It would
have been better that you had not elated me with the
hope of prosperity; but my disappointment is over now,
and I can even console you. Our noble friend Eossiter
wishes for nothing so much as joining you again in busi-
ness, of which he has more than he can attend to, and
only forbears taking a partner in hopes of your return.
I moved the day before yesterday into an excellent house,
at £25 rent. It is the oue you may recollect, constructed
of stone, in the rear of the house in which we lived.
I am quite fatigued in body and mind ; the latter, as
you know, always weak ; yet it has achieved more than
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DESPERATION. 619
you would credit, did you know all.* But I will soon
write again, and hope the April packet can not be far off.
In the mean time, do 'nt be discouraged ; we may yet do
well here in a moderate way ; and what more, at our time
of life, is necessary ? As to your keeping a school, it is
nonsense (pardon the expression) ; we shall never be
driven to this; and here, even if we were starving, it
would be impossible. My six bank shares are untouched
yet ; and if you return, or should send me £25, may so
remain for a long time. I have a comfortable house, fur-
nished as well as my necessities require ; and, with the
assistance of a good maid-servant, get along comfortably.
In short, therefore, be easy about me on every account
but one, your continued absence; this it is that breaks my
heart ; and if it is suffered to continue, I may not last
long. Thank Nevison for me ; certainly, should I die, he
shall have Lewis, now my only comfort.
The boys are well ; Lewis progresses rapidly at school ;
but, alas ! Harman is doing nothing but indulging him-
self in miscellaneous reading, and performing occasional
errands. He says, on your return, he will go to the South-
ern States and teach. I have written to poor Dominick,
but have received nothing from, or heard nothing of, him
since last August, at which time he accompanied the
troops to the head of the Mississippi. This is, indeed, a
sad scroll ; do n't show it to any one. When I began it,
I was calm, and thought I was brave; but the subjects
• An allusion to the forthcoming book of poetry, " The Widow of the
Rock, and other Poems," which she was then publishing, and with which
she desired to surprise her husband.
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620 THE BLENNERHA88BTT PAPERS.
that have constantly recurred have overcome me, and I
am compelled to conclude. "When I recover myself, which
I hope will he in a few days, I shall commence a long sheet
that will prove far more acceptable*
God bless and preserve you ! prays
TOUK AFFECTIONATE WlFB.
To Blennerka&Mtt.
Montreal, June 27th, 1824.
My dear Husband : — Could I believe in the flattering
hope of your embarking to return to us on the 1st of
April, any answer to your welcome letter of the 1st and
8d of May would be useless ; but, alas ! such and so mul-
tiplied have been my cruel disappointments on this score,
that, until I see you, I shall almost despair of our ever
meeting again. I look for letter after letter, still hoping
the next I receive will end my doubts ; but every one that
arrives only adds to my perplexity.
If my last two have reached you, my riddle, as you call
it, has been solved ; and, what is of more importance, you
have an outline of a plan by which, if we can not live in
affluence, we may yet subsist with independence here.
All those little attentions paid me at first by many of
the citizens of this community, seemed to have been with-
drawn, until the publication of my book, which, in a few
instances, excited a renewal of them, and which I rejected ;
holding it better to live in solitude than again subject my-
self to the capriciousness of those to whom T feel myself
superior. The author of " The Widow of the Rock, and
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CALCULATIONS. 631
other Poems," * will, therefore, receive no favor which waa
withheld from " Mrs. Blennerhassett." I live in utter soli-
tude ; but such has been the state of my health and spirits
for some time past, that any society would have been in*
supportable.
********
I rely on none of the prospects of your advancement
you mention, save the poor chance there may be of a
recommendation to a new Governor, if Dalhousie, who
has gone home with his family, does not return. The
papers say, but this is only conjecture, that he is to go
out to India, and that both a civil and military governor
will be sent to Canada. Heaven only knows how this
may be; but, notwithstanding all the fuss a few toad-
eaters made at his departure, the general impression seems
to be, that he is a poor creature; while the Canadian
party can't tolerate him.
I exceedingly dislike this place, but do not know
where I can be better suited ; for, as to Portugal or its
dependencies, I turn from them in horror; such is the
state of that country, the success might prove our destruc-
tion. Where there is no principle, and parties constantly
changing, what can the fallen expect but death or im-
prisonment? Though the climate of Brazil may be fine,
in what situation would any appointment leave you there
if, as would certainly be the case, the Government did
not duly pay the salary ? It would be better to commit
suicide at once, in my opinion, than to go to any other
Portuguese colony; and as to having any thing to do
• The title of her book.
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622 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
with the Church, that would he running into the lion's
mouth. If any employment could he obtained under an
English nobleman, it would be desirable, even though I
should be doomed to seek a retreat in the Welsh mount-
ains, which I should much prefer to Scotland. But I
expect nothing from this scheme, and again repeat, that
I fear it is here alone we can hope to end our days without
starvation.
O ! I ask myself a thousand times what I can have
done to deserve my present forlorn condition ? Did it
spring from the grave, I could bear it as the lot of mor-
tality. But to be a wife and the mother of two grown
sons, and yet feel alone in the world, is a situation which
I sometimes wonder that I can sustain ; yet, poor Dom-
inick, in the midst of his failings, was ever kind to me,
and now that a year has elapsed without having heard
from him, bears more sadly upon my heart than any
thing else.
* * ******
You can't remain much longer from, your affectionate
wife, M. Blennerhassett.
To General Devereux.
Cottage Crescent, Bath, May $th9 1825.
My dear Devereux: — After the many trying vicis-
situdes of fortune two old friends have undergone during
nineteen years that have rolled over them since they
received that impressing regard for you which no length
of time or change of circumstances can ever efface from
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INFERIOR TYPOGRAPHY. 623
their hearts, your feelings will better suggest to you than
I can describe the agreeable surprise with which we have
just learned you are in London.
Assuredly, the distance of a day's journey which sepa-
rates us, can not long impede any efforts I can make to
effect our meeting, if I shall learn by your answer that
you do not expect soon to visit Bath, and that business is
likely to detain you in London, more especially law busi-
ness, in which I could devote to your interest the best
efforts of my professional labor or advice.
Mrs. B., now here with my sister, is in too delicate a
state of health to permit her indulging the pleasure she
would not fail to enjoy of accompanying me to town on
such an occasion. Of the deep regret which she will en-
tertain, on conceiving the thought of not seeing you here,
you will be the best judge, from the ardor of her mind
which she lent to the best feelings of her heart in conse-
crating her sense of your worth and character, in the
poetical address to you she published, last year, at Mon-
treal, called forth on the occasion of seeing in the papers
your intended mission from Colombia to Russia, and in
vindication of your character, which her best sympathies-
have covered with the aegis of truth and friendship
against the gorgon of calumny that would assail it. The
volume, containing many other things that will not be un-
interesting, I will transmit you by the Bath coach, if you
do not let me take it up with me, or rather to hand it to
you here. It has been wretchedly printed in Canada.
We expect to republish it in London.*
* For the gratification of the curiosity of my readers, I extract a few
stanzas from the collection alluded to. The contemplated reyisal and
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624 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
I forbear to touch upon my present condition or future
prospects until we meet, and shall only add, that I shall
be most impatient to learn whether I shall further hasten
to embrace you in town, or shall soon be more gratified
to welcome you here, where you will accept of a bed.
Without the least abatement of our best sentiments, I
doubt not you will consider us most anxious to hear from
you, and believe me, my dear Devereux,
Unalterably yours, Harman Blennerhassitt.
To J. Kingdom, Esq.
Cottage Crescent, June 25*A, 1825.
My dear Friend : — From the generous interest I know
you feel in the success of my proposed plan of undertak-
London publication of the poems was never effected. The address opens
as follows:
" From Chimborazo's lofty brow,
Fame spreads her eagle wings for flight;
A hero's name she echoes now,
To thrill the soul with wild delight.
" On Andes' peaks thy deeds now shine;
In Quito' 8 halls are joy and mirth;
Lov'd Erin's cause, for ever thine,
Is linked with Freedom's 'round the earth.
" Colombia now no more shall hear
The soul's sad echo of distress ;
The tyrant's scourge no more shall fear,
While Bolivar and Thee they bless.
" Why weeps poor Erin thus in need
Of souls like thine to soothe her tears ?
Why not at Freedom's call ice speed
To worship at the throne she rears ? "
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TUITION. 625
ing the instruction of two or three other lads concur-
rently with that of ray son, you have ere now expected
something in the nature of a prospectus to he submitted
to your consideration. I shall now offer you a sketch of
my views, in the hope of your favoring me with your un-
reserved judgment on the subject.
Having, by my own experience and observation, fully
proven the wasteful expense of time, money and constitu-
tion, to obtain school and academical instruction, and its
defects, when acquired, I have no reason to regret that
my present restricted circumstances determine me to dis-
pense, proprid persond, to my son that discipline of the
head and heart, which I should despair of his attaining
in a public seminary ; and which, for a reasonable com-
pensation, I would administer to a few others of similar
age and amiable tempers.
It would be with me a sine qua non that the best moral
principles had been confirmed, and the temper generous
and tractable, in any pupil I would undertake; such
preliminary qualifications I can vouch for in Mr. Cresser
and my own boy. With such dispositions I would
keep up rather a companionable than a magisterial in-
tercourse. Expecting to receive them with good moral
instincts, I should spare no pains to arrange and eluci-
date the . analysis, as well as the synthesis of their ethics,
which I regard as the best and most solid foundation
of all the prosperity they may aim to attain, in whatever
vocation they may be destined for.
As to literary acquirements, the course and compass of
them should be regulated by the profession we have in
view; for instance, I should hold it preposterous for a
40
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626 THB BLBNNERHASSBTT PAPERS.
Btudent of law to pore longer over the intricacies of
mathematics than was necessary to enable him to apply
them to an elementary course of physics. This I put as
an example of the vigilance I would exert in the economy
of time in the selection of matter. Meanwhile I should
never lose sight of the necessary grounding, so frequently
disregarded or neglected at all schools, except, perhaps,
the Royal Foundations, in which last, I admit, young men
acquire by seven or eight years labor, a good grammar
of the dead languages, with little or no love for the beau-
ties of the ancients, in the study of whom they are solely
devoted to the almost total neglect of all other acquire-
ments. I can aver that, of the four hundred boys at
Westminster school, when I was there, six could not be
picked out who could deliver the principles of an opera-
tion in the Rule of Three. Such a waste of ydung life
was more compatible with a monastic age than with the
present. But the tyranny of fashion further exacts four
years more of the flower of youth to be devoted to the
college course ; for what benefit I know not, save so far
as it may be requisite for a more respectable ordination ;
but with what effects it visits the constitution and morals
of its students, I suppose, is as generally felt and admitted,
as is the great charge for the name, rather than the sub-
stance of any learning that is gained by it. The literary
men of Alma Mater are really self-taught products of a
second closet education, and only regard her as their
boarding dame. Hence I propose, for my son, to dis-
pense with a public education, feeling as I do, that if God
Almighty vouches health to me for three years to come,
I shall in that time provide him with a viaticum for pur-
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EDUCATIONAL, 627
suing his journey toward the attainment, with credit, of
whatever profession circumstances and his talents may
best indicate. In three years, I beg to repeat, for any lad
no less advanced than Lewis, I could supersede the neces-
sity of all school and University education, and fit him
for such a course of study as in five years more would
enable him to enter on the practice of any of the liberal
professions as well gifted and qualified as any University
scholar whatever.
You perceive my plan, in the whole, embraces a period
of eight years, of which the last five are to be appropri-
ated to a mixed course of the sciences, polite literature
and professional study, to be arranged and digested on a
scale adapted to the views, interests and intended voca-
tion of the individual. For instance, should the bar be
his object, he is to spend half of his last year in a special
pleader's office, three months of it in an attorney's, and
the other three in a conveyancer's office, having, during
the last five years, kept all his Terms at the Temple,
For a military, naval or commercial calling, I would not
undertake to propose further than by the first three years'
course, which would embrace enough of French, Greek,
Latin, English, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geography, Geom-
etry, Astronomy, and no more than I should deem requi-
site at the present day for any condition. Any other
acquirements should be sought out in an after period by
the individual.
If boarding should be required, it could be procured at
Cottage Crescent, by all comparisons the most healthful
and pleasant situation, distant one and three-fourth miles'
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628 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
from Bath, at the lowest terms it could be furnished in a
good family. The tone of the society and manners is
such as may be expected in a domestic circle whose limits
regard as their center a retired barrister, who is an LL. B.,
has traveled much, and practiced his profession with rep-
utation both in Europe and America. It is not, he flat-
ters himself, his least recommendation, that he avers he
had no wish to grow rich by his labors in the decline of
his life. His only aim is to give ample value for quantum
meruit, while, by benefiting others, he can enlarge the
rational comforts of his own family. In his estimates,
which, however, he is willing to modify at your sugges-
tion, he submits, that he ought to receive £100 per annum,
independent of boarding. If it should be thought I have
spoken less reverently than I thought to have done, I
would refer to the bill now before Parliament, constitut-
ing a Police System for the Universities.
Yours faithfully, H. Blennerhassbtt.
To Devereuz.
Cottage Crescent, Bath, Aug. Slst9 1825.
My dear Devereux: — Perceiving by the papers that
commercial intercourse with Colombia is connived at by
Prance, which I have thought it probable may have
arisen from the success of your efforts on the part of
the Republic with the French ministry; and if I am
right in this conjecture, I may rejoice in your having
been, at least, the proximate cause of that recognition
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TO DEVEREUX. 629
which seems bo generally expected to be made by the
French Government. Should this soon take place, surely
the services you have rendered the Republic, and the
claims you have on Bolivar, can admit of no intervention
between you and the Colombian Government, notwith-
standing your being a foreigner, to impede your filling
any diplomatic situation in Europe you might choose to
accept under the Republic. Might I, in such an issue of
your exciting political speculations, suggest that, if your
views are not already fixed, I will not say on some more
attached, but more competent friend, I would be most
happy to be appoiuted your secretary, in which character,
I may venture to say, I hope my industry and acquire-
ments would not disappoint your expectations. To this
application you will gratify me with an early answer.
But en attendant, if you could, without inconvenience,
procure me a consular appointment uuder the Colombian
Government, or any agency worth even £200 per annum,
in any situation in Europe, such an addition to our pres-
ent small income would make us comfortable any where
near you; though, I confess, we should receive it with
considerable alloy, if it were to depend on the condition
of our residing out of Europe.
I have nearly, but not quite, abandoned the project of
resuming my profession in Ireland, which is not now the
happy home of our " by -gone years." The scheme is beset
with so many difficulties to promise success, with a detail
of which I will not attempt to excite your sympathies.
Mrs. B. has sanguine hopes that the suggestions I have
presented to your friendship may open better prospects
for us. She begs to close this letter ; so I will only add,
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080 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
I hope we shall soon learn where we may look for the
happiness of embracing you ; being
Ever, my dear Devereux, faithfully yours,
Harman Blennerhassett.
P. S. — We have just heard of a new work on the
Colombian Revolution, in which we are impatient to
come up with and follow the march of your fame. Apro-
pos de la marehe, I have composed some military ones, of
which I hope your Excellency will hereafter select one, to
be enhanced by your accepting its dedication.
My dear Sra : — I can not permit your friend's letter to
go without offering you, under my own hand, an expres-
sion of the heartfelt pleasure I received by your kind let-
ter from London, the sentiments of which so entirely cor-
respond with those I have ever cherished, that I look
forward to the period when we shall receive the pleasure
we formerly so much enjoyed in your society ; not merely
in your promised visit to us here, but in a more durable
intercourse, if we shall ever be so fortunate as to realize
the hope of sharing with you the evening of our days.
With every solicitude for your health and happiness, I
beg you to believe me,
Your faithfully attached friend, M. P.
To the Marquis of Wellesley.
Cottage Crescent, Bath, November 3rf, 1825.
My Lord : — If any subject of these realms may more
gratefully than another be supposed to exult in the
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CONFESSION. 681
glories of the illustrious house of Wellesley, your Excel-
lency will uot doubt the sincerity of that devotedneaa
with which an humble relation of that house now ven-
tures to solicit your Excellency's notice and protection.
The grandson of Conway Blennerhassett, who married
Elizabeth Harman, daughter of Margaret Wellesley, who
married Wentworth Harman, — I trust the degree of con-
sanguinity which I happily derive from this descent may
qualify me to aspire to the hope of your Excellency's
favor, if, upon investigation of my capacity and charac-
ter, I shall be found worthy of it.
I am of the Irish bar, since 1790 : left it for America,
in 1795, where I have resided until I finally returned, last
year, from Canada, to lay claim, at the solicitation of some
friends, to certain estates of the late Dean Ilarman, which,
it was confidently but erroneously believed, I was entitled
to, in virtue of my descent from Wentworth Harman. The
failure of this enterprise, consequent upon along train of
adverse circumstances, now reduces me to resort to the
forlorn hope of praying your Excellency to locate me in
any civil situation in Ireland, the stipend whereof may
enable me to support a family in a state above penury.
Confined, since my return to England, by an attendance
on an aged sister, in feeble health, which has hitherto pre-
vented my personally paying my respects to your Excel-
lency, I beg to avail myself of this occasion to express
my most ardent wishes for the most perfect happiness of
that union resulting from your Excellency's late nuptials
with a lady whose acquaintance Mrs. Blennerhassett is
proud to recollect she made some years since at Baltimore.
With the most profound esteem and admiring sense of
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THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
those virtues and talents that distinguish, as they have
prepared for history, your Excellency's character and
fame, I pray to be considered, my lord,
Your most humble servant,
Harman Blennerhassett.
Although somewhat foreign to the object of these
memoirs, I can not refrain from affording the reader, even
at the peril of censure for a departure from the strict line
of biographical narrative, and pertinency to my subject,
a more extended acquaintance with the personages ad-
dressed and referred to in the preceding letter.
The Marquis of Wellesley, with whom Blennerhassett
claimed consanguinity, was the eldst son of the Earl of
Mornington, and brother of Arthur, Duke of Wellington,
was created Marquis of Wellesley, for his services in India
as Governor-General, and, at the date of his letter, Vice-
roy of Ireland. He had, but the February previous, been
married to Marianne, daughter of Richard Caton, Esq.,
of Baltimore, where Mrs. Blennerhassett had made her
acquaintance. At the time of her marriage with the
Marquis, she was the widow of Robert Patterson, by
which previous alliance she became, in some degree, con-
nected with the Bonaparte family.* Their nuptials were
* Jerome Bonaparte, the younger brother of Napoleon I, was born in
1784, nnd educated in Franoe. He went to St. Domingo with Le Clerc, as
a lieutenant, and soon afterward was appointed to the command of a frig-
ate. Napoleon had so high an opinion of his nautical talents, that he made
him an admiral; he, however, was soon dissatisfied, and transferred him
to the army, where he arose to the command of a division. About the year
1801, Jerome visited the United States, and while here married a Miss
Patterson, daughter of the Marquis of Wellesley's wife's former husband.
Napoleon compelled him to divorce this lady, with a view of marrying a
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MRS. PATTERSON. 638
celebrated when Lord Wellesley was in his sixty-fifth and
the bride in her thirty-first year. Her sister, Louisa
Catherine Caton, had been previously married to Sir
Felton Bathurst Harvey, in 1817, and became a widow
two years after. In 1828, she was again married to the
present Duke of Leeds, then Marquis of Carmarthen.
Perhaps no American woman, either before or since,
has ever won such mark of distinction in Europe, as was
bestowed on these beautiful and highly-gifted ladies. Al-
though of American parentage, and educated in the less
ostentatious manners of Republican simplicity, there was,
nevertheless, an inborn dignity of deportment, and an
unaffected suavity of address, that at once admitted
them within the royal circles of Europe, while their
beauty and accomplishments rendered them successful
rivals of the titled aristocracy of the old world.
Mrs. Patterson and her sister had visited Ireland to see
the country. Having been introduced to the most fash-
ionable circles, she soon became the center of attraction.
Her religion, which was that of Rome, had it been at
first revealed, might have restricted, in some measure,
the generous hospitality which was every-where dis-
played. On her introduction at court, Lord Wellesley
became enamored of her charms, of which one hundred
and fifty thousand pounds were said to constitute a part.
Her fortune, however, it is said, was greatly exaggerated
princess of the house of Wurtemberg. This marriage took place in 1807,
and Jerome removed to the territory of Wurtemberg, where he continued
to reside for some time under the title of Count Montfort. He died in 1860.
It seems rather a remarkable coincidence, that while the stepmother
married the brother of the Duke of Wellington, the stepdaughter should
have married the brother of Napoleon.
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684 THE BLEXNERUASSETT PAPERS.
by the vulgar report ; and the Marquis would have been
the very last man to have taken it into the account in
a matrimonial alliance. "Though Hymen," says Sheil,
"is sometimes addicted to the study cf arithmetic, yet
Lord Wellesley would i ever set them at this inglorious
task." It was indeed, with him, altogether an affair of
the heart. She was that poetic creation — an old man's
darling. He offered her his hand, and was elated with
its acceptance.
In the great city of Dublin, the announcement of the
intended nuptials produced the most profound sensa-
tion. The lord-lieutenant was soon to introduce in their
midst a vice-queen, of wonderful beauty, and of the
Roman Catholic religion ; of course, the wildest ex-
citement prevailed among the hitherto oppressed and
restricted Catholic subjects. Their creed they now con-
ceived, says Sheil, " would receive a sanction from a
pair of beautiful eyes at the Castle." She would drive
in state to the chapel, and O'Connell and Sheil hoped
" that her love of legitimate rhetoric might induce her to
go in disguise to the gallery of the Catholic House of
Commons." The Orange faction were alarmed; the
scepter was to depart from Judah ; and the Protestant
viceroy was to be placed in Catholic leading strings, by
the intrigues of an American beauty. It was idle, they
said, to expect, on the part of Lord Wellesley, any very
rigid adherence to the principles of the Protestant relig-
ion : " How powerful must be the influence of a young
and beautiful wife upon a man of careless and vacillating
opinions."
The marriage may be said to have been a double one ;
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A BALL. 686
at least, the ceremonies were twice performed; the first
by Dr. Magee, a clergyman of the Church of England ;
the second, by one of the Catholic communion. Thus pol-
itics and religion were reconciled, the rancor of religious
intolerance appeased, and both parties satisfied that the
hymenial knot had been tied with a double bow.
The Marchioness soon became popular in Ireland. She
was called upon to witness much distress, caused, partly,
by the improvidence of its inhabitants, but more immedi-
ately by the prostration of its manufacturing interests.
It was true that her private charities were frequently dis-
pensed to individual objects ; but where poverty and suf-
fering were so universal, however large the contributions
of her own and her husband's private benevolence, they
could afford but limited relief to the starving poor. As
an expedient of temporary relief, it was suggested that a
" Tabinet Ball " should take place, under the auspices of
the fair and newly-ennobled lady. I am enabled to con-
dense a description of the scene from an eye-witness.*
The notice was given in order to afford the young
ladies in the country an opportunity of coming to town,
and the 11th of May, 1826, was fixed for the metropolitan
fSte. Peremptory orders were issued at the Castle, that
no person should appear in any other than Irish manu-
facture. A great sensation was produced by what, in
such a provincial town as Dublin, may be considered as
an event. Crowds of families flocked from all parts of
the country ; and if any prudential grazier remonstrated
against the expense of a journey to the metropolis, the
Mr. Shell.
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636 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
eyes of the young ladies having duly filled with tears,
and mamma having protested that Mr. O'Flaherty might
as well send the girls to a convent, and doom them to
old maidenhood for life, the old carriage was ordered to
the hall-door, and came creaking into town, laden with
the rural belles, who were to make a conquest at the
Tabinet Ball. The arrival of the important day was
looked for with impatience, and many a young heart
was kept beating under its virgin zone at the pleasura-
ble anticipation. In the interval much good was ac-
complished, and Terpsichore set the loom at work.
Every milliner's shop gave notes of profuse and prodi-
gal preparation.
At last, the 11th of May arrived, and at about 10
o'clock the city shook with the roll of carriages hurrying
from all quarters to the rotunda. Here was an immense
assemblage of young and beautiful women, dressed in an
attire which, instead of impairing, tended to set off the
loveliness of their aspect, and the symmetry of their fine
forms; the sweetness and innocency of expression which
characterizes an Irish lady, sat upon their faces ; modesty,
kindness, and vivacity played in their features; and grace
and joyousness swayed the movement of limbs which
Chantry would not disdain to select for a model. While
these gay festivities were proceeding, it was suddenly
announced that Lord Wellesley and the Marchioness
were about to enter the room. There was a sudden
pause in the dancing, and the light airs to which the
crowd had been moving were soon changed to the Royal
Anthem. All were eager in their efforts to observe the
beautiful American. A Yankee and a Papist turned into
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HAPPY MAN ! 687
a vice-queen ! — a novelty never before witnessed in the
long history of Ireland. There was something strange
in this caprice of fortune; the crowd were anxious to
behold the person with whom the blind goddess had
played so fantastic a freak. Followed by a gorgeous
retinue of richly-decorated attendants, the viceroy and
his consort advanced toward the immense assembly, who
received them with acclamation. She was leaning upon
his arm. He seemed justly proud of so fair a burden.
The consciousness of so noble a possession had the effect
upon him which the inspirations of Genius were said to
have produced upon a celebrated actor, and he looked
"six feet high," compact, and well knit together, with
great alertness in his movements, and with no further
stoop than sixty winters have left upon him, with a
searching and finely-irradiated eye, and with cheeks
which, however furrowed, carry but few traces of the
tropics. The victor of Tipoo Saib, and the conqueror
of Captain Rock, entered the rotunda.
He seemed to personate his sovereign with too elabo-
rate a fidelity to the part, and to forget that he was not
in permanent possession of the character upon a stage
which was under the direction of such capricious mana-
gers, and that he must speedily relinquish it to some
other actor upon the provincial boards. He was, un-
questionably, a man of very great abilities ; a speaker of
the first order of talent ; a statesman with wide and phil-
osophic views, who never bounded his prospects by an
artificial horizon. He attained great fame as a politician,
and had the merit of co-operating with O'Connell in the
pacification of Ireland.
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688 THE BLENNBRHASSBT2 PAPERS.
A throne, surmounted with a gorgeous canopy of gold
and scarlet, was placed at the extremity of the rogm for
his reception ; and to this seat of mock regality he ad-
vanced with his vice-queen with a measured and stately
step. When he had reached this place of dignity, his
suite formed themselves into a hollow square and excluded
from any too familiar approach the crowd of spectators
that thronged around. A sort of boundary was formed
by the lines of aid-de-camps, train-bearers, and pursui-
vants of all kinds.
The Marquis was dressed in a rich uniform, with a pro-
fusion of orders. He wore white pantaloons, with short
boots lined with gold and with tassels of the same ma-
terial. The Marchioness was dressed in white tabinet,
crossed with a garland of flowers. Her appearance was
striking, not only as a very fine, but dignified woman.
Nobody would have suspected that she had not originally
belonged to that proud aristocracy to which she had been
tecently annexed. She had nothing of la bourgeois* par-
venue. She executed her courtesies with a remarkable
gracefulness, and her statelinesB sat as naturally upon her
as though she inherited it by regal descent. Her figure
was peculiarly well proportioned. Her arms and shoul-
ders, though less suited to Hebe than to Pomona, were
finely moulded, and her waist delicately small and taper-
ing. Her profile was marked and classical. Her com-
plexion had not that purity and milkiness of color which
belong to Irish beauty, but it was perhaps not the less
agreeable from having been touched by a warmer Bun.
Her brows were softly and straightly penciled; her
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TUB DOWAGER. 689
cheeks well chiseled, and an expression of permanent
mildness sat upon her lips. "If I were called upon,"
says Sheil, " to point out, among the portraitures of ficti-
tious life, an illustration of the Marchioness of Wellesley,
I do not think that with reference to her air, her man-
ners, the polish and urbanity of her address, and the
placidity of her expression, I could select any more ap-
propriate than the English heroine of Don Juan —
"Thb Lady Adeline Amundeville."
The Marquis and the copartner of his honors, and sole
tenant of his heart, having made their obeisance to the
company, seated themselves upon the throne. From this
position they could command a view of the entire assem-
bly. After the ceremonies of the reception had ended,
the festivities of the occasion were resumed, and only
closed when the morning sun eclipsed the glare of arti-
ficial light, and admonished the exhausted dancers that
the night was spent.
This remarkable lady seems not to have been exempt
from the fickleness of fortune, and to have experienced
sad reverses in her latter days. Queen Victoria granted
her a residence in Hampton Court Palace, a " refuge for
the destitute" among the aristocracy, in which many
pauperized people of rank are rent free. Here she re-
ceived a pension, either from, the British Government or
the East India Company, both of whom Marquis Welles-
ley had served faithfully and with distinction during a
long period of years.
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640 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
From the Poet Campbell.
10 Upper Seymour Street, West,
July 17th, 1825.
Sir: — I am exceedingly sorry that it is wholly out of
my power to be of the smallest use to you in the publica-
tion of your musical composition. The New Monthly
never inserts pieces of music, and I have no personal ac-
quaintance either with Mr. Braham or Mr. Sapio. The
words are not mine, to the best of my recollection ; but I
should not be ashamed of them. I am therefore obliged
to return your MSS., and with best wishes I remain,
Your most obedient servant, Thos. Campbell.
In 1825, Blennerhassett returned to Canada, only to
complete his arrangements for a permanent removal. His
business having been closed, accompanied by his wife
and youngest son, he sailed from Quebec, never to return.
His maiden sister, Avis, having offered him a home, his
family became a part of her household at Cottage Cres-
cent, Bath, in the county of Somersetshire, England.
The generosity of Avis, whose income was by no means
ample, afforded them a subsistence during the remainder
of his life. In the mean time, as is disclosed by his cor-
respondence, he strove arduously, but fruitlessly, to gain
employment.
Disheartened by disappointment, and suffering from
unusual exposure, Mrs. Blennerhassett's health was found
to be rapidly declining. The climate had proven too
rigorous for a constitution already impaired, and the dis-
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hope on! 641
ease,* to which she had long been subject, became greatly
aggravated. A removal to another locality, where the
changes were less extreme, was advised by her physician
as the only certain measure of relief. The Island of
Jersey, in the British channel, was accordingly determ-
ined on; thither they removed, accompanied by the
sister Avis.
A change of Administration had been but recently
effected in the Government, and Lord Anglesey was
placed at the head of the Ordnance Department. Blen-
nerhassett determined once more to appeal to the gener-
osity of his friend, and addressed him the following letter :
St. Aubin, Jersey, May Slsf, 1827.
My Lord: — With what feelings I participated in the
general satisfaction expressed by the better part of the
public on the triumphant establishment of the present
Administration since your Lordship's acceptance of office
in it, the correspondence I have been honored with by
you, from 1819 to 1823, will more fully attest than I could
by any assurances.
I hope that, in inditing this letter, I shall not have ob-
truded upon the indulgence which has always heard and
answered me. Encouraged by such reflections, I now
beg leave to state, that my chief motive for this address
is an anxious desire to offer to your Lordship's considera-
ation certain suggestions relating to our cannon and
musketry in proposals for improvements in fabricating
cannon, by which a 24-pounder, for instance, may be
* Inflammation of the heart.
41
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642 THE BLENNBRHA8SJSTT PAPERS.
made of higher proof, and of half the weight, and at
nearly one-half the cost of the present pieces of the
same caliber. If this can he realized, of which I have
no doubt whatever, though the plan was rejected by a
committee appointed to examine it in the Duke of Wel-
lington's Administration, who were assuredly mistaken,
both as to the facts and principles on which the plan is
founded, what an accession of effect and saving will be
gained in naval as well as military projectiles, your judg-
ment will not fail to discover. The expense, however, of
an experiment to settle the question would hardly cost
Government £100.
The second proposal has for its object the means of
giving to the musket now in use all the precision and
effect of the rifle, without any alteration of the piece
whatsoever, and also without lessening or at all interfer-
ing with the present rate of time taken up in loading.
The object is effected by a new mode of making the
balls, and which is also more speedy and economical than
the present. The success of this improvement on the
effect of the musket is unquestionable, and has received
the approbation of several military men, to whom it has
been proposed.
During my retirement from Canada, residing here with
my family on a small income, I have abandoned all views
of resuming law-practice, unless in an official situation
befitting a barrister of 1790. Any civil appointment,
however, in your Lordship's department, at a European
station, that could be conveniently offered me ; or one in
Europe or America for a deserving son, or a present or
future vacancy, would be most gratefully accepted.
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DISAPPOINTMENT. 648
I pray to be informed, whether I may or may not ad-
dress you officially, tendering the foregoing proposals, for
lessening the cost and increasing the effect of ordnance
and musketry for the advancement of her Majesty's
service. I have the honor to be, etc.,
Harman Blennbrhassett.
REPLY.
Office of Ordnance, June 9th9 1827.
Sir: — I am directed by the Marquis of Anglesey to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 81st ult.,
and to acquaint you that his Lordship will be happy to
receive the suggestions which you may have to offer, and
will submit them to the consideration of the committee,
whose province it is to examine and report upon the
various projects brought before this department. With
respect to your request, an appointment, Lord Anglesey
regrets extremely, that the long list of pressing claims,
received from his predecessor, and the very limited means
of attending to them, will not allow his Lordship to hold
out any expectation that it will be in his power to offer
to your acceptance any appointment.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Wm. Gossett.
H. Blennbrhassett, Esq.
To Harman Blennerhassett, Junior.
Guernsey, December 4th, 1828.
My dear Son : — On the 30th ult., my dear Harman, we
received your letter of the 8th November. We grieve to
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644 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
learn by it that you labor under pecuniary embarrass*
merits we can not at present relieve. * * *
*** * * * * *
Since we had your September letter, I have heartily
rejoiced at the station you had acquired in civil life by
the attainment of a profession in the practice of which I
hope and believe you will reach a standing to insure you
a competency, if not a fortune. And with a view to
your success I will now present a few observations to
your consideration.
The field of advice to a young lawyer is so large that
it is not easy to choose on which side to enter it. I shall
therefore only touch, as it were, upon the confines of the
region of study, by advising you to refuse your mind to
matters of detail in it, but seize and treasure up in mem-
ory the principles and points which you can draw from
it for the occasion of pleading and forensic argumenta-
tion, in which your adversary may not, perhaps, be able
to say as you can, " Condo et comparo quod mox depromere
passim"
Blackstone, omitting his feudal system and such other
parts of the work as, on first reading, you can mark off
as inapplicable to American polity and jurisprudence,
should be your text-book. It will furnish the principles
which will best prepare you to study those constitutions
and laws of which you are now called upon, in some de-
gree, to direct the administration in your practice. In
this work you ought to contemplate your vocation from
a high post of responsibility, which the full discharge of
duty will reward with the full meed of honor and profit.
This sentiment will be well supported by your habitual
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ADVICE. 645
principles of candor and integrity, which will secure to
yon the favor and countenance of the Court, which you
must ever conciliate by decent humility, without servil-
ity; but it will expose you to insidious attacks of chi-
canery, in practice by your opponents, ever on the watch
to overreach your contingent neglect of rules, orders or
notices, which your vigilance must aid your industry to
counteract in season.
In your public speaking you must be no competitor for
the palm of eloquence. Leaving others to aspire to that
object, it must be your aim to stand before the Court on
the facts, on which you can show the law and reason of
your case upon solemn argument. "WTien addressing a
jury, or examining a witness, you must rather engage the
feelings of the former by seeming to participate in what-
ever bias you have reason to suspect they entertain,
whether derived from rumor or personal prejudice, as
you must endeavor to win the confidence of the latter
by the urbanity of your manner of interrogation, through
which you can best throw him oft* his guard against your
real purpose, until you have fixed him on one horn of a
dilemma, from which he has no escape but in the conclu-
sions you have in view. This is, indeed, one of the evo-
lutions of practice, requiring the greatest dexterity and
address, but yet to be executed with more or less success
through exercise, directed by observation and judgment,
which time and industry will supply, but it is never to be
obtained when marred by fits of irritability of temper,
against which, through regard for character and true
interest, you should ever be on your guard, through
all trials of life, especially those of your practice.
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646 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
These observations, drawn from the sources of my own
experience, I shall close here at present.* I have for-
* The advice here given by Blennerhassett to his son, on entering the
practice of law, is perhaps more spiritedly given by an Irish gentleman,
as related by Mr. Sheil : " A young barrister/' says »he, " who looks to
eminence from his own sheer, unaided merits, must have a mind and frame
prepared by nature for the endurance of unremitting toil. He must cram
hiB memory with the arbitrary principles of a complex and incongruous
code, and be equally prepared, as occasion serves, to apply or misapply
them. He must not only surpass his competitors in the art of reasoning,
right from right principles — the logio of common life — but he must bo
equally an adept in reasoning right from wrong principles, and wrong
from right ones. He must learn to glory in a perplexing sophistry, as in the
discovery of an immortal truth. Ho must make up his mind and his face
to demonstrate, in open court, with all imaginable gravity, that nonsense
is replete with meaning, and that the dearest meaning is manifestly non-
sense by construction. This is merit, by * legal habit of thinking ; ' and
to acquire them, he must not only prepare his faculties by a course of
assiduous and direct cultivation, but he must absolutely forswear all other
studies and speculations that may interfere with their perfection. There
must be no dallying with literature ; no hankering after comprehensive
theories for the good of men ; away must be wiped all such * trivial fond
records/ He must keep to his digests and indexes. He must see nothing
in mankind but a great collection of plaintiffs and defendants, and con*
sider no revolution in their affairs as comparable, in interest, to the last
term reports of points of practice decided in banco regit. As he walks the
streets, he must give way to no sentimental musings. There must be no
1 commercing with the skies, no idle dreams of love, and rainbows, and
poetic forms,' and all the bright illusions upon which the * fancy free ' can
feast. If a thought of love intrudes, it must be connected with the law
of marriage settlements, and articles of separation from bed and board.
So of the other passions, and of every the most interesting incident
and situation in human life— he must view them all with reference to their
legal effect and operation. If a funeral passes by, instead of permitting
his imagination to follow the mourners to the grave, he must consider how
far the executor may not have made himself liable for a waste of assets
by some supernumerary plumes and hat-bands, beyond * the state and cir-
cumstances of the deceased;7 or, if his eye should light upon a requisi-
tion for a public meeting to petition against a grievance, he must regard
the grievance as immaterial, but bethink himself whether the wording of
the requisition be strictly warrantable under the provisions of the Con-
vention Act.
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FRATERNAL. 647
borne until now to speak of my own health. It is, for
my time of life, good, save a paralytic affection of the left
arm and side, which has not left me since the 28th of last
May, when it seized me. How it may terminate I know
not, but whenever I shall be called away from this sub-
lunary, to another, and I doubt not a better state, I shall
not apprehend that my soul will be any thing less jocular
there than here. That thought in the Emperor Adrian's
soliloquy, or rather address, to his departing soul, is not
so happily conceived as the sportive playfulness with
which he expresses in beautiful diminutives his philo-
sophical composure, in articulo mortis — a moment of trial
" Such is a part, and a very small part, of the probationary discipline to
which the young candidate for forensic eminence must be prepared to sub-
mit ; and if he can hold out for ten or fifteen years, his superior claims
may begin to be known and rewarded. But success will bring no dimi-
nution of toil and self-denial. The bodily and mental labor alone of a suc-
cessful barrister's life would be sufficient, if known beforehand, to appal
the stoutest. Besides this, it has many peculiar rubs and annoyances.
His life is passed in a tumult of perpetual contention, and he must make
up his sensibility to give and receive the hardest knocks. He has no choice
of cases ; he must throw himself, heart and soul, into the most unpromis-
ing that is confided to him. He must fight pitched battles with obstreperous
witnesses. He must have lungs to out clamor the most clamorous. He must
make speeches without. He must keep battering for hours at a jury that he
sees to be impregnable. He is before the public, and at the mercy of public
opinion ; and if every nerve be not strained to the utmost to achieve what
is impossible, the public, with its usual good nature, will attribute the fail-
ure to want of zeal or capacity in the advocate, to any thing, rather than
the badness of the cause. Finally, he must appear to be sanguine, even
after a defeat; and be prepared to tell a knavish client that haB been
beaten out of the courts of common law, that his * ib a clear case for relief
in equity.' The man who can do all this deserves to succeed, and will suc-
ceed ; but I will not discourage my young American aspirants, that, in the
United States, they may not ( rationally expect to arrive at eminence in
their profession upon less rigorous conditions.' "
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648 THE BLENNERHAS8ETT PAPERS.
so fearfully met by vulgar hearts. I am so far sunk in
practice, through dissuetude in my Latin, that I can not
set about a letter in that language. The lines are these :
" Anima yagula blandula
Hospes comesque corporis,
Quo nunc abidis in loco ?
/ Palidula, frigida, stridalis,
Nee dabiB ut soles joca ! " *
The epithet " vagula blandula " beautifully characterizes
the departing spirit's mild nature, and its being on the
wing to seek its resting in unknown regions ; but those
in the last line but one are, to my taste, unhappily chosen,
as they exhibit the soul like a vulgar ghost or specter,
bearing about it enough of a camel covering sufficient to
exhibit our Divine spark ! — a pale, shrieking, chilled
being, not, indeed, capable of jesting. * * *
Your fond father, Harman Blennerhassett.
The attack of paralysis of which he writes was the
premonition of his closing career, " The silver cord was
loosed, and the golden bowl broken." He lingered for
sometime after; but death, as he intimates, would at any
time have been a pleasant messenger. The height of his
intellect was fading, and his grasp on earthly hopes
rapidly relaxing. After a residence of three years at St.
* " 0 sweet, roving spirit,
Guest and companion of my body,
Where now will you go ?
Pale, cold and shrieking creature,
No more, aB once, will you be capable of jesting.*
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HIS DEATH. 649
Aubin, it was deemed advisable to remove to the Island
of Guernsey, where the landed property of Avis was
situate. Here, at Port Pierre, a second, and then a third
attack followed; and, on the 1st of February, 1831,
wearied with life, he sank to rest, in the sixty-third year
of his age, with his head pillowed on that bosom which,
for thirty-five years, had throbbed in perfect unison with
his own.
Thus has it been attempted to portray the life and
character of Blennerhassett. From youth to age, and
finally to the grave, we have followed his footsteps, with
an interest excited more through our sympathy than our
admiration of the man. In his life, there is really noth-
ing remarkable. His scientific acquirements never gave
to mankind one single truth, nor devised a plan for the
benefit of the human race. His is not that fame which
bedecks with laurels the brow of the hero, or follows
those acts which the world regards as sublimely great.
Of these, indeed, he was never emulous. His native
country afforded him the finest fields for military noto-
riety ; and as for political preferment, the times in which
he lived were propitious to the aspirant. The names of
his compeers will descend to posterity in living colors as
long as down-trodden Ireland shall retain a place on the
page of history. That celebrity which attended his name
was not of his seeking. His was the peculiar tempera-
ment, fitted better for the enjoyments of private life than
the battle-field or the political arena. For this, he re-
signed magnificence and ease for obscurity in a western
wilderness, where he enjoyed, for a time, that uninter-
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860 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
rupted repoBe which had so long attracted his fancy.
There, too, he would have doubtless remained but for
the circumstances heretofore narrated.
At the death of her husband, Mrs. Blennerhassett was
left with a family of dependent children, for whom h$r
greatest exertione could hardly procure subsistence. Long
and arduously she toiled, both mentally and physically,
to avoid impending poverty. It was not only necessary
that they should be fed and clothed, but it was also im-
portant that they should receive such an education as
would, at least, fit them for the business transactions of
life. She had now arrived at an age when elasticity, both
of body and mind, was nearly destroyed; and this of
itself was sufficient to prevent any expectation of future
success. Under such gloomy prospects, she resolved to
visit the United States and petition the Government for
relief.
In this, she is not to be regarded as a mendicant asking
for alms y but rather as asserting her rights ; — rights most
wantonly violated by the officers of a government pledged
to the protection of its citizens. The agents of the Pres-
ident had not only detained the boats and stores prepared
for the enterprise of Burr, but had actually destroyed the
former and consumed the latter. They had invaded the
sanctity of her household; had appropriated to them-
selves and wasted her provisions ; broken her furniture ;
laid waste the gardens; torn down the fences; and had
done serious injury to the mansion. They had put Blen-
nerhassett to an enormous expense in defending himself at
Richmond; they, in fact, had reduced him from affluence
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TO CONORESS. 651
to comparative poverty. Was this extraordinary sacri-
fice to be justified, and its victims to remain unsatisfied
from the mere fact that Blennerhassett was accused of
hostility toward the Government ? Could such an inva-
sion of private rights have been legalized, if he had been
found guilty of the acts with which he was charged ?
In the year 1842, Mrs. Blennerhassett, with an invalid
son, visited New York, and, through the hands of her
friends, preferred a petition to Congress. "With a meek-
ness of disposition which is remarkable, when we recol-
lect her grievances, she says :
" Your memorialist does not desire to exaggerate the
conduct of the said armed men, or the injuries done by
them ; but she can truly say, that, before their visit, the
residence of her family had been noted for its elegance
and high state of improvement ; and that they left it in a
comparative state of ruin and waste. And, as instances
of the mischievous and destructive spirit which appeared
to govern them, she would mention, that, while they
occupied as a guard-room one of the best apartments in
the house, the building of which cost nearly forty thou-
sand dollars, a musket or rifle ball was deliberately fired
into the ceiling, by which it was much defaced and in-
jured ; and that they wantonly destroyed many-pieces of
valuable furniture. She would also state that, being ap-
parently under no restraint, they indulged in continual
drunkenness and riot, offering many indignities to your
memorialist and treating her domestics with violence.
" These outrages were committed upon an unoffending
and defenseless family, in the absence of their natural
\
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652 THE BLENNERIIASS^TT PAPERS.
protector, your memorialist's husband being then away
from home ; and that, in answer to such remonstrances
as she ventured to make against the consumption, waste
and destruction of his property, she was told, by those
who assumed to have the command, that they held the
property for the United States, by order of the President,
and were privileged to use it, and should use it as they
pleased. It is with pain that your memorialist reverts to
events, which, in their consequences, have reduced a once
happy family, from affluence and comfort, to comparative
want and wretchedness ; which blighted the prospects of
her children, and made herself, in the decline of life, a
wanderer on the face of the earth."
Robert Emmett, the son of Thomas Addis, and nephew
of the celebrated Irish patriot, interested himself in her
behalf. He had been the intimate friend of Blennerhas-
sett, and sympathized deeply with his afflicted family.
In forwarding her memorial to the Hon. Henry Clay of
the United States Senate, he remarks : " Mrs., Blenner-
hassett is now in this (New York) city, residing in very
humble circumstances, bestowing her cares on a son, who,
by long poverty and sickness, is reduced to utter imbe-
cility, both of body and mind ; unable to assist her, or
provide for his own wants. In her present destitute situ-
ation, the smallest amount of relief would be thankfully
received by her. Her condition is one of absolute want>
and she has but a short time left to enjoy any better for-
tune in this world."*
* Mrs. B. was in the receipt of a small rent received from a house in
England, left to the family by the sister of Blennerhassett
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JUSTICE. C53
Her statement, with regard to the destruction of her
property, and the acts of the officers of the Government,
were fully corroborated by William Robinson, jun., and
Morgan Neville, both of whom were present at the island
when the occurrences took place. An estimate of the
property destroyed was made out by Dudley Woodbridge,
the former partner of Blennerhassett in mercantile trans-
actions, which also accompanied her petition.
It would be presumed that, under such a state of cir-
cumstances, the American Congress would not long hesi-
tate in granting her full indemnity for past injuries. Mr.
Clay presented the petition, and eloquently advocated its
justice. He had known Blennerhassett in the noontide
of his prosperity, when not a cloud darkened the horizon
of his effulgent future ; he had visited his rural palace,
and regaled himself with the luxuries it afforded. He
had partaken of its hospitalities, and been entertained by
the sprightly conversation of its inmates. He had wit-
nessed Blennerhassett's arrest, in Kentucky, and man-
fully exerted himself in his defense. He had afterward
witnessed his declining fortunes ; and, when destruction
had laid waste his possessions, had wandered over the
ruins with feelings of unsuppressed sympathy.
The memorial having been referred to the appropriate
committee, of which the Hon. William Woodbridge was
chairman, he returned a report, alike honorable to his
intelligence and clear sense of justice. He advocated the
claim as legal and proper, and one which ought to be
allowed, notwithstanding it had been thirty-six years
since the events transpired. " Not to do so would be Un-
worthy a wise or just nation."
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664 THE BLENNERHASSETT PAPERS.
The claim would doubtless have met with the favor of
Congress, had not an event transpired, in the meanwhile,
which rendered further action unnecessary. Death had
visited the suffering applicant, and relieved her of earthly
wants. In a humble abode, in the city of New York,
her spirit had silently departed ! No soothing hand of a
relative fanned her fevered temples, nor wiped from her
brow the chilly dews of expiring nature. Within that
lonely chamber, it was reserved to strangers to witness
the last sad scenes. She, who had been born in affluence ;
to whom the world appeared, in early life, as Paradise
before the fall ; who had been honored by the attentions
of the great and the praises of the humble ; whose heart
was ever open to the cries of distress, and whose hands
were ever ready to relieve the wants of the needy, had,
in her turn, to ask the charities of the world ! Although
the kindly ministrations of a society of Irish females
served, in some measure, to assuage the agonies of her
parting hours, still it was hard to die thus destitute and
deserted; for
" On some fond breast the parting soul relies,
Some pious drops the closing eye requires."
And now, as the sable hearse moved slowly along, fol-
lowed only by those devoted " sisters of charity," it ex-
cited no interest in the passing crowd. No mock pageant
indicated the life or station of the deceased. In one of
the cemeteries of that city remains all that is earthly of
that once accomplished lady, separated from the tomb of
her- husband by the wide Atlantic. While on their
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IlKQUIESCAT. 655
graves we " drop the tribute of a tear," may we never
forget the lesson taught us by their lives.*
* It is proper to add that the son Harman died in the city of New York,
in 1864, after a protracted illness, in which he was attended by the good
offices of the ladies of the " Old Brewery " mission. Joseph Lewis Blen-
nerhassett, the last survivor, is engaged, at the present time, in the prac-
tice of law at Troy, Lincoln county, Missouri, from whom the manuscripts
for this memoir were obtained.
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APPENDIX. G57
APPENDIX:
SECRET OOEEBSPONDBNOB.
General Wilkinson and Burr began their correspondence
in cipher about the years 1800 and 1801, near the period at
which the latter ascended the chair of the Vice-Presidency.
For this purpose they adopted three different ciphers.
The first is called the hieroglyphic:
Xl .'3 -0vi/l-i.^«V>*\ :>cvo-Aw
O President.
© Vice-President.
-7- Secretary of State.
It was invented by General Wilkinson and Captain Camp-
bell 8mith as long ago as the year 1794, '95, or '96, for the
purpose of communicating confidentially with the general offi-
cers in the Western country.
Another cipher, of a somewhat similar construction, was de-
vised by Captain Smith in 1791, in which the hieroglyphics
representing the President and Vice-President are the same
with those used in the cipher of Col. Burr.
The second is denominated the arbitrary alphabet cipher;
and was formed by Burr and Wilkinson in the year 1799 or
1800.
ABCDEFGH.
- 1 X X A V J &
42
12 3 4
T L J □
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658 APPENDIX.
This cipher was nothing more than a substitution of char-
acters in the place of letters which actually compose the alpha-
bet. It was also used in figures, from one to ten.
The third is styled the dictionary cipher; and * was adopted
by them in the year 1800. The famous letters from Burr to
Wilkinson, of the 22d July, 1806, delivered by Swartwout at
Natchez, and its duplicate of the 29th of the same month,
conveyed to Bollman, were written partly in each of these two
ciphers, and partly in English. The Wilmington edition of
En tick's Pocket Dictionary of 1800 served as the key, by
which such part of the letters as were written in figures were
to be interpreted. For example, if the figures 3 and 4 were
used, the figure 3 pointed out the page in the book, and 4 the
number of the word intended — counting from the top in the
first or second column on the page, which latter circumstance
was indicated by a slight mark above or below the 4.
General Dayton's letters of the 16th and 24th July, which
were forwarded in company with Burr's by Swartwout and
Bollman, *were written partly in hieroglyphics and the arbi-
trary alphabetical ciphers, above described, partly in English,
but principally in Dayton's own cipher, of which the key-word
is FRANCE.
It is composed in the following manner, the letters of the
alphabet being numbered thus :
1234567890
abcdefghij
In order to decipher a letter or passage written in cipher,
take the first letter of the key-word F, fix on the letter in the
series of the alphabet; count forward from that letter as many
letters as are equal to the first figure in the ciphered letter;
as 8, for example, which will give I, and I will be the first
letter of the first word; then take the second letter of the
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APPENDIX. 659
key-word It, and, in the same manner as in the first instance,
count forward as many letters as are equal to the second fig-
ure: as 2, which will give the second letter T, completing
the first word, It. Continue the same way with the ensuing
letters of the key-word, until they are finished ; and then
hegin again — thus going through the key -word again and
again until the letter is completed.
In the ciphered letter the figure, or aggregate of figures rep-
resenting words, are separated by commas.
There was another cipher in use among some of the accom-
plices in this enterprise, the key-word of which was CUBA.
The use of this cipher may he understood from the following
scheme and explanations :
1
C
u
B
A
2 .
. d ,
, . V
. c .
. b
3 .
. e .
. w .
. d .
. c
4 .
. f .
. X
. e
. d
5 .
• g ■
. y
. . f
. . e
6 .
. h .
, . z
• g
.. f
7 .
. i .
. a .
• I1 '
• g
8 .
• J •
. b .
. i
. h
9 .
. k
. . c .
• J •
. i
10 .
. 1
. . d .
. k .
• J
11 .
. m .
. e
. . 1 .
. k
12 .
. n
. . f .
, . m ,
, . 1
13 .
. o .
• g •
. n
. m
14 .
■ P •
. h
. . o .
. n
15 .
• q •
. i
• P
. 0
16 .
. r .
• J •
. q .
• P
17 .
. s .
. k .
. r
• q
18 .
. t .
. 1 .
. s
. r
19 .
. u
. . in .
. t
. 8
20 .
. V .
. n
, . u
. . t
21 .
. w
. o .
. V
. U
22 .
. X
. . p .
. w .
. V
23 .
• y
• q •
. X
. w
24 .
. z
, . r .
• y •
. X
25 .
. a
. . s .
. z
• y
26 .
. b .
. . t .
. a
. z
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660 APPENDIX.
In order to compose a letter in this species of cipher, find
in the column under the first letter in the key-word the first
letter of the word which you wish to write, and the figure
opposite to this letter represents the first letter of that word.
To find the figure expressive of the second letter, look for
that letter in the second column, and the figure opposite to
that letter represents the second letter in the word. Continue
in the same way with respect to the other two columns, if it
he a word of three or four letters. But if it contains more
than four letters, you must return to the first column, and
proceed in the same manner; that is, the fifth letter of the
word is to he found in the first column under 0 ; the sixth
letter in the second column, and so on. Thus, if Hope was
the first word in the. epistle, look for the letter H in the first
column under C, which is opposite the figure 6 as the repre-
sentative of the first letter; the letter 0 is to be sought for
in the second column, and is represented by the number 21 ;
and so on with the letters P and E.
In the ciphered letters, the figures representing letters are
separated by periods.
The reader will immediately perceive that besides France
and Cuba, any other words might be used as key-words of
these ciphers, according to the discretion of the writer and
his correspondent. The difficulty of discovering the key to
one of these ciphered letters would be still further augmented
by the writer's shifting his key-word for different epistles,
according to some rule previously agreed on. The difficulty
would be incalculably increased, if the writer not only con-
tinues to shift his key-word, but the cipher itself.
Richmond Enquirer of 1807.
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APPENDIX. 661
n.
THE BATTLE OF MUSKINGUM, OR DEFEAT OF THE BUBRITB8.
November, 1806, by General E. W. Tupper.
It has been the province of the bards in all ages to record
the glorious achievements of their warriors. The heroes of
the Nile, Marengo and Austerlitz, have had their honors re-
counted; and shall not those of Muskingum live, while thous-
ands are forgotten ? Yes, ye virtuous few ! Ye also shall
live ! and millions yet unborn, while passing, shall point to
the shores of Muskingum and the plains of Marietta, and say,
" There fought the brave, and there the immortal fell ! "
The following imitation of the " Battle of the Kegs " is offered
to the public, not without its many imperfections. The writer
has. in several instances, chosen to sacrifice the harmony of
his rhymes to the more essential article — truth.
Ye joTial throng, corae join the song
I sing of glorious feats, sirs ;
Of bloodless wounds, of laurels, crowns,
Of charges, and retreats, sirs ;
Of thundering guns, and honors won,
By men of daring courage;
Of such as dine on beef and wine,
And such as sup theiv porridge.
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662 APPENDIX.
When Blanny'e fleet, bo snug and neat,
Came floating down the tide, sirs,
Ahead was seen, one-eyed Clark Green,*
To work them, or to guide, sirs.
Our General brave,f the order gave,
" To arms ! to arms ! in season !
Old Blanny's boats, most careless float,
Brim-full of death and treason I "
A few young boys, their mother's joys,
And fire men there were found, sirs,
Floating at ease— each little sees
Or dreams of death and wound, sirs.
" Fly to the bank I on either flank !
Well fire from every corner;
We '11 stain with blood Muskingum's flood.
And gain immortal honor.
The oannon there shall rend the air,
, Loaded with broken spikes, boys,
While our cold leadt hurled by each head,
Shall give the knaves the gripes, boys.
Let not maids sigh, or children cry,
Or mothers drop a tear, boys ;
I have the Baron} in my head ;
Therefore you7 ye nought to fear, boys
Now to your posts, this numerous host ;
Be manly, firm and steady.
But do not fire, till T retire,
And say when I am ready."
* A bold man, well known in those days,
t Major-General Buell.
X The only system of military tactics then in use in the Western coun-
try, among the officers, was that of Baron Steuben.
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APPENDIX- 668
The Deputy,* courageously,
Rode forth in power end pride, sixes
Twitching hie reins, the man of brainsf
Was posted by his side, sirs.
The men in ranks stand on the bank*,
While, distant from its border,
The active aid scours the parade,
And gives the general order.
'* First, at command, bid them to stand;
Then, if one rascal gains out,
Or lifts his poll;— G— d d — n his soul,
And blow the traitors brains out"
The night was dark ; silent came Clark
With twelve or fifteen more, sirs;
While Paddy Hill, with voice most shrill,
Hooped I as was said before, sirs.
The trembling ranks, along the banks,
Fly into Bhipman's manger ;
While old Clark Green, with voice serene,
Cried, " Soldiers, there 's no danger/'
" Our guns, good souIb, are setting poles;
Dead hogs, I 'm sure, oan 't bite you; J
Along each keel is Indian meal ;
There 'b nothing here need fright yon."
Out of the barn, still in alarm,
Came fifty men, or more, sirs,
And seized each boat and other float,
And tied them to the shore, sirs.
* Governor Meigs,
t Name withheld.
X The boats had in them hogs recently slaughtered.
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664 APPENDIX.
This plunder rare, they sport and share,
And each a portion grapples,
'T was half a kneel* of Indian meal,
And ten of Putnam's apples.f
The boats they drop to Allen's shop,
Commanded by O'Flannon,
Where, lashed ashore, without an oar,
They lay beneath the cannon.
This band so bold, the night being cold,
And blacksmith's shop being handy ;
Around the forge they drink and gorge
On whisky and peach-brandy.
Two honest tars, who had some scars,
Beheld their trepidation ;
Cries Tom, " Come, Jack, let's fire a crack j
'T will fright them like damnation.
Tyler, they say, lies at Belpre4,
Snug in old Blanny's quarters ;
Yet this pale host tremble like ghosts,
For fear he '11 walk on waters."
No more was said, but off they sped,
To fix what they 'd begun on ;
At one o'clock, firm as a rock,
They fired the spun-yarn cannon.
Trembling and wan stood every man ;
Then bounced and shouted murder;
While Sergeant Morse squealed like a horse,
To get the folks to order.
* A measure of two quarts.
t There were a few apples in the boats belonging to A. W. Putnam, of
Belpre*.
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APPENDIX. 665
Ten men went out, and looked about;
A hearty set of fellows ;
Some hid in holes, behind the coals,
And Borne behind the bellows.
The Cor'ner* swore, the western shore,
He saw with muskets bristle ;
Some stamp' d the ground; — 'twas cannon sound.
They heard the grape-shot whistle.
The Deputy mounted " Old Bay/1
When first he heard the rattle,
Then changed his course, " great men are soaree;"
I 'd better keep from battle."
The General f flew, to meet the orew,
His jacket flying loose, sirs ;
Instead of sword, he seized his board ;
Instead of hat, his goose, sirs.
1 Tyler 'b," he cried, "on 't other side;
Your spikes will never do it;
The cannon's bore will hold some more;
Then thrust his goose into it."
Sol raised his head ; cold spectres fled ;
Each man resumed his courage;
Captain O'Flan dismissed each man
To breakfast on cold porridge.
* Joel Bowen. t Buell was a tailor by trade.
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MOORE, W1LSTACH, KEYS & CO.,
9ft WKST FOURTH STBEKT, CINCINNATI.
Publishers, Booksellers, Stationers, Fruiters,
Binders,
AND KAKTJ7ACTUBER8 07 PAGED BLANK BOOKS, ETC.
WTWbolualb Burns are specialty Inrited to call upon us.
JUST PUBLISHED,
THE TEACHERS' INDICATOR
AND PABENT8' MANUAL,
FOB
SCHOOL AND HOME EDUCATION.
We need scarcely roach for the real sterling rmlne of thle rolrnne, as It consists of
elaborate eaters on topics covering nearly the whole Held of Bdncation, from the pene of
■ome of the most distinguished men In the country. 1 rot 12mo., 400 pages, beautifull}
printed on fine paper, price f 1.26.
IT.
THE SCIENCE OF EDUCATION
AND ABT OF TEACHING,
IN TWO PARTS,
Br JOHN OQDEN, A. M.
III.
THE ART OF ELOCUTION,
Br H. N. DAY, A. M.,
Author of "Blem«nU of the Art of Rhetoric," and formerly Profeeeor of Rhetoric sa "Wett-
er* Reeerve College,1' now Pt tident of "Ohio Female College."
June 1st, 1859.
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Publication* of Moore, WiUtack, Key* & Co.
We recommend all the boji la the land to get these hooka and road them<—
Rttaburg Gazette.
MAN-OF-WAR LIFE,
A Beefe Experience in the United Statee May. Bm Ckabzm Noammsv. Hmwfik
Edition. One toteme,!***., illustrated. MutUn, TO ante. Mustin, gUt. $L
THE MERCHANT VESSEL,
A Sailor Boefe Voyage to Ae the World. By Chaxlss Nobdhott. Bteenth MeVUemx
One voteme, lftao., iUustrated. MusUn, 7o omit. MusUn, gOt, $L
WHALING AND FISHING.
By Chuaus Noaonorr, Jtrf tor of •• ifim^- FTar 10," "The Merchant ThtetT eta,
One sofas**, 16m©.. flfaztratod. JAitttn, 70 cents.
A writer who ft destined to cheer the family circle to many ♦■bousand hovaea on
many a winter night, lie writes well— admirably ; that Is. simply and truthfully,
and in a very Interesting way indeed. He tells the story of the vicissitudes, as well
aa the pleasures, of the Tile of the boy or man before the mast, so that no youth who
longs to be on the "deep blue sea** may hereafter say that It was out of bis power
to learn precisely what he would have to encounter on becoming e sailor. The moral
Of the work Is excellent, and its style pithy and descriptive.— Washington 8tar.
Full of variety, and adapted to awaken the Interest of young people in traveling
adventure, while it must greatly extend their geographical knowledge.— N. Y. Times.
Very striking and gr*|>hic pictures of the Ufa at sea, evidently authentic and very
instructive. .... Hue adventure enough to please, yet truth enough to dissipate
the charm of a sailor's life.— N. Y. Evangelist
There Is in them a vast amount of information respecting the commerce of the
world.— Presbyterian Witness.
These books are not for mere children, but for lads of some years and discretion.
They are remarkably well written.— N. Y. Independent
One of the best and truest descriptions of seamen and of a seaman's life ere
given to the public, and the reader Is only left to wonder why one who can write so
remarkably well, had ever any thing to do with the rigging He describes the
various countries which he visited so far only, be it remembered, as they fell under
his own observation— and this careful restriction and regard to the truth forms one
of the principal charms of the works.— Boston Traveler.
Has a One eye for observation and excellent descriptive powers.— Louisville Cour.
Multitudes of young readers will delight In these booka— Presbyterian Banner.
Since Dana's "Two Years Before the Matt," we do not call to mind any more
admirable descriptions of a sailor's life at tea than are contained to these graphic
volumes. Herman Melville's nautical narratives are more highly spiced with
piquant descriptive scenes, it is true, but for quiet, absorbing, and, as far as lands-
men can judge, faithful accounts of life on shipboard, commend us to this anony-
mous author. He somewhat resembles CapL Basil llall in his lively pictures of the
routine of sea service, tut he Is not so rambling nor so flippant as that celebrated
"okl salt."— N. Y. Tribune.
It (Man-of-War Life) is excellently well written, Is characterized by a high moral
tone, and Impresses the reader with the truthfulness of Its sketches, while it has all
she fascination of a romance. It Is by far the best book for boys that we have ever
seen. It both instructs and amuses them. Indeed, there are few men who will
commence this book and lay it down unfinished.— Lexington Ky* Btatesman.
Mr. NordhoflT is a young writer who has seen every variety of ses life, from the
artistic organization of the Man-of-War to the rough and tumble arrangements of a
Nantucket whaler; and without assuming any of the sirs of authorship, has given
a strait-forward account or his adventures, which. In frank confiding naturalness,
are not without something of the secret charm which so bewilders all clssses of
readers to the perusal or a orks like Roblnsou Crusoe. Not that he makes use of
any Imaginary touches to add to the piquancy of his autobiographical confessions,
hot hs has the rare gift or investing every day realities with an atmosphere of hu-
man sympathy which is more effective than the most dazzling colors of romance.—
Harper's Magazine.
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PRACTICAL LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
By O. M. Knur. Containing Twenty-two TUuttraticnt and Plant for laying cmt
Grounds, with fuU direction* for Planting Shad* Tree*, Shrubbery and Pkwort.
Third Edition. One volume, Una., Mutton. Price, $1 00.
Mr. Kern has produced the right book at the right moment.— Putnam*! Magazine.
His suggestions are in an eminent degree valuable, and his opinions (which are
expressed in clear, concise, and rack! diction), easily Interpreted by even the most
limited conception, fairly assert his claim to a station in the foremost rank of rural
improvers.— N. Y. Horticulturist
It abounds in useful and tasteful suggestions, and In practical instructions.— North •
era Farmer.
It is a very timely and valuable book Better adapted to the wants and dr-
ctimstances of our people than any other upon the subject— Ohio Cultivator.
No one can long walk hand in band with Mr. Kern without being sensible that he
is in the hands of one who is worthy of all confidence.— Louisville Courier.
Has so nobly succeeded as to render his volume an invaluable acquisition to alL—
Boston Traveler.
It is plain in its details, and will be more valuable to the million than any work on
the subject of Landscape Gardening yet published. The mechanical execution of
the volume is the very perfection of printing and binding.— Ohio Farmer.
Admirably calculated to meet the wants of the public— Boston Atlas.
By a careful perusal of this little volume, which will cost but ftl 30, the purchaser
will probably find that he has learned what be has been all his life wishing to know,
and what will be worth to him more than ten times its cost.— Nashville whig.
Ho descends to the minutest details of instruction, so that his book may be
as a manual for the practical operator.— N. Y. Evangelist,
GRAPE AND STRAWBERRY CULTURE.
The CuUme of the Grape and Wint Making. By Boobbt Buchajtaji. WUh am
Appmdix, containing Directiont for the Cultivation of the Strawberry. By N.
LoKawoRiH. Sixth Edition. One volume, 12mc, MutUn. Price, 63 omit.
It contains much opportuno and Instructive Information relative to the cultivation
of these two delicious fruits.- Michigan Farmer.
One of the books which pass current through the world on account of the great
authority of the author's name.— Uoboken Gazette.
There are no men better qualified for the undertaking.— Louisville Journal
It deals more with facts, with actual experience and observation, and less with
speculation, supposition and belief, than any thing on this topic that has yet appeared
in the United States. In other words, a man may take it and plant a vineyard, and
raise grapes with suocess.— Horticulturist
We can not too strongly recommend this little volume to the attention of all who
have a vine or a strawberry bed.— Farm and Shop.
This book embodies the essential principles necessary to be observed in the rao-
oessral management of these fruits.— Boston Cultivator.
We have on two or three occasions said of this little book, that it Is the best we
have ever seen on the subjects or which it treats. A man with ordinary Judgment
can not mil in grape or strawberry culture, if he tries to follow Its advice*— Ohio
Faimer.
HOOPER'S WESTERN FRUIT BOOK.
A Oompendiout CcUection of Fact*, from the Ifottt and Experience of Sncetttful
Fruit Culturittt. Arranged for Practical ute in Orchard and Garden. One vet,
12*0., with Illustrations. Price, $1 OOt
Three thousand copies of this work have already been disposed ol
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PULTE'S DOMESTIC PHYSICIAN.
Pome's (J. H., M. D.,) Homeopathic Domestic Physician; Containing the Treatment
of Diseases, a Trtatiu on Domestic Surgery, popular explanations of Anatomy,
Physiology, Hygiene and Hydropathy, and an abridged Materia Medico. Seventh
Edition. Enlarged and revised throughout, with important addition*, especially
in Surgery and the XHeeaeei of Women and Children, Illustrated in Anatomy
and Surgery, Tsoentyfourth thousand, IvoL royal 12mo. 100 page*. Price, $Z 00.
For home practice this work i§ recommended as superior to ill others, by Dr. Van-
derburgh, of New York, Dr. Hnll and Dr. Rossman, of Brooklyn, Dr. Granger, of Bk
Louis, and others of equal celebrity In different portions of the country.
It is very comprehensive and very explicit.— N. Y. Evangelist.
' A very lucid and useful hand-book. Its popular language and exclusion of difficult
terminology, are decided recommendations, its success Is good evidence of the value
of the work.— N. Y. Times.
This appears to be a very successful publication. It has now reached ite seventh
edition, which is a revised and enlarged one; and we learn from the title page, that
twenty-four thousand copies have been published. Various additions have been
made to the Homeopathic directions, and the anatomical part of the work has been
Illustrated with engravings. The work has received the approbation of several of
our most eminent practitioners.— Evening Poet.
PULTE'S WOMAN'S GUIDE.
Woman9* Medical Guide; containing Eetaye en the Physical, Moral, and Educational
development* of Female*, and the Homeopathic Treatment of their Diseases in all
period* of Lift, together urtth direction* for the remedial use of Water and Gym-
nastics. By J. H. Fultk, Professor of Obstetric* and Diseases of Women and
Children, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Western OoOege of Homeo-
pathy, author of " Homeopathic Domestic Physician,** etc One volume lSstei,
mmskeu Price, $100.
From t)r. Joslin, one of the most distinguished Homeopathic physicians In the
country:
Knw You. Hay 98,1856.
Messrs. Moore, WOetaeh, Key* A Co..*
Gbhtlbmbh :— Woman's Guide, by Dr. Pulte, beautifully and correctly depicts her
physical and moral development in the different stages and relations of life, and Is
replete with excellent directions for the management of herself and offspring. The
book is highly creditable to its author, as a scholar, a philosopher and a Christian,
and is better calculated than any other, on the same subjects and within the same
compass, to remove many false notions and pernicious practices which prevail In
society.
Bespeotfully yours, B. F. JOSLIN.
The style Is beautiful and simple, the language appropriate, and the subject Intri-
cate and delicate though it is, made clear to the comprehension, carrying conviction
to the reader of the truthfulness of the author's remarks, and the necessity of living
according to his advice. We have never met with any thing of the kind so com-
plete, and so admirably arranged.— Daily Times.
As a contribution to popular hygiene, It may be ranked among the most Judicious
and instructive works on the subject that have yet been given to the public The
delicate topics of which it treats are discussed with great propriety of sentiment
and language, while the copious information with which it abounds is adapted to
lead to the formation of correct and salutary habits.— N. Y. Tribune.
It is a careful and Judicious work, worthy of explicit attention, and mothers,
whether of the Homeopathic faith or not, will find it to their advantage to acquaint
themselves with Dr. Pulte's hints.— Columbian.
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RENOUARD'S HISTORY OF MEDICINE.
A History of Medicine, from its Origin to the Nineteenth Century, with an Appew
din, containing a eeriei of Philosophic and Historic Letter* on Medicine of the
present Century, by Dr. Renouard, Paris. Translated from the French, by O. Q.
Oomegye, Prof. Inst. Med. in Miami Medical OoUege. One volume octavo. Sheep,
Price, %3 50.
L AGE OF FOUNDATION. L PRIMITIVB PERIOD: From the Origin of So-
ciety to the Destruction of Troy, 1184, B. 0. 2. SACRED or MYSTIC PERIOD :
Ending with the Dispersion or the Pythagoreans, 000. B. 0. 3. PHILOSOPHIC
PERIOD : Ending at the Foundation of the Alexandrian Library, 820, B. 0. 4. AN-
ATOMICAL PERIOD: Ending at the Death of Galen. A. D. 200. II. AGE OF
TRANSITION. 0. GREEK PERIOD: Ending at the Burning of the Alexandrian
Library, A. D. 640. 6. ARABIO PERIOD: Ending at the Revival or Letters in
Europe, A. D. 1400. IIL AGE OF RENOYATION. 7. ERUDITE PERIOD: Com-
prising the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries. 8. REFORM PERIOD: Comprising
the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries.
From Professor Jackson, of the University of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, May 1.
My Dear Sfr— The work you have translated, " Hlstolre de la Mededne," by Dr.
P. v. Renouard, Is a compendious, well-arranged treatise on the subject.
Every physician and student of medicine should be acquainted with the history
of his science. It is not only interesting, but of advantage to know the views and
the interpretations of the same pathological conditions Investigated at the present
day, in past ages. They were handled then with as much force and skill as now,
but without the sdentino light that assists so powerfully modern research. . . .
Very truly yours, SAMUEL JACKSON.
The best history of medicine extant, and one that will find a place in the library
of every physician who aims at an acquaintance with the past history of his profes-
sion. There are many items in it we should like to offer for the instruction
aud amusement of our readers. — American Journal of Pharmacy.
From the pages of Dr. Renouard, a very accurate acquaintance may be obtained
with the history of medicine— its relation to civilization, Its progress compared with
other sciences and arts, its more distinguished cultivators, with the several theories
and systems proposed by them ; and its relationship to the reigning philosophical
dogmas of the several periods. His historical narrative is clear and concise-
tracing the progress of medicine through its three ages or epochs— that of foun-
dation or origin, that of tradition, and that of renovation.— American Journal of
Medical Science.
Is a work of profound and curious research, and trill fill a place in our English
literature which hoe heretofore been vacant. It presente a compact view of the pro-
grese of medicine in different ages; a lucid exposition of the theorise of rival eecte;
a clear delineation of the changes of different system*; together with the bearings of
the whole on the progress of civilisation. The work also abounds in amusing and
Instructive incidents relating to the medical profession. The biographical pictures
of the great cultivators of the science, such as Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, Hal-
ler, Harvey, Jenner. and others, are skillfully drawn. Dr. Comegye deserves the
thanks of not only the members of the medical profession, but also of every Ameri-
can scholar, for the fidelity and success with which his task has been performed.--
Harper's Magazine.
From the British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgieal Review, for July, 1857.
Histobt or Msdicixb.— It is expressly from the conviction of the deficiency of
the English language in works on the History of Medicine, that we feel indebted to
Dr. Comegys for the excellent translation of the comparatively recent work of
Renouard, the title of which is placed at the head of this article We hope
before long to find that in every important school of medicine in this country, op-
portunities will be offered to students whereby they may be enabled to attain some
knowledge at least of the history of that profession to the practice of which theli
IVres are to be devoted.
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