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^ 4 PUBLICATIONS

|/ OF THE

NORTH CAROLINA ..HISTORICAL COMMISSION

THE

PAPE^ OF THOMAS RUFFIN

COLLECTED AND EDITED

J. G. DE ROULHAC HAMILTON, PH.D.

Alumni Propessoii op History in the
UNivBRtiTY OP North Carolina

VOLUME I

V RALEIGH

BOWASDS 4l BbOUGHTOK PBIKTINa Oo.

Statb Pbzmtkbs
1018

\^•'.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Preface 8

CbroDOlogr of ThonuM Rnffln 6

CftlMtfar of Leiton 6

Llfo and Charactor of the Hon. Thomaa Ruffin. By William A. Graham. . 17

Cblof Justice ThonuM RuffliL By Franci$ Nash Z5

The RuiBn Papere 45

PREFACE

The letters and papers of the following collection were, for the most
part, preserved by Judge Ruffin himself, and, after his death, passed
successively to his son, the late Sterling RuflSn, his grandson, the late
Allen J. Ruffin, both of Hillsboro, N". C, and to his grandson, Bennehan
Cameron, of Stagville, N. 0. By Mr. Cameron, with the approval of the
other two named, they have been entrusted to me for editing for publica-
tion. The ones from that collection here printed have been carefully
selected from the total of more than ten thousand letters which compose
it. The other papers included have been partly drawn from a large
number owned by Judge Ruffin's daughter, Mrs. Catherine Ruffin Roul-
hac, which have been for some years in my possession, and partly from
scattered sources. Since the Ruffin and Roulhac collections have been
consolidated, no distinction is made between them, and, since they fofm
the greater part of those published, I have not thought it necessary to
indicate them. In the case of all the others, footnotes indicate the
sources from which they have been obtained.

My guide in making the selection of the letters to be printed has been
solely my desire to choose all such letters as may throw light upon the
history of the State and !N'ation, or upon the personality and character
either of Judge Ruffin or the writers. In this connection, it is to be
regretted that such a small number of letters written by Judge Ruffin
are included. Few of his correspondents, apparently, preserved their
letters with the care which he employed, and in several cases where the
letters were kept for years, war or fire destroyed them.

In the editorial work I have not attempted further annotation than
that which seemed necessary to a proper understanding of the letters.
Many of the writers, and a still larger number of persons alluded to, are
unknown. In the case of men of established national reputation, I have
not thought it necessary to do more than indicate, in cases of doubt, to
whom the reference is made.

I have sought to present the letters as they were written, without
changes of spelling or expression. Omitted words or phrases have been
inserted in brackets where the meaning was doubtful, an occasional
abbreviated word has been expanded in the interest of clarity, and the
signs <6 and £c have been always replaced by and and etc. In the interest
of space, I have in general omitted the forms of address and closing, in-
cluding the signatures. I have omitted many references to matters of a

4 The North Carolina Historical Commission.

professional^ personal, or domestic nature, always indicating the omis-
sion of one or more paragraphs by asterisks, as * * * ; and of a sentence
or less by periods, as, . . .

As a proper introduction to the letters, I am reprinting the memorial
address delivered by Qovemor William A. Qraham soon after Judge
Ruffin's death, and a sketch of him by Francis Nash, Esq., of Hillsboro,
published originally in the Charlotte Observer.

In one of the later volumes will appear several addresses delivered by
Judge Ruffin and several of his more important decisions.

The work of editing has been greatly lightened by the use of The
Murphey Papers, also published by the North Carolina Historical Com-
mission, and I desire to make special acknowledgment of my indebtedness
to the careful and thorough work on them of Mr. William Henry Hoyt.

I take this opportunity of expressing my deep sense of obligation to
all those who have assisted me in my laborious but intensely absorbing
task. Without the assistance and cooperation of Mr. R. D. W. Connor,
the work would have lacked much of its completeness. I have also been
greatly assisted by my colleague. Dr. Eemp P. Battle, Professor Y. L.
Collins of Princeton University, Mr. Richard H. Ritter, president of the
American Whig Society of Princeton, President Lyon Q. Tyler of Wil-
liam and Mary College, Mrs. Fanny Conigland Farinholt, Mr. Bennehan
Cameron, Captain S. A. Ashe, and Dr. Stephen B. Weeks. To each of
them I desire to express my grateful sense of their courtesy and aid.
Above all, I desire to acknowledge the invaluable assistance rendered me
by my wife, whose part in the preparation of the collection has been
scarcely less than my own. t /^ t» tx

•^ "^ J. G. DB ROULHAC HA.MILTON.

Chapel Hill, N. C,

May 16. 1918.

CHRONOLOGY OF THOMAS RUFFIN

1787.

Not. 17. Born at ''Newington," King and Queen Ck>unt7, Va.
1801-1803. Student at Warrenton Academy, Warrenton, N. G.
1803. Entered Junior Class at Nassau Hall, Princeton, N. J.

1805.

Sept. 26. Received degree of A.B. from Princeton.
1806 -1807. Law student at Petersburg, Va., under David Robertson.

1807. Moved to "Oakland," Rockingham County, N. C.
1807-1808. Law student under Archibald D. Murphey.

1808. Admitted to the bar.
1809.

June 9. Moved to Hillsboro, N. C.
Dec. 9. Married to Anne Kirkland of Hillsboro.
1813. Member of the House of Commons for the borough of Hillsboro.

1815. Member of the House of Commons for the borough of Hillsboro.

1816. Presidential elector on the Monroe ticket.

Member of the House of Commons for the borough of Hillsboro.
Speaker of the House of Commons.
Dec. 16. Elected Judge of the Superior Court
1818.

Dec. 28. Resigned from the bench to engage in the practice of law.
1820-1822. Reporter of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

1824. Candidate for presidential elector on the Crawford ticket.

1825. Elected Judge of the Superior Court.

1828. Resigned from the bench to become president of the State Bank

of North Carolina.

1829. Elected Judge of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

1830. Moved to "Haw River."

1833. Became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

1834. Received degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of North

Carolina.

1835. Delivered address before the Dialectic and Philanthropic Socie-

ties at the University of North Carolina.

1852. Resigned from the bench.

1853. Delegate to the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal

Church in New York City.
1854 • 1860. President of the North Carolina Agricultural Society.

1858. Elected a Judge of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

1859. Resigned from the bench.

1861. Delegate to the Peace Conference.

Delegate from Alamance to the Convention of 1861.
1866. Moved to Hillsboro.

1870.
Jan. 15. Died at his home in Hillsboro.

Place

Greensboro, N. C Oct.

Greensboro, N. C Oct

HlUsboro, N. G Aug.

Raleigh, N. C Oct.

Raleigh, N. C May

Raleigh, N. C July

PittBboro, N. C Feb.

Raleigh, N. C June

Hlllsboro, N. C Oct

Hlllsboro, N. C Dec.

Fayetteville, N. C Nov.

Hlllsboro, N. C Feb.

New Bern, N. C Mar.

Asheville, N. C Oct.

Hlllsboro, N. C Dec.

Greenyille, N. C Mar.

Raleigh, N. C Apr.

Hlllsboro, N. C May

Hlllsboro, N. 0 June

Hlllsboro, N. C July

Rockingham, N. C Sept.

Sampson C. H Not.

Hlllsboro, N. C Jan.

Perquimans County, N. C....Apr.

Greensboro, N. C Oct.

Raleigh, N. C Dec.

Raleigh. N. C July

LETTERS WRTTTEN TO THOMAS RUFFIN HERE PRINTED

Place Date Written hy

Brunswick, Va May 6, 1803 Sterling Ruffin

Brunswick, Va Sept 8, 1803 Sterling Ruffin

Brunswick, Va Dec. 29, 1803 Sterling Ruffin

Jan. 29, 1804 Muscoe Gamett

Brunswick, Va Feb. 3, 1804 Sterling Ruffin

Brunswick, Va Mar. 14, 1804 Sterling Ruffin

Brunswick, Va May 9, 1804 Sterling Ruffin

Brunswick, Va June, 1804 Sterling Ruffin

PittaYille, Va. Sept 24, 1804 William Garnett

Oct 22, 1804 William Gamett

Richmond, Va Not. 22, 1804 Sterling Ruffin

Dec. 3, 1804 William Garnett

Brunswick, Va Dec. 6, 1804 Sterling Ruffin

Brunswick, Va Dec. 22, 1804 Sterling Ruffin

Dec. 31, 1804 William Garnett

ROFI

OTTERS

FIN HERE PRINTED

raOMAS RUF

Date

Written to

26, 1814...

...Edward Jones

26.

1814...

...Edward Jones

20.

1816...

...Kemp Plummer and others

1820...

...James F. Taylor

1820...

...James F. Taylor

21.

, 1822...

...WlUiamPolk

22,

1822...

...Bartlett Yancey

10.

, 1824...

. . . Catherine Ruffin

30.

1824...

...John Owen

29.

1824...

. . . Catherine Ruffin

1824...

...Bartlett Yancey

12.

1825...

. . .Catherine Ruffin

1826...

...WlUiamPolk

14.

1826...

. . .Catherine Ruffin

12.

1826...

...William K. Ruffin

31.

1826...

. . .William K. Ruffin

1827 . . .

...William K. Ruffin

1827...

...William K. Ruffin

16.

1827...

. . .William K. Ruffin

1827...

...William K. Ruffin

1827...

. . .William K. Ruffin

25,

1827...

. . .Catherine Ruffin

25,

1827...

. . .Catherine Ruffin

1827...

. . .William K. Ruffin

17.

, 1828...

...William K. Ruffin

14,

, 1828...

...Catherine Ruffin

, 1828...

...Catherine Ruffin

23,

, 1828...

. . .Joseph B. G. Roulhac

, 1829...

...William Boy Ian

The RuFFii? Pafbbs.

PJace
Brunswick, Va.

Branflwick, Va.
Brnnfiwlck, Va.
Brunswick, Va.

Brunswick, Va

Essex County, Va

Richmond, Va

Princeton, N. J

Essex County, Va

Princeton, N. J

Philadelphia, Pa.

Pittsylvania County, Va. . . . .
Petersburg, Va

Spring Garden, Va

Philadelphia, Pa

Brunswick, Va

Lynchburg, Va

Brunswick, Va

Petersburg, Va.

Brunswick, Va. . >.

Petersburg, Va

Ravenna, Ohio

Petersburg, Va.

Petersburg, Va

Wentworth, N. C

Washington, D. C

Petersburg, Va.

Hermitage

Petersburg, Va

Greensboro, N. C

Caswell, N. C

Surry County, N. C

Jan.

11.

Jan.

14.

Jan.

21.

Feb.

13.

Feb.

21.

Mar.

17,

Mar.

26,

May

«.

May

11,

June

11.

July

12.

Aug.

12.

Aug.

29,

Oct.

Nov.

20.

Dec.

17,

Dec.

20.

Jan.

18.

Feb.

24.

Mar.

18,

July

28.

Aug.

12,

Sept

Sept 20,

Oct

10.

Nov.

11.

Jan.

May

11.

Aug.

Sept

Nov.

Dec.

13.

Jan.

Feb.

18,

Mar.

«,

June

18,

May

27,

July

2«,

Apr.

«.

July

12,

Sept,

Jan.

Feb.

19,

Mar.,

Apr.

Nov.

14,

jL^ec.

D<ite WHtten by

1805 Sterling Ruffln

1805 William GarneU

1805 William Gamett

1805 Sterling Ruffin

1805 William Garnett

1805 William Gamett

1805 Sterling Ruffin

1805 Sterling Ruffln

1805 WiUiam Gamett

1805 William Garnett

1805 Robert Ruffln

1805 Muscoe Gamett

1805 Sterling Ruffln

1805 William Gamett

1805 George Hairston

1805 John Reynolds

1805 William Garnett

1805 John Reynolds

1806 John Reynolds

1806 George Hairston

1806 Jane Harding

1806 William Gamett

1806 Spencer Roane

1806 Ellsha Clarke

1806 William Gamett

1806 Sterling Ruffln

1806 William P. Claiborne

1806 Sterling Ruffln

1807 Sterling Ruffln

1807 William Gamett

1807 John P. May

1807 James Niblock

1807 John F. May

1808 Benjamin Tappan

1808 William Gamett

1808 John F. May

1809 John F. May

1809 James Campbell

1810 Richard Stanford

1810 William Garnett

1810 Archibald D. Murphey

1811 Archibald D. Murphey

1811 Edward DiUard

1813 Bartlett Yancey

1813 Jesse Franklin

1813 William Garnett

Thb lyfoBTH Cabouka Histobioal Commission.

Place

Raleigh, N. C Jan.

Washington, D. C Feb.

Orange County, N. C Feb.

Washington, D. C Mar.

Raleigh, N. C July

Washington, D. C Oct.

Greensboro, N. C Oct.

Raleigh, N. C Oct.

Oct.,

Washington, D. C Nov.

FayettevlUe, N. C Nov.

Dec.

Rockingham, N. 0 Jan.,

Norfolk, Va Jan.

Washington, D. 0 Jan.

Raleigh, N. G Jan.

Raleigh, N. C Feb.

Rockingham C. H., N. G May

Hlllflboro, N. C May

Petersburg, Va June

Waynesboro, N. G Aug.

FayetteylUe, N. G Oct.

Glbralter Oct.

FayetteylUe, N. G Nov.

Wentworth, N. C Nov.

MorrlsvlUe, N. C Dec.

Washington, D. G Jan.

Wilmington, N. C Feb.

Washington, D. G Feb.

Warrenton, N. G Mar.

Rockingham Gounty, N. C....Apr.

Raleigh, N. G June

Oakland, N. G June

Raleigh, N. C Aug.

Ravenna, Ohio Aug.

Raleigh, N. C Aug.

Tarboro, N. G .Nov.

WaynesvlUe, N. G t . . .Nov.

Raleigh, N. G Nov.,

HlUsboro, N. G Nov.

Fayettdvllle, N. G Dec.

Dec.

Washington, D. G Dec.

Raleigh, N. G Dec.

Oakland, N. G Dec.

Date Written hy

6, 1814 Archibald D. Murphey

10, 1814 Archibald D. Murphey

12, 1814 Archibald D. Murphey

4, 1814 Bartlett Yancey

27, 1814 Duncan Gameron

5, 1814 Bartlett Yancey

22, 1814 Joseph Oales

29, 1814 Joseph Gales

5, 1814 Bartlett Yancey

26, 1814 Edward Jones

26, 1814 Joseph Gales

1814 A. Mellan

3, 1814 Bartlett Yancey

17, 1814 John MacRae

20, 1814 Duncan Cameron

1815 James Campbell

16, 1815 James Campbell

21, 1815 Bartlett Yancey

26, 1815 William H Haywood

20, 1815 Joseph Gales

3, 1815 James H. Dearlng

7, 1815 Richard Stanford

7, 1815 JohnF. May

25, 1816 John R. Donnell

16, 1815 John A. Cameron

17, 1815 William Roane

27, 1815 George McNeill

27, 1815 James Campbell

30, 1815 William M. Sneed

9, 1816 John Roane

12, 1816 A. Mellan

17, 1816 Bartlett Yancey

19, 1816 William Ruffln

22, 1816 Ira Ellis

18, 1816 John Haywood

25, 1816 Sterling Ruffln

2, 1816 Thomas Henderson, Jr.

9, 1816 Kemp Plummer and others

26, 1816 Benjamin Tappan

29, 1816 Thomas Henderson, Jr.

30, 1816 Joseph Gales

2, 1816 George E. Sprulll

12, 1816 Thomas Love

1816 William Miller

25, 1816 James Webb

4, 1816 George McNeill

8, 1816 Duncan Cameron

9, 1816 Weldon N. Edwards

16, 1816 William Miller

18, 1816 Richard Stanford

18, 1816 Sterling Ruffln

The Ruffin Papebs.

Place

TyBon'B, N. C Jan.

New Bern, N. O Jan.

Loyd's, Ya Mar.

Oxford, N. C May-
Oxford, N. C July

VesuYlufl Furnace, N. C Aug.

Lombardy Groye, Va Oct.

Raleigh, N. C Oct.

YesuTltts Furnace, N. C Nov.

Wentworth, N. C Not.

Fayetteville, N. C Not.

Wilmington, N. 0 Jan.

Haw RlTer, N. C Feb.

HillBboro, N. C. Mar.

Morganton, N. C Apr.

Lincolnton, N. C June

Oakland, N. C July

Haw River, N. C July

Sept

Ctormanton, N. 0 Sept.

Petersburg, Va Oct

Raleigh, N. C Dec.

Raleigh, N. C Dec

Washington, D. C Jan.

Feb.

Washington, D. C Feb.

VesuvIuB Furnace, N. C Mar.

Rockingham, N. 0 Mar.

Fayetteville, N. C Mar.

Montpelier, N. C Apr.

Petersburg, Va May

Raleigh, N. C May

Baltimore, Md July

Rockingham County, N. C.July

Wilkesboro, N. C Aug.

Edenton, N. C Aug.

Rockingham County, N. C Aug.

Montpeller, N. C Sept

Raleigh, N. C Oct

Wentworth, N. C Nov.

Raleigh, N. C Dec.

Raleigh, N. C Feb.

PitUboro, N. C Mar.

Orange County, N. C Apr.

June

Haw River, N. C June

Petersburg, Va June

Raleigh, N. C July

Salisbury, N. C Aug.

Raleigh, N. C Oct

Date WHtten hy

4, 1817 Archibald McBryde

20, 1817 George B. Badger

13, 1817 William Gamett

17, 1817 Thomas B. Littlejohn

5, 1817 Thomas B. Uttlejohn

10, 1817 James Graham

21, 1817 Richard Apperson

29, 1817 John Haywood

9, 1817 James Graham

20, 1817 James Campbell

29, 1817 John MacRae

26, 1818 Adam Empie

15, 1818 Archibald D. Murphey

10, 1818 George E. Badger

28, 1818 William Roane

1, 1818 James Graham

10, 1818 Sterling Ruffin

17, 1818 Archibald D. Murphey

15, 1818 John L. Henderson

21, 1818 Thomas T. Armstrong

10, 1818 John F. May

8, 1818 Archibald D. Murphey

17, 1818 Romulus M. Saundeni

18, 1818 James Mebane

18, 1818 George E. Badger

27, 1819 James S. Smith

7, 1819 Gabriel Holmes

17, 1819 Montford Stokes

1, 1819 James Graham

19, 1819 Archibald D. Murphey

30, 1819 George McNeill

20, 1819 Gabriel Holmes

13, 1819 John F. May

20, 1819 William Polk

8, 1819 George McNeiU

13, 1819 Sterling Ruffin

3, 1819 William' Roane

4, 1819 James Iredell

12, 1819 Sterling Ruffin

29, 1819 Gabriel Holmes

7, 1819.. Joseph Gales

4, 1819 William Roane

18, 1819 Archibald D. Murphey

18, 1820 Archibald D. Murphey

80, 1820 Charles Manly

24, 1820 Duncan Cameron

3, 1820 William H. Ruffin.^

5, 1820 Benjamin Smith ' '.

19, 1820 David Robertson

28, 1820 John Hall

16, 1820 James Graham

6, 1820 James F. Taylor

7, 1820 James F. Taylor

The North Casouna Historical Commission.

Place

Baltimore, Md Feb.

Charlotte, N. C May

Hiltoboro. N. C May

Raleigh, N. C June

Haw Riyer, N. C June

New Bern, N. C June

FayetteviUe, N. C June

Salisbury, N. C Sept.

Charlotte, N. C Nov.

Washington, D. C Dec.

Baltimore, Md Dec.

jL^ec.,

Washington, D. C Dec.

Raleigh, N. C Dec.

Salem, N. C Dec.

Greensboro, N. C. -. Jan.

Jan.

Chapel Hill, N. C Jan.

Raleigh, N. C Jan.

Grassy Greek, N. C Feb.

Raleigh. N. C Mar.

Baltimore, Md Mar.

Petersburg, Va May

Raleigh, N. C May

Orange County, N. C Oct.

Raleigh, N. C Nov.,

Chapel Hill, N. C Dec.

Raleigh, N. C Dec.

Raleigh, N. C Jan.

Raleigh, N. C Feb.

Stagville, N. C Apr.

Washington, D. C May

Wentworth, N. C May

Sydenham, Ga May

Haw River, N. C June

Greensboro, Ala June

Raleigh, N. C July

Lsmchburg, Va July

Raleigh, N. C Aug.

Raleigh, N. C Sept.

Fayetteville, N. C Oct.

Raleigh, N. C Oct.

Washington, D. C Dec.

Raleigh, N. C Jan.

Waehington, D. C Jan.

Washington, D. C Feb.

Raleigh, N. C Mar.

Washington, D. C Mar.

Chapel Hill, N. C Mar.

Washington, D. C Mar.

Date

Written by

10,

1821

. . John Rocers

10,

1821....

..James Graham

19,

1821....

..John Rogers

«,

1821....

. .William Ruffin

10,

1821....

..Archibald D. Murphey

13,

1821....

..John Stanly

32,

1821....

. . Georse McNeill

28,

1821....

. .James R. Dodge

1821....

..James Graham

16,

1821....

..Romulus M. Saunders

16,

1821....

..John Rogers

1821.,..

. .John Witherspoon

22.

1821....

..Lewis Williams

34,

1821....

..George E. Badger

26,

1821....

. .C. F. Bagge

17,

1822....

..John M. Dick

22,

1822....

..Thomas Hunt

23,

1822....

. . Elisha Mitchell

80,

1822

. .John Hall

1822

. .Joel Strong

14,

1822....

..Joseph Gales

28,

1822....

. . John Roffers

14,

1822....

. . John F. Mat

21,

1822....

. .William Polk

1822....

. . Duncan Cameron

1822

. .John Havwood

1822....

. .Gavin HoflTfiT

25,

1822

. . Duncan Cameron

1823....

. .Francis L Hawka

14,

1823....

. .Francis L Hawka

15,

1823....

. .Thomas D BAnnAhAii

24,

1823....

. .R. J. Meigs

27,

1823....

. .James H Ruffin

31,

1823....

. . Husrh Offlebv

10,

1823....

. .Archibald D MumhAv

15,

1823

. . Samuel Stnidwlrk 1

1823....

. . Josenh Gales

1823....

. .Thomas Cro'wilAr It

12.

1823....

. .B. B. Smith

1823....

. .B. B. Smith

22.

1823

. . Duncan MdravdAn

28,

1823....

. . B. B. Smith

29,

1823....

. .Romnlufl M SanndAm

1824....

. .William Rnffln and ntHAvw

20,

1824....

. .Willie P Manflmm

1824....

. .Romulus M SanndAra

12,

1824

. .Henrv Seawell

1824

. .Henrv SeamrAll

1824....

. .Romulns M SAnndAi*!!

11,

1824

. .William F Ruffin

14,

1824....

. .John W Lionflr It

15,

1824

« .Romulus M SaundAi^

23,

1824....

..Henry Seawell

The RuFFii? Pafehs.

Place

Washington, D. C Mar.

Chapel HiU, N. C Apr.

Chapel Hill. N. C Apr.

Greensboro, N. C Apr.

Caswell, N. C June

Wilkesboro, N. C July

July

Milton, N. C July

Warrenton, N. C Aug.

Surry County, N. C Aug.

Randolph County, N. C Aug.

Bladen County, N. C Aug.

Bladensboro, N. C Sept

Oct.

Warrenton, N. C Nov.

Washington, D. C Dec.

Washington, D. C Jan.

FayettevIUe, N. C Jan.

Fayetteville, N. C May

Raleigh, N. C June

Haw River, N. C June

Richmond, Va. June

Haw River. N. C June

Fayetteville, N. C July

Haw River, N. C July

Raleigh. N. C July

Raleigh, N. C July

Asheboro. N. C Aug.

Richmond, Va Sept.

Hilleboro, N. C Oct.

Hilleboro, N. C Nov.,

Washington, D. C Dec.

Raleigh, N. C Dec.

Williamsboro, N. C Jan.

Richmond, Va Feb.

New Bern, N. C Feb.

Caswell C. H Apr.

Baltimore, Md Apr.

Baltimore, Md Apr.,

Raleigh. N. C Apr.

Lenoir County, N. C May

Milton, N. C June

New Bern, N. C July

Milton, N. C Aug.

Pittsboro, N. C Aug.

Surry County, N. C Sept.

New Bern, N. C Oct.

Rock Rest, N. C Oct.

The Oaks, N. C Oct.

Raleigh, N. C Dec.

Date

Written by

24.

1824...

. . .Willie P. Maneum

1824...

. . .William F. Ruffin

10.

1824...

...William H. Thompson

2».

, 1824...

. . .Archibald D. Murphey

89.

1824...

...Bartlett Yancey

. 1824...

...John Finley

18.

1824...

. . .Archibald D Mni^nhAv

80.

1824...

. . .Romulus M. Saunders

«.

1824...

...George E. Badger

16.

1824...

. . .Lewis WilliftmR

20,

1824...

. . . John W Lione Jr

20,

1824...

. . .John Owen

28,

1824...

• . .John Owen

21,

1824...

. . . William Moor A

25,

1824...

. . .William Oamett

15,

, 1824...

...WeldonN Bdwardii

15.

1824...

. . .Willie P. Manffum

> 1825...

. . . Lewis WiUiame

15.

. 1825...

...W. F. Strange

29.

1825...

. . .Georsre McNeill

1825 . . .

...Charles Manly

, 1825...

. . .Archibald D. Murphey

1825...

. . .William Garnett

11>

, 1825...

. . .Archibald D. Mnrohev

1825...

...Robert Strange

18.

1825...

...Archibald D. Murphey

16.

1825...

...George E. Badger

18.

1825...

...Hutchins G. Burton

1825...

...John W. Long. Jr.

12.

1825 . . .

...Thomas Ritchie

1825 . . .

. . . William A Graham

1825...

...Francis L. Hawks

1825...

. . .Francis L Hawka

1825...

. . . Lewis Williams

1825...

...William H. Haywood,

27.

1825...

...William Robards

12,

, 1826...

...William Robards

10,

1826...

...John F. May

29.

1826...

...Edward Graham

13,

, 1826...

...James H. Rulfin

16.

1826...

...William K. Ruffin

1826...

. . .William K. Ruffin

26,

1826...

... J. Wetmore

12.

1826...

. . .H. B. Croom

21.

1826...

...Romulus M. Saunders

13,

1826...

. . .Geonre S. Attmora

, 1826...

. . .Romulus M. Saunders

16,

.1826...

...Robert Strange

10,

, 1826...

...Lewis Williams

1826...

...Wright C. Stanly

18.

. 1826...

...M. E. Jones

SO.

1826...

. . .Romulus M. Saunders

, 1826...

. . . Charles Manly

The "Sobtu Cabouna Histobical Commission.

Place
Milton, N. C.

• ■ • • •

••••••■•

•■•«••

Fayetteylllep N. G

Newlngton, K. and Q. Co., Ya.

Raleigh, N. C

New Bern, N. C

Washington, D. C

New Bern, N. C

Salisbury, N. G

Fayettevllle, N. G

New Bern, N. G

Haw River, N. C

Haw River. N. G

Haw River, N. G

Person Gounty, N. G

Fayettevllle, N. G

Haw River, N. G

Warren Gounty, N. G

Haw River, N. G

Raleigh. N. G

Fayettevllle, N. G

Laurel Hill, N. G

Fayettevllle, N. G

Richmond Gounty, N. G

Greenwood, N. G

HlUsboro, N. G

Richmond Gounty, N. G

Fayettevllle, N. G

Raleigh, N. G

New Bern, N. G

Halifax, N. G

New Bern, N. G

Fayettevllle, N. G

Columbia, Tenn

Salisbury, N. G

Loghouse Landing, N. G

Raleigh. N. G

Golumbla, Tenn. .
Rockingham, N. G.
Raleigh, N. G. . . .
Edenton, N. G. ...
Edenton, N. G. ...
New Bern, N. G. . .
Bonarva, N. G. ..
New Bern, N. G..

Washington, N. G

Edenton, N. G

Dec.

x^ec.

12,

Dec.

18,

Dec.

29,

Jan.

10,

Jan.

15,

Jan.

15,

Jan.

26,

Jan.

27,

Feb.

13,

Mar.

21,

Mar.

31,

May

21,

June

10.

Aug.

20,

Oct

28,

Nov.,

Nov.

12,

Nov.

16,

Nov.

20,

Nov.

27,

uoc.

11.

Dec.

27,

Dec.

31.

Jan.

11.

Jan.

20.

Feb.

13,

Feb.

16,

Feb.,

Feb.

18,

Feb.

20.

Feb.

22,

Feb.

29.

Mar.

Date Written hy

1826 Romulus M. Saunders

1826 Archibald D. Murphey

1826 John MacRae

1826 Archibald R. Harwood

1827 William A. Graham

1827 John R. Donnell

1827 Romulus M. Saunders

1827 John R. Donnell

1827 James Martin, Jr.

1827 Robert Strange

1827 John Devereux

1827 Archibald D. Murphey

1827 James H. Rufiin

1827 John MacRae

1827 . .Archibald D. Murphey

1827 Weldon N. Edwards

1827 Archibald D. Murphey

1827 Henry M. Miller

1827 John D. Eocles

1827 John D. Ecdes

1827 John D. Eccles

1827 John R. Bule

1827 John D. Eccles

Henry Dockery and others

1827 George E Sprulll

1827 William A. Graham

1827 J. Macallster

1827 Alfred Dockery

1827 John R. Bute

1827 John Louis Taylor

1827 Wright G. Stanly

1827 Joseph J. Daniel

1827 John R. Donnell

1827 John MacRae

1827 Archibald D. Murphey

1828 James Martin, Jr.

1828 Henry S. Glark

1828 James Iredell

1828 William M. Green

1828 Archibald D. Murphey

1828 Walter F. Leak

1828 George E. Badger

1828 A. M. GatUng and others

1828 James L Tredwell

1828 Wright G. Stanly

1828 Ebenezer Pettlgrew

1828 William Gaston

1828 Gavin Hogg

1828 John Gray Blount

1828 James I. Tredwell

The Ruffin Papers.

Place

HiUsboro, N. C Mar.

Hillsboro, N. C Apr.

Eidentoii, N. C. Apr.

Raleigh, N. € June

July,

Rldelgh, N. C Aug.

Plymoath, N. C Sept.

Plymouth, N. C Oct

Raleigh, N. C Not.

Raleigh, N. € Not.

Raleigh, N. C Not.

Bnfleld, N. O Not.

Raleigh, N. G Not.

Hlllsboro, N. C Not.

Anson County, N. C Dec.

Raieign, Nm o. •..•.•........ JL/ec.

Qreenaboro, N. C Dec.

Washington, D. G Dec.

Bdenton, N. G Dec.

Raleigh, N. G Jan.

Haw RiTer, N. G Jan.

Haw RlTer, N. G Jan.

Haw* RlTer, N. G Feb.

Raleigh, N. G Feb.

Pltteboro, N. G Feb.

Lexington, N. G Feb.

Plttsboro, N. G Feb.

Washington, D. G Feb.

Wilmington, N. G Feb.

Raleigh, N. G Feb.

Chapel Hill, N. G Mar.

Rockford, N. G Mar.

Anson County, N. C Mar.

Salisbury, N. G Mar.

Washington, D. G Mar.

Asherllle, N. G Mar.

Plttsboro, N. G Mar.

Greensboro, N. G Mar.

HlllSboro, N. G Mar.

Albln, N. G Mar.

Salisbury, N. G Mar.

Greensboro, N. G Apr.

Salisbury, N. G Apr.

Oak Hall, N. G Apr.

Edenton, N. G Apr.

Salem, N. G Apr.

Weldon, N. G Apr.

Hlllsboro, N. G Apr.

New Bern, N. G May

edenton, N. G May

Date Written hy

17, 1828 Victor M. Murphey

7, 1828 Daniel M. Barrlnger

18, 1828 Augustas Moore and others

11, 1828 WUUam Robards

1828 Thomas P. DsTereux

7, 1828 Peter Browne

26, 1828 Thomas Turner

16, 1828 James H. Ruffln

17, 1828 Frederick Nash

18, 1828 George E. Badger

21, 1828 Frederick Nash

22, 1828 Frederick Nash

24, 1828 James H. Ruffln

27, 1828 John Branch

27, 1828 Frederick Nash

27, 1828 Bedford Brown

10, 1828 Adam Lockhart

16, 1828 John Louis Taylor

17, 1828 John M. Dick

29, 1828 Lewis Williams

29, 1828 Joseph B. Skinner

20, 1829 John L. Henderson

24, 1829 Archibald D. Murphey

28, 1829 Archibald D. Murphey

8, 1829 Archibald D. Murphey

6, 1829 William Gaston

10, 1829 Patrick Henry Winston

12, 1829 John M. Dick

12, 1829 Frederick Nash

16, 1829 James Iredell

28, 1829 Robert W. Brown

28, 1829 WUlUm Polk

1, 1829 Nicholas M. Hents

2, 1829 DaTid F. Caldwell

3, 1829 Adam Lockhart

6, 1829 John L. Henderson

8, 1829 Henry T. Gamett

13, 1829 DaTid L. Swain

20, 1829 Frederick Nssh

21, 1829 John M. Dick

22, 1829 James S. Smith

28, 1829 DaTid Clark

30, 1829 DaTid F. Caldwell

5, 1829 John M. Dick

11, 1829 William J. Alexander

16, 1829 William BetheU

18, 1829 James G. Johnston

24, 1829 Emmanuel Shober

25, 1829 Andrew Joyner

27, 1829 Frederick Nash

6, 1829 Wright G. Stanly

16, 1829 Joseph B. Skinner

14 The North Casolika Historical Commission.

Place Date Written by

Raleigh, N. C May 22, 1829 John Owen

New Bern, N. C May 22, 1829 William Gaston

Charlotte, N. C May 26, 1829 David F. Caldwell

HUlsboro, N. C June 2, 1829 William J. Bingham

HlUsboro, N. C June 12, 1829 Cadwallader Jones

Richmond County, N. C June 27, 1829 James A. Vanghan

Washington, D. C July 28, 1829 Henry T. Oamett

VesuTlus Furnace, N. C Aug. 10, 1829 William A. Graham

Caswell County, N. C Aug. 16, 1829 James H. Ruffln

Salem, N. C Aug. 16, 1829 Emmanuel Shober

Hllleboro, N. C Aug. 18, 1829 Hugh WaddeU

Salisbury, N. C Aug. 31, 1829 John Giles

Salisbury, N. C Sept 5, 1829 John L. Henderson

Chapel Hill, N. C Sept. 8, 1829 William K. Ruffln

Greensboro, N. C Sept 9, 1829 John M. Dick

Oxford, N. C Sept 12, 1829 Frederick Nash

Wadesboro, N. C Sept 22, 1829 John Giles

Lexington, N. C Oct 6, 1829 James T. Morehead

Chapel Hill, N. C Oct. 12, 1829 William K. Ruffln

Richmond, Va Oct 19, 1829 William H. Brodnax

Greensboro, N. C Not. 7, 1829 Archibald D. Murphey

Chapel Hill, N. C Nov. 16, 1829 William K. Ruffln

Warrenton, N. C Not. 23, 1829 James Somervell

FayettevllI?, N. C Nov. 28, 1829 Henry Branson

Plymouth, N. C Nov. 30, 1829 Thomas Turner

Anson County, N. C Dec. 1, 1829 Adam Lockhart

Edenton, N. C Dec. 10, 1829 William R. Norcum

Salem, N. C Dec. 19, 1829 Charles F. Bagge

Plymouth, N. C Dec. 22, 1829 Thomas Turner

Edenton, N. C Dec. 29, 1829 Joseph B. Skinner

Raleigh, N. C. Dec., 1829 William H. Haywood

Haw River, N. C Jan. 13, 1830 Archibald D. Murphey

Haw River, N. C Feb. 10, 1880 V. M. Murphey

Haw River, N. C July 25, 1830 V. M. Murphey

Greensboro, N. C Aug. 31, 1830 Archibald D. Murphey

Greensboro, N. C Sept 2, 1830 Archibald D. Murphey

MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS HERE PRII«TED

Written by Place Date Written to

Alexander McCaine .Fellspoint July 19, 1805.. Sterling Ruffln

Elizabeth Kirkland . Glasgow Scotland . Sept 13, 1810.. William Kirkland

William Ruffln Warrenton, N. C. .May 20, 1814. .Sterling Ruffln

William Hinton Raleigh, N. C Aug. 8, 1814. .William Henderson

William Henderson .Raleigh, N. C Aug. 9, 1817. .Thomas D. Bennehan

Romulus M. Saunders Dec. 2, 1818. .William Norwood

James Walker July 17, 1819. .Nathaniel Harris

Nat Cutting Washington, D. C.Mar. 23, 1820.. James S. Smith

William Polk Raleigh, N. C May 21, 1822. .Wake County Court

John McLean Washington, D. C.Aug. 27, 1823. .B. B. Smith

John McKechney ...Quebec June 30, 1823 .. Duncan McFadyen

E. Freeman New Bern, N. C. .Mar. 8, 1824. .H. Potter

William Norwood ...HUlsboro, N. C.Nov. 6, 1826. .William K. Ruffln

The Ruffin Papers. 15

Written by Place Date Written to

Dnponceaa Jones ...Plttsboro, N. C.Feb. 2, 1827.. William K. Rnflln

Henry Webb Middletown, Gonn.Feb. 21, 1827 . .William K. Ruffin

B. McLaughlan Baltimore, Md. ...Aug. 20, 1827.. William K. Roffln

M. G. Jenkins Baltimore, Md. ...Sept. 11, 1827.. William K. Ruffin

B. McLAUghlan Baltimore, Md. ...Sept 18, 1827.. William K. Ruffin

Jose Farres Baltimore, Md. . . .Sept 18, 1827. .William K. Ruffin

M. C. Jenkins Baltimore, Md. . . .Feb. 22, 1828. .William K. Ruffin

MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS HERE PRINTED

Thomas Ruffin's Bachelor of Arts diploma from Princeton, Sept 26, 1805.

To the Citizens of Rockingham County, by Alexander Sneed, July, 1809. En-
closure of James Campbell, July 26, 1809.

B«xtract from the Lincoln and Catawba Journal of Feb. 10, 1829, signed "One
of the People." Enclosure of William Polk, Feb. 28, 1829.

LIFE AND CHARACTER

OF THB

HON. THOMAS RUFFIN,

Late Chief Justice of North Carolina

A MEMORIAL ORATION.

WILLIAM A. GRAHAM.

Delivered before the Aifrieultural Society of the State, by its request,
at the Annnal Fair ia Raleigh, Oct 2l8t, 1870.

RALEIGH, N. C.:

NICHOLS & GORMAN, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS.

1871.

ORATION.

The patriotic people of the County of Bockingham in a public assem-
blage at their first Superior Court after the death of Chief Justice
SuFFiNy in which they were joined with cordial sympathy by the gentle-
men of the bar of that Court, resolved to manifest their appreciation of
his talents, virtues and public usefulness, by causing to be pronounced
a memorial oration on his life and character. Such an offering was
deemed by them a fitting tribute from a people among whom his family
first settled upon their arrival in North Carolina, and with whom he had
been associated as a planter and cultivator of the soil from his early
manhood till his decease.

The Agricultural Society of the State, of which for many years he
had been a distinguished President, subsequently determined on a like
offering to his memory at their annual Fair. The invitation to prepare
such a discourse has been by both bodies extended to the same individual.
The task is undertaken with diffidence, and a sense of apprehension,
that amid the multiplicity of other engagements, its fulfilment may fail
in doing justice to the subject of the memoir.

Thomas Buffin, the eldest child of his parents, was bom at I^ewing-
ton, the residence of his maternal Grand Father, Thomas Boane, in the
County of King and Queen, in Virginia, on the I7th of November, 1787.

His Father, Sterling Buffin, Esquire, was a planter in the neighboring
County of Essex, who subsequently transferred his residence to North
Carolina, and died in the County of Caswell. Ardent in his religious
sentiments, and long attached to the Methodist Episcopal Church, he
very late in life, entered the ministry, and was for a few years prior to
his death, a preacher in that denomination.

His Mother, Alice Boane, was of a family much distinguished in
Virginia by the public service of many of its members, and was herself
first cousin of Spencer Boane, the Chief Justice of that State in the past
generation, whose judicial course, connected as it was with questions of
difficulty and importance in constitutional law, gave him high profes-
sional, as well as political, distinction; but it may well be doubted,
whether, in all that constitutes a great lawyer, he had any pre-eminence
over the subject of our present notice, his junior kinsman in North
Carolina, then but rising into fame, and destined to fill the like office
in his own State.

His Father, though not affluent, had a respectable fortune, and sought
for the son the best means of education. His early boyhood was passed
on the farm in Essex, and in attendance on the schools of the vicinity.
Thence, at a suitable age, he was sent to a classical Academy in the
beautiful and healthful village of Warrenton, in North Carolina, then

20 The Nobth Cabolina Historical Commibbion.

under the instruction of Mr. Marcus George, an Irishman by birth and
education, a fine classical scholar and most painstaking and skillful
instructor, especially in elocution, as we must believe, since among his
pupils who survived to our times, we find the best readers of our acquaint-
ance in their day. His excellence in this particular was probably attri-
butable to his experience on the theatrical stage, where he had spent a
portion of his life. He made his first appearance in the State at the
Convention in Hillsborough^ in 1788, which rejected the Federal Consti-
tution, in search of employment as a teacher, was engaged by the Warren
gentlemen then in attendance, and many years subsequently was still
at the head of a flourishing school, in which our student entered. The
system and discipline of Mr. George conformed to the ancient regime,
and placed great faith in the rod. He is described as a man of much
personal prowess and spirit, who did not scruple to administer it on his
pupils, when sloth, delinquency or misbehavior required, without refer-
ence to age, size or other circumstances. Yet he secured the respect of
his patrons, and the confidence of the public, and inspired the gratitude
and affection of his pupils in a remarkable degree.

This turning aside from our subject, to pay a passing tribute to his
old preceptor, is deemed to be justified not only by the long and useful
labors of Mr. George, in the instruction of youth in the generation in
which Mr. RufBn's lot was cast, but because he himself entertained the
highest appreciation of the profession of an instructor, accustoming
himself to speak of it as one of the most honorable and beneficent of
human employments. Throughout his laborious and well-spent life,
he often acknowledged his obligations of gratitude for the early training
he had received under the tuition of this faithful, but somewhat eccentric
son of Erin. And it may well be doubted whether Lord Eldon, in the
maturity of his wisdom and great age, retained a more grateful and
affectionate recollection of Master Moises of the High School of New
Castle, than did Chief Justice Ruffin of Master George of the Warrenton
Male Academy.

At this institution were assembleil the sons of most of the citizens of
Eastern North Carolina and the bordering counties of Virginia, aspiring
to a liberal education. And here were formed friendships, which he
cherished with great satisfaction throughout life. Among his com-
panions were the late Bobert Broadnax, of Bockingham, subsequently
a planter of large possessions on Dan Biver, among the most estimable
gentlemen of his time; and Cadwallader Jones, then of Halifax, but
afterwards of Orange, at different periods an officer in the Navy and
in the Army of the United States, a successful planter, and a model
of the manners and virtues which give a charm to social intercourse.
With both of these gentlemen his early attachments were in after life
cemented by the union in marriage of their children. Here, too, he
found Weldon N. Edwards, of Warren, subsequently distinguished by
much public service in Congress and under the Government of the State,

The Buffin Pafebs. 21

thenceforward his lifelong friend, with whom his bonds of amity seemed
to be drawn more closely as others of his contemporaries dropped from
around him. Of these four youths of the Warrenton Academy, at the
banning of the nineteenth century, Mr. Edwards alone survives. Long
may he live to enjoy the veneration and respect due to a life of probity,
honor and usefulness.

From the Warrenton Academy young Ruffin was transferred to the
College of Nassau Hall, at Princeton, New Jersey. It is believed that
his father, who was a deeply pious man, was controlled in the selection
of this College in preference to that of William & Mary, in Virginia,
next to Harvard University the oldest institution of learning in the
United States, not only by a desire to place his son in an unsuspected
situation as to his health, which had suffered from the malarial influ-
ences prevailing in the tidewater region of Eastern Virginia, but to
secure him as well from the temptation incident to College life, in an
institution, in which as he supposed, there was too loose an authority
and discipline exerted over the sons of affluence and ease. He entered
the Freshman^ class, at Princeton, and ^'graduated at the commencement
in 1805 ;*^ the sixteenth in a class of f orty-tWo members, "being the first
of the second division of intermediate honors." The late Governor
James Iredell, of !N'orth Carolina, was in the class succeeding his own,
and for nearly the whole of his College course, his room-mate. Thus
commenced a friendship between these gentlemen in youth, which was
terminated only by the death of Mr. Iredell. Among others of his Col-
lege associates who became distinguished in subsequent life, there were
Samuel L. Southard and Theodore Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey, Joseph
IL IngersoU, of Philadelphia, the Cuthberts and Habershams, of Georgia,
Christopher Hughes of Maryland, and Stevenson Archer, of Mississippi.

Betuming home with his bachelor degree, Mr. Ruffin soon afterwards
entered the law office of David Bobertson, Esquire, of Petersburg, as a
student of the law, and continued there through the years 1806 and 1807.
Here he was associated as fellow-student with John F. May, afterwards
Judge May, of Petersburg, and Winfield Scott, afterwards so highly
distinguished in arms, and the only officer down to his time, except Gen-
eral Washington, who attained the rank of Lieutenant General in the
army of the United States. General Scott, in his Autobiography, de-
scribes their preceptor, Mr. Sobertson, as a Scotchman, a very learned
scholar and barrister, who originally came to America as a classical
teacher ; but subsequently gained high distinction as a lawyer, and was
the author of the report of the debates in the Virginia Convention which
adopted the Federal Constitution, and of the report of the trial of Aaron
Burr for high treason. In a note to the same work, General Scott men-
tions his chancing to meet Judge Ruffin in New York in 1853, while the
latter was attending as a delegate, the Protestant Episcopal Convention,
of the United States after a separation of forty-seven years, and recurs

iThis to an error. Ruffin entered the Junior Class In 1808.

22 The Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

to their association together with Judge May, as law students^ and to
the conversation in which they then indulged^ with manifest pride and
pleasure. He also refers to their suhsequent intercourse in the city of
Washington, in 1861^ while Judge Ruffin was serving as a member of
the Peace Congress, and expresses the opinion, that, ''if the sentiments
of this good man, always highly conservative (the same as Critten-
den's,") had prevailed, the country would have escaped the sad inflictions
of the war, which was raging at the time he wrote.^

Sterling Buffin, the father, having suffered some reverses of fortune,
determined to change his home, and removed to Bockingham County,
North Carolina, in 1807. His son soon followed, a willing emigrant.
It was in North Carolina he had received his first training for useful
life: here was the home of most of his early friends, and here he con-
fidently hoped to renew his association with Broadnax, Jones, Edwards,
Iredell and other kindred spirits.

He doubtless brought with him a considerable store of professional
learning from the office of Mr. Bobertson, in which he had been more
than two years a student, but on his arrival in North Carolina, he pur-
sued his further studies under the direction of the Honorable A. D.
Murphey, until his admission to the bar, in 1808. Early in 1809, he
established his home in the town of Hillsborough, and on the 9th of
December, in that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Anne
Kirkland, eldest daughter of the late William Kirkland, of that place, a
prominent merchant and leading citizen.

The twenty years next ensuing, during which his residence was con-
tinually in Hillsborough, comprehends his career at the bar and on the
Bench of the Superior Courts. In 1813, 1815 and 1816, he seirved as a
member of the Legislature in the House of Commons from this town,
under the old Constitution, and filled the office of Speaker of the House,
at the last mentioned session, when first elected a Judge upon the resig-
nation of that office by Duncan Cameron. He was also a candidate on
the electoral ticket in favor of William H. Crawford for the Presidency

iThe mention to which Grovernor Graham refers is ae follows:
"Mr. Robinson, in my time, had but two other students in his office — Thomas
Ruffin and John F. May. The first of these and the autobiographer did not
chance to meet from 1806 to 1853, a period of forty-seven years, when Mr.
Ruffin, Chief Justice of North Carolina, came to New York as a member of the
General Protestant Episcopal Convention. The greeting between them was
boyishly enthusiastic. The chief Justice, at the table of the soldier, said,
'Friend Scott, is it not a little remarkable, that of the three law students. In
the same office, in 1805 and 1806, all yet in good preservation, our friend May
has long been at the head of the bar in Southern Virginia; I long at the head
of the bench In North Carolina; and you, the youngest, long at the head of the
United States Army!' The last I saw of this most excellent man, always
highly consenratlve, he was a member of the Peace Convention that met In
Washington In the spring of 1861. Had hie sentiments, the same as Crltten^
den's, prevailed, we should now (July, 1863) have in the thirty-four States
fewer by eeveral millions of widows, orphans, cripples, bankrupts, and deep
mourners to sadden the land. Judge May, fortunately for him, died before
the commencement of this horrid war." Scott, Autohioffraphy, Vol. I, pp. 11-12..

The Buffin Papicbs. 23

of the United States, in 1824. But his aspirations, tastes and interests
inclined him not to political honors, but to a steady adherence to the
profession to which his life was devoted. He found at the bar in Orange
and the neighboring counties to which his practice was extended several
gentlemen, his seniors in years, who were no ordinary competitors for
forensic fame and patronage; of whom it may be sufficient to name
Archibald B. Murphey, Frederick Nash, WilUam Norwood, Duncan
Cameron, (who although he had suspended his practice for a time, re-
sumed it not long after Mr. Buffin came to the bar,) Henry Seawell,
Leonard Henderson, WiUiam Bobards, Nicholas P. Smith, of Chatham,
and later of Tennessee. His first essays in argument are said not to
have been very fortunate. His manner was diffident and his speech hesi-
tating and embarrassed. But these difficulties being soon overcome, the
vigor of his understanding, the extent and accuracy of his learning, and
his perfect mastery of his causes by diligent preparation, in a short
time gave him position among these veterans of the profession, secured
him a general and lucrative practice, and an easy accession to the Bench
in seven years from his initiation at the bar. His reputation was greatly
advanced and extended by the manner in which he acquitted himself in
this office. The wants, however, of an increasing family and an un-
fortunate involvement by suretyship forbade his continuance in a situ-
ation of no better income than the salary which was its compensation.
He resigned to the Legislature of 1818, and immediately returned to the
practice. Mr. Buffin had kept up habits of close study of his profession
before his promotion to the Bench, and the leisure afforded by the vaca-
tions of the office was eagerly availed of, for the same object. He came
back to the bar not only with his health renovated, which had never
been very robust, but with a brightness in his learning and an increase
of fame, which, in the Supreme Court then recently established on its
present basis, and in the Circuit Court of the United States, as well as
on the ridings in the State Courts, brought to him a practice and an
income, which has hardly ever been equalled in the case of any other
practitioner in North Carolina. For forty-three weeks in the year he
had his engagements in Court, and despite of all conditions of the
weather or odier impediments to travelling in the then state of the
country, rarely failed to fulfill them. He held the appointment of
Beporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court for one or two terms,
but relinquished it from the engrossment of his time by his practice;
and his labors are embraced in the prior part of the first volume of
Hawks. Mr. Archibald Henderson, Mr. Gaston, Mr. Seawell, Mr.
Murphey, Mr. Moses Mordecai, Mr. Gavin Hogg, and Mr. Joseph Wil-
son, all metL of renown, were, with Mr. Buffin, the chief advocates in the
Supreme Court at that period, Mr. Nash and Mr. Badger being then
upon the Bench ; and according to tradition, at no time have the argu-
ments before it been more thorough and exhaustive. The late Governor
Swain being a part of this period a student of the law in the office of

24 The North Carolina Hibtobical Cohhibbion.

Chief Justice Taylor, in a public address at the opening at Tucker Hall,
in which he gave many reminiscences of former times in Baleigh, men-
tions a prediction in his hearing of Mr. Gaston to one of his clients in
1823, that if Mr. Buffin should live ten years longer he would be at the
head of the profession in North Carolina. By the same authority we
are informed, that only a year or two later, Judge Henderson declared
that he had then attained this position of eminence. Among the pro-
fessional gentlemen he met in the wide range of his practice on the cir-
cuits, in addition to his seniors already named, were Bartlett Yancey,
Augustine H. Shepperd, Bomulus M. Saunders, James Martin, Thomas
P. Devereuz, Jas. F. Taylor, Charles Manly, Wm. H. Haywood, Jr.,
Daniel L. Barringer, Samuel Hillman, John M. and James T. More-
head, Bedford Brown, Willie P. and Priestly H. Mangum, Francis L.
Hawks, Thos. Settle, John M. Dick, Qeorge C. Mendenhall, and several
others, of high distinction among the advocates and public characters
of the State; by all of whom his eminent abilities and attainments were
fully acknowledged and appreciated.

In the summer of 1825, upon the resignation of Judge Badger, Mr.
Buffin again accepted the appointment of a Judge of the Superior Courts.
His recent successes had relieved him of embarrassment, and supplied
him a competent fortune; his health demanded relaxation and rest; and
his duties to his family, now quite numerous, in his estimation required
more of his presence at home than was consistent with the very active
liff^Jie was leading. He therefore relinquished his great emoluments
at the bar for the inadequate salary then paid to a Judge, and virtually
closed his career as an advocate. By the bar and the public he was wel-
comed back on the circuits, and for the three following years he admin-
istered the law with such universal admiration and acceptance, both on
the part of the profession and the people, that he was generally desig-
nated by the public approbation for the succession to the Bench of the
Supreme Court whenever a vacancy should occur.

The reputation he had established by this time, however, did not
merely assign him capabilities as a lawyer, but ascribed to him every
qualification of a thorough man of affairs. It was conceded, at least,
that he could teach bankers banking and merchants the science of
accounts.

In the Autumn of 1828, the stockholders of the old State Bank of
North Carolina, at the head of whom were William Polk, Peter Browne
and Duncan Cameron, owing to the great embarrassment of the affairs
of this institution, involving disfavor with the public, and threats of
judicial proceedings for a forfeiture of its charter, prevailed on him
to take the Presidency of the Bank, with a salary increased to the pro-
curement of his acceptance; and with the privilege on his part to prac-
tice his profession in the city of Raleigh. In twelve months devoted to
this office, with his characteristic energy, mastering the affairs of the
Bank with a true talent for finance, making available its assets and pro-

Ths BuFFor Pafebs. 25

▼iding for its liabilities, and inspiring confidence by the general faith
in his abilities and high purpose to do right, he effectually redeemed the
institution, and prepared the way to close out in credit the remaining
term of its charter.

At this period, also, another place of high political eminence was at
his choice, but was promptly declined. A vacancy having happened in
the Senate of the United States by the appointment of Qovemor Branch
to the head of the Navy department, and the Honorable Bartlett Yancey,
who had been the general favorite for the succession, having recently
died, Mr. Buffin was earnestly solicited to accept a candidacy for this
position with every assurance of success. But his desire was, as he him-
self expressed it among his friends, '^af ter the labor and attention he
had bestowed upon his profession, to go down to posterity as a lawyer."
Irrespective, therefore, of his domestic interests, and the care and atten-
tion due to his family, of which no man ever had a truer or warmer
conception, he could not be diverted from his chosen line of life by the
attractions of even the highest political distinction.

While assiduously employed in the affairs of the Bank, to which was
devoted the year 1839, his services were still demanded by clients in the
higher courts, and his reputation at the bar suffered no eclipse. Upon
the death of Chief Justice Taylor, in this year, the Executive appoint-
ment of a successor was conferred on a gentleman of merited eminence
in the profession, and of a singularly pure and elevated character; but
the sentiment of the majority of the profession as well as public opinion,
had made choice of Hr. Buffin for the permanent office, and he was
elected a Judge of the Supreme Court at the session of the Legislature
in the autunm of 1829. In 1833, upon the demise of Chief Justice Hen-
derson, he was elevated to the Chief Justiceship, in which he won that
fame which wiU longest endure, because it is incorporated in the judicial
literature of the country, and is co-eztensive with the study and adminis-
tration of our system of law.

Before directing attention to his labors in this highest court of appeals
in the State, it is appropriate to remark on his prior career as an advo-
cate, counsellor and Judge of the Superior Courts. Of his arguments
at the bar, at nisi priw, or in the Courts of appeal, no memorials have
been preserved save the imperfect briefs contained in the causes that
have been reported. His nature was ardent, and his manner of speech
earnest and often vehement in tone and gesticulation. Though versed
in beUes lettres, and with tastes to relish eloquent declamation, it was a
field into which he did not often, if at all, adventure. His reliance was
upon logic, not upon rhetoric ; and even his illustrations were drawn from
things practical, rather than the ideal. Analyzing and thoroughly com-
prehending his cause, he held it up plainly to the view of others, and
^th a searching and incisive criticism exposed and dissipated the weak
points in that of his adversary: and all this, in a vigorous, terse and
manly English, every word of which told. Few advocates ever equalled

26 The North Cabolina Histobical Commission.

liim in presenting so much of solid thought in the same number of words,
or in disentangling complicated facts, or elucidating abstruse learning
so as to make the demonstration complete to the minds of the auditory;
capacities, doubtless gained by severe culture, a part of which, aa I
learned from an early student in his office, had been a daily habit, long
after his admission to the bar, of going carefully over the demonstration
of a theorem in Mathematics. Thus habituated to abstract and exact
reasoning, he delighted in the approach to exactness in the reasoning
of the law, and no student could more truly say of his professional in-
vestigations, "Labor ipse est voluptas/* The accuracy thus attained in
his studies, gave him high eminence as a pleader, in causes both at law
and in Equity; and among his associates usually devolved on him the
office of framing the pleadings in the causes in which they were engaged.
It also gave him rank among the great counsellors of the time, whose
opinions were not the result of cramming for an occasion, or a fortunate
authority, but the well considered reflections of gifted minds imbued
with law as a science, and who had explored to their sources, the prin-
ciples involved in the subjects they examined, and made them their own.
This full development of his forensic character does not appear to have
been manifested until after his return to the bar subsequently to his first
service on the bench. But from this period till his second retirement,
in 1825, he had hardly a rival in the bar of the Supreme Court of the
State or the Circuit Court of the United States, except Archibald Hen-
derson and Gaston, and had a command of the practice in all the State
Courts he attended. As a Judge of the Superior or nisi prius Courts, he
exhibited equal aptitude for the Bench as for the practice at the Bar.
With an energy that pressed the business forward, a quickness rarely
equalled in perceiving and comprehending facts, patient and industrious
habits of labor, and a spirit of command which suffered no time to be
lost, he despatched causes with expedition, but with no indecent haste.
Whilst he presided, it was rare that any cause before a jury ever occupied
more than a single day, and none is remembered that extended beyond
two.

It may be inferior to the dignity of the occasion to indulge in profes-
sional anecdotes. The promptness, however, with which he disposed of
a case of some novelty on the circuit, may justify a passing notice. The
plaintiff and defendant had disputed on a matter of law, and growing
warm in the controversy, laid a wager on the question of whether or not
the law was as affirmed by the plaintiff; and a suit was brought to have
the point determined. After the contract of wager had been proved, the
plaintiff rested. The Judge called on the counsel for the plaintiff to
prove that he had won. The counsel replied that that depended on the
point of law which he submitted to his Honor. The Judge rejoined,
that it was one of facts in the controversy, on which he was forbidden
to express an opinion ; but for their trifling with the Court in instituting
such an action, he ordered it to be dismissed, and each party to pay half

Thb Euffiw Papers. 27

the costs^ mth an intimation^ that it was leniency in the Court to stop
with no greater penalty. It is worthy of remark^ that about the same
time, as we since learn from the reports, Chief Justice Abbott, in the
King's Bench in England^ ordered a cause ^'to be struck out of the paper/'
the subject of the action being a wager on a dog-fight, upon the ground
that it was insignificant, and it would be a waste of time to try it.

In administering the criminal law, in which the extent of punishment
generally depended on the discretion of the Judge, his sentences were
such as to inspire evil doers with terror, but eminently tended to give
protection to society and confidence to honest and law-abiding men.

His accession to the Bench of the Supreme Court was a source of gen-
eral satisfaction to the profession, and to the people of the State, by
whom his enlightened labors in the circuits had been witnessed with
admiration and pride. He at once took a conspicuous part in the pro-
ceedings of this high tribunal, and for twenty-three years, that he con-
tinuously sat there, probably delivered a greater number of the opinions
on which its judgments were founded, than any Judge with whom in
thid long career he was associated. These opinions are found through
more than twenty-five volumes of books of reports, and form the bulk
of our judicial literature for a full generation. They embrace topics
of almost every variety, civil and criminal, legal and equitable, concern-
ing probate and administration, marriage and divorce, slavery and
freedom, and constitutional law, which can enter into judicial contro-
versy, in the condition of society then prevailing in the State, and con-
stitute memorials of her jurisprudence, by which the members of the
profession are content she shall be judged in the present age and by
posterity. They have been cited with approbation in the American
courts, State and National, by eminent legal authors, and in the judicial
deliberations of Westminster Hall ; and the North Carolina lawyer who
can invoke one of them as a case in point with his own, generally con-
siders that he is possessed of an impenetrable shield. It has been rare
in England that a Judge or Advocate has reached high distinction in the
courts both of common law and Equity. The student of the judicial
arguments of Chief Justice Buffin will be at a loss to determine in which
of these branches of logal science he most excelled. To the votary of
tKe common law, fresh from the perusal of the black letter of the times
of the Tudors and early Stuarts, and captivated with its artificial refine-
ments and technical distinctions as to rights and remedies, he would
appear to have pursued his professional education upon the intimation
of Butler in his reminiscences, that '%e is the best lawyer, and will suc-
ceed best in his profession, who best understands Coke upon Littleton ;"
or, advancing to the modem ages of greater enlightenment and freer
intercourse among nations, that he had made a specialty of the law of
contracts, bills of exchange and commercial law generally; whilst his
expositions of Equity causes will satisfy any impartial critic, that he
was at least equally a proficient and master of the principles and practice

28 ThX NoBTH CaBOLINA HiSTOBICAL CoM1£IS8ION.

of the joriflprudence of the English Chancery, and would induce the
belief that, like Sir Samuel Bomilly or Sir William Orant, his practice
at the bar had been confined to this branch of the profession. The
minute distinctions between the limits of the jurisdiction of the Courts
of Equity and common law, he comprehended and illustrated with a
rare discrimination and accuracy.

During the term of his service in that Court, it will be remembered by
the profession, that three great departures were made from long estab-
lished precedents in the English Courts of Equity, which have tended
to give simplicity to our system, and to free it from the embarrassment
and confusion of the authorities in the English cases; namely. First, in
adhering to the direction of the statute of Frauds, and refusing to decree
the specific execution of a contract for the conveyance of real estate
required to be in writing, upon the ground that the parties had acted
upon their agreement, and that it had been partially carried into execu-
tion. Second, in discarding the doctrine that a vendor who had sold
land and parted with the title, trusting his vendee for the purchase
money, yet had a lien on the land as a security for its payment. Third,
in negativing likewise the English doctrine of a married woman's equit-
able right to a settlement for her maintenance before her husband should
invoke th^ power of the court to reduce her estate to possession. These
have been acknowledged as salutary reforms both at home and abroad,
in all of which Chief Justice RufSn concurred and delivered leading
arguments in their support. Accustomed tenaciously to adhere to prece-
dents upon the theory, that the wisdom of a succession of learned Judges,
concurred in or tolerated by the Legislature from age to age, is superior
to that of any one man, and that certainty in the rules of the law is of
more importance than their abstract justice; yet where there had been
no domestic precedent, and those abroad were at variance with the com-
mand of a statute or with obvious principles, he readily embraced these
opportunities to symmetrize and perfect the system of practical morality
administered in the American courts of Equity.

His familiar knowledge of banking and mercantile transactions and
skilf ulness in accounts, gave him a conceded eminence in the innumer-
able causes involving inquiries of this nature. During his presidency
in the Supreme Court, it cannot fail to be remarked that there was a
great advance in the accuracy of pleadings in Equity causes, and in a
general extension of the knowledge of Equity practice throughout the
circuits. And the precision and propriety of entries in every species of
procedure were brought to a high state of perfection, mainly by his
investigations and labors, in conjunction with those of that most worthy
gentleman, and modest but able lawyer, Edmund B. Freeman, Esquire,
late Clerk of the Court, whose virtues and public usefulness, connected
as he was for so many years in close and friendly association with the
immediate subject of our remarks, now likewise gone down beyond the
horizon, I am gratified the opportunity serves to commemorate.

The BuFFor Papebs. 29

In the department of the law peculiarly American, in which there
comes up the question^ whether the Legislature can legislate to the extent
it has assumed, or other expositions of the Constitutions of the State or
Union, though the occasions for such exercises were rare in the quiet
times of his judicial life. Chief Justice Ruffin shone to no less advantage,
than in those dependent on municipal regulations. His conversancy
with political ethics, public law and English and American history,
seems to have assigned to him the task of delivering the opinions on this
head, which have most attracted general attention. That delivered by
him in the case of Hoke against Henderson in which it was held, that the
Legislature could not, by a sentence of its own in the form of an enact-
ment, divest a citizen of property, even in a public office, because th^
proceeding was an exercise of judicial power, received the hig^ encomium
of Kent and other authors on constitutional law; and I happened per-
sonaUy to witness, that it was the main authority relied on by Mr.
Beverdy Johnson, in the argument for the second time, of Ex parte
Garland, which involved the power of Congress by a test oath, to exclude
lawyers from practice in the Supreme Court of the United States, for
having participated in civil war against the government ; and in which,
its reasoning on the negative side of the question, was sustained by that
august tribunal.

The singular felicity and aptitude with which he denuded his judg-
ments of all extraneous matter, and expounded the very principles of
the case in hand, usually citing authority only to uphold what had been
demonstrated without it, is the most striking feature in his numerous
opinions. No commonplaces or servile copying of the ideas of others
fill the space to be occupied, but a manly comprehension of the subject
in its. entire proportions, illustrated by well considered thought and
lucid and generally graceful expression. His learning was profound,
but not so deep as his own reflections. His powers of abstraction sub-
jected every thing to scrutiny, and rare was the fallacy which passed
through that crucible without exposure. If he did not develop new
truths the old were made to shine with a fresher lustre, from having
undergone his processes of thought and illustration. His style of writing
was elevated and worthy of the themes he discussed. His language well
selected, and exhibiting a critical acquaintance with English philology.
A marked characteristic in his writings, as it was also in his conversation,
was the frequent, dextrous, and strikingly appropriate use he made of the
brief words of our language, usually of Saxon derivation; as in his
response to the tribute of the bar to the memory of Judge Gaston : *TVe
knew that he was, indeed, a good man and a great Judge."

In the autumn of 1862, while in the zenith of his reputation, and not
yet pressed with the weight of years, Chief Justice Ruffin resigned his
office and retired, as he supposed forever, from the professional employ-
ments he had so long and with so much renown pursued. But on the
death of his successor and friend. Chief Justice Nash, in December,

30 The North Cabolina Hutobical Commibsion.

1858, he was called by the almost unanimous vote of the Greneral As^
sembly then in session, to fill the vacancy, and sat again as a Judge of
the Supreme Court until the autumn of 1859, when failing health ren-
dered his labors irksome, and he took his final leave of judicial life. Six
years of rest in his rural home had induced nothing of rust or desuetude :
he wore the ermine as naturally and gracefully as if he had never been
divested of its folds; his judicial arguments at this time evince all that
vigor of thought and freshness and copiousness of learning which had
prompted an old admirer to say of him, that he was a '^m lawyer."
It is not improbable that this preservation in full panoply was in some
design aided by the circumstance, that in a desire to be useful in any
sphere for which he was fitted, he had accepted the office of a Justice
of the Peace in the county of Alamance, in which he then resided^ and
had held the County Courts with the lay justices during this period.
Though near ten years later, and when he had passed the age of eighty,
in a matter of seizure, in which he took some interest for a friend, luider
the revenue laws, in the Circuit Court of the United States, a branch
of practice to which he had not been habituated by experience, I had
occasion to observe that he was as ready with his pen in framing the
pleadings, without books of authority or precedent, as any proctor in a
Court of admiralty.

In looking back upon his long life devoted to the profession, and the
monuments of his diligence, learning and striking ability that he left
behind him, it is no extravagance of eulogy to affirm, that if the State
or any American State has fostered great advocates, counsellors or
Judges, he assuredly was of this class.

But when, as Coke to Littleton, we bid "Farewell to our jurisprudent,*'
who had basked so long in the "gladsome light" of jurisprudence, we
have not wholly fulfilled the task assigned us. Jurisprudence was indeed
his forte; and that in its most enlarged sense, embracing the science of
right in all its aspects. Considering how thoroughly he had mastered
the systems prevailing in England and the United States, the fullness
of his knowledge in kindred studies and the facility with which he labored
and wrote, it is to be regretted that he did not betake himself to profes-
sional authorship. But there are other aspects of his character than that
of«a lawyer and Judge.

At an early period he became the proprietor of an estate on Dan river,
in Bockingham, on which he established a plantation at once, and gave
personal direction to its profitable cultivation from that time until his
death. Carrying his family to Raleigh for a sojourn of twelve months
upon assuming the Presidency of a Bank as already stated, he removed
thence to Haw river, in Alamance, in 1830, and there under his own eye
carried on the operations of a planter with success until the year 1866,
when the results of the war deprived him of laborers, and he sold the
estate and removed again to Hillsborough. The law has been said by
some of its old authors, to be a jealous mistress, and to allow no rival

The Buffin Papebs. 31

in the attentions of its votary. Chief Justice Euffin, however^ while dili-
gently performing the duties of his great office, and keeping up with the
labors of his cotemporaries, Lynnhurst^ Brougham^ Tenterden and Den-
man, in England^ and the numerous Courts exercising like jurisdictions
in America, found leisure to manage his farm at home as well as to
give direction to that in Bockingham. And this, not in the ineffective
manner which has attended the like efforts of some professional men,
but with present profit and improvement of the estates. From early
life he appeared to have conceived a fondness for agriculture, including
horticulture and the growing of fruit trees and flowers, which his home
in the country seemed to have been selected to indulge. Here for thirty-
five years, in the recess of his Courts, he found recreation in these pur-
suits and in the rearing of domestic animals ; the result of which was the
most encouraging success in orchards, grapery, garden, cereal crops,
flocks and herds. Combining a knowledge of the general principles of
science, with fine powers of observation, and the suggestions of the most
appiroved Agricultural periodicals, he was prepared to avail himself in
practice of the highest intelligence in the art. It was therefore no empty
compliment to a great jurist and leading citizen, when the Agricultural
society of I^orth Carolina, in 1854, elected him to its presidency after
his retirement from the Bench, but the devotion to public uses and
service, of an experience and information in the cultivation of the soil,
and all its manifold connections and dependencies, which few other men
in the State possessed. He was continued in this distinguished position
for six years, when declining health demanded his retirement; and at
no time have the interests of the society been more prosperous, its public
exhibitions more spirited; and it may be added, that on no occasion did
he ever manifest more satisfaction than in the reunions of its members.

His farming was not that of a mere amai&wr in the art, designed as in
the case of odier public characters of whom we have read, to dignify
retirement, to amuse leisure or gratify taste, though few had a higher
relish for the ornamental, especially in shrubbery and flowers. This,
he could not, or did not think he could afford, but to realize subsistence
and profit, to make money, to provide for his own, and to enable him
to contribute in charity to the wants of others. He consequently entered
into all the utilities, economies and practicabilities of husbandry in its
minute details, realizing the English proverb, quoted in the writings of
Sir Francis Head, that ''a good elephant should be able to raise a cannon
or pick up a pin."

The liberal hospitality that he dispensed throughout life was a most
conspicuous feature in the period thus devoted to practical agriculture.
His nature was eminently social, his acquaintance in his high position
extensive, his dwelling near one of the great highways of travel through
the State in the old modes of conveyance, easy of access ; and the exuber-
ance of his farm, garden, orchards and domestic comforts were never
more agreeably dispensed, than when ministered to the gratification

32 The Nobth Cabolina Histobxcal Comi£ib8Ion.

of hiB friends under his own roof. The cordiality and ease with which
he did the honors of an entertainer in an old-fashioned southern man-
sion, is among the pleasant recollections of not a few hetween the Potomac
and the Mississippi. It was here^ indeed^ surrounded by a family worthy
of the care and affection he bestowed upon them, relaxed from the severe
studies and anxieties of official life, in unreserved and cheerful inter-
course, that, after all, he appeared most favorably.

By his industry, frugality and aptitude for the management of prop-
erty, he accumulated in a long life an estate more ample than usually
falls to the lot of a member of the profession in this State; and althou^
much reduced by the consequences of the civil war, it was still competent
to the comfort of his large family.

Judge Ruffin was, until superseded by the changes made in 1868, the
oldest Trustee of the University of the State, and always one of the moat
efficient and active members of the Board. For more than half a centory
on terms of intimate intercourse with its Presidents, Caldwell and Swain,
and the leading Professors, Mitchell, Phillips and their associates, he
was their ready counsellor and friend in any emergency; whether in
making appeals to the Legislature in behalf of the institution for sup-
port and assistance in its seasons of adversity, or in enforcing discipline
and maintaining order, advancing the standard of education, or cheering
the labors both of the Faculty and students. His criterion of a collegiate
education was high, and he illustrated by his own example the rewards
of diligent and faithful study. He retained a better acquaintance with
the dead languages than any of his compeers we have named except
Gaston, Murphey and Taylor. In ethics, history and the standard
British classics, his knowledge was profound. In science and in natural
history, more especially in chemistry and those departments pertaining
to Agriculture, Horticulture, Pomology and the like, his attainments
were very considerable, as they were also in works of belles lettres.
Poetry, taste and fiction, at least down to the end of the novels of Scott
and Cooper. He worthily received the honorary degree of Doctor of
Laws from the University of North Carolina in 1834, and the like honor
is believed to have been subsequently conferred by his Alma Mater at
Princeton.^

His style and manner in conversation, in which he took great delight
and bore a distinguished part in all companies, abounded in pleasantry,
but exhibited the same wide range of thought and information with his
public performances, and was full of entertainment and instruction to the
young. His temperament was mercurial, his actions quick and ener-
getic, and his whole bearing in the farthest possible degree removed from
sloth, inertness and despondency. In political sentiment he accorded
with the school of Jefferson, and for more than forty years was a con-
stant reader of the Eichmond Inquirer, the editor of which, Mr. Ritchie,

iThis is erroneous.

Thb Buffin Papebs. 33

was hifl relative; though no one entertained a more exalted reverence
for the character, abilities and patriotism of Marshall, with whom he
cherished a familiar acquaintance while in practice before him at the
bar, and after his own elevation to the Bench. Later in life he formed
a like kind and admiring acquaintance with Chancellor Kent.

In the winter of 1861, the Legislature of North Carolina, having
acceded to the proposition of Virginia, on the approach of the late
rupture between the States of the Union, to assemble a body of delegates
in the city of Washington, to consider and recommend terms of recon-
ciliation. Judge Buffin was appointed one of the members in the '^Peace
Conference," and is understood to have taken a conspicuous part in its
deliberations and debates. We have the testimony of General Scott, in
his Autobiography, already quoted, that his counsels in that assembly
were altogether pacific. President Buchanan, in his work in defence
of his action in that important crisis, makes assertion of the same fact.
After the failure of the efforts at adjustment, and the war in his opinion
had become a necessity. Judge Buffin accepted a seat in the State Con-
vention of 1861, and threw into its support all the zeal and energy of
his earnest and ardent temper; one of his sons, a grandson and other
near connections taking part in the dangers and privations of its camps
and battlefields. When defeat came, he yielded an honest submission
and acquiescence, and renewed in perfect good faith his allegiance to
the government of the United States. Too far advanced in years to be
longer active in affairs, his chief concern in regard to the public interests
thenceforward, was for the conservation of the public weal, and that the
violent convulsion of which we had felt the shock and the change might
be x>ermitted to pass without any serious disturbance of the great and
essential principles of freedom and right which it had been the favorite
study of his life to understand and illustrate.

With the close of the war his farm about his mansion having experi-
enced the desolation of an army encampment, and its system of labor
being abolished, he felt unequal to the enterprise of its resuscitation and
culture, and therefore disposed of the estate and again took up his abode
in Hillsborough. Here, in occasional occupation as a referee of legal
controversies, in directing the assiduous culture of his garden and
grounds, in desultory reading, in which he now and then recurred to his
old favorites among the novels of Scott, in tlie duties of hospitality and
the converse of friends in the bosom of his family, he passed the evening
of his days. In the sense of imbecility or decreptitude, he never grew
old, but was blessed with the enjoyment of a remarkable intellectual
vigor and fine flow of spirits almost till his dissolution. And in antici-
pation of death in his last illness, he laid an injunction on his physician
to administer to him no anodyne which should deprive him of conscious-
ness, as he did not wish to die in a state of insensibility.

On the 15th of January, 1870, after an illness of but four days, though
he had been an invalid from an affection of the lungs for a year or more,
3

34 Thb Nobth CABOLmA Historical Commission.

he breathed his last, in the 83d year of his age. His end was resigned
and peaceful, and in the consolation of an enlightened and humble chris-
tian faith. For more than forty years a communicant in the Protestant
Episcopal church, he was one of its most active members in the State,
and more than once represented the Diocese in the Triennial Conven-
tions of the Union.

The venerable companion of his life, a bride when not yet fifteen, a
wife for more than sixty years, yet survives to receive the gratitude and
afFection of a numerous posterity and the reverence and esteem of troops
of friends.

This imperfect offering is a memoir, not a panegyric. It contains not
history, but particulas historic — scraps of history which it is hoped may
not be without their use to the future student of our annals, for the char-
acter we contemplate is destined to be historical. His life was passed
in the public view in the most important public functions — in contact
with the most gifted and cultivated men of the State for half a century ;
it ran through two generations of lawyers. It was given to a profession
in which were engaged many of the first minds of other States, and
I can call to recollection no Judge of any State of the Union who in
that period has left behind him nobler or more numerous memorials of
erudition, diligence and ability in the departments of the law he was
called to administer. The study of his performances will at least serve
to correct the error of opinion prevailing with many at the North, that
the intellectual activity of the South delights itself only in politics.

To the members of the Agricultural Society and to this audience his
devotion to, and success in agriculture is a subject of only secondary
interest to his professional fame. It has been remarked by one of the
British essayists, as ^'a saying of dunces in all ages, that men of genius
are unfit for business." It is perhaps a kindred fallacy to which pedantry
and sloth have given as much countenance on the one hand as blissful
ignorance on the other, that high culture and erudition as in the case
of the learned professions, is incompatible with success in practical
affairs in other departments. We have before us the life of one who
demonstrated in his own person, that it is possible for a great and pro-
found lawyer to take a leading part and become a shining light in prac-
tically promoting the first and greatest of the industrial arts, and
although there be no natural connection between these occupations, that
the same well-directed industry, patience and energy which had achieved
success in the one, was equal to a like triumph in the other; whilst in
high probity, in stainless morals, in social intercourse, in the amenities
of life, and the domestic affections and duties, his example will be
cherished in the recollection of his friends, and may well be commended
to the imitation of our youth.

CfflEF JUSTICE THOMAS RUFFIN'

Bt
FRANCIS NASH

THOMAS EUFFIN

Thb fibst bobn of

Steblino Buffin and Aligb Boanb,

BOBN AT NbWINGTON,

King and Queen County, Vieginia,

Nov. 17th, 1787,

Died at Hillsbobo, Obange Co., N, 0.

Januaby 16th, 1870.

Obaduated at Nassau Hall,

Pbinceton, N. J., 1806,

Admitted to the Bab in N". C, in 1808.

Intebmabbied with Anne M. Ejbkland

Decembeb 9th, 1809.

A MEMBEB OF THE StATE LbGIBLATUBE,

Speakeb of the House of Commons ; a tbustee of the

TTnivebsity; twice Judge of the Supebiob Coubt;

IN 1829, Justice of the Sufbbme Coubt, in

which he pbesided fob 19 yeabs as

Chief Justice

Labor ipse est voluptas.

In the eightj-tliird year of his life, in full possession of his faculties,
ripe in learning and in wisdom, crowned with public honors and confi-
dence, rich in the affection of his kindred and friends^ he closed his long,
active, and useful life in the consolation of an enlightened and humble
Christian faith.

''-4 man resolved and steady to his trust.
Inflexible to ill and obstinately just,"

That is the inscription upon Judge Ruffin's tomb in St. Matthew's
churchyard at Hillsboro — ^his life in epitome. How severely true is
this inscription ! How characteristic of the man !

On this marble the salient features of his life and work are carved, that
all may know ^Hhat he was indeed a good man and a great judge." He

^Beprinted from the Charlotte Observer of March 19, 1906.

36 Thb North Cabolina Histobical Commission.

haSy however^ erected to his own memory a more indestructible monu-
ment than this, in the thirty-five volumes of North Carolina Reports in
which his opinions are recorded. These can never become obsolete, for
in them the foundations of our law are laid^ broad and deep^ strong and
enduring.

It is my purpose to write something of this great lawyer and greater
judge, of him who for so many years lived and labored and loved within
the little town wherein I write, side by side with Murphey, Norwood,
Cameron, Nash, Hawks, Henderson, Badger, and later, Graham, all
compeers in his profession and friends and neighbors in his life, and
some of whom should occupy a niche in the temple of fame as high as
his own, while others would be but little lower. ''Too clearly it is a topic
we shall do no justice to in this place I One comfort is that great men
taken up in any way are profitable company. We cannot look, however,
upon a great man without gaining something by him."

''The first bom of Sterling Ruffin and Alice Roane." Sterling Ruffin
was a planter of Essex County, Virginia, a man of substance and char-
acter. It is said that at one time he was a great fancier of race horses,
attended the races at Richmond and other places, bet heavily and lost
or won as it might be. He owned several horses himself, and entered
them and backed them freely at the annual club meetings. On one
occasion, after having sent his horses on to Richmond, he in a few days
commenced his journey to the same city. A Methodist camp-meeting
was in progress at a place where he stopped for the night. He attended
it, was converted, went on to Richmond, withdrew his horses from the
races, paying the forfeit, and sold them all at a sacrifice, and ever after-
wards was an ardent Methodist, becoming a preacher of that denomina-
tion late in life. His fortune becoming impaired, he removed to Rock-
ingham County, N. C, in 1807.

Alice Roane was of a distinguished Virginia family, being first cousin
to Spencer Roane, the great Chief Justice. Thomas Ruffin was bom at
Newington, the residence of his maternal grandfather, Thomas Roane,
in the county of King and Queen, November 17, 1787.

HIS EDUCATION

"His early boyhood was passed on the farm of his father, in Essex,
and in attendance on the schools in the vicinity," says (Jovernor Graham,
memorial oration, Raleigh, October 21, 1870. Later he was sent to the
classical academy of Mr. Marcus George, in Warrenton, N. C. "Mr.
George," quoting Governor Graham again, "was an Irishman by birth
and education, a fine classical scholar, and most painstaking, skillful
instructor, especially in elocution, as we must believe, since among his
pupils who survived to our times we find the best readers of our acquaint-
ance." Many years after this period, and not many months before his
death. Judge Ruffin entered one of his granddaughters at a female school

The Ruffin Papsss. 37

then^ and afterwards, noted for its thoroughness. As the principals of
the school attended the old gentleman to the door, he inquired who of
them taught reading. Being informed, he turned to the lady and ex-
claimed: ''Then, Miss, for Ood's sake teach the child to read!'' In
Mr. George's school, as in near all the schools of the period, King Solo-
mon was still an authority. Says Governor Graham : ''He is described
as a man of much personal powers and spirit, who did not scruple to
administer it" [the rod] "on his pupils, when sloth, delinquency, or
misbehavior required, without reference to age, size, or other circum-
stances. Yet he secured the respect of his patrons and the confidence
of the public, and inspired the gratitude and affection of his pupils in a
remarkable degree." Here, among others, Bobert Brodnax of Bocking-
ham County, Cadwallader Jones, then of Halifax, later Orange, and
Weldon N. Edwards of Warren, were schoolmates of young Buffin.

He went from this academy to Princeton, where he graduated six-
teenth in a class of forty-two in 1805. Among his associates at Nassau
Hall were James Iredell, the younger, of North Carolina; Samuel L.
Southard and Theodore Frelinghuysen of New Jersey; Joseph B, Inger-
soll of Pennsylvania ; the Cuthberts and Habershams of G^rgia ; Chris-
topher Hughes of Maryland, and Stevenson Archer of Mississippi. All
these were subsequently distinguished.

After graduating at Princeton, he studied law under David Bobertson,
Esq., at Petersburg, Virginia ; Winfield Scott and John F. May of Peters-
burg being with him in Mr. Bobertson's office. In 1807, his father having
removed to Bockingham County, N. C, he, too, came to this State and
finished his studies under Judged Murphey. He was admitted to the bar
in 1808, and located in Hillsboro for the practice of his profession June
7, 1809.

HIS BOMANCIS

About 1790 there came a young Scotchman, William Eirkland, from
Ayrshire, Scotland, to Hillsboro, to engage in mercantile pursuits. On
the eve of Christmas, 1792, he married Miss Margaret B. Scott, and
the following year, 1793, their oldest child, Anne, was born. In 1799
he purchased the old Few homestead, and lived there the remainder of
his life.

Just east of Hillsboro, touching indeed its boundary, was a rounded
mound, scarcely high or abrupt enough to be called a hill, whose sides
and top were covered by an open grove of magnificent oaks, hickories,
and maples. Through this, in 1809, ran a footpath to Ayrmount, the
home of the Kirklands, a mile away. In this grove, the summer of the
same year, and on a tree trunk fallen by the wayside, Thomas Buffin, the
ambitious young lawyer, with his future already to himself secure, but
unsuspected by others, addressed Annie M. Kirkland, then scarcely more
than a child — not yet sixteen years of age — and was accepted by her.
They were married December 7, 1809.

38 Thb Nobth Carolina Histobical Commission.

On January 3, 1811, young Ruffin purchased 43 acres of land adjoin-
ing the town of HiUsboro on the east, and in this tract was included the
mound with the grove on it and the fallen log. They built a little house
near by, and there the young couple lived through tibe few first years of
stint and poverty — a home so small and insignificant that now it would
be contemned by a clerk on $600 salary. Soon, however, as the great
powers of the husband were afForded more and more a scope for action,
their financial sky brightened and they were looking forward with assur-
ance to an early attained afDuence. Then the crash came. Mr. Ruffin
had become surety on many undertakings of a friend and connection,
and that friend had been unable to meet his obligations, so the young
lawyer, with an increasing family and impaired health, found himself
confronted with a debt, not in a sense of his own contracting, of thou-
sands of dollars. With indomitable will and undaunted courage lie
labored as few men have ever labored, for forty-three weeks in the year,
riding from court to court, or arguing cases in them, until at last hia
fortunes were again upon a firm basis. Over hill and vale and mountain,
in all sorts of weather, on horseback or in open gig, as far west as
McDowell County and back again to Raleigh, he went. Surely labor
was his delight.

Throughout all these years of struggle and of striving, of disappoint-
ment and disgust, his wife was ever his good angel, soothing the asperi-
ties of his temper, restraining his ardent, sometimes intense, sensibili-
ties, stimulating his hope and his ambition, and sharing his disappoint-
ments and trials. Meantime she was bearing him child after child, and
caring for, guiding and controlling them all. It is said that she was the
only infiuence that came into the life of this great but rugged personality
to which he deferred — the kind of deference that is beautiful always,
but is strikingly so in such a character.

Judge Ruffin, about 1820, donated the site whereon 'St. Matthew's
Episcopal Church and churchyard is now situated. The church was
erected in 1826 on or very near the spot where the romance of his life
had commenced, and the land was donated as a memorial of that event
and a thank offering to Gk>d for the blessings it had brought in its train.
Ah I it commenced there, but it did not end there! For, many years
afterwards, when he comes to put off the garments of this life to lie down
to sleep, he thus speaks of his wife as he devises her all his property :
^^She has been as good and affectionate wife and mother as husband and
children ever had ;" and further, "my wife, who deserves all the affection
and honour I have ever felt for her, or could feel."

Fourteen children were born to this couple, and only one died under
age.

AS A LAWYBB

It is said that the country lawyer must know something of everything.
If this is true now, much more must it have been true when lawyers in
gig or on horseback rode the circuit, with their library in their saddle-

The Buffin Papers. 89

bags. The capacity to acquire, and the capacity to use, knowledge are
two Tery different things. Generally the school is the test of the former,
life of the latter. To have both of these in an extraordinary degree makes
a very high order of intellect. Now, Judge Ruffin's mind could not truth-
fully be called brilliant. The limitation was upon his capacity to acquire
knowledge; but this he obviated by incessant, earnest, untiring labor.
Endowed by nature with an excellent judgment, the soundest common
sense, and an indomitable will, his capacity to use the knowledge that he
acquired was abnost imlimited. While the minds of some of his com-
petitors may have been filled with knowledge, unassorted, ill-digested —
a lumber room, so to say — ^his was a well-ordered cabinet, with a place
for everything and everything in its place, all ready for use at the demand
of the occasion. This orderliness of intellect was especially valuable
when books were few, and those few, quite often in an itinerant practice,
inaccessible. Very quickly would it supply the place of graces of oratory,
and make its possessor much sought as an attorney. Judge Buffin,
though on occasions vehement, had none of these graces, and so he had
been some years at the bar before his excellence was appreciated and
clients knocked at his door {e. g. He is not marked as counsel on the
equity docket until the March Term, 1814, and then in only 12 out of 57
cases. He commences with 3 cases in the county court, but by the Novem-
ber Term, 1814, he was in 42 out of 72). When he resigned from the
bench in 1818 he had as much work as one man could do, and for six
years and more literally coined money. Gk>vemor Oraham says that
at that period, viz., from January, 1819, to July, 1825, his income was
greater than that of any lawyer in the history of the State to 1871.
When it is remembered that he was in competition with such accom-
plished lawyers as Murphey, Nash, Leonard Henderson, Cameron,
Badger, Hawks, and others, any one of whom would have done honor to
any bar anywhere and at any time, his extraordinary excellence as a
lawyer can be easily seen. Quoting Oovemor Oraham: ''At first, his
manner was diffident, and his speech hesitating and embarrassed. But
these difficulties being soon overcome, the vigor of his understanding,
the extent and accuracy of his learning, and his perfect mastery of his
cases by diligent preparation, in a short time gave him position among
these veterans of the profession and secured him a general and lucrative
practice.^*

AS A JUDGE

Here his excellence was supreme. Few judges in the Union have been
of the same class as he, and none in North Carolina. If Judges Shaw of
Massachusetts; Tilghman and Gibson of Pennsylvania, and Kent and
Spencer of New York, have had a greater influence upon the develop-
ment of the law in this country, it was simply because their decisions
dealt with questions broader in their scope and more varied in their
aspect, and not because they were greater judges. However this may be,

40 The Nobth Carolina Histobical Commission.

it is certain that the older text-books on several branches of the law
fairly bristle with citations from the North Carolina Reports^ generally
from opinions delivered bj Judge Ru£Sn| though our State was, before
the war^ commercially unimportant, and the range of cases presented
for judicial determination was relatively small.

A court in which Taylor, Hall, and Henderson, Ruffin, Oaston, and
Daniel, Nash, Pearson, and Battle sat necessarily commanded the respeet
and confidence of courts and law writers throughout the country.

Judge Ruffin's mental constitution was more like that of the great
Chief Justice Marshall than of any judge of whom the writer has
knowledge; but the defects of Ruffin's temperament, assuming that he
had been placed on so broad a stage, would have prevented him from
becoming so great a judge. Both were endowed by nature with what for
lack of better term we call a ^^legal mind" ; both had great courage and
strength of will ; both were ambitious in and for their profession ; both
had a great capacity and fondness for labor; both had great vigor of
understanding, and both loved the law as a science and were thoroughly
imbued with its principles. Marshall, however, had a calm evenness of
temper, a sweetness of disposition, a thorough control over his prejudices
that Ruffin never had, nor could ever acquire ; so the ardor of his tem-
perament made him, who otherwise might have been a Marshall, more
of a Thurlow. So great, however, were the endowments and acquire-
ments of Judge Ruffin that one can but regret that he had not been placed
upon the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States, side by side
with Marshall. What noble discussions of fundamental questions from
opposing points of view we should then have had I

XXTBAGTS FBOM WBITINQS

The salient features of Judge Ruffin's opinions are their breadth of
view, fullness of discussion, the battle-axe force of their reasoning, the
strength of their language, and the almost inevitable character of their
conclusions. He cited little authority. In theory and in practice he
followed Lord Mansfield's dictum in Cowper, page 39: ^'The law of
England would be a strange science, indeed, if it were decided upon
precedents only. Precedents serve to illustrate principles and give them
a fixed certainty." To show his style, as well as to throw some light
upon his character, I make two or three extracts from his writings. The
following is from State vs. Boyce, on the right of the owner of slaves
to permit them to meet and dance on his premises at Christmas: ''We
may let them make the most of their idle hours, and may well make
allowances for the noisy outpourings of glad hearts, which Providence
bestows as a blessing on corporeal vigor united to a vacant mind. . . .
There was nothing contrary to law or morals in all that, adding as it
did to human enjoyment, without hurt to any one, imless it be that one
feels aggrieved that these poor people should for a short space be happy

The Ruffin Papers. 41

at finding the authority of a master give place to his benignity^ and at
being freed from care and filled with gladness." This from Adams vs.
Turrentine: "Nothing is more speedily or certainly destructive of pri-
vate and of public virtue than to relax the obligations of contracts and
render the rights of creditors insecure. . . . The supposition cannot be
tolerated that the law is of less binding force here than in any other
country. The judiciary^ at all events^ can never adopt it^ unless it should
become that greatest of curses that can befall an unhappy and degraded
country— dependent, and then, necessarily, the weak or pliant instru-
ment of popular impulses."

The following is the conclusion of an address before the State Agri-
cultural Society at Baleigh, in October, 1855 :

"I cannot close, however, without asking you once more to cleave to
North Carolina. Stay in her, fertilize her, till her, cherish her rising
manufactures, extend her railways, encourage and endow her schools
and colleges, sustain her institutions, develop her resources, promote
knowledge, virtue, and religion throughout her borders, stimulate State
pride and exalt her renown."

Six months before his death, July 8, 1869, he wrote of the Ku Kltix
organization: "The great objection is that the whole proceeding is
against law, and civil power of government and assumes to supersede
them by taking the power of trying, condemning, and punishing into
their own hands. That is a power not to be entrusted to any man or
set of men. No man can trust himself with it, much less all those indis-
criminately with whom he is associated. Supposing them to have the
best intentions in such case, there is danger of mistaking from want of
a fair, open, and deliberate trial by a responsible tribunal. But in all
events, it is an attempt in every case to do good by wrong means — a
principle which St. Paul indignantly repelled as slanderously imputed
to early Christians, and which from that day to this has been no less
indignantly denounced by all good men. To do evil that good may come
of it is a horrible heresy in religion, morals, and public policy, even if
the good hoped for really resulted. But in truth it hardly ever does.
Evil almost certainly follows evil, and what was begun in good faith for
useful ends almost ever terminates in grave personal and private injuries.
Perhaps at first only bad men are the subjects of the assumed jurisdic-
tion ; but it may happen, and after a while almost certainly does happen,
that good and innocent men become the victims of their arrogant and
self-constituted tribunal, and gross outrages are perpetrated. It is
wrong — all wrong. It is much better that offenders should escape pun-
ishment than to attempt to repress crime by such unlawful presumptions
and dangerous methods."

A FEBSONAL BECOLLECTION

Judge Ruffin died when the writer was a small boy, so he had little
personal knowledge of him. Only once did he see him face to face. Sent

42 Thb Nobth Cabolina Histobical Coicmission.

by a relative on an errand to his house in the spring of 1869, I knocked
at the door. It soon opened and the tall, gaunt, black-clad form of the
great Chief Justice towered above me, with his hair all bushy and white,
his nose like an eagle's beak, his eyes, deep-set under overhanging brows,
calm but searching, and his smooth-shaven face all wrinkled and gray
from age — the ruggedest and strongest face I have ever seen, and, alto-
gether, the most impressive. Another has said: '^ Judge Ruffin, in
person, was about six feet in height, and of a spare figure. His move-
ments were nervous and rapid. The general expression of his counte-
nance indicated great energy, resolution, and power. He was neat,
uniform and tasteful in regard to dress. In his latter days his appear-
ance was impressive and very venerable."

Two or three anecdotes are told that illustrate the dramatic force
that resided in the intensity of his emotions, i He was an ardent Union
man until after his return from the Peace Convention of 1861 /and Mr.
Lincoln's call for troops. A public meeting was held in Hillsboro in
April of that year, that the citizens of the town might express their senti-
ments on the alarming state of public affairs. Judge Buffin, though
residing in Alamance until after the war, was present. In the course
of the meeting he called the veteran Democratic politician, General
Allison, up into the bar, and, facing the audience, stood by his side with
one arm about him and said: '^My good old friend, I ask you what
ought to be done, now!" General Allison's reply was inaudible, but as
he was known to be a Union man, it was guessed. Judge Ruffin, leaving
the old general standing, advanced a step toward the audience, and his
whole frame in a quiver of emotion, extended his arms, bringing them
down in vehement gesticulation at each repetition of the word as shouted,
"I say Fight ! Fight ! Fight !" It was the scream of the eagle as he
swoops upon his prey. The war feeling, already aroused, became the
dominant passion in every man's breast.

In the convention of 1861 ^%e was fiercely indignant," says Dr. Battle
(No. 3, N*. C. 498), '^at the proposition to abolish corporal punishment.
His reply to the argument that it was an outrage to whip a free man
was with bitter emphasis and vehement gesticulation, as he stood in the
aisle : 'Whip a free man I No, Whip a rogue ! Whip a rogue !' " and
that was all, so another gentleman has informed me. Suffice it to say
that rogues continued to be whipped until the bouleversement of the war.

This intense and dramatic mode of expression was probably an inheri-
tance from French ancestors, the name Ruffin itself implying a French
derivation. Those ancestors possibly were Huguenots who had for gen-
erations intermarried with the English.

Judge Ruffin had a wonderfully strong constitution. When he was
an old man one of his daughters was taken suddenly very sick at Mr.
Cameron's Faimtosh farm. A messenger was despatched for her father,
who then was at his farm in Rockingham County. The old gentleman,
on horseback, leaving Rockingham early in the morning, reached his

The Ruffin Papers. 43

home in Alamance at noon, changed horses, and at dark arrived at
Paimtosh — a distance of 80 miles, and was little the worse for his ride.

"In the sense of imbecility or decreptitude," says (Jovernor Graham,
'%e never grew old, but was blessed with the enjoyment of remarkable
intellectual vigor and fine flow of spirits, almost until his dissolution.
• • • On January 15, 1870, after an illness of but four days, he breathed
his last in the eighty-third year of his age. His end was resigned and
peaceful and in the consolation of an enlightened and humble Christian
faith/'

He was great as a lawyer, great as a judge, great as a financier, great
as a farmer — a rugged, indomitable soul in a frame of iron, made to
conquer, and conquering every difficulty on every side.

THE RUFFIN PAPERS

From Sterling Ruffing

jLf j^ a Brunbw[ic]k [Va.] 6th May 1803.

Your letter inclosing sundry receipts came safe to hand in due time,
with its contents I was much pleas'd; first, because it was much better
dictated than ordinary, secondly, as it was well spell'd, thirdly as there
were few omission or interlineations and fourthly as it contain'd a
promise to be very assiduous. Let me advise my Son to be not only
attentive to your books, but particularly so to your manners. A man
may be better read than his neighbor, and yet not acquire half the respect
if the other should be more accomodating. Politeness, good humour
and charity, (by which I would be understood to mean much more than
giving alms to the poor) will all ways as they deserve, obtain respect
and friendship. You are now of an age to b^n at least to form some
opinion of mankind, and the advantages which result to individuals, as
well as to society, from a proper demeanor of conduct. By History
observation on manners is greatly to be improved ; it will soon be time for
you to commence that most improving study. When my Children will
reflect on. the anxious wish which pervades the minds of their most
affectionate Parents for their future (both temporal and Eternal) wel-
fare, surely they will leave nothing undone which may tend to their own
happiness, and thereby lessen the pang which arises from fear, doubt and
a thousand nameless tremors which vibrate on the aching Heart of
Paternal affection. I reed, a letter from your Sister since you went from
here; she desires me to inform you that your letter had come to hand,
and that she would have answer'd it long since, but that she did not
know how to direct. I have given her your address, and no doubt but
you will receive one soon. From [torn] Election I suppose you have
heard, [torn] borne is returned majority 47 Votes; the pole will be
purg'd, and I have no doubt but Field will oust him. Madin and Caudle
for the County. We are all well and join in best wishes for you.

Your afft. Father

[Address: Sterling Ruffin

Mr. Thomas Su£Sn
Student at
Warrenton Academy.
Warrenton, N, C]

iSterling Ruffin, the father of Thomas Ruffin. For a sketch of him, see pp.
19 and 36, supra.

46 Thb Nobth Cabolina Histobical Commission.

From Sterling Ruffin,

-. - „ Bbunsw'k. Sepr. 8th 1803

My dear Son,

Your two last letters on the subject of Luisiani^ have come to hand,
with which I am well pleas'd, and for which I thank you. I am well
pleas'd^ because jou display in your account of that country, consider-
able (^eographycal knowledge, and an acute mind in drawing effects from
causes, which is the grand and only principle, or foundation of Logic
or reasoning; or in other words of becoming an Orator. I thank you,
because you have shown such promptitude, and industry, in complying
with my request of giving as accurate an history of that Country as you
could collect, together with your own ideas, and reasons for such
opinions ; all this you have done, and I assure you in a much more satis-
factory, and masterly manner than I expected. This I hope will stimu-
late you to persivere in your assiduity to receive information, for I think
nothing is so great a spur to a Noble mind, as generous, honest praise,
such as I now bestow with Heart felt pleasure on my Son. To convince
you that I am sincere in what I have said, I inclose you a letter of your
dear Sisters, in answer to one I wrote her; in which I only did you that
justice which I really think your late conduct fully merits. Fronik the
contents of her letter you will see I must have represented you as an
amiable Lad, worthy in some instances to be followed as an example.
Here my dear Tom, I will take the liberty of offering her as a pattern to
you in some others. Meekness and gentleness of Temper. Oh ! my dear
child believe me when I say that no human being can enjoy tolerable
ease or content of mind, who is turbulent, tempestuous or tyranical in
disposition. Meekness, gentleness, charity, and good will towards our
fellow mortals of every discription, are the qualifications, which Qod
bestow'd on man in his original, (or if I may be permited the expression)
in his divine state; but oh I how deprav'd have we become — endeavor
then my Son, to check unruly passions and sinfull desires, ere it grow
so much into nature as to deprive you of peace here, and draw on you
the eternal wrath of Heaven. I shall bring your Sister home next month,
when I assure you I shall be well pleas'd to have her again under our
immediate care and direction. A Oirl of her age, should not be left to
the care of a boarding Mistress, as there is nothing so easily injur'd as the
reputation of a Virgin; they are tender flowers that cannot bear the
Wintery blasts, or Summers heats. I therefore now call upon you,
should it please the Eternal and allwise Creator to deprive them of my
aid, to be the protector of my familys rights and Earthly happiness.
Latterly we have not been well, the whole of us having very bad colds

iThe purchase of Louisiana was of course a matter of general discussion
at this time, and there was much curiosity concerning the newly-acquired
territory.

The Ruffin Pafebs. 47

tho' never confin'dy and now mucli better. I shall expect to hear from
often. May the ever Merciful Gk>d take you under his immediate pro-
tection prayes Your truly A£F Father

Stbblino Ruffin.

N. B. When you write again endeavor to improove the hand, for I
assure you it is with difficulty I can read it. S. R.

[Address: Warrenton, N. 0.]

From Sterling Buffin,

,^ r. a Bbunsw'k 29th Deer. 1803.

Jtfy I/ear Son,

Your letter from Princeton dated the 20th Inst. I reed, a few days
pasty which reliev'd us, from considerable anxiety for your safe arrival
there. I am much pleas'd at the favorable opinion you entertain of
Doer. Smith ;^ and flatter myself, that your conduct, and general de-
meanor will be such, as to merit his esteem and approbation. Respect
to the professors, and a strict adherance to the laws of the institution,
together with a sufficient degree of application to your studies will cer-
tainly produce this desirable effect. There is a certain steadyness and
uniformity of conduct mingled with humility without servility that must
and will make friends of all who are worthy to be received as such. You
will not forget the advice I gave you of not being too hasty in forming
intimate connections with strangers ; the more I reflect on that opinion,
the more I am confirm'd in its correctness: treat all with civility and
respect, but none with unreserv'd friendship, until you are convinced
their characters are such as that prudence would dictate a greater inti-
macy with them.

I hope it will proove advantageous to you, to be in a room with the
young (Gentleman from Phida. as he is further advanced than yourself,
he will be able to instruct you very much. Should his character be
worthy, I shall consider it as a most fortunate circumstance. Your
standing in college is very pleasing to me, as it is a proof among others
that your time at Warrenton^ has not been mispent, and as it is a ^eat
encouragement for me to hope that you will do yourself justice in future ;
allways remembering that your wellf are depends on the proper use of
time, and that the expences attending your education is allmost more
than I can possibly compass. I mean not by this to recommend parsi-
mony or niggardliness, but a proper application of time, and prudence
in spending your money, steering a middle course between meaness and

iSamuel Stanhope Smith, 1750-1819, president of Princeton from 1795 to
1812.

^Reference le here made to Ruffln's course at Warrenton, N. C, under Marcus
George. For details, see Graham, p. 20, supra.

48 The Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

extravagance. Tour expences in College are so much more than I cal-
culated on^ that they appear to me to be quite enormous; there are many
extra charges which I do not understand. How could Chamber furni-
ture cost you so much when there are two others in the room with you?
room rent, entrance into college beside tuition, and servant hire I do not
understand. Inform me too how long the Session is, for if you are to
pay $83 p. quarter, it exceeds any thing I ever knew. If you can make
any tolerable calculation of the amount of your Years expences I wish
you would inform me, and when the different remittances must be made,
for you know from my little fortune, that I cannot at all times raise as
much money as you may want, without a little notice. When you have
no other subject of more importance to communicate give a history of
your travels which to us will be interesting. Your Mama (as you may
expect) was much surprised on my return to find you were gone to
Princeton, tho much pleas'd, prefering that situation greatly to Wil-
liamsburg, as do all your friends. Your Sister will write in a few days.
Robt. Brodnax^ has written you, I believe he has not determined what to
do with himself next Year. Ned Johnson I fancy goes to Williamsburg:
what to do I know not. We are all well and send our united love to a
great fellow allmost a man, from whom we desire and expect to hear in
a short time. May a Merciful Ood direct your studies to the temporal
and Eternal wellf are of your Soul and Body is the sincere and fervent
prayer of Your Aff Father.

Sterling Ruffiw.

N. B. I send you all the B. N. I have by me $10.

[Address; Mr. Thomas BufiBn
Student at Nassau-hall
Princeton.
Endorsed: Received January 7th 1804]

From MiLscoe Oamett,^

January 29th 1804.
Dr. Ruffin

I received your envious letter a few days ago and should have answered
it immediately. But was then at a Ball in Tappahannock where I had
the pleasure of seeing your relations in King and Queen all in good
health. Miss Catherine inquired very particularly after you and desired
to be remembered to you. And now I have answered your inquiries
with respect to your relations give me leave in turn to propound a few

1 Robert Brodnax had been a schoolmate of Ruffln at Warren ton. The Rnffln
and Brodnax families were closely united by ties of friendship and long
acquaintance. In later years a son of Robert Brodnax married one of Ruffin's
daughters.

2MU8C06 Garnett, a college mate of Ruffin at Princeton.

Thb Ruffin Pafebb. 49

questions to you some of which I think require an answering, well to
begin with the first What in the world has been the reason of your long
silence perhaps you had forgotten that William had a brother when he
was at Princeton that became acquainted with you much about the same
time that he did, for I can in no other way account for your writing
frequently to him without even mentioning my name in the whole course
of your correspondence. Suppose that I had have been in some of those
dreadful sittuations which you mentioned in your first and last letter
how wuld I possible have guessed whare to send for your aid unless kind
chance had have been pleased to acquaint me with the place of your resi-
dence as you did not think proper to do it yourself. But as you have at
last condescended as to let me know where you are to be found and as I
still flatter myself that I possess some share [of] your friendship if I
am ever reduced to one of those terrible extremities I shall not fail to
make you acquainted with my situation.

N B Upon reading this letter over I find it so filled with reproach
that I am almost tempted to sit down and write something more on this
side by way of salving it over but as I am in a hurry to put in the office
for fear of the posts going by you must take it such as it is.

[Address: Princeton, N. J.]

From Sterling Ruffin.

,-. J rr, Bbunswi'k Feby 3rd, 1804.

My dear Tommy, '' '

Your letter of the 11th and 14th Ulto came to hand this day; it
afforded us great pleasure, first as it came from you, and secondly as it
manifested the mind being exercised by reflection ; a requisite so essential
in the acquirement of scientific knowledge, that there is no progressing
towards perfection without it. I am much gratified at your properly
discriminating between the motives which produce and promote, emula-
tion ; and cannot but hope, you will be advantaged by that laudable stimu-
lant which appears to push you on. You have talents given you by an
Infinitely Wise and Merciful Creator, who if I am capable of Judging
impartially, has been very bountiful, and it certainly behooves you to
improove them agreeably to your opportunity, and to make that use of
them, for which they were bestow'd. On some weak and vain Minds
this Elogium would produce a very contrary effect than what I wish,
that is pride and contempt for those who have been less bless'd than
themselves, instead of humility and Gratitude to the dispenser of the
blessing, giving him all the glory as it is all his Work, taking praise to
yourself only, for having improov'd as a free agent the talent he has
been pleas'd to bestow on you. Nothing can give me more pleasure than
to hear frequently from you, and to receive particular accounts of
4

50 Thb Nobth Casouna Historical Commib8Ion.

studies with the different examinations you may pass through. Whether
the great anxiety which preys on my mind for your wellf aret, and which
produces such repeated admonitions will be for your good, I cannot tell;
I shall at least have the pleasing consolation of having done my duty
towards you^ and trust to Providence for the rest ; hoping you will never
f orgety that you are a free agent, and made capable of working out your
own salvation. You have entered now my son, your career of life, and
on the offset, generally depends the station we assume, or rather support
in Society, ; therefore it is absolutely necessary, you should be very cir-
cumspect in your demeanor; avoid all things that are censurable, and
persue all that are praiseworthy. ''Be not deceived, evill communica-
tions corrupt good manners" said the greatest Man that ever did or ever
will live. If you would take him for your guide I would not fear for*
you. I must request you as much as possible to obtain the friendship
of Mr. Smith, as I think many advantages would result therefrom. Did
you inclose the circular letter at his request, and is it necessary I should
write him on the subject? I received a letter from your Uncle Tommy^
a few days past, in which he says he has been informed the students at
Princeton are as extravagant and disspated as anywhere on the Conti-
nent. I hope he has been misinf orm'd, but should he be correct, I flatter
myself, you have been sufficiently caution'd and possess sufficient firm-
ness, to avoid following any course that may infringe the laws of the
institution, which no doubt are founded on Religion and morality;
particularly as you well know how distressing it would be to your Mother
and myself to hear of [your] throwing away your time and patrimony.
You so well know my pecuniary circumstances, and I have before observ'd
it, that it is scarcely necessary now to remind you, that it will not be in
my power to give you very little more than your education ; make good
use then My Son of your time.

Your cousin John Roane^ was here soon after the receipt of your first
letter, he was extremely anxious for the arrival of a Teacher from
Princeton ; I hope you have written him ere this as he expected you to
correspond regularly with him. Your Uncle Tom is an amiable charac-
ter cultivate his friendship by respectfuU attention. You have not in-
formed me how much money I must remit you nor when, tho' I suppose
you [have] a sufficiency 'til April. Your poor little Brother has been
at the point of Death, on the brink of Eternity, given out by the Doer.
(Walker), but thank Ood, he is restored to us, and I hope will ever be
in good health ; this is the first day he has been dress'd in nearly a fort-
night, and he is now so weak and debilitated that he cannot walk alone:
his disorder worms. The rest of us, and all your friends here are well
Robert Brodnax is still at home, and I rather expect will not go to school

iThls was Thomas Roane "of the Forge/' the younger brother of Ruffln's
mother.

2The John Roane mentioned here was John Roane of "Uppowoc/' the flrat
cousin of Ruifin's mother. She also had a brother, John Roane of "Newlngton."

Ths Ruffin Pafsbs. 51

any more, what are his intentions I cannot saj. Bj the first possible
opportvohity I will make you a subscriber for the Warrenton paper.
Your cousin Tom Ritchie^ has .purchased the Examiner at Richmond
and will commence a paper (the Enquirer) the 15th of March from his
great abilities and industry I expect it will be one of the best papers on
the Continent, and shall therefore subscribe to that for you. You have
sent me no account in your last of expenditures, I hope you are not
allready tired of transmitting to me the way in which you lay out your
money, or perhaps no expences have been incur'd. I want to know
whether you have enter'd on composition, and how you like it. Your
Mama says you must write to her a letter as long as from here to Prince-
ton, and to compensate you, if she lives till your return she wiU g^ve
jou as much Peach Jam as you can eat every night you stay at home.
Minerva^ has such an antipathy to writing that it requires more influ-
ence than I have over her to get her to write you, altho from day to day
she promises; it is not because she does not sincerely love her Brother,
but because like many other persons in this world she is too indolent
to do right. We all join in love to you, and prayers to All mighty Ood
to guard you from harm, and to direct your studies for your temporal
and Eternal good.

[Address : Nassau hall Princeton.]

From Sterling Ruffin.

Brunsw'k 14th March 1804.
Yours of the Ist Inst, came safe to hand yesterday, the contents of
which, gave both pain and pleasure. To hear of your indisposition has
somewhat alarm'd us, particularly as it proceeded principally from
intense study; which cause, may again produce the same effects; I have
therefore to request you will be carefull of your health, and altho I by
no means should be pleas'd with idleness, yet you cannot suppose I should
be gratified by your doing an injury to your Constitution. I think it
nothing but justice to you (and I hope it will have the desir'd effect on

iThomas Ritchie, 1778-1864, the son of Archibald Ritchie and Molly Roane,
the latter a great-aunt of Rnffln, was horn in Tappahannock, Va., and» after
beginning the study of law and then of medicine and deciding against them,
turned hie attention to Journalism. Purchasing the Richmond Examiner at
Jefferson's request, he changed its name to the Enquirer and made it a Jeffer-
sonian Republican paper which became exceedingly influential. No other
Southern editor enjoyed any such influence as Ritchie came to poeeess in
politics. During Polk's administration, and at his request, Ritchie turned his
paper over to his sons and went to Washington as editor of the Union, which
was the Democratic organ.

2Minerva Ruffin, the second child of Sterling and Alice Roane Ruffln, bom
July 24. 1789, married (1) Bdward Dillard, and (2) George McNeill of Fayette-
vUle, N. C.

52 The Noeth Cabolina Histokical Commission.

your mind) to inform you^ that I have no cause of complaint against
you for any part of your conduct as far as I am capable of judging since
you left me. Your improovement is visible, and the close application
which you have given, I think, I may say, has arisen from two laudable
motives, viz : the one to g^ve me pleasure, and the other, from an allow-
able degree of pride to excell in your class. For the first I really thank
you, and I have no doubt, but if you live, you will see the day, that you
will have great cause to rejoice that the latter motive operated so advan-
tagiously. Praise to a deserving mind is a tribute which justice demands,
and one which at this time is paid with great pleasure by me. I hope as
the spring advances the remains of the cough which still incommodes
you, will be removed, particularly as you will by that time, have made
up the most of your private studies, and therefore will not have to labour
harder than your companions.

You have not said a word in your last letters of Doer. Smith. Is he
attentive to you? Does he frequently offer his advise privately? or do
you go to him for instruction?

You must give me leave to chide you, or rather to advise you, when-
ever I see any thing of, or from you, which I think wrong. How nnuch
more pleasing would it have been to me to have read in your letter to
your Sister, an account of your travels to Princeton, of your amuse-
ments, and of the town and country about you than an illnatur'd (forgive
the expression) philippick against the friend of your childhood, and the
son of my best friend. If this Youth is unfortunate in his disposition
and talents, he is much to be pitied, and for the first blam'd, inasmuch
as it is his duty and Interest to amend it : but for the latter, tis the work
of an allwise God whose designs are allways good, and with whose decrees
we are not at liberty to find fault, at least in the way of ridicule. AUtho'
this young man may never make a Milton or a Newton, nor yet a Jeffei^
son, yet God has bless'd him with sufficient abilities to make a good and
usefuU member of society: He may shew mercy, do Justice, and walk
humbly before his God. Oh ! my Son, I hope that letter was dictated
unthinkingly and not by uncharitableness. Believe me this rebuke is
dictated by Parental affection and a most anxious solicitude for your
temporal and Eternal wellfare. With respect to the necessary^s of
clothing to which you may from time to time want, it is impossible for
me to judge ; I leave it entirely to your discretion, believing you will be
economical, and by no means wishing you to be niggardly. Inclosed you
will receive $100 which I suppose will do for the present, you will in-
form me in your next when I must send more ; should it be immediately,
fear not to make the call ; my wish is to support you genteelly, tut not
extravagantly. Your Sister will write you soon, she has been from home
several days, or perhaps you would have heard from her ere the recept
of this.

Your Mama feels herself slighted, and will continue to do so, unless
you write oftener to her. Your friends in this Neighborhood are all

Thb Buffin Papebs. 53

well. Bemember ua in your regular prayers to the Throne of Grace^ as
we do you allways^ petitioning for temporal and eternal blessings for
the Son of Your afft. Fathsr.

N". B. When you were initiated into the visible church of Christ by
baptism^ I promised as your sponsor^ that you should lern the Catikism,
the Lords prayer and the commandments, with the belief by Heart, you
are now of an age to f uUfil the promise : You will please me by perform-
ing it.

[Address: Princeton.]

From Sterling Buffin.

Brunswick May 9th 1804.

Your two^last letters have arrived, the contents of which gave us great
pleasure: first and principally the recovery of your health, then the
figure you made in the examination, and lastly the sentiments contained
in the first relative to those unhappy fellow mortals the Africans, whom
our ancestors have entail'd on us. You say ''if I am not pleas'd at your
being the fifth in your class you cannot help it." You must suppose me
too partial in the calculations I have made of your abilities if (consider-
ing the indisposition you laboured under, together with your commencing
late in the Season) I were not well satisfied with the stand you made.
In so numerous a class as yours; we may reasonably calculate some of
the cleverest young men in our Country are to be found. I cannot say
that I should not have been better pleas'd, if you had been the first ; but
this proceeds from the anxiety which at all times exists on my mind
for your wellfare, I must now inform you that I shall look forward to
the next examination with fiattering expectations that you will excell.
You did not say whether those eight that were distinguished, were
rewarded with any honorary present, or by what means they were dis-
tinguished. You have not informed me when the vacation ends and
what your studies will be in the next course. Pray does Doer. Smith or
any other of the Professors dictate to, or tye up the consciences or
opinions of the students on political or Beligious subjects? or are they
left free to exercise their own reason ? a great deal has been said against
the institution on those heads, and I hope ill founded.

Your Uncle Tom has left us this morning, not very well, he was the
only one of our friends that came out; tho' they were all well, and have
promised a visit this Summer. Your Cousin Bobert from K. Co. is here,
your Aunt and all friends are well. What is the reason you have not
written to your Uncle ere this? He is very desirous to receive a letter
from you, and promises to correspond regularly if you will commence
it. I think it will afford you pleasure and improvement. Your Cousin
John Boane I fear has not heard from you either. You will be surpris'd

54 Thb Nobth Cabouna Hibtobical Commission.

at receiving a letter like this from me in answer to two^ but this is i^rit-
ten in a great hurry as I am just seting off to the post office, and having
been engaged the whole of the last week from the time of your Uncles
arrival I have not time or opportunity to write you fully ; you will there-
fore expect to receive another in a few days, in which I shall consider
the subject of Slaves as well as I am able. We are all well and join in
best wishes for your temporal and eternal wellfare and may the Glorious
Gk)d take you under his immediate protection and make you one of his
choicest Vessels prayes Your most

[Address: Princeton.] Afpbc Fathsb

From Sterling Ruffin.

[Bbtjnswick, June, 18Q4]
I have no apology to offer for not complying with the promise made
in my last, of writing again, in a few days, except that I wish'd to have
forwarded you a small B. Note, for fear, from some unforeseen event,
it might be serviceable to you ; as yet, I have not been able to procure
one; and as I find from your last which has come to hand, you are
anxious to receive the promised one, I now do myself the pleasure of
gratifying your wishes.

I was not surprised at reading your sentiments on Slavery, as I was
well aware of the impressions which a different mode of treatment than
that pursued in Virginia, would make on a Heart, which I hop'd was
capable at all times of sympathising in the misfortunes of a fellow
mortal ; and would as the mind matur'd, and contemplated the miserable
situation of these unhappy beings, feel most sensibly for them; but
alas I like all others who are not intirely void of every spark of Sensi-
bility, you feel for th^n, lament, greatly lament their uncommon hard
fate, without being able to devise any means by which it may be ameli-
orated ! That they are a great civil, political, and moral evil no Person
will deny, but how to get rid of them, is a question which has imploy'd
many much more expansive minds than mine, without fixing on any
rational, or probable means to make their situations more comfortable,
without endangering the political safety of the State, and perhaps
Jeopardising the lives, property, and everything sacred and dear of the
Whites. You will not pretend to throw blame on the present generation,
for the situation of these unhappy domestics, for as they are impos'd
on us, and not with our consent, the thing is unavoidable. You will
perhaps ask why we do not treat them with more humanity ? the answer
is obvious: the fewer there are of this discription intermixed with the
Whites, the more they are under our immediate eye, and the more they
partake of the manners and habits of the whites, and thereby require
less rigidness of treatment to get from them, those services which are

The Kuffin Papebs. 55

a1>8oliitelj neceesary for their support and very exiatence. Unliappily
for us and them^ there are too many with ns to render a tolerably free
intercourse of sentiment possible, and of course their minds have degen-
erated into as abject slavery as their persons ; and as there is no tye of
gratitude or affection on their parts towards their masters, nothing is to
be expected from them, but as fear, servile fear operates on them, which
produces a sluggishness of action, which must be increased momentarily
by a greater degree of fear, with a greater degree of personal attention
on our parts. It has been one of many benefits which has resulted to
Society from the Christian Beligion to expose the impropriety of keeping
our Brothers in bondage, and however we may at present justify our-
selves from the peculiar situation of our Country considered politically;
I cannot but look forward with pleasure to the time, when an Alwise,
and Mercifull Creator will by a more universal revival of his blessed
Beligion prepare the Hearts of all men to consider each other as Broth-
ers, and put us more on an equallity even in temporal things — ^When
this much to be wish'd for period will arrive, or what will be the means
adopted for a general emancipation, I do not pretend to divine; but
that such a time will be, I have little doubt.

Tom you caimot conceive the happiness that I receive in believing
from your letters that you begin to see the necessity and reallity of
Religion ; believe me my Son, who have had a fair opportunity of esti-
mating the pleasure of Sin, (by enjoying all the comforts that indipend-
ance and the things of this world could bestow unconnected with a
Spiritual love for the g^ver of these blessings) that there is no compari-
son between the real solid happiness of a life spent in faith, bringing
forth the fruits of the Spirit, and a hope growing therefrom that [Best of
letter missing.]

[Address: Princeton.]

From William Oamehi}

r, ry jc PrrrsviLLB [Va.] Sept. 24th, 1804.

JJr. JtCuffin.

You will no doubt be very much surprised at not having heard from
me before this but I can assure you that it has not proceeded from a
want of inclination as I have been so much engaged and so unwell
together that I have never untill now had leisure to write. Muscoe and
myself recvd our money the night after you left us upon which we imme-
diately got our dismissions and set off for home where I have at length
arrived quite sound and safe. And having now gotten over the hurry

iWlUiam Oamett, 1786-1866, son of Muscoe Oamett and Grace Fenton Mercer
of "Blmwood/' Essex County, Va., was a contemporary of Ruffln at Princeton
and throughout hie life his close friend.

56 The North Casouna Hibtobical Commission.

and confusion of my journey I begin to feel very solicitous to know
whether you return to Princeton again as you said when I saw you last
that you could not inform me untill you had advised with your father
upon the subject. My sentiments on this head you have often heard in
conversation. I cannot therefore now offer you anything new but as
the descision which you are about to make is of the utmost consequence,
I think it my duty once more to trouble you with my objections to Prince-
ton college. They are these principally these^ firstly the tyranny of the
college government, secondly the conduct of Doctor Smith, with respect
to politics and thereby the manner in which the sciences are taught and
the particular branches of them which are taught. As to the first of
my objections your own experience can so well testify to the truth of it
I need not therefore expatiate very largely upon it. You have frequently
seen young men given the lie in the public hall for the most trivial cir-
cumstance and you may also very well remember to have heard of an
instance which happened this session in which Doctor Smith behaved
so improperly to a student as to oblige his father to force him to make
an apology for his conduct, But it would be an endless as well as a
needless task for me to attempt to enumerate the number of similar
instances which have happened at Nassau Hall. I shall therefore for
the present lay aside the objection and proceed to examine my second
which is to the conduct of the Doctor with relation to politics. ITou
have read his political philosophy and consequently are sufficiently quali-
fied to judge of its tendency which is directly hostile to republican prin-
ciples. During the whole work the writer plainly evinces his partiality
for the british constitution and endeavours in the most insidious manner
to excite in his pupils an aversion to our own and a hatred against the
supporters of it whom he stigmatizes with the names of jacobins and
anarchists. It must certainly be very disagreeable to a young man who
has been accustomed to think independently to hear the principles in
which he glories every day pronounced to be prejudicial to the interest
of his country and the advocates of them loaded with the aprobious names
demagogues and disorganizers. But I will not insist any farther on this
objection as you have seen enough of the Doctor's conduct to enable you
to judge for yourself. The post is almost ready to set off. I cannot
therefore now examine my last objection which is certainly as important
as any of them but I will say more on this subject in my next letter.
Adieu an believe me to be Your Sincere friend

W. Gabnett.

P. S. I have sent you ten dollars of the money which I owe you. I
could not get a one dollar note or I should have sent you the rest but we
can settle it when you come to see me this fall. Write to me by the
next post.

[Address: Brunswick, Virginia.]

The Ruffin Papers. 57

From William Gamett.

October 22 1804.

I have for sometime past delayed writing to you under an expectation
that I should receive an answer to the letter which I wrote you upon my
arrival. But I have been so often disappointed that I have given over
all thoughts of receiving one. Acting under this impression I should
not have troubled you again but I have since thought that either my
letter or yours must have miscarried for I am certain that you cannot
so soon have forgotten me. Judging therefore of your friendship by
mj own I shall continue to trouble you with my letters untill I am
assured by their not being answered that they are disagreeable to you.
Agreeably to your request in my last letter to you I detailed the prin-
cipal objections which I have to Princeton college but was prevented
from examining them all under an apprehension that I should be too
late for the post. I will therefore^ resume the subject and proceed to
exam.ine my remaining objections which were as well as I recollect the
two following. Firstly to the manner of instruction pursued by the
professors of that institution and lastly to the abridged and imperfect
manner in which the sciences are there taught. The manner of instruc-
tion pursued at Nassau Hall I think admirably well calculated for a
grammar school where boys require force to oblige them to study. But
it can never answer with young men for if they are treated as children
they loose all respect for themselves and will of course continue to con-
duct themselves as such.

Acting from no other motive than that of fear they cease to think that
they are studying for their own improvement but only in compliance
to the will of an arbitrary despot. The consequence of this is that they
soon learn to conceive that every moment they can escape from the eye
of an instructor is time gained to themselves which they have a right to
mispend as they please. Such your own experience can tell you is the
effect produced by this system of instruction at Princeton which is
calculated only to make young men contract a narrow and illiberal way
both of thinking and acting. The beneficial effects of an opposite system
is I think obvious to every person who will only reflect a momment.
When a young man is treated as such he will learn to respect himself
and acquire an independence of thinking which will make him scorn
to commit an action which he thinks unworthy the character of a man.
Stimulated by such a motive his whole endeavour will be to acquire the
respect and esteem of those around him. But it is needless to say any
thing farther on this subject. I will therefore advert to my last objec-
tion which I think is of as much importance as any of them. The prin-
cipal object of a young man in going to college is to make himself
master of the sciences and if this object is defeated (which it certainly
is at Princeton) I know of no other motive which he can have for going
to one. There is not one single study of importance which is not either

58 Thb North Casolika Hibtosical Commission.

abridged or compiled by men who must certainly be vastly inferior in
point of talents and information to many others who have written on
the same subjects. Thus for instance instead Blairs lectures in two
volumes which they study at William and Mary at Princeton they have
an abridgement of about an 100 pages and the same is the case with
respect to logick. The course of moral and political philosophy also
which they study at Princeton is equally deficient both in point, sub-
stance and length. The superiority of William and Mary over it is
greater in these studies (which are certainly the the most important)
than in any other for instead of Doctor Smiths Moral and Political
philosophy they study all the most celebrated writers who have ever
written on the subjects. But I must bid you adieu for the present.

P. S. Let me know in your next when you intend coming to see me.
And let me know also whether you have reed my first letter as I inclosed
you a bank note of ten dollars^ which if you have not got I will replace,
immediately or if my letter has miscarried mine will be returned to me.
I shall then owe you one dollar which as I could not come at exactly we
will settle when you come to see me which I hope will be immediately
upon the recpt of this letter. W. Q.

[Address: Brunswick County, Virginia.]

From Sterling Buffin.

BiCHMo. 22nd Nov. 1804.
Your two letters from Princeton have come to hand ; the last I rood,
yesterday morning at your Uncles on my way to this place. I need not
inform you that I was much gratify'd to hear of your safe arrival, and
of your being judged quallified to join the Senr. class at that Siminary,
where I hope you will be enabled to graduate the next fall. I am much
hurt at Doer. Smiths conduct towards you; and can easily see that it is
necessary your conduct should be very circumspect to retain your present
standing. I do not conceive this will ultimately be of disservice to you,
as it will necessarily produce a close application to study, and a strict
observance of College dissipline. It may for a little time be unpleasant,
but if you retain, and come up to your resolutions mentioned in your
last, you need not be afraid. I have no doubt but Smith is a man pos-
sessing uncommonly strong passions, which for the want of Vital Re-
ligion are indulged to a dangerous excess, be this to himself; conduct
yourself with that respect towards him, which as a man in years and
your preceptor he certainly merrits. Politeness and good manners are
due to all, but particularly so from you to him, this may at all times
and situations be paid without condecending to meanness or servility.

The Ruffin Papers. 59

which neither the laws of Ood or man exacts. Be extremely cautions
how you speak of him to any person^ it cannot possibly render you either
satisfaction or profit — To indulge malice is one of the Deadliest Sins,
it is our duty to forgive others as we hope to be forgiven by Him whom
we have offended in a much higher degree than we can possibly be : it
is our duty and interest to pattern after the glorious example our bless'd
Master has set us ; remember^ that while he was expiring on the cross, his
prayer was, "Father forgfive them," (his murderers) "they [know] not
what they do" — Oh ! my Son learn of him to do the will of Our Heavenly
Father, which is compleatly reveal'd to us in his blessed word. There
has nothing occur'd since you left home worth communicating. Eobt.
Btiffin is out from Kg. Wm. all friends are well in that quarter. Boer.
N'iblock^ appears very anxious to get a letter from you, his enquiries are
allways friendly; a correspondence with him would not only be amusing,
but improving to you. I expect to be at home on Tuesday next when
I shall take your Sister who is still in Petersburg along with me. She
no doubt will be mortified that I did not call to see her to day, but I was
so situated as to render very inconvenient. Your letters will be fre-
quently expected. That you may become wise, and happy is the prayer
of Your aff . Father.

[Address: Nassau-hall, Princeton.]

From Sterling Ruffin,

Brunswick 6th Deer. 1804.

I am much gratify'd at the affectionate and dutifull remembrance of
us, you bear in your Mind, as expressed in your last letter of the 20th
Ulto. just received.

Your expectations 'ere this have been satisfy'd by receiving a letter I
wrote from Richmond in which I gave you my advice relative to your
conduct towards Doer. Smith. My opinion is by no means chang'd by
his present behaviour ; which has either been produced from your polite-
ness, or from some hidden motive; in either case, it is necessary you
should be circumspect ; and common prudence will direct you to be silent
on his Tyranical whims. Remember an old proverb which will well apply
to you, "Your hand is in the Lions mouth, and you must get it out as
easily as possible." Interest keeps you at Princeton and you must make
the best of it. I am glad that you are comfortably fix'd with room-mates.
You have said nothing of your expences, or how your money holds out,
of this you will inform me in your next.

lA physician of Brunswick County, Va., and an intimate friend of the family.

60 The North Cabolina Historical Commission.

With respect to the plan of studies jou are to adopts and of which jon
ask my advice^ I can only say I do not conceive you or myself as c<nn-
petent judges as the Faculty who have from long experience adopted the
present system of education at that seminary.

You are as you justly observe young enough to have time for History,
etc., other than your attention will be devoted to this year, and I am
inclined to think from the mode recommended, or pursued, that the
memory will be lastingly improved; and I see not why the judgment
will not be as much exercised as by a different plan. Add to this the
advantages which is derived from being at the head of your class, it
gives eclat to a young man which goes with him into the World, and
he commences business under every advantage which talents can bestow.
Our lives are short at most, and when we have to work out our living
a great deal depends on the outset. It is therefore my advise that you
will so far as is in your power, conform to the system of Education laid
down by the Professors, by which I hope you will be advantaged.

Our friends remain as when you left us except your amiable and much
lamented Uncle Brokenbrough^ whose death you will see announced in
the Enquirer — That health, respect, and all the blessings of God may
attend and await you.

N. B. The flower seed will be sent as soon as procured.

[Address: Nassau-hall, Princeton.]

From Sterling Ruffin,

Brunswick 22nd Deer. 1804.
Yours of the 9 th Inst, came to hand a day or two ago, by which I was
glad to find but little of your late indisposition remain'd; I flatter
myself in this it is intirely eradicated, and that health, the greatest
temporal blessing will be perminently establish'd on its ruins ; for which
I hope you will endeavor to be thankful to the bountifull giver. On the
subject of your studies, I wrote you in my last, which I imagine is at
hand before this. The long experience of the Professors of Princeton
together with the number of first rate Characters which have been edu-
cated in that Seminary, induces a wish for you to conform in all things
to their method. I am much surprised however at that expression in
your letter, "that after graduating your head will only contain a few
Greek and Latin phrases without knowing any thing of polite litera-
ture.'' Without referring to the different branches through which the
classes must pass, and of course have a pretty correct knowledge before
they can graduate, I had made up an opinion that a great deal of polite

iDr. John Brokenbrough, the husband of Sarah Roane, Ruffin's great-aunt

The Ruffin Papebs. 61

and useful learning was acquired. It is by no means mj intention should
circumstances permit to cramp you in your education, that system most
proper to be pursued after this Year will therefore be adopted.

We were much pleas'd at the affection and duty you evinced by writing
to your aged Grandmother. I am sure it gave her great pleasure to
bear from you, which I imagine will not be diminished by being repeated.
I can give you no information from that quarter as I have not reed, a
letter from your Uncle since you left us, which is very unaccountable to
me. Do you not think you might have chosen a subject in which you
could have displayed more talents, and derived more advantage for your
compositions than the Character of Hamilton? From your expendi-
tures I find you are without cash, I have therefore sent you $30 which
must answer for the present. There is no neighborhood news, every
thing as you left us. I congratulate you on being able at last to make
choice of a profession, it is a good one, but I expect a very laborious
one. We join in Love and good wishes to you, and bear you allways in
mind in our prayers to our God, who I hope will bless you temporally
and eternally.

[Address: Princeton, N. J.]

From William Oarnett.

December the 3 1804.
I am not at all surprised to hear that neither myself nor my political
principles are very popular at Princeton. But I must confess that I
was a good deal astonished to hear of being considered so great a liar as
I find I am. It is a character which I do not conceive that I by any
means merit nor will I tamely submit to such an acusation's being
brought against me. You will therefore much oblige me by informing
me in your next what Doctor Smith has alledged against me and as near
as you can remember the particular words which he made use of. I
will also thank you to mention the reasons which have induced the stu-
dents [to] brand me with the name of a liar as well as the names of those
who have thought proper to make so free with my character. I wish
you to be very particular in relating every thing which has been said as
I mean if I find the case requires it to send on a publication to Duane^ in
vindication of myself and also to endeavour to exhibit the character of
Doctor Smith to the public in its true colours. In doing this I shall
carefully avoid bringing your name in as it will serve only to exasperate
uncle Sammy still more against you. I did not receive the letter which
you wrote me just before you set off for Princeton untill the other day
or I should certainly have answered it. But I must bid you farewell

iWlIllam Duane, editor of the Aurora, the famous organ of the Repuhllcan
l^rty.

63 Thb Nobth Casouna Historical Commib8Ion.

for the present as I find my thoughts so taken np with the intelligenoe
which your last letter contained that I cannot think of anything else
to say.

P. S. I shall write you a long letter by the nert post Muscoe desires
his love to you, do write a little plainer.

[Address: Princeton, New Jersey.]

From William Oameti.

December the 31 1804.
I should have acknowledged the receipt of your last favour before
this but I have been so much engaged in visiting about during the
Christmas holidays that I have not had one single moment of leisure
time. The information contained in your last letter was perfectly satis-
factory and convinces me in what manner I ought to proceed. I shall
for the present wave an explanation with Doctor Smith until I can
write to Fenton Mercer^^ and know from under his own hand what it
is that he has said of me. From your letter I observe that I am charged
with having made three assertions highly derogatory to the character
of Princeton college namely that the young men were dissipated that the
government of the college was tyrannical and that political persecution
was carried to a very great length by the professors. The two first asser-
tions with which I am charged of having made are perfectly correct,
but the last one is a palpable falsehood. I have always said that Doctor
Smith's political phylosophy was decidedly inimical to republican prin-
ciples and turned rather towards monarchy. And I have also farther
observed that I believed he endeavoured to influence young men in
favour of the federal administration but I have uniformly denied my
having any knowledge of his making use of coercive measures to induce
them to change their political opinions although I believe from what I
heard while I was at Princeton that I might have said so without vio-
lating truth. What I have said of the college and of the character of
Doctor Smith I never wished to remain a secret, and feel myself grati-
fyed at hearing that it has reached his ears. I only feel vexed at the
manner in which he has obtained his information and at the use which
he has put it to when I am certain that he must be conscious of the truth

iCharles Fenton Mercer, 1778-1858, a first cousin of William Oamett A.B.,
Princeton, 1797; A.M., 1800; LL.D., 1825. His public record follows: captain
U. S. A., 1798; lawyer; member of the legislature of Virginia from 1810 to
1817; brigadier general of militia in War of 1812; member o7 Congress from
1817 to 1840; member of the Virginia constitutional convention of 1829-1830.
He was largely responsible for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and was presi-
dent of the company. He was during all of his maturity a bitter opponent of
slavery and the slave trade.

Thb Ru7Fin Papers. 68

of my observationB. I have never seen Mr. Mercer since my return from
Princeton except for a few minutes and consequently have had little or
no conversation with him about the College or its regulations^ he could
therefore have obtained the information which he has thought proper
to give Doctor Smith in no other way than by a letter which I wrote to
my mother during my residence at Nassau Hall stating my reasons for
wishing to leave it. As I have said before I wished Doctor Smith to
hear what I have said of him but at the same time I think that Fenton
Mercer coming at his information in the manner in which he did has
acted entirely out of the character of a gentleman for disclosing it and
for which according to the modem laws of honour I conceive I have a
right to demand satisfaction. Remember me to all my friends but par-
ticularly to Harrison^ and tell [him] I shall expect soon to receive a
letter from him. farewell and believe me to be your sincere friend

P. S. I heard of the letter which Fentoii Mercer wrote to Doctor
Smith before you wrote to me from a young man by the name of Simson
who had just left Princeton. He mentioned the facts which are stated
in your letter but he could not tell whether Fenton Mercer in relating
them to Doctor Smith had mentioned my brother and myself as being
the authors of them. I have myself conjectured that Doctor Smith
knowing the connexion between our families had taken it for granted
that we were without being authorized to say so from Fenton's letter.
If I find this to be the case the affair may be settled without being carried
to extremities and then I shall think of my old friend

[Address: Princeton, New Jersey.]

From Sterling Ruffin.

Beunsw'k, 11th Jany. 1805.
I am now certainly indebted to you one letter as I have reed three
since my last, tho' not all of them dated subsequent to mine ; and I with
pleasure comply with your desire, and that duty which I owe to you and
my own feelings, in answering them. I am greatly pleas'd at Doer.
Smiths reconciliation and friendly demeanor towards you; and hope
from the propriety of your general conduct, that it will not change again :
nothing is so certain to procure respect, as a steady uniformity of upright
behaviour, not f orgeting, never to return evil for evil, but allways good as
far as in your power. In my last (which I hope you have reed) I
inclosM you $30 enough I suppose for present demands, more will be
forwarded when wanting, if it can 'be procured; times are very hard —

iHenry P. Harrison of the class of 1805, who entered the Junior class at
Princeton, from Spartanburg, S. C, in 1804.

64 The Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

Yours of 27tli Deer, contain'd information that at once pleas'd and
astonisli'd me. I was pleas'd at the particular interference of a merciful!
providence in saving from temporal punishment by not permiting the
mad men to be maim'd by the explosion of the house^ and far more
mercifuU in preserving their lives while they were so unprepar'd to
plunge into Eternity and meet the Judge of quick and Dead. It is a
wise man my Son who improves by observation^ and as much may some-
times be gain'd^ by marking the conduct of the wicked as the Saint,
Worship the great Jehovah who is alone worthy to be ador'd for his
goodness, and by no means permit yourself to attribute that to chance,
or fickle fortune, which is so evidently mark'd with the hand of an Infi-
nite Qod. I was astonished that such conduct should take place at that
seminary, but much more so that the transgressors should escape punish-
ment; and can only account for it in one way, (which however may be
erronious) viz, that the principals were great favorites of the Pro-
fessors, and rather then make an example of them, the whole were per-
mitted to escape. Should this be the case, I shall entertain a more
unfavorable opinion of Smith than before, which I am sorry to say
was not a good one. I hope that your room companions, nor any of
your intimates, were among the disorderly ; if they were, it is my most
earnest desire, and serious advice, that you should at once give up their
company and intimacy; otherwise you may before you are aware, and
perhaps innocently, be involved in great difficulties. I am much gratified
at your determination of combating all opposition at Princeton this
year; it manifesto a firmness which is in all situations essential; it
shews too a desire to adhere to principle^ which will grow into habit and
be serviceable, and pleasurable, as long as you live. These good determi-
nations can neither be made or kept without the assistence of the great
ruler above, look to him therefore my dear Son for strength, and when
good is done let him have all the credit, and when evil take it all to
yourself. "A happy New Year to you !" Bless the hand that prolongs
your life and your dear friends, and withholds not those comforts which
are suited to our situation. It is well for us, nay it is necessary that
we should look back on our lives, not only from Year to Year, but from
day to day, and improve therefore; avoiding the evil which we have
done, and pursuing the good. With shame and regret I acknowledge
that I have not profited as much as time and opportunity has permitted;
I have not grown in Grace and Divine knowledge as I should have done,
and as is my earnest desire to do in the present year, and as I hope before
it's too late my son will do: for as we live and have communion on Earth,
so I wish we may do in Heaven — I feel myself greatly indebted to you
for the disire you express of conforming, or rather of obtaining Religion
because your Mama and myself wish it: but my Son there is a far
greater motive which ought to operate on your mind, and that is the
Glory of Grod and your own happiness. Bead as much as possible the
Now testament, and use [torn] prayer to Him whose word it is, to

Thb Ruffin Papebs. 65

instruct, and inform you of its truth and necessity, and agree to follow
conviction whithersoever the Spirit leads, and I douht not your obtain-
ing what my Heart desires. You say you would make the attempt if
you could see one advantage that would result. What interest can I
have in deceiving you} What advantage can acme to me, or any other
practical Christian, in attempting to impose on any person? Must not
our declarations be founded from the clearest conviction and experience
of the truth of our allegations} and if so, what becomes of those after
death who have not an interest in the blood of the covenant? and none
can have this interest unless they love Gk>d, the test of which as our Lord
declares is the obeying of his commandments — That these things may
sink deep into your mind and be a part of the means of bringing to truth
is my most earnest prayer.

We are well except Sarah who is very ill with a plurisy what her fate
may be is very uncertain. Beceive our united Love and good wishes.

[Address: Nassau-hall, Princeton.]

From William Oamett.

January 14th 1804. [1805]^

It is now some time since I have had the pleasure of hearing from
you but as I know that it must have proceeded from some accidental
circumstance I shall again write to you without waiting for an answer
to last letter which I wrote you. I have not yet heard from Fenton
Mercer and I therefore cannot inform you by this post in what manner
our difference will terminate but I hope for the best. It is not my desire
to be at variance with any man whatever but much less with one who
is so nearly connected with me it would consequently give me infinite
pleasure to be enabled to inform you that our difference has been amica-
bly settled. This settlement will take place shortly as I expect to hear
from Fenton Mercer by the next post, and if it terminates as I have
reason to hope it will I shall then have leisure to devote a small portion
[of] my time to the Bev. Doctor Smith who I think merits a little atten-
tion from my hands. As to the other gentlemen mentioned in your last
letter who have thought proper to make such severe strictures upon my
conduct I think them beneath a public notice I shall therefore pass over
the epithets which they have honoured me with in silent contempt. But
if I should ever chance to meet with any of them I shall then treat them
as all such scoundrels deserve to be treated. I have I expect already
exhausted your patience on this subject I will therefore wave it for the

iThe endorsements upon this letter and its contents show that It was really
written in 1805 instead of 1804.

66 Thb Nobth Caxouka Hibtobioal Commission.

present and I hope in my next letter to oondude it entirely. You must
I immagine by this time be pretty much tired of Princeton if so I wish
you would take a dismission and come to visit an old friend who will
always be happy to see you. I would offer to introduce you to some of
the handsomest girls that ever your eyes beheld but as I know yon to be
very luke warm in your devotion for this fairest and most valuable part
of the creation I fear that it would not be a sufficient inducement. I
must therefore depend entirely upon myself for the pleasure of a visit
f ronl you.
[Address:
Mr. Thomas C.^ Ruffin
Princeton
New Jersey]

From WiUiam Oamett,

January the 21 1805
Your ironical letter of the 10 Instant came safe to hand and I now
take the earliest opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of it. You
have I find made sufficient allowances for my want of punctuality in
answering your last favour I will therefore extend the same charity to
you whenever a similar Instance shall occur This however I apprehend
will not be the case while you remain at Princeton as the people of New
Jersey do not ]ike the Virginians delight in the exercise of hospitality
and social intercourse. But are more inclined to take for their guide
the maxim of ^'a penny saved is a penny got" than that of ''let us eat
drink and be merry for tomorrow we die !'' It may be a matter of doubt
with some persons which principle is the most laudable of the two. But
for my part I feel no hesitation in declaring for the latter. For this
very obvious reason that the disciple of this opinion will at least enjoy
some pleasure while he lives and may possess many virtues. In fact
such a position as this necessarily implies many very prominent virtues,
viz such as liberality openness of heart and philanthropy. Whereas a
disposition like the former excludes the idea of any thing like virtue.
The man who is entirely devoted to his own interest is of all characters
to me the most odious his narrow and contracted soul is incapable of
feeling one single generous emotion and his icy heart is alike impene-
trable to the genial warmth of friendship. The finer feelings of the
soul which are such bright ornaments to the human character are entire
strangers to his bosom and in short we behold him in every point of
view an object which should excite hatred and disgust of every rational
creature. From what I have said I would by no means infer that the
maxim of Epicurus is a correct principle but I merely contend for its

iRuffln's middle name, Carter, was dropped soon after be left Prlncetom,

Thb BurFur Papers. 67

superiority over the one which principally characteriseB the inhabitants
of the state of iN* Jersey. I heard from your relations in King and
Queen a week or two ago and am happy to inform you that they are all
"welL John Eoane^ and Kitty^ will be here in the course of a f ortni^t
and I shall then be able to give you a more circumstantial account of
them. Your request concerning my commentaries upon Smiths philoso-
phy I am not at present able to gratify. But as soon as I feel myself
industrious enough to commence the task it shall be complied with. As
for Hoanes academy I have not heard any thing respecting it for some
time and am of course unable to give you any satisfactory information
on this head. I believe that I have now answered all your enquiries
except the one relative to myself which shall be answered in as circum-
stantial a manner as possible. Since I quited Princeton I have been
engaged in studying metaphysics which I commenced with Beid's essays
and Duncans logick. The course of study which I mean to pursue for
the balance of the winter is history and politics. So much for my
studies and now for my amusements I occasionally visit about in the
neighbourhood amongst my friends and receive visits from them. Every
ihursday I go to Pittsville (which is about a mile from the house) to
receive my letters and papers and then I always meet with a number
of m^y friends we generally spend our time in passing about the grog
and conversing upon the news of the day. All the Foxes near here are
destroyed the amusement of hunting I am therefore obliged to forbear
untill they become more plentiful. I however find game enough for my
gun and as I am a pretty good hand on the wing I often join in shooting
parties. This is an exact description of the manner in which I employ
myself — and I shall expect one equally as minute from you. Muscoe
was not at home when your letter arrived it will therefore be out of his
power to answer it by this post, farewell and believe me to be your
Sincere friend.

N B Let me know in your next whether there has been any accession
of republican students at Princeton and if it is not a secret the authors
of those disturbances which took place on christmas.

[Address : Princeton, New Jersey.]

From William Oamett.

February the 13, 1804. [1805]«
Your letter of the 31 instant arrived while I was in King and Queen
and I consequently could not answer it by the last mail. Since my return
I have received another from you but as it is only a continuation of the

iJohn Roane was Rnffln's uncle, being his mother's younger brother.
2Catharlne Roane was the younger sister of Ruflln's mother.
SThe endorsements upon this letter and its contents show that it was written
in 1805 instead of 1804.

68 Thb I^obth Cabolina Hibtobical Commission.

former I shall comprise my reply to both of them in this letter. I hsje
since I wrote you last had a conversation with Fenton Mercer dirou£^
the medium of my brother James^ respecting the reports which are in
circulation about me at Princeton. He denies his ever having made such
assertions of me as he is reported to have done and to prove His inno-
cence has written on to Doctor Smith for a coppy of his letter to him.
So that I think there can be no maimer of doubt but what we shall
settle our difference amicably. But I will quit this subject for the
present and advert to one which more nearly relates to yourself. My
concern and astonishment at hearing of your dismission from the W. S.-
was extremely great but nevertheless I think you take your removal too
much to heart as it was not in consequence of any disgraceful action
committed by you.

The conscienciousness of the uprightness of your intentions should
I conceive be sufficient to enable you to bear up under a much greater
mortification than the one which you at present sustain. If you consider
the motives by which you were actuated when you advocated the estab-
lishment of this new society^ I am certain that you cannot think that
there is any disgrace attatched to your present situation and more espe-
cially as the students who are implicated with yourself are among the
most respectable members of college. I do not clearly understand the
plan on which you propose to organize the A. S.' but from the imperfect
apprehension which I have of it it appears to me that by its being com-
posed of members from the two highest classes in college to the exclusion
of the lower classes it would ultimately end in the abolition of the preset
existing societies. For this reason that as the societies now stand there
is no body or society in college superior to them which would not be the
case was the A. S. established. This society being composed of the best
informed part of college would render the others much less respected
as they would be thought much less honourable than they formerly were.
The consequence would be that in the course of time they would be
uterly neglected and perhaps dissolved. But as I expect the mail everj
moment I can not express myself so fully on this subject as I intended
to have done.

iJames Mercer Oarnett of "Elmwood/* Essex County, Va., 1770-1843, was a
member of the Virginia legislature for several terms, served In Consress,
1805-1809, and was a delegate to the Virginia convention of 1829-1830. He
was a member of the grand jury that indicted Aaron Burr.

2The famous American Whig Society of Princeton was founded as the
Plain-Dealing Society. Ruffln was evidently dismissed from it because of his
connection with the founding of the Adelphic, another society, which was to
be composed of the members of the two upper classes only. There are hlnU
In the letters of hie reinstatement, the records of the society do not tell of his
dismissal, and the catalogue of 1914 includes his name.

8The Adelphic Society, which this letter indicates that Ruffln founded, was
organized during the college year of 1804-1806. The Whig and Cliosophic
immediately took joint action against it and succeeded in stifling it after a
short existence. Its origin probably lay in the desire of a few men to organize
a society which would not be as crowded as the two Halls.

Thb Ruffin Papebs. 69

P. S. I staid in K. and Q. 90 short a time that I could not see your
friend of that place but I heard that thej were all well Bemember me
to Schenk^ and tell him that I was from home when his letter arrived

it should have been answered before this.

[Address: Princeton.]

From Sterling Ruffin.

^ , o Fety 21st. 1806.

My dear Son. ''

Yours of the 25th Ulto. came to hand when I was from home on an
excursion up Dan river in Bockingham County North Carolina, in
search of better land than I occupy in Brunswick; to which place I
expect to return in the next week to close a bargain for a very valuable
tract, on what is calld the Saura town, which more than probable you
liave heard of. Mr. Brodnax accompanies me, and in a year or two
(if we live) we both expect to be residents of that place. There is a
part of this land more productive than you can have an idea of, and
more valuable than the people surrounding it think, from its being all-
most inexhaustible and so level that there is no perceivable fall in 200
or 300 acres. You will at once know that this is low grounds, and yet
there never has been a crop lost by the flooding of the Biver. To enable
me to make the purchase I have sold part of my quarter tract, and must
sell the remainder together with this place as early as possible. I shall
be very hard run for money, and as this debt is contracted for the tem-
poral good of my Family, they must help me pay for it by frugality. I
am much gratify'd by Doer. Smiths attention to you as it is a confirma-
tion of the propriety of your demeanor, which with your age I hope will
increase. You will find on more mature reflection your idea incorrect :
surely it is better to have a real, than a pretended friend — say in your
next whether it is necessary to have $150 in April, or at different periods
through the Session. I am well pleas'd that you have got rid of Mr.
Harrison.^ "Evil communications will corrupt good manners," and are
at all times very much to be dreaded, particularly by Youth. I feel it
allmost unnecessary, alltho my duty compels me to say something on the
subject of swearing — Surely there never was so idle, so sinful and so
unprofitable a custom so universaly prevalent as that of prophane con-
versation. May I not flatter myself that my son will be so much the
Gentleman, and have so much of the fear of an avenging Gk>d before his
eyes, as to refrain from habits that are so immoral!

No information could have been given, that would have been more
pleasing, than your devoting a certain portion of each Day to the study

iBvidently William Conover Schenck, A.B. Princeton, 1806; A.M., 1808; later
a noted Ptesbyterian minister.

2probably Henry P. Harrison of Spartanburg, S. €., a member of the class
of 1805.

70 The Nobth Casouna Historical Commibsion.

of the Bible. Let me intreat you not to discontmue 80 laudable a pur-
suity and let me beg of my dear Tom that this time may be doubled on
every Sabbath. I thank my God that you begin to see the beauties oon-
tain'd in this Holy Code, and that you admit it to be of Divine origin:
the more you read and understand, the more you will admire and receive
the truths contained therein. But my son reading alone will not do,
humble yourself before a gracious God, and honestly confess your weak-
ness, your ignorance, and your sinf ullness, and ask him to lead in that
way which will be most to his glory. Remember he is a God who never
sleeps, and is allways near to help in every time of need, be not afraid
that he will be deaf to your wants, or that he will not grant those things
which you essentially require for your happiness. He never yet with-
held truth from the humble Heart, or refused bread to the hungering
soul. When you address a throne of Grace endeavor to do it with suit-
able reverence, and never forget to implore Mercy for your unworthy
friends at flower Garden.

Holy and infinitely merciful God, operate by the influence of thy
blessed spirit on the Heart of the Son of thine unworthy servant and
handmaid; give him grace to love and fear thee as he ought, to serve
thee with a willing mind, and to make thy glory the principle which
actuates his every deed. Lead him Oh. thou Gk>d of Love to the fountain
which flow'd from the side of thine only begotten Son, and by sprinkling
him therewith cleanse him from all pollution ; let the truth as it was in
the blessed Jesus inlighten his mind, burst the chain of unbelief which
inslaves his Heart, and bring him into perfect freedom, by owning him
as thy returning son. Oh. that thou mayst give him grace to stand a
scoffing and persecuting World, the Carnal desires of his sinfull flesh,
and the luring baits of a tempting Devil ; and that each succeeding day
may bring him nearer thee and his eternal rest, until it shall please thee
to admit him into the full and compleat fruition of thyself through Jesus
Christ our infinitely meritorious Bedeemer.

N. B. Your Mama sends specially her love. She thinks herself
slighted, not having reed, more letters particularly to herself. The
Jerusalem Cherry is sent herewith.

[Address: Princeton, New Jersey.]

From William Oarnett,

March the 17 1805
Your favour of the 27 Instant should have been duly answered had
it not have been that at the time I received it I was confined to my bed
by a severe attack of the mumps and thereby disabled from writing. I
was the more anxious to give a prompt reply to your last letter as I
observed that it contained suspicions entirely unfounded and permit me

Thb Ruffin Papebs. 71

to say extremely illiberal. To suppose that any alteration has taken
place in my friendship for you on account of the difPerent relations in
T^hich we stand is to immagine me capable of entertaining sentiments
ivhich I hold in utter abhorrence. I have from my earliest infancy
contracted a habit of thinking and acting for myself And as I value
the privilege more than life itself I am clearly of opinion that it should
be extended alike to every one as a natural and inherent right of which
they cannot in justice be dispossessed. It would therefore be in the
highest degree prepostrious and absurd in me to break off all intercourse
T^th a man whom I valued and esteemed merely because we differed in
our opinions. Were I a student of Princeton college^ I should most
undoubtedly oppose the organization [of] the Adelphic society from
reasons which appear to me to be self evident. As the Whig society
stands at present there is no body or corporation in college superior to
it. By organizing one of a higher order you will most undoubtedly
lessen the honour now attached to it and this would necessarily in the
course of time occasion its dissolution. But as I am entirely uncon-
nected with the Whig society I feel very little interest about it and
indeed were I now a member of college I should censure in a most un-
qualified manner the animosity and intemperance which the members of
ihe W. S. have shown towards those of the Adelphic. As I can see no
reason why men may not differ in opinion and still maintain a friendly
intercourse with each other. I must now conclude as I am still in a
very weak and low state of health and I am aprehensive that sitting
still too long will injure me.

P. S. Muscoe saw your friends in K. and Q. last week and he says
that they are in good health

[Address: Princeton, New Jersey.]

From William Qamett.

March 25th 1805.
I sincerely participate with you in the joy which you express^ on the
reelection of Mr. Jefferson to the office of president as it clearly demon-
strates after a fair and impartial trial that principle will invariably
triumph over corruption. And it further proves that truth is immutable
that although it may occasionally be obscured it will ultimately emerge
from the clouds which falsehood and deception have cast around it and

iThe political opinions which Ruffln evidently shared with Qarnett at this
time were not altered in his later life. In principle a Jeffersonian Republican,
he was in his later years a member of the Democratic party. Such a large
part of his life was spent on the bench that he never was for any length of
time In active politics. But, nevertheless, he filled a number of political ofdces,
being twice an elector, several times a member of the state legislature, and
once speaker of the House of Commons.

72 The Nobth Caboluta Histobical Commission.

shine forth with redoubled splendour. There is nothing which more
clearly substantiates what I have advanced than a comparison between,
the acts of the present and those of the former administration. During
the short time that Mr. Adams continued in office we beheld the influ-
ence and power of the executive increased to hight truly alarming and
we saw with astonishment his rapid progression in steps of tyranny and
oppression almost without a paralile in the annals of America. By the
embodying of a standing army the creation of a number of useless offices
and a strict adherence to the false and accursed maxim of the britiah
government that a public debt is a public blessing he vainly hoped to
render himself invulnerable to any attack that could be made upon him.
Not content however with this breastwork of Federalism he determined
if possible to entrench himself still more strongly and to conceal from
the scrutinizing eye of the public under the almost impenetrable coTer
of a sedition law his many and flagrant violations of the constitution. A
fact which evidently proves that falsehood will ever shrink from investi-
gation.

The success which he met with in the prosecution of his nefarious
designs plainly evince the futility of human calculation. But let us now
quit this detestable view of public abandonment — and advert for a
moment to the measures of the present administration here the contrast
between the simple garb of truth and the perplexed labyrinth of false-
hood is at once obvious. Sensible that a government founded upon the
solid basis of integrity will always testify for itself Mr. Jefferson has
never in a single instance attempted to impose the least restraint upon
the liberty of the press or the freedom of speech but he has on the con-
trary in several of his public communications invited a free inquiry into
the conduct of the executive Knowing that measures founded upon
principle can withstand the severest scrutiny. On whichever side we
now cast our eyes we behold the prospect equally cheering a territory
has been added to our country valuable on account of its extent and
fertility and still more so as it in a great measure enables us to exclude
from arround us a settlement of foreigners. Our public debt is daily
diminishing our dignity with foreign nations supported the numerous
list of taxes which were imposed upon us by the rapacity of Federalism
are repealed and in short we And our liberty as extensive as man in his
present corrupt and degenerate state is capable of enjoying. Such is the
state of prosperity which by the wise and patriotic measures of Mr.
Jefferson we now enjoy and that it may long continue Gk>d of his infinite
mercy grant. The account which you gave of the mortification of the
Feds of I^assau Hall was extremely diverting and the manner in which
they displayed their disappointment shows a littleness worthy of the
sentiments they advocate. You request that I will give you an account
of the celebration of the 4th of March in Essex in this particular I
cannot promise to be very exact as I was confined to my bed when it
took place. But I will satisfy you as far as I am able. The gentlemen

Thb Buffin Papbbs. 73

of the county had dinner at Mr. Banks tavern in Tappahannock at
which was drank 17 toasts prepared hj my brother James and Mr.
James Hunter and accompanyed with appropriate music from a very
excellent band. It would be needless for me to insert them as you take
the enquirer in which you will find them published. An oration was
also delivered by Mr. Horrace Upshaw in commemoration of the glorious
and memorable revolution which that day gave birth to. Of the merits
of this action there are various opinions some are of opinions that it
was tolerable good others that it was neither good nor bad and others
again say that it was indifferent but all agree that it was very badly
delivered. Thus I have to the best of my ability given you a detail of
our proceedings on the 4th of March. I will therefore conclude by
assuring you that I still remain your sincere friend.

[P. S.] Muscoe desires to be remembered to you and says that he
should have answered your letter but he is confined with the mimips as
soon as he gets well he will certainly do it. I expect that it would divert
you to see him now his head is swelled to twice its ordinary size so that
you guess he is a very great beauty.

Col. New^ our present representative in congress has declined and
my brother James has offered to supply his place as there is no opposi-
tion he will certainly be elected.

[Address: Princeton, New Jersey.]

From William Oamett. _, i « -.^^.,

May th6 1805.

I shall after your example without any preamble enter immediately

upon the subject of the contemplated convention in the State of Pensyl-

vania.^ The position which I took on this subject in my last letter I

shall still maintain viz have the people of Pensylvania a right to alter

their form of government and is it expedient at this time for them so

to act. The right of the people to amend or abolish that constitution

whenever they disapprove of it is so well known and acknowledged in

America that I need say nothing upon this head. I shall therefore,

advert to my last Question is it expedient for them at this time so to act.

The great end for which government was first instituted is said by

politicians to be the security of the life liberty and property of the

governed. It follows as a necessary consequence that whenever any

people find that the government under which they live is incompetent

lAnthony New, a native of Qloucester County, Va., had been a colonel in the
Revolution. A lawyer by profession, a Repnbllcan in politics, he had been a
member of Congress since 1793. He was later a member of Congress from
Kentucky from 1811 to 1813; 1817 to 1819; and 1821 to 1823.

2The agitation in Pennsylvania for a convention was fruitless, and it was
not until 1838 that the constitution was altered.

74 The North Cabouna Historical Commission.

to this important end it is expedient for them to alter or abolish it. This
I apprehend to be the case with the people of Pensylvania after fifteen
years experience they find that their present constitution is insufficient
to secure to them the blessings of liberty and happiness. They have
witnessed the most glaring acts of tyranny and oppression committed
by their public functionaries for which they have in vain sought a con-
stitutional redress. Would it not therefore be madness and folly in
them tamely to submit to such wrongs when they have it in their power
to remove the sources from whence they proceed. Shurely it would and
I trust there is too much good sense in Pensylvania for the people to
let slip this golden opportunity of reforming their constitution. You
have I observe deduced a consequence from one of my arguments which
I by no means admit to follow. Because I maintain that it is expedient
for the people of Pensylvania to call a convention you infer from thence
that I must necessarily advocate the proposed amendments. This I
deny to be the case. I do not nor will not advocate any amendments
which I have never seen. Does it necessarily follow that becauBe the
people of Pensylvania are advised to amend certain parts of their con-
stitution that they are also obliged when met in convention blindly to
adopt the plan proposed to them without consulting their own reason
at all. Certainly not they are free to judge for themselves. Should the
alterations proposed meet their approbation they will adopt them — ^if
not they will of course reject them and then propose such as they them-
selves think necessary. But you argue if they reject these amendments
the object of the convention will be defeated and I must therefore either
concur both in the amendments and the convention or disaprove them
both. The object of the persons proposing the amendments I readily
admit will be defeated but that the object of the convention (which is a
reform in certain fundamental principles of their constitution) wiU be
rendered nugatory I deny. Certain I am that there have been outrages
committed against the liberty and property of the citizens of Pensyl-
vania which have undermined and saped to its foundation their present
constitution, outrages which call loudly upon them for redress which
warns them that unless a speedy reform takes place the beautiful temple
of liberty will on their land be laid prostrate with the earth and the
Gk>thic castle of despotism erected upon its ruins. It is from these
momentous and pressing circumstances that I have been induced and
shall ever continue to advocate the call for a convention in the State of
Pen"*** And such is my reliance upon the judgement integrity and good
sense of the people of that state that I am convinced they will not act
in servile compliance to the dogmas of any set of men but in reforming
their constitution they will adopt the opinions of other men only so far
as they are conformable to their own. The amendments proposed by
the persons who have advised the convention are nothing to the purpose
they may or they may not be proper this is to be determined after the
convention has met no man can take upon himself to say what amend-

The Ruffin Papers. 75

ments will take place in the constitution should the convention meet. I
have no doubt but that there will be many alterations suggested which
are not at this time thought of. But I have said enough on this subject
for the present. I shall therefore take my leave of it and begin to draw
my letter to a close. You accuse me of inconsistency when I affirm that
you may by following my prescription recover your health in the course
of a fortnight. To you who appear to be so callous and insensible to the
captivating charms of the female race so considerable an efiFect produced
from what you would term so inconsiderable a cause may indeed seem
wonderful. But to me it does not bear the smallest mark of incon-
sistency. I do not however in this prescription recommend the ladies
indiscriminately to you. I mean such only as to beauty and personal
accomplishments add the more solid and durable advantages of an
improved and cultivated understanding. It is such ladies as these that
recommend to your acquaintance for as to the fine ladies as they are
termed I hold them in sovereign contempt.

P. S. Your friends in King and Queen were all well the last time I
heard from them as well as those in Essex excepting Mr. Edwin IJpshaw^
who got shot through the thigh in a duel which he fought on Saturday
last with Carter Wood a brother of T. Woods our present representative.

I will thank you to get me some seed of the melon genus if you can
procure any and send me directions at what time and in what manner
they are to be planted as well as a receipt for dressing them.

[Address: Princeton, New Jersey.]

From Sterling Ruffin*

Brunsw'k 11th May 1806.
Your letter to your Mother is at hand which gives us the pleasing
information of your perfect recovery from the late affliction you have
experienced. You do not say whether the vacation has ended, or when
if not, it will — ^you do not say, whether you have chang'd your boarding
house, or whether you still remain a labourer in your Mistress's garden ;
and you never have said whether this garden is in the Town or Country;
these are things we should like to know and would have afforded you the
means of lengthening your letter. I am rather fearfull that subjects
will fail me ere I make this a long letter, for my Mind is never prolific,
and I confess at this time, I feel it less so than usual; and should not
now have taken up my pen, but to gratify the solicitude of your Mother,
added to the forwarding as soon as possible, the $20 calPd for. You
inquire after your friends in King and Queen Ct. at which I am really

iBdward Upshur married Lucy Roane, Ratlin's aunt

76 ThS NoBTH CABOLIlfA HiBTOBICAL COMMISSION.

astonisli'd as your Uncles Tom and John int^ded writing wlien I left
them three weeks ago. Your letters to your Uncle and Grand-Mother
were both reed, and apparently gave great pleasure^ and John ezpress'd
great earnestness^ and promis'd himself great pleasure in corresponding
with you: ere this I think you must certainly have reed their letters.
Your Uncle Tom meant to advise (he said) the Study of the Law. I
think by this time you must have decided on your profession and yet you
have not inform'd us. You inquire where we are to move to. Our next
change in time, will be to Sauratown^ for a part of which, (1000 Acres)
I have just a few days ago concluded a bargain. Let not this distress
you, as I do not propose selling more of my land here, than (1000 Acres
of the quarter plantation) enough to enable me to make good this bar-
gain, which will leave a sufficiency in sweet Virginia for you. A subject
strikes my mind the persuit of which would make this a very long letter,
but as I am not in the humour I will just drop a few hints, and leave it
with you to improve. It is the grand part of Creation, the blessing
given unto Man, a Woman. How is it possible that you can have a
Heart capable of being warm'd with the genial rays of friendship;
expanded with the pleasing sensation of love, and not respect the female
sex. How can you view them as a nuisance, as a pest to Society when
but for Woman you could not have existed, nay, a much more valuable
person, even the great Saviour of fallen man. Is it because tyrannical
custom, added to the bitterness of the Ware [sic] which prohibits their
being educated at Colleges and obtaining classical educations and obtain-
ing diplomas that they are not to be regarded? or is it because they are
really below the notice of a wise man i or what is the reason that your
letters breath nothing but disgust agst. the whole sex.^ Far be it from

iThe following extract from a little diary containing occasional entries by
Ruffin is interesting in connection with his views at the time this letter was
written:

June 9th, 1809 — This day I became a resident of Hillsborough. The motives
for removal are to my mind, urgent in the extreme. Only one rises against it
My Father, tho' not opposing, thinks it will eventuate in my injury. To yon.
Oh Gk>d, I address myself. May that power which has led me thro' life thus
far, still extend its arm of help to my weakness, still watch in aid of my blind-
ness, still cherish and protect thy doubting and trembling servant, I pray! ! !

On Monday the .... day of June, 1809, I mentioned to Anna Kirkland the
tender subject of many weeks and months reflexions. No man who has not
felt, can conceive the hopes and fears, the pains and pleasures of early, first,
and sincere Love. I mean that sensation which results from desire for one
and only one woman, who is worthy of our esteem and can attach to herself
our respect and friendship. With a trembling voice and beating heart I un-
folded to her the secret of my soul. Agitated by a passion as warm as it was
determined, convulsed with a fear of repulse and with conviction of my poverty
preying on my mind, I scarce knew what to ask, scarce cared what should be

the result. — I did oak. On this day, June 1809 » She granted. And I am

happy! She promises to make me happy! She will do it, has done it!

Thomas Ruffht.

Hhjjbbobouoh, December, 1809.

By cash pd. for hat $5. —

By cash pd. for marriage license 2. —

By cash pd. Parson Prather 10. —

Thb Buffin Papebs. 77

me to wish your time spent in Qallantrj with the fair sez^ but I cer-
tainly should be pleased if you were to estimate them as they merit. We
are all well and join in prayer to Heaven to bless the son of Your affct.
Father

[Address : Princeton, New Jersey.]

From Sterling Ruffin.

,, , c Brunswk 7th of June 1805.

My dear Son,

Your three last letters of 17th, 21st, and 23rd. TJlto are now before
me, and in their order I shall answer them. Your first informs me of
your choice of a profession, by which you expect to gain a livlihood,
and no doubt pluck some laurels in your travels through the difiFerent
wildernesses of this worlds pilgrimage, to which you desire my opinion
and advice with respect to the mode of study for the next year. To the
first, i. e. the study of law, I can have no possible objection, if you make
choice of it, as best suited to your taste and talents. It is clearly my
opinion that our avocations should be suited to our gifts, or what would
be pleasurable, will be labourious and irksome.

To the other, i. e. the way in which you are to spend the next year.
I do not feal myself intirely competent to advise; but should suppose
it would be most profitable to begin the study of your profession at once ;
and devote a certain portion of time to history poetry etc. These are
so intimately connected with Law, that no man can be a good barrister
without being a good historian, and in some measure acquainted with the
Muses. Yet I believe it is an invariable rule to unite these studies;
i. e. to form a more intimate acquaintance with the two latter while
you are preparing yourself to exhibit in the former, than you could
possibly do, while in the classics. Under this impression I have written
to Judge Roane^ (who is justly considered one of the greatest Lawyers
in this state) to give you admittance as one of his family : from thence
should we live, you will no doubt go to Wm. and Mary College. There
were no illnatur'd reports circulated against Gholson;^ and the only

iSpencer Roane was the son of William and Judith Ball Roane and was a
first cousin of Ruflln's mother. He was born in Bssex County, Va., April 4,
1762. He studied law under Chancellor Wythe and was immediately success-
ful in practice. Serving a number of times in the legislature of Virginia, he
became a judge of the general court in 1789, and of the court of errors in 1794.
He married a daughter of Patrick Henry. He was Virginia's foremost Jurist
at the opening of the century, and was Jefferson's choice for chief justice of
the Supreme Court of the United States. Diametrically opposed to» Marshall
in political belief, his appointment would probably have profoundly affected
the history of the United States.

^Probably Thomas Oholson, of Brunswick County, member of Congress,
1808-1816.

78 The Nobth CABOuifA Hibtobical Commission.

reason he was not elected was Mclins long standing: there were about
100 Votes between theoL

I was greatly pleas'd at your living with Mrs. Smith, as I well know
the advantages which will result from Female society, if it is enjoy'd
only while at the dining table ; there is a certain ease and agreeableress
in demeanor which never can be attained except from the company of
Females; they can alone make the polish'd Gentleman: do not mistake
me^ I mean not a fop; but he who in all company's can make himself
agreeable, and allways feel himself all things to all People ; sin excepted.
I am much afraid you are some what of a pedant in your opinion of
Women ; remember they are made by a wise Gk>d for wise purposes, and
were given to man as the greatest blessing Heaven could bestow ; remem-
ber allso that they have or had, and yet may have the image of God
stamp'd on them ; remember too that iN'ature has in most instances deah
as bountifully towards them, as to the stronger sex, and that it is now
owing to custom, tyrannical custom that they are generally inferior to
Men in Moral, Civil and Political knowledge and usefullness. In Be-
ligion there are many of them perfect patterns, and worthy to be f olloVd
by the greatest man ; In that sphere then, which they were intended to
move, both by Divine and human laws, they are, and ought, and will be
respected. You say you will never mention this subject to me again, yon
are wrong; nothing is so fatal to error as free discussion, nothing so
enduring between friends, as free interchange of opinions, and surely
none can, or at least ought to be nearer than a Father and Son. I have
no doubt but I entertain many erronious opinions, as well as yourself,
and certainly I have a right to expect by free communication both will
be benefited. You may rely on it, I shall not dispute with you on, or
contradict your opinion of a Dueller ; be he whom he may, he is a pest
to society. I hope not to live to hear of your becoming one, whatever
situation you may be placed in, for none can justify it. Your friend
Mr. Monford did not call on us, it would have given me great pleasure
to have seen him, and render him any service in my power. We and
our Neighbors are generally well. We all join in love.

[Address: l^assau hall, Princeton, New Jersey.]

From Sterling Ruffin,

Bbunsw'k Ist July 1805.
The Lord has been kind and gracious, to your Earthly Father lately;
It has pleas'd him whose wisdom and mercy is as boundless as Etemily,
to afflict this earthly tabernacle in which my Immortal Spirit is in-
velop'd with much pain. I have had, and am just recover'd from a
tolerably severe attack of the Flux ; during the continuance of which, I
felt sore in body, but thanks be to God, I had much peace of mind;

The BuFBiN Papbss. 79

through f aithy I saw a Country where peace and pleasure uninterrupted
reignSy and by Qraee^ I think I had a seat prepared for me there.

Thank Grod, I had some patience under his rod^ which I do believe
was dipt, and chasten'd in Love^ and I humbly hope his gracious purpose
will be answer'd, i. e. I hope it will be the means of making me more
faithful to his Grace, and that I shall live nearer to him, and more to
his glory than I have done before. The more I know of him who is
enthron'd in glory and light inaccessable by mortals, the more I love
him, and the more I wish to know ; for it is well said, ''who that loves
can love enough." My soul is continually hungering for the perfect
image of Christ my Saviour, and I can truly say my son, the more I
have of it the happier I am. Remember Tom, and oh I that it may be
deeply engraved on the tablets of your Heart, ''that without holiness
no man can see the Lord" that is in peace; and be assur'd that this
temper cannot be attained by living to, and for the "World, nor in any
other way than that which is mark'd out by Qod in his holy word.

For your sake and Qods glory I write these things. Oh I my Son, let
not your Father appear in Judgement against you, but from this time
seek an interest in Jesus the friend of Sinners, and live and die happy
in the Lord. Beligion will not interfere with any of the comforts, or
duties, of man below, but greatly highten the enjoyment, and perform-
ance of them; and happy, truly happy is he, who keeps a good con-
science to Qod and Man.

Your two last letters of the same date are safe at hand. If I find it in
my power you shall have a draft to procure the books wanted. I must
leave the manner of your coming intirely to yourself, by water or the
stage. I am glad that you have consulted Mr. George on the subject of
your studies, he is no doubt fully competent to advise, and I hope will
do it. I shall be quite willing to follow his opinion. I have an answer
from Judge Roane, in which he says he would gladly comply with my
request, but there are some particular circumstances which prevent his
taking you.

Should you now, or at any future time commence the study of Law,
I shall endeavour to get you with some person in whose talents I can
eonfide for the first year or two; believing it better than commencing
at Wm. and Mary it will be sufficient to end there. Your prejudices
against private Familys are unfortunate. Do you never mean to asso-
ciate with any but Gentlemen, and that at a tavern t You certainly do
not reflect on the advantages that result from different company, and at
other places, or your eyes would be open'd to your interest.

The longer these sentiments are cherish'd the greater difficulty you
will experience in surmounting them; the less you mix with different
societies, the less quallify'd you will be to fill any important station of
life. We are happy to hear of yr. good health I pray it may continue,
and that you may be thankfuU to the giver of that, and every good gift.
Our friends to the N'orth are well except Lucy, who could not come with

80 The North Cabolika Historical Commission.

Robert in consequence of indisposition. The N. Family are not here, tho'
they promise to be out this fall. May the Father of our Spirits bless
you, and give you Grace and knowledge to serve him in Christ our Lord,
prays Tour aff. Father

[Address: Princeton, N. J.]

From William Oamett

July 12th 1805.
The excuses which I made you for not being more punctual seems as
the saying is to have gone in at one ear and come out at the other. I
find it needless therefore to offer you any more and you must conse-
quently be content to receive my valuable epistles as I have leisure to
write them. But jesting apart you appear to be very much out of spirits
and if I judge of your situation by what my own was while I lived in
Princeton it is not without a cause. The sooner therefore you quit this
modern Sodom and Gomorra the better and when you do set out let it
be by land at all events. You need not be under the smallest appre-
hension about your cash's giving out for if you find yourself in the least
streightened you know where to apply. I shall always be ready and
extremely happy to furnish you with any sum of money or with any
thing else that lies in my power. And the friendship between us is so
cordial that I hope you will never be backward in asking of me anything
that is within the compass of my ability and I am confident that will
always expect me to act in the same unreserved manner towards yourself.
When the commencement draws near if [you] will let me know on what
day you expect to be in Fredericksburg I will meet you there in a gig
and bring [you] down to Essex, for I cannot let you pass so near with-
[out] spending some time with me. You have I find departed from your
intention of studying physic in favor of the law. I approve very much
of your choice as I think your constitution much too delicate to with-
stand the fatigues attached to the duty of a physician. I have myself
some intention of studying one of the above mentioned professions. I
am however as yet in doubt which but I rather believe that I shall decide
in favour of the former. My principal inducement for adopting this
method of gaining a livelihood is the great aversion which I have to the
manner of cultivating our lands in Virginia by slaves. I feel myself
utterly incompetent to the task of manageing them properly. I never
attempt to punish or to have one punished but I am sensible that I am
violating the natural rights of a being who is as much entitled to the
enjoyment of liberty as myself. Under such impressions as these I can
never be happy while I am forced to act in a manner which my con-
science reproaches me for. Such is the all powerful reason which has

Thb Euffin Papers. 81

almost determined me to endeavour to live by the study of a profession
in preference to retaining my farm and undertaking the management of
a set of slaves.

But enough of this stuff for the present. I have more agreeable news
to tell you. Your Aunt Catherine Roane is now in Essex and in good
health. I went down on yesterday to Mr. Archibald Bitchies^ in a car-
riage and brought her Miss Brooke and your cousin Mary Ann Campbell
to Mt. Pleasant — and they intend remaining here for ten or 12 days to
come. I have been very bussy for several days in making preparations
for a barbecue which we are to have on this day week and to which I
am appointed one of the managers being so great ladies man that they
could not do without me.

[P. S.] Mrs. Roane says that they reed a letter from you a short time
ago which took them 2 days to read. I could make the same complaint —
but I believe you are incorrigible in the habit of writing bad.

[Address: Princeton, N. J.]

Alexander M'Caine^ to Sterling Ruffin.

My dear Brother. [FELLSPomx [Md.?] July 19, 1805]

Before you proceed one step towards the reading of this letter (if a
letter it can be called) let me request you to sit down — and exercise
patience in hearing my tale. An apology cannot be rendered for my
silence which would weigh, if I were of sufficient note or of that impor-
tance, that my scrawl would have been of any great service. Such as is
the production of my pen — ^you should Have had it long before to day,
were it not for the press of business that crowd upon me. See a Town
in which there may be about 5 or 6000 Inhabitants, that Town visited
with sickness, in that Town but One Minister and a Roman Priest, that
Minister preaching three or four times in a Week — ^none to Baptize the
children, none to visit the sick — none to marry the living, none to bury
the dead but himself — see him also from 8 oclk in the morning — till 6
in the afternoon engaged in a large school — after school engaged in some
one or other of the above callings. See this man running hither and
thither by Night and by day without any one to assist him in the dis-
charge of these Ministerial duties — without time to read and almost
without time to pray. See this man — and then you will see me. An

iColonel Archibald Ritchie, the first child of Molly Roane and Archibald
Ritchie, married his first cousin, Martha Hipkins Roane, the fifth child of
Colonel Thomas Roane of Newington, and the younger sister of Ruffln's mother.

2No information can be obtained concerning the writer of this letter. Evi-
dently he was a Methodist minister who had been associated with Sterling
Ruffln in Virginia.

82 Thx Nobth Cabouna Hibtobical Commission.

opportunity offering for me to write to Ireland^ I was, I think upwards
of Two weeks in writing one single letter to my Sister, five times I was
at it before I could finish it, the like of which I have not experienced
before — ^yesterday I was oblig'd to stop my school a little to Baptize
some children that were sick and in the afternoon I attended one funeral
and married three Couple between 6 oClk and 9. You will see by these
things I am busy. But are you never tired? may you say. Indeed I
am. Tired — weary — sick of life — Sick — weary — tired of myself on
account of my little Eeligion— of the World — on account of its vanity —
on account of the Friendship of it on account of its instability. Longing
after immorality for its substantial joys — after Heaven for its real
pleasures and permanent Friendships. The 62 Psalm and 9 v. has made
an impression on my mind the whole is seen as I never saw it till of late.

The circumstances which have affected me this year, may have been
hinted to you, if they have not been blaz'd abroad, I mean the treatment
of some of the Virginia Conference to me. That has cool'd the ardor of

my Zeal towards the . I am here now, the wound then inflicted

on my feelings is cicatrized but the scar remains. I have no great
thought of committing myself all my days into the power of any man or
body of men whose favourite principle is a man accused of Maladminis-
tration ought not to be allowed to produce witnesses or speak his own
defence. This is so absurd a doctrine that no body will be found who
will believe it — and so notorious is the fact of its being advanced by
some of our Headmen in Conference that no one can be found who will
deny it. To such a system of policy I enter my most solemn protest —
and with such my honor will never be united. But enough of this !

I thank Qod my dear Br. I have had only one days sickness since I
came to Fellspoint — altho' the weather has been extremely warm and
dry. It is very healthy all things considerd — and should the Lord keep
far from us Sickness it will be matter of Thankfulness and of Joy. You
have understood no doubt that I am engaged in keeping a SchooL I
could not get over it, private or pecuniary considerations were not the
main or moving cause. I have procured an Assistant and have as many
as keep us both pretty busy. Indeed I am so completely trammelled with
my engagements that I know not how I could get them off were I now
calPd from this place.

I have often thought of my Br. Sterling and his Companions perhaps
a day has not

I got on as far as not when the Town Clock struck Eight I was obliged
to drop my pen and run to School — and now about the middle of the
day I resume the subject, and again say perhaps a day had not passed
since I came that I have not thought of you, your family, your Br. Wm.
and his family. I have thought of you — ^yes — and I believe you will
have some of them while I have any at my disposal- — this is all I can
do — and this I think I will do when I am engaged in conversing with
MY FRIEND. Touching anything more — as to a visit to your Ifeigh-

Thb Buffin Papsbs. 83

bourhood or even to Yirga. I am afraid I got too much at the Con. to
visit it again — ^not that I would be afraid to stand before the World in
defence of Truth — ^I mention this to let you know the real motive. With
many of my dear Brethren I am united and to all the rest I wish Peace.

Discharging everything that might raise conjecture I will tell you
that our Dear Doctor Coke has got a dear Penne' he was lately married
in Bradford a Town in England to a Miss Penelope Smith possessed of
a fortune of 30,000 £ Sterllllllll Wonders will never cease. Who
could — ^would — fi^ould — or ought blame a young Man of 30 when the
Old man of 60 puts his head into the Halter. This my dear Br. has
made me a little merry when I heard of it. I dare say it will in the two
Worlds raise many a smile — ^Farewell dear Doctor — Farewell.

To be serious, this paper contains a mixt — a queer collection of mat-
ter, well, forgive everything that is wrong. I did not intend to vn-ite
such a letter when I promised to write to the Ladies — this however is
not for them it is for you To let you know I am alive,

Danl. Hall passed through this City a few days ago. I did not see
him he has advertised his Chair — but whether he sold it or not, I cannot
tell — they say he need not go to Tennessee if he is going to do as the
other Dr. has done. Jesse Lee is gone to the Eastern Shore to a great
Camp Meeting which is to commence the 25 Inst. He has gone largely
into the book making no less than 4000 copies 1 1 when he will return to
Virga is, I believe uncertain.

And now Br. let me close by begging in the MOST SOLEMN manner
an Interest in your prayers. Qive my love to your Companion and
family, Br. Wm and his family — ^Br." Hobbs — Gholson Jr — the Brs;
Saunders's — and to those that may even enquire (if any should enquire)
for your unworthy Br. Alexandbb McCaine.

Fellspoint July 19th 1806.

[Address :
Mr. Sterling Buffin

Gholson's near Gholson's bridge
Brunswick County.
Virginia.]

From Williaan, OametL

August the 7, 1805.
I received from you by the last mail two letters which contained as
usual many complants against me for my want of punctuality. I have
once before informed you that mail arrives at Pittsville on Wednesday
evening and goes up so soon on the following morning that I cannot
possibly answer your letters untill the post after. This excuse I think
sufficiently accounts for my want of punctuality. I shall therefore advert
to other circumstances of which you will probably wish to be informed.

84 Thb Nobth Caboluta Historical Commission.

Your aunt Roane and your cousin Miss Campbell left Mr. Pleasant
before your letters arrived. I could ;iot therefore deliver your message
to them. Our 4th of July was celebrated in a very different manner from
what it was in Princeton. We had a dinner at Tappahannock prepared
by Mr. T. Banks at which there were a number of toasts drank but we
had no oration. The night after the dinner we had a ball at which there
were a number of handsome girls. I know of no other circumstance
whidi occurred on that night worth relating. You have therefore re-
ceived a full account of all our proceedings on that important day^ and
I have no doubt but you will think us a shabby set of rascals. I shall not
however attempt to make any excuse for our conduct but submit our-
selves entirely to your mercy. I am now writing in room so full of noise
that I find it impossible to continue my letter I must therfor beg that
you will excuse the shortness of this letter and believe me to be Your
affectionate friend

[P. S.] You have I fancy forgotten to procure me the seed of the
melon genus and the receipt for dressing them which I request you to
send me some time ago. I shall write you a long letter by the next post

[Address : Princeton, New Jersey.]

From Robert Ruffin}

Floweb Garden Augst 8, 1805.
It will do well enough ha : ha : ha you ask'd if I would have resolution
enough to read your letter to the end if I have I am sound soul and body
this is an unfair way of Judging what would you expect of a child who
was put to reading before he knows his letters can you judge of his abili-
ties from that^ suppose he cannot read you will then abandon him from
your doctoring for I assure you this is a case to [illegible] you had as
well have wrote in greak or hebrew as to have made those caractors I
assure you there is but one person in this part of the world who can read
it and that is your father to whom I had to apply for a translation.
You desired that I would give you an account of the fourth of July in
Brunswick which I should have done had it been conducted even toler-
ably well but knowing it must be insippid to one who had seen anything
like what you gave me an account of I will say nothing about it more
than that Gholson was our president and Stith was Vice; Your Father
gave me 15$ and told me to enclose it in my letter said he you may inform
the boy so much for July; Uncle John Roane desired me to get from
you an account of the proceedings and the different studies at Nassau
Hall. I suppose he wishes to keep up the same rules and regulations

iRobert Ruffin was a first cousin of Thomas Ruffln.

The Buffin Papebs. 85

at the academy and King William; there is a great preparation for a
camp meeting which will take place the day week it is supposed there
will be more people than was ever at one in this part of the world. We
are all well except your mother who is frequently complaining of the
swimming in the head but under daily expectation of the mumps break-
ing out in the family I was down with your father at Petersburg where
I caught it and it broke out after I got home; I saw the doctor yesterday
he desired me to give his compliments to you.
[Address :
Citizen Thos. C. Ruffin
Kassau Hall
Princeton.]

From Muscoe Oamett.

August 9th, 1805.
Be assured that however deficient I may have been in demonstrating
my friendship towards you it has not proceeded from any real want of
it, on the contrary instead of diminishing as you seem to think, it has
done, I can say with truth that it daily augments. What excuse can I
then make for my long silence? No other than that of an incorrigible
indolence, which although you have so severely commented on I am
forced to plead to avoid a suspicion much more alarming to my feelings,
which is that of a deficiency in friendship. But as you are so great an
adept in the study of the human heart, I think from our long acquaint-
ance that you might have known mine better than to have suspected
that my silence proceeded from any such cause. I expect your return
with the greatest impatience, but I cannot say with certainty whether or
not we can spare sufficient time from our studies to accompany you to
Brunswick as we shall be at that time very busily occupied in the study
of the French language, and several sciences. It is with the greatest
difficulty that I can force myself to write, indeed so great is my aversion
to it that my correspondents are perpetually rebuking me for my neglect,
and I can assure you that you may always look upon a letter from me
as a strong mark of my friendship for as every action of our lives is the
result of the prevailing motive I say that for any incentive to be at any
time sufficiently strong to overcome that innate slugishness in me as you
are pleased to call it, is a proof of the strength of my friendship. It
hegins to grow very late and it is time to conclude for there is such a
noise in the house I scarcely know what I write, but luckily we have
no political subject to discuss as you and William always have, and I
am no preacher as you are for I can scarcely call this letter of yours
anything but a moral lecture on Indolence and if you go on to improve
in proportion as your commencement promised I do not doubt that you

86 Thb North Cabolina Histobical Commission.

will in time rival Doctor Blaire himself. I have twice hurried on
farther than I intended and will now conclude with assuring you of the
continuance of my friendship.

[Address: Princeton, New Jersey.]

From Sterling Ruffin.

Bbunsw'k 12th Augst. 1805.

Your letters of the 27th and 30th TJlto are both at hand, the first of
which I shall attend to in this letter; the other affording important
matter for a seperate one, if I find time and inclination to write, before
your return; or a conversation when we meet, that I hope will be edify-
ing to at least one, if not both. Let me only in the mean time again
request in the most solemn manner an interest in those prayers which I
trust you put up to a throne of Grace. Let me hope that at, or about
Sun rising and setting you will present your Father etc. to an Almighty
and all mercyfull Creator, and implore his pardon and blessings on
them, as a part of them will endeavour to Remember you when they are
pouring out their souls to Him. Prayer is certainly food for the soul,
and it cannot be kept alive without much of it. Oh I then my Son
intreat the Father of mercies to give you and us praying Hearts. Your
Cousin Bobert wrote you a few days ago when I inclos'd $15. I herewith
send $140 making the sum required. If you have reed. Hills draft you
may make use of it in procuring books (among which I wish you to
get me Cowpers Poems) and I will pay him. This sum $200 besides
your furniture and such books as you will dispose of (and which cost
you a good sum) is more than I calculated you would want, and nothing
short of the assistance of a friend has enabled me to send it at this time.

Alltho' I am anxious to see you, and your departure from Princeton
immediately after the examination would hasten the time of our meeting*
I can by no means consent to your leaving it sooner than commencement
without the approbation of Doer. Smith. It would hurt me extremely
if you were to come off contrary to the regulations of the Institution,
by which your good name would be sullied. If then, you cannot make
your arraingements with his entire consent, and come away with credit
to yourself, you miLst stay until you get your parchment. You may say
to Doer. Smith if he has no particular objection I wish you to leave
Princeton as early after the examinations as possible. If you are in
Richmond between the 20th and 25th of Septr. you will more than
probable meet with me at the Bell.^ We are all well except your Mother

lA well-known tavern in Richmond.

The Buffin Papxbs. 87

who has been latterly afflicted with her old complaint. You should be
particular in forwarding your trunks; and as you leave liTassau hall,
perhaps forever^ you should dispose of such things as you do not bring off.
[Address:
Nassau-hall,
Princeton,
New Jersey.]

From William Oamett.

[Essex County, Va.] August 29th 1806.
I have this moment received a letter from you but in consequence of
the post office at Pittsville being this day put down I am obliged to send
my letter to Laytons which I am fearful will prevent you from receiving
it in time. You wiU however have sufficient leasure between this and
the 20th of September to let me know the result of your application to
Dr. Smith for permission to quit Princeton before the commencement
takes place. If you will let me know at what time you expect to be in
Fredericksburgh I will certainly meet you there in gig, if I can procure
one which I think is a very doubtful matter as neither myself nor any
of my neighbours are rich enough to burthen ourselves with so uimecea-
sary an expence. But should I not be able to procure a gig you can
easily get one by applying to one of the tavern keepers in Fredericks-
burg. It is however needless to say more on the subject as we can
arrange all matters when we meet which I hope will not long. I find
by some observation of yours in the letters before the which I received
from you that you have entirely misunderstood the remarks which I
made some time ago respecting the condition of our slaves. I do not by
any means think that it would be politic in us to emancipate them in
their state. On the contrary I conceive that should such an event take
place the evil done to themselves as well as to society in general would
be incalculable. Nor do I think there can possibly exist a greater evil
than that of partially emancipating our slaves. Besides the injury
which you do to the community at large by turning loose upon them a
set of men brought up as our negroes generally are you render those
who are still retained in slavery much more discontented with their
situation than they otherwise would be. And if you take all things into
consideration you will find that the slaves themselves who are emanci-
pated in this way are not in the smallest degree benefitted by it as they
commonly act in such a manner as bring themselves under the correction
of the law. No my plan was not to free my slaves but to dispose of them
to some person who I would be assured would treat them well and
thereby rid myself of the painful task of keeping them under proper

88 The Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

discipline. This plan I think^ I shall still adhere to unless the task of
manageing them [is] much more agreeable than I expect it is.
[Address : Princeton, New Jersey.]

Praesea et Curatores Collegii Neo-Caesariensis.

Ommbua et singulis has literas lecturis

Salutem in Domino.

Notum sit quod nobis placet, auctoritate publico diplomate Praesidi
et Curatoribus hujusce institutionis coUata, Thomas C. Ruffin juvenem
ingenuum, moribus inculpatum, literasque humanioribus imbutum, ex-
aminatione in artibus coram f acultate collegii imprimis habita, titulo,
graduque Artium Bacalaurei adornare.

Cujus haic membrana, sigillo collegii nostri rata, nominaque nostra
subscripta, testimonio sint.
Datum Aulae — ^Nassoyicae

Sexto Kalendas Octobris
Anno Domini Millesimo Octingentesimo quinto.

Saml. Smith Pbaeses
Joseph Bloomfield^
Joannes Bayabd^

ElISHA BoUDINOT* \ r^ a

A rL 4 / Curatores,

Ashbel Gbebn^

J. B. Smith*^

Ira Condict*

ISAACUS SnOWDEN'^

From William, Oamett.

September 27th, 1806.
You will no doubt be surprised to learn that I was very much disap-
pointed at receiving a letter from you a few days since. But as para-

ijoseph Bloomfield, trustee of Princeton, 1793-1801. He signed this diploma
as governor of New Jersey.

2John Bayard, trustee of Princeton, 1778-1807.

SElisha Boudinot, trustee of Princeton, 1802-1819.

^Ashbel Green, professor at Princeton, 1785-1787; trustee, 1790-1812; presi-
dent, 1812-1822.

GJames Bayard Smith, trustee of Princeton, 1779-1807.

6lra Condict, president of Rutgers College, and a trustee of Princeton,
1804-1809.

TIsaac Snowden, treasurer of Princeton, 1782-1808.

The Ruffin Papebs. 89

doxical as thiB may seem^ to you it is nevertheless a fact. To hear that
you had been so near me without my having the least intimation of it
was indeed a disappointment and more especially as you have all along
fed me up with the hopes of seeing you this fall. It is true that you
endeavour in some measure to palliate your conduct but I really think
your excuse appears to be rather a lame one. If you were afraid of
being sick could we not have taken as much care of you here as they
could at home no the truth of the matter was you were too impatient
to see your relations in Brunswick. You therefore stand without any
other excuse whatever and you can only make up for your non perform-
ance of promise by inmiediately complying with the one which you last
made me of coming to see me as soon as you could possibly leave home.
This I am the more anxious for you to do as I have several very im-
portant subjects which I wish to discuss with you and which I cannot
so well do by letter as by a personal communication. Some of these
points we have already partially discussed whilst you were a resident
of Nassau Hall but there are others which I wish to advise with you
upon that relate wholly to myself and are to me of the last importance.
Calculating certainly upon seeing you shortly I shall defer saying more
on this subject untill I can have by a personal appearance a better
opportunity of explaining myself. I am at present busily engaged in
the pursuit of my studies however I cannot say as I am learning nothing
but the f rench language. This leads me to speak of a man in whom I
have been more deceived that ever I was before in my life. From the
great character under which Doctor Haller entered our family I had
calculated upon his being to me an invaluable acquisition. His great
reputation for talents information and integrity had prepossed me more
strongly in his favour than any stranger that I had ever seen in my life.

You may judge therefore how great has been my disappointment
when I tell you that I have found him entirely destitute of the first two
requisites and I have many strong reasons to believe him to be also in a
great measure destitute of the last. Of this I shall^ however say no more
untill I see you and shall only observe that at present neither Muscoe
nor myself are upon speaking terms with him. Muscoe is just recovering
from a spell of sickness which has for some time past confined him to
his bed or he would otherwise have written to you. We have had for
some time past a sick family two of my brothers are just getting well
of the fall fever and I have a brother and a sister now confined to their
beds with it. I am in fact the only one who can be said to have entirely
escaped from sickness this fall. Adieu.

P. S. I wrote you at Princeton, since your return home as I did not
get the letter which you left for me at Fredbg in some time after it was
written and I should not then have gotten it but Mr. Potts happened
there by accident and brought it down. Let me know when I shall
expect you.

90 Thb Nobth Cabolika Historical Commission.

Our jockey club races in tliis neighbourhood took place a few dajs
ago at which I saw Tom Boane John and archibald Ritchie they were
all well, and spent a day with us before they returned home from the
races.

[Address :
Harris Post Office
Brunswick
Virginia.]

From George Hairaton}

^ -, . - Richmond Oct. 2nd 1805.

JJr, rnend

Yours from Petersburg I had the satisfaction to receive at [torn]
gave me great pleasure to hear of your safe arrival. I have complied
with your request in not neglecting your Diploma, and left it where
you desired. The reason of my not putting an Adelphic ribbon to it
you, I suppose, have heard. I was sorry to hear of the proceedings of
that Society, with regard to you, but I do not know why I should be,
because nothing in my opinion is more ridiculous than that of expelling
a man from a thing which no longer exists and that too without giving
him a hearing or even information of the business previous to their
determination. Their conduct in this instance has been considered to
be curious and contemptible. I suppose they found themselves fast sink-
ing into oblivion and in order to prevent tixe members of College from
forgetting that there was such a boddy, they proceeded to this unaccount-
able conduct, preferring to be remembered with disgrace, rather than
to be sunk into the gulf of forgetfulness. The ribbon on your Diploma
is the same kind with the others who were not members of either of the
Societies.

Nothing very particular occurred on the day of commencement, the
speakers delivered their orations rather better than usual. The remark-
ably numerous audience appeared to inspire them with oratorical fira
I left Princeton on thursday night and arrived here last evening in
company with Messrs. Penn,^ Brice'^ [torn] I could not have supposed
that parting with Friends would have been so affecting as I found it
to be, in spite of me, I could not avoid shewing my weakness. I would

lOeorge Hairston, of Virginia, a student at Princeton who failed to receive
his degree in 1805 because of hie not having studied Greek, but who did
receive a special diploma for the rest of his work. He was without doubt a
member of the Hairston family which later settled at Sauratown in North
Carolina.

2Robert C. Penn, of Richmond, Va., who remained at Princeton until May,
1807, when, just before his graduation, he was dismissed for rebellion.

sProbably Archibald Bryce, of Richmond, Va., a member of the Sophomore
class at Princeton, admitted in 1805, who never graduated.

The Buffin Papers. 91

not undergo such an other [torn] no considerations whatever. I am
just now hurrying off to the Fair ground. You wiU therefore excuse
me for scribbling off these few lines in such a bungling and careless
manner. If you can make out to understand it^ I shall be agreeably
disappointed. I shall tomorrow proceed on my way home where I will
be happy to hear from you at any time etc.

[Address: Harris post office Brunswick Cty^ Ya.]

From J. Beynolds,^

-. ^ ^ Princeton Novr. 20th 1805.

Dear Muffin

I have delayed answering your letter a few days till I would complete
your business with Mr. Robinson^ and be able to give a full account of
it to you. I will pay Robinson to night : as certain as death : and the
reason why I could not sooner^ is because leaving home two weeks before
college commenced^ I did not bring money with me : but had it forwarded
to me at this place after I came. Pollard* has no money he says at
present but will be able to discharge his quota immediately— John Blair^
has paid his part, or had money and intended to pay it. Since I wrote
the above line I have enquired and found that neither of them have
discharged their several accounts. I urged Pollard strongly : he declared
to discharge it invmediately. It would be best for you^ Sir to write to
Pollard or Blair. I know well that they are dilatory, and that my words
have not as much force as yours. I am sorry indeed that I have it not
in my power to send you a satisfactory account of this affair — with
respect to myself, you may be assured of promptness in the performance
of my part of the business, probably when you next receive a letter from
me, I will have the pleasure writing a more account of it.

Your departure from College without taking leave of me needs no
apology: I am no advocate for forms and ceremonies — I am told that
some time before your departure, you renewed your acquaintance with
Robt: Green.' I was surprised when it was mentioned to me: and no
way displeased at your condescension.

Our college is very much crowded by the new students who have
entered this fall, I believe the number is nearly 200 Every room in Col-

iJohn Resmolds, of Shippensburg, Pa., a non-graduate member of the class
of 1806.

2pTobably Jonathan Robinson, of Philadelphia, a non-graduate member of
the class of 1807.

SRobert Pollard, of Richmond, Va., a non-graduate member of the class
of 1807.

4John H. Blair, of the class of 1806.

SRobert Stockton Green, of the class of 1805; A.M., 1809; died, 1813.

92 Thb Kobth Cabolhta Hibtoeical Commission.

lege has its complement^ and a large number board in town. I am afraid
that our Society will be very much crowded, as a great number will
apply and few can be refused.

You probably have been informed by Belnap^ or Cuthbert* that your
brother adelphians have with the firmness of popes excommunicated
you from their august bodies. Indeed it seems strange that a Society
would expel a worthy member, when the next momenl it had in con-
templation, a dissolution of itself. I heard that the cause of your ex-
pulsion, was the divulging of some secrets, one of which was that ^'the
society was to be dissolved at Commencement and that the records were
to be burnt. You yourself, know best the cause, and I will leave you
to think for yourself.

It was my opinion that a new society would be formed this winter.
I hardly think that it will be the Case at present — the number of Stu-
dents so little exceeds the number of which the College has for some time
consisted that the formation of a new society will hardly be attempted.
You recollect I informed you of the intentions of some students together
with myself — to establish a third Society: the business has fallen
through — for my part think too much trouble would devolve on me if I
attempted to carry it into execution with a few others. There would
be great expense, and trouble for a few to carry it into effect. I hope
to see the time, and I hope it will be soon, when we can again call you
Whig. I then with some caution will lay before you the state of Society.
I am of opinion that the College will never consist of many more students
than it does at present. So many institutions have been lately estab-
lished in the several states that, after some time this college will be con-
fined nearly altogether to the education of the Youth of N. Jersey —
the Jerseymen are pouring in like like the northern invaders upon the
Roman Empire — % of the present number are all Jersey men.

The Seniors are reciting Catoprics in Helsham* — I. M. is far the best
scholar, will take the first honour

Write again soon inform me of every thing.

Mr. T. R.

[Address : Harris's, Brunswick, Virginia.]

iHezekiah Belknap, of the class of 1805; A.M., 1808; tutor, 1806-1807;
librarian, 1807-1809; member of the New York assembly, 1814. Died, 1824.

2John Alfred Cuthbert, 1788-1881, class of 1805. Lawyer, member of the
Georgia legislature for many years, captain in the War of 1812, member of
Congress from 1819 to 1821. federal commiseioner to treat with the Creeks
and the Cherokees, 1829; editor of the Federal Union, 1831 to 1837. In the
latter year he moved to Mobile where he became a county judge in 1840 and a
circuit Judge in 1852.

81 am unable to identify the classic mentioned. This was probably a local
slang equiyalent.

The Buffin Papbbs. 93

From William Oamett.

December 17th 1805.

If 7011 are a man of your word this letter cannot reach you before you
set out for Essex. But for fear that this should not be the case I have
thought proper to answer the epistle which I received from you by the
last mail. You mention matter which you wrote me some time ago^ but
which I have never yet received. You may therefore judge that I
have had sufficient reason to conclude that you were either dead or that
some dreadful catastrophe had bef ailed you. Your letter however has
cleared up my doubts as to your non entity and soundness of body but
the cause of your long silence still remains unexplained. I shall not
however urge you farther on this subject but leave you to make such
conmients upon it as your own reflection will suggest. I believe that I
shall conmience the study of the law after Christmas but I do not well
know how to give up medicine a Doctor having always been a favourite
profession with me.

My view in studying the law if I determine so to do will be to gain
a subsistence.

You will no doubt be surprised to hear a man who is in possession of
a tolerable good tract of land and negroes enough to work it talk in this
strain. But it is nevertheless a fact that my sole object in studying the
law is to gain a livelihood. I dislike the present system of cultivation
in Virginia so much that I think the situation of the master but little
preferable to that of the slave. Under the influence of these impression
I do not think it likely that I shall long retain my farm when I arrive
at an age which will quallify me to dispose of it. And should this happen
which I think there is every probability of its doing I shall then need
a profession for my support. I shall I suppose see you in a few days
and I can then enter more largely into my views to say more at present
would therefore be superfluous.

ESSEX^ YlBGINIA.

[Address :
Harris Post office^
Brunswick,

Virginia]

From J, Reynolds.

^ J , 3 Princeton Deer. 20th 1805.

Dear fnend.

Your letter afforded me much pleasure ; I neither regard the postage

or any trouble which I may have in receiving the letters or doing any

business for a particular friend. I do not mean by these words that I

94 The North Cabouka Historical Commission.

ever experienced any trouble in transacting any business relating to yon.
I agree with you on your eulogy of Friendship. It is a sacred tie : which
binds mortals together. Unhappy must be the man for whom there is
no ''eye to pity or hand to save." The greatest pleasure that has been
ever mingled with my cup of sorrow has arisen from the sympathetic
affectionate kindness of my friends. No person (Bver needed more con-
solation from their fellow mortals than myself. Even this moment were
I not conscious that I have friends^ who watch with an anxious eye,
my unhappy state of mind and body^ my evil genius might hurry me
imperceptibly to the commission of some rash action. — I have let the
pen very foolishly glide along without heeding what it writes. — ^You
must know that I at present labour under a scourging disease, which
will force me to leave College in a few days. I have resolved to take a
dismission from College and go to Philadelphia. You may be anxious
to know, what is the nature of the disease. I never informed any person
but an intimate friend. You however shall know it. I always thought
that the mention of it involved a point of delicacy and therefore I tell
no person. But there is no shame attached to the discovery of the
disease. If you consult any system of Surgery you will find a disorder
called Hernia. Certainly it is one of the most afflicting diseases that
the constitution of man is liable to. I shall be in the city on the 26 of
Deer. It is my intention to put myself under the care of some eminent
physician at that place, whose skill in surgery may promise a speedy
cure. (I doubtless shall leave College and never return again.) The' I
value somewhat a regular degree; yet when my health is put in com-
petition with a nominal honor you know what choice is preferable. Most
probably I shall immediately commence the practice of Physic; if I
receive a successful cure. The operation will be somewhat dangerous,
but I am prepared for the consequences death : or life, tho' I hope that the
first will never happen.

*******

I do not wish you to write me for some time as I am not certain where
I will reside. I will inform you by Letter from Pha. what may be the
result of my disorder.

I shall all ways esteem Ruffin as one of my best friends in life — ^and
shall anxiously look forward to the day when I shall have better oppor-
tunities of perpetuating a friendship, which if it be as pure as it is at
present will only terminate with my existence.

[P. S.] Ritchie sends the Enquirer yet: I only took it for one half
year.

[Address :
Westward Mill
Brunswick
Virginia.]

Thb Buffin Papess. 95

From J. Reynolds.

^ -, - Philadelphia Jany. 18th, 1806.

Dear Buffin

I have been in this city 3 weeks under the care of Drs. Physick^ and
Wifltar* — they have given me a very favourable opinion of my disorder
in consequence of which I will leave town in a few days. Whether I
ever shall return to College again, depends upon circumstances. My ill
health would prevent me from going to Princeton before spring at least,
and I have partly concluded to begin the study of Medicine.

The faculty would be unwilling to receive me after being absent so
long a time as four months and rather than being forced to stay at Col-
lege another year, I'll drop the notion of taking a degree at Princeton
College. I do not value a nominal degree: Among Bepublicans where
equality is the favoured principle and monopoly of any kind is dis-
carded by an intelligent people the pompous title of A.B. will have little
efFect, when a man is to rise by his own intrinsic merit. It shall be the
business of my whole life to investigate all the mysteries of science : and
fleeing that I have some rudiments of taste implanted in my mind by an
accademical education, I may be nabled to pursue them to a favourable
issue. A degree certainly is of use to a man in the literary world, in
the profession which he intends to pursue. If I study medicine, no
doubt the degree of M.D. will be conferred upon me. Of the three pro-
fessions that of Medicine will suit me best. There are bad prospects for
Lawyer in the state of Pennsylvania. The spirit of litigation will in
time cease throughout the IJ. States : instead of contentious strife which
is the consequent of party spirit, and of the demoniacal effects of jacob-
inism, universal harmony and order will arise.

I intend to read much in the course of this winter if my health permits,
and prepare myself for the study of Physic. I will write to the faculty
and if they be unwilling to receive me in Spring, I will immediately
commence study. I hope you will write to me at Shippensburg give me
an account of every important occurrence in your sphere since I seen you.

The Students of Princeton did not pass over Christmas without show-
ing something of their antient infatuation — ^Drunkeness, a monstrous
practice, was common thro' College. Little William Hamilton* of No.
Carolina has been suspended for impertinence to Thompson.* Neile®
is married, and gone from Princeton. Belnap is reading Law. John

iPhilip Syng Physlck, 176S-1835, the "Father of American Surgery.'

^Caspar Wlstar, 1761-1818, a noted surgeon who succeeded Jefferson as
president of the American Philosophical Society. The vine, wistaria, is named
for him.

swilliam Hamilton, of Elizabeth City, N. C, a member of the class of 1808.

^William Thompson, professor of languages, 1802-1808.

5WliIlam Nelll, of Pennsylvania, 1778-1860; A.B., 1803; tutor, 1803-1805;
moderator, Presbyterian General Assembly, 1815; president, Dickinson Col-
lege, 1824-1829; editor and writer.

96 The North Carolina Historical Commission.

Scott^ is reading at Dr. Smiths. I. Smith^ and Barton^ are studying
medicine in Philadelphia. The Whig Socy. contains 80 members^ and
Old Morford is much of a rascal yet. Walker^ is one of the best scholars
in the Senior class^ and has exceeded the expectations of all — ^he will
have the third or fourth honour.

I have been amusing myself in this City for 8 weeks.

T. C. Ruffin.

[Address :
Westward Mills
Brunswick^ Virginia.]

Prom Oeorge Hairston.

PiTTSLVANiA CrTY [Va.] Fcby 2nd, 1806.

I am afraid you have before this concluded that warm friendship
cannot' dwell in the breast of one, who has delayed answering your agree-
able letter for so great a lenght of time, but believe me my dear friend
it has been much less owing to inclination than to unavoidable circum-
stances; to detail which would be useless to your generous and unsus-
pecting heart ; and would only trouble you with excuses, which I know
you judge to be useless.

I have often conversed with my friends at Princeton and ihey per-
fectly agreed with me, with regard to the tyranical and unprecedented
conduct of the Adelphians to you. I suppose it must have been the
expiring struggles of ambition which had no other channel through
which to give itself vent. It was no less useless than absurd. It could
not possibly have been productive of any good consequences whatever;
for that was the last groan of the institution and I suppose it has almost
sunk into oblivion. As it could have proceeded from nothing but enmity

iJohn Morln Scott, A.B. Princeton, 1806, was a lieutenant In the War of
1812; member of the legislature of Pennsylvania, 1816-1817; member of the
constitutional convention of 1836; mayor of Philadelphia, 1841-1843. He died
In 1858.

sisaac Ambrose Smith, A.B. 1805, of Prince Edward County, Virginia; M.D.
University of Pennsylvania, 1808; later of Louisiana.

swilllam Barton, of Philadelphia, 1786-1856; graduated from Princeton
in the class of 1805. He received the degree of M.D. from Pennsylvania in
1808. While a student, following the example of the majority of his class who
assumed names, he added Paul Crillon to his name. He was a surgeon in the
United States Navy from 1809 to 1866, but was during that time (1816-1828)
professor of botany at the University of Pennsylvania, and professor of materia
medica and botany at Jefferson Medical College (1828-1830). He was a very
prolific author.

4John Williams Walker, of Virginia, 1783-1823, a member of the claas of
1806. He moved to Alabama where he became a very prominent lawyer, and
after several terms in the legislature was elected United States Senator in
1819 and served until 1822 when he resigned.

The Buffin Papebs. 97

I am in hopes you treat it with deserved contempt and I will spend not
another thought about it. Writing one letter to the members was of
more trouble than it merited.

Little did I expect, when we parted at Princeton to have the happi-
ness of having you or any other of my Princeton friends neighbors of
mine. This gives me incouragement to hope that the hand of providence
will send more of our old class mates to become neighbors of ours. Do
not take me to be like a miser the more money he gets the less he enjoys
what stock he has and is so craving after wealth that he becomes miser-
able and a useless member of society. But on the contrary and if we
should have but few neighbors we must make up the deficiency by fre-
quent visits. You see my dear friend I already count you a visitant
diough you speak so indeffinately of the time of your fathers moving,
that I am some time afraid so pleasing an expectation will be frustrated.
Must however trust in providence, qui gubernat omnia. Instead of 50
miles it cannot be over 20 from where I expect to reside.

I suppose you will be a little surprised to hear that I am a going to
become a person of business. Instead of that peaceful retirement which
I promised myself after my return home, have engaged in the laborious
study of the Law. What produced this change I can hardly tell you.
I must confess vanity had a little share in it, I can't say fame because
I never expect to be immortalised by my oratory but merely to be raised
above the grovelling multitude and to be of some benefit to my acquaint-
ances. In order to persue my studies with the greatest advantage I have
put myself under the instruction of Christopher Clark^ who is now in
Congress. Write me soon what time in the Spring you intend up in
Henry and if possible I will be at home about that time. However if
I am not there ''Old Bob" will ; so that I am in hopes that you will not
decline going on account of the uncertainty of my being at home. I
understand two or three of your neighbors are about settling upon the
same body of Land also, if any of them should come to see their intended
residence with you. I shall be very happy to see them with you at my
Fathers. I have had several letters from Princeton, no disturbance
there this Christmas. Ronolds from Bichmond is sent off. Mrs. Maddi-
son, Mr. Striker^ and his daughter Ca. have departed this life since we
left there. But those things I suppose you have heard.

Happiness attend you and believe me to be yours etc.

[Address :
Westward Mill

Brunswick County.]

iChristopher Clark» 1767-1828, of Albemarle County. He was several times
a member of the legislature, and was elected to Congress In 1803 and served
ontll 1806 when he resigned.

2Danlel P. Stryker, of New Jersey, a member of the class of 1804.

98 The North Oabolina Historical Commissioit.

From Jane Harding}

Pbtbbsbubo 24 February 1806.
What appology, What atlionement, shall I make for neglecting to
answer your letter so long. No doubt you have f ormd, a thousand con-
jectures about it. I plead guilty and must throw myself on your good
nature for forgiveness and What ever pennance you chuse, to inflict I
am determined, to submit without a murmur, but let me beg of you not
to be too severe, a propos of pennances I have seated myself with a
determination to answer your letter not to make appologies, yet I know
not how to begin, here I have been sitting this half hour, studying a
few words and my head is so thick and conf us'd, that I find it impos-
sible, to fix upon one that will please me. I must throw that idea aside
and begin with the flattery you intended for me, but I am determined
not to believe that you are capable of flattering, you are not yet in pos-
session of that fine accomplishment. I have no doubt you intend to
make it one of your studys if you wish to please the Ladys, according
to Chesterfields notions, for he says the Least attention please them the
greatest charm and flattery no matter how gross is greedily swallowed.
I do not agree with him there I cannot admit the idea that a very u^y
woman can be pleased with what she knows not to be her due. A hand-
some person, such as your Brunswick Belle might expect and no doubt
gets a sufficient quantity. You do great honour in allowing me to fill
Minerva's place in the Epistolary way, and I promise to be better
pleas'd with your letters than you can be with mine, for there is no
possibility of your being edified by such Letters as I shall write yon
but there is a possibility of my receiving the greatest instruction from
yours. Perhaps you will observe that we do not write for edification
or instruction but for amusement. I admit it and even for amusement
my Letters must be dull, and insipid. I hope you will not think I am
repeating all, this for another mouthful of flattery. No I am shure yon
will not, for I am certain, at least I hope as a Brother you will not think
so meanly of me. I would write you all the news if I had any worth
relating, for I am shure you will not be pleasd with the silly chit chat
of the town or village we live in. I shall leave that out and inform you
of a very agreeable party I was in at Parson Harritsons. there was a
very handsome Collection of boath Ladys and gentlemen our famns
Paris Beau doctor Holms was there, I think the title of formal much
more applicable than Holms — therefore doctor formal at your service,
he appears to have study'd the graces but not sufficient to divest himself
of a stif and formal way he has acquir'd perhaps a little practise will
make him perfect. I do not mean to be satyrical and if I have gone too
far I beg his pardon, need I appologise for the lenth of my letter I fear

II am unable to locate the writer of this letter.

The Ruffin Fapbbs. 99

I liave tiard you with my nonsence, you must forgive me as I cannot
have the pleasure of conversing with you, we are seperated it is true but
I hope you will make up the deficiency by writing often and not weight
for an answer to every letter. I hope you are above such Ceremony. I
heard Bobert Buffin was in town last week he thought proper not to call.
I intended to have sent some things out by him that Minerva left here.
I shall scratch him intirely off my Books. Mrs. Jeffrs sends her Love
to you and intends to send you a kiss on the oather side of this letter
take good care of it and prise it for I expect you do not often have kiss's
sent you so far. Present my love to your Fathers family and accept
the same from your sister Jane Habdino.

When we dwell on the lips of the lad we adore.

Not a pleasure in nature is missing;
May his soul be in heaven, he deservs it I am share,

Who was first the inventor of kissing.

— M, JeffrB,

Patsey, I take your verses and yonr kiss,

Snch goodly offers I can ne'er refuse;
My soul desires to reciprocate by this

And dedicate to you the products of its muse.i

[Address:
Harris's Post Office
Brunswick.]

Prom WiUiam Oarnett.

18th March 1806.
1 have this instant received a letter from you by a private opportunity
from Tappahannock couched in the most bitter terms of complaint
against me for my remissness in writing to you. In reply to the allega-
tions which you have made I can assure you that I have not only
answered all the letters which I have received from you but have written
many which you have never acknowledged the receipt of. This I have
in a great measure attributed to the irregularity of the mail as all the
letters which^ I have received from you since your return to Brunswick
have been lodged in Tappahannock and as I but seldom go there they
have in many instances remained for months in the office before I knew
of their being there. Having said thus much by way of exonerating
myself from so heinous a charge as that of a dereliction from friendship
I must request that you will hereafter give the post master a particular
injunction to direct your letters to Laytons instead of Tappahannock
as he has heretofore done. This being done I can assure you that there
shall never be an interruption to our correspondence at least as far as

iThls is written in a differenit hand from the rest, and strongly resembles ^

that of Rnflln as it was at that time.

-. 1^ .V

100 The Nobth Carolina Historical Commission.

it lies in my power. Your assurances of friendship were quite needless
as I never once in mj life had the smallest doubt of your r^ard and I
solemnly aver that my attachment to you so far from being weakened by
our long seperation is if anything stronger than it ever was before. But
as I am well convinced that you have every reason to place an entire
confidence in my friendship I will urge this subject no further. You
have requested to be informed of the place which I at this time call my
home^ of my present employment and of the plans which I have formed
with regard to my future destination in life. To the first of your queries
I reply by informing you that I still continue to be a resident of Mount
Pleasant and shall in all probability continue to be so for many years to
come. I employ myself at this time principally in attending to my farm
and in prosecuting a course of history which I commenced this winter
and which I hope to conclude sometime in the course of the next. I shall
then if I do not alter my determination commence the study of the law,
not as a profession merely but as a science from which I may derive
amusement and information as well as profit. Having thus given you a
full account of my present and future plans of opperation I shall cal-
culate upon receiving the same information from you in your reply to
this epistle. But apropos what goddess is this who has so completely
overturned your stoicism and obliterated from your memory those many
wise and prudent maxims which I have so often heard you repeat upon
the subject of matrimony. I had hitherto believed you invulnerable to
the darts of Cupid but I find that you can no longer boast of being
shielded by the impenetrable aegis of Minerva. Poor fellow I sincerely
commiserate your situation and can only advise you to enlist all your
philosophy to your aid if your case is a desperate one. My unfortunate
brother Muscoe has very lately been in the same dilema with yoursdf
but his Dulcinea remained inexorable to all his entreaties so that he
has returned home quite dispirited and broken hearted. I have written
both my ideas and my paper out and must consequently bid you adieu.

[P. S.] I must make a request of you although I fear it will be need-
less which is that you will write plainer. So long as we have been corre-
sponding I still find the greatest difficulty in reading your letters. Indeed
there are several passages in many of them which I have never yet made
out. It is a bad habit and one which you ought to correct^ especially as
you are to be lawyer.

[Address :
Westwardmill
Brunswick
Virginia.]

The Buffin Papebs. 101

From Spencer Boane.

^ ^ . Spbiwo Gaedbn July 28th, 1806.

Ijear Sir:

I received your letter of 8tli instant, only two days ago.

I regret to inform you, that the largeness of my family at present, and
other circumstances of a domestic nature, make it entirely inconvenient
to receive any further addition to the family. These considerations
have been so imperious as to compel me to decline similar applications,
from persons I wished to oblige, in every instance except two, and those
some years ago.

Wishing you success in your studies, and with compliments to your
father and family, I am, y obt. st.

Sfenceb Roanb.

[Address: Brunswick]

From Elisha Clarke.

Fhiladblfhia August 12th, 1806.
With blushes I acknowledge the extent of interval since my last com-
munication— but permit me to urge in extenuation of the seeming neg-
lect, that it proceeded not my dear fellow, from the most remote view
of dissolving that friendly correspondence, and mutuality of sentiments
and interest for the welfare of each other, which formed so prominent
a feature in our first letters; but from a source, to which I am really
ashamed so often to attribute any apparent indifference to my warmest
friends. That indolence has heretofore been almost one of my elementary
principles, I fear too many of my friends can bear witness, but from
this period I will never more plead it in excuse, and the strongest testi-
mony that I can give of my newly acquired resolution will be a strict
adherence to those principles which form its basis. Thus I might con-
tinue the round of assurances of my sincerity, and desire to perpetuate
that reciprocity of affection which at present exists in such an high
degree, but I will desist, enjoying the consolation that your candour to
excuse is not less eminent than your abilities to guage. My movements
are very similar to yours, not more rapid in CuUen and Bush than you
in Blackstone. As to the women, they appear at one hour of the day,
and I at another ; but were I in your part of the world, amidst the pleas-
ing murmurs of so many fine girls, I should from almost an innate prin-
ciple be oblidged to assume the garb of a gallant. But in this populous
City, though to me one of the most unsocial places that I ever was in,
I am oblidge to move almost alone. The occurences of the day are few
and insipid, and upon the whole I enjoy no amusement except occa-
sionally with my fellow students. I^o appearance of the late epidemic

102 Thb Nobth CABOLmA Historical Commission.

scourge as yet, and from present appearances no suspicions are enter-
tained. I am happy to hear that Dr. Niblock is doing so extremely well,
the other two whom you mention in your letter, seem at the tune of
fixing their place of residence to have kept in mind the old proverb, that
birds of a feather always flock together— raXher than consult their own
interest. The lectures are fast approaching, and as I have been a pretty
close student all the summer, shall for relaxation take a little excursion
in the country, probably to Princeton.

Accept, Sir, my tenderest wishes for your prosperity and write me
often.

P. S. You ought to tell the Girls in Brunswk not to dispair of getting
husbands, that there is yourself together with several others who in all
probability will not fly elsewhere to get wives, at least without previously
offering their services. Two of your old friends and graduates. Messrs.
Beynolds and Barton are here studying medicine, both of whom desire
to be remembered to you.

[Address: Brunswick City, Virga.]

From William Oamett.

3^ September 1806
I have at length received a letter from you through its proper channef
which induces me to hope that there will not hereafter be so many
obstacles in the way of our epistolary intercourse as there have hitherto
been. You express a fear that sickness has made me forget my promise-
of writing a long letter to you after I had finished my harvest — This I
can assure has not been the case as I have never at any period of my
life enjoyed better health than I now do. The supposed non perform-
ance of my promise can not therefore be attributed to this cause nor is.
it attributable to me in as much as I by writing the letter directing it to
you and putting it in the post office did all that was in my power towards
its accomplishment and am consequently in no degree blameable for my
intentions not having the desired effect. I sincerely sympathise with
you in the loss of your friend as I know by sad experience the agonising
sensations that such an event must occasion. To most of the dispensa-
tions of providence I think I can submit with as much fortitude as any
man But to be bereft by death of a valuable friend is a misfortune too
great for my philosophy I give way to the impetuosity of my feelings
without the ability of making a strugle against them. When we reflect
seriously upon the subject it really appears astonishing that a man after
so severe a loss should ever recover even a tolerable degree of tran-
quility. The state of uncertainty that we are in whether we shall ever
meet again or if we do in what relation we are to view each other are^

The Ruffiw Pafebs. 108

considerationB which fill the mind with anguish which defies the power
of language to describe. I fear you will accuse me of being but a bad
comforter and although I am forced to plead guilty to the charge I
must add by way of extenuation that the subject upon which I have been
writing has called forth feelings which though they occasionally lie
dormant neither will or can ever be totally extinguished. The death of
my father and a friend of whom you have frequently heard me speak
T. Peyton often obtrude upon my mind and occasion the most melan-
choly reflections. To pour forth my feelings in the bosom of a friend
who I know will sympathise with me in all my afflictions affords me a
gratification which I cannot forego. But unless yon should as well as
my selfe be too much infected by the gloom which the subject naturally
inspires I will dismiss it and take my leave of you.
[Address:
Westward Mills
Brunswick Va.]

From William Oamett.

September 20th 1806.
An opportunity offering of conveying a letter to you as far as Bich-
mond through a private channel I hasten to avail myself of it; hoping
that being so far safely carried, it may escape the f ate, which has for
some time past befallen both my letters, and your own. I have not
received a letter from you since early in last month. This I do not
mention as a circumstance which should attach any blame to you but
as an event which I greatly deplore in as much as I can devise no remedy
against it. For myself I can safely say (and I believe that I can with
the same propriety affirm as much for you) that I have made every
exertion within my power to prevent this vexatious interruption. All
the efforts which I have made to this effect have and will continue to
prove abortive unless some radical change is made in our post office
regulations. I shall not however relax in any degree my exertion to
maintain an intercourse from which I derive such infinite enjoyment.
In your last letter to me you touched upon the subject of politics. I
have hitherto been silent on this head as it is a topic (I allude to the
politics of the day only) which from a variety of causes requires such
a voluminous investigation as would far exceed the limits of a letter.
I am on this account the more anxious to see you as I wish very much
to have some conversation with you upon a subject which has lately
become more than ordinarily interesting. The scenes now acting in
Europe open a wide field for speculation — Should not some unforeseen
circumstance occur to check the ambitious views of Buonaparte I wish
that we may not have cause to tremble for our political existence. Great

104 The North Cabolina Historical Commission.

Britain (whose navy as Mr. Randolph justly observes presents the only
barrier which exists between us and French oppression appears to me to
be almost upon the eve of dissolution. Already upon the brink of bank-
ruptcy I do not think it possible that she can withstand the blow which
the exclusive system that Buonaparte has established upon the conti-
nent must necessarily give to her commerce — annihilate this and you
at once annihilate her. — ^And that this will unavoidably be the case
(should the exclusive system now established continue in force) appears
to me to be susceptable of demonstration. Can England possibly support
the enormous expenses of her government when deprived of so consider-
able a portion of her revenue as that which she derives from her com-
merce with the continent of Europe — certainly not, the downfall of her
navy will be the necessary consequence of this measure and with it her
own ruin. That my presages may prove to be unfounded I most ardently
wish but unless something (which I do not now forsee) turns up to
materially alter the face of things I fear that I have but little reason
to hope that this will be the case.

From Sterling Buffin.

Bbukswe Septr. 20tli 1806.
By Mr. Brodnax you will receive this, who will inform you of the
situation of the family, and neighborhood. Inform Mr. McRae I shall
be down between the Ist and 15th of Oct. at which time I shall calculate
on receiving the money loan'd him, allso that which is due to Bobt. or
rather desire Robert on his return to give McRae notice, if he has not
done it. I received a letter from Mr. Robertson^ by Capt. Gholson soon
after you left us saying he could not admit you a student sooner than
Oct. neither could he then, unless you would engage for at least two
years ; conscious that no young man could be qualify'd to commence the
practice of the law with honor to himself and his instructor sooner:
believing this opinion to be intirely correct and not wishing you to
engage sooner than you are admissable by law (viz at 21 years old) I
do not hesitate in recommending it to you, to accede to his proposition.
His price is 25 Guineas p. annm. one half in advance the bal. at the end
of the term. When I come down I expect to furnish the money; in the
meantime, if circumstances should require it, you must draw on those
notes you have. You have come to that time of life to discover your
duty and interest so unequivocally, as to render any observations of mine
on the importance of improving your time unnecessary; but perhaps

iDavid Robinson, a Scotch lawyer In Petersburg, under whom Ruffin was
now studying law. Sao Graham, p. 21, sir.yra.

The Ruffin Papers 106

it may not be as much so to guard you against the vices that are preva-
lent in that place^ and to make it my particular request, that you will
keep at a distance all characters who would lead you to the commission
of deeds which your religion would on reflection blush to own. Your
friend Doer. Claiborne makes it his particular request^ and thro me
offers his advice, that you will be regular in the use of moderate exercise.
He thinks your constitution imperiously calls for it. Tom, divide the
day into so many parts as will render, rest, exercise, and study profitable ;
and let not small things break in upon your system ; acquire a habit of
firmness in making pleasure or amusement yeald to business while you
are young, or you will find it harder than you are aware, and perhaps
impracticable when you are old. We join in love and best wishes for
your wellf are, and expect to hear frequently from you.

N. B. Write to Yr. Mother particularly.

[Address: Petersburg.]

From William Presley Claiborne.

«. Lynchburg 10th Oct'. 1806

Svr —

When I last saw you it was my intention to have spent this Winter
in Philadelphia for the purpose of receiveing the benefit of the Physical
Lectures, But the day after I left You I was taken so ill on the road it
prevented my traveling and altho I had previously preceded nearly Fifty
miles I was five days in reaching home only One Hundred and 20 miles.
Nor had I been in Lynchburg two Hours before Dr. Cabell Senr.^ an
eminent physician, thought it requisite to take forty large oz : of Blood
from me, From which time I spent my time, neither in hope nor fear,
for two and a half days; and kept my Bed seventeen. You may well
Imagine I was, and still continue much ematiated, But I am now fast
recovering and hope e'er long to see you in Petersburg.

From which cause; my attention in Philadelphia this season will be
impossible as the Lectures commence the first Week in November, and
my strength will not admit of my traveling so fair. — I have not since
I saw you been so lucky as to have received the scrip of a pen from Din-
widdie where I fear my Sister is ill. Will you be so good as to inform
me by letter Docf. Gilliam's opinion of her real situation, And your's
of her present health — I have a task to learn, which when compleated,
will in my Breast raise monuments of approbation, Yet hard it is, to
know, to here, and not to see, the Object that I love you yet are happy,
you have not known the stings of disappointed Love, You have not felt

iDr. Oeorre Cabell.

106 The Nobth CABOLmA Historical Commission.

as Mr. Otway^ most gloriously express'es it when Poljdore attempts to
overcome the Virtue of Monimia

If to desire you more than Misers wealth.
Or dying Men, an hour of added Life;
If softest wishes, or a heart as true
As ever sufferd under Loves, suspence
Spoke e'r the tidings of his soul, 'tis I.?

Or if you have^ some grasp of hope was left^ some spray or twig whilst
washing down the stream wav'd by the wind to raise thee from dispair,
[torn] thou siezd and raised thyself from misery. Yet me ! I dare not
speak, nor look in Love, for by the Eternal Qod's e'er her I knew, my
Bloom was blasted. In her Opinion I wore the blackest garb, that eer
was placetL upon the back of innocence. For did she know, my mind
cords with her own, dam'd be the Man who searches not for worth but
covers blackness, with Curs' d sordid pelf. And she believes this groveling
meanness mine.

F. S. Altho I cannot bring myself to hope success, I could wish to
know the progress of other more happy than myself, Say, does she still
continue to retain Scott, Hinton, Snelson, etc., etc., etc., and does any
dare to hope more than to be cast for trouble and cost, say. Time lost,
expences to plays, Horse hire, Hair dressing, etc. For did I proceed
this would be but my Hope, But one Hours, one sparkling look would
ful repay an age of foulest Bondage.

[Address :
at Cap. Ooodwins
Petersburg, Va.]

From Sterling Ruffin.

Brunsw'k 11th Novr. 1806.
Last night I arrived in safety from Saura-town, and thro' mercy,
found the Flower Garden family in good health. Your Mama sends
your trunk containing your shirts, cravats, draws and books, which I
hope will arrive safe. Tom, our lot is at last cast in Bockingham County,
State of North Carolina ! I have ventured greatly to exceed my resources
in a purchase of Land, unless a kind and beneficent Providence will aid
me in disposing of my possessions in Brunswick. From a retrospective
view of past circumstances, apparently accidental, and yet all working
together for the accomplishment of the end, I have no doubt but it is
the will of Him whose Guardian care is particularly over those who love
him, that it should be so ; and therefore with fewer doubts I ventnr'd to

iThomas Otway, English author and dramatist, 1652-1685. The quotation
here Is from his most famous work. The OrpTian,

The StTFFiN Papesb. 107

engage. I now own the seat of Gk)v. Bobert Williams/ containing two
thousand Acres^ for which I am to pay five hund^ pounds p. annum for
four years, begining next JSTovr. (that is 1807). To this place I shall
immediately move my People, and go as soon after them as possible in
the mean time I have several, and to me, great arraignments to make,
which perhaps, can be better done while the end proposM remains a
secret ; you will therefore say nothing of what I am about, until you are
licens'd by receiving an advertisement for publication. My crop of
com on Dan River is better than I expected. Our speculation in Com
yet wears an aspect of being profitable, but the expence of geting it to a
cash market will be considerable. . . . Your Mama wants her dresses,
hasten them and send them by some safe conveyance. The goods sent
from McBaes receiv'd considerable damage and your present of the
cheese altho charged has not arriv'd. Your Mama will visit her friends
on York river this Winter after our goods are oflE. We expect to hear
from you and often : let us know how you like Petersburg, its inhabitants,
the study of the law and your progress.
[Address: Petersburg.]

From Sterling Ruffin.

Brunswk 8th Jany. 1807.
Yours by your Cousin I have just reed, and agreeably to your request
hasten to answer it. I have no doubt of the propriety of your removal
from Petersg. but I think the Spring will be sufficiently early, in the
mean time I will endeavour to procure you a birth with Judge Haywood^
or some other thro' the agency of your Uncle who is now here. Your
expences in your present situation are mostly paid for the next three
months, in which, you will perhaps be able to read thro' Coke to much
advantage not only having the advice of Bobertson, but allso the assist-
ance of May your friend. Were you to quit Petersg. previously to your
fixing elswhere, it might be attended with a loss of much time, which to
you is invaluable. In March I expect to be with you when I will make

iRobert Williams, 1768-1836, a native of Virginia, who had removed to
North Carolina and owned land In Surry and Rockingham counties. He was
a member of Congress from 1797 to 1803, and governor of the Mississippi
Territory from 1805 to 1809.

2Judge John Haywood, 1762-1826 ; judge of the Superior Court for the district
of Davidson, now In Tennessee, 1785; solicitor-general, 1790; attorney-general,
1791; judge of the Superior Court, 1794. In 1800 Judge Hasrwood resigned
from the bench to defend James Glasgow, and In 1707 or 1708 moved to Ten-
nessee where he had already large landed Interests. In 1816 he became a judge
of the Supreme Court of Tennessee and held the position until his death. He
was the author of a large number of legal works and of two histories of
Tennessee.

108 The I^obth Cabolina Historical Commission.

my wishes known to Mr. Bobertson^ and no doubt his assent will easily
be procured. I sometimes think it possible that you withhold from me
one motive for wishing to leave Petersg. either you have got prejudiced
against R. or I furnish you with too niggardly a hand^ which prevents
your joining in parties with other young men; which is it? or is it both I
I know that you have been dealt sparingly with^ but I dare say you know
the cause, and will justify the motive; but yet, if you are rather too
much straighten'd, dont be afraid to say so, and I will endeavour to
strain a point.

The Waggons have not yet retd. as soon as they do I shall bid adieu
to B. Write me in a day or two and forward it to Danville and I shall
get it on my way up, which will somewhat revive a wayworn traveller.
This is the third letter to night and it's past 12 oC. That God may
bless you and give rest and peace prays Your Affect. Father

[Address: Petersburg.]

From William Oamett,

11th May 1807.

I received a letter from you by the last mail announcing to me the
supposed death of my brother Muscoe. In this I am happy to inform
you that you are mistaken. The gentleman's death which you have seen
mentioned in the Enquirer was not as you immagined my brother's but
a distant relation of mine. I feel myself however much gratified by the
sympathy which you have expressed for my immaginary loss. Under
a firm conviction that the lively sensation of regret which you express at
the death of my brother proceeds from a heart warmly interested for my
happiness I experience an indiscribable pleasure. This would be to me
a great source of consolation under any misfortune that could befall me.
To know that I have a friend who would so sincerely sympathise with
me in my afflictions as I am persuaded you would conveys to me the
most heart felt satisfaction. There is no man in existence in whose
friendship I have a more unbounded confidence than I have in yours.
This confidence I hope is reciprocal. Muscoe desires to be affectionately
remembered to you. He will write you by the next mail, in the mean
time he requests me to inform you that he intends becoming an extremely
punctual correspondent. His remissness hitherto has he says proceeded
from an almost unconquered aversion that he has against writing. This
however he advises you through me shall no longer be an impediment
to your epistolary communications. I find that you have not received
any of the letters which I have written you since my recovery. This I
suppose is owing to my having directed them (at your request) to Rock-
ingham ct house N. Carolina. In one of them I invited you to my wed-
ding which is to take place on the 4th of June. This invitation I again

Thb Buffin Papers. 109

repeat but I fear that it will not be attended to. Do if you possibly can
come over For I can with sincerity say that my desire to see you
(instead of diminishing from the length of our separation) be comes
every day more ardent. From the embarrassed state of my circum-
stances (in consequence of bad crops and bad management) it will be
entirely out of my power to visit you in any short time. The only pos-
sible chance therefore of our meeting will be by your coming.
[Address : Danville Virginia]

From, William Oamett.

1^ August 1807
Were I in the habit of censuring (as has sometimes been the case with
you) without waiting to hear a reason you would justly be entitled to a
considerable share of censure from me. It has been many weeks since
I received a letter from you during which time I have written one to
which I expected an immediate reply. But in conformity to the prin-
ciple laid down in the preamble of my letter I will not reproach you
untill I hear what justification you have to make. Supposing it probable
that the epistle above alluded to may not have come to hand I will state
the circumstances which gave rise to it and the substance of what it
contained. Perceiving from many letters which I have lately received
that there is a considerable difference in our political creeds and that
you wish a discussion upon these points I proposed not long since as in
prelude to the controversy, the following queries: I*' Upon what prin-
ciples do you defend the course pursued by the last congress toward Spain
and Great Britain? 2^y What do you think of the violation of the con-
stitution by general Wilkinson ?^ 3^3r And lastly what do you think of
the attempt made to justify Wilkinsons conduct by a suspension of the
habeas corpus^ act after the president had himself declared that all ap-
pearance of danger was dissipated ?' As the subject is a very voluminous
one you had better begin by answering one question at a time until you
get through the whole. You can then make a general reply to my
answers. I am at present very busily engaged in a settlement of my
pecuniary concerns. Some of them are involved in such intricacy that

iJames WlllLlnson, at this time a major general in the United States army
and in chief command. After becoming Involved in the Burr conspiracy, he
had betrayed Burr and was now very active in his attempts to break it up
and avert suspicion from himself.

^Reference is of course here made to the suspension of the privilege of the
writ of habeas corpus in New Orleans.

sin January, 1807, an attempt was made to Induce Congress to suspend the
writ The Senate passed the bill but the House rejected it. Jefferson in his
message had declared that there was no danger that would warrant such
action.

110 The Nobth Cabolika Hibtobical Commibbion.

I believe it would require the financial skill of Hamilton or Qalatin to
arrange them. Ab I cannot boast of the fiscal knowledge of either of
these gentlemen I calculate upon encontering considerable difficulties
This however is but a momentary consideration to a man of m j acknowl-
edged industry. Do not permit our political discussions to exclude from
your letters any thing relative to your private concern*— communica-
tions upon this subject will always be more interesting to me than the
discussion of any philosophical or political question. They will now be
peculiarly acceptable as it has been such a length of [time] since I have
heard from you. As agreeable however as is an epistolary correspondence
with you a personal one would be much more so. This I hope to enjoy in
the course of the fall next ensuing. I will now conclude by a quotation
from a letter which I the other day reed from a very dissipated friend
of mine '^May you enjoy every happiness which this world can afford
and an eternal crown of glory in the next.
[Address : Haw River P. O., N . C]

From John F. May}

r, n j» Pbtbbbbo. Sept. 9, 1807.

Dear Ruffin, ^ '

I reed a few days since your letter of the 18th ult. The only one I have
reed, from you since you left Brunswick. Hence you will not be sur-
prised that after having twice written to you without receiving a reply
and after the lapse of 6 months^ I entertained some fear that when you
left Virginia^ you meant to part with Virginia feelings and to take leave
of Virginia friends. It was however not a belief but merely a fear and
one which never could affect me.

I am really concerned to hear that the spirit which I had fondly
believed animated every American and pervaded every part of the union,
has found a non-conductor in the bosoms of the IS, Carolinians. You
are I hope not correctly informed on the subject. Can they possibly be
dead to the fadings of resentment which the hypocrisy and treachery
the insults and aggressions of a pusillanimous govt, have excited in tiie
whole American people?* Are they deaf to the voice of their peaceful
but injured and exasperated countrymen! Are they blind to the paths
of national interest and national glory? I hope that altho' there may

iJohn Fitzhuffh May, 1784-1858, a flchoolmate of Ruffin in Petersburg. He
was later one of the foremost lawyers in Virginia, a member of the l^islatore^
and a state Judge.

^Reference is here made to the excitement in the country over the case of
the "Chesapeake" and the "Leopard." The President had called upon the
governors of the States to have in readiness their respective quotas of 100,000
volunteers. A careful investigation of the North Carolina press of the period
reveals no indication of any hesitancy in complying with the request.

Ths Buffin Papbbs. Ill

be defects in their militia Laws, there is no want of American principles
and American feelings in the people ; that since the new volunteer system
has been published and explained, the people of that State will come
forward and offer their services to the Govt, with a zeal and alacrity
increased by regret for their delay; and that tho' they may not have been
as forward in resolving they are as prompt and determined in acting
as any of their countrymen. But I do not mean to write an exhortation
as you dont need one and they will not see it.

Ton have heard ere this of the acquittal of Burr.^ He is to be tried
today for the misdemeanor and will I expect be acquitted when a motion
will be made to send him to Kentucky where I am informed by the
counsel for the TJ. S. his guilt will be incontestibly proven.^ I have
attended the trial several times, and altho' I have differed with the Ch.
Justice several times, I do not think he deserves censures hitherto reed.
I mean since the trial commenced. His previous conduct was placed in
a proper point of view by my excellent frd. Leigh' in a piece wh. you
saw in the Enqr. signed ^'a Stranger from the Country." Wirt^ is a
prodigiously great man. I have seen him make Burr writhe and shrink
from his terrible invective what J. B.^ could not do when he pronounced
a ''True bill." T. B. B.® is appointed secy, of Orleans and leaves us in
a few days. The Brest, unsolicited, wrote a very flattering letter to Gk>v.
Page'' urging him to persuade Boiling to accept the appointment. Leigh
and Bo. Pegram are candidates for the Assembly — a warm contest. I
ex}>ect a bold independent majty. for L. but you know my feelings. I
wish I could give you a 'history of our campaign." Bitchie has done

iBarr was tried for treason In August, 1807. After his acquittal, he was
tried on an Indictment for high misdemeanor, the charge being that he had
begun on Blennerhassett Island an expedition against the dominions of the
King of Spain. He was also acquitted on this charge.

20hlo was made the place for trial and Burr never appeared.

SBenJamln Watkins Leigh, 1782-1840, a cousin of Ruffln. Graduated from
William and Mary College, began the practice of law, and engaged actively in
politics. He was a member of the Virginia legislature a number of times, a
delegate to the constitutional convention of 1829-1830, and United States
Senator from 1834 to 1836. In politics he was in hie later years a strong Whig.

^William Wirt of Maryland, 1772-1834, one of the most eminent lawyers in
the United States. In 1802 he became chancellor of the eastern district of
Virginia, United States district attorney in 1816, and was attorney-general of
the United States from 1816 to 1826. In 1832 he was candidate for President
on the Anti-Masonic ticket. He was the author of T?^ British Bpy, a life of
Patrick Henry, and a number of other works.

sjohn Randolph of Roanoke was foreman of the grand Jury which indicted
Burr.

SThomae BoHlng Robertson, 1784-1828, a native of Virginia, who had moved
to Louisiana and commenced there the practice of law. He served as attorney-
general under Gk>vemor Claiborne and in 1807 became secretary of the terri-
tory. He was a member of Congress from 1812 to 1818, governor from 1820
to 1824, and United States district judge from 1824 to 1827.

7John Page, of Gloucester County, 1743-1808. He was a member of the
House of Burgesses and of the colonial council, of the convention of 1776, of
the council, and the committee of safety, and saw service in the Revolution
as a colonel of militia. He was a member of Congress from 1789 to 1797 and
governor of Virginia from 1802 to 1805.

112 Thb North Gabouna Historical Commission.

it I think pretty accurately. But he has not done justice to the Character
of Genl. M.^ there is not bitterness enough in his constitution to portray
that character. An obsequious devotion to the British consul, a haughty
foolish contempt for the soldiery^ an infamous cowardice evinced during
the Revoly. War, and a private life chequered by the most infamous
immoralities — such is the character of Brig. Genl. M. But the Gov. and
council will never give him another command, this is resolved on. He
will sink again into obscurity and contempt. But this man could get a
character sent to Salem and published I could have an act of infamous
swindling by which he gained £10,000 represented as an act [of] mag-
nanimity and enterprise — and could get a vote of approbation from the
Norfolk officers, but thank God no others. You see I have no objn to
long letters but only to long essays, disquisitions on Revenue systems
for 1900 etc., etc. Remember me respectfly to yr father and family
and believe assurances of my regard etc.
[Address :
Thos. C. Ruffin
Student of Law
near Danville Va.]

From James Nihlock.

[Brunswick Va, Nov. 3, 1807]
With pleasure do I take the opportunity of tendering you my sincere
congratulations on your entrance on the Sea of Life, by the honorable
profession of the Law ; and that your ships made of so good jnaterials,
both in Hull, mast, and rigging may with the assistance of propitious
gales, waft you to the Haven of wealth and otium cum dignitate, is the
sincere prayer of your warmest friend.

From your Fathers obligation to business added to similar causes in
myself we've had but little time to reanimate the hidden fire of past
friendships with delights of former associations. Indeed I'm this
moment returned from Brodnaz's where by appointment we were to
spend the term of our last interview, his business however denied me the
gratification. Hence am I induced to comply with the first and most
imperious feeling of my heart, in luxurating in the anticipation of
spiritual communion with my dearest friend which I take to be a pleas-
ure the most delicate and divine, which the celestials in their bounty,
have favored mortals.

I wish my dear friend, I could write you anything novel and enter-
taining. The Sun rises and sets every day, shines in the old way, which
is the best tidings I can give you of my life, which is a continual revohi-

iProbably Thomas Matthews, brigadier general of Virginia militia, com-
manding at Norfolk.

Thb Ruffin Papbrs. 113

tion, the production of no novelty. The recklessness of the fall amply
compensates for the salubrity of the past summer, and that state of
things is peculiarly favourable to me ; who am constitutionally incapaci-
tated from bearing continual exposure to a vertical Sun. [Illegible]
has been for some time been laid up in Lavender but this evening seems
to have recovered fresh spirits. His assistant is a youth of inexperience,
ergo, not to be relied on ; between them however, I continue to keep con-
tinually in motion ; as the good Citizens continue, or rather, are begin-
ning to do justice the most ample to your friends claims to patronage.

Ive been to B. Fall races, no sport. Saw the natives exhibit at the
Ball ; none of the She's inspired me with the sensations that Bachel did
Jacob. K'or, on the whole, did I return any more satisfied for being of
the same Herd of animal life.

Have not seen Petersburg and therefore none of your town friends
since you left us. Of our first rate Belles, pardon the impiety, all being
first; none have thrown off the tramell of celibacy and assumed the free
and Independant air of a matron. As for Mr. Jesse, he's as much in
Love as ever with matrimony and infinitely less with existing circum-
stances. Difficultas in omni passu est. tell B.B. that Miss I is more
lovely than ever. (Miracles will never cease) and in my judgment
would bless her stars for a sight of him, to whom I would be remembered
with interest.

You will not fail presenting Mrs. K. and Minerva with my Sincere
love and warmest wishes for their felicity. The first time you write give
them a cause in which to acknowledge me. It would be like rain to the
Sunburnt clime, or the Suns rays to the benighted wanderer. Adieu,
may God bless and multiply your joys, to as great an excess as the reverse
is realized in your unfeigned wellwisher.

[P. S.] If sympathy or any other of the endearing sensations still
possess your bosom, write. You may wish to know whether the Books I
had let J. Oordon are all repair'd, three volumes only are missing.
Miloe suffered those in his care to be carried off. Some of them I have
got, and may, all of them.

The Vicar of W-field, I have not been able to lay hold of. It is how-
ever within the reach.

Bbunswick Nov. 3.
12 O Clock P. M.

I've opened this to say, that were I as near your home as you are
Brunswick; It would not be as Wallace Informs me. So great a dis-
parity however, exists in the incentives that the figure is, I must confess,
of but small force — circumstances point with more satisfaction to a call
from you toward Christmas.

A letter, dated August, from Ireland, says the military department is
all verve in preparing for an American War,

[Address : Warrenton N. Carolina.]
8

114 The Nobth Cabolina Hibtobical Cobcmibsion.

From John F, May.

PsTEBSBG. Deer. 13tlL '07.

Your Letter of the 20th ult. was reed, in the same season of this cli-
mate that it was written in of jours^ just after the quarterly courts, when
we have some little indulgence from the labors of our profession. I am
therefore enabled to reply to it more promptly than I generally do to
the Letters of my friendly correspondents. I am sincerely pleased to
hear that you have obtained a License and commenced the practice of
the Law. Ood grant (as the chancellor ^aid to me when he sent my
License) that it may be the foundation of wealthy honor, and happiness.
Every man can give excellent advice to a beginner; and therefore I shall
not trouble you with any from Virginia, especially as you will have
freight to pay — altho' if I could see you I should probably bestow it on
you most copiously. Act with firmness, never with obstinacy — consult
your own judgment, and your sense of propriety will be more valuable
to you than all the advice which the world can bestow. I believe I in-
formed you of the removal of my valuable friend T. B. Bobertson. He
consulted with Leigh and myself about accepting the appointment. We
were divided in opinion and he followed Leigh's advice. His removal
from this place will be I am in hopes very beneficial to me — Hiiy brother
Wm. who has his law business here, is destitute of both the powers of
his inind and the greatness of his soul. E. O. Goodwyn has been ap-
pointed Atto for Binwiddie, the day after he got his License— recom-
mended and supported solely by the dead influence of numbers. I had
too much prudence to oppose a candidate so reputable from his connec-
tions, and formidable from their influence. In this Town however I
succeeded in opposition to whole Bar except G. N. Taylor, D. Robertson,
Allison and Leigh with the loss of only two votes on the first ballott
Leigh is unanimously elected Capt. of the Bepb. Blues ; and I hope and
believe will succeed him in the H. D. It is with great pleasure I inform
you that he is as well as he could possibly be expected to have been. He
passed thro' town on Monday last on his way to Mr. Watkins' and can
just move about on crutches. I wish to God that after the breaking of
one child's Leg and the Death of another after the burning of his Honse
and the fracture of his own thigh, providence would indulge him with
some short respite from the continuance of such afflictions. But I very
much fear that his amiable wife is near the last stage of a consumption.
I would almost descend to the commonplace complaints against provi-
dence and arraign the injustice of those dispensations which can afflict
so frequently and so bitterly so much worth and virtue.

I am getting a very good practice in this place and Dinwiddie. I am
quitting Ch. City for Amelia, for tho' in full business there the profits
since the old Chancery cases were tried in the spring are too incon8ide^
able. Chesterfd. is still very profitable and Nottoway unprofitable.

The Ruffin Papsbs. 115

Amelia promises well.- I qualified in Novr. and I see there my great
friend Wm. S. Archer^ and the most agreeable society male and female
too, in the world.

What do the people of N. Ca. think (if sensation has not superceeded
reflection) about the trial of Burr, and of Qenl. Wilkinson? The ortho-
dox opinion (i.e. of the administration party) is that he is as pure as
virginity itself — the saviour of his country. But evidence and reason I
think pronounce him a man whose whole life has been chequered with
the most infamous immoralities who has been a time server to every
administration and who in this affair has been convicted of stratagem
fraud duplicity perjury and complicated Treachery.

Wirt I am informed has given him up. He said not a word about his
testimony. Wirt is unquestionably the greatest character engaged in
the trial. With Horace he may say, "Exegi monumentum aere peren-
nius.^' There is in his speeches an attic repartee a poignant irony a bold
and eloquent invective which very properly castigate insolence and
effrontery. Tho' the subject is barren as the sands of Africa (or ^^naked
as a sleeping Venus") his argument always profound and cogent, is
clothed in the richest and inost varied imagery that the creation can
afford. As long as Belles letters and oratory are admired Wirts talents
will be graduated with those of Burke for their sublimity and those of
Swift for their variety of invention. How would a common mind have
been routed by the motion to exclude testimony? But unmoved by that
sudden sortie he required no closet auxiliaries, no bumpswelling lucubra-
tions, no torturing revolution of musty folios. In a moment a perfect
pandect was produced — digested, harmonious, consistent, mature as
Pallas from the brain of Jove. His virtues are as much and as deservedly
admired as his talents. But I did not intend to write a Eulogy on Wirt
and it is time to conclude. If I thought it fair to ask not only that a
man should read a long letter but should ffive an opinion on it too, X
would enquire what is thia — a letter, an essay, a miscellany, or all ?

[Address :
Bockingham "N. Ca.
near Danville Va.]

From Benjamin Tappan.

Ravekka [Ohio] Jany. 6th, 1808.
Yours of Ifovr. 10th we reed about Christmas, unexpectedly for we
were apprehensive that you would forget your friends of the forest —

iWiUlam 9. Archer, 1789-1866, a native of Amelia County, Va. After »lz
years service in the legislature he was elected to Ck)ngres8 in 1820 and served
there for fifteen years. In 1841 he was elected to the United States Senate
and served one term.

116 The North Cabolina Historical CoMMisaioN.

but not unwelcome for many a time when the mail arrived had we hoped
to receive some evidence of your recoUection at least. You regard the
event of your admission to the bar with the importance of a venture
rather than that of a thorough paced lawyer, an eminent lawyer is made
of dilligence and a moderate supply of judgment or good sense, nothing
more is necessary, more is pernicious, but the mere lawyer is the vilest
animal on Gfods earth both to himself and others — ^you will never be of
that class. The bar in the Eastern and middle states have combined to
perpetuate the reign of judicial absurdity hitherto they have succeeded
and eloquence gives way to subtlety, the flights of genius and the embel-
lishments of fancy are rarely adventured since the law is to decide. You
cannot have read law without disgust, your disgust will encrease when
you become initiated in the practice of the courts, yet you may be a
lawyer and preserve a nice sense of honor and a steady adherence to
sound principles, but not without dispising the pettyfogging herd with
whom you will be compelled to associate.

You know that wealth is a comparative appendage — ^you wish that
you had funds to live in Ohio. I assure you that you have ample funds
our citizens are neither so honest or discreet as to live without lawsuits,
so that you would have some fees, a property of ten thousand dollars in
Virginia is no nearer riches than one thousand is here. What was the
cost of your education! mine (every sixpence) was 600 dolls, yet the
rigid economy of Scotland boasts of as high a pedigree and as noble
descent as the profuse liberality of England, and perhaps science do&
not disdain to illumine the North with as pure a ray as the South.
"Argat" if you should remove hither you would in all probability be a
rich man. I know not exactly the extent of your finances nor the fru-
gality of your habits tho' the former have hitherto proved sufficient
with the aid of the latter to procure to you every advantage which might
be desireable.

I do not like to have you go to Mississippi territory, it seems as the'
you would be farther from home, and if you will mount your nag and
ride to my castle in the spring I will covenant and agree to satisfy you
as to where it will be best to remain, then there will be one thing more
you have fraternal and possibly filial notions, suppose I could give your
Father an opportunity to dovhle his property by a purchase here would
he forego slavery ? his bible he need not — be assured that I verily believe
the country I now inhabit to b^ superior to any part of Virginia I have
seen, if our friends were around us it would add to the real pleasures of
existance some ten or twenty fold, and our selfishness in soliciting them
to come is atoned to our minds by the advantages which we fancy would
result to them.

The Ohio Militia turned out promptly at the call of their country best
men without arms, discipline or skillfull leaders are not sufficient for
modem warfare, we have very few good arms, the rifle is the only weapon
in the hands of the frontier militia, that they can use with effect. I

The Ruffin Papxbs. 117

suspect that ITancj would not be angry to see you step over the threshold
of our door — she speaks of you often with sisterly affection^ as to myself
I cultivate the earth by daily labour and read to my wife evenings.
Write to us what you intend to do with yourself.
[Address : Danville Virginia.]

From Benjamin Tappan,

Bavenna, [Ohio,] Febry 16th 1808.

Since I wrote you last I have been informed that our Legislature in
their wisdom have inter alia made a new county, you will possibly enquire
how this can concern you and I will endeavor to enlighten your mind
on the subject. The new county is so laid off that this settlement is in
the center and accordingly my house is fixed as the temporary seat of
justice, the probability is that the county town will not be more than
two miles from it when it is fixed, which will be this spring. K'ow in the
whole extent of this new County there is but one lawyer and he is a
particular friend of yours — a question then very naturally arises in my
mind, had not you better come here than to go to Natchez? The first
court will sit the latter part of May — as to business I assure you that I
have known many lawyers get rich who were inferior to you both in
learning and tallents and I can say this without the smallest risk of
flattery. I believe you would have business enough to support you and
I know that as the country populates rapidly lawsuits encrease in number
and importance, it will not be much for you a Virginian to take a ride
here and see how the country and the people look. I have the business
so well arranged in my own mind that I shall expect to see you alight at
my door about the middle of May. The chance for a settlement is what
would generally be thought a good one, yet I know not what it would
be to you nor can know without knowing your views and prospects, the
lawyer who first gets settled in a county town generally takes the lead
in business — a county town by the way, with us is a central place for
business, it will be the best town in the county, and not like a Virginia
Courthouse, you have seen however the shiretowns in the middle states —
one here is to be created — but property is lower and business not dull in
the infancy of them — if you have an inclination this way or are waver-
ing, I have said enough to determine you — ^but if you are fixed on another
course it would avail nothing indeed it would look like selfishness to
endeavor to induce you to alter your course. Nancy says it would be a
good place for you, you see here an authority in point, she sends her
love to you.

[Address : Danville Virginia.]

118 The Nobth Cabouna Historical Commission.

From William Oamett,

6th March 1808.

Ill health and pecuniary embarrassments have laterly much inter-
rupted my epistolary communication to you. What excuse you may
have for your remissness in this particular I know not. I can only
state as a fact that it is now many months since I have heard from you.
I shall however forbear to press this subject on you. I have no expecta-
tion of beholding you more on this side of the grave and our correspond-
ence I have every reason to believe will soon be finally sealed by the
termination of my existence. Since the severe attack of the nervous
fever which I had during the winter of 1806 the state of my health has
been such as to convince me that my constitution then received a shock
of which I never can recover. I have now been confined at my mother's
for three weeks with the most obstinate cough that I ever had in my
life : it is indeed something better at this time but my indispositions are
so frequent that it is impossible I can stand it long unless a radical
change can be effected in my constitution. My wife's health is if possible
worse than my own you may therefore readily conceive that my situation
is not at all enviable. My path through life has been (no doubt for wise
purposes) strewed with thorns instead of roses. I am destined I believe
to date my happiness (if at all) from the hour of my dissolution. But
this melancholy strain may perhaps be infectious. I will therefore en-
deavour to change the current of my reflections. Tou may perhaps
imagine from our long seperation and from the increase that I have
made in the objects of my affection that my interest in your happiness
has proportionally decreased. This according to the common way of
judging is a very natural conclusion but in the present instance it is
never the less a false one. My best wishes will never cease to attend you
but with my existence. You must perceive from the forgoing part of
my letter that there are insurmountable obstacles in the way of my
visiting you, Be assured that nothing else would prevent me from doing
what I so much desire. You were when I last heard from you unincum-
bered with a family and enjoyed good health if therefore you still retain
the friendship for me that you once had, you will I am persuaded put
yourself to some trouble to gratify me by making a trip to Essex. This
is the crucible in which I propose to analise your friendship. If it
remains pure and unadulterated the process will not be tedious it will
shortly be terminated by your appearance. You have no doubt heard of
the death of your uncle Tom Roane^ he is much regretted by all his
acquaintances and particularly so by his neighbours. It is certainly one
of the most unfortunate families that I have ever known. Your grand-
mother^ has lived to bury all her sons but one and he bids fair to shortly
share the fate of his brothers. Poor old lady, death wiU probably spare

iThomas Roane, Ruflin's maternal uncle.
2Martha (Hipkins) Roane.

Thb Euffin Papers. 119

her the pain of this addition to the measure of her afflictions. She has
lately been dangerously ill but is now I believe almost well. I have no
news 1^ narrate and as I begin to feel something of the headache I must
conclude.
[Address :
Lenox Castle
Bockingham

ISTorth Carolina.]

From John F. May.

[PsTBBSBUBOy Va., Juue 16, 1808.]

Your letter of March last reached me some time in April. My engage-
ments at our Dist. Court, and at the May quarterly courts, and engage-
ments more interesting to my feelings, and I had hoped more important
to my welfare must be an apology, I do not pretend they are a justifica-
tion, for my long neglect to answer your very friendly and interesting
letter. If any situation of life, except an absolute inability, would
justify such neglect of such a letter, I would most confidently pronounce
that a justification did exist in the ceaseless and arduous duties of the
Lover and the Lawyer, in the labours and perplexities of the one and
the agonies and raptures of the other. I am now, however, perfectly,
and perhaps not unfortunately, freed from all those cares and duties —
business of every kind is embargoed, the courts will scarcely grant a
judgment, the people are unable to pay a fee, I have been dismissed by
her whom but the day before I had embraced and pressed to my bosom
as the woman who was to have been the partner of my future days and
was to have blessed them. I have nothing to do — am myself again and
at length, my soul can, unagitated, rest.

I dare say particulars might give you some satisfaction, but I do not
much like writing even in general terms on these subjects and as I hope
to see you in July (Wright tells me you'll then be here) I will defer it
till then. In the mean time I can tell you I am the same that tho' my
feelings have suffered for a time my reason teaches me that the suffering
is the price of greater happiness — and that I am content.

Thus much of myself, tho not the most interesting — yet to you not an
uninteresting subject.

We are still pretty warm and determined in the contest between Mon-
roe and Madison. In this neighborhood the Madisonians are every-
thing— we nothing. I am still and more zealously than ever in the Ran-
dolphian Minority.* When I see the governing party denouncing this

iRandolph, Just at this time, was using every effort to defeat Madison and
elect Monroe, probably not for any particular desire for the latter's election,
but to accomplish the defeat of Madison and, as he thought, disappoint
Jefferson.

120 Thb North Carolina Historical Commission.

great and good man for speaking irreverently of the slippers of the
President when I see the most unprincipled and malignant e£Fort8 made
to humble him in the dust not for anything pretended to be dishonor-
able— not for any attempt to violate our constitution or our rights —
not for a departure from any one principle that is dear to republicans
but for opposing anti-republican measures of Govt, for intemperance
not of conduct but of expression — an intemperance which is increased
and embittered by that unprincipled denunciation — ^when I see this same
overwhelming majority attempting to subvert the constitution by a
Treason bill and a court martial Law — introducing standing armies in
contempt of all their former principles — supporting in the comnumd
of those accursed forces in contempt of every principle of public and
private morality, a man guilty of forgery, perjury, robbery of the mails,
bribery, treachery, and treason — ^the H. of S. busily sacrificing their
constl priviledges at his shrine — or at least to prevent what they suppose
wd. be a triumph of Bandolph — when I perceive that the Yazoo monster
after being a little while protected at court has almost ceased to be
loathsome, execrable among them — ^when I know that Madison is the
advocate and Monroe the opponent of these things — I cannot, I shd.
contemn myself if I could, hesitate a moment whom to prefer ^'That
unfortunate and proscribed state" (the minority) carries no terrors to
me. I will not swim with the current merely because it would carry me.
What think you of the H. of B. rejecting four times 75 to 45 Bandolph's
motion to publish the Documents etc. and passing it the next day the
moment the P. thought it not improper? But I should write a Book
instead of a Letter if I were to go on upon these subjects. Farewell.

[P. S.] I feel half disposed to give you another sheet on these subjects
but the mail closes in half an hour. My letter, upon looking over it,
has I think at least the merit of singularity. It has very much the cast
of my mind and feelings — ^but when I reflect where it is to go, I feel per-
fectly satisfied without altering a sentence or a word.

In answer to your enquiries — Geo. Hay^ wrote to the P. IT. S. in Novr.
that Wilkinson was beyond all question what I have represented and
warned him against that imposition which been for some time practiced
on him and Wirt. I cannot write, but I could tell you, some circum-
stances that [would] astonish you. Bitchie's stories and statemts. con-
tain about half the Truth. Hay is the writer of Hortentius. I have
no idea of an administration caucus appointing the future Presidents
of America. Washington and Adams could, Jefferson has, and his sur-
vivors always will have a Caucus majority for reasons too obvious to
mention.

[Address: Lenox-castle N. Ca.]

lOeorge Hay was a distinguished lawyer and politician who had served In
the Virginia legislature and who» as United States district attorney, had prose-
cuted Burr. He was afterwards a United States district Judge. He was a son-
in-law of Monroe. He was well known for the political articles which he wrote
under the name "Hortensius/* and to some one of which May was now refe^
ring. He died in 1830.

The Buffin Papers. 121

From John F. May.

Pbtbbsb'g May 27. '09.

I am not certain exactly who owes the other a letter^ but as some
time has elapsed since I heard any thing of you and as you have here-
tofore been rather in advance^ I avail myself of one of the earliest leisure
moments after my laborious and fatiguing spring circuity to renew a
correspondence from which I always derive pleasure. I do not know
to what cause I may ascribe it, but without any subject, as I am, impor-
tant enough to impel me to write, or interesting enough to induce you
to read, withdrawn as I am from scenes in which we formerly engaged
together, it seems to me to be still necessary to commune with one
another. It tends to revive, in my bosom at least, recollections which
are pleasant and which bring with them no regret that they are now
mere recollections. I can however even now almost fancy myself in the
company of my friend and companion, removing the thin veil of vanity
in his presence, describing my spring campaign, the contests, which have
been well fou^t, the victories which have been gallantly won, and as
Damum says, those which have been bravely lost.

I think I have your sympathies for the manifold grievances to which
we are unfortunately subject — and this brings me down quite to Mr.
Oholson's new judiciary system — from which Good Lord deliver the
poor Lawyer of this commonwealth. You know when I saw you I
hoped that the courts would have been invested with chancery powers
and expected, in that event, to be much benefitted. But the system is in
operation with all its original imperfections aggravated by inconven-
iences of which I could have had no conception. Dinwiddie supr. court
and the Hastings quarterly court — ^Brunswk. supr. and Chesterfd.
County — Dinw. quarterly and Chesterfd Supr. — Brunswk county and
Nottoway and P. GJeorge supr courts are happily arranged by the
supreme wisdom of the Legislature so as respectively to fall on the
same days, and these are the only courts I wish to attend, or with any
convenience can attend. I should not have attended P. George, but the
same evil genius of mine contrived to get Petersbg transferred to that
county quo ad hoc. I fear it will be impossible too, to get an alteration
which will be in any respect important — unless as I devoutly hope the
system be abolished.

My friend and neighbour Mr. Wm. Knox tells me he has an imdoubted
right to a tract of land in your state in the possession of some person
holding under a State Grant in violation of his superior right. I have
advised him to write to you on the subject and to institute a suit in the
federal court. He is one of the soldiers of the revolution with a shat-
tered fortune, a numerous family and a character never tarnished. If
you can render him any service he will be grateful as well as he is able,
will reward you liberally for it. Give our best regards etc. to your sister
and family. We shd. be very glad to see her if [she] should be in this

122 The !N'osth Cabolina Historical Commission.

state this summer or fall. My rib is still in a delicate state of health—
in fact has been last winter in a low state of health — but the spring we
are flattered is bringing about its restoration. We expect to be in
Warren in the course of the next month from which if an opportunity
offers you will hear from me. In the mean time I bid you an affecte.
farewell !

[Address : near Lenox Castle "No. Ca.]

From James Campbell}

[Wentwoeth, N. C, July 26, 1809.]

I received your letter dated 10th Inst, from Brunswick. I'm con-
vinced you spent some happy hours there with the acquaintances and
companions of your infancy and youth. . . .

Altho' you are situated at a distance from Sockingham, and in a
place where objects of magnitude are apt to divert your mind from the
recollection of your old cronies, yet I fondly hope that Oakland^ and
its invirons are sometimes near you. . Presuming that this is the case,
and that it will continue to be so I'm determined not to let slip any
incident happening in the county, however trivial that I may conceive
to be interesting to you.

Enclosed you have the effusions of our sage. Squire Sneed. I under-
stand a great many printed copies are in circulation. The one from
which I took a copy being only loaned a few hours I had no opportunity
of procuring a Printed one in time for this days mail. You will observe
he pegs it in to Daddy Menzies, nor does he spare uncle Eobin Mallock
etc. On perusing his circular the reader, sure enough will find the
persons there spoken of guilty; but this is an ex parte statement. I
have been at some pains to dive into the matter. I find that a Balance
of £242.7.1 was struck in a settlement for the levy of 1806 as stated by
Sneed, but the d — ^n— d rascal omitted in said statement to give credit
for disbursements made in the same year to the amount of £222.5.4
leaving a Balnce in the hands of the Trustee of only £20.1.9 This settle-
ment is in the office and signed by himself, Joseph Ladd and Jacob
Young (the refuse of the Bench)— The sums of £41.10.2 and £31.11.6
respecting Strays which he states as "facts" would appear from his
statement to be charges distinct from and exclusive of the Balance of
£242.7.1 — This happens to be a falsehood for they are both included as
appears from the Commissioners report in office.

Well, you'll observe he stops short after ascertaining this Balance of
£242.7.1 in place of the true Balance of £20.1.9, leaving this impression,

iJames Campbell, a prominent citizen of Rockingham County.
2The home of Sterling Ruffln.

Thb Ruffin Papers. 123

that the tnifltee had actually in his hands this sum — why did not tiie
Knave recite a subsequent settlement several tnontha prior to the publi-
cation of his letter, whereby a Balance of only £150.15.4 was ascertained
to be in the hands of the trustee and which entirely did away [with] all
and every former settlement. Since this Balance was struck Mr. Menzies
has taken in orders and claims to the amount of £115.16.8 leaving the .
pitiful sum of £34.18.8 proc : money due the county.

I wish you could see into this matter as clearly as I do. The peace
and happiness of a worthy old citizen and his family whose characters
and reputation in life stand unimpeached, disturbed by the scurrilous
assertions and clamorous sayings of so miserable a wretch as Alexander
Sneedy a man of no principle no honour and to use his own words, a de-
signing demagogue and will stick at nothing in furtherance of his
nefarious schemes.

The sum of £36.13. with which Mr. Gallaway^ is charged is stated
correctly, but let me tell you that the county at this time and are this
moment indebted to him some hundred dollars, and he was in nowise
bound to pay a cent of it but retain that sum in part payment. Col.
James Hunter, Thos. Learey and Thomas Henderson^ it is supposed
have been auxiliaries to Sneed in putting out his Circular. There is no
doubt with me but its publication was intended to affect iN'athaniel
Scales's^ election, and also that of our friend Harden,^ for I take the
latter to be one of those whom Sneed hits at when he talks of '^influential
characters and designing demagogues." T'other day at Muster Harden
handled him to a nicety. Poor Mays election in place of being better'd
by the report will be materially injured, a great many being of opinion
that he had a hand in the pye and that he has all along been a Sneed
and Martins man (the minority in county matters). Enough about this
business.

I made a tarry of two nights at our friends at the castle about a fort-
night ago. The old fellow is in high spirits — two of my countrymen
were at this time visitors at the camp and lately from Edinburg, Scot-
land, from whom I had pleasing accounts of the situation of that country.
They are residents of Charleston and leave that place annually during
the warm months for the iNTorthem clime.

*******

I shall be in the neighborhood of Oakland this Evening where I shall
call and take dinner.

I shd. be glad you would drop me a few lines from Hillsboro' before
you set out to the Several Courts, in which please say what you think

iJames Galloway of Rockingham Oounty, member of the Senate, 178^1790.

2Thomas Henderson, of Rockingham County, member of the House of Com-
mons, 1792-1794; member of the Senate, 1796.

sNathanlel Scales, of Rockingham County, member of the House of Com-
mons, 1808, 1817; member of the Senate, 1806-1812, 1821-1823.

4M ark Harden, of Rockingham County, member of the House of Commons,
1806-1810.

124 The North Cabouna Hibtobical Commission.

of Sneedfl expressions ^^designing demagogues, nefarious schemes^ mis-
management, partial conduct" etc. ; altho' I do not see any hold that can
be taken from these — old Menzies is staggering about at every Muster
and gathering etc. with a pair of old saddle bags crammed full of papers,
relating to his settlement as trustee, endeavouring thereby to discredit
Sneeds statement, others are mute, some for suing him, others for giving
him a drubbing.

Wentwoeth 26th July 1809.

[Address: Hillsboro'

Addressed a second time
Wm. Guston Esqr.
Newborn North Carolina.]

[Enclosure]
To THE Citizens of Rockingham County.

Friends and fellow Citizens,

The time has actually arrived when I consider it my inevitable duty
in vindication of the rights of the people to make the following state-
ment of facts ; and in doing so permit me by way of Introduction to take
a retrospective view of things as they have come before us. In the first
place it would be well to observe that the Citizens of this county have
long paid a much higher county tax, perhaps than any other County in
the State, when at the same time we have done nothing more conducive
to the public benefit than other counties, and perhaps not so much as
many of them. If this be true (and I believe it will be readily conceded)
it is natural to inquire for the cause that has produced so striking a
contrast. In answer to which I must be permitted to say, it has pro-
ceeded from the mismanagement, and partial conduct of a few influential
characters who have long had the indirect control of our public affairs ;
a combination who have assumed to themselves the plausible character
of being the exclusive friends of the people, with real design to direct,
controul and counteract the public will ; — a set of designing demagogues
who under the mask of republicanism stick at nothing in furtherance
of their nefarious schemes, whose sole object is to monopolize power, in
order more effectually to prey upon the substance of the people with
impunity, and take from the mouth of labour the bread it has earned.

It is a fact that John Menzies, county Trustee when called upon by the
committee for a settlement of his public accounts for the year 1805 did
produce a statement of his own (which he said was the way he had
always settled) endeavouring thereby to bring the county in debt to him
when in fact he was owing the county the sum of £46.19.6 as will be seen
by the report of the committee for the said year.

The Buffin Papess. 125

It is a fact when called upon by the said Committee for the returns
of the rangers which he had in his possession^ he refused to produce
them, at the same time producing a statement of his own for the sum
only of £41.10.2 which he asserted was the full amount he had collected
on Strays.

It is a fact that the Committee was then under the disagreeable neces-
sity of calling on the rangers for copies of their returns^ which copies
when after being compared with the statement aforesaid^ there appeared
to be a further sum of £31.11.6 actually collected^ and in the hands of
the said Trustee^ which he at first refused to account and settle for.

It is a fact that on a further settlement of his public accounts for the
year 1806 he was indebted to the county a further sum of £195.7.7
making in the whole an aggregate amount of £242.7.1 actually collected^
and in the hands of the said county trustee, as will be seen from the
report of the Committee.

It is a fact that on further inquiry we found in the hands of the said
county Trustee for collection the sum of £22.10.4 due on strays which
he had failed to collect in due time as will be seen by said report — also
in a settlement for all arrears of money due the county we found a further
nett amount of £23.16.8 due on strays and not collected as per Strays
Book of George Perry Esq. deceased^ as will be seen by the report of the
Committee.

It is a fact that on further examination we found in the hands of
Nathaniel Scales Esqr. one of the commissioners appointed by the act
of Assembly to sell and dispose of the several lots in the Power of the
Wentworth the sum of £131.11.9 including the interest due the county
in Bonds and money which he had failed to collect and account for in
due time as will be seen by the report of the Committee.

It is a fact that John Matlock Sheriff of Bockingham County, on a
settlement with the said Committee was indebted to the county the nett
sum of $184.25 it being the Balance of the monies levied and by him
collected for the purpose of building a stone gaol. This Balance, he
had failed to account and settle for in due time altho the county was
then bound to pay and did actually pay Interest to Eobert Gallaway
assignee of Charles L. Hunter to the amount of $63.50 in consequence
of such failure as will be seen from the report of the Committee.

It is a fact that Bobert Gallaway Esq Clerk of the County Court of
Bockingham had failed to pay over to the county Trustee all fines and
embursements by him received from May Sessions 1804 to Febry Ses-
sions 1808 Amounting to $36.13, altho' he at the same time was drawing
Interest to the amount of $63.50 as aforesaid on the Balance due him
as assignee for building said stone gaol as will also be seen by the report
of said Committee.

And it is further a fact that in consequence of the aforesaid settle-
ments and investigation the county court has been enabled to reduce the
county tax the sum of two shillings and six pence on the Poll in the two

126 The IN'obth Cabolina Historical Commission.

last years — have repaired the courthouse at the price of $493. built two
Bridges and purchased a sufficiency of Law Books for the use of the
court and still have outstanding debts due the County to collect to the
amount of $350.

These are plain simple facts which cannot be denied. Is it not time
for the people to look out and say that such things shall not be?

N. B. The above statement has not been made with any invidious
vieWy but from a Conviction (being placed in a situation to know) that
it is my indispensable duty to let the people know how their money goes.

(Signed) Albz. Snesd

One of the Committee.

From Richard Stanford.^

Washington City, Apl. 6, 1810
I cover you a paper containing the opinion of the supreme Court in
the case of ''Yazoo title/'^ and the report of Judge Johnson,* the case
is not a little interesting here, and may therefore attract professional
curiosity your way.

Congress has done so little I have nothing to communicate of their
doings, except that they have undone Macon's Bill. It is lost through
the disagreement between the two Houses. Foreign news appearing
rather to bear a favourable aspect, I presume the non-intercourse law
will be left to expire with the session. This, if the Senate concur, we
have voted to close on the 23d inst.

The additional duties proposed on the reduction of the naval and
military force with that of the reincorporation of the Bank U. States
are subjects which will probably engage us principally till we rise.

From William Oamett.

Petbbsbubo, 12th July, 1810.
Agreeably to your appointment, in your letter to Mr. Matthews, I
arrived in Petersburg on yesterday, prepared to greet you as soon as

iRlchard Stanford, 1767-1816, a native of Maryland, came to North Carolina
in 1793 as a school teacher In the Hawflelds. He was a Republican member of
Conjcress from 1797 to his death.

2The reference is of course to the decision in the case of Fletcher v. Peck,
6 Oranch, 87.

sWilliam Johnson of South Carolina, 1771-1834; member of South Carolina
legislature, 1794-1798; speaker, 1796; state judge; associate justice of the
Supreme Court of the United States from 1804 to 1834. His opinion in the
case mentioned above was a concurring one, but he differed widely from the
Court in hie reasoning.

Ths Buffik Fapebb. 127

jou ahould alight from your horse. You may easily judge of the painful
anxiety with which I watched^ both yesterday and to day^ for your
arrival. After having traced so many wearisome steps to see you, to be
compelled to leave this place without enjoying this pleasure, was a dis-
appointment so little calculated upon, that it required my strongest
efforts to support it with tolerable fortitude. But I will not reproach
you with the mortification and chagrin, which I have suffered; I feel
persuaded that you have a good reason for not keeping your appoint-
ment. I cannot, however, avoid bewailing my unlucky fate; and lament-
ing the accident, which has prevented your journey to Petersburg. I
ah&ll hate the place as long as I live, and, with, my good will, shall see it
to-morrow for the last time in my life. I shall reach Richmond to-
morrow where it is probable I may stay a day. Let me here from you
as soon as possible; but to see you in Essex would be far more agree-
able. It [torn] would afford me some consolation for a disappointment,
which I believe I shall, otherwise, take six months to recover. Such
was my impatience to see you, that I left fully % of my harvest to finish,
that I might enjoy a pleasure so long, and so fruitlessly, wished for. But
I must conclude, for I find that this accursed misfortune hangs so heavily
upon me that I can neither think or write of any thing else. Bemember
me affly. to your good lady and accept the assurances of the undiminished
friendship of your disappointed friend,

P. S. I put up at the Bell Tavern —

[Address :
Hillsborough,
North-Carolina.]

From Elizabeth Kirkland to WUliam Kirkland}

,-. , n AT Glasgow 13th Sept. 1810.

Jay dear Brother. ^

It is impossible for me to express the heartfelt satisfaction your letter

date 10th May afforded your Dear Mother and all of us, to be informed

you were well and dear Sister and family proved quite a balm to us in

the midst of our distress. I regret sincerely that our Congratulations

to our dear Anne on her marriage should be mixed with bitter, but to

the will of Heaven we must submit, in a letter I sent you previous to

the one 'you answered I mentioned to you that our dear Janes complaints

were consumptive which alas proved f attal she died on the 24th of July

last and a blest example she left us of christian piety, and resignation

to the divine will she was sensible to the last moment and when she

lElissabeth Kirkland was, as this letter shows, a sister of William Kirkland
of Hillflboro. The latter had come to Hlllsboro some time prior to 1790 and
lived at Ayr Mount, a mile east of the town. He was a merchant and planter,
and the father-in-law of Ruffin.

128 The Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

would have looked round and saw us the last last dawn she would liave
smiled and said happy happy, as much as to say we were not to mourn
for her, and not many minutes before she breathed her last she naiaed
you and all the rest of her absent Brothers, indeed my dear Brother if
our feelings would submit to reason we would rejoice at the happy change
we have every reason to hope she has made, but nothing but the lenient
hand of time can sooth our feelings, her poor husband is in the deepeet
distress as you may suppose, his little Anne is a very fine child, and
very stout grown. I hope in Gk>d she will be spared for a comfort and
blessing to him and all her friends. Brother John and ^N'ancy has
been at London visiting Nugent and family. John carried up his eldest
son and daughter with him. iN'ugent had wrote for them some time ago.
John is to be placed in a Killitary Academy for some time, Isabella is
to be educate with their Anne, who has a governess to her self, and
having only her she will be much the better of a companion.

Our dear Mother joins in sending her blessing to you and dear Sister
with our most sincere congratulations to our dearest Anne and her better
half, may Heaven have a plentitude of its blessings upon them and may
they be long spared for a blessing and comfort to each other, and be to
you and our dearest Sister just what you could wish. Tell my Ifephew
Mr. Ruffin that I shall certainly write him as soon as I am in better
spirits assure him that nothing would make his Aunt Elizabeth so happy
as to hear from him. I have not a doubt but he will be making me a
very respectable woman some of these days for instance a Grand Aunl
happen when it will none will rejoice more than me, Nugent and Mrs.
Eirkland wrote immediately on learning their was letters from you and
begd we would offer their best wishes and congratulations on the happy
occasion she is a most excellent woman and is as much interested in
you, our dear Sister and family, as if she knew you all, by the by my
dear Wm. I am going to request a favour of you and our dear Sister if
your next is a Boy to name it Nugent or if a Girl to call it Pheba for
Mrs. K. I hope you will pardon my presumption and may retaliate in
the same way as soon as I get off the stocks which I will not do till you
honour us with your presence having put it off so long I shall defer tiU
then. We shall certainly look forward with much pleasure to the spring
hoping it will bring you, think how much it will gladen the heart of your
good old Mother to see her darling William who at the very Idea of it
seems two or three years younger already. We had very comfortable
letters from David lately date 29th Decemr last. He was then at Goa
in Bombay, tells his mother he had purchased a House for forty Founds
and only wanted a good wife to make him quite comfortable and happy.
I trust in God he will do well. John saw a young man in Ayr about
eight months ago who had seen James about three years ago at Baltimore
he was then a sailor in some vessel but could not tell the name of it ; they
had been old school companions and recognized one another, tis very
strange if he is still alive that he does not write his friends, it is truly

Thb Buffin Papbsb. 129

lamentable that a young man of liifi abilities should have so far forgot
himself. I trust the Almighty God will guard and protect him from
evil, in whatever situation of life he may be in, and that we may yet
hear comfortable accounts of him. I regret sincerely that times have
been so bad in America indeed it is not to be Wondered at considering
every thing we feel it here very much, trade at present is very low, never
was more so, we both want consumers and confidence but the blessing
of hope is richly infused and we must not despair. The Almighty is all
sufficient and can bring good out of evil. John is just arrived and
sends a thousand loves to you all, and will write and give you all the
news of .his jaunt as soon as he is fairly settled, next week is the seventh
week at Ayr and he is just hurrying on to have matters arranged, as
his whole time will be occupied that week with the judges, he left Nancy
in £din[bur]g for two days with Mr. Kirklands friends, they went and
came home by sea. Nancy was very sick but I hope she will be better
for it as she was by no Ineans very Well wheti she went away Which made
us urge her to go. Took a peach wishes to know if you have any mind
of her thats the name you used to give Anne you know, our family never
was so little as it is at present, only my Mother Anne and me at home,
Sister Mary has been at Ayr during her abs)9nce however I hope by next
week we will be altogether again. So you have no less than two of
addition to your family upon my word Wm. you are very rich and I
sincerely hope they ane all sent for a blessing to you and their dear
Mother. Sir A. McKenzy I am sure will be very proud of his name sake,
do you think Sister would not consent to let two of the children come
with you to see their Grandmother it would be such a treat but we must
not expect too much for fear we be disappointed. We rejoice to hear
that your health is so much better, and intreat you to take good care and
not make too free, its a blessing we too seldom prize till we are robed of
it, again Adieu Kiss all the children for me, and when you write Betsy
and Peggy give all our love. E. K.

I shall conclude with our most affct love and best wishes to all yoUr
happy f ainily. May Almighty God Bless you all is the prayer of your
truly affect and loving Sister. E. Ejbkland.

[Addiiess:
William Eirkland Esqr.

Hillsborough, North Carolina.]

130

The Nobth Oaboldta Hibtobical Commission.

From Archibald D, Murphey.
j^ ^. [September. 1810.]

You will have learned before this reaches you, that great Part of Mr.
Duffeys^ library was sold on this Week by the Sheriff of Chatham. I
could not Stand by and see the Books go for Nothing. I attended the
Sale and bid up, so as to make them bring as mVfCh as possible : had I
not done so, the Books would not have sold for one half of their value,
nor, I believe, for one third. The Consequence of my bidding has been,
that a great many of the Books have fallen into my hands. Among
which are a Number of valuable Lawbooks. I intended, if money enough
could have been received to meet the most pressing demands, to have
offered those books, which I purchased, for sale upon a Credit of 12
Months for the benefit of the estate. But I find this cannot be done and
I have to pay the Cash for them at the next Chatham County Court
I mention these things to you, to learn whether you are disposed to take
part or most of the Law Books etc. You may take them at the same
Prices at which they were bid off to me. You will never meet with an
opportunity again of getting Books upon the same terms. Let me know
by Isaac whether you will take these Books. If you do not, I shall let
Love and Willson have them.

The following are some of the books with their Prices.

12 Vols, of Modem Reports

3 Do of WlUsons Do
1 Do of Oowper Do
1 Do of Douglas Do

1 Do of Wllles Do
5 Do of Vesey Junr.

2 Do of Vesey Senr.

4 Do of Cooke

1 Latches

8 Piere Williams

2 Strange

2 Henry Blackstone

3 Dyer Do

2 Shower Do

3 Dallas Do

2 Fonhlanque on Ejquity

2 Vemons reports

1 Cases tempore Talbot

1 Kyd on Awards

2 Hales Pleas of the Crown
2 McNallys evidence

2 Espenapi's Nisi Prius

|18 This book generally costs |36 or 40

general Price

2.60

15
103

1.50

3.50

8.90

3.50

1.25

1.50

2.60

2.70

2.60

5 47

6 103

150

iWilliam DufTy, a prominent lawyer and member of the legislature. He
practiced successively in New Bern, HiUsboro, and FayetteviUe. He had died
shortly before this letter was written.

The Suffin Papers. 131

These books are very little injured — they are worth nearly as much
as when Mr. Duffey got them — they will make you a very good Law-
Library when added to those which you already have.

*******

[Address: Hillsboro.]
[Endorsed :
Mr. IhxBfB Books
Sepr. S7th 1810
Duffy, a few days ago died I]

From Archibald D. Mwrphey?-

j^ ^. HESMrrAOE. 1st January 1811.

****-***

As soon as you reach Petersburg, enquire of the apothecaries for the
Alcomoqvs,^ which has lately been imported into Philadelphia by Mr,
Chevalier and advertised for sale. This is the Vegetable so much cele-
brated lately for its efficacy in curing Pulmonary Complaints. I wrote
to John Williams some time ago to procure some of it for me, and also
Instructions for using it. If possible, get some of this Vegetable before
you leave Petersburg. Dr. TJmstead has induced Jenny to believe that
the Alcomoque will restore her to good health.

With the greatest Anxiety for your Welfare and Happiness, I remain,
Dear Sir, Yours Very Sincerely

A. D. MUBPHET.

Thomas Ruffin esqr.
[Addiiess: Hillsborough.]

From E. Dillard?

Pbtebsbubo 19th Feb. '11.
I returned from an excursion into the country about 12 days ago, and
have since been compell'd to put myself under the hands of a Physician,

iThe omitted portion of this letter is printed in Hoyt, ed., The Murphey
Papers, I, p. 46.

2A South American bark which was at this time much in use. It disappeared
from the American Pharmacopoeia about 1840.

SEdward Dillard, captain of the Fifth U. S. Infantry until May, 1811, when
he resigned on account of ill-health. He married Rnffln's sister, Minerva, and
died within a few years.

132 The Nobth Cabolina Hibtobical Commission.

owing to an encrease of the infernal troubleeome disorder under which

I have so long labored. I am housed and shall continue so^ literally

feeding upon bread and water; and am determined to make use of the

most desperate remedies^ if mild ones will not do^ to eradicate the disease.

Permit me to plead the above as an apology for not sooner writing to yon.

*******

We have no news here, but what you will have seen in the papera^
before this reaches you. Mon. Bonny it seems, has been a little civil in
restoring certain condenmed American property; and if it be true, which
there can be little doubt of, that the Prince of Wales is appointed B^gent^
we may expect from the change in the Administration an abolition of
the British orders in council. We can therefore reasonably antidpaie
better times, but it may be well not to ''count the chickens before the eggs
are hatched/'

I have a letter from a friend in the War department which mentions
that much longer requisitions have been made than usual for Military
doathing, Camp equipage and other war materials and that the recruit-
ing service has been revised, a number of the supernumerary officers
having been detached upon that duty. From this he infers, that there is
''a speck of War in the Horizon." I cannot tell in what quarter since
the Florida's have submitted without a struggle. The probability is, that
the Secretary at War intends filling up the existing Regiments for a
permanent peace establishment. My own experience tells me that even
this will be a very hard matter. I do not believe that it can be effected
in five years by the present mode of voluntary enlistment.

Congress is wonderfully engaged about — Nothing, Ood knows what
they will do about the non-intercourse.

Write me forthwith, and tell me candidly what are the sentiments of
M's parents upon a particular subject. I hope and trust they are f avoi^
able. My furlough has been extended till the 20th next July.

[Address: Hillsborough, N. C]

From Bartlett Yancey?'

Gbeensbobo : Monday morning March 1813.
I am this far on my return from the counties of my district r I set out
on tuesday morning, dined at your father's and went that night to Went-
worth ; the next morning to Spring-Garden and to Bobert GkiUo way's,'

iBartlett Yancey, 1785-1S28, a graduate of the University of North Carolina,
a distinguished lawyer, member of Congress from 1818 to 1817, state senator
and speaker from 1817 to 1827. He was a close friend of Ruffln.

2A meinber of the large and influential family ^hlch was prominent in
Rockingham County affairs for many years.

Thb Suffin Fapxbs. 133

that night to Joseph (Jentry's ^ the next day to several Houses in Stokes,
on to old David Dalton's and to my very worthy and patriotick old
friend Col. Winston's.^ In passing so far through the County, I met
apparently with a most hearty welcome, all were my friends, and most
actively engaged for my success hefore they saw me; I gave them a
circular for themselves and Neighbours and a few to distribute, which
they with alacrity promised to do, And I have no doubt will with a
d^^ree of zeal, from Col. Winston's Went on to Gtermanton, My old
friend Winston with me, introducing me to every man, woman and
Child. I found all the town, except Tho : Armstrong,' (who was not at
home,) my most decided friend: from there I went to Isaac Dalton's^
in whom I found a most active and valuable friend, and the next day
I went to a muster on the borders of the Moravian settlement; Many of
the Dutch were there and the Country just around having mentioned
the day before, that I was expected at the muster, more than one hundred
persons had assembled when I got there : several of my friends went on
with me, and there I met with the Dobsons f I was introduced to many
and had scarcely time, to shake hands and speak to them before I was
called upon by a messinger from the Captains of both companies to
address the men : I began, directly in the midst of them, and in a little
time raised among them the war-whoop : I knew not how it would stick,
hut came out with a bold front, and with warmth : at the conclusion of
my speech which was short, almost every man, flocked to me, telling me,
they had heard of me, but they now knew my principles and would sup-
port me, this seemed to be the tune of all, with the exception of a single
one, an old vulgar fellow of a Dutch-Irishman, who said he would vote
for Martin:' Lacy'' would not have gotten a single vote there on that
day : from the muster, I went to Salem. I expected it the bed of federal-
ism and disaffection : but to my great surprise, I found all the leading
men among them, the advocates of the present War, in order to get a
honorable peace: I think they will stand divided between Lacy and
myself, myself getting many more of them, than I expected : I went to
town in Company with our friend Capt Harden ;' we met many of my

1 Joseph Gentry of Rockingham, member of the House of Commons in 1804.

sjoseph Winston was a native of Stokes County and was a major in the
Revolution, taking quite a prominent part in the hattle of Kings Mountain.
He was the first etate senator from Stokes in 1790, and was also a member
of the Senate in 1791, 1802, 1807, and 1812. He was a member of Congress
from 1793 to 1795 and from 1803 to 1807. He died in 1814.

SThomas Armstrong of Germanton.

4l8aac Dalton, a member of the House of Commons from Stokes in 1805,
1806, 1814, and 1815.

fiProbably Henry B. and William P. Dobson, both influential in the politics
of Stokes County.

sjames Martin, Jr., of Stokes, who was a very prominent lawyer at this
time and had been a member of the etate senate in 1811 and 1812. He died in
1822.

TTheophilns Lacy of Rockingham, member of the House of Commons in
1799 and 1801. He later declined to be a candidate.

sprobably Mark Harden.

184 Thx Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

friends returning from the town : they told me Bloom, the tavern keeper
was warmly my friend: that Criser was rather opposed to me^ and
thought me too warm a politician. After I got in^ many of the yonng
men came down to the tavern to see me^ (for it had got to salem early in
the day, that I was to be there, that night) Among the number wiko
came down was Criser and Stiner: Criser and myself in the presence
of the others fell into a political conversation, and I soon found from
him, that after the late law upon the subject of the employment of sea-
men, he was an advocate for war : In that we agreed : I took occasion
however, to discriminate between firmness and decision of opinion and
virulence and madness : It seem to fit him, but I know he stood pledged
to Lacy; during the conversation he remarked that if Lacy declined,
Martin would get but little support: Stiner is a good Bepublican and
Bloom tells me will support me: Criser on yesterday took considerable
pains at the Church to introduce me to all their leading men : This town
in politics can be revolutionized :

It is now ascertained beyond doubt that James Martin is a candidate,
for since the first of the week, he has been into every county of the dis-
trict, except Caswell. He and his friends are writing and riding daily :
Lacy has been to this place during the last week : I can hear of liini in
many places, at some he talks of declining, at others he says, by George,
it will not do, it looks too much like being beaten: In all my travels
through Stokes, I never could hear of but 3 men, all of them living
together that would support Lacy and they were doubtful: In this I
was completely astonished: for I expected he would there get a good
support : I am universily told he will get none : I am expected at Stokes
Court on thursday: I propose that we should meet on Monday at Cas-
well, and on Monday and tuesday do all the plain business, there are but
two litigation suits on docket. Barker and Beid; Harrison and Boyd:
Settle is concerned in both and will not be there, we can make use of that
for a continuance. On tuesday night we will get to your fathers, and on
Wednesday night to Qermanton: I am particularly anxious, that you
should be with me at Stokes : you are well acquainted and I am told and
believe you can do me good: I want to beat Martin in his own county:
Murphy and Settle^ will attend to your business in Stokes till you get
there, think of this proposition till Court, I am confident it will answer
a good purpose: My friends in this county and Bockingham tell me I
will beat either of them a good ways. Strange to tell, they say in this
county, Martin will get none except a few in the neighborhood of Lea
Hunter.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

iThomas Settle of Rockingham County, 1791-1857; member of the House ot
Commons, 1816, 1826-1829; speaker, 1828; member of Congress, 1817-1821;
judge Superior Court, 1832 until bis deatb.

Ths 'Rvfttn Papbbs. 135

From Bartlett Yancey,

Casw!blls 2d. April 1813 :

I have before written you from Greensboro^ but think it possible this
may reach you before that ; as my Old friend Capt : Tait promises it a
speedy passage. My letters from Guilford will give you a full account
in a diort way of my late tour through the district : Your letter by Mr.
Evans from Hillsborough I have reed, and precisely the same proposi-
tions you make me, I have suggested in my letter to you : it will suit the
interest of both of us, and particularly myself.

My proposition was formed upon a Conversation with your father and
other of my f riends, I saw upon the rout : I have this day understood,
that the post-Boy brings certain intelligence from Lacy's neighborhood
that he has certainly declined : I have reed, no letter from Mr. Lacy on
the subject but it was a thing I fully expected from what I had heard of
him on my tour : James Martin is certainly up, and making every exer-
tion possible for success : I think I shall beat him very easy, but I mean
notwithstanding to be active and endeavour to stur up my friends to
activity, and impress on them to come out on the day of Election :

I sh^ be at home on Sunday before Caswell Co. Court, and shall be
glad of your company: We must set out on tuesday night for German-
ton ; go to your fathers by promise : B. Ct. House to breakfast and on to
Germanton: Campbell will expect us:

[Address: Hillsborough. No.C]

From Jesse Franklin?-

SuBEY County 14th Novr. 1813.
You will recollect we had some Conversation at Germanton last Court
upon the Subject of a Vacancy taking place in the Senate of the TJ. S.,
upon further consideration I am inclined to believe that none will hap-
pen— that our friend the Judge^ will continue. But if a vacancy should
ultimately take place and our friends after Coning over the Subject,

iJesse Franklin of Snrry, member of the House of Commons, 1793, 1794,
1797, 1798; member of Congress, 1795 to 1797; United States senator, 1799-
1805 and from 1807 to 1818; state senator, 1805-1806; governor, 1820; died,
1828.

3Davld Stone of Bertie, 1770-1818; studied law under Davie and became
prominent at the bar; was member of the Commons, 1790-1794; judge of
the Superior Court, 1794-1798; member of Congress, 1799-1801; United States
senator, 1801-1806, when he resigned to become a judge of the Superior Court;
governor from 1809-1810; member of the Commons, 1811-1812; United States
■enator, 1813 to 1814, when, the legislature having passed resolutions of
censure on account of his opposition to the war measures of the administration^
he resigned.

136 The Nobth Casoldta Histoiucal Commission.

Should be of opinion that the use of my name as a successor will serve
the present cause jou are at Liberty to make use of it. Not Sir that I
have any personal wishes ever to attend the sessions of the Senate, for
if ever I had any they have been long since gratified, and after having
been twice Honored with that High trust. Certainly I can have no farther
Claims of that sort upon the State, but I can never Sit down and view
with indifFerenoe the passing events growing out of the present Contest
in which we are engaged, but on the Contrary I feel the most Lively
interest in the struggle, and it is with pain that I ever see thorns and
thistles strewed in the way of those of the Majority, who must govern,
who must necessarily point out the Course, tl^at the nation must pursue.
I did believe that longer forbearance with the British Qovemment on
our part would have been criminal; that from some fatality or other,
no nation is exempt from the Horrors of war, and in their turn all must
encounter it. That our cause is a just one and we in time must Join the
DredfuU revelry. To meet it manfully is our proper cofurse to shrink
from it would be a baseness to which Americans as free men, knowing and
valluing their rights never could submit, and that a vigorous prosecution
of the War is the only way to Honorable peace. I voted for the war,
but not untill I believed that every effort had been made to preserve Ihe
peace of the nation, that every point of the political compass had been
tried, and every Honorable offer made to the present enemy; notwith-
standing what may be said by those in the opposition.

If a vacancy should take place and our friends can unite upon any
(Gentleman whose prospects of success are plasible let me not stand in
the way,

I have not written to Judge Stone, indeed I have been at a loss How
to answer his letter upon the subject. The Judge and Myself have ever
been upon the most intimate terms of friendship both as publick men
and individuals from long acquaintance and long service together.

N. B. I wish you an agreable session and after doing much good for
the State a Happy meeting with your family and friends.

[Address :
Mr. Buffin Esquire

Member of the Legislature of the State of N*. Carolina Baleigh
N. C. from the town of Hillsbo.]

From William Oamett.

2* Dec, 1813
It is with very great pleasure that I Om enabled by the receipt of your
letter of the 15th of Not, once more to reply to a conununication from
you. This pleasure lis the more increased, as I had began to think that

The Ruffin Papbbs. 187

our correspondence liad, at lengthy reached the end of the tendency, which
it has long appeared to have, to a termination. In June last, I wrote you
a long letter, informing you that I should be in Bichmond at the siting
of the chancery court, and requesting a meeting if possible at that place;
but, as well as I recollect, I gave it a wrong direction, directing it to
Warrenton instead of Hillsborough, I, therefore, presume that you never
recvd it. I rejoice with you in your prospects for domestic happiness,
which I hope you may continue to realize as long as you live. My own,
I think, are as good as I could reasonably expect, though I am far from
being in the flourishing circumstances, with regard to my pecuniary
affairs, that you seem to immagine. I possess, nominally, a pretty good
estate. I own about 8 or 9 hundred acres of Rappahannock River land,
and about forty negroes, I have, besides, a reversionary interest, which
I estimate at between two and three thousand pounds, but notwithstand-
ing this, I have been embarrassed and perplexed with debt ever since I
began life. When I came to the possession of my estate, I found it
burthened with debt, which building and purchasing furniture towards
housekeeping very much encreased. Since then, I have bent my utmost
exertions towards relieving it from its heavy incumbrances, but the
embargo threw me back very much, and I was but just recovering from
its baneful influence when the war assailed me, and will, I fear, shake
me to center if it continues much longer.

My family consists of a wife^ and three children, a son, and two
daughters, and, I think, I have as much reason to be happy in them as
most men. As you observe with regard to your children, mine are too
young to exhibit any strong characteristick features; they are healthy,
and viewing them with the partiality of parent, I suppose, I can see as
little to object to in them, as in any children I know of their ages.

From your letter, I observe that you are in your state Legislature;
the political ocean, I believe, is a very tempestuous one and the adven-
turers upon it, rarely ever promote their own happiness by it; but it is
necessary that some should buffet the storm, and patriotism requires
that no man should hang back when his services are required.

Your fate and mine has been very different in this respect, I have been
long politically proscribed, and am considered, or rather affected to be
considered, by those who aspire at despotic sway in one District, as
nothing better than a tory. The ostensible, (though not the real cause,)
for such an opinion, which I have good reason to believe is frequently
expressed, behind my back and in the most insiduous and secret manner,
is because I thought it impolitick to declare war when we did, and
because I have taken all proper occasions to express my disgust at the
pusillanimous conduct of our govt, towards France, and at the shame-
lees and barefaced manner in which they have persisted in falsely afirm-

iWilliam Garnett married his cousin, Anna ICarla Brooke. Their children
at the time of this letter were Anna Maria Catherine, bom 1808; Muscoe, bom
1810; and Charlotte Olympla, born 1812.

138 Ths Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

ing that the F. Decrees were repealed when the Presidents proclamation
declared them to be. But I have not time to go into this long and diB-
gusting subject, I will, therefore, reserve it for another letter.

I would not be in public life if I could, which bye the bye is well put
in, unless my services were solicited, as I do not think my talents of
that brilliant stamp to render it improper that I should indulge my
predilection for a private life, and I believe it is one in which the people
are very willing to indulge me. But I will now conclude, for the pres-
ent— Remember me affectionately to all your family, and write to me
as often as you can find leisure, and I promise you to do the same.

[Address : Raleigh North Carolina]

From Archibald D, Murphey.^

^ ^ ^ Ralmgh, 6th Jany. 1813.* [1814]

Vear ICuffin,

Your letters have this moment come to hand. I will get the Copies

from the Clerk of the Federal Court which you wish and either bring

them or send them to Hillsboro. I have taken up your Fathers Note

$1461. If the Acts of 1764 and 1768 can be had in the Secretar/s

Office, I will get copies for you. I will attend to the Cases which you

enclosed and get a Decision on them, if possible.

*******

The Moravian Cause' comes on Tomorrow, and I shall not get away
before Monday or Tuesday. Mr. Robards* is appointed Clerk — Great
News here — Peace, I hope, is in prospect for us. The allies are trium-
phant in all quarters — the Papers of today give us details — ^the Prince
of Scwartszenberg acted as Commander in Chief of the Allies, Supported
by the Army of Siberia under Blucher and the Northern Army under
Bemadotte Blucher fought Ney on the 17th Octo., and defeated him with
great loss. On the first day the Main Allied Army was engaged agt
Buonaparte : On the night of that day Orders were issued by the Prince

lArchlbald De Bow Murphey, 1777-1832, well-known to North Carolina as a
great judge, a great statesman, and a great orator. He was one of Ruffin's
most intimate friends and also a connection by marriage. RaflUn also for a
short time studied law under him.

2Thl« letter is dated 1813, but its contents show that this was an error, as
does the letter from Murphey to Ruffln, dated January 10, 1814.

SThis was a very important case which InTolTed the possession of and title
to a large part of the lands of the Moravian Church in North Carolina. Murphey
was the chief counsel for the Moraylans, and in 1814 secured a decree of the
Supreme Court in their favor. See Benzien v. Lenoir, 4 N. C, 117. The case
was reopened later.

^William Robards of Granville, member of the House of Conunons in 180€
and 1808; etate treasurer, 1827-1880; clerk of the Supreme Court for many
years; died, 1842.

The Ruffin Papbbs. 139

of Swartszenberg to renew the Attack on the next day and Notice given
to Bemadotte and Blncher to make certain dispositions of their forces
daring the night So that a general combined Attack might be made
upon all parts of the French Army — the Attack was made as concerted;
Bennington who had just arrived with the Army of Bouen, seems to have
sustained the hotest fire and contributed to the Victory in that Quarter
where the Allied Army under Pr. Swartszenberg fought. Bemadotte
and Blucher carried all the positions of the French in the Quarters where
they fought and before night the French Armies were routed and fleeing
in all Directions. France has lost some of her best Generals. It is
stated, but not officially, that MacDonald is taken Prisoner, and that
Prince Poniaiowshy, who commanded the Polish Troops was drowned in
his flight in the river Saalle. The official letters of Sir. Ch. Stewart
written on the 19th, a few hours after the Allies entered Leipsig, an*
nounce the Capture of Generals Sabiston, Brune, Yallary and many
other distinguished Commanders. General Latour Manbourg lost a leg.
Since the death of Bessieres the Duke of Istria, Manbourg has been
esteemed the best Commander of Cavalry in Europe, except Murat the
King of Naples.

Buonaparte attempted a retreat by the Boad to Erforth, But Bema-
dotte had detached such a force in that direction, that he changed his
route, and took the road to Brunswick with the wreck of his Army. It
is expected that by the route of the Saale he will endeavour to force his
way to the Military posts near the Mouth of the Bhine. Gtenl. Blucher
pursued him along this Bout and Bemadotte had Succeeded in throwing
a Strong force between him and the Bhine in this Direction.

In the Battle of the 17th Octo. the Saxon Troops with their Artillery
went down and joined Bemadotte, who made a Speech to them, put
himself at the Head and lead them against the French. In the Battle
on the next day, 17 Battalions of German Troops with their Artillery
went over to the Allied Army. Bavaria has joined the Allies : the Saxon
and many of the Wirtemburg Troops having joined them and the King
of Saxony being taken Prisoner and aU his Dominions in the hands of
the Allies, he will of course join them. In forty eight hours, France
has lost nearly 100,000 men and many of her best G(enerals. The Colos-
sus of her Power is broken to pieces. Whilst she suffers this bad
reverse of fortune in the l^orth. Lord Wellington is entering her
Territory in another quarter. He has stormed all the line of Mili-
tary posts at the foot of the Pyrennees and displayed the British
Standard on the Soil of Ancient France. How many Centuries have
passed away since this Standard was unfurled on French Ground ?

The Prince Eegent's Speech is in the Papers of today. He announces
the great events upon the Continent and the junction of Bavaria to the
Coalition. He regrets the War with the United States, declares a Dis-
position to Settle die Difference, and applauds the Conduct of his Troops
in Canada. It is conjectured that the Flag of Truce which has arrived

140 The Nobth Caboluta Historical Commission.

at Annapolis brings a direct proposition from Lord Castlereagh to treat
either here or in England^ and declining the Interference of a third
Power. It certainly brings some proposition upon this subject and some
say, a Minster is on Board — this is not believed. It was believed at
Washington that in a few days Mr. Bayard would be nominated to the
Senate as Envoy Extraordinary to England. Gk>d send us peace. My
Heart bleeds for the unhappy sufferers on the Frontiers, whose Towns
and Country Dwellings have been laid in Ashes, by way of retaliation
for burning Newark. QeuL McClures friends declare he acted under
the Orders of the Secretary of War:^ this latter Gentleman denies it
One or the Other, or both deserve the execration of the civilized World.
Do not our Disgraces sicken your Soulf Wilkinsons Army will, I fear,
all be captured before I see you. It is said, they have been twice Sum-
moned to Surrender — ^All the Officers almost, are to the South. I pray
God to give us peace, and save us from further Disgrace. We shall get
out of the War, loaded with Debt and taxes, Defeat and Disgrace. It is
time for men of all parties to Unite and put into Office Men of Ability
and Elevation of Character, that the Honour of the N'ation may be
reestablished, and the Dominion of low passion be broken down. God
bless you. Dear Ruffin.
[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Archibald D. Murphey. '

Baleioh, 10th Jan^^. 1814:
It is now nearly 1 Odock — engaged in the Moravian Cause which
has already occupied two days and will probably take up two more. I
have only time to write a few lines — ^the Judges have decided against the
Suspension Act,^ Unanimously.

10 Companies of detatched Militia are ordered to march from this
State immediately to Milledgville in G^rgia — 8 of Infantry, 1 of
Cavalry and 1 of Artillery. The Governor is in Granville, he has been
that far and will be here tomorrow or next day.

London papers of 14th Ifov. have been reed. — Bonaparte escaped to
the Rhine and had reached Mainz with 20 or 30,000 men. No particu-
lars are received as yet.

iThe Secretary of War at this time was John Armstrong of New Tork. a
Revolutionary soldier, the author of the "Newburgh Letters/' delegate to the
Continental Congress from Pennsylvania, senator from New Tork, minister
to France and to Spain, brigadier general in the UnKed States Army. He was
forced to resign at the time of the capture of Washington.

2Thi8 was an act passed in 1812, providing for a stay of judgment in all
suits for debt or damage from December 81, 1812, to February 1, 1814. Tbe
opinion in the case, Jones v, Crittenden, was written by Chief Justice Taylor,
Judge Hall dissenting.

Thb "RvFTui Papbbs. 141

I enclose one of my circulars to you, I am for Mr. Eirkland. I wish
you could think as Jas about some of the things contained in it. My love
to Anne, Mr. Eirkland and all his family. Gk)d bless you.

T. Buffin esqr.

[Address : HiUsboro, N. C]

From Archibald D, Murphey.

r, cf Baleiqh 12th Jany. 1814.

Dear Sir.

We have been nearly a Week on the Moravian Cause, and we shall

not finish it before tomorrow or next day night — We are all tired.

*******

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Bartlett Yancey to Sterling Ruffin.

Washinoton: 4th FeVy. 1814.

1 fear that the conclusion which you have drawn with regard to my
Silence in writing you is not dissimilar, with my own with regard to
your Silence in writing to me : Permit me however to assure you, that
much of my time which has been devoted to correspondence and atten-
tion to my constituents, has been in answering letters and dispatching
news-papers to those parts of the district where I expected they were
most likely to answer the cause which I am endeavoring support:
Amidst my labors of this kind, however, I cannot, nor must not subject
myself justly to be reproached with ingratitude to my friends and my
most able supporters : To give you a detailed account of the proceedings
of Congress, would be pretty much like the most of the business of the
session, uninteresting.

Before much of the important business of the session, has been matured
by the Committees, and brought forward in the House, Our Government
received dispatches from the British Ministry containing a proposition
to n^ociate for peace: this Correspondence has been published and no
doubt you have seen it before this reaches you : These dispatches were
communicated to Congress, and Ministers to meet at Gottenberg to nego-
eiate. Mr. Adams, Mr. Bayard, Mr. Clay (late speaker) and Mr. Jona-
than BusseP were appointed for that purpose: Mr. Bussel was also

iJonathan Russell, 1771-1S82, charge d'aftaires in England at the outbreak
of the war; minister to Norway and Sweden, 1814-181S; member of Congress,
1821-1823.

142 Thb Nobth Cabouna Histosioal Commibsiok.

appointed Minister to reside at Stockholm. Notwithatanding thia ap-
pearance of peace^ it was recommended by the President, that we ahould
adopt suitable measures for a Vigorous and determined prosecution of
the war^ during the next campaign.

This course, so necessary and indispensible, was fully determined on
by Congress, both before and after the reception of that message. We
have learnt, the truth of that Maxim, that to procure peace and main-
tain it, we should be prepared for war.

Congress has accordingly passed a Bill, to fill the Ranks of the Army:
by which they offer $124: and 160 acres of land as a bounty: $50 to be
paid at the moment of enlistment, $50 at the place of Bendezvoua and
24 at the end of Service : to be enlisted for five years, or during the war:
We have also passed a Bill to authorize five of the Bogiments already
authorized to be turned into Rifle Corps — : And this day was passed
to a third reading a Bill to accept of the service of any Volunteer Corps,
who are now ready and willing to go into service and continue for five
years, or during the war. It is believed that several of the corps to the
North, are now ready to enter the service.

The Committee of Ways and Means have made this report in part, and
the greater part of the present session will be devoted to providing the
Revenue for the next year. They have reported a Bill to authorize the
issuing of Treasury Notes and also a loan : It was to have been expected
that the war, would have cost a great deal of money: the Expense has
not been greater than there might be expected : The Military establish-
ment for the last year is about 18 Millions. This Constitutes the greater
part of the Expense. Nothing is yet heard from Mr. Gallatin. It is
said and believed, that if he is not heard from in a short time, that thore
will be an appointment for the treasury. Who it will be is uncertain.

I need not tell you, I am tired of this place : of this I am persuaded
you are already convinced. It is believed at present, that Congress will
adjourn the last of March or first of April : It will be better to adjourn
as soon as the public business will admit of it : It will give the Executive
a better opportunity for the next campaign.

It is believed our Commanders to the North, will be changed : Brown^
and Izard^ have been promoted to Major Genl. within a few days : Wil-
kerson' I hope will be sent from the North, and I would be willing if he
is willing that he should be shifted.

iJacob Brown, 1775-1828, who after a varied career as teacher, surveyor,
private secretary to Alexander Hamilton, judge, and colonel of militia, won
fame In the War of 1812, and In 1821 became general in chief of the United
States Army.

sCtoorge Izard, 1777-1828, a member of the regular army who became a major
general in 1814. He was governor of the territory of Arkansas from 1826 to
1828.

sjames Wilkinson was now in command in the North. A month later he
made a complete failure at Lacolle Creek and was suspended from command
to appear before a court of inquiry, which he had already requested. He was
acquitted but never was restored to command.

Ths Ruffin Papebs. 143

We have just heard by letters from the North, that Forsyth^ passed
over the lines, had an engagement^ killed 160 and took about 400 prison-
ers : Qod grant it may be true : I suppose you will see my friend Mr.
Watt in a day or two : let him know of what I have written you : Since I
came to this place, he passed through the city and would not call to see
me: Mr. Williams was good enough to call and mentioned to me, that
Mr. Watt, he expected, would do so: but he did not come nigh. Tell
him I fear that a maxim may be applied to him in politics, which is
sometimes said of the Christian faith, that he will not hold out to the
end: He cannot have as an excuse, that he was a waggoner, and in a
Waggoners garb ; for he knows me too well to know, that I should not
be glad to see him, at any time: I will write him before long; Will you
be so good as to inform me, by letter what are the times since the Com-
mencement of the Revenue System? What is the complexion of the
times:

Upon the subject of peace you can form as good an opinion as myself :
I see no obstacle to it and believe if the opposition made to it by the
federalists, do not prevent it, we shall have a peace — ^but Sir, rely upon
it, that we shall receive from them as much opposition to peace, as we
have ever experienced in the prosecution of the war. It has already
commenced here in public debate; the papers of that party have taken
up the subject. Mr. Clay has left this for Gottenbergh, and will arrive
there I suppose, about middle of March : two months I think will settle
the question of peace or war. And thirty or fifty days bring back the
tidings : so that from the middle of July to the first of August wiU give
us the News. Mr. Clay was to see us ^e evening before his departure.
He seems sanguine in his expectations of peace. But certainly could
form but little better opinion than you or I : I do not wish Mr. Clay's
impressions to be mentioned. Such part of this letter as you think
expedient you will communicate to our friends and acquaintances:
Your friend and relative Mr. Boane^ is well: My respects to Mrs.
BufSn and the family : I hope to do myself the pleasure of staying with
you as I pass on to Bockingham Supr. Court : Write me on the receipt
of this.

[Address :
Sterling Buffin Esquire
Wentworth
Bockingham Co.
N"o. C]

iBenjamln Forssrthe of Ctormanton, Stokes County, North Carolina. He
was a member of the House of Commons in 1807. He went to Canada In the
War of 1812 as a captain, and was killed In 1814. Forsyth County is named
for him.

ajohn Roane of Uppowoc, the first cousin of Sterling Rufiln's wife, member
of Congress, 1809-1815, 1827-1833, 1835-1837; died, 1869.

144 The Nobth Oaboluta Hibtobical Commibbion.

From Duncan Cameron,^

Okanob Fehj 27, 1814.

It was most sincerely my widi that our friend Mr. Naah' should have
heen appointed to fill the vacancy on the Bench^* when I went to Raleii^ ;
I understood the Governor* intended to nominate me — I expressed my
disinclination to him and suggested Mr. Nash. I found that in the
event of my refusing that he would nominate some person other than
Mr Nash. I was finally tho' be assured very reluctantly induced to
accept the appointment which was unanimously approved by the CToun-
cil ; all being present. — Particulars when we meet.

I set off for the Western Circuit on Thursday. I hope to see you in
Hillsborough on that day.

I wish you to attend to all my Business in the County and Supr. Co.
of Orange, when Mr. Nash appears on the opposite side — ^he will fijiish
my Business where his engagements will permit. He has all my papers
and will divide with you, such as are to pass over to you. In great haste.

[Address: Hillsboro']

From Bartlett Yancey.

Ho. Rbpbbbentativbb 5th March 1814.

Permit me to ask you if you have received 3^ dozen letters, which
you have not answered? If so, whether you will postpone the answer
to them till I see youf My Dr. Fellow*, I think you might have spent
as much time as would enable you to write me : How are things going
on in the State and how is the business of the courts going on. I shall
be able to get home by Caswell County Court: Congress will adjourn
on the 2nd Monday of Apl.

Be good enough to give a friendly assistance to my business in the
courts : I am very tired of this place : I have no intelligence except what
you will find in the public papers : The debate on the loan Bill termi-

iDuncan Cameron, 1777-1858, a native of Virginia, member Of the House of
Ck>mmons, 1802, 1805, 1807, 1812-1818; member of the Senate, 1819. 1822-1824;
judge of the Superior Court, 1814-1816; president of the State Bank. 1829-1840.

^Frederick Nash of Orange, 1751-1858, member of the House of Commons
from New Bern, 1804-1805; from Orange, 1814-1817; Hilleboro. 1828-1829;
speaker, 1814; judge Superior Court, 1818-1826, 1886-1844; justice of the
Supreme Court, 1844-1862; chief justice, 1862-1868.

sFrancis Locke of Rowan, who had been on the bench since 1808, had just
resigned in consequence of his election to the United States Senate.

^William Hawkins.

Ths Ruffin Papbbs. 145

nates on the 3d: In this dispute the Qvida^ have been more severely
handled, than they ever were before, they find themselves opposed by
men of more talents and fimmess than they ever before had.

I have just heard from our State, that Cameron is appointed judge :
How did it happen : Write me in answer.

[Address : Hillsborough No. Oa.]

From William Ruffin^ to Sterling Ruffin.

Wabbbntok 20 May 1814.

I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you since you last left
this place. I hope you reached Oakland in safety, and found the family
all welL

When you were last here, I think, you mentioned that our Friend
Watt had a load of Whiskey to dispose of ; if he has not sold, would take
75 Cents per Gallons, delivered here, and wait a short time for the
money. I think I could aid him in getting rid of it, provided he would
deliTer it soon.

Can you make enquiry of him and let me know by return of the mail.
If y reason for wishing to know by that time is, that I have some idea
of going to the North, and should like to be determined before I set off.

I received a letter from Bobert last night, dated Sachets Harbour 6
May, he was then, thank God, well, and appears to consider the Harbour
as secure from any attack from the Enemy and that our Fleet will soon
be ready for service, that our force is superior to the British, and will
of course soon obtain the ascendency upon the Lake.

I Tery much fear we have met with a discomfiture at Oswego. Bobert
mentions a heavy cannonaiding was heard at the Harbour on the morn-
ing of the 6th in that direction.

The late accounts from Europe are uncertain and contradictory. But
they all agree that there has been several very bloody battles, and that
G^reat] B[ritain] has abandoned the idea of dethroning Bonaparte.
You must excuse this note, it was my intention to have written you a
Letter. But I was prevented by companies coming in, till it was too
late for me to indulge my inclination. But I cannot conclude without
informing you that thro' the merciful dispensation of a Kind Provi-
dence and an indulgent Gk)d, we are all in the Land of the living and in
our usual health.

iThe group of Independents headed by John Randolph.
xWUllam Ruffin was Sterling Ruffln's brother.

146 The Nobth Oabolika Hutobical Commission.

The family joins me in best wishes for the health and happiness of
you and yours.

N. B. if you have an oppy. send me a Kegg or two of Tobacco, such
as you had.
[Address :
Sterling Buffin Esq.
Bockingham County No. Ca.]

From Joseph Oales}

[Raleigh, N. C, July 22, 1814.]

Provided the friends of an Agency of the State Bank in Hillsborough
should succeed in their wishes, which I think they will, would you be
willing to accept of the Agency? In discussing the subject your friendly
services to the Institution were spoken of as they deserve, and that the
Board was informed that you recommended D. Yarborough as Agent,
it was concluded that if an Agency was established, an offer of the Busi-
ness should be first made to you.

Though unauthorised, I drop you this line to enquire whether it will
suit your convenience to accept of this appointment. I do this to save
time. The establishment of the office depends upon a contingency, which
if it turns out favorably, I wish the Business to be immediately effected,
which can be done provided we have your answer in the mean tima

Baleioh, July 22, 1814.

The salary of the Agent wiU be $500.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Joseph Qales,

[Balbioh, N. C, July 29, 1814.]
I duly received your favor of yesterday by today's mail, and I write
you a line to say that I am well satisfied with the reasons which you
give for declining the contemplated Agency, and to inform you that the
question of establishing Offices being somewhat connected with another
subject at present under consideration, which has been thought of suffi-
cient importance to call together all the Members of the Directory, which
cannot be effected before the latter end of August, this Business has
been postponed to that time also.

I mention this, lest not hearing from us on the subject, you might

iJoseph Gales, founder and editor of the Raleigh Register, at this time one
of the directors of the State Bank.

The Buffin Papebs. 147

have supposed the Business was relinguished, which is hj no means the
case. I am firmly of opinion that the office will be established in Hills-
boro' and that our friend Mr. Yarboro^ will be the Agent.

Baleigh, July 29, 1814.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Barilett Yancey.

Washington 5th October. 1814.

I have just time to write you a scrip before the closing of the mail, so
as to meet you at CasweU Court : We are now engaged in a very unneces-
saiy and I fear protracted debate on the question of removal Instead of
attending to the necessary and imperious business of the nation, the
Representatives from New York and Pennsylvania, with a few excep-
tions, are seizing on this unpropitious time, to remove the seat of govern-
ment to one or the other of these states. The pretended object is tem-
porary removal, but the intention is a permanent one. If this be estab-
lished, and those gentlemen have power hereafter to keep us in one of
these states, the consequence will be, one will have the Congress and
the other the President alternately.

Besides this objection, the propositioii is at a most unfavorable time :
In my opinion it would have a most fatal tendency upon public credit.
I hope my business at Caswell court wiU not suffer in my absence. Mr.
Sanders^ will afford you such assistance as may be in his power: the
state of our finances you will see from the Beport of the Secretary of the
Treasury are in a miserable condition. You now see what I told you,
upon my return at the last session, that immediately upon the Bepeal
of the Embargo, the Capital of the Country would be employed in com-
merce, because it was more profitable, than to leave it to government.
It is not yet ascertained what measures will be adopted by the Committee
of ways and means. We must increase the taxes, both Direct and in-
ternal. We shall have to raise near 20 Millions.

I apprehend that we shall not adjourn till the drd of March ; it is im-
possible however to say at this time.

I should be very pleased to hear from you ; give me a general account
of the aspect of things, and when I write you next, I will be more in
detail.

[Written on back of letter:] Col. Bhone, now by my side, pays his
respects.

[Address : Caswell C. H., K C]

iDavld Tarborongh.

sRomnlos Mitchell Saunders, of CasweU County, 1791-1867, member of the
House of Commons, 1815-1820, 1852-1854; speaker, 1819-1820; member of Con-
gress, 1821-1827, 1841-1845; attorney-general, 1828-1835; judge of the Superior
Court, 1835-1840; Democratic candidate for governor in 1840; minister to
Spain, 1846-1849.

148 Thx Nobth Caboijna Histosical Coicicission.

To Edward Jones?-

^. GsBSNSBOROy Octo, 26th, 1814.

It is essential to my reputation, that yon should declare that the
remark which you made to day in the Court house in relation the leaf
of the Minute Docket being torn was not intended as an insinuation that
I had torn it, or, if such an insinuation was intended, that it was utterly
without foundation in Truth.

I am,
Sir
Your Obedt. Servant

Thomas Buffht.
Colo. Edward Jones

Oreensborough.

[Written on same sheet]
October 26th, 1814.

As to Mr. Bufin, I had not any the most remote intention to insinuate
that he had any Agency in the interpolation of the docket had Mr. Bu£Bn
mentioned it in court I should more courteously have explained, the
other parts of the above note from me requires not a reply to.

Ed. Jonxs.

P. S. I believe there was no intended misconduct anywhere.

To Edward Jones.

„. Obeensbobo — Octo. 26th 1814

It is very satisfactory and gratifying to me to learn by your note that
no imputation derogatory to my character was intended by you today.
Certainly any such imputation was entirely undeserved. But the in-
ference was so obvious, that I, and no doubt others, instantly drew it
To do me justice therefore conmiensurate with the injury I might have
sustained, You cannot but be willing to explain it in the morning in
Court — I am content that it should appear, as of your own mere mention,
without any requisition from me.

I am Sir Your obedient Servant

Thomas Buffik.

Colo. Edward Jones

Greensboro

lEdward Jones, of Chatham, at this time solicitor general of the State. He
and Ruffin were warm friends in spite of the feeling evident in this letter.

Thb Buffin Papbbs. 149

From Joseph Oales.

[Ealbioh, N. C, Oct. 26, 1814.]

Agreeably to promifle, I inclose you the opinion on the Libel Case^
wliich I reed, from Waishington.

The opinion was given, as you will discover from reading it, without
a sight of the Libel. I afterwards inclosed the Piece with a copy of the
Indictment, and received the slip of Paper also inclosed.

When you next come to Baleigh, you can return me these papers.

Baueioh, Oct. 26, 1814.

[In Judge Buffin's handwriting]

Covering the opinion of A. J. Dallas Esqr. on the publication of
'^Oraccus"; for which a prosecution had been pending in State Supr.
Cot, as a libel. Mr. D. thinks it libellous. The Defendt. was acquitted.
[Address :

Thos. Buffin, Esqr.

Hillsborough
Endorsed :

Jo. Gales Esqr.

Octo. 1814.]

From A. Meilan.^
My Dear Sir. [Octobee. 1814.]

I have to return you many, very many thanks for your kind and
friendly Civilities to me during my Besidence in Hillsborough and par-
ticularly for the occasional Use of your Library. But as Gbod-nature
is accustomed to be encroached upon, I have taken the Liberty of borrow-
ing one of your Books, as a Compagnon de Voyage, but will take the
greatest possible Care of it and return it shortly and in as good Condi-
tion as at present. I have ventured this freedom because I do not think
it a book that you may have daily use for. It is the Dr. and Student.
And I perhaps should not find it in many other Libraries.

My stay in the Low Country will depend entirely on Circumstances
as they arise — but in whatever Situation I shall ever retain a grateful
Remembrance of your kindness and subscribe myself

Your sincere and obliged Hble Servt.

AMeilan.

iRomulufl M. Saunders was Indicted In 1813 in Stokes County for libel, on
the basis of a communication written by him and published under the name
"Qraccus/' favorinsr the election of Bartlett Tancey to Congress in opposition
to James Martin, Jr., of Stokee, on whose political character the article cast
serious reflections. He was defended by Ruffin and acquitted, October 21, 1814.

2A foreigner who had been staying for some time in Hilleboro.

150 The Nobth Carolina Histobical Commission.

From Barilett Yancey.

"Washington 3rd Ifovemr. 1814.

I flattered myself that before this time, I should have received a letter
from you. I am however disappointed. By the Register of last Week,
I see that you succeeded in the defense of Mr. Sanders.^ I have reed, a
letter from Mr. Sanders merely mentioning his acquittal I hope that
upon the reception of this, you will give me a full account of the trial
and the apparent impression produced upon the people by the trial and
acquittal. Having been from our State so long and having received no
information of a political nature, I am just as ignorant of the state and
condition of parties, as you are of the secrets here of the opposition;
they are somewhat at a loss in the Courts. Among them seems to be a
difference of opinions on the correct course for them to pursue. Some
are for the ways and means, others against it — : they move on in their
own way of opposition without regard or respect from their political
opponents. The Bill to fill the Ranks of the Regular Army is now
before the House. It is yet impossible to say what will be the details
of the Bill that will become a law. The Ways and Means have not yet
reported their Bills, or the several resolutions decided on by the House.
Their first proposition will be on the Bank: they are now maturing
that, and upon that will greatly depend the other Bills. If we cannot
establish the Bank we must then resort to Treasury Notes and lay a tax
equal to the whole expenditure of the Government : this cannot possibly
be paid without it be a tax in hind. You know I am friendly to a
National Bank, on correct principles. Indeed I would almost take it on
any terms, rather than inundate the country with paper money.

I am sorry to inform you, that I have this moment reed, information
directly from Kentucky, by the Representatives from the Red Banks,
that our friend and acquaintance Richd. Henderson^ is dead. He died in
a sudden attack on the 10th of last month.

You have perhaps previous to this, understood, that your cousin
Robert RufSn died at G^rge Town, on the Saturday before Congress met.
He was in a mounted Volunteer Company. He was in good health a
very little time before his death.

The feds here, I understand, are in fine spirits, from the information
they have from their friends from our State. They expect the whole
State, with the exception of one or two members will be federal : for my
own part / have no such expectation and am willing to indulge them
without contradiction.

Write me I will write you more at length.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

iSee note to letter of Gales to Ruffln, October 26, 1814.
2Rlchard Henderson, of Kentucky, 1766-1814, the younger son of Judge
Richard Henderson of North Carolina.

Thb Ruffin Papbbs. 151

From John MacBae?-

Faybttsvilijb 17th Nov. 1814,
*******

Arrived in Wilmington a few days since the private armed Schooner
Saratoga from a sucessf ul cruise in the British channel. She has brought
in some late London dates which have been forwarded to Washington.
In one of them I read an account of the Expedition under Lord Hill
having their sailing orders countermanded, also an account of the de-
struction of the British Sloop of War Avon of 20 Qims by the Amem.
Sloop of War Wasp Capt Blakely* of equal force; the Avon went down
a few minutes after the action with all her sails standing but her crew
were fortunately saved by the boats of another sloop of war which was
in sight during the action — ^the Wasp immediately left her cruizing
ground and is probably on her return home — the papers furnish nothing
from our commissioners, they have ceased to parley with those of the
Enemy upon the subject of negotiations and aU the communications
they have with each other now are in writing — the war has become of
snch a nature now that nothing but a determined and vigorous prosecn*-
tion of it and (some say) a change of men in power, can bring us Peace.

In the last London papers they make great complaints of the injury
which they suffer from Amern. Privateers which are so audacious as to
take their property almost from their very doors. A meeting of the
Merchants of Glasgow was held upon the subject and a memorial sent
up to the Lords Coms. of the Admiralty.

My respects to Mrs. R and Family and to the good people at Ayre
Mount. I expect to have the pleasure (wffh my old woman) of taking
a Christmas dinner with you.

Tho. Ruffin Esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Duncan Cameron.

Deer. 20th 1814.
After wading through the long Bill which you sent me by Mr. Mur-
phey — ^I have granted an Injunction — not, because I am certain that it

iJohn MacRae, 1793-1880, postmaster of Fayetteville for forty years, who
was the hrother-in-law of Ruffln's wife. He was the author of a map of North
Carolina.

2 Johnston Blakeley, 1781-1816 (?), was a native of Ireland who was hrousrht
by his parents to Wilmington In 1782. He was adopted hy Colonel Edward
Jones, who sent him to the University and procured for him an appointment
in the navy. His exploits as commander of the Waap In the War of 1812 and
his disappearance are too well known to require elaboration.

152 The Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

was right to grant it — ^but lest I might be wrong in refusing it. I have
done it penitenter et dubitanter — if I am wrong, the error will not be
rectified.

I have not been two miles from the House since I came home in
November — and have seen but a few persons other than my own family.
Like yourself, I want a social friend to chat with for a day. I am pleased
with your promised visit; and shall feel highly obliged by it. I shall
certainly be at home, and shall be much disappointed if you do not come
to morrow or next day as promised. We are well— which I hope is the
happy lott of your family. I am with great regard and esteem.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From James CamphelL"^

[RooKiNOHAM N. 0. Jany 1815]

I've got this far — ^I could not leave Raleigh till late on Wednesday
on acc*^^ of furnishings necessary for Bill — ^at that place I was intro-
duced to his Excellency^ and half a Gross of the members.

Pve nothing to boast account my Swap with A. R. 'BJ — ^Archie (the
ewaped horse) can't knock out more than 2% in 3 miles an hour, and if
he does not get rid of his laziness and occasional lameness he will be a
fit subject for the Tanner and the slow : hound when he gets to Norfolk.
I have not written to Archibald. I wish you would do so, hinting to
him what passed 'twizt you and myself about the exchange. If he has
not returned the large Bay request him to swap him off. If you find
him at the Court House on Saturday the Slst Instant direct Mr. Scales
to swap him with Mr. Murphey — ^his son has a good horse. Halifax is
a pretty little village. Keep all the ladies about you single 'till I return —
Will you! — Yes! well do so. Gtod bless you.

[P. S.] The troops passed Southampton C. H. on Tuesday last, so
wiU not touch this road till within 30 miles of Norfolk. I'm quite
pleased with Colo. Atkinson.^ He has promised to f oUow in a few days.
I will write to you again shortly after I get to Norfolk. In the itUerim
shd. any new thing happen write me — a letter from you will always be
ediilerating to my spirits.

[Address: Hillsborough, N. C]

iJames Campbell of Rockingham was first major of a regiment of detached
militia which had been organized at Hillsboro, November 28, 1814, and from
there marched to Norfolk. The companies composing It came from Chatham,
Person, Caswell, Rockingham, Guilford, Randolph, Stokes, Surry, and Wilkea.

2William Miller.

sArchibald Roane Rnffln of Stokes.

4Richard Atkinson of Person, lieutenant colonel commanding the regiment.

The Buffin Pafsbs. 153

From James Campbell.

Norfolk 16th Jany. 1815.

In the first and foremost place I beg you to excuse this course sheet
of ration : paper. I arrived here on the 27 ultimo, nothing particular
happening on my route excepting a complete dislodgement from Archie,
11 miles in the rear of this place. I limped a few days from the fall I
reed., hut marching time to good music has limbered me — our situation
has been pitiable. Even at this time nearly two companies are yet in
the thin tents brought down with them. We, however, have made a
beginning to build houses for those thus situated. We have, in every
respect, been much neglected — our supplies of provisions, wood etc. is
very irregularly brought to us; Since, however, we have become ac-
quainted with the heads of departments, and the proper places where
application is to be made to remedy such negligence we are a little better
off. We and the Field :Officers frequently call upon those officers, and
tell them in positive tones that such remissness in their several duties
will be reported to those having the power to punish etc. — only 8 deaths
have happened since our arrival — 276 are reported sick and unfit for
duty this morning; none of them dangerous. The measles is the only
complaint prevailing — at the Peach Orchard where the 1st Begt. of
N. C. Militia^ are stationed 61 died last month — ^the diseases there have
aD originated from an exposure after having the measles which subjects
the system to diseases of a mortal termination, colds settling on the
lungs, quincys etc., etc. No appearance of the latter complaint among us
yet. If it does creep into our Camp we may calculate on losing 73 or
perhaps one half of our men, they being at this time in houses badly
eover'd and on damp dirt floors.

Camp Defiance, for so our Station is called is situated nearly a mile
north from the main or middle street of ITorfolk, altho' from the great
number of buildings promiscuously situated, adjoining the town on the
road towards it, it may properly be called a part of the Borough. Until
a few days ago. Hunter,^ Winston,' McCauley,* Doctors Kimbro*^ and
Atkinson,^ Serjt. Major Cummings,^ two white servants and three
ni^Toes roosted in one hut, indifiFerently covered, half dobb'd ; pots, ovens,

iThe First Regiment of North Carolina Militia was also at Norfolk at thid
time. As regularly constituted for the war It was composed of companies from
Chowan, Currituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Gates, Hertford, Bertie,
Northampton, Halifax, Warren, and Nash. Its regular officers were: Duncan
McDonald, colonel commanding; Andrew Joyner, lieutenant colonel; Joseph
T. Dlcklnflon, first major; John C. Green, second major. As it went to Norfolk,
ao far as can be discovered, the regiment was composed of troops from Gran-
ville, Wake, Johnston, Franklin, Warren, Halifax, Northampton, Nash, Edge-
combe, Martin, Bertie, Hertford, and Gates.

^Samuel Hunter of Guilford, lieutenant In the regiment.

'Joseph Winston of Stokes, second major in the regiment

^This is possibly Andrew McCauley of Orange.

^The persons named cannot be Identified.

154 Thb North Cabolina Hibtosical Commission.

skilletSy kettles^ frying pans etc. on their right 5 Beds or Cots in the
centre^ daily rations of green pine wood on the left, provisions for man
and beast, saddles, bridles, Portmanteaus, Bear skins, valises, saddle
bi^ etc., etc., in the rear, and to complete a proper foundation. Potters'
Field (where the remains of from 10 to 15 arrive daily) 55 yards in
front! Oh ! what a fine thing it is to be a soldier ! I'm enjoying health,
but begin to find out that my hands will be full, and in place of my trip
affording me a release from business, it will be quite otherwise, but you
know I dislike being idle. Wentworth crosses my mind sometimes which
makes me restless. From letters however from that quarter matters are
going on smoothly. You deserve bumping — ^Why didn't you meet Simon
and others at the C. House on the 31st ulto? If you have not done
something in Brown's business pray, my good Mr. Buffin, set about it
Colo. Atkinson joined us a few days ago. The Frigate Constellation
rides before my eyes in superb style (being in the garret of a four story
house from which I can see her in all her splendour). I have not found
any Town acquaintances as yet, having been much confined in Camp.
I cannot rest nor feel satisfied until I see the poor soldiers more com-
fortably situated. The field officers, Lieutenants Sheppard,^, Webb,*
Henderson,* Surgeons Mebane,* Kimbro', Atkinson and a few more board
at Mr. Sutters house 200 yds from the Barracks. I've been officer of the
day twice since I came down. This is a most arduous duty. It is this —
This officer is compelled twice in 24 hours to visit all the guards at the
outposts, a route of 16 miles, to be performed in the day from 10 A. M.
to 2 oc. P. M. and in the night from 7 oc. to midnight, crossing old
bridges of great width, gullies, marshes etc., etc. We have every day
fatigue parties employed in draining the muster ground, cleaning before
the huts etc. and many a good baptist and men of other profesaions
had to use the spade yesterday (Sunday). The British Barges eaptured
the Hampton packet tother day. We heard the firing and at the time
had many conjectures. The Constellation manned ^d sent out 6 Boats
full of men, but too late to see the fun. This mornings report from the
Pleasure House states the British force to be off there, one 74, 2 frigates,
a sloop of war and a tender. You know the Constellation has been buryed
up here since the commencement of the War. It is hinted that she will
shortly make a trial to get out. Colo. Atkinson and myself are the only
two in the mess who know any thing about the game of Bagammon —
we are at it every other Evening and play for the first kisses of the ladies
about Hillsboro— at this time I am 10 games a-head. I am very much
pleased with the Colonel. He requests to be remembered to you. E[eep
to yourself what I have said about the number of sick and the situation
of the camp. My chapeau de hrees came very securely and without Ae
least injury from the nice cover Mrs. Billiard made for it. Do write

iProbably Egbert Sheppard of Orange.
2The persons named cannot be identified.

The Buffin Papers. 155

to me immediately on the receipt of this — tender my hett respects to
every memher of your family.

Tom, Pye no notion of dying, but may be I may send you a memo-
randa from which you can make out the last speech and dying words of

Your very Sincere friend

J. Oampbsll.

Capt Young^ has just reed orders from Head Quarters to march his
men to Craney Island 6 miles off to act as artiUerists. In his company
are Lieuts. Henderson and Webb (the latter is now in fine health and
spirits) This situation is a very enviable one, being the only healthy
scite abt. Norfolk and could the whole Begt. be quartered at this Station
the lives of many fine fellows would be spared. Jno. Buffin is here
dashing about. He looks well.

[Address: Hillsboro' N. C]

From Bartlett Yancey.

Ho : Bbpkbsbntativxs, 21st Ja'y 1815.

On yesterday evening the fate of the Bill to establish a Ifational Bank^
was decided. It is now or will be, when it receives the signature of the
President become the law of the land. In common with the rest of the
Country, you feel no doubt, such an interest, as to induce a desire on
your part to understand its provisions. It is composed of a Capital of
30 Millions of dollars, of the following proportions — ^In Treasury Ifotes,
or New Stock 15 millions: In War-stock (meaning stock created since
the war) 10 millions : In specie 5 millions, and a power on the part of
the government to subscribe whenever directed by Congress 5 millions
of public stock, then to be made and funded in the Bank : so that the capi-
tal virtually is 85 millions: % of the capital in the several proportions
mentioned above to be subscribed and paid (I believe) the fourth Mon-
day in March, %in^ mo. thereafter ^ in 6 : and % in 8 months. The
Bank to be established in Philadelphia, with power to establish branches
in the several states. The other details of the Bill are pretty much like
all other Banking institutions, with a power on the part of Congress, by
committees to examine into the proceedings of the institution and point-
ing out a remedy, by which an abuse of the powers and rights of the
Bank have been made, and the mode of trial.

A proposition for the establishment of a Bank, has been before one
branch or another of Congress, almost the whole of the session: The

iTliis is probably Francis Toong.

sThis biU was vetoed by President Madison on the ground of unconstitu-
tionality.

156 The North Gabolina Historical CoMicissioir.

great point of Controyersy between those wHo were in favor of a Bank,
especially of the Bepublican Party^ has been as to the kind of stock of
which the Bank was to be composed : Many thought that the greater
part of the Capital should be War Stock, for by that means, you would
take up the stock in the market and thereby be able to negotiate new
loans. Others were of opinion, and of that number was myself, that
we were under no obligations to the owners of stock except such terms
as our contract with them imposed, and that in establishing a Bank, the
greater part of the Capital should be New-Stock, for by that means, we
should immediately procure a loan to that extent at par, and by that
means, save the interest and bonus and certainly procure the loan : there
are many other views of this subject — to numerous for a letter, that I
will defer until I see you.

The present plan is pretty much a compound of the two plans; and
in my opinion better than either. It is a plan in many particulars,
very different from either : It was adopted by the select Committee to
whom the Bill had been referred in the House of Bepresentatives : of
that Committee I was a member: the plan of the present Bank, I pro-
posed myself and at first only two members of the Committee, Mr.
Findly^ and myself voted for it: We postponed the subject for a day
and night, and had two or three meetings on the subject: a sober and
temperate discussion and deliberation of the Bill and a mutually dis-
cussion of opinions ; produced an unanimous opinion on the part of the
committee and a vote in the House of Bepresentatives of 120 to 38:
more than half of the latter, would have voted for it, except for Consti-
tutional obligations: it was resisted in the Senate by several of our
political friends, upon the ground of the proportions of the capital and
also upon the ground, that there ought to be in the bill a provision rela-
tive to the suspension of specie payment, if in the opinion of the Direc-
tors it should be necessary: my own opinion however is that the War-
stock was the real objection. It is scarcely possible to imagine the
transcendant, indirect influence of monied interests.

I am in great haste : I have expected a letter from you before this :
I have however reed, none, though, I have written you frequently: on
this morning, we reed, a very able report from the Secretary of the
Treasury.^ He asks for more taxes to the amount of several millions:
I think it probable that we shall adopt a small income tax, to raise several
millions ; but it is very uncertain what may be adopted, relative to taxes,
until the subject is taken up and discussed.

We are in daily expectation of advices from Europe: Be so good as
make such opportunities as may be convenient when you are on your

iWilllam Findlay of Pennsylvania, a native of Ireland, who after service
In the Revolution became active In Pennsylvania politics, serving in the con-
stitutional convention of 1790 and as a member of Congress, 1791-1799, and
1803-1817. He died In 1821. He was the author of several books.

2The secretary of the treasury at this time was Alexander J. Dallas, 1751-
1817, a native of Jamaica, who had emigrated to Pennsylvania.

Thb Buffin Papiebs. 157

f eb'y circuity at the several courts^ explaining the circmnstances relative
to the Bank, and my apologies, which you can offer, for my not having
given the information to more. I think, perhaps, I shall write a circu-
lar: but I have really been very busy all the session. I shall expect a
letter from you directly.

[Address: Hillsborough N, C]

From William H, Haywood.^

State Bank of No. Cabolina
Thomas Buffin Esquire Ralbioh 26th Jany 1815.

Sir.

I am directed on the part of the board to request that you wiU super-
intend the suits which it may from time to time become the interest of
this Bank to cause to be brought on notes due the bank by its customers.
It was suggested in the board that you intended practising in the Supe-
rior Court of this County and as it would be much more desirable and
convenient that the suits should all be brought in this court I am directed
to issue or cause the Writs to be issued from Wake Superior Court.
There are now only three or four on which Writs may be issued.

I am Sir Bespectfully

Your Obt. Servt.

Wm. H. Haywood, Cashr.
[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Joseph Odles.

[Ralbioh, N. C, Feb. 20, 1816.]

You are right in supposing that I was one of those in favor of employ-
ing you in any Law Business which the Bank may have. I can assure
you that you have many Friends at the Board. I do not recoUect that
there was a dissenting voice to your appointment.

As the Servant of J**. Mebane* waits to take this, I have time only to

iWiUiam H. Haywood, a native of Edgecombe County, brother of Treasurer
John Haywood, was eashf&r of the State Bank and clerk of the United States
district court for North Carolina.

sjames Mebane of Orange, 1774-1857. He was educated at the University
of North Carolina where he was one of the founders and the first president of
the Dialectic Society. He was a member of the House of Commons, 1798,
1801, 1803, 1818, 1820-1824; speaker, 1821; member of the Senate, 1808-1811,
1828.

158 The North Cabolina Hhtowcal Commission.

gay, that we have certain News that Preliminaries of Peace were

at Ghent on the 24th. inst. that they have been ratified by the Prince

Begent, and there is no doubt they will be ratified by the President.

I most heartily congratulate you on this ITewB.

I had liked to have omitted saying, Writs will be issued without giving
you any trouble in the Business.

Raueioh, Feb 20, 1815

[Address: Hillsborough]

From James H. Dewring?-

KocKiwoHAM C. H. N. C. May 3rd 1815.

Having understood that Genl Scott is now at Washington City, fixing
the peace establishment — And knowing that you are personally ac-
quainted with the Genl.* I have taken the liberty to solicit your influence
in my behalf for a birth in that establishment— And also in behalf of
brother Pleasant* who is a 3rd Lieutenant in the same corps (artillery)
with myself.

I know that a line from you if early forwarded will be amply sufficient.

Thos. Kuffin Esqb.

P. S. I am under orders for Columbia, S. C. — and shall march with
my men the 4th inst. Farewell J. H. D.

[Address : Caswell Court House, N". C]

From Richard Stanford.

HiLLSBOBo May 7, 1815.
I am passing on from Person to be at the meeting of the Directors of
the Cape Fear Navigation* on Wednesday next, at Pittsboro. If you
are not to be at the Chatham Court, say if you have still the desire you
expressed to me to have an interest in the company? If you have I will
as you suggested transfer two of my shares to you, and thereby qualify
you for a Directorship. If you feel the proper solicitude for that busi-
ness I shall endeavour to have you appointed a director the first occasion

iJames H. Dearing of Rockingham County, first lieutenant. Second ArtiUeiy,
from May, 1812. He resigned in 1816.

sit will be remembered that General Scott and Rnffin studied law together.

spieasant Dearing, third lieutenant* Second Artillery, who was honorably
discharged six weeks later.

4The Cape Fear Navigation Company was chartered in 1815, succeeding the
Deep and Haw River Navigation Company.

Thb BuFFnr Fapbks. 159

that offers. You can pay for the shares to Mr. Kirkland as I owe him
a good deal more than their amount^ which is only fifty Dollars that is
25$ a share. No instalment remains due upon my shares.

From John F. May,

Fbtbbsbg. June 7. 1815.

I have not time to write you such a letter as I intended when the high
Gt. of Chancery is over. My object at present is to introduce to you, if
chance should throw him in your way^ my friend, my pupil, and my
kinaman, Bob. Strange.^ He is going to N. G. with a view of obtaining
a license and settling there as a member of our illf ated profession. Know-
ing you both well; without writing a formal introduction, I will only
say that when you know Strange you will find in him every thing to
excite esteeon or attract regard — respectable talents, an honest heart —
a true Virginian and a staunch patriot. (This latter — Ood be praised!
I can boast of, as to all my pupils! 1) I hope he will meet with you;
as I am anxious to make you acquainted with each other, from a firm
belief that you will both be pleased.

I have been very sick and very busy this spring — ^and therefore have
not answered your friendly and gratifying letter. Mrs. May and Anne
are well — and by the time I write you again I hope to be able to make
mention of another of the family.

[Address : Hillsboro' N. C]

From John F. May.

Pbtbbsbo. June 23d, 1815.

Shortly after the receipt of your letter of the 31st March, I wrote you
a hasty reply by some gentleman, not now recollected. . . .

I was not a little gratified at the frank and friendly account which
you gave of your prosperous situation; and that gratification was in-
creased by the motives that dictated, and the sentiments which accom-
panied^ the communication. You are indeed blessed by Providence, in a
healthy climate, with a happy and growing family, with acquisitions

iRobert Strange, 1796-1854» settled at Fayetteville and was, in 1821, elected
to tbe House of Commons from that borough and served until 1823, and was
a^^ln a member in 1826. In the same year he was elected a Judge of the
Superior Court and remained on the bench until 1836, when he was elected
United States senator. He resigned in 1840 on the issue of instruction from
the legislature. He was later solicitor, serving until his death.

160 Thb Nobth Cabouka Histobical Commission.

and endowments wHich at onoe procure prosperity, and command respect
and esteem! 1 Of your success in your profession I neyer doubted; but
I acknowledge that it has gone beyond my expectations. Long may it
continue — ^'Length of days be in thy right hand ; in thy left riches and
honour. May all thy ways be ways of pleasantness; and all thy paths
be peace.'' (I do not know that the quotation is as accurate, as the
application is sincere.)

My prosperity in life;, all things considered, has been considerable.
My practice is extensive, and laborious; but its evils are mitigated by
a knowledge that I enjoy the confidence, and am sometimes even cheered
with the applause of those to whom it is beet known. I derive from it a
competent support; I always can command more than is necessary for
ordinary purposes; I am freed from the embarrassment and debt with
which I began life and which tho' small, required time only to have
humbled me into dust. And for these, I ought to rejoice, and do greatly
rejoice. But I can hardly say that I am laying up any thing, as a pro-
vision for old age or a maintenance for infancy. I have now two daugh-
ters, having had another about ten days ago— and when I reflect, as I
sometimes must do, upon their situation in the event of accident to
myself, the reflection plants thorns in the roses which are blooming
around me. But notwithstanding the baleful effects of various politick
causes; tho' the frost of embargo blasted my first fruits; and although a
war of extermination has been waged against the stock from whence
they spring, still, my prospects, I think, brighten and expand. My
practice in the town and country is, I believe, better than any of my
competitors. In the Superior court of Chancery, it is increasing, not
only from the counties in which I practice, but in all the adjacent
country. I have not qualified in the court of Appeals, tho' I have about
10 or 12 cases waiting my determination (this fall) in that respect
My receipts I suppose are $250. they may be $300 ; for I keep few accts.
and no genl. acct. of rects. and exps. which I never could do for three
weeks together in my life. For fees, I usually require cash or bonds;
and thereby save trouble as well as money. The expenoes of a town life
are considerable and have been increased by the war; and my father's
unfortunate situation, also requires some aid from me.

All these things however leave pretty clear of Debt and worth from
$8, to 10,000. In this estimate I do not include a late speculation. I
have purchased a body of Kentucky lands on these terms — J. Wilder
and myself in partnership — $4000. cash (all paid by W. in consider-
ation of my admitting him into the partnership) and $5000 out of pro-
ceeds of the sales of the Lands. This is a complete leap in the dark. I
am told that my half is worth 10, 20, and even 50,000 Bols. but I really
know nothing about it. I have thus followed your example ''and opened
all my affairs to you unto the very bottom" and altho' you beat me 100
pr. ct. in profit and loss, you have no advantage over me in the pleasure
resulting from this open communion between friends interested in each

The Buffin Papbbs. 161

other's welfare — "old messmates bound together by similarity of temper
and feelings; and identity of views and pursuits/' It would give me
great pleasure to make our wives known to each other^ and our children,
too, when they grow up. But unless your good woman will come here
to see the fine London Goods, or unless there is much gold to come out
of my Kentucky Lands, I hardly know how to accomplish it. For really
I never have leisure to leave home ten Days, not even to go and look for
that Oold!

I gave to my estimable friend Strange a short letter of introduction
to you. He is desirous of settling in the lower part of N". C. but as you
might meet, I wished to make you acquainted. He will probably settle
in Fayetteville, (or as the ungrateful Inhabitants say, Fateville, a cir-
cumstance which makes me dislike the place I confess.) I have advised
Strange to see you before he settles if he can ; because I think you could,
and know you would, serve and aid him.

My best respts. to yr. father, sister and family.

P. S. . . . Tell your father I reed, the last halves of his notes.
By the way, ask him what is difference, arithmetically, or mathemati-
cally between two equal risks of each half, and one like risk of the whole.
But then the puzzle must come from you, not me. You understand he
sent one half of $720 by one mail and the other by another, and the
disadvantage is, that if a thief takes the first half, the 2d wiU never
escape; besides which, if the first was safe, there is still his chance for
the second, and as the Banks will pay half to such half notes, there is
exactly two chances of losing a half equal to one chance of losing the
whole.

[Address : Hillsboro', N". C]

From John R. Donnell}

Watkbsbobo Augt. 25th 1815.

Permit me before I conclude to congratulate you on your election
froin the Town of Hillsboro and on the unexpected triumph of our
Republican friends in almost every part of the State at the late Gon-
greseional Canvass.

[Address: Hillsboro.]

iJolMi R. Donnell, 1791-18€4» a native of Ireland, solicitor, 1816-1819; Indfe
of the Superior Court, 1819-1886.

162 The I^obth Cabolina Histobioal Commission.

From John A. Cameron}

Fayjsttbvuxb Octo. 16th, 1815.

I have come to the determination of becoming a candidate for the
o£Sce of Comptroller of the State at the approaching session of Assembly,
and take the liberty of apprising you this early with my intentions.
This is an office of small emolument, but as I can never hope to resume
my profession and as I miLst adopt some other pursuit, I have thou^t
of this office as one which my education and habits qualify me for filling
with credit to myself and usefulness to the public. 'Tis true that the
person now in office may wish to remain so : to this I will only say, that
I want the office, and rotation is a principle universally admitted to be
correct amongst the friends of republican governments. I might say tis
true, that my capacity for being useful in my profession was destroyed
while in the service of the State, but as I do not want the office as a pen-
sion, I forbear to urge any consideration of the kind.

Will you be good enough to mention my intention to your colleagues
and to each other member of the Assembly as you meet with. I shall be
in Baleigh early in the session if in my power, but I am afraid that it
will not be, as I expect an increase of family about that time.

I wish you a pleasant and profitable circuit.

Anything you may do in furtherance of my designs will be gratefully
acknowledged.

[Address: Guilford Ct. House.]

From WUliam Roane?

U. S. Ship Constellation,* Bat of Oibbaltab 17 Octr 1815
According to promise I write this for the purpose of letting you know
how and where I am, as well as what kind of a passage we had, On the
10th Sept', we sailed from the capes of Yirga: on the 12 a gale com-
menced which lasted 2 days during which time one half of the officers
were sea sick myself amongst the number ; after which we had a pleasant
passage being able to take an observation at meridian every day. On
the 19th made Land a high peak on the Island of Oorvo, one of the
Azores or western Islands belonging to Portugal, the two succeeding

iJohn A. Cameron, 1788-1837» of FayettevlUe, a native of Virginia, member
of the House of Commons, 1810-1812, 1820; major in the War of 1812; comial
to Vera Cruz, 1829 ; Judge of the United States district court for Florida from
1831 until he was lost at sea.

2William Roane, a close relative of Rui&n's wife, was at this time a midship-
man, having been appointed in November, 1814. He resigned in 1816.

SThe ConBtellation was a twelve-hundred-ton shl^ with ten guns.

The Ruffin Papbbs. 163

days passed Fayal, (The port in which the Armstrong Privateer was
defended so gallantly by her crew during our war with Britain) CorrO;
Terreserra, St Oeorges, St Michaels and St Maries which appear to be
covered with Vineyards and towns^ wherever they are habitable (being
the most broken land I ever beheld.) .On the 30th we saw an English
Frigat to the N'orthward^ which as soon as she discovered us bore down
untill she came close along side when we showed the Yankie stars which
as soon as she saw she bore away with every foot of canvas she could
spread —

On the 12 Sept' we came to anchor in the Bay of Algerias (opposite
the rock of Gibralter on) on the Spanish main. On the 14th I was
attached to this Ship. Capt (Jordon^ who is a very fatherly commander
and who by the by has a very clever set of officers The midshipmen are
mostly young men of genteel families many of them from Virga., a son^
of Mr Jones formerly the editor of a noted paper of Richmond a Ran-
dolph* and Armsted* Also a Son* of the Rev [sic] Eldridge Gerry former
Vice President of the U States — So of course you may conclude I am
well pleased with my situation.

When we first arrived our squadron was on good terms with the
English of Gibralter, but the Scoundrels have since been giving them-
selves some airs which will cause us to remove our head quarters even
after having b^an to unlade our stores They have been guilty of a
most paltry and pitiful act; that of charging us with having made
efforts to enlist some of their soldiers As soon as the Comodore heard
of the charge he stopt all communication with them and informed the
governor that he would hold a court of enquiry to try the sergeant who
was implicated by them; as soon as they learnt that he was offended
they b^an to apologize, but he told them for his part no apology would
do. And insisted that they should bring forward their evidence to trial ;
the court of which no doubt you have learnt officially. Yet I will make
one remark they accused the seargeant of offering one of their men 5
Double loons to desert, (when it is a matter of fact that money was so
scarce in the squadron that but few of the officers can do more than pay
for their washing. And it has been proven that at the time the sergeant
went on shore he had no more money than half a dollar which he bor-
rowed«) The ship to which the sergeant belonged had more than her
compliment of men and has since turned over to another ship 50. in
consequence of not wanting them. We do not knowingly suffer an
infernal British dog on board our ships. Yet that corrupt and malicious
government by her wicked scoundrel like servents accuse our officers of

^Captain Charles Gordon, who died in 1817.
2Richard A. Jones became a commander in 1844 and died in 1846.
81 am unable to locate this Randolph among four who were in the navy at
the time.
4Robert Armistead.
(^Thomas R. Gerry.

164 Thb N'orth Cabolina Historical Commissioi^.

tampering with Iter soldiers: but thank godd they have completely dis-
graced themselves by it and we are getting in our timbers again which
had been hove out for storage

Octr 25th 1815
We are again under weigh for Malaga.

Malaga. Octr. 27th. 1815
After a pleasant passage we arrived on the 26th. — I have been a'shore
and seen one of the pleasantest towns in Spain but have not time to do
more than finish my letter as the Comodore has just made the signal
to remove. Do write me and get the letter sent from Washington by the
secretary of the Navy. Let me know how all friends are The sine qua
non will take this to New York My best respects to Mrs Buffiln and all
friends Tell sister I shall write the first opportunity Ask your Father
to write me; as I have done him but fear his letter will not go safe as
I left it at Gibralter

Most respectfully sir I remain Tours

Wm. Boane

midm
U S Navy
[Address : Hillsboro N. C]

From George McNeill}

Faybttieville, Nov. 27th, 1815.
• ••*•**

We are as yet, ignorant of the proceedings of your honble. body — at
least the papers contain nothing except the election of speaker and his
Excel' long message. I hope you will make C. Fear navigable before
you rise. Wishing you an agreeable Session
[P. 8.] busy times
Tob. $8 C 15
Salt 151— falling.
[Address: Raleigh.]

From James Campbell.

[Wewtwobth, N. C, Nov. 27, 1815.]
Your communication by master James £. Gallaway, addressed to
your father, and in his absence opened by me contained a paper writing
which gladened us much. Qallaway arrived about 9 A. M. on Friday.

lOeorge McNeill, Rnffln's brother-in-law, was a prominent merchant and
business man in Fayetteville.

Thb Ruffin Fapsbs. 165

I enjoined on him secrecy as to the contents of jour letter. Young
NathL Scales (at whose fa therms house Mr. Oallaway remained all night)
daddy4ike gave it too much publicity, — altho' I believe unknown to
poor Welch.^ He certainly calculated on suffering death. At 12 O'C.
he was taken from the Jail for the place of Execution (on the west-side,
about 150 yards below W. Wrights) attended by Thomas Moore, Robert
and Charles Moore, Methodist preachers. I held the Governor's pardon,
and at 2 O'clock when the ministers had nearly finished I went down
and gave it to the Sheriff. I read it to nearly one thousand persons.
Welch was brought back to prison where he wiU remain until tomorrow
when he will Swear-out. He is grateful to you and your father. By
your means his life has been spared. I was with him an hour on the
Evening of Friday — ^he promises enou^.

Any Parliamentary news, interesting, will be thankfully received.
Twas fortunate you sent an express, there being no mail on Monday last.

Wkntwobth 27 Nov. 1815.

Settle, Hill, and Lacy are the only attomies expected.

[Address: Thomas RufSn Esqr.

Atto. at Law
presently in Raleigh.

Endorsed: Majr. Ja. Gampbel

Novr. 1816]

From William M. Sneed.

MoRSisviLLs Deer. 30ih, 1815.

The caucus at Louisburg have chosen Weldon N*. Edwards^ as their
successor of Mr. Macon. W. P. Little^ is abo a Candidate also R. H.
Jones^ and I. I. Hill and probably Blake Baker.'

[Address: Hillsboro.]

iWelch was convicted in Rockingham County in 1815 of horse stealingf then
a capital felony, and sentenced to death. He was pardoned by Oovemor Wil-
liam Miller on November 14, 1816.

2Weldon Nathaniel Edwards, 1788-1873, a protege of Nathaniel Macon and
Rnffln's schoolmate at Warrenton and lifelong friend. He was a member of the
House of Oommons, 1814-1816; member of Congress, succeeding Macon, 1816-
1827; state senator, 1883-1846, 1860-1864; speaker, 1860-1864; member of the
convention of 1836; president of the convention of 1861.

swilliam P. Little of Warren was member of the state senate, 1804-1806.

^Robert H. Jones, member of the House of Commons, 1816-1818, 1823-1824,
1826-1827; United States district attorney under Jefferson; attorney-general
of North Carolina, 1828.

BBlake Baker, attorney-general of North Carolina, 1796-1802 ; member of the
House of Commons, 1807; Judge of the Superior Court, 1808-1818; died, 1818.

166 Thb North Gabouna Histobical Commibsioit.

From John Roane to Sterling Ruffin.

Washington Jany 9th 1816.

The state of my family and affairs prevented me^ from taking my
seat untill Friday last since then a number of letters have engrossed my
time so that I can give you little or nothing passing here. Late com-
munication from England^ which you will have seen in Gazettes before
this can reach you, create some expectation of an adjustment of differ-
enceSy but I have not much confidence in such a result^ unless our armies
cooperate better, than they have of late. Indeed the enemy's efforts on
the Canadian line have been too successful to sustain a hope of advan-
tageous terms under existing circumstances. Something must be done
here, to correct blunders in the fighting departments, add strength and
vigor to our enemies, and change present prospects, before an honorable
peace can be expected. I will shortly say more of these topics, when
time permits.

Your friend in King Wm. are well. Present me affectionately to yr.
family and accept yourself the best wish of yr friend etc.

[Address :
Sterling Ru£Sn Esqr.
Lenox Castle
Bockingham County
Iforth Carolina.]

From A. MeUan.

Wilmington K C. 12 Feby 1816.
I must once again intrude upon your kind and friendly disposition
towards me and request your Assistance to obviate the objections raised
by His Honor Judge Cameron to sign my Licence for the County Ct.
Bar when originally presented to him about this time last year by my
friend Mr. I^ash. You are no doubt acquainted with the Circumstances
and therefore it is needless to trouble you with a Repetition. My then
recent admission to Citizenship and the then political situation of Eng-
land and America was I conceive the principal objection. A lapse of
further time conjoined to a former Residence of Eleven years will I
hope have the same effect in removing the former in the opinion of his
Honour as the happy return of Peace must in reality have in removing
the latter. You know my Dear Sir the Record is complete and ought
therefore to be unimpeachable — that the Oath and Abjuration are bind-
ing on me and consequently both should be reciprocally effectual in their
operations and Consequences. But as under all circumstances I would
more willingly owe the success of my application to friendly Exertions

Thb BxTFFm Papbbs. 167

and favourable dispositions than to argument or Authority I will rather
rely on the United Efforts of others than to my own logical Deductions.

I have written upon the same Subject to Mr. Murphey, Mr. Nash, and
"Mr. Kirkland and sent the Certificate of my Citizenship with the incom-
plete Licence to the latter — to be used when and how you may deem
most advisable hoping that some private business may induce Judge
Cameron to visit Hillsborough during the County Ct. week. I entreat
you thus once again to exert your Influence in my behalf to present my
respectful Begards to Mrs. Buffin and Mrs. Dillon and to believe me
sincere in subscribing myself

T. C. Ruffin Esqr,

From Bartlett Yancey,

Washington 17th February 1816.
The interest and importance of public affairs of this place is daily
becoming more interesting and important. With the dispatch and atten-
tion to public business, our time would be sufficiently employed, but to
this duty so multifarious in its parts and so important in its object is
added the interesting question who ought to be the next President? From
the continued paragraphs which you see issued and copied in the National
Intellingencer, you would be induced to believe that the Republican
party thought of no other person, but Col. Monroe. Such, however, is
not the truth : This representation of opinion here, is not only untrue,
but it is known to be untrue by those who daily scribble in that paper,
upon the subject of the Frcfiidential Election. It is believed to be done
for the purpose of giving tone to the other Republican papers of the
Country, and by that means give tone to the party in favor of a man,
who however respectable otherwise, requires the aid of such means to be
palmed upon the country as the next President. I believe I am certainly
correct when I say, that a decided majority of the party, now in Congress,
prefer Mr. Crawford for the appointment. The choice of Mr. C. is not
confined to a few states, but is extended to some of almost every state in
the Union — from what has been published as proceeding from him, upon
this subject and which has been issued to the world for the purpose of
impressing upon public opinion, that he declines all the pretentions of
himself in favor of Col. Monroe, you will be able to form some opinion
of the management of this place. It is, however, considered, iJiat if
Mr. Crawford had upon any occasion volunteered his services for the
appointment, or declared, that he would not accept of the nomination,
if made by tiie Republican party, he would have discovered a degree of
arrogance and imprudence, which the whole history of his life has not
offorded a specimen. It is known to a certainty here, by those who
intend to contribute as far as their vote will permit, to nominate him
for the presidency, that if selected, he will serve.

168 The Nobtk Cabolina Historical Commission.

With Mr. Crawford's public character you are somewhat acquainted
and permit me to tell you^ that if you were more minutely acquainted
with his talents and fitness for business^ it would add much to the higli
character he now sustains in your estimation. The objection to the
most of our great men^ is that they are more remarkable for theory than
practice. It results from habit and education, more than nature. Such
men seldom possess those qualifications, necessary to constitute an
Executive officer. To this general rule Mr. Crawford is an exception.
He is remarkable for the resources of his mind, the comprehensive, yet
practical view, which he immediately takes of every subject. He is
prompt in the discharge of his own duty as an officer, and enforces
observance and attention on the part of those around him. His talents
in this respect have been most remarkably exhibited in the war Depart-
ment since he came into it. When he entered it he found the business
of the whole Department much deranged. It has now assumed a system
which in a little time, will be in such a perfect state of arrangement that
its duties will be much easier performed, and with much greater ad-
vantage to the country. I hesitate not to say that from the acquaintance
I have with him, that he would make the most able President this Country
ever had.

I have thought proper to say this much on the subject for your infor-
mation and those of our friends with whom you are intimate : It became
the more necessary because I have understood, that you were among the
number nominated for the general ticket.

I should be very glad to hear from you and that in your letter, you
would inform me of the public opinion of our state on this subject : A
considerable majority of the Bepublioan Delegation of our State is
decidedly for Crawford. I see that Oales, has come out in his B^gister
for Monroe. I have reason to believe he had his orders from here. I
never write as a member of Congress for the papers, but if you think any
extract from this in the Register and Star would be productive of good,
you are at liberty to make such extract, withholding however my name.

Will you be so good as to write me immediately.

From William Ruffin.

Wabkenton No. Ca. 19 Mar. 1816.
It was with equal surprise and mortification (I must confess) I heard
the other day, that you had expressed yourself hostile to the Election of
Mr. Monroe, as the next President. Knowing the correctness of your
opinions upon political subjects (generally) and believing the BepubUcan
Members of the last Legislature, made up the Electoral ticket with an
eye to Monroe, I should certainly have discredited the information if the
Gentleman had not made the assertion with so much confidence as to

Thb Ruffin Papjebs. 169

leave me no grounds to doubt. Still I am unwilling to believe yours was
an unqualified expression^ and as I have experienced some anzietj upon
the subject, I have at length determined to address jou upon the subject,
and request the favor of you to satisfy me, as to the truth of the report.

In the mean time will you permit me to state some of the reasons which
have influenced my mind in favor of Monroe} First, negatively, not
because I have an objection to Mr. Crawford ; for of this Qentleman I
cherish the most exalted opinion, and firmly believe that the Qovemment
might with great safety be confided to his charge. His integrity is
irreproachable, his understanding of the first order — and his firmness
not to be questioned. But his claim upon the publick and the publicks
claim upon him are not reciprocal, as to cite you, we have a right to
exact of him, his services in that station to which we may call him, when
as a Citizen he may have no just claim to an office he may solicit — ^the
appointment to office being frequently intended as a reward for past
services. Again Mr. C. is of that age, that without hazarding much he
could wait one Presidential term, and still be several years younger than
Monroe.

Affirmatively, I do not know that I can say thing under this head,
that you are not already acquainted with. Certainly there are very few
characters now in office, who have served the Commonwealth longer,
none in as great a variety of office, and few with the same zeal, ability
or usefulness as Monroe. I first knew him as a soldier in the Bevolu-
tionary army — then as a member of the Virginia legislature — a member
of the Executive Council — next a member of the old Congress, under
the Confederation, when he displayed his firmness and foresight in
oppoeing the surrender of the Navigation of the Mississippi to the
Spaniards. He was also a member of the Virginia Convention, then a
Senator from that state, next a minister extr. and resident to France —
after his recall, chosen Govr. of the State — once more deputed upon
foreign service and charged with two most important negotiations — one
was happily accomplished. Betuming to the bosom of his native Land
was again called to the first office within the State — ^from this station
he was called to the important offilce of Secry of State — then Secy of
War and when "The Storm of War blew over'' did not retire to the shades
of tranquility and ease ; but again resumed the duties of Secre'^ of State
where we now find him.

Where, my dear Thos. shall we find one other man passing thro' all
the gradations of office — ^manifesting an equal degree of zeal, intellect
and int^rity, with so little censure attaching? or how shall such a man
be rewarded ? While the Crowned heads and Despotisms of Europe are
lavishing their offices, their honors and their wealth upon their Vassals ?
Shall we withhold from him the only boon worth his acceptance? Is it
pretended that the Government would not be well administered by him ?
What are the necessary traits to constitute a great statesman, which arer~
not found in Monroe? His mind clear, cool and discriminating. His

170 The Nobth Cabolixa Hibtobical Commission.

virtue and patriotism almost proverbiaL And his public seryices ac-
knowledged on all bands. The only thing he can be reproached for is,
that he is poor I (the strongest proof of his virtue) and shall it also be
said he is friendless! Forbid it gratitude forbid it honor.

To withhold from Monroe the office his friends now ask for him^ is
to drive him into retirement, and cast a damp upon the vivid hopes
of all, who look forward to a promotion in office, as a reward for past
services; While the luster of his past life shall illumine the page of
history, it will only shine to portray in darker colours the ingratitude of
an ungrateful nation. What is it that prompts a soldier to seek danger
in the ^^Cannons mouth" or the statesman to devote his time and talent
to the General Weal? Next to a self approving mind, is public esteem
and confidence. I could say much more but you see my mind and my
feelings, and as far as I am capable of Judging they are in perfect accord
and with those of my acquaintance in this part of the Country.

My family join me in best wishes to yourself, Mrs. Buffin and aU your
family and our acquaintances who are in Hillsboro.

[Address : Hillsboro' No. Ca.]

From Ira Ellis.

1 R. coon. 1 Mink 6 Ral>blt I 0.62%

6 M'rat. 8 Rabbit 1.76

14 Rabbit, 2 M'rat 0.87%

26 Rabbit 0.80

2. M'rat, 7 Rabbit 0.62%

4 Rabbit, 2 M'Rat 0.81%

1 M'rat 0.25

50 Rabbit, 2 M'rat 2.00

3. R.Coon, 10 M'rat, 12 Rabbit 8.76

10 M'rat, 2 R.Coon 21 Rabbit 8.50

24 Rabbit, 3 M'rat 1.65

25 Rabbit, 1 R.Coon, 3 M'rat 1.82%

7 M'rat 1.76

19 Rabbit, 1 M'rat 0.71%

1 Rabbit, 10 M'rat 2.43%

31 Rabbit 1.00

25 Rabbit, 2 R.Coon, 1 Mink 1.16%

14 Rabbit 9 M'rat, 9 R.Coon 5.18%

9 Rabbit 1 Mink 0.60

3 M'rat, 1 R.Coon 1.00

6 Rabbit, 1 R. Coon, 7 Fox 2.97%

2 Rabbit, 11 M'rat 2.60

13 Raccoon 5.50

143.09

36 Rabbit 1.20 2.20

45.29
33 Do 1.00

The Euffibt Papbbs. 171

[RocKiNOHAM, N. C, Apr. 22, 1816.]

Above you have a Bill of the Fur that Irwin has got for you the last
Winter and Spring. I have charged your Father with the Amount^ and
you may give him Credit for that sum.

Two years ago we procured about 160 or 70$ worth and I wrote to
you to send IN'icholas a Hat, and if you judged the services worth tn^
hats, you might send one for Irwin also. You sent them both. Some
time after your Father informed Irwin he had paid you $6 for his Hat. —
Irwin now sends you the within Fur, and leaves it with you to say how
much he shall pay your Father beside the services rendered in purchasing
this fur, for the Hat he has had and he will settle it with Him. If you
have charged your Father, (as I suppose you have) for the Hat sent
Irwin, you will Credit him for whatever you now allow Irwin for his
services.

BoGKiNOHAM April 22d, 1816.

P. S. No hat expected for this Fur.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

[Cibgxjlab]

From John Haywood and Others.

o. Baleioh, June 18, 1816.

otr.

The destructive fire of last week, which has laid waste a square and a
half of the closest built part of our City, has given to a number of our
Citizens large claims upon the benevolence of their fellow men. — Many
of them were thus suddenly deprived of house and home ; and all have
seen themselves stripped in a moment, by the devouring element, of the
hard earnings of their laborious industry. In a word their condition
calls loudly for relief. Their neighbors acknowledge this; and feel
every disposition to extend towards them the hand of friendly assistance.
But in a small place, like ours, it is to be feared the degree of bounty
must fall very far below the measure of distress. Under this impres-
sion, a committee has been appointed with the duty prescribed to them,
of inviting to these circumstances the sympathetic eye of our sister
Towns: and the committee perform with pleasure, this task, confident
that the appeals they make will be as effectual as die nature of the case
can require.

Permit us, therefore, to request, Sir, in furtherance of this design,
that you will take such steps as may be usual with the view of obtaining
from the liberality of your citizens whatever aid they may be willing
to contribute. A trifle from each, will only be felt, by the generous
bestowers, in the happy consciousness of relieving the sufferings inflicted

172 The Nobth Cabouna Hibtobical Commission.

by a terrible calamity; while the aggregate shall essentially serve in
helping industry to recover from the blow which had destroyed its best
hopes.

Any remittances which may be made^ you will be kind enough to have
directed to the undersigned; who pledge themselves that the suniB re-
ceived shall be distributed with a scrupulous regard to the selection of
such objects as may seem most to require relief.

We tender you^ Sir, the assurances of our highest regard; and respect-
fully remain your obedient servants^ John Hatwood,

[Address: Hillsboro.]

Hbnbt Sbawbll,
Joseph Oalbs,

CALVCf JOHBSy

A. S. H. BuBOBSy
T. Hekdbbson, Jb.

Frorry Sterling Suffin.

Oakland 25th June 1816.

By Charles you will have an opportunity of sending an account of the

Charleston hides, that we may proportion the gain or loss and know how

much we have received of you. Inform me when you and Mr. Scales

will commence your business, and of course when money will be taken

up at the Bank. I am apprehensive that I shall be harder press'd for

cash shortly than I ever was; and therefore it is necessary to begin to

lay up three months before. This place is entirely barren of infoima-

tion worth communicating; dry and cold weather, bad crops, and the

approaching election^ are the only subjects of conversation. I b^gin

to think that Douglas^ will be permitted to stay at home, some of his

former influential friends having declared against him. I am well satis-

fy'd that BethelP should out pole him, altho I do not feel willing to

assist him by my vote. How does Mr. Scott* succeed? is he likely to

have a seat in the next Legislature? I shall endeavour to meet yon at

the next Caswell Court.

*******

[Address :
Hillsborough
No. Carolina.]

iWlUiam Douglas of Rockingham, who for a number of years had been a
member of the House of Commons. He was a candidate for the Senate in 1816
and was elected.

2William Bethel of Rockingham who had been a member of the legislature
at intervals since 1786, and who was to continue his membership until 1820.

sjohn Scott of Hillsboro, who was frequently a member of the House of
Commons from that borough.

Thb Ruffin Papsbs. 173

From Thomas Henderson Jr}

Balsioh^ August 2^ 1816.

I have received your letter which informed me that you were in-
structed, in the event of my refusing to give up the proper name of a
writer of my paper, of the 12th ult. under the signature of ^'a citizen
of Wake," to commence a suit against me as the Editor.^

Since the receipt of your letter I have taken advice of eminent Counsel
as well as of intelligent friends, and they have united in expressing an
opinion that the person who threaten the suit will not be able to establish
any libellous matter or to recover a cent of damages. Of this I have
from the first felt individually confident.

Not the smallest particle of animosity to either of the Public Officers
in question governed me in giving place to the article which has offended
them ; — on the contrary, I felt myself to be discharging merely my duty
to the public as the conductor of one of the journals to which they recur
for information. The same channel I held open for reply; and indeed
1 did not at first publish the article until I had informed several gentle-
men, of both parties of the nature of its contents, and heard their imani-
mous opinion that it was of sufficient importance to demand an insertion.

Now, Sir, although I consider myself entirely shielded against injury,
or even blame for what I have done, I am still very unwilling to have
disagreeable Utigations with my neighbors. Permit me to observe, too,
that I cannot think they have any proper motives for persevering in the
proceedings. They have industriously and very improperly, as I think,
endeavoured to identify me with the author. Their object in this is of
course best known to themselves. They have also made use of my paper,
as offered to them, not only to vindicate themselves, but actually, as I
have just hinted, to injure me by attempting to make me a party in a
dispute from which I have really held myself aloof, farther than con-
siderations of public duty urged me.

In my opinion an opportunity has been given them to refute the
charges against them; and I have no doubt, my readers, as I am, are
generally convinced of their innocence. What then have they to com-
plain of against me; or what object do they propose to themselves by a
prosecution, in which I am assured they do not calculate on obtaining
a verdict ? I am at a loss to know.

My wish is, that the business should proceed no further ; but this wish
is expressed, as I hope you will believe, frankly and candidly, without
any fear of consequences should it not be met. I have done the gentle-
men for whom you act no wrong; and have never myself, publicly or
privately, expressed any opinion of their having acted improperly in

iThomas Henderson, editor of the Raleigh Btar,

2So far as is known, no file of the Star for 1816 Is in existence. I have been
unable to discover anything in regard to the contents of the article mentioned.

174 The Nobth Cabolina Hibtobical Commission.

the discharge of their duties. They erred^ perhaps^ in not making public
the circumstance of the 5 per cent (additional valuation of slaves) which
at once would have put every thing in a proper point of view. The 'want
of knowledge^ among the people, on this head, shows that there 'were
grounds of misapprehension ; and I think it was fortunate for the repu-
tation of the public officers that the subject was so soon agitated : — other-
wise doubts of their correctness would still exist, and the charges which
some individuals might have made would have been countenanced by the
calculations of hundreds who had not a proper understanding of the
facts.

I do hope, Sir, that upon properly weighing the subject your clients
will see the propriety of relinguishing their intention; and sparing
themselves, as well as me, the disagreeable feelings which law-suits for
the imaginary reparation of character always occasion.

Tho. Buffiin Esqr.

Atto, at Law,

Hillsboro.

From Thomas Henderson Jr.
p^^ gi^ Raleigh, Augt. 2, 1816.

Enclosed you will receive my answer to your official letter of the 27th
ult. For your friendly letter accompanying it, I thank you, and would
most willingly follow your advice could I do so with propriety. But
under present circumstances (tho' I fear no such consequences) I would
suffer the fate of Woodf all before the name of the author should be sur-
rendered. I have neither seen nor heard from the author since your
letter was received.

I am. Sir, very sincerely, Tours,

Thos. Henderson jr.

Tho. Euffin Esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough !N^. C]

[Enclosure]

From Thom^is Henderson Jr.

gr* Baleioh, Augt. 2, 1816.

On Wednesday last I received your letter of the 27th ultimo asking
as Attorney for Messrs Gales, Yanhook and Whitaker, the name of the
writer of a piece lately published in the Star, under signature of ^A
Citizen of Wake."

Thb Ruffin Fapsbs. 175

Having been threatened with a prosecution before I had it in my
power to consult the Author^ and being advised that l^e piece contains
no libel; though I abhor the idea and misery of litigation^ I have to
inform you that the author's name will not be given up.
I am, Sir, very respectfully Yours,

Tho. Hsndbbson jb.
Tho. RufBn, Esqr.

Atto. for Messrs. Gales,
Whitaker and Yanhook.
[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Kemp Plummet and Others.

Raxbioh, 9th August, 1816.

At our last (General Assembly, and subsequent to the passing of the
Act providing for the appointment of Electors to vote for a President
and Vice-President of iJie United States, the Republican Members of
that body, having convened as private citizens, proposed fifteen persons
(of whom you are one) as fit characters to be chosen Electors under that
act : and at the same time nominated the undersigned as a Conmxittee of
Correspondence, to make such conmiunications as would probably pro-
duce unity of action; without which, a small but undivided minority
might frustrate the object of the law and the wish of a large majority
of the people.

In compliance with this nomination, and in the discharge of the trust
thus reposed in us, we feel it our duty to afford every facility in our
power to the fair and faithful execution of the law, according to its
spirit and import. To this end, permit us respectfully to enquire of you,
Sir, whether you will serve if elected, and whether you will vote for
James Monroe as President, and Daniel D. Tompkins as Vice-President
of the United States?

A knowledge of these facts will enable us to announce not only the
names proposed, but also the sentiments of the candidates. Did the
functions of an Elector require discussion and deliberation, we should
not presume to ask any question inconsistent with the free exercise of
that judgment which should be the result of future enquiry and investi-
gation ; but viewing the subject as presenting to the people an abstract
proposition, which, from the necessity of the thing as well as the consti-
tutional provision, must be answered through the Electors, as the proper
organs of communicating their will on this single point, it would seem
that the duty of an Elector required nothing more than to ascertain the
opinion of his constituents, and to adopt that opinion by his vote.

.There is, to be sure, but one candidate for each of the high stations
mentioned ; but this circumstance does not entirely forego the propriety

176 The Nobth Oabolina Hibtobioal Commission.

or even necessity of the enquiry we now make, since a feeble opposition,
acting in concert, might outweigh any fragment of a divided majority. —
And although it be true that no man is bound by this or any other nomi-
nation for Electors, but any man or set of men, have an equal right to
propose other characters, yet if no ticket be held up to public view, the
will of the majority can never be known. XJnaminity, therefore, in the
Electoral Vote, is the great object — and it can be matter of no moment
to the people whether they are personally acquainted with the candi-
dates or not, provided they are satisfied as to the votes they will giva
An answer, addressed to us at this place, at as early a day as may suit
your convenience, is desired.

With sentiments of respect, we have the honor to be

Your obed't, humble seiVts,

KxMP Plummeb,^
Thos. Falconer,^
Hknbt Potter.*
[Address: Hillsborough.]

To Kemp Plwmmer and Others.

^ ., HiLLSBOBouoH. Augost 30th, 1816.

Oentlemen — ° ^

I take an early opportunity of answering the questions proposed to me

in your (Circular) Letter dated 9th Inst. I answer both of them in the

affirmative. If chosen an Elector by the Citizens of North Carolina, I

will serve; and, believing that the people would wish or expect me so to

do, I shall vote for James Monroe for the office of President, and Daniel

D. Tompkins for that of Vice-President.

I have the honor to be,

Grentlemen

Your most Obed. Svt.

Thomas Buffik.

Ejsmp Plummeb

Thomas Falconeb )• Esquires.

Henbt Pottbb

From Benjamin Tappan.

August 26th 1816.
It is now several years since we have heard from you and as long ago
as Octo. 1812 since we have reed any intelligence from our surviving
friends at Petersburg. . . .

iKemp Plnmmer of Warren County.
SThomas Palconer of Granville County.
tl am unable to locate Henry Potter.

The Euffin Papbb8. 177

I do not know that except the wear and tear of time we have altered
much since you saw mb, we have a son now 3^ years old^ the only child
we have been able to raise and he promises fair, as to myself our Legis-
lature have thought proper to make me President of the Courts of Com«
men Pleas over a Circuit of 8 counties^ so that I have left the bar to
younger men.

In this State the Congress are much condemned in all quarters for the
compensation law and the probability is that no one who voted for it
will be reelected^ in Kenutcky but 3 of 10 present members are reelected,
a change of men may have a good effect in bringing back the govern-
ment to the economical principles of 1801 from which a sad departure
hath taken place.

IT. B. Nancey says I have made a slight mistake in the age of our
boy and that he is 4% years old — so it is.

From Thomas Henderson, Jr.

Baleioh^ August 29^ 1816.

Enclosed I send you what I deem a concilatory letter and which I hope
will satisfy all parties. It was written after mature reflection and con-
sultation with my friends here.

I sent it to Mr. Gales, who I suppose has taken a copy of it, as I
requested him to do, if he thought proper.

[Address: Hillsboro'.]

From Joseph Oales,

[Raleigh, K C, August 30, 1816.]

Col. Henderson did not shew me the Letter he has sent you till today.

It is not so satisfactory as I could have wished but I suppose it must
be accepted as a sort of apology.

If it had occupied less room and been less equivocal it would not have
been necessary to have accompanied it with the remarks which will now
be unavoidable.

It is the course, however, which the Col. and his friends have chosen,
and we must make the best of it.

When I have the pleasure to see you, I will do what is right for the
trouble you have had in the business.

Raueigh, Aug. 30, 1816.

You will of course shew Mr. Van Hook the Colonel's Letter.

[Address: Hillsborough.]
12

178 Thb Nobth Cabolina Hibtobioal Commission.

From Oeorge E. Spruill.^

Tabbobo Ifovember 2, 1816.

In compliance with the wish which yon so kindly expressed I avail
myself of the first opportunity of writing. Since I parted with you I
have been in several of the lower Counties and though I did not see the
members, I think I can calculate on the votes of those from Tyrrell and
Washington Counties. General IredelP cordially promised me his sup*
port, I expect the votes of the members from my own County. I have
friends who will make interest for me in other Counties, with what suc-
cess I [am] unable to determine.

Such are my prospects in this part of the Country. With what suc-
cess you have advocated my cause in the Western interest, you have, by
this time, discovered.

I have not seen Mordecai' since I left you; but have no doubt he will
be a candidate. Mr. Drew^ has declared himself a candidate. ''And by
my Gods, sir'' says he, ''I deem it no egotism to say I can beat any man
that will offer." Credat Judaius Apella. Such is the opposition which
I already anticipate. And to confess the truth, two such oppon^its
against one young practitioner are fearful odds. How many more will
spring up between this time and the election I am at a loss to discover.
The election will hardly take place until the latter part of the Session.
Col. Burton told me, he would certainly resign; but probably not until
the latter part of the Session; the reason of the delay I did not learn.
Do you think it would be worth while to go to Raleigh before the Elec-
tion?

Such are the facts within my own knowledge, upon which my hopes
of success are founded. Whether, these, in addition to what you know
yourself, will justify such a hope you can determine. We so easily
believe that which we wish to be true ; that I am always ready to distrust
my own views of a subject in which I am myself interested. The head
is so often the dupe of the heart, the understanding so often biassed by
the feelings, that I almost involuntarily anticipate disappointment when
my hopes are strongest. In the present case, I must confess I indulge
some expectation of success ; but I shall nevertheless be prepared to meet
disappointment. It will rest with you and Qen. Iredell whether to bring
my name forward or not. And in making the election I doubt not you
will exercise the same prudence and wisdom, and in both I have the

lOeorge E. SpruiU of Halifax County, member of the House of Commons,
1825-1830, at this time a candidate for attorney-general to succeed Hutchins
G. Burton, who had announced his intention of resigning.

2Jame8 Iredell of Chowan.

SMoses Mordecai of Pitt and later of Wake, 1785-1824, one of the most dis-
tinguished lawyers in the State at this time. He was educated at the Warren-
ton Academy and was probably a schoolmate of Ruffin.

^William Drew of Halifax. He was elected by the ensuing legislature.

Thb Buffin Papers. 179

greatest confidence, that you would in your own oasa From the interest
which Mr. Brown has manifested in my hehalf, I doubt not he will give
you what information lies in his power.

I shall be anxious to hear from you, and hope you will write as soon
as you oonyeniently can.

Whatever may be the event of the election, I shall feel myself under
the strongest obligations to you, for the very kind interest which you
have taken in my favour. It will be remembered with gratitude, and
reciprocated when occasion shall offer, with pleasure. And though I
am unable to conmiand success I hope to do more, to deserve it.

Tho. B. Buffin Esq.

[Address: HiUsboro N: C:]

From Thomas Love}

Watnbsvilu 12th Novr. 1816.
Permit me to trouble you with a few remarks, Bespecting the Dilemma
that our State has got into with respect to perfecting titles to the vacant
and unappropriated Lands within the State of Tennessee, which right
she had previously reserved to herself by her Act of Cession; But the
wild and unprecedented measures Taken by Congress and Tennessee on
that Occasion, In my Humble Opinion, Calls aloud for some Legislative
aid of Our State. If you recollect we had some conversation respecting
that Business at our last Assembly, And would have Taken up the Subject
at that time But the Law of Tennessee of 1812 entramelling any further
proceedings on the part of "So. Carolina Could not then be procured.
I shall Trouble you with but a few remarks, merely reciting you to the
several Laws that have been enacted on that Occasion; for from my
personal Acquaintance with you, I am well assured that from a review
of the several Laws on that subject. You will at once discover the imposi-
tion about to be practised on the Claimants under No. Carolina, and I
Trust will be able to prescribe some mode to remedy the Evil. You will
see by the Act of Cession of 1789 that ISo. Carolina Specially reserved
to herself the right to perfecting Titles to all Bonafide Claims of Lands
within the Limits of the Lands then intended to be Ceded ; But from the
frequent solicitations of the State of Tennessee, No. Carolina in the
year 1803 passed a Law, giving to Tennessee the right of perfecting
Titles, to all the Bonafide Claims of Lands then within the limits of said

iTliomas Love of Haywood County. He was a member of the House of Com-
mons from Buncombe from 1797 to 1809; from Haywood, from 1809 to 1812,
from 1814 to 1816, and from 1817 to 1821. He was a member of the Senate
from 1823 to 1829. This total of .twenty-five terms, so far as I can discover,
has been exceeded only once — ^by James Wellborn of Wilkes, who served
twenty-seven.

180 The Nobth Cabouha Histobical Commission.

State^ in as full a manner as No. Carolina had reserved to herself under
her Act of Cession, Upon Congress first giving her Assent thereto ; K'ow
Sir for a moment examine and see what has been the Conduct of Congress
and Tennessee on this Occasion; In the Session of Congress of 1806,
They have Entered into an intire new Compact^ leaving out of the
question the Act of No. Carolina of 1803 and the Act of Cession of 1789
which all the Laws relative to that Business grew out of, and between
them have made a conditional line known by the name of the Congres-
sional reservation line, which you will see described in the Act of Con-
gress of 1806 page (87) In which Act the State of Tennessee has agreed
to relinguish all right and claim to perfecting Titles to the Lands South
and West of the said line to Congress, And in consideration of which
Congress have relinguished all their right of Soil East and North of the
said line; furthermore Congress in their goodness have made a Donation
of a TrjEict of Land of 100,000 acres in an intire body to the State of
Tennessee for the use of Colleges and ldO,000 acres more for the use of
Academies and 640 acres for every six miles square for the use of schools
etc. But not one single acre for the use and benefit of No. Carolina who
was the original proprietors, and who had fought Bled and wasted her
Treasures for those very Lands; You will see by the 2nd Sec. of the
Act of Cessions, that it is Expressly Stipulated, that if the Bounds laid
out for the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line should not contain
a sufficient quantity of I/and fit for cultivation that such officers or
soldiers falling short of his allottment should be at Liberty to take his
quota in any other part of the Lands then intended to be ceded which
were vacant and unappropriated ; and there is a further provision in the
same Sec. for all Subsequent Entries where there were prior Entries for
the same spot or piece of Ground, That such subsequent Entries should
be at Liberty to remove his Claim to any other vacant Land within the
limits of the Land then intended to be Ceded ; The 3rd Sect. Provides
that all the Lands intended to be Ceded^ and not appropriated as above,
should be considered as a Common fund for the use and Benefit of the
XJ. S. North Carolina inclusive.

Now Sir I will ask after Congress had accepted of the Cession with
those several Conditions, where she Acquired the right to appropriate
one single acre, Untill all the Just Claims of No. Carolina was first
satisfied. The late Treaty made by Qenl. Jackson^ with the Indians
includes a Considerable portion of the Lands within the Congressional
reservation and so soon as the Treaty shall be Batified, Those Lands will
be subject to the satisfying of the Claims under No. Carolina ; But how
are they to obtain Titles to their lands. Congress having no right to
perfect Titles to none of those Lands, Tennessee has relinguished all
the right vested in her by No. Carolina And by the Law of Tennessee

iThe treaty referred to is the one made by General Jackson with the Creek
Indians in 1814.

The BuFFm Papbbs. 181

of 1812 If No. Carolina should Send her Surveyors there to survey those
Lands they are to [be] fined and imprissed like fugitives; This Shews
the necessity of a prompt and Spirited interference of our Legislature
on that subject.

I had some conversation on that subject at our last spring Court with
hia honour Judge Cameron, he appeared decidedly of Opinion that some
Legislative interference of our State was highly necessary in the pro-
tection of our rights^ And thought it would be advisable for the Legis-
lature to appoint some man of Standing and Talents as an Agent to
Congress and these have the matter fairly investigated. My Brother
Robert Love^ will be at Baleigh Early in the Sessions, and will hand you
the Tennessee Law alluded to. I hope and Trust that you will in your
Official capacity as a representative of the people endeavour to Provide
some means by which the Heroes of the Revolution and those who have
paid their money for those very lands more than Thirty years can come
at their Titles etc.

Thomas Ruffin Esqr.

[Address :
Thomas Ruffin Esqr.
Member of Assembly
Raleigh No. Carolina.]

From William Miller.^

ExBCUTivB Officb If . C.

-,. Ralsigh Novemr. 1816.

otr.

Upon an examination of the returns from the different counties, I
have the satisfaction to inform you, that you are elected an Elector to
vote for a President and Vice-President of the United States; and to
request your attendance at this place on the first Wednesday in Decem-
ber next for the purpose of giving your votes for these officers.

Very respectfully

Your Obt. Servt.

Will. Milleb.

Thomas Ruffin Esquire.

[Address: Raleigh.]

iColonel Robert Love of Haywood.

^William Miller of Warren. Before his election as governor in 1814 had
served eeveral terms in the legislature.

182 Thb North Cabolina Historical Commission.

From Dr, James Webb.^

,^ ^ „. HiLLSBOBO Nov 25th 1816.

My Bear S%r

From a conversation I had with Dr. Caldwell^ when he was last here I
have no doubt that he will accept the Presidential Chair of our Uni-
versity if offered to him provided the trustees give him a strong Faculty;
in this matter you can act as circumstances and your better Judgment
may direct.

Your family and friends here as well as usual.
Wishing you a short and pleasant session believe me your

friend and servant
[Address : J. Webb.

The Honorable
Thomas BufSn
Speaker of the House of Commons
Raleigh.]

From George McNeill,

Fatvttevillb Decem 4th; 1816.

Your regarded favour of the 30th Ult. covering Note of Wm B. Puckett
Esqr. was duly received. I will attend to the collection of the note. The
Stale Bank here will not collect ! 1 1 and the note has not time enough to
run to be discounted even if they were discounting any paper. I have
secured the payment of Brown note to you by agreeing to take it out in
Fr.gt. ... is a bad debt. Specie is selling at 15 p cent, and one
person asks 25 p. cut — it is very scarce and^ while the Banks continue
to receive it^ as they now do^ it will no doubt keep high.

Before we reed yours of the 30th we had sent on $1100 to Bichmond
to purchase the stock for you — ^we intended to have purchased it in
Boston but found we should not have time to get the transfer made. We
have something more than $1100 of yours in our hands including the
pro[ceeds] of the silver.

I observe what you say about the ^'School Association"' and other
money manufacturing persons — I am no way interested in the '^Associa-

iDr. James Webb of Hillsboro, an alumnus of the University and one of the
most interested and active of the trustees.

2Dr. Joseph Caldwell, who had been president of the University from 1804,
had resigned in 1812 to give his entire attention to mathematics. He had been
succeeded by Dr. Robert Hett Chapman who held the office until 1816. Cald-
well was at once elected to succeed him.

SReference is probably here made to the Fayetteville School Aseociation,
which had been incorporated at the preceding session of the legislature.

The Buffin Papsbs. 183

tion" but I cannot imagine how you are to get at them^ unless you lay
aside the Constitution, that the Assembly did (and I suppose can do
again) when they issued the State due Bills, or treas[ur]y notes as they
are calld. I mean that section of the XT. S. Constitution which says ''no
State shall coin money or issue Bills of credit'' — it is to be hoped that
the Assembly will suppress their own due Bills in the general suppression.

I hear this morning that Mr. Daniels^ is made Judge.

Your friends here are all quite well and join in Love and affectionate
regards to you.

[Address: Baleigh.]

From Duncan Cameron.

Deer. 8, 1816.

I was much gratified by hearing that you were called to the chair
during the present session of the Qeneral Assembly.^ I delight to hear
that marks of distinction and confidence are conferred on my friends.

The session will soon be drawing to a close — three weeks of it have
already elapsed; and but little publick Business is done. I fear that the
various elections will prevent the maturing of many publick acts. And
that the present will, like many preceding it, terminate, without much
having been done for the improvement of our judicial system, and the
amelioration of our penal code.

I have enclosed to you my resignation as a Judge ;^ which please do
me the favour to present to the Assembly. Many considerations with
which I have already acquainted you, forbid my longer exercising the
function of a circmt Judge. I despair of seeing a separation of the
Supreme Court from the duties of the circuit Judges — nevertheless
should such an event take place, and my friends wished it, with the
approbation of the Assembly, I would attempt to perform the duties of a
member of the Supreme Court. I mention this, as it grew out of the
conversation we had on this subject, this week.

1 Joseph J. Daniel of Halifax, who served sixteen years as a judge of the
Superior Court. Elevated to the Supreme Court In 1832, he served for sixteen
years, dying in 1848.

2Raffin had already served as a borough member of the House of Commons
from Hlllsboro In 1813 and 1815. During the session of 1813, when the war
fever and the excitement against David Stone was at Its height, Henry Seawell
wrote Bartlett Yancey, In a letter dated December 17 : "It Is with the greatest
heartfelt satisfaction I Inform you of the signal distinction our friend Ruffln
obtained by hie conduct in this respect He has deservedly acquired a pre-
eminence for understanding and patriotism which I trust is not to be forgotten
and which I believe Is to make him useful in a high degree to his country and
himself. He stands decidedly foremost on the republican side, and I rejoice
that the interests of the community are measurably committed to so safe a
guide." Ruflin was unanimously elected speaker on November 18, 1816.

SRnflln was elected, on December 16, 1816, to succeed Judge Cameron and
at once resigned from the legislature. James Iredell, his intimate friend and
roommate at Princeton, was chosen to succeed him as speaker.

184 ThB NoBTH CABOLIlfA HtBTOBICAL COMMISSION.

Since I commenced writing this letter the mail has brot the news-
papers; and from them I have learned for the first time, the result of
the ballotting for Judge and Senator.^ Tou have indeed had tough work
and close cutting.

I haye not been more than two miles from the House, since I saw joo.
My family has been, and yet is very sick. My children are all sick with
the measles — ^some of them very sick.

Wishing you a pleasant time of it, and a safe return to your family,
I remain with great regard.

[Address: Raleigh.]

From Weldon N. Edwards,^

r. n ^ Washikotow Citt 9th Deer. 1816.

Dear Buffln,

I have postponed writing you longer than I wished — ^but hope to be
excused, when you are assured the delay has proceeded entirely from a
desire to collect something to write about. Indeed I wish I could even
now present you something of Interest, but I am prevented that pleasure
by the short time I have been here, and by the fact that no communica-
tion, or report, except the message of the President, has been made us ;
without which you know it is impossible to speak with any certainty of
the measures we shall probably adopt, or even of the particular views
of members; for conversation never becomes busy and lively untill the
budgets are all before us.

The Presidents communication appears not to have suddenly excited
activity in business, nor indeed comparatively speaking, does it present
much to be done — ^yet it has given birth to feelings of the most consolatory
kind. The picture it presents of our pacific relations with foreign powers,
and of the happy economy of our domestic concerns, seems to excite in
the breast of every one sensations of joy and pride, and it is not unfre-
quent that you hear members giving a loose to such feelings; particu-
larly those whose exertions have mostly contributed to produce the
present state of things. There is no doubt but our commercial relations
with G. Britain will early command our attention in order to remedy,
as far as practicable, that inequality of which the President so properly
makes mention. The alterations recommended in the Judiciary* are of
great magnitude, and certainly have their difficulties. The additional
expense necessary is perhaps unimportant compared with other consider-

iJames Turner resigned from the United States Senate In December and
Montford Stokes was chosen to succeed him.

2Weldon N. Edwards had succeeded Nathaniel Macon in Congress when the
latter was elected to succeed Francis Locke in the Senate.

sPreeident Madison recommended that the federal judiciary be reorganised
so as to relieve the justices of the Supreme Court of the arduous duties of
the circuits.

The Buffin Fafbbs. 185

ationB of a political nature. Some think Executive patronage already
sufficiently great^ such would perhaps be opposed to the proposition —
but others believe it confin'd to its proper sphere^ and without the means
of dangerously extending itself, who would probably think the adminis-
tration of Justice much ameliorated by it. For my own part, I hope so
to decide the question as will be most promotive of my Country's good.

The compensation law has furnished us with some talk out of doors,
but there are so many floating opinions, that I cannot even guess the
result of the proposition now before us upon the subject of it. It will no
doubt be repealed ; but whether the old law will be restored or an increased
p diem substituted, I really cannot telL I sometimes think the one, and
then the other will be the case. Tou will have seen before this the speech
of Colo. Johnson,^ preliminary to his motion to enquire into the expedi-
ency of repealing it. He was not wanting in his usual honest zeal and
interesting animation yet advocating the measure, while he proposed
its repeal deprived his speech of some portion of its merit. But he says
**vox populi, vox dei,'' is his guide.

I have heard of the confirmation of Judge Daniel's appointment, and
the election of Qenl. Stokes as successor to Oovr. Turner in IT. S. Senate.
You have had many candidates before you, and, as you remarked, I
could readily conceive the dilemma in which my very worthy friend Mr.
Flunimer that good man, was. So many friends knocking at the portals
of his heart, and not wherewithaU to satisfy all, must have made him
occasionally scratch his head. Do make my respects to him, and tell
him I wish he had the dispensation of many of the goods of this life, that
I know all his friends would be amply provided for and fare well. Oan't
you give him a sinecwre — He should have onet

I heartily concur in the attempt you are making at internal improve-
ments— ^Yet I have my apprehensions for the success of your several
projects. Our State will never be respectable either in numbers or wealth,
untill that all important branch of domestic economy is better encouraged
among us — emigration and all its concomitants will always keep us
under the Hatches unless the Legislature by its high-mindedness and
public spirit create new inducements to the citizen to abide with us.
Your judiciary Bill I have scarcely any hopes for, having some knowl-
edge of the temper and disposition of members in regard to it. Expense I
Expense I opening the avenue to the destruction of the C. Court system !
these will be the cry. The amendment of our penal code by a Feni-
tentiary has its origin in the best feelings of the heart and is strongly
recommended by humanity ; but I respectfully submit that sound Folicy
is against it, and think the latter should always be able to withstand the
eloquent, tho silent, language of the former. I know we difiPer on this
subject, but can say no more here. The revision of our Constitution may
possibly have its dangers yet if the object is to do justice and to correct

iColonel Richard Malcolm Johnson of Kentucky, afterwards Vice-President
of the United States.

186 Thb IfoBTH Cabolina Histobioal CoMMissioir.

injustice^ I think it should he assay'ed. Yet is the injustice in question
as great as you seem to think it? Is not our population at present two
sparse and too fluctuating? However^ it is a subject upon which I have
not seriously reflected. This much I will venture^ that eastern and
western jealousies seem to distract and exasperate our councils without
any profit, as experience proves, and it is to be much wish'd that they
may in future be buried.

Your Land warrant will soon be obtained. It had better remain in
my hands to draw the grant should it issue during this session. But upon
this I will wait your advice — remember me to my friends.

I have written much more than I intended, and without regard to
matter or style, but I knew it was for the eye of a friend.

The "Honble" Thos. Ruffin.

State of Nobth Cabolina«

His Excellency William Miller Esquire Qovemor
Captain General and Commander in Chief.

To the Honourable Thomas Buffin Esquire, Greeting

We reposing special trust and confidence in your
prudence, integrity, abilities and learning in the Law,
[seal] do hereby authorize you, after taking Uie oaths pre-
scribed for your qualification, to enter upon the office,
and discharge the duties of a Judge of our Superior
Courts of Law, and Courts of Equity, you having been appointed thereto
by joint Ballot of both houses of the General Assembly.

To hold the said office, exercise and perform the authorities and duties,
and receive and enjoy the Salary annexed during your good behaviour
therein.

In testimony whereof I have caused the Great Seal
of the State to be hereunto affixed and signed the same
at the City of Raleigh the 16th day of December one
thousand eight hundred and sixteen and of the Inde-
pendence of the United States the forty-first.

Will Millbb.
By the Governor
S. T. Sanders P. Secy.

State of North Carolina

Supreme Court January Term A. D. 1817.
In pursuance of this Commission from His Excellency William Miller
Esquire Governor etc of this State, The Honorable Thomas Ruffin esquire

Thx Kuffin Papbbs. 187

at the Supreme Court began and held in the City of Raleigh on the first
Monday of January A. D. 1817 took the Oaths prescribed by Law for his
qualifications as Judge of the Supreme Oourt and Superior Courts of
Law and Equity within State.

In Testimony whereof I haye hereunto set my hand
and affixed the Seal of my office at the City of Baleigh
[sbal] the 7th day of January A. D. 1817 and 41st year of our
Independence. Wm. Bobabds.

From Richard Stanford.

Washington Crry, Dec. 18, 1816.

You have professed some friendship for our Cape Fear Navigation
which I have no doubt you feel, — ^let me request you, therefore, to aid
Murphy (should his larger and more general project fail) to consolidate
into one the various laws respecting our Cape Fear company, and charter.
We want our stock increased, and such privileges, and no other, as have
been conferred upon other companies. I think if we are moderately
encouraged, we may be able to go on, tho' we should fail in the encourage-
ment we think we deserve from the State.

We have done nothing as yet, and prepared little to do; but there
seems to be a good deal in a course of preparation. No subject presents
itself however either thro the message, or otherwise, which seems likely
to produce much party division or discussion. Indeed I don't anticipate
much division of the kind, an increase of the army is to be attempted
(and that too from the Republican side of the question) but I don't
know how it will go— that I shall be against such increase you will
readily imagine, but my unfashionable notions have little effect. If it
should be increased it will be a republican measure of course. I verily
believe, so far from increasing, we might reduce and economize out of
the army, and army expenditure alone enough to dispense with all the
internal taxes at the present session, but economy-ism is now out of the
question, Bepublicanism is the order of the day. I am really pleased,
however, that the prospect is more than usual harmony is like to prevail
throughout the present session.

Even on the subject of President there seems not like to be the usual
party division; For I do not hear, nor is it probable any Presidential
candidate will be held up from among the Federalists. The division
then, if any will be among those of the majority, and among them there
are a few schismatics, not willing to have another President from Vir-
ginia, for Monroe is certainly at present the object of the caucus; and
if from some cause, not yet known generally, he should not be laid aside
by his friends beforehand, he will certainly be the man. Sut the business
is working, and it is said, a deep system of intrigue is going on from

188 Thb North Caboliita Historical Commission.

N. York to change the Virginia dynasty. If this be tme, we may yet
find ourselves under the beni^ and repvilican auspices of a Tompkina.

I have folded my arms, and am just looking on to see what they will
make of it.

[Address: Raleigh, N. Caro.]

From Sterling Ruffin.

Oakland 18th Dec. 1816.

James arrived with William yesterday; he returns tomorrow by whom
I write.

Herewith you will receive One hundred dollars which I should have
sent you sooner, had an opportunity offer'd. Maj. Campbell intended to
visit Raleigh, but inform'd me a few days ago that he had declined it.
Should you have as much money to spare, and an opportunity should
offer, send Mr. McNeill $50.00 which I owe him for the Crate ; and I
will endeavour to return it, when Wm. comes again to school.

For ten days your Mother and myself have been much indisposed with
the prevailing cold ; she is geting better but I believe I am waxing worse
and worse. The papers have announced to me the great impropriety
of your conduct, in submitting your name to be held up as Judge. Cal-
culating from every circumstance within my knowledge, I am oUiged to
pronounce it the most unadvised act of your life. If you were deter-
mined to sacrifice your practice of the Law, why did you not go to Con-
gress ? Amidst all the clouds which overshadow this misterious act there
is a ray of light which portends some good, viz : to quallify yourself to
fill the important station to which you are call'd, with that dignity to
which your pride and good sense will aspire, you will have to read much,
very much; which after one or two years should you be dispos'd to resign,
will enable you to resume the practise with much greater prospects of
success. I want very much to see you ; will you be at the next Caswell
County Court?

This is the last year of the five which Mr. Ellis and myself engaged
for ; the business will go on as heretofore, but we shall want to close the
whole of the first concern; and take inventory bonds etc. at the end of
this year; you will therefore see that the necessity of my receiving an
account of your transactions with the bank in this year.

Send up as early as possible for your sheep, such is the injury they
are sustaining from being too numerous, that I have lost several.

Pray write me immediately; I am both surprised and mortify^d at
not having heard from you since I saw you. We join in Love and prayers
to and for you and our dear Anne and little children. May Heaven
bless you all.

[Address: Hillsborough No. Carolina.]

Ths Buffin Papbbb. 189

From Archibald McBryde.^

r, ct' Tysons 4th Jany. 1817.

JL/ear Sir,

Give me leave in the first place to offer you my sincere congratulations
on your present appointment ; next to the public good it is my real wish
that it may prove agreeable and advantageous to you and your family.

The bearer Mr. Mclver read Law in my office. I think he is a very
good young man and of respectable talents^ he obtained a County Court
License a year ago and will apply at the ensuing supreme court for a
Sapr. Court License. Anson County Court is on the 2nd Monday of this
month, and it will be of some consequence to him be examined so early
in the first week of the Supreme Court as to be at Anson Court. It
would also oblige Dear Sir

Sincerely Yours

A. McBbybb.

Be so good as to tender my respects to Mr. Murphey.
[Address : Baleigh, N. C]

From George E. Badger.^

Newbsbn Monday Jany. 20th 1817.

I arrived here this morning and am happy in being able to inform
you that my Mother has no objection to the proposed change in the place
of residence. I shall leave this place for Hillsborough on Monday next
and unless prevented by accident shall be with you on the Thursday
following.

I cannot conclude without assuring you that I feel grateful for the
good opinion of me which prompted your offer to put your business
under my care, and pledging myself that if the most persevering atten-
tion on my part will avail anything you shall never have cause to regret
your confidence.

The Hon. Thos. Kuffin.

[Address : Hillsborough N. Carolina]

lArchibald McBryde of Moore was a distinguished lawyer. He was a member
of Congress from 1809 to 1813.

20eorge B. Badger of Craven. He had been licensed to practice law in 1814,
but had been solicitor for almost the entire period since then. He was a
member of the House of Commons in 1816 where he and Rnflln formed a warm
friendship which lasted all their lives. When Rul&n became a Judge he offered
his practice to Badger.

190 Thb Nobth Cabolina Hibtobical Commibsion.

From William Oamett.

[Lotd's Va] 13th March, 1817.
It is a long time, my dear friend, since I have taken up my pen to
write to you, or since I have rec'd a letter from you. I trust, however,
that no inference, derogatory to that friendship, which we have so fre-
quently possessed for each other, can be drawn from this fact. I am well
aware that age has a chilling influence, both upon our physical and
moral nature; but as friendship constitutes one of the strongest liga-
ments, which bind the human heart, I am persuaded that it is least
accessible to its baleful influence. Can you reciprocate this sentiment!
I would not for worlds think otherwise of you. For it is ^'the cherished
madness" of my heart, (if it can be called madness, to indulge in retro-
spections of which pain constitutes a considerable ingredient), to retrace
many of the pleasurable scenes of our former intercourse, and to recall
to my memory ^'departed joys," which are never to return. There is a
melancholy luxury (if I may be allowed the expression) derived from
reflections of this kind, which I would not exchange for years of that
empty unmeaning kind of frivolity usually termed happiness. I have
always been an enthusiast, in love, in friendship, and indeed in every
thing else ; and like all other enthusiasts, I am sometimes, apt to endeavor
to persuade myself that no one else can feel as intensely as myself, that
I am a kind of isolated being in this respect. This disposition, however,
to arrogate a monopoly of feeling, is checked by the consideration that
to outward appearances there is no great difference in men. To the
world, I make no doubt, that I appear to be as much interested in the
common affairs of it, as other people, and as little corroded by care as
any of them. But the state of my heart, my dear friend, presents a very
different aspect to myself. I have [met!] with misfortunes that has
deadened the interest that I formerly took in the concerns of this life.
I have lost many of my dearest and most valued friends, and I have lost
one of my children. More than a twelvemonth has elapsed since the
date of the latter visitation, but it has made an indellible impression, an
aching void, a chasm, which can never be filled on this side of the grave.

0 may you never have a practical knowledge of the heart rending agony
of such a misfortune. This world affords no consolation for grief arrising
from this cause, — it is to religion alone that we can look for succor. This,

1 know, when its influence is properly felt, contains a sovereign balm
for every wound. But I have never yet been able to realize that fervid
piety, that faith, which overcomes the world, and without which we are
taught to believe that no one can be reconciled to God. I trust, however,
in the mercy of that God whose mercies I have so often abused, that he
will not close my eyes in darkness, without imparting to my soul a rav
from that sun of righteousness, whose beams' can penetrate the darkest
recesses of tomb, and make bright with the refulgence of eternal day the

The Buffin Papxbs. 191

gloomy passage through the valley of the shadow of death. I intended
when I sat down to have written you a much longer letter, but I feel
oppressed with the subject that I have inadvertently fallen into and
must, therefore, conclude for the present. I am now by myself, and at
Mantapike, a house that has been recently almost desolated by death,
which must be my apology for the gloomy impression my letter. Present
me affectionately to your wife, who I should be happy to see at my
house, if you can ever find time to bring her to Virginia. As to myself,
circimistances confine me almost as rigidly to my farm as if I was one
of the slaves; it is certainly not the most agreeable profession in the
world, for a man, who has always held slavery, of every kind, in most
unquallified abhorrence, to be compelled to confine himself to the man-
agement of slaves, for his subsistence, and the future support of his
family. We must, however, take things as they happen in this life.
Parewell, and believe me ever your most affectionate

Wm. Gabnett.
[Address: Warrenton, Iforth Carolina.]

From Thomas B, Liiilejohn.

Oxford 17th May 1817.

By the appointment of Mr. If athanl. Robards to the Sheriffalty of
this County, the Office of Clerk and Master will become vacant, and as
you will have that vacancy to fill, I beg leave to inform you that I will
he glad to receive the appointment provided you should think me qualified
to discharge the duties of that Office. I am with great respect

Honble. Thos. Buffin Esq.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Thom4JS B. Liiilejohn,

Oxford 6th July 1817.

I have the pleasure to acknowledge receipt of your much esteemed
favor of the 30th ulto., wherein you are good enough to inform me that
you had appointed me to the office of Clerk and Master for this County.
If I shall not be prevented by some unforeseen event, I will be in Raleigh
some time in the Course of next week for the purpose of taking the oaths
of office before you.

The Honble

Thomas Ruffin.

[Address: Raleigh]

192 Thb North Cabolina Historical Commission.

William Henderson^ to Thomas D» Bennehan?

^ ^. Raleigh August 9th 1817.

Dear b%r.

Can't we keep the man* of many pursuits at home? At least let us
endeavour to do so. He is a perfect Proteus, always varying. Here,
he is a federalist, an admirer of Washingtons politics, no adminis-
tration man ; in short sir he is every thing, but a federalist. I hope the
Doctor will pardon me; The pursuit would be a fruitless one, too elevated
for one of his political persuasion. I enclose the letter of Colonel Wil-
liam Hinton, of this county to you, in obedience to the request of Mr.
Dickens ;' that you may transmit it to Person before the election. Mr.
Dickens supposes, if the charges contained in Colonel Hintons letter can
be established in his own county ; he will command almost, an unanimous
vote. It is then important for we are apprehensive, the contest is doubtr
ful here, as well as in Orange. I hope not, I trust we are not so far
declined. We can ascribe it to nothing but the supineness of Mr.
Dickens's friends. Wake is certainly Federal, when she chuses to rise
in her strength. Smith's friends have left no stone unturned. It is the
intention of Mr. Dickens to make Smith commit himself, by denying the
charge, and then to prove it. May Ood prosper every good word and
work. ( Micklejohn ) .

Will you let me know by the messenger, whether you will find it con-
venient to send to Person, and whether Mr. Dickens called on you, on
his return home. I tremble for the fate of the election.

Thomas Bennehan. *Dr. Smith.

[Address : Flatt River, Orange County.]

{Encloswre]

William Hinton^ to William Henderson.

[Aug. 8, 1817]

In answ. to your letter I shall make use of the language that I have

done in private, in the open streets of Baleigh, and to many of Smiths

friends, when I believe he was in hearing, which was as follows, on the

last day of July I saw Doct. Smith^ (for the first time) at a muster in

iDr. William Henderson was a son of Chief Justice Leonard Henderson.

SThomaa D. Bennehan of "Stagville," Orange County.

sSamuel Dickens of Person County, member of the House of Commons, 1813,
1814, 1815, 1818; member of Congress, 1816-1817.

^William Hinton of Wake, a prominent citizen and frequently a member of
the legislature.

6Dr. James S. Smith of Orange, then a candidate for Congress. He was
successful and served two terms.

Thb Ruffin Papxbs. 193

mj neighbourhood and when he address'd the Company he uttered aenti-
ments veiy difiFerent from what I calculated on, for they were such as I
should have expected from a Federalist and strongly urg'd the necessity
of adopting Washingtons principles, and in the Course of his address
he made use of sentiments to this effect (if not in the precise words, they
had the same meaning) that the administration had been in an error
mnd it was Honorable to retract.

Some time after the Company was dismissed Mr. Fenndl and my self
got into argument and I told Fennell that I was sorry he wou'd not
acknowledge his error for his Friend Doctr Smith has this day in the
course of his address honestly did acknowledge that the administration
had been in an error and it was Honrbl to retract this Mr. Fennel rather
denied and propos'd to me to go to Smith which I ref us'd to do and told
him to bring him to me which he did, and the same question in substance
was put to Doctr. Smith which he (I thought) reluctantly assented to.
I returned him my thanks for his candure, and tum'd to Fennel and
askM him if he was satisf yd he made no ansr. but I know from his counte-
nance he was mortifyd and disappointed this last conversation I can
prove by Charles King esqr. and perhaps by several others.

Mr. Eing is not at home and Bobertsons was not present therefore I
dislike giveing a Certificate alone but you may consult Dickins best
informed friends and if they think this letter will be usefuU and no dis-
advantage to me you are at liberty to make use of by sending it to
Dickins or in any other adviseable way.

[Address: Doctr. Henderson, Saleigh.]

From James Oraham}

Lincoln Vesuvius Furnace August the 10th 1817.
I left Hillsboro within a few days after I parted with you in Baleigh.
I assure you Sir it gave me no small degree of pain to part with many
of my friends in and about the Soro. For although many make a pro-
fession of Friendship, yet comparatively very few act in conformity
with their professions; and therefore when once a person has evidence
as high as heaven of a course of conduct which uniformly bespoke friend-
ship of the sincerest sort ; then, that man's heart must be as cold as the

iJames Graham, 1793-1851, a native of Lincoln County, the son of General
Joseph Graham and a brother of Governor William A. Graham. He became
well known as a lawyer, but was especially prominent in the politics of the
western part of the State. After service in the legislature for some years, he
was for six terms a member of Congress.

194 Thb Nobth Gabolina Hibtobioai. Commission.

ice at the north pole^ who feels no regret at parting from friends whom
time and the ties of golden friendship haye endeared to each other, and
who feels no degree of gratitude for an invariable hospitable and polite
attention. It has been my lot for many years past to sojourn here and
there without any permanent place of abode, in the course of which I
have had favourable opportunities of testing the conduct and motives of
many different persons in various places and situations. I therefore
trust that I am not unable or unwilling to appreciate services and favours
which flowed from the purest source, from friendship in the plain garb
of simple sincerity, unsurrounded by the tinsel of parade and unin-
trenched behind ceremonious forms. To say, therefore, that I am under
great and lasting obligations of respect gratitude and esteem to those
whose kindness and polite attentions I have informly received, is not
to pay the Debt of compliments but of merit. I arrived at my fathers
during the week of Lincoln county court. I went up to Lincolnton
before the court adjourned and took the oaths prescribed by law which
are usually taken on similar occasions. The bar is pretty thronged, the
business however is chiefly in the hands of three men — ^B. Burton,^ R
Williamson,' H. Webb.' From court I returned to my fathers where I
have been ever since, except two days on business to Statesville: where
I accidentally saw Mrs. Harris who was [in] good health, and hin^
spirits. She whispers and smiles as usual, and therefore, I said acci-
dentally for as I was walking the street I heard her voice before I saw
her face and then directed my course accordingly. She returns to HiUs-
boro next week, she informed I have heard no one speak of her in Iredell
who did not extoll her usque ad coelum. I have read vdry little law
lately, but I shall before the last of this month pitch upon some place
where I shall locate myself and resume my studies for one year but shall
not make any permanent settlement, prior to the expiration of that tim&
I should be much obliged if you would write me to Lincolnton stating
what books I ought to read before I apply for superior court license.
My father wishes me to go to Tennessee this fall and dispose of his lands
in that state : but when I reflect how it would conflict with the arrange-
ments which I have chalked out in my professional pursuits, I am
obliged to decline it for the present. Ton, Sir, can't conceive of the
anxiety and confusion that pervades all ranks of people in this section
of country to remove to the Alabama, numbers have actually sold and
many more are desirous to sell and hunt a new home in the wide wild
wilderness. The consequence is that land here is deminishing in point
of value, and the country loseing many of its most enterprising and

iRobert H. Burton, 1781-1842, a son of Colonel Robert Burton of GranviUe.
He was one of the most prominent lawyers of Western North Carolina.

SRobert Williamson of Lincoln County, a member of the House of Commons,
1818-1821 ; Senate, 182M823.

SHenry Young Webb of Lincoln, member of the House of Commons, 1817.
He later moved to Alabama and became a Judge there before its admission
to the Union.

Thb RuFFm Pafebs. 195

respectable inhabitants. Crops generally, with the exception of cotton
and very low bottom lands, are quite good and we expect to enumerate
this among the most plentif ull years in the annals of crops. Tou may
probably reckon I would mention something relative to the election, but
as I know nothing respecting it and make no enquiry you will not be
surprised that I venture no conjectures with regard to the result; for
nothing is more certain than the uncertainty of an election; it is a
vessel without a Helm in a boistrous sea, over or against which the
billows of discord malice and envy beat and break.

When I write you again I shall have struck my Tent for one year, I
have spent my time very pleasantly since my return in examining the
acts of Assembly and in hearing my reverend old Father recount the
difficulties and dangers to which he was exposed in the morning of Life,
and enumerate the characters and conduct of those who stood up in the
perilous times that tried the souls of men : and when I bear in mind that
his head, his hand and his thigh afford the strongest marks of the truth
of the facts which he relates, they fill my mind with the tenderest emo-
tions. Present, if you please, my sincerest respects and esteem to Mrs.
Buffin to Mr. and Mrs. and Miss J. B. Kirkland and accept for yourself
the sincerest sentiments of gratitude and warmest wishes of health and
happiness.

To Badger, Scott and Cain my respects if you please.

[Address: Hillsboro No. Carolina.]

From Richard Apperson.

LoMBABDT Grove Mbcelenbubg Ya. Octr. Slst. 1817.

I have been informed that a Mr. William Woods in the vicinity of
Hillsborough, is an excellent waggon maker. I want two first rate road
waggons and wish you to be so obliging as to give such information to
Mr. Woods as that he may state to me the terms for such Waggons — all
to be of Seasoned wood and clear of nets and ironed in every part that
it may be necessary. If he can supply me, I shall then pay him through
you. I have been so plagued with bad waggons that I offer that as an
appology to you for troubling you with so trifling an agency.

The answer of Mr. Woods will be to me and I will hereafter com-
municate with him except in the close, and he must guarrantee the
goodness of the waggons before the purchase money is paid — on the
Condition alone of his warrantee do I want them and am willing to pay
a price adequate on that account.

The Boanoke navigation, (about which I know you have the warmest
zeal is in bright prosperity — A few feeble efforts may probably be made
at the meeting of the next Legislature of your State, to prove that the

196 Thb IfoBTH Cabolina Historical Commission.

P. and Directors have some designs agt. the town of Halifax^ Viz. that
they will be charged with having attemted to fix the Depo at the foot
of the falls Seven miles above by which H[alifa]x. will be abandoned.

But the fact is that the President and Directors have had no sort of
Interest or designs in the place of depo— or have they said anything on
the Subject, — they say they wish to make the River navigable as the
law directs, and that mercantile men may build their houses where th^
please, and circumstances point out, — they have nothing to do with
local Interest — nor will they mind local and Interested clamour, except
to rebutt false charges made on that account.

Accept my warmest wishes for your health and prosperity

[Address : Hillsboro, N. C]

From John Haywood.^
(Confidential)

Raleigh 29th October 1817.

Tour favour of the 25th, bearing the Post Mark of the 26th Curr. at
Fayetteville, was handed me last evening; and should have been acknowl-
edged by this day's Mail, but for the hindrance occasioned by a sick
Child and sleepless night.

Among your many friends, I beg you to be assured, there is not one
who values the favour of a Letter from you more highly than I do ; nor
is there of the number any one individual who could feel greater grati-
fication and pleasure at meeting or furthering any wish of yours than I
should: — it follows then of course, My dear Sir, that instead of your
feeling either difficulty or reserve in communicating with me freely and
confidentially on all those occasions in which it may be supposed I have
the power of being, in any way, useful to you or to yours, I shaU be
flattered and obliged by your commanding my best services.

I am happy to perceive from your Letter, that you and I feel and
think precisely alike, with respect to removing or ousting from Office or
appointment: — the present Incumbent of the place you mention, has
imfortunately but too often rendered himself liable to the unpleasant
animadversions of his Employers; and has, I apprehend, fallen under
the displeasure of some of them : but the issue of the business depends,
I am persuaded, very much upon his future Conduct, or rather punc-
tuality, in making the necessary Returns etc. — as it has been principally,
and perhaps solely, owing to inattention and remissness in that par-
ticular, that he has been called in question, and his continuance of
office, rendered doubtful. Thinking favourably of Mr. R. as a man, and
deprecating the Consequences inseperable from a Removal from Office,

i"Treasurer" John Haywood.

The Buffin Papbbs. 197

I have uniformly endeavoured to excuse and apologize for his remissnesfi ;
and to appease and conciliate the Board, on all those occasions when
lie lias been most called in question: — of the friendship and kindness
of my conduct towards him in this regard, that (Gentleman has, I believe,
no Imowledge or intimation whatever, as he and myself never corre-
sponded. Although my feeble but well meant endeavours in this par-
ticular, may possibly have contributed somewhat towards the preventing
the disastrous effects of a pending storm, for the moment; yet I very
much doubt whether they have produced any lasting impression or
effect : — ^How the business will terminate, however, time alone can deter-
mine; as both the one and the other of the Besults you mention, have
been spoken of here.

Ton cannot think more favourably nor more highly of the Gentleman
you name as your friend, than I do ; and I have therefore, neither diffi-
culty nor hesitation in saying to you, that if in the course of events it
shall unfortunately so happen that either of the Contingencies mentioned
in your Letter shall take place, I know not the man that I should with
more pleasure vote for, or see the appointment offered to: — indeed it
has been for many years my determination thus to vote, in case a vote
should be of necessity taken whilst I have a seat at the Board: — and
thus you see, my much valued and respected friend, that we do not think
alike in a solitary instance only.

You may rely on my silence with respect to the purport of your much
esteemed favour above mentioned : and whether viewing me as a friend
or as one of the Directors here, I am aware it is equally unnecessary that
I should remind you, that there are few indeed to whom I would have
written in the like unreserved and confidential manner ; and that there-
fore you will consider this to you and to yourself only.

I wish your Circuit happily closed, and would here offer to you my
Congratulations on the near approach of the time, when you will be
at liberty to return to the bosom of your family.
Judge Buffin.
[Address: Fayetteville N. C]

From James Orahmn.

Vesuvius Furnace Lincoln November the 9th 1817.
I have a convenient opportunity of writing you by our Bepresentative
Mr. Webb who will call at Hillsboro' as he goes to Baleigh. I wrote you
in the month of August last time enough for the letter to have reached
Hillsboro' before you commenced the autumnal circuit, as I never re-
ceived an answer, I am somewhat apprehensive the letter has miscarried
and you did not get it. I have attended the courts in three counties
Lincoln, Iredell, and Mecklenburg ; in the first I presiune you know there

198 The Nobth Oabouna Histobical CoMHiSBioir.

are but two county courts in the year at which any Jury causes are tried.
Indeed a large proportion of the business in the three counties is trans-
acted in their respective superior courts. Having attended these courts
and witnessing the progress of business I am convinced of the correctness
of an observation which you once made to me '^that the western part
of the State was not a place for a lawyer to make money'' ; there is not
one of the profession who in this circuit makes anything more than a
tolerable competency by his profession, hence several of the lawyers
here, (chiefly those who have families to support,) have turned their
attention, in part, towards some other pursuit and as I think where a
man lives by his labour it is fair and right he should go where he can
receive the greatest price for his labour I therefore have it in contem-
plation to explore the Missippi State and Alabama Teritory next fall or
winter so as to satisfy myself respecting the advantages and inducement-s
which that country is said to afford. The Aldbama Feaver rages here
with great violence and has carried off vast numbers of our Citizens. I
am apprehensive, if it continues to spread as it has done, it will almost de-
populate the country. There is no question that this feaver is contagious
and I presume it will be so pronounced by the most celebrated political
phicians [physicians ?] for as soon as one neighbour visits another who
has just returned from the Alabama he immediately discovers the same
symptoms which are exhibited by the person who has seen the allureing
Alabama. Some of our oldest and most wealthy men are offering their
possessions for sale and desirous of removing to this new country. How-
ever there is a material difference between offering to sell and actually
selling and therefore many will be obliged to relinguish their intentions.
The Hessian Fly has commenced destructive operations this Autumn
again upon our wheat and I am fearful, from their early appearance,
will do much mischief in our fields. Our Cotton Crops have been assailed
by a worm which is thought to be the same that frequently injures the
cotton in Louisiana. I have lately read a part of my time in Lineolnton
but principally at my Fathers. I hope you will write me shortly and
mention what books I ought to read in order to obtain a superior court
license and state, if you please, the order in which they ought to be taken
up. I think it probable now I shall go to Hillsboro, and read a few weeks
just before next July. I experience much inconveneance at present from
not having an opportunity of talking with some one who is thoroughly
acquainted with legal subjects and who could remove my difficulties and
correct errors into which I sometimes slip. As to news in this question,
we have none except the hon. D. M. Forney^ was married a fortnight
since to Miss Brevard of this county, the Major, I am informed will
take his Lady on to Washington with him. I have ever since my return
here in July been desirous of forming some plan by which our trade in
this quarter might be diverted from the chanel through it now passes,

ID. M. Forney, 1784-1847, a major in the War of 1812; member of C?ongroBS»
1816-1818; state senator, 1828-1826. In 1834 he moved to Alabama.

Thb BuFFm Papxb8« 109

(into South Carolina) and directed to some^ good market town within
the limits of North Carolina in order to secure to our own State the
advantages of her labour and industry In pursuance of this desirable
object I have drawn up a petition to the L^slature Praying them to lay
off and open a main market Road from Fayetteville to Morganton. the
petition, I believe, has the cordial approbation of every one west of the
Yadkin Biver. My Father has written a memorial to the L^slature
for the purpose of reviving and perpetuating the name and fame of a
man who fought and fell in defence of his country. You I presume
know I allude to Qenl. Lee Davidson.^ If the Legislature do anything
on this subject worthy of a greatful people, God bless them, if not, vice
v^rsa. Its high time I was going down to brother Webbs to deliver this
clumsey letter, and I wish I could save him the trouble of Pocketing it,
by going on myself, but thats out the question now, tho' I trust it will
not be next summer. Present if you please my respects to Mrs. Buffin
Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland also to Cain and Badger, tell them not to gallant
each other any longer across the bridge, down the Biver, but fix their
affections upon some beautiful damsel and get married and sing, wife,
children and friends. May you and your family enjoy health and happi-
ness here and heaven hereafter is the wish of yours
[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From, James Campbell,

[Wentwobth, N. C, Nov. 20, 1817]
Let me beg of you to interest yourself, by letter or otherwise, in my
pretensions to the appointment of Brigadier General for this Brigade.
Abm. Philips has resigned. Judge Seawell, Mr Yancy and others hinted
that my name in the Legislature would bear promotion with Colonels
Hunter and Bethell. I do assure you with earnestness, Judge, that I
seek not the appointme^ but to baffle Bethell in his career ; his conduct,
in my view, has always been exceptionable, but that, on a recent occasion,
such, as will forever stimulate me to thwart him in all his publick views.
If you are not in Baleigh during the sitting of the present session do
write to a few of your friends in the Legislature. Mr. Murphey knows
my thirst to oppose BethelL If Hunter succeeds, the Brigade officers
will be satisfied. If Bethell does the Field and staff will offer resigna-
tions as fast as they can be entered. Mrs. C. joins me in best respects
to you, your lady, and family. Very respectfully I remain,
Wentworth

20.Novem— 1817
[Address: HiUsboro]

iQeneral William Lee Davidson who was killed at the battle of Cowan's
Ford. Davidson County, erected in 1822, was named for him.

200 The North Caboluta Historical Commission.

From John MacRae.

Fatbttbvillb 29 Nov 1817

By a letter from Hillsborough of the 20th inst I had the pleasure to
hear of your safe return to your Family and Friends and at so fortunate
a time. I hope your young Son and his Mother continue to do well.

Our much esteemed friend McMillan notwithstanding his favourable
appearance when you sett o£F relapsed immediately and died on the
Sunday following — a severe public loss indeed !

Since your departure I have had several conversations with my Father
relative to his acceptance of the Cashiership of the Branch of die State
Bank at this place.

No circumstance has had so much influence in delaying his determi-
nation to comply with the solicitations of his friends as an unwillingness
to be the means or even to have the appearance of being the cause of the
dismissal of so good a man as Mr. B. whose ill success in giving satis-
faction he thinks as do many others proceeds not so much from a want
of disposition as a constitutional failing — he has however at length sig-
nified through his friend Mr Boylan his willingness to take upon himself
the duties of the office but has begged of the directors to continue kis
friend Mr. R. for a short time. I presume that he may have an oppor-
tunity of taking the only step which can now save his feelings the wound
accompanying a removal from Offiice. In the event of my Fathers suc-
cess I expect to discharge the duties of the Post Office.

I assure you I feel under great Obligations to you for the interest you
have taken in promoting the arrangement.

Thomas Buffin Esqr.

[Address : Baleigh N. C]

From Rev. Adam Empie.^

c,. Wilmington JanV 26, 1818.

otr

The Episcopal Church in this State having been organized last Spring
and a missionary society formed I take the liberty herewith of sending
you a copy of the minutes of our convention together with some mis-
sionary circulars and I beg leave respectfully to solicit your aid and
your influence in obtaining contributions for this missionary fund and
if possible in organising the Episcopal Church in Hillsboro' for the
purpose of sending a delegate to our next convention, which will be held
in Fayetteville on the second thursday after Easter — the 2nd of April.

iRev. Adam Emple was a prominent Episcopal minister. He was at this
time rector of St. James's Churchp Wilmington. He was later presldeat of the
CoUege of William and Mary.

Thb Buffin Papers. 201

I would respectfully urge this upon you and the Episcopalians around
you. To be represented in, axid in union with our Convention is very
desirable on account of the privileges attending it. Those who are repre-
sented will have the advantage of regular visits from the Bishop of
Virginia, who has taken the superintendence of the Church in this State ;
the advantage of our missionaries who will ofBiciate among them, when
they have not constantly a Pastor of their own, the advantage of the
superintending care of the Church, to watch over their interests to con-
sult their welfare and to supply them when destitute as well as to secure
them against such impositions as they lately suffered in Salisbury.

If we will but exert ourselves as we ought, by the blessing of Qod, we
may soon have a flourishing Church and a Bishop of our own. The Lord
grant this for his mercy's sake and the Lord direct and bless you and all
of us in all things that tend to promote the welfare of Zion.

A Bible Society has lately been formed in this town, and we hope soon
to organize a Prayer book Society, the Constitution of both which I
shall send you — 1 should be happy to hear that you had followed our
example. If we can aid you either with bibles or Prayer books, tell us
how, and we will gladly do it — and if you will form societies auxiliary
to us, or contribute otherwise to our societies, we shall be happy to lend
you our assistance to the utmost of our power, tho' you may perhaps find
it more expedient to unite with some Bible or prayer book societies more
immediately in your neighborhood.

I shall be happy Sir to hear from you on this subject and I beg you
or any one that does write to me to inform, whether there are any of
the above societies in your town or Section of the country — whence you
generally procure your books — thro what Channel it is most convenient
for them to come, whether bibles and prayer books are much wanted in
your part of the State, and whether the Bible and Prayer book societies
nearest you be in this State, So Carolina or Virginia.

I am Sir with the greatest respect

Tr very humb® Serv*.

A. Empie

Hon^e Judge Euffin.

N. B. In a small parcel accompanying this letter you will find an
Advertisement in relation to our next Convention. If there is a printing
ofiice in your town I beg you to have it inserted four or five times and
to request the Printer to forward his bill to me or to Mr. Loring the
Printer in this place.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

202 The North Casouna Hutobicax Coicmibsion.

From Archibald D, Mvo'phey.

^ ET • J Haw-Rivml 16ih February 1818.

JJear Jfrtend,

I have been incessantly engaged since I saw You, and feel Half broken
down before my Circuit commences. I have done much business and
hope before your Return home to do much more. My Prospects just now
are good for the approaching Circuit.

When you return, if you do not conclude to quit the State/ turn your

Attention a little to the Cape Fear. The time is near at hand, when the

entire Condition of fhat Section of the State is to be changed.

*******

Address: Hillsboro'.

From George E. Badger.

HiLLSBOBOUGH, March 10th 1818.

I left home on the Sunday after your departure and with Mr. Nor-
wood^ and Mr. Nash' spent the night at Mr. Cameron's.^ We passed
Flat Biver the next morning, though it was quite deep and rising rapidly,
but found Napper Seeds Creek^ unpassable — So determining to follow
the precept of my Lord Chesterfield on one occasion at least, we did
what must be done with as good a grace as possible and turning up to
Doct. Bullock's we made ourselves comfortable there until next morning.
On arriving at the Court House we found Judge Daniel detained by the
waters east of the C. H. had been before us but half an hour. The delay
of a day kept the Court open till Saturday night. On Sunday I came
back as far as Mr. C's. and yesterday about dinner time dismounted at
my own door.

Your friends Messrs. Henderson® and Plummer'^ were there, well and
in good spirits — The former has for the present forgotten his Cancer. I
made a good Court, returned, 150 dollars, better off than I went, and only
wish it may be ominous of the rest of the Circuit.

iRuffln was at this time In very low spirits and despaired of the future in
North Carolina. He was probably considering a move to the Southwest, where
he had many acquaintances.

2William Norwood.

sFrederick Nash.

^Judge Duncan Cameron's place, "Faimtosh/' in Orange County.

BKnap of Reeds is meant

•Probably John L. Henderson of QranviUe.

TKemp Plummer.

Thb BuFFm Pafbbs. 208

I saw Mrs. BufBn today — and little Ann and Eliz who were well. Mrs.
R. reed, a letter from Mrs. Dillard and informed me that she said nothing
of coming to Hillsboro. I was much pleased to learn from her that 70a
had arrived safely at Elizabeth and met with Qenl, Iredell. The im-
mense quantities of rain which had fallen here and the swollen streams
had given me some fears that you might meet with some difficulties.
And I did not feel altogether easy on the score of Mr. Cain's Horse, but
I suppose as you are silent on that head that he had performed well.

I believe I shall not visit Salisbury this Spring. The cases in Oran-
ville Sup. Court relating to Yinkler Jones while having been removed
to Franklin, and a good fee Having been offered me in two other cases
in the latter county, I think it better to go there. 150 dollars are more
than I can expect at Bowan. But although I shall do so I do not half
like the arrangement; But one circumstance, besides the profit I hope
for, tends to reconcile me to it. I shall escape Judge D. If ever Heaven
cursed a man with a most ungraceful utterance of most unintelligible
expressions that man is D. Indeed, my dear Sir, whatever may be said
of the value and importance of legal learning, I shall ever believe that
the power of speaking so as to be understood, is the most important
faculty either in a Judge or an Advocate. Of what avail is the clearest
Judgment which arrives with the certainty of demonstration at a just
conclusion, if the ability to convey that conclusion and the process of
reaaoning which leads to it, to the minds of the others be wanting? What-
ever may be the other qualifications of J. Daniel, he is certainly most
conspicuously deficient in this form of utterance. He seems to me always
like a full bottle, which in emptying gurgles and sputters, drop by drop,
wanting alike the clearness and smoothness of a gentle stream and the
dignity and force of the dashing torrent. He never gets at the right end
of his subject, and unfortunately he seems to be entirely unconscious of
the difficulty under which he labors. Instead of accommodating himself
to the conformation of his mind and voice by stating in as few words as
possible what is essential to explain the subject of which he is speaking,
he seems always laboring to make a display, begins at a distance from
his subject and travels towards it in such an inconvenient gait and by
such circuitous routs that he either becomes bewildered and fails to reach
it at all, or reaches it at last not only wearied himself but having ex-
hausted the patience of all who are in attendance on him. But this
though in my opinion a capital blemish in him is not the only one. I
set it up as a principle that a man who thinks clearly, will sometimes
speak intelligibly. This he never does and I therefore conclude that
he is deficient in that faculty which composes and distinguishes which
we call judgment. The want of judgment makes memory, in him a mis-
fortune which in most men it is considered a most happy endowment.
He has collected a confused mass of desultory information on a variety
of subjects. If he were a man of levity, f anqr or versatile powers, he

304. The Nobth Cabouna Hibtobical Commission.

would improve this information to embellish his conversation. If he
were a man of Judgment he would make it useful at once to assist his
own opinions and to carry his meaning with clearness and force by
illustrations of his subject judiciously selected. But as he possesses
neither, his conversation drags on with tedious difficulty^ and his opinions
neither attract attention by their elegance nor command respect by their
wisdom. I know not whether I ought to ask your pardon for this free
statement of what I conceive to be some of the capital blemishes of one
of your Brethren. But when I write to you I must write what I think
and what is uppermost.

Should you be in an ill-humor when you receive this or in low spirits
which is next neighbor to ill humor and be disappointed that I have
offered nothing to restore your temper or to raise your spirits, be good
enough to recollect in my justification, that I am myself sometimes
afflicted with both these diseases of the mind. And that I never felt in
a better humor to cut my throat than when I commenced this letter.
BecoUect also that this little place is more barren of amusement more
destitute of variety than is the African desert of rills or vegetation and
that drafts on my own ingenuity to supply this deficit are seldom
honored.

In justice to me also observe that I have done all I can for ua both —
to please you I have told you that your wife and children are well to
relieve myself I have refunded some Sensorial power by visiting my
spleen on poor Judge D. and that this has been done when a Seventy
dollar fee would be ungraciously received by me if required to take the
trouble of writing a receipt for it.

The ladies here have taken advantage of your absence to over power
me. They have not oi^y threatened me widx the thunder and lighting
of their brows and the poisoned arrows of their tongues, but have inti-
mated that unless I shall alter my course a patriotick coat of tar and
feathers will be my reward. What could I do. Could I stand singly
against a multitude? I recollect Sir John Falstaff's maxim that *^dis-
cretion is the better part of valor" and resolved to temporise. So that
I have turned about and commenced [to be?] Eulogist. But, like Junius^
I am not versed in the language of encomium, and my new profession
sits awkwardly enough upon me. Cannot you send me a skeleton, a kind
of memorandum of the heads of a discourse in favor of the ladies! Do
try for I am in most perilous cirsumstances. Danger threatens me on
all sides. I have not courage to be a martyr for the faith, but wish to
make the best time I can by a sudden apostacy.

Thus have I commenced correspondence with you, my dear friend,
which I assured you from the first would produce you neither pleasure
nor profit. But if you will consent to accept this and such as I can write
hereafter as the price of yoiir answers, when your occupations of the
Circuit will permit you to write, I shall be a gainer indeed.

Thb Bttffin Pafxbs. 205

My Mother and Fanny send their best recollection and wishes to you
and for myself the best wish I can make yon is that your private happi-
ness and success as well as your professional reputation may be such as
you deserve.
Judge Buffin.
[Address :
The Honorable Thomas Buffin
Care of Genl. James Iredell

Edenton
Via Petersburg Va. North Carolina.]

From William Roane,^

MoBGANTON, 28th April 1818.

Although my silence may on first glimse appear to proceed from want
of respect, yet I am convinced when you come to hear the cause it will
be deemed excusable. I have at various times been down the country,
and generally calculated on being in Hillsboro; yet was prevented by
my business, which I well know you would not approve of my neglect-
ing; especially when I inform you that I will if possible do myself the
great Pleasure of seeing yourself Mrs. Buffin and the little children in
the summer: after next Guilford Coulrt.

As to myself, I feign hope, I have so far passed the threshold of my
profession, that with ordinary care, prudence and industry, a prosperous
and safe passage may be had through life. Notwithstanding I am '^a
foreigner, an alien as to this country" and ^'a citizen of another State,
one who had no right to settle here and expect to be employed and en-
couraged where there are so many native citizens of equal merit in the
country." I say notwithstanding all this I hope there is a right for me
to believe that by the year 1819 my practice in the County of Burke
alone, will be sufficient to support me. (Although as yet I get but little
money, it being customary, (which custom I cannot run contra to) for
attorneys to trust their clients untill the determination of the cause in
which they are employed.)

Being convinced that the obligation which your kindness induced you
to lay me under towards yourself, proceeded from friendship and a dis-
position to serve me, I will only remark if I am as fortunate as I hope,
I have a right to expect : I shall make an effort to discharge my contract
with you the ensuing fall.

iThto is the same William Roane who served in the navy. See p. 162, supra.
Prior to hie naval service he was in the employ of Judge Murphey.

206 The Nobth Cabouna Hibtobical Coicmibsion.

Amongst those of your acquaintances worthy of your enquiry, there
is no change since you were in the circuit. Paxton is well; as inert
in his movements as ever. Though as honest a man, and of as nice and
correct principles of honor as any man I ever saw. Old ^^Brother Robt"
Henry is a generous man, and so also may I say of several other Oen^men
in the profession, but as to the younger ones, they are like men of similar
standing in other districts. You know in all professions men of envious
and malicious dispositions will be found. As to myself I am not popular
amongst the latter class, being to independent for a Junior.

Accept Sir of my best wishes for the health and happiness of yourself
and all connected with you, give my respects to Mrs. Buffin, tell the chil-
dren (some of whom remember me) how do ye for me, and remember
me to Mr. Eirkland Mrs. Kirkland and family.

P. S. I hope I may be allowed to hint. I write to my friends the
sentiments of the moment — if correct I wish but few to see them if in-
correct none. County Court is now sitting here. 3 days ago the moun-
tains on both sides of us were covered with snow.

[Address: Hillsboro N. C]

From James Qraham,

LiNCOLNTON June the 1st. 1818.
On my return yesterday after being absent a fortnight I found your
friendly letter of the 15th ult., in which you very politely invite me to
partake of your new ofBibe and likewise to assist in making preparation
for my approaching examination for this, as well as many other indica-
tions of friendship. I am heartily obliged to you. I am apprehensive
however it will not be in my power to be in Hillsboro' before the supreme
court; the county courts which I attend are just over and I have one
month only left to read and the course which I have before me requires
every effort which industry is capable of making. The very extraordi-
nary anxiety which I feel on the occasion and have felt for a considerable
time operates very materially to retard my exertions, would to God I
could divest myself of those unpleasant feelings tho' I consider them as
in some degree necessary and aposite to every one who has a proper
regard for his reputation. You ask relative to my success and plans?
My success has entirely equalled my expectations however I have rather
considered myself as the student than the Lawyer, in the business with
which I have been entrusted much care has been taken to guard against
error and not without an eye to the success and interest of one whose
character and hopes must depend somewhat upon the first impressions.
As t^ my plans I have [not] fixed upon any which may not be changed
by subsequent contingencies, which, by the bye, I recollect is contraiy

Thb Buffin Papxbs. 207

to your advice and not at peace with my notions of buBiness. I cannot
become reconciled to this part of the country and owing to my prepara-
tory course for application for Licence I have not been able to look
around and contrast the different prospects. Judge Webb^ and my
Eldest brother set off a fortnight since to the Alabama Territory they
both contemplate moving there if the country corresponds with the repre-
sentations and reports which they have heard. I have not seen Judge
Burton^ since I came to town but I am Informed he has resigned. I think
the next Legislature may take a hint from this which will induce them
to increase the salary of the Judges and perhaps make some alteration
in the Judiciary system: This is the general impression here and I
believe throughout the western part of the State.

If I can, any way, get off in time I will be in Hillsboro a day or two
before the supreme court tho' I am fearful I cannot. It would be of
infinite service to be examined before the fiery ordeal which awaits me,
as I have not at present so much as an opportunity of even asking a
Law question and of course my ideas want a good deal of pruning and
dressing in order to pass correctly among your honours. I have found
considerable difSculty in procuring books to read and utterly imprac-
ticable to obtain some which I deemed essential as the mail hour is out
and I hope to have pleasure of making a more full communication in
person in few weeks I therefore must conclude.

Present my respects to Mrs. Buffin and Mr. Eirklands Family and be
assured that I remain your friend and humble Svt.

The Honourable Thomas Buffin.

[Address: Hillsboro' N. C]

From Sterling Buffin.

Oakland 10th July 1818.
I should have sent William' down at the time you advis'd but Sally
was unable to travel from improper shoeing. I regret exceedingly that
the attempt to get a successor to Mr. Bogers^ did not succeed. I have no
expectation that he will advance his scholars more this session than here-
tofore; his system is entirely unlike every other teacher I have ever
heard of, and I cannot but be surprised that so much talents as there
is in Hillsboro, all of which is immediately, or remotely interested in the

iHenry Y. Webb.

2Burton bad been elected to tbe bencb a short time before, but after riding
one circuit he resigned.

swilliam F. RufDn, a younger brother of Thomas Ruffln.

4John Rogers, a graduate of Georgetown, had for some time, been conducting
a classical academy at Hillsboro under the direction of Rev. John Wither-
spoon. He seems to have been a most successful teacher.

208 Thb North Cabouka Histosical Commibbion.

prosperity of that infltitution should suffer him to peraue it. There is
not one fourth of the grammar which is taught by him^ and no more
after twelve months reading than when they began. Can it be possible
that boys not void of understanding should be justly dealt by^ and only
read a few chapters in one small book, and a very small part of the gram-
mer in three whole sessions ? and what is very strange to me none of you
appear either to feel or care for it. I am fearful that I am not doing
William justice in again commiting him to the care of that man and am
confident that unless he improves more than he has done it will be the
last time. Are you not one of the trustees f forget not your duty; if
you are not pray remind those who are of the absolute necessity of
attending more to the interest of the school than they have done. My
note at Bank will be due next month; inclos'd you will receive $50.00
to renew it, it is more than the sum due^ but pay it all in — ^Know of
John when his note is payable and what is my proportion and write me
in time.

I have commenced building in Leaksville, and shall be very hard
push'd for Cash. Let me entreat your exertions in favour of this point
for the establishment of an agency of the State Bank. The question is
not whether Leaksville is to put down Milton^ or visa versa, but whether
both is to put down Danville and thereby bring the whole Virginia trade
to No. Carolina. That some place above Danville, and not below it, is
to effect this, is so evident that I am astonish^ any person or common
observation should for a moment doubt. The truth is, that Danville or
some higher point must ultimately succeed to a very considerable extent.
Taking it for granted (and I believe there are none who question it)
that the great place is to be at the lower end of the canal where the boats
navigating Dan River will deposit their loads, it is not to be presum'd
that any place as near that as Milton, can do much for any length of
time; while all are making exertions for the mastery it may share with
the others, particularly as it has had a good start, but depend upon it,
it cannot hold out. It will be a great misfortune if so much personal
wealth and exertion as is now centered in Leaksville should be crushed
for the want of some aid from the publick. Jackson is now quite out
of the question, not a single lot sold on the last day appointed for tkat
purpose; two or three of the former partners have sold out to men of
no enterprize or capital, and Clay gone to the western Country. Here
it is not spoken of at all. Madison and Hairstonborough has not yet
come into repute, at the latter place there were three or four lots cryd
out, tho' not believed to have been sold.

The dry weather continues. I have had not rain of any consequence
since you left us, still my crop is tolerably good. Enquire of John
whether he has received any information of James Roane. I shall
anxiously wait to hear from you. Remember us affectionately to your
uncle and family.

[Address: Raleigh N. C]

Ths Bttffin Papebs. 209

From A, D, Mwrphey.

Haw Riveb I7th July 1818.
My Wife has been unwell for a Week past and is at this time too weak
to ride to Hillsboro'y without a change of Weather. I beg you to send
up my Clothes by the Stage on Sunday — ^will you be good enough to ask
Anne to wrap them up in a Handkerchief!

I must send my Notes to Raleigh and Fayetteville on next Week —
I must entreat you to get Mr. Eirkland to indorse them^ lest Something
Should prevent his Coming up on Sunday. Send them to me by Mr.
Hunter, or by the Mail.

Mr. Price^ is here with his Surveyor etc. They will go on Tomorrow.
I have just finished their Instructions, which I have given much in
' Detail, as it is out of my power to be much with them.

*******

Honble.

Thomas Buffin esqr.
On Monday we broke grotmd and commenced the Canal on the Cape
Fear.

[Address: Hillsboro']

John L. Henderson?

Sbpteicbbr the 15th 1818.

The office of Clerk and Master for this county will become vacant next
court. Permit me to recommend Alfred Macay to your notice as a
candidate to fill that vacancy.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Thomas T. Armstrong,
Okbmanton
2l8t Sept, 1818.

Agreeably to my expectations when I saw you, Gtenl. Williams resigned
his office at our last Court. Mr. Matthew Moore and I were the only
candidates to fill the vacancy, and Mr. Moore was elected.

Upon informing the Justices that I had been to you for the purpose
of resigning my office, the opposite party, who are famous for intrigue

iJonathan Price of New Bern was In charge of the surveys then being made
for the proposed internal improvements in the State.
2John Lawson Henderson, 1778-1844, a son of Judge Richard Henderson.

210 Thb Nobth CABOLmA Historical Comiobsion.

suggested that I had gone to you for the purpose of making an arrange-
ment to have my son appointed to succeed me and this they industriously
inculcated into the minds of the justices which tumd. the current against
me and I lost the Election by four votes. They had no authority what-
ever for their assertions except their knowledge of his ability to perform,
the duties of the appointment and your well known friendship toward me.
[Address: HiUsboro.]

^ J, F. May to Thomas Suffin,

FBTEBSBa. Octo. 10. 1818.

I wrote you a hasty letter last eveng. to go by mail which I find left
this place the day before and goes only once a week ;— I have just been
informed of a safe private conveyance; and therefore enclose you the
copy record, suit recently brought in the name of Jos. Bragg and
Benjn. Jones partners etc. for my benefit. If nothing can be done, aemd
me the record by any safe hand at your leisure.

Yrs. cordially

J. F. May.

Hon. Ths. C. EuflSn.

P. S. The addition of your second name is a mere mistake of the pen,
growing perhaps out of old feelings and recollections. I certainly have
no such spite as would induce me to put an alia^ to it^ especially in N.
Carolina.

[Address : Hillsboro' N. C]

From BomtUus M. Saunders to William Norwood.

Deer. 2nd. 1818.

Much local business is before us— on yesterday the Supreme Court
billy with a salary of $2500 for the Judges passed the Senate and to-
morrow it comes on in the house^ where I think it will also pass. I am
in hopes to get off before Christmas.
[Address :

William Norwood Esqr.
Atto at Law

Hillsborough.]

Thb Buffin Papsbs. 211

From Archibald D. Murphey.

^ TT . J Ralbioh. 3d. Deer. 1818.

IJear Fnena,

The Bill to appoint three Judges to Hold the Supreme Court has passed
its Second reading in both Houses. In the Senate 42 to 16. in the Com-
mons 80 to 44. The Salary $2500. This will surprise you as it has
every one here. It will probably be read the third Time and passed in
each House Tomorrow. To Night the enquiry every where is, who are
to be the Judges? — I wish you were here to help our Friend Seawell.^
I fear his Chance is not good, great e£Forts are making for Taylor,^ and
dont be surprised if he be elected. L. Henderson' will be one, I believe.
I was waited upon this evening to know whether my name should be
used. I intend to be governed by circumstances. If I see my way clear,
poorly qualified as I am, I shall enter the Lists. I have been confined
to my room constantly and know nothing but from those, who have busi-
ness with me. James Mebane tells me, that L. Henderson, Gaston^ and
myself will be elected, if in nomination. He is well acquainted with the
Members and is influential. In all this you will know how easily we
may be deceived. One day more may give a different Aspect to things,
and probably will.

The Salary of the Circuit Judges will be raised to $2000, 1 think they
will probably be located. — ^We have a liberal and intelligent Legislature.

When will you be down? No Nomination is yet made to fill the
vacancy on the Bench. Nash,^ Toomer,* Paxton^ and Miller® will all
be in Nomination. I can't even conjecture who will be elected. — Pray
write to me. Bemember me Affectionately to Anne and Cornelia, to
Mr. KSrkland and his Family. Yours Affectionately

A. D. MUBPHBY.

Honble Thos. Bu£B2i esqr.
[Address: Hillsborough.]

iHenry Seawell of Wake, 1772-1836. He had been appointed a Judge in 1810
by the governor and council, but the legislature failed to confirm the appoints
ment. He was appointed and confirmed in 1813 and resigned in 1819.

2John Louis Taylor of Cumberland, a native of Ireland, who had been a
Superior Court Judge since 1798. He became chief Justice of the new court
and held that position until his death in 1829.

SLeonard Henderson of Qranyille, 1772-1833, one of the ablest lawyers in the
State, who had been a Superior Court Judge from 1808 to 1816. He was elected
to the Supreme Court and became chief Justice in 1829.

^William Gaston of Crayen, 1778-1844. His public service up to this time
had been as a member of the House of Commons from the borough of New
Bern for several terms and as a member of Congress from 1813 to 1817» in
which latter position he established a national reputation.

sFrederick Nash, 1781-1858, formerly of Craven, but now of Orange. He
was elected to the Superior Court at this session.

sjohn D. Toomer of Cumberland. He was also elevated to the Superior
bench at this session.

TJohn Paxton, who was also chosen to the Superior bench. He died in 1826.

SGovemor William Miller.

212 Thb North Cabouna Historical Commibbion.

From Bomulus M, Saunders.

Raleigh [Dec.] 17th 1818.

The Bill relative to the Superior Courts has not been read in our
House untill to day^ so that I deemed it useless to write you as I could
have sayed nothing on the subject, and it being now read only once I
can form no certain opinion. The Bill as reported gives to the Circuit
Judges the power of fbdng time over circuits amongst themselves, if they
can agree, if not the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is to determine.
This is in principle location — as to its passage I think it problimaticaL
I endeavoured to ascertain the opinion of the House as well as I could,
and think it likely, that should it be preposed to divide the State into
two divisions — three circuits in each, that the Judges (one half) ride
alternately in the circuits in each division, that it would succeed. This
however is mere opinion. The Blank was not offered to be filled in one
house, as it was thought best to suffer it to return to the Senate. I undei^
stand that it will there be filled with 90$ a court. I have but little doubt
that 100$ would succeed and I am induced to believe that this will be
the sum fixed on. I think so from what I have heard, and from the
circumstance of almost every attempt of raising fees, succeeding — today
there passed the 2nd reading the bill respecting Solicitors and the House
readily consented to give to the Attorney Genl. $100 — for attending the
Superior Court. Miller is in nomination for Judge.

I should have been glad to have written you to more certainty, but
you know that '^all things are doubtful" which have to pass the ordeal
of the Legislature. I expect the bill will pass on Saturday, if so I can
inform you, should you not come down before on Sunday as I expect to
be in Hillsbo^ then — ^nothing of consequence before the house.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From James Mehane.

Baleigh December the 18th. 1818.
Since Supper I received yours of the 16th inst. and have this moment
returned from a consultation with Mr. Murphy on the subject of it. The
Bill relative to the Superior Court is now before the Senate for its
second reading as reported by the committee, and will I expect be taken
up tomorrow but we cannot hope, however much we may desire it, that
the judges will be both located and receive a salary of $100 pr court and
indeed it is very doubtful whether the salary will be more than $80 pr
court, and the riding to be regulated by the Supreme court I think it
would be well for you to come here on Monday next that you may have
an opportunity to suit your course to occurences, which are as yet very
uncertain.

Thb RuFFm Pafsbs. 213

Paxton, 'NeLsh and Toomer are the judges elect for the Superior Court.
We have this day established an agricultural Society for this State and
have elected you a member.

As to David Fulton I some time ago searched the muster roll and could
not find his name on it^ but I will notwithstanding make further search
and if I can find anything that will be of use to him I will take every
necessary step in the business. I remain respectfully your friend etc.

[Address: Hillsboro.]

From Oearge E. Badger.

Raleigh Dec— 18, 1818.

A ballotting this morning took place for three Circuit Judges — Messrs.
Toonier Paxon and Nash and Miller were in nomination. The three
first were elected. Toomer 160 Paxon 136 and Nash 106. Miller 60.

The Bill to raise the salaries has not yet been acted on. It was re-
ported with the sum Blank to the Senate, — 2000 dolls is spoken of and it
is expected it will be taken up on Monday. There is no provision for
locating the Judges nor have I heard that plan spoken of.

My information is not much on the subject and in great haste

Hon T. RufSn.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From James 8. Smith}

WASHmoTON City, January 27, 1819.

I have inclosed you six seed of the wild Olive. It is a beautiful ever-
green that grows rapidly and to the hight of 40 feet and the trunk is
in some instances two feet through it has a dark green leaf smooth on
the surface with the edges a little serrated.

Mr. Crawford the Secretary of the Treasury presented me about an
hundred they grew in his garden in Georgia. He planted the seed
about twelve years since and he informed me that the Tree is now about
8 inches through and twenty feet high the seed must be planted where
you wish the Tree to stand as all the evergreens are difficult to transplant.
The seed should be planted 2^ or 3 inches deep and in light rich earth
the sooner these seeds are planted the better as the season for vegetation
is fast approaching.

[Address: Hillsborough N*. C]

iMember of Congress from the Orange district.

214 The North Cabolina Histobicai. Commission.

From Oabriel Holmes,^

[Feb. 7, 1819.]

Without ceremony I have sent my son Lucian to Hillsborough with
the pleasing expectation that you will take him under your care and
patronage and permit him to read Law in your office untill you may
think him amply prepared to take a License for the bar. Should you
have it in your power to gratify my hopeful wishes and expectations in
fitting my son for a license you will greatly oblige Dr. Sir yours

Thos. Huffin Esquire

February 7th 1819.

[Address: Hillsboro'

Orange County TS. C]

From Montford Siolces?

Washinoton February 17th, 1819.

I am this moment favored with yours from Pittsburg.* If I did not
suppose that your immediate Kepresentative constantly corresponded
with, and sent you the public documents before Congress, I should not
soon forgive myself for n^lecting to do so myself : — For be assured there
is no man in !N'orth Carolina for whom I entertain a more sincere esteem
than yourself. But it has grown into a kind of agreement here, that the
Bepresentatives from the different districts send the public papers of
importance to their respective Constituents ; and the Senators send them
to the different Departments of the State Government. Under this im-
pression, I have totally neglected many of my friends, who had a just
claim to my attention, and by whom I hope not to be forgotten.

I am sorry to be informed by you, in addition to the information from
others that Judge Seawell was treated unfairly as well as ungenerously
at the last Assembly at Baleigh. But after the treatment I myself re-
ceived at the same place upon a similar occasion, I cannot be surprised
at the degrading and disgraceful conduct of some men who foist them-
selves into that body. It is not known to many, (because I have long
been taught the folly of complaining,) that I was shamefully and clan-
destinely defrauded out of my Election as Senator on the first balloting
that took place for the six years. And the fraud was exultingly ac-
knowledged in my presence. The circumstance being known to a few

iQabriel Holmes of Sampson, state senator, 1807; governor, 1821; member
of Congress, 1825-1829.

2Montford Stokes of l^llkes, 1760-1842, United States senator, 1816-1823;
governor, 1831-1833.

STMs spelling for Pittsboro was not unusual at this time.

Thb Euffin Fapxbs. S15

of mjr friends, it rivitted them more strongly to my pretensions, and I
was ultimately successful. This success prevented me from carrying
the matter further. I had gained my object, and felt no disposition to
dirty my hands with the blood of scoundrels.

In the particular case of Judge Seawell I can only say that I am proud
that so many of our distinguished Citizens besides yourself have given
me their Opinions which perfectly accord with my own as to the merits
and just pretensions of Judge SeawelL You may rely on it that I shall
not omit any opportunity which may occur, to promote him as far as
my feeble efforts extend.^ I will however state to you, that aldiough the
Bill for appointing nine Circuit Judges has passed the Senate, it is very
uncertain whether it will pass in the H. Bep. We have just passed
finally a Bill which increases the salaries of the present circuit Judges,
and I expect this is as far as Congress will go at this session.

I voted against the first mentioned Bill for the 9 Circuits ; not because
I had any objections to the Bill or the principle; but merely because,
as regarded the state of N. Carolina, and some of the adjoining states,
the situation of the Docket did not require such a changa

With respect to other business before Congress, we are progressing
slowly. The H. Bep. have spent two weeks debating the question on the
Seminole War; and by the time they get through the Bank question, the
Session will be nearly at an end.

I know not your opinion on the affair of Oenl. Jackson, but for myself,
although I admit he went to the extent of his authority, I cannot say he
has deserved the censure of the Government. Much pains being taken
by some of our Representatives to circulate the speech of Mr. Clay cen-
suring the conduct of QenL Jackson, I take, the liberty of enclosing you
GenL SmythV speech in opposition. You will judge for yourself.

I have not written to Judge Seawell nor he to me, since I have been
here. If you fall in with him, be so good as present my respects.

Tho. BufSn Esqr.

From James OraJiam,

Lincoln Vbsuvtus Fuenace March the 1st, 1819.

Having waited a considerable time to write you by Judge Faxton and

at last disappointed as we have recently been informed he would ride the

Morganton circuit instead of Hillsboro' I am now determined not to

omit or delay any longer. I have just finished my county court circuit

iThroush tlie influence of Stokes, Judge Seawell in 1820 was apiK)inted one
of tike commissioners, under the treaty of Ghent, to award damages for slaves
taken away hy the British in the war of 1812.

^Alexander Smyth, a member of (Congress from Virginia.

316 The North Cabolina Historical Commission.

at Mecklenburg last week and am on the return to Lincolnton ; since Julj
last I have added Burke and Kutherf ord to the counties in which I before
practiced and have been favoured with Judge Faxton's business in the
county and superior courts of Butherford. Much murmering pervades
this riding in consequence of Faxton's presiding here this sping and
should not be surprised if the western member in the next general As-
sembly show his Excellency that their suffrage will not be given to a
man who^ to say the least^ overlooks them. We have just been informed
of the resignation of Judge Seawell and are at a loss to know who will
be appointed in his room all that we are certain about it^ is that we
don't want Billy Miller upon the bench. Jos. Wilson^ has just returned
from the Alabama and has purchased Land and says he thinks he wiU
in two or three years move to the that Country tho' here where so many
talk of moving we believe he will not go or any other man who does not
immediately pack up and move off after his return. Webb moved on
the 35 of Deem last and left his land unsold. Our brethren are marrying
here quite fast Shipp,^ Caldwell' and Martin all within two moons. The
Catawba company has just commenced cutting a canal round the moun-
tain Island Falls which will be about three quarters of a mile^ they
expect to remove every obstruction in the Kiver by the 1st of October
next from Morganton to the South Carolina line and if the ensuing
summer should be favourable I have no doubt the work will be com-
pleted.^ Many persons are spoken of as candidates for Congress in this
district as yet however none have declared themselves^ it is believed Capt
John Beid^ will oppose the present member, in the Mountain District
Joseph M. Carson.^ Porter'' and Walker^ are the candidates and con-
siderable exertions have already been made among their respective
friends. Forter says he's Ball against the field and will distance the
other two. I rather presume it will be a close race between the three.
The seperate Supreme court seems to be quite popular in this section
of the State and I believe the body of the people would cheerfully have
paid circuit Judges at lea^st two tiiousand dollars per annum. I must
ask the favour of your Opinion on a l^al question which grows out of
the following clause in a Will — "If any one of my Legatees should die

iJoseph Wilson of Mecklenburg, a distinguislied lawyer who served in the
legislature and as solicitor.

SBarUett Shipp, 1786-1869. He married Susan Forney.

sProbably D. F. Caldwell.

4This work was never completed.

BJohn Reid of Lincoln, state senator, 1810-1811, 1817, and 1818.

sjoseph M. Carson of Rutherford, member of the House of Commons, 1812-
1815, 1836; state senator, 1832, 1836-1840; delegate to the convention of 1835.
This was a strange slip of Qraham's as he was never a member of Congress.

7William Porter of Rutherford, ^or many years a member of the House of
Commons.

sFelix Walker of Rutherford, 1753-1828, a native of Virginia who accom-
panied Daniel Boone on his trip to the West in 1774. He was a member of the
Commons for a number of terms, and after serving in Congress from 1817 to
1823 was defeated and moved to Mississippi.

The Evffin Fafsbs. 217

unmarried that particular portion, hereby willed to him or her is to be
equally divided amongst the rest of my Legatees: Or if any of them
should marry or die without issue, that portion of property hereby vested
in him or her shall by virtue of this will revert to the rest of my Lega-
tees.'' Quere whether (the latter part involves the doubt) if one of the
Daughters of the Testator marries and dies without Lisue, is her husband
or her brothers and sisters entitled to her property. Your opinion on
this question and a reference to the doctrine and cases on which it is
founded will very much oblige me, as there is a diversity of opinions on
the question, and it is probable a suit may be brought to decide it. I
have beared nothing from Hillsboro' since last July except once by Mr.
Mangum of Salisbury who I presume hears from the boro' more fre-
quently than I do, and perhaps it would be dbing injustice to his feelings
to say he hears without a palpitation a little under the left breast; the
heat in his left side would create steam enough to propell a Seventy four.
Blessed be the man who first invented ''the compound of hopes and fears
made of storms and deluges of Tears." I am quite sorry I did not see
Dr. Webb and family when on a visit to his brother here, and I being in
Lincolnton never beared of them untill they were gone. I feel a strong
inclination to visit Hillsboro' in June next as it is probable shall have
some business in Fayetteville about that time, whether my situation at
that time will permit an excurtion of that kind I am not yet certain. I
regretted to hear our friend N. Smith of Chatham had left the state
and also of Brother Boons' death which I fear was occasioned by intem-
perance; its truly lamentable that a man who has married an amiable
woman, and when of course he no longer lives for himself alone, but for
others, should surrender himself a sacrifice to a never ceasing thirst.
Burton and Osbom B. Pickens and B. Henrie are all heavy laden with
the essance of rye, so much so that their vessels are a good deal crippled
and weather beaten. I should thank you to write me in what counties
you contemplate practicing. Present my best respects, if you please, to
Mrs. Buffin, and Mrs. Kirkland. Tell Brother Badger and wife I con-
gratulate them on the Marriage and only regret that I am not similarly
disposed of. I have understood sir you intended moveing over to Dan
River if this be correct I presume you have given out our Tour through
the Alabama and the country west of the Mississippi River which you
talked of last summer ; I am told by Jo. Wilson, the Alibama is as yet
a poor country for a Lawyer. I should be glad to receive a letter from
you shortly and be pleased to accept my best wishes for yourself and
family.

The Honourable Thomas Ruffin Esqr.

[Address : Hillsboro' N". C]

318 The Nobth Casolina Histobical Commibsion.

From Archibald D, Murphey.

^ n • 1 Rockingham. 19ih« March 1819:

Dear Fnend.

Thus far I have had a very pleasant Circuit. The Bar and the People
have been kind and polite^ and we have done a good deal of plain busi-
ness. If the Circuit prove as agreeable all round^ I shall be a little dis-
appointed. I have not heard from Orange since I left it. Today I set
out for Mr. Eoanes, and from Lumberton shall go to Fayetteville, where
I hope to receive Letters.

I have been to SneedsboroV 9JiA the business there is finally arranged.
It is a pretty place, and with some exertion may be made a place of con-
siderable Commerce. About 2.000 Bales of Cotton are received there
this Season. The Company get about 100 Lots, some of them well
improved, and 1160 Acres of Land lying around the Town. For this
Property the Price is $38,410. Of this Sum $10,000 are to be paid by
the Company, and to be paid during this Year. For the Residue the
Company are not bound. Mr. Johnson is to receive Payment out of
the Proceeds of the Sales. The Stock is divided into Shares of $1,000
each, and the fraction of a Share. You will see that each Share will
have to pay less than $300. One half of the Instalments to be paid Mr.
Johnson, fall due in May, each Share having to advance about $135.
at that time, and the same amount in !N'ov'. Are you disposed to take
an Interest in the Company? Write to me at Fayetteville, and say
whether you will take any Shares, and if so, how many. Say Nothing
about this business, except to Mr. Hamon. He and Coke, take 2 Shares.
Qod bless You.

[Address: Pittsborough.]

From Oeorge McNeill.

Fatbttibviulb 30th Mar. 1819.

I have reed, your esteem^, favor dated yesterday and I shall attend
to getting the mattress — ^but there are few opportunities of sending any
thing to Hillsborough just now.

On the subject of Bank Stock it is difficult to form any correct opin-
ion— the Banking business has been carried to its height and it most
take, if it has not already taken a retrograde movement. If I had money
to invest in Bank Stock I should prefer that of the TJnited States Bai^
to any other. It being at all times most easily converted into money —
and I think the most likely to rise in price — and it will probably pay the

lA town In Anson County, now dead. Cf. Hoyt, ed., The Murphey Papen,
1, p. 181.

Thb Buffin Papxbs. 219

best dividendB. I have no doubt but that the dividends of the IT. S.
Bank will hereafter average 8 p. Oent and if so the stock will rise to at
least $133, and as I do not think that the local Banks will be able to
divide more than 8 p. cent, if that, and their stock will come down to
$120 and probably lower, the relative difference in the price of stock
and the dividends, I account for by the 17. S. Bank having a wider field
for opperations consequently it will attract more the attentions of Capi-
talists at home and abroad.

I think Phil*, and "New York the best places to buy the stock — but
how to place funds in those places I cannot advise you, unless you can
get a check of the State Bank — private Dfts may be had here at 60@90
days, but that would not answer your purpose, as it is doubtful whether
they would n^otiate and at any rate you would have to pay a commis-
sion of 2% p. cent for doing it, — ^the Stock might probably be purchased
as low in Charleston and you can get funds there by giving %@1 p. cent
for checks or you can get the Charleston !N'otes at par. I would send the
Dfts on the Gknl. Post OfBsce to Washington and direct the stock for that
amount to be purchased there, but if preferable the IT. S. Bank will cash
the Df t — and it is probable Ihey would give you a check on Charleston
for the amount of it. If I wished to remit funds to "New York or Phil*.
I would send to Charleston to do it.

Next to the TJ. S. Bank Stock I would [prefer] Cape Fear Stock.

Any service I can render you in the business you will please command.
*******

[Address: Ealeigh, BT. C]

jProm Oabriel Holmes,

MoNTPELLiEB. [April 20, 1819]
Your letter dated at Raleigh mentioning the Beceipt of mine by Lucian
and your final conclusion to receive him in your office came safely to
hand. Permit me to assure you that no recent Occurrence has given
rise to more grateful and satisfactory emotions than that letter. Your
very friendly and polite assurance of disposition to serve any member
of my family is truly flattering to my pride and sensibility. But to take
my son in the Character of a Student immediately under your care and
patronage, contrary to your established usage, the solicitations of many
gentlemen notwithstanding, is to me so imperiously obligatory that the
nature and warmth of my acknowledgments can only be appreciated in
that bosom that gave them existence. In a conversation with Mrs. Dil-
lard that Most amiable Lady, as well from others, I learned the latter
point of my letter. It never occurred to me to make the necessary enquiry
whether you received Students or otherwise. I therefore greatly fear

220 The North Cabolina Historical Commission.

my Dear Sir that my conduct has been intrusive and too familiar rather
than polite and formal. Touching the time and studies of Lucian, will
you do me the pleasure to regulate them after your own way, untill you
think him perfectly prepared to do Justice to his client, credit to him-
self, and not dishonour his preceptor. Then and not till then, let him
go into the world. Lucian I hope will be industrious and attentive to
his studies and your candour (the sine qua non) which I most heartily
beg you will never withhold from him, cannot fail to make him usefid
to society. Will you be so obliging as to make my unfeigned respects to
Mrs. Kuffin, and believe me Yours very sincerely

Thos. Buffin Esqr.

20th April 1819.

[Address : Hillsborough N. C]

From John F. May.

Fbtxbsbo. May 13th, 1819.

Your kind letter of the 5th ult. reached me at a moment when I was
so much oppressed with the fatigue of business, that I could not then
answer it ; and the same cause has continued from that time till the day
before yesterday. I was pained, no little, at the idea that I might pos-
sibly have done, what I dare say many wiser men have done, lost a
friend for a jest. But how to suggest the idea to you, without giving you
cause of complaint against me for that very pain, I was utterly at a loss;
and in that situation I remained, till I could remain so no longer. Six
months has elapsed without my hearing from, either in the way of friend-
ship or of business; and I knew that either was sufficient, as a motive
of action with you, where neither could operate so strongly as in the
case at bar, I had no idea that you had forgotten me ; for I knew that
the feelings and the sympathies, by which we were bound, had begun
too early, and existed too long, to have gone off in that way. I fre-
quently heard of you and about you ; and as I always heard of your well
being etc, I could not account for my not hearing from you.

Your letter gave me much gratification in every view. The view of
your feelings towards me, thus unbosomed, was gladdening; the infor-
mation of your prosperous affairs was highly pleasing; and the flattering
opinions expressed of me contributed their full share or influence upon
my worse feelings.

I have no doubt that you acted wisely in leaving the bench : and it is
with me, a very strong proof of great wisdom, to be capable of acting
wisely in such a situation, for I am in the daily habit of seeing wise mon
act otherwise on such occasions.

The Buffin Fafsbs. 221

My own appointment in the Bank was as entirely unexpected, as it
was unsought, by me. I was in Bichmond on the day, and had been for
ten days before, the appointment took place. I had said, and had written
on the very day before, that I would, on no account, be a Candidate.
After being thus elected, I had made up my mind to resign the office;
but the exclusive patriots here, would not give me time to get home,
before they threatened to have me turned out next year ; and thus, by the
wishes of friends, and the animosities of opponents, I am remaining in
office. It does not, and shall not take me from my profession ; to which
alone, with the blessing of Heaven, I look for a certain and ample sup-
port for me and my family, in spite of all the calumnies of malice, and
prejudices of ignorance. I had become, as you probably knew, heartily
tired of the country practise; and found, in my office and in the Sup.
Cts. of Chancery and Appeals, as much employment as I cared for.
Hence I was withdrawing from every court, holden out of this place and
the Capitol, except Dinwiddie. I do not think my vocations at all in-
compatible: And altho' the writer to whom you perhaps allude, shewed
much wit in his anger; and seemed to suppose, as he had good cause very
earnestly to wish, that I would abandon my profession; yet neither I,
nor my friends here, ever had an idea of that, as a consequence of my
acceding to their wishes.

As I presume it can afford not much cause of joy to a man who has
to toil at half a dozen country courts for their support and maintenance,
I forbear any congratulation upon the prospect of your being blessed,
as we say, with just that number of children. I have exactly half as
many, and think it enough for any reasonable man. My wife's health,
which during last fall and Deer, was better than it had been for many
years, has been much worse than it ever was, since the birth of our last
but I fondly hope she is now rallying again. My children are all fine
ones, and unusually blessed with health.

I infer from your letter, as I occasionally now hear, that in these
respects, you are extremely happy in your family, having, (a gang —
shall I say — of) very fine healthy children ; and Mrs. B. enjoying very
good health. It would give me great satisfaction to see you all ; and if
I am ever gentleman enough to be able to leave home on visit of pure
unmixed pleasure, I will see you. Will you not have some occasion to
visit us soon? I think it would be well worth your while, if for no other
purpose than to apprize the merchts. that you have come down to the
bargain. Fare well ! Gk>d bless you and yours.

Th. Buffin esq.

[Address: HUlsborough "S, C]

222 The North Cabolota Histobical CoMMisaiON.

From WiUiam PoUc.^

[Ralkioh K C, May 20, 1819]
After the Jury returned a verdict yesterday in the caae of the Newbem
Bank vs Saml. High etc. the case of some person against Jno. D. Delacj'
was called, upon which Mr. Seawell observed ''that CoL Polk coidd
testify as to his Delacy's hand writing" or words to that import, and
acoompanyed the observation with a significant laugh. It is possible
I may have misconstrued the meaning Mr. S. had, in making the obser-
vation he did, and that I may be better satisfied in that respect, I ask
it as a favor that you will state to me, what were your impressions at
the time. I make this request of you, because I know you heard the
worda spoken and a reply made by me at the time, and my recollection
does not serve me as to any other person who did notice the conversation.
Your answer will much oblige.

From George McNeill.

Baltimobb— July 8th 1819.

I called to see Mr. Walker as I passed thro' Petersburg and got Va.
Bank notes for the check I remitted to him on your account ; Mr. Walker
had been waiting, expecting to get a check from the Bank on thia place,
but was disappointed — the Bills which the Bank expected to derive the
funds from were returned "protested" — ^you however have gained by the
delay — the Bank has made no dividend and stock is falling — there will
be some discount on the Ya. notes. I have put them into the hands of
Campbell, Bitchie and Co. (a very worthy concern) who will attend to
the business and have the certificate stock ready here against my return
from New York. The Dft on post office department has been paid.
Stock is worth 89@90 in this place.

There is much distress here, but it is confined chiefly to adventuring
and not to the regular merchants, but the whole community is more or
less affected by them — they are of three classes — Ist Speculators in U. S.
Bank Stocks.

2nd. Pirates, call^ South American or patriot Privateers.

3 — Traders in the African slave trade, in connection with the priva-
teers. That infamous traficing and plundering has been carried on to

iColonel William Polk, 1756-1830, a native of Mecklenburg and a colonel in
the Revolution. He settled at Raleigh when the town was founded and was
thereafter one of the leading men of the place.

2John Devereux Delacy, who came to North Carolina in 1S13 to make eurveys
and organize steamship companies for Robert Fulton. Failing in this, he later
entered the emplosrment of the Neuse Navigation Company.

Thb Kuffin Papxbs. 223

a great extent — ^most of the parties are now however reaping part of their
reward, infamy and ruin stares them in the face — they disgrace the whole
oountry, and ike Laws should be so amended as not to be evaded with
impunity.

I leave this evening for Phi*. My best love to you and yours and our
Dear friends near you.

P. S. The crops are fine, said to be better than they have, for the last
20 years — the wheat Harvest is about one-half over in this State.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From Sterling Ruffin,

BocKiNOHAM 13th July 1819.

For a few days past I have laboured under a cold which has so affected
my head that I am now (altho' much better) afraid to expose myself
too much to the Sun, which prevents my coming to Caswell to see you ;
have therefore got James to ride down, as I am very anxious to hear
from all my family, and friends, in Hillsboro, and to get an answer to
my letter by William. I am well aware that the Mr. Williams's will
be very much disappointed in not receiving payment from me agreeably
to contract, but it will be impossible under existing circumstances, unless
(as I observed before) Capt. Hobson should obtain payment of the
money due him in Richmond, which is I think not to be expected. Per-
haps in consequence of the great and unforeseen change in things, they
may wish not to remove and it would suit their convenience to keep the
land and give up the contract ; if so, I am entirely willing even at the
inconvenience of living here another year. Of this you can inform your-
self without directly making the enquiry.

In this section of Country, we are now borne down under the extreme
pressure for money, but the distress experienced now, is nothing to what
will be felt ere long. Most of the dealers with the agency at Leaksville
are farmers who have engaged largely in the purchase of tobo. which
having almost perish'd in their hands leave them without resources to
meet their payments at Bank, what they will do I know not. I have
an order for what money is due Joseph Boe from your tan yard for
clothing, which I mentioned to Mr. Eirkland, I wish you would receive
it, and apply to my credit with you for Wms. schooling, as I suppose you
have paid it, and let me know the amount that I may give his father
credit for it. Let me know whether you have reed the money on Lyons
notes, or what you have done with them. James by my advice, intends
reading Law ; he will come down about the first of Septr. He informs
me that Mr. Cain has invited him to his house, which friendly offer I
have advis'd him to accept of, as it would be burdensome to you to have

224 The North Cabolina Historical Comkission.

him and William both, and might produce some unpleasant feelings
with Mr. Cain and Mary — as both of your houses are small, I propose
sending down a bed, which he and William can both occupy in your office
if you have no objection.

I have sent you $130.00 to exchange for Virginia, IT. S. or notes on the
principle Bank at Baleigh which I shall want on thursday next. My
crop is tolerably good, but we are begining to want rain. Gh>d bless you.

[Address : Caswell Ct. House N. C]

James Walker to Nathaniel Harris.

g. July 17th 1819.

I understand you mean to law me as long as you can, for takeing the
lock off the Meeting House door, and I also hear your brother Mark
has 100 Dollars to spend in the same way — let me give you a piece of
good advice, when you pay your money to a lawyer for advice tell him
the truth, the hole truth, and nothing but the truth.

1st. I suppose the House was built a free House, for and by the
Neighbourhood, then in that case it belongs to the neighbourhood. 2nd.
I suppose there was a deed, executed by your father (to J. Willson, J.
Mcf arlin, and N. Harris and their successors as Trustees for the neigh-
bourhood) of a small tract of land including the Meeting House, then in
that case the Meeting House belongs to the neighbourhood.

Now Sir notwithstanding, the House being free, you being the head
of the Methodical society at that place was applyed to for your consent
for a Singing school to be made up and taught at that place, after a while
you called your breathren to gather and went out into council, upon three
things. Yiz. 1st Whether there should be a singing there or not, 2nd
whether Linsy should be teacher, or Haley if a singing should be made
up there. 3th to say whether it should be of working days, or of Satur-
days and Sundays. You returned and was ask'd, have you agreed for
singing to be here? You said we have agreed that there may. You was
ask'd, which man have you pick'd upon? You said we have chosen
Haley. You was ask'd what days. You said Satturdays and Sundays —
thus Sir if you had any right to the Meeting House, you at that time
gave it away to Haley, and the Subscribers. Yiz. every other Satturday
and Sunday — thus Sir haveing shewn you that the House belong to the
Neighbourhood originally and dose yet by Deed also — ^and that you
MetJiodist gave your right of it up to Haley and the subscribers every
other Saturday and Sunday, I proceed to lay before you some of your
and your brodier Marks improper and unkooth conduct in that affair.

Thb Kuffin Fapsbs. 225

J Wikon is no more. J. Mcf arlin is gone to Tennessee^ and I am told
carried off the Deed (and it not being recorded) so that there's bnt one
Trustee left. Now sir what can one Trustee doe? I tell you nothing,
without a majority, you have no more right without a majority than I
have there must be some constituted and appointed by the neighbourhood
before you can act, or do anything What right have you or any one to
put a lock to that House, and lock the door against the righteful owners?
it shews you want to Tyrenise over the neighbourhood, and usurp sole
authority. What sort of a man must you be when you lock'd the door
against Hailey and all the Scholars, when you picked upon the man that
should Sing, the place, and time? how dare a man to brake his word
especially a Christian ? What sort of a man must you be when you went
to that house quarreled with some of the Scholars on Sunday and told
Hailey you would lock the door if he gave any intermishon? it shews
plainly you wish to tyranise, rule and sway, and take the rights of others
from them. You are not a man of your word. You shews plainly how
you would vent your splean if the Deed was made to Asbery and Hoke
and there successors — ah how you would then make me smoke for taking
off the lock — and it further shews you are very far from being a good
man much less a Christian. I have said Hailey would have serv'd you
but right when you came there quarrling and threatening, to lock the
door, and makeing disorder there, to have taken you by the Hand, lead
you to the door and kicked you out. If it had been some men they would
have made no bones to have done it. I hear you have been talking with
a lawyer. I have not seen one, let me tell you; that you are not yet
Bonapart; when in his glory. You have not yet arive to absolute sov-
ereignty; if you have to a demanabobs sovereignty over your Society.
I thought to have wrote a great deal more, but I fear this will make
Old Saton rage in you worce than ever. I trust and hope you will see
your error, and amend your life and when you depart this life be a better
man than you now are. I am yours etc,

Mr. Kathaniel Harris. Jas. Walker

N. B. I don't write this to make you mad. I have wrote nothing but
the truth ; and what I believe to be the truth. J. W.

[Address: Mr. Ifathanl Harris

Orange County.]

From William Roane,

WiLKESBoso N. C. 3rd Augst. 1819.
Seldom having anything to speak of than myself is the reason of my
silence, as I have an utter avertion to anything savoring of egotism.
Yet am I convinced that never to communicate to you my situation and
16

The Nobth Cabolina Histobioal Commission.

prospects would be slighting that friendship you hare always professed
and exercised towards me.

My prospects in this country are as good as those of any man in the
State commencing life under similar circumstances. I shall in 10 or 15
years make some property and acquire in all probability celebrity as a
Lawyer and a popular standing as a citizen. This is a rational conclu-
sion when we reflect that with the worst possible means I have in two
years exceeded the most sanguine hopes of either self or friends^ and am
I well convinced that with the same enterprise and industry I have ex-
pended in this poor mountainous country I could have in this had I
settled at St. Stevens or some other elegable place in the Southern section
of the States acquired a good estate.

To give a semblance of probability to the assertion I will give my
reason for believing so by an example coming to my own knowledge.
Soon after I commenced the practice of the Law — I had reading with me
a young man of ordinary talents little industry and dissipated habits.
This young man after reading some time and ftnding no prospect of
acquiring in a reasonable time a License here went and settled in the
Alabama perhaps at the falls of the Tuscaloosa and commensed practice
in the adjoining courts just before he left me I examined him and he
knew nothing even of the 1st Vol Black, notwithstanding that he is doing
more business than I am and has besides acquired some property in Lands
whilst I who have made all the exertions my body has been capable of
have only marched on in a snail's pace. This does not suit my disposi-
tion. I am always emulous to be amongst the foremost if I cannot go
in front. In the foregoing statement you can see the reason of the fol-
lowing proposition. You once made me an offer to place funds in my
hands for a speculation I did not like. I now am going to mention a
project which if you and your friends will join me in I shall undertake.
I will mention the whole of my plan which is this ; to go to the Allabama
and commence the practice of the Law — provided I can take with me
5 or 10,000$ to lay out in Lands. I have no capital myself and so will
have to resort to those who have and are willing to vest it in such prop-
erty. The Terms I propose to do business on are to have one half of the
profits at the end of 5 years or whatever other Terms may be agreed on.

It may be probable that you who live amongst people who rarely
engage in distant speculations of Lands, have paid but little attention to
the subject. I will just state to you that there are immense bodies of
fertile Lands (but little known) now subject to entry at $2 pr. acre and
the last installment not due for 5 years, not inferior to such Lands as
have been knocked off at the public sales at the most extravagant prices
owing to the immense bodies laying in a wilderness state that have been
visited only by the public surveyor wild Indian and beasts of the forest.
I have a friend ( Jno. Caldwell of Morganton) just returned from that
country who states that in a few weeks exploring these wilds and enduring
some little privation he has acquired at the moderate price of $2 and

The Kuffin Fapebs. 227

official fees about 2,000 acres of first rate bottom land (not inferior to
sucli as be purchased by agent at tbe public sales at the most extravagant
prices), and says to me you or any other enterprising young man may
do the same only by using a little industry (and he thinks in 5 years the
same Lands will bring a thousand per ct. so fertile, such the demand and
80 fast settling are said Lands). The TJ. S. agent for selling those Lands
(J. Pickens) is a particular friend of whom I can command any infor-
mation. Such being the case was I to leave here I should probably estab-
lish myself at St. Stephens where he resides and where purchasers of both
large and small tracts go to market and make application to such as have
made locations and can shew the Lands and such purchases considering
you right certain will often give $10, 16 or 20 pr. acre for your Location
although you have made but one payment, they taking upon themselves
to make the other payment and perfect the titles. You no doubt see
before this what my object is therefore I have only to say if you or your
friends have or can make up such a sum and give me such an interest
in it as will make it an object for me to desert my present domicile, I
should like to do so as the field for a Lawyer to display or is much more
el^able in that country than this please write me an answer to Went-
worth where I shall be on the 30 Instant. Present my best respects to
Mrs. Ruffin and friends.

P. S. I hope you will see the necessity of keeping this letter a secret
as my practice would be injured by its being known I have the least
thought of leaving here at any time.

[Address: Hillsboro N". C]

From James Iredell.

Edenton Aug. 4th 1819.

I beg leave to introduce to you the bearer of this letter Mr. Samuel
FoUett. He will probably reside in Hillsborough during the fall for
the purpose of prosecuting in a healthy part of the country the study of
the Law in which he has been engaged some time. Permit me to recom-
mend him to your attention as a young man of excellent moral character
and of modest and amiable manners.

Thomas Buffin Esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

328 The North Carolina Hibtokical Commission.

From Sterling Ruffin.

BocKiNOHAM 12th Augst. 1819.

Capt. Hobson has heard nothing from his agent on the subject of
money, I am much afraid there will be a disappointment ; he sets off for
Kichmd in two or three days at furthest^ whether he gets a letter or not,
to endeavour to borrow if his own money should not have been reed.
But there is so great a probability of his not obtaining any there, that
I must request you to look about and stir yourself in my behalf, and see
what can be done. Immediately on Hobsons return, (which will be by
our Court,) I will inform you what he has done, and how much money
I shall want. I have added unavoidably, five hundred dollars to the
sum I have to pay Mr. Williams, for Corn etc., etc., which I have to
pay the 15th of next month which makes me apprehend that less than
$2000, will not answer my purpose. The crops here are ruin'd! In
Stokes and the adjoining Countys in Virginia they are worse; com
cannot now be engag'd at any price; and except for the plentiful crop
of wheat. We should certainly be threatened with starvation next Year.
My crop, altho' the dust has not been laid since the com first began to
shoot, is very good ; with't an accident from now, it will be worth from
$2500 to $3000. I made a most fortunate, and advantageous purchase
of Williams, his com not costing more than about two dollars p barrel.

Why have you not written me since Charles came up f We are quite
anxious to hear of the State of your health. There are so many of you
together that I ought to receive a letter from some one of you every post.

Mr. Michaux has leasM this plantation, the terms one fourth of every
thing made on the place, and not to graze the Land. Your Mama and
myself enjoy our usual health and join in love to all our dear children.
Bemember us affectionately to Mr. Kirkland and family.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From Oabriel Holmes,

MoNTPELUEB. [Sept. 29, 1819]
Your letter of August came to hand some time this month. I should
have answered it long since, but the indisposition of Mrs. Holmes has
been of such a cast as to diffuse the poppy over my literary hours, she
has been confined to her bed for five weeks. Your high commendations
of Lucian are extremely grateful to my ear, more especially as I rely on
your candour. But I fear the coUouring is rather florid and partakes
too much of friendship and partiality. Your wishes, my Dear Sir,
relative to his continuance in study till spring term are perfectly con-

Thb Buffin Fapsbb. 229

oordant with mj own. If I mistake not it web to please Lncian that I
consented, even for him to conauU you on the subject, as I have placed
him under your direction. I beg you will be his great Appolo. I trust
that you will teU him when to apply for a license, howsoever anxious he
may be to mount the Rostrum. Your mention' Marie and her better
health was also extremely pleasing. Accept, I pray you our acknowl-
edgements to yourself and Mrs. Buffin for your polite attention to her
with assurances of our sincere esteem and affection.

Thos. Buffin Esquire

29th Septr.

[Address: Hillsborough]

From Joseph Oales.

Balbioh, Oct. 7, 1819.

When we were speaking on the subject of the Election of Directors
of the Bank of the U. States, the other day, it did not occur to either of
us, that there was to be a general meeting of the Stockholders in Phila-
delphia on the Ist Monday of next month, to take into consideration the
concerns of the Bank.

Since I saw you, I have reed, a letter from my Son at Washington,
who is a stockholder, and a Director of the Washington Branch. He
speaks of the meeting as important, and asks if we do not intend sending
an Agent to represent us at it, hopes to see me in that character etc. and
concludes with sayin, that if we send, no one, he shall attend the meeting,
and shall be glad to act for us.

I mean, therefore, to send him my Power and those of some others
here; and if you have not already commissioned my Friend Wm. T.
Birch to act for you, I would propose that you send your Power to
Joseph Gales jun. as he will be present at both meetings, and it would
be gratifying to him, I believe, to represent us.

[Address: Hillsborough]

From William Roane.

Wbntwoeth 4th Novr. 1819.
On my arrival at this place I found your friendly letter of date 14th
August last and I can assert with truth that nothing can give me more
satisfaction than the free and candid remarks contained in it on the
subject of my Last to you and weU am I convinced that when you express
a doubt as to the propriety of your giving me advice, that such a doubt
must be excited by modesty, for I cannot believe for one moment that it

230 The Nobth Cabolina Histobical Commission.

originates from a belief excited by any part of my conduct that yoor
admonitions will not by me be considered friendly and Universally
Thanhfvlly reed. On the Contra Dear Sir I assure you I consider your
advice one of the best marks of your Friendship towards me^ and I also
am convinced that the remarks contained in your Letter are true. My
observation this fall Supr. Court Circuit tends to convince me beyond the
possibility of a doubt of the correctness of your position. The prospects
in the west at the time of my writing the Letter alluded to were brig^hter
than at present^ and my prospects here at the same time were then less
fair than at this time so that nothing but the fairest appearances of
success ii\ so doing would induce me now to give up a certainty for an
uncertainty.

However I will mention to you an opinion I have entertained ever
since I returned to the IT. S. in 1816 : That N. Carolina is not a soil
calculated either to Display Genius or to make a mans fortune when
compaired with many parts of the U. S. (I speak confidentially) Every-
thing both of a political and domestic nature is tinctured with Nigardly-
ness. This Opinion (whether correct or incorrect I cannot say) has
been so long by me entertained as to become almost constitutional. At
that period I calculated in this way. I have not now funds sufficient to
enable me so to fit out as to authorize my venturing far to sea. I must
venture on a short cruise : if successful in that then a longer and more
distant one. Though vain, I was fearful of relying on my own talents
far from those whom I have always found to be friends. I determined
to take such a course as the following one. ''to wit." Qo to the Mountains
of N. Carolina where I hope to restore my health (should I find my
Legal Talent to authorise such a plan) procure means as soon as able
and Transplant myself to some of the regions of the west or southwest
where real property is to be procured (for I have always considered real
as the most valuable property), and there locate myself for life.

True it is that I never told you or any friend excepting A. D. Murphey
Esquire my plan untill I wrote you. Yet have I for 3 years entertained
the same: though from my peculiar situation I now believe it to be
impossable to carry it into effect were it still desirable. I perceive from
the whole tenor of your Letter that you ascribe mine to an oscillating
disposition, which opinion of yours is perhaps justifyable never having
heard me say I calculated on not dying a N. Carolinian when in truth
I entertained the opinion before I was reading Law 6 months. In fact
for the purpose of seeing the world : of learning more of mankind and
for the purpose of forming a more correct oppinion of the place proper
to make for myself a resting place. I say such purposes influenced
me much at the time I*went into the American Navy. I do not say that
I have absolutely changed my opinions yet my plans from their imprac-
ticability can not be carried into effect.

I assure you it gratifies me no little to receive from you such a Letter
as yours. It is characteristic of genuine and disinterested friendship.

Thb Buffin Fapbbs. 231

and such Letters would be always thankfully reed, could you find idle
time to write them in : Yet I am informed you have but little time to
spare from the Labors of your Profession. It augurs well and I hope
and have no doubt but your time is profitably employed.

I congratulate you on your return of health and Mrs. BufSns also.
Should be glad to see you all but cannot guess when I shall have a chance
so to do.

Please accept my respects your self present my compliments to Mrs.
Ruffin Cousin Mary your own three oldest children (who I suppose
recollect me) Miss C. M. Mr. Kirkland and Family.

P. S. A. L. Erwin has several times requested me to pay you for him
tlie amount of some Taxes you advanced on his account he appears to
be uneasy about it suppose you enclose me a Little mem*, of the amount
to Morganton. Tell Cousin Mary Mamma and family have been all
very sickly and I am determined to bring them to R. again.

[Address : Hillsboro N. C]

From Archibald D. Mwrphey.

Raleigh, 18th, Dec. 1819.

Mr. Boylan^ will purchase, I believe. He came to see me last evening
and told me, he had made up his mind to make a Contract with me to the
Amount of eighteen or twenty thousand Dollars — in which were to be
included, my Lands on the Yadkin, Crop and Stock ; and the balance in
Xegroes — that he should go up with Mr. Frohock and Carter this eve-
ning or Tomorrow. I have a Certainty of Selling either to him or Judge
Cameron.

In reviewing the situation of my AfFairs and devising plans for their
speedy Settlement, I am of Opinion I should change the Direction of
your Generosity as to your Bank Stock. The relief which I shall get
by the plan I first proposed, will not be much ; and I find I can easily
meet all my engagements at the U. S. Bank for the next year by my
Flour and Cotton and Tobacco, and certain Other Funds which I can
place at Mr. McNeil's Disposal. I must qiake preparations to meet
certain Debts which fall due in January, to private individuals, par-
ticularly to John A. Ramsay. I want also make a Payment to Mr.
Bagge.^ I have received a Letter from him on the Subject. You will
see the force of another reason — the fact of my Selling a Valuable Part
of my estate will be known ; it will render it more necessary for me to
have in hand money to meet the Claims which then fall due, than if I

iWllliam Boylan of Wake, editor of the Minerva, president of the State Bank,
and one of the best known business men of Raleigh.
2Charle8 F. Bagge, a banker and business man of Salem.

232 The Nobth Cabolika Hibtobical Commission.

did not sell. Let me entreat you then, As you have resolved to aid me,
to give your Generosity the Direction which appears to me most ad-
visable. I wish to get the Proceeds of your Stock in Money : Out of it
first pay the Small Note at Fayette; and hold the other a little Time to
meet private Claims how much I may want for this purpose, I cannot
now tell. This Direction will best support my Credit, and aid my en-
deavours to get through my difficulties. You may rely upon this, that
not one cent will be misapplied. Should you agree to this, I shall have
further to beg you to put in your own note; for they will not discount
mine and let me take the Proceeds. I hope to pay 25 or 30,000$, before
June — and to pay the greatest Part in next Month. I begin to see my
way partly clear in all things relative to my Affairs, except the removal
of certain Members belonging to Branches of my Family. This I will
effect, even with a Sacrifice. Dont forward the Papers to Mr. McNeil,
'till I see you. Write to me to Haw River by the next MaiL Judge
Toomer has resigned — ^Mr. B — is talked of.

Thomas BuffiJi esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough]

Dear Suffin.

From Archibald D. Mwrphey?-

Kaluqh. 18th February 1820.

On Monday night I promised Mr. Jessup to be at his house on my

way to the mountain. I have seen him, and he tells me that there is an

Abundance of Rich Ores on what he was told was our Lands. I will get

Charles Banner and examine the Lines, and do all I can to satisfy myself

as to the Prospects in that Quarter. Jessup thinks there is a strong

Probability that one entire Nob of the Mountain is made up of a Rock

which is the Matrix of a rich Copper Ore. He shewed me a Piece of the

Rock, and shewed me the Metal which he had fused from other Parts

of it. I entertain a doubt whether this Nob be included within Our

Lines. I shall get all the information I can, and give it to You at Hills-

boro' during your Court.

*******

Address: Raleigh.

iThe part of this letter omitted is printed in Hoyt, ed., The Mwrphey Paper$,
1, p. 157.

Thb 'Rurvm Papsbs. 233

Nat Cutting to Jwmes S, Smith.

Wab Dbpabtment,
Sbotion of Bounty Lands^
The Honble 3. S. Smith, March 23d, 1820.

Sir,

The File of documents in the case of the late Lt. Cader Parker, now
returned to you herewith, has been laying on my Desk several days to be
dispatched; but the current of the business of the Office has been so
pressing and prior Claims so numerous, that I have been laid under the
necessity of postponing this reply till the present date.

Permit me now to State that every known Becord in the Archives of
the Genl. Glovernment, which was supposed to have any bearing on the
Claim, have been examined; but the Name of this original Claimant is
no where found.

In the course of this investigation, we have learned that a Letter from
the Secretary of the State of North Carolina conmiunicates the impor-
tant Fact that, in the Archives of that State, there exists a complete and
authentic Return, or Muster-Roll, of "the North Carolina Line on Con-
tinental Establishment" — during the Sevolutionary War: but the said
Secretary adds the Hemark that, having no assistant in his public
Labours, he c^imot undertake to send an authentic Transcript of the
important Record for the Use of the General Government. Perhaps you
may be able to effect this desirable purpose : It might be the means of
establishing Claims in behalf of some of your Constituents, which the
imperfect state of Revolutionary Military Records at the seat of Govern-
ment, since the Conflagration of the War Office in the year 1800, causes
to be rejected.

Inclosed herewith you will find the letter of Jos, A. Woods, which you
were pleased to transmit to this Office in your communication of the
17th inst. The Authentic Copy of this Discharge which you asked for
in his behalf, is folded within the Letter.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Sir,

Your obedt. humbl. Servt.

Nat. Cutting.

234 The ITosth Cabolina Histobical Commibsion.

From Charles Manly. ^

PiTTSBOBO 30th March '20.

It seems some difference of opinion prevails as to a conversation held
between you and myself in the presence of some gentlemen at the last
Coanty Court of Chatham in regard to the election of Judge MangnnL^

I am represented to have said that I would not hold the office of Judge
Mangum under the circumstances which he did for some immense sum.
That you said ''then you think the office was unworthily obtained"!
To which I replied 'TTes I do/' Or 'TTes I do by God."

As a correct understanding of this conversation is of considerable
importance to me I hope Sir that you will do me the favor as well as
justice of stating as well as you can recollect the precise conversation.
A full explanation is respectfully solicited.

I pledge myself that your statement shall be deemed confidential nor
will I use your name in the matter without your consent.

From Duncan Cameron,

Obanob Apl 24th, 1820.

I set out on tomorrow for the Northward, (by way of Edenton) to
place my son Thomas at school in a colder climate, than that in which
we live, in the fond hope that his muscular strength will be increaiied,
and his mental faculties be invigorated. The situation of my family
prevented my being at the Sepr. Court, and I regret that I leave home
without seeing you.

I hope it will accord with your inclination to become a Candidate to
represent the county in the house of Commons of the next Assembly.
I know by doing so, you must necessarily make some sacrifice of time
and pecuniary advantage — ^but I feel confident ihat such considerations
will not prevent you from undertaking the duty. There is a great work
on hand (the regeneration of our State Constitution)^ in the success of
which I feel persuaded you feel in common with many of our friends a
deep interest — although there are many well-wishers to the cause yet

iCharles Manly, 1795-1871, at this time a practlclngr lawyer and secretary
of the lK>ard of trustees of the University. He was later for many years clerk
of the House of Commons and was elected governor in 1848.

2Willie Person Mangum of Orange, 1792-1861, one of the most distinguished
political figures in North Carolina. He was a member of the House of Com-
mons in 1818, 1819, and a state senator, 1840; Judge of the Superior Court,
1819-1820, 1827, and 1828-1829; member of Congress, 1823-1826; United States
senator, 1831-1837, 1841-1863; president pro iem., 1841-1846.

sjudge Cameron was an ardent advocate of constitutional amendment.

Thb Buffin Fapibbs. 235

the number of really efficient labourers in it in the Assembly will be but
few. Allow me to say that I deem your aid of great importance in carry-
ing the business through successfully and I flatter myself if you will not
withhold it) there can be no doubt of your election, as I am entirely
confident you will receive a general support in every part of the County.

I fear it will not be in my power to return home by May County
Court. I shall therefore not be able to inform the People in my proper
person at that time, that I am again a Candidate for the Senate. I
must therefore rely on the attention of my friends to that subject, and
beg the favour of you to make it known to the people and to account for
my absence from court.

Write to me in answer to this. Address to me care of McE [illegible]
Hale and Davidson of Philadelphia, to reach me by the middle of May,
and if I can do anything for you northwardly, pray favour me with
your commands.

*******

[Address: Hillsboro']

From WUliam H. Buffin} ^ t ^^^^

" 3 June 1820.

This letter will be handed You by my Nephew John Haywood who
goes to Hillsborough with a view of studying Law or Physic. Most of
John's friends think he would probably make out the best in the latter
profession. Should he, however, determine on reading law, and Tou
are willing to take a student, it is preferred that he should be placed
under Your direction and tuition. But should he resolve on the study
of Medicine, we wish him to study with Doctor Webb of Your town;
having no acquaintance myself with Doctor Webb, I use the freedom
of soliciting Your aid so far as to get John in with the Doctor.

It will readily be perceived that John's primitive education is quite
limited, his father, the late Doctor Henry Haywood of Tarborough,
having died when he was an infant, leaving him without estate, his
education was in a considerable degree neglected. If, however, for want
of more education John be deemed unable to make out tolerably well in
the study of either profession, he can turn into the Hillsborough Academy
and learn whatever You and Doctor Webb may deem indispensably neces-
sary to his purpose.

All debts or contracts for Board and tuition which John may make,
will be accountable for, and pledge myself shall be paid without delay.

John was at one time intended for a merchant and in order to prepare
him for that business he was put in the store of Mr. Larkin Newby of

iWUliam H. Ruffln was a first consln of Thomas Rulfin.

836 Thb North Caboijna Hibtobical Commission.

FayetteyiUe, where he remained three Years and I understand sustained
an unexceptionable character. His term of Service with Mr. Newbj
has expired) and he now expresses anxiety to become a student of Law
or physic^ but seems not to care much which.

Any advice or assistance which You may render my young kinsman
in effecting the object of his visit to Hillsborough will be thankfully
received by him^ and confer an obligation on

Dear Sir

Your most obedient
much obliged and
very humble Servant

W. H. RUFFIN.

[Address: Hillsborough]

From Benjamin Smith?'

^ „. JuDOB MuBPHETs 5th Juuo 1830.

Dear S%r,

Judge Murphey had only set off a few hours after dinner yesterday.
I sent an Express after him but he has written to me such reasons for
not returning that I should have blamed him if he had. I consider it
necessary to see him before I could be properly prepared to speak to
you on business I wished and therefore yield to his invitation and persu-
asion to meet him at Salisbury for which place I am just starting and
may probably meet you at Raleigh during the Supreme Court. This
reminds me of our interviews a year past which ended with thankfulness
on my part but I fear with unfavorable impression on yours. When
I began to converse with you I expected to receive a large sum of money.
I was disappointed and being detained longer than I counted on when
I left home had to borrow a small sum to defray my expenses and with
an empty purse could not feel authorised to go further than I did. I
requested Mr. Oastons assistance because from former payments to him
I considered myself more at liberty. This explanation of a delicate
nature is drawn from me and should not have been made but to rescue
me from the appearance of trifling which is very far indeed from the

disposition of Dr. Sir. «, ^ „

'^ Yours respectfully

Benj. Smith.

As Raleigh will be entirely out of my course home where I was ex-
pected yesterday, I shall go across the country by Lumberton. Is the

iBenJamin Smith of Brunswick, 1756-1826, governor, 181G-1811.

Thb Buffin Fapsbs. 237

liberty (I would be pleased with your taking with me) too great to ask
jour Servant to call on Clifton and enquire for some Cloths I left to
wash 2 shirts, a silk handkerchief, a pair of cotton stockings and to for-
ward them hy some safe opportunity to B. B. Smith at Raleigh or Mr.
O. W. B. Benjamin to Wilmington. He may be expected at Hillsboro
daily and I know will take them down cheerfully. Enclosed are 25 Cents
which I understand is the price.
[Address: Hillsboro']

David Robertson^ to Thomas Buffin.

Pbtebsbubo 19th June 1820.

I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance, the bearer Mr.
James R. Dodge^ who having lately obtained a license to practise law
goes to your State for the purpose of permanently settling therein, and
pursuing his professional avocations. He has resided in this place, two
or three years, first and principally in the mercantile line, during which
time his conduct has been, I believe, uniformly and strictly correct, and
proper. He is a native of the State of New York where his connections
are highly respectable. He has not read enough on legal subjects, but
as he is very industrious studious and persevering, I entertain no doubt
he must succeed, and that he will become a valuable member of your
society. The countenance of respectable people at this time may be of
incalculable advantage to him. I therefore have recommended to him
to become acquainted with you. I know the liberaUty of your dispo-
sition will incline you to befriend him, should it be in your power. Any
civility you may think proper to shew to him, will be deemed a ikvor
done to myself. I am sorry you never call to see me when you come to
Petersburg. Mrs. Robertson and myself will be always happy to see
yourself or any of your family in our house. I remain Dear Sir, with
sentiments of great respect and esteem.

Honble Thomas Ruffin Esqr.

[Address : Orange County N. C]

iDavld Robertson was Rullln's law teacher in Peteraburgr, Va.

sjames R. Dodge, 1795-1880, a native of New York, had been a soldier in the
war of 1812. Settling in North Carolina he obtained a large practice at the
bar and served for a time as solicitor. Later he was clerk of the Supreme
Court at Morganton. He was the warm and intimate friend of Rnffln, Badger,
Qftston* and Leonard Henderson.

238 The Nobth Cabolina Histobical Commission.

From John Hall}

Raleigh July 28th— 1820.

According to promise^ I drop you a line in relation to the time when
this court will rise. We will not finish this week, hut no doubt we will
do so, on Monday. Judge Henderson and myself will certainly (barring
accidents) leave this on tuesday next. iNTothing new has happened.
Baleigh is becoming very tiresome.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Jam^ Oraham.

Salisbury August the 15th 1820

I have an opportunity of writing you by my youngest brother, Wil-
liam, who is going on to Hillsboro to become a student in your Academy.
He has for some time past been with Mr. Muchatt^ in Statesville, and
we wish him to finish his education at our University and therefore have
sent him to Hillsborough preparatory to his admittance on the estab-
lishment at Chapel Hill, I trust he will find no difficulty in joining your
Academy from the late period of his arrival among you ; which has been
occasioned by a short illness of mine about the commencement of your
present session: if however he should, I would thank you to endeavour
to procure his admittance. My courts render it impossible for me to go
on with my brother at this time, but I shall be compelled to go on to see
you all in December and I wish never to be compelled to do a thing I
regret less. I have recently heard of the resignation of his Honour Judge
Murphy and am truly sorry the state has lost so much learning from
the Bench : if something is not done by the ensuing Legislature to lighten
the burden of our circuit Judges, I am apprehensive they will not last
on the bench as long as the new moon. Judge Paxton talks of resigning
at the expiration of the present year and before I forget let me tell you
his Judgeship is busily employed in attempting to scale the walls of
Fort Defiance in Wilks. When he sets out on an expedition to that
Quarter he looks as trim and spruce as a youth of twenty and talks of
Love as though he was wounded about the kidnies and then thinks I

"O how this Springr of love resembles,

The uncertain glory of an April day.
Which now, shews forth all beauty of the Snn,
And, by and by, a Cloud takes all away"

iJohn Hall of Warren, a native of Virginia, had been a Judge of the Superior
Court from 1800 to 1818. He was now a Judge of the Supreme Court.
2Rev. Dr. Muchatt of Statesville, who conducted a classical academy.

Thb Buffin Fapbbs. 239

In Lincoln this year Dayid Slinford^ was elected in tlie Senate over
Kobt. Williamson and Wm. Johnston^ and Daniel Conrad' in the
Comons. In IredeU Co. Connor^ is elected in the senate and Falls and
Bell in Comons. Judge Locke^ and A. Henderson^ are both elected. I
should be glad to hear from you. I have written several times but Seed,
no answer. Present^ if jou please, my respects to Mrs. Ruffin Mr. and
Mrs. Kirkland and family also to Mr. Cain and wife.

The Honble. T. Ruffin Esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

To James F. Taylor.'^

COPY.

„. Raleigh Octr 5. 1820.

S%r

It having been intimated to me since I came to this place^ that at the
last County Court of Franklin, you used Sundry expressions derogatory
to my character, the duty is imposed on me of ascertaining the fact, and
of vindicating my reputation. I am aware that I am under the disad-
vantage of not being able to specify the particular expressions used — to
whom — or on what score. But this is no fault of mine. The aspersion,
if any, was uttered behind my back, I am obliged therefore to resort to
others for information. I have done so, and have not succeeded in
obtaining absolute satisfaction on either side.

As soon as I indirectly and indistinctly understood that you had
become unfriendly to me I applied to Mr. Badger and Mr. Olynn who
attended that court to know whether they had heard from you any thing
inimical to me. They both candidly answered in the negative. I then
applied to a third gentleman. Col. Barringer,^ and required the like
information from him. Without admitting that he heard you use offen-
sive language, he declined saying with the others, that he had not. The

iDavld Shaford was a well-known local politician of Lincoln County. This
was his fifth and last term in the state Senate.

2The legislative Journals record this name as Johnson.

sDaniel Conrad was another purely local figure. He was seven times a
member of the House of Commons.

^Colonel Charles D. Connor was a state senator, 1817-1820. He was also a
member of the Board of Internal Improvements.

sFrancis Locke.

•Archibald Henderson of Rowan, 1768-1822, one of the great lawyers of his
day and a member of Congress for two terms, 1799-1803, as a Federalist.

TJames F. Taylor of Wake, 1791-1828, member of the House of Commons,
1828; attorney-general, 1825-1828.

SDaniel L. Barringer of Wake, member of the House of Commons, 1813,
1819-1822; member of Congress, 1826-1835. He later moved to Tennessee,
where he became speaker of the House of Representatives of that State.

240 The Nobth Cabolina Histobical Commission.

inference is a necessary one that yon did use such language, and thai it
was highly, offensive. I make this detailed statement, that I may not be
answered by a requisition for specific words. Possessing as I will suppose
you to do, those principles of a gentleman, which I am left to infer you
have in your conversations unjustly denied to me I think you cannot
and will not demand more precision from me, but will at once frankly
avow or disavow the use of any expressions upon that occasion injurious
to my feelings or character. I am Sir

Your Obt. Servt.

(Signed) Thomas Ruffin.

From James F. Taylor.
„. Ealbioh October 6th, 1820.

I was not a little surprised yesterda:y evening to learn that some friend,
who is more influenced by a desire to embroil others in disputes than a
regard for his own character, has intimated to you that at the last Frank-
lin County Court, "Sundry expressions were used by me derogatory to
your character, and injurious to your feelings.'' And although from
the nature of your coil upon me, it is one for inform^ian, rather than an
explanation of expressions used upon a specified subject, yet I am dis-
posed to waive all ceremony, and to come at once to the points on which
information is desired. In Uiis I feel less difficulty than might have been
anticipated, for I do not recollect to have used any expressions in regard
to you, at all disrespectful, except upon one occasion in a private and
confidential conversation with a (Gentleman upon the subject of the
unpleasant misunderstanding between Mr. S * * * and Mr. Seawell, in
the whole of which conversation, as I understand it, there was no differ-
ence of opinion between that Gentleman and myself. I mention this
however, with no other view than to satisfy you of the nature of the
channels through which your intimMiona have been received.

In the course of the conversation alluded to, the part, which it was
understood, you had taken in the late appointment of Clerk of Wake
Superior Court, was spoken of, and I believe, I remarked that if the
information which I had received on the subject was true, you had acted
a part towards Mr. S * * * which was unworthy of you, and which he
had no right to expect from your previous offers of friendship and assist-
ance," or something to that effect.

The information I allude to was derived from Mr, S * * *, and a Gten-
tleman whose name I am not at liberty to mention. Mr. S * * * had
informed me, that at the County Court of Wake before the appointment
of Clerk was made, you took him out, and without any solicitation on his

Thb Buffin Papbbs. 241

part^ offered to promote his interest as a Candidate for that office, and
promised to use the influence which you might have, for that purpose.
And the other Oentleman told me, that at the request of Judge Paxton
during the week of Wake Superior Court, you undertook to ascertain
hy particular inquiry whether the reports which had been mentioned to
the judge of Mr. S * * * s habits of gambling and intemperance were true
or false; and that after you had made the enquiries, you reported un-
favorably to Mr. S • * *.

I believe, Sir, that I have now made to you a substantial disclosure
of the remarks made by me, and of the grounds upon which those remarks
were predicated.

Whether the part which you acted in that affair has been fairly repre-
sented to me, I cannot pretend to say : and can only add that I received
the information from a source, which justified, as I conceived, my using
the remarks of you which I did, in the private way alluded to.

I am Sir

Yr. Obt. Servt.

Thomas Ruffin Esqr. Jambs F. Taylob.

Addressed:

Thomas Buffin Esqr.

at the Eagle Hotel

Mr. Manly.

To James F. Taylor.

a. Ralbigh October 6, 1820.

Sir '

You judged rightly of the character of my note of yesterday. I did
seek for informMion and not explanation in it ; because not knowing the
expressions which had been used by you on the occasion on which they
were used, I could not determine whether they admitted of an explana-
tion or not Your answer however has been so open and frank that I
now feel every disposition to come to a full explanation of the whole
matter. Perhaps strictly speaking, I am not bound to offer to you any
statement of my conduct relative to the appointment of the Clerk. It
has certainly been misconstrued — tho' I was not aware of it until this
week — as soon as I heard of it — I determined to use the first opportunity
of placing it in its true light to Mr. 8* ** himself. That I owed to Mr.
S * * * and to myself. To third persons however I am no way account-
able; and should therefore have refrained from communicating with
you, in that regard, had you not in your note waived all ceremony and
stated the manner in which you used the expressions to be private and
confidential, the information upon which your opinion was formed and
that the expressions were, in themselves qualified by a declaration made
16

242 Thb Nobth Cabolzha Hibtobigal Commission.

at the same time ^'that if the information which yon had reoeiyed wu
true" etc. I therefore feel relieved from all the difficulties whic^ for-
mality might impose on me and am free to offer a distinct account of the
agency which I had in the business alluded to.

During the last Bummer Mr. Badger applied to me to recommend Mr.
S*** for the appointment of Olerk. He pressed his Friend's claims
strongly as he always does and at the same time stated that Dr. Hinton
was a riyal candidate. It is unnecessary to detail the whole conversa-
tion— ^but I stated in substance to him that I was not sufficiently ac-
quainted with either of the Gentlemen to authorize me to interfere and
therefore that I should be neutral. At November County Court Mr.
Simon Turner made a similar application on behalf of Mr. Hinton. I
told him that I had much respect for both Gentlemen as far as my alight
knowledge of them extended, but declined an interference. Probably
at the same Court or about that time Mr. Badger again urged me to aid
Mr. S * * * — ^he represented him to be every way qualified for the appoint-
ment that he had a family and that his circumstances required the
profits of such a station. In addition he stated that he had understood
that Mr. Turner had for more than one circuit sounded the Judges upon
the point of this appointment and that having found no Judge disposed
to appoint Mr. Hinton Mr. Turner had retained the Office. I felt some
indignation at such a course and stated that I should think it right to
oppose the views of a man^ who, not being content with the office him-
self, insisted upon having the selection of a successor. I determined
then to recommend Mr. S * * *, as far as I could, and afterwards men-
tioned it to Mr. S * * * himself. I think this occurred during the month
of January while I attended the Supreme Courts — tho Mr. S • * * says
it was at February County Court. I will not be particular as to dates —
tho' I think I am correct. I was subsequently spoken to by another
person to assist in procuring the appointment of Dr. Hinton. I refused
to do so and stated my reasons for pref ering Mr. S * * * — ^upon which
it was represented to me that Mr. S * * * was addicted to the ruinous
habit of gaming to such a degree as rendered it dangerous or improper
that he should be Clerk. Not having any personal knowledge of him,
and having no reason to doubt what I heard, I regretted that I had been
entrapped by my feelings to declare my preference for Mr. S • * *, and
being very averse to being instrumental in placing into that important
offi<;e, an unfit person, I came to the conclusion of again becoming as
I had been formerly, neutral between the two gentlemen. Perhaps I
might have mentioned this to Mr. S * * * . But many considerations
restrained me. I should probably wound his feelings; and I might
embroil two men towards whom I entertained respect. I therefore con-
tented myself with a Silent determination of neutrality which I think
fairly preserved. Of this you will judge from what follows — I came
down to the Superior Court on Monday morning and waited on Judge
Paxton. He soon mentioned the Clerkship and asked me ''whether I

Thb Buffin Fapbbs. 248

took any part in it?" or to that effect. I told him that I did not ; that I
believed from information which I had received that both of the Gentle-
men would make good Clerks^ but that I did not knom enough of either
to take it on myself to recommend him. At that time Majr. Glynn
called me out for the purpose of getting my signature to a paper in favor
of Mr. S* **. Bestrained by the same feelings which had prevented
me from explaining to Mr. S * * *, I did not state to Mr. Glynn my
reasons for refusing to sign the paper; but simply declined doing so
ui>on the general ground that I would have nothing to do with the ap-
pointment. I returned to Judge Paxton's room^ and he mentioned that
lie was pleased to hear that I did not take a part in the election^ as he
was in some difficulty about it in the election, or he was in some diffi-
culty about it, and wanted information from some indifferent peroon.
H!e then stated that he had formerly known Mr. S** * very intimately
and that he was as correct a gentleman in his habits and principles,
when he knew him, as any man could be, he had therefore been pleased
when he heard, that he was a Candidate for the Clerkship, as he would
be glad to serve him and he then had an opportunity. He had however
been informed that he gamed to excess. He might have said drank too ;
but that I do not recollect, and he wished me to say whether I knew any
thing of it. With perfect truth I told him that I did not and that I was
not sufficiently informed of the habits of either gentleman to be at
liberty to take any decided part and therefore should not do so.

Judge Paxton then applied to me to make some enquiry upon the
subject in town which I declined as I did not like to search into the
habits of any gentleman with whom I was unconnected. There the con-
versation ended for that day. On the next morning the Judge renewed
Ids application, and upon my again shewing an aversion to it, he stated
that he claimed it as a right from me.

That he was disposed to appoint Mr. S * * * if satisfied of the incor-
rectness of what he had been told about him, — But that he must be fully
satisfied upon that point before he could appoint him, for he felt his
duty to the public to be paramount to any private inclination of his
own, and that he was a stranger here and had no acquaintance to whom
be could apply, under these circumstances and urgent requests of the
Judge, I told him that if I could obtain any satisfactory information
for him, without making particular enquiries or injurying Mr. S * * * 's
feelings I would. I did during the week incidentally ask two or three
gentlemen whether Mr. S * * * gambled. From one I heard that he
played cards, but could not be called a gambler. From a second I under-
stood that he personally knew nothing of his habits, as he did not mix
by gaming parties, but that it was reported that he played a good deal
and lost considerable sums of money so as materially to injure himself.
I made these inquiries with the hope to have received such answers as
would remove Judge Paxton's difficulties. Having received information
of a different character, I said nothing about it, as I did not feel it to

244 The North Cabolika Historical Commission.

be either my duty or to be proper to volunteer it, and therefore I re-
mained silent until the Judge^ stated on the morning of the day on -wliieh
he appointed Mr. Hinton (on Friday I think) that he had been called
on during the week, by several gentlemen of the city and that he had
ascertained from them that the reports were true. He stated that liis
mind was fully satisfied, and that he should be compelled to appoint
Mr. Hinton— contrary as it might be to his inclination. I made no other
communication to him on the subject than by then remarking that I
had only had an opportunity of speaking to two or three Gentlemen
and from them I had understood that Mr. S * * * frequently played and
was supposed to have injured himself by it. Judge Paxton said, that
the information which he had received was fully satisfactory to him
and that he had made up his mind and therefore had not spoken to me
again about it.

I may have omitted in this statement some circumstances or expres-
sions, but I am sure that they are not material and could not affect its
substance. The subject was never again mentioned in my presence until
I heard of the correspondence between Mr. Seawell and Mr. S * * * which
is now publick and notorious — nor did I know that my name had been
at all connected with it, until Mr. Glynn informed me on Wednesday
night that Mr. Seawell had said in his letter to Judge Paxton that ^^I
would concur with him in the statements therein made." Mr. Seawell
had no authority for such remarks, and has since stated in the presence
of Mr. Glynn, that he thinks the expression in his letter is, 'Hhat he had
no doubt I would concur with him in the propriety of appointing Mr.
Hinton though he had not consvited me." But whatever may be the
expression (which I now know by the kindness of Mr. S * * *) he dis-
tinctly disavowed to me and Mr. Glynn that he had any reason to believe
that I would recommend Mr. Hinton. On the contrary Mr. Seawell
did not say a word to me about the appointment during the Superior
Court, and he had before been informed that I would not use any exer-
tions on behalf of Mr. Hinton.

Having stated in your letter that the expressions made by you were
qualified, and having stated (beyond my demand) the grounds of them
and entered into an explanation, I have considered it but candid to make
known to you all the facts relative to this business, in order that our
correspondence might be closed by giving you an opportunity of retract-
ing the harsh expressions used by you, upon fuller information than
you then had.

Of course the introduction of the names of third persons into our
letters is to be deemed confidential, but as to any statement made con-
cerning myself, I shall not feel a difficulty in avowing it to any person
interested in it.

I am Sir your Obed Servt.

(signed) Thomas Ruffin.
ames Taylor Esq.

The Buffin Papebs. 245

From James F. Taylor.

„. Raleigh Octo 7th, 1820.

otr.

Your communication reed yesterday evening, represents your conduct,
in regard to the appointment of Clerk of Wake Supr Court differently
from what I had before been induced to believe Ivas its true character,
and removes the grounds upon which my remarks of you were predi-
cated.

I have no hesitation in saying that if I had then believed your conduct
to have been what I now do, it would have given rise to no remarks from
me, prejudicial to your feelings or character.

I am Sir,

Your obt. Servt.

Thomas Ruffin Esqr. Jambs F. Taylob.

From John Sogers.

Baltimore Feb. 10th, 1821.

Your letter of the 80th ult. was handed me at the post office yesterday
where it had been lying for some time, as I go there but seldom now, to
enquire if there be any thing for me, having been often disappointed in
that way.

It surprised me a good deal to hear that I had been even suspected
of soliciting to be released from my promise to resume the management
of the school — believe me, the report is utterly unfounded. In a letter
that I addressed to Mr. Sneed there was something like a complaint
that Mr. Witherspoon^ had not answered a letter of mine written soon
after my arrival here, and a request that he would ascertain (for from
Mr. W^s supposed indifference I began to forbode the worst) whether
I was by any one regarded as a burthen at home, assuring him, that if
such were the case, I would easily find employment elsewhere.

In this way, probably the report originated — though it has pleased
Heaven that I should be a sort of wanderer, yet I have my attachments,
and being fond too, of keeping terms with my own heart, I do not care
to break with it, by being faithless to my engagements I turn from the
matter with pleasure for the more agreeable purpose of acknowledging
the receipt of your liberal remittance — ^it was a favor disinterested, and
conferred with the purest delicacy, circumstances that constitute a noble
benefaction — time will discover, whether it has been worthily bestowed.

The compliments you have the goodness to pay me, I am not vain
enough to ascribe so much to my own merits, as to the partiality of a

iRev. John Wltherspoon of HillBboro, a Presbyterian minister.

246 The Nobth Cabolika Hibtoiuoal Commission.

f riendy who would hold up to my view^ the delineation of a character,
by which he is solicitous that I should form my own — and at this moment
of genial f eelings^ I am almost persuaded to promise that the benevolent
design shall not be frustrated.

The Medical College here is, to be sure, inferior in reputation, to that
at Philadelphia, for it is comparatively of recent existence— the chemical
apparatus is admitted to be the most splendid in Anierica, and Professor
Pattisons anatomical Museum, is said not to be surpassed even in
Europe — at Phila. the classes visit the Hospital, and alms-houses every
day, for those institutions are contiguous to the University — ^here they
are too remote from the College to afford that advantage — ^but to obviate
this inconvenience the students are at liberty to take part of the tickets,
for one season, and the remainder the next, that they may have time
enough to visit the alms-house and Hospital, or if they prefer taking all
the tickets the first year, they can do so, and devote the following session
to private reading dissecting and visiting those Institutions — at Phila.
Candidates for the Doctors Degree are required to attend the Lectures,
of each Professor during two courses — ^here the Candidates have the
option just stated — ^upon the whole, I am satisfied that the advantages,
of Instruction here, are equal to those at Phila. and the expenses con-
siderably lighter.

The Koman Catholic college here, is universally r^arded as an orna-
ment to the state — but their discipline would be terrible to a Southern
constitution, for they compel their pupils to be diligent, and to behave
themselves like good boys, there being no men among them, except those^
having authority — their system of studies embraces the English, French,
Spanish, Latin, and Greek languages, Moral and Natural Philosophy,
and every branch of Mathematics.

With respect to the other Literary Institutions in this City, I can say
nothing more that they appear to be ably managed. On last Sunday I
wrote to Mr. Sneed for money, but your kindness has supplied me with
more than I shall need — it is to be hoped, that he had some intimation
of your design, for to say nothing of the risque by mail, the possession:
of an additional hundred would tempt me to become extravagant. Early
in March, I hope to acknowledge your munificence in person, and to
renew my congratulations upon the late accession to your happiness.
Please to present my respects to the young gentleman at the office, also
to Mr. Cain, and Mr. Eirkland — and for yourself to accept the assurances:
of my being

with every sentiment of respect, and affection

your obliged friend, and Obedt. Sevt

John Bogsbs..

Thomas Ruffin Esquire Hillsboro' N. C.

Thb Ruffin Papsius. S47

From James Orahaan,

Chablottb May the 10th 1821.
Dear Sir: I received from the hand of Mr. J. Martin in Statesville
last yreek your letter inclosing for collection a Bond on Isaac L. Ward
for Four hundred and eighty Dollars and forty four cents due Wilder
and Shore in Petersburgh. I enquired immediately for Ward and
ascertained he lived in Iredell, that he was somewhat involved, but had
property in possession more than enough to satisfy the Bond I received.
I therefore issued a writ against him returnable to Iredell county court
on the dd Monday in this month. It is probable I shall obtain a Judg-
ment in August and the money in November next. Iredell however is the
worst county I ever practised in to collect money as the officers of the
county are remarkable only for negligence tho' I keep a vigilant eye upon
them. My circuit is almost closed, and I feel a pleasure in being able
to inform you I have made a very good circuit notwithstanding the hard
times cramp the people in extremis. We have had several capital cases
on the circuit and two convictiotis of murder. Indeed the business in our
courts has grown past expectation this spring. In Iredell I cant con-
ceive how the people are to extricate themselves from their embarrassed
circumstances. . . . We have had no stir yet about members for
the next Assembly. Walker^ and Davidson^ are both candidates in their
old Districts for Congress. No opposition as yet known — there are a
number of Families recently removed from New York to Rutherford
and they speak of establishing themselves together on Broad River at
some suitable place for a Manufacturing Town near the head of Navi-
gation, they expect to be reinforced this ensuing summer by many other
families. Accept sir the assurances of my regard and esteem for you
and family from your sincere friend.

[P. S.] Present my respects if you please to my worthy friends in
Hillsboro'

[P. S.] I wish you could make it convenient to accompany me
through the alabama and to Florida next Fall.

[Address : Hillsboro' N. C]

From John Rogers.

HiLLBBORo' May 19th, 1821.
Your superior judgement decided at once upon the course propereet
for me to pursue. I allude to the alternatives proposed by you soon after

iFeliz Walker.

2William Davidson of MecklenbtiriT. 1778-1S57, state senator for elevte terms
between 1813 and 1830; member of Congress, 1818-1821.

248 The North Carolina Historical Commission.

my return from Baltimore. Every page that I turn over in my books,
serves to impress more deeply the conviction that I am doing wretchedly.
The Theory is clear as light to my apprehension, but what is theory in
such a Profession as minCy without practice. The circumstances under
which I write, must be my excuse for being forward enough to say that
I have abilities sufficient to render me respectable as a Medical man —
there is something too distressing for language to convey in my situation
at this time — the distress consists in my being unable to exercise those
abilities to any kind of advantage in this place. My heart is set upon
graduating next year. I could stay here 'till November, and accomplish
that object, and be withal an indifferent Physician. It is needless to
withhold the impression of my views, for you already perceive the direc-
tion of them. I wish to be in one of the Northern cities during the
months of August, September, and October, in order to have the benefit
of Hospital Practice. The very inconsiderable service I could render
in the Academy during that time, bears no sort of proportion to the
decisive turn which such a course would give to my future destiny. I
know not in what light Mr. Witherspoon, or others, may view my request
to be released from the Institution when they come to hear of it — but
upon a full, and deliberate review of all the circumstances, I do feel
most honestly convinced that justice to myself requires that I should
withdraw. If some provision for my reception into the school, next
year could be made, it would add very much to the solidity of my calcu-
lations about the future, to say nothing of the pleasure I should enjoy
in being able still to regard Hillsboro' as my home. It would be an
ignoble return for your bounty to detail the means I have in view for
repaying it, as far as Mpney is concerned. The feeling that prompted
you to offer, and me to accept it, is best acknowledged in saying that I
look forward to that hour, as the most triumphant of my life, when I
shall present myself before you with the well-merited honors of my Pro-
fession. I must not conceal from you the circumstance of my being
attached to one of our village girls; and I mention it with a view to
obviate any suspicion on your part of my being disposed to avail myself
of your preferred bounty in order to further my hopes in that way, when
the matter is fairly considered, I am sure you will agree with me in
admitting that the consideration of your partiality for me, will have
more weight in my favor, than that of the sums you are willing to
advance — ^besides, were I to continue here next session, I should scarcely
be compelled to draw upon you at all, and of course in a more independent
condition to commence the world. However I have never yet thought
seriously upon the subject, nor should I have mentioned it now, only I
thought it might come to your hearing, and that of course, it would be
best to anticipate it with a candid acknowledgement. But one thing I
feel confident enough to promise, and that is, that no feeling of that
kind shall have power to diminish the ambition I feel in a more impor-
tant pursuit.

The Buffin Papebs. 249

[P. S.] I do not look for a written answer to this, nor require that
you should let me know your pleasure, before you return from Kaleigh.
The fact is in Matters of this nature, I have considerable diffidence in
my judgment, but in yours I shall acquiesce most implicitly and cheer-
fully.

From WHliam Buffin.

BAUBiaH 6 June 1821.

The enclosed letter, which I must request the favor of you to forward,
will inform you of the death of Mr. Gk>odwin,^ and my wishes.

Now if you think the office will suit me, and / will suit the office; I
will then request of you another favor, which is, if you have no objec-
tion to the course, to interest yourself in my behalf with Qeml. Holmes,^
Dr. TJmsted and Mr. Lacy. This you can do by letter. Perhaps you
may think I am too old, too infirm, and should think of retiring to the
shades of life rather than engage farther in the busy scenes of the world.
You may be right, such a conclusion would correspond precisely with
my feelings — but my situation will not precisely justify such an act —
unless I could dispose of my establishment here.

[Address: HiUsboro' N. C]

From Archibald D. Murphey.

^ „^ HAwRiVEBlOth June 1821.

Dear Euffin

At Chapel Hill I found my Boys could not get home with their Lug-
gage Unless I returned with them. And a Letter which I received from
Maj. Kearney of the United States Corps of Engineers requesting an
immediate Communication on the Subject of our Sounds and the pro-
posed Junction of the Boanoke Tar and ITeuse rivers, determined me
to come on Home. Since I got back, I have been confined to the Table,
to send off my Packet by the Mail of this evening. With the Packet I
also send to Mr. Gales a considerable Portion of Manuscript. I wish

very much to get my reports out of my way.

* * * * * * *

I well know my Affairs occupy much of your attention : I must beg
your Attention to a few particular Views of them and request your

iSamuel Qoodwin of Cumberland, comptroller of the State since 1808.
20abriel Holmes, a member of the Council of State, as were also Dr. John
Umstead of Orange and Theophilns Lacy.

250 Thb Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

Advice. At this time none of mj property will Sell to any advanta^
except that which is most valuable. Perhaps my Mills and Negroes.
I have had a thought of making an Offer of my Mills to Mr. Cameron.
Unless yon would like to own them. Would it suit your Convenience
in any way to take them ? I should like to sell with my Mills my Planta-
tion in the Haw-Fields. The two establishments would Suit each other:
But if I cant sell them together^ I will seperate them in the sale. It is
possible I may be mistaken in the Value of my Mills : but I think I am
not, and that in ordinary times they will average a net Profit of $1200
Per Year. It is true, there is the labour of making Sale of the Gains
of the Mill, of procuring Flour Barrels etc. But having once estab-
lished a System on this Subject, I have found not much trouble attend-
ing them. If yon will take the Mills, you shall have the Use of my
Miller for 18 Months or two Years. He with Mr. Jones my Manager
carry on the business. The Saw Mill is rotten — new Timbers are
got for two thirds of a new one. They are not yet hauled. — ^You may
take the Mills and Plantation together or the Mills by themselves at such
Price as you may put on them, and if you, upon a fair Trial, find the
Price too high, I will, if able, refund to you till they stand at what you
may think a fair price. The Dam has undergone a thorough repair and
is much better than it ever was before, and the Mills are in complete
Order. I should be very unwilling to see you make a Purchase that
might possibly prove a bad one; but believing as I do that this is by
far the most productive property in the County and will probably con-
tinue so, I should like for you to own it, if the purchase will not subject
you to too much inconvenience.

Mr. Cameron will be this way towards the close of this week. If you
be of opinion that I had better make an Offer to him, I will do so. I
shall be away from home, but can leave a Letter for him. I should much
prefer that you should take the Mills and Lands both — as it may be dis-
agreeable to you to have your name in Bank, the Debt may Stand in my
Name, Untill you can take it up.

If you should not like to take the Mills here, would you take the Mills
on New Hope? The Dam is broken and it will probably cost $500 to
repair it substantially and set the Mills to work in good Order. These
Mills are valuable. I believe there are about 400 or 450 Acres of Land,
of tolerable quality only. The Lands and Scite cost A. Harden $3800.
The Mills are new — The Grist Mill is on a Small scale, having 2 pair
of stones, and is intended only for County Grinding. But this Plan is
most profitable in Such a Situation. It is a fine Seat for Custom.

On the Land there is the Frame of a good Dwelling House which A.
Harden put up. It would be worth something to you. I advised Col.
Farrar to take $2500 for the establishment, if he could find a Purchaser.
The residue of the Purchase Money amounts probably to $2800. He is
bound for most of it and executions are out.

ThB BtTFFIN Papbb8. 361

Write to me by Henry, whom you may detain till near night for this
purpose. I shall go day and night till I can sell and sink my Debts.
Thomas Buffin esqr.
^and the enclosed to Mr. McNeil.
[Address: Hillsborough]

From John Stanly }

Nbwbbbn 12 June 1821.

Mr. George S. Attmore' who does me the favor to hand you this, is a
Candidate for the profession of the law — and will I am assured stand
a respectable examination. He is undetermined where to locate himsdf .
The lawyers here, as perverse as the federalists of old, neither die or
resign, and we are crowded. If with your knowledge of the Country
you can assist Mr. Attmore in a decision, you will serve a gentleman who
I know will merit and gratefully remember the friendship and you
will greatly oblige

[Address: Haleigh.]

From Oeorge McNeill.

Fatbttbvillb June 22nd 1821.
*******

Tou are entitled to the July Dividend on the 50 shares Stock, the
Books I believe are not closed before the 10th or 15th June. Tou may
have your dividends transferred to, and made payable at any Office you
may choose, by writing to the cashier of the prinL Bank to that effect —
and if Mr. West the cashr. of the Bank in this place is not mistaken,
you can appoint the cashr. of the Office at which the dividends are made
payable, as Cashier, your attorney to draw the dividends and to deposit
them to your credit in the Bank, and for which service there will be no
charge made. I presume this is done as a mere matter of courtesy, and
not as a duty incumbent on the cashr. Perhaps you had better not write
to the Cashr. of the prinl. Bank, until the dividend is declared, as the
letter may possibly be overlooked. You may at once give General in-
structions to have all your Dividends payable in New York, untill other-
wise directed and it will not be necessary to write again. A common

iThis was the famous John Stanly of Craven, 1774-1834, a Federalist leader
In the State. Twelve times a member of the House of Commons from the
Iwrough of New Bern between 1798 and 1826, he was speaker in 1825 and 1826.

2Mr. Attmore settled in the end at New Bern, and became a very prominent
man In later years.

252 The ITosth Cabolina Historical Commisbiok.

power attory. acknowledged and certified by a N^otarj Public will I
presume be sufficient. Mr. Irvin would I presume charge ^4 P cei^t for
drawing your dividends etc., it would be well enough however to make
the inquiry (not that he would charge more or less on that account)
before giving the business to him, he has done a good Deal of such busi-
ness for us without any charge.

Mr. Murphey's note of $5862{f in Cape Fear Bank has been rein-
stated this week, by paying only the discount, protest etc., but the Bank
has notified us to inform the parties that it would not be renewed again
without a payment of 5 P Cent. Will you mention this to Mr M., his
notes at IT. S. B are yet under protest.

We are owing about $11,000 in England, which we are extremely
desirous of reducing — ^but we find it almost impossible to make coUec-
tions in time — would it in the least interfere with your viewa, or other
arrangements to grant us the loan of your 50 shares stock for a short
time? The Bank is doing little or nothing now except in Pledge Stock
and business proper (which we are afraid to give) — they discount on
pledge of stock at 4 mo. at par value. I would not ask this if I thought it
would in the least interfere with your arrangements, and if it should
let it drop. We can, I believe give our note, secured by stock without
your name appearing at all and I believe that we shall be able to take
up the stock when you may want it by giving a very short notice — that
we would do at all hazzards, at your convenience I shall be glad to hear
from you on this subject.

Mr. Strange^ is a candidate to represent the [torn] opposition to Mr.
Canning, it will be [torn] elections. I think however from present
appearances that Mr. Strange will be elected, it will I think be of
service to Mr. S. to have his ambitions roused a little, but it will be a
dreadful mortification to Mr. C. to be left at Home.

By the mail tomorrow morning I hope to hear from Hillsborough, and
that your little boy Peter Brown has recovered, and all friends welL We
are all well hereabouts. Betsey joins me in love to you.

[Address : Raleigh, N. C]

From James R. Dodge.

Salisbury 23 Sept. 1821.
I confess myself guilty in not having communicated as frequently and
freely as I promised to and as your attentions and favors shewn to me
required, but can in mitigation, assign the same reason for the delin-
quency that you when of my standing at the bar could have assigned,
tibat is, taking it for granted that the feelings of those similarly situated,

iRobert Strange.

The Ruffin Papebs. 253

are much the same. I have had many difficulties and vexations to con-
tend with^ embarrassing as to me, but which would have made but a
trifling appearance on paper, and if in some degree successful, when
writing to a man of standing and experience at the Bar, and who knew
me. I would not dare to attribute this casual success to merit and have
too much of the pride of the profession to ascribe it to any thing else.
There was then no subject but politicks in which your last advise was
that I should not meddle, and a monotonous history of attendance upon
courts, at this time however, I am anxious to receive advice from you.
On my settlement in Stokes it was your opinion, If I remember right
that it would be merely temporary and that Rowan would be the county
in which I must ultimately locate myself. On a nearer acquaintance
with these counties ascertaining their strength and resources, I was
f uUy convinced of this, and was anxious to place myself so that my pro-
fession would be of the greatest advantage. I had established something
of a character and business in Stokes, but as the emoluments arising
from the best in the county would be limited in comparison with the best
in the other, it appeared to me of more consequence to serve the noviciate,
to which we are all condemned, when afterwards was to be reaped the
greatest benefit. So I determined upon this county, and came, it has
always been my rule to follow decision with action but since here am
something at loss if to settle in this Town or Lexington, here I have the
advantage of society, can communicate with the eminent in the profes-
sion and have no doubt of obtaining a share of business by perseverance,
but I am under the shadow of more deserving men and it will require
time to emerge. Now the county is as you know naturally divided into
three parts, the people in Two of which are anxious for a legal division
and exasperated against those of this whose interest inclines them against
it. The division of which Lexington is the capital is a large and wealthy
one, The inhabitants of which are almost in arms against this particular
town. Now I think by going there I will take advantage of the general
prejudice, may expect (as I am assured by some intelligent magistrates)
a great proportion of the business, thus seizing f ime by the forelock, but
must expect decided opposition from the inhabitants of this side and the
Bar of this County, and lose the hope of improving except by reading and
practice — ^this is with you Sir.

Another affair is this, I have a longing desire to take four dollars a
day of the peoples money during the next session of the Legislature it
would have a wonderful and salutary effect upon my purse, which the
slightest wind might now blow away. It would in some degree revive
my spirits by changing the current in which worldly dross, as to me, has
generally flown. Now setting aside the diffifculty of being elected (which
is a mountain itself, but may be removed) these remain : should I not
be elected, I lose this county court, as yet not of great value. Should
I be elected, I lose this, Rockingham, and Stokes. I leave a gap in my
business, or rather routine of attendance, but I put money in my pocket

254 The Nobth Cabolina Hibtobigal Commission.

as one of the engrossing clerks, besides I must visit Baleigh in the f alL
Should you approve the plan I must solicit your influence. I have some
cases in the Superior Court and would be pleased to know if Judge Nash
would be apt to stop my mouth, should I dare to open it on this circuity
if he will I must take an affectionate farewell of one or two of the best
fees I ever was offered.

[P. S.] No news. I will retain my practice in Stokes. I would not
wish the Lexington plan mentioned until ready to act upon it.

[Address :

Thomas Buffin Esqr.

at Chatham Court N. C]

From James Oraham.

Charlotte November the 9th, 1821.
*******

As to the occurrences of the day in this quarter we have none of public
moment. We had hoped, and fondly hoped, before the last election that
at the ensuing Legislature the Convention would have had manny able
advocates in the Legislature; but the result of the last election in the
western part of the State forbid us to indulge a single hope from the
next General Assembly. Our Dockets in this quarter are quite crowded,
and Father Norwood^ has thined them very little, he is much esteemed
here both as a man and as a lawyer tho' he has not done much business
on the Circuit. Present my respects, if you please, to Mistress Euffin
and Mr. Kirkland, and family and Accept assurances of my respect and
esteem for yourself.

[Address : Hillsboro', N. C]

From Bomvius M, Savaiders.

Washington Deer. 15th 1821.
I have now been here only two weeks and have as yet seen nothing
of legislation. We succeeded in ousting Taylor^ as Speaker. The very
countenance of the man indicates the meanness of his principles — altho'

iWilliam Norwood of Orange, 1767-1840, Judge of the Superior Court, 1820-
1836.

2John W. Taylor of New York, who had succeeded Clay as the speaker of the
Sixteenth Congress in November, 1820. Defeated now, he was speaker of the
Nineteenth Congress.

Thx Ruffin Fapbbs. S55

Mr. Barbour^ is and will make a good Speaker^ yet he wants dignity,
and I thought it bad policy to take a Speaker from the Senate. Mr.
McLane^ of Delaware is a man of talents and a gentleman — ^he was with
us on the Missouri question — ^yet the circumstance of his and Bodney's'
both being up opperated to their defeat. — ^We already hear much as to
our next Prest. I have seen Crawford, who is as affible in his manners
as he is dignified in his deportment and gigantic in his powers, yet every
lever is brought to bear against him. I find that with great as with
little men, self is the primum mobile of their actions. I have learnt here
to my surprize that yr. representative^ is unfriendly to Crawford. K
this be a fact he ought to be put down in Hillsb^. I hope you will see to
it, for if North Carolina equivocates, he is gone.

This is said to be an able Congress, as yet however its powers have
not been displayed. There is no doubt to be much legislation, as but
little has been done for sometime. Oenl. Jackson has resigned, the
papers have been called for in the House, with a view no doubt to an
investigation into his conduct.^. But it seems to me that if the Spanish
Grovernment is disposed to pass over his conduct, we should not invite a
scrutiny. My feelings do not lead me to take any active part in what
is passing around me. I should greatly prefer being engaged in offering
petitions to our County Courts at forty shillings than to be introducing
them here at $8 per day. I would to God, my friend, that I could have
learnt a little of that prudence which has directed you to the care of
your family, rather than to that of the republic. But I am now in, my
ambition has been gratifyed and I must get through as well as I can.

What has been done with Mr. Murphey? or rather what has his sale
done for his securities? It is important that some steps should be taken
in his Western lands. This is poor Carters only chance — and I fear
this is a slender one.

Yesterday we buried Colo. Trimble,® Senator from Ohio, he died of
wounds of the late war. But from what I have already felt of the cli-
mate, I should not be surprised if more of us are taken off. My respects
to yr. family. I should be glad to hear from you, if you have time.

Yours truly

R. M. Saunders.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

iPhillp Pendleton Barbour of Virginia, who had been a member of Congrress
since 1814. He was later president of the Virginia convention of 1829-1830,
United States judge in Virginia, and aesociate justice of the Supreme Court
of the United States.

2Lioui8 McLane was a member of Congress, 1817-1827; senator, 1827-1829;
minister to England, 1829-1831, 1845-1846; secretary of the treasury, 1831-1833;
secretary of state, 1833-1834.

sc«sar Augustus Rodney of Delaware, member of Congress, 1803-1805,
1821-1822; United States senator, 1822-1823; attorney-general during the admin-
istrations of Jefferson and Madison.

4Dr. James S. Smith of Orange.

5Thi8 was the famous Clay investigation of Jackson's conduct in Florida.

swilliam Allen Trimble, a gallant soldier of the War of 1812.

256 The North Cabolina Histobical Comhibsion.

From John Rogers,

Baltimomj Dec 16th 1821 —
I have just received a letter from Mr Witherspoon informing me
that it was probable Mr Hooper^ would resign his Professorship in the
University. At the same time he wishes me to have my name held up
for the office in case an Election should take place. Before I say any
thing further on the subject, permit me to vent my indignation at the
inexcusable negligence of Post-masters. Every letter I receive from
Hillsboro' is constantly kept in the office there, three days after it is put
in the box — thus, a letter is delivered at the office either on monday, or
thursday morning, and kept there until the next mail for Raleigh.
Surely, if Cook, or his clerk had the smallest degree of reflection, he
would forward it to the next office, even tho' the mail should be closed,
as a Way-letter. And this all-important letter of Mr. Witherspoon's,
besides being kept there three days, was detained in the offiice in thia
city, eight days before I could get a sight of it, though I had been calling
there daily for a week past. After all, I do hope most earnestly that
I am not too late. The office in question, is one that I have long had my
heart set upon, and most happy will I be, should I succeed in obtain-
ing it.

Before I solicit your interest, let me assure you that I am very far
from presuming to think that I have any particular claim upon you, on
such an occasion. Your generosity has gone greatly beyond my desert
already, and surely, the exercise of your privilege as a Trustee, in favor
of another candidate, shall in no respect diminish the grateful affection
with which I must always remember you. Should Mr Hooper resign,
and I be elected to the office, I shall leave Baltimore inmiediately on
receiving the Intelligence. A Bachelor's degree in Medicine (and I can
obtain it very easily at this time) will entitle me to that of Doctor at the
expiration of three years. And to be candid with you, my solicitude to
return home, is perhaps the most urgent consideration with me at this
moment, for calling upon you in this abrupt way. But should another
be chosen, I must remain here, and come forward in the beginning of
March for the Doctor's Degree, which I have very little doubt of obtain-
ing. Thus far, with the exception of three hours passed at the CoU^e
daily, I have been almost constantly among the sick at the Alms-house.
By my assiduity, I have so far gained the countenance of the attending
Physician, as to have free access to every department at any hour — ^and
among nearly two hundred patients of every age, and sex, from infancy
to old age, and with the additional privilege of making up aU the pre-
scriptions, and administering them, you may judge how fine a situation

iWllliam Hooper, Professor of Languages In the University from 1817 to
1822, when he resigned to reeume his work as an Episcopal minister. He was
succeeded by Ethan Allen Andrews.

Ths Buffin Papers. 257

it is. Even now I have confidence enough to think that I should not
be much at a loss as a Practitioner, in any disease whatever. For after
all, in the practice of Medicine, there are hut few well-established prin-
ciples, and when these are clearly comprehended, and one has had an
opportunity of observing cases that illustrated those principles, the
greatest obstacle is at once removed — the subsequent career of the prac-
titioner depends altogether upon his good sense, diligent reading, and
careful observation. Should my views with regard to the Professorship
not be realized, perhaps it may be better for me in the end. Had I
nothing but ambition to stimulate me to exertion in the Practice of
Medicine, I believe I should dislike exceedingly to be numbered in the
rear of the Profession. The gentle being who has blessed me with
herself, depends upon me for the continuance of that comfort, and ele-
gance she has always been accustomed to, and believe me, I am not so
degenerate as to neglect any of the measures of improvement, which
are calculated to ensure an object so supremely interesting. With regard
to my pecuniary wants, one hundred^ and fifty dollars more will be
amply sufficient, should I have to remain here till March, my expenses
in travelling home included. My calculations with regard to expendi-
tures, when I saw you in Raleigh, were too limited, and I hope I need
not assure you, that I have been frugal of my little means, and that I
have disposed of them to the best advantage. Present my affectionate
respects to Mrs. Buffibi, Mrs Dillard, and Mrs Cain.

Thomas Buffin Esq.

[Address: Hillsborough Iforth Carolina.]

From John Witherspoon.

It was rumoured some weeks since that Mr. Hooper intended leaving
the University for Fayetteville. Our friend Mr. Rogers, having ex-
pressed a great desire for a situation of that kind I gave him early inti-
mation of it. In reply to my letter he informs he had written to you
and requested your interest in the matter. I received a note from
Raleigh last evening, stating that Mr. Hooper had sent in his resigna-
tion, and the writer advised me to get a recommendation in favour of
Mr. R. sent down without delay, as the probability was, the appoint-
ment would be made as soon as practicable. I send you one which my
brother has drawn up, with the request of your signature, and also that
you would, if convenient, write to the Treasurer^ on the subject. I wish
to send the letter over to Raleigh in the morning. Mr. Rogers name I
hear has already been mentioned to the Treasurer perhaps by yourself.
I feel much interested for him especially as he seems so anxious to obtain
the appointment.

iJohn Haywood.
17

258 Thb Nobth Cabolina Hibtosical Commission.

From Lewis Williams}

Wabhinoton December 22nd. 1821

Your letter of the 15th Inst, came duly to hand by the mail this morn-
ing. I am much obliged to you for the account you forwarded agreeably
to the request contained in my letter from Baleigh.

It will at any time a£Ford me great pleasure to give you information of
such events of an interesting nature as may arise in the 10 miles square.
At present we have nothing worthy of your notice^ except some talk in
reference to the election of the next President. It is^ I think, pretty well
ascertained that Pennsylvania will be faithful to her old attachments,
and will support Crawford; Ohio is decided in favour of Crawford;
Maine will do likewise, so that we have more strength according to
present appearances than we want. It is better however that we should
have a little to spare, than to have not quite enough. During the pen-
dency of the Missouri Question, while it was doubtful whether the
influence and feeling excited by it might not be carried into the next
election of President, John Q Adams and his friends were very much
elated. They hoped to draw off Pennsylvania, and with her assistance
to carry all before them. But at this time they seem discomfited. Penn-
sylvania and a portion of New York resisted the election of Taylor. This
proves that they are no longer to be operated upon by the Missouri ques-
tion. If New York can't get her own man, I think there is little doubt
of her supporting Crawford, and opposing Adams. This man cannot
be supported where he is known or seen unless by such as disregard all
principle, and act with a view to their own ultimate elevation or ad-
vantage. The good of the nation requires that any such looking man as
Adams should be defeated in his pretension to the Presidency. To any
one who has seen him this would be an all sufficient argument.

South Carolina will be somewhat an obstacle to that unanimity which
ought to prevail in our section of the Union. The reason of it is that she
has citizens who aspire to the same distinction. This is pretty well
understood. But she will be obliged finally to submit.

It is intimated by some that the vote of North Carolina will not be
so undivided as was, at one time, supposed. I think it a matter of great
importance to us that we should present as solid a column as possible.
I write for your self alone, and with great Bespect

Thos Ruffin, Esq.

iLewls Williams of Surry, 1786-1842, a member of Congress from 1815 to
1842. At the time of his death he had been in Congress longer than any other
member and was known as the "Father of the House."

Thib Bttffin Papsbs. 258

From George E. Badger.

,-. , n ' 3 [Raleigh, Dec. 24, 1821]

My dear Frtend ^ ' ' ■*

I received your letter on the subject of your uulooked for embarrass-
mentSy and I am truly glad that it has been in my power to return in cash
nearly the whole of the sum you so kindly loan'd me. Above you have a
Check for one thousand dollars. I happened to have made no disposi-
tion of the price of ten shares of stock which I sold while in Newborn
at par, when I heard (before receiving your letter) that you were likely
to have a large sum to pay for Mr. Murphy and instantly resolved to
send you that sum. I cannot but deeply regret that I have it not in my
power to step forward in your necessity and open a purse to you with
the same ready kindness with which yours was always open to me. It is
vain to say a word of my willingness — ^f or that I know you will give me
credit and I have it not in my power to back my words by deeds — strug-
ling as I am for existence myself. But if you will point out any mode
by which I can personally serve you, it will add one to the obligations
I already owe you.

With regard to the residue of the sum I owe you I expect I shall be
able in a short time to send you a check for that, which I should prefer
to putting another note in the Bank if it will answer your purpose, if
not let me hear from you and I will immediately send the paper to you.

I should feel really mortified if I thought you could for a moment
believe that your long letter (as you term it) could produce in me other
feelings than those of the deepest interest and concern. Indeed, my dear
Sir, I cannot reflect on your loss and that of my dear Mrs. Ruffin without
heartfelt sorrow and the only circumstance of alleviation is, that I hope
neither she nor you are of the number of those who ''are without hope
in the world." For my own part probable as I feel a similar result to
be to myself, I thank God, that I am in some degree convinced that the
only subject of real concern in this life is so to live as to obtain a place
in a better and immortal existence.

Let me hear from you soon — and direct to Warrenton. Meantime
ofifer my sincere respect and warm affection to Mrs. Ruffin and believe

most affectionately

your grateful and attached

friend and Servt.

T. Ruffin, esq. G. £. Badger.

Raleigh Be' 24. 1821

[Address : Hillsborough N. C]

260 Thb Nobth Carolina Historical Commission.

From C. F. Bagge.

Salem December 26th 1821.
Last Saturday I reed your favour of the 17th instant by mail; for
which I kindly thank you; since I received it, I have deliberately con-
sidered its contents, but still am undetermined in what manner to act;
The esteem I have for our worthy but unfortunate friend Judge Murphey
will not allow me to take those advantages which justice and self interest
would dictate in transferring his note to some friend on whose int^rity
I could depend, and who would agreeable to my instructions attach his
lands in the Western Country and have them sold for my use for little
or nothing, as I still believe that in course of time these lands if not
attached by some other persons will be the means of Judge Murpheys
extricating himself out of his present difficulties; The other plan yon
suggest to me to get the payment out of Captain Haralson^ appears to
me to be more readily accomplished, although there are several diffi-
culties in the way which might not be so easily surmounted ; the first is
the procuring the Witnesses to the note, secondly, that the note is not
given in the words "We or either of us" ; but says "We the undersized
do promise to pa/'; in this wording of the Note I am not Lawyer
enough to have an opinion on which I could rely; thirdly, the risk I
would run in sending the note for collection by mail to Mr. Dickens,^
in fact I am unacquainted with the place of residence of Mr. Samuel
Bickins, and lastly I think it would be my duty to apprize Judge Murphey
previously of my intention, but I shall let the matter rest untill I have
the pleasure of hearing your opinion by letter on this subject; Could I
secure myself in the payment of Judge Murpheys note where Mr. Haral-
son and his Brother Alex. Murphey^ are security, as well as the note in
which you are security, I would with pleasure indulge four or five years
for the principal, provided the interest is paid punctually and the debt
of both these notes secured by personal security in such a maimer as to
put it beyond doubt that the Money should be paid to me or my Execu-
tors after four or five years ; In saying in my former letter to you, that
if it was agreeable to you to send me a new ^ote for 4360$ my meaning
was, that it should be signed by Judge Murphey as principal and by
yourself as security, but on this I do not insist, and shall with pleasure
acquiesce whatever course you deem most proper to pursue;

iCaptaln Herndon Haralson, 1767-1847, Murphey's brother-in-law, a native of
North Carolina, but now a resident of Tennessee.

2Samuel Dickens had been a member of Congress from North Carolina In
1816 and was now Murphey's land agent in Tennessee. He was later the agent
of the University of North Carolina in prosecuting its land claims in that
State.

SAlexander Murphey, 1770-1822, was Murphey's older brother. He was a
merchant and planter in Caswell County.

The Buffin Papers. 261

As Mr. James Martin passed through Salem on his return from Stokes
County Court, he mentioned to me that he had understood there was a
Company of Qentlemen in Iredell and Lincoln County who would prob-
ably purchase a quantity of land of Mr. Murphey which he owns in the
Western Country, perhaps on enquiry you may be able to ascertain if
any application or contract has been made with Mr. Murphey by those
Grentlemen, and in the event thereof something perhaps may be done
to secure the payment either to yourself or to me ; this I merely mention
as a report ; You may confidently rely on my keeping the correspondence
between you and myself a profound secret from any person whatsoever,
and I beg you to receive this letter under the impression that it was
written by me with a friendly intention both to yourself and Judge
Murphey :

In case Genl. Graves should pay me any money after the rise of the
General Assembly will it not be necessary for me to have his note in my
possession?

I believe that there is nothing more in your letter to which it is neces-
sary to recur, and I shall await your answer as soon as convenient;

Thos. Buffin Esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough

Orange County
North Carolina.]

From John M. Dick}

Greensboko Jany the 17th 1822.

I reed your letter some time since and waited for a private convey-
ance for the Copy of the answer you desired. I thought you might be
disappointed if I delayed longer, and I have sent it enclosed. You will
find it a long if not an able answer. I made the best I could out of the
facts and I hope we will be able to prostrate your Cliant or at least come
near it.

You inform me that our Legislature has Legislated you out of two
Courts and express a hope that you are the only sufferer among your
brethren. I am a fellow sufferer with you, and we are by no means
alone, Mr. Little, Mr. Morehead^ and several others are much injured by
the changes. I am Legislated out of Orange County Court, and the
Superior Court of this County will sometimes conflict with the County
Court of Bandolph. We ought to be under great ohligations to our

iJohn M. Dick of Onilford, state senator, 1819, 1829-1832; Judge of the
Superior Court, 1835-1862. He and Ruffln were close friends.

2John Motley Morehead, 1796-1866, at this time a practicing lawyer in Rock-
Ingham County. He moved to Guilford this same year.

262 Thb Nobth CABOLmA Hibto&ical Commission.

friend Yancey for those favours and I hope at the next Legislature we
will have his favours duly acknowledged. I am preparing materialB for
a suit in Equity in this County in which we are to be associated, I will
have them in readiness to draw a Bill at Orange County Court.

Our Client informs me that we may expect good fees (which you know
is a pleasant thing) and he is a man who altho he has many bad quali-
ties has one good one^ he pays good fees.

You gave me no information relative to your present state of health,
which I hope is restored.

Thomas Ruffin, Esqr.

[Address : Hillsboro N. C]

From Dr. Thomas HturU.

Jy. 22*, 1822.
Our mutual friend Judge Henderson has open* to me fully the circum-
stances hint* at this morning an injury done a friend under any circum-
stances should be instantly acknowledged and if possible, the neoessaiy
atonement made. I feel the injustice done you by my observation (from
the explanation made to our friend). My feelings on the occasion are
as they should be, should anything further be requir* of me I am ready
to do all things which you may ask for a restoration of your peace.
[Address :

Thos. Ruffin, Esqr.
Present.]

From Elisha Mitchell.^

Chapel Hill Jany 33d. 1823.

It is growing late but as I see that I have considerable matter before
me I have' taken a large sheet a good part of which at least I must fill
before I sleep. I have four several subjects on which to write you.

1. With regard to the books purchased from the library of the Robert
Williams.^ I received the kind letter you had the goodness to send me
respecting them and am blameworthy in not having sooner sent you an
answer. I have moreover received the volumes from Mr. Manly and
they are now at C. Hill. You said nothing in your letter respecting

lElielia Mitchell, 1793-1857, at this time professor of mathematics and
natural philosophy at the University of North Carolina. Later he took the
chair of chemistry, mineralogy, and geology.

2Probably Robert Williams of Surry.

The Buffin Papsrs.

the manner in which they were to be paid for. Mr. Manly was under
the impression that the money would be drawn by a warrant from the
Treasury. Please inform me whether it is so^ and if not I will send it
to you in Hillsborough or see that it is in Baleigh in season to meet the
demands of the exeoutors of the estate when it shall become due. Ton
mentioned your having understood we had already a copy of GrotiuB
commentary in the library at Chapel Hill and offered to take it off our
hands in case it should be so. Kow as to what you had heard, it is true
we had already a copy of Grotius commentary and the reason of my
requesting the purchase of this book of the deceased Qen. Williams was
thifl. I observed that the work offered in the advertisement was ^'Grotii
Opera.'' Now as this book made part of a Lawyers library was it an
unnatural conclusion in an honest parson who of course would believe
there was no goodness but in his own gang that these same volumes con-
tained Grotius' work on the Law of Nations and his other tracts relating
to antiquities and Jurisprudence? Under this impression I requested
the purchase of the books — ^hastily to be sure. As to your offer of taking
them off our hands I remark that I suspect you were influenced by a
desire of taking an incumbrance out of our way rather than of posses-
sing this book. If this is so you need give yourself no uneasiness as J
shall be able easily to exchange it in New York for other valuable works.
I see this book is marked on the New York Catalogues at 23 Pols. But
if on the other hand the offer was made from pure love of divinity of
the year 1630 in latin you may have these volumes and welcome though
I think the work of the BosenmuUers (Father & Son — ''Scolia in Fetus
et Novum Testamentum" would be preferable. The talk about these
books has spun out wonderfully. Within the new page we will begin a
new subject.

2. With regard to my becoming instructor to your son I say as follows.
I have both thought upon the subject myself and conversed about it with
Mr. Olmsted.^ The state of Mr. Oknsted's family is such as to forbid
his receiving a youth into his house. Without any particle of that feeling
which influenced the fox to aver respecting the grapes that they were
sour I can say that 1 thank Gk>d I have no children. With me therefore
the same obstacle does not exist as with him. When Judge Murphey
applied to me a while ago to take a son of his I told him I consented with
reluctance — ^but on the whole I don't know that I shall be unwilling to
spend a portion of time every day for a year or two to come in teaching
the language that I may become more thoroughly grounded in the rudi-
ments. But before I agree to take your son or you to send him let us
understand what we are both to expect. I sent for my brother in law
from Yankee land and undertook to fit him for college and have since
taken 3 others who could go on in a class with him and to these I devote

iDenison Olmsted, 1791-1869, professor of chemistry and mineralogy In the
University of North Carolina. He went to Tale In 1826 as professor of mathe-
matics. He was the first state geologist of North Carolina.

264 The Kobth Cabolina Histobical Commissioit.

one hour the day between 2 and 4 besides getting time late in the eyening
to cast my eye over the lesson. I received Judge Murphey's son and to
him two others have since joined themselves and to these also I devote
an hour every day. My brother in law also teaches them as well as he
can for an hour. STow should your son come down to C. Hill to live with
me I could only engage to spend an hour with him or with a class that
should go on with him if there should be others whom I might receive on
account of their being of the same standing every day and that my brother
should do as much. For this together with his board wood washing etc
I should ask 15 dollars a Month and if he were older I should ask more.
I could not even if you should conclude to send him receive him under
Three months from the present time and during the vacations I should
probably be away. I give it you as my opinion that if Mr. Bogers were
going to stay in Hillsborough it were better for your son to stay with
him and perhaps you had best do nothing about the business till that
point is ascertained.

3. With respect to our salaries. According to the tenour of the com-
munication made me by the committee of appointment I am undoubtedly
entitled to about 1500 Dollars in place of the 1240 I receive. Nor was
I at all consulted when the reduction was made. I must confess I was
a little disturbed when I was told that the matter had been settled without
BO much as the compliment of ^^by your leave" but I learned afterwards
that the Trustees had yielded the thing entirely to the representations
and solicitations of Br. Caldwell and soon satisfied myself that this excel-
lent man whose value we shall know when he is in his grave, had not only
intended but done all things well. The Trustees proceeded upon the
ground that Dr. Caldwell proposed nothing which did not meet the
approbation of his brethren and the Dr. himself proceeded upon the
ground that we were like himself ready to yield up something for the
common good and to suppose otherwise were to think very meanly of us.
I do not suppose that any intimations and still less any explicit assur-
ances were given to the Trustees as to what our views and feelings were.
Yet they very naturally drew the conclusion that our assent had been
given to the proposed measure. To that we have nothing to complain
of on the part of the Trustees. Had been really consulted we should
beyond all doubt have fallen in readily with the plan so there has been
nothing irregular but the omission of an empty ceremony. But as you
appear to be so sensitive upon the subject it may not be improper to say
that probably the expectations which the Trustees authorized us in
indulging when we left our early home have been satisfied inasmuch as
the great increase in the value of money within the last two or three
years has rendered our present stipend as valuable as 1500 would have
been in times like those in which our contract was made. So that Adam
Smith would say we had no ground for complaint even if we chose to
complain — and Adam you know is no mean authority. Furthermore
Mr. Olmsted enjoyed for nearly two years and I have enjoyed for a year

The Buffin Papebs. 265

and a half and am to occupy in future the house in which I live — a thing
not promised by the Trustees. So that if I were to give up what was
promised above what I receive from the Treasury I should seem to do
very little. Knowing however what are the disposable funds belonging
to the University and that although you are ready to do even more than
was promised yet we cannot hope to keep our professor of Ehetoric
except upon the present scheme I certainly cheerfully give i^p from the
present time all claim to more than 1240 Dolls pr. Annum. And whilst
I Tvish these matters to be communicated in the proper way to those few
persons amongst whom the subject has been talked over^ I should be glad
to have them after this has been done^ hushed to sleep. With regard to
Mr. Olmsted I will observe that up to the present time we have perhaps
shared equally with myself^ the liberality of the Trustees in Relation
to a house but that hereafter unless the expenses I shall be obliged to
incfur for repairs to the building I occupy should be more than I expect,
I shall. If this house is not purchased by the Trustees, have the ad-
vantage of him — ^he has moreover a pretty large and expensive family —
and if the Trustees could find themselves able agreably to their vote of
last winter to purchase his house they would do a good kind and perhaps
a just thing. After this, one thing which is not taken into account in
fixing the salaries of men in our situation. Shutting ourselves up as we
do like a parcel of monks, we never learn how to do business and manage
money and are therefore forever imposed upon. I alway think I come
off grandly if when I make a bargain I am not cheated more than one
third. Now that I have you as it were in my claws I will call your atten-
tion to the enclosed in presenting which I hope you will not think I am
stepping out of my proper sphere.

I have not time to finish the paper referred to on the last page but may
put it into your hands at some future time. E. M.

[Address: Baleigh.]

From John Hall.

Ralsioh Jany. 30th, 1822.

I have done as you requested me with the papers and books left in my
possession. We expect to finish the business of court today and leave
this to morrow. I have not forgot what you requested as to my notes,
but I do assure [you] upon looking over them I am of opinion they
wonld be of no use to you, but only perplex you. Had I thought of it
when I took them I would have tried to make them of some use to you.

Nothing has happened since you left this, we are all in statu quo.

I hope and believe that time with your diligence will carry you thro
your embarrassments and restore to you your wonted spirits etc.

My respects to my friends and believe me respectfully

[Address: Hillsborough.]

266 The North Cabolina Hibtobical Commission.

From Joel Strong,

Gbabsy Cbbbk 5th Feby 1822.

I would beg leave to inform you, that I have concluded to have mj
name put in nomination to fill the appointment of Professor of Lan-
guages in the University, now vacant, by the resignation of Mr. Hooper.

As you have long been acquainted with me, I shall say nothing con-
cerning my pretensions — ^and from your uniform friendship, I make no
doubt of your support, so far, as you may think me worthy.

But I would assure you, that I have long since wished to devote the
remainder of my life exclusively to litterature, and my only motive, in
seeking this appointment, is, to enable me to do it, and at the same time,
to make myself in some measure useful to others.

Thomas C. Ruffin, Esquire.

[Address: Oxford.]

From Joseph Oaiea.

[Raleigh, March 14, 1822]

We have finished all the copy sent by my Son from Hillsboro, and my
Hands will be at little until we receive more.

The copy sent makes about 50 pages, so that it will require about twice
as much to make up the present No.^

If you will let us have it, the No. shall soon be out.

Ralxigh, Mar. 14, 1822.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From John Rogers.

Baltimobs March 23d 1822.

My movements have been a little eccentric of late — ^but the result
has been propitious. In person ere long, I shall have the pleasure of
acknowledging to yourself and Dr. Webb, with how much gratitude I am
[etc.,]

[P. S.] About fifteen minutes ago, I was received by the Faculty,
as a Doctor of Medicine. My Thesis is yet to be written, which wiH
employ me three or four days. The Commencement takes place next
Monday week and if possible, I shall obtain permission to leave Bait
before that period, so as to be in Raleigh by the first Monday in ApriL

iReference is here made to Supreme Court Reports, Ruffin having been
made reporter in 1820. His reports are to be found in 1 Hawks (8 N. C), 1-248.

Thx Rttffin Papxbs. 207

If yon could only know how transcendantly delightful my feelings are,
I am sure you would excuse me for the apparent negligence and haste
with which this is written.
[Address :

Dr. James Webb

or
Thomas Ruffin Esquire
Hillsboro'

North Carolina.]

From John F, May.

PxTSBssa. Mar. 14th, 18S2.
I wrote some time ago to your Cashier Mr. Haywood, requesting him
to hand you a note of Messrs Harisons, which Mr. Jones, our cashier
had forwarded for insertion on my acct. Mr. Haywood has not answered
my letter or Mr. Jones's; and I fear that some Bank matter may perhaps
have ruffled his temper. It is a pity that corporations should have all
the bad passions and feelings incident to human beings ; without a Soul
to answer for, if not to correct and controul them. But such I suppose
must be the fact; I cannot suppose that a man so respectable, and so
much a gentleman as Mr. Haywood, would decline any civility or good
office, to any stranger of tolerably decent reputation ; on the contrary I
know that the better feelings which have characterized him thro' life,
would make him take a pleasure, (a real tho' small still pleasure, in
solitude after a day's business), in the reflection that he had, from the
best and purest influences under which we ever act, done a service to
one of his brethren, tho' a stranger ; and thus contributed to extend the
circle of human felicity. For what a wretched condition would ours
be, without the dispositions and feelings which lead to the many little
kind and civil offices, that are so necessary to our comfort our conven-
ience, and our helplessness. But Banks can have all the feelings of
resentment which an individual has, without any of those dispositions
and corrections which heaven has, in its mercy, created in the human
race: and thus the cashier of the Bank of N. C. will not give a civil
answer to a civil question asked by the Prest. of the Bank of Ya. as it
was no doubt supposed — tho' in fact it was extended as a favour, asked
of Mr. H. for poor me. I, by myself, I, as John Randolph said — But I
am very far from the purpose with which I set out and which was any-
thing rather than moralising. The note of which I speak was one handed
to me, as agent for a most estimable woman, Mrs. Bo. Colquhoun, last
fall. Mr. Harrison would have paid it, but for my neglect; and there-

268 The North Cabolina Historical Commission.

fore when she, was going to Philad*. I advanced her the money for it.

It was not a negotiable note; and therefore not one which, here, (and

probably in N. C.) could atricti juris, be collected at Bank; and was in

Deer, last sent to Mr. Haywood with a request that he would cause an

application to be made for the money. Some time in febry. I requested

him to say whether the note was paid; and if not to place it in your

hands. Will you do me the favour when you go to Raleigh to take

charge of the matter for me? I have never heard one word from Mr.

Haywood on the subject.

*******

I feel anxious to learn what is your situation and what are your pros-
pectSy in relation to Murphy's affairs. I wish most earnestly that you
may be extricated from this embarrassment upon better terms than you
anticipated; and have several times intended to make this enquiry, but
the pressure of business in the winter and spring prevents my doing any
thing but bv^sinesa:

I hope that you and your good lady are in a great degree resigned to

the more distressing affliction of which you apprized me last fall; and

that its effects have yielded to that influence of time and those duties of

life, which afford the only worthy solace to the agonies of a parents'

bosom.

*******

Th. C. Ruffin Esqr.
[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

To William Polk}

[Raleigh N C, May 21, 1822]

At the Court House —
I have seen Mr. J***H***in the street today and conceive
that he is plainly deranged; and I have some reason to believe that in
his state of delusion, he meditates a personal attack upon you for some
supposed recent injury — Mr Seawell detained him over an hour this
morning opposite the Bank from going into the Directors room, where
he had before enquired what Directors attended. I feel it my duty to
communicate this matter to you and to suggest that the only way to
contend effectually with a mad-man is to avoid him. I hope his friends
will be able to get him to go home shortly and in the mean time, that you
remain at your own house — Mr. Seawell expresses the same hope, to
whom I have shewn this and who desires me to add that he knows, that
Mr H * * * is a perfect maniac and that he has the most hostile pur-
poses towards you. At present Dr H * * * has charge of him and will
use his best endeavours to restrain and to get him off.

iMss. Division, Library of Congress, William Polk Papers.

The Buffin Papibbs. 269

From William Polk,

[Raleigh, N. C, May 21, 1822]
I am much obliged by the Note which you sent me this morning and
am thankful to you and others who have interested themselves in the
business to which your Note had allusion.

I have told Dr. H * * * that I would not throw myself in J. H's
way; but my dear Sir I have like other men business to perform which
will call me from my house into the street and elsewhere ; and I cannot
consent or submit to being confined to my domicil thro' the threats of
any man ; and if attacked must defend myself but to avoid all this, is it
not in the province of the Court to take cognizance of the matter and
apply the legal preventive — to this end I enclose you an address to the
Court, which I beg you to present in such way as your good judgment
shall direct.

1 O'clock 21, May, 1822.
Mr. Ruffin.

[Enclosure]

To the worshipful Court of Wake County.
Oentlemen.

I have this day been informed by high and reputable authority; that
J***H*** Esqr. of the county aforesaid, has declared it as his
intention, to assault me, that for this purpose he carries a large Hickory
stick, and has been in search of me, in divers parts of Kaleigh, to carry
his declarations into effect. It is not fear of Mr. H * * *, that induces
me to make this communication to your Worships ; but it is, that you as
conservators of the peace, and guardians of the priviledges and f redom
of the citizens of the County over which as a Court you preside ; will take
measures to secure that peace and personal f redom which is likely to be
disturbed and restrained by the menaces of the said J * * * H*** Esq
if carried into execution.

I am an old Man now, with a large Family under my care; and a
member of this Family is now in a situation unqualified to bear surprise
or distress from whatever cause, but more particularly from an assault
on me.

I pray the Court to take such order on the foregoing representation
as they shall deem proper.

Your very Obt. Ser

Tuesday May 21, 1822. Will. Polk

270 Thb ITobth Cabolik a Historical Commission.

To Bartlett Yancey.^

Ralbioh, July 2nd, 1822.

The sale of Rose's property will be made on Monday next to a cer-
tainty I expect. I shall attend myself and hope the sale will be closed
as I have had trouble enough about it, Gk>d knows, and can't think of
taking more on me if avoidable.

I shall be exceeding glad to see you there and beg that you will not
disappoint me. I have many things to say to you — to communicate some
facts and to interchange opinions upon other points. The RepublicanB
must rouse themselves. The public mind must be enlightened ; else the
Cause and the Country will go down. There is a powerful combination
forming and formed against us. Don't fail to be at Person. I have no
time to say more.

m. B. Come early in the day, so that we may have a long talk. I
shall be obliged to get home Monday night so as to leave again on
Tuesday.

From Duncan Cameron.

Obanob Octo : 5th 1822.
*******

Have you heard lately from Mr. Murphy — do you expect him back
shortly — ^if not what detains him? Report says that he is engaged in the
purchase of property. I hope not, as I fear it will prove an unprofitable
speculation.

[Address: Hillsboro']

From John Haywood.

Satubday night, [Nov., 1827]
Your kind note of this Evening is before me: — I regret much that
Business has so occupied you as well as myself, during the present week,
that we have not had half an hour which might be devoted to a discus-
sion of the meritorious claims of our absent Friend and to the placing
them on such a Basis as will help promise to insure justice; by which
I would be understood to mean a liberal Compensation, and one which
should be graduated by the magnitude and importance of his late highly

iThis letter is in the possession of the North Carolina Historical Society and
is reprinted from The Jantea Bpmnt Hiatorical Publications, Vol. 10, No. 2.

Thb Bttffin Papsb8. 271

valuable services to our University '} — ^Needy as that Institution is and
has ever been^ Mr. Murphey's late Efforts in its favour, have been
crowned with a degree of success which I hope and trust will prove
incalculably valuable; by placing at its disposal Funds which; with
prudent management, cannot fail to prove commensurate to its wants,
at all future times. As there is no man in our Country who could better
have achieved this meritorious work or service, so there is none among
us, that I would more willingly owe the Benefits of it to, than to Mr.
Murphey: and in truth, I doubt much whether there is any other man
in our State, who could have effected the delicate and difficult Business
of that Undertaking, with that full and complete success and address
which he has. — The University owes him much, and I consider the
Trustees and our Citizens at large greatly indel)^ to him, on that occa-
sion : — He has neglected his own Business, as well here as in Tennessee,
to attend to and accomplish ours, or rather that of the University of
which we have the Care : — as a Patriot, I doubt not he feels a Reward
in the reflection, that he has served this Establishment, the best hope
of our Country, and one to which he has long been enthusiasticaUy
attached, efficiently and to the utmost of his power: but we all know,
that whilst his invaluable time and labours have been devoted to this
service his private affairs, and of course his family, have been neglected.
He has laboured much and long for the public good, whilst he has accom-
plished less for himself and family than most other men of ability and
worth among us; and'it remains for the Trustees to take order, that his
services to the University shall issue in a different respect.

I love Murphey as a friend and Brother, and feel indeed a deep interest
in all that concerns him, or his ; and on the present occasion, none among
his many friends can be more anxiously desirous that he should be hand-
somely and liberally treated and compensated, than I am: — I wish to
God it was more in my power to do justice to his worth and merit, by
pvblichly speaking of them; or to place his just Claims in such light as
would insure their success : — The little I can do, either in the Board or
out of doors, shall not be left undone : — I wish however exceedingly that
you could be here, as I am persuaded you would be highly useful now
although you might not feel free or at liberty to say much on the occa-
sion. I trust and hope with you that Mr. Murphey will rise superior
to those diffibulties which have latterly clouded his prospects, and de-
pressed his Friends : — I trust his expectations in the western country will
be fully realized ; but in the mean while, I know you will agree with me,
that his friends here ought not to be the less industrious, in advocating
the just claims of which I have made mention above, however he may
be able to live without them. The Trustees of our University compose
a numerous Body, and among such numbers some diversity of opinion

iMnrphey had been able to aecnre for the University of North Carolina a
compromise which had restored to it a considerable portion of its Tennessee
lands which the State of Tennessee had refused to release.

272 Thb ITobth Cabolina Hibtobical Comicissiok.

may well be looked for. I wish you could attend the meetings of the
Boardy during a few evenings ; and if it would be in your power to do so,
I will not fail to advise you of the time when this Business will probably
come on. I hope our country generally and the Trustees of our Uni-
versity in particular will shew, that they appreciate these Services of
Mr. Murphey on this interesting Mission* I am willing to believe all
will be grateful, but, in his circumstances that is not enough ; I wish to
see him rewarded — munificently rewarded — and this I trust and hope
will be done.

Judge Ruffin.

[Address: Eagle Hotel Raleigh.]

From Oavin Sogg}

[Chapel Hill, N. C, Dec. 2, 1822]
One of the members of assembly mentioned to me that there was a
Bill before the assembly to take away from the Judges of the Supreme
Court, the power of appointing a Reporter, and to vest it in the Assembly
who were to appoint some person to report every year with a salary for
his services and asked me whether I would accept the appointment: I
answered that I had no objections to report the cases but that I would
do nothing that would tend to displace you : He said tEat your removal
was determined on and that my accepting or refusing would not affect
you : I then declined giving an answer to Hie application until my return
which would be on thursday : He said He would endeavour to keep the
Bill on the table until my return: I left a verbal message for Mr.
Devereux authorizing him if it would not affect you and if no one else
was solicitous to have the appointment to let the member know that I
would accept : But this communication was to be made only in the event
that it was necessary to decide before my return : The conversation with
the member was on friday last I left Raleigh on Saturday before Mr.
Devereux had returned from Johnston Court: You have friends in
Raleigh who will have advised you of the Bill or Resolution for I know
not which it is: You will perceive at once that it was due to the good
understanding between us that you should know from me in what manner
my name became concerned in the matter : I do not know now that my
name will ever be mentioned to the Assembly but if it should it is proper
that you should know from me that I would not consent to receive any
advantage or profit at your expense.
Thos. Ruffla esqre.
[Address: Hillsborough.]

iGavin Hogg was a noted lawyer of Bertie County.

Thb Rttffin Papxbs. 278

From Duncan Cameron.

Baueioh, Dec. 25th 1822.
*******

It was with great reluctance that I complied with your instructions
in reporting your resignation as a Member of the Committee etc. I had
fulfilled your request in that particular before the receipt of your last
letter. I now regret that I did not take on myself the responsibility of

withholding it.

*******

The Assembly is fast drawing to a close, of which I am heartily glad —
its proceedings will be found highly unprofitable to the State, an attempt
was made to establish Courts of Equity in each of the present judicial
circuits, to be holden by the Judges of the Supreme Co. and to create two
additional circuits with two Judges both of which have failed. I will
give you some information on those subjects worthy of notice when I
see you. I am decidedly of opinion that the Supreme Co. as at present
organized rests on a very unstable foundation, and that unless other
duties than those as are performed by the members of it are assigned to
and performed by them, it cannot maintain its existence many years.

I shall be gratified by hearing from you on your return from Danville,
and by learning that you have gotten the business with Cabell adjusted
to your satisfaction. I remain with regard

[Address: Hillsboro^]

From Francis L. Hawha,^

Balbigh Jany 9, 1823.

In consequence of the act of 1822, the Judges of the Supreme Ct.
have made me Reporter. I accepted the appointment under an assur-
ance I had received (not however from the Judges) that you did not
wish it. It is made my duty to report such cases as you have not, and I
have to beg of you to furnish me with such papers as you may have,
belonging to or connected with cases which you have not prepared for
the press. If you can bring them with you, it will be to me an accomo-
dation.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

iFrancis Lister Hawks, 1798-1866, the noted author and Episcopal minister,
then a practicing lawyer.

274 Thk Nobth Oasolina Hibtobioal Commission.

From Francia L. Hawks.

Raleigh Feb. 14, 1823.

I have availed myself of the privilege you gave me when here and have
published your last in my name, adding a note that you prepared the
cases. My object was to secure to you some remuneration for your
trouble. I can receive pay for it and hand it over to you, had it appeared
in your name nothing would have been obtained.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Thomas D. Bennehan.

Stagville 15th April 1823.

Most sincerely do I join you in wishing that your situation waa audi,
that you would feel willing to abandon your laborious but lucrative pro-
fession, it is only necessary for you to continue it a few years, and our
wishes will be gratified, and the moment you reach this point, I as t
friend advise you either to abandon your Profession or curtail your
labours for your life in my opinion depends on it. I have scarcely heard
one word in this section of the county about the congressional election,
but this much I am confident of that our people will not submit willingly
to be saddled by D. L. Barringer, if we can possibly prevail on some
decent man to oppose him. Be so good as to tell Mr. Kirkland that I wiQ
write to him in a few days on the subject of Thrashing Machines.

[Address: Hillsborough, N. C]

From James H. Buffin.^

Wbntwobth 27th May 1823.

We have this day had an election to fill the vacancy occasioned by the
resignation of Jno. Mattock as Sheriff. There were 4 or 5 candidates
and John O'Donnel has been the successful aspirant to the office. The
contest was principally between Jas. Watt and him, and was very nearly
equal, he succeeding by only two votes. His success is unpopular among
the legal profession at this Bar.

My love to Sister and your family: —

Thomas Ruffin esqr.

Hillsborough No. Ca.

iJames Hipkins Ruflin, the younger brother of Thomas Ruflin.

Thb Buffin Papebs. 275

From Hugh Oglehy.

Sydsnham Gbobgia May 31st 182a.

Should it not be too great an infringement upon your professional
avocations, you will confer a favour on me, by informing me of the
situation of the Debts placed in your hands some time since on Jonathan
Haralson. Also the result of the Suit instituted by Thos. Donoho against
my Father and Doctor Oarland for the Land sold the Latter. Wheather
it has been tried, or wheather you think it is probable, they will ever
bring it to a close. My removal to this country has presented much
better prospects in life than I had in Milton, and I hope to be enabled
(if I can remain unmolested) by Industry, and strict Economy to afford
tiiose who are dependent upon me for subsistance, all of the necessary
comforts of life.

We at this time experience considerable pressure, money is scarcer
here than it has been known to be for several years past. There has
been some recent improvement in the price of cotton, it is brisk sale and
in Demand in Augusta @ 8 to 12^ cents. Politicks runs unusually high
with us upon the next Presidential Election, how stands Mr. Crawford
with you. Our Crops are unusually promising. Please give me an
answer to this as early as may suit your Convenience. A Letter will
reach me directed to Bethlehem, Oglethorpe County Oa.

[Address :

Hillsborough,
North Carolina.]

From Archibald D. Murphey.

^ r. ^ Haw Rivbb 10th June 1823.

Dear Buffin,

I have been specially employed in the Case of Stokes and Wellborn
vs Waugh and Findly. It is the old Moravian Cause over again, and I
fear a further examination of it. It is better for the Parties to have a
Continuance: I expect Stokes and Wellborn both calculate upon my
paying some attention to it : but I have never received any direct appli-
cation on the subject, and therefore am not at liberty to interfere.
Gaston appears for the Complts, I believe. Continue it, if it be mutually
agreeable.

If I die in Tennessee, or on the road, in due time have me brought to
Orange and laid by the Side of my Children. I leave my Will with my
Wife, duly attested to pass my lands in Tennessee. I have devised the
whole of my Lands to yourself and my son William, in Trust to pay
my Debts, in the first place, and in the next, for the Use of my Wife.

276 Thb Nobth Cabolina Histobical Commission.

If I die and yon can Sell as much of my lands as will pay my Debts, and
pay you for ike following Negroes^ Henry, Bridget and Lucy, I wiah yon
to convey those Negroes to my Wife. She could not in any possible way
that I can conx;eive, get along without Henry and Bridget.

Should my Wife stand in need of any thing, I beg you to furnish it
I shall hasten back as fast as I can: But I wish to settle $20,000 of
Debts before I leave Tennessee. My mind will be much relieved, if I
can effect this. I shall have a busy time, having a great Variety of
Business to do for others as well as myself : But all of it will yield me a
Profit, except a little Business of Mrs. Camerons.

• •«««««

Thomas Buffin esqr.

N. B. I beg you to buy a Virgil with English Notes, in Raleigh, and
send it to the Care of Mr. Johnston in Hillsborough for IJmstead. He
will want it before you go to Caswell Court. I have no other chance of
getting him a Virgil.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Samuel Strudwich.^

Nbab Gbbensbobo, Alabama, [June 15, 1823]
I learn by Mr. Sd. Ashe who has but just returned from N. Carolina,
that the Cape Fear N. Company have obtained a judgement on a note
they held against me for $450. which is one half of the price of a lot I
purchased of them at the sale. This is the second bond; the one that
became due first I discharged. Mr. Ashe also informs that in pur-
suance of your advice he enjoined the Cape Fear NT. Company on the
judgement they had against him, and that it is advisable for me to
resort to the same expedient; This I would most cheerfully do, but I
am entirely at a loss in what manner to do it; whether the injunction
can be had in this country and forwarded ; ot whether it can be effected
through an agent to whom I may have communicated the grounds on
which the injunction is solicited. Beduced as I am to this state of
incertitude I must b^ you to furnish me with the earliest instructions
on the subject; and if there unfortunately should not be time enongfa,
to avail myself of an injunction, I wish you to adopt such further pro-
ceedings on my behalf as will be to my advantage. In a letter I have
just written to Doctor Webb I have stated as well as I could my reasons
for praying an injunction; hoping it might perhaps have the desired
effect.

There is another subject to which I wish to call your attention, namely
the settlement with my Fathers estate for the monies reed, from England.

iSamuel Strudwick was a native of Orange County who had become a resi-
dent of Alabama.

The Buffin Papsbs. 277

A fifud settlement has never yet taken place^ neither has there been any
allowance made me for the expenses incurred in conducting this business.
The accounts exhibiting the expenses referred to, were left with you, and
as I am in arrears to the estate, it ia of importance to me that these
accounts should be passed to my credit. I am still desirous to have the
question of Law relative to the distribution of this money decided by
the Supreme Court, and altho' many may be disposed to impugn my
motive, none have a right to do it, because none know it. The bargain
you will recollect I made with you was that I would give you if success-
ful $200, otherwise $50.

I should glad to hear that you had reed, of Mr. Bruce the amount
of the note, for which I am security, but I am a little fearful there are
no such good tidings in store for me. Suffer me to repeat the request,
that you will communicate with me as soon as possible, and furnish me
with the instructions relative to this bUl of injunction I so much need.
I have the happiness of being able to inform that the Carolina Colony
are all well. Present my best respects to Mr. and Mrs. Eirkland and
Mrs. Buffin and accept the assurances of sincerest esteem.

P. S. I understand Beeves intends coming on here to take or steal,
my Lynch negro ; I would be very thankful to you if you would take the
trouble to give me a little information on this subject, — ^Whether he
has any right take her into possession! And what sort of right it is,
I have to a piece of property that ceased to be mine as soon as I lose
possession!

June 15th 1823.

Thomas Buffin Esqr.

[Address: Hillsboro N. C]

From Joseph Oales,

Balbioh 1st July 1823.
The Intendant and Commissioners of the city of Baleigh having
entered into a contract with Capt. Theophilus Hunter for the purchase
of his right to a certain Mill Pond on Walnut Creek and the said parties
having agreed that the price to be paid for the same shall be ascertained
and fixed by certain Arbitrators to be chosen by each.

I am instructed to notify you of your appointment as Arbitrator on
the part of the Intendant and Comms. and to request the favor of your
services on the occasion.

The other arbitrators on the part of the Board is Will. Bobards Esq.
and those on the part of Theo. Hunter are Will Sneed Esqr. of Gran-
ville and Henry Qoodloe Esq of Franklin.

Yours respectfully

Jo. Gaubs,
Int*. of Police.

278 Thb Nobth Casolina Historical Commission.

From Thomas Crowder Jr.

Lynchbubg 7th July 1823.

I have long had it ia contemplation to write you but in consequence
of an important charge^ a crowd of business and much affliction I have
been let hitherto. I however at last have found the time. At the present
I am recovering from a severe attack of ague and fever; the attack was
more bilious than otherwise ; my fevers were very high frequently pro-
ducing delirium^ but in all this the Lord was with me, insomuch that I
could say with the great Apostle of Gentiles ^'for me to live is Christ;
but to die is gain."

We have a very large church in this place, consisting of two hundred
and forty five members — our house is a very good one and remarkably
well attended. I suppose, at moderate calculation, upon an average,
I preach to one thousand souls every time I hold forth. We have v^y
precious meetings among us, though as yet, no particular revival has
taken place; yet I hope we are ripening for one. I think I have seen
some traces of it. May the Lord hasten it on and save the purchase of
his own blood. Amen.

I will now change the subject for a while. The various kinds of trade
here are dull except the tobacco trade which, by the by, is the most
important. I have understood from my landlord, that upwards of ten
thousand Hogsheads of tobacco have been inspected here this year ; but
notwithstanding this the people cry here like they do there. Hard
times! Hard times! One, (and the grand) reason of so much dissatis-
faction in world, is the people are seeking happiness where it is not to
be found.

Now permit me to close by subjoining you an exortation. Beflect
how precious and short time is, how much is already gone to waste;, the
vast importance of redeeming the remainder; on the talents God has
freely and mercifully given you, the awful responsibility under which
you lay to him for an improvement of those talents; the evanescent
nature of all things below; God's having advertised you of this and
prepared and directed your mind to something well calculated to render
you in part happy here and forever hereafter; and the awful thought of
dwelling in the damnation of hell through interminable ages ; but elating
idea of dwelling in those mansions which our blessed Emanuel has pre-
pared for them that love him, there where glory dwells in glory and
light beams behind light.

Now when you have thus reflected, hasten to the Lord Jesus, the
intrinsic eloquence of whose pleading once darkened the sun as mid-
night, clothed Phoebus in sackcloth, dimed the stars and converted the
whole earth, yea even rent the solid marble; and now prevails in your
behalf : He will apply the purifying blood to your soul, hide you in the

Thb Et7FFiN Papebs. 279

cleft of the rock (himgelf ) cause you to see his glory and spread over
you his broad hand of power and save you f orevermore. So adieu.

Give my love with both hands to Mrs. Buffin, Catherine and all the
children.

Bemember me to all enquiring friends.
[Address: Hillsborough N. C.
Endorsed :

Bevd. Thos. Crowder

July 1828.]

From B. B. Smith.

Baueiqh 12th Augt. 1823.

I have just reed from the P. M. General a copy of the letter addressed
by his predecessor to you on the 24th May last^ and you will find it on
the other page. I am more than ever confirmed in the belief, that the
original must have been purloined and your plan for detection discovered.

Let us however be on the alert, and try all expedients for I yet hope
we shall discover the Miscreants. I have examined the northern packet
several times from Hillsboro' but perceive you have not as yet made
the experiment we agreed upon. You will do so doubtless whenever
you find time.

Thos. RufSn Esqr.

Hillsboro.

[On same sheet of paper]

Gbnl Post Office
Thos. Buffin Esq. 24th May 1823.

Hillsboro, N. C.
Sib. The project which you suggest for discovering the depredators
upon the mail appears to be a good one. If you will make a remittance,
taking the same precautions as you did in the letter to Robertson &
Kelso, appointing the 'time for Mr. Smith to open the mail and repeating
the experiment two or three times if necessary. If any loss is sustained
It shall be reimbursed to you by this office. Your friend ought not to
know it is any other than a real transaction. I have written Mr. Smith
on this occasion.

Bespectfully etc.

(Signd.) R. J. Mbigs.
[Address: Hillsboro, N. 0.]

380 The Nobth Cabouna Histobical Commission.

John McLean?- to B, B, Smith,

Post Offick DspASTMEirr
Sir, 27 Aug. 1823.

I have just received a letter from Judge Ruffin, with your postscript
It appears to me^ that a plan somewhat different from the one proposed
by the Judge, might be adopted with a better prospect of success. Sup-
pose that you or the Judge should enclose in a letter fifteen or twenty
dollars in one dollar notes, folded in such a manner, as to shew that
something of value was enclosed, and direct this letter to some town to
which remittances are frequently made. This letter might be mailed
at an office, so as to require it to pass through the suspected offices. You
or he could accompany the mail with a key to open it, and always open
it just before it arrived at the suspected office, and immediately after
it had passed. By this means the dishonest P. M. might be detected,
and the evidence would, in all probability, lead to a conviction. It is
not only desirable, that such dishonest post masters should be discovered,
but that they should be punished.

If you or he will undertake this plan, your ezpences shall be paid, and
a compensation for your time, also any loss which you may sustain by
enclosing the money above stated, shall be made good. You probably
have a spare key in the Office, if not, I will send you one.

This letter will authorize you or the Judge to open the mail.

I am willing to adopt any plan most likely to detect dishonesty, but
I should like to see the one I have above suggested first tried.

I am very respectfully

B. B. Smith Esquire Your obedient servant

Raleigh, N. C. John McLeait.

[Address: Benj. B. Smith Esquire

Post Master,
Raleigh
North Carolina.]

From B. B. Smith,

Post Office,

Raubioh 2d. September

1823.
You will find enclosed a letter from the Post Master General, on the
subject of your late communication. He seems disposed to try a different

iJohn McLean of Ohio, 1785-1861, M. C, 1813-1816; postmaster general, 1823-
1829; associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, 1829-1861.

Thb Euffin Papbbs. 281

plan from the one intimated by you^ and I think it a pretty good one;
but after all, it is only what we heretofore agreed upon^ but never carried
it into execution. Suppose therefore we make the experiment in the
next mail or the mail af ter, and if we should not succeed, on information
being given to the P. M. GenL he will try the experiment suggested
by you.

I have given Mr. Moring, the Key to hand to you ; and after putting
in your letters at the Post Office, you could get into the stage and ride
a diort distance and examine the Hillsboro packet of Letters directed
^^Northwardly." If all was safe, then you would be satisfied that no
attempt had been made at Hillsborough to rob that mail and you might
return. It would then have to pass thro' the Chapel Hill Post Office,
and if at that place any violence was committed, on examining the same
Northern Packet of Letters, here, it would be readily discovered if
nothing was found amiss, why then I could take out your letter or letters,
and return them to you by Mr. Moring. If we do not succeed the first
attempt, let us continue the experiment, and I think after a while we
shall be apt to entrap the miscreant.

You ought to let me know privately by Mr. Moring, the address of the
letters you intend for the experiment, so that they may not pass this
office.

It would I think in writing these letters, be well, to be particular in
the phraseology, so that if they should fall into bad hands, they might
not suppose they were caught; for in such event they might immediately
make their escape by flight.

I would come up to Hillsborough myself, and consult with you further
on the subject, but it being uncertain, whether I should find you at home,
and as it will be in your power to do every thing that I conceive to be
necessary in the business, it is not worth while for me at present to
visit Hillsborough. Let me hear from you as soon as practicable. I
suppose of course that the Post Master Oenl. wrote to you, as well as
to myself. What does he say about Cookee letters f Did he ever receive
any from him on the subject of these robberies?

Thomas Buffin Esqr.

Hillsboro.

From Duncan McFayden.

Fatbttevilub 22d Oct. 1823.
Mr. John IT. Kirkland of this place advised me to write you as one
of the Trustees of the University of this State and give you an account
of the family of a Mr. Gilbert MacKechnie who died at Chapel Hill in
June 1821. In hopes that such will facilitate the means of recovering
any little money left by said McKechnie, I beg leave to trouble you
with the following particulars.

282 Thb North Gasohna Historical Commission.

The deed was a native of the Island of Islay Argyle Shire Scotland,
which place he left in October 1820 leaving then an aged mother in
indigent and reduced circumstances. His only brother John MacKechnie
left Scotland four years ago and is since living in the British Dominions
of America. I have had a letter from him lately which I send you
enclosed and from which you may see that it is his wish to send his
poor mother anything that can be recovered after satisfying all demands
against his brother^ Gilbert McKechneys Estate. The amt. left agreeably
to Mr. J. P. Sneed's statement to me, was, after defraying all ezpences,
about Sixty seven dollars, which sum although small would now be of
essential service to this poor woman for whose relief alone I have been
at so much trouble and Expense. I hope therefore that you will exert
your influence in recovering this little sum and on remitting it to me
or Mr. John IT. Kirkland. I shall forthwith send you and Mr. Sneed
or either a satisfactory Bond of Indemnification. Should the enclosed
letters from the mother and brother of the deceased be not sufficient to
convince the Trustees of the University as to the confidence reposed in
me by them, I shall beg leave to refer you to the following gentlemen
for particulars respecting my character — hoping to hear from you on
this subject when convenient,
Beferences.

Angus Taylor

Dun: Thompson

John M. Dobbin

John McBae.
P. S. I enclose you also .5/ to pay the postage as I cannot get into the
office. D. McF.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

[Enclosure]
John MacKechney to Duncan McFadyen.

^, r^ ^# rr -I QUEBBC 80th JUUO 1828.

Mr. Duncan Mc Fadyen

Sir. tho I belive your are My countryman, yet I am sorry to truUe
you as I dont Becolect of you. I had a letter Inclosed to me from John
Gillien Losset — ^Dunes of Islay — Argyleshire which apeared to have
been sent you from Mr. James Hogg— of Chapel hill Dated 7th June
1821 Giving you a particular account of My Brother Gilbert McKech-
neys Death. John Gillies is a Cusen of mine — ^he could not give me any
other acct. of Gilberts Death only this letter — ^which I supose you send
to my Mother Catherine Mclntyre Neanboss Islay I left Paisley 4
years ago and My Mother G McKechney was to follow — however it was
not to be. Now the only thing I wish you to do for me, is if you can

Thb Kuffin Papbbs. 283

give me any Information so as to recover his watch and seals which was
my own, and formerly Belong to my Brother Malcolm McKechney
Jailor, Glasgow, who Died in 1817. I was the oldest Brother — and now
left alone however thank God I have a promising little Family of 4
children and Considering the bad times pretty comfortable. I supose
by the account you had from Mr. hoggs that there would be very little
left when all was paid. Mr. hogg behaved as a friend and a Gintleman
I wish I had it in my power to make him a Becompence — ^he will have
my poor Mothers Blesings who is now left without a child Only me —
and fare from him it would be an act of Charity to send her any thing
that was lift — ^if any it Might be sent to Fetter MacEacham Spesel
Marchant Greenock, a friend of ours. I trust these lines will come to
your hand and an answer will Greatly obblige

Your most Obt. Sort.

John MaoKschnkt.
Armoure Ordnance Department Quebec.

K. B. there is one Malcolm MacLellon Tailor from Islay hear whom
you know. Please to let me have Mr. Hogg address. J. M. K.

[Address :

Mr. Dun** McFayden

at Mr. Taylors Mercht
Fayetteville
U.S.]

From B. B. Smith.

Post Office

Ealbigh 28th Octo. 1823.
Tour favor under date of the 16th Inst, by Mr. Moring, was duly
reed, and Agreeably to your request, I opened and particularly examined
the mail myself and found that the two fictitious Letters sent in the
Baleigh Packet and the one in the Petersburg Packet, were all safe, and
no markes of violence appeared on any of the genuine Letters therein
enclosed. They were of course forwarded. By this days mail I return
you the money in two Letters of a similar character. One addressed
by myself to you, covering $17 and the other by Alexander Collins, con-
taining $20. I have taken down the number and description of the
Bills as nigh as they could be ascertained, some of them being very
ragged. I hope you will meet the stage and examine the Raleigh packet.
That you may easily find and distinguish it from the other Packets I
will direct it in large Letters, "HiUsboro, Orange CoutUy No, Ca., and
underscore the word Hillsboro. This may save you a good deal of time,
and after you shall have opened it and satisfied yourself, you will be

884 The Nobth Casouka Hibtobical Commission.

very particular in doing it up again. If everything should be rights
why then you must wait until the mail shall be opened at the Hillaboro
Office, and here if your Letters are not immediately delivered jou may
easily know the reason — should they go safe to hand, it will be well to
repeat the experiment after a while and I think we shall be pretty apt
to catch the villain. Whenever you propose to try it again, drop me a
line by Mr. Moring, and as before I will particularly examine the mail
Thomas Ruffin Esqr.

From Rarmdui M. Saunders.

Wabhinotow Dec. 29th, 182S.
I have the satisfaction of acknowledging the receit of yours of the
20th inst. Your profered ^'services in defending or adjusting^ the
demand against me, places me under additional obligations to the many
other causes of friendship which I have already received at your hands —
and nothing I can assure you will ever afford me more real gratification
than to retain your good opinion and in some way be able to return the
many favours for which I am so much your debtor.

Do not however let me impose upon you any labour, that may be the
least injurious to your health, which I am happy to learn has ao far
improved, and which with care I trust will soon be entirely restored.
You should certainly abstain from the 'cares of life' for a sufficient length
of time to place your disorder out of the probability of returning.

It will afford me pleasure at any time whilst here to give you such
information upon the passing accurrances as may interest you. We
have as you will perceive many propositions for the amendment of the
Constitution. One would think from the number that the Abb6 Sieyes
or his constitution making spirit had gotten amongst us. Mr. McDuffie*
and Hayne^ are both very zealous, the former has made a very able
report in favour of his plan and will I understand make an elaborate
argument, the latter on introducing his into the Senate claimed credit for
what did not really belong to him nor his plan and that of Mr. Taylor*
last year is in principle the same — very doubtful what is to be done. Mr.
Webster has offered a Greek resolution^ he i& an able man and when it

lOeorge B. McDuffle, 179(^1861, member of Congress from South GaroUsa.

2Robert Toung Hayne, 1791-1839, senator from South Carolina.

sjohn W. Taylor of New York.

^Greece, now in the midst of a fierce struggle against Turkey, soaght reoog-
nitlon from the United States. There was mach feeling in the country favor-
able to recognition. Webster's resolution provided for the appointment of a
commissioner to Greece whenever the President darned it expedient. Webster
and Clay both supported this vehemently, .while President Monroe and John
Quincy Adams, secretary of state, were both insistent upon neutrality.
The resolution was lost partly through Randolph's opposition. It was a par-
ticularly unfavorable time for such action in view of the President's message
at the opening of this session of Congress, promulgating the Monroe Doctrtne.

Thb Kuffin Fapebs. 285

comes up will no doubt support it with ability. The Tariff we sball
again certainly have. I fear they are to get the advantage of us^ tho'
every resistance will be made to reject or render their burthens as light
as practicable. It is rumored that the president is in possession of im-
portant communications from the British governments^ in relation to
the views of the Holy allies concerning the South American republics —
what they are will not likely be known^ before our Committee of Foreign
relations shall propose something and probably not untill after it shall
be known what the allies propose doing. I wish that Calhoun in his
wild ambition may not induce the President to endanger our own peace
by endeavouring to give consequence to the army and his extravagant
plans for fortifications.

It is really a source of mortification to hear to what little petty appoint-
ments the President has condescended to prostitute himself^ in order to
serve the selfish views of Calhoun. I learnt a day or two since^ that both
the Senators and representators from Missouri recommended a man as
collector in that State^ that Mr. Crawford concurred^ being an appoint-
ment properly belonging to his depart, yet the President recommended
, a man, a brother of little Cook's^ of Illinois, who had voted for Calhoun
in a Legislative caucus. The Senate however had the firmness to reject
the nomination. It is said too that Gov. Edwards^ (a man without
moral character) would receive the nomination to Mexico, but for the
fear of his rejection Stokes is an applicant, but poor old fellow his
services in the cause of the '^favorite" are too feeble to insure him
success.

I agree entirely in your views in relation to certain characters and
parties, and though I have strong grounds to hope for success, still there
is much to fear. Adams and Calhoun evidently begin to jar, there has
been one or too pieces in their papers here that evince no small degree
of feeling. I think it more than likely therefore that Crawford would
divide the Eastern States, should Adams be drafted. From Pennsyl-
Tania I learn the caucus nomination will certainly succeed — that Craw-
ford already has the largest number in the Legislature — that Jackson's
friends will certainly go for him, as they complain of the arrogance with
which Calhoun's friends claim them — I find too that amongst the mem-
bers here Jacksons few supporters from that State, will vote with us in
caucus. New York it is confidently said, will go for the Caucus — should
De Witt C. offer, this will more likely unite the republicans. But every
possible exertion is now making against a caucus. Calhoun has out
spies, who bring every body that can be operated upon, to his house which

iDaniel Pope Cook, 1795-1827, M. C, 1819-1827.

2Ninian Edwards, 1775-1833, had been chief justice of Kentucky, governor
of Illinois Territory for nine years, and was now United States senator. He
was appointed minister to Mexico In 1824, bnt was recalled to answer charges.
He had written a paper containing very serious charges against William H.
Crawford and avowed the fact. Not being able to sustain them in any respect,
he resigned. He was governor of Illinois from 1826 to 1831.

S86 Thb Nobth CABOLurA Hibtosical Commission.

is always open to his partisans. Clay's party too begin to hawl off, they
still say they greatly prefer Crawford as Second, but they know the
hostility of the other candidates and that Calhouns party will do any
thing for his defeat, hence they found their calculations for the saccesB
of Clay, they do not positively refuse and I am in hopes that enough of
them will go in to answer our purpose. So soon as the Legislature of
New York shall meet, which will be in January, and shall again express
their sentiments upon a caucus, we shall mi^e a trial to have it. I
agree with you fully as to Calhoun and I should not be greatly disap-
pointed should he prove a second Burr. I am in hopes Mr. Macon will
go into Caucus. Branch now admits that Mr. Crawford will get the
vote of our State. I trust our Legislature does as hansomely in forming
their electoral ticket as they did upon other points. I wish we may do
as well here. I hope for the best.
Thomas Buffin esqr.

From William Ruffin and Others,

gj, Baubigh, Ist January, 1824

air.

At a public meeting of the Members of the General Assembly, favor-
able to the election of William H. Crawford as the next President, on
the 24th of December, you were nominated as an Elector for the District
in which you reside : We were appointed a Committee of Correspond-
ence, and directed to inform you of your nomination, and enquire of
you, whether you would consent to serve if elected, and vote for Mr.
Crawford as President. We trust, that if you agree with us in the
propriety of supporting Mr. Crawford, principles of patriotism, will
induce you to comply with the wishes of your friends, in consenting to
place your name on the Ticket' formed by those friendly to his election.
You will be pleased to give us an answer on this subject, directed to
William Buffin, of Baleigh, as soon as practicable.

Very respectfully,

B. Yawct,
BoBT. Stranqx.
J. Wilson,
J. W. Clabk,
W. Buffin.
[Address : Thomas Buffin, Esq.]

Thb Buffin Papebs. 287

From Willie P. Mangum.

,^ -, „. Wabhington City January 20tli 1824.

My Dear Svr

I was surprised and indeed mortified to see announced in the Star
yesterday that our friend Mr. James Mebane had consented to hold a
poll for one of the electors to support the election of Mr. Calhoun. I
was mortified^ because the contest will inevitably destroy that harmony
which is so desirable in the county^ and impair that good understanding
which it has been my pleasure to cultivate between him and my friends.

I have written to Mr. Mebane at great length on the Presidential
election two or three times^ and laboured to convince him that whatever
might be the success of Mr. Calhoun in North Carolina^ that he stands
no chance of ultimate success, and that division in the South will very
probably secure the election of Mr. Clay.

I regret to see Mr. Mebane made the organ through which that party
will express their opinions, and to see him with his personal and deserved
popularity endeavouring to sustain a cause that cannot but be hopeless.

The result will impair the usefulness of that very excellent man,
without a prospect of advancing essentially the interests of his favorite
candidate — I still hope that he will decline, and open the way to a
gentleman who is ever ready to occupy the breach not where imminent
perils are to be encountered but where popular favour can be wooed.
Touching the result everything is in doubt and uncertainty. That Mr.
Crawford is intrinsically stronger and considerably stronger than either
of the candidates cannot be questioned. But that Mr. Calhoun cannot
succeed I take to be equally certain. Mr. Adams is evidently on the
decline. His best friends abate in their ardour, believing I presume
that he cannot be carried through. Qen. Jackson is more carressed here
than all them — and is rapidly gaining ground, and could without doubt
get Pennsylvania, if she did not think her vote would be thrown away.

You have seen that a convention will be held in Pennsylvania, with
the view of designating a ticket. It is believed here that her object is
to gain time, watch the progress of events and ultimately throw her
strength in favour of the rising candidate. It is believed that both New
York and Pennsylvania will make it a point not to be in the minority
of the General Qovemment, and therefore I presume that any calcula-
tions at this time could not be satisfactorily relied on. If the election
shall come to the House of Beps. I assure you that Mr. Clay will be a
dangerous Competitor.

Since my arrival at Washington I have become more and more con-
firmed in the belief that the best interests of this nation require the ele-
vation of Mr. Crawford to the Executive Chair.

You have observed the direction and progress of the present Admin-
istration and it seems to me that it cannot be doubted that the present
fashionable ultra republicans have gone mad further than the sound

288 The North Cabouna Hibtobical Commissioit.

Federalists of the old school^ and that Mr. Calhoun is at the head of the
new school cannot be questioned. I do not believe thai there is any
intelligent Federalist in No. Oa. that upon his own principles can keep
pace with the new school republicans. The new school has taken the
principles of the old Federalists but press their principles much further,
I mean on the subjects of internal improvement etc.^ and especially in a
latitudinous construction of the constitution generally.

Mr. Macon informs me that even Ruf us King told him that lie was
alarmed at the extent to which the new school were going, and that it
had put him upon a reexamination of long established opinions. Mr.
Webster yesterday occupied the house 2 or 3 hours on his resolution.
The topic would seem to be barren, but he made it most interesting, and
it is said that a more able speech has not been made in some years, in
the House on the policy and views of the Holy Alliance he was most
powerful, and indeed of the great men here he is the only one that in
debate has yet manifested all the strength that I had attributed to him.
You know that as a popular speaker Mr. Clay is perhaps unrivalled.
Their excellence as you also know is very different in its kind.

Mr. Crawford is still very ill, and he has been constantly confined to
his chamber since the meeting of Congress. He is now confined in a
dark room on account of the inflamation of his eyes. It was thought
at one time that he would lose his sight. But at this time no doubts are
entertained of his recovery — ^he amends but slowly, tho surely.

Be pleased to present my respects to Mrs. Buffin, Mr. and Mrs. Cain
and accept for yourself assurances of my high respect.

Tho8. RufSn Esq. ^- ^- ^>^«^''-

From Rormdua Jf . Saunders.

Washikoton Febr. 5th, 1824.

But little has as yet been done in Congress — tho' the papers will give
you a full account of what has occured — the Greeks after an animated
discussion are laid upon the table without taking any vote, where it is
probable the subject will rest. The subject of roads and canals has been
under discussion for more than a week, — thus we talk from day to day —
but I fear the next subject, the tariff will eventuate more unfortunately
for us, If so we must resort to the same kind of associations that pre-
ceeded the war of our revolution, if we have virtue enough.

I have just returned from Mr. Crawfords and am happy to say he is
greatly mended— except his eyes he is well — these are still inflamed but
much improved — he says he thinks he will be able to come out in ten
days — it has operated much to his prejudices in being confined. We
have determined on having a caucus on the 14th of this month — this is
with a view of nominating Mr. Gallatin as Vice president, so as to

Thb Buffin Fafsbs. 289

anticipate the meeting in Fenna. calculating this to secure the vote of
that State. Our plan is to call the caucus by getting one man from each
State to sign the notice provided we can get one from the Majority of
the States to sign — we think that one from fifteen States will sign and
that our meeting will consist of at least ninety. We will then address a
letter to such as are friendly to Crawford who refuse to go, and thus
secure in his favour a majority of the republicans, which consist of
about 220 in all. If we succeed as we expect, some of the New England
States will go with us, and by the exertions of Gallatin I yet think Penna
will come in. I fear you have formed too favorable an opinion of Clay —
he is acting in a way calculated to forfeit our entire confidence — he
refuses to go into caucus and has said all he wants is to get the election
to the house tho' he is not very certain of getting in himself and he
certainly will not if Jackson runs, and then if Crawford, Adams and
Jackson come to the House the first must fail — Clay no doubt has
promises from Calhouns party provided he will oppose a caucus — the
anti-caucus party have secret meetings appoint one from each State to
get signatures and promises against a caucus — they have I learn about
sixty to their paper, they will either come in and attempt to vote us down
or publish their list and swear they have a majority — ^we will not be
voted down, even if they attempt it, tho' I do not think they will risk
this, as we are resolved to go through. Macon will not go in — ^tho' we
shall get his sanction to the recommendation — Branch I understand is in
correspondence with Murphey and others upon the subject of forming a
ticket in our State for Jackson. I yet hope we shall be able to beat the
rascals. You must if necessary and your health permits take the field
next summer against Mebane, tho' Calhouns party have no hopes here —
he still holds out merely for appearances and to make the best bargain
lie can. I rejoice in his defeat as I think him the most dangerous man
in the Gk>vemment.

The Minister to Mexico not yet appointed — it is said Calhoun has
become alarmed about Dallas and as he has promised so many I should
not be surprised if some one should get it, that has not as yet been named.
But as the President is in much difficulty about it— chance will deter-
mine it.

Thomas Buffin Esq.

To Catherine Ruffin}

,-. T% ± ^T'l-i PrrTSBOBOUGH — February 10th 1824.

My Dearest Child —

My promised letter to you should have been written long ago, if I had

not been so constantly engaged as to be unable to take the time. For I

assure you it is not more my duty to you than it is a pleasure to myself

iCatherine Rnffln, later Mrs. J. B. G. Roulhac, was Ruffln's eldest child.
19

290 The North Oabolina Histobical Commission.

to commence and continue a correspondence with yon. I fear howerer
that I shall not be so agreeable as to make you desire frequent letters
from me — for I should tell you of the faults in yours and give you odier
advice and that is generally not very acceptable to young people. I was
nevertheless gratified at your last letter to your Mother. It was quite
well written in diction^ pointing, and spelling and seemed to have be^
written at your leisure. That is a great matter in all things. You ou^t
always so to order your time as to do what you intend or is neoeasaiy
in due season and without being hurried, and you will more likely thea
do them properly and to your own satisfaction. Never, in particular,
write carelessly and always write your best in every respect. You would
soon acquire a habit of correctness and your letters would be sensible,
neat and easy. I hope that you spend most of your time at home and
especially your evenings and nights. You are too young to go much
into company and altogether so to mix in that sort of company called
parties. I hope you do not desire to do so and will not feel disappointed
in not going to them. You know, your Parents did not acceded to your
leaving them to go visiting — but to spend your time chiefly with your
two Aunts, whose advice and attentions would restrain and improve yeiL
I repeat the Counsel I gave you when you left us, upon that head : and
if my words would have more authority as commands than as advice,
you may take them in that light. You ought to be particularly careful
not to go out at night for anything. Your throat has given your Mother
and me a great uneasiness. It may get entirely well if you will observe
a proper course this winter ; though by neglecting it at your present age,
you may be an invalid through life. I have therefore to beg you to
avoid exposure and taking cold — ^keep within doors in bad weather and
of evenings.

You tell your Mother that you are reading European History. That
is very proper and I offer you my thanks and my congratulations for so
useful and so agreeable an appropriation of your time. Our lives are
only happy in proportion as they employed in acquiring knowledge and
practicing virtues. But let me add, that occasional reading of a single
volume, or a defective treatise upon one subject and then of another is
of very little value. System and Diligence are essential to the acquisi-
tion of correct or extensive knowledge and that alone is of value. When
you read therefore, read, in retirement, well selected books and devote
all your thoughts to them ; endeavour to impress important events upon
your memory and to apply the moral considerations arising out of them,
by reflection, to your own heart and improvement. But I would have
[you] remember one Book above all the rest. The Book of Life, — ^which
I trust you read daily and devoutly. The Bible is the fountain of Truth
and the revealed will of Qod to man: In every line it contains whole-
some instruction, reproof or comfort and is worthy of being studied and
known of all men. But it is the surest school for those who desire to
cultivate good feelings towards God and man, to learn our true nature

The Buffin Fafbbs. 291

and destiny and to live in meekness and humility. There are all proper
tempers and dispositions for a fine woman and nothing would give me
more pain than to see you indifferent to them. I never knew a woman
that professed Infidelity or was careless about Eeligion who duly felt
the weight of any duty or was useful in any of the relations of life or
was kind in her disposition or was happy. If my opinion be entitled
to any influence with you, you will not neglect your religious duties:
Kemember your prayers and your Bible and fail not daily to seek for
instruction in the former and to acknowledge your dependence in the
latter — as you have been accustomed to observe in your excellent Mother.
I wished to add other admonitions ; but I must reserve them for another
letter, as I have now hardly room left for communicating the tidings
of home ; for which I know you look in every letter from Hillsborough.
Tour Mama and the Children as well as all our friends are quite well.
Tour Sisters returned from Caswell last Saturday week, where they had
spent the whole of their holidays much to their satisfaction. Anne is
very hearty and full of glee as usual : Alice looks thiner than common,
tho' I hope not much is the matter. William went to see his grand-mama
the first Monday of the month, and, truant-like, he staid all the week
and only returned on Saturday night. He is at school with Mr. Bogers
and is reviewing his studies, so as to enter the Freshman class next Ses-
sion at College with credit. He is also attending upon the instruction
of a Mr. Moss, who teaches Elocution and Beading, in which William
is very deficient. I am told that he is a remarkably correct speaker and
an excellent Header — from which I have hopes that your brother will
derive much improvement. Sterling is again a pupil of his Scotch friend
upon the Hill; and Peter is Company for Elizabeth and your Mama.
Elizabeth begins to walk, tho' she is lazy and timid. She grows and is
in fine health and pretty as ever and well worthy of your wishing to
see her.

I do not know whether you stand in need of Clothes or Books; but
for fear you should I enclose you Ten dollars for any little matter you
may wish. I would advise you however not to consult yourself alone
about your wants, for very few people make safe judges in their own
matter. Tou have good counsellors at hand in your Aunts.

Write often to your Mama and brother and sisters — Tou will shew
your affectionate remembrance of them by doing so, besides affording
the means of improvement to yourself and the children. I need not say,
that I shall expect letters myself. Offer my kind regards to all our
relations ; and receive, my Child, the assurances of the tender affections
of your Father and Friend Thomas Buffin.

Miss Catherine Buffin
Fayetteville.

292 The North Cabolina Hibtobical Commission.

From Henry SeawelL

Washington 12th Feby 1824.
I have been in this City ever since the 12th Hit. — ^we have gone through
all the evidence adduced on the part of the government^ and are waiting
upon "our Oars" for the arrival of farther testimony, which we are
notified from the department of State, is ''speedily expected." My time
begins to hang heavily upon me — the novelty of scene has past away:
I have been physicked with the expression of sympathy for the Greeks;
I have attended the Supreme Court, and heard several interesting ques-
tions relative to State-rights discussed; and the right of Congress to
make internal improvements, being common talk for the hackmen; I
may say in truth, I am pretty well gorged with Washington, and would
prefer, greatly, to be at home, or even, on my plantation at Crabtree.
Congress is said to have more talent, than usually falls to her lot. I
am permitted as one of the privileged order to a seat within the halL
I have attended on most occasions of interest and heard the debates.
Mr. Clay, very far, surpasses any other member I have heard — ^he is the
most eloquent man I ever have met with, and possesses a voice that would
give force to any thing he might say. I have seen Genl. Jackson and
heard him make a short motion. The idea of his military character and
achievements, makes all who hear him, wUling to think he makes out
pretty well. The great men in the Supreme Court almost read their
speeches — they have a book in manuscript, on each point, fastened to-
gether in the form of a bill in equity, and equal in length, to Murphey^s
bill in behalf of Stokes and Welboum now pending in the Supreme
Court of No. Carolina. The Council in argument begin so low, as
scarcely to be heard, and gradually swell until they fairly rave; then
they gently subside into a soft whisper, their gesticulation is menacing,
both to the Court and the bystanders, and an equal portion of all they
say, is distributed to every part of the hall. The Constitution of the
United States, appears to be acquiring in the political world what was
ascribed to the philosopher's stone in the physical regions. It is gather-
ing by its oum growth, the capacity of converting every thing, into exclu-
sive Jurisdiction of Congress: for according to the construction now
contended for, and what it is more than probable will be supported by
the Supreme Court, the States can do nothing, what it is not in the
power of Congress to regulate; and there is scarcely any thing they can
act upon at all — the trade, or commerce, being subject to the regulation
of Congress, is supposed to draw after it almost all power of regulation,
and according to a definition given to the word "Commerce" by the Atto.
Qenl, that it means "intercourse/' I shall soon expect to learn, that our
fornication laws are unconstitutional: for the favorite doctrine now is,
that all the powers which congress possess are exclusive, and consequently
the sole power of acting upon that subject is transferred to them. As

Ths Buffin Fafebs. 293

to the presidency, no man knows any thing about it. "The Holy alli-
ance" I think, have over shot the mark. The people are obliged to see,
that it is not their right for which so much sensibility is felt ; it is a con-
sciousness, that it requires a reunion of all the other Candidates, to out
vote Crawford. Their object is to preverU the people from electing the
president, in order that it may come to the house of Bepresentatives,
when it comes there. States may, and will be divided, in some instances
equally; the very fulcrum can then be designated, upon [which] to apply
the efficient lever length enough is all that's wanting, little bodies will be
raised with short levers ; post offices, collectorships, marshals. Judges of
Territories etc., but your hi^e masses, will require more length : and as
different lengths are to be found in the great political forest, he who
becomes the Owner, can direct one to be cut, as easily as another — then
to the longer grade, up to a ministership. I fear I shall not be able to
get to Granville Court — I must again implore the mercy of my bretheren.
I should be glad to hear from you. Accept my best wishes.

[P. S.] I cannot perform the labour of transcribing this blotted
sheet. You will find out my meaning and I do not write for the press.

Mr. Buffin,

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From Henry Seawelh

^, T\ a- Bausioh 1st March 1824.

My Dear Sir

I returned from Washington on Saturday worn out with the fatigues
of the stage, and am at this moment sick enough to be in bed. I am
compelled to return by the 15th, and it is utterly impossible for me to
be at Oranville. I have been greatly beset by Holloway, and have heard
from Mrs. Falconer — my absence is purely accidental, for under no
ordinary happening of events, coud I have been prevented — our Board
was literally waiting upon the government for weeks, after having waided
through the whole mass of evidence adduced by individuals, as a sub-
stitute for the evidence general in its character which the government
by the Convention was to lay before the board on the question of Average
value we have after repeated applications and short adjournments, been
informed by the 4th of this month the evidence is to be closed, and to
give full time we adjourned to the 15th. I wish I could see you to talk
about the presidential election, the event depends upon circumstances,
and no probable calculation can be made. Mr. Calhoun who was repre-
sented by his understrappers to be so popular as almost to render his
election sure, "is off" There is no doubt he will aid Jackson and Adams

294 The North Cabolina Histobical Commission.

all his power, preferring Jackson in the first instance and any body

before Crawford — The Holy Alliance seem determined to pnt him down —

Many of the friends to Clay, are for Crawford in the second instance,

and there are some N. England men who are his friends, but afraid to

turn out against their section. So much for politicks.

*******

I write in great haste to send to town to go by those bound to Gran-
ville. I am chilled with cold — and still worse have a client at my elbow.
Qod bless you — ^remember me to all my brethren in feelings of kindness,
and show me all the mercy you can.

Thomas Buffin Esqr.

[Address: Oxford.]

[Copy]
E. Freeman^ to H. Potter.^

NxwBXBN, March 8th 1824.

No sooner did I cast my eye upon that part of a former letter of yours,
informing me of your being visited (infested, I should say) by two Anti-
Trinitarian Preachers — a Father and his son — than it was impressed
upon my mind, Whitaker and his son are ihe men! Your letter by today's
mail has confirmed my suspicion — or rather shown me my conjecture
was correct. The only reason why I did not mention my suspicion to
you in my last was, I could hardly believe the young man had had the
impudence to become a preacher.

The character of these men I know full well. They are from New
Bedford, Massachusetts, which is within 30 miles of my Father's house,
and which place I have often visited, and visited this last fall. I never
heard any good of them. I have heard from the best authorities much
evil. Not that they were capable of doing much hurt by preaching —
they were considered by all as unfit to preach — as too immoral even to
preach socinianism, — The elder man had been settled over the anti-
trinitarian Church in New Bedford a number of years and had also a
school in that place, until last spring or summer. Beports of his stealing
wood etc., whipping his wife unmercifully, and such like deeds had be-
come so frequent, and his immoralities and infidelity so notorious, that
his people (his church and congregation), tho' they had themselves no
more true religion than the Hindoos, were ashamed of him, and were
anxious to get rid of him. At length (his congr^ation having dwindled

iProbably Edward B. Freeman of Halifax, 1796-1868, a native of Mi
chnsatts, clerk of the Supreme Court, 1846-1868.

SHenry Potter of Graven, 1766-1867, Judge of the United States District
Court, 1801-1867.

The Euffin Fafbbs. 295

away to almost his own family) and the parish wishing to have another
minister^ agreed to give him $1200^ if he would release them from their
obligation to support him and clear out. He found this for his interest
and left N. B. upon which they settled a Socinian by the name of
Dewey. — The young man was considered an infidel and assisted his
father in publishing a work which he edited^ called the ^'Christian Philan-
thropist"— a publication of a most irreligious and immoral tendency.
These two men, no doubt, finding their character gone in Mass^., have
come to these ends of the earth, hoping to impose upon the good people.
The young man has probably taken up preaching since he left his native
State. They may have recommendations from those who were willing
to have them leave those r^ons, and cared not for what impositions
they might practise elsewhere. Their testimonials, if they have any,
may be forged. It is a pity they should be permitted to impose upon the
people any where, either as preachers or Schoolmasters. — I consider
them dangerous men in either occupation.

You are at liberty to show the above as far as you may think proper.

In the extract sent to Mr. Morrison (which I did not see) I under-
stand that some of the expressions, such as stealing wood etc., were
omitted.

From Romulus M, Saunders,

Washington March 9th 1824.
I wrote to Mr. Yancy a few days since. I suppose you will meet at
HilIs[bor]o next week. We receive here such unfavourable accounts as
to Oallatins^ being run for the Vice Presidency in N. 0. that I should
like for you and him to have a conference upon the subject and advise
me of the result. Mangum says his runing will endanger the success of
Crawford in his District. You will have seen the result of the Harris-
burg ticket for Jackson and Calhoun — these I understand are to be
supported under the expectation of carrying the vote of N, and S. Caro-
lina. Their nomination will certainly benefit us in the north and
[Eastern States. From "N. York I have positive intelligence, that the
Senate will reject the Electoral bill — that in the Senate there are two
for one in favour of Crawford and in the other House 86— that they will
in a few days hold a caucus and confirm our nomination. If they do
this all will yet go right. Clay has played a desperate game and lost
everything — he is much depressed at the Harrisburg views. He calcu-
lated on being named as Vice Prest. there — such is his reward for his
labours upon the Tariff. Qallatin has not yet accepted the caucus nomi-

lOallatln, who had been nominated by the caucus for Vice President, waa
forced to withdraw in September in the hope of helping Crawford.

296 The North Cabolina Historical Commission.

nation and as his own State has refused to support him, it is whispered
that he will not. I am desirous therefore of having the views of Mr.
Y. and yourself as to the effect of runing him in N. C. that I may com-
municate with the party here. Branch speaks iii such positive terms —
Mangum and Cameron as well as Lacy express such fears upon the sub-
ject, that I entertain some danger. We are still engaged upon the
Tariff — on yesterday we gained an important advantage by striking
out the 3rd Section of the Bill, which imposed an additional duty, equal
to the amount of bounty in premiums given by any foreign power — as
conflicting with the British Treaty forbidding any preference being given
to other powers in preference to their exports. Upon this subject Clay
was so paralized by the news from Penn. as to have f aild completely
and the friends of the Bill begin to despair and I yet think we shall
reject or greatly modify it.

Let me hear from you as soon as convenient.

Thomas Euffin esqr.

[P. S.] Such is Clay's state of feelings that should N, Y. come out
for Crawford, I should not be surprised at his joining Jackson nothing
but a union of C. and Adams friends can prevent the election of Jackson.

From William F. Buffin.

Chapel Hill, March 11th, 1824.

I have entirely recovered my health again and on my return to the
Hill found my class a good ways ahead of me in my studies, but shall
be able to make up all before the examination in June. We are now
studying a late edition of Modem G^graphy by Sidney Morse in 1822,
and the Atlas we get with the G^graphy are of no earthly use, there are
but one or two principle places laid down, (I think you have a large on^)
if you have, send it down to me by the first stage for it is impossible to
get a lesson correct on the one I have at present. One thing I n^lected
to tell you when in Hillsboro last. Mr. Cain told me to tell you if you
would give him the money when he goes to Petersburg that he will get
better cloth for less money than you can get in Hillsborough and that he
would charge me no profit, nothing but the cloth would cost in Peters-
burg and that it would be better on my side considerably, or if you dont
do that, wait untill he comes back and get a nice piece of Blue from him
as I suppose he will get some good. I Believe I can do with a waistcoat
until the winter, just get a coat and pr of panterloons. Dr. Caldwell
is going to set out for London in a month or two for the purpose of
purchasing a Philosophical apparatus and Books for the use of the
College. Give my love to Sister and the Children and accept it yourself

[Address: Hillsboro, N, C]

The Buffin Fafebs. 297

From John Long Jr}

Washington City March 14th 1824.

A great deal of speculation here relative to the next President. The
Legislature of If. York has refused to repeal the Electoral Law of that
State from which it is infered that the State will undoubtedly support
Crawford. Calhoun has struck his flag to Qtea. Jackson and I under-
stand the managing part of Crawfords enemies in N. Ca. are very indus-
triously engaged in transferring the whole of Calhouns friends in that
State to Jackson. It is possible that the people can be so blinded by the
Sound of the peoples ticket as to submit to such Bargaining and Barter-
ing at the will of a few unprincipled Aspiring Partisans. Would it not
be advisable for the people during the week of their Supr Court in their
respective counties to meet and recommend Mr. Crawford to the people
etc. I know the Editors of the Baleigh Register would like to publish
their proceedings and many would like to read them. I have suggested
the plan to several of the leading men of Chatham County (Col Jones^
and others) should you think with me and be at Pittsboro Court I know
you will feel interested in having it Judiciously conducted. I cannot
entertain an opinion for a moment that there is any doubt but Crawford
will get the vote of K . Ca.^ but I know that some of his enemies will
not stop at any thing to carry their point and should they succeed it will
afford a triumph that I should be sorry to witness. The nomination of
Gallatin did not meet my approbation nor can I urge his election —
indeed I was surprised at the Nomination and think it rather unfortu-
nate and yet hope that he will refuse to accept. If he should not I think
we must have our Electors in N Ca at liberty to vote for who they please
aa Vice President.

Should be glad to hear from you from Pittsboro.

Thomas Buffin Esq.

From Romulus M, Saunders.

Washo. March 16th, 1824.
I have this moment received from Albany the pleasing intelligence
that the Electoral BilP is rejected. New York is now safe — the mem-

ijobn W. Long, Jr., of Randolph, 1786-1857, M. C, 1821-1829.

2Ck>lonel Edmund Jones.

sThe law of New York gave the choice of electors to the existing legislature.
The Clinton element, against the opposition of Van Buren and his followers,
attempted to secure the passage of a law providing for their choice by popular
vote. The bill for that purpoee was defeated, but the struggle roused so much
feeling that Van Buren was unable to hold the legislature and the vote of the
State was divided.

298 The Nobth Cabolina Hibtobical Commission.

bers of the legislature will in a few days come out for the caucus candi-
dates — ^all we have now to fear is a union between Adams and Clay—
the former as President and the latter Vice Prest. Clay is decidedly
hostile to Crawford. It is difficult to say on what account unless it be
that he is resolved on being either Prest. or Vice Prest. But I yet think
we will defeat their machinations.
[Address :

B. Yancy or Thos. Ruffin Esqr

Hillsborough

No. Carolina]

From Henry Seawell.

Washington 23d March 1824.
I am at this among the most distressed men, am gravely cooped up
without employment, whilst I see my business at home suffering for
want of my presence. When I am to be able to get off, I can form no
guess. I despair of reaching home in time for Wake Supr. Court. The
clients from whom I have received fees in that court, already b^gin the
refunding system — it is ruinous to me — for the expenses of my situation,
are almost equal to the emoluments. Hainds, our client in Jail, wrote
me a note when I was at home enquiring whether in case of failure, I
woud refund what he had paid me ? I have visitted him half dozen times
in a loathsome dungeon ; done more drudgery than I would perform for
the seventy dollars he has paid me, (I think it is about that sum I have
received) and now he calls on me to return that unless I go through with
him. There are divers cases on the Civil docket when I have been paid —
for Gbd's sake extend to me all the clemency you can; and intercede for
me with my other brethren, be assured it is perfectly accidental that I
have detained so long nothing but the most ill advised course in the
preparation of the evidence in relation to the preliminary point of
average value coud have produced such a result. When we get over this
point, then our course can be shaped according to our own convenience
and I shall have abundant opportunity to attend to all my business — if
I can be permitted to finish it^ it is as far as my previous intentions have
extended, but if I am compelled to refund, I shall be obliged to aed^
indemnity, by a more vigorous effort in the practice, than I have hitherto
made — as for politicks, they are out of my range, but I occasionally hear
them talked about. The tariff is making slow progress, but I think it
doubtful whether it will pass, there is at least, a hope that it will not as
the Presidential election. I have this moment made the enquiry, with a
view of writing you something on that head. The Oracle I have con-
sulted is Col. Hayne of the Senate from So. Carolina, a thorough Anii-

Thb Buffin Fafebs. 299

Crawford, Jacksonian^ he tells me Crawford is down, and Clay very
much on the waine, and that the contest will be close between Jackson
and Adams. This Gentleman is my near neighbour, and possesses my
confidence and esteem in an eminent degree. There is no labourer in
the vineyard, more zealous or better disposed to promote its true inter-
ests ; and there are few more sturdy, or who wield their implements to
better advantage. On common topicks I consider his opinions a great
degree oracular, and it is matter of great rogret to me, that so able an
officer shoud be found in the ranks opposed to Crawford. My own
opinion is, that Crawford is rising, that his prospects are brightening
every day, nor should I be surprised, if he should be elected by the
people. If J. Q. should obtain no accession to the strength of N. E.
he must inevitably fail, and in that event, I should consider Crawfords
election as sure, but if H. C. should be withdrawn, I have great fears
from the west — it is much to be dreaded, that, that force will be thrown
into the scale of Jackson — it is all important therefore, that his name
should be kept up — and I make no hesitation in stating to you that he is
decidedly my second man — his course has been open manly and above
board, his sentiments upon every subject are perfectly known, he seems
to prefer that he shoud be understood, there is no difference of opinion
upon the Tariff bill, with respect to his sentiments — the same with Mr.
Crawford, the motion of reference to the Secretary of the treasury was
opposed in the H. Representatives, not from any tenderness to Craw-
ford, but because his views and sentiments would become official and
known to the commumty. Oreat pains have been taken, as I think, to
make Clay inimical, personally, to Crawford, but as I believe, without
success, his course is ^^erectus in curia" as Ch. Jus. Taylor woud say.
My opinion is, that personally he is friendly and I have little doubt that
if he is brought to throw his weight in the H. R. in the presidential
election that it will be in Crawfords scale — it is asserted with much con-
fidence here that Jackson is to get the vote of "No. Carolina, he is without
doubt a tariff man, though it is possible his objections to some of the
details may induce him to vote against it. The people of our State ought
to be informed that the principle of the tariff bill is exclxision or prohi-
bition, and that consequently the government is to be supported not from
revenue raised by import, but direct taxes, if the importations are pro-
hibited from foreign countries, they in return, will prohibit the intro-
duction of our products. The effect then is to cut off all markets, and
whence are we to pay these taxes? And is it any consolation for all
these evils brought upon us, that it was necessary to pay the debt of
gratitude due to the Hero? I admire the soldier who has exposed his
life in the service of his country. I venerate the patriot in whatever
way he may have manifested his zeal for his country's good, and as an
officer, I know no man more deservedly entitled to the confidence of the
government, and who woud so generally be sustained by the voices of
his fellow citizens as Jackson, but I cannot be convinced that because

300 The'Nobth Caboliita Histobical Commission.

he is a good officer ; because he is a patriot^ and has the confidence of the
people, therefore he is qualified to be the ruler of their civil affairs ; and
therefore his views of the true policy of the government is right.

Accept my kind wishes, remember me affectionately to all my brethren
and believe me very sincerely.

Mr. Euffin.

From, Willie P. Mangum.

Housx OF Repb. 24th March 1824.
*******

There is nothing new or important here, that is not to be seen in the
papers.

I think it perfectly certain that Gen. Jackson, tho strong, cannot in
any event be elected President. I should be gratified to feel as sure
that Mr. Adams is not to be the man, no material however that I knoir
of. Crawford will get at least 90 votes in the electoral college. It is
believed however that no election will be made, unless by the H. of
Beps — ^and there is the difficulty that Crawford has to encounter. If
the intrigues that are on foot, I mean of the combination of the other
candidates, shall succeed, he will be ultimately defeated — all indeed
depends upon that and it is probable before we leave Washington, that
the result may be anticipated with some certainty. Congress will not
adjourn I think before 15th May, probably not before 1st June as some
think.

[Address : Raleigh, N, C]

From WiUiam F. Ruffin,

Chapxl Hill April 1st, 1824.
I received your letter by yesterdays mail which tho greatly surprised
me gave me the most considerable pleasure. Your first rate advice I
shall endeavour to follow, tho I have studied harder this session than I
ever have done in my life and still I shall not be first in my class. I
have been second and I am a little afraid that I shall lose that, though
it would undoubtedly be partiality in the highest degree. The Tutors
here of late have into a plan of marking any person when he recites to
stand against him in confering the honours, their marks are 5 for the
first honour, 4 second, 3 third and 2 and 1 none. We recite to Mr.
Young^ one lesson in the day and he generally gives me the first mark

lEliflha Young, a tutor in the University.

Thb Ruffin Papers. 301

and never below the second and we recite to Mr. Betner^ one lesson also

and he (Who it is given up by all the class that he is the most partial

mean principled men on Chapel Hill^ has his favourites to whom let

them recite ever so badly he will give the first marks) gives me generally

the second and third marks. But may be he'll repent it sometime or

another. And Messrs. Andrews^ and Young men who are guided as

little by partiality as any two men I know will tell you how I recite and

then you may at once judge impartialy whether Mr. Betner is partial

or not, but if his low marks exclude me from my desert^ I can say with

as good a face as any person and I am not the only that will say so that

I have recited my lessons this session as well as and better than some

of those to whom he through his partiality has given the marks of the

first honour and moreover I can say that his low marks have not kept

me from studying harder than I otherwise would have done or from

knowing my lessons any better^ but I should not be surprised if he were

to knock me out completely. I expect he has taken up an idea that I

am a noisy lazy fellow and that I partake in hissing and whistling at

him sometimes in recitation^ he gets a good deal of it some time^ I assure

for none but his favourites care anything more about him than for the

College Servants and indeed not as much. You advised me to read not

novels but useful and solid Books^ but there is no more chance to read

here since they have so greatly increased our Studies than it is to fly.

I haven't read a half dozen Books this whole session, not even a Tragedy

of Shakespeare as you mentioned. The members of the Senior Class

speak this week their own composition, there were two as good speakers

delivered on Tuesday evening as I ever heard one by James W. Bryan*

from New Bern on A Survey of Europe and Greece, and the other by

Henry E. Coleman^ from Halifax Virginia on Should the United States

united with Mexico, and we had a very interesting debate on monday

evening between Jno. W. Norwood*^ and Benjamin B. Blume* of Gter-

manton in Stokes on Should 50 Acres of land constitute A Voter, John

very ably supported the negative. You mentioned that you had forgotten

that Articles I asked you to send for By Mr. Moore to Petersburg, it

was only to give him the money to get cloth for a suit of Clothes and hat

as he can them of much better cloth there for less money than you can

in Hillsboro. Ask him to get Blue as nice as possibility with the money

you will give him and a Hat of which I've told him. Give my love to

Uncle and his family. I have written four times to Sister M. and

iGeorg^e Shonnard Bettner of New Bern, a graduate of 1823 and a tutor in
the University.

2Ethan Allen Andrews, profeesor of languages In the University.

sjames West Bryan of Craven, 1805-1864, who was a lawyer of Carteret
County in later life. He was state senator and delegate to the convention
of 1836.

4Henry Emhry Coleman of Halifax C. H., Va., graduated in 1824.

sjohn Wall Norwood of Hillsboro, who later became a prominent lawyer
and was twice a member of the legislature.

•Benjamin Bynum Blume of Stokes, who graduated in 1824.

302 Thx IfoBTH Oasouna Hibtobical Commission.

Catherine since I came from Hillsboro and they haven't answered one
of them and I have given it up as a bad job and quit. You mentioned
that you expect I have heard lately that all my relations are well in
Hillsboro for your little folks were always speaking of writing to me
but they never do it. I haven't received but one letter from Wm. this
session and have written a dozen at least.
[Address :

Ealeigh, Wake County,

N. Carolina.]

From William H. Thompson.^

Chapel Hill April 10th 1824.

The earnestness with which you have advised and the liberal accept-
ance you have rendered me in acquiring an education, have induced me
to call upon you again at the close of this education, for your advice
with respect to my future course. Medicine is the profession I have made
choice of for myself — But as I will be unable for want of funds to enter
upon the studies directly after graduation I designed taking charge of
some school — For this purpose I applied to Mr. Sogers to get the appoint-
ment of assistant teacher in the academy at Hillsboro. He wrote to me
that he had already agreed with Mr. Jno Norwood to assist him, but
mentioned that there was a vacancy in Ebenezeer Academy at Leesburg,
Caswell, occasioned by the dismissal of Mr Cooper, and that he would
name me to the Trustees of the Academy if I requested it. He says
that a salary of four or five hundred dollars may be calculated upon at
first, and that there is every reason to believe that this sum will be
liberally augumented as the teacher proves his claims to further remuner-
ation. As this is the most favorable opportunity within my knowledge
of engaging in business immediately I had thought it would be my best
course to accept of the appointment if offered. However, as I regarded
you as the best of friends — I considered it proper to consult you on the
subject, before I had taken any definite step. I hope you will favor me
with your advice in this case as soon as you can.

When I commenced writing I intended to have concluded here — ^But
I do not consider it to be improper to subjoin a few remarks — ^the report
of the senior class — as it has been a subject of considerable discussion^
here and given rise to much unpleasant feeling and indeed some dis-
turbance among the Dialectic members of college among whom I include
myself — The chief cause of complaint to our members, was what we

iWllllam Henry Thompson of Chapel Hill, a graduate of the Universitr
in 1824.

Thb Buffin Pafebs. 303

conceived to be an unjust distribution of distinction by the Faculty.
They appointed a member of the Philanthropic Society to deliver the
latin speech. When we were all fully convinced there were four or five
members of the D. S. who ought to have been prefered.

This decision of the Faculty was attributed to a partialty which we
have thought, has long existed in that body. So indignant were the
students when the report was first received, that a general spirit of
insubordination prevailed among the other classes, and I am proud to
say that its suppression was owing to the influence of the senior class,
who promised to act in such a manner as would satisfy them. Accord-
ingly the Dialectic members of the Senior class wrote a petition to the
Faculty requesting to be exempted from taking any part in the exercises
of commencement. This request has not, as yet, been acted upon by the
faculty, and so it rests here. We have no hope that the faculty will
comply with what we ask. We only wish to show by our proceedings
that we disapprove of the report.

Judge Buffin.

[Address: Hillsboro, "N. C]

From Archibald D. Mv/rphey.

GsKENSBOBOUGH 29th April 1824.

I am sorry to hear of your indisposition. You must take more Care
of yourself: your Constitution is delicate and cannot bear up against
the exposure and Fatigue which you have of late years suffered. Your
life is too valuable for you to run any risk of your Health : it is every
year becoming more so, and every day imposes upon you a new duty to
take Care of it. I hope you will Soon be well again.

I did not know your Brother was going down from this place Untill
the Moment he was about to start, or I Should have written to you by
him. I have attended to your Business here, and shall again on tomorrow
give all the satisfaction I can to your Clients. Your Absence is much
r^retted by the People, as well as your Brethren. We have done but
little, and it is upon the whole a poor Court.

Capt. Estis^ had the lands Surveyed by a Mr. Beck, a Deputy Sur-
veyor. I did not reach his House untill Sunday Morning, having been
detained at Lexinton by the Trial of Law for Murder. He and his Wife
would have executed the Deed According to the Survey of Beck; but
your Brother had gone and taken with him the papers ; and Capt Estis
told me, Mr. Michaux insisted upon a survey being made by Mr. Wil-
liams, the County Surveyor, He promising to get Mr. Williams to make

1 Joel Elstes, formerly of North Carolina but now of Tennessee.

304 The North Carolina Histobical Commission.

the survey, and I am to go to his House from Rockingham Court House
on next Week, on this business ; When I hope, I will get everything done
that is necessary. I am very desirous of closing it.

I will have the necessary Orders made in your Suit with Holman.
Mr. Hill has not been here, nor are the Costs paid. I will have an exe-
cution issued.

I received $50 for Mr. Caven for you, and making up Money for Mr.
Bagge and to pay a Debt to Elisha Mendenhall, which he called on me
for, I have used it. I expect to get it again tomorrow, and if so, I will
Send it to you very early on friday Morning, with $25. I got for you
from Mr. Bray. I shall be able in a few days, I hope, to pay up to Mr.
Bagge the entire Interest upon my two Bonds. He has been here and
seems quite content: and says upon my paying him the Interest regu-
larly, he will give me four or five years to begin the reduction of the
principal. I have had pretty good luck thus far on the Circuit. I am
trying to drive some trades for Western Lands : whether I shall Succeed,
I cannot yet tell. It is probable, I shall, in Part.

I received on Monday a Letter from Mr. McLemore^ enclosing me a
Map of the great Connexion of Surveys on the Holston, and Seeing the
Tracts which Mr. Hughes^ had Selected for me, and containing Maj'.
Horkly's Description of these Tracts. Mr. McLemore writes a long
Letter about these lands, and lands generally in the Western District of
Tennessee. My Lands are better than I expected. I would send you Mr.
McLemores letter and Maj'. Horkleys Map ; but I have made a Propo-
sition to Mr. Taney and he has the letter and map for examination : and
I want them on next week at Rockingham. I will send them to you in
time for you and Mr. Kirkland to examine them before Orange Court

In my Contracts with Mr. Alston,* Col. Farrar,* Oeorge Luther and
others, I have allowed them 20 per Cent upon the Amount of my Debt to
them in Consideration of their taking Payment in lands. I intend to do
the same with you and Mr. Eirkland : but you and he will get the best
land I own. It seems from Majr. Horklys Statement that there Bxe
upwards of 4,000 Acres of first rate land in the Tract.

I am very desirous of closing our Contract, and wish by all means to
do it when we meet ; and in the meantime, if you can command as much
time, draw up the necessary Instruments. The Idea of reestablishing
Myself at the Hermitage^ has given me new life and vigour : I once more
begin to feel like a Citizen.

iJohn C. McLemore of Nashville who had formerly lived in Raleigh. He
was a surveyor and, like so many of his kind, a land dealer.

2Robert Hughes, a lawyer of Jackson, Tenn., and Murphey's land ageot
He married Murphey's niece.

sProbably the Alston who sued Murphey in 1819. See Hoyt ed., The Murphey
Papers, I, 151.

4John Farrar of Chatham County.

BMurphey'e home in Orange, formerly the property of his father-in-law,
John Scott.

Thx Kuffin Papers. 305

I have paid Mr. Allen^ one half of his account for the Timhers he
furnished at the Mill. I will settle, with Mr. Hinton and also Mr. Wood ;
but I do not expect I can pay Mr. Wood on this Week. However, if he
prefers, I will make some Arrangement for his geting his money in ten
days. The money for the lands I will Send you.

I pray God, Dear Ruffin, to restore you quickly to good Health, and
to prolong your life, TJntill you can acquire that high honor and reputa-
tion that await your Genius and honourable exertions. Bemember me
kindly to Anne and all the Children.

Thomas Kuffin esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough]

From Bartleii Yancey.

Caswell, 29th of June 1824.
*******

Being at Baleigh and seeing persons from almost every part of the
State, you can give me some iN'ews on the Presidential election. Inquire
of WiUson and others from the West: Also of the Cape Fear Coimtry.
Inquire about the Halifax and Edenton Districts, and be so good as to
write me by Mr. WatUngton on his return.

I see from an intimation in the National Intelligencer, of the 22d,
that the Committee on Investigation have retracted nothing they have
before said, and that in the subsequent investigation^ the Secretary stands
as fair as at first. Of this I had full confidence, because I know well,
that if ever I saw an honest politician and an honest man, it was Craw-
ford. Will not his affair have a powerful effect in favor of his election {
It certainly ought, and will have an infiuence. In Rockingham, the
upper part, they are not for Jackson: Also in the neighborhood of
Leaksville. Otherwise we are doing very well. Write me fully.

[Address : Raleigh, N. C]

To Major John Owen?

Ralexqh— June dOth 1824.

About 18 months ago a man by the name of Moore of Orange County

brought to me by way of Consultation the bond of James Porterfield,

of which I annex a copy on the other side. Mr. Moore is the son of the

man to whom the bond was given who died in some few years after the

lAlexander Allen.

2MaJor John Owen of Bladen, 1787-1841, member of the Honse of Commons,
1812; state senator, 1827; governor, 1828.

306 The North Cabouna Hibtobical Commission.

date of the Contract leaving his son an infant of veiy tender years.
Major Samuel Turrentine formerlj the Sheriff of Orange was the Exec-
utor or administrator of Alexander Moore and the guardian of hia son
and only child. Maj. Turrentine removed to Tennessee about ten years
ago and now resides there. The bond, being a contract for Land, belongs
to the son as heir. He seemed to know but little of Mr. Porterfield or
his Estate and nothing of the nature of the contract, as he had but latdj
come into possession of it from his father's representative. I told him
that I would enquire into the affair. I did so and learnt that Archd
McBryde Esqr of Moore County had settled Mr. Porterfield's Estate.
I applied to him for information as to its situation. He told me diat
he perfectly knew Mr. Porterfield's writing and from inspection that the
bond was genuine — that he had chiefly settled the personal Estate;, not
as Executor or administrator but as the Agent of the person who bore
that Character — ^that he was unable to say how it now stood and never
knew any thing about the Lands ; but that you and your Brother, or one
of you had succeeded to the Estate as heir or devisee and that application
ought to be made to you. Knowing that there was some landed connec-
tion between you and my friend Mr. Murphey, I mentioned the subject
to him and requested him to speak to you when he should see you, which
he promised to do. I do not know whether he did or not^ but rather
suppose that he forgot it from my not hearing from either of you about
it, tho our conversation passed last winter. When I myself saw you
here, it entirely escaped me, else I should have mentioned it. Mr.
Murphey however requested me on your behalf to see my Client again
and to know of him whether he insisted on having the land or would
put up with money and what sum at the least. I have lately had a con-
versation with Moore, who is an exceedingly ignorant man as well as
in humble circumstances; for each of which reasons he is averse to
litigation and especially at a distance. He was hence induced upon my
advice, to agree to take in money, instead of the land, the original sum
advanced by his father, say £120 — ^with Interest on it.

Tou will, I have no doubt, properly appreciate this letter, which let
me say once for all is not intended professionally to draw you into any
admission or obligation, that would subject you to pay anything that
you may not now be under obligations for. My object is simply to give
you notice of the demand and the nature of it and to communicate the
terms to which my client will assent if you feel it your interest to accept
them. I would further enquire of you, whether, supposing the bond
genuine and its validity imimpaired by subsequent circumstances, Mr.
Porterfield has left Western Lands to comply with it or personal Estate
to make it good ; and whether yourself or who else is, within your knowl-
edge, his heir or devisee, and further, whether it would be agreeable to
him or them to make the compromise as suggested or to offer any other.

As I stand in the confidential relation of Counsel for Mr. Moore, I
would add, for my own sake, the expression of my wish that you should

Thx Kuffzn Papxbs. 307

consult a l^gal friend before favouring me with your anawer — which I
take the liberty of asking at as early a day as conyenient.

The good cause of Bepublioanism and the good and great man, Graw-
fordy are in a pretty good way in my county and District: Mebane I
believe goes to pot this election. I hope your friends below continue
stedfast.

[Address : Bladen County N. C]

From John Firdey.

WiLKxsBOBo' July 9th 1824.

QejxL Lenoir^ and myself have been thinking it would be impossible
for you to be as well prepared to enter into the trial of the Moravian
Cause^ this term, as at the next, as the proof which you took a memo-
randum of while we were at Baleigh can be had at the next term, if
nothing happens; and I should be glad to know if the Supreme Court
could order a record to be made by that officer when he would be out
of his own County with the Books at Raleigh.

Thos. Kuffiin Esqr.

N, B. I presume you understand me, as I wish the above proof to be
kept a profound secret, which you are apprized of, when you took notes
of what could be proven.

[Address : Baleigh N. C]

From Archibald D. Mv/rphey.

„ ^ ^ 13th. July 1824.

Dear Buffln.

• * * I am on the eve of seting out for the Western District.

The excessive hot Weather has distressed me and delayed me. My Time

is short and I have a great deal to do : More than I can possibly get done.

Thus far things have gone on pretty well with me, except that my Pocket

has been rifled and between one and two hundred Dollars stolen from me.

This is confidential. I know the Man, and I had no more Suspicion of

him than of you. I will tell you all about it when I see you, and you will

be no less surprised than Myself. The Money is lost.

iWiUlam Lenoir of Wilkes, 1751-1S39, the first president of the board of
trustees of the University of North Carolina. He was a man of much power
and was very Influential In his section of the State. He had been four times
a member of the Commons and eight times of the Senate.

2The Moravian Cause had been reopened by Lenoir in 1822.

308 Thb North Carolina Historical Commission.

There is no news. Great apprehensions are entertained of a sickly
Season about this place. Dysentery and bilious fever already prevail

I think it probable I shall so manage as to get all the Warrants of the
Trustees which I brought out^ adjudicated and located before I return.
We have got an Order from the Circuit Court for a Mandamus, to Mr.
Oraham, to adjudicate the Warrants : He has appealed to the Supreme
Court, and the Case will be argued on Monday next. We are pretty
confident of Success. In the Mean time I have been engaged in pro-
curing Locations for the Warrants, And have got nearly two thirds of
them secured, for Lands equal or nearly so to the Lands of the Warrants
of 1822. The Warrants rejected by the last Legislature and those I
brought out this Summer (the Part remaining to the Trustees) amount
to 50.000 Acres and a fraction. There is a flood of Warrants collected
from a strange Construction given to an Act of the last Assembly^ and
will be poured over the Western District in a few Weeks. However the
Trustees of the Colledges here and myself have engaged from the Loca-
tors all the Locations or nearly so, that are in Readiness, And in this
way, if we can get out Warrants into the Locators's hands within the
next six Weeks, We shall still be safe. Our Counsel here deserve the
thanks of the Board and a very large Fee.

Bemember me Affectionately to Anne and all your Children, to Mr.
Eirkland and Family, and to my good Friend Br. Webb.

Address: Hillsborough.

From Romvlua M. Saunders.

Milton, July 30, 1824.

I should be extremely happy to see you, for since my return home I
learn but little of what is passing in our own State, except what the
papers inform me. I learn from Mr. Van Buren that the Governors
Proclamation and the Beport of the investigating committee has had a
powerful effect in uniting the Bepublican party in 'S, York and that
unless he is greatly deceived the Electoral law will not be repealed. From
Penn. Mr. Lawrie writes me, that they have strong hopes of carrying the
vote of the State. If we hold firm in this State I yet think the good
cause will triumph. I have no fears of my own District — tho' the oppo-
sition is stronger than I could desire. I have had one meeting from the
Hustings with Shepherd^ and have no cause to regret the conflict —
altho' I am informed that the Salisbury paper has published something
that was said by me on that occasion.

lAogustine H. Shepperd of Stokes, member of the House of Ck>mmon8, 1822-
1826; member of Congress, 1827-1839, 184M843, 1847-1851.

Thx Kuffik Papers. 309

I shall spare no occasion that I can with propriety embrace to exert
myself in the contest.

Will you do me the favour to present the subjoined order and accept
the same as a present from your friend.

I regret to hear of your indisposition and fear unless you spare yourself
more than you have done for past years it may prove fatal to your con-
stitution.

Thos. Ruffin Esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Oeorge E. Badger.

Wasssnton Aug: 6th. 1824
It is so long since I wrote to you that my silence may well seem in-
capable either of explanation or apology. An aversion to writing in-
creased by a long habit of self indulgence, prompted by a natural
indolence of disposition, gives often to me the appearance of negligence
or indifference to the kindness of my friends, and yet I may safely affirm
it gives only that appearance. My heart is far from any indolence in
cherishing a grateful and affectionate sense of your uniform friendship,
and what has not been professed or declared has not on that account
been less deeply understood or less warmly recollected. Your kind expres-
sions in a letter to Mr. Devereux were not received by me without sensi-
bility, coming as they did at the most trying period of my life. They
would long since have been acknowledged but I hoped for the pleasure
of once more seeing you this sunmier in the midst of your family. Until
within a few days I had'nt entirely abandoned that hope. I am now
however about starting to the Virginia Springs where I shall spend per-
haps ten days and then hasten to the commencement of my circuit. As
therefore I shall not see you again this Summer, I feel that it would ill
become me again to consult my indolence and neglect acknowledging
a kindness which has been to me at once the source of pleasure and the
means of advantage. I have several times heard with regret that your
health was feeble. I fear in your anxiety to provide for a numerous and
amiable family you are tasking yourself beyond your ability to bear and
I wish it were in my power to prevail with you to give yourself some
relaxation. It is certain that no pecuniary advantage could compensate
your family for the loss of yourself. In putting to hazard your life
you are hazarding all that is valuable to them, and their claims (to say
nothing of those which the publick justly have upon your learning and
ability) should be a motive to proportion your labors rather to the
Strength of your body than the energy of your mind. It appears to me,
from the little observation I have been able to make, that this consider-
ation is little attended to by men who have children to raise— of which
Mr. Stanly and yourself are prominent examples. You are both putting

310 Thx Nobth CABOLmA HifiTOBioAi. Commission.

to risk lives of extraordinary usefulness without adequate motive or (if
you will pardon the expression) due consideration. I should rejoice to
hear that you had given your hody and your mind some repose from the
incessant exertion of the last six years, and the effect would probably
be a renovation of your health.

In the fall of 1818 a Mr. Crittenden left in Hillsboro in my absence
from home two small notes. If you recollect the time you may iina^:ine a
reason why they were not attended to then. I have shamefully neglected
them, and put away in my desk they have reposed until a letter reached
some time ago making some inquiries. Crittenden seems from the
memorandum he left with the notes to consider the debtor's circum-
stances as desperate and to trust to some unexpected accession of property
he had heard of by will or descent. I do not now remember if I took
any steps — if I did it was nothing more than enquiry.

Will you have the goodness to ascertain if there be any such man as
Norman in Orange and what can be done? Crittenden said in his mem:
that he did not wish any writ issued unless he had property. Will you
dispose of them as you think best by suit or putting them in the hands
of a constable) Crittenden lives in Greenville District So: Carolina. I
inclose you the notes.

Remember me in the kindest and most respectful terms to Mrs. Ruffii^
and also to Mr. and Mrs. Eirkland and believe me dear Sir

Thos : RufBln esq.

[Address: Hillsborough]

From Lewis WUliams.

SxTXBT County August 15th^ 1824.
*******

We are beginning active operations in the Presidential Election. No-
effort win be spared to obtain a large majority in this County and dis-
trict. The public mind is however a good deal estranged at present
But I trust all things may be made straight before the Election. Oar
Grand Jury at May Court denounced caucuses and recommended Jack-
son. At the August Court last week they voted and gave 10 for Craw-
ford and 6 for Jackson. This Shews the begining of a change. CoL
David Durrett^ who is elected for the oonmions from this County openly
and publicly in his speeches on all occasions declared for Crawford.
The other candidates declared for Jackson. In the Senate Roberts' had
440; Hampton 880 r' In the commons Durrett had 1057; Martin 848;^

iDavld Dnrett of Surry, member of the Commons, 1824-1825.
spleasant B. Roberts, member of the Commons, 1820-1828, 1886; state seih-
ator, 1824, 1826.
sThomas Hampton.
4W. C. Martin.

Thx "Rvvrnt Papxbs. 311

Sater 68 — Thufl it aeemB Durret has been elected by a large majority
although he publicly declared for Crawford. From all these circum-
stances it would appear that the people are not only changing but that
they are not wedded to Jackson by indissoluble ties. In confirmation
of this belief I have not seen a man who does not after the thing is
properly explained in a personal conversation admit that Jackson ought
not to be elected President. Much is to be done by exertions at the
Superior Courts. Therefore as you are one of the Electors let me
suggest the propriety of addressing the people at all of the Superior
Courts you attend.

Let Mangnm and such of the members to the Legislature as are
friendly to Crawford join you and address the people at the same time.
These joint addresses will come to the people like a greater weight of
evidence than if only one addresses them. Franklin^ and myself have
agreed to pursue this plan in this district, and will have the aid of such
County members as are friendly to Crawford. If measures of this kind
are resorted to it seems to me that an entire revolution of opinion may
be effected in the State. Our adversaries plume themselves upon the
majority they are likely to have. But that majority depends for its
existence upon the want of true information respecting the claims and
qualifications of Genl. Jackson. Let one great and simultaneous effort
be made throughout the State, and the vote of JSo. Carolina will be given
to Crawford without doubt.

By letters from the City of New York and from A. Stevenson^ of
[Richmond Ya. I am informed that those great States will give an un-
divided vote for Crawford. I suppose you have at Hillsboro by this time
some information from Albany. If New York and Virginia stand firm
every thing will be safe. No delinquency should appear in the conduct
of the good old North State. Every man should be at his post and do
bis duty.

Thos. Ruffin Esq.

[Address : Hillsborough No. C]

From J. W. Long Jr.

Randolph Coty. August 20th 1824.

My hasty and unexpected departure from Pittsboro prevented me

from saying something more to you concerning the peoples ticket. I

want you to undertake to give the people a fair and full exposition of

the invidious scheme and its Origin; thro the Hillsboro paper. I con-

iMeshaek Franklin. 1772-1839.

^Andrew Stevenson of Virginia, 1784-1867, member of Congress, 1828*1884;
speaker, 1827-1884.

312 Thb Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

scientiously believe there is nothing wanting but a full and honest
explanation of the thing to cause the people to denounce it as the greatest
stride and most daring attempt ever made by a few to deceiye and
defraud the people of their right in the most important and interesting
subject. I know you fully understand the subject and have no doubt yon
can have your commimication published without being known as the
Author. I think all that is necessary is to shew what it really is and
where it comes from and so far from its being the peoples ticket very
few if any body will acknowledge they know any thing about it. That
they require Crwfd to get a Majority against the world which to say
the least of it is ungenerous and something that never was expect^ or
required of any one man before and to Warn the friends of Jackson and
Adams against the Intrigue of each other and finally shew that the
Electors on the peoples ticket are not bound to vote for Either of them
but will feel themselves at liberty if Elected to vote for a man of their
own choice be him whomsoever he may, provided he in their Estimation
is most likely to Succeed against Crwfd. This is nothing short of Aaking
the people of No. Ca. to clothe those 15 Qentlemen (who seem so Ajudons
to take upon themselves the responsibility) with the power of choosing
a fit person to preside over them as President without being under any
other pledge to the people than to Vote and Act against Crwfd. I was
at Salisbury last week found the enemies of Crfd. Seemingly in hig^
spirits but before I left we had the information of the Adjournment of
the N. Tork L^slature which you know was quite unpleasant to most
of them. Amongst the rancour and disingenuous misrepresentation I
had the satisfaction to find many of the substantial men in Rowan in
favour of both Crwfd and Caucus and upon the whole I do believe the
number of my friends have increased in that part of the district. But I
can assure you that unprincipled W. Carolinian has had its poisonous
influence in the Western part of the state where they see no other paper,
and hear but little else on the Presidential question. Nor have we any
chance where only that paper circulates for notwithstanding the Editors
profession he will not publish communications on our side of the question
satisfactorily. I find Mr. Mebane^ and Mr. Giles^ do not view the
peoples ticket alike. Mr. Giles says if he is elected he will vote for
Jackson unless he sees he stands no chance of being Elected in that case
he will vote for some other person that is most likely to be elected against
Crwfd. Mebane will vote for Jackson if he gets more votes on the
peoples ticket than Adams if not he will vote for Adams. Qiles seems
to know nothing about the Arrangement Mebane speaks of the people
to signify their preference on the back of their ticket etc. I have no
doubt but they may be made to contradict each other in their views of
the peoples ticket so as to throw all into confusion. I know your ezperi-

ijames Mebane of Orange.

2john Giles of Rowan. He was defeated in this campaign.

Thb BuFFm Fapbbs. 813

ence has long since shown you how liable those are who are dishonestly
engaged to be thrown into confusion. Unless the people do come to
understand the scheme of the peoples ticket better than at present I am
of the Opinion it will prevail in the Western part of the state. That
they may is my sincere desire and only hope. Should be glad to hear
from you by the [word illegible].
Thomas RufBn Esqr.

Profa John Owen.

Bladen Co : August 20th 1824.

I was in Elizabethtown a few days ago^ and reed, from a dfram shop,
your favor of the 30th of June^ and was at a loss to conceive who was the
bearer of it, as it did not come by mail, but seeing it directed from
Saleighy supposed at once that either Oenl. McKay^ or Mr. Wright,^
who I knew had been up in attendance on the Supreme Court — ^had
probably brot. it down, and meeting with the Genl. soon after he told
me he was the bearer.

Mr. Murphy never mentioned the subject of the bond to me in any
manner as well as I recollect, indeed, I am confident he never did, as I
feel assured if he had done so, I could not thus entirely have forgotten it.

No man can have a better acquaintance with the handwriting of my
uncle James Porterfield than Mr. McBryde,' who was his personal friend
-whilst living, and gave much assistance in the settlement of his deeply
embarrassed estate after his death. James Porterfield died in the year
1795, intestate, leaving considerable real and personal estate. John
Porterfield his only surviving brother administered on the estate; my
father, (who married the only sister) refusing to have anything to do
with it, believing the estate more in debt than it was able to pay.

John Porterfield in a few years after, (I believe in 98) died also,
leaving a will and Bichard Street of Moore County (his father in law)
and Thomas Owen^ of Bladen County, my father, his Exrs, and after
making provision for his widow, left the balance of his estate (all real)
to my brother James Owen and myself.

Bichard Street has long since been ^^gathered to his fathers," and I
know nothing of his affairs. My father died in 1805 leaving James

iJames J. McKay of Bladen, 1793-1853, was for a time United States district
attorney, was many times a member of the state senate, and was a member of
Congress from 1831 to 1849, being for a number of years chairman of the
ways and means committee.

sprobably Joshua G. Wright of New Hanover.

SArchibald McBryde of Moore.

4Thoma8 Owen of Bladen, 1735-1803, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was
a revolutionary soldier. He was a member of the provincial congresses of
1775 and 1776, many times a member of the legislature, and for one term a
member of Congress.

814 Thb Nobth CABOLnrA Hibtobical CojcMnaioir.

Moorhead of Bladen Co. and Eliaha Stedman^ of Fayetteville (who is
still living) his Ezra. Jamea Moorhead is dead, and laaac Wri^t of
Bladen, and Hinton James^ of Wilmington are his Exrs. — "And so
endeth the first lesson/'

Yon perceive that neither my brother nor myself have had anything
to do in the settlement of James or John Porterfields or my fathers
estate, and whether the law, which ( I believe) permits only a dealing in
straight lines, can reach us in the settlement of this bond I know not;—
I mean that I do not know whether there be any legal ohlig<Uian upon us
to pay the bond, nor do I care to take the advice of any gentleman of
the profession ; should there not be, there may yet exist — ^a paramount
obligation ; I mean a moral, and should such a one exist, the debt shall
be inmiediately discharged, as the means of doing so are completelj
within our power. Upon a statement of these facts to Mr. Peter Browne,'
if he is of opinion anything can be recovered in a court of law or equity
from my brother and myself, the bond shall inunediately be taken up —
if he should think otherwise, it will not lessen the moral obligation, and
this shall be attended to in due season.

The good cause of virtue and republicanism in my county is doing as
well as I could wish, and doing well in two or three adjoining counties^
and I trust in my district will prevail, but in all Oovingtons and Le-
grands^ Country so far as I can learn it is completely prostrate —
Covington is personally very unpopular, and Legrands polities have
always been doubted. In my district we have a dreadful drawback in
Mr. Oallatin, who notwithstanding his transcendant talents and eminent
public services is a great clog to our cause. I must confess I am dread-
fully afraid of the issue in this state, but the final result must be
favorable.

In the counties of Robeson, Kichmond, Anson, Montgy., Mecklenburg,
Lincoln, Burke, Buncombe and Ashe, some Missionaries ought to be
sent out, and if Covington could be prevailed on to withdraw and Ja
Picket^ or some other popular man put in his place, it would in mj
opinion add many hundred votes to the Republican ticket

Thomas Ruffin Esqre.

[Address: Hillsborough "N. C]

lEUsha Steadman married Thomas Owen's daasrhter Mary.

2Hinton James waa the first student to attend the University of North
Carolina.

speter Browne was a native of Scotland and was regarded for a time as the
head of the har in North Carolina. He retired from inractlce in 1818 and
returned to Scotland hut only remained three years, retumlna to Raleli^ to
spend the rest of his life. He died in 1832. He and RniBn were devoted
friends, and Ruffin named a son for him.

4james Legrand of Montgomery, who was frequently a memher of the legiB*
lature.

sjofleph Pickett of Anson, a local politician of much Influence.

Thb Kuffzn Papers. 315

From John Owen.

Bladenbobo Septr. 28th^ 1824.

Your very flattering letter of the 3rd inst. is duly reed. It certainly
was not my intention to draw from you a compliment to the character
which either my brother or myself have made with our friends in this
State: — whatever that character may be^ it is certainly better worth
preserving than the acquisition of a little pelf at the expense of principle ;
and I trust neither of us would h^itate a moment to forego a much
more imposing opportunity of enriching ourselves^ than that now pre-
sented, out of a man both ^^ignorant and poor" — ^but enough of this.

James Porterfield left no personal property which ever descended in
any way to my brother or myself, nor did our mother ever receive from
James or John Porterfield one cent of property; you have mistaken my
letter in this regard, but probably the mistake is not material. John
Porterfield, the only surviving brother inherited the whole of James's
real estate, and took possession of all the personal property as Admr.,
and never accounted for one dollar to my mother — of John Porterfields
estate (which had been James's) my brother and myself as his devisees,
have sold a lot of ground in FayetteviUe of greater value than the amount
of the bond to Moore, and we now claim 5000 acres of land on the Mis-
sissippi granted to James Porterfield, the grant for which, is now in the
possession of Mr. Murphy — it was to this grant I had allusion in my
last letter, where I stated that we had the means of satisfying the bond —
and this is the only land granted to him in the now State of Tennessee.
I am sorry to say that the good cause of our Country is not doing as
well in our part of the State as I could wish. In Sampson County, we
shall do worse than in any county in my electoral district. The Gk>v.
(Holmes^) and a numerous family connection are against us, and what
is still worse, the Honble. William B. King^ of famous memory, and his
brother Qed. Thomas 'B. King,' who formerly resided there, have spent
the summer in that county, and have vast influence. / d/read the issue.

Thomas Ruffin Esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

lOabrlel Holmes.

2Wllliam R. King, 1786-1863, after service In the legislature and as member
of Congress from North Carolina, moved to Alabama. He was United States
flenator» 1819-1844, 1848-1863; minister to France, 1844-1846; Vice President,
1853.

SThomas Devane King, member of the Commons, 1804-1807.

316 , The Xobth CASouirA Historical Comjobsion.

From Major William Moore.

[Oct. 21, 1824]

I have longed to see you for some time But my miBfortnne put it
quite out of mj power to Come to see you that Bespecting our Elettion
for the precedance I understand that you stand firm on the ground yon
first tucke your stand for Wm H Craford wich makes me B^goioe to
thinke that we have some men that ant to Bee Changed with Every wind
of Ducktren that Blows know man in the world Can thinke more of
general Jackson then I Do for the Feild dien I Do But for god sake kee
him ther and not Let him Come to the Chaire for you Can see as well
as me and Beter two that thers somthing in the Clouds that hant FeD
out yet I am Like the old Roman when he says that Every good general
ant fite for a presedance or in words for an Emprer I am sorrow when I
Com to see some of our grate men how was at the anomation fly the
traek I Cant See for my part what is the Reason that ther so grate
Change in the people But ther minds has Been poisend som way or
other I Dont know why general Jackson Should Bare all prases of onr
Last ware for I think general Brown and general Egell and Dubum
and pery foute harder fighting to the North then Jackson Did and
Number of other officers not a word about them my opion is Not for
Jackson for I think Crafford superer to him for that office and I hope
god will Bless you for your stand I Bad at wrightin and speling Bat
you will understand me I wuld wrot more But I Did not know whether
it would pleas you — if I have Dun Rong I hop you will for give me for
my Eigrance But my Love to the Rule of Right is so grat that Cant give
it out as Longe I Live Sir Remain your Friend William Moose

Oct. 21th 1824

[Address: Hilsborough]

From William Oamett.

25th Oct. 1824.

Our mutual avocations seem to have put an end to our epistolary
intercourse. Indeed it is so long since we have had any communication
of this sort^ that I cannot with certainty remember which of us is the
debtor on this score; though if my memory is not treacherous I think
you are the delinquent. It is not however with a view of adjusting this
balance that I now address you. A large and growing family admonish
me to look out for a more eligible settlement for them. My object there-
fore is to seek cheaper lands a healthy country^ and to avoid if possible
the inconvenience of emigrating to a state of society which if I have not
been greatly misinformed with regard to our new State^ is but little
removed from semi barbarous. I have lately had my attention directed
0 your State as most likely to fulfil the object I have in view and I
now of no person from whom I could obtain such satisfactory informs-

The Ruffin Papers. 317

tion as yurself, and I can at the same time assure you that the prospect
of a renewal of our early friendship ofFers the strongest alleviation that
I can promise myself of the pain of separation from all the friends of
my youth, and I may add, the soil of my native State. But such regrets
are unavailing when duty commands and they should if possible be
placed out of view. To return then to my subject I wish to be informed
at what price a good farm of 600 to 1000 acres could be purchased for
per acre; the kind of crops that hold out the greatest inducement to
cultivators — the proximity of such a settlement to market and lastly
though not the least consideration the healthiness of any situation you
may recommend. I do not wish to purchase an unimproved place that
is in relation to buildings. My present plantation contains about a
1000 acres, for which I can get a pretty good price; and I desire if prac-
ticable to repurchase as much or nearly as much as I now own and to
have a surplus to pay some debts that I owe, which I see no other pros-
pect of paying, as the fimd that I had provided for that purpose has been
tied up in a chancery court for 8 or 9 years ; and I presume that you are
sufficiently well acquainted with these tribunals to judge what a forlorn
hope this must be. It is very possible that I may have omitted many
inquiries that a man in search of a settlement ought to make; I shall
therefore rely upon your judgment to supply such omissions and to
furnish me with all the information that you may deem requisite. Should
I judge from the account I receive from you, that there is a prospect
of bettering my condition in your country I shall visit it during the
ensuing winter or spring. As your acquaintance must be very extensive
I will thank you to make inquiries for me in other parts of the country
that I may have as large a view of the subject as a man with such an
object in view should take. I have only six children living which I
understand is three less than your number; but from the information
I recvd of you last summer at the springs from two of your countrymen
Mr. Johnson and Skinner your profession promises you an ample pro-
vision for them all. This at once reminds me of another inquiry is there
any opening for a lawyer at your bar? I have been reading law myself
and had some idea of commencing the practice in this State, but the
prospect here is very discouraging. When you write direct to Loyds
Essex County Ya. and the letter should be sent by the way of Kichmond
and Fredericksburg or as our mails are very uncertain you could meet
with a safe private opportunity to Kichmond Mr. Thomas Brocken-
borough of that place would take charge of it and forward it to me.
With assurances of the most sincere and undiminished regard I remain
my dear friend unalterably

[P. S.] When you see Mr. Johnson and Skinner remember me to
them. I was much pleased with them both. Direct to Col. Wm. Gamett,
as there is a man of my name in this county who sometimes gets my
letters. Let me hear from you as early as possible.

[Address: Hillsborough JN'. C]

818 Ths North Cabouna Histobical Cojcmission.

To Catherine Buffin.

ir n A j^T-iJt H1LL8BOBOUOH — October 29th 1824.

My Dearest Chtld! —

It makes us very happy to hear 80 frequently from you and both your
Mother and I^ as well as your brothers and sisters^ return you our thanks
for the remembrance of us which your letters evince. We add our hopes
that you will not relax in your diligence in that respect^ as we should be
apt to see in it a cooling of regard. Besides frequent letters, we shall
look for well written ones. I know you have candor, and intelligence
enough to make both an interesting correspondent to your Parents and
an instructive one to the younger branches of the family. Make ns ss
happy as in your power : and begin to act upon the rule (which ou^t
to be that of your life) of being as useful to your friends as possible.
I do not mean to flatter you upon your capacity for correspondence
But I assure you I derive much solid pleasure in reading some of your
letters — those I mean in which you have taken some pains to be correct
and perspicuous. You have a turn of thought, fancy and expression,
which if duly cultivated will form a pretty epistolary style. Do not
spoil it in the attempt to mend it. The art of letter writting consists
in being easy, polite, candid and affectionate and treating a subject as a
well bred person would in a familiar, unrestrained and good humour
conversation. Write therefore always as you feel. This will have two
good effects: The first is, you will escape stiffness and the danger of
pedantry: The second is, that it insensibly tends to the cultivation of
good feeling in the heart. One does not like at your age to play the
hypocrite for any length of time ; nor is it agreeable at any age to expose
ones-self even to the nearest relation by putting into the permanent form
of writing bad feelings, the fruits of malicious, mean or censorious spirit,
frivplity of temper, sourness, passion or any other disposition. Hand-
some writing therefore is not the only benefit or praise that you derive
from attention to your letters and style. Desireable as that is, there is
another — the improvement of the heart and moral faculties — which
excels it. I have read many essays and much praise on Candor. But
I do not remember ever to have seen, what I conceive, its chief excellence
noted by any author. Candor consists in speaking ones mind truly and
sincerely — without malice and without flattery. It is a most amiable
trait in every one and makes many friends — But it has a very powerful
tendency to make us better within ourselves — ^Even the veriest hypocrite
speaks to the world the sentiments of virtue and piety. We are all
ashamed to publish our own wickedness of thought as well as of deed —
and here lies the moral excellence of Candor : One who speakes what she
feels and is habitually candid in delivering her thoughts is of necessity
obliged to cherish good feelings and cultivate useful reflection; else
either the contempt or the disgust of all around follows. Of the same
character is an unaffected, natural and simple style of writing. Oar

Thb Buffin Papsbb. 319

letters, not the result of study, must either then be the offhand display of
a good heart, filled with affection for our friends and purity of feeling,
or must must be unacceptable for their courseness and other worse quali-
ties as to make the writers ashamed of them. But how I have fallen
upon these subjects for a letter I know not. When I began to write,
nothing was farther from my thoughts than giving you either a moral
lecture or a disquisition upon any sort of style and particularly the
epistolary — for which perhaps no person is less qualified than myself.
Should you however see nothing else in it, I trust you will perceive an
anxious solicitude for your well fare and be farther led to the reflection,
that there is no virtue or good quality that does not tend to produce
others and that there no vice nor indeed fault, by which another is not
engendered.

Your brother has written to you. From him more news can be learnt
tlian from me; for he knows more and is more inclined to tell it. The
melancholy result of poor young Mr. Walker's illness has, no doubt,
been heard at Boclc-Best. His death was much regretted by all here and
lus funeral was numerously attended yesterday at the Church; ''How
unsearchable are the Judgments of Gk>d; and His ways, past .finding
out !" Here is a Touth in the prime of life and giving the earnest of
uBefulness snatched away while an aged father and a still more aged
G-randmother survive to mourn over the bereavement. If the old must
die, the young may die. Neglect not therefore the all-important Duty
of Piety — Cultivate a spirit of habitual devotion — Neglect not your
private prayers and read the Scriptures daily. Give your Heart to Gk>d
aud he will reward you.

Your Mother says she will have shoes made for you next week ; which
^th paper etc. I will bring down, when I come. I hope to be with you
on tomorrow week. Let me hear that you have been diligent and dvJtiful
and let me see the happy effects.

Your Mother unites with me in the expression of our Love for you
and in the prayer for your happiness. All the children often, nay daily,
speak of you and love you very much. Bequite their attachment by
reciprocating it.

(}od bless you, my dear child !

Your affectionate Father,

Thoicas Buffin.

[Address: Bock-Best Chatham.]

From Weldon N. Edwards,

Wabbenton 12th Novr. 1824.
The returns for the election in this County just reed, give Crawford
489, Jackson 152 votes.

320 The Nobth Cabouna Histosical Ooicmisbion.

Some weeks ago a Borrel mare strayed from my plantation. She is
five or six years old — goes a little lame in one hind leg — ^having been
injured in the ancle by a plough, which tho' well is a little larger than
the other. I recollect no white about her. She paces tolerably well —
is of good sire. I understand she was raised by a Mr. Hart living near
Hillsboro. Oblige me so far as to make inquiry for her of Mr. Hart,
and if to be found secure her and give me early information of it.

Shall be glad to hear from you during the winter.

[Address : Hillsboro' N. C]

To Bartlett Yancey,^

HiLLSBOBonoH, Decom. Srd, 1824.

I have occasion to get a Deed here for some lands in Virginia and wish
to know how I am to have it acknowledged by Husband and wife here,
so as to be effectual there without further proof or proceedings. The
Act of Assembly of that State prescribes the very form of the whole pro-
ceeding and is to be found in ^'Leigh's Revisal" which belongs to the
Executive Office in Raleigh, under the head of '^Deeds'' as well as I
remember. The Act embraces the proof of all Deeds, I think ; but also
specially provides the form of proof or acknowledgement before the
tribunals of the Country or State in which the grantors live, when it is
executed out of Virginia. That is the part I want and I shall feel greatly
obliged to you for extracting those sections in totidem i^rbia and encloe-
ing them by the return of the mail or by the first opportunity.

We have no news here but what has got cold with you. We know not
yet whether Clay or Crawford get into the house. For my part I feel
very indifferent about it, because Crawford has been so abused and
vilified and all sides have so run at him and thro' him at the Bepublican
party that I have no hope of his final success even if once in the house.
I do not know but it is better for the good cause and the revival of Democ-
racy that he should be excluded. A spring will bear a certain degree of
compression beyond that it will not be forced, and then its elastic rebound
is certain and often fatal to the resisting power. Thus I hope it will be
with the people and their deluders. Besides, if Clay can be brought
on the Turf, he will make sport, be sure of it ! I His men will not go to
Jackson or Adams, the Bepublicans would support him in preference to
either of the others and he would get some States, this for instance, where
neither Crawford nor his Ticket has succeeded. Besides this, I learn
from Murphey (you have my author) that the West generally, including
Jackson himself, will support Clay, when Jackson can not be carried.

iThie letter is In the possession of the North Carolina Historical Societj.
It is reprinted from The James Sprunt Historical Publications, Vol. 10. No. 1

Thb Buffin Papbbs. 321

This miut be the case^ for the Adams men will not — ^nay^ nobody can
support him (Jackson) after he leaves the shoulders of the People.
Hence I should not be surprised if Clay should be the man at last. I
have no hope of Crawford. He is too honest and too good for the present
day. The Republican party is down — God grant it may not be done! —
and he has sunk with it.

Murphey told me today that he thought Crawford much the greatest
and best man among them. I believe the fact to be so, but did not expect
80 candid a confession from hitn. To what sentiment or conclusion do
you imagine it was the preface? '^That he was opposed to him and
rejoiced in his defeat, because Virffinia was for him. He declared that
he would rather have a weak President than that North Carolina and
Virginia should vote together. I reminded him that in this instance
Virginia came to us ; we being as we were eight years ago and she having
changed. He said he knew that, but if Crawford had been elected Vir-
ginia would have had all the credit of it and No. Ca. none! I asked
where was our credit now? What were we to get? how to be honored,
served, or rewarded ? I got no answer — Time will show, and my sincere
hope and confident expectation is that many an hungry expectant will
^aw his nails in bitter disappointment about the Ides of March next.

I don't ask you at Raleigh to do much good — ^all we can look for is
that you may prevent others from doing harm, which of itself, is much
with such a gang as you have this winter.

God bless you !

TnOlfAS RuFFDf .

B. Tancey, Esq., Raleigh.

From Willie P. Mangv/m.

Washington 15th Dec. 1824.

I have just returned from Baltimore, where I left William. He
seemed never fully to realize his situation until I was about to leave
him when he seemed deeply affected. Indeed every thing about St.
Mary's^ wears a melancholy appearance to one from No. Carolina.

The dresses of the Catholic teachers, the Gothic tower, the strange
appearance of the halls hung with pictures calling up every sort of
religious association altogether affects William in almost any other way
than pleasantly. He will however I have no doubt become perfectly
satisfied in a short time. There are many fine boys in the school — and
some of them from the south and from protestant families.

Mr. Damplon indicates, every disposition to put William in a course
that will not at first tend to strengthen his dislike of his situation. The

lAn old and well-known Roman Catholic institution in Baltimore.

322 Thk Nobth Cabolina Historical Coicmibsion.

intercourse I should think from what I observed^ is upon a more easy
footing between the Teachers and the Students at St. Mary's than at
Chapel Hill, and from all that I have been able to learn on the subject,
I should think that it is one of the best institutions in the United States
for the acquiring of the ancient and modem languages, and more espe-
cially the latter.

I presume you know that Mr. Damplon is a Parisian, that he lived
and taught in Paris until he had attained a ripend manhood — and that
under the troubles of Napoleon he left Paris for America with no other
view than that of paying a visit to some of his friends, but contrary to
his expectations was induced to become an officer in St. Marys.

I had an interview of say 2 hours with him, I left him well pleased
with his affability, easy politeness, and even courteousness.

The check you handed to me was duly paid at the Bank in Baltimore.

I enclose you a prospectus which will give you more fully the infor-
mation you may desire in relation to the course of study in the Ck>llege.

I also enclose to you Mr. Damplon's receipt for the money paid him.

I have but a moment more to say to you, that Qen. Jackson will in all
probability be the president. Everything however depends upon Mr.
Clay. Crawford's friends have determined to stand upon their arms
and receive the Cross forces of the enemy, that is to say Yirga. N'o. Ca.
Georgia and Delaware — for it is pretty certain that New Tork true to
her character, will abandon Crawford in the House.

The North Ca. vote will remain firm unless under some exigency they
shall move en masse, and with unanimity.

I will say more to you on these subjects before long.

Mr. Thos. Ruffin.

Address :

Thomas Ruffin Esquire
Hillsborough

North Carolina.

Endorsed :

Honble. W. P. Mangum

Deem. 1824.

From Lewis Williams.

Washington January 1st, 1825.
*******

I know you feel great solicitude on the subject of the Presidential
Election, and I do most sincerely wish it were in my power to give you
information in any way satisfactory. The friends of Clay hold the
balance in their hands, and no one can tell how they will act. Rumours

Thb BuFFm Papebs. 323

of all sorts, both strange and contradictory are circulated daily. At
one time it is said Clays friends will support Jackson : Then Adams, and
then again Crawford. But none of them have a just foundation I
believe, for it seems to me that the friends of Clay intend to stand aloof
for a while, and finally act as circumstances may require. Of one thing
I have always been assured that Clay will cooperate with those with
whom an association shall seem most advantageous. To ascertain this
he and his friends will require time to look about and as the period for
final decision has not yet arrived we of course can know nothing posi-
tively. These remarks are made to you in confidence and I hope you will
receive them in that way.

Let me hear from you.

Thomas Ruffin Esq.

From W. F, Strange.

Fatbttevilub, [N. C] 15th Jany 1825.

The Judges of the Supreme Court have surely forgot the promise they
made to Mr. Gaston of deciding as soon as possible the propriety of
admitting aliens to practise law in this state.

I have been very anxious indeed to learn the result, day after day
have I gone to the Post Office expecting to have been favored with a
letter from you on the subject, but none have I yet received. I trouble
you with this under the impression that it will afford me some consola-
tion to know with certainty whether they have decided the question or
not, and it will moreover enable [me] to write home to my Brother, who
I daresay is as anxious as myself to know the result. I wrote him some
time ago saying I was afraid some objection might be taken to my prac-
tising law being an alien as a Gentleman under the same circumstances
had been refused at the last session of the court.

I know you would have written me if the decision had been made, but
^'hope deferred, I may almost say has made my heart sick," if you can
find as much time I would be glad to know if there is any probability of
their coming to a decision shortly.

[Address: Raleigh, TS. C]

From Oeorge McNeill.

Fayettbville May 29th 1825.
I wrote to you a line on the 19th Inst, directed to Raleigh, but for fear
you may not have reed it, I think it proper to inform you that your note
at TJ. S. Bank will be due on Wednesday.

324 The Xobth Cabolina Hibtokical Coicscission.

The n. S. Bank has adopted an important change in the maimer and
policy of its business with regard to the State Banks — such as wiU
compel the State Banks to pay specie or cease to do business. The
IT. S. B. will receive the Local Bank notes and pay out only its own notes
or specie, and compel the State Banks to pay up — the motive is avowedly
to restore a sound currency. The new system is to commence on the 1.
Sept. of which the State Banks have notice. I fear it will alarm the
State Banks and cause them to curtail their business, thereby causing
a great pressure on the conununity for money this summer — and par-
ticularly in this place.

*******

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From Charles Manly.

„. Kaueioh drd June 1825.

otr.

The fourth Monday of the present month has been fixed and agreed
on as the day on which the Conmiittee of Appointment for the University
of No. Carolina will meet in the City of Baleigh to consider of and
determine on the advisability of filling the Professorship of Bhetorie
and Logic in the said Institution which has lately become vacant through
the resignation of the Bevd. Mr. Kollock.^
A full meeting of this Committee is wished and expected.

I have the honor to be

Yr. Obt. Servt.

Chas. Maklt.
Secty: Trustees.

The members of this Com. — are Gtev. Burton, Badger, Haywood,
Hawkes, ilfash, Polk, T. Ruffin, Witherspoon.^
[Address: Hillsboro' No. Ca.]

From ArchibaJd D. Murphey,

Haw BrvxB. 5. June 1825.
I am well again, but very weak, my Attack was bilious and very
Severe. I called a Physician instantly, bled and took Pukes and Cathar-

iShepard K. Kollock, a Presbyterian minister from New Jersey, had been
professor since 1819.

2Theee members were Hutchlns O. Burton, George E. Badger, John Hay-
wood, Francis L. Hawks, Frederick Nash, William Polk, and John Wltber^
spoon.

Thx Buffin Papsbs. 325

tics, Untill my System was entirely cleaned and Set aright. I hope I
shall now be free from further bilious Fever during the Season.

I saw Mr. Michaux, the Claim for Insurance turns out to be a mere
Claim, and Michaux told me it was abandoned. Old Mrs. Daniel has
just died and left a large estate to Wm. W. Man, who is expected in this
Month. I left his Bond with Mr. Michaux, who told me he would see
liim and get his Deed.

I am preparing to Set out for Tennessee. I am. now trying to raise
some Money. For this Purpose I must go to Guilford on Tomorrow and
sell a small Tract of land. I hope to make Several Sales this Summer :
and if the prospect be good, I shall run the risk of loosing part of my
Circuit next Fall.

I shall go and see you before I set out. My business is so behind that

I beg you to let Moreau return on Tomorrow and help me here for a

week.

*******

Thomas Ruffin esqr.
[Address: HiUsborough]

From William OametL

[RicHicoND, Va. June 8, 1826]
I take the liberty of enclosing to you (and bespeaking your patronage)
the prospectus of an agricultural paper about to be editted in this place.
The editor is an uncommonly worthy man and he has a numerous family
entirely dependant on his exertions for a support.

This to be sure is merely an appeal to the good feelings of the public ;
but I think I may promise that the paper will (from the talents and
information engaged to contribute to it) be not unworthy of its patron-
age. Last fall I had it in contemplation to remove to the South and
addressed some enquiries to you relative to the prospects which North
Carolina might hold out to an emigrant endeavoring to better the fortues
of a large and increasing family. To this letter I never reced an answer
and know not whether it ever reached you. If your avocations will
permit I should be very happy occasionally to hear from you — Though
long separated from you I have never ceased to feel the continued influ-
ence [of] the friendship formed between us in early youth. Many and
affecting have been the various scenes through which I have passed
since those days of joyous youth when scarcely a ripple occurred to
a^tate the smooth current of life. But these vicissitudes have only
served to make me cling with increased tenacity to the remembrance of
the happier days that I have passed with the friends of my youth. But
I must now take my leave of you to go to the federal courts where I

326 ThB IfoBTH CaBOUNA HlflTOBICAL COMSCIBSION.

hare a suit of considerable importance to attend* farewell my dear
friend and believe me ever yours most sincerely

BiCHMOND 8^ June 1825

My address is Loyds Essex County

[Address: Hillsborough Korth Carolina]

From Archibald D. Mwrphey.

r, T> i*? / Haw Riveb. llth June 1825.

Bear Buffin/.

It is now certain that I shall not be able to go to Tennessee within
this Month. Although I am free from Disease, I am weak, and my
Strength returns so Slowly that I am not able at this time to make ev^a
a Short ride without much suffering. I have put off from day to day
seting out for the upp^r Part of Ouilf ord, Where I have some businesB
that requires my Attention, but I still feel too weak. I have resolved to
try the Boad on Tomorrow. I had appointed to cross the Blue ridge
on the 28th Inst ; and have engagements in Tennessee for the early Fart
of July. Unable to go myself, I have thought it would be prudent to
Send Moreau : prudent in two respects. 1. Because I can depend upon
his strict attention to every thing committed to his charge, and 2nd.
He will become acquainted with the Situation of my Affairs in Ten-
nessee, and in the event of my death greatly aid you in Settling them.
I am Sorry to withdraw him from his Studies : But, Perhaps, the Trip
may be useful to him in teaching him something of Practical Life and
of Business. I shall be glad, if you concur with me in Opinion.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Robert Strange.

Fayettbvillb, July 1st, 1825.

Concerning the vacancy in the Judiciary created by the resignation of
Judge Badger would you be willing to use your influence in favor of
Joseph Picket Esqr. of Wadesborough ?^ Our district is much in want
of a Judge and has been much overlooked in the distribution of offices.
In addition to the considerations already named I think my interest
would be advanced in his promotion.

[Address: Baleigh N. Ca.]

iRuffln himself was chosen to succeed Badger, the council nominatlnsr him
unanimously, and the legislature electing him, on November 24, 1825, wtthont
other names being brought forward.

Thb Buffin Papsbb. 827

From ArcJUbald D, Mwrphey.

Haw Eivbb, 13th July 1825.

I heard on yesterday that you had agreed to go again on the Bench.
I hope this intelligence is correct and that you will be commissioned
before you leave Baleigh : I hope so^ not only on your Account, but on
Account of the Public. Tour Constitution is wearing out. And a few
years more of Fatigue will destroy it. Tou want rest, and the Bench is
an honourable retreat. Tour promotion just now, will open the way to
the Bench of the Supreme Court, to which you will be appointed on the
first vacancy. Tour Profits may be less: but you you will be able to
scuffle through your difficulties. The Public want you on the Bench.
Tou will do business : you will give some energy to the Administration
of Justice, and break down the Docket. Tou too will know how sadly
inefficient our Judges are: they really display no Activity nor Energy,
except in Sending a few poor Wretches to Jail. — This is inter nos, but
it is true.

Since Friday last, I have felt like getting well. My system has got
right although I am very weaL Making out my Dispatches for Ten-
nessee gave me three relapses. Moreau is, I expect on today, at Mur-
f reeeborough. Mr. Irving and Mr. Holt went in company with him. Mr.
HcLemore informs me that the price of Lands has advanced in the
Western District and that sales are more brisk than heretofore. He
advises me not to sell untill the present crop of cotton is gathered in.
But I sent out Instructions to Mr. Hughes and Mr. Dickens to sell as
fast as possible. Mr. Dickens wrote to me that he had sold a great deal
of land (to use his words) since I saw him and that having arranged his
business and gotten it into good Train, he would accept an agency for
me and aid me as far as he could in making Sales.

My friend Mr. McLemore is now at ITew Tork. I regret this very
much, as Moreau could have been greatly aided by him. But in the
style of that Friendship which he has evinced toward me, from the
moment I saw him at Nashville, He wrote to me previous to his setting
out for New Tork, and expecting that I would be in Tennessee during
the Month, he says perhaps I might want some pecuniary assistance
during the summer, and authorizes me to draw on him for any money I
might want. He goes further, and tells me if any Person wishing to
purchase Lands from me, should prefer any of his Lands to mine, that
I may have as many tracts as I want, and he will take my Lands in
exchange, and that if my Lands give out I may take as many of his
Tracts as will answer my Purposes, and pay him whenever it may be
convenient. Now although I have been the means of procuring thou-
sands of acres for him as well as Col. Dickens yet this conduct of his is
certainly generous and kind in the extreme. I mention his Letter and
its contents, because I know you admire and esteem him.

328 Ths Nobth Cabolina Hibtobioai. Commission.

If you are ever bilious, you must hare observed that when an idea or
a train of thought takes possession of the mind, you can't get rid of it
until the Bile be corrected. Before I was taken sick, I was engaged,
whilst travelling about the Circuit, in arranging the Plan of my intended
Work on North Carolina. On that Week I sketched out Part of it, and
my Mind was intent upon the subject, when the Bile first assailed me — :
and has continued to dwell on it incessantly ever Since, Untill a few
days past. During the Time, I arranged the Plan for the Colonial
History of the State, Civil, Military, Legislative and Judicial: — Now,
my reports occupy my attention. I wish the work to be done. I am not
able as yet to do more than half as much in the day, as if my Health
were restored.

William is with me, and I hope he will do better. I give him encour-
agement, and beg you to do so, when you see him. If you go on the
Bench, He ought to exert himself day and night.

My Wife is no better, her situation is disagreeable indeed during this
hot Weather. I sent for Dr. TTmstead this morning and will get him to
stay a week with her. Her Complaint is local, but will, I fear, affect
her general Health. What is the News at Court? What is done with
Colquets Case, etc.?

Thomas Buffin esqr.

{Address: Hillsboro.]

From Oeorge E. Badger.

Balsigh July 16, 1835.
Since you left us I have thought seriously and anxiously upon the
subject of undertaking your business in the Counties of Orange Oran-
ville and Wake, and it would not be right towards you or just towards
myself to conceal from you the result of my reflections. I left the Bench
as you well know merely for the purpose of making money of which I
am in great need not only for myself but for others whom I am bound to
provide for by every tie sacred in morals and dear to affection. To dia-
charge these obligations it is incumbent on me to consider the uncertainty
of life and the small period, if I live, which is left me for active exertion
to provide for ease and comfort in old age. Tour business includes one
side of every cause of importance in your Courts — and if I undertake it
I shall find myself in the labor of business without its reward, — ^and for
years shall lose the profits of my exertions in three of my best courts.
The only part of your business which promises remuneration is that
belonging to the collection department for which I am not qualified and
should dislike to undertake. Your business in the Supreme Court shall
command my best exertions and unwearied industry. But under the
circumstances in which I am placed do not think me fickle or disobliging

The Bxtffin Papsbs. 329

if I yield to the paramount obligations of necessity and desire to decline
your business in the other courts. Had this view of my situation dis-
tinctly presented itself to you it is probable you would not have proposed
to me the undertaking.

Indeed I think you hare some notions towards your clients of over-
strained delicacy — you are entitled to and should retain the moneys you
liave received unless it may be in some few cases of extraordinary com-
plexion. Keep your fees therefore and let your clients choose and pay
their counsel as they please.

My affectionate and respectful regard to Mrs. Ruffin. Say to her
for me that if she regrets your going on the Bench the inference will be
that she desires to be a widow.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From HtUchins 0. Burton}

State of North Carolina.

To the Honble. Thomas RufGm.
We reposing special trust and confidence, in your prudence, integrity,
abilities and learning, do hereby commission you one of the judges of
our Superior Courts of Law and Equity, you having been thereunto
appointed by his Excellency the Govr. by and with the advice of the
Council of State; and authorize you, after taking such oaths as are
necessary for your qualification to enter upon and discharge the duties
of said appointment and to receive and enjoy the salary thereunto
annexed until the session of our next Qeneral Assembly.

In testimony whereof I Hutchins G. Burton, Governor,
[ssal] etc. have caused the Great seal of the State to be hereunto
affixed and signed the same at our city of Raleigh the 18th.
July 1825. H. G. Burton.

By the Governor,

Jwo. K. Campbell, Private Secty.

From John W. Long.

AsHBOBOTJOH Augt. 4th 1825.
In consequence of your late appointment I fear you will not be at
Chatham Court. Mr. McBryde and myself were making large calcula-
tions on the advantage your attendance there would be to me in the
present contest. I have spent considerable time in Chatham with Mr.

i€k>vemor Barton's Letter Book, p. 19. Collections of North Carolina His-
torical Commission.

330 Thb Nobth Cabolina Hibtobical Commission.

Giles at the different meetings and met with more encouragement than
I had anticipated. From this I shall go to Forks (Rowan) with a view
of attending a large meeting at MocksTille Saturday next then return
to Davidson to attend the Election. Mr. Giles has been all the last month
in Chatham and will return there, great exertions will be made hj his
friends. What he and them may resort to in my absence is unknown
but they stop at nothing. Even Messrs. Steadman and Colton are cireo-
lating a report that I prevented the passage of a Bill when in the State
Legislature to compel the Quakers to bear arms. Nothing more un-
founded. I never acted on such a subject. Have you no businees suffi-
cient to cause you to go to Chatham Court? If you coud be there only
on Tuesday I am confident it woud be of infinite service to me. Mr.
Giles some times says a great deal about the formation of the Crawd.
Ticket at Kaleigh^ this would give you a good opportunity of contending
with him. He at one time denyed that Jackson was in favour of the
Tariff, l^ow he is rather denying the assertion and geting round. Bnt
if you shoud go to Chatham Ask the candidates of that county what he
said on the subject. I know Ramsay Underwood and several others were
present. I still calculate upon success but must confess when I learn the
extraordinary exertions that are making and the injurious means used
I cant be surprised at any thing.
Honble Thomas Ruffin.

From Thomas BUchis,

RicHMOi^D, Sepr. 12th, 1825.
After an absence of 7 weeks, I returned last night to the bosom of my
family. How much the deaths of my venerated friend^ and his good
son, shocked me, it is unnecessary to tell a man like you. There was no
man, whom while living, I loved more — ^no one, whose memory I shall
more piously cherish — no one, whose dying request I would more sacredly
respect. But, my own duties, and those which I owe to my Sister and
her family, forbid in the most peremptory terms my officiating as Trustee
or Exr. under my deceased friend's will. In every respect, except the
most affectionate devotion to my Sister, am I utterly disqualified for
these sacred trusts. Of law, and particularly of that of N. Carolina, I
am profoundly ignorant — of the administration of the affairs of men,
few men of my age are so wofully inexperienced. This Estate too is
situated at a distance from me, for, to me even a journey of 50 miles is a
tiresome Enterprise. My hands are full to overflowing of my own busi-
ness. It has exhausted all my time; and withered the very vitals of my
own constitution. I have just returned from a pursuit of health, across

iRuffln's uncle, William Ruffln of Raleigh, and one of his sons had recentir
died.

Thb BuFFm Papsbs. 331

the mountains^ a little improyed, it may be^ but only to meet a load of
business and care, which will in all probability consign me to the same
infirmities from which I have so recently attempted to save myself. In
this state of things, how is it possible for me to discharge the trust with
satisfaction to myself or advantage to my Sister? Mr. Ruffin would
not probably have selected a man in the whole world, whose whose means
were so incompetent to his wishes, one, who was more anxiovs to serve,
and so little able.

I have uniformly made it a point of solemn duty to refuse such offices.
"When my brother Archibald was on his death-bed, as I supposed, I came
to the determination to decline any share of an administration, which
he might have committed to my charge. When my venerated father-in-
law sank to the grave, I was compelled to turn a deaf ear to his testa-
mentary requests; nor was my own interest sufficient in its appeals to
change the settled purpose of my own best judgment. I must equally
decline it in the present instance, in spite of the powerful reasons which
you have assigned, and the strong feelings which co-operate with all
your Arguments,

But, may I not, my dear Sir, join my own intreaties with the wishes
of our deceased friend, and beseech you, if possible, to accept of this
important trust? Tour office will miJce it your duty frequently to visit
Baleigh — ^at other periods, you can devolve the trust upon some confi-
dential Agent. Tou know the laws. Tou know the people. Tou know
the situation of the Estate : and I know, you possess the unbounded Con-
fidence of the whole family. Tour character will give efficacy to all
your arrangements ; and confidence to all your measures.

I entreat, therefore, my dear Sir, that you would act in behalf of the
family : do the best you can, and confer the greatest obligation on,

[Address: Fayetteville, N. Carolina.]

From William A. Oraham,

Hillsborough Oct 5th 1825.
Agreeably to promise I now undertake to write you a few lines. With
great pleasure I inform you that your family, and friends in this place,
are in good health — all except little Elizabeth who (Mrs. Buffin requests
me to say) is much better than when she last wrote you. Since your
departure the town has been visited by an unusual degree of sickness —
no deaths however except a little daughter of Mr. Heartt and a Mr.
Reeves from the lower part of the county — ^both of which you have no
doubt heard of before. Wm. Adams has been at the very point of dis-
solution for several days but is now thought by his physicians to be
recovering. A few cool days which we have had and one or two slight
frosts have freed us from any apprehension of the continuance of bilious

332 Ths Kobth Carolina Historical Coicmission.

fever, which has been the prevailing malady. As usual in Hillsboro'
there is a scarcity of news. Were I writing to a younger friend I mi^t
have much to say on the subject of the ladies, as it is, sufficeth to say
that they have extorted much of the tribute which was due to Blackstone
and Coke. It is now however the eve of our gayety. Most of those who
have been spending the summer here will leave during the present wedc,
and it is to be hoped those venerable masters will then be restored to their
former dominion. I suppose you have heard of the election of Prol
Olmsted to the prof essordiip of Mathematics in Tale CoU^e. It appears
to me strange that they should have offered the appointment to Mr. 0.
in preference to Mitchell who is certainly his superior not only as a
Mathematician but in every department of science. North Carolinians
however ought not to regret it as the loss to our own coDege is not ao
great as it would have been in the other event. Moreau Murphey wrote
me from Nashville 22nd August. He expected at that time to set oat
for home about the 20th of Sept. — appears highly pleased with the
country and the hospitality and lindness of its inhabitants. Daring the
court here Judge Paxton handed me a letter from Brother James — it
was written just after his diseomfiture — ^he seems a good deal chagrined—
mentioned that it was quite currently reported through the distriet that
Walker had transferred his interest to Carson for a valuable consider-
ation. He congratulates himself however on being freed from the care
and fatigue of electioneering and expressed a determination to return
with redoubled assiduity to the duties of his profession. I expect to set
out for Lincoln about the middle of this month in company with Mr.
Benehan who contemplates settling himself in Wilkesboro', having been
advised to do so by Judge Nash. My absence will not be for a longer
period than a fortnight or three we^, as I am anxious to read a good
part of Lord Coke before you return. I believe we had instituted our
Moot Court before you left us. Our meetings are held weekly and con-
fined exclusively to the discussion of questions of Law. Mr. Hawks fre-
quently attends and delivers his opinions. It will no doubt be to us a
source of much improvement if properly attended to. The Masonic
fraternity of this place had a grand parade a few days since in dedicating
their lodge. Mr. Green delivered an address in the Lodge on the subject
of their institution after which they marched in procession to the Metho-
dist church where Mr. Hawks as deputy grand master of the state gave
us anotlier speech of a similar nature. In haste.

Sincerely Your Friend

and Most Obedt. Servt.

Hon. Judge Ruffin. Will : A. Grahaic.

[Address: Hon. Thomas Ruffin,

Fayetteville
Mail. No. Carolina

Endorsed: Wm. A. Graham

Octo. 1825.]

The Buffik Papbbs. 333

To Catherine Bufin.

,-, «, «, J., Fatbttbville — Novemr. 12th 1825,

My Bear Daughter!

I have received on my circuit your very affectionate Letters. They
merit my thanks ; of which I ought perhaps to have returned an earlier
expression. The truth is however, that while my occupations leave me
but little time to devote to my f riends, they likewise in a great degree
give to my spirits a cast so sombre that I am unwilling to shew myself
even to my children. The long journey I have taken, hath brought me
into the company of few people, to whom I should be anxious to intro-
duce you; and dull descriptions — in my style — of places, customs and
things would hardly be worth your reading. They may serve to beguile
in conversation a long winter's evening when you get home; and if of
sufficient interest to you to be made the subjects of enquiry, I promise
then to tell you all I have seen. As a present exception however I must
mention that I spent two days at Bellville, the seat of Mr. John Waddell,
whose daughters are your school mates. They deserve every good feeling
of which you are capable, if a child be under any obligation to recipro-
cate the good offices done to the Parent. The situation is beautiful and
somewhat embellished by art ; but the hospitality and kindness of most of
the very worthy proprietors with their unusual urbanity of manners .
is the great charm of the spot, which cannot fail to attach the guest while
there and excite a grateful remembrance after seperation. Mention to
the young Ladies, that their Parents and friends are all well — ^having
reached home without an accident.

I hoped and expected to have received letters here from both your
Mother and yourself — ^But upon my arrival today I found none from
either. My last accounts from home relieved me from much painful
solicitude, as they advised me of the convalescence of poor Betty and
the recovery of your Mother and most of the Servants. I still flatter
myself that no further sickness prevents your Mama from writing,
because Mr. McNeills letters from your grand-father do not contain any
such intimation. Moreover Mr. McN's carriage is now at Hillsboro
for his children and is daily expected bade by them. I shall hear all
particulars.

It would give me great pleasure to comply with your affectionate
request by taking the Bock Best^ road home— especially as you press
it on me so in both your letters. But at present, I cannot promise. My
first duty you know is further on : And without doubting my regard for
yourself, you will permit me to add, that, naturally I wish to be soonest
where the most of those who are most dear to me are. If I leave for
Fayetteville in the morning, I can reach home in two days by the nearest

iRock Rest was the Chatham County home of Colonel Edmund Jones. His
wife conducted a school for young ladles there.

334 The Xobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

rout, which I miut go. But if it be my fate to set out late, as I cannot
get all the way up next day, I will call on you in the way. Don't be
selfish and wish me the ill-fortune of a detention here, that will throw
me upon you.

The date of this letter reminds me that on this day fifteen years I
was made a Father for the first time, by your birth. You are now almost
a woman, my child ; and I trust and pray God that you have improved
the precepts and principles in which your Mother has raised you, as,
after her example, to be a good Woman! the friend of your sisters — ^the
pride of your brothers — the comfort of your Parents and — if you should
chance to be mistress of a household at a future day — the ornament and
crown of a Husband. Your years lead us now to look for prudence and
discretion in you, — sense and knowledge, properly mingled with good
humour and fine feeling. I will not add an admonition — ^but simply
desire you habitually to call up in your mind reflections upon questions
of propriety and, in all cases in which you doubt yourself look to the
aid of Mrs. Jones who is with you and consider, what your excellent
Mother would herself do in your place, or would wish you to do. With
their helps, it will be difficult to err. One caution take at my hands : The
least, the very least of Affectation put far from you. It makes a char-
acter partly artificial, wholly so in the end. If the property or mann^
affected be a virtue, do not feign it, but strive to possess it in reality.
If a foible or a vice, it is contemptible and indelibly stamps a reproach
upon your understanding and will finally unsettle all your best feelings.

You must not play (at any rate) in your letters to persons older than
yourself and particularly in those to your parents, the little trick of
Bomance of subscribing yourself by any other than your true natm.
By what better authority can you lay aside the baptismal appellative,
than the baptismal vows ? Besides, it is not respectful.

I am at Mrs. McNeill's, where I shall chiefly stay during my detention
here. Tomorrow however I shall go from Church with Mr. Strange.
Both of your Aunts and the children are well. I have only been here a
few hours and have not had time to call on Mrs. Eccles — but your Annt
Minerva says that both she and her children were in good health a fev
days ago. I offer my most respectf ull regards to Mrs Jones and all the
family at Bock-Best. For yourself, I renew to the Almighty the fervent
prayers of, Dearest Catherine,

Your most affect. Father

Thomas Ruffin.

P. S. The Court here will continue two weeks.

Miss Catherine Buffin

Bock Best
Chatham

[Address :

Colo. Edward Jones'
Chatham.]

Thb Euffin Papbbs. 335

From Francis L. Hawks.

H1LL8BOK0' Wednbsdat morning. [Ifovember, 1826]
Mr. Waddell^ handed me your note a short time since, and I take the
earliest opportunity of answering it.

The expression of which you desire an explanation, I believe I can
readily and I hope satisfactorily explain. As to the use of the word
publicJely.

In the conversation which I had with you, I gave you to understand
that I had learned a rumour was circulating, charging me with injuring
the characters of gentlemen in this place by publick imputations against
them. The conversation in Mr. Ws office, I did not deem publick, and
tho' I freely acquit Mr. W. of any thing like a breach of confidence, yet
I must repeat that I am sure, I would have not said any thing, had I
supposed it could ever injure you either with the publick or the gentle-
men present. This was one reason of my use of the word, but another
and the principal reason was this. Before I removed to this place,
during a term of the Supreme Court, on one occasion, a gentleman of
the bar whose name I shall not mention, coming out of court with me,
spoke of you, of an argument which you had made, complimented your
talents, and adverted to what others had said of you on the score of sin-
cerity. I had heard (to be candid with you) other gentlemen who knew
jou better than I did, speak of you in this particular, and I remembered
too that but a short time before, I had been told of remarks of jovM
made about me which I confess hurt me, and I also remembered, that
after hearing these remarks, we had at the same term taken a walk
together in which you spoke kindly to me and professed a regard for me,
and I communicated to you in confidence as a friend, for I was willing
to forget what I had heard, all the particulars of an old love affair of
mine ; at the same time I conmiunicated the fact of my engagement with
the lady who is now my wife : — when then the gentleman Before alluded
to, spoke of the opinion of others concerning you on the score of sin-
cerity, I mentioned that I had heard such things, and coupling what had
1)een told me, with your professions of regard, I confess the leaning of
my mind was that the charge was not entirely groundless, tho' I think
that then, I said nothing like it, but left it to be inferred from my
remark that I had heard such things. It was long after this that I had
the conversation with your brother; when I expressed what I then felt
and still feel, a grateful sense of your kindness in offering me your purse
Tvhen you thought me distressed, and I have mentioned also that circum-
stance to the very (Gentleman with whom I had the former conversation,
as an evidence of your benevolent feelings.

iHogh Waddell of Orange» 1799-1878.

336 The I^obth Cabolteta Hibtobioal Gommibbiok.

The Conversation above referred to was entirely private, between two
friends, neither of whom intended to do you the Bmallest injury, both
of whom looked up to you with respect, and was never meant to be
repeated ; nor do I believe it has been by the other gentleman concerned,
and not by me until the circumstances occurring within two or three
days have rendered it necessary.

Let me go a step farther, and blame me not for my frankness and
candour. I have heard such a charge made against you by others as is
now imputed to me ; several others : — I have heard other gentlemen say
they had heard them made also ; when made in my presence, I cannot
call to mind any instance in which I expressed any opinion, and I know
that on some occasions I changed the subject of conversation.

I believe Sir, there is no man of whom unkind things are not some-
times said, which would, on reflection, be cause of regret to the person
speaking them. Such things have been said of you, I know they have of
me. My wish is to be on good terms with all men, and I am sure it is as
far from my design to whisper away your reputation, as it is to impute
charges against you before the publick.

Your obdt. servt. F. L. Hawks.

From Francis L. Hawks.

J y p -J HiLLSBOBo — Monday bvbnino. [November, 1825]

Sir,

After leaving you this afternoon, Mr. Waddell and myself called on
Mr. Rencher,^ and tho' they diflFer, perhaps not very materially, yet from
the statements of both, I am compelled to believe that there has been on
my part an indiscretion for which as I am heartily sorry I must b^ to
be pardoned. Mr. Bencher states, that as nearly as he can recollect,
when Mr. W. stated that he had dined with you, and your remark on
Badger, that he was indolent, but you did not well know how to blame
him, as you used to hate to see a client coming after dinner, I said, that
I did not well know how to believe that, or I doubted that, for that when
at the bar, you were as much disposed to seek popular favour as any
lawyer among us. Mr. R. says that he understood me to speak of yon
professionally; both he and Mr. W. however were surprised for they
thought I spoke with asperity, and both thought that I impeached yonr
sincerity. Mr. R. says he thought that I doubted your professional sin-
cerity, tho' at the same time, he inferred from my language and manner
that / would not confide in you a great deal.

lAbraham Rencher of Chatham, 1798-1888.

Thb RuFFm Papsb8. 337

Now SiTy I can only say, that having until the conversation was men-
tioned, entirely forgotten that it ever took place, I cannot, at this dis-
tance of time, remember what I did say. One thing I do remember, I
was hurt at the circumstance of not being invited to dine at your house
with Badger, and felt a little mortified; and this probably gave to my
manner the asperity of which Mr. R. and Mr. W. speak.

A general charge of insincerity against you I meant not to make nor
did I intend publicly, to say any tiling which might affect your character.
In one word, Sir, so little had I of deliberate design to injure you that
I had entirely forgotten the whole conversation. This Sir, is the simple
fact, I have taken pains to say to Mr. W. and Mr. K both that I re-
gretted their misunderstanding of my words and manner, and had I
supposed that what I then said would have injured you in the estimation
of those gentlemen, or that the public would have ever heard it^ I should
have been silent^ for however thoughtless I may be, I do not think I am
malicious.

I have written this sir, to justify myself, for it would seem from what
had passed between Mr. W. you, and myself that I had told you a false-
hood before Mr. W. came up. The truth was Sir, that I did not remember
the Conversation. I knew I had never spoken with Dr. Webb but once
and that within ten days of any charges against me of having said things
disrespectful of any one, and then this conversation in Ws office was
not named, and I was perfectly thunderstruck at Waddells statement.

To you Sir, it is of little importance, my opinion cannot affect your
character; to me it is all important, for as I hinted to you, and indeed
as you told me yourself, it has been industriously circulated that I have
spoken ill of many respectable men ; I have little to lose but reputation
for as you know that is nearly my all. Of the charges brought against
me, I can only say they are not true. I have not abused many respectable
men : — the author of most of the rumours and the cause of them I think
I know. If Sir, what I have said will be satisfactory to Mrs. Ruffin
whom it grieves me to have offended, I shall be happy; if it will not Sir,
I must patiently submit to the consequences of my indiscretion.

Respectfully F. L. Hawks.

From Lewis Williams.

Washington December 8th 1825.

The Revd. James Parks Clerk and Master in the County of Surry has

lately died. His family are in reduced circumstances but honest. The

appointment of a successor is a matter in which they as well as the

County are interested. John P. Parks son of the old man has done the

338 The North Cabolika Hibtobioal Commission.

business for his Father for several years. Permit me therefore to solleit
your favourable consideration of John P. Parks who will be a candidate
for the office held by his Father at the next Superior Court for Suny
County in March 1826. I hope you will pardon the liberty I take and
believe me your friend and Hble Servt.

Hon. Thomas Ruffin.

[Address: Hillsboro N. C]

From William H, Haywood Jr.

Salsioh 8th Deer. 1825.

« « •

Our Legislature are doing little. It is whispered still that the Ch:
Justice will go to Guatemala. If so you are already named as his soe-
cessor to the Supreme Court bench.

I ¥rrite you in haste— ofFer my respects to Mrs. Ruffin

[Address: Hillsborough N. C.]

From WiUiamf^ Robards,

Raleigh, December 27th, 1825.

I should be highly gratified to see you, a few hours of social chat would
afford infinite pleasure; I wish you no harm, but I trust you may be
called to this place before our Court adjourns. All the Judges were in
Court today, our Docket about the usual size. We shall do but little
during the session. It is the opinion of many that they will adjourn
Sunday or Monday. From what I have discovered no mischief will be
done, and no good, to use the language of the members — they have
attempted to legislate both the Sol. and Atto Oenl. out of office, but the
Senate on yesterday by a large vote rejected the Bill on that subject from
the Commons. I am writing by candle light and my eyes admonish
me to stop.

[Address: Hillsborough]

From William Robards,

Wms.bobouoh Jany 12th, 1826.
Your friendly letter came safely to hand. I am content that yon
accepted of my apology and will not complain of the doubts expressed

Thx Ruffin Papsbs. 339

of my indiflposition. It may be that I often complain and still summon
resolution to attend to my business and perhaps at times have not suffi-
cient cause for a murmur. I wish it had been the case during the first
weeks in December. I assure you, without jesting, I had a severe attack,
and feel it sensibly now, but with prudence and care I think I shall be
able to undergo a little more drudgery. I anxiously look forward to the
time that I can withdraw, when it will arrive my prospects at present
do not warrant me in saying. I think if I am spared a year or so more
I will bid adieu to public life. Judging from your letter I may conclude
that you will even doubt this determination.

We move on, very slow in Court — for ten days only two arguments —
On Yesterday the Court commenced with some system. On yesterday
Badger delivered two able arguments — One on the question involved in
the cause from Caswell between Stamps and Graves — Whether on a
promissory note given by Graves for a debt of John W. Graves it was
incumbent on the Plff to prove a legal consideration, it having been con-
tended by Seawell that on every parole contract or contract not reduced
to a specialty, the onus was on the Ptff and not the defendant. Mr.
Seawell was very sanguine in his opening speech, but ask'd time till
today to reply — today a message was received from him that he was
sick. I am inclined to say that his indisposition is something like that
produced in the Tar River Navigation case this you must consider as
said in confidence — although the proposition is considered plain, yet
the argument of Mr. Seawell created doubts untill removed by the light
given to the case by Badger — the other in answer to Wilson in a case
from the West. The question involving the decision of the Court in the
case of Johnson vs Martin, whether the acquittal of the defendant on a
warrant is evidence of the want of probable cause in an action for a
malicious prosecution, Wilson contending that the decision was errone-
ous. I think he (B) has shown more than his usual perspicuity, this is
saying a great deal of him. Mr. Gaston has been unwell, but is now
able to appear in Court.

I delivered your message to Judges Henderson and Hall, they are
anxious to see you. We shall have a long Court unless the Equity causes
are mostly continued.

I have given you an imperfect sketch of our proceedings for the want
of other matter.

Accept my Dear Sir my sincere wishes for your welfare.

[P. S.] I have committed several mistakes having been interrupted
by company, my room as usual is a lounging place for several.

340 The North Cabolina Historical CoMMissioir.

To William Polk.^

j^ „, Hillsborough — February 6*^ 1826

I have been at my plantation up the country for ten days past and
have just returned, in time to answer you before this moming'B mail
closes.

I cannot take on myself to receive the money mentioned in your letter,
as it is my wish not to intermeddle with the Estate of my late Uncle in
any such way as would compel me to qualify as his Executor. I am
anxious however that the proceeds of the late sales should be applied to
my Uncle's Bank debts for which I am surety; and I have no doubt but
that his son Albert will administer with the will annexed at your next
County Court. J shall then be at Baleigh myself with the view of
having an administration granted and bringing about a speedy settle-
ment of all the concerns of my Uncle. — ^At that time, every thing I appre-
hend will be done that will give you satisfaction. —

I am, Dear Sir, with much respect

Tour friend & Obd* S^

Col^' William Polk Thomas RuFFnr.

Raleigh

From John F. May,

RiCHMD. Febry. lOth 1826.
Yours of the dd. Jany. was duly reed, but immediately afterwards,
the fire in Petersbg. in which my office was burned, threw my affairs
in such a state of confusion, that I was hardly able to think of any thing.
Added to this, the Courts of Chancery and of Appeals and the Legis-
lature engrossed my whole time ; and more recently I and my wife and
two children have, one or the other of us, been sick in a boarding house
here, for a fortnight. This is the first moment that I have had time to
^ make the necessary inquiries, at the M. A. office ; and to inform you of
the result. The house you mention was regularly insured — and the policy
transferred to Mr. Hunt who paid premiums for several years. He gave
no notice of his transfer or sale; and neither he nor any power under
him ever gave any notice of an intention to withdraw from the society.
By law, the society would have been bound to pay for the house, if it
had been burned, during all the period ; and they had a lien, by the same
law, on the house and land, for the annual quotas and interest, damages
and costs. The recovery has been according to law : you are bound on
your warranty to your vender; and your vender is of course bound to
you. Perhaps as the quotas have been paid, without resorting to the

iMss. Division, Library of Ck>ngre8e, William Polk Papers.

The Ruffin Papsbs. 341

property^ it may be well to sue in the name of Michaux, the person
ultimately liable, for money paid out etc. Of this, however, you and
your counsel will judge. The country Branch of the M. A. Society
being abolished, no more quotas are due ; and you are clear of the com-
pany, without any act of withdrawal.

I am now, as I always have been, a republican, not according to any
man's patent, but according to the principles of our constitution State
and federal. I am in favour of freehold suffrage, and an independent
judiciary at home^ and I am opposed to caucuses, caucusmen, consoli-
dation, dismemberment^ aggrandisement of the great states, entangling
alliances, and skylight houses, abroad. I was opposed to Crawford,
because all the intolerant men of all parties, and all the caucusmen, were
for him; because he was (at least represented alternately by his friends
to be) all things to all men — ^to the patent republicans, the only man
who could keep up the landmarks of party; and to those federalists who
would support him, he was opposed to party animosities, He would make
McLane^ secry of the treasury or Webster Atto. (JenL, or Van Rens-
salaer^ P. M. Qenl. etc. I voted for Adams as the man most likely to
defeat this combination of Pickering* and Van Buren — ^and as, upon
the whole, the least objectionable of the candidates — ^I mean to oppose
him when wrong; without uniting in an indiscriminate opposition. to
his administration; merely because we of Ya. did not have any hand
in electing him. I voted for Randolph^ for the Senate because I have
more confidence in him than in Adams or any other public man. I
Toted against Giles,^ because he is embittered against almost every body —
slanders everybody — would have no sort of influence any where, — and
would be a bitter and malignant opponent of every man and every
measure of the administration ; because he has sunk himself so low, as
to be compelled to swear that he cannot get a fair trial in a suit against
him in his own county, as Indorser of W. C. If icholas on a note to which
lie pleads usury. I leave you therefore to say whether I am any, and
if any what sort of politician. I have been in hopes of getting the letter
on business which you promised. I am heartily tired of legislation ; and
most anxious to get home; but shall be kept here for a month at least
I fear.

Judge RufSn.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

iLonis McLane of Delaware.

2Probal)ly Solomon Van Rensselaer of New York, 1774-1852, at this time
poetmaster of Albany.

sTimothy Pickering of Massachusette.

4John Randolph of Roanoke.

BWilliam B. Giles.

eprobably Wilson C. Nicholas, the close friend of Jefferson, member of
Congress, senator, governor of Virginia.

342 The North Cabouna Histobioal Commission.

From Edward Oraham}

Nbwbebn Feby. 29th 1820.

My old^ and worthy, and I wish I could not add now unfortunate
friend W. C. Stanly^ is shortly to see you and I understand from him
that he is still desirous to obtain, if it may be his chance, the solicitor-
ship of the Edenton circuit, not certainly vacant. I could not in justice
to him or myself remain silent, or unconcerned on such an occasion,
and however important or unimportant may be my testimony in his
behalf I b^ you will excuse me for taking the liberty with you Sir of
tendering it.

I have known, and intimately known, Mr. Stanly from the days of
his boyhood, through his school, his college his office and his profes-
sional career. I have practiced with him upwards of 20 years, and
kept up a familiar social intercource with him and his associates, and I
do with a conscientious confidence say that I know of no gentleman that
has more uniformly sustained a character for the domestic social and
public virtues — ^no one whose professional integrity is more free from
imputation, he is a sound lawyer, faithful in the discharge of his busi-
ness— in industry (especially when called for), above mediocrity in
talent and capacity inferior to few, well grounded in criminal law, and
with talents I have thought peculiarly adapted to the creditable and
advantageous management of pleas of the State — ^with these sentiments
and believing too that his situation deserves and needs assistance, I
take great pleasure in speaking of him thus — ^but you know him and
fortunately I believe for him better than I. I believe that his appoint-
ment would be universally acceptable that the State would be essentially
served by his appointment, and I am not aware that any probable appli-
cant in that event could justly complain at being postponed for him, —
begging again your pardon for the liberty, I remain most respectfully

To Catherine Ruffin.

-kF J ^^7 .7j Wbwbebn March 14th 1826.

My dear Child —

I had heard before receiving your letter of the improvement in

Thomas' health, by the way of a friendly note from Mr. McRae. Your

kind letters were however not the less acceptable ; for one not only likes

iBdward Or»liam, 1765-1888, a native of New York, who, after graduation
from Princeton In 1785, read law with John Jay and settled In New
and built up a large practice.

sWrlght C. Stanly was a/classmate of RufDn at Princeton.

The RuFFiN Papesb. 348

to know that something favorable has occurred^ but tc^ be informed of all
particulars, which alone give full assurance of the redl^ty of the happy
events. I acknowledge my obligation to Providence for this signal in-
stance of his Benificence. I pray, that my dear babe may speedily and
perfectly complete the deliverance from disease. With his return to
health, I anticipate the restoration of his spirits and temper, which shall
in comfort compensate your dear Mother for all the privations of her
watching over his sickness and his convalescence.

I am pleased to hear that you have in prospect the leisure that promises
a resumption of your history. I must enjoin it on you to studi/ it several
hours daily. I suppose you are finishing Hume. That done, take up
Hiss Aikens Memoirs of Elizabeth and James I. This course will supply
you employment, if properly read, until my return — ^when I promise
myself much pleasure in conversing with you upon the events recorded
by those authors. You must allow me to hope that the time is near at
hand, when I may do much of my reading through you, by the helps of
our discussions of your studies. I hope that after the book is out of your
hands, the subjects are not cast out of your mind. The true province of
reading is not confined to a knowledge of the facts related in history.
Beading furnishes food for reflection; and the habit is a valuable one
and ought to be early formed of thinking and again going over in the
mind the passages perused in the day. Such a practice serves the two-
fold purpose of impressing the facts on the memory and leading the
understanding into a train of exercise necessary to its improvement and
strength. It is necessary too that you should engage often in domestic
employments, which will set a limit to the hours employed in reading;
for that cannot be profitably pursued under frequent and irregular inter-
ruptions. But the needle or knitting form no impediments to thought
or conversations ; and I fear I have observed that work wants some charm
to keep you engaged long in it. Meditation on points of history and
points of character in some of its personages will furnish an employment
delightful in itself and divesting labor of all its drudgery. Lively con-
versations with your young friends and sober and dutiful ones with your
Mother would fill up all chasms and give the highest zest to both your
litterary and manual pursuits. Besides the solid knowledge to be acquired
from history, it is my request that you undertake a course of reading for
your evenings tending to enliven your fancy and chasten your imagina-
tion and likewise put into a proper train your notions of morals. For
the former purpose, I suggest Select Poetry and the Spectator; Scott,
Pope, Thompson, and Shakespeare are my favorite Poets. The Bible
is the great fountain as well of morals as Religion and is to be best
known. That I would follow up with the Spectator again. You see, I
am a disciple of Addison. He is a young Lady's best instructor: His
sentiments are all refined and chaste; his style simple, but it is elegant
simplicity; his English, purely idiomatic; his religion, orthodox; his
figiu-es, perfect and his Imagination lively. There is nothing coarse

344 Ths North Caboluta Histosical Commissioit.

from beginning to end. The Spectator is a finiBhed model of the epis-
tolary and colloquial style. Your evening's reading, being lighter^ may
be dlovd, to the family seated around the Tea Table. I am aware, that
I am much wanting in my duty both to your Mother and my children in
not affording them, by a large house, more privacy and more facility
of study, neither retirement nor proper domestic order is completely
attainable in our present establishment. I hope before loiig to alter that
matter for the better. But in the mean time, I would not have yoa
wholly neglect yourself. True Philosophy teaches us to improve all
our present opportunities to the utmost: Make the best of what is in
your power; and consume not your time in useless repininga at the
absence of some desirable accomodation nor encourage a spirit of dis-
content by brooding over past ills. Because we might do more with
other advantages, furnishes no excuse for not doing nwcK with oor
present opportunities. It would afford me some satisfaction to suppose
that my footsteps were weekly traced on my various journeys bj my
family. To think, that at the beginning of every week, you were aayisf^
^'Mama and Oirls, Here Papa is now;" and, on friday and satnrdayi,
^'He is probably now travelling, solitary and slow, along ihie road or
crossing thai River: He is thinking of us and every time he crosaes
Neuae River he says, that he is upon his own waters and, the fantas-
tically, yet pardonably indulges in the search for a drop of our own
Spring Water mixed with the mass of that which now sustains his boat
or majestically flows by him. It is but a fancy, I allow; but it would be
a pleasing thought to me if you would hang up your map of No. Ca. in
the dining room and thus follow me, by the aid of an Almanac which
will tell you my Courts, over the weary space from Hillsborough back
again. You will perceive possibly, that this pious watching of your
fathers track may beguile you into an accurate and lasting acquaintance
with the charts of your native State, thereby adding to the store of your
useful knowledge, while at the same time you gratify a whim of feeling
in me. In that way, you can see the spot on Shackleford's Banks on the
Sea-Shore, about fifteen miles from Beaufort and about six miles to ^e
North-East of Old Topsail Inlet, where I was gratified last week with die
sight of a large whale. It was killed on Tuesday night : The news soon
reached us, for boats and vessels are almost as constantly at public times
plying on those waters as people on horse back travel our roads: A
gentleman of the place, an old seaman and an old acquaintance of mine,
politely provided a boat and hands; aroused me and the gentlemen of
the Bar an hour before day on Wednesday morning and got us aboard:
With a fine breeze and all sails set, we put to sea and by a little after
sunrise, we were on the whale's back. Our curiosity gratified, we re-
turned with equal safety and despatch and opened Court by 11 0*Ck.
I had often read descriptions well drawn by naturalists of the Whale:
But I had formed no just notion of it. The failure of accomplished and
scientific writers [torn] a knowledge they aimed at communicating

Ths Ruffin Fapebs. 345

admonishes me not to attempt a description here. I will make the essay
however, hj next month when we meet. It is a huge misshapen monster,
of immense strength and full of fat. It was 55 feet long, tho' but a year
old as the Mariners said. It makes about 45 Blls of oil and was worth
$750. I cut out two of the whale bones from the mouth which I shall
bring you. It is now nearly dinner, which I am engaged to take with
Mr. John Burgwyn, who is very polite in his attentions. I saw Miss
Julia day before yesterday. She enquired about you in a very friendly
manner and desired your remembrance. She is reckoned here very
pretty, as I understand from Mr. Stanly, who is a batchelor and knows
therefore more of these matters than I should ever find out of myself, —
as I have but little taste and should make no enquiries but to gratify the
Curiosity of the woman-folks of my house-hold. I wrote to your dear
Mother yesterday, and shall continue to do so every week. Do me the
kind offices of geting her to acknowledge my letters, to keep me in her
remembrance and by a visit to Fayetteville, to give me an opportunity of
paying my respects to her at Raleigh. I shall write to your brother
William tonight, as it begins to be time to make arrangements for his
visit to us. In the homely phrase, I add, because I am assured that you
feel most concern in it, that I am well. I pray Gh>d to continue to me
and all my dear Family a continuance of the blessing of health and all
others to make our state comfortable. To his care ; I conmiend you all,
with my blessing and the assurances of the regard of your father,

Thomas Ruffin.
[Address : Hillsborough N. C]

From James H. Ruffin.

Caswbll Co : Ho : April 13th 1826.
We are here in attendance upon the court, doing but little in the way
of trying causes or receiving fees : — There is a lamentable f alling-off of
business in the Courts in this part of the country and I fear that it is to
be still worse in that respect. The citizens seem so much to dread the
expenses and trouble incident to them from litigation in Court that it is
becoming a rarity to see, upon our dockets, either the return of an
original writ or the enrolment of an appeal. Claimants seem to consider
all other methods preferable, for the recovery of their claims, to a resort
to the law, and defendants view, with consternation, the power of an
officer of the law, deeming it, in these times of scarcity, their heaviest
curse to have any business which shall take them to what (I think) are
f arcially called Seats of Justice, our County Courts : — If there be not an
improvement in the business of our Courts, some of us, honorable Aitor-
wies at Law, will have to resign our Credentials and betake ourselves to

346 The North Carolina Historical Commission.

emploTment more suited to our capacities and more congenial with our
dispositions, the pursuits of agriculture or the acquisition of the knowl-
edge necessary for the performance of some trade which will secure to
us the means of an honest livelihood: — To compare, however, small
things with great, there is a tide in human affairs, in which when matters
have reached either the highest or the lowest point, have got either to the
best or to the worst, like the pendulum of a clock, there must be an oppo-
site vibration. It seems to me that there cannot be a greater scarcity of
business for lawyers, and therefore, I hope, that we shall, ere long begin
to ascend toward the summit. I do not dispair, as I hope that my busi-
ness is increasing tho' but slowly : the people seem to look upon me, now
as a Lawyer, which they have not heretofore done and I get some few
more retainers than formerly. In this Court indeed, I never got any
employment owing to the fact of my giving away so much counsel without
having the requisite knack of asking a gratuity in return, but that must
stop. Justice to myself and to those who are now dependent upon me
require that such a state of things should cease, no more to occur, forever.

I was up at Dobbs' ^ last week. He has done a great deal of work this
year and hais the prospect of making a large and fine crop. If he, how-
ever, fails in it, I am rwined forever as far as agricultural matters are
concerned. My plantation must necessarily be brought to the hammer, as
I am depressed by a weight of debt to you, Mr. Cain, and McNeill, under
which I cannot rise. I hope, however, for better things. I shall continue
to struggle with additional inducements to do so, having a family now
to support.

I have heard too from Gilliam — He too has done a good deal upon
your plantation, having opened and cut all your ditches, and ploughed
a good deal.

The farmers in this part of the country are shuddering for their
tobacco plants, it being very cold with ice in abundance for the two last
nights. The fruit is entirely gone for this year and there are dreadful
forebodings, that this is to be the dryest and most pinching year ever
known in this county : indeed so well convinced of it is your old friend
Thomas Mc(}ehee of Person, that he has for several years been making
provision for it.

Tancey has been offered the appointment ^of Charge des affaires to
Peru, which he has refused and it has since been conferred upon some-
body from Maryland,^ die same man who gave to Adams the vote of the
State in the House of Beps. I tell you this however under strictest
charge of secrecy as nobody in the County knows it and he is not dis-
posed to blazon it. He was very independent in his refusal to accept and
has put a "t)iom in the King* side/'

I suppose we shall see you at the Convention.

iJames H. Ruffin's overseer.

2The appointment in fact went to James Gooley of Pennsylvania.

Thb Ruffin Papxbb. 347

My mother's f amily, Susan and myself are all well and desire to be
remembered in the most affectionate manner.
In the mean time^ dear brother, I remain
Hon. Thos. Baffin.
[Address : Newborn N. C]

From William K. Ruffin.^

Baltimokb April 16th, 1826.
Not long since I received your affectionate letter, which should have
been answered immediately, and would have been, had I not been uncer-
tain where to direct a letter to you. I intended waiting until the 25th
of this month, but as we have a holiday I will spend a small portion of
it in writing to you. In your last you enquired what way I had intended
going home next Summer? if any one was going with me? the manner
which you proposed is the one I intended tiUcing. I expected until two
or three days ago that I would have one of my companions as a fellow
traveller, but I believe that I will not, the companion I allude to is a
great friend of Mr. Randolph, and he intended going to spend the sum-
mer with him in Virginia, but Mr. Randolph is going to Europe, and
expects to carry this young Glentlemean with him, where he will put him
to school. In yours. Dear Papa, you told me to write a long letter, but
indeed I do not know what to say. The boys had holiday today because
the (Governor reviewed the troops. I saw them salute him, which he
merely accepted with a nod, whilst they whirled their swords, and then
let it fall nearly to the ground; there was a great concourse of people.
I was in a house just front of the Governor and the Soldiers. I have not
beard anything of Mr. Mangum in a week or two. I am almost per-
suaded that he is going to play me the same joke he did last year. I
mean ''not coming at all." It is almost time for supper, and my candle
and pen are both failing, so I will bid you good night. May the Almighty
protect us both this night, and raise us to our duties in the morning.

Dear Father. April 17th, 1826.

I rise earlier than any of the boys that I may finish this, but indeed I
must say something of some importance before I end; what I intend
saying has been a subject of much contemplation to me of late. You
suppose I intend speaking of religion; by no means: when in this I
mentioned something of Mr. Randolph I had not concluded whether I
would mention my desire. I will say but few words concerning it, if
you approve of it, you will let me know as soon as possible for I have
not more than twenty days to determine ; Mr. Mangum I hope will say

iWllllam Kirkland Raffln, Thomas RafDn's eldest son.

348 The North Cabouka Historical Commibsioit.

more. I send this to him that he may read it. Mr. Kandolph intended
as I mentioned before to take a young gentleman to school with him in
Europe^ as I am well persuaded that it is much better than this, and I
understand that it cost Tery nearly as little there as here, moreover I
will see the world, and get my ^ucation at the same time. Mr. R
approTes of it, and disapproves of this, he examined one of the students
who was and is very diligent, he says he knows nothing of latin or Eng-
lish. I will be in a republic country and among good Presbyterians, and
will be there prepared for any stage of life as they teach Agriculture and
every thing fit for an American, he intends going to Switzerland, and if
you approve of it I will go with him in May; I should like to go home
of course but if I go, I will be obliged to do without it, however I wiE
have this consolation that the one I go with wUl not see his relations
either. Write to me as soon as you receive this, direct it to Mr. Mangum.
recollect that I must determine within twenty days. Remember xne to
my acquaintances.

Mr. T. Ruffin.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From William K. Ruffin,

St. Mast's Collbqb Baltimoss April [1826].
A circumstance ocurred today which I believe has effaced all my
hopes; however it is not certain and the circumstance does not prevent
you from giving an answer, it is of some importance to me, and there is
but two weeks remaining for your determination. My young Friends
Grand Father wrote to him yesterday and informed him that he had
not yet resolved whether he would go or not. I should like to go, but if
you do not approve of my desire I will be perfectly contented; if you
do not approve of it, tell me your reason, and show me in what respect
I err. I am under your guidance. I shall always submit to the authority
of one, whom I love, and whose counsel I know is excellent. Mr. Mangum
wrote to me Saturday, but for want of time said nothing of my proposal;
he promises to write tomorrow, for which purpose I will not send this
until I know whether his is received or not, he says that I may expect
him this week, I hope he will come, as I desire very much to see the one,
with whom I left my old state, and with whom I entered these walk.
The Panama mission has passed, I do not know what Mr. Mangum's
constituents will say when they see he is outstripped in almost all his
endeavours. The Students spout a great deal now, indeed there is almost
as great an opposition party (as it is at present called in Washn) as
there is in Congress. Some and the most genius are in favour of Jack-

Thb Buffin Fafbbs. 349

soiiy some pretty smart fellows for Adams^ and all for Mr. Crawford. I
am for Jackson, and it was on this account that I became a deserter,
because I saw that Mr. Crawford was neither primus nor inferius; if
they do not prefer him before any let him loose it altogether. The
recreations are now turned from play to disputing and arguing; Some
say Adams has been serving the United States all his life, he has been
a minister to nearly all the Courts of Europe, therefore he should now
receive his merited reward : others say Jackson has enough sense to be
president, and likewise is not coward enough to let people insult him
before his face; he is likewise the choice of the People. I am quite
tired Dear Father. Please answer my letter as soon as possible. I
have not received Mr. Mangum's yet. Adeu Dearest of Parents, and
ever believe me to be your Affectionate Son

Wm. K. JlUFFIN.

[Address: Washington "N. C]

From J. Wetmore.

^ . Baleiqh April 25th 1826.

I am instructed to inform you that a meeting of the Committee of
Appointments of the University of North Carolina will be held at the
Executive Office Raleigh on Monday the 15th of May next.

Your attendance is requested as many of the applicants to fill the
vacancies of the two professorships live at a considerable distance, and
tis deemed adviseable to make the appointments as early as possible.

I am Sir very Bespectf ully

Your Obt. Servt.
Honorable Thomas Ruffin J. Wstmose Secy.

Hillsborough.

From H. B. Croom?-

Lenoib, May 12th, 1826.

Among the candidates for the professorship of Modem Languages

in our University is Mr. Clossey of the city of N. York. He will be

recommended to your Committee by his excellency Dewitt Clinton, and

other persons of that place ; among whom are the foreign linguists, the

iHardy B. Groom of Lenoir County, 1798-1887, was a lawyer.

350 The Nobth Cabolina Hibtosical Commission.

most capable judges of his qualifications as a scholar. To these testi-
monials I would, with humility, add, that being personally acquainted
with Mr. Clossey, I can testify to his excellent character, his great moral
worth, and even to his uncommon skill in the modem languages. I will
only add, that, could he receive your patronage for the appointment, I
should esteem it both fortunate for the University and a personal grati-
fication to your respectful humble Servant

To the Hon.

Thomas Ruffin.

[Address: Hillsborough, N. C]

From Romvius M. Saunders.

Milton June 21st 1826.
*******

I have now my dear Sir to address you upon a subject, which has cost
me the most anxious feelings of my life. In settling the business of the
Milton Agency with the Bank of ]!9'ewbem, there is every prospect of
my being ruined. It is not necessary now to enter into particulars about
this unfortunate business. I trust whatever may be the result my char-
acter will remain free from injury. I am resolved on freeing myself
and shall dispose of as much as the whole of my property if neoeasaiy.
to do so — my prospects in life are blasted so far as political views are
involved. I must return to the Bar for a support and devote all my time
to its pursuits. The prospect is rather uninviting but my family demands
the efiFort, but for them life would be to me a burthen. I mean not to
sink under my misfortunes, if I can find philosophy enough in my soul
to sustain me. In this situation and with this resolution I have to throw
myself in some degree upon my friends. I have so considered yon and
with that impression have made this communication. It is generally
understood that Mr. Jones^ will resign his appointment or that he will
be ousted by the Legislature. It is my wish if the vacancy should occur
to obtain it. You can be of service to me, if you think you can do so
with propriety. I have consulted Mr. Yancy, who will enter with feeling
in my favour — ^he thinks he can induce Settle* to decline and Shepherd*
and Morehead^ may one or both be drawn oflF, in order to offer for Con-
gress. Burton* and I think Iredell* will support me, Stanly'' would if

lEdmund Jones of Chatham, the solicitor general.

SThomas Settle.

SAugustlne H. Shepperd of Stokes.

4John M. Morehead.

sRobert H. Burton of Lincoln.

sjames Iredell of Chowan.

TV^rlght C. Stanly.

Thb Buffin Fafbbs. 351

Hawks^ was out of the way, he has no chance — ^you and Badger can do
much for me with Stanly and the East. Can I ask your friendly inter-
ferance. I pledge my honor if my friends shall at any time think after
a trial, that the public interest is not properly attended to, to resign the
appointment if so fortunate as to obtain it. You will appreciate my
motives in making this application. It is the first personal favour I
have ever asked at the hands of my friends. I think I cannot be con-
sidered as vain, in supposing I have some claims upon those with whom
I have acted politically. Necessity alone has forced upon me to make
the trial. It partakes too much of the Washinffton spirit to be seeking
offices before vacancies occur — ^yet as others are making the same calcu-
lations, I must plead their example as my apology. May I expect from
you a free answer as to this request and what you think of my making
the trial.

Thomas Buffin esqr.

[Address: Hillsborough, N. 0.]

From Oeorge 8. Attmore.

N^vrmuK July 13 1826.*
I hope this may find you realizing all the pleasures and enjoyments
which fiow from health and rest, — the last of which can be appreciated
by none more truly than those who have undergon the fatigues and trials
inseperably incident to our Courts. Indeed I look upon it as one of the
peculiar and almost exclusive advantages of the profession that it confers
such happiness on a fellow after a circuit is over and when he can look
ahead to a ^^Millenium" of a few weeks rest and comfort.

Will you permit me to remind you that I mentioned to you when here
that I had at heart somewhat, a certain suit in Pitt, in which one of
your County men, who moved from here a number of years ago and
who has since gone from the State was a witness. I mean John T. West,
who lived about McCawley's and whom you no doubt know very welL I
told you I wished to discredit him believing firmly he ought to be ranked
among the great rascals of the day and would be wherever he was known,
and you then promised me that when you returned home you would give
me the names of one or two persons in that part of the country who knew
him well. As the time approaches for thinking of these things will you
allow me to trouble you to do this. I shall be the more obliged as you
Iluow every man in Orange better than any one else. We are to have a
Town Meeting this afternoon to concert measures for the purpose of
evincing our respect etc. for the "immortal Jefferson." Brother Bryan^

iFrands L. Hawks..

2John Heritage Bryan, 1798-1870, state senator, 1823-1826; M. C, 1825-1829.

352 The Nobth Carolina Hibtobical Commission.

is to deliver a Speech and I hope all may be disposed to award at the
present day to so old and tried a Servant of his Country^ and patriot,
due praise and thanks, for the devotion of a long life spent in her service.
All your friends here are well and we frequently talk over the pleasant
time we had with you on the last campaign. I yesterday heard Daves^
say that Simpson had imported your wine and was only waiting for it
to fine before he sent it. Daves says you may promise safely to give any
one a first rate glass of maderia when it reaches you.

With a fond hope of seeing you this way again shortly and a very
vivid recollection of our fine holiday at the Colonel's and Brother
Mosely's^ I remain my dear Sir, respectfully and truly yours

To the

Honble Tho. Ruffin.

[Address : Hillsboro' N. C]

From Romvlua M. Saunders.

Milton Augt-8th 1826
You will readily imagine that any seeming neglect on the part of my
friends is well calculated to add to that depression of spirits, which my
situation necessarily forces upon me. I felt hurt at your silence and
began to think myself deserted by those I most esteemed and in whom I
confided in this hour of trial, but your very friendly and highly valued
favour banished every thought of the kind and I reproached myself for
permitting such an ungenerous feeling to have entered my breast towards
you. I thank you my dear Sir, from the bottom of my heart thank you
for the kind spirit it breathes and the generous sympathy it conveys, it
will console me under fortunes pressure and will inspire me with renewed
efforts in the discharge of my duty.

I shall go to Granville prepared as I trust to resist the unjust claim
against me and to show very clearly that I deserved better treatment at
the hands of the plaintiffs. Patterson's debt ought in justice to you,
to have been paid before this, but it has not been in my power, as soon
as I receive from Capt. Clay the price of the negro, I shall send on the
amt. to Mr. Scott to be paid over to whoever you may leave my note
with.

I acknowledge I look to the appointment of solicitor (should the
vacancy happen) with much anxiety, to be reduced from a competancy
to want is mortifying to the feelings — ^yet this I could submit to with
firmness, could I see a certainty of supporting my family. This appoint-

iProbably John P. Daves.

2Wllllam D. Moseley of Lenoir, 1795-1863, member of the state Benat6| 1829-
1836; president, 1832-1836; governor of Florida, 1845-1849.

Thb Ruffin Papsbs. 353

ment with a proper exertion would render that support certain. It
would give me a respectable standing in the profession and by attention
to its duties, I can but flatter with success. I only know Mr. Strange
from character and had been led to entertain for him the highest re-
spect— I had flattered myself too, that in him I should find a friend and
not an opponent. I still hope so. I could claim over him no advantage,
except residence and that I should dislike to urge. My situation is worse
than his — as he can support himself in his profession, as he has not been
taken from it. I could expect nothing of you, should he persist and all
I had any right to ask was your opinion and good wishes. This I know
would avail me much. Mr. Yancy I know thinks highly of Mr. Strange
and would dislike to see us in contact, he will write him as soon as he
learns his determination. I flatter myself, I shall be able to induce Mr.
Settle to decline in my favour. Yancy thinks Morehead of Guilford
the most to be feared, he will be on the spot and as you know from his
character will be ''all things to all men" I understand Judge Murphy
has some influence with him. If I do not succeed I am certain I shall
have no cause to complain of my friends. I feel a delicaoey in asking for
an appointment not yet vacant, yet I plead the example of others, who
say the vacancy will certainly be made. I shall write to some of my old
friends, as soon as I see the result of the election, so as not to be antici-
pated by others.

I have already disposed of one of my farms with a part of the negroes
on it, at a very fair price, my river place I am offered $10,000 for, which
I shall take if unable to do better and send off the negroes — this I hope
wiU free me — if not I shall give up my ''home" and trust to fortune for a
''resting place", for I am resolved on being once more free from debt.
You will pardon me my friend for thus obtruding my private affairs upon
you — if you should feel authorised, I should like to hear Mr. Stranges
determination — rest assured, I shall not injure him in any way unless
it be in my power to beat him and then not by any unfair means.

Should you receive any information on your circuit, that you should
think might be turned to advantage, I should like to be advised of it.

Honl. Thomas Ruffin

From Robert Strange.

PrrTSBOBonoH August 16th, 1826.
I received your favor of the 26th Ulto. some days ago and had in-
tended before this to have replied ; but now avail myself of Mr. Waddle's
return to Hillsborough so to do.

I regret that you should be placed in any dilemma on my account,
but it is not yet in my power to relieve you from it. Iho tutissimus in
23

354 ThX NoBTH CABOLUfA HlSTOUCAI. OOMMIBBION.

medio muat still be your motto upon the subject of your letter if you can
not consistently with your feelings take a decided part in my behaK. I
am not now prepared formally to relinquish or set up any claim to the
office of Solicitor of the Hillsborough district should it be vacant. If
when the time of election comes I should find my chances of succen
equal to any other person's I will procure myself to be nominated; if I
should find matters likely to eventuate tmfavorably I shall endeaTour
to avoid committing myself. My present impressions are I freely con-
fess that I should stand but little chance against the opposition I should
probably hare to encounter, but still I am unwilling at this time to com-
mit myself upon the subject. I duly appreciate your feelings and thank
you for your kindness. With respect to my course as a voter your wishei
would have their due weight with me, but I must in candor acknowledge
that if not a candidate myself Mr. Sanders will probably have opponents
whose claims upon my own friendship could not be postponed even to
your right to command me, in behalf of another. Tou will no doubt
understand that this letter is intended for no eye but your own and imder
present circumstances espedally you will feel the propriety of my not
giving umbrage to the friend of any who may have claims to the office.

You will no deubt have heard before this reaches you of my name
being before the Executive Council, quite unexpectedly, I presujme to
you. I should have been glad of the benefit of your advice before I com-
mitted myself had time permitted. It is now too late to say more upon
the subject. My family were well when I left home. Please present mj
warm regards to yours. Hoping soon to hear from you I am

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From Lewis Willia/ms,

SuBBY County Sep, 10th, 1826.

Business of an unexpected nature obliges me to go some distance from
home this week, and consequently will deprive me of the pleasure of
seeing you at Wilkesborough. I looked forward with fond anticipation
to the chat political or otherwise which we intended to hold with each
other this week. I hope however some opportunity for it will be afforded
before your Circuit closes.

P. S. The old Court, or ante-relief party have prevailed in Kentuckv.

The first Report which you gathered from the papers was premature
and incorrect.

Hon Thomas Ruffin.

[Address: Wilkesboro' N. C]

Thb Buffin Papsbs. 355

From Wright C. Stanly.

[N'bw Bern, N. C, Oct. 2, 1826]
Our friend Mr. John Stanly is willing to accept the appointment of
Judge of the Superior Court.* You are at liberty to make such use of
this information as to you may seem fit.

I hope you have enjoyed your health since I saw you and as the time
is approaching when you will make the arrangements of your circuits
for the next year, I hope you will not forget our district.

The people and the Bar will each rejoice, if you can come among us,
and to your friends nothing could give more pleasure than once more
to see you. Qod bless you

W. C. Stanly
Oct. 2nd 1826
[Address: Lincolnton New Bern No. Ca.

Lincoln County N". C]

To William K. Ruffin.

,-. J a AsHEviLLB — October 12th, 1826.

My dear bon. '

I acknowledge my obligation to you for the very affectionate letter
you addressed to me at this place. It gratifies me to observe you thus
particular and punctual in the performance of engagements to your
friends and so very minute in the detail of your occupations. This
letter is the more especially acceptable to me, as I had heard nothing
in any way of you from the time of writing the short note from Peters-
burg in which you mentioned being quite unwelL You now happily
relieve my anxiety on the score of your health, and I flatter myself
with the hope of your continued heartiness, as you most prudently
avoided exposing yourself to infection at Norfolk, where, the Papers
say, the Yellow-Fever prevails to a great extent. Should it appear in the
vicinity of St. Hary's I suppose the School would immediately repair
to Pidgeon Hill or some other convenient and unaffected situation. I
do not omit this occasion of giving you the satisfaction of knowing,
that, tho' my circuit is laborious in the extreme, both in making long
joumies from Court to Court over very rugged roads in the mountains
and in the multitude of causes standing for trial, I have not suffered
the least indisposition since I saw you and am now entirely well. I wish
I had time to make you acquainted, by a particular description, with
this part of your own Country. If we live to meet and you will put me

iVery soon after this Stanly suffered a stroke of paralysis which ended his
pnhllc career.

356 The North Oabouna Historical Oommissiok.

in mind of it, I will open to you many observations about it, which I
shall lay up in store for your amusement and instruction. Last week
I held the Court of Haywood County, which is the South-western comer
of this State adjoining Tennessee, So. Oa. and (Georgia. It is Alpine in
all aspects, but the comparison ceases when the regions are regarded b
any respect than the original faces of the Country. The population
here is nearly equally divided between White and Indians, and the worst
of all is, that the Savage is of the two Castes the more civilised!

This subject puts me in mind to inquire into the Oeographical course
at St. Mary's: I do not perceive that any portion of your time is em-
ployed in that useful and delightful study, nor do I remember that yon
have yet been engaged in it since your residence in the college. Is it
not attended to with yout For my own part, I consider an extensive
and accurate knowledge of Geography to be a most valuable and indeed,
indispensible part of education.

I approve of the course you are engaged in, for the present. Suffer
me to express my earnest wish that you will devote yourself to it. I am
particularly solicitous that you should excel in Oreek and Latin, Read
with unabated attention to the structure and idiom of the language and
the true measure, or, in other words, pronunciation and emphasis of its
words. The French one would think you cannot now neglect, as I under-
stand it to be a part of your exercises, to make that the language of
conversation with your Masters and classmates during the present year.
I hope you have attained such a knowledge of it, as to make it not dis-
agreeable and perhaps easy to carry on colloquial intercourse in that
dialect. I pray you not to neglect so great a profit as may be derived
from these opportunities of perfecting your knowledge of the Language.
The use in common speech will soon make your pronunciation of it cor-
rect and the words will be so familiar that you will e'er long form the
habit of thinking in French, without which one can never be either a
master of the idiom of any language or even command a ready use of its
common words. To form your thoughts in one language and then
translate them for delivery into another will be an intolerable labor
which will cool all worth of imagination and dull the delicately keen
edge of it, so that conversation would be a task instead of a pleasure.
That you will have to encounter these difficulties noux is to be expected.
Do it and overcome them at once; for this season of youth is that in
which impressions good and bad are easily made and made indelibly;
when mistakes are to be expected and for that reason only excite the
myrth of a moment in your companions, while on the instant they are
corrected by those very companions or your teachers ; while, on the other
hand, the blunders of riper and more pretending years might turn you
into a standing jest. 1 never write to you without saying, "Commit to
memory Select Excerpta from the Latin and Greek Classicks." My
reasons for this advice I have so often both in speech and writing com-
municated to you, that I do not consider it worth while to repeat them :

Thb Buffin Pafebs. 357

But I repeat the precept and bog you to consider it a part of every letter
you receive from me.

I can not omit to take notice of a loss that^ from your letter, I judge
I have sustained in your institution, in your old friend Dr. Damplon.
You call M. Tesier, the President: Has he deposed the Doctor and
brought him to some inferior station or has my old correspondent left
the college altogether? I shall almost be sorry to hear of either. I loved
the Doctor's sincerity of heart and simplicity of manners as displayed
in all his letters. I felt him to be my friend, when he refused to conceal
your faults and I honored his sensibility when, notwithstanding those
f atilts, he acknowledged your virtues and endeavoured to cherish them
and loved you for them. I think you will find his value by his loss, if
indeed he has retired from St. M's. At all events I shall like to know
what has become of him and you must be particular in informing me.
By the bye it may be possible that my letter to him did not reach the
proper authorities of the College and if that be the case your last Bill
has not been discharged, altho' I left money in the Bank at Hillsborough
for the purpose. Enquire of Mr. Elder and let me know in your next ;
which I shall expect you to write immediately after getting this letter.
Address me at Charlotte, Mecklenburg, No. Ca : —

From home I expect you have heard since I did ; both Elizabeth and

Thomas have been very ill since you and I left them ; but thank God,

they are now much better. Your dear Mother though is in very delicate

health as she writes me; which makes my separation from her ten fold

more painful to me and distressing to her. My last letter was dated the

27th Sepr., but I expect another from her next week and until then shall

indulge myself in the hope of an improvement in her health. My Son,

remember all her good advice and virtuous lessons : Love her and your

Sisters and Brothers tenderly: They deserve your warmest affections,

for you are the object of theirs. For me I only wish you to entertain

such sentiments as your own conscience tells you you owe to

Your steadfast friend and affce. Father

Thomas Buffin.
[Address : St. Mary's College

Baltimore Maryland.]

From M. E. Jones}

Book Best Oct. 18th, [1826?!
My mind has been so filled with the melancholy perplexities arising
from the situation of my son and Mr. Hooper the thoughts of their

iThe wife of Bdward Jones, solicitor general of the State. Rnffln's daugh-
ters, Catherine and Alice, both attended her school at Rock Rest, Chatham
County.

358 Thb Nobth Cabouna Historical Commission.

leaving home and the exertions and forebodings about Duponceau^ in
particular, that I have not only neglected answering your letter interest-
ing and valuable as it is to me but the occasion of it seems for the time
lost in my present cares and feelings. Though I would impUcitlj trust
to the guidance of an all wise and merciful Providence my responsibili-
ties are distressingly bewildering to me. To send Duponceau to the
south or not has been rendered a formidable question to me within a week
past from the opinion of Dr. Strudwick that he should go and of Dr.
Webb that he should remain and the consequent belief of several of his
friends that home is the best place for him. My own belief is that the
winter here must be death to him from the maimer in which the cold
affected him last year and the excessive increase of pain it oocasions u
grievous for his sisters and myself to think of. We have therefore con-
cluded it to be decidedly our duty to send him and leave the result to
Him in whose hands we all are. The expense may be remarked by others
and is assuredly felt by us but it will not cost more to support him
travelling four or five months than Doctor's bills and other expenses
amounted to last winter and we see no hope of his escaping the effects of
climate this season should he remain here. Having saved for tiie poi^
pose a donation sent by a good old Irish Aunt^ of my children's we hope
to defray his expenses without involving ourselves in debt

I trouble you with these particulars because I am sure you are my
friend and I wish you not to be ignorant of my motives and cirenm-
stanoes and if I should err, which is very probable you will know that
the life or comfort of a beloved child is no slight inducement.

As to our removal little has been done since I saw Mrs. Devereux
except that the gentlemen of Pittsboro have been given to understand
that in case they provide a suitable house I will go. Mrs. Hill's house
which is offered for the winter, is a comfortable dwelling partly fur-
nished so that OUT removal will be attended with fewer inconveniences
at the beginning. I think you will agree with me that I may be enabled
to judge by opening a school there next session what our future prospects
may be. Here even for our usual number they are discouraging as
several are to leave us and we hear of but one or two to fill their places.
Day scholars in Pittsboro would be something in the place of their
vacancies. I hear from Mr. Hardin that as soon as he can he will ride
up to shew me how prospects are brightening. In the mean time I
shall consider your excellent instructions and endeavour to abide by
them as nearly as I can. You have completely quieted all our thoughts
of Raleigh though my friend Mrs. D. still thinks we might succeed there:
As leaving this old and long loved place is no trifling consideration to
me I have not as you advised rented it for the next year, indeed I con-
sidered it but prudent to reserve a home in the event of our not pros-

iHer son, Duponceau D. Jones, had been a student at tbe University in 1825,
but failure in health had compelled his leavina.
SEdward Jones was a native of Ireland.

Thb Buffin Papxbs. 359

pering in Fittsboro' besides that is very doubtful whether I could have
rented it. I have therefore taken an overseer upon shares an active
managing industrious man finding him three hands and' three horses
his promise of putting the meadow land in order is one among other
inducements and it seems very probable that after I get Charlotte fixed
with her school within two ndles of P., I shall with Mr. Jones spend a
great part of my time here in the warmest room I can find hoping from
the industry and management of this man to profit something by the
farm that has been for many years an expense which the perpetual inter-
ruptions from so large a family helped to increase. The pains and
trouble you have taken to advise and direct me for the ease and welfare
of myself and family has added another to the many favors I owe you^
and I consider it the more because you are I know constantly press'd
by business. I shall keep your letter to apply to in my engagements with
the Pittsboro' Qentlemen^ and those engagements will only be on the
renting of a house, that they are to build, if they succeed in their sub^
scription, giving me the privilege of purchasing on tiie terms you have
stated. Mr. Hooper said something to me about my western land, and
your advising me to entrust the direction of the business to a Mr.
Dickens, but the hurry and uneasiness I felt as he was just leaving us^
has left his information in so confused a manner in my wretched memory^
that I do not know now how to proceed and the wet weather has prevented
my sending to Chapel Hill about it, and Mr. Dickens I am afraid will
be gone before I accomplish what I wished. You know Mr. Murpfaej
had all the papers. And it is most likely he has left them with his agdni
Judge Brown. I think Mr. Hooper said I must send to Judge Murphcy^
to know how to proceed. Mr. Hooper I suppose left Chapel Hill this
morning or I would not have troubled you again.

Charlotte takes every opportunity of exciteing Alice to industry and
neatness and I trust she will be rewarded by Alice's caution in tum^
her feelings are so susceptible that the woi^ cannot be done in the same
positive manner we use on such occasions with many others — she is
quite well and learns well and would gain our hearts independantly of
her being your daughter and Catherine's sister.

Both my daughters join me in kind remembrances to you Mrs. Buffin
and your daughters,

[Address: Baleigh.]

From Romvlus M, Saunders.

Thx Oaks, Oct. 30th, lS2e.
My dea/r Sir — I have been on a visit to Salisbury with a view of locat-
ing myself at that place — as I can dispose of my property where I am
I have thought it best to sell at once and free myself from all difficulties.

360 The North Cabolina Histobical Commission.

Salisbury for practice presents a better opening than Milton and it will
be the means of mj being more extensively supported from the West and
I should havb nothing elsewhere — I regret giving up old attachments,
but feeling must yield to necessity. Upon the subject of Solicitor I
learnt from Mr. Yancy and Murphy as I came by Guilfd. that Jones
would be forced to give way — that he had not been in a situation to
attend to business since leaving Randolph, that at Stokes he was pre-
sented and would be at Guilford — unless they could get him to resign —
and that he was too drunk to talk with. Mr. Yancy had thought it best
for me that he should stay in another year^ but he told me frankly that
the sentiment was too strong against him and advised me to prepare for
the contest. Settle has positively declined and will he says support me
warmly. My friends had opened the subject with Shepherd at Greensb®
and I shall know his resolution at Bockingham. From what I heard
Shepherd will yield to me and go to Congress himself. The contest is
expected to be between Nash^ Morehead and myself. I trust Strange
will be out of the scrape — ^he certainly cannot succeed. I had an inter-
view with Fisher^ — he will support me — but said he disliked opposing
Morehead warmly and had promised Morehead at Court not to be active
against him. It is all important for me to secure the support of Govr.
Stokes, Mr. Murphy says you can assist me in that quarter. I dislike
throwing myself on my friends where from their situation delicacy
forbids an interfearance — but I know your discretion will direct you
-where to stop and beyond that I shall not expect you to go. I must under
this restriction ask you to speak to Stokes, if at Iredell — and if not
requiring too much that you will please to write to some member from
the East, Lem Martin^ or any one else, that you might feel at liberty to
address. I should like this to be in terms to resist any objection on the
score of qualification — ^your name would secure me essentially. I fear I
shall tire your patience^ yet when you know the difiB.culties that surround
me with a family that deserve a better fate, I know you will pardon
my anxiety.

I have no local news, but what Mr. Carter will be able to give yon.
The state of the political world, leaves things doubtful as between
Adams and Jackson. Our friend McLean and his party have succeeded
in Delaware and Van Buren, considers himself safe in New York, which
is a great point.

I fear Mr. Murphy will not be successful in his application, I wish it
was in my power to be of more service to him. I am glad to hear of your
good health. The contest between Giles and Archer is warm and doubt-
ful— you will see Giles meanness in implication Mr. Crawford with the
habeas corpus business and letting Adams off. I have written to Gales
and Seaton for fear it might escape others — tho' they may not publish,
if they dare refuse.

iCharles Fisher of Rowan.

2probably Leonard Martin, member of the H'>u8e of Commons from Hertford.

Thb Ruffin Papsbs. 361

I should be glad to hear from you on the circuity if time allows.
Hon Thos, Ruffin.

[P. S.] I learnt from your Brother at our Court that your Mother
was a good deal indisposed but was better.
[Address : Hon. Thomas Ruffin
jMr. Carter. Iredell Court]

From William Norwood to William K, Ruffin.

HiLLSBOBOUOH^ November 6th; 1826.

Ashamed of not having returned your kind favour I come now to make
atonement for my shameful negligence though you may think it a slight
reparation. Indeed I am so unaccustomed to write letters^ having never
yet carried on a regular correspondence^ that I am a stranger to that
punctuality which correspondents require of each other.

I read with great pleasure your warm, rapturous manner of speaking
of your college studies, they certainly are the most pleasant which you
will engage in. I speak this from my own experience. When I contrast
the refined and elegant classics, the beautiful effusions of Horace, the
sublime epic of Virgil, the impassioned bursts of eloquence which were
poured forth by the princes of Roman and Grecian oratory, and more
than all the lofty flights of the father of song, with the dull, monotonous,
uninteresting writings of the knights of mortar and pessel, involved in
the mystical veil of science and covered by a rubbish of technical terms,
J sigh to travel again on classical ground, and would almost submit to
become again a school boy.

Though your letter gave me general satisfaction, there was one part
which alarmed me not a little. I allude to the strain of catholic feeling
which pervades the whole, no doubt you intended it all in fun, but I
think I can detect in the zeal with which you speak a real attachment
to the catholic church, Now I am not one of those violent, prejudiced
persons who thoughtlessly and unconditionally condemn the catholicks.
So far from this there are many things in their faith which I admire. I
know it to be the religion of romance. I know it to be the church from
-which we derive the ordinances of the Apostles. But I also know that
our own church possesses all its authority, all its beauties, all its advan-
tages ; without those superstitious rites, that idle parade, that ostentatious
form of pomp, those absurd doctrines, in a word without those abominable
and detestable corruptions which are a disgrace to any religion, an impu-
tation upon the character of civilized men. To speak plainly, our church
is just the roman catholic church purified, and cleansed from all that
is objectionable in it. Choose not then the unclean instead of the clean,

862 The "Nortk Cabounjl Histobical OoMMissioir.

but hold fast the faith of your forefathers. Let their church be your
church, their religion your religion, and their heaven, your heaven.

^unc canamuB minora paulo.

As to myself, my life is of such an even tmor that there is nothing
relative to my pursuits which would interest you. We hold an election
tomorrow to choose a congressman to supply the place of Judge Mangiun.
The candidates are J. Mebane and General Barringer. It is doubtful
which will be elected. In regard to matrimonials, Miss Elizabeth Flem-
ing will be led to the sacred altar on the 16th of this month, Miss Ann
NsLsb has plighted her troth to Mr. B. Alston, but when the joyous event
will take place I cant tell. It is also reported that Mr. Cole and Miss
Susan Taylor are engaged. Also Dr. Shepperd and Miss Strudwick.
There are many other little reports in circulation, which are not worthy
to be related. I could say more, but maybe I have already encroached
too far upon your indulgent patience. Write to me soon, and accept
renewed assurances of my esteem and friendship.

[Address : Mr. William K. Ruffin

St. Mary's OoYkfge

Baltimore Md.]

From Charles MarUy.

IUlbioh 5th Dee. 1836.

As the period for the Annual meeting of die Trustees of the Uni*
versity is at hand when a Report on the Finances will be expected of me,
may I take the liberty of inquiring whether the Moore Claim committed
to you for collection is in statu quo, or progressing, or retrograding, or
how else?

Without some wind fall or God send our Revenue will fall awfully
short of the estimates.

The reported deficit in the revenue of the Nation will be a mere Baby
to it. Very respectfully

Yr. obt. Sevt.

[Address : Hillsboro. No. Ca.] Chas. Mahlt.

From Romulus M. Saunders.

Milton Deer. Mi, 1826.
I regret I did not see you on my way home. I dosed my unfortunate
business with the Bank, it wfll take all my property to free me.

Thb Ruffik Papbbs. 363

I still feel anxious, about the solicitorship. Stanlj will support me
and Spaight thinks I will get the vote of the Newbem and Ed^iton cir-
cuits. Judge Nash out of the way and all will be safe. I submit to
whatever course my friends may take. I have not been able to get the
money from Oapt. Clay, as he sayd the State Bank has an execution vs
him. I enclose an order for $325 at 90 days, which he promises shall be
punctually paid, you will apply it to Patterson's debt and if there is
anything behind I will forward it.

In great haste as I start to-day.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From Archibald D. Mturphey,

^ „ ^ Union Hotel, 12th Dec : 1826.

Dear Euffin,

Mr. Anderson is looking out for a Scite on the river for his Gotten
Factory. He applied to me by a Letter for information, and Among
other Places, I reconmiend the Scite at the Mills, on the race near the
Store-House.

Mr. Staley has at his request examined the river, but which place he
recommended, I do not know. A few days ago, Mr. Anderson wrote to
me again, asking the Price of the Mills, etc. I am answering him by
^ving him an account of the Annual Tolls (average) for the last ten
years, telling him, they varie from 1500 to 1800 Bushels of Grain, and
that the Books of the Mill might be examined for his Satisfaction —
that the Carding Machine would, when kept in order, average $150 per
year, — that you, however, could give him as much information on the
general Subject as I could, — that you had estimated the Mills and the
Miller (Jerry) at $6,000 when you purchased in 1821, and at the same
price when I repurchased — ^that since the repurchase the Under Works
of the Mill, had been built over and would not require any costly repairs
for 12 or 15 years — that these Works had cost upwards of $600--that all
necessary repairs from time to time could be made by the Miller, TJntill
the Under Works rotted — ^I stated the Average Profits of the Mill annu-
ally at $1000, Out of which the Superintendent was to be paid.

I do not know Whether he be seriously inclined to purchase: I hope
he is. He will probably call on you, and if so, I will thank you to give
him Such Information as You are in possession of. I mentioned the
large Store House: but omitted the very commodious establishment for
the White Man, who might be employed to manage the Mill, — I mean
the Houses where Mr. Jones lives — : And I also omitted to mention
the little red House on the Mill. I told him the whole esta1>lishment
had cost me upwards of $9,000, excluding the Miller Jerry.

364 The North Casolina Historical Commission.

The Mills have an Advantage as a Scite ; public roads pass by than,
there is a good Bridge across the river^ and the place is one of Notoriety
and Business.

As all the Purchase money would go to yourself, I am very desirous
of making a sale. I shall be in Hillsboro', again on Sunday evening
next. In the mean time, I hope Mr. Anderson will call to see yon.

Judge Ruffin.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From John MacRae.

Fatbttbvills 18 Dec. 1826.

I take the liberty of enclosing an advertisement which I wish yon to
hand to Mr. Heart and at the same time prevail upon him to take some
notice of my work in the editorial column of his paper.^ It has become
a matter of some importance to me that it should succeed as the contrsetB
already made will involve as a large an expenditure of money as the
preparations have of time and labour, if leisure and inclination serre
and you would take the trouble to write a paragraph for Mr. Hearts
paper it would perhaps be more to the purpose.

I design to render my application to the Legislature for assistance^
although to a moderate amount, the importance of the work and the
smallness of the reward I think ought to insure success to the appli-
cation.

I have every confidence from the means in my power I shall be abk
to make a correct map of the State, and the improvements that have
been made in this day connected with map making will enable me to
make an elegant one. If you can I hope you will oblige me with yonr
assistance in this business either by such friendly advice or suggestioxtf
as you think would be servicable or as opportunity may offer with an?
of the members of the Legislature.

All our friends here are welL

[Address: Hillsborough N". C]

From A. R. Harwood?

Newington King and Quern Deer. 29th, 1826.
Your very friendly communication of the 15th of this month has beM
duly reed, and would have been answered sooner, but for my absence

iThe HilUhoro Recorder, edited by Dennis Heartt, known familiarly tf
"the father of the press."

2Archlbald Roane Harwood was Ruffin's first cousin. He married M&rtba
Fauntleroy.

The Ruffin Papess. 365

'rom home, attending the funeral obsequies of my deed, father-in-law
i/Lr. Fauntleroy ; at the time of its arrival at our post office.

Permit me, now to assure you, my Dr. Sir, that I reciprocate most
kreartily, the kind expression of kindred affection, contained in your
etter, and to promise on my part, to cherish such an interchange, as
)ught to characterize affectionate kinsmen. You do me injustice my
Dr. Sir, in supposing that your leading subject, would impose on me a
I ''troublesome conmiission," and might lessen the value of your corre-
ipondence — be assured the reverse is the fact, and that the zeal and
ifiFection manifested for the welfare of our dear Aunt, greatly enhances
the value of your conmiunication. As it regards the trust confided to
ne, I can only say, that it shall be executed with every degree of prompt-
ness in my power, and that every effort shall be made to obtain for the
land the best possible price. You shall be regularly advised of every
}tep taken, and when the sale shall be effected. I trust you will not
a^Iect the settlement of the property as suggested in your letter. I
sun truly happy to learn that in adversity our Aunt sustains herself with
t>ecoming fortitude; I had ever considered her a woman of the first order,
but it was in the walks of ease and affluence that I had known her, and
Lt is in the school of adversity alone that we are to look for a true develop-
caent of the human character ; and to hear that in this school, her virtues,
Etnd all the traits characterizing a great mind are made to shine the
brighter, is consolation indeed!

I have four children, one son and three daughters, and had the mis-
Fortune to loose a fine son 18 months old, about two years since. We are
tnuch at a loss for schools for our children having none in our vicinity
and disliking extremely to board them out so young. The bloom and
plnmptitude of my wife, might justify a hope, that we should attain
your number, if my own powers should not fail, but of this I am not so
certain, altho' I am at present in fine health and weighing nearly three
hundred^ — ^And whilst on this subject permit me to hope, that you may
%ot hang at nine. A volatile and social disposition in early life induced me
for some years to live a little ahead of my resources, and the consequence
has been in these adverse times, that I have been constantly poor and
pennyless, but the cares of a rising family and the inconvenience of
pecuniary pressure, have taught me lessons of economy which I hope
w^ill enable me to get on better in future ; and should you ever have it in
your power again to visit old Newington, altho you could not be reed,
in the elegance of former days, I can promise you an equal share of
cordiality and friendly feeling.

My Brother Thomas^ resides in Tennessee and at the rect of my last
letter was quite well, he has seven or eight children and a bright prospect

iThe Roane genealogy, compiled by Bennehan Cameron, shows that his
family consisted of eleven children — four sons and seven daughters.
2Thoma8 Roane Harwood.

366 Thb Nobth Cakoluta Histobical ComriBsiozr.

for several more, he congratulates himself that they are in a fertile land
where the necessaries of life are easily procured.

Your relations in this quarter are quite well and I doubt not wiQ be
much pleased to hear from you. I have been expecting Colo. Ritchie
here for two days past, and hope to get his assistance in the disposal of
the land. Present me I pray you to your Mother and all the family witk
feelings of the warmest affection, and accept for yourself assurances of
my highest regard

[Address : Hillsborough "N. C]

To William K. Ruffin.

,, n ^ HiLLSBOBOUGH, Decomr. Slst, 1826.

My Dear Son—

I feel conscious of culpably neglecting the duty I owe you of answerii^
your letters sooner. My fault is brought directly and pointedly to mj
view by the receipt yesterday of the dutiful letter you wrote me on the
22nd day of the present month : So that I have determined to dedicate
even this Sunday evening to you, rather than suffer another poet to go
empty of the tidings you are so anxious to hear from home.

I am pleased to see so much solicitude in you about your expenditmsB,
because it argues more discretion and more prudent thought about mj
interests and comforts than you formerly evinced. I perceive however
that you are not a very a^cturate accountant; for none of the items from
your book agree with Mr. Elder's statement to me. Agreeably to your
request I give you herein a copy of the latter, accompanied with the
expression of my satisfaction at its reasonableness in comparison with
your former Bills. Do not understand this however as my license to
relax in your economy, for my circumstances more than ever require yov
to avoid all extravagance, to be careful of your clothes, and to purchase
nothing unnecessary. I do not understand, by the way, how you come
to be charged for six months washing and twenty weeks pocket moncj
up to the 14th Deer ; for you did not return to St. Mary's 'till the 8th
Septr. The difference is too small for me to bring to the notice of Mr.
Elder especially as it probably grew out of a natural inadvertence to the
fact of your being absent for two months in the summer, but I have
called your attention to it, because I would desire only to impress on yonr
mind the necessity in matters of business, of being perfectly exact in
making charges against others and as prompt in looking into your
Accounts and detecting the errors on either side and equally punctual is
demanding and making the payments at the proper and precise moment.
This is a subject to which, from youth and inexperience, you have not
turned your thoughts. It is one, too, on which I have often thought most

Thb BuFTm Papebs. 367

parents much in fault; as few fathers teach their sons proper lessons of
prudence at an age sufficiently early to have them engrafted into the
motives of their future action. I wish you not to be ignorant of the
great importance, not only of carefulness and thrift in gaining and
expending money^ but keeping f aithful, correct and fair accounts of all
that passes through your hands. The greatest genius will have his
affairs always in confusion who omits this slight duty^ performed by
even the plainest man of business^ who is not wanting in integrity. He
who keeps no accounts is always liable to imposition from others and
f requently^ before he is aware of it, is involved in difficulty from which
no subsequent exertions can extricate him. My own habits have been
very particular in this respect, so that it is now easy for me to shew all
my dealings through life and how every dollar that came into my hands
has been disposed of, of my precision you may perhaps in time have some,
experience yourself, which formerly I feared you would find sore to you.
I keep very regular accounts against you and shall continue so to do^
for the equal affection I bear all my children forbids that I should bonf er,
much less squander on one of you an undue proportion of my small earn-
ings. I trust however now^ from the earnestness of your feelings on this
point, that I shall have no further occasion to complain or, rather, that
in manhood, you, yourself, will find no occasion to indulge vain regrets
at the inconsiderate follies of your boyhood. I have every hope, that
you think and feel properly about this matter, especially as your Uncle
Alexander tells us an anecdote, much to your credit, of your refusal to
accept from him a part of your Grand Father's bounty to him which
passed through your hands. You did only right, my son; for you knew
that I had directed you to be supplied by the college with as much money
as I thought you oughi to have. Besides that, it was generous not to
diminish your Uncle's supply, which he might need at Washington, tho'
upon his own liberal offer. Tou shewed a proper estimate of his wants
and a proper pride in your own character. I do not wish you to go
without your reward for so praiseworthy a forbearance and therefore
request that as soon as you wish, you would provide yourself with a pair
of dress-pantaloons in the place of those which you and your friend Mr.
Bryan exterminated. Judging from the pleasure you seem to have
anticipated from the society of your Uncle on his return to Middletown,
you must have been greatly disappointed at his not making his second
appearance at Baltimore. We were greatly surprised here by his arrival
in last Wednesday's stage and still more distressed when he informed
us that the cause was his discharge from Capn. Partridge's School. He
unfortunately became involved in a broil with a fellow student at Wash-
ington, which came to a personal conflict and ended in the dismission
of both the parties. Alexander received much provocation, which cer-
tainly palliates his fault: Nevertheless, it is a serious misfortune to
him, interrupts his studies and increases the expense of his education
and greatly distresses your Grand Papa, whose heart was much set upon

368 Ths Nobth Cabouna ELibtosical CoicioBfliov.

Alexander's steadiness and studiousness. I believe there are still some
hopes that he will be re-admitted and he intends to apply for a restora-
tion. If granted, he will return without delay, in which case you may
expect to see him during next month. If boys could only be made sensible,
how trivial they will hereafter regard the little hardships they dot
encounter and how very futile they will consider the occasions and
excuses for their bickerings amongst each other, they would sulHoit ehee^
fully to all such occurrences rather than inflict on the bosoms of their
Parents the bitter pangs of having censured and suspended Sons. Mj
Son 1 I confidently rely on you to spare your Mother and Father soeh
wretchedness.

These Christmas times have been enjoyed by your friends here is
cheerful moderation by their interchange of visits and entertainments,
without much shew or merriment. Our household is much thinner than
usual and. therefore more quiet, tho' not the less happy. Your Sister
Catherine is still in Caswell keeping company with your Grand Mother
during the absence of your Uncle James' wife who went to Person is
November, where she has given birth to a fine son, named after its tvo
Orand-f athers, "James Sterling" Your Uncle seems highly delighted and
says tho' he has red hair and a freckled face, that he is a right likdj
Boy. Alice and Peter also spend the hoUidays in Caswell : They went
up on the 23rd and will remain until the last of January. Annie and
Sterling and the two little ones, Betty and Thomas, remain with yonr
Mother. Sterling begins school again tomorrow; which seems quite
satisfactory to him, tho' he has had a vacation of only one week and
that he has chiefly spent keeping store at six pence a day for your Grand-
father. All are well in Caswell, as we hear from your Uncle John, who
passed there yesterday on his way home from Danville, to which place
he had been, I believe, with the view of extending your connections.
Whether his prospect of turning a Sweetheart into a Wife be of good or
ill promise, we know not as yet. Next week he will set ofF to Georgia
with your dear Aunt Patsy and her three little children. The season of
the year is unfavorable and forebodes inclement weather; but your Aunt
has been so long from her husband that she does not seem willing even
for these causes to delay her journey longer.

Mr. Campbell says, he has not heard from you since you left us. I am
glad to hear you say the fault is with the Post-Office and not yourselL
He loves you so much and has been so kind to you and has so few com-
forts that grow out of friendship and the sympathies of the heart that
it would be unpardonable in you to n^lect him. I advise and beg yon
to write to him often and in terms of the utmost respect. Your sister
Annie too says, you are her debtor for a letter, which your Mama tells
me was a very pretty one and deserved an answer. I leave it to your
own sense of propriety to dictate the proper terms of congratulations
to your Uncle James and Aunt Susan upon the happy addition to their
family and joys. I do not doubt but you will be wicked enough to wi^

Thx Ruffin Papbbs. 369

Uncle John ^'good luck'' without any malicious hint from me. Your
Qrand-Papa is always greatly pleased at getting a letter from you : Ought
you to fail in anything that would please himf Tour Aunt Susan Kirk-
land has been two months more at reading and speaking French, so that
she is quite Oallick. If you are not afraid to encounter her, I should
think a correspondence in that language would be quite agreeable and
edifying to both of you. Your Uncle Alexander when your Mama scolds
him for his bad conduct, revenges himself by telling her, as a set off,
that you are quite a Roman Catholic! Your Mother does not suffer much
uneasiness at what he says; for none of us believe it. If credited, it
would make many long faces here, I think. For myself I do not look
upon the difference of Sects amongst Christians, as of so much conse-
quence in itself : But for that very reason, I have long considered it very
proper for each person to attach himself to that persuasion which he can
not only call a Church of Ood, but also, the Church of his Fore Fathers.
The Protestant Episcopal Church is that of your family and is in itself,
by its formularies, doctrines and practices, excellent, presenting strong
restraints to vice and excitements to virtue as any denomination what-
ever.

I have written you so long a letter, that I will now only add the bene-
diction of your Mother and also of

Your affect. Father

Thomas Ruffin.

Copt of toub Account.
1826.

Sepr. 8 — ^to Catholic Manual k binding In July last I 1.25

Spanish Dictionary 18.50— Spans. Oram. |2. Bx-

tract8» |2 7.50

Le. Bnine'6 Telemarque $1.12^ — ^Algebra $1.50 Pro-
sody 50 cts 8.12)i

Decern 4 2 pr shoes — 1 pr Boots mended ft 2 pr shoes mended. . 7.25

** 14 Washing ft mending for 8 months, dne 15.

Doctors Fees $4. Infirmary $1. Paper ft qnils |8. . . . 8.

Pocket Money daring 20 weeks O 25 cts $5. Postage
82.98 ....... 7.98

Mr. Kelly's Bill for Music !!!!!!!!!!!!.'!!.'!!!!!.*!!.'! 17.25
Six Months board ft tuition in advance beginning
today 115.

182.80%
Bzchange for discount on money 7.12

189.42)i

Be sure not to complain about this Bill nor allege any improper mis-
take in it. I do not know that there is any ; and if there is I am certain
it is entirely innocent.

[Address : St. Mary's College

Baltimore Maryland.]

370 Thx Nobth Cakouna Hibtobical Coicicissioir.

From William A. Orahatn.

Raleigh [Jan. 6, 1827] Fbidat mobning 10 o'clock.

I this morning waited on Judge Henderson, but owing to the non-
attendance of Judges Taylor and Hall my examination has been deferred
untill this evening or tomorrow morning. Your letter to GenL IredeQ
I have not yet had an opportunity to deliver. Mr. Stanly I am informed
by Judge Henderson is something better this morning; iho doubts of hii
recovery are yet entertained. He was on the floor replying to Mr. More-
head on the subject of the bill to establish courts of Equity etc., when he
found his faculty of speech fail, and apologized to the house for not pro-
ceeding. A motion was then made by Fisher that the committee rise—
which was agreed to and Mr. Stanly took the chair. The bill being
reported to the housCi a motion was made to adjourn, which he had no
sooner put, than he sunk in his chair and was carried out. QenL Ireddl
is chosen speaker pro tem, having arrived here yesterday just at ni^t
and it being excessively cold both then and at this time I have scarce^
seen any one who could tell me any news. The last two or three dajs
have been spent by the Legislature in discussing the bills relative to the
time of meeting of the Genl. Assembly — to prevent free persons of color
from coming into the state — to regulate the manumission of slavee. Mr.
Murpheys memorial^ was reported on yesterday in the house of Com-
mons. The report professes to authorize the Prest and directors of the

Literary fund to raise dollars for the purpose of accomplishing the

prayed for objects. I regret that I have not been able to hear more
fully, and inform you in eztenso respecting the transactions here.

P. S. I understand here that Mr. Blume late of Hillsboro, is to be
married in a day or two to a rich widow in Southampton. Should t
private conveyance present itself I will endeavour to give you a more
satisfactory account of things here. W. G.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From John JB. Donnell,^

NxwBBBN Jany: 10th, 1827.
Very soon after the vacancies on the Bench are filled, it will become
necessary to think about the arrangement of the Circuits for the yetr.
Presuming that the appointments will still leave the majority of our

iThie memorial was presented by John Scott on January 6, 1827. It wbs
concerned with the authorization of a new lottery for preparing and publlshlaf
a history of North Carolina.

2John R. Donnell of Craven, Judge of the Superior Court, 1819-183$.

The Rupfin Pafbbs. 371

Brethren in jour yicinitj I take the liberty of suggesting to you that I
would be quite satisfied with the Edenton Riding in the Spring and the
14'ewbem in the Fall. I would^ I believe, have no objection to going to
the Mountains next Fall, but presume it is a favorite Fall Riding to
most of the Judges and that our Circuit will be less desirable to any other
than to me.

Be pleased to let me know as early as convenient what arrangement
is proposed, and accept the assurance of my esteem.

Honl. Thomas Ruffin.

[Address : Hillsboro, N. C]

From Joseph J. Daniel.

Halifax 15th January 1827.
I have thought of the following arrangement of the circuits for the
year 1827. You will be so good as to shew it to Judge Norwood and
make up your opinion on it, if you are not pleased with it, make such
alterations as you think proper and have them published. You will
recollect that I was on the Mountain circuit last Spring and that I was
on the Edenton circuit fall before last.

SPBiiro Faix.

Mountains, — Strange Mountains — Donnell

Cape Fear, — ^Martin Cape Fear Daniel

Hillsborough — ^Ruffln Hillsborough Rut&n

Newbem — Norwood Newbem Martin

Edenton — Donnell Edenton Strange

Raleigh — Daniel Raleigh Norwood.

I think it is as good an arrangement as I can think of. Mr. Martin
practised in the Mountain and Hillsborough circuits and he ought not
to be assigned to either this year.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From Romulus M, Saunders.

Washington Jany 15th 1827
I had expected before this to have had the pleasure of hearing from
you, but it seems you are contented with your domestic quiet, tho' I know
you are not indifferent to the tempest which at present beset the vessel
of state.

372 Thjb Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

The intelligence from England^ has been received here not with much
emotion — the promptitude and the speech of the minister have given
rise to some conjectures that the war may become a general one and as
the fate of Cuba is important to us, the administration here may think it
advisable to take some steps on the subject. The next advices however
will be of a more decisive character and show how the thing is to
eventuate.

As to the Inn's and the Outs, things here are made at present to depend
very much upon movements at home — the Legislatures are looked to from
this with feeling — the recent defeat of Mr. Randolph^ has been received
with much congratulation by the administration men and not with a
good grace by the oppositionist — ^he was not of much weight per se — yet
the fear is his defeat may have an effect. Tyler it is said is personaUj
friendly to Clay. This is not exactly in character with the old dominion.
But the election of McLean^ and Ridgely^ from Dele^. is of much more
consequence, as it gives a majority in the Senate — should CoL Benton^
be re-elected — of which there now seems to be serious doubts — tho' the
rumor of the day is that Ellis'^ will beat Seed^ — the ascendency in the
Senate is of vital importance to both parties. The prospects I consider
as favorable to Jackson. Van Buren is very confident that New York
will give him a majority, if so the result is certain. I acknowledge how-
ever they are not to be calculated upon with much certainty. Clay it is
confidently believed will run for Y. President, if he can consent to yeald
his present situation.

I must now cast an eye homewards. The elections for Judges have
gone against Mangum. I am sorry for him, tho' as far as I am p6^
sonally concerned Martins^ success will aid me, as I have determined on
locating at Salisbury. I am now a law student and shall be so for years,
and whatever hard labor and persevering effort can do I will effect, tho'
I acknowledge I look to the prospects ahead, not with the most sanguine
hopes. From what I hear I expect some steps will be taken against
Jones, if he is ousted I very much fear Shepperd will avail himself of
feelings growing out of the recent election for Judges. Will it be pos-
sible to detach Strange from him ?

iJohn Randolph had Just been defeated for reelection to the Senate by
John Tyler.

2Louls McLane.

SHenry M. Ridgeley.

^Thomas Hart Benton.

BPowhatan EUle of Mississippi.

SThomas B. Read of Missieslppi.

7Manirum was appointed to the bench by the governor and council in 182«
to succeed Frederick Nash. It was not a popular appointment and the legis-
lature elected James Martin of Rowan.

Thx Ruffin Papbbs. 373

From, John R, Donnell.

NxwBBBN Jany, 15th 1827.

Yours of the 6th inst is just receiyed, as mine to you by the last mail
will have been I trust, ere this. In that I suggested that I would like
the Edenton Circuit this spring and the Newbem or Morgan in the Fall.
I rogret that you should have proposed the Morgan Riding for me this
Spring and earnestly hope you will be able satisfactorily to yourself and
our Brethren so to arrange it as to send me to Edenton this Spring. In
the Fall you might give me Newbern, Morgan, Raleigh or Cape Fear
either of which I would as soon have as Hillsboro but my preference
would be I believe in the order named.

The HonbL Thomas Ruffin

Ps. Be pleased to let me know as early as possible the arrangement
finally adopted.

[Address: Hillsboro* N. C]

From James Martin, Jun.

Salisbubt Jany 26th 1827.

I received your letter of the 21st and am quite obliged to you for the
friendly and cordial gratulation which you express at the result of my
election. It is an appointment the responsibilities of which cause me to
accept with fear and trembling. It is a consolation however to me to
know that in the office I shall be enabled to claim you as a brother as I
always have as a man, claimed you for a friend.

The arrangement of the fall circuits is very much against my wishes.
I suppose it is the very worst. To a western citizen it is appalling to be
sent there in the fall season of the year. I do trust that the Legislature
will make some alteration which will paleate in some measure the
dangers of that circuit.

[Address: Hillsborough, N. C]

From Robert Strange.

Fatettbville January 27th, 1827.

I received your kind friendly and flattering letter of the 21st inst. on

Friday last instead of Wednesday as I should have done from its date

and postmark. The arrangement made for the next two Circuits does

xne more than justice, having the Hillsborough Circuit for the Fall is

874 The North CABOLmA Hibtobical Commission.

more than an equivalent for the extra share of difficulties which are
thrown upon me in the Spring, and indeed (as I could hardly expect
to ride my home Circuit) I believe all things considered that I am as
well disposed of even in the Spring as I could have chosen for myself.
The interest you express in my affairs is highly gratifying. Your advice
will always be gratefully received upon all subjects ; and when not fol-
lowed it will not be, that it is not respected.

I was induced by a variety of considerations to meet promptly with
my approbation the proposals which were made to me to suffer my name
to be held up for one of the late vacancies upon the Circuit Bench
although no one can be more conscious than myself of my unfitness for
the station or better convinced that I owe my success entirely to the kind
feelings of that portion of my Fellow Citizens who had the power of
selection and not to any professional reputation possessed by me.

I will not disown entirely the influence of ambition in Uie matter for
I do not profess to be either above or below any of the passions by which
others of the race to which I belong are ordinarily moved, but I tnzst I
am not so much under the influence of Ambition or any other passion to
lose sight of those duties which I owe to myself and family. The strong
inducement then with me was a belief that I could make it instrumental
to the great end of relieving myself from those pecuniary difficulties
which have been crowding upon me year after year ever since my outset
in life and which are even now continuing to multiply. Not as you maj
justly conclude by holding the office many years, but by availing myself
of the strong stimulus which the responsibility of *the station applies to
the mind, the opportunity which it affords of acquiring practical and
theoretical learning in the profession of Law : of disemcumbering myself
with a mass of unprofitable and troublesome business which has accumu-
lated upon my hands in the course of ten or a dozen years practice; of
getting rid of many bad professional habits acquired in days of inexperi-
ence; of looking around for a more advantageous spot in which hereafter
to locate myself ; of casting myself loose from many trammells by which
I should have continued bound so long as I remained at the Bar and
thus putting myself in a better situation to avail myself of any more
advantageous location which I might discover; and lastly as men are
operated upon in no slight degree by the names of things by returning
to the Bar somewhere or other with the professional character which the
fact of having been upon the Bench per se bears with it.

I can not but foresee difficulties after all in changing my abode and
am by no means certain that it will be even practicable; and on the
other hand should I change at all I am by no means certain that the range
of my selection will be co-terminous with the State. Be assured however
that I am far very far from indulging the dream of retiring from ih^
toils of the profession. No ! a life of labor is my destiny while life itsdf
lasts and as illy as I am qualified for thai, I am more illy qualified for
any other species of labor than that of the Law. I must therefore stick

Thx RuFFm Papbbs. 875

to it. I wish this communication of my views confined to yourself.
Perhaps I need not have said so. But it ought not to be a matter of
astonishment if one who had suffered so much for the want of prudence
and caution should now seem to possess an overstock of those virtues.

You are far ahead of us as in all other things in your success in ''multi-
plying and replenishing the earth.''

Hoping soon to hear' from you again. I conclude by offering to Mrs.
RufSn and family in which I am joined by Jane and my little ones my
most affectionate regards — and to yourself the high respect and esteem of

Yrs. Most Sincerely

BoBT. Strange.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From Duponceau Jones to William K. Buffin.

[PiTTSBOBO, Feb. 2, 1827.]
It seems as if fortune has some particular spite to me. I have again
to remain from college on account of my health however I hope it will
be only a few weeks before I can go again and there I intend to stay till
I graduate sick or well. I hope since your heart is so much set upon it
that your father will be able to educate you at St. Mary's but it would
^ve me much more pleasure and (in my opinion) be much better for
you to get your education in your own state ; Indeed I think we ought
to be too patriotic to owe the education of our young men to neighboring
states when we have a flourishing college of our own whatever danger
you might run of becoming a heretic. I have another very weighty
reason for your coming to C — hill which no doubt will be influential.
The brother of the '^girl on the hill" will graduate in six months after
iwhich (I understand) brother and sister father and mother will bid an
eternal farewell to Carolina and remove to some of our western wilds
it will be five years before you leave St. Mary's seven before you can go
out there and before that time alas ! some otiier mortal may be blessed,
whereas if you come to Chapel-hill besides the use you might make of
the visit you would of course make to Hillsboro in 4 years you can

^aduate and study a profession and be at liberty to follow Miss

to the end of the world. I hope my logic will not be without eSetat in
inducing you to return to Carolina. Beally I am ashamed to write so
much nonsense but I have no news to entertain you with as Horace says

Dulce est desipere in loco.

I now recollect a piece of news that I might have given you. Mr.
Gauldwell on going to Raleigh for the salarys of the professors found
the treasury of college empty. It seems the trustees appointed a com-

376 Thb Nobth Cabouna Hibtobical Commission.

mittee to supply Nichols^ the architest (employed to build a cliapel)
with money, this Nichols managed the business so adroitly, by applying
to each member of the committee without the knowledge of the rest, that
he has completely emptyed the treasury to the amount of many thousands
the matter is going to be examined into which greatly enrages Colond
Polk one of the committee thus the matter stands. The professors not
at all contented with their empty pockets Col. Polk furious the oommittee
in great wrath and the whole board in great perplexity.

College is not at all overstocked with men of genius indeed as you see
by my last it has very few of any kind there are several very smart
fellows in the class that I will join.

Do you read no modem authors William besides your College duties
there is Hume — ^but I b^g your pardon I forgot he was altogether hereti-
cal, but there is RoUin I would think you must take great pleasure in
reading him especiaUy if you can do it in f rench he is a Catholic and
truly pious and any person may be benefited by his remarks on the wan
and bloodshed which he relates and also on the sublime philosophy of
some of the heathen philosophers.

I believe I have always forgotten to give you the respects of my mother
and sisters they always wish to be remembered to you and whenever I
do not; attribute it to my forgetfulness.

[P. 8.] Elizabeth Fleming is the lady I alluded to married as yon
know to T. Davis.

[Address : St. Mary's College

Baltimore, Maryland.]

From John Devereux.

liTxwBKBN Feb. 3, 1827.

I congratulate you on having exchanged the laborious employment of
soliciting Justice for the more pleasing one of Administering it. I hope
occasionally to fall in with you on some of your circuits in the low
Country.

Will you have the goodness to inform me what success you have met
with in collecting the amount of those notes you were good enough to
take charge of. I have no doubt but those Tenants who have lived forty
and fifty years on the land without having as yet paid the owner a singk
cent (not even the Taxes on the land) will complain on being called on
to pay any thing now.

I shall remain here about a fortnight where I shall be glad to hear
from you.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

iWiUiam Nichols, the architect of the capitol. For a full account of this
matter see Battle» History of the University of North Carolina, Vol. I, p. 2S1

Thi Ruffin Pafebs. 377

From Archibald D. Murphey.

Haw Rivbb 8th, Feby, 1827.

I shall be at home Untill the third week in this Month, and shall be
truly glad to see you. As I went to Raleigh, I had not time to send up
for you, as I reached Mr. Scott's at night and left there early next morn-
ing. As I return^ it was 7 O'c. at night when I got to Mr. Scotts, and
a continued Succession of Company from the time I was dressed Untill
12 O'C. prevented my going up to your House. I cant walk without pain.
My ankle is inflamed and the inflamation is increased by walking. The
Ulcer is nearly well. Since the Weather became mild, I have mended
very fast. I am getting Flesh and Strength.

Since I have been able to transact Business, I have devoted myself
to it day and Night. But I am so far behind, that I do not know how I
am to get my Business up.

On this morning I received the enclosed Letter from Mr. McLemore.
I send it to you, as it contains some information respecting your lands
in the Western District. From a Letter I lately received from Mr.
Dickens I am induced to believe he will not find it necessary to call on
Mr. McLemore for any of his Lands. I am very anxious to get my Busi-
ness with the Bank Settled. If you and Mr Kirkland Should wish to
transmit any Instructions to Mr. McLemore, you can do so by a Safe
Hand. I expect to Send Mr. B. A. Rainy back to Tennessee early in
March.

Judge Ruffin.

[P. S.] The Com and Meal will be ready for you. Send up Bags.
Bring up Mr. McLemore's Letter.

[Address: Hillsborough]

From Archibald D, Murphey.

Haw-Rivee 13th FeVy, [1827]
Mr. Forest wishes to purchase 40 Acres of land adjoining the Tract
lie purchased from you. These 40 Acres I purchased, I believe, from
John Ray. You have Rays deed to me, and the Form of the Tract ia
I learn in the general Plot of Survey which Joshua Freeland made out
for you. On this evening I rode over this little Tract and find that it
can be taken off without injury to the Main Tract. I beg you to Send
me by Moreau Rays Deed and tiie general Plot of Survey.

If I sell to Mr. Forest, it will be for the purpose of raising a little
Money to meet Some Demands, which I am compelled to pay at our next
County Court. I will imdemnify you by a Lien on one or more Negroes,
which I shall purchase on next Week at the Sale of my Mothers property.

378 Thx Nobth Cabouna Histobical Commission.

Her estate is largely indebted to me^ more than two thousand DoUan.
She purchased at the Sale of my Father's estate in Jany 1818, $1900
more than her distributive Share. In settling with the Grand Children,
I have paid all this Debt for her, except the Share of Dr. McAdeos
Children, and about $150, which is due to some Minors. Dr McAdess
Share is l/7th of the $1900. My Mothers estate will I fear fall Short
four hundred Dollars of paying tJie Debt and Interest ; but I will attend
the Sale and save myself as far as I can.

I shall as soon as possible sell the land on which my Father lived. I
am by his Will directed to sell it, at my Mother's Death. This will biing
$2500 I expect. Dr. McAden^ informs me it will bring that sum. I
have paid long Since to my Brothers Children their Share of this Money,
and in my Settlement with Archibald Debow, he agreed to take a Tract
of Land from me in Tennessee for $1200, which will leave him $367 b
my debt. This sum will be equal to his Share of the Land I am about
to Sell. He has written to me Since the death of my Mother that he will
Still take the Land at $1200. and I am to make him a Deed on n^ct Week
He has acted liberally and freed me from much Anxiety. When I mab
the Sale I can pay you twelve or fifteen hundred Dollars in Bonds^
without using Funds belonging to the other Stocks of Qrand Children.
I begin once more to see my way, and If I live I will pay you in Cash
and Bonds $10,000 during this year.

I will bring all my Lands in Tennessee into the Market aa quickly as
possible and wind up my Affairs. They occupy So much of my Time and
reflection, that my professional Business Suffers. And I have to pay
so much Money in Tennessee every year for Taxes etc. that I am sub-
jected to great inconvenience. I deposited in Mr. McLemore's Hands
nearly $700, and it is all gone, I expect, in payment of Drafts on him.
Mr. Dickens has upwards of $500 in his hands, and I shall have hereafter
to draw on him. I hope Maj. Owen will agree to compromise the Suit
with McKenzie, so that during this Year I can Settle aU my Businen
in Tennessee.

I see that the General Assembly has authorised another Lottery' for
my benefit. I hope better success may attend this than the former one;
but I shall make no Calculations on it.

I shall expect you towards the end of the Week,

Judge Ruffin.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

iProbably Dr. Henry McAden of Caswell.

sThis lottery was to enable Murphey to write his proposed history of the
State.

Thb Buffin Papbss. 379

From Henry Webb to William K. Ruffin.

MiLiTABY Academy Middlbtown February 27tli 1827.

I received your obliging letter on the 25tli and now undertake to
answer it in the best manner I can. I have received only one letter from
home since I left there and that had no news at all in it^ Alexander
received one also about a week ago, and there was hardly any news of
any consequence in it as he said, but there was one thing that I think
that blasts all your prospects for Miss F sent her best respects to Wm.
Strudwick, you must keep a pretty sharp look out or he will supplant you
for the buttons have played the wild in Hillsborough, for I understand
that all the girls sent their hearts on a wild goose chase after them.
Since I began this letter some of the Cadets have kicked up a d — ^1 of a
row, so I thought that I would wait and see how it ended before I finished
this letter, there were about twenty five entered into an agreement to go
down to the Commons at 11 oclock and break up the tables crockery etc.
with a view of making the Steward give us better fare so at the appointed
time they all repaired to the place of rendezvous with axes clubs and
such like things, marched in a body to the commons and commenced
operation, and when they had committed sufficient depredation they gave
the word to retreat when they all started back for the quarters but just
as the last were coming out of the door one of the Instructors who was
sitting up with a sick cadet came to the door and seized one of the con-
spirators by the hair who immediately seized him also and gave him a
few small taps that made him let go pretty quick but as he went out of
the gate he caught him by the arm upon which the cadet cried for help
when a great large fellow came up and gave the Instructor a lick or two
over the back which made him let go the Cadet and take to his heels for
safety, but next morning while we were at breakfast, a Constable came
into the hall and wanted to take one of them to carry to Jail but all of
the cadets rose up in a body and were about to pitch him out of the
window when Capt. Partridge who was present told the Constable that
he would answer for his appearance at Court, but by Paying the damages
and cost they stopped the prosecution which has stopped the noise so
far, we had the melancholy duty of burying one of our own number on
tuesday last who died on Saturday his name was Heay from New York
City. It is the most solemn thing I ever saw to see a body of young
following their companion to his grave. I expect you will get tired
reading this letter for it miserably written but you must excuse me
for I have been Cutting wood lately and my hand is so agitated that
I Cannot write at all fit to be seen. J. Syme says that you must write
him and also sends his best respects.

[Address :

Mr. Wm. Ruffin

Student St. Marys College

Baltimore Md.]

880 Thb Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

To William K. Ruffin}

-, ^ „ , Orebnvillb. Pitt County, March 5th 1827.

My Dear Son!

I am now on my Spring Circuit; for which I left home on fricUj
week. Your Mother and the family were in good health ; but in audi
spirits as you might expect from my absence on so long a tour^ rendered
the more severe from my being very unwell when I came away. I have
not since heard from home ; but I hope the accounts I have sent tbea
of the relief^ I have experienced from my malady (a dreadful cou^ and
stricture in the breast) will have reconciled them to the separation snd
restored them all to a calm equanimity about me. I am now perfect^
recovered.

Before I came away, I received the note you appended to the Pro-
posals for a Spanish Grammar by Sign, Lubi, I have no objection to
your becoming a subscriber for a Copy. I wish, my son, you bad alwaji
been as circumspect touching your conduct and expenditures in othcf
things, as to ask my advice and permission. It is easily done ; and one
would think it a cheap enough price to be given for any bounty. I nerer
deny those supplies, that will be useful to you or rather, such as I con-
sider useful ; and I should suppose that even you would admit me to be
the better judge of the two upon that point. These observations, you
will anticipate, are made in reference to your general expenses and
particularly to the sum taken up by you from Mr. WillxavM last sununer.
I should long ago have answered the letter in which you mentioned that
circumstance, but the real truth is, that I was so very seriously distresnd
and cruelly mortified at it, that I knew not how to advert to it in proper
terms and I could not wholly omit to notice it. My son, Mj son ! Yon
are not aware how deeply and in how tender a point you have wounded
a Father's bosom. I regret, to be sure, the careless thoughtlessness whid
would permit you to waste in idle dissipations on your way home so mneh
time and so much money: I fear they could only have been consumed
in follies that exposed you or vices unbefiting your years, and degrading
to all ages. I cannot imagine, how else you could employed the sums
you had ; and the painful inference is the stronger from the fact of con-
cealing your application to Mr. Williams. But it is that concealment
which goes nearer my heart than anything besides. I think, I asked yon
in direct terms, whether you had taken up anything there and received
your reply in the negative. Of that however I am not sure: But the
difference is very trifling, for the distinction between an affirmation of
a falsehood and the suppression of the truth from one having a just
right to demand it, is a refinement in an unsound system of Ethics, which
I neither comprehend, act on nor allow. I had thought, and it was

iln connection with this letter, read Thomas Ruflln to W. K. Roflln, April
Z, 1827.

Thb Buffin Papsbs. 881

sweet to my very soul^ that if there was any one principle which I had
successfully impressed on my Children^ it was such a love and devotion
to Truthy as would effectually lead them to an open and candid avowal
of all their thoughts and admission of their faults. I have endeavoured
so to breed you all up, as to make you consider your Parents the best and
safest depositories of your Confidence; and did hope, that, however
disagreeable it might be to confess one error^ it would be more so to
redouble it by a denial or concealment. You say^ you were restrained
by the fear of my displeasure. That shows the safety of a cordial confi-
dence in your Father. If the fear of my dissatisfaction induced you
to hide from me the faulty the acknowledgement of it^ founded upon a
just principle, would have been a check to a repetition of the fault. But,
my dear boy, why should such an apprehension of the effect on me have
produced such a consequence in your mind! In every conflict between
duty and inclination, between virtue and vice, are the former to yield,
because their dictations are, for the present, the less agreeable and the
latter to triumph, because they may afford some temporary respite from
reproof or pain! If it were always safe, and pleasant to do what is
right, who would ever err I It is the part of a good man to sustain his
uprightness through every adversily, and maintain truth at every peril
of present opposition or future pain. In fact however, the wise order of
Providence makes the retribution for such aberrations certain, and the
more criminal the act, the more terrible is the condemnation. In this
very instance, I appeal to yourself to say if every step has not increased
your default and aggravated your distress and punishment. I ask you,
if the painful consciousness of a heinous fault hath not recurred day
by day and nightly to your mind; and whether at each renovation it hath
not been presented in some new and knore serious aspect! It began with
the idle extravagance of taking money that you had no use for and ought
not to have entrusted yourself with. That was, in comparison, veniaL
The possession of the money was a temptation to some criminal expendi-
ture: the temptation was yielded to — ^then the fear of my anger and
reproof followed ; under which gave way your firmness and which striped
your visit to your Home and your Family of the better part of its purest
pleasures. You left the whole a secret. How often have you since
thought, ''I am doing Mr. Williams injustice and staining my Father's
honor. The former generously made the loan I asked and ought to be
repaid: The latter is bound to return the boon of his friend and may
suffer and does suffer in his friends opinion for not doing it. / know,
that it is not his fault, the debt remains unpaid ; but Mr. Williams sup-
poses it is, for he suspects not that I have suppressed the fact from my
own Father. Yet, / can not tell him; I might at first, but now I can not I
But, woe is mel Concealment much longer is impossible; for Mr. Wil-
liams will at length, make known his demand and then — ^my poor father,
what distress will he feel 1 How criminal shall I seem I" If you possess
half the sensibility I give you credit for, such reflections have been yours

882 Thb North Cabolina Historical Commission.

a thousand times since last July. What mine have been since the reoeipt
of jour letter, I can not venture to describe. I hare taken care prompt
to restore Mr. Williams to his rights, but my face has been suffused viA
shame, that they were so long withheld from him. Would I could as
easily reinstate yourself in your Innocence and my good opinion msA
your own ! I have suffered very much, my son I My good will you have:
I have a Father's heart: It can forgive and does forgive. But wriqg
it not again thus severely — thus cruelly. Deal with me in sinceritj;
with all men with candor. Let Justice and Truth be fixed principki
with you and never depart from them. I mean Justice in its enlarged
sense, without hardness and rigor; and Truth with all its attiibnto^
without suppression or equivocation. Receive with reverence a ]>areot's
admonition and be guided by them. But if in an unguarded momeai
they be forgotten and violated, suffer not coward fear of the powers of
man to plunge you into the deeper crime of Falsehood; which is more
single, but is the deceptive covering or companion of all other vices. I
can not but love my children. I am a Father and Nature is strong
within me and makes even a vicious or a thanUess child dear to me. Yet
such an one is an envenomed tooth rankling in an agonized bosom and
not the object of a composed, confiding heart, I love my offspring and
would prune away their faults and rear them in virtue and to usef nlnesi.
I do not doat, so as to see perfection, in impurity, and imagine ezceUenoe,
where there is nothing but disgusting deformities. I would cherish the
warmest affection for you, and desire to be the object of your reverence
and make you that of my just pride. But do not expect me to confide,
where I shall have been twice betrayed ; to entertain for you a respeet,
which you do not cherish for yourself. By Nature, I am your PaTetd;
It is in your power to make me, by your conduct, your Friend: But
esteem and friendship live not in company with guile and fly from de^p-
tion. Eisk not again so great a trial of my paternal regards O but treat
me with the tenderness of an affectionate son and be firm enough to rdj
on me as an undoubted and undoubting friend. This letter^ William, I
have postponed writing for some weeks, that I might command a temper
and words appropriate to the effort strongly to impress on you the
imperishable obligations of perfect and exact truth, without beiiig
betrayed into harshness of censure of your past dereliction. I would not
wound, but to cure you; I would not admonish, but to improve you; I
would not mortify you now, but to enable you to escape henceforth,
deeper and more lasting shame. Nevertheless, shame for this act, yoo
must take to yourself; for it was a cruel unkindness thus to treat me;
and a disingenuous prevarication that must bring a burning blush to
your cheeks. Beware of the repetition. Think of the disgracefulness
of such a vice to yourself and pity a fond Father, whose heart would
sooner yield up its last drop of blood than see that of a beloved son tlie
Seat of degrading depravities and filial ingratitude. Let then my words
be strongly impressed on your mind : Forget not the lessons they contain

Thb Buffin Papbbs. 888

and improve by them. Make yourself worthy of the love I bear you and
reward me by encreasing worth for the labors I perform for your service
and support. By diligence in your studies^ qualify yourself to minister
to the necessities which decayed age or misfortune may bring on me;
but, above all, by integrity of principle and moral uprightness preserve
auch a purity of heart, that your Father may accept a boon from it
without the suspicion of its flowing from a tainted source I
Master Wm. K Buffin

St. Mary's College

Baltimore.

From Archibald D. Mv/rphey.

^ „. Haw-Bivbb, 7th March 1827.

Dear 8%r,

On reaching Mr. Kirklands from Caswell I was informed of your ill-
Health. Since you left home, Several People have had the same Com-
plaint. At first it was Supposed to be an Influenza; but it turns out
to be only a bad Cold, which distresses Patients for a few days and then
^adually wears off. Nearly all my Family have had it. I hope you
are by this time entirely well, and I pray that you may continue in good
Health.

I found that Dr. McAden had not taken out Letters of Administra-
tion, on my Mothers estate. I was in error as to the Time of Caswell
County Court. He cannot administer IJntill the Second Week in April.
And we have appointed the Friday of Caswell Superior Court for the
Sale. The perishable Part of my Mothers estate was Sold, and I have a
Strong Hope, the whole of her Property will pay the debt which She
owed to my Fathers Executors.

I offered the Land at $4 Per Acre, upon a Credit of one and two
7ears, the Purchase Money beilring Interest. I did not get a bid. I
then gave Dr. McAden Authority to contract for the sale of it privately,
and Sent an Advertisement to this effect to the Editor of the Milton
Gazette. The Dr. thinks, the Neighbours whom the Land joins will
come to an Understanding as to the Part which each wants, and that he
can effect a Sale. If he cannot, I shall offer the land Again on the day
when the Negroes are to be Sold. From this Sale you may calculate
upon geting Bonds to the Amount of $2,000.

Archibald Debow settled with me honourably. I conveyed him a
tract of Land, and in this way paid him nearly $400 of his Share of
future Sales. He is better in Health, And Some Hope is entertained
that he may get welL If he lives I shall get Something from his Father.

884 Ths North Oabolina HiSTOBicix Commission.

My Leg is not yet well : Indeed it is rather worse than when I nv
you last^ And I have come home from Orange County Court to nurse it
The Ulcer has heen rather indolent for two Weeks past. I>r. Umstttd
thinks it is now healing Again. I shall have a disagreeable Circuity if
it does not get better.

Mr. Rainey, whom I sent two Weeks ago, to Maj. Owens, has not jet
returned. He had Some Horses to Sell, — ^When he returns, I will inform
you of the course which we Shall take with respect to the Suits in Ten-
nessee. I shall Start Mr. Rainey to Tennessee, as Soon as he can ffi
ready.

On next Week I will write to you Again. In the mean tinie and at all
times, believe me to be Yours very affectionately

A. D. MUBPHST.

Judge Buffin.

[Address: Tarborough N. C]

From James H, Buffin.

Person, March Blst, 1827.
I regret exceedingly that you left home before I had an opportunitj
of seeing you. Had I not been in hopes that you would have effected the
desired exchange of circuits with Judge Donnell, I should certainly have
been at your house before your departure. I wished to consult you up(m
a contemplated alteration in my pursuits of a livlihood from that of mj
present profession to one of a more pleasing, and to me, under present
appearances, more profitable nature, that of agriculture. Upon so
material a change in my avocation, I wish not to decide hastily nor
resolve unadvisedly and, as in all the important concerns of my former
life I have been disposed to seek your opinion and to rely upon your
deliberate judgment, so in this, not of minor importance I am solicitous
to receive instruction, lest, the course which I am little disposed to adopt
(that of rash and premature decision) may be unwillingly followed >-
My own private opinion, formed upon s(yme reflection is tJiat it will be
to my pecuniary advantage and that opinion is founded upon the foUov-
ing consideration. In the first place I always abhorred the profession
from the first moment I entered upon its study. My first entry into your
office as a student of Law was made with a distaste of its pursuits whieh
all my future efforts have not been able to surmount and though I was
willing at the earnest request of our departed father to resign my own
private wishes and inclinations, which would have led me to the study
and practise of medicine, yet I did it with reluctance because, in the
exchange of theretofore contemplated pursuits I was not cheered by the

Thb Buffin Papbbs. 885

remotest prospects of professional eminence. Do not from this under-
stand me as uttering reproaches against the memory of my father,
because never was the memory of a father more fondly cherished, yet I
cannot help thinking that he mistook my qualifications for the study and
practice of the profession to which his will and advice consigned me.
In the second place and as a consequence of the first I have never fol-
lowed the duties of my profession with that zeal and ardor without which
neither eminence has been attained nor profits realized, but on the con-
trary have been most miserably deficient in even the commonest atten-
tion, to the ordinary duties of a lawyer — ^while I make this mortifying
confession, I am compelled further to acknowledge that, instead of im-
provements, the pursuit of my profession becomes daily more irksome
and, I awfully fear, that my distaste has been progressing until it has
become irremediable. In the third I am said to be deficient in that
urbanity of manners which is necessary to make a man a favorite. I
am said to be a haughty, austere, forbidding man. This is the more
unfortunate, because it is a fault of which I am utterly unconscious and
therefore incapable of amending. If there be a man on earth, who is
less disposed, than myself, to keep aloof from his friends and acquaint-
ances or even from those who have no claim to either of those titles, the
commonest strangers, I know him not; on the contrary, there can be no
man who thinks more humbly of me than I do of myself : — Such being
the case, I know not in which possible way I can have acquired the
epithet of proud and cannot but think in my own particular instance
it is misapplied. Be that as it may, as it is a fault of which I know not
the existence, it is of course beyond my power to remedy it. Last tho'
not least this man Dobbs will ndn and beggar me if he is not more closely
watched than he has heretofore been. He is a man in my opinion totally
devoid of principle and without the smallest regard to my interest when
his own is not also consulted. He has under his management and control
every thing I am worth to use or to abuse it according to his own will
and pleasure. It is a game which I am no longer willing to play as the
cards are at present shuffled : and will either shuffle them myself or pry
more closely into the tricks and schemes which he is playing. My own
interest and the interest of my creditors require that some other eye than
his should watch over my concerns. At the rate matters now go on, the
interest upon the debts which I owe will destroy the substance of every
thing out of which the principal is to be paid.

You will receive this letter at Hillsborough, from which place let me
hear fully and candidly your opinion upon the subjects mentioned in
it : — ^Be not cautious of giving offence as none will be taken.

[P. S.] You will of course be secret as to the contents of this letter
as no one else knows as yet of my intentions.
[Address: Hillsborough.]

386 Thx Nobth Cabouna Historical Comiobsion.

From John MacBae.

Fatxtteviliji 31 March 1827.

The Legislature at its last session was good enough to grant me a loan
of $5000 to aid in the publication of my map of the State the repajmsLt
to be received to the satisfaction of the Treasurer and the bonds to be
renewed every four months. Owing [to] the peculiar state of feeling
with some of my friends upon the subject of securityship and the embar-
rassed condition of others of them I find some difficiUty in giving secun'tj
in the way which seems to have been contemplated by the f ramers of die
resolution. I have offered the Treasurer to make the repayment of the
money secure by the pledge of property in this place and he has very
politely and in a very friendly manner expressed himself satiafied with
that course but is desirous to consult the Attorney General now if it
would not be asking too much I would request your influence with thit
officer with whom you are well acquainted to get him to accede to mv
wishes in this matter, — provided you think it can be done in aocordanee
with the resolution of the Legislature.

I have a fine prospect of making a good speculation out of the map
the County Courts are generally ordering surveys for my acoommoda-
tion, if this is done in all the counties the aggregate amount will be some-
thing like $15000, this will be the actual cost of the manuscript copj
and ought to be the value of it at least. I have no doubt of making a
correct as well as an elegant map of the State.

All our friends here are well. Mr. Elirkland is still with ns and will
remain until Wednesday, we hear regularly from Mr. Strange his health
and spirits are both good and I have the satisfaction to say that from a
source to be relied upon (a letter from Mr. John P. Carter) we learn that
his conduct upon the Bench at the several courts he has held has given
the most decided satisfaction.

[Address: Raleigh.]

To William K. Suffin.

^r r, a Raleioh — April 3rd. 1827

My Dear iSon —

From Johnston Court, I went last Saturday up to Hillsborou^ and

had the pleasure of spending an evening with my dear family; aU of

whom I found well. You may judge of their perfectly good health and

of the good spirits I am now in, when I mention to you, that, after some

persuasion, I succeeded in an effort to get your Mother to accompanr

Thb Buffin Papebs. S87

me to this place and remain during the week I am holding Court here.
She is 80 confined at home by the charge of her large family and the
many domestic duties it imposes on her^ that it now makes her reluctant
to leave her own house at all : Which makes me the more solicitous^ that
she should occasionally visit her friends and leave those cares for a while
behind her; for habits, good or bad, are apt to become inveterate and
even the best may^ by being carried too far, lead to error. Tou know
there may be too much even of a good thing. For myself, I must profess
to be under the greatest obligations to her ; for I am sure nothing but my
earnest entreaties and an unwillingness on her part to refuse a request
so pressed by me could have prevailed over her doubts and difficulties
on the score of leting our young ones go wild at home for a whole week.
My hope however is that they will keep their words and be very good
children, that I may on future occasions, not be deprived of the great
pleasure, I now enjoy, of having your Mother's Society sometimes when
I go from home.

We are here with your Aunt Catherine, who is very well and treats us
with all hospitality and affection. I suppose you have heard of the
death of Mrs Euffin, the widow of my Uncle William. She died the
latter part of February at the home of her son Albert near Bichmond in
Virginia. The family is now all dispersed and most of them dead : The
Survivors, from imprudence, idleness and extravagance are reduced
almost entirely to poverty and some of them to want. Such will always
be the result of vicious propensities or even of indulged Indolence of
disposition. What little success I have had in life or what reputation
I enjoy, I owe to no merit but that of being early sensible of the value
and effects of Industry and constantly practicing an unremiting exer-
tion. I trust that I have impressed upon your mind that lesson, which
was so scrupulously taught me by my Father; and that your feelings
are so strongly imbued with a great ambition of adding to the repute of
your family and distiruffuishing your name by high deserts, that, in future
life, to the moral disposition to do good, you will be found to have added
every other qualification growing out of Strength of understanding and
mental acquirements. To bring so desireable a thing to pass, '^Industry
and Perseverance" and '^Keep trying" should be your constant mottoes.
!May I lay to my heart, the flattering hope, that they will be?

I found your long letter here, according to my appointment. It is not
iwnritten with your usual pains — I mean, with regard to the neatness of
the hand-writing. Tou ought not to send to your friends and particu-
larly your elderly ones, hastily written and blotted letters. Such care-
lessness will fall into a custom; and, besides, it is disrespectful to your
correspondents. Your letter has nevertheless been read by both of your
Parents several times with great interest. I am truly gratified, my son,
to find that you did not obtain from Mr Williams the supply of money
in Petersburg. The apprehension that you did, gave me great uneasi-
ness, in as much as I could not imagine any innocent disbursement of it.

388 Thb Nobth Cabolina Historical Coiciasnoir.

It was, indeed, very wrong to have taken it in Baltimore, for you knov
that the College would supply all you ought to take up or that I thought
you ought. And it was stil a greater error not to cofnmunic€de the fad
to me; from whom you ought to conceal nothing — ^for the very conceal-
ment showed the consciousness of a fault. But not doubting the hearti-
ness of your penitence and confiding in the sincerity of your promises,
never to repeat the transgression, I freely extend you the forgiveness
you so warmly entreat. You ought however to be aware, that this is a
boon extended to you by paternal fondness and that such aberrations
from propriety and uprightness are never pardoned by the world nor
forgotten by foes, of whom every person will find, by sad experience,
that he has more than enough. Above all, my Son, I would advise yoa
to stand well with yourself: Have the approbation of your own eon-
science in all things and never do an act which shall forfeit your own
self-respect, without which there is no just lease of character nor tree
estimate of reputation, both of which are indispensibly requisite to
dignity of demeanor and that moral courage, which will carry one
through the discharge of painful duties or sustain one under adversities.

I shaU expect you to gain as many distinctions in your classes as dili-
gence can make you worthy of. I regret to observe the intimations yon
give of a distaste for Algebra : The difficulties you hint at are only the
consequences of the abstract nature of the Science. That is the very
property, which renders the study of Mathematics so useful in the system
of general education. It teaches the art of pure reasoning and induc-
tion, with the least possible connection with sensible objects. I am not
now speaking of the application of its principles to mechanics or the
practical arts — in which its utility for the ordinary purposes of life
consists. But I alude to the pure Mathematics, which are altogether
mental, except so far as the use of arbitrary figures and characters is
invoked to enable one mind to impart its course of reasoning and coik-
clusion f o another — If I judge rightly of the kind of mind you have, an
intense application to this line of study is exactly that best suited to
supply your defects and impart to it the quality of closeness of reason-
ing, in which I fear you are deficient. 19'othing can be gained without
strictest attention — so as to bring yourself to comprehend and to master
these abstractions : When once you are the Master of a few of the lead-
ing principles, the rest will be easy. You must not rely only upon
Memory, which is unequal to the burdens of carrying in it such diversified
operations and rules. The understanding alone is the faculty exercised,
improved and employed in this Science; which instructs us in thinking
and reasoning. Judge, then, its value and exert yourself to progress in
it proportionally.

You have my permission to get a flute, provided it do not exceed the
price formerly mentioned by you, viz $20 — or $26. I also enclose five
Dollars for your Easter indulgencies — ^which, however, you are allowed
by me to use only upon the approbation of your Masters and in the

Thb Buffin Papbb8. 889

•

manner which they may sanction. I do not countenance any uncandid
concealments from them. Your Mother and I bestow on you our bless-
ing and bid you merit the warm affection cherished for you in the hearts
of, Dear William, Your Parents and true friends—

Thomas Buffin
'"Master William E BufBn

St. Mary's College

Baltimore''

To William K. Ruffin.

,, J a HiLLSBOBouoH — ^Mav 16th 1827.

My dear Son. "^

I have for the last ten days been in the enjoyment of repose in the
midst of my family. My circuit terminated at Northampton County,
whence I reached home on Sunday, the 6th day of this month; since
which time, I have scarcely been off my own premises, except to pay
my respects to your Grand-father and mother and a few other particular
friends. The world has few charms for me, beyond the immediate circle
of my own fire side and those near relatives and tried friends to whom
I have long been attached by the ties obligations and esteem mutually
interchanged. Your absence alone makes a vacancy in our domestic
Coterie: Nevertheless you are not forgotten, for we often talk of you —
the young ones, always with affection of that earnest undiscriminating
kind that takes for granted that you are all, in perfection, the world
could demand or they themselves hope for: Your Parents, less confi-
dent in expectation, but more deeply solicitous in wishes, think of you
and talk of you, as a son of good promise in whom their hearts have a
deep stake, but at the same time as a Youth of thoughtless temperament
and heady disposition, from whose inconsiderate imprudence and self-
willed-ness much is to be feared. Perhaps the old and the young are
alike, tho not equally, in error. If your Mother and I are too much
alive to your faults or see or think we see defects, where there are none,
you are not to regard us as doing you an injury and insensible to any
merits possessed by you. Far from it. A parent's heart is so delicately
sensible of aught — ^however minute — of good or evil, pertaining to a son
and an eldest son, that nothing can be done by him that in itself is meri-
torious or tends to his future merits, which does not give the most intense
pleasure. The same love that is thus highly gratified by good deserts, is
changed into a chil that freezes up the very heart, upon discovering in the
son either an indifference to his education, or impatience under the
authority and necessary restraints of his elders and superiors; and.

390 The Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

above all, the slightest evidence of a want of that thorough reverence
and dutiful submission to the Counsel and will of the Parent which is
emphatically called Filial Duty, shocks all the good feelings of the f atho*
and stil more the single-heartedness of a Mother. A refusal to obey,
and, not less, a reluctant and surly obedience to parental advice, or oom-
mand, argue so strongly a loss of that innocency of the infantile years
which every parent must well remember in every child or evinces such a
perversion of the understanding by the strength of misguided and mis-
guiding passions, as for the moment, to leave but slight hopes in the
parent's bosom of future comfort in such a child. We often see the
corrupting influences of the world corrode and canker the best principles
implanted by the utmost care of instructors and parents: But scarcely
is an instance to be found of a youth of ill-promise, undutiful in de-
meanor towards Parents r^ardless of their approbation or seeking it
upon other grounds than his virtues, as by relying for indulgencies upon
the strength of their natural affections — refusing or failing to act upon
their opinions and wishes, merely ae theirs, I say, hardly can one such
child be found, who disapoints expectations on the favorable side and
becomes a better man or woman than before were exhibited in the boj
or girl. You will not be surprised then, if the Sensibilities of your
Mother and myself to such fearful residts, should occasionally be
alarmed; and that while we talk of you often and always with love
towards you, we should some times be conscious of that secret distrust of
your future well-doing and communicate it to each other, which naturally
springs from some of the faults of character which you have occasionallj
exhibited and which I have not been so unjust as to conceal from yon.
It is my part to watch over your years of tenderness and inexperience
and to point out the rocks, upon which you may wreck : It is a part of it
to shew you those you have passed, that you may in future escape such
risks. These duties I have endeavoured to perform. They are often
disagreeable to me ; I fear always distasteful to yourself. But I should
consider myself as but doing much less than the half I owe jou, did I
only place you where you might be taught the elements of scholastie
learning or even acquire a perfect mastery of human Science, did I
not strive, likewise to make you a good son, a close and affectionate
brother, a discreet friend and a good man. Hence I have not spared your
opinions or your wrong feelings; but have often and often plainly
pointed out to you, your errors, candidly corrected them and endeavoured
to recall you when straying from the paths of rectitude. May you, my
Son, profit by my efforts I May you be all in mind, manners and morals^
that from your opportunities and the anxieties of your parents, yon may
and ought to be! May you never have occasion in future life to look
back with regret and repinning on the counsel of your father neglected
and dispised in your youth I It would be the bitterest pang that could
sting your bosom — the reflection in a manhood of inanity or vicious-
ness, that you would not then be thus, had you but done as a father of

Thx Suffin Papbb8. 391

tender affections for you, one that knew well what was good for you and
desired you to do nothing that was not good, told and desired you !

The wish to have you nearer to me and the necessity I am under from
a diminished income to curtail the expenditures of my family concur
to determine me to bring you home at the expiration of the time for
which you are now entered at St. Mary's. At Chapel Hill I hope your
collegiate course can now be prosecuted as successfully as at any other
seminary : I am sure at least, that it is at yowr choice to produce that
result — The charges here are much lower; and especially, you can at
that place oftener have the pleasure and the advantage of personally
taking the opinions and instructions of your Mother and myself upon
many points of doubtful propriety. The next session will begin in
August I wish you to be at home a fortnight or so before hand ; which
can easily be done, if you should remain at Baltimore until the Exami-
nation and commencement in July. It is my desire that you should so
remain standing your regular examination and receiving the appropriate
awards of censure or approval, provided the authorities of the College
will permit a continuance for that period upon payment of the usual
charges for the period itself, — and so, I have written to Dr. Damplon,
by this mail. Your present time expires about the middle of June and
if you cannot be allowed to remain until July without further charges
than for the additional month itself, you must leave St. Mary's at the
end of your engagement in June. You will therefore apply to Br.
Damplon and be governed by his instructions. At whichever time you
may depart, you will be supplied with the necessary funds for the journey,
by the College, which I have requested to have added to your Bill, as
also the price of any necessary apparrel and other things you may get.
I shall wish you to come on without any avoidable delays after you once
leave the College — ^taking the rout by the Steamboat down the Chesa-
peake, that you came last year. Make immediate application to Dr.
Damplon upon getting this letter and let me know what he says, that we
may be apprised here of your plans and that I may again write you any
further instructions that I may think proper for you.

We are all well and desire you to cultivate for each member of this
Household those kindly regards, which they all merit by their affection
for you — not less than any of them, they are claimed for myself, by

Dear William,

Your aff ec Father

Thomas Ruffin.

P. S. I hope you will not diminish your observances of respect, but
encrease them daily towards your Masters at St. Mary's to the last
moment of your residence with them : They deserve your highest grati-
tude!

[Address :

St. Mary's College

Baltimore Maryland.]

898 Thb Nobth Cabolina Hibtobical Commissioiv.

From Archibald D. Murphey.

Hebmitaqe 2l8t May 1827.

On reaching home last evening I found here the Letters of Mr. McLe-
more, which I send you. McKenzie met me at Lenox Castle on tke
Sunday following Rockingham Superior Court. He went on to Caswd
with me^ and there we entered into an Agreement of Compromise, re-
specting the Suits in Tennessee. Maj. Owen had come to Hillsboro' at
the Superior Court to See me on the Same Subject, and gave me full
Power to act in the Business as I might think best, and also a^preed that I
might appropriate to my own Use all I would make over and aborv
$10,000. We appointed Mr. McLemore our Agent to compromia^ SeD
the Lands, receive the Monies etc. The Compromise which I have made
with McKenzie renders it necessary for me to get a Deed duly executed,
proved and certified, from Maj. Owen, his brother. Sister and Moth^^
and have it registered in Maury County, Tennessee, during the Summer:
And for this Purpose, I must Send down immediately to them. I must
try to get Moreau to go ; and have written to him to come up this evening
or early in the Morning^ for the Deed must be found in a Court of records.
And as Orange County Court Sits on next Week, he can return by the
end of the Week and prove the Deed.

The success of this Compromise depends upon the Secrecy and Skill
with which it shall be managed. We have a very large Claim for rents
and Profits which we wish to adjust in the first place. Maj. Owen has
made two Contracts for Parts of the Land, which I wish to get rescind^
or modified. All would be defeated, if a Suspicion were afloat that a
Compromise was made.

When Mr. Rainy set off in March I directed him to return by the lat
June, expecting that I might be able to go to Tennessee in that Month.
Mr. McLemore has prevailed on him to remain and wait for my Instruc-
tions. This renders it necessary that I should get the Deed from the
Messrs. Owens and forward it with my Instructions, without delay. Mr.
Hussell will Set out for Tennessee about the Time Moreau will return
from Wilmington, and by him I can forward the Papers.

I am sorry to tell you that my Ancle is very little better. It has twiee
been nearly well in appearance, Since I saw you, and twice broken out
and exhibited as bad appearances as ever. It now looks like bein^ well
in a few weeks: Yet I have no Hope that it will get well for manj
months. My foot has been swelling for five weeks ; it is highly inflamed,
and Matter is forming in it. This may relieve my Ancle, but an ITlo^
on the foot will be as troublesome as one on my ankle. I have suffered
Severely from the Bheumatism, for the last ten days. My right arm is
much affected and frequently I can Scarcely write. I lost all my Circuit
except Orange, Bockingham, Caswell and Person, and in these counties,
the impression being so strong that I could not attend the Courts regu-

Thb Buffin Papxbs. 893

larly, I had no Applications or new Business, except in this way, that if
I could attend Cowrt, I was to he employed.

Have I acted wisely or foolishly in becoming a Candidate for Con-
gress?^ Notwithstanding many Solicitations, I had not the Slightest
Idea of becoming a Candidate, IJntill I saw Dr. Webb at Person. He
advised me to be a Candidate Saying that he knew the Condition of my
Constitution well ; that it was greatly shattered and could not be restored,
amidst the Labours of the Bar, that a Seat in Congress would give me
rest, which I must have, before I can get welL Yancy Stated to me what
might possibly be Saved in the Money way. And I thought that I could
not do better than become a Candidate. How it may turn out, I cant
telL It may all do pretty well, if my Friend Mr. McLemore can turn
the McKenzie business to good Account. I find, that one thing is lament-
ably true : Altho I feel and look to be in as good health as ever I have no
strength, a little exertion exhausts me.

How are you! Will you be at home next Week! My wife has been
much indisposed ever since I left home. My love to Anne and the Family.

Judge Buffin.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

To William K, Buffin.

,-. r. cf HiLLSBOBouoH — Juue 6th 1827.

My Dear Son.

I received last week a letter from Dr. Damplon and one from yourself.

I am sorry to hear of the misfortune which has befallen your ancle;

but we entertain a hope that the injury is not serious and will not be

lasting, which hope is much strengthened by your remarks in the letter

your Mother got from you by today's stage. Dr. Damplon expresses for

you the most earnest solicitude — nay, the warmest affection. I am

pleased to say and you ought to be proud to hear, that he mentions your

progress and attention to your studies with much commendation and

expresses so much pleasure in being your Instructor that he grieves at

parting from you. He says, your future course at College and in active

life will be most correct and prosperous, if his prayers for you can avail

aught : In a word, his feelings towards you seem to be entirely paternal

and claim a return of profound reverence on your part and that affection

which ought to characterise the conduct and fill the bosom of every

youth, who is a lover of learning, towards his attached and successful

Teachers. I trust you will not omit any opportunities of testifying

towards Dr. Damplon and all and every of your other Masters the good

will I speak of and a due sense of the obligation you are under to them.

Little as thoughtless persons might regard such offerings of the heart,

iMurphey was defeated for Congress by D. L. Barringer, the sitting member.

394 Thb Nobth Cabolina Histobical Commisbiok.

they will be highly appreciated and your motives properly eetimated by
those under whose care you have so long been and the advantage of
whose precepts and examples you are about losing. Besides, the absenee
of those qualities of the heart which would prompt such deportment
would do you more discredit than to witness it would be painful to the
teachers. An ungrateful Pupil is next in the scale of demerit to the
thankless son I

I am about seting off in the morning on a long journey of business
to South Carolina, which will keep me from home nearly four wedsj
I fear. This makes it necessary that I should reply immediately to
your letters.

I have received the assent of Dr. Damplon, that you should remain at
College until the Commencement. It is my particular wisli that yon
should, inasmuch as the Exercises upon that occasion and preparatoir
to it are of much importance, as well as all the other parts of the Col-
legiate regulations — I desire that you may be irregular in nothing, but
patiently and duly perform all the functions incident to your Station.
Dr. Damplon accords with me. Even had I differed from him, deferenee
to his opinion would induce me to decline yielding to your request to
leave Baltimore at an earlier day. I think it best for you to stay and
therefore must request you to do so.

I should have no objection, but for the delay to your coming throng
Washington City and Bichmond, should you be able to put yoursdf
under the charge of some gentleman of discretion, that would acoompanj
you as far as Petersburg. But as you will be at home for only a short
time at any rate and the expense and danger of traveling by Land, will be
much greater, especially with your trunks of Clothing and books, I should
prefer the Steam boat down the Bay. If however you can get on your
baggage by Land safely and without charge and can engage a pilot, I
would not positively refuse my permission. I leave it therefore to your
own wishes, under the foregoing provisoes and conditions; and I shall
expect you to comply with them.

You are at liberty to get such additions to your Wardrobe, as will be
required for Commencement and the present summer. You grow too
fast to think of laying in apparel for the future. Besides I have no
money now to spare.

I will not do you the injustice of omiting the remark, that your last
three or four letters to the family have been written in a worse ?iand than
usual; which denotes a carelessness and hurry, that are reprehensible.
You must not call this harshness: What would you have me do ? Should
I praise your favltsf It would neither be candid nor affectionate; and
I should little deserve the name of Father, much less of a good Father,
were I so wanting in my duty as to keep my son ignorant or blind to his
defects and fail to point out the way of amendment. It is for you to
profit from the lessons, it is my part, to impart them. If obeyed, thef

Thb Buffin Papebs. 395

^w^ill render us both happy; if disregarded, the consequences will be bane-
ful to each of us, but assuredly, most ruinous to yourself.

I fasten the fondest hopes of enjoying in your conversation and the
goodness of your heart, much very much of the purest pleasure: Do not
diBappoint us ; but come home to your Parents such as they picture you
to themselves and such as you will believe they desire their son to be.
Then you will entitle yourself to the Esteem as well as fondness of,
Dear William, Your father

Thomas Buffin.

P. S. I hope to be back by the first of July. I shall then expect let-
ters from you, explaining all your plans etc., etc. — So that I can answer
them and express my opinions of them. Besides one to me, you will of
course, keep up your correspondence with the other members of the
family.

Present to Dr. Damplon the warmest expressions of my respect and
of the obligations I am under to him.

Poor little Betty, who talks a great deal about her Brother WiUey
and the pretty frock you brought her, has been very sick with a fever
and Reumatism: She ib better today; and your Mother and I hope will
Boon recover: she is still very poorly — Your poor Mother has a sad
time of it; for Betty is fretful and your Mama has a dreadful bile on
her arm, which makes nursing extremely painful — What do all children
owe to a good Mother ! I trust Betty will never forget how many labori-
ous hours and sleepless nights she has caused her Mother and will reward
her for all her Vigils and sufferings by a dutiful filial piety. Do ydu
retain any traces in your memory of any debt you ever contracted to
your Parents or do you consider them paid?

[Address: St. Mary's College

Baltimore Maryland.]

From Weldon N. Edwards.

Wabbbn 10th June 1827.
Some weeks ago I met with a waggoner from Orange by the name, I
think, of George Loyall, who said he would be willing to be employed
about here. The waggoner employed to haul my com from Weldon has
disappointed me. Will you do me the favor to know from Mr. Loyall
if he would come down in about a fortnight, and undertake the Job, on
the following terms. — He to find himself and Team every thing — to
make two trips or loads in 6 or seven days — ^haul 14 or 15 Barrels of
shelFd com a Load — and to receive as compensation at the rates of one
hundred dollars for thirty days. These were the terms stated to him.

^ I

896 Thb Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

The distance is about forty miles, certainly not much over — ^if any, — ihit
quantity to be hauled 70 or 80 Barrels. Should Mr. Loyall not be ocm-
venient, any other waggoner would answer. Tou will oblige by infoim-
ing me as soon aa possible of the likelihood of obtaining a waggoner.

This not being in the line of your pursuits, perhaps my old acquaint-
ance Mr. Kirkland would attend to it for me. With my Bespects to him,
you will please make this request, if not altogether convenient to yourseU.

I beg you will excuse the liberty I take, and accept as an apology ike
scarcity of waggons and still greater scarcity of com.

Please present my kind regards to Mrs. B. and be assured of my con-
tinued good will and Esteem

[Address: Hillsboro, Orange Cty.]

To Wittiam K. Ruffin.

... „ Hillsborough — July 5th 1827.

My dear Son —

Yesterday your letter written on the 29th of June was received by me.
I am gratified that you have been exerting yourself to stand for hi^
distinctions upon the Oreek and Latin Classicks. I hope, your oompeti-
tion n^ill be successful and that you will thus have an opportunity of
retiring from St. Mary's with an honorable reputation. I do not perceive
a reason why you should not have made a similar effort in the Frendi
Class. I have been sorry to observe for some months past, that nothing
or very little dropt from you in your letters upon the subject of that
language and the acquirement of a knowledge of it by you. I shall foi^
ever regret your supineness in this respect, if it exist; for you will nevv
have so good an opportunity in future of learning it, either in its gram-
mar or pure pronunciation, as you have had. It has become a necessaij
part of polite as well as Scientific education and ought not to have been
neglected by you. You will the more especially experience the mortifica-
tion of being imperfect in this Study, because there is now a P^ofe680^
ship of it at Chapel-Hill, so that your proficiency will soon be tested
there and should it be found inadequate to the reputation of your present
school or your own capacity, the reproach will be correspondently severeL
I shall therefore be anxious on this score, until upon our meeting yon
can, by the result of your examination, dispel my apprehension. I an
desirous that your admission at our University should be honorable and
your standing while there, continually good. But I have no wish to
push you into a Class for which you are not prepared, as my object is
not to get you through the College, but that you should perfectly acquire
and thoroughly understand all the subjects there taught. I shall there-
fore leave to the judgment of the Masters there the disposition to be msde

Thb Buffin Fapebs. 397

of you — ^praying you, whatever it may be, to avail yourself of all its
advantages by diligent Study and deliberate reflection.

There are parts of your letter which afford me but little pleasure,
other than that derived from the opportunity afforded to me by them of
preventing you falling into any improper errors. You will here see,
how true the advice I have often given you, is — that it is better to inform
your friends before hand of your views than leave it to time or accident
to disclose to them your actions — ^which, perhaps may merit and receive
their approbation and, if so, will — but may, on the other hand, justly
expose you to reprehension and, if so, — then you can't help it. You will
at once be conscious that these remarks have allusion to your project of
giving to your young friends a Dinner at Bamum's, I feel indeed some
satisfaction that you have referred this plan of yours to my judgment;
and since you have done so, I shall expect you very implicitly to abide
by it. I have no hesitation in directly expressing myself entirely against
it. It is unusual, imprudent and highly improper. I am far from wish-
ing my children to be deficient in reciprocating the kind attentions of
their friends or to be so penurious in expenditures, at proper ages, as to
expose themselves to the imputation of meanness. But I would wish
them to avoid, likewise, temptations to profusions and all the allurements
to pleasures unbecoming their ages and situation in life. You may owe
your friends much for the politeness they and their friends have diown
you and I hope you deeply appreciate their kindness^ will long remember
it and cherish a regard for them. Is this the way to repay it? Surely
not. A Second thought will convince even yourself of it. Suppose I
were myself to visit Baltimore, be kindly received and politely enter-
tained by gentlemen of the City : Would it be expected or tolerated that
I was to cancel or to meet their civilities by the offer of a Tavern enter-
tainment? Such a thing was never heard of, and, upon the repetition
of my visit, I should be properly neglected for entertaining such poor
notions of the Hospitality of Qentlemen and making such ignoble returns
for it. The true sense of their regard for me would best be shewn by
serving them whenever in my power and, should an opportinity ever
offer, by opening to them my House and making them wellcome to my
H(yme, If this is a just view in regard to me, how much stronger it is,
when applied to yourself, a student and a boy of less than fifteen I
Taverns, my Son^ are dangerous places : They afford no Mentor to advise
you against evil : They contain every temptation to dangerous excesses,
inflaming the blood and mind and inciting to riots, broils, and sinful
dissipation : The Publican cherishes not prudence in his Guest, even his
young one, indeed he lives and thrives not more upon your necessities,
than your imprudence and hence, is always ready to pander to all youth-
ful follies. Beware through life of such haunts: At all events, while
under my care, you shall not be destitute of either my advice or my
authority, as far as my situation will enable me to enforce it, to restrain
you from such resorts. I condemn therefore the whole scheme, in per-

398 Thx Nobth Cabolina Historical Couuibsiov.

emptory tenns and command you to think no more of it. Treat your
friends with cordiality, invite them to consider you, should they ever be
thrown into your part of the Country as their sure friend and help and
part from them with emotions of regret and tendemesSy — ^bat do not
debase the sacred name of friendship by a Tavern Bow nor d^prade
yourself by grovelling dissipation*

Had I not received your letter, I should today have written to yon
upon the subject of your Rotti home. I think upon reflection, that yoa
had better come directly home by the way of the Steam-boat down the
Bay. It is more expeditious, safer and cheaper and will allow you to
keep the charge of your own baggage. Besides these considerations, it
will enable you most probably to fall in with your Sister Catherine, who
has accompanied Mrs. Anderson on a journey to the Northward th^
summer. Mrs. Anderson s health is not good and she is advised to Sea-
bathing. She will spend a few days at Old Point Comfort, thenoe pro-
ceed by Baltimore and pass the balance of her time at Philadelphia.
They left us the day before yesterday and hope to be in Baltimore by the
day of your Commencement. If they fail in this, however, you must not
wait as their movements are uncertain and they may not be there ib
some days afterwards. I wished to afford to your Sister the protection
of so good and fine a Woman as Mrs. Anderson on this trip, that she
might now see something of the best parts of her Country and most
improved society, as she might never again have another opportunity
to which your Mother and I would willingly trust her. I hope you and
she will meet.

I hope you will make no unnecessary stops on the road, but come on
with as much expedition as necessary Best will admit of; as we shall
all be on tip toe to see you and, at most, but a few days will be allowed
you at home.

Dr. Damplon will supply [you] with the money necessary and defray
your travelling expenses. I send herein Twenty Dolls more to clear you
of Mr. Eelly and other creditors and get such little presents for those
at home as you may think may make your coming more acceptable to
our small fry. Do not buy many clothes; for a late regulation at Chapel
Hill establishes a plain uniformity of cheap apparrell for the Bojs
there and will make an extensive wardrobe useless.

I shall write to Dr. Damplon, towards whom I entertain sentiments
of respect and gratitude, in which, I hope, you join. Treat him with the
utmost deference, for I am sure you owe it to him.

Betty's health is improved and improving. The rest of the family is
tolerably well. We all cherish for you the tenderest regard and pray
that you may experience the Choicest of the Divine Blessings.

[Address: St. Mary's College

Baltimore Maryland.]

Thb Buffin Fapbbs. 399

To Catherine Buffin,

-m^ ^ , ^y '13 HiLLSBOEOUGH — Julv 25th 1827.

My Dearest Child —

"We have had no tidings of your party since the letter written by Mrs.
Anderson to Walker^ the morning you left Petersburg. Your own letter,;
-written the daybefore, I am your debtor for. I thank you for it and
shall endeavour to square the account with you. I can't but express my
regret, that you did not visit Mrs. May and get acquainted with her hus-
band. I am sure you would have been well rewarded by her very polite
hospitality and by his kind, sincere and intelligent conversation. Be-
sides, Mr. May is one of my earliest, most attached, most tried and
valued friends : and the Gk>od Book somewhere says ^^My friend and my
father's friend will I never forget." I hope upon your return, you will
find an opportunity or make an occasion to be at their house. I wish it
as well because I am certain it will be an agreeable visit to you, as because
I regard such respect shewn to the old intimates of one's parents as a
sort of pious duty in itself, in no small degree partaking of that which'
consists in honoring the Father and the Mother.

Today I saw Mr. Bichard Alexander, of Salisbury, for a moment,
while the stage was changing horses. He is just from a long trip to "Sew
England. By him we learn that you were well and safely arrived in
Philadelphia and that your Brother William was deposited in good
health in Raleigh. Mr. Alexander says that he did not get acquainted
with you, but that he saw Mrs. Anderson and her young Ladies in Phila-
delphia. They were pointed out to him walking in the Street. He was
however hurried home and could not call on you. He fell in with your
Brother and was accompanied by him to our Metropolis, where he was
detained by Judge Badger, in order that he might come up in our Car-
riage when it carried his Mother down. The old Lady guarded by Susan
and Moreau, took up the line of march at day-break today ; so that we
look for William friday evening at furthest. I hope you and he met,
so as to exchange greetings and that by him we shall be informed of the
impressions wrought on you by all the interesting persons and novel
spectacles encountered by you in this your first and perhaps last long
travel.

Our Family affairs are much as usual. The health of all the household
is good — that of myself being much improved within a few days. I
hope you always felt a sincere concern in the wellfare of your neigh-
bours; but now, I am sure that with the present distance between you and
us, nothing relating to anybody in Hillsborough can be indifferent to

iWalker Anderson, 180^1852, a graduate of the University in the class of
1819, was at the head of a girls' school in Hillsboro. He became a professor
In the University in 1833. Studying law, he moved to Florida, where he
became chief Justice of the Supreme Court He was an intimate friend of the
family.

400 Thjb IfoBTH Cabouna Historical Commission.

you. As far as I can recollect therefore I detail the news. There is, in
the first place, no serious iUness amongst us. Mrs. Walker Anderson is
not very well, as her husband told us at Church a Sunday, but I do not
suppose she labors under very material indisposition, because the Ladiei
visit her and meet with her accustomed hospitable attentions. . . .
One of Mr. Duncan Cameron's men was at Mr. Kirkland lately and
said they were all well there. Mr. Bennehan will pass here in three or
four days on his way to South Carolina. My worthy friend and pupil
Mr. P. Winston^ hath been sorely afflicted by a bilious attack for nearlj
ten days. He is very much reduced, is weak and looks badly. He is now
out of danger and goes about a little between our house and your grand-
pa's, where he chiefly spends his time. To gossip to the fidl length, I
must not omit that Sally Naah hath another Cousin in a young daughter
of her Aunt Witherspoon, who is pretty well, tho' she hath been extremelT
ill. The schools are extremely full and additions are almost daily making
to one or the other of ihem. Mr. Green's^ edifices in Thomas' ''Woods"
are in rapid progress. I expect he will be well settled in them by wint».
He left us in the stage this morning for Salisbury by order of the Bishop
whom he is to meet there in the discharge of the holy function of Conse-
crating a new church for Mr. Wright about a dozen miles off in the
Country. Tell Mrs. Anderson, I wish she would without delay remit
to Walker her positive injunctions to resume the offixse of Lay reader in
our Church ; and in case she refuse, then I assume the judicial authority
of imposing on her my command that she forthwith teach her Son's Suc-
cessor, how to read. Last Sunday morning was my first attendance upon
this gentleman : He had selected a sermon of which I could just compre-
hend enough to convince me it was well conceived and well written, so
as to make my regret complete, that I could not understand the whole
of so excellent a discourse : But I could only catch indistinctly a part of,
maybe every other sentence. We all consider ourselves happy in having
prayer books before us — so that we can't lose the morning service ! Don't
understand any part of this in an illnatured way. I have not the least
harm against this young Candidate for orders ; nor hath a person living
in the place. I merely mean to express the opinion that a gentleman
ought to read tolerably before he undertakes to do so to a large assemblage
and periodically ; and the hope, that some of our friends, who can make
free with this gentleman, will use some arguments to induce rigorous
attempts, on his part, at im'proveTne'nJt.

We look for large arrivals of gay people from the East — that is, it is
said so, by some hoped, and by others feared. Mrs. Washington (late
Miss Bond) and her sister and Miss Mary and Miss Betsy Ashe came
up the other day — the first has gone back, the others r^nain. Today
the elder Mr; Hawks and Miss Hawks came in the stage from Newbem:

iPatrick Henry Winston of Rockingham County, later reporter of tlie
Supreme Court.
2Rev. William Mercer Green, rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.

Thx Buffin Papbbs. 401

We haye just heard — and, on my part, with sincere lamentation of the
death of Mrs. Francis L. Hawks. I suppose the news of it hath already
reached you.

Sally Nash and Margaret Burgwyn came up last week, to inquire
"whether we had heard from you and how you were. I sent some mes-
sages to you by Sally ; but she said, indeed she didn't intend to write to
you, before she got a letter herself — that she did not know where to
address you and that if she did, you were so poor a eorrespondent that
she should not expect an answer and therefore she intended to make sure
by waiting for the first letter. Knowing you so Well, I commended Sally
highly. I always thought very well of her ; but now I am pleased to see
that to intelligence and sweetness of temper she adds a just pride of
character and prudence in laying out her favors. I think, in plain words,
that you ought by your frequent letters to your young friends here to
shew them that your regard for them at home was not mere profession
and that new faces and strange sights can't make you forget old friends.

Write often to us at home, at all events. Your last letter needed no
apologies, tho' I dont pretend to say it might not have been better. Never-
theless, I had rather the space filled up by the excuses should be occupied
by any other matter. Indeed with a little attention and such industry
as will induce you to begin letters in time to finish withoui hwrry, you
would write (as you ccndd, from a like cause, do other things) very
prettily.

I need not inform you how much you owe Mrs. Anderson nor how
much she is regarded by your Mother and me. I am sure you cannot
treat her but with filial attention, deference and duty. We send our
love to her and our kindest remembrance to Mr. William and Miss Mary
Ann : For yourself, my dear Catherine, receive the affectionate blessing
of a Mother and of Your Father

Thomas Ruffin.

Miss Catherine Buffin
Philadelphia.

From B. McLaughlen to William K. Buffin.

Baltimobe August 20th 1827.
In looking over the paper perchance I cast my eye over a list of the
letters remaining in the post office, uncalled for. On calling for it, I
was in haste to open it, and in doing so, I found far above my most san-
guine expectation, that it was from you, because thinking of the old
saying "Omnia tempv^ Hdbent, I did not expect to have received any
news from you until the usual salutation of your friends was over which
I supposed would not be finished for at least two weeks after your return
home. Your gallantry among the ladies, I hope, will prove of some
service to you as ladies company generally improves a gentleman, and
26

402 Thx Nobtil CaboIsDx-a Histobical Commibsion.

at the same time corrects the lewdness of their dis{>ositioiL Since jon
left us I have not been often in their company, but still the few risitB
which I have paid them have been of essential benefit to me. ITon sar
that ^'I must be satisfied with a short letter" one word itself would have
been sufficient to have let me know that you had not forgotten me. The
Adams convention has laid before the public one of the most degant
pieces of composition that has been presented for a great lapse of time,
it was written by R. H. Gtoldsborough^ an inhabitant of Frederick oountj
Maryland. If you recollect, there was a letter which Carter Beveiir
Esqr. brought before the public a few months ago^ as an afirtnative proof
of the Coalition of Adams and Clay, he mentioned that GrenL Jacksoa
would produce his authority should it be required; the Gten. has nov
come before the public and said that he only thought Mr. Clay was tt
the Head of it. His authority he has produced and it appears that it is
a Mr. Buchanan a representative in Congress from the State of Pennajl-
vania, a warm friend of Oenl. Jackson. This Mr. Buclu has denied
positively that he ever held any such conversation with him. and at tbe
same time produced before the public the only conversation that he ever
held with the Gen. on the subject of the presidential elections. ShouU
you see the letter of Mr. Buchs you will no longer trouble yourself
about the Election of Jackson, his Cause is bad his Friends are deserting
him, and during another 4 years the Hermitage will be Honoured witib
the company of the disappointed Hero of Orleans, and as our Friend
Tom Bryan says, in speaking of Adams in a letter which he addresHd
to me some time since ^'his sinking cause needs assistance.'' These words
though made suitable to Adams, are far more applicable to Jacksas
whose ground is fast falling away in our City. This question with your
permission, I will resume in my next. Your Health I hope still remaiiii
the same as when you left here for home. We are all well here. Tom
sends his love to you and wishes to hear from you very much. Answer
this letter as soon as you receive it and you will satisfy the anxietj of
your much respected friend,

[Address : Chapel Hill University

N". Carolina.]

From Archibald D. Murphey.

Haw River, 20th Augt. 1827.

When will you leave home for your Circuit ? If you will be at home,
I propose to go to Hillsboro on Saturday next or early on Sunday Morn-
ing, So as to spend a few Hours with you. I do not recollect your Circait,
but believe it is the Cape Fear.

iRobert H. Goldsborough of Maryland, 1779-1836.

The Bixffin Papess. 403

I hope my Health is so far reestablished that I can resume the Labours
of my Profession. The exercise during the late Canvass has certainly
improved my Health. If I should be able to undergo the Fatigues of
the Bar, I shall regard the Loss of my Election as fortunate. I regret
the Loss on Account of my Friends^ who Selected me to beat Qenl. Bar-
ringer. I am truly sorry at their Disappointment. But it would not,
perhaps, please them to know that were it not for their Account, I should
prefer my present Situation. I have already ceased to think of the elec-
tion, and have turned my attention to my Business. But I am worn out
and so is my poor Wife, by a Crowd of People ever since I came home.
We seldom sit down to eat or lie down to Sleep, without having at least
half a dozen. I shall rest, work, go to Court, and She to See Cornelia,
who is very unwell and has been for Six Weeks past.

Since the change of the Weather 48 Hours ago, the Bheumatism has
visited all my joints. I feel stiff, but do not suffer much pain. I pray
to Gk>d that I may not Suffer more.

Judge Buffin. '

[Address: Hillsboro.]

From M, C. Jenkins to William K. Ruffin,

Baltimobb Septr 11th, 1827.

Now let me say a word or two of the Election. It is my firm impres-
sion that the cause of the hero is daily gaining ground in Baltimore and
that his majority in the city will be a triumphant one. We have got
up a grand barbecue to be given on the memorable 12th of September
and to be called the Jackson Barbecue. It is to be conducted with the
strictest decorum. There are to be 700 marshals on horseback. The
Honorable and venerable Alexander McKim a member of congress from
Baltimore during the late war is to preside. A gun is to be fired to notify
the commencement of the festival immediately after which the venerable
president is to give the health of Qenl. Jackson. Then come 3 cheers
for the old general from the collected multitude who will at the same
time quaff their bumpers to his health. An oration is then to be deliv-
ered, it is said By McMahon which is to be followed by a song sung by
a stout, brazen-lunged Stentorian journeyman. The name of the song
is '^Hickory wood." Thus much have I heard from the officious tongue
of Humour as also that the famous Harris' letter is to be read at least
so much of it as relates to the 12th of September. Then comes the
repast. Taney, Heath, some very respectable visitors from Frederick
and all the respectable portion of the resident Jacksonians will be on
the ground I indeed the whole body of the people will be there and that
day I think will seal the fate of Adams in this city. So much for politics.
I was exceedingly delighted with the address of your uncle's of which

404 Thb North Carolina Historical Commissioit.

yon were pleased to send me a copy. It displayed profound liistorieal
research and he was peculiarly happy in varying his description of the
distinguished characters of your state. He seems to have studied sD
the different shades of their respective intellects and while he clearlj
points out the difference of their mental endowments we scarcely knoT
(when with him we have summed up their intellectual powers) which
one If it were in our power, we would prefer heing. Accept my best
thanks for the pamphlet. I certainly regretted the loss of Judge
Murphey's election, as much as you could, for I had always heard of
him as being talented and patriotic and these are the qualificatioiis
which should characterize every representative of a free nation. I am
unwillingly constrained to close my communication. There are 2 giib
up stairs with peaches for sale and to save my life I cant get rid of them
as fast as they go out Tieman entices them back and sets them on me
says I am very religious just for the sake of having me vexed by these
lewd wenches. I am sorry that I could not sooner answer yonr tmlj
well-come favour. I have given you as early a reply as it was jMiasibk
for me to give and I suppose you ask no more of me who no matter how
long he might neglect writing, would not the less 6n that account cherish
the memory of one of his fondest school-mates, a school-mate on whom
I never think with other sensations than those of delight, believe me
My dear Buffin

Your most devoted and inviolable friend
[Address: Chapel Hill K C]

From B. McLaughlen to William K. Ruffin.

Sept 18th 1827.
Supposing that you might require an acknowledgement for tiie pam-
phlet which you sent me I commence though with no other topick than
that afforded by the present. There is certainly a great deal of
history contained in the oration and that too of the most important clasB,
the rise and progress of the North Carolinian literature, and also the
Characters and reputations of some of your ablest Lawyers, in the
description of all of which, the orator displays a deep research into the
history of his own state. I would, however, say that before an assemblage
of young persons, his thoughts might have been expressed in more elegant
language, though it contains a sufficiency of conciseness and intelligi-
bility. I hope you are pleased with your change it may perhaps tend
to your own happiness, your health I hope is good. . . . We are all
well here and every thing is going on very tranquilly and peacably, the
college has met with the anticipated change and in all probability it will

Thb Buffdt Fapebs. 405

benefit the institution. Messrs. Wheeler Eccleston Church Larkin
L'homme Bandarme Elder and Eelly are in the house and all the old
folks have gone over into the Seminary.

Wheeler president Blder Book Keeper

Eccleston vice- Randairme Jimmy More.

Lhomme [prefects

I have been promoted in every thing this year my classes 8V^ 2nd
Greek, 9% Geometry, lOV^ 1st french, 3 1st Latin. My desk in the
study room is your old one, My bell in the domitory is David Barry's,
My seat M Prayers on the first Settee, my place in the refectory the one
I had last year, and I have also the same place in Church. My health
is as usual very good. The boys here are all well and request to be
remembered to their old friend. I must now close hoping that your
next may be equally as long as this, give me an account of all your trans^
actions at OoUege.

[Address: Chapel Hill N. C]

From Jose Farres to William K. Bufiin.

Baltimobb Sept : 18th, 1827.

During this long interval my affections for you have almost vanished.
In commencing to write you, I have scarcely nothing to discuss, as you
know that the boys here, hear very little from town. The jonly subject
of conversation now, is the same old tale, the presidential election, and
that you know, I never talk about ; however, I would say that they had
a barbacue on the 12th of Sept. on which occasion his honour G. Win-
chester Esq. and Mr. McMahon pronounced orations relating to the
presidential election on the Jackson side. At 3 o'clock on the same day
the visitors partook of the sweets of 5 bulocks which were prepared by
the College butcher.

[Address: Chapel Hill University

North Carolina.]

To Caiherine Buffin,

IX J A ^T-u Rockingham — September 25th 1827.

My dearest Gh%ld — ^

The dutiful regards which prompted your kind and first letter, which
I received last week at Anson, should not have been thus long unac-
knowledged, had my official engagements there allowed me more leisure

406 Thx Nobth Cabolina Hibtobical Commission.

than just sufficed for the writing of a letter to your Mother. That is an
office of preeminent obligation, which I do not permit anything to pre-
vent the performance of. Judging her by myself, I am flattered by the
hope that, when absent, nothing is so consolatory to her feelings as to
receive letters from me — the testimonials of affectionate remembrance
and regards. I know you will not think hard of your claims on me being
postponed in deference to hers. Nevertheless I would have you aasuie
yourself that I do not willingly evince toward any one of my family, not
even the youngest of the little ones, any neglect that shall tend to create
the belief in their minds of my indifference towards them nor lay the
foundation of a plausible pretext on their parts for habits of carelessneee
and inattention to their friends.

I am glad that Mr. Bencher gave so good an account of me at home.
All I regret about it is, that my bosom responds, in experience, so littk
to the reality of the picture exhibited by him. I am not happy and eannot
be so, from home and with so long a seperation from its dear inmates,
before me. I try indeed to be so and as seldom despond as I can help.
But with all my efforts I often sink under the sense of present privation
or gloomy anticipations. It is a common effort of the unhappy to be
restless, merry and, sometimes boisterous. They know little of the human
heart, who can not distinguish between a happy heart and a merry m<KML
I doubt whether they are seldom found together. Cheerfulness is the
characteristic of the secure possession of those enjoyments which satisfy
us : a cheerful and a contented mind are expressions mostly synonimonSy
while it is almost certain that he who is '^in the cellar" this hour remains
there until by a tremendous leap he places himself in the nezt^ on the
pinnacle of the house. To these inequalities of temper, humour or bj
what other term it may be properly designated, I have been all my Hfe
more or less subject. I fear that age has not diminished the infirmity
and that experience, instead of correcting, serves to encrease it by adding
the despair of amendment. One thing I sometimes dwell on with all the
fond hopes, of which my heart is capable; and while it possesses my
mind, I feel indeed happy. It is, the trust that my children, with feelings
better attuned than mine, will by the cultivation of good tempers, and
the possession of a steady sobriety of purpose in the paths of usefulness
and religion, become themselves happy and supply to me all those conso-
lations, of which the consciousness of my own deficiencies bereaves me—
In certain parts of my duties I do not feel that I am wanting. I trust
that I have a good conscience, so far as relates to the claims on me of my
family : I am sure that my children have no just right to complain that
I do not love them as I ought or that I have failed in any reasonaUe
endeavour to provide for them as I ought. My complaint is with myadf,
for leaving my mind so little time for its cultivation and to my heart so
small a period to soften it by devotion and enlarge in its charities. In
return for all my labors for them, I only ask of my children to become
useful and happy. In that, my happiness and your Mothers are essen-

The Buffin Papbbs. 407

tially involved. Here allow me to remark, that I cannot learn from
your letter a single thing you have been engaged in since your return
home. I do not doubt but your time has been usefully occupied ; but I
like to see that fondness for ones pursuits which produces a constant
dwelling of the mind on them and makes one in all one says and does
drop hints or signs of the things that engage the attention. Thus : that
by a figure or a casual quotation one can, as by accident, discover what
book you have been reading, or what good company you have been in —
not omiting some sign of work, that one may see whether you are earning
your daily bread — It is now time, my dear daughter, that you were
framing to yourself some rules of regular employment and laying down
a system by which your time can be employed beneficially as well to
your own mind, as to the relief of the drudgery and domestic cares that
have so long engrossed every moment of your Mother's life. By such
means, you will become sensible of the true ends of our existence here,
of the best modes of engaging our minds and of qualifying yourself for
the relations in life which future events may create for you. Your own
experience must by this time have suggested doubts of the propriety of
some former habits and therefore I spare myself the pain of seting them
down. The counsel of your own bosom, if attended to, will be far more
salutary, than one of my ungainly lectures or stem admonitions. All
I ask of you is, to listen to the voice of the monitor within and upon the
footing of filial deference and docility, request, in cases of doubt, the
opinion of a mother, always candid, always faithfuL For Rules, I pre-
scribe only. Rise early — Never be idle: **Why sit ye here idle, all the
day long"? is a solemn question, that was asked by one of authority.
The excuse, as in all cases from the time of the fall of man, was then
ready ^'because no man will hire us." It was false then, as it is now and
ever will be. There is always something useful to be done. The method
of doing it too, the same good book prescribes : ^^Whatever your hands
find to do, that do ye with all your might" ! The meaning is, devote
yourself, engaged with all your attention and affections in whatever
employments your circumstances make necessary or your promises
impose on you : Duty imposes diUgence and our own happiness is the
fruit — ^for unless we make our pursuits agreeable under the sense of
duty, all labor is irksome. I did not intend a lecture this time; but find
my old habit inveterate. I am sorry for it for I fear, it will scare off
one of my correspondents at home; which would be truly a loss to me.
They are few enough now, considering that I have no solid pleasure
on the Circuit, but that derived from reading letters from my family.
A single one from any one of you is worth a dozen Highland Fiddlers
and one from your Mother is a treasure far above the Straspeys and
Beels, that ever Scotch Fiddle, or bag-pipe played or highland mon or
queen lass jumped after. For news : There was an Assise-ball last week
at Wadesborough ; to which I was, of course invited and, of course like-

^ I

408 Thb IfoBTH Cakolina Hibtobical Commission.

wise, did not go. It ended pleasantly enough, I learn — that is to say,
with half a dozen hloody noses and black eyes !

One sight I have really seen worth a long ride : A spare day at Mont-
gomery enabled me to visit the Narrows of the Yadkin: I do not attempt
a description of it, at which I have not very graphic powers; but I men-
tion it now, that you may not let me f orget, when I get home, to describe
it to you to the best of my ability. In the meantime you will find in Mr.
Jefferson's notes on Virginia his delineation of the passage of the
Potomac through the Blue Bidge — to which this Phenomenon in No.
Ca. is not dissimilar.

I shall endeavour to visit Fayetteville on Saturday on my way to
Bobeson Court. I wish very much to see your Aunt; and shall also
write to your dear Mother from thence, a thing which I scarcely know
whether to designate as my chief duty in present circumstances, or
hi^est pleasure: it is so much of both. Embrace and kiss her for me
and bless all your brethren — ^write to me all they do and especially, all
they say about me. Such things go to the bottom of my heart. I am
entirely well and learn that the Country is generally healthy. God bless
you, my dear child and cherish you in all goodness I

MiBS Catherine BufSn

Hillsborough No. Ca.

From Henry M. Miller.

,. -^ a. Baleigh October 28th 1827.

My Dear otr.

I neglected to inform you after the sale in July that I had purchased
old Aunt Eve for you. I was conscious of your wishes to aecomidate the
old lady for her faithful services and was consequently induced to bid
more for her than her value. Archey bid for her and she had told me of
her unwillingness to live with him and I myself felt a very strong dispo-
sition to see her comfortably settled for the few remaining years^ and
acting under that excitement may have given more than you would have
done had you been present ($50). I am therefore perfectly willing to
pay any portion towards the purchase you may name. She has called
on me this evening and desired me to beg of you to take her home before
the commencement of the Session.

I will take the liberty before I close to mention to you my intention
to become a candidate for the vacancy occasioned by the death of OenL
Covington^ late principal Clerk to the Senate and ask of you to mention

iBenJamin H. Covington of Richmond had been a member of the Honse of
Commons in 1786 and 1786, and had been continuously clerk of the Senate
since 1821. Miller did not succeed him, the position falling to James W. Clark.

The Buffin Papxbs* 409

it, while on your Circuit, in the manner you may think best calculated
to. promote my election. The appointment being one which from its
nature must be made very soon after the meeting of the Legislature, it
seems to me to be a matter of much importance that my intention should
be made known before-hand, and yet I feel some delicacy in mentioning
it by letter direct to the members themselves. It is therefore that I make
the request of you If not incompatible with your duties I shall esteem
it a favour to have your assistance in the attainment of this object. In
hopes of hearing from you as soon as convenient I am with sentiments
of much regard Your friend and obt

H. M. MiLLBB.

[Address : Wilmington N. C]

From John R. Buie.

Laubsl Hill Kichmond Countt, No. Ca., [November, 1827]

Judge Suf^n
My Dear Sir.

The object of thiB Letter is to inform your Honour that I am a
Candidate for the office of Clerk of the Superior Court of this County,
vacant by the death of Oenl. B. H. Covington :^ — I will briefly state to
you some of the principal reasons that haa been the means of Preventing
me from getting a stronger recommendation from the Bar of my
County — ^in the first Place I was not apprised that there was a vacancy
untill It was told to me on Tuesday after the Generals death when on my
way to Bockingfaam to attend the Session of the County Court. On my
arrival there I understood that E. Love,^ J. B. Long, J. P. Leak, Col.
Stephen Wall' and John MacAlister^ Senr. were candidates to fill the
vacancy and that some of them had sent expresses in every direction to
procure the Beoommendation of the Bar etc. You will bear in mind that
there are no Jury Causes in any County Court, so there were but three
of the Bar there say W. F. Leak who lives there and J. Gilchrist and
A. Little.^ A very short time after my arrival and before I saw either
of them CoL Wall and J. P. Leak set off to see your Honour on the

iJudge Ruffln received a very large number of letters In connection with
this appointment Only a few characteristic ones are printed, but the rest,
containing many names, are In the possession of the North Carolina Historical
Commission.

sErasmns Love was a member of the Senate at this time.

sstephen Wall was a member of the state Senate from 1822-1824.
' 4john McAUeter was a member of the House of Commone In 1791 and 1798.

SAlezander Little was quite a prominent lawyer of Anson County. He was
at this time a member of the House of Commons. He served again In 1881,
and as a member of the Senate from 1834 to 1836.

410 The North Cabolina Hibtobical CoMicissioir.

subject of the vacancy and the other persons named (I was told) seat
on letters by Messrs Wall and Leak. I was urged and solicited bj some
of the most respectable citizens of the County to become a candidate for
the appointment. I told them it was entirely unnecessary iintill it would
be known what course your Honour would think most advisable to pursue
when made known to him by those applicants that there was a vacancy
etc. I wish your Honour Distinctly to understand that my business was
such that I could not leave the Court House in time to arrive where ytm
were as soon as Messrs Wall and Leak and after mature reflection and
Deliberation concluded not to make any Pretensions untill it well knovn
what course had been pursued as stated etc. Saturday evening after
Court I saw Colo. Wall and Mr. Leak when on their way Home. Colo.
Wall told me that your Honour would not make the appointment untill
Monday of Fayetteville Superior Court and that he requested that thtt
fact should be made known throughout the County and he further stated
that he who had the best recommendation from the Bar and the Justioei
of the Peace of the county etc. would get the appointment. It was thea
late Saturday evening and a number of them had been some days in
nomination and before I could Convey Letters by Mail to the Gtentlema
of the Bar Solicitations had reached them from a number of the appli-
cants and it is a fact well known to your Honour that the first applies-
tion when the person is of a fair character commonly succeeds. I got a
reconunendation drawn up by one of the most respectable Citizens CoL
John Blue/ who served a Tour as Capt. During the late war and for a
length of time was a Justice of the Peace for this county and a repre-
sentative to the State Legislature. I got a number of the most respectable
Citizens to assign it in this end of the County say at least Two Doc,
which you will find among the Beconunendatory Documents and of that
number there are six Justices of the Peace out of eight in this section
of the County (say myself and John Graham). Mr. G. I did not see
or of course could have had his name. I mention this fact to show die
General Character of the Persons from my Immediate neighbourhood
who have been good enough to recommend me. Some of my best friends
who would have given me the preference as Members of the Bar Loaned
their names to some of the other applicants. Mr. Little did as he in-
formed me (and which I was apprised of ere I was in nomination) gave
his name to Mr Love but would prefer me. Mr. Kelly says he was under
obligations to the Leah family for past favours and could not without a
Direct Breach of gratitude refuse his name to Mr. Leak, but considered
me well qualified to discharge the Duties [torn] and was sorry that he
could not serve me. John A. McRae^ says very shortly after Ihe return
of the first applicants from Columbus he with a Majority of the Bar of
Wadesboro gave their names to J. P. Leak but as merit alone should

ijohn Blue had been a member of the Commons in 1811.
2John A. McRae of Anson was a lawyer of some prominence who served i&
the lower house from 1835 to 1838.

The Buffin Papsbb. 411

govern he felt but little Interest which of ns should succeed. Mr. John
Gilchrist I did not receive a Letter from but saw him and he stated that
lie had written me although his letter miscarried and that he had prom-
ised Mr. Leak his support before he went to see your Honour^ If he
should require it after his return.

Mr. Leak has a strong and influential train of Belatives and con-
nexions and among that number there are two of the Principal atteys
at our Bar. Col. Joseph Pickett of Anson and W. F. Leak of this County
his Brother. I think I have given a Train of circumstancial facts which
will I trust at once show that it was not in the Power of any Person
However meritorious to procure the [torn] recommendation of certain
members of the [torn] time circumstances and relative Influence [torn]
to prevent it. I hope and trust that I have Presented Documents from
Different Persons Members of the Bar and others to shew the estimation
in which I have been held where best known. If your Honour should
think proper to confer the appointment on me^ It will be my Pride and
bounden duty to Discharge the Duties of the office with fidelity and zeal
and my feeble abilities will be exerted to discharge it to the satisfaction
of the Bench Bar and Citizens of the County Generally and also shall
expect to give Bond and approved Security for my faithful performance
of the Duties of the office according to Law. Permit me now to state
one fact. The situation of my Family has been such that I did not leave
home since I became a candidate — my wife has been confined to bed ever
since I became a candidate with an inflamed Breast and were it not for
other urgent business that I have to Fayetteville I would not nor could I
consistently leave home at this time and I can further state that no other
person Kode or Traveled one step for me to procure the recommendation
of any one. I lived in Fayetteville from 1816 to the latter part of 1824
and from Sept 1817 to Deer. 1821 lived with Mr. John N. Dobbin and
acted in the Capacity of Counting House Clerk. Mr (George McNeill of
Fayetteville is well acquainted with my Capacity and General Character
and should you think his recommendation not sufficiently strong I beg
leave to refer you to those Gentlemen as also to the Gentlemen of the
Bar of Fayetteville who do not practice at our court or at least the most
eminent of them say Judge Toomer and Messrs. Hewes and Hooper.
Perhaps I may have it in my power to have an interview with you before
you make the appointment

[Address: Fayetteville N. C]

41S The North CAsoLnrA Hibtobioal CoMicisaioir.

From John D. Eccles}

„. Fatsttsvills November 18S7.

o%r,

Mr. Erasmus Love, one of the Candidates for the vacant Clerkship
of Richmond Superior Court, informs me that in addition to the Cre-
dentials, which he brings from home, he desires some statenient from
me concerning his qualifications for that Office. Without desiring or
intending to advocate the claims of either of the applicants, (with tlie
appointment of any one of the respectable gentlraaen whoee names are
in nomination, I should be well satisfied as a member of Bar,) I fed
satisfied that Mr. Love is competent to the discharge of the duties of tiie
Office; and from his having acted as Clerk and Master in that Goiu^,
I should suppose that he has attained such an acqoaintanoe with boii*
ness, as to give additional reason to believe that the details of prooeedingi
in Court would be familiar to him.

Thos. Buffin Esquire.

[Address: Fayetteville]

Prom John D. Eecles.

Fatsttxvillk November 1827
To His Honor, Juik» Buffut, —

Sir,—
Mr. James Pickett Leak of Bichmond County informed me that he
is a candidate for the Clerkship of that County, vacant by the death of
OenL Covington and wishes me as a member of the Bar practising in
that Court to give to your Honor some testimonials of his qualifications
for the discharge of the duties of that Offiice. —

Although my personal acquaintance with Mr. Leak is very limited and
on that account it is not in my power to speak as from my own knowledge
or observation, of his qualifications: yet it gives me pleasure to state
from the information received from others on the subject, and on whose
statements I place entire reliance that he is every way qualified for the
Office, and would discharge the duties of it to the satisfaction of suitors,
and gentlemen of the Bar.

[Address: Fayetteville]

iJohn D. Ecclee was a practicing attorney of Fayetteville, who was at thii
time, and for two years more, a member of the Commons from the borons^
The editor cannot refrain from calling attention to the tact and political
wisdom displayed in this letter and the three which follow.

Thb Buffin Papsbs. 413

Prom John D. Eecles.

cf. Fayjbitjbvillb November 1827.

otr,

Mr. Jolm R. Buie of Bichmond County is a Candidate for the vacant
Clerkship of the Superior Court of that County^ and in addition to the
testimonials which he brings to support his pretensions^ requests me to
furnish him with a letter to your Honor^ containing my views of his
fitness for the Office. This request he informs me is founded on an inti-
mation which he understands was made by you to some of the candidates
at a personal interview^ that in making tiie appointment you would not
consider as obtrusive the communications of gentlemen of the Bar to
you, on the subject. I accordly comply very readily with the request
of Mr. Buie, and in justice to him and without any disparagement to
the claims of the other candidates state that he is in my opinion well
qualified to succeed to the vacant office. Mr. Buie is an active and
intelligent magistrate of that County^ and possesses in a high degree
the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. — Besides being an excel-
lent accountant and writing an uncommonly fine hand^ he would bring
to the situation, correct and business like habits, which would hardly
fail to secure a faithful discharge of the duties of the Office. From a
long and somewhat intimate acquaintance with Mr. Buie, I am well
satisfied that he is in every respect competent to the faithful and correct
discharge of the duties of the Offik^e, and think that his appointment
would be satisfactory to the County.

To Thomas Buffin Esquire.

I have long known Mr. Buie and most heartily concur in the facts
and opinions herein expressed.

Louis D. Hbnbt.

Prom John D. Eccles.

a. Faybtteville Novembcr 1827.

Col. Stephen Wall of Bichmond County informs me that he is a Can-
didate for the Clerkship of the Superior Court of that County vacant
by the death of Oen. Covington; and requests me to impart to your
Honor such information respecting his qualifications as my acquaintance
with him will enable me to furnish. In testifying to the fitness of Col.
Wall for the appointment which he seeks, any statement which I can
make will add nothing I presume to the knowledge possessed by you,
of the standing, and character of the gentleman, as derived from general
reputation, or founded on a personal acquaintance. Without therefore
expecting to communicate any information not already known to your

414 The North Carolina Historical Commission.

Honor; but as Col. Wall is pleased to attacli some importance to my
recommendation, I do very cheerfully state, as a member of the Bar
practising in that Court, that he is well qualified for the discharge of
the duties of the office, and that in my opinion he would execute the trust
reposed in him by the appointment with credit to himself, and acceptance
to the public.

To Thomas Buffin Esquire.

[Address: Fayetteville.]

To William K. Ruffin.

,r rk a , Sampson Court HouBK, NoYom 5th 1827.

My Dear Son! ^

I received your last letter at Wilmington and shall endeavour to make
my answer, by its enclosure, more satisfactory to you than I can say
yours was to me. You will receive herein the sum of twenty Dollars,
asked for by you. I must call your attention to the Law of die college
requiring a deposit with Mr. Taylor; of which I, of course, require the
observance. You will take his receipt for it and have the whole entered
in your accounts, so that the disbursements may be subject aUke to the
supervision of the Faculty and myself.

There is nothing that my circuit presents of interest to a youth in your
situation. I derive therefore from the scenes thro' which I pass no
theme for a correspondence with you. Nevertheless I am never at a
loss for materials for a letter to your dear Mother or one of our beloved
children. My heart is always full towards them and it is both easy and
delightful to express to them the deep solicitude I entertain for their
wellf are and the sincere and tender love I bear them all. For yourself,
my son, I entertain the warmest affection, which I trust will encrease
with the encrease of your years: That you will by your merits as a
Scholar and your purity in morals convert the partiality of the Parent
into the just esteem of the friend and finally obtain that perfect confi-
dence of a Father's heart which only the high deserts of a Son, excelling
in all that can make a Father proud, can claim or attain. I shall en-
deavour to devote an hour or two to an interview with you on my journey
home. You must not expect more — for, remember every moment you
detain me will be a robbery of your Mother, and, much more, will rob
me of the comfort of her greetings and company. Nevertheless I shall
anxiously listen to the detail from your own mouth of your employ-
ments, associations, friendships, progress and standing in class and col-
lege. I approve of the rule that seems to have been adopted by you, of
preferring a diligent attention to your Studies to general readings. My
opinion has always been that it was the most improving and safest for
boys to make themselves Masters, in the first instance, of the Sciences

The Buffin Papbbs. 415

in which their Schools instruct. If they have spare time, it will be well
indeed to employ that in extending their knowledge by reading History
or improve their taste by a perusal of the Standard authors in Belle
Letters and the best Poets. But nothing will excuse bad scholarship in
Class; and general reading to the neglect of the prescribed studies is
but a pretence to conceal idleness or an expedient to evade the just impu-
tation of dullness. I likewise advocate the line of reading you have
adopted. History and particularly English History is my favorite mental
employment. It is immediately connected with all our political and civil
institutions and connects us directly with all that is great in Science,
Literature, Law and Politics in that greatest and most free and virtuous
of European Nations. I have not myself read Dr. Lingood^s Work, but
I see it is most favorably spoken of by our most distinguished critics and
is very fit to be read (particularly for the sake of the difference in their
religious persuasions), either before or after Hume — whose clearness of
style, philosophic temper and depth of thought and knowledge of the
human character render him, in my opinion, the first of Historians, not-
withstanding the tinge of scepticism on the one hand and his attachments
to the despotic house of Stewart on the other which may in no slight
degree tarnish the repute he would otherwise unqualifiedly enjoyed.
Let me conclude by expressing the hope that tho' interruptions may
cause you to lose, you will not willingly again "loose" (the word you use)
the thread of Dr. Lingood : What you study or read, study or read with
close attention — ^skim over nothing. Dive to the bottom, but never dip
merely. I have so often said this to you, that you may well suppose I
attach to this rule of study as much importance as Demosthenes did to
*' Action" in Oratory. You judge right, and I shall continue to impress
the same lesson as long as I may think it necessary to offer you my
Counsel at alL Upon this head Monvi, Moneo, and iterum, iterum que
monebo.

This letter I shall forward to Fayetteville in the morning by a private
hand to be mailed there. I hope it will reach you safely on Saturday —
I intend likewise writing home, as I never permit a week to pass without
supplying them with a token that I have not forgotten them and desire
also to have myself kept in their minds: Nevertheless your Mother
knows that I am perfectly well and hope to see her on next thursday
fortnight. I offer to Mr. and Mrs. Hooper, thro' you, my most respectful
regards and beg you to make Mr. Mitchell sensible that he is everything
but indifferent to me.

I am, Dearest William,

Your friend and father

Thomas Buffin.

[Address : Chapel Hill N. C]

416 Ths North Carolina Hibtobical Commission.

From Oeorge E. SprwUL

Greenwood [Halifax County] — Nov. 6. 1827.

I have for some time been of opinion that the Laws relating to the
Execution and administration requires revision. There has probably
not been a session of the Legislature for ten years, in which there have
not been several attempts to remedy by separate enactments the real'or
supposed defects, now existing in this branch of the Law. The ablest
and most experienced members, have generally admitted the necessity
of many and great alterations in the law on this subject, but have deemed
it unwise to attempt the accomplishment of that, in one session or rather
in a small part of it, which would require the undivided attention of
the most learned jurist for many months, if not years. Partial Legisla-
tion would but serve to increase the confusion — and augment the uncer-
tainty which are already experienced. It has therefore happened more
than once, that some gentleman of eminence has been requested to revise
the law on this subject. As yet nothing has been acomplished whether
from the want of time or inclination in the person requested — or from
the loose and indefinite manner in which the subject has been presented —
it being impossible to ascertain the object of the Legislature or the degree
of revision intended from any resolution I have ever seen on the subject.

I have had it in contemplation to make one more effort — ^and for that
purpose, to introduce a Bill, appointing one or more commissioners,
with an adequate compensation, to revise the Law on this subject and
suggesting as explicity as possible the nature and degree of revision
intended, as at present advised. The commissioner, I would say, should
be authorised to reduce into one statute all the statutes now in force,
suggesting the repeal of such parts as might be objectionable, and stating
such alterations, additions and improvements as the statute Law might
require — and that he be authorised and requested to suggest and state
at length such alterations and amendments in the common law, so far
as it is connected with this subject, as the altered situation and circum-
stances of our country require. The object would be to have something
like a code on the subject not intending that you shall understand me as a
Jeremy Bentham Codifier. I am a codifier only to a limited extent —
but I really think a code on this subject might be attempted and executed
with great benefit to the public.

I believe there would be no great difficulty in obtaining the assent of
the Legislature to a Bill on the plan I have started, if the compensation
was not too large. The greatest difficulty I apprehend, will be to obtain
the consent of a person properly qualified to undertake the {ask, for any
compensation which may be offered. I have therefore taken the liberty
of troubling you with this long letter — in the first place, to learn your
opinion of the wisdom and policy of the measure I have suggested —
and to know whether you will consent to become Commissioner — if any-
thing shall be attempted and succeed.

Thx IliTFFm Papsbs. 417

I need not say how much your consent to act as commissioner will tend
to the success of the measure before the Legislature.

I shall be very glad to hear from you at length on my arrival at
Saleigh — and to state whether you think the task can be accomplished
as well by one as by two or more — ^and if you shall refuse yourself (which
I sincerely hope you will not do) to name one or more persons that you
think would be suitable. Whatever passes between us will be considered
as confidential if you wish it.

I hope you have returned from your circuit in good health.

P. S. I shall reach Baleigh the 19 inst.

T. finffin Esq.

From William A. Orahani.

HiLLSBOBO'

Novr. 7th, 1827,
Although I am late in writing you I shall endeavour to acquit myself
of neglecting your request entirely. It affords me pleasure to state that
your family, and friends here are all in good health. You have doubtless
heard of Uie accident which befell Judge Strange's eldest son two or
three weeks since. He is thought to be recovering the use of his leg as
fast as could be expected, but is extremely cross and irritable from con-
finement. Hillsboro' has been usually healthy and unusually gay during
the present season. Love has had many more votaries than Law. One
marriage has been solemnized and divers others are said to be in contract.
Others still might have been, had all the overtures been accepted. Most
of the visitors from the low country have now left us, and all will prob-
ably be gone in a few days more. Of course the reign of frolic and
fashion is drawing to a close. It will be prolonged somewhat however
by a wedding on this day week, which has been gotten up in great haste
and much to the surprise of the corps of observers. And to which Dr.
Strudwick and Miss Ann Nash are parties. Brother Barringer has
gone on a visit to Cabarrus (report says) to endeavour, after the manner
of novel heroics to dissipate his thoughts and recover his feelings from
the shock which they sustained by the departure of Miss Simpson.
Moreau Murphey some time since doffed the gown and assumed the
sword, made an expedition through the neighboring counties as Aid de
camp to Genl. Bird in reviewing the Militia. He has recently gone
home to reside during the absence of his father ; who is to set out next
week for Tennessee accompanied by his son Wm. Wm. Anderson^ has
been too much overpowered by Cupid and Hymen to have been punctual
in his attention to my Lord Coke. Bumour says his hopes are to be

iWilliam Edward Anderson of Hillsboro, 1805-1862.
27

418 Thb North Cabolina Histobical CoMMissioir.

realized in Jany. Mr. Bingham^ and Miss Eliza Norwood (it is said)
are to unite their destinies in Deer.

Mr. Swain^ and lady were here a week ago on their way to Salei^
He has been detained in Buncombe by the illness of his father and him-
self so as not to be able to attend any of the courts in his Eastern circuit
It is probable that he will resign his office as Solicitor. He mentioned
to me that the Honourable Saml. Carson' and his competitor Dr. Vanee*
were to have met at the So. Carolina line on yesterday, for the purpose
of drawing off some of the hot blood which was generated during die
late electioneering campaign. I was also much surprised to learn from

him that (whom you perhaps know), one of the wealthiest

men west of the Yadkin was convicted at the last Term of the superior
court for that county of forging a note on a neighbor for the paltry snm
of thirty dollars. This is worse if possible than the similar offence of
the celebrated Dr. Dodd, of England. He has appealed to the Supreme
court but I am told without any prospect of a different determinatioiL

We understand that Judge Martin has enjoyed uninterrupted health
on the Edenton riding this fall and is more vigorous than he has bea
for several years. Of course he is highly pleased. By the last adviees
from Raleigh Treasurer Haywood is said to be in a very preearioiis
situation. It is thought he will not survive many weeks.

My Landlord Mr. Scott has given notice to the stockholders of die
Hotel that he intends to leave on the 1st Jany. Who will be employed
to succeed him is not yet known. He will remove to Lenox Castle and
prepare for the accomodation of visitors to the Springs next summer.

Hon. Thos. Ruffin.

[Address : Fayetteville MT. C]

From J. Macalister.
Honor'dSir. ' [Nov. 8, 1827.]

I^othing short of the necessity of trying to Justify my pretentions to
the clerkship of Richmond County could induce me to trouble you with
the reading of this letter, as I had informed you that I was a candidate
for that office by one of the Oentlemen (James Pickett Leak) that went
to see you to Columbus Court. On Saturday last I saw Mr. Wall who

iWllUam James Bingham, 1802-1866, a graduate of the University In the
class of 1825, head of the Bingham School, 1826-1868.

2David L. Swain of Buncombe, 1801-1868, at this time solicitor for one of the
eastern districts. He was just entering upon his remarkable career which
was to make him judge, governor, and president of the University.

sSamuel Carson of Burke, 1798-1840, was a member of Congress from 182S
to 1833. He served in the convention of 1835 and Immediately moved to
Texas, where he served in the convention which formed the constitution of
the republic. He was its first secretary of state, and was commlsBioner to the
United States to secure annexation.

4Dr. Robert Brank Vance, member of Congress. 1823-1827. In the duel re-
ferred to, which occurred at Saluda Qap, he was killed.

Ths Bvffin Papebs. 419

told me he would be plain with me that I stood no chance since I was
not recommended. This conversation had but little weight on my mind
knowing that your Honor knew me^ and was a better Judge of my quali-
fications than many that might recommend me. I knew great pains
would be taken imediately after the death of the former Clerk to procure
subscribers before I thought that any would apply particularly then
and the names of some of my best friends were to a recommendation
before they knew that I was a candidate for that ofSce. I believe that
even a number of gentlemen of the Barr would have recommended me
if I had applyed to them first. Mr. Alexander would for one Mr. Gil-
christ Colo Pickett would also if Mr. Leak was not his relation Mr.
Kelly I know would subscribe to my recommendation and [in] the com-
munity at large I believe if it answered any purpose I could have an
equal share with my competitors. I have lived 52 years next January
in the county of Bichmond and have served the people as a weak Justice
of the Peace for 39 years. Yet when there was an office of profit It was
managed by designing persons so that it was out of my reach. Colo.
Clark was appointed clerk of the Superior Court by Judge Lowery.
When he could not write his name in a legible manner he sold the office
to Benjn. H. Covington who kept it untill he died. The county court
clerk, William Love, when he died, a Mr. Terry of Anson (Originally)
lived in Bockingham offered. Thos. H. Williams^ who is now Senator
from some one of the s. western States in Congress. I was also a can-
didate. But was persuaded to withdraw my name, and let my friends
vote for Terry, and that I would be his deputy and get part of the profit.
I did so, but my part of the profits were small. The office was sold by
Terry's son to Wm. P. Leak^ and continued by him untill Jury causes
were taken to the Superior Court, then he resigned and the Bev. Martin
Crawford was appointed, they have enjoyed all the profits and I have been
only surveyor and that when worth nothing.

Novr. 8th 1827.

[Address: Fayetteville.]

From Alfred Dockery?

BiOHMOND County Novr. 8th, 1827.

To the Honorable Thomas Buffin

Sir I b^ to be permitted to make known to your honour the conduct
of certain Gentlemen about Bockingham at the time of Genl. Benjamin

iThomas Hill WiUiams, a native of North Carolina, who was senator from
Mississippi from 1817 to 1831.

2Willlam P. Leak had been a member of the House of Commons in 1812.

sAlfred Dockery of Richmond County, 1797-1873, member of the House of
Commons, 1822; eUte Senate, 1836-1846, 1860; M. C, 1845-1847, 1851-1853;
delegate to the conventions of 1835 and 1865.

420 Thb Nobth Cabolina Hibtobical Commissiok.

H. Covington's death, and the very great effort made by a large and
influential connection to effect their purpose; on the evening previom to
the death of the General in the morning it was discovered by every person
who saw him that he would die the three Mr. Leaks all brothers togather
with their Father assembled in the counting room of William Leak deed,
to determine which of the brothers should become a candidate for the
clerkship that was made vacant by the death of the QenL and determined
that James Pickett Leak should be considered the candidate (here I
speak from high and respectable authority) and accordingly preceded
to procure recommendations to your honour for the appointment; and
did succeed as I am creditably informed, in procuring a recomznendatien
from his immediate and near relations in Bockingham; and likewise an
application to his near relation, Col. Joseph Pickett of WadeBborou^
succeeded in procuring his recommendation togather with the Cols Son
in law John Bates, A. McRae and a Mr. Hall, here I will take the lib^ty
to inform your honor that neither McRae nor Hall never had the man-
agement of a case in the courts of our county. I am of opinion that
nether of the two last named persons would know Pickett Leak if thev
were to see him and must therefore have recommended him from thdr
Great regard to his relation Col. Pickett. Erasmus Love made applica-
tion to the Col. first for a reconunendation but the CoL declined Giveing
him one, Martin Pickett wrote immediately to Walter Leak stating Ihat
his brother Joseph expected some one of his brothers would be a eandi-
date for the appointment and would therefore withhold his Signature
from all other persons, it is not my intention to detract from the r^uta-
tion of any Gentlemen named in this letter but only to show to your
honour the anxiety evinced for the vacancy to occur and the extent of
their connection and influence there are several applicants for the office
of clerk of our Superior court all of whome I presume will be well
recommended.

I claim nothing to myself but a plain citizen of the county af oresaid,
who feel a deep interest in having all the offices of our court fild by men
of abillity and firmness therefore from a long and intimate acquaintance
with Col. Stephen Wall do earnestly recommend him to your honour as
a man of business integerty and industry and in every respect well quali-
fied to discharge the business of Clerk and do conseanciously believe his
appointment would be highly satisfactory to the bar and the people
generally.

[Address: Fayetteville.]

The BiTFFm Papsbb. 421

From John S. Bvie.

^^ r. « . Fayetteville, Nov. 12tli 1827.

My Dear Sir.

Permit me to tender you my acknowledgements for the very flattering
terms in which you have been pleased to express of my capacity as a
Clerk etc. I feel highly pleased at the course your Honour thought proper
to pursue in filling the vacancy of Clerk of the Superior Court of Bich-
mond County and have the fullest assurance that in the Selection made
that the incumbent will discharge the duties of said office with ability
Integrity and skill. I will also add that ther^ is no mans good opinion
I more Highly value than that of Your Honour and although the appoint-
ment could not be given to the person who is now addressing you yet he
feels fully satisfied at the selection made in filling the vacancy.

The Hon. Thomas Buffin.

[Address: Fayetteville.]

From John Louis Taylor.

Raleioh 16th Novr. 1827.

Your favor of the ISth reached me last evenii^ probably from my
having been absent two days from town, and no messenger bein^ sent to
the post offi»ce.

On the subject of your enquiry I am able to state, that the practise
has been invariable when two licenses have been granted, to require a
tax of £5 for a county court license, and an additional tax of £10 for a
^neral license. I know too that it was a principal motive with Judge
Haywood in giving a general license at first to save to poor young men
the additional tax.

I cannot call to mind a single exception to the practise first stated;
and you remember the Judges until a few years ago, were accustomed
to coUect the tax, and account for it to the comptroller. We always
received £5 for a county court license and £10 for a superior Court one.
I remember too having paid both taxes.

P. S. That incomparable man the Treasurer is only not dead — ^He
will scarcely live through the day. Mrs. Foster, the daughter of Mr.
Oales is also expiring of a long continued liver complaint.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Wright C. Stanly,

[Raleigh, N. C, Nov. 20, 1827.]
I am here a Candidate for the Office of Soli', of the Ede^. Dis^ If
it will not make you too dizzy to cast your eyes so low, on a subject of
to you so little moment, you can materially serve one devotedly attached

422 The North Cabolina Histosioal Commibbion.

to yoUy by exerting your influence to promote his views in the matter.
See or write your friends on the subject, it will help me much.

GK>d bless you

The Hon. Tho. Ruffin

Hillsboro

P. S. Do you know one Henry H. J. J. Buffin of Franklin i

From Joseph J. Daniel.

Halifax, N^ovr. 27th, 1827.
I enclose you the subjoined list of an arrangement of the Judges for the
year 1828. I never was on the mountain circuit in the fall and should
like to be there once in my life in that season : I was on the Edenton
circuit in the Fall 1825. I think it uothing but right that each of the
judges should bare an equal service in this district as it is not a very
healthy one. I have been on that circuit three falls since I was a Judge
and I think I have a right to be exempt the insuing year. You will be
so good as to confer with Judge Norwood and write to the other Judges.
I think the sooner the arrangement is made the better.

SnuTG.

FAUi 1828

Bdenton Norwood

Strange

Raleigh Strange

Norwood

Newborn Rnffln

Martin

wnimlngton Daniel

Donnell

Hillsborough Donnell

Rnffln

Morganton Martin

Daniel.

From John R. Donnell.

NswBSBN Deer. 11th 1827.

On my return from Raleigh (where I had hoped to have met you and
Judge Strange) I found your favour of the 24th ult. I have not for-
gotten my promise to you last spring, that I would cheerfully acquiesce
in any arrangement you might propose for this year. Mudi therefore
as I dislike the mountains in the Spring you have my entire concurrence
in the arrangement proposed. I had hoped you might be able to keep
me entirely in the Eastern Circuits, which I should much prefer, even
at the expense of a little health in the Fall. My respects to Judges Noi^
wood and Strange and believe me

The Honbl Thomas Ruffin

HiUsboro N. 0.

Thb Btjffin Papxbs. 428

From John McRae.

Fatbttevillb 27 Dec. 1827.

We have received a letter from my Brother Cameron* at West Point
complaining that he labours under great disadvantages in consequence
of having been put into a class of young men many of them graduates
from other Institutions and all of them much farther advanced than
himself and that he is afraid he will not be able to stand an examination
with them so as to obtain full admittance into the institution. His
friends regard it as a matter so important to his future prospects that
he should not be rejected that I have been advised to go on to Wash-
ington and make interest with the Secy of war to allow him under the
peculiar circumstances of the case to be excused on such «tudie8 as he
had prosecuted before going to west Point or to defer his examination
until August either of which course is admissable by the regulations of
the Academy. I shall set off tomorrow and will be greatly obliged if you
can give me a letter to any acquaintance of yours in the City who will
be likely to render me any aid in the prosecution of my business. Our
friends here are all well.

(Direct to me at Washington City)

Tho. Ruffin Esq.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Archibald D. Mv/rphey.

At Mb. Webster's nbab Columbia, Ten

31st. Dec: 1827.
I reached here on yesterday week, and being received and treated with
all the Kindness and Attention any man could require, and a fine room
fitted up for me, I believe I shall not move out IJntill llie Winter breaks
up. I am here vdthin an hundred yards of the Owen Tract of Land ;
nearly all the people that I have any thing to do with, live in the Il'eigh-
borhood, and I have no Occasion to go out except to take exercise. And
after the painful Trip which I had from Orange to this Place, I feel no
disposition to go out Again. How I ever got here, Qod only Knows. I
suffered Pain enough to kill any human Being, the Bheumatism having
been Severe in my Head all the way out; frequently So Severe that I
actually became Silly. It latterly fell on my Bowels and in ten days
destroyed the Tone both of my Stomach and Bowels. It is now trans-
lated to the Head and Shoulders, and I am recovering a little Strength.

lOameron McRae, after leaving West Point, became an Episcopal minister
and was rector of a parish in Ptdladelphla until the outbreak of the OMl
War when he came South. He died about 1867.

434: Thx Nobth Camouna Histoeical CoMMIBfilOn'.

I find it necessary to Stay in the House, and by using Caution for a
Week pasty I am much better, and begin to be able to transact BuaineB.
It is excessively painful to my Head, for me to write. I can read bat
little, and I talk as little as possible. I am preparing myself for the
Business that brought me out : And I assure you that Although I risked
my life in Coming, it is fortunate that I came, this Business w^ould neTer
have been Settled if I had not come. I have Some how acquired a good
name here and the People are unwilling to have any thing to do witk
any other Person in any part of the Business relating to the Land. From
all appearances I shall be Successful in bringing Part of it to a closa
Jerry McKenzie is about: he has gone to Mississippi to get Keynolds
Deed for me. He is expected back on this Week. When he returns, he
and his Father and myself will probably make a Settlement in a littk
Time. As to the rents, there is no Prospect, I think, of getting you a
thousand Dollars. The Tenants are generally poor, miserable Devih,
not able to pay ten dollars a piece. I shall not waste time with them,
except to get them off, and prepare the Land for Sale. I hope to effeet
one or two sales immediately After I get in McKenzie's Title. The land
is Still very valuable, notwithstanding the Waste that has been com-
mitted. As this is a rich Boon to me, I shall remain as long as necessair
and make the most of it.

On the day I left Nashville for this place, your Letter reached the
Post Office there and was handed to me immediately. It covered the
three Bonds of Solomon Debow, each for $2,000, dated 23d Jany. 1821,
and payable 1st Jany, 1827, 1828, 1829, with Interest. William having
concluded to return home towards the latter Part of January, Mr. Carter
agreed to go to New Orleans. I delivered to him the Bonds, and I expect
he will be in Tuscaloosa on today. He will go thence to Mobile. I
directed him to offer them to Debow in the first place at $5,000 : if he
could not take them up at that price, to offer them at 60 per cent Dis-
count : and if he failed to take them up, to try them in the Market, and
if he could get 50 Per Cent, to take it. He seemed very Sanguine in his
expectations, as he had heard a great deal of Debow at Nashville and
And other places, and always heard him well spoken of. I gave him
your Letter and requested him to be governed by the Instructions con-
tained in it.

I hope I said nothing in my Letter to you which amounted to Advice
to move to Nashville. If I did, it was uiiintentional. Things have
changed much since I was here in 1824. Society is out of Debt, and
there is but little Litigation. The Profits of the Nashville Bar have
greatly diminished. Let me give you a View of the whole Ground.

1. As to Business and Competition — there is no Lawyer in Nashville
able to contend with you. Mr. Carter, who has been attending the
Circuit here for a Week and has heard them all, Says, even Judge Brown
can't grapple with you. I am of the Same Opinion. None are equal
to you either in Intellect, or in legal Knowledge. Several are certainlj

Thb Buffin Papers. 425

respectable, and the Bar on the whole is a very Agreeable one. You
would stand in Public Opinion at the Head of the Bar here in twelve
Months : And from your Habits, you would have more business than any
Lawyer at the Bar.

2d. As to the Profits — ^Your Profits would vary from three to five
thousand Dollars, if your Constitution enabled to bear the Fatigues of
the Circuit. If confined to Nashville, they would average $3 or 4,000.

3d. As to expenses of Living — they are enormous. Your House rent
including an Office would amount to $500. Your Water $40 or 50, for
it is all delivered in Casks. The expenses of Your Family I can't esti-
mate; but Mr. Craighead told me he tried it for three years^ and his
Family was Small, and he Saw only so much Company as enabled him
to Save Appearances : his Cash expenses for Family Purposes exceeded
$2500 Annually. Nashville is the most extravagant place I ever Saw:
and its extravagance has driven out of it every eminent Lawyer^ except
Mr. Fogg, who is a Yankee and Sees no Company. All the great Lawyers
have gone into the Country, being unable to bear the expenses of the
town.

4th. As to the Society — It is very different from ours. Col. Burton
told me to Say to you, if the Moral education of your Children be a
primary Consideration don't bring them to Tennessee.

These Views I have taken of the Subject. Perhaps I may be in an
error in Some Things ; but generally they will be found correct.

Bemember me Affectionately to Anne and all your Family: Also to
Mr. Kirkland and Family, and to Dr. Webb.

Judge BufSn.

[Address: Hillsborough, N. C]

From James Martin, Jr.

Salisbubt Jany 5th 1828.

Your letter relative to the arrangement of the circuits I received some
time ago and although I dread another fall tour in the low country I see
no other alternative than to acquiesce. I was so fortunate last year as
to loose no court by sickness, but was attacked at Currituck with the
ague and started home with that disease upon me. Should I live to dis-
charge the duties assigned to me this fall I will have for two successive
falls rode in the most sickly parts of the State. This I think if any
thing like reciprocity takes place in the distribution will ensure my
exemption from again going in that part of the State in that season of
the year for some time to come.

I esteem it as a mark of your friendship which I prize very highly
that you communicated to me the public sentiment as to the manner in

426 Ths JSTosth Cabolina Historical Commission.

which I discharged my duties. To perform them in the best maimer
that I am capable of, is the settled determination of my mind and while
I am upon this principle I trust that I shall be sustained not only by
my own consciousness but by a liberal public.

Having but a slight acquaintance with Mr. Kirkland, I beg the favour
to mention to you, to acquaint him, that my nephew James Hunter^ of
Chapel Hill is desirous to place himself in the store of Mr. Kirkland to
learn the business of merchandising. He is now about nineteen. I
believe he would be faithful, and if he wishes a store boy James would
stay with him for two years without wages. I would agree to be bound
in any way for the faithful performance of his duty by the young man.
He has progressed in the usual course at Chapel Hill to the Junior class
half advanced. Will you be kind enough to mention it to Mr. Kirkland
and write to me about it.

[Address : Hillsborough IS. C]

From Henry S. Clarle?

LooHOUSE Landing Bbaufobt Co. N. C.

8th Janr. 1828.
Having never enjoyed the pleasure of a mutual acquaintance althou^
well acquainted with you by sight and as a public man, I must request
that you would pardon a momentary trespass upon your time and
employment. As it is right and also customary for those who are about
to commence the business of this life, to devise some plan by which their
work can be effected in the easiest way or with the most honor to them-
selves and as in this respect I form no exception to the general rule, my
thoughts and reflections have for some time past, been concentrated
upon this point. And they have resulted in a determination to enter
upon that course of study in which you have gathered so much honor and
distinction and in which you have enjoyed an opportunity of exhibiting
those principles of uprightness and candour, which could not fail to
claim the attention and merit the confidence of your friends and acquaint-
ances. And if in the prosecution of that part of science which has been
selected for me, I could but have the benefit of your tuition and direc-
tion, it would afford me, no inconsiderable degree of pleasure and satis-
faction. And my chief or sole object in writing at this time is for the
purpose of ascertaining whether or not you were willing that I should
commence the study of Law, under your immediate care and attention,

iProbalbly James A. Hunter of Rockingham.

sHenry Selby Clark of Beaufort, 1809-1869, a graduate of the University in
1828; member of the House of Commons, 1834-1836; solicitor, 1842; member of
Congress, 1846-1847.

The Buffin Papers. 427

and if so, what would be your charges for a course of two years. More-
over if your determination should prove to be a favourable one on my
part, you would confer a favour on me by ascertaining at what price,
board can be had. Boarding with some private family of respectability
would be preferred, but for the want of this, board at some good tavern,
must sufBce. If you will please to inform me, as soon as within your
power, upon the particulars before mentioned, you will confer a favour
which will ever be acknowledged By Yours most respectfully

Henby S. Clabk. .
[Address : Ealeigh K C]

From James Iredell.

Balsigh Jany 9th, 1828.

When the Judges shall have arranged their circuits for this year, will
you be pleased to attend to the requisitions of the Law which requires
that such arrangement shall be reported to the Executive office by the'
Ist of February. I mention this to you privately, not officially — I would
not have mentioned it but that I am about to depart from Baleigh and
shall not return untill the 15th or 20th of Feby. and Mr. Campbell, the
late Governor's Secretary, tells me he has never seen such a notification
in the Executive office.

I am in great haste, endeavoring to finish all my business that I may
leave here to morrow morning on my return home.

Accept the sincere assurances of my regard and esteem.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From William Jf . Oreen.^

[HiLLSBOBO, K C] Jan 11th 1828.

I send you the enclosed letter for your perusal, as you have been
kindly remembered in it.

I have forborne for a long time to press the subject of confirmation
upon you, preferring rather to leave you to your own thoughts; and
being well aware that there are some minds tiiat arrive the sooner at
right conclusions, the less they are bothered with the opinions of others,
especially those of inferior judgment to themselves.

Were arguments necessary to convince you of the propriety of yr
becoming without delay a subject of the ordinance and of that, to which
this is preparatory, they might be drawn from the many interesting

iWlUlam Mercer Oreen, 1798-1887, graduate of the University, 1818; pro-
fessor, 1888-1849; bishop of Mississippi, 1849-1887.

428 Thx Nobth Caboluta Historical Commission.

relations in which you stand to your family^ yr Country, Hie CkuiAj
and the Social Circle to which you belong, witiliout including that most
solemn relation which constitutes you, an accountable, and daily ad-
monishes you of yr. entire dependance upon the sparing mercy of a long-
suffering God.

And need I add to this the assurance of the great gratification whidi
it would give me personally to see you altogether a Christian, and to be
the least instrumental in contributing to so desirable an end.

As I leave home early in the morning I take the liberty of sending
with this, a small treatise on the subject of confirmation.

In sincerity and truth

Yr. Friend and Pastor

Judge Buffin. W. M. Qrxks.

To WiUiam K. Buffin.

-^ «, CT HiLLSBOBonoH, January 17th, 1828.

My Dear Son —

My preference for Mr. Hooper's Family is so strong, that I do not con-
sider the difference in the price of boarding in it as at all material in the
determination of a question of the propriety of a change. The r^a-
larity of the family, its respectability, the solidity and good taste of his
conversation and, above all, the value of Mrs Hooper as a female friend,
far, very far, more than compensate for the difference of pecuniary out-
lay. You thus see, my son, that it is not a selfish love of mere pelf that
prompts me to impress on you and, indeed, all my children the propriety
of a regardful carefulness of the things for you, economy in expenditure
and a redeeming employment of the present time. It is nec^sity, that
induces me to stint you in all unnecessary desires. It is from a wish
to promote your own good and to be enabled, by judicious restraints of
the elder, to do equal justice, in the way of education, to the younger
offspring with whom Qod hath entrusted and blessed me, that I have
so often explained to you the true extent or rather restraint of my ability
in the things of this world and endeavoured to inculcate the lesson and
belief that it was your duty to aid me in the purpose, I foster, of con-
ferring on all my Sons opportunities of acquiring good Educations — a
purpose, only to be executed by rigid restriction, on my part, on myself
and my family and, on theirs, of a cheerful co-operation with me. The
very motive however which lies at the foundation of all my conduct
towards my children and which creates all my hopes of them and in
them, would be defeated by lessening their advantages and opportunities
of moral and intellectual instruction to a great extent, for the sake of the
very trifling diminution of $15 or 20 in the annual expenditures. Be
at ease therefore on that head ; and, since you express likewise a predilec-

Thb Buffin Fapkbs. 429

lion for a reeidenoe with Mr. Hooper, excepting only in a prudential
point of view, it gives note much pleasure to be able to gratify you in that
particular under the full conyiction that, in so doing, I am not indulging
you in an improper waste of my scant means, but promoting your true
and best interests by a moderate and necessary disbursement.

As far as my profit is concerned, I do not see that I have any reason
for quarrel about the account to which this excess is to be charged : If
to my own, it is gone in the very act of charging it : If to yours, I do not
very clearly perceive the difiFerence ; for I fear, you will never be either
able or willing to pay me. However, I can not say but that your tenacity
upon that subject pleased me and that, not a little. The first step towards
straight affairs and true uprightness in our dealing with the world, is
the insisting upon doing right and having right done to us upon all occa-
sions and keeping exact accounts. I should therefore unhesitatingly
yield to your demand, if it were founded upon justice. But it is not —
a little reflection will convince you of it. I do not charge you with what
you spend, solely because you might not have spent it. I charge you
because I wish you to see both the real advantage of which I have or
shall have been to you and the follies practiced by you, which by re-
trenchment in expenditure, may be corrected. I feel it to be my duty too
to do the like part for your brediren. What you really therefore, require,
I supply and charge it to you, because it is my duty to supply your
necessities: What your own inconsiderateness lavishes away, beyond my
approbation, or the spirit of destruction wastes in tearing without wear-
ing and in losing without using, is justly chargeable to your own follies ;
and I set that down to your account, because your carelessness is entitled
to no advantage over your brother's carefulness. It is true that I pro-
nounce the judgment upon each item, whether it be an useful employ-
ment or an idle and foolish waste of money ; But whether it be the one
or the other, it is equally an expenditure and by yourself or for you ; and,
consequently, a just debit against you.

Whilst I admire your promptness in asserting your real or supposed
rights, I cannot speak in as exalted terms of the correctness of your
arithmetic. You say, you have paid $9 for wood, bed and washing and
then you say you have not. I do not understand this. Seting those
items aside, I should make your accounts stand thus :

Cash given you I 110.

Balance of last Session's deposit 2.

cr. 112.

By board 1 56.

J. Barbee 8.

J. Lewis 8.

Society 14.

— '- 76

Balance which (mghi to have been deposited with Mr. Taylor. . . • $87.

480 Thb Nobth Caxolina Hutoricai. CoMMissioir.

State it again and let me know in your nezt^ how it ia — I will remark
that the Laws of the College must be observed. You must deposit oQ
your money. Your duty and promise demands it. My duty as a Parent
and Trustee enforces it. You must be a bad member of Society^ to incur
$4 fine in a single Session. I hope your brother members will deal with
you more efficiently than by appeals to your purse^ should your defaults
again run up so long a string.

I am not as faint-hearted about the fate of the University as you seem
to be. The true cause of the diminution of students is the pover^ of
Fathers and the extravagance of Sons. The young gentlemen have the
remedy against the decay of their Alma Mater in their own hand: Be
studious, be moral, be careful and saving — set examples of steadiness and
economy and other Institutions will have their Halls emptied to fill
yours. The course of instruction and the Ability of the Faculty and the
patronage of the State and the paternal anxieties of the Trustees cannot
be disparaged nor called in question. You delight me by the declaration
of your intentions. William, my Son! you little know the difiFerenoe
between the sensations of a Father's and Mother's hearts, when embracing
a Son returning to them, improved in and loving knowledge and clothed
with litterary honors, and one who looks on college as a prison, lives in
it in idleness and leaves it at vacation undistinguished : It is the dis-
charge from the Bar of Criminal tribunal of one known, but not proved,
to be guilty — ^he goes, an acquited Felon — The honors merely I should
not care so much for : But the merit that deserves and obtains them, is
what I long for and beg you to make your own. The honors are the
signs of that merit : With them, you bear about you evidences of your
ability, diligence, acquirements ; without them, you must content yourself
to sit down without the credit of genius and without [torn] that of indus-
try or possessing that of love of knowledge. My heart will repay you
amply for making good to the letter, your cherished promise.

Our good Bishop^ is here : Tomorrow and next day there will be service
in our church and Sermons by him. I wish you could hear him. Your
Sister Catherine was well at the wedding day at Mr. Burgwyns. The
return of the party is expected early next week. Your uncle John is
discharged by the Lady whose slave he has so long professed himself:
He intends to be well content. Not so, your sister and Aunt Susan.
They, more honest, show their displeasure, and let fly all sorts of verbal
missiles! Judge Strange is up and will carry your Aunt Jane home
next week, as poor James has improved so fast lately that they think it
quite safe now to leave him. Tom, Grand-Father and Mother and their
family are all in good health ; as are also all your friends at Mr. Cains
and those who tenant the spot you call so dear, your Home. The children
all talk of you and love you, as do likewise. Dear William, Youb Pahsntb

Mr. Wm. K Ruffin

Chapel Hill.

iJohn Stark Ravenscrof t, 1772-1830, first bishop of North Carolina.

Thi Buffin Papbbs. 431

From Archibald D. Mwphey,

At Mb. Wbbsteb'b^ nbab Columbia, Ten. 20th Jany 1828
Your Letter of the 8th Dec. reached me on Yesterday. I had ac-
knowled Some time ago the receipt of your other Letter covering Dr.
DeboVs Bonds. If the weather and the State of my Health permit, I
will go over to the Western District and See Dr. Holt : But the Bain has
continued here for Six Weeks: Such Weather I never Saw before. It
has Suspended Business for nearly a Month. Mine is completely at a
Stand, on today the Sun Shines and we all hope that good Weather is
to follow. I have not yet completed the Compromise. Jno. McKenzie
is still about, but I have everything in a good train, and hope that before
the end of this Month I shall have every title and Claim, and that I can
prove them to make some Sales. My Health is much improved Since I
wrote to you last, and I hope it will be good before I get ready to return.
It is entirely uncertain when this will be. I must take home Some
Money, and I must stay here to get it.

If I can't go to the Western District, I will write to Dr. Holt on the
Subject of 'a Lien on his Ifegroes, and of making Mr, Dickens the
Trustee. Mr. Dickens will no doubt accept the Trust. I have the Deed
prepared.

Gk>d bless you ! My Love to all your family, Mr. Kirkland, and Dr.
Webb.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]
By Bichmond Yirga.

From Walter F, Leah}

BooKmoHAM, February 13th 1828.

Your esteemed favour, reached me by the last mail, pointing my
attention to the act of 1820, as exonerating my Client, (the owner of
iN'at) from the costs which accrued at Bobeson superior County, which
act I was in possession of at the Trial, but unfortunately for young
Chambers, the legislature of 1821 repealed the act of 1820, (which you
will find in the acts of 21 ch. 28) which repeal, brought into effective
operation the act of 93 by which, your Honor disposed of the costs which
accrued in Richmond making each party pay his own costs; The subject
of costs was not made a question at Bobertson, [sic] from the belief,
that your Honor had virtually decided the case, by your Bichmond
decision.

I join with you in deprecating the evils which result, and unavoidably
must result from such a rapid succession of statutes, and for my own

iWalter F. Leak of Richmond County, 1799-1879.

482 The JSTobth Casolina Histobioal Commission.

part, I should be extremely glad^ that the pruning knife could be applied
to this excressence of liberty, (viz), (the too frequent meetings of our
State legislature), If such an expression is allowable, which can only be
done by a convention, for I really am inclined to the opinion, that we
would do much better with biannual, than annual sessions. Accept Sir
my sincere thanks for the attention shown me, in directing me to the act
of 1820.

[P. S.] When I had the pleasure of seeing you last at Robeson, I
promised to meet you at Fayetteville, at which place I would receive a
list of such books as you thought most advisable for me to read, being
prevented from attending I must take the liberty of your sending me
by letter a list of such as you think most advisable, promising to your
Honor, that I have read inattentively a good many, but understand very
few, if any as I should.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From George E, Badger.

Ralbioh Feby. 16, 1828.

A report has reached here that Mr. Swain has really resigned his
solicitorship of the Edenton Circuit. Whether this be true or not must
be matter of more doubt after the occurences of last fall and winter than
reports of that kind usually involve, but I take the liberty of reminding
you, if the office be indeed vacant or should become so, of our friend
W. C. Stanly. His qualifications, you know and his recent misfortunes
in the sale of his estate to pay his Debts make the office more than ever
desirable to him.

The letter you wrote me last summer stating a case on which you
desired my opinion found me engaged in the business of reporting, and
consequently (as you well know) in the midst of perplexity and dis-
traction. Thinking the matter might admit of some doubt I laid the
letter aside intending at a moment of more leisure to advert to it again
and give you the result of my examination — ^but the -circuits supervened
long before any leisure was found and it was not until the close of the
Fall circuit that the more convenient season to which I had postponed
the enquiry arrived. When that arrived — ^you know my habits of inac-
tion and want of system in the arrangement of my business and allotment
of my time. I suffered myself to be occupied in empty nothings until
the Assembly which kept me engaged in worse than empty nothings to
the commencement of the Supreme Court which brought real business
to engross my days with evil sufficient for each. Still as ever and anon
my conscience reproached me for the delay I resolved and re-resolved
and still delayed. In the meantime the letter became involved in a mass

Thi fiuFFm Papkbs. 433

of letters and papers which had been accumulating upon my table and
in my chairs into a frightful confusion of disordered heaps and I am
now solacing myself with the hope that the day is not far distant when
I shall do that which I flatter myself (as usual with all patronizers of
procrastination) is better late than never.

We occupied a week during the Court in discussing the Moravian
Cause and I think the Judges will not be able to refrain from reversing
the decree — The grounds on which the defendant's case rest, especially
the defense from the Stat, of Liens, became so clear in the course of
the argument, and our foundation upon the closest investigation was
found to be so sound, that were the case one of hearing instead of re-
hearing, I should not entertain a doubt of the result. It is, in my judg-
ment, one of the clearest cases I have ever been concerned with.

I hope when you start on your Circuit you will take Saleigh in your
way, and I particularly request that you will do me the favor to drive
up to my door and spend a night with us. You shall find food and
lodging for yourself and what is more to the purpose perhaps, a hearty
welcome and what is more important even than either — a plenty of good
provender for your horse.

Offer my very respectful and hearty good wishes to Mrs. Buffin and
say I hope to have the pleasure of taunting her after the old fashion
upon your absence from home, and her comfortable widowhood during
the spring circuit.

Judge BufSn.

[Address: Hillsboro.]

From A, M, Oatlin and Others.
^. Edbnton [Feb] 1828.

The ofBce of the elk of Chowan Superior Court being vacant, by the
appointment of the late incumbent to the office of Collector of ihe Fort
of Edenton, under the laws of the U. States, permit us to recommend to
your Notice for the vacancy, Mr. James Wells of Edenton. He is no
doubt well acquainted with the duties of the office, having been much
in the office of the late Henry Wills Clk of the County Court of Chowan.
He is a young gentleman of character, on whose punctuality and atten-
tion to the duties of the office we have full confidence.

A. M. Gatun
Will: B. Shspasd
J. N. Lamb

G. W. BURNKY

Nat. Hauohton
T. B. Hauohtow
28

484 The Nobth Carolina Hxbtobical CoMMiBsioir.

From James Iredell TredwelL

[Edenton, Feb. 18, 1828.]
The Office of Clerk of our Superior Court being vacant by the appoint-
ment of Mr. McDonald to the collector of the Customs for this post I
offer myself as a candidate to fill it and refer you to my brother in Law
(Mr. Iredell) Mr. Hogg and F. B. Haughton for my qualifications.

Edenton Feby 18th, 1838.
[Address : Hillsborough N. C]
Via Petersburgh.

From Wright C, Stanly.

Njsw Been February 20th, 1838.

I have just learned (thro W. F. Hawks who arrived here yesterdaj
from Raleigh) that Mr. Swain has, in consequence of the continued
indisposition of his father, sent to the Qovernor his resignation of soU^
for the Edenton District. I am still an applicant for the appointment
and hope that I may from our former friendship value on you for the
same. Last winter it was desirable, now it is necessary. CircumstanoeB,
(which I will at large communicate when next I see you) have placed
me in reduced circumstances and makes the appointment desirable and
necessary. I know not that one of your independence of character and
intelligence capable of bearing you out in your independence requires
any apology or justification for yielding to your wishes which maj
promote the interest of the State, if you should I can bring to you a
bundle of recommendations and you have my permission to say I am
or intend to be a resident in the district. At all events I am if I can
receive the appt. of Soli'.

Tour attention to this letter by the retwm mail will reach me on
Wednesday before Tyrrell Supr. Court. It is desirable that I should be
apprized of your views previous to the commencement of a Circuit of
ten weeks length.

[Address: Hillsboro, N. C]

From E. Pettigrew}

Boi7ABVA ON Lake Phslps Feb 22, 1828.
I have at last succeeded in geting made, the spades which you re-
quested, and have sent this day six to the care of Messrs Th. and W. A

iBbeneser Pettigrew of Tyrrell County, a noted farmer. He was a stats
senator, 1809-1810; member of Congress, 1835-1837. He was the father of
Ctoneral James Johnston Pettigrew, C. S. A.

Ths Bttffin Papsbs. 485

Turner, with a request to cause them to be conveyed to you by the safest
and most expeditious rout, I hope they will arrive in due time. They
appear to be pret^ well made, except rather long. I think all they are
more than a foot long, is that too much.

Since my com was hilled I have dug a six feet ditch one and a half
miles in the Savanna in a southeastern direction from the improvement
which I carried you to in it. I find below the surface from one to two
feet, Cypress, Black gum, and Laurel stumps, and at three feet, clay, in
various places as deep as I dig say four feet, burned earth and wood.
Considering the extreme dryness of the season the com I planted in
that improvement or place of experiment gives a favourable opinion of
the land, but it will be such a work of time for its decomposition that
the experiment will in all probability not be fully tested untill I shall
be no more. I have just compleated an arduous work in the creek at
the mouth of my canal. The mud machine which was making when I
had the pleasure of your company answers my fullest expectations. Four
men and a boy will remove to the bank, on a flat, in between five and
eight feet water, one thousand cubic feet of mud in twelve hours.

Mrs. Pettigrew and family have enjoyed so far this fall unexampled
good health ; on the 4th of July I had an accession to it of another son.
I have been unwell the greater part of the summer, but am tolerable
now. My gouty affection did not long continue. I suppose it would be
superfluous to wish good health to a resident of Hillsborough. Please
to accept the sentiments of Esteem from your Obdt. Sevt.

Hon. Judge Buffin.

N. B. I hope when you ride this circuit again you will give me the
pleasure of your company all the space between the rise of one and the
siting of the other.

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From M, C Jenkins to William K, Ruffin.

February 22d, 1828 Baltimore.
I thought it a pity that such a day as this should be devoted either to
ordinary occupations or exclusively to frolic and idleness. Jollification
is not worth a fig unless we have a friend to partake of it, wherefore I
thought I could do nothing better than commune with you ere I sought
out the few the very few in Baltimore whom I can even term intimate
acquaintances. Why I should have selected a debtor in preference to a
faithful correspondent (who at one of the extreme ends of the United
States sends me two letters where you send one) may well require an
explanation. He, (Legendre of Louisiana) will I'm sure remember me
today in the conivial cup as I will him and Buffin and (dearer than all)

436 The IN'obth Cabouna Hibtobical Commissioit.

a fair Carolinian. But what can I say for you? Must your thou^ts
of me be estimated by your punctuality in writing? If that be the
standard I am forgotten. Considerations like these made you upper-
most in my brain and determined me to write to yo^ This is only a
friendly drubbing, but such a one as your remissness deserves. Let's
shake hands and chat on. As old Gloucester in Henry 6th says to his
termagant wife, '^ay be not angry I am pleased again." To trace out
the conceptions which crowd upon me on a day like this exceeds my
power. Whenever I think extravagantly I speak feebly. This is but
other words, I think, for an idea which you had of me in my last, speak-
ing of the subject nearest to my heart. Days like the one before me
make me bring together in imagination all that my heart cherishes, my
friends encircle me in gaiety i£nd hilarity, the soft smile of love throws
its enchantments over me. The visionary scene is succeeded by reality.
I see my friends scattered to the extremities of my country, the few or
rather Hub two that attract me to St. Mary's will soon be far from me.
The object of my adoration is far off. I cast a longing, lingering, de-
sponding sigh to Carolina blessed with the most amiable and beautiful
of heaven's works. Had I a few hundreds at my disposal before this
would I have feasted on the sight of her. I'd face as many difficulties
to reach her as Tom Moore's Epicurean to reach the priestess of the moon.
I wish to heaven I was half or ten thousandth part as devoted to study
as I am to that consummate charm. I am sure I would arrive at some
eminence. In study I'm like a river whose course is forcibly altered;
In thinking of her I'm like the same stream rushing gladly back to its
natural bed. But I forget, it is the birthday of our deliverer. The sound
of the drum is striking on my ear, the yeomen are out in military pomp,
a soldier's memory is sanctified. Washington the saviour of his country,
^Troud to be useful scorning to be more" This was the praise the Irish
Methodist gave him and is exactly the praise which does honour to a
republican those few contain the definition of a republican. Jackson
the ^'Julium Sidus" as Randolph styled him of the late war the defender
of the rights which Washington established, on a day like this we may
proudly associate their names. Having equalled Ihe '^father of our
country" in the field, futurity will disclose whether Jackson can wear
the toga with parallel dignity. In spite of the slanders of his enemies,
whom I have often heard in social dispute, express a wish that he may
prove all they have represented Him to be a brutal despot, as Randolph
says '^a raw head and bloody bones." In spite of all this and more I
think his administration will be among the ablest our country has wit-
nessed. To give you a little Baltimore news must be my next lookout
A good many challenges have passed between the young bloods in this
section of the country since you left. The first was early in October:
It resulted in a meeting between McMahon and Tyson. After two shots
had been exchanged they were arrested by the peace officers and bound
over. The next duel was between Martin and Carr in which the former

Ths Buffin Fapebs. 437

was sent to his long home instantaneously upon the first fire, the latter
escaping unhurt. A challenge also passed from young Pinckney the
editor of an Adams paper in Baltimore called the Marylander to Mr.
Simpson editor of the Philadelphia Mercury. But Simpson had him
hound over. I believe I can give no more domestic news of any interest
unless it is that the boys at St. Mary's are all well and many of them
frequently enquire after you more particularly Tom Bryan who speaks
of you with a warmth which friendship alone can dictate. This is a
long enough letter for Washington's birth-day. I'll go hunt up a crony
or two.

[Address: Chapel Hill, N. C.

Forward to Hillsboro.]

From William Oasion.

^ „, Nbwbbbn Feby. 29^. 1828.

Dear SStr

The Newspapers announce that M'. Swain has resigned his office of
Solicitor for the first judicial circuit, and my friend M'. Wright C.
Stanly informs me that he purposes to make application for the vacant
appointment. Permit me to take the liberty of recomjnending M'. Stanly
as well qualified to discharge the duties of the office. I have knovni him
from his infancy and knovm him intimately. He has talents, logal
knowledge, the principles, habits, and manners of a gentleman. — Al-
though not a married man he has a large and helpless family — the family
of a widowed sister — with the support and education of which he has
charged himself, and some late misfortunes have occasioned him pecuni-
ary embarrassments which render a close application to professional
duties indispensable. I have no doubt that M'. Stanly, should he receive
the office, will acquit himself of its obligations with benefit to the State
and credit to himself.

Believe me with sentiments of great respect

Your most obed*. Serv*.

Judge Buffin Will: Gaston

[Address : Currituck County.]

From Oavin Hogg.

[March 1, 1828]
I reed, your letter from Mr. Taylor asking my advice as to the appoint-
ment of a Solicitor for the Edenton Circuit — I have always thought it
was a duty from the members of the profession to aid the Judge with

488 The North Cabouna Histobical Comiossion.

adyice in the appointments to be made by him. Some of the Judges here-
to fore have allowed so little might to the unanimous recomendation of
the Bar that I had determined I would never again be forward in giving
advice. For reasons however that I need not mention it will give me
pleasure if any information I may have can be useful to you. It is I
can assure you no Very pleasant task you will have to perform and it u
an absolutely painful one for me to compare the merits and d&nerits
of those wishing to have the appointment. I am I may say on good
terms with all certainly at enmity with none of them : I must in Candour
say that in my Judgement there is not any person in the district or as
far as I have heard any applicant from any other part of the State who
is in all respects a fit person to fill it.

Mr. J * * * of Windsor is in point of attainments very well qualified for
the office of solicitor but it gives me pain to say that his moral character
in general estimation and in my individual opinion is not such as to
entitle him to a publick trust — I understand that the expression of this
opinion when he was before the legislature in reply to enquiries pro-
pounded to me has given him deep offence but a sense of what is due to
truth after a careful examination of myself obliges [me] to adhere to
the opinion and the expression of it on this occasion. All the other
Gentlemen have as far as I know unexceptionable moral characters:
They are Mr Lloyd of Tarboro who practises in Bertie only, Mr White
of Bertie, Mr. Bailey^ of Pasquotank. These are all Gentlemen whom
I believe to be entitled to respect and esteem and whom I hold in due
regard. The two first are best known to me — they are all very young
men of not much professional knowledge or experience and (as every
thing here must be sacrificed to truth) of not very much talent. Mr.
Long is a man also of great probity of more experience than the others;
and of like intellectual character: Mr Wilson I do not so well know.
He has done some plain business for me as executor of Mr. Blount very
much to my satisfaction. I have heard him sx>oken of by Mr. Iredell
as an honest energetick man; but as a very selfish one; his intellectual
character I think is not superior to that of the other Gentlemen. From
some of the above I think the selection must be made. Neither Mr
Barney nor Mr Sawyer in the district nor Mr Stanly or Mr Bryan, from
Newborn out of it would fill the appointment so respectably as either
Mr Bailey, Mr Lloyd, Mr White, Mr Long, or Mr Wilson. I cannot
say which you should appoint because I do not know. If it were matter
of favour, Messrs. Long, Lloyd, White, and Bailey would stand first and
equal with me and I mention this to put you in possession of what favour
I have that you may allow for it. As a duty if Mr Bailey on enquiiy
(from those who living below know him better than I do) should answer
the opinion I have formed of him I should appoint him.

Judge Ruffin

ijohn L. Bailey of Pasquotank, 1795-1877, Judge of the Superior Court,
1887-1868.

The Buffin Fapsbs. 489

[P. S.] Kone of the Gentlemen mentioned in the preceding letter
have communicated with me on the subject of the appointment; the
vacancy I think is not publickly known — I suppose they will be candi-
dates before you; because some of them were avowed candidates on the
appointment of Mr Swain and others openly solicited support from me
last legislature when it was expected there would be a vacancy and others
'were ready to be nominated by their friends as soon as the Besignation
of Mr Swain should have been handed in :

[Address : Care of Tho Turner esqr. Plymo.]

From John Gray Blount.

Washington March 1st. 1828.
I understand that Mr. Swain has resigned the appointment of Solicitor
of the Edenton District and W. C. Stanly Esquire informs me that he
intends to make application for the appointment. My desire to serve a
(Gentleman I have long known will I hope be a sufficient apology for my
taking the liberty of addressing you on the subject and to assure you that
from his long practice in our Court I have full confidence in both his
abilities and integrity to qualify him for the able and faithful discharge
of the duties of that appointment.

From James Iredell Tredwell.

I wrote you on the 18th offering as a candidate to fill the vacancy,
in the Clerks Office occasioned by the appointment of Mr. McDonald
as collector etc. In this I was, perhaps, a little hasty. I then understood
that the appointment had [not] been made, but have since learned that
it has probably been made and will be confirmed, of which I have no
doubt; When the vacancy does occur I hope you will consider my appli-
cation.

Edsnton 1st March 1828.

[Address: Tyrell Court.]

From Victor M. Murphey.^

HiLLSBOBo' 17th March, 1828.
The principle object of my visit to Hillsboro' on the day previous to
your leaving home, was to see you, and ask your friendly advice upon

iVictor Moreau Murphey, 1806-1862, Judge Murphey's second son. He car-
ried out his intention and became a physician.

440 The Nobth Oabolina Historical Commission.

a subject in which I am the only one personally interested and althoii^
I have come to a determination^ as to the course I shaU pursue, I was
reluctant to do so before consulting you. I was not aware that you wouM
leave Hillsboro so soon imtill meeting with you, and the pressure of
business which required your individual attention, and the company
which I found constantly at your House, prevented my disclosing to you
at that time the object of my visit.

The frequent interruptions which have been my constant attendants
during my prosecuting the study of the Law, have produced such a delay
in my acquiring the necessary proficiency in the Science to insure me
success, that I have resolved to abandon the profession, and in doing so,
hope you will not consider me wanting in inclination to pursue the course
which you so kindly pointed out to me. You will know my situation and
that my means of support are exceedingly limited. I have arrived at
that period of life when it becomes necessary to look for some employ-
ment by which I may be enabled to enjoy the ordinary comforts of life,
and upon which to establish an honourable reputation. I would cer-
tainly prefer greatly being an able advocate at the Bar, than being dis-
tinguished in any other avocation and shall never cease to think that the
brightest ornaments of the Bar are the brightest ornaments of Human
Nature. But under present circumstances, I like many others, wish to
pursue a profession which I must at present think more lucrative
When I first left college, my intention was to study medicine but my
Father expressed a wish that I should study Law, and at that time and
ever since felt disposed to gratify his wishes. I am of opinion that my
prospects of success in the practice of medicine are more flattering than
that of the Law. This change I hope, you will not attribute to my fickle-
ness, it is the result of much deliberation on my part. The Study of
Medicine is generally considered the dernier resort of all Blockheads. I
had not despaired altogether of success at the Bar, but the the disad-
vantages to which many young men are subjected, when making their
first appearance in public life, prevented their entering into business for
many years during which time they labour under many difficulties and
some which I should find myself unable to support. As to the respect-
ability of the profession — ^You know much more than myself. The Law
in this respect has the ascendency, but I must suppose there is no char-
acter more truly Honorable and certainly no vocation more highly bene-
ficial than the Physician. I have often heard it said that he who
is good at making excuses is good for nothing else, and in excusing myself
for abandoning the Law, I have probably said enough to make the
censure contained in the remark applicable to myself. Yet hope when
taking into consideration my situation you will countenance the course
I have adopted, and be assured that you can not for a moment doubt my
sincere attachment for yourself and every member of your Worfliy
Family, both on the score of personal respect and gratitude which it will
never be my disposition to forget, though it may not be in my power to

Thb RurFiN Papers. 441

return^ but this is a subject which I should never exhaust and will stop
for the present, Knowing that if I have not convinced, I have at least
tired you with my own affairs.

Cousin Anne and all your family are very well and all your Friends in
this place. William Ruffin, I believe writes to you today. Should you
find time to write more letters than are necessary, the receipt of even a
short one would afford me much pleasure. I heard from my Father a
few days ago. His health was still improving.

Honble Thomas Ruffin.

[Address: Edenton N. 0.

via Petersburg Va.]

From Daniel M, Barringer.^

HiLLSBOBo' April 7th— 1828.
I now sit down to perform my promise to you. ISTothing remarkable
has occurred since your departure. Against the 'hardness of the times"
there is still the same clamour. If there be any alteration at all — it is
that the complaints are increasing. To say that provisions are in abun-
dance, and money in great scarcity would perhaps be as good a descrip-
tion of the State of the Country as could be given. And were there no
debts to pay, no embarrassments among the people, this would perhap§
be as favourable a view of their situation as a patriot could desire. But
from some cause or other, this is unhappily not the case, and the means
of extrication are not within the reach of those to whom they are so
indispensable. The pressure upon the people seems to be greatest, when
their ability to diminish it is least. Whether this distress proceed from
**unwise legislation*' or our own want of enterprize, and foresight, it is
to be hoped that it cannot long continue. If it does — ^if the ^'Southern
contagion" spreads and there be no prospect of relief — ^we have reason
to fear it will lead to consequences very much to be deprecated. It may
be that the "partnership" will be in danger of dissolution — ^And that the
most strenuous efforts of every lover of the Union may be called into
requisition to preserve its integrity, — and avert the dreadful consequences
of such an event. The fact is, this matter is too much talked about
already, there is too much calculation about the "value of the Union".
The people are oppressed with a burthen of whose origin they are ignor-
ant, and disposed to attribute it to any cause, to have some pretext for
the expression of their discontent. Such a state of feeling is always

iDaniel Moreau Barringer, 1806-1873, a nephew of Daniel L. Barringer, after
his graduation at the University in 1826, studied law under Ruffin at Hillsboro.
He was later prominent in politics and senred in the legislature and in Con-
gress and as minister te Spain. He and Ruffln were colleagues in the Peace
Conference in 1861.

442 The ITobth CiLBOLiNA Hibtosical Comkissiok.

the precursor of a more fearful species of opposition. May it neTer be
experienced in this nation! About the ^'all-important" (as aonie say)
question — who is to be the next President t — ^We go on as usuaL llie
Adams men say their party is becoming more numerous, and the Jack-
sonites claim the same for themselves. There is no certainty in the
matter, except, I suppose, that the "Hero" of Orleans ( — ergo — ^would
be president) will receive the vote of this State. The truth is — die
present state of parties is enough to disgust any but demagogues, widi
politics. The indiscriminate abuse, of talents and virtue, on both sides,
is really shameful. I dislike the disposition which cannot admire merit,
whether in friend or foe, but which must sacrifice to an inordinate ambi-
tion all the better feelings of our nature, utter charges without truUi,
and misrepresent without decency. This I think is one of the principal

features of the present contest But I forget — I reckon you care

as little about these matters as I do myself. And would rather learn
whether your family are well etc., than that either Jackson or Adams

is elected President of the U. S. They are all well — and the

town is about as healthy as usual. We had snow on yesterday after one
of the mildest winters that has ever been experienced here — so say the
old men. The frosts have proved injurious, especially to gardeners, and
the fruit, which has probably been nearly altogether destroyed.

Mr. Murphy has returned from the West — ^his health in about the same

state as when he left N. C, Nothing more — I am uncertain

whether this will reach you or not, as Mrs. RufBn informed me that you
had received none of hers altho' several had been written. I address
however as you requested. I shall be extremely happy to hear from you
in answer as soon as you receive it, and shall always be so in giving the
strongest assurance of my r^ard.

fT. B. — ^William has gone to Caswell in expectation of studying to
more advantage than he could here — Whom have you appointed Solici-
tor!— ^I am much pleased with Powell and Newland on Contracts —

D. M. B.

[Address : Edenton N. C.

Via Petersburg Va.]

To Catherine Ruffin.

Pebquimans County — April 14th 1828.
So little comes under my observation on my circuits, that can excite
or gratify a laudible curiosity of my dear daughter, that I have it seldom
in my power to write anything that ought to be satisfactory to you or
myself. It is nevertheless a high gratification ^o m^ to hold intercourse
with any member of my beloved family ; and especially, my spirits de-
pend so much upon hearing from home, that I willingly write every
week, if it be but for the sake of purchasing an answer. I have however.

The Buffik Fapsbs. 443

now, to acknowledge that I already owe you for two kind and dutiful
letters, which I have already received from you. They give me the
pleasant tidings, that you are all well — ^which is the chief and indeed al-
most the only substantial enjoyment I experience during my long separa-
tions from your dear Mother and our beloved children. A similar ac-
count I shall hope to get again the last of this week, when I shall arrive
at Elizabeth City.

I remained at Edenton until this morning — It is my usual custom on
the circuit to go to the Court-house on the Saturday or Sunday before the
Court, that I may avoid bad weather and be sure to be at my post in
due season. I was induced to depart from my rule in this instance, by
the double pleasure of sharing the hospitality of my friend Mr. Skinner^
and of hearing the Service and an excellent sermon from my good friend
Mr. Avery on yesterday. I thought I could safely allow myself those
indulgencies as the distance between Edenton and this place is only twelve
miles along an excellent road. I came over, accordingly, this morning,
I do not regret my plan, tho' I have paid tolerably for not abiding by
an old habit; for we have had here a cold, raw, drizzle, with a fTorth-east
wind, which make up an impleasant ride. A northeaster is bad enough
as high up as our hills, but really we know nothing there of one of those
dampers, of the low Country. Here it goes thro and thro' one of a sudden
and the spirit of the most mercurial constitution sinks as surely and as
quickly as the fluid of a thermometer plunged in August into an ice house.
An east wind here, forthwith from the sea, saturated with salt and mois-
ture, sweeping over this level region composed of large bays and rivers
or land almost as low and quite as smooth as the waters, is a blast the
hardiest frame cannot well resist. It is so keen and so depressing, that
in a few minutes only it would extinguish all the fire of the roughest,
stoutest, and toughest mountaineer — much less can my thin carcase and
unsteady temperament support it. It seems to me, that I could tell a
north-east wind of our Banks, were I corked up in a demijohn — Hah I It
makes me shiver and shudder now to look out of my windows tho' I am
siting by a warm fire in a tight room. Tho' I am old enough to be your
father, yet you know I am still a child in some points : for instance, I
sometimes get vexed for trifles; and I am always put into high spirits
by the falling of snow. There is so much beauty and purity in the
untainted and unspotted vesture with which nature clothes the earth in
that operation and the contrast between the sufferings of animals exposed
to the severities of the storm and the comforts for man and the beasts
domesticated and taken care of by man, is so striking that the earliest
dawning of infant reason perceives it and teaches the heart to rejoice in
and be thankful for the intelligence which qualifies man to be thus
provident for himself and his dependents. In my breast this feeling has

ijoseph B. Skinner of Chowan, 1780-1851, a noted lawyer and the intimate
friend of Ruffln. His skill as a farmer may have stimulated Ruflin to the
close study which he gave to agriculture during the latter half of his life.

444 Thb North Cabolina Histosical Commibsiok.

so long and so powerfully predominated that even in our open, straitened,
rotten and inconvenient habitation and with oiir family larger than the
house will hold, there is always an irrepressible sensation of exulting
pleasure at beholding a fall of snow; and the more rapid, thick and
deeper the fall, the greater is my delight. Now just the reverse of aU
this is an east wind on the Sea Shore : If anybody can laugh, or meditate
or love or eat or drink, with an East wind of the Atlantic Coast in ^
month of April blowing on him, his nerves, muscles, skin, mind, stomack,
and heart must be different from mine, in all and every particular;
Even the Lilly of your face would become purple and the Rose sky-
blue! I am apt to think from the signs of the Seasons here, that widi
you there must be now or lately snow or severe frost enough to arrest all
horticulture and save us from all the fruit-eating diseases of the next
summer. Com and irish potatoes are killed in all the low country and
wheat essentially injured. I have been apprehensive that my little paid
of Rye was so forward as to be geting into head and if so, that it will be
killed. I do not suppose the Com has yet come up. If it should be
destroyed by being bitten down by the frost or roting in the ground, tell
Cupid to have it replanted early — indeed, as soon as he can ascertain that
it will be necessary. I am afraid too that your Mama's Yams may ha^
been frost bitten. If this be so, I would advise her to get Mr. Moring
or his stage driver to buy her a bushel in Kaleigh and to have them
buried inmiediately. I shall be very sorry to lose the crop of them ; for
I make so much of my winter's living of them, that the want of potatoes
would be worse than the want of bread. Ask her also, if her Irishmen
should appear to her likely to prove deficient either for want of quantity
or keeping, to speak to your grand-father to procure a barrel of Northern
ones by the last of May for late planting. I left orders with Henry to
plough all the Hillside below Mr. Cain's and our garden in which lye
was not sowed. After the corn is planted he can do so; and I suppose
the present a convenient time for it. So tell him, if he hath not already
done it.

I shall expect to hear again from you after you get this letter Let
me know the health, employments and enjoyments of every member of
the family. I confide to you the task and honorable trust of assisting
your most excellent Mother in all her domestic cares and labors — of
supplying my place in soothing her spirits in all her times of troubles,
amusing her mind by returning for her admonitions and parental solici-
tudes reverence and docility and affection for affection, to make her
happy. She merits all this from you. For if you should ever be useful
or happy in future life, you will owe it mainly to your Mother's lessons
and example. Her industry and economy, the purity and singleness
of her heart and the firmness and uprightness of her principles make
her worthy of emulous imitation by man or woman. Most of my self-
command and much of the best of my few virtues I am indebted for
either to her counsels or the reflections which the observations of her

The Buffin Papsbs. 445

actions hath excited. I speak therefore from experience, when I assure
you of the utility of studying her characteristics and making her actions
and opinions the model of your own. Above all, my dearest daughter,
let nothing escape you that can justly lead a Mother to suspect or to
feel that you are a thankless child and that her society and conversation
is less agreeable to you than those of arvy other person.

Pray, have you no art to make your brother a student t Can you not
invent some cunning device to make him in love with his name, that he
may strive to make to himself a name that shall be in future days hon-
orable in the land I Has he really no ambition or have we only failed
to touch the string that will rouse it I Have you or will you try your
powers to reach and excite his sensibility? I leave him to the experi-
ments of your Mother and his sisters. My little boys must remember
me and be good. Say so, from me; and say further that children can
only be good by serving God and loving and honoring their Parents and
obeying their teachers and governors. To them and your sisters as
well as to yourself I send my blessing. May God protect you and keep
you innocent, and in his grace and peace! I do not forget my sweet
Betty, darling name-sake of that charmer, Miss Polly, Kiss them all
and tell them that I am coming before long, — ^make Miss PoUy call me
daily at the door and give her a flower for me every morning. Bemember
me to your grandfather and Mother and all the family there and at Mr.
Cain's — ^in no wise omiting my daughter SaUy and her father's house-
hold. Beg your Mother to write to me and particularly to say all about
herself and her health. For its preservation and her perfect happiness
in herself her husband and her children, daily prayers have been con-
stantly and will be offered by your Father Thomas Buffin.

Miss Catherine Buffin

Hillsborough No. Ca.

From Augiistvs Moore and Others,

[Edbnton, N*. C, April, 1828]
The Office of Clerk of the Superior Court having become vacant by
the appointment of G^nl. D McDonald to the office of Collector of this
Port, permit us to reconmiend to your Honor Mr. James Wills to fill
that vacancy as we have no doubt of his ability to discharge the duties
of that office. Augustus Moobb

JsssB Wilson
C. B. Kinney
J. L. Bailet
[Endorsed: Jos. B. Skinneb.

James Wills' Becommendation,
April 1828.]

446 The ISTobth Caboleeta Hibtobical Commibsioiv.

From WUliam Bobards.

Ralbigh Jon 11th 1828
Your kind letter containing yr ten Certificates and Clerks bonds was
handed to me by Mr Haywood. I thank you for the frank and candid
manner in which you always write and speak on subjects that materially
concern me, I assure you I want some one, to talk freely with. I am
surrounded by a set of strange beings, men whose course of conduct is
so different from what I heretofore thought, that I am under great re-
straint, and cant advise with but few, when I need counsel. The doings
in our Bank would astonish you, to say the least of the Conduct of ihe
Cashier. He has forfeited the good opinion, he was thou^t to hare
acquired ; some think he has acted criminally. The Bank is in a ruinous
state by his conduct, great profits must have been made by individuals
at the expense of the Bank. While in Office he so managed as to enable
some to keep at all times a constant supply of Northern funds, grinding
and shaving the dealers in the Bank at an exorbitant rate, men too with-
out funds in ordinary times. I might add at this time without Northern.
I am sorry to believe, that men who have occupied so high standing in
society should forfeit it for a little gain. We are endeavouring to have
things right and to have business done in Bank as it ought to have been
done for years. It will take some time to redeem the credit of our paper,
we are resolved to put it at par, let the sacrifize be what it may, at this
time our funds are low, the immense sum demanded within 90 days has
nearly exhausted the specie or its equivalent. I heard to day we have
paid within that time upwards of $100,000 in specie and U. S. notes. As
soon as I rec^ yr letter I made known your situation to the President.
He assured me you should be accommodated, less [sic] it should not be
granted I mentioned it to the board of Directors — ^the same desire evi-
denced and I was fiattered with the prospect of getting the amount you
wanted, untill this morning. I am now told that it can not be had until
funds can be procured, and then principal notes each be required. I
have therefore drawn the amount of your Certificates and enclosed it
If you can get the principal notes and can do without the ITorthem
money for a few weeks I think you may get it. I regret this disappoint-
ment, but I have done all in my power. I should be pleased to spend a
little time with you.
Judge Ruffin
[Address: Hillsborough]

Thb Bitffin Papebs. 447

From Thomas P. Devereux}

I have this morning received yours of the 23d and would with pleasure
send you the opinions you request but as yet I have only one and I under-
stand all their honors deliver one. I have been so very pressing for the
opinions as to make me fear I may have been thought obtrusive. I flatter
myself however that there will be no need of sending you a manuscript
copy as I have made such arrangements I hope^ as will enable me to give
each of the circuit Judges a copy of the lav^ cases by the time they com-
mence their circuits. I am morally certain of being able to give them
to you at Granville, no accident but severe indisposition can prevent
mj sending them to you at Chatham — this you and your brethren may
depend upon in future.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Peter Brovme?

[Raleigh, N. C, Aug. 7, 1828.]

I am glad that you have come to a resolution which I am confident will
promote the interest and happiness of you and your family.

I agree, more or less, with everything you state in your letter, except
as to the value you seem to set on a seat on the Bench of the Supreme
Court. I consider it no very desirable object for you, whether it is
viewed as to Honor or Distinction — ^Emolument— or Permanency.

Honor or Distinction — ^I neither see nor feel it; nor, I believe, is it
much seen or felt generally. I can tell the names of eminent lawyers in
many of the States; but the names of judges of the Supreme Court in
hardly any one.

Emolument — If you live here and attend the courts which sit here and
in Orange County, and no other, I believe you can make more than the
salary.

Permanency — I am surprised that the Legislature has not been tinker-
ing before now, and fully convinced that the first alterations, either for
the better or worse, will be followed by others, until they amount to
actual or virtual annihilation. For example, if the plan you state suc-
ceeds, and one Judge has to go a circuit, — ^Why not two? — Why not all!
Why not come to a Court of Conference? That I think would be the
final result.

As to selling your TJ. S. Bank Stock, or any part of it, I will only
state some facts and leave you to draw your own conclusion. The depre-
ciation of our currency cannot possibly continue : in fact it is now gradu-

iThomas Pollock Devereux, reporter of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.
2Riiffln had evidently written Browne concerning the offer which had been
made to him shortly before to accept the presidency of the Bank of the State.

448 Thb ISToBTH CiLBOLiKA Historical CoMiassioir.

ally appreciating. The last sales of U. S. Bank Stock, of wliich I have
beard has been at 121 ; so that it has not rose much on account of the
rise in the dividend. The charter expires in March 1836, and if it is not
renewed the $21. prem. will be lost: if it is renewed (which I expect)
there will be a bonus, etc. more or less sweating. Yet I prefer that stock
on accoimt of my peculiar situation, there being a very extensive and
pretty steady market for it. I believe the afFairs of that Bank to be
exceedingly well managed. By the bye, they have raised the salary of
Mr. Huske to $1500 a year, to commence from the 1st of June last. This
I suppose to be very proper, as he is a most valuable officer.

Steps have been taken to prevent any difficulty in abstaining from
appointing an Atto. for the state Bank till the end of the year; but I
understand several are aiming at it, which I can readily believe as I am
told the legal fees amount to $1,000 a year.

Offer my respects to Mrs. Ruffin. I shall be glad to have her for a
neighbour. You will no doubt take the proper steps for her accommo-
dation here.

My respects to Mr. Kirkland. I say to him, and you too, there is
danger in being security for a man in business who keeps one standing
debt of $18,000 or $20,000. Times must always be hard with such men.
Interest must eat them up.

Raleigh Aug. 7, 1828.

Honble. T. Ruffin, esq.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From Thomas Turner,

Plymo[uth], N. C. Sep. 25, 1828.

Yesterday Mr. Pettigrew sent to me for you, a box of 6 spades, (I
have not opened it;) and today I fall in with a cart belonging in Rock-
ingham— and the owner Mr. Robert Mullins, has kindly said, he will
take the box and deliver it to you — and I have sent it by him. So, that
I, partake of your good luck in this instance.

Alas! Sir — We have all to lament that you are not on our Circuit
again — ; but I more than any other. For the first time within my
knowledge, I have, in the course of my duty as clerk at the desk, given
offense to the presiding judge I or if I ever offended before, they (the
judges) have ever been so kind, as not to let it be known to me, nor, as I
believe, to others. On the contrary, I have ever until now been flattered
by them. But for once it is not so. Having said this much, I will tale
the further liberty to give you the facts.

A poor old man, one day in term time, came into Court and stood
near the door. He was drunk, and his son, a fool, was indicted as a
common liar. The old man sustains the opposite character, and felt,
no doubt, as he ought to feel on the occasion. The old man, drunk, sat

Thb Ruffin Papbbs. 449

near the door, and kept up a muttering like one talking to himself, and
dwelling upon his griefs. The Judge ordered him taken out. It was
done without the least confusion; but stilly it interrupted the proceedings
of the Court while it was about, that is, there was a waiting for the thing
to be done. In this moment of suspense, I, fearing the shf . or rather the
D. shf, a harsh little man, might hurt the old man, or handle him too
roughly, said from the Desk, ^'Dont hurt him Mr. Shf." I spoke before
I thought and from feeling, and was instantly ashamed that I had
spoken; but I thought the motive of my speaking would be seen and
understood, and so I reconciled myself to it and as it was painful to
think of it, tried to forget it.

Agsin; I as agent for A. M. Slade, had to defend a suit. It was taken
up late in the day and lasted until 10 in the night. The verdict was
against me. My attorney as well as myself thought there was error of
law in the charge. A rule was obtained for new trial and discharged
and appeal prayed. My attorney had never known anything of die facts
until the suit was called for trial. The other attorney on my side had
now left the Court. I took the opportunity while an Indictment for
perjury was trying, and after all the witnesses were sworn and seperated,
and while they were examining the witnesses, and when I had nothing
to do as clerk at the Desk, to make out a case for the Supreme Court, in
which I stated the evidence as it was given in and the charge of the judge
on the point on which the objection was taken. This I did as a memo-
randum or brief for my attorney, to whom alone I gave it. The judge on
the bench, sitting above me, inspected as it seems what I was writing. I
did not know it. If I had known it, I should have written as I did, not
dreaming it was wrong or ofFensive to him to do so.

Again : On the Equity docket. Mr. Haughton my atto. was sick. He
at the Bar asked me at the desk, what I would have done with Mr.
Armisteads suit then called. (It had been previously stated by the judge
that nothing could be done on the Equity docket) and I answered, from
the desk, for I had but a word to say, ''Let it be continued under former
order." It was done. Again, Mr. Jones my atto, in another suit wherein
Mr. Armistead and other (myself tho' not named on the judges docket)
were defendant, asked me what I would have done in that case. I
answered, as you had left the suit, ''Let the rule for hearing be stricken
out and leave for defendants to take testimony." The judge said I had
an attorney in Court. I excused myself for speaking, by stating mildly,
**1 was defendant in that suit and that my atto had called upon me.''
frothing was said in reply, and I spoke no more. It was now sunset
Saturday. The Judge went out of the Court, stating he would make
up that case and another for the Supreme Court in his room.

I was not apprized, I had not the least suspicion that I had offended

the judge. On the contrary I was of opinion that if he had any feeling

for me at all and were to express it, it would flatter and please me. I

ana sure he had not displeased me. To be sure, I soon saw that he was

450 Thb Nobth Gaboluta Hibtobical Commission.

not Judge Ru£B!n ; but in this lie was like so many men, that that did not
displease me. The truth is, that I liked him pretty much. I thought he
had a favorable opinion of me, acquired some years ago at Baleigh,
and that now I had improved it. I felt, and I am sure, he never before
saw so much work done at a elks. desL I never sat down while the court
was in session. I write pretty fast and am tolerably acquainted with
what I have to do. My court papers are in the best order imaginable.
What I had to do was done quickly, yet gently and rightly, and there
was no waiting for me or for a paper. The judge worked hard and
quick and a little fractiously all the week, a great deal was done; the
judge himself said, as he left the bench, that it had been a hard weeks
work. I really thought I had done nothing but what was handsome.
But it was not so, as the judge thought.

For at night Mr. Jones, my atto, called upon him in his room to see
to the making out the case for the Supreme Court. I did not go. There
were several in the room. Mr. Jones looked at the case which the judge
had made out. After reading it, he stated in his mild and modest man-
ner, as I have been told, that he wished the case to state a point or two
which was not in it, and to refer to one or more papers, to neither of
which it did refer. I have been told that the judge replied angrily to
him, and amongst other things said ''that Mr. Jones knew that that for
which he then contended has had no more effect upon the jury than the
chattering of a mocking; that he disliked to burden the case with such
nonsense, and having reference to the case which he saw me making out,
said, although Mr. Jones told him it was not designed for the judge but
for my attorney, that he had had a great mind to fine and imprison me
and call another man to the desk; He stated he saw me, that he over-
looked me as I made out the case — and has since said he never saw so
troublesome a clerk; that I had pestered him very much. I understand
that Jones felt himself very considerably insulted; that he felt the
insult the more severely as it was in the Judge's own room and while he
was sitting as a judge.

I cant pretend to repeat the judges words — nor all the substance of
what I have been told they imported, except to the fining and imprison-
ment of me.

Since I got this information, I have duly considered and reflected
upon my conduct as Clerk, and I cannot, if my life were at stake and
to be redeemed by it, call to mind any conduct more offensive, or so
much so, as that which I have stated in the foregoing lines. I am sure
I have stated all that could possibly offend.

But why pester you with this recital I Simply, I am so full of it : It
has excited me so much, that I cant help it. I work for praise, not for
the fees. I am disappointed and mortified, and have no help, no means,
of redress ; no way by which to explain and show him that he has wronged
me and get him to confess it, or make him do it.

The Ruffin Papxbs. 451

When he went to Windsor — The first thing he spoke of to a friend
of mine was the very troublesome clerk he had had to deal with in the
last week, and added, if he were again in the legislature, he would pass
a law if he could, forbidding clerks to be agents for others in the Courts
wherein they are clerks. He was told that it was believed, I had ever
given the judges great satisfaction. When I heard this, I could but say
that such a law would prevent elks, from acting as Commission merchants
and Trustees in deed etc, and that a better law would be one that should
regulate the making up of cases for the Supreme Court; that should
present no parties to the record, but the parties really litigant, and that
should prevent the Judges pride of opinion from making him, in that
respect, a party there.

Pray my Dear Sir; write me something on this subject. If you cen-
sure, I will take it as coming from one ' Vhose frowns are but the graver
sort of love," and I will amend in those points that may not please you.
But if you censure not, but approve, it will relieve my feelings some;
tho not wholly, for I must still know that the judge moves in some
circles where I am not known and that in these I must ever be misunder-
stood.

P. S. There is one shade in this letter which I must correct. The
judge, when speaking of the law he would have made concerning clerks,
did not all^e that it was necessary, to correct any evil practices in their
office. On the contrary. He said, the law should not afFect them in their
own suits in their courts, but that it should restrain them from being
agent in suits for others, as before said. I am not aware that he has
complained of any unfairness on my part in office, but that I was per-
haps insubordinate; speaking when I should not speak; and attempting
to dictate to him in making out that Case III T. T.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

To Catherine Ruffin,

,, , ^ ^^7 .Tj GBKBNSBOROuaH — Octo 22nd, 1828.

My dearest Child.

I wrote to you Sunday night and enclosed the letter in one to Mr.
Cook, in which I requested him to send yours up to you as soon as it
came to his hands — I hope you received it ; but for fear that you might
not, I now write again by Mr. Adams, who promises as soon as he gets
home to give it to you.

In my last, I mentioned that from the State of the business in this
Court, I found it would be impossible for me to do my duty here and go
home too. I shall not be able to finish by Saturday night; I am now
well convinced. Being extremely anxious to see you all, I cannot but
r^ret my condition very sincerely. But I must honestly confess that I

452 Ths Nobth Cabouuta Historioal Commissioj?.

would rather pay my respects to your Mother than to my other friends;
and therefore in the present state of affairs^ I wrote to you, explaining
my situation and desiring that^ instead of returning home on satuttkj
next to meet me^ she would remain at Lenox Castle (where Anne said
she would go on thursday or friday) until I could get there on Saturday
night or Sunday morning — as there will be no other probable oppor-
tunity of a meeting between us. I desired you to send up that letter to
her, that she might be truly informed of my situation. I now rep^t
my request, for an acquaintance of another day with my business here
confirms me in the opinion that it will detain me the whole week. I am
really grieved at it ; because, besides the privation I suffer by not seeing
my children, I had rather spend an hour with your Mother €U home than
almost a day elaewhere. But her Society anywhere is a great delight
to me and as I shall be deprived of it altogether for three weeks more
to come, should she not wait my coming at the Springs, I hope she will
consent to do so. By Jesse, send me to Caswell two pair of yam stock-
ings and my new shoes that are hanging up in the office and request your
Mama to take them to your Uncle's with her.

I am sorry that you are so inexperienced in farming and gardening
matters, dse I would trouble you with some messages. As it is, let me
mention, that the sweet potatoes ought to have a good shelter made over
them to keep off the rain ; and this you must tell Cupid. From Jesse I
will learn how other things are and get the favor of your Mother's atten-
tion to them on her return.

I was a good deal surprised at being told by Mr. Qraham, Ihat yvsr
Cousin Moreau was to go yesterday to Philadelphia, as I had hflard
nothing of it before. His Father informs me however that he is sdO
with you, but will depart in the next Stage. I am gratified to learn
that he is well enough advanced in his profession to attend the Lectures
at the University. Offer him my regards and best wishes for his im-
provement and for his success in life. Tell him, I hope he will not f oiget
us. I should be pleased to hear from him frequently.

Write to me Wednesday Morning by the Stage and say whether you
have received my letters and when Jesse goes up to Caswell. The Stage
leaves Hillsboro at breakfast; so you must set about to finish your letter
as soon as you get this,

Tell Anne and Alice and the boys to be upon their best behavior, while
their Mother is away, upon the pain of my displeasure: I am sure
Betty and Thomas will be good. I suppose Miss Polly is with your
Mama, so that I hope to kiss her soon.

You do not say a word about Uncle John and his Beauty : Are they
off or on, or just as they were and how was that?

Give my love to your Aunt Mary and her children and to all the youog
ones at Ayrmount and my duty and reverence to your Orand-Parents

Ths Ruffin Papebs. 453

I wish I could see jou all ; but what can not be must be borne and sub-
mitted to with what grace we can.

Ood bless and preserve you all^ my dear children, and keep your
hearts and minds in the ways of his laws and the works of his command-
ments, prays

Your father and good friend

Thomas Ruffin.
P. S. Send this letter by Jesse too.
[Address: Hillsborough fT. 0.]

Prom Thomas Ttumer,

Pltmo K C. Oct. 26, 1828.

In the making of one explanation, and a few remarks, I beg you to
indulge me.

I did not know when I wrote you last, but have learnt it since, that
you and Judge . . . are allied by marriage. Of course, my letter,
ivas not, and could not have been designed, to be disagreeable to you.

I make no other explanation; and as for excuse, I have none to ofFer.
I am not sensible of my error in that letter, except perhaps the error of
indiscretion; the writing of it, being perhaps, unnecessary.

I, however, do not conceive it to have been unnecessary: For those
that have heard, and shall hear of the Judges' reproaches, so unkindly
and unfairly heaped upon me, have a thousand tongues. I have but one.
Defense is due to myself. They speak of these reproaches, some from
malice, others for entertainment, and many to gratify that hungry pro-
pensity in man which it is hard to satiate, the natural food of which is
defamation — and the pulling dowli of others. Of these, a few only
abstain from speaking, until the subject matter shall be incidentally and
naturally introduced ; For most of them tug it in neck and heels together
without regard to time, place, circumstance, conversation or company.
The judge himself, I am inclined to think, lugged it in thus at Windsor.
And rumor has spread it wide, and will continue to spread it wider ; and
has seldom told it right, and will still continue to tell it wrong.

Under these circumstances, my letter, cannot, I think, have been
wholly unnecessary. For what am I to do ? I regard a stain as I do an
injury. As the injury threatened, if executed, would have been an out-
rage ; so the reproach is outrageous.

I have no defense, but also to lug the subject matter neck and heels
into my conversation and correspondence, as I did to you, and shall
continue to do to others. Even then, I am but a poor match for the
1000; for besides their numbers, there are many amongst them who

454 Thx North Oaboluta Hutobical Comiubbiojt.

cannot^ and many who can and will not tell the story ri^t; while I,
for mj own sake, must restrain myself to the facts (which thank Giod)
are satisfactory to me; and also to a language not more reproachful than
that the treatment I received was not only unkind, hut unjust also;
and that it was the more unkind and unjust, not only becamae it was
unprovoked and undeserved, but because {as I am persuaded) the same
conduct on my part, would have met, not only no reproach from, but tiie
commendation of every other Judge on the bench.
[Address: Hillsboro N. C]

From JawAS H. Buffin,

Raueioh, Novt. 16th, 1838.

I have only time to write you a few lines : — I have learnt since my
arrival that Jackson has in New York, 21 votes and Adams 18. — ^Beport
also says that Ohio and Kentucky have both gone for the Hickory tree:—
One thing respecting Maryland, — Jackson has five votes in that State:—*
this is certain, but of the other reports, a good deal is uncertainty: —

I understood that C. J. Marshall says that there is no doubt of Jack-
son's having a majority of 60. in the electoral college: —

[Address: Hillsboro]

From Frederick Nash.

Raleigh the 17th Nov. [1828]
Your brother wrote you this morning and I address you at this time,
for the purpose of apprising you of the fact of Mr. Macon's resignation.
Col. Bobards informed this evening it was in town in the hands of the
Senator from Warren,^ who will I presume present it as soon as the
Senate is organized. Taking it for granted that after proving deaf to the
solicitations of your fair Petitioners, that your mind is settled on the
subject^ application will be made to Cameron to suffer his name to be
put in nomination, it is tho't he can be elected.

Ohio and Kentucky have both declared for Jackson, the business is
too complete. I could have wished poor Adams had made a better run.
Judge Marshal has no doubt Jackson will be elected by a majority of
sixty votes. ...

[P. S.] Louisiana and Indiana also for Jackson. Jo. Gales has
Wm. B. Giles down, his thumbs in both eyes — and his fingers twisted

iRicliard Davis.

Thb Bitffxn Papsbs. 455

in his hair. I never saw a nicer trap laid, and never did poor gull run
more heedlessly into it — the Gov. is done up^ for the future he must con-
fine his gall to his own bosom.^
[Address: HiUsboro]

From Oeorge E, Badger.

[Nov. 18, 1828.]

Above you have '^Monsieur Tonson come again'' and if you are only
half so tired of seeing him as I am, a more unwelcome visitor could
scarce arrive. So by way of disapprobation put your mark upon him
and send him back.

Mr. Potter^ of Granville has today opened the ball in the house of
Commons with a proposition [for the!] honor and relief of the Judges
of the Supreme and Superior Courts and of all other officers. To the
first class of Judges the bill allots $1500 pr an : and to the latter 60. pr
Court. To the Treasurer 1200 a year without any allowance for a clerk,
to the Comptroller 800. etc., etc. Should this bill pass you Judges will
no longer get fat with high living large salaries and indolent lives as
heretofore, but you will get the money that you earn and earn the
money that you get. If measures such as these shall open the road to
popular favor, how can we rationally expect any permanent good or
enviable fame for the State.

I hope you have had an agreeable circuit. The opening of mine was
unfavorable — ^pleasure and profit being with me nearly of the same
signification when applied to Courts. At Granville $80 — at Hillsboro
65. was a bad prospect and although Nash rose to $233 yet Johnson sunk
me again — ^think of an ez Judge at a Superior Court four days and
receiving $10. At this you may be sure I was low spirited enough and
began to envy the snug ticket of a Judge, but the remaining five courts
returned me again to life and animation by bringing me together the
additional sum of $1220.

I have been employed for some days past in the Circuit Co : of H. S.
where brother Gaston is all in all — and though I have heard much and
seen a little of leaning yet never saw I, or heard I of such complete

iWilliam B. Giles of Virginia had been attacking President John Quincy
Adams very bitterly, and the Ifational Intelligencer, the Qaies paper in Wash-
ington, had Just published a series of letters from Giles to Adams which put
the wHler in a rather uncomfortable position.

2Robert Potter of Halifax and Granyllle, one of the most interesting figures
in North Carolina history. His career in brief was as follows: midshipman,
U. S. N., 1816-1821; member of the House of Commons, 1828, 1834; member of
Congress, 1829-1831; delegate to the constitutional convention of Texas, 1886;
secretary of the navy of Texas; senator. He was killed in 1842. At a later
day his conduct in respect to the banking institutions of North Carolina, in
spite of the odium which has been heaped upon him ever since, seems to a
large extent Justified by conditions. He represented a type of progress all
too rare in the State.

456 The Nobth CAiioLnrA Histobical CoMMi88io2r.

supporting upon a lawyer as of the Ch. J.^ upon Gaston. The CL J.
seems to be but bis ecbo^ tbougb be is not aware of it^ for his integrity is
certainly pure.

We lost Plummer's Suit wbicb bas gone to tbe Supreme Court upon a
decision of opinion on tbe bencb and as Gaston drew tbe statement and
I bad but five minutes to examine it^ I feel sure tbe Case as it was bas not
been burt.

Sucb is tbe outline of my official pursuits^ and I bave no otber.

Offer my sincere and affectionate regards to Mrs. Buffin and Catherine.

[Address: Hillsborough N, C]

From Frederick Nash,

Raleigh tbe 21st Nov. [1828]
I have but a moment in wbicb to write to you. You will perceive by
tbe papers that I am Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, with not a
very hopeful set to aid me. I shall however prefer bringing my BilP
before the Legislature thro' tbe sanction of tbe committee. I think I
bave upon it a majority favourable to my views. So far as I have made
enquiries my hopes are very much strengthened of a favourable result
I have not mentioned it to an individual member but Mr. Gaston who
does not approve it — and he does not appear disposed to oppose it with
any zeal.

You shall bear from me again next week.
[Address: Hillsboro N. C]

From Frederick Nash.

Raleigh the 22d Ifov. [1828]

I have read your communication with feelings more easy to be felt

than expressed.^ For tbe sentiments of kindness towards me and mine,

contained in it^ accept my grateful acknowledgements. I bad indeed

hoped that our children would have been permitted to cherish and con-

iChief Justice John Marshall.

ZNash'e judicial bill which he introduced and which was never allowed to
reach its third reading in the House of Commons, of which he was a membw
at this session, provided for an additional Judge of the Supreme Court. It
also provided that future vacancies in the Superior Court judges should not
be filled, but that the judges of the Supreme Court should in turn ride those
circuits.

sRuffin had evidently written to Nash telling him of the offer Just made
to him of the presidency of the Bank of the State.

The Buffin Papsbs, 457

tinue the friendship that has subsisted between their parents. To poor
Sally the seperation will be truly distressing. Your house is the only
one^ except her uncles and her sisters^ where she ever visits and Catherine^
she has always regarded and loved as a sister. To loose the society of
Catherine will be a sore distress to her. But these are considerations
not of importance sufficient to turn you from your course^ 'tho' they
will embarrass and embitter it^ — I mean the discomfort which the step
will bring not only to your own family but to your friends. My dear
Sir wherever you go — may a kind Providence go with you and bless you
in your person and in your family.

The advantages of a pecuniary nature offered by a residence here^
under the circumstances attending your removal, do not allow me to
say a word. I do most deeply regret as a citizen of the Country that you
will be lost to the Bench. I had looked forward with eagerness to your
being placed in the Supreme Court. I mean no idle compliment when
I say they need you there — and your brethren of the Bar have I believe
with one voice named you as the individual who was next to be there and
your succession was without question. I say was — for I owe it to you
to say that I greatly apprehend the effects of a resignation upon your
judicial prospects. I had on yesterday a long and interesting conver-
sation with Mr. Mears^ — ^he is sincerely your friend — and tho' I did not
show him your letter, I communicated very freely with him upon its
contents — ^your position and prospects. He enters warmly into my views
as they respect the Supreme Court, and yourself. I am sanguine in the
belief that we shall succeed and if you could postpone your determina-
tion, untill the fate of my Bill can be tried, I am very certain you will not
desert old Hillsboro. Mears told me to assure you he was heart and
hand in the cause. You will not I hope consider my communications
to him as in any way violating the confidence you have reposed in me,
As to your contemplated resignation and removal to this place. I found
it common talk when I came here.

I have not yet introduced my Bill — but shall on Monday and prob-
ably before your arrival I shftll have tried its strength. I shall introduce
it without the alteration suggested by you — having talked very freely
about it and particularly that feature, I could not omit it without being
called on for for an explanation it might embarrass me to give. Wher
[torn] the reason which I shall assign for it, when your resignation
does arrive — if ever — it will be easy to strike it out — the reason for
retaining it no longer existing. Whether you are on the Bench or off,
if the Bill passes, your name shall be run, unless it should appear to be
improper, and you need not fear on their parts any indiscreet use of it.

The houses have agreed to ballott on Monday, for a Senator. Mr.
Branch alone in nomination. I think however it will be postponed.
Wilson, Stokes, Forney and Franklin are spoken of to supply Mr. Macons

iWilliam B. Meares of New Hanover, 1787-1841, a prominent lawyer and
planter.

458 Thx Nobth CABOLmA Hibtobical Commibsiok.

place — either jou or myself I believe could have united the West. I
question if any one else can. A kind of caucus was held yesterday. I
was not present Wilson 10. Fisher 6. Stokes 2. and Forney one.

[Address: Hillsboro]

From James H. Buffin.

Rauexqh^ Novr. 24th, 1828.

Your letter to Govr. Branch I shall forward on to Washington, as it
is now too late to reach Enfield before his departure from home.

Upon the subject of Potter's Retrenchment BUI, (as it is called here)
I have no earthly apprehensions of its passage, as there seems to be an
individual voice of disapprobation, or, I may say, ridicule of its pro-
visions. He seems to have gone completely beside himself upon that and
upon the other great subject which has been agitating the people of
this State for the last summer; I mean the all-absorbing subject of the
depreciation of the currency of ISTo. Ca. and the had, not to say Mis-
management of the Directors of our Banks. He has introduced a resolu-
tion into the lower House the object of which is to obtain authority to
send for persons and papers for the purpose of going into a comrplete
and radical examination of the affairs of these institutions : this authority
has heen granted hy the House, and the work of confiscation is to be
carried on unless he should be restrained by the good sense of the Com-
mittee:— Thank Heaven! the trust is not entirely upon a fragile reed,
inasmuch as the Committee on the part of the House of Commons con-
sists of Spruil, Swain, Graham, Mendenhall^ and others, who if not
banking men, are at least guided by prudence and moderation. I hope
and trust that the investigation will result beneficially to the community.

Branch has been reelected without opposition by 153 Votes. We ballot
in a few days for another. Cenl. Stokes^ is in nomination without any
earthly probability of success. He has been run by very few men in the
West, who cannot settle upon any one man. Cenl. Stokes will not be
put down, the consequence of which obstinacy is that the West is dis-
posed to take up Qoy, Iredell. I wish and expect that such will be the
result. It is generally understood here thro' me that you will not accept,
tho' you can get the appointment with great ease, as there exists a great
disposition to bestow upon you the office: — However all views of that
kind are done away with according to your directions to me.

iThese were George E. Sprulll of Halifax, David L. Swain, George G. Men-
denhall of Guilford, and James Graham of Rutherford. Their report was the
opposite of what Potter desired, but his minority report was defeated only
by the casting vote of Thomas Settle, speaker of the House of Commons.

2Montford Stokes.

Thb Buffin Papsbs. 459

On next Friday we ballot for Atto. (Jenl, Sanders^^ Manly,^ Black-
ledge" (Tom) P. H. Mangum^ and Deverenx* in nomination. I think
^we shall elect Sanders easily tho' not at the first ballot.

Yonr friend Bailey is elected Solicitor upon the first ballot against
Willson, Sawyer, Palmer and Jones. Bailey reed. 99 votes being a
majority of the whole legislature.

I shall be glad to see you in Baleigh^ cannot you come down sooner
than you mention? I wi^ you would as I want your advice and opinion
upon some of my legislative duties.

Tell Catherine that I shall be much pleased to hear from her at any
and aJt all times.

Give my best love to every member of your family, to Mr. Cain and
my Sister, and accept for yourself assurances that I

Am most sincerely Your friend and brother

[Address: Hillsborough N. C]

From John Branch.

Ejtfield Nov. 27th 1828.

I am much indebted to you for your two letters of the 9th and 22nd
Instant and owe you many apologies for not having answered the first
sooner. But such have been my engagements both from home and at
home that I more from accident than anything else have failed to do
what I fully intended to have done in a full and ample manner. Even
now I have taken up my pen barely to say to you that as soon after
reaching Washington as practicable I will deal as frankly with you as
you have with me (and for which I thank you for I am an advocate for
a free and unrestrained interchange of sentiment between friends.

There is much that you have said that I highly approve and but little
that I dissent from.

Your apprehensions in regard to some expressions in your first letter
are unfounded. I perfectly understood you. I hope you will exercise
the same charity for me when I unbosom myself in detail to you that
you claim for yourself.

Accept my friendly assurances and best wishes.

[Address: Hillsborough ISTorth Carolina.]

iRomnlns M. Saunders.

2Mattliia8 B. Manly of Craven, 1801-1881, Judge Superior Court, 1840-1859;
judge Supreme Court, 1860-1866; meml)er convention of 1866; speaker of the
Senate, 1866; elected to United States Senate, 1866, but not seated.

STbomas Wharton Blackledge of Craven.

^Priestley Hinton Mangum of Orange.

sThomas P. Devereux.

460 Thb Nobth Carolina Histobicai. CoMicissiQir.

From Frederick Nash.

Raleigh the 27tli Ifovr.
Yesterday morning I bro't mj Bill to the notice of the oonunittee-

and found them as I tho't with the exception of Mr. Gaston for it. The
Bill will be altered to meet your ideas. You have made a great secret
of your views as to the Bank — they are known here commonly. Oaston
mentioned them on the Committee. Should my Bill pass you are the
man — on or off the Bench. Today we elect Iredell Senator — to his rain.
[Address: Hillsboro.]

From Bedford Brown?-

[HiLLSBOBO, K C, Nov. 27, 1828.]
Dr. Sir — Having understood that the legislature will elect a Senator
to Congress probably some time during this week, to supply the place
of Mr. Macon, I take the liberty to ask permission to have your name
in nomination for that appointment. I am entirely dissatiafied with
those who are spoken of. We want other and a different kind of men
at this crisis. Should you agree for your name to be brought forward,
I cannot doubt for a moment, the issue of the contest; even if made
known, only an hour before the balloting. You will please inform me
of your determination.
HiLLSBOBo' 27th Nov. 28.

From Major Adaan Lochhart?

[SMrrHFiELD, N. C, Dec. 10, 1828.]
Dear Judge. I am now at Smithfield on Nuse Biver on my way home
to Anson. I expect Judge you will be supprised for me thus to addr^s
you, and had I not have seen what I this moment saw, delicacy would
have stopt me, tis your resigning your Judgement Seat. I hope Sir you
will pardon me when I tell you there never was a man that occupied that
bench that I had a greater respect for and never was the bench resigned
by a man, or Judge that was by me more regretted, tho believe the
acceptation you have made of the presidency of the Bank is a Judicious
one, as such I am pleased that you will have less trouble and will receive

iBedford Brown, 1795-1S70, at this time a member of the Senate from Cas-
well. He was later to be often a member of the legislature. United States
senator, and member of the conventions of 1861 and 1866.

2MaJor Adam Lockhart, a member of the House of Commons from Anson
in 1804.

The Suffin Papers. 461

as great rewards. I expect Judge you will now be located for life. I
am fare advanced in mj 64th year of age. and am fast waring down,
as Such I never expect to see you again. Should it be the case I wiflb
you a long and happy life, and at its termination a glorious eternity.
Judge there is no deception in the above, it is the very essence of my
lieart.

Deer. 10th 1828.

From John Louis Taylor.

[Raleigh, K C, Dec. 16, 1828.]

I write you according to promise, but cannot add any thing more
satisfactory to the conversation we had on the subject of renting my
house. I still remain in the disposition to live in the country, provided
the legislature makes no material alteration in my situation, and on
this subject things remain much in the condition they were when you
left town. A reduction of the salary simply to $2000 would not change
my resolution. A reduction below that sum would unavoidably make
an entire change in my Uf e, and no longer leave me master of my posses-
sions. Any alteration of the system which would keep me long from
home would render it unsafe to keep my numerous and helpless family
in a retired place without a male protector. I speak this in reference
to the projected partition of the Supreme Court, of the probability of
which I cannot judge.

We have scarcely done anything as yet owing to the necessary attend-
ance of the gentlemen of the law in ^e house, so that unless the busi-
ness is continued by consent it is utterly impossible to adjourn before
the 1st of February.

Raleigh 16th Deer. 1828.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From John M, Dick.

GsBBirsBOBO Deer, the 17th 1828.
I have observed in the public papers that you have resigned your
Appointment as Judge and therefore presume from the conversation we
had in Hillsboro that you will practise in the Supreme Court. The
Case of Abel Sheppard vs Isaac Lane which went up from Randolph on
the last Circuit, I feel interested in ; — ^It will probably require the atten-
tion of some Gentleman of the Bar; Will you oblige me so far as to
attend to itt and if it is not in your power to do so be so good as to
speak to Mr. Badger and desire him to attend to it.

462 The Nobth Carolina Histobioal Commission.

As to a fee, the case is this, the plaintifFs agent assigned $50 of the
Judgt. to me and I told him I would have it attended to in the Supreme
Court. This sum is at jour service — ^I could not conscientiously require
of him more than $50 — ^for this Judgt is his all. He was an orphan
boy and Gamer was his Guardian. This Claim is his whole estate.

On the receipt of this please to write me on the subject. I would
have written to Mr. Badger some time since — But Mr. Morehead told me
that he would attend to the case in the Supreme Court or get Mr. Badger
to do so. He informed me on yesterday that he had wholly neglected to
do either.

I have seen with regret the fate of Mr. Nash's Bill proposing a reor-
ganization of the Supreme Court. The time has come when every friend
to N'orth Carolina ought to contribute his exertions and talents to change
the Complexion of affairs. While other states of the Union are making
rapid strides in the March of Improvement, North Carolina is actually
regrograding.

I will be in the next legislature (If the people of Guilford will permit
me) and altho I am not vain enough to suppose that my exertions could
materially alter the course of legislation that has been heretofore persued,
yet I would add one more to the numerical strength of those who are
disposed to do what they believe to be right regardless of consequences.

I will not despair of the republic.

Thomas Ruffin Esqr.

[Address : Raleigh N. C]

To Joseph B. O. RouLhac}

State Bakk of No. Ca.

^ „. , Raleigh — ^Decem. 23rd. 1828.

Dear 8%rJ

Your friendly and valuable letter under date of the 16th Inst, has been

received and read with much pleasure. For the expressions of regards

personal to myself and of confidence in my fidelity I return my thanks

and my assurance that every effort shall be made to prevent a forfeiture

of your good opinion. Whether success will attend us depends much

upon the aid we may receive at the Branches. The great desiderata now

are, to secure our existing debt, gradually to collect it until one issue of

Notes shall not be more than equal to the demand for circulation, and,

upon that event, (should it ever happen) the new business done jshall

not be on long accomodation but on real paper payable absolutely or in

two or three instalments. At present, we ought to do no business of any

sort, except only in good Bills that will turn out specie funds at the North.

For that paper we must risk our own Notes ; because we have no other

iJoeeph Blount Or^goire Roulhac, a merchant of Windsor, Bertie Coontr,
1796-1856, already a close friend of Ruffln and later to be his son-in-law.

Thb Buffxn Papsbs. 468

method of commanding funds that are indispensible to the liquidation
of demands now existing against us. It is obvious however that this
mode of trading will of itself encrease the number of Bills and especially
of fictitious Bills not drawn on funds or the reasonable expectation of
them. For needy men^ who cannot get discounts of any other sort of
paper^ will resort to the desperate expedient of drawing bills and incur-
ring the damages. Damages are not our object, but the funds. Every
precaution therefore ought to be used to detect and refuse wind-hills.
I should suppose, that, considering the well known fact that all the
Banks anxiously take all good bills, the circumstance that a man goes
from home to sell his bill, would so discredit it as to prevent the distant
Branch from purchasing. To make matter of suspicion matter of cer-
tainty in future, we have availed ourselves of your valuable suggestion
and directed the Cashiers at Edenton, K'ewbem and Tarborough to
interchange accounts with each other monthly of all the Bills of Ex-
change held by them, with the names of the Drawer, Acceptor and
endorsers and when to fall due or, if unpaid, when they fell due. I
presume the practise you allude to grows out of our regulation pro-
hibiting the renewal of Bills, and so the party must find from home a
purchaser who is ignorant that the Bill offerrd is to take up one previ-
ously drawn. I have already mentioned the importance of secwring
debts: It is now a primary object and every general regulation must
yield to a necessity arising out of the jeopardy of a debt. Thus, smaller
instalments or even indulgence for the whole are admissible, when the
debt can be saved or better secured by it. We supposed that would be
well understood and acted on. Our rules for curtailment etc. are intended
to prevent the making of a new debt or the indulgence of those now able
to pay and particularly directors themselves. From the State of the
debts at Edenton as understood by us, we suppose every facility arising
out of the discretion to act according to circumstances in every particular
case is as necessary for our Security as at any point of the Institution.
We rely much on the known capacity for business of yourself and several
others of the Directors there to administer the affairs better in future
than they have been. I hope you will find it often in your power to attend
the Bo&rd and that you will not want the inclination when you have the
power. I do not doubt Mr. Stone's^ becoming a valuable officer as he is
surely a faithful one. I am much gratified by the terms in which you
mention him ; as they confirm the very favorable impression made upon
our minds here, by the particular detail and perspicuity of his corre-
spondence. As for unpopularity, I hope and believe he heeds it not,
when it follows the discharge of a duty or what he conceives to be a duty.
In that respect as well as some others, I think I see much of that firmness
and determination of purpose, which made his Father so remarkable
a man.

iDavid W. Stone of Bertie County, the son of Judge David Stone, and an
ofBcer of one of the branch banks.

464 The North Cabouna Histobical Commissiojv^.

We hope the enquiry will be kept up for the former Teller's Bond.
Surely young Mr. Blount will not refuse to deliver it, if in his poaaes-
sion, or disclose his knowledge of what has become of it.

Mr. Iredell proposes to pay $1500 : every 90 days on the debt of him-
self , Mr. Tredwell deceased, and Mr. J. J. Tredwell. Can he do it!
He says, that personal security is out of the question : Will the debt be
bettered or made worse by suspending it now by way of ^cperiment of
their exertions to make payment, or will other creditors get judgments
or encumbrances before us, if we lay by ! I should be glad of your opinion
on this subject with as little delay as possible, as we wish to make some
answer to him. Could / do any good towards securing the debt by meet-
ing Mr. Iredell at Chowan March County Court?

Pray, make as few new debts on notes as possible. We are not able
to keep up our business, much less to enlarge it, unless upon some special
terms of getting early payments in the sort of money that suits us.

I am. Dear Sir, with much respect

Your Obt. Svt. and friend

Thomas Ruffin.

To Joseph B. G. Boulhac Esq.

Windsor No. Ca.

From Lewis Williams.

Washington December 29th 1828.

In a conversation with you at Salisbury last fall on the subject of the
grant which had been made by the government of the H. States to North
Carolina of $22,000, you remarked to me that much information respect-
ing that matter was to [be] derived from certain books etc. you named,
but which I now forget. Permit me to request that you will write to
me and mention again the books to be consulted on that subject.

We have no news here except many speculations about the persons
who are to compose the new Cabinett — Tazwell,^ Van Buren, Crawford,
and Gallatin are spoken for the State department — Cheves,^ McLane of
Delaware, and the post master General* for the Treasury — ^Drayton,*
Benton,^ Hamilton" and the post master General again for the war de-

iLittleton W. Tazewell of Virginia, 1774-1860, at the time United SUtes
senator.

2Langdon Cheves of South Carolina, 1776-1857, who had been speaker of the
House of Representatives but was now in private life.

sjohn McLiean.

4William Drayton of South Carolina, 1776-1846, at this time a member of
Congress.

BThomas Hart Benton of Missouri, 1782-1858, now senator.

ejames Hamilton of South Carolina, 1789-1857, at this time a member of
Congress. He was a close pereonal friend of Jackson, was oflfered the seere-
taryship of war, and declined it.

The Buffin Papxbs. 466

partment — -Hayne^ of S. Carolina, and Woodberry^ of New Hampshire
for the Navy. White* of Tennessee, Baldwin* of Pennsylvania, and
McDuffie** for Attorney-General. This is the talk of the day, but what
the result will be none can tell.

The Jackson men as yet deport themselves very well. Whether the
present peace is a presage of future storms I know not. Adams and
Clay have both improved in health since last spring and appear to bear
their defeat very well. Calhoun, Van Buren and the post master General
are spoken of as Candidates for the presidency four years hence. I know
not why every State in the union may not with equal propriety bring
forward a candidate, for in every State I apprehend men of equal claims
and pretensions can be found.

Thomas Buffin Esqr.

From Joseph B, SJcitmer.^

Edenton 29th December 1828.
I was much pleased to hear of your acceptance of the office of Presi-
dent of the State Bank^ (altho I think the salary too low) both on
account of your domestic enjoyments and the welfare of the institution.
It would have afforded me no little satisfaction to have cooperated with
you so far as regards the affairs of this Branch but for the reasons given
in my letter of resignation. I assure you it was not for the reason hinted
at by Mr. Browne in his letter to me, for altho I cannot agree with him
that the special operations of this Branch should be directed absolutely
^y the Cashier making in effect the President to use his own terms ''a
mere dog to bay the moon" I assure you it did not influence my decision.
The Principal Directors cannot be more convinced of the necessity of the
energetic and vigorous measures to sustain the Bank than I am and no
one would have more heartily sustained you in the general policy as

1 Robert Y. Hayne of South Carolina, at this time a member of the Senate.

2Levi Woodbury of New Hampshire, 1789-1861, at thle time a member of the
Senate.

SHugh Lawson White of Tennessee, 1773-1840, at this time a member of
the Senate.

^Henry Baldwin, 1779-1844, a dlstlngufshed lawyer whom Jackson later
appointed to the Supreme Ck)art.

^George McDuffie of South Carolina, 1788-1851, at thle time a member of
Congress.

ejoseph B. Skinner had been president of the Edenton branch of the State
Bank.

70n December 1, 1828, at the urgent solicitation of the stockholders, chief
of whom were William Polk, Peter Browne, and Duncan Cameron, Ruffln
accepted the presidency of the Bank of the State. Its affairs were In great
embarrassment and there was reason to fear that on account of public hostility
it might lose Its charter and be forced Into liquidation. In the existing con-
dition of affairs that would have been ruinous to the stockholders and Injuri-
ous to the public at large. The salary paid him was good for the time — $2,500,
and he was allowed to practice law In Raleigh.
80

466 Thb ISToBTH CABOLnrA Histobioal Commission'.

fully and explicitly laid down in jour communication to the Fresideiit
here. So far as my influence may extend your President here shall have
it whenever he may think proper if I am in reach. I am much pleased
with the conduct and course of the Cashier, and have no douht when
he becomes a little more conversant in the details of business will be a
most valuable acquisition to this Branch. He has had some severe trials,
and embarrassments which he got through with very well. But I did
not set down to write to you about the Bank. My Brother Benjamin
sent to my house some time ago a half barrel of white clover seed as a
present to you. What am I to do with it ! They have lost your directioiL
We have had no chance to Petersburg since you were here or you and
my friend IN'ash would have had your fish long ago, nor will there be
any before the 1st of May, too late for this season. You know however
that age does not injure clover seed and if you cannot get by Febmair
you will loose a year. I want your instructions. I write in oonsiderabk
haste.

[Address: Raleigh]

From Archibald J5. Mwrphey.
^ „. Haw-Eivbb. 24th January 1829.

I shall commence my Operations at the Gk>ld Mine in a few days, and
will keep you apprised of the Results. Part of my Works is completed.
If I had a little Capital, I have no doubt, of being able to make a great
deal of Money.

Lately I have had a further Search made on the Lands of the Hermit-
age, and have found several Localities of Gk>ld, the Richest is on the
HiU near your former Tobacco Barn, and in the Orchard east of tbe
Fayetteville Road. I have seen no Place where there are stronger Indi-
cations of a rich and extensive Deposit of Gold. I have had some of the
Gravel pulverised and washed, collected at different Places in the
Orchard, and it all contains Gold. As soon as I get a Mill to work for
grinding the Gravel, I will have a Cart Load of it taken up to Mr.
Anthony's, and ascertain the Value of it. From the Trials I have made,
it will yield 80 or 100 Cents to the Bushel, I think.

Farewell ! I pray Gk)d to bless you and your Family.

Address: Raleigh.

Thb Ruffin Papsbs. 467

Dear Sir.

From Archibald D. Mturphey,

Haw Rxyeb, 28th Janry. 1829.

I wrote to you that I had had some further Searches made upon the
Lands of the Hernutage^ and that Several Localities of Gk>ld had been
found : The richest of which were on the Hill near your former Tobacco
Barn, and in the Orchard East of the Fayetteville road. The Indica-
tions are as promising at those Places as any where that I have seen.
When I can spare the time I will have such an examination made as
will enable me to say whether collecting Gk>ld at either of those Places
would be a profitable Business. The Ground will, I think, yield from
80 to 100 Cents Per Bushel.

My Prospects at Anthony's mine are good. My fixments are not com-
pleted, but I shall have two Washers in Operation on this Week, and
they will enable me to determine what the Top Dirt is worth, and what
the Gravel. We shall open one of the Veins on next Week. I intend
to keep you regularly apprised of my Operations and their results.

Should Judge Taylor continue ill, so that your removal be delayed,
I beg you to drop me a Line to Cornelia, telling her to Stop the Waggon
Untill the further time you may appoint. • • .

Judge Buffin.

[Address: Hillsborough.]

From John L. Henderson,

Baleioh January the 30th 1829.

Judge Taylor died on yesterday between Sundown and dark, and
strange to tell he had requested his wife to shroud him. In compliance
with that request she performed the unpleasant duty or what she con-
ceived to be a duty. You may conceive it premature at this time to
speak of a successor to the Chief Justice but as a choice is soon to be
made, I can see no impropriety in speaking of it at this time.

I think you owe it to the State and to the respectability of the Supreme
Court to accept that appointment if it should be oflEered you, of which
there can be no doubt. In my part of the State you have always been
looked to as the proper person to fill the vacancy whenever it should
occur.

[Address: Hillsborough]

468 The Nobth CABOLmA Histobigal Commissioit.

From Arckiiald D. Murphey.

Haw Riveb— 3* Feb^ 18S9.

Mj Waggon was on the Point of Starting to Hillsborough on this
Morning^ when William came over and informed me of Judge Taylor'
death, and delivered me a Message from Mr. Kirkland not to send the
Waggon Untill I should hear from you. Will the death of Judge Taylor
change your Views? If neither yourself nor Mr. Gaston should wish
the appointment, I should be glad to get it. Mr. Gkston, Mr. Badger
and Yourself are the only Persons at the Bar^ qualified for the Appoint-
ment. If the Way be open, I ask you as a Friend whether I ought to
feel any Solicitude upon the subject. It is probable that by your Influ-
ence with the Governor and Council, I might in Such event^ Succeed.
But you will understand me as having no Wishes for the Appointment
contrary or in opposition to yours. Mr. Badger will, I expect, get an
Appointment from Genl. Jackson.^ I have learned from various sources
that the Genl. intends to bring into notice Some of our Citizens; and
from his Friendship for Col. Polk, and the talents of Mr. Badger, I
have calculated upon his Selecting Mr. Badger for the Office of Attorney-
General or for a foreign mission. When will the Governor be in Raleigh !
Write to me fully and freely

Judge Ruffin.

[Address: Raleigh.]

From William Oaaton.

Raleigh Feby. 5th 1829
My dear Sir

The melancholy event which has brought me to this place will I fear
occasion you some embarrassment.* The Chief Justice had conveyed his
house and adjoining possessions in trust to secure the payment of his
bank debts. A sale will necessarily take place, but at what time I can
not at present tell. Should I become the purchaser (and this I do not
purpose to do except to prevent a sacrifice) I shall take pleasure, if you
desire to occupy the place, to make an arrangement with you for that
purpose. I should hope however that you might make it convenient to
buy. I am sure that you can do so on most advantageous terms.

lit was the confident expectation of the State that Badger wonld be made
attorney-general in Jackson's cabinet.

2Upon his removal to Raleigh, Ruffin had rented the home of Chief Justice
Taylor who had moved to the country outside of the town.

Thb Buffin Papers. 469

I shall probably remain here a week or more, and shall be happy to
hear from you before I return home

Believe me with great regard

Truly your's

FAjj TT-n 1. i-T Will:Qa8ton.

[Address: Hillsborough]

From Patrick Henry Winston.

PiTTSBOBo' Feby 10th. [1829]
With the candour which you desire I shall state my opinion, as far as
I can form any of the probability of your being chosen to succeed the
late Chief Justice. The members of the Bar whom I have heard speak
on that subject (and it has been a very frequent topic of conversation
among them), express a strong desire that you should be elected a Judge
of the Supreme Court : some of them saying that they did not suppose
that there was a lawyer in this Circuit who did not desire it. Indeed
from the opinion all the lawyers of my acquaintance have always ex-
pressed of your professional abilities there could have been no doubt
with me of their wishes to see you elevated to the highest judicial office
and their conviction of your high judicial qualifications was strengthened
and enlivened by your conduct during the last Circuit: they then fre-
quently expressed their wishes and hopes that you would be preferred
to a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court. You may be assured that
the lawyers of this Circuit and they suppose that the same feeling per-
vades the Profession throughout the State would hail such an event as*
equally agreeable to their own inclinations and beneficial to their
Country. I do not suspect myself of being misled in this matter by my
own esteem and reverence for you (I speak plainly as is proper on this
occasion) because these feelings and opinions have been and are so fre-
quently decidedly and spontaneously declared that it is impossible to
mistake either their sincerity or their import. The Profession as far as
I am acquainted with it, will be disappointed if you be not nominated
to the Council.

As to the question whether the Public would accept your services,
8ome gentlemen who are members of the Legislature and others who had
opportunities of observing their disposition at their last session say that
though you were the most popular man in the State at its commence-
ment you incurred so much odium by accepting your office in the Bank
that you became as unpopular as before you were popular:^ but they
all concurred in thinking that these unfavourable impressions rather I

iSo great was the unpopularity of the bank that RnfSn's acceptance of the
presidency was the signal for an outburst of Indignation, In part. It must be
supposed, coming from those who desired nothing so much as the failure of
the bank and who saw In Ruffln's acceptance an obstacle to their hopes.

470 Thx Nobth Cabolina Historicai, Couujbslon,

should say anger (Ira brevis furor) might pass away before the next
session of the Legislature: differing much about the degree of proba-
bility of such an issue^ some thinking it barely possible^ others expecting
it with strong hope. You know that I have little confidence in tk
wisdom of the executive or the Legislature of our State and the veir
warmth of my good wishes for the fulfillment of your desires^ being tbe
result of my opinion of your merit, would induce me to doubt of yoor
success. This doubt has been confirmed by the opinions of others abo^
mention^ : from which I should infer tbat your appointment by tk
Gbvemors and council is doubtfuU very doubtfull and the confirmation
of that appointment by the Legislature still less perhaps to be expected
unless there be a considerable change of public sentiment. I speak thus
plainly, Sir, without hesitation because I know that my opinions vill
have no more than their due effect upon the determination you shaS
make, that is, their effect will be proportioned to their degree of truth.

On the one hand it would be a subject of deep and unceasing regret
if the State should not enjoy the benefit of your judicial services merelj
because you would not signify your willingness to render them. On tk
other hand your friends as well as yourself would be deeply mortified hj
a rejection of those services when offered.

Thos. Buffin Esq.

[Address : Raleigh N. C]

From John M. Dick.

Lexington Feby the 12th 1829.

From the conversation we had in Hillsboro at ITovember Court last,
I understand that you would prefer a place on the Supreme Court b^idi
to the office you now hold. And presuming that your wishes have not
changed on that subject, I have endeavoured to ascertain the opinion of
the Qentlemen of the Bar with whom I have associated since I heard
of the death of Judge Taylor. I find they are uniform in their prefer-
ence for you in opposition to any man in the State. I suggested to Mr.
R. Alexander (with whom I met here) the propriety of the Gentlemen
of the Bar in Salisbury addressing a memorial to the Governor and
Counsel respectfully recommending you to fill the vacancy He seemed
pleased with the idea and said he would consult them next week on the
subject.

I met with Genl. Alexander Gray^ here today and had a conversation
with him about the vacancy on the Supreme Court Bench.

Knowing the Genl. thoroughly I cautiously concealed my own prefer-
ence until I ascertained his, I was much gratified to find that he has a

lAlexander Oray of Randolph, a member of the council of state In 1829 and
state senator, 1798-1799, 1804-1807, 1812, 1823, 1826-1829.

The Buffin Fapebs. 471

decided preference for you to any man in the State^ and have no doubt
lie will warmly support you. If the other members of the Counsel should
be as decided as the Genl there would be nothing to fear. Everything
the members of the Bar can do in this Section of Country will be done.
At Guilford next week I shall meet with Messrs. Murphey NsLsh and
liittle and if they should think it advisable a memorial will be sent to
the Governor. If the Gtovemor and Counsel should appoint you as I
hope and believe they will, I think you will have nothing to fear from
the legislature; altho I understand you gave offence to some of the
members of the last Legislature by accepting the office you now hold.

It sometimes happens that the zeal of friends does more injury than
the malice of enemies — and that may be my case. If however the course
I have pursued and propose to persue should not meet with your appro-
bation you have only to advise me of it. As a citizen of N. C. I feel
interested in your elevation to that office, and I am anxious to persue
the course best calculated to effect it. I hope (with the permission of
the good people of Guilford) to be in a situation next winter where I
can at least count one. Perhaps I have indulged in a freedom of remark
not justified by our acquaintance, if so, I hope you will ascribe it to the
proper motive, a wish to serve you and a still higher wish to serve my
native State in the hour of her utmost need.
Thomas Buffin Esqr.
[Address : Baleigh N. C]

From Frederick Nash.

PrrrsBOBO the 12th of Feby., [1829]

I comply with my promise of writing you from this place. The Barr

here is not as you know very crowded — with nearly all I have conversed

upon the subject of the vacancy on the bench of the Supreme Court. The

opinion generally expressed is that Seawell will receive the appointment

from the Govr. and council, — but that he stands no chance of being

confirmed by the Legislature. It has been a subject of doubt here,

whether it will be to your interest, to appear before the council, as a

candidate — ^whether you will not come before the Legislature with better

prospect of success if not previously beaten before the council. This

seems to be Mr. Hebrides^ opinion. My own is different. It is true the

appointments heretofore made by the Gk>v. have not been much regarded

by the Legislature — ^but it is to be feared if the vacancy is filled ad

interim, by a gentleman legally or otherwise popular, that it may add

considerably to the difficulty of beating him — as it will be the first

instance of the kind under the present organization of the Court. I do

not think it so certain Mr. Seawell will receive the council appointment.

lArchibald McBryde of Moore.

472 The Nobth Cabolina Historical Commissioiv^.

The following is I learn the calculation on his part. Three of the council,
to wit Mr. Alston/ Mr Kenan^ and Mr. Jeffers,' are his relations and
it is tho't the influence of the first named gentlemen will secure one more
vote, which will carry the appointment. As to Mr. A. and Mr. K. I
know nothing — but should doubt Mr. Jeffer's devotion to him. It is
however on my part altogether conjecture^ and you are far better able
to form an opinion than I am. Should the council appoint yon, I do
not think you need fear the result before the Legislature. I confess
however this is not the opinion of all your friends — ^it is mine upon mudi
reflection. I can not but believe that a sounder state of feeling and
opinion will exist in the next Assembly, than was found in the last—
the Bank fear will be allayed — in a great measure by the embarrass-
ments of the people being lessened — and being in the office — ^it will not
be difficult to revive the feelings of confidence and attachment in your
old friends. I have conversed with Winston^ since being here, he sug-
gested the idea of your legal friends expressing to the Qov. Their wishes
on the subject. I do not approve it — ^the effect might prove highly in-
jurious before the council and I am satisfied would have that effect before
the Legislature they are already sufficiently jealous of the influence of
the Bar and I am satisfied it would destroy any man to go before them
with a set formal recommendation — it would not do. Mr. Mcbride gave
me to understand that Mr. Murphy was desirous to be a candidate but
not, if you were — and that he would be his choice — tho' he should vote
for you from a sense of duty. I know he has written to Haralson that
he is in better health than he has been in five years — if you are not
before the council he will be, I suspect. I do not think he stands any
chance either with the council or Legislature — but if appointed by the
former — your prospect would be at an end for the present. I have
heard nothing further as to Wilson's^ being in the Legislature— but if
there or whetiier there or not, the opinion is pretty general, that l&e will
be a dangerous man. It is said Toomer will [torn] and I should think
that Owen will be glad of an [torn] to do the honor to Cape-Fear. I
know nothing however certain — doubtless other names will be spoken
of — ^but you are at head quarters — the focus of news, dignities and
offices — and it is carrying coals to IT^ewmarket to tell news to a
Baleighan — At Orange Court I trust we shall meet when we can at more
leisure discover all the pros and cons.
[Address: Raleigh.]

iQideon Alston of Halifax, a member of the council, 1807-1831.
2Thoma8 Kenan of Duplin, a member of the council, 1828-1830.
sGeorge Washington Jeffresre, a member of the council, 1824-1834.
4P. H. Winston of Rockingham,
sjoseph M. Wilson of Mecklenburg.

The Buffin Fapsbs. 473

From James Iredell.

WASHmoTON Feby 16th, 1829.

The official letter which you mention you had written to me has never
been received. I have received however your two very friendly letters
of a subsequent date and I assure you you could not have given me a
more satisfactory proof of real frienddiip than these afford. I only
regret that some of my other friends, in whom I have been long in the
habit of reposing the utmost confidence, mistaking my disposition, should
have been restrained by delicacy, by a fear of offending my pride from
speaking to me as freely as you have done. On the other hand I have
felt that if I laid my situation before them, they might suppose it [was]
intended as an application for pecuniary aid. I have a pride, I trust a
proper one, which would at any time revolt from dictation, from what-
ever source it might proceed or in whatever form it might appear; but
there is no man who will receive with more grateful sensibility than
myself the advice and counsel of his friends on any occasion. I know
my weaknesses and the frequent need I have of the assistance of others,
and in nothing more than the management of my pecuniary affairs,
about which I have always been too indifferent but of which a severe
tho' useful lesson has taught me the importance. I thank you for having
estimated my disposition more correctly, and I give you the best proof
of my grateful feelings for your kindness by following your advice.

I have written to James to have the sale of our property fixed and
advertised for some day in the latter part of March. I cannot be at
Edenton before that time as the Senate will probably not adjourn until
about the 8th or 10th and I must spend a few days with my family at
Saleigh. I regret on many accounts that I cannot be at Edenton during
the sitting of our County Court, but it is impossible without deserting
my public duties. I presume the Bank at Edenton for their own interest
will permit the property so far as they are concerned to be sold on the
same terms as Mr. Bond's. If there should be any deficiency in the
product of the sale so as to leave debts unpaid, I hope in a few years, if
I live, by an industrious application to my profession to supply it. At
present I cannot with propriety resign my seat in the Senate, but at the
expiration of my term of service I shall devote my whole time to the
acquisition of that sweetest of all possessions — independence.
*******

I can give you very little political news, but what you may find in
the newspapers. I have seen Oenl. Jackson and am much pleased with
his manners and address. They are decidedly those of a well-hred gentle-
man and I do not know that I could give them a higher character. 17'oth-
ing is yet disclosed as to his cabinet. It is however generally believed
that Mr. Tazewell will be one. It is only conjecture, for one of his
warmest and most intimate friends declared to day that not one even of
the Tennessee delegation knew his intentions. Baldwin of Penn. is

474 Thb Nobth Oasolina Historical CoMiassioN.

spoken of as Attorney General He is here in person. In fact there
is a host of office-Hunters. There are a hundred rumors afloat, which
I have not time to relate and which are perhaps unworthy of a moment's
consideration. Among the office hunters not the least conspicuous are
the Editors of Newspapers. We have here Noah^, Hill^ of N". Hamp-
shire, Kendall' of Kentucky and many others of inferior note. Hill, I
am told, claims as his reward, only, the office of Post-Master General —
McLean, the present Post-Master wishes the situation of Secretary of
the Treasury. Van Buren is strongly spoken of for Secy, of State. The
contest is believed to be between him and Tazewell. Woodbury is most
generally assigned to the Navy Department. Berrien,^ Baldwin and
McBuffie are thought to be the most prominent for Attorney GeneraL
McDuffie is also talked of for the Treasury Department and by some
as the War Minister. The appointment to the Treasury which I believe
from what I learnt in No. Carolina and what I have understood since I
have been here, that would be most acceptable to men of all the parties,
that compose the heterogeneous Jackson ranks, not only in our State
but throughout the Union would be that of McLane of Delaware. He
is one of the finest men I have ever seen; open, candid, independent as
he is able and diligent in the discharge of his duties. There is a powerful
influence here in his favor, but I fear there is a counter-influence which
will prevent his appointment. I say, I fear, because I have no other
authority than rumor and certain secret consultations^ to which if noth-
ing had been intended but the general good or the good of the party, I
ought to have been privy. In short I fear there is a disposition among
some who never could and never did thrive but in the hot bed of party
and who are most forward in their attentions and their advice to GenL
Jackson to proscribe all the old federalists and as far as they dare to go
all the friends of Mr. Crawford. This is to be confined to yourself and
to a very few of our friends, as it rests only on rumor and perhaps that
rumor founded on conjecture. I have great confidence however in the
firmness and independence of Genl. Jackson.

Tho' my letter is long I must mention one anecdote which I have
heard to day. You know the conspicuous part Buchanan was called to
play last summer. The friends of Genl. Jackson say he faltered in his
publication, and it was with some difficulty the Glenl. was prevented
from exposing him. Buck, as he is here familiarly called, and who, as a
facetious acquaintance of mine says, has been studying the Spanish
Grammar for the last three months to qualify himself for a mission to
Spain, never waited on the Genl. until to day, altho' he has been in the

iMordecai M. Noah of New York, 1785-1851, a noted editor and playwright
who dabbled in politics and already had been a consul.

2Iflaac Hill, 1788-1861, comptroller of the treasury, 1829-1830.

SAmos Kendall, 1789-1869, whom Jackson appointed fourth auditor of the
treasury, and who became the chief of his "Kitchen Cabinet."

4John McPherson Berrien of Georgia, 1781-1856, at this time a member of
the Senate.

Thb Buffin Papebs. 475

City since last Wednesday. An Acquaintance of mine happened to be
present. He says the Genl. received him with cold and formal politeness,
asked him to be seated and spoke to him no more during the time my
informant was there, which was ten or fifteen minutes. Buck's dreams
of honors under the next administration are with the things that have
been. He is a man of more than ordinary talents, but he has an unfortu-
nate obliquity of vision and you know Judge Henderson's opinion upon
that subject. I wish you could know all our great men. But it would
take a volume to describe all, even, that I know and to tell you all I
have heard of some of them. This subject shall form the theme of
some pleasant evenings when I shall meet you Mr. Brown, Col. Bobards,
Mr. Boylan and some others in Baleigh.

I beg you to present my kind remembrance to them and my other
friends in Baleigh whom you may meet and to believe me

Very sincerely

Yours

Ja. Iredell.

You see I have written in haste but it is too late at night to copy my
letter or correct blunders. Show the political part of my letter only
to a few friends.

[Address : Baleigh N. C]

From Boiert W. Brown?-

Wilmington, No. Cabo. 28th Feby, 1829.

Anxious as a father and in order to make timely arrangements, I
intrude upon you the subject of my elder Son,^ who is now on the last
half year, in the Senr. Class, at Chapel Hill, with Doct. Caldwell, from
those in whom I have confidence, from their experience and better judg-
ment and for whom I entertain very great respect, I would respectfully
ask a free and candid expression of opinion as to the proper course to
pursue, when and how. In placing John first at the Hill I found it,
absolutely necessary to fix his boarding and lodging at some respectable
place other than a public house. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell were kind
enough to take him in and as I was so fortunate in that matter we have
felt satisfied that his moral character would be well guarded and that
from the society with them he would be greatly benefitted. I shall never
regret that expense and acknowledge ourselves much f avor'd besides. At
a distance it is hardly possible for a parent to know or find out all the
foibles and improprieties of a Child — if he has been guilty when out of

lA merchant of Wilmington.

sjohn Potts Brown, later a merchant in New York.

476 Thx North Caboijka Hibtobigai, Coifiossioir.

their sight I hope it has been but Seldom — but, I flatter myself that
he has thro'out conducted himself in a becoming manner. In Wilming-
ton I can never think of training him, the examples of youth^ here, will
not do, — and my great desire is to place him out of the reach of dissipa-
tion and everything like frolic and show — ^he is inclined to study Law
if I can make an arrangemont with yourself mutually agreeable,
it would afford us great satisfaction. I would ask, first, if you will take
my Son, and at what place or situation wou'd he live — ^whether in your
own family or not and with the whole condition and terms! Ralei^
itself may be too gay and lively to expect a youth to be as studious as
necessary and to be elsewhere, not under your inmiediate direction,
instruction and care would be worse. Example and society, for the time
being, it appears to me, is fully one half, if, then the twig is properly
inclined he may rise and prosper.

My object is to obtain the best situation and opportunities the country
affords — regardless of expense when judiciously bestowed. I boldly
hasten this letter to you under the belief that you will take me to be as
sincere as I presume to write and to draw such a reply and remarks from
your kind pen, on a subject, as one like myself is so little experienced in.

Should it not be agreeable to your family and self to take John, where
would you recommend met He was 18 yrs. old on 5th Jany. past, do
you think it necessary that he should commence his studies soon after
quitting College or should he apply himself to any other reading?' I
am very desirous that he should become as perfect as possible in the
f rench and Spanish languages and thought if by the advice of friends,
it would be no disadvantage that I should avail myself of leisure the
ensuing summer and go ITorth with him that he may first see a little of
his own country and people — manners and customs.

[P. S.] Having a vessel just in from Liverpool I have put on board
the boat part of an English Cheese directed to you and sent to care Mr.
McNeill at Fayetteville which please to accept and furnish Mr. Boylan
with a piece of it.

[Address : Saleigh N". C]

From William Polk.

[Ralbioh, K C, Feb. 28, 1829.]
The enclosed containing the shrieking of '^one of the people" was sent
me by Thos. G. Polk^ — and rec<*. on Tuesday last — with a request that I
would send it to you.

iThomas O. Polk of Rowan was a man of considerable political infinence.
He was a member of the House of Commons, 1829-1833; of the Senate, 1835-
1838.

The Euffin Papers. 477

Thubsday 29th. 1829
I presume Fisher^ is the author; tho' Thomas says nothing in that
reepect, it ought to be answered, with as much personality as the piece
win admit.

[Endorsed in BufSin's hand] :
— ^No ! No 1 1 — The attack is undeserved and not worth answering, come
from whom it may: !N'ews-papers cannot slander a man of the least char-
acter. They have said and are wellcome to say all they can and all they
please of me.—

[Enclosube]

[From the Yadkin and Catawba Journal of Feb. 10, 1829,']

The Legislature of the State has adjourned, contrary to general expec-
tation, without doing anything respecting the Banks, either to bring those
guilty institutions to justice, or to arrest the harsh and unfeeling meas-
ures of the State Bank. Was this well done? For one, I say, honor and
re-election to that portion of the Legislature who stood firm as the
friends of the people and the law, — ^but distrust and rejection to those
who shrunk from their duty on that important occasion.

As the Legislature has broke up, and left the people to the mercy of
the merciless, seriously does it behoove them to look well into the matter.
During the coming summer, much havoc will be committed by the cor-
porate tyrants of the State; but let the people be of good cheer; let them
prove but true to themselves, and the day of retribution is near at hand.
The gallows which the rich and haughty Haman erected for the unofFend-
ing Israelite, was the instrument of Haman's own destruction: — the
measures adopted by the ITabobs at Baleigh to ruin the State, like
Haman's gallows, will at last accomplish the ends of justice; — they will
arouse the sleeping lion in his liar, and woe betide the wretches that
have awakened his fury.

History teaches us that in all popular governments there is a constant
struggle going on between the people on the one hand and the spirits of
aristocracy on the other. The struggle is most imperceptible to common
observation, as it is always disguised under various forms ; but ever and
anon it breaks out into open contest. If in these contests the people can
be sufficiently aroused to see their danger, their triumph is certain, and
the cause of liberty stands reassured; but should the day arrive when
the people have become so drugged by the opiates of subtle aristocracy,
as not to take the alarm, then the knell of liberty may toll, the genius of
freedom will take her departure and Lords will soon drive in their gilded
chariots, where freemen now walk.

iCharles Fisher of Rowan. 1789-1849, member of the state Senate, 1818;
member of Congress, 1819, 1821, 1839-1841 ; member of the House of Commons,
1822-1823, 1833, 1836; delegate to the convention of 1835.

478 Thi 19'obth Cabouna Historical CoMMisaiosr.

Such ifl the struggle now commenced in IT^orth Carolina*

By arts the most designing^ the legislature and the people of the State,
for the past ten years, have been held under the spell-bound influence of
the banks; and particularly of that bank misnamed — the State Bank.
So great has been this influence, that when a few years since the Governor
of the State had the firmness to call their conduct in question, the Diree^
tors at Raleigh boldly stepped out and hurled the gauntlet of defiance
at the Gk>yemor and the Legislature; and all the newspapers in the
State sung out — '%ng live the king.'' The number of stockholders in
the State Bank we have seen elsewhere stated to be 495 ; and of these,
it may be said, that at least two-thirds have been ignorant of the pro-
ceedings, and innocent of the practice of the Bank. The other one-third
say 150 stockholders, owning more than one million dollars worth of
stock are the men who managed, directed and controlled the affairs of
that institution. These compose the real aristocracy of the land; and
of all aristocracies, the most dangerous is a monied aristocracy. Mam-
mon is their Gk>d — self-interest their polar star. These are the men who
are now at work to ruin the State, and the contest is with them. ^Nothing
should be done, nothing will be done to affect the innocent; bat let the
unrighteous Feliz tremble in the seat of power.

These Lordly stockholders, dividing a million among 150 of them-
selves, have been so long reaping a rich harvest of gains out of the people
of North-Carolina, that they are now dissatisfied with moderate profits.
Times are changed, and they can no longer divide 8 per cent, with occa-
sionally bonuses of 10 to 35 per cent; and they have come to the conclu-
sion to call in their debts without any regard to the condition of the
community, but only looking to their own sordid interest. Let us wind
up, say they, at once ; let us call in our debts and get the money into our
own hands : — ^we can make more than 5 per cent, out of it by shaving
notes and by buying up property at sheriff sales. But, says a whispering
spirit, "the people! — ^you will ruin the people." Mammon answers —
^'What are the people to us ! — we must look to our own interest.*** It
is better that the people should suffer ; it is better that the poor man, with
his wife and his helpless children, should be turned out of doors ; it is
better that we should swell the tide of emigration to the west — than that
we should get only 5 per cent, on our money ! Therefore, let us call in
our debts, and get the capital into our own hands.

People of North-Carolina! never have the times gone by, since you
have been a people, that called more loudly than the present for you to
be up and doing. The enemy is in the field, — ^not the open foe, that
meets you on the beach, and risks his life for victory; but the secret
enemy of your rights, who plots in darkness — ^who comes like the thief at

*This is the oft-repeated answer of the late president of the State Bank;
and the present Incumhent seems to be a worthy successor, for the first act of
his "administration" plainly speaks that language of Shylock the Jew: give me
the pound of flesh, said the Jew; . . . give us our money . . . jiay
us up in ten equal installments, says the new president. [This note is part of
the original article. — Ed.]

, The EuFFm Fapbbs. 479

night — who has already made a lodgement in your castles and home-
steads : — this is the enemy that you must grapple^ or he will grapple you.
You will see him at the polls in August next ; meet him there^ and put
him down. No pains will be spared by the Banks to bring into the next
legislature men that will advocate their cause^ and defend their conduct ;
let the people then^ require of every man who is a candidate^ a declaration
of his sentiments ; let them vote for men who will do something to protect
their rights; who will preserve the rights of the innocent stockholders^
but will bring to justice the guilty agents. It is not enough that they
should be exposed; — the honor and character of the State require that
they should be punished. When in the City of New York frauds were
detected in the agents of the chemical bank, they were prosecuted, con-
victed and put in the State-prison: — why should the agents of similar
frauds in the State Bank escape with impunity?

This is plain language, but the times require it : — and why, Mr. Editor,
I would ask, do you and the other Editors in the State sleep on your
posts? Are the watchmen asleep in the watch-tower?— or are they, like
thousands of others, under the influence of the banks ? If they sleep, the
writer hereof will try occasionally to disturb their slumbers.

0ns of the Pboplb.

From Nicholas M. Hentz?-

Chapel Hill, March 1st, 1829
Accept my very sincere thanks for your kind services to me, and for
the willingness expressed in your letter to oblige us. I long for an oppor-
tunity to manifest my gratitude.

I have inquired more particularly about Mr. AUsbrook's inn as a
boarding place for the students ; and have been confirmed in my previous
opinion on that subject. The house and the man are decent enough, and
I have heard nothing particularly unfavourable of either. I would
select that place as soon as any other ; but the company which your son
finds there is not in every respect as unexceptionable as might be desired.
Some of the young gentlemen who board there are not distinguished for
studiousness nor for the purest morality.

This, however, is by no means the most important subject of con-
sideration. I am convinced that the intercourse which the young men
have there, and the danger of dissipation or corruption are not so great
as in the College buildings. A lady, in the boarding house, usually pre-
sides at the table, and a check therefore is put to any licentious conver-
sation. The meals are, as far as I know, always ready at the appointed

iNicholas Marcellus Hentz, 1797-1866, a native of France, professor of
modem languages at the University, 1826-1831.

480 Thx Nobth Cabolina Historicai, Commibsiok.

hour, 80 that very little or no time is ever lost in waiting. The yonng
gentlemen sit a very short time at their meals; I have often thon^t
much too short for health or perhaps good manners. In one word I really
think that as much mischief may be created in the recitation room, under
our own eyes, by private intercourse which we cannot forbid, as in the
worst boarding house.

It is chiefly at nighty and that at the latest hours that corruption finds
its way in college. No regulation short of one which should make aU the
Professors inhabit the buildings, and watch the greatest part of the night,
can have any effect in preventing mischief. Those young men who are
engaged in any unlawful pursuit are always informed of our approach
when we visit the buildings, and the chief result of those visitations is
the ducking of a Professor's hat, with the addition now and then of a
stone or brickbat. It is on that account that I regret with you that Mr.
Hooper could not this session give boarding and lodging particularly to
your son.

I think it highly desirable that he should if possible be placed in a
situation similar to that which he enjoyed heretofore. Could he not be
accomodated at Dr. Caldwell's? I sincerely regret that I am not able to
make the offer to you myself. I would do it with readiness, as I own
to you with frankness I think your son is in some danger now, I may
say in considerable danger. If you could pass through Chapel Hill when
your business calls you to Hillsborough it might be well for you to inquire
into that subject. But if you cannot, and you think I may be of any
service to you in this or any other case, command me, and you will find
me ready to do all that is in my power to fulfil your wishes.

[Address : Ealeigh N. C]

From David F. Caldwell}

EooKFOSD March 2nd 1829.

I received yours of the 20th on Saturday night last and seize this as
the first leisure moment to answer it. I had anticipated your wishes^
tho' I have not made my intentions public.

I had been urged to become a candidate by several persons at home and
in the neighboring counties, but was rather inclined to continue in my
humble private station, and attend to the affairs of my own household,
until I discovered that efforts were making to exclude me from the legis-
lature, This same Mr. Fisher being then author and active instigator.
I ascertained the fact at Mecklenburg County Court, and resolved at
once that if I were excluded, it should cost him and his confederates a
struggle. This determination is known to a very few of my friends, but

will be made known in due time. I do not wish it made blown, until I

iDavld F. Caldwell of Iredell, 1790-1859, member of the Commons, 1816-1S20;
state senator from Rowan, 1829-1831; speaker, 1831; judge of the Superior
Court, 1844-1869.

Thb Buffin Fapebs. 481

proclaim it myself which will be in a short time. I did intend to attend
Ash Sup : Court, but have resolved to return to Salisbury from Wilkes,
for the purpose of organizing my friends. The contest will be violent
and one that no man ought to court, but I made up mind promptly not
to be driven off the ground without a contest, and to that resolution I
shall adhere. I have not meddled in the politicks of Town or County; —
I was pushed into the Legislature in 1825 against my wishes; — I am
very much disposed to remain at my own fireside, but I cannot consent
to be run over by an arch intriguing demagogue. I am not as strong
in opposition to a man, who will adopt every stratagem however mean,
leave no stone unturned and no lie untold, as Mr. Sneed supposed. The
chances are in my favor, but not certain. He is already a declared candi-
date. Some of my friends think he will back out when he ascertains that
I am a candidate. I do not think so. On the contrary I anticipate aui
angry vindictive struggle, the more so as all Borough elections are.

I think you have been misinformed as to the Bank excitement. It
has a very limited operation as yet. This said Mr. F. is doing every
thing in his power and thro' his few tools to rush the storm. A friend
of mine will be a candidate for the Senate who I know will be firm to his
purpose in defiance of public clamour. His election I look upon as
entirely safe.

I must again express my regret at Mr. Sneed's absence. He is doing
injustice to himself and to the Bank. When in Bank I adhere strictly
to the rule laid down subject to the exceptions mentioned in your last
letter. I so understood the rule at first. I tell you in strict confidence,
that I have a timid inefficient set to back me with one exception. They
are afraid of a shadow. Very good men and very good neighbors, but
they are afraid of loosing a customer on the sale of a paper of pins or
pound of Sugar.

If I had better paper I would write you more at length. This letter
must be cast into the fire.

[Address : Ealeigh K C]

From Adam Lochhart.

March 3rd. 1829—
I am soliciting Beverly DanieP Esquire for the appointment, to take
the next census, in Anson County, he honoured me with the appointment
in 1810, for which I have ever been thankful I am still needy, and wish
fche appointment again, and in this way Judge, most humbly solicit you,
Lf it is consistent with your standing, to intercede with the Marshal on
tny behalf.

iBeverly Daniel was for a great many years United States marshal for
SoTth Carolina.

483 Ths Nobth Cabouna Hibtobical CoMHiBsioir.

Judge I liope you will excuse me, in making thus free with 700, there
ia no man living in Raleigh, that have manifested, to me, themaehe^
the friend as plain as yourself, and independent to that, there is no man
living, that I would sooner rely on. Judge if you have no objection. I
hope the time is not far distant when you will take that ascending step,
that was by me predicted 10. years past which to see, would be vor
gratifying to me, Sir the kind letter you wrote me, in conaeqnenoe of the
one I wrote hastily to you from Smithfield, has confinnedy my long
standing opinion of you, he that acts the man, tho never so poor, is the
man for you.

Judge if the Marshal should favour me with the appointment and I
should live to complete my numbers, I shall expect to make my retains
at Raleigh in person, where, if you are living, I shall be truly gratifyed
to see you, and shake your hand once more.

The citizens of Anson are Generally well — my sincere prayer to heaven
is, that you may live, and enjoy the good things of the world in ev^
respect, as long as it is consistent with heaven, and after alls at an end
in this world, go where peace and plenty will be enjoyed by you throng
a long eternity — the sweets of heaven.

[P. S.] Judge, I have wrote to the Marshal, by this mail a letter of
the same date and day of yours, if agreeable to you I wish you to see
him immediately on the reception of this.

[Address : Raleigh N. C]

From John L, Henderson.

Salisbuby March the 6th — 1829
Since my return to this place I have endeavoured to assertain as far
as I could the wish of the Barr in this part of the State as to your pre-
tentions to a seat on the Supreme Court Bench. I believe I can say there
is an anxious and unanimous wish that your engagements with the State
Bank may not be of such a character as to prevent your acceptance of
that appointment. Charles Fisher is the only person of any influence
who is opposed to your pretentions, and I am confident that his opposi-
tion will be of no avail. He is to be a candidate for the Borough, bat
I am pretty sure he will be very easily beaten by Mr Caldwell^ who has
consented to be the opposing candidate. If you should consent to be a
candidate I calculate to a certainty of your success before the council. I
have pretty accurately assertained that the three Western Grentlemen
will Support you. Qenl Gray, JeflFers and MacBryde, and I did under-
stand before I left Raleigh that Mr Lockhart^ would not under any
circumstances Support Mr Seawell there being a personal dislike. Bnt

iCaldwell was elected as predicted.

2William B. Lockhart of Northampton, a member of the council, 182$-1S29.

The Buffin Papebs. 488

Mr Sneed who arrived here on yesterday^ informed me it was reported in
Baleigh that he would support Mr Seawell. I can scarcely credit it.
But even if it should be so, three certain votes, with a chance of one of
the remaining four, which added to the great probability of all not
attending renders your appointment certain. Though it is to be regretted
that the acceptance of your late appointment has rendered you somewhat
unpopular, Yet among the reflecting and intelligent it has made no
change, and it is to be hoped before the meeting of the next Legislature
it will all blow over. But even if the prejudice should continue against
you, Still you stand on much higher ground than your opponent Mr
Seawell who has the unhappy talent of making so many enemies, and
whose unpopularity has been proverbial for years. I should be glad to
hear from you soon — I am extremely anxious for your success.
[Address : Baleigh N. C]

From Henry T. Oamett.

"Washington Citt 8th March 1829.
As a relation I desire to trespass a little upon your time, in requesting
your attention to matters in which you have no interest any further than
you may be disposed to be of service to me. Ever since I left Carolina,
in consequence of the change of times and the embarrassment of my
father, I have been in straightened circumstances. I married in 1822
and being unpracticed in the management of agricultural concerns I
suffered a plantation of tolerable fertility on the Potomac Eiver to
involve me in debt instead of bettering my condition. I have been strug-
gling for the last 2 years unsuccessfully as yet to disengage myself from
this burden. My farm lies on the river below this place about 80 miles,
and various considerations have induced me to move to this place; the
weightiest however, is that I may be enabled on the spot to attend to the
lumber and wood business which I carry on from the farm to consider-
able extent and to superintend the deposit of these articles for the winter
market which necessarily is best. This business however occupies but
a small portion of my time and I am anxious to obtain a situation in
one of the public offices as a clerk in order that my personal services
may be more effective to my family. Our relation Jno. Boane the
member of Congress from the King and Queen district offers me his
best services with the new Administration, Mr. Taliaferro* the member
from the District in which my property lies and from which I have this
winter removed is my particular friend in this matter, but being unac-
quainted to any extent with the members of the cabinet I fear he will be
without sufficient influences to beneflt me. I therefore solicit your serv-
ices in introducing me to Mr. Branch the Secretary of the Navy, if dis-

iJohn Taliaferro, 1768-1852, M. C, 1801-1803, 181M813, 1824-1831, 1836-1843.

4&4 The, Xobth Caboldta Hibtosicai. CoMMissiOiir.

posed to befriend me; iriiick from jour great kindness to me when in
Carolina I hare no ri^t to doobc It is to doe to jon on this occasion to
saj that the cirrmnstanees of embarrassment aUnded to above hare pre-
Ten;ed me from discharging a debt due to yonr brother-in-law Mr. Cain
of small amoont ; and conseq[iientl7 of soffering in reputation with tint
gentleman as well as with Consin James. Throngh yon I desire to saj
to them both that neeesntr alone has prevented me hitherto ; bat during
this jear it shall be paid with interest. Untill little more than a jear
past I was wild, extravagant and dissipated in my habits. I mean hj
dissipation, fondness for gaming, not intemperance, as I never wis
addicted to strong drink. It pleased God at the period referred to, to
open mv eyes, and to discover unto me my lost and ruined condition
by nature. I thank him that I was not disobedient to the call of his
holy Spirit, that I turned my attention seriously to the subject of
Religion and shortly I trust found the pearl of great price and cast in
my lot with the poor despised Xaaarenes called Methodists of wlud
denomination of God*s people I am yet an unworthy member and hope to
continue with thexn on earth and to join with them in heaven. From the
time of the change imtiU now I have been oideavouring to undo all the
wrong I ever did so far as in my power to repair every act of injustice—
to pay every just debt and place myself in a situation in which I shsll
^owe no man anything^ but good will which is the utmost of my wishes,
except the genteel support of my family consisting now of a wife (also
a methodist) and two little boys. I shall shortly be able to accomplish
this desideratum I believe and then I hope my good friends and relatirei
in Carolina will forgive me for anything diat has been wrong in my
conduct towards them as I know it is. If you have any hesitation in
assisting me on this occasion (which I know a correspondence between
you and Mr. B. would do) in consequence of our long separation and
your ignorance of my present character, I will upon such an intimation
satisfy you by letters from individuals Imown to you and by a recomend-
ing certificate from the member of Congress, the members of the l^is-
lature and all the justices of the county in iriuch I rende, of which latter
body I was a member for the last six years preoeeding my removal I
can say no more, only that by the blessing of God, you shall never hare
cause to blush for any exertions you may think proper to use to serre
your relation.

P. S. Be kind enough to remember me to your family and the rest of
my relations. Our Va. friends were well a few days since. If you ansr.
this, direct (with any letter yr. kindness may prompt, enclosed) to this
place. The sooner if favourably disposed towards me I hear from yon
the better it will be for me as the situations will be filling up shortly. I
write in great haste and have endeavoured to be frank. Excuse mj
inaccuracies.

[Address : Baleigh, X. C]

The Buffin Fafebs. 485

From David L, Swain.

AsHBviLLs 13 Mar. 1829.

I believe I promised to write to you from Salisbury on my way home,
and if so owe you an apology for not having done so.

The truth is that I was so completely put out, in all my calculations,
by ascertaining from Col. Folk, that he had transmitted the name of
Mr. Wilson to the Grovernor, as a candidate for the vacancy on the bench,
that I knew not what to say. It occurred to me that it would be useless
to communicate the bare fact, that Mr. W. would be in nomination, since
the intelligence would reach you just as soon in another way.

Mr. Caldwell with whom I conversed on the subject seemed to entertain
the opinion that Mr. Wilsons name would be ultimately withdrawn, and
I cannot be induced to believe that if unsuccessful before the Counsel,
as he must be, he will compete for it in the Legislature. He is as you
well know a favorite with the bar, in the extreme West, and would com-
mand a strong support from that portion of the Legislature representing
his own circuit. If however your circumstances will admit of your suc-
ceeding the Chief Justice, and you are disposed to do so, I can not
believe that very strong opposition can be gotten up against you, and if
Mr. Wilson should ultimately decline, your elevation would meet with
no opposition, so far as my information extends. My circuit will con-
vene in a fortnight and should a more extended intercourse change my
opinions I shall not fail to communicate it frankly and fully.

I mentioned to you while in Baleigh the wish of a friend of mine to
obtain a loan from the Bank of $2000, on the condition of his repaying
it in U. S. Paper in ten instalments of $200 each. At his request I
renew the application. He receives regularly from the government $300
quarterly in U. S. paper, it would be to him a matter of great con-
venience to anticipate his receipts, and he is anxious to obtain $1800,
payable in six instalments of $300 at every ninety days. He is a worthy
man, is entirely good for his contracts, and can give any security that
may be required.

I have no doubt you have many applications where equally strong
motives are urged to obtain accomodations, and that expectations created
in this way are not unfrequently disappointed. I am very confident
however, that such would not be the case in the present instance. If you
entertain the opinion that Mr. Colemans application upon the terms I
have proposed would be successful, I will thank you to advise me as
early as convenient.

Thos. Buffin esq.

[Address : Baleigh, N. C]

486 Thb Nobth Cabolina Histobical Commissioiv.

From Frederick Nash.

P1TT8BOBO the 20th Marcli, [1829]

By the special direction of our old friend Mann Patterson^ I encloee
you a Petition to be laid before the Governor with a request on his part,
that you will give to it such weight as you may deem yourself at liberty
[to] exert. Tou will perceive the names of many respectable individualsy
influenced no doubt by a wish to smooth to the old man as far as they
can his last few expiring moments.

Immersed as you are in cent per cent you have I suspect no time to
think of things less interesting. Has the vacancy on the Supreme Court
Bench lost for you all importance, or has it become stale? Have you
heard that Jeffers will vote for you before the council! I very mudi
judge that you at this time care very little about it.

I hope Mrs. Ru£5in has by this time begun to feel herself at home. I
have no hope that she will permitt her new friends to supercede her old
ones. Catherine is young — ^her feelings elastic — and by this time doubt-
less she is reconciled to the change. Present me respectfully if yon
please to the former — to the latter give my love. I long to see her happy,
spnny face.

[Address: Raleigh]

From John M. Dich.

Gbbbnbbobo March the 21st 1829.
As you have so far honoured me with your confidence, as to let me
know that you would accept an appointment to the Supreme Court Bench
if tendered to you by the Governor and Council, I take a pleasure in
Communicating to you some information I have this morning had from
J. M. Morehead Esqr. Qenl. Gray was at his house a few days since on
his way to Philadelphia with his wife. The Qenl lately had a conver-
sation with Govr. Owen in Fayetteville. He said the Governor seemed
anxious to make an appointment that would probably be confirmed by
the Legislature. The Governor further informed him that he would
put oS calling the Counsel for some time as he was desirous to ascertain
if posseable the choice of the Community at large. The Genl. further
stated it to be his opinion that the Governor was in favour of your
appointment. The Qenl. is not only decidedly for you, but said to Mr.
M. if the Counsel should be called before he returned he would come
on to Raleigh (if the health of his wife would admit), and attend the
meeting of the Counsel. I hope he will get home before the Counsel
meets. Mr. M. says if he does not, he will write to the Grenl. and insist
on his coming to Raleigh to attend the meeting. In this part of the

The Buffin Pafebs. 487

State we are unanimous for you. Mr. Morehead will write to Gh>vr.
Owen and inform him of the wishes of the profession and also of the
people in this Section.

I understand a report is in circulation that you will not accept the
executive appointment if it is offered to you^ and that the Directors of
the Bank will not consent for you to leave the Bank.

This report I presume is wholly unfounded and has been got up for the
purpose of injuring you.

I fancy the Governor understands that you will not refuse the appoint-
ment if tendered to you, and if he is realy anxious to make an appoint-
ment that will be confirmed by the Legislature, he will not be in favour
of appointing Mr. Seawell.

I hope all will yet be as your friends here wish it.

It is now settled that I will be a candidate in the Senate and probably
without opposition — as Jonathan^ told me yesterday that he would be
off if I would offer. I hope MendenhalP and Simpson' will be my
Colleagues as they can always be relyed on.

Be pleased to tender my respects to your family.

Thomas Buffin Esquire.

[Address: Baleigh N. C]

From James 8. Smith.

Bjllsbobo March 22, 1829.

I have addressed by this days mail, at the request of Qenl. Gray one
of the executive council, a letter to Gov. Owen. The Genl. passed here
on thursday, in company with his wife, on his way to Philadelphia, to
procure the assistance of Dr. Physick. . . .

The Genl.s stay was short, but whilst he was here, I had a conversation
with him on the subject of filling the vacancy on the supreme court bench.
He concured with me intirely on the importance of the appointment and
the great necessity of filling it with the best legal talent of the State. As
I had no authority to give any but my own opinions and impressions,
I gave no other. But on my own responsibility alone, I took the liberty
of introducing your name, and was glad to find that it intirely met the
views of the (Jeneral. He was very desirous to know whether you would
except the apointment if offered to you. To which I replied, that recently
appointed to a very important station, and having excepted the appoint-
ment I thought it probable that you were placed in a delicate situation,
and and that it would deter you in all probability from soliciting the
office of Judge of the Supreme Court ; But that I thot that I was war-

1 Jonathan Parker of Guilford, member of the Commons, 1800-1806; Senate,
1807-1809, 181M816.
2George C. Mendenhall.
SFrancis L. Simpson, a member of the Commons from 1825 to 1830.

488 Thb Nobth CABOLmA Historical Comhibsiok.

ranted in saying that all your predilections were in favor of your pro-
fessional pursuits, and that the only way to place you at liberty from
your present engagements, was to appoint you to the office, and that wodU
place you at liberty to determine whether a Bank corporation, whoae life
was to be but short, or the interests of all the people of X. C. had tlie
highest claim on you, that I thought I could determine which side would
preponderate.

He then requested me to write to Qov. Owen on his behalf, and inf oim
him of his visit to Philadelphia, and the pressing necessity which gira
rise to it. Also to inform him of the great interest which he felt in tlse
appointment of a Judge, and his regret at being absent, and farther
requested the Gk)v. to defer the convention of the Council to the most
remote day, which might be consistent with the interest of the public, and
that if Mrs. Gray was not so far convalescent, as to be able to travd,
he would leave her, and come on to Raleigh, vote and return.

I have made you the communication to enable you to make your cal-
culations. That you might know that the Qenl. is your friend, and ^t
if you thought it right and proper to do so, you could through those in
whom you could confide, influence the Gov. to delay to the latest Period
the meeting of his council. In my letter to the Governor, I took the
liberty to give my own opinion, and that of the country in which I live,
of the importance of the office, and the necessity that existed, to fill it
with the first order of legal talent, such as would meet public expecta-
tion; But I did not in the remotest degree, hint at any name;, or person.

I feel much interest in this matter, first from my own good wishes to
you individually, and secondly from a desire to see the Bench of the
Supreme Court, such as will confer credit on the State, and insure
Justice in the last resort to its citizens.

Thos. Buffin Esqr.

[Address: Baleigh N*. C]

From David Clark,

Albin 28th March 1829.
I have received your Letter of the 17th Inat. I will communicate t«
Mrs. Hall your opinion so far as she is interested; as respects myself —
I have felt but little concern in the business — if anything comes at a
future day well — I have so great an aversion to strife in words or deeds;
particularly where law has to be resorted to ; I have uniformly avoided
touching any business, that probably might produce it, Tho' it has fallen
to my lot to have abundance of it. Could I have foreseen what I should
have to encounter by residing here and taking upon myself heavy busi-
ness ; wherein the interests of others was so much involved and so com-
plicated— I would have sooner removed hundreds of miles. If any
reasonable amount at commencement would have purchased permanent

The Buffin Pafebs. 489

peace and quiet, I should have paid it — ^but I found too many with whom
I unfortunately had to act for and come in contact — ^had no bounds to
their ill feeling and avarice; doubtful whether they would been quiet
aa the Algerines by annual tribute — the more I yielded, harder they
pressed. I now believe if I had acted the Porcupine at commencement
I should have had much less strife, — this I did not foresee — nor my dis-
position and feelings of the nature of strife and bearly enough of opposi-
tion— I forbear too much. I hope you will be able to get the Bank affairs
in a situation to enable those immediately interested to settle all at a
short period. I prefer having control of my own Stock — that I may
eay it is mine. That I may not be fleeced out of it by demagogues and
those exercising their latent vices brought forward under the countenance
and support of outragious acts of the more hardened and bold, the greater
the outrage the cleverer the fellow— equity and character not worth their
notice — no check to them.

I thank God as yet ; there has been virtue enough in our Country to
keep and support a Judiciary — there I place my best Bower — my confi-
dence and reliance for the protection of character life and property —
good order and equity in all matters touching the good of our country.
Only let us have good and able Men on the seat of Justice, duly sup-
ported and protected; we may rest in full faith, that we shall not be
fleeced. Monied institutions are of importance to the community, at
least their effects — ^sometimes produces good — often evils. Of course
creates debtors, then insolvents and then generally very restless and bad
citizens; not only ungrateful, but harsh and violent against character
and property and everything Uke order or morality. I would not vote
for Banks, unless in a dense population and large commercial trans-
actions.

We should have our attention, constantly to the maintenance of the
Judiciary; yielding minor objects, particularly little matters of tem-
porary interest, such as Banks — ^whether 2^^ or 6 pr ct. on which I
consider something like toys when compared with an enlightened and
faithful Judiciary. I may err in my Judgment as I often do and allow
it and my feelings to carry me too far, whenever a shadow of matter
touches civil authority.

I lament the situation of our friend — I recollect when I heard his

birth announced — it was hailed with joy in the company I enjoyed. I

was long acquainted with both his Father and Mother they were most

worthy persons. The Father and Mother of his Lady were much my

friends.

*******

I am aware of the very great weight of 'business you have had on you
for months past — tho' familiar to you. Miss Anne and myself had
some feeling of complaint against you but as you could not hear us, we
did not think it fair to use it. We as we should have done, made allow-
ance. I hope it is unnecessary for me to say, I should be very glad to
see you at my House and to have more than one night of your company.

490 The North Cabouna Histobical CoMuiBSi<m.

I expect to be at home until the 7th I hope— then leave to meet the Direc-
tors of the R. N. Co. at Weldon — and return perhaps the 10th ApL I
am a witness at our S. Court, may leave home on Monday Evening or
Tuesday Morning of Court Week. I wish Mr. Browne would oome with
you. The Stock Holders should be greatly pleased with the late trans-
actions of the Principal Bank.

Please present my best respects to Mrs. Ruffin^ Miss Catherine and
Miss Anne. The Stage has arrived, adieu

[P. S.] I was so engaged with Mr. Pollock last night and getting
Colin off for Phila and elsewhere in search of health and of William
to Maryland to school — where he preferred to go I have not taken time
enough to write you — ^tho' I have scrawled a Lengthy Epiatle — given
better for worse.

[Address: Raleigh.]

From David F. Caldwell.

Salisbury March 30th 1829.
Tour letter mailed from Morganton and received at that place would
have been answered as requested, but one from this place mailed today
will reach you as soon as one from that place. I assure and without
affectation, that I have always viewed myself as moving in an humble
sphere, and my opinions upon matters of moment as entitled to but little
weight. Such however as they are, you shall have them in that spirit
of candor you are pleased to ascribe to me. In relation to your connec-
tion with the Bank and your obligation to continue, if such it can be
called, it is a di£5iculty I have regretted most seriously ever since the
vacancy on the bench of the Supreme Court occurred and I cannot a£Srm
that I have made up an opinion even satisfactory to myself. I should
regret the loss of your services to the Banks, but I should regret much
more the loss of them on the Bench of the Supreme Court. It does scan
to me that you could be elected by the Legislature, in opposition to any
of the candidates named, tho' another might fill the temporary appoint-
ment. By the meeting of the Legislature the condition of the Bank will
be more prosperous, the excitement I hope and believe will have in some
measure subsided, and the stockholders will not be so loth to part with
you, but if the Governor and Council should confer the appointment
on you without solicitation on your part, I am of opinion you ought to
accept. If the Stockholders were to view the subject as citizens, and
apart from their immediate interest, they ought not to hesitate to absolve
you, even supposing an emplyed obligation to exist. They ought to know,
that the present period more especially demands, that the best talents
of the State should be sought for and placed on the supreme court Bench.
They ought further to reflect, and to know that it is the strong arm of the
Judiciary, that is one day or the other to protect her the people from the

Thb Ruffin Pafebs. 491

misrule made ambition and reckless efforts of a victorious faction^ com-
posed of desperate designing and unprincipled men^ and unless the
Supreme Court be composed of talent firmness and integrity it will not
be the shield contemplated by our ancestors. I have already said that
in my opinion you can be elected by the Legislature, and in answer to
your inquiry as to your strength here, I answer that your support from
the Bar will be nearly unanimous, perhaps entirely so. I learn from
Judge Mangum that Wilson is not a candidate. I have not approached
him myself for two reasons ; first I could not support him in preference
to yourself and secondly he might suppose that I was seeking his pro-
motion to the end that I might fill his present appointment. He cannot
unite the Bar and that is saying enough. I fear that efforts are making
on the circuit, I will not say by whom, to rally a party against the Bank.
I pray Gh>d that I may be forgiven for my conjectures, but appearances
are strong against those, who ought to abhor such a course. Seeing and
hearing these things I could not be indifferent, and as far as my influence
extends, tho' not far, I have stimulated my friends in private to come
forth. I done nothing in Surry because I had not heard and did not
perceive what was going on. In Wilkes and Ash they are all safe. At
Burke Court, I urged Robt. Burton and Col. Avery and they have both
intimated that they would offer for their respective counties. I will again
write them and reiterate the necessity. I expect to see Phifer^ and
Barringer^ in a few days both of whom are hostile to the proceedings of
the last Legislature and I am not without hope that one or both of them
can be got out. Neither shall I be indifferent to old Iredell. True that
county for several years has been ruled by demagogues, but I am not
without some hope even there. This letter ought to be sealed to a Mill-
stone and cast into the sea.

If my wishes are to be consulted, Doctor Torrence would be my choice,
to fill the vacancy in the Board.

From John M. Dick,

Greensbobo April 5th 1829.
Agreeable to my promise I now write you on the subject I feel a deep
and unending interest in (to wit) Tour elevation to the Supreme Court
Bench. I had a conversation with R. Alexander also with John Giles,
Richmond Pearson* etc.

iProba^ly John Phifer of Oabarrue.

2Danlel M. Barrlnger began his public career in the legislature of 1829.

SRlchmond Pearson of Rowan, 1805-1879, entered public life as a member
of the House of Commons in 1829. He was elected judge of the Superior
Court in 1836, elevated to the Supreme Court in 1848, and became chief Justice
in 1858.

492 Thx Nobth Cabouna Histobical Commis8ion.

Mr. Alexander ia still for yon but says in the event Mr. Wilson is a
candidate (which he doubts) he cannot say much. Mr. Giles is very
warmly in your interest and informed me that the members of the Bar
in Montgomery and Anson were decidedly for you without exception.
He further remarked that he waited at home a day longer than he in-
tended to see Mr. Caldwell but failed to do so, from him he expected to
learn the wishes of the profession in the West. Mr. Giles and Mr.
Pearson are both of Opinion that the profession in the West will be
very far from supporting Mr. Wilson for the appointment generally.
Mr. Pearson will probably be in the Assembly from Bowan and it is
hoped and believed that Mr. Caldwell will be out for Salisbury. Mr.
Morehead informed me that he had written to the Governor from Ban-
dolph and also to Mr. Bailey the Solicitor of the Edenton Circuit. If
the members of the profession are for you in the East as I expect they
are I can see no possiable reason why you should not be appointed by the
Legislature, at least. I understand that John B. Kelly^ Esqr will be a
Candidate in Moore County, and he says that a principal object in going
to the Legislature is to vote for you. As I before remarked to you, I
am very desirous that the Gh>vr. and Counsel would appoint you as it
will certainly have the effect to remove the only possiable objection that
can be urged against you (to wit) your connection with the Bank.

If I could know when the Counsel would meet I would write to GenL
Gray and would get Mr. Morehead to do so likewise and insist on his
attending the meeting. I would be much gratified to hear from you, and
to know what are the present prospects.

Thomas BufBn Esqr.

[Address : Baleigh K C]

From William J. Alexander.^

Salisbttbt April 11th 1829.

I have understood that your name would probably be brou^t before
the Grovemor and Counsel to fill the vacancy on the supreme court bench
I hope that you will not permit any private consideration to withold yon
from accepting the appointment should it be tendered. I believe it to
be the wish of every lawyer in the State that you should fill that station
and have no doubt that the appointment will be confirmed by the l^is-
lature. Mr. Wilson has since he has been on the circuit, withdrawn hi«
name and what is quite strange speaks of being a candidate to supply
Branch' place. How this may be I cannot tell. Marshall Polk who left
him at Burke brought the information. I hope you will let me hear
from you.

[Address: Raleigh]

1 John B. Kelly had been a member of the state Senate in 1818.
2Wllllam Julius Alexander of Mecklenburg, member of the House of Com-
mons, 1826-1828; speaker, 1827.

Thb Buffin Fafsbs. 493

From William Betheil}

Oak Hall AprU the 16tli, 1829.

Dear Sir. I drop you a few lines which will inform you I am well
and family, hoping you and your family is well, I have nothing very
strange to communicate to you, only our neighbourh^ is very mutch
alarmed respecting the small pox, which was brought on from Wash-
ington a few weeks ago, by some Indians. Mr. Hopkins family near the
old Iron Works, has got it vary bad one of the family is Dead Whend I
left Raleigh I did not expect to be a Candidate for this year, but finding
some of my old friends vary ancktious I should offer and if I do I shall
decline speculation. I have come to the Conclusion provided it shall
meet with your approbation, to perchase your Biver track of Land, for
I am willing to give up all I did of trade and Settle my self down as a
Sockingham farmer. I will give you Eight thousand Dollars for your
land. I will pay you as follows. Two thousand Dollars down whend
you give me possession and Six thousand Dollars, in three Instalments.
Two thousand dollars in 1829. Two thousand dollars in 1830, the same
in 1831, the same in 1832, which notes shall be on Interest until paid,
you have nothing more to do only say wheather you will exceed to my
proposal, write to me and I will meat you in Hillsborough any time
within Twenty days, except our Superior Court Weeks. Please drop
me a few lines in answer wheather you feel disposed to sell of not. I
should be vary glad to hear from you, you may be well assured if you
feel disposed to sell there will be no disapointment on my part, for I
will comply with my promise in every sense of the word.

[Address: Ealeigh, N. C]

From James C. Johnston?

J. o' Hatbs, 18th April 1829.

I have made a small collection, as you observed when here, of Por-
traits of distinguished men in our State and shall perhaps extend it to
the TJ. S.

I have a great veneration for enlarged mental endowments, but still
more for strict moral rectitude, both of these united with a firm, decided

iWilliam Bethell of Rockingham County, state Senate, 1817-1821; member
of the HoQse of Commons, 1829.

sjames Cathcart Johnston of "Hayes," Chowan County, a son of Governor
Samuel Johnston, was one of the richest men In the State. He was a man
of great culture and collected a considerable part of the valuable library which
is still at Hayes. His asking Ruflin to sit for a portrait was a great compli-
ment coming from him since he declined to a^Unit to his collection the like-
ness of any one who was not a Federalist or, later, a Whig.

494 Thb North Cabouna Historical CoMiossioir.

independent spirit to do what is right, regardless of the consequences^
constitute in my opinion the truly great and perfect man. Wealth and
fame popular applause and public honors are diie to such a character,
most certainly they add nothing intrinsicly to it.

The object of this note is to ask the favor of you to sit for your Portrait,
to the Painter at Baleigh whom you spoke of when here, but whose name
I have forgotten. If you can spare the time I shall take it as a great
favor. I have written to my friend Hogg, on this subject among o&er
matters. With great respect,

Yrs. Ja. C. Johnstok.

[Address : Thomas Buffin, Esquire

Edenton.]

From Em/manuel Shoher}

Salem April 24, 1829.
Since I had the pleasure to see you in this place, I have convened witli
most of the (Gentlemen of the Bar, on this circuit, touching the vacancj
on the Supreme Court Bench, and their opinion is unanimous that you
should fill it. As far as regards the Stockholders in the State Bank on
the other hand, they would certainly regret to loose your services as
President of that institution for we anticipate much from your judiciom
and energetic management, and many of them think you should not leave
them, because they acceded to every thing you demanded of them e'er
you accepted the appointment, and but for the reason that at the crisis
it may be of infinitely more advantage to the state, and to the best righ^
of the Citizens to have a man of undoubted legal acquirement and un-
yielding integrity on the Supreme Court Bench than to see such a charac-
ter a president of a Bank merely. I as a Stockholder should think so
too ; under such impression and allthough those interested may consider
you pledged for a year at least they should in my estimation not hesitate
a moment to give you up and suffer you without a murmur to receive the
appointment from the Grovernor and Council ; it is very true if the next
General Assembly happens to be composed of the same material as last
year, there may be fear as to your success finally, for men who are willing
to trample upon private rights and to rend asunder social order, woulc
certainly prefer a kindred spirit in that station, it is to be hoped however
that there is a redeeming spirit in the State, and that the party will nc*
be as strong next session as it was the last. My own opinion is, and I
offer it to you in sincerity, that if the OflSce is offered to you by tL
Governor and Council, you should receive it but for obvious reasons yo i

lEmmanuel Shober was a well-known business man of Salem. He was i
member of the state Senate, 1824-1825, 1827-1828.

The Ruffin Fapkbs. 495

should not seek it if it is not offered to you, your pretensions are such,
that there is but little doubt you will have friends enough in the Legis-
lature to present you with the appointment.

As far as regards the important questions to be heard at the ensuing
meeting of the Stockholders, there is a considerable division in opinion
amongst those interested here, as far as I can ascertain however, they are
opposed to an Assignment to Trustees without regarding its sure tendency
of inflaming passions allready turbulent, such a step could not but greatly
impair the value of the paper and jeopardize the soundness of the debt,
the Bank it appears to us should do every thing not too inconsistent with
its own interests, to allay the violent temper and not brave it, which as
it appears to us from our present view of the subject, an assignment
would do, for the alarm would imediately sound from the Dismal Swamp
to the mountains, that the Bank for the purpose of avoiding something
tries to skulk, and the anti Bank gentry would lay their fingers on the
property in the hands of the Trustees, with no less scruple, and with as
much propriety at least as in the hands of the corporation, it is true in
either case the result of an investigation before the proper tribunal, if
tested upon correct principles, could not but be favourable, yet it would
be one of those games, counting the expense, trouble and hazard, in which
the winner would be looser.

No fresh hold therefore should be given to that party. Many of the
Stockholders think that the affairs of the Bank should be wound up
Tinder the present organization of the Bank, curtailing expenses and
simplifying the machinery by degrees, to a remnant, and then assign
such remnant for the purpose of a more speedy close, to Trustees etc.
Others of the Stockholders think and of this class I am one, that it would
be safest all round, in the steps to be taken at the meeting to have an eye
to a renewal of the Charter either seperately or on some consolidation
principle, for in one shape or the other the State will have Banks, in
such a measure the Corporation should meet the Legislature half way
but no farther, in this way, probably a compromise could be effected
advantageous to both parties, in any such attempt however it is evident
that the State should not exact any bonus or privilidge and the Capital
should be reduced one third at least, which it would seem could be but
affected by the Bank, in extinguishing part of the Stock by purchase.
These however are but crude notions. We have been trying to pitch upon
someone from here, to represent us at the meeting there are but few
Stockholders here however who would answer the purpose, and who from
various causes cannot attent : — several of my friends had a wish that I
should go one, but as they want me to offer for the Legislature and believ-
ing that some steps will be taken at the meeting which may create an
alarm, and which as one of the meeting might affect my prospects, they
do not urge it upon me, — the reason is certainly not without foundation —
at the same time professional business on other matters renders it expe-
dient that I should stay at home.

496 Thb Nobth Cabolina Histosical Couujbbion,

Thus selected we have no alternative but to appoint some one as our
proxy near you, with certain general instruction, and for that purpose
we extend to you a power to two jointly and severally, perhaps, in order
that if one eliould not agree with our views, the other probably wiD,
under such a view our choice has fallen upon yourself and Mr. Cameron,
you will be good enough to advise us without much delay whether it wiE
be agreeable to you, to act, we should be very glad if you would, as far
as we have learned, your views and our own pretty well agree. We do
not know what Judge Camerons views are upon the whole we want t
proxy who is not for measures too rank. Advise us fully as to man and
measures if you please in time to arrange matters it shall all be sub roea.

Hon. T. Ruffin.

From Andrew Joyner?-

Wbldon 26th April 1829.

Since I had the pleasure of seeing [you] in Baleigh, I have bad free
and frequent conversations with gentlemen of the bar in this and the
neighbouring counties, and it affords me much gratification to be able
to state that you are most decidedly prefered by them to fill the vacant
seat on the supreme court bench. If Mr. Gaston was a candidate, I
find there would be considerable difference of opinion among^ them, as
to which of you ought to be selected to fill the appointment, but it is nov
generally understood that he positively declines. I mentioned to several
of them that although the office if tendered to you would probably be
willingly accepted, yet I apprehended you would not move in the matter
to obtain it. In this they united with me in opinion that you are wrong,
if the determination should prevent you from conforming to the estab-
lished usage of signifying to the Governor in writing or otherwise your
willingness to accept the office, if it be conferred upon you. They appre-
hend it is the only way according to present usage, from which the Govr.
may not think proper to depart, in which your name can come before
the council, and that no feelings of delicacy ought to prevent you from
yielding to it. I was informed a few days ago by a friend entirely to be
relied upon, that Col. Lockhart had stated to him he should vote for
you, if nominated, provided he attended at the meeting of the council,
but he did not think it would be in his power to be there. Mr. Alston
will probably vote for Mr. Seawell, but I have no authority for saying so.

Judge Ruffin

Raleigh.

[Address : Raleigh N. C]

lAndrew Josoier of Halifax, 1786-1866, a colonel of the War of 1812» had
been a member of the Commons from Martin, 1811-1813. From 1836 to 1852
he was senator from Halifax, and In 1838, 1840, and 1846 was speaker. He
was a noted man of affairs In his section of the State.

Thb Buffin Pafebs/ 497

From Frederick Noah,

HiLLSBOBO the 27th of April, [1829]
*******

My Supr. Court circuit terminated last week, to me in a way, as to
money, entirely satisfactory — to you however it would have been but poor
gleanings. The prospects of the profession are truly discouraging at
Bowan there was but one return. Chatham three Bandolph abt. 20,
Davidson, Stokes, and Guilford averaged I think about 10. Have you
no vacant clerkship or runner-ship in the Bank, that you can bestow upon
a friend. What think you of the gold business, or have you ever tho't
about it. I am convinced a very valuable business may be done in that
way — in Davidson particularly, the mines in that country are thot to be
more valuable, from the greater abundance of the metal and its superior
fineness. I have joined a company, there, so that if the Bank should
need any of the precious metal to pluck its drowning honor from the
deep, you will know where to apply.

Joseph Wilson is not a candidate for the vacancy on the Bench but
is for that* in the Senate of the United States. Judge Martin I under-
stood will be before the Legislature for the former. From what I can
gather from different quarters, there is no doubt of your success before
the Legislature. Caldwell is a candidate for the Senate in Bowan and
without opposition. B. Pearson and Col. Polk for the Commons, the
election of the former is certain. I am in hopes that both Bobt. Wil-
liamson and B. Benton will be in from Lincoln. I understand it was
their inltention and wrote to the latter urging it upon him. Jas. Graham
it is said intends declining that must be prevented.

I found my family well and trust yours is in like condition — ^has Mrs.
Ru£Sn yet become reconciled to great folks and great manners.

[Address: Baleigh]

From Wright C. Stanly.

[Njcw Been, N. C, May 6, 1829.]
I this moment learnt from Mr. Boberts that he leaves here in the
morning for Wilmington where he expects to meet you on your Bank
expedition. He also informs me that you will in a few weeks visit New-
bem. You know how glad I shall be to see you. Let me therefore apprize
you that I am at home during the residue of this and the whole of next
week. On the third Monday in May I must be at Wayne C. C. and the
ensuing week at Duplin. I return from Duplin probably on Satturday
and am then at home for some time. With this information before you,
I hope you will so time your visit that I may have the pleasure of seeing
82

498 Thb Nobth Cabolina Hibtobigal Comiossioit.

you. Permit me to reassure you how glad I shall be to have you with me.
I have already given my sister notice to have a room prepared under
the firm hope that while you are in town you will abide with me.

I am this morning hesitating how I shall direct this letter. I am in-
clined to address you the Hon. Thos. R. Judge of the Supreme Court of
Law of N, Ca. but I will defer the title till next Satturday when we shall
be informed of the decision of the Council.

Surely they cant they will not hesitate — ^the interest of the State the
perminancy of the present system calls for your appointment and ace^
anoe. God bless you

W. C. Staitlt.

[Address: Wilmington N. C]

From Joseph B. Skinner.

Plantation House 16th May 1829.
****** *

We have not as yet heard who is appointed Judge. You can let me
know. It is at all times^ but particularly at this vastly important to the
State of N. C. who the individual may be, for legal attainments, are not
the only qualification.

We cannot ascertain here when the Stockholders are to meet. If it
is not in our harvest either Mr. Collins or myself will attend. I hope be
may be prevailed on.

My dear sir this with my other letter I am fearful will break yoo
down. I will now only request the favor of you to detain £den in
Baleigh until you and Mr. Devereux can send answers on the subject
referred to you^ for which you will lay me under high obligations not to
be forgotten.

Be so good as to make my best respects to Mrs. Euffin and Miss
Catherine and believe me dear Sir^

[Address: Ealeigh.]

From John Owen to Thomas Ruffin, and George E. Badger.

Executive Depabtment

No, Caeolina May 22nd. 1829.

To Thomas Rufin and Oeo. E. Badger Esqrs.
Gentlemen,
Permit me to call your attention to an act passed at the last meeting
of the General Assembly of this State^ Chapter 38, authorising tbe

The Buffin Fapebs. 499

Qoyemor to appoint two Commissioners to revise, digest, alter and amend
all the statute and Common law in force in this State, relating to Execu-
tors and administrators; and also to revise, digest, alter and amend so
much of the statute and common law, concerning heirs, devisees, and
creditors of deceased persons estates, as shall be properly connected in
the opinion of said commissioners with the law relating to Executors
and administrators, so far as to form a code or system on the title of
Executors and administrators, which shall be founded on principles of
Justice, and suited to the true policy and present situation of the people
of this State, etc.

In the performance of that part of my duty growing out of this act, I
desire to offer you the commission.

If it is important that this work be done at all, it is of the first impor-
tance that it be done well, and by those, in whose professional skill and
attainments, the next Legislature will have confidence; and I certainly
hazard nothing in saying, there are no gentlemen of the profession in the
State, from whose hands such a work would be by them better received,
and more freely and fully compensated.

^ I ask the favor of an answer as soon as convenient, and subscribe
uyself . Most respectfully

Your obdt. servt.

Jno. Owbw.

[Address: Saleigh.]

From William Oaston.

l^EWBBBN May 22d, 1829.
My principal difficulty in giving you an opinion on the question
whether the State Bank ought to close its concern, arises from my in-
ability to form one with which I am entirely satisfied. I entertain no
doubt but that there is a great and very injurious excess of banking
capital in the State, and I see no prospect of the removal of the tre-
mendous eyils which it has occasioned to the community but by a diminu-
tion of that capital. The withdrawal of one of the Banks from banking
operations effects this object, and so far seems to be beneficial. The
wild and wicked spirit which was shewn in our last Legislature, and
which it is to be feared is not allayed, renders it very desirable that the
property of your stockholders should be placed beyond the reach of con-
fiscation. Besides, while all the existing banks continue, there is little
probability that the excessive indebtedness of the People will be mate-
rially lessened. These are very obvious views of the subject, but on that
account not the less weighty. They had induced me to believe that the
proposed measure was salutary, and this opinion I expressed at the last
Assembly. But it is exceedingly dangerous to decide on any proposition

500 Thx Nobth Cabouka Hibtobical CoMiossioir.

without a full understanding of the mode in which it is to be executed.
If on an assignment collections are pressed with yigour^ there must be
wide-spread distress. The other Banks must then follow your example
in order to save themselves. The 17. S. Bank must press the local bank
with a view to its security^ and a state of things must arise presenting
temptations for the most desperate remedies. I am uninformed how ia
the event of an assignment it is designed to make coUectiona. Are the
assignees to receive partial payments, or are they to renew the paper
of the debtors? If the latter course be adopted, the assignees will be in
fact managers of the Bank, and must have almost as many Clerks etc
as the Bank now has. Is it designed that the Assignees should take
judgment, and then collect by instalments! Such a course would pro-
duce a general panic among all the Creditors — and certainly with the
remaining banks; and debtors and property would be sacrificed. Hov
is it proposed that you shall pay your deposits and your notes t Unless
some scheme is adopted which may inspire confidence, the paper of the
Bank will lose currency and this loss would be almost equivalent to t
total withdrawal of that amount from circulation. Before I can venture
to express an opinion on the proposition that is to be before the Stock-
holders I must have an opportunity of seeing its details and endeavouring
to trace its practical consequences.

On the other point mentioned in your letter I can not, my dear Sir,
presume to give you counsel. The responsibility of the Assignee or
Assignees will be vast indeed and there is no individual in the State more
fitted to discharge the duties to which this responsibility is attached
than yourself. But whether you ought to undertake them, is a question
involving so many considerations which can be known to yourself onlj,
that you alone can with propriety decide it.

I fear that what I have written will not aid you in coming to a con-
clusion on either of the points mentioned in your note. But I could not
forbear from answering your call on me as far as I was able, and thus
manifesting my disposition at least to comply with every request of
your's.

Thomas Ruffin Esq.

[Address: Raleigh.]

From David F, Caldwell.

Chablottx May 26th 1829.
I look forward with a good deal of interest, to the resolves of the Stock-
holders at their approaching meeting. If I might be permitted to offer

Thb Buffin Fapebs. 601

an opinion on the subject of the future operations of the Bank, I would
say in most decided terms, as matters are now going on smoothly, it
would be injudicious to hazard any material change. l!for ought the
Stockholders to adopt any resolutions, as regards the installments to be
paid by the debtors. This matter ought to be confided to the President
and Directors, who ought best to know the exigencies of the Bank and
the condition of the people. I can only speak as to this section of the
State, and I say confidently, that the Bank will receive more by exacting
fines, than by exacting ten per cent. It does seem to me that it would
conduce to the interest of the Bank as well as the Directors themselves
if they were required to pay some amount in addition to the interest.
It would operate as a gradual extinguishment of their debts which would
be desirable, and would be bringing more funds into the Bank.

I hope also to be excused for expressing a decided opinion against
assigning the effects of the Bank to a Trustee. Would such a measure
produce any good result and would it not be ascribed to the worst of
motives ? Besides the effect and the object would not be understood and
the demagogues of the day would seize upon it to influence the public
mind. Those who wish to sit on the high seats in the synagogues, are
looking forward to the meeting of the Stockholders with the hope that
something will be done, that in the end will aid their views. The Bank
furor is subsiding and that you know will not answer these purposes.

It is matter of surprise, that Governor Owen has displayed so much
want of good sense in his letter to Judge Toomer.^ Does he suppose

iThe letter referred to follows:

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
To the Honorable

John D. Toomer — Greeting,
We reposing special trust and confidence In your prudence, Integrity, abiU-
ties, and learning In the Law; do commission you Judge of the Supreme Court,
of this State, you having been thereunto recommended by the Council of
State: and authorize you, after taking such oath or oaths, as are necessary
tor your qualification, to enter upon said oflice, exercise and perform Its
authorities and duties, and to receive and enjoy the salary thereunto annexed
until the end of the next General Assembly.

In testimony whereof I John Owen, Governor Captain General

and Commander In Chief, have caused the great seal of the State

[L.S.] to be hereunto aflOxed and have signed the same at the City of

Raleigh on the 8th day of May A. D. 1829 and of the Independance

of the United States the 53rd. Jno. Owen.

By the Governor

Jno. B. Muse P. Sec'y.

N. B. The above commission was Inclosed to Judge Toomer In the follow-
ing letter:

My Dear Sir Raleigh May 8th 1829

The Council of State have unanimously elected you to fill the vacancy on the
Bench of the Supreme Court, occasioned by the death of the late Ch: Justice
Taylor. This event was of course not anticipated by you, as no one was
authorized, either by yourself or your friends, to place your name before that
body, — ^nor was It done: but after several ineffectual ballotinge, between the

603 The II^obth Cabolina Histobical Comkissiok.

that the appointment will be confirmed merely because he has ezpreseei
such an opinion. We admire Judge Toomer as a man, but I do not
believe he will be supported in this quarter as a Judge.

It is well understood here, that the field is open and was intended to
be left open by the council.^ My friends Nash and J. Graham will expltii
to you fully my reasons for declining to run for the Boro'. 'Your trip
to Salisbury on o£5[cial business was seized upon and averred to be for
political purposes. This raised a ferment that would have defeated
Qenl. Jackson himself. What they will do with me in the County, I
can't well say. Their man has not yet avowed himself. Every effort was
made during our County Court^ to feel the public pulse and ascertain
what force they could rally against me. I think they are waiting to hear
from Raleigh. The man who has to contend with the lowest intrigue,
the meanest hypocisy and the prejudices excited against the Bank, must
be on the alert. If I should have opposition I pray you to think of me
during the hot days of June^ July and August. In pursuance of notice
heretofore given I enclose my resignation^ as President of the Salisbuiy
Branch. I would not do so, were it not, that Mr. Chambers is now a
member of the Board who is well qualified, is deeply interested and has
leisure to attend to the duties of the office. I have little hesitation in
saying, under his management we will keep even with the IT. States
Bank. If my resignation has any effect publically speaking it will be
against me, as the debtors would rather see me at the head of that Brandt
I cannot discharge the duties, it is therefore my my duty to resign.

^N". B. Take care how you talk to a man from my neighborhood.

[Address : Raleigh N. C]

candidates, the Council with one accord, made a communication to the ESxees-
tlve, proposing to fill the vacancy, by granting to you the temporary Com-
mission ; and I trust it is not necessary to assure you, how much pleasure it
afforded that department of the Government to carry their wishes into execu-
tion. And permit me among your many friends, to congratulate you on this
distinction, which your well eetablished character, so rlcdily merits, and to
express a wish that you will accept the commission at the hands of the
Council, not entertaining a doubt, but that it will be confirmed by the not
Leglslatui^e.

I have the honor to be

With the highest regard

Tour Obed Servt and friend

jKa OwKsr.
Jno. D. Toomer Esquire.

[From Goyemor Owen's Letter Book, pages 49 and 50.]

iWhen the council met in May, there was a bare quorum presoit, and the
result of several ballots was a tie between RufDn and Seawell. Judge Toomer's
name was then put in nomination and he was unanimously elected, but few
people thought that the matter was settled by the temporary appointment

The Buffin Fapebs. 608

From William J, Bingham,.

H1LL8BOB0' — June 2ndy 1829.

Sterling has got along as nsual during the session just ended ; that is^
he has made moderate hut regular advancement^ — as much as is ordi-
narily to he expected of his years. Of this however, you will prefer to
be your own judge, after you have examined him.

Duncan^ is a nondescript, I never taught a little fellow with as much
pleasure. If he should not get his growth too soon, he is destined to be an
intellectual giant ; and he does not seem to me to have the usual marks
6i precocity. But I can't speak of Duncan without some enthusiasm.

Please remember me respectfully and affectionately to Mrs. B. and
Miss Catherine.

Hon. Thos. Buffin.

[Address: Baleigh N. C]

From CadwaUader Jones.

HnxBBOBo' June 12th 1829.

I was in Guilford a few days since examining the gold nunes in that
county ; there are three which I visited of very great value, Hodgsons,
seven miles south of Greensboro', Clements and Co's three miles north
west on the Salem road and Davie's two miles below Jamestown, either
of these if properly managed would yield a better income to the number
of hands employed than any estate in N. Carolina, but they are in the
hands of those who so far know the value of them as to be altogether
indisposed to part with them; there are many others in that neighbour-
hood now worked and they are daily discovering new veins.

(Inter nos) Whilst in Guilford I had a long conversation with Mr.
Dick of Greensboro' on the subject of the vacancy on the Supreme court
bench, he informs me that Guilford and all the adjoining counties are
extremely favourable to your wishes in relation to this subject; he also
told me he had a conversation with Judge Mangum on his return from
the western circuit, who informed him that the west was decidedly favour-
able to your appointment. It is probable however that Judge Mangum
expresses the opinion of that section as it existed previously to the
appointment of judge Toomer, whether this event will affect their views
as to the permanent appointment or not, you are better able to determine
than I am. Mr. Dick expressed an opinion, that it will be a point of
policy with Mr. Wilson (who you know is a candidate for the TJ. S.

iDuncan Kirkland MacRae, the son of John McRae of Fayetteville, and the
nephew of Mrs. Ruffin. After the death of his mother he lived wiUi his aunt
for some years.

504 The Nobth Cabouna Hibtosical Commission.

Senate) and his friends, to have a good understanding with your friends
and to act with them if possible in both elections. If Wilson holds on,
Fisher must withdraw; the most extravagant egotism cannot blind him
so far as he should not perceive the impossibility of success ; his influence
I understand is inconsiderable whatever it may be, his withdrawal will
take away any inducement to dispose of it to your prejudice, as he will
no longer have any personal object to accomplish and will probably con-
solidate the west for Wilson and for you. I hold Dr. Smiths pretensions
for the Senate as nothing as an Adams man and a tariff man, can't be
thought of.

I have seen the report of the bank committee and am altogether pleased
with the course adopted by the stockholders, tho' I was somewhat dis-
appointed and Mrs. Jones's and my own selfish views considerably
thwarted, for Mr. Benehan had induced us to believe that an assignment
would certaintly be made and that you would as certainly return to
Hillsboro'. But he is a miserable creature who cannot find pleasure in
the agrandisement of his friend tho' it should cost biTn much of personal
gratification, such is our feeling on the present occasion and we wait
with what patience we may for the coincidence of your interest and our
pleasure which we hope wUl be in conjunction before the winter solstace.
Becky desires to be affectionately remembered to Mrs. Ruffin and thanks
her for the potatoes which she says was a most acceptable present; I
should say a pretious one, for she doles them out to us two or three at a
time for a month at least. Please make my best respects to her and be
assured of the sincere regard of

Oadb. Jones.

[Address : Raleigh N. C]

From James A. Vaughan.

Richmond County June 27th. [1829]
Dear Sir — I hope you will forgive me for presuming so much on the
attention you paid me in my more youthful days as to request you to lay
before the l!f avy department my name for the appointment of Midship-
man U. S. If", should any vacancy occur. I have long entertained a desire
to join the Naval Service and understanding that the choice of a pro-
fession is in my own power and that my future pursuit in life will depend
on my own discretion I am anxious to leave no honourable means unat-
tempted to accomplish my wishes. A mere Communication to the Secre-
tary without any recommendation on special claims to notice would be
apt to remain unanswered on the files of his office. I am therefore
solicitous for you to make known my desire to (Jovemor Branch, leaving
you to state such particulars of my character as may be desired or you
may judge proper to make. I am in my Seventeenth year, and of my

The Buffin Papebs. 505

qualifications you are better acquainted than I can be. Should you
choose to assist me in this affair I shall gratefully remember your kind-
nesses. If not I hope I shall not have given you any offence or com-
mitted any impropriety in making this communication and that you will
not attribute to a spirit of presumption what is dictated by a belief I
ain pursuing the only honourable course I know of to advance my
favourite inclination. I have been formerly acquainted with Sec.
Branch but by this time he has probably forgotten me and would lay
aside my application with the 14'umerous herd of unknown applicants.
Should I not be successful However in obtaining a station in this arduous
yet honourable and useful profession I would most certainly be consoled
by the 9th beatification added to Christ's sermon the mount^ '^Blessed is
he that expects nothing for he shall never be disappointed," and that no
avaricious or dishonourable motives have actuated my application.

Hon. T. Buflfin.

N. B. I shall make no apology for the defects of this communication,
for confined to daily Labour as I have been for the last 6 months I cannot
be expected to have much literary leisure, the requisite ^^otium cum
dignitate" for Epistolary Compositions. Besides, to borrow a suggestion
from Pope or Swift in their correspondence, I am now suffering under
a dreadful embargo excluding the Importation of good paper, good pens
or good Ink.

[Address : Baleigh N. C]

From Hen/ry T, Oamett,

Washington Crrr 28th July 1829
Having intimated in your kind letter enclosing an introduction to
Mr. Branch, a desire to hear from me again I can no longer delay a com-
pliance with that request. I can never sufficiently thank you for your
kindness in complying so promptly with my application, and although
no benefit has accrued to me from your services on that occasion, yet I
shall ever esteem you as you are in reality a relation and one disposed
to serve me if in your power. l!f otwithstanding your caution to me as
to the use to be made of your intriductory letter, such was my confidence,
(from my knowledge of your influence in N, C.) in its recommendation,
that I unhesitatingly presented it with some others of like character from
other influential friends to Mr. Branch. After giving him some time to
deliberate on my application and qualifications, I called on him to hear
his determination thereon ; and you may judge I was not a little mortified
when I heard him close a handsome eulogium on you and my other
friends, by the commonplace (tho often as in this case, false) assertion,
that there was no situation in the department under his control to which
lie could invite me; and my mortification was still increased when he

506 The Nokth Cabolina Hibtobicai. Commib8io27.

ref uaedy upon an interrogatory to that effect, to say my claimB should k
considered provided vacancies occurred* The tme reason of my f aihiie
I believe is to be found in the clause of your letter to me, upon partj
politics. Had you been a violent partisan of the present powers, bo
difficulties would have been discovered in the way and I should hsn
been placed in some of the vacancies then existing or subsequently made.
Perhaps it is well for me, that success has not crowned this effort, as I
may have to rely more upon my own labours and energies, and ultimateiT
succeed better than I might have done here. Had you been here on ib&
spot or had you have written direct to Mr. Branch without my interreih
tion I believe success would have attended the application ; but the secre-
taries are so frequently presented with introductory letters by the appli-
cants themselves, that they place less dependance on them than ^£t
should do ; and moreover they find it a much easier matter to deny the
applicants than they do their influential friends.

There is very little confidence to be placed in the weight of character
of the writer of any letter unless the writer is near at hand to second the
same by a personal proposition of such recommended friend to the notiee
of the secretary. I have learned all this however too late or I would htie
applied through some member of Congress immediately the names of tbe
Cabinet were given to the public. From my own experience of the wajs
and conduct of different individuals in elevated situations at this plsoe^
I am almost induced to deprecate the elevation of a friend to places of
honour and high trust ; lest the poisonous miasm which floats so thieUj
in these departments here, should settle on his heart and infect and
disease his entire moral system — ^It really seems falsehood and dissimu-
lation have an official resting place here, and whilst slight improprieties
and errors in the management of some of our fiscal concerns are blazoned
forth to the world as crimes of deepest hue, the corrupt influences of the
heart as evinced daily in many of the actions of our official characten
are so twisted by the political ingenuity of partizan editors and others as
to impose on the credulity of the world and pass current for virtae.
Pleased as I should be to see you this winter in the Senate of the nation
on many a/cs. yet I should fear even you would suffer in some respects
from coming in contact, with iniquity dressed in such influential appard
or what is still worse '^spiritual wickedness in high places" (there being
some of the great ones here strict attendants at Church etc.

I turn now from this loathsome subject, (for truly it is so to one eon-
versant with this little world of Washington) to one which in every
point of view is engaging and important. The christian religion is so
totally different from any thing in the world, that nothing short of die
faith it teaches would induce me to believe, it will still advance and
progress in opposition to every enemy, untill its triumphs and influences
shall be witnessed from ^'the rivers to the ends of the earth," and all
descriptions of intelligent beings, from the least unto the greatest, shaS
participate in its blessings — ^Holding the above opinion, you need not

Thb Euffin Fapebs. 607

think it strange that I was not mucli surprised at the information con-
tained in your letter, of your espousing this good and glorious cause.
My dear Sir, when I reflect upon what the good being has done I trust is
doing for me, I can only say I am astonished that any should be left out —
that all men do not enter immediately into his service; for surely one so
merciful as to sufFer me to experience the benefits of the atonement,
never will reject any who come unto him. I sincerely praise Gbd, for
your present deliverance and hope you will join me in the devout prayer
of my soul, that, sooner than either of us should deny him by our con-
duct,— ^bring a reproach on his cause, or turn aside from the holy com-
mandments delivered to us, he would take us from the world suddenly
and cut short his work in righteousness. So few, however of your pro-
fession, become pious or in any beneficial manner engage in the service
of our heavenly master, that I confess more than ordinary surprize and
satisfaction was created in my bosom by this information, more par-
ticularly as it was my impression (erroneous perhaps) while in Carolina,
that you possessed infidel sentiments, or at any rate viewed religion
merely as a good system of ethics and as of no necessity in the salvation
of the soul. Our relations are all delighted with the happy intelligence
(I mean the religious ones) although some of the old ones are bigoted,
and uncharitable towards the Church you have joined. I am glad to
inform you that a great change has taken place with the Episcopal
Church in Virginia during the last 8 or 10 years, and it is so far as my
acquaintance extends, blessed with much greater spirituality in min-
istry and membership than formerly. Our object I trust is to get to
heaven and we need not dispute about the road to be travelled. Faith,
Hope Charity, perseverance in well doing, self-denial and the like graces
and mercy I trust will land us both with our families and friends there.
[Address : Ealeigh N. C]

To WUliam Boylan.

Dear Sir/ ^^"^^ ^' (""^«> ^^^^^

I am most unexpectedly called off from my important duties here to
attend the sick bed of my aged Mother. An express has arrived tonight
from my brother to let me know, that she lies at the point of death.^
Filial duty can never be justifiably neglected under any circumstances ;
and however important my presence here at this juncture may be con-
sidered or in fact be, the demands of business must yield to those of
affection and filial o£B.ces. I shall therefore set off at Moon rise in the
morning. This event makes it necessary and my motives for going
embolden me to ask the particular attention of the other members of the

lAlice Roane Ruffin died July 7, 1829, aged sixty-one. Her husband had
died April 17, 1822, aged fifty-four.

508 The Nobth Cabolina Hibtobioal CoicMiBsioifr.

Committee to making an abstract of the Beports of Bad Debts, Depre-
ciation of Beal Estate^ Damages and Interest now accrued on good debts^
so as to shew the actual value of the Assets of the Bank, including the
Surplus appearing upon our accounts of Profit and Loss. Ajb for the
Deficiencies and Differences of account, I suppose it is unneeessarj to
trouble the Stockholders with them, except such of them as may be co&-
sidered lost, as for example the Fayetteville Difference; because for
nearly all of them the officers will be responsible. Mr. Browne sajs
he will be at the Bank at 8 o'clock in the morning and CoL Bobards has
promised me to aid you with his opinion and pen.

If you and the other Stockholders who are in favor of an Assignment,
should fail in carrying that measure, it may be useful to attempt some
other preparatory to winding up the Institution. Without any real
interest in the Bank, except that of feeling and of duty, to do my best
faithfully to serve it for my salary, I have thought it at least indelicate
to express an opinion about assigning and therefore have not done so:
nor can I judge of the likelihood of the result of the discussions on that
question. But none, I think, can doubt of the propriety of adopting
some measure tending to a final close at the expiration of the Charter.
It has occurred to me, that closing a Branch at a time might not he
unacceptable to any of the parties — ^the debtors, creditors, and L^isla-
ture. It would make the operation gradual : It has the merit of remor-
ing the doubts seriously entertained by many of a great depreciation
of the notes: It would prevent general distress and would lessen the
expenses : And by withdrawing the Branches located immediately in the
neighborhood of other Banks many debtors would suffer no inconvenience
but that of changing their place of business. Upon the ultimate assign-
ment the difficulties would then be much less than perhaps now. These
are views which I have not long taken, for it is but lately that I have
turned my thoughts to the subject ; and they may be fallacious. But I
have considered it my duty to suggest them for consideration, in ease
your first plan should be defeated, which I think not improbable. I had
forgotten a material advantage that might arise out of this project,
namely, that time will thereby be gained for the creation of another
Bank, whose operations would facilitate much the collection of debts to
this Bank. Should any of these reasons be satisfactory to you, upon
reflection, might it not be well to bring the matter before the meeting.
If so and the Qentlemen who represent the State or the Treasurer should
think with you, would it be likely to obtain more favor from the Public
or the Legislature, if it appeared to be their measure, by inducing one
of them to bring it forward? I am sure each of them would act upon
his own conviction after consideration.

Mr. Browne intimates a wish still, that I should be one of the As-
signees. My absence, if nothing else, would prevent that, as I cannot
execute the Deeds: But I have thought long and anxiously upon the
employment and should prefer declining it. I am not sufficiently satis-

Thb Ruffin Fapebs. 609

fied as to the consequences of the Measure to be willing to act in it. And
without the interest of a real Stockholder^ I think I ought not to under-
take a Trust so great, responsible and difficult and especially since my
motives would be so liable to be misunderstood. Professional service I
shoidd willingly perform for the Assignees; but the Beal Owners, it
seems to me, ought to control and manage the Trust. The undertaking
is too great and arduous for me; and the event which now calls me away
warns me, that my career might be cut short in the midst of the business,
to the ruin of my fortune and family and with a blot on my name, a
result, even while contingent, not to be risked for money. Yet I hope
that this purpose on my part will not be mentioned in a way to influence
the discussion or decision of the question of assigning and that it will
not so influence them. Others can perform all the duties of mere as-
signees as well as I can and I doubt not better. If an assignment should
1)e carried, it will then be in due time to consider of the persons to be
Assignees; and I hope there will be no difficulty in geting proper,
able and honest men to act. These sentiments I would gladly have com-
municated at large in conversation : But a providential affliction deprives
me of the opportunity and I must therefore be content to hint them in
this imperfect manner. I sincerely wish that the meeting will calmly
consider and wisely determine all the matters before them, providing
alike for the security of their property, the satisfaction of their creditors,
lenity to their debtors, the appreciation of the notes and the satisfaction
of the reasonable, prudent and just part of the Community.

I am Dear Sir your friend and obdt. Svt.

Thomas Buffin.
[Address: Wm. Boylan Esq.

Baleigh.]

From William A. Ordham,

Vesuvtds Fubnace, Aug.- 10th 1829.
I arrived here from Caswell C. H. about the middle of last month,
and had the pleasure to find my father and family in their usually good
health. Nothing occurred on my passage worthy of narration, and I
have heard of scarce any thing since my arrival except Gold. Nothing
before, has ever so completely engrossed the attention of all classes of the
community in this section, since my earliest recollection. New dis-
coveries are made every day in this and all the adjoining counties except
Iredell, Mecklenburg and Burke however seem to be the localities of the
richest mines. The discoveries have indeed, in many instances almost
wrought miracles. Those who have been esteemed prudent and cautious,
embark in speculation with the greatest enthusiasm — bankrupts have

510 The Nobth Cabouna Hibtobical Coiciossioir.

been restored to a£9uencey and paupers turned to nabobe. Le Sa^rs
maxim however is observed to be equally true here as in hia own eomh
try — ''All beggars who have leapt into large fortunes either turn misen
or prodigals." The latter and perhaps the less censurable extroae
appears to be preferred by the favourites of fortune here.

I have availed myself of my recent opportunities in endeavouring to
ascertain the public sentiment in regard to the election of a Judge of tk
Supr. Court, and it affords me pleasure to add that I kave oonv^sed
with no individual since I left Hillsboro' who did not spontaneoodj
declare his preference for you. At Salisbury I saw H. Giles who ex-
pressed a good deal of solicitude on the subject and said it was desired
by all the members of the bar there. On the third week' of July I wts
at Lincoln Court, where I saw my brother Jas. and all the other gentle-
men of the bar who usually attend there ; I understood they all concurred
in wishing you elected. Mr. Roberts from Macon informed me Hben
was no doubt but, all the trans-montane members were of the same dis-
position, with a single exception McDowelP of Buncombe. My brotlier
thinks you will not lose a vote west of the Yadkin river except Fisher^
that McDowell's objections are not insuperable. I went last weA to
visit my friends in Mecklenburg and spent a day in Charlotte, did oot
see Julius Alexander but his intimate friend W. Morrison^ !Esq. stated
without doubt that he would go for you. The above declaration of mj
brother is made without any qualification as to the result of the electioi&
For although there will be close contests in many of the counties then
is no difference among the candidates in that matter.

James ib again a candidate for Butherford, says he had determined
not to be, but that Jas. Carson had announced himself among his friends
before the July court and avowed his partiality for the bank bill which
was rejected last winter. He spoke moderately in his address to the
populace but declared that something should be done against the banka.
His object being perceived, he was called on to state what should be
done, and he was totally at a loss. His election is extremely doubtful
Jas. appears quite certain of his own.' He has returned to Rutherford
and will attend several large popular meetings before the election.

In this county Robt. Burton is a candidate for the Senate and opposed
by Danl. Hoke.^ There is much difference of opinion as to the result
Burton complains that he had consulted all the men of influence in the
county and among others Mr. H. and was requested to offer by all — that
the opposition therefore was quite unexpected and surprising. Shipp
and Conrad*^ will probably be returned in the commons. The elections
seem to excite but little interest in any of the counties since I left Orange.
No measure of any public importance divides the candidates. From

iProbably John McDowell of Rutherford.
sWashington Morrison of Mecklenburg.
sCarson was elected as was Graham.

^Daniel Hoke of Lincoln was a member of the Senate from 1829 to 1834.
Bartlett Shlpp and Daniel Conrad. Shipp was a candidate and was elected.

The Euffin Fapebb. 511

inquiries made in passing througli the Salisbury congressional district
I think Mr. Oiles will be elected.^ There no doubt but Mr. Williams*
"Will beat Mr. King by a large majority. I don't think Mr. Wilson can
unite the western votes in the election for Senator, and Fisher is out of
the question. Should Mr. Burton be elected to the Legislature I incline
to think he will be run. I shall set out for Hillsboro in time to reach
Guilford Co. Court on 3rd Monday.

To. Hon. Thos. Euffin.

[Address: Saleigh N. C]

From James H. Buffin,

Caswell. August 16th, 1829.

As I anticipated, my election has been lost by unfair voting and by
the too great confidence of my friends. Wilson' and Hue obtained each
100 single votes from the great anxiety of their supporters without any
intention of leaving me at home. The result of the election has dissatis-
fied a great majority of the Citizens of the County, to whom it is a matter
of surprise and indignation, and who appeared thunderstruck when it
was ascertained. It is however too late to remedy the evil and thus
terminates my political course. It was with great reluctance I engaged
in the contest this year at all, with still more regret that I pursued it and
-with great joy that I thus come out of it.

I have not yet had it in my power to visit Bockingham since you left
here. I go there today and while up shall go to the river and see how
your matters stand there.

About the affairs of the sale and division of property here, your con-
venience may now be consulted entirely as mine is now out of the question.
These things however can be arranged between us when I see you, which
I expect, will be about the 1st Septemr.

[Address : Ealeigh N. C]

From Emmanuel Shoher.

Salem Aug 16th 1829.
The election is over and I am defeated by a considerable majority,
by Gabriel T. Moore, last year of the House of Commons. I mainly

iGiles was elected, but his health was so poor that he resigned before
taking hie seat.
2Lewl8 Williams,
sjohn Wilson.

512 The Nobth Cabolina Histobigal OoiciciBsioir.

regret this on account of the vacancy on the Supreme Court Bench, to be
filled the next session, in which election I was anxious to have a vote.

The Bank question was the bone of contention, yet the more abstract
question, I could have gotten over very easily, but being unhappily pos-
sessed of a little stocky and having been a member of the Committee
appointed by the stockholders last December with Mr. Brown (thst
wealthy and proud aristocrat as he is politely termed by lUel politieiant)
at our heels, these proved unpardonable offences: independant of all
this, being a Moravian, who do not bear arms as the saying is fonzn
another great bug bear ; whenever I run gainst opposition, my old rival
Hill^ I could have beaten very easily, my opponents knew this henee
it was an object with them to bring out a new hand, and one that would
if possible divide my former friends, which they effected in bringing oot
Moore, the most of his relations having formerly supported me.

Although I am beaten yet the principle as far as regards the Banb
is not defeated, or the Court John Banner and John Bnttner bdng
elected the Comms, who will prove orthodox as well in relation to the
Banks, as on the question who shall be supreme court Judge — ^from the
adjoining counties you will have heard from e'er this line reaches you.

Honle Thomas Ruffin.
[Address: Baleigh.]

From Hugh WaddeU.

HiLLSBOBo', Augst. 18fh — 29.
You are the good Samaritan: — the wounds inflicted by these thieves
have been cured by the oil and wine of your letter. In first becoming
a Candidate last year I yielded to the reasons of some friends, which
seemed at least plausible. They said I should render myself service in
the way of my profession, by extending my acquaintance. This year I
was bound I thought to tender my services to those who so willingly and
kindly honoured me the last year: — ^besides, the struggle on this Bank
question, put my blood up and I thought I should be deserting the Bottom
in which every thing dear to us was embarked, were I to flinch. These
were the reasons on which I acted and not from any belief in the ex-
traordinary wisdom of the people or even in their disposition to do right
when it was made plain to them, for I have too long known the over-
whelming power of Demagogues: — But it would not all do: — You are
right in supposing ilTash's speech had some effect, though if he thou^t
so poor fellow, he would regret it greatly.

iJohn Hill, member of the House of Commons, 1819-1822; senator, 182S,
1825, 1830-1831.

Thb Buffin Fapebs. 518

The true reason of mj defeat was a combination of Montgomery^^
StockardV friends and Tayloe.' I say Stockard's friends for I belieye
liixn to be honest and above low artifice; the rest are capable of any bnsi-
ness with which the records of Newgate are acquainted : — They all hung
together and wrote to different parts of the County detailing lies of all
manner of Hues.

I join you in deploring the situation of N. C. and fully believe that a
certain Bladen Qenl is capable of the course attributed to him, — the
Slackguard is so ingrained in him that he cannot get it out — ^if elected
lie will be a much more dangerous man than Potter.

I feel the great force My dear Sir of your reasoning and not less of
your kindness^ in shewing me the utter futility of all Legislative fame
i^hen compared with the more endwring and profitahle reputation arising
from close application to business. You are indeed right and Suean
hegR to thank you for this part of the letter more than any other^ as it
^' jumps with her own humour"^ she being hugely against all unnecessary
absence from home^ such as Legislation would require.

I regret my absence from Baleigh only on one account; but if every
thing is to be cut loose it would have been unnecessary: —

Nothing shall be repeated of yours though the facts are many of them
of common report:

Your wish as to the peaches shall be attended to with pleasure so far
as it is possible, but I think there are not 50 peaches (Kennedy) on the
farm : — Whatever there are shall be carefully saved for you.

We moved to Town yesterday — Since writing the above, Jesse^ informs
me his business here is anticipated 1 1 ! Thank God for this ; pray present
me to the stranger,

[Address: Baleigh N. C]

From John Oiles.

Salibbuby 31. August 1839.
I have taken the liberty, (which, I hope your goodness will pardon)
to ask you in confidence and in friendship one question? — at the time,
four years since, when application was made to me to offer for Congress,
the first objection that I had, was the belief that I would have to resign
my office — on enquiry, and after taking the opinion of Judge Murphey
through Mr. Fisher, I was induced to believe that I could hold my offiice
as Clerk — and shortly after, I noticed that a case precisely in point

iWilllam Montgomery, a physician of Orange Ck)nnt7, meml>er of the Senate,
1824-1828, 1829-1886; memher of Congress, 1885-1841.

2John Stockard, member of the House of Commons, 182^1831, 1883-1839,
1842-1844.

•Thomas H. Taylor, member of the House of Commons, 1829.

4A favorite negro servant of Ruflin's.

514 The North Cabolina Histosical CoMMissioir.

occurred in one of the New England States. Wben^ I had the pleasure
of seeing you, you asked me, if I should have to resign. I answered no-^
I thought no more of it^ untill Saturday evening, when I returned from
Charlotte, I was informed that Judge Martin was of the opinion, I
could not hold my office. I understand his opinion is founded on the act
of perhaps 90 — which speaks of State appointments — can there be an
appointment, called a State appointment, unless the appointment be
made by the Legislature — can the State act in any other way. Will you
do me the great and singular favour ; and never to be forgotten to give
me your opinion. I write for yourself — our friend Jos. Wilson of Char-
lotte after being up Town on Monday was taken with a chiU that day,
and died on Thursday evening about 8 oclk. The Doctrs. said fever —
a few minutes before his death he walked across his room.

P. S. Probably it would suit your convenience to write by Mr. Cald-
well.

[Address: Raleigh.]

From John L. Henderson.

Salisbuby September the 5th 1829.

I have lately understood that you had some thoughts of visiting this
place and Burke shortly on business relating to the Bank. I as a friend
would advise you to decline it for the present unless the business should
be indespensible. It might by some of your enemies be attributed to
improper motives. Your great rivaU arrived here a few days ago under
the pretence, that his visit to this part of the State was to secure a gold
mine. But the artifice is too shallow not to be seen through by the most
common observer. A seat on the Supreme Court Bench is the mine he
wishes to secure. He has left here for Mecklenburg Burke Rutherford,
and I believe most of the Western counties. His constant theme is the
Supreme Court, and abuse of the Bank. It wont do. He made no im-
pression here and I am pretty confident that will be the result in all the
Western counties.

[Address: Raleigh.]

From William K. Ruffin.

Chapbl Hill Sep. 8th, 1829.
I have been occupied since I left home in preparing myself for the
profession I shall probably (with your consent and advice) pursue in
life. You are aware of my having often said to you that it was my wish

iJudge Seawell.

The Buffin Fapbbs. 515

to turn mj attention to medicine — as I think myself naturally incapable
of becoming eminent in any other profession — and a large family and
misfortunes have rendered you unable to give me a patrimony sufficient
to maintain me, I had intended when in Raleigh to have spoken to you
at large on this head — to have asked your advice and to have assured
you of my wish to submit myself to your parental guardianship and
abide by your kind counsel, but your time seemed so much taken ujp by
business, and you appeared rather averse to enter into any conversation
with me, that I was silent on the subject. I now think it a duty I owe
to you and myself to request your opinion upon it. I wish to lead an
honourable, a retired and virtuous life — ^my ambition carries me to desire
nothing more than domestic happiness and peace — and I do not think
happiness to consist in the acquisition of honor, power and riches. In
all my waking dreams and musings I have never desired this world's
honors, but have ever thought myself a private person respected and
beloved for my virtues by a small circle of friends — this is my ambition —
it will be my sole aim to obtain means by which I can widi ease retire
into private lif e^ associating with a few friends and endeavoring to make
them and myself happy.

I have heard you oftentimes speaking of the life of a farmer you said
that it was the most innocent the most independent, and the most useful
occupation of man. I should prefer that of all other means of gaining
a livelihood, but besides your not being able to bestow on me property
sufficient for agricultural pursuits I should be unwilling to support
myself alone but should wish to assist you in the maintenance of my
younger brothers and sisters. For Law I am as you well know little
calculated — I cannot with ease express my sentiments — wrap myself in
thoughts upon one single abstruse point of Law, nor could I ever become
skilled in the arts of chicanery.

I have a taste for literary pursuits, and I believe I could devote my
whole life to study — I never could however communicate my knowledge
to any one else, but should only study to render myself happy — to gain
employment for the mind — to afFord me matter for speculation and
reflection.

Medicine, I think, is my last resource. I regret that it is so. I have a
distaste for it. Of its being an useful, in fact necessary and respectable
profession there can be no doubt, but the practice is disagreeable, and
onerous. It is a science upon which the lives of men depends, and by a
slight mistake in the administering of medicines a Physician may deprive
a fellow-being of his existence. How much study, then, and attention
should be devoted to it in order to prepare one for healing the diseases
of the human frame, the most delicate in its construction, as well as the
most beautiful of N'ature's works. I hope you will give me your advice.
I shall in this, as well as in all other circumstances of life commit myself
to your guardianship.

516 Thx Nobth Cabolina Historical CoMiiiBsioir.

I shall shortly commence my Senior speech.^ Will yoa be so good as
to suggest to me some ideas upon the subject which I have selected^ viz:
the probability of S. America's organizing a Bepublican goTenunent I
think that without some great political and moral reformation each an
event is not likely to take place, for these reasons to wit ; The Catholie
Beligion from its tenets and government will prove a great obstacle as
also the motely population, and the manners and customs, and received
opinions, imbibed naturally by a Colony from the Mother Country. I
have read nothing upon the subject — as it has been little canvassed bj
authors — but these objections from the little reflection I have been aUe
to give it appear to be convincing arguments. I am afraid however that
I shall not be able to make my audience entertain the same sentiments
with myself.

The injunctions contained in your last letter shall be strictly obeyei
I perceive that Mr. Hoskins has declined being Cashier at Salisbuir.
There is considerable heat displayed by the other students vrith regard
to the Creecy affair. Mr. Blair has few followers. Will you write soon
and often ? I know that your time is chiefly occupied in Bank business—
but a letter from you is a source of such pure delight that I cannot but
request you to write me a line occasionally. In my next I shall speak
of my studies. This is written in haste. I pray you to excuse it and
to answer it as soon as you have leisure.

Kiss my Mother and the children for me.

[Address: Baleigh, N. C]

From John M. Dick,

Obssnsbobo Septr the 9th 1829.

I reed your kind letter of the 22nd ult by Mr. Haywood. I had learned
the fate of the case of Sheppard vs Lane from the public papers before
I read your letter. Whether Sheppard could carry up the case is doubt-
ful, he is poor and probably could not give Security — there is another
case of the same kind where the plaintiff is able to give Security, I will
endeavour to have it carried up. I sincerely join with you in regret that
Shober, Waddell, your brother and others of our friends are left out of
the Assembly and I fear we shall have our hands full to preserve the
integrity of the republic at the next session. I will not, however, despair
of the State as long as there is a plank left.

If we can please you, when your friends wish and can preserve the
Supreme Court as it now is I shall be much gratified, even if the L^:is-
lature should run wild on some other subjects of minor importance. And
that we will succeed in this, I have not yet doubted for a moment I
saw Mr. Graham at our Court on his return from the West and he in-

iWilliam K. Ruffln entered the University of North Carolina in the autnnm
of 1827 and graduated with the class of 1830.

Thb Ruffin Papsbs. 517

formed me that so far as he could learn you would not loose a vote in the
West unless you lost Charles Pisher. It is possible that either Pisher or
Gtenl. Stokes may attempt an union with the friends of Mr. Toomer and
in that way carry off some of your votes in the West. But I think your
friends in this part of the State will be so unanimous that when united
\vith your friends elsewhere they will form a phalanx that neither Charly
nor the QenL will be willing to encounter.

In the Counties adjoining to this I think you have nothing to fear

unless it is in Orange. Guilford is safe beyond doubt. Randolph I

think will go right. CoL Brower^ the Senator is an intimate friend of

miuQ and I have but little doubt I can carry him — ^he will carry his

relation A. Brower.^ As for Cunningham' the other commoner he has

always been a Client of mine^ and a warm friend. When I go over to the

Superior Court I will set them right if they are not already so. In

Davidson Mr. Morehead will probably have more influence than I have,

and he will not fail to exercise it — ^f or you have not a more devoted friend

any where than he is. Rowan will go right. As for Stokes, I have just

had a conversation with Mr. Shepperd who is now here — ^he says the

commoners will certainly vote for you. The Senator is not so certain.

He says he will have a conversation with hiuL Rockingham Mr. Little

says will be right. I submit to you the propriety of writing a Letter.

You know the man, and knowing him as you do, you cannot fail to see

the necessity of a little attention to him. As to Caswell possiably Little

could render you some service. Person I know nothing. As for Orange

I know not how the Doctor* will be — ^he was not at the county court. I

shall see him next week at Hillsboro and shall have a fair opportunity

of finding out how he will go. I think I can have some influence with*

him. We were raised in the same neighbourhood and have always been

on good terms. I will not fail to bring him over if possable. All the

profession in this section of the Country are in your interest and I

believe nothing will be left undone to secure you the entire vote of the

surrounding Counties. John Giles Esqr. and Mendenhall will do what

they can in those counties they attend in the Cape Fear Circuit. I

shall be able to give you more correct information in a few weeks.

You desire to know who my opponent is? His name is John Gk>rdon,
By profession a miller and a thorough going Parker man, a Hickory
Quaker, a member of the Manumission Society and withal a vulgar
blackguard. He was elected from this County in the Commons in 1821.
Several causes conspired to run him as high as he got — there being two
Lawyers candidates was one. The sickness in the North Western part
of the County. I lost 50 votes at one election (Braces Cross roads)
from the last mentioned cause. And the most of the Quakers of his Own

lAbraham Brower, member of the Senate from Randolph, 1829.
2Abraham Brewer, member of the House of Commons from Randolph. 1829.
SAlexander Cunningham, member of the House of Commons, 1829, 1881-1832.
4Dr. William Montgomery.

518 Ths Nobth Casouk a Hibtoxicai. CoMiOBSioisr.

description (to wit Hickory) voted for }iim. I most do Parker the
Justice to say that I believe lie neither brought Gordon oat or sapported
him afterwards. Parker was entirely nentraL

Mendenhall was shamefnlly slandered daring the Contest bat tri-
omphed over all their falsehoods and now stands on firmer groond thin
he ever did.

I should be happy to hear from you occasionally, particolarly as to
your prospects in other parts of the State. All your conunonicatioBs
shall be considered strictly confidential, now and at all times hereafter.

Be pleased to tender my respects to your family

Thomas Ruffin Esqr.

[Address : Raleigh, N. C]

From Frederick Nash.

Oxford the 12th Sept. [1829]

The death of poor Wilson^ vacates another important office. I pre-
sume Mr. Alexander will fill it. As to the vacancy on the bench I hear
the West is very nearly united on you. I fear Genl Stokes — he comes
down to take one more race for the Senate of the United States, and will
I suspect not be very choice in the use of means.

Present me respectfully to Mrs. Ruffin and the young ladies.

[P. S.] Did you receive a letter from me by Mr. Devereux. I should
be glad to have it in my power to communicate to Mrs. Jones when I
see her, your opinion upon her difficulties, unless you have oonunnni-
cated them to her, directly.

Poor fees and few of them I ! I

[Address: Raleigh.

Endorsed: Fred*^. Nash

Sepr. 1829.]

From John OUes.

Wadesbobo 22d. Sept 1829.
Your friendly and most acceptable letter of the 16 instant was handed
me on my arrival at this place. The view you have taken of my situation ;
and the friendly spirit in which it is expressed has placed me under
great obligations. I do assure you, that it is no common place, when, I
say, that I am by words unable to make you a suitable return. In my
letter from Salisbury, it was my intention to give you a view of the whole

iJoseph M. Wilson at the time of his death was solicitor.

Thb Buffin Fafebs. 519

^OTind; but the starting of the mail prevented it. For no man on earth
is more anxious than myself to stand at all times straight in the sight of
my friends. The course that I had determined to take was one founded
upon the most careful and at the same time, most painful exandnation
of the circumstances. My determination was in a great measure formed
before my first letter. Now I will give you a plain and at the same time
an honest view of my situation. I began the world poor and so f ar, I
have in a great measure lived not for myself — ^But from my care, pru-
dence and industry I have been able to get on, in a way that I was satis-
fied, and to gratify my friends, I was willing to give up a part of my
time to their service without material injury to my own little affairs.
One thing in particular has made me pause. It is the opinion of my
brother, that a winter residence in Washington will be at the peril of
my life. Since I returned home, I have had a violent attack of my old
complaint which continues, and the only prospect to remove it, is for
me to under go a regular course of medicine, which will necessarily leave
me more weak and thin than I am. I therefore concluded that, if I had
to surrender my office, and go to Washington and have my health so
impaired as to render me incapable of attending to business, that it
might render me unable to do justice to my family. I have a consider-
able charge on my hands, and a prospect of an increased charge, and
I am unable to meet the expence without my own labour. I therefore
came to the determination that it would be proper for me to withdraw
from the political world. That the only suitable return that I could
make my District was to give immediate information of my determina-
tion. I knew that the only loss the people would sustain, would be the
inconvenience of meeting at the polls to make a second choice. I knew
that there were many Gentlemen in the District better qualified than
myself who might be prevailed on to offer. I might go on to Washing-
ton, and be unable to attend to business. Sir I sensibly feel the embar-
rassed situation in which I am placed, but I am induced to believe that
after the excitement which will necessarily attend my course, will have
subsided, that I shall be justified in the sight of my friends. If I go into
the political world, my family have every thing to loose. If I withdraw,
the people can loose little or nothing. If the (Governor can issue a writ
of election, a second choice can be made in time for the meeting of Con-
gress. What is your opinion as to his power to issue a writ ? for realy I
do not know. Your letter shall not be seen by any one. With regard
to the second subject mentioned in it, I have taken the same view with
yourself. I have spoken of it, and shall speak of it, in the same light.
Placing it up [on] the sure and solid foundation of qualification. May
I ask you to answer this letter at an early date. I have mentioned the
subject to Mr. Caldwell, and to him only — He is opposed to my determi-
nation ;

[Address : Raleigh, N. C]

6S0 Thx Noxth Casouva Hibtobicai. Com lassHur.

From James T. Morehead}

LxxnroTOir N. C. October 6th, 1829.
m m ^ m ^ m m

We have but little of interest in Bockingham. It has been more nddr
this season among ns than I recollect ever to haye known it ; some oi
your old acquaintances are dead, others yet low, we have had a littk
frost which I hope will purify the country.

I never wanted to be a member of the Legislature before, I ou^t to
have been a candidate;, although I was not yoked to the triumphant ear
of the Oeneral, I expect much management the next Session, and some
perhaps not very Honorabla I think I could act my part as well as the
far famed William Douglae, did when he told his Honorable friend
(General Bethall, that he had met him upon the principle of ViDany,
and had yanquished him upon the same grounds. Tour Dan riyer fnendf
were well a few days since.

Thomas Ruffin Esq.

[Address: Baleigh.]

From William K. Suffin.

Chapsl Hill October 12th 1829.
Your kind letter dated 4th inst. was duly receiyed. I return you my
sincere thanks for it. If you were awake how exquisite is the pleasure
which I feel when I hear from you, when I conyerse with you — ^leam
your opinions upon matters that concern my own welfare and your pleas-
ure— ^you would write more frequently. I know how your time is occu-
pied. It is a source of pleasure and of pain to contemplate you labouring
for us. It is at once a testimony of the loye you bear us, and a reproof
for my want of exertion. A large collection of your letters, replete as
they are, with maxims of good sense and with parental adyice, by which
If I were only to regulate my conduct future happiness would be ensured
is a legacy which aboye all others I desire. I find now the highest enjoy-
ment in perusing them and not only enjoyment but improyement, for I
neyer read them, without learning some useful lesson or without enter-
ing on my studies with greater energy. But should I suryiye you, what
a source of pleasure will they proye to be after you are no more? They
will serye to cheer me in the rugged paths of life, and to giye me resolu-
tion in the practice of yirtue — and when you are slumbering in the cold
graye I shall still haye you before me adyising and directing me. Your
last letter I haye read often and with attention. I should feel no less
pleasure than yourself did I possess the talents requisite for a lawyer.

iJames Turner Morehead of Rockingham County, a lawyer who was a
member of Congress from 1851 to 1853.

The Ruffin Pafsbs. 521

I have three inducements to study law, which render me unable to relin-
guish altogether the hope that by hard and close application I might
become at least respectable in that profession. Ist. your society and
conversation would then be a source of greater enjoyment, as our habits
and studies would be the same and I would find in you not only a f ather,
but also a friend and companion. 2ndly. Because the members of that
profession are alone capable in this country of arriving at any eminence,
drdly. There prevails among the members of the Bar so much good
feeling and harmony. I do not however think that I am calculated for
Law. Yet I may underrate my talents or at least may not be conscious
of what exertion might render me capable of doing. I have thought that
it would be the best plan to read with you a year or two after I leave
college. I possess advantages in having you for a father, which few
young men can boast of. I am young, and the knowledge I may acquire
by remaining with you such a length of time will certainly be of use to me
in whatever business I engage. Being under your eye^ you will have the
opportunity of knowing whether I am capable of becoming a Lawyer.
Be pleased to write to me and Let me know whether the plan I have pro-
posed meets your approbation. Should you remain in Raleigh I may
be of assistance to you and at the same time acquire regular and indus-
trious habits. Should the Legislature confer on you the office of Judge,
you will have more time to devote to the instruction of us all. Let me
assure you, in the meantime, that I resign myself into your hands, con-
fident diat you know best what I ought to do, and that you will not mis-
lead me. I am engaged in the following studies, viz: Natural Phil-
osophy—embracing chemistry. Botany, Zoology, Mineralogy, Meta-
physicks. Astronomy and French. Mr. Mitchell has not the opportunity
of making us proficient in his branch. The College is not supplied with
apparatus sufficient to render the studies as interesting as they would
otherwise be; and moreover we have no good Text Book. It is true that
he reads us lectures. But we cannot become masters of them, from
merely hearing them read or having them in our hands for an hour.

Brown's Philosophy is a good work but not adapted to the use of
students. In order that one should recite well on such a subject, it is
necessary that it should be divided into different heads or propositions
and demonstrated as clearly as possible, which is not the case with the
present work.

Dr. Caldwell takes great pains in rendering us good astronomers. He
explains everything and takes for granted that we know nothing. I am
highly pleased with his mode of teaching as well as his character. He
has just received some apparatus which he purchased last summer. It
will serve to make Mathematicks a little more interesting a study. The
Doctor I understand, expended $700 on it. For this he deserves credit,
as it proves how great are his exertions to render the college course im-
proving and agreeable to the students. Among other things, is a very
fine electrical machine. A piece of apparatus, the want of which I have

528 Ths Nobth Casouka Hibtoxical Comoasioir.

felt. You have no doubt witneBsed the experiments performed bj meua
of thifl machine. I think that it elucidates some of the greatest phe-
nomina in nature, and Gralvinism by means of it becomes an exceeding
agreeable study. Every American should feel an interest in this study
not only because it is intrinsically valuable but because Dr. Franklin was
the first who sufficiently explained its phenomina.

I went to Hillsboro' last week contrary to your orders. I have this
apology to o£Fer for so doing. Dr. C. and Mr. Hooper were both abeait
from die Hill and I of course lost but few unimportant recitations, and
the temptation to partake of some of the amusements of the place, as well
as the pleasure of seeing my friends there was too great to resist.

Tell My Dear Mother that I will write her before long. Sliss her
and the children for me. Let me conclude My Dear Pa, by assuring ycm
of my unabated attatchment and sincere affection for you.

Hon. Thos. Ruffin.

[Address : Raleigh N. C]

From WUliam H. Brodnax.

RiCHMONu, Octr. 19th, 1829.

I have to make my unfeigned acknowledgements for that portion of
your letter (which unconnected with the business portion of it) relates
to our pending convention. I was the more gratified at receiving the
statement of your views and opinions, from their exact coincidence with
my own, and I assure you that when a comparativdy young man like
myself is surrounded by members for whose ability he cannot but enUst-
tain respect, but a majority of whom entertain views and are att^npting
projects precisely the reverse of his own, it is no small consolation to
obtain the countenance of those at a distance whom he supposes from
their situation and experience, eminently qualified to judge correctly.
It so happens that of the various questions and principles which you
incidentally touch, there is not one for which I had not already here
expressed my approbation. And I do r^ard it as one of the very
strongest reasons why these modern Gbths and Vandals should not over-
turn those beautiful structures reared by the wisdom and virtue of our
ancestors, that an immense majority of the native Virginians (as far
as my information extends) no matter how much they may have been
dissatisfied with the existing order of things while they lived here have
on moving to other states, and witnessing these newfangled improve*
ments, expressed their decided preference for those of the old dominioiL

I took the liberty of shewing that part of your letter to a few of the
most prominent of my friends in this Convention, and all of them seemed
much pleased at the evidence of approbation of what had previously
been their own sentiments which it contained.

The Ruffin Fafxbs. 523

Mr. Bandolph informs me that he has reed, letters very lately on the
same subject from emigrant Virginians in five or six different States
T^liose institutions are most dissimilar from our own^ and with one accord
tliey all cry out against our giving up the freehold suffrage^ the basis
o£ representation which holds property in some regard^ and the viva voca
vote. Mr. Gallatin says that even in Europe the characteristic high
xninded chivalrous^ liberal peculiarities of the Virginia character are
ascribed to those very peculiarities in her form of government which we
are now here for the purpose of tearing up by the roots. It is however, I
fear useless to grieve over the wreck, or even scuffle to save a plank of it.
Tlie reformers, as they call themselves or abusers, as I fear they will
turn out to be, possess, I think a numerical majority — against this you
know there is no arguing — they have the means of attaining their ends,
and are disposed to avail of them. The disparity in numbers is however
not so great as you seem to have supposed from tiie vote on Mr. Tazwell's
motion to amend the report of the Comn. of 26. I deemed his plan much
the best and gave my voice for it but several with us on the main ques-
tions, who did not regard this as a test, but as indicating merely a mode
of proceeding, and not approving it, voted otherwise. The real difference
I think will be only 5 or 6 against us.

Mr. Madison and Mr. Monroe are both I infer from different con-
versations with them, tho' they have not in so many words said so,
disposed to occupy any ground which happens to be in the middle between
contending parties. This milk and water course will obviously do our
side no good. The prospect ahead is gloomy but I pray the Almighty
to overrule all for the best.
[Address :

Thos. Euffin Esq.

Frest. of the State

Bank of No. Ca.

Raleigh.]

Frorry Archibald D. Murphey.

Gbeensbobouoh, 7th Noy : 1829.
My Health gets better. I am nearly free from Fain. Indeed I cannot
look back to a Time Since I was first taken Sick, when I suffered less.
Frovidence may intend my confinement^ for a better Furpose than Dis-
enthralment from debt. I shall certainly strive to make my confinement
Subservient to a restoration of Health. As to any moral effect it may
produce, I cannot speak. As yet, my Spirits are good, and I labour to

iJudge Murphey was at the time In prison for debt.

524 Ths Nobth Casoldta Hibtobical Com laBsiOLBr.

exhibit an uniform cheerfulness. My Friends visit me from Morning
'til Bed-time^ and I have thus far got on pretty welL — The I«adies haTe
begun to visit me, and every one Seems interested for me. Gh>d bless the
good People! When I fell among thieves they bound ap mj Wounds
and gave me Comfort.

It is impossible to say to you what will be my Pursuit After mj
enlargement. I had intended to be a Candidate for the Appointmem
of Senator/ and had written Several Letters on the Subject. My oonfioe
ment will induce many to look upon me as degraded, and I have no Hope
of being appointed. Altho' I am not quite So bad off as Livingston of
Louisiana, who a few days before his last election had ten Ca Sa*. Served
on him in one day. — Farewell ! My love to Anne and all the Family

Thomas Ruffin esqr.

[Address: Baleigh.]

From James H. Ruffin.

Caswell, November 14 th, 1829.
I enclose you my note for $360.00 for renewal in the IT. S. Bank
My last note was given 90 days after the 8th of September and Mr.
McNeill writes me that 'Hhe one for this renewal must be in FayetteviUt
on the Tuesday of the week in which the last day of grace happens to be."
The note now sent is blank as to the time at which it becomes payable;
of course it is desirable to me that I should know the manner in which
the blank is fiUed that I might not again mistake the day of renewal,
and once more suffer the mortification and expense of being diahonoied
at Bank. Will you, therefore, do me the favor of requesting Mr. McNeill
to inform me particularly as to these facts and to send me a statement
of everything necessary for me to know relative to the matter. Having
now for the first time to transact with banks, I must confess my utter
ignorance at the manner in which that business is to be done, it seems
to me, that I never should learn, as the more I attempt to comprehend it^
the farther am I off from correct conclusions. Would to Heaven that I
had never been reduced to the necessity of having personal communica-
tion with them. However, as my hand is in the "lion's mouth," I must
get it out with as little damage as possible. If I can weather the storm
likely to arise from having two notes in Bank, and get a little indulgence
from my other creditors, I have no doubt but that by industry and rigid
economy I may be enabled to save my land and other property from the
clutches of my creditors and the hammer of the auctioneer. That, how-
ever, depends upon their possessing the heavenly attribute of mercy, of
which, so far as it respects the desire of gain, the world of mankind

iWhen the legislature met Murphey was a candidate for the Senate, bat
Bedford Brown was chosen on the fifteenth ballot.

Thb Buffin Pafebs. 525

seems to be most wofully deficient. I hope however, that with proper
management and the smiles of Heaven upon the efforts of the husband-
man to have it in my power to demand from the world the full measure of
justice and to be above the necessity of being an humi>le petitioner for
the exercise of mercy. Grant this, Oh Merciful Heaven ! or if not, grant
me patience under suffering and an humble submission to thy righteous
dispensations.

You did not, when you were with us, express any desire as to what you
V70uld have done with the articles 'of furniture you purchased at the sale ;
-whether you would have them packed up and sent to Hillsboro', by Mr.
Gain's waggon, or whether they were to be packed up and left here, or
-whether anything was to be done with them or notf I entirely forgot to
mention the subject to you when I saw you ; however it is not too late to
express your wishes upon the matter, and, if possible, those wishes shall
be gratified. You likewise omitted to mention to me the disposition to
be made of your part of the pork to be fattened here ; I suppose that there
will be 8 or 900 lbs. apiece. I shall want all mine and more too, and
should be glad to purchase yours if you have no use for it or have enough
without it. I do not wish you, however, to incommode yourself by dis-
posing of it to me as, by pinching and stinting I may be enabled to get
through the year with what I shall have here and at Oakland. Mention
to me your wishes upon these two subjects and they shall be cheerfully
complied with as far as our ability will carry us.

I suppose, that by the time this reaches you, the subject of the vacancy
on the Supreme Court Bench and the choice of a successor to C. J. Taylor
will have been much agitated in the Legislatura From all I can learn I
do not think you will have any cause of anxiety as to the result. Public
opinion is very decidedly in your favor and a majority of the General
Assembly, though they may at first be a little coy upon the subject of the
station you at present occupy, will ultimately settle down upon you as
decidedly preferable either to Toomer, Seawell, or Daniel even, who to
my utter astonishment, will, as I learn, certainly be a candidate. I wish
you, most heartily, success in the ballot, and would willingly be there
to assist your friends in the struggle, as you have resolved not to assist
yourself.

Mention me most respectfully to Mr. Gaston and say to him that I
should like much to see him succeed the Honble. Secretary of the Navy
in the Senate of the U. S., but that I fear there is not sufficient liberality
and forgiveness of error in the last political horse-race to be found among
the wise men of No. Ca. to bestow upon him an honor so well merited
by the qualities of his head and heart.

Say also to my friend James Graham that I should, with infinite
pleasure, see him beat Alexander for the Western Solicitorship and hope
that such will be the result of that contest, as I cannot think the latter
entitled to the support of the liberal part of the Legislature, seeing his
conduct of the last Session was so very objectionable and suspicious.

526 Thx Nobth Carolina Hibtobical Comiossioit.

To Mendenhall, Dick^ Capt. Barry and the others of the last legisla-
ture to whom I was attached, remember me in the most friendly ternii.
To my Sister and all your family give my best love and afFection.
[Address : Raleigh N. C]

From Walker Anderson.

OuDBNBBOBo' Nov z 15 th 1829.

In complying with your request I am happy to have it in my power
to give you a good report respecting our friend Judge Murphey. I
spend almost every evening with him and his health is certainly not
worse, but I think rather better than it was previous to his confinemeDL
He has sometimes a bad night and has been bled twice since yon left
him, but his involuntary abstinence from exposure has certainly made
him freer from his rheumatick complaints. His spirits are just as I
have ever known them, serenely cheerful and he enjoys the company of
his friends (of which he has quite enough) with ike same apparent
pleasure, as if he received them in his own drawing room. One of his
sons is generally with him and Mr. Scott has paid him two visits.

My wife who is still with me but returns to H. in a day or two, joins
me in affectionate regards to Mrs. R. and the young ladies.

I Address : Raleigh N. C]

From William K. Ruffin.

Chapel Hill Novr. 16th 1829.
I should have answered your last kind letter before this, had it not
been for your trip to Caswell and my inability to fill up a sheet with anj
thing agreeable to you. I think that the Trustees were imprudent in
their choice of a site for the University. Instead of situating it in a
town where there is good society or at least respectable people with whom
the students might have intercourse, they picked upon a spot at the time
almost uninhabited and entirely destitute of persons with whom a gentle-
man ovrght to have intercourse. In the one place the Students would
have felt emulation to excell in their studies and ambition to appear as
gentlemen, and would have acted as young men establishing a character
which they would retain through life. In the other they have nothing
to excite them to behave well or to endeavour to be eminent in their
scholarship. It is true that you have appointed a public examination
and commencement and the faculty are directed to apprize the parents
of a son's deficiency in his studies or in moral rectitude. But this com-
mencement occurs but once in the year, and the interval is so long and the

The Buffin Fapbbs. 527

<lay when merit is awarded bo distant^ that it proves to be but little excite-
ment to exertion. And the endeavour to behave well arising from the
fear of our misdeeds reaching the ears of our parents is not equal to that
'which we would make when under the eye of a society for which we feel
respect and whose censure we fear to encounter. Chapel Hill especially
Tvas an unfortunate Situation. It not only has not the advantages of
good but has also the disadvantages of bad society. The Trustees chose
tHe spot where young men were to be trained up in the paths of science
and morality, but left it open for vagabonds. If they wished a retired
place aloof from the world, secluded from all intercourse with men —
they should have permitted no one to settle on it. Whereas they have
let all come who wished until finally half the villians in the state have
congregated and fixed upon this place as one in which they can spend
their time idly and at their ease. But I had not intended to write this
much about the situation of the college. No doubt what I have said has
often occurred to you and this also, that one who is really desirous of
acquiring information is capable of doing it in the midst of revelry and
dissipation as well as in the depth of a forest. I only intend this as an
excuse for dull and uninteresting letters.

You requested me in a former epistle to send you my production after
I had spoken it. I did not speak. What will my Dear Father say to
this? He will be surprised to hear it and will say that I am a fooL I
should have been no less surprised the day before the speaking came on.
The truth is, that I am so constituted that I cannot appear before a
public audience. I cannot explain the cause of it any more than that I
am nervous and have no presence of mind. I feel that it is folly; but
how can I overcome it ? I have used my best endeavours but it is invin-
cible. I laugh at myself and at the same time know that it is not my
fault but that of Dame Nature. The present is a remarkable instance of
my singular weakness. I wrote my discourse and began to memorize it
with an inconceivable ardour, muttered and incessantly repeated the
same phrases while endeavouring to cram them in my head. I hoped at
length to remember what I had written and on the eve of the day ap-
pointed I had it by rote and recited it fluently without missing a single
word. I had it in my head all night ; in the morning I had forgotten it —
hesitated at every word, thought myself on the stage, became confused,
stammered and lost my presence of mind. I perceived at once that it
would be uselessly exposing myself if I appeared on the stage and I
therefore communicated my situation to Dr. Caldwell, who has previ-
ously had frequent opportunities of witnessing this singular circum-
stance in my constitution. He very kindly exempted me from the per-
formance of it. Should I ever be able to conquer this difficulty I shall
perform a wonder far from being equalled by the anecdote related of
Demosthenes.

I was much disappointed in not seeing you and my Mother when you
were up. I went to Hillsboro last Sunday with the expectation of meet-

528 The North Cabouna Historical Comiobsioit.

ing you but learned to my sorrow that you had left there the momiiig
before. I hope by this time the health of my little Sister is perfectly
restored.

This session ends exactly four weeks hence. How shall I get to
Baleigh. I think that it would be the best at least the most economical
plan to hire a horse here. I can get one for $8. And as I wish to pay a
visit to my Aunt in Fayetteville and have a most bitter antipathy to
your horses it would save Stage-fare. I leave it however to your betta*
judgement Uncle John got me a pair of pantaloons the other day. I
got them without your permission because I really needed ihem— did not
intend going to Hillsboro and wished to purchase all my apparel from
Grandpa. About another article of dress I ask your permiflsion before-
hand, viz a cloak or overcoat. I have a cloak but it is too small and
otherwise unfit for use. I shall be obliged to you for one.

Will you please ask my Mother if she can find room to lodge my young
friend McCain^ who goes to Raleigh this winter. I think it is what is
due to him from me, as I have been so hospitably treated by his iBimij.
He stays but a day or two. Write soon My Dear Father, if it be but a
line. Let me conclude by desiring to be affectionately remembered to
my mother and the children and by wishing to you health and happinesa
and success this week.

[P. S.] We have just learnt that our your young friend and former
talented fellow student Ruf us Yancey^ is dead. * Poor Fellow ! he needed
prudence and reflection, but he was kind in his disposition, honourable
in his intercourse, with us and promised to stand well in the world. How
uncertain is life.

[Address : Raleigh K C]

From James Somevell.

Wabbsnton, Nov. 23, 1829.

I received yours in due time and was much gratified with the contents.
You have probably conjectured if you thought upon the subject, that
as I intended to see you at Raleigh on Monday next, it was unneoessaiy
to subject my business to the risk of the mail.

I earnestly hope that you will continue at the Head of the Bank —
unless you think your duty to your family should be imperious in calling
you to a situation more agreeable and more profitable. I regret to see it
stated that Col. Robards intends to decline a reelection to the office of
Treasurer.

T. Ruffiln Esq.

[Address: Raleigh.]

iNathaniel Henry McCain of Rockingham, a graduate of 1880.
2Rufu8 Augustus Yancey, son of Bartlett Yancey, a graduate of the Uni-
versity in the class of 1829.

The Ruffin Papebs. 520

From Henry Branson,^

Fayettevillb, 28tli November 1829.

I am happy to hear of your Election^ to fill one of the most Important
ofBces in the State because I believe yon to be better qualified to fill that
Important office than any other man in the State.

And if you Can by any fair means assist my worthy and honourable
friend to be Elected Senator to Congress I will not aske any further
favours of the present Qeneral Assembly.

If it was in my power to render him any assistance Either by Day or

Enight it should be done with pleasure. My feelings are Doubled to

what they were before I heard of the ungreatfull proceedings against

him. I hope I shall always f eald for the opressed. I have wrote to some

of my friends on the subject who I hope will Join us in favour of our

worthy and Honourable Friend.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Thomas Ruffin Esqr.
[Address : Raleigh, N. C]

From Thomas Turner.

[Plymouth, K C, Nov. 80, 1899.]
I lay down the paper (the Ral: Star of the 26th instant) to say ^'that
I was never so glad of anything in my life, as to read that you are one
of the judges of the Supreme Court" I could not read another line until
I had said this much.

[Address : Raleigh N. C]

From Adam LocJchart,

— „ ^ y , AwsoN County N". C. Deer. 1st, 1829.

WeU, my Dear Judge,

I am truly gratified that I have lived to see the day, that you have the

Power, at will, to accept one of the most honourable and illustrious

appointment the state can bestow. Judge I have not capacity to express

my mind on this pleasing event, tho' hope you will truely understand

me. I did intend to have been at Raleigh early in the session, tho' was

prevented through the indisposition of my family.

lA mercliant of FayetteviUe and president of the Cape Fear Navigation
Company.

20n November 24, 1829, Ruffln was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court,
over Judges Toomer, Seawell, and Daniel; he was elected on the third ballot,
Seawell and Daniels having been withdrawn.

680 Thx Nobth Cabolina Histobioal CoMiasaiozr.

Judge I wrote you last winter expressive of a wish to get the appoint-
ment from the Marshal to take the next census in my Coun^. Your
friendly answer was soon reed, the contents of whidi shall never be
forgotten, they appeared as they were from a true friend.

I still wish the appointment, feeling, tho' I am old, like I could execute
the business as well as ever, it perhaps might be premature to address
the Marshal again on that subject, at least in me, several Gentl^nen of
my County have expressed a desire for me etc., perhaps some of these
Gtontlemen may address the Marshal on my behalf.

Judge you now sustain a station, in my opinion, the most honourable
in the State, but sir let me tell you, that your course is not limited, it will,
if you will admit it, no doubt soon be enlarged, there are courts without
the limits of this State, as is also without the Limits of the united states.
Judge I have no claims to prophecy, nor am I much of a Jester, it hath
long been my opinion on certain occasions, if person cannot speak their
minds they had better say nothing. I therefore now say, that I have
long since thought, and often said, a man possessing the faculty that yon
etc. could not stand still long, meaning etc. Judge there is no flattezy
here, it is my way of expressing myself to a Gentleman or friend, of
which I view you etc.

Judge please to let me here from you once more, after which I will
not intrude on your time. I herewith, Judge subscribe my name to you
with my hearty and sincere wishes for your good health, and prospmty
here and hereafter, while I remain yours most sincerely

[Address : Saleigh N. C]

From 1/7111x001% B. Narcum.

Edbnton 10 Dec. 1829.

A matter of difference has occured at our Board of Directors ; (it is
this) What No. when five are present is sufficient to carry a resolution
or effect a discount, is not three sufficient, or are they not considered a
majority sufficiently large to come within the meaning of the article of
our By-Law saying that 2/3rds of the No. present etc. It has untill
lately been considered, that when only 5 were present 3 was sufficient to
carry any point, but at this time it is not so, two can prevent any resolu-
tion or prevent any discount from passing, for my part I do not helieve
that it was ever so meant, or intended, that 2 should rule 3, in matters of
this kind, and therefore hope that the matter may be named to the Prin-
cipal Directors (if you should think proper) in order that we may have
their opinion on the subject.

It was with great pleasure I learned of the recent appointment con-
ferred on you by our Legislature, tho' I was sorry to lose your assistance
in managing our Banking institutions, yet I do sincerely hope, what is
our loss, will be your gain, therefore feel perfectly satisfied.

The Buffin Papers. 631

I should have written you before this, had you remained at the head
of the institution, but as you are [no] longer so, I do not feel (or did hot
feel) bound to comply with my promise made you, as you were on the eve
of leaving this place, that was made in confidence — and had I written
you, it would have been in the same way. I hope to have the pleasure of
seeing you again, when the whys and wherefores will be given.

[Address : Ealeigh N. C]

From Charles F. Bagge.

Saubm December 19th, 1829
It afforded me much pleasure when I read in the Papers that you had
been elected a Judge of the Supreme Court, to supply the place of the
late Chief Justice Taylor, as I believe it was congenial to your own wishes
and those of your friends, it also gave- me much satisfaction to find that
Judge Cameron succeeds you as President of the State bank; As it is
of some interest to me to know as early as may be, if the Newbem Bank
has declared any Dividend for the last six Months you will confer a
favour on me to make the enquiry and inform me as early as convenient
by Mail; I am Dear Sir, respectfully
Thomas Ruffin Esqr

Baleigh
Pray what is your friend Murphey doing! I have received neither
letter or money from him since I saw you last.

Frowr Thom^as Tv/mer.

Pltmo Dec. 22, 1829.
I received yesterday your very kind letter of the 8, and have to tender
to you my sincere thanks for entering the Plea of "non est factum" in
that suit. The suit, as you correctly supposed, had not been neglected
by me. I had employd Wm. H. Haywood Junr. Esqr. to plead the plea
you have entered. How it was that he did not attend to it, I am not
informed : But I am satisfied it was not for want of kindness toward me,
nor intention to neglect it. At the time of my receiving notice of the
writ, I was in correspondence with Mr. Haywood, on other subjects, and
I therefore asked him to defend that suit. The service of that writ on
me excited at first as you may suppose a little surprize, and I could not
but make a jest of their taking me for one with whose name $100,000
could be, for a moment, associated with gravity. I wrote Mr. Haywood
so, and asked him to enquire of the Attorneys whose names were marked
on the writ for the Plf, and also if Mr. Bobards, in whose hand writing

532 Thx Nobth Caboona Historical Commissioi^.

was kindly indorsed on the writ "no bail required/' wherefore the writ
issued? Upon what cause of action? And if it were not designed for ''j
certain" Thomas Turner son of the late (Jovemor^ instead of out fnesi
of that name? Assuring him that our friend had never in hiB life beeon^
liable to such a suit. I reed for answer^ that however jestingly I mi^:
regard the writ, the Flfs were in serious earnest, for that Col. Kobank
informed him I was one of the sureties of his Dear old uncle's official
bond dated in Nov. 1820. This letter encreased my surprize greath
and also my disposition to treat the suit with levity. My surprize was
greater, because I thot Col. Robard's knew my writing, and while k
aver'd I had signed that bond I averred that I had not! Could tmj
thing be more surprizing? Or anything more ridiculous than to sue mt
for $100,000 ! Let us see how much it is. tTnits, tens, hundreds|; ten's
of thousands, millions: Indeed sir, I cant enumerate it; and you may
see from this that such a sum is not at all of my acquaintance, and neT&
was I dont believe I could take it by descent, so great is the repugnant
of that sum and me. Well I Mr. Haywood said he would plead '^non est
factum," and I afterwards wrote him not to run any risk of his health
nor of accidents, lest these might prevent him, but to engage some other
attorney to plead it in case of his absence — and not long after the return
term, he wrote me that the plea was entered, and added '^e had no doubt
it was a true one, for that that opinion began now to prevail in Ralei^"
or words to this effect. And without the least disposition to find fanlt
with friend Haywood, I have to thank you too much for entering that
plea — and the more especially since your interference in my behalf wu
as well influenced by kindness to me as to prevent injustice being done
to a citizen.

As to the letter which I wrote you upon your recent appointment to
the Bench of the Supreme Court ; I wrote it in a moment of warmth and
hurry — and tho' it came ^^f rom the heart and was faithful to its fires,"
Still since then ; since I have cooled and reflected upon it, I have thou^t
it had perhaps been better, if I had withheld the expression of those
feelings. I am afraid my letter made a strange appearance and was
not only singular, but such as I ought not to have written. You will
please not mistake me. I do not regret the feelings, nor are they changed,
but fear it was not altogether proper, for me to express them. They are
however expressed; and if they be considered simply and abstraetedlj,
from everything else, as indeed they are; then I have no reason, nor
can any reason be givn why I should not have expressed them as I did.
I had no ulterior views other than what I shall express in this letter,
none upon your friendship : none that ought to be restrained. If I had
had such other views, views that ought to be restrained, I should nerer
have expected to have had them gratified by you. Simply this, I was
highly gratified, and in a paroxism of pleasure, I threw down the paper
and wrote you that letter.

I confess Sir, as you suggest tiii not to the extent of your suggestion
that you do owe (no, not owe; that you are entitled) to those feelings

The Buffin Papers. 533

and the expression of them to my partiality for you ; but this partiality
is well bottomed. It is not for nothing as father loves a Son, that I
l^ave this partiality — But for the best reasons as you shall see.
Errors of the Supreme Court.

In this ease — Henry N'orman made two wills, one dated 12, the other

14 feby 1804. The will of the 12 was proved in Tyrrel County Court

^ay 1804 : no executor qualified. It remained so. In Oct. 1804 the will

of the 14th was offered for probate — probate was contested, and the will

of the 14 was established several years after in Edenton District Superior

Oourt. Executors qualified and the estate was administered under the

i^ill of the 14th. It happened that Henry N. Jasper was interested in

the will of the 12th, and was an Infant, and had no notice of the probate

of the will of the 14th. He came of age in some 14 or 15 years after,

and filed his petition to have the will of the 14th reproved as to him.

Upon the hearing or trial, the court ordered a reprobate of the will of

the 14. This was the Superior Court of Chowan. Here the matter

rested for some months. Jasper claimed under the will of the 12th which

had been proved and the probate thereof was now valid. He commenced

actions of detinue and perhaps other actions under the will of the 12th

to recover his estate. At length John Mariner, who was interested in the

will of the 14th filed his petition in Tyrell CownJty Court, and offered

the will of the 14, for reprobate. Henry N. Jasper was made party

defendant to this suit — The suit by removal came to superior Court of

this County, was tried, and verdict that the paper writing purporting

to be the will of Henry Norman of the 14, was not his will, — appeal to

the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court decide that the County Court

of Tyrrel and Superior Court of Washington had not jurisdiction — and

order that the suit be dismissed at the Cost of the Petitioner Jasper.

"Now the error is that Jasper was not the petitioner. The costs amount

to about $400 for which execution issues against him.

Again, Bob Pike filed his Bill of Injunction, in Washington Court of
Equity agt Stark Armistead admr. of David Goodman (who was trustee
of Joel Thorp under a deed of trust, to pay Stark Armistead Thomas
Turner, Henry Shelters and Jacob N. Gordon certain sums of money
each) to in join him from collecting a sum of money for which David
Goodman's Admr. had recovered of him a judgment, in Chowan Superior
Court amount $800 or thereabouts. Pike charged in his Bill that he
loaned Thorp 10 May 1820 $700, and took mortgage for his security on
3 negroes, that it was agreed at the time, that the negroes should remain
with Thorp who had always possessed them, and that his mortgage
should be kept secret, and this for fear of injuring Thorps credit. He
states that Thorp was embarrassed by debt yet he thot him solvent ; and
that the mortgage and loan was kept secret. That in the last of Novem-
ber following more than 6 months after the date of the mortgage, he
became uneasy at Thorps embarrassment, and the unregistered state of
his mortgage, and that he confidentially asked me, whether it would be

534 Thx Nobth Cabolina Histobical Comiossiok.

safe for him to let his mortgage remain unregistered. This he says to
the first time, I knew of his mortgage, for he had kept it secret. Afte^
wards the Deed of Trust under which Goodman claimed was ezeeuted,
and registered in 8 days after the execution of it and pablished, snd
after this Pike registered his mortgage. The Bill of Injunction statei
the facts so. It also states as well as I can remember, that I advised
him not to register. But I deny this in my answer, and state that I ixM
him, as well as I knew the risks he would be liable to if he did not r^gist?,
and the extent of his security if he did, and also the probable injury to
Thorp if he did. Thorp was his Uncle and had raised him and ther
were ever friendly and intimate: Thorpe had married my Aunt, — ^we
were friendly and intimate, and I state, that I would not agree to tak
upon myself the responsibility of advising Pike to Register or not to
Register, but told him frankly and candidly the consequences of eiihet
course, and left him, in seamans phrase to '^row his own Boat." It is
stated in the Bill and answer that after the Registration of the Deed
of Trust to (Goodman, Pike seized upon the negroes, ran them off and
sold them. That suit was brought against him and the judgment re-
covered which he would enjoin. It was pleaded in the answer that tlie
suit at law was a bar to the complaint in his Bill, as his rights were
there fully entered into discussed heard and decided. The error of the
Supreme Court extends to all they said in this case. Their judgment is
wrong throughout. Most especially is it wrong in saying that Armistesd
and myself were cognizant of Pikes mortgage at the date of it. Pike
does not say this himself, on the contrary he says it was kept secret and
not made kaown to me until latter end of November following the date
of it on 10 May 1820, which is more than 6 months. Most especially is
it wrong in this, that Pike's communications to me on Novmr purges
that transaction of fraud, which by law had been a fraud for 6 montlis
before.

In conclusion, I am persuaded my dear Sir, that your Industry and
vigilance, would have prevented these errors; and therefore, for this
reason if no other, I am heartily glad of your appointment to that Bench.

I refer you to the Transcript of these suits in the offilce of Clerk of the
Supreme Court, and to the Reports of the Supreme Court, for any sup-
port which my statements may need.

But I will not conclude here. I will go on and state a practice that
prevails in the Supreme Court which ought to be stopped, and that is
the issuing executions against the party cast for the costs of that Court
I gi^e you at bottom extracts from the Bills of Costs on two executions
that issue now against me — and I affirm there is no law to justify th^e
issues. I have refused to pay them, and intend to institute suit if the
money is collected of me. I have so informed the clerk by letters to
Henry M. Miller Esqr his deputy.

I asked Mr. Miller to put his finger on the law that gave such fees and
hand it to me. He referred me to the acts of 1810 latter clause of 7
Section and of 1818 and 1825.

The Ruffin Papebs. 585

He said that in July 1811 the judges had the act of 1810 before them
(page 1169) and conceiving themselves authorized to do so, they £zed
upon the fees which should be adjudged and taxed against the party
Cast in that Court. That the act of 1818 provides the same compensation
for the clerk of that Court which had been already provided and that
the act of 1825 recognizes the taxing costs of the Supreme Court : and
not doubting that this would satisfy me^ he requested and did not doubt^
I would remit the money forthwith.

But, '^Flees are not lobsters damn their souls" and I proved as obsti-
nate as they. Judging that no man can be deprived of his property
but by the law of the land, and I do not think he had turned me to such
law to justify his demand, I still refused to pay. I asked him to send
.me a certified and formal Copy under seal of the court of the fee bill
which had been fixed and adopted by the Judges under the act of 1810,
and stated that I should expect to find it, not a piece of paper with a
few fees written down upon it, but a formal resolution of the Judges
that certain fees be taxed to the Clk Shf and attorneys for services in
that Court ; for I did not think it could be any thing less than this, seeing
that he claimed for it all the authority of a published and solemn act of
the QenL Assembly — altho', it had not received the same publication.
And what do you think he sent me ? I will bet my life you could not guess
in 50 years ! He sent me extracts from his execution docket of July 1811
of the fees that had been charged on two executions thus issued from the
Supreme Court 1! He said he could send no minutes on the records
where the Judges had fixed upon those fees and adopted them for the
officers of the Supreme Court, and for which execution should issue
against the party cast. This he could not find. He did not know whether
it should have been so formally adopted, as I conceived it should have
been. But he was authorized to say, that the Judges had so adopted and
fixed upon these fees as aforesaid under the act of 1810, page 1169. That
he had sent me a Copy of what he had, and that in office, he had con-
formed to the practice and customs which he found prevailing when he
went into office. He added that the Clk. of the Supreme and himself
wisEed nothing wrong (I believe them) and he proposed that I give
them notice that I should move the Supreme Court to set aside these
executions on the ground that they issued without authority of law; and
stated that the question could be tried without cost to either party. But
I declined his proposition and for why? Because I do not wish to engage
in a suit until I am injured. Because I care not to trouble myself to
try the rights of others. Because, I do not wish to be concerned in trying
so plain a question — a question that every body can solve who will look
into it. Because, whatever he may do, I cant try the question without
cost. Because, I hold the demand upon me to be obviously wrong, and
ought to be withdrawn — and that it will be not only absurd but out-
rageous to insist upon it. I have other reasons — but I will stop here.
Now ; I do think it is absurd to pretend that the act of 1810 authorized

586 Thx Nobth Cabolina Historical Commission.

the Judges to say what fees should be paid to the officers of the Supreme
Court by the party Cast : or that the Judges ever preteaded to exercise
such authority; or that the execution docket furnishes the fee bill which
they adopted ; or that for want of a formal resolution to this effect, parol
evidence can be made to answer. But allowing all this; still it cannot
be pretended that such a fee bill so adopted and evidenced, and so unpub-
lished is ^'the law of the land/'

To conclude — The Supreme Court is a Court without Cost to the
pai;ties litigant, unless they choose to employ an attorney — and even
in this case no execution can issue for his fee, but the payment of it
depends like all other sums upon contract. The Clk and shfs have
salaries allowed them and these are paid by the state. There is no fee
Bill for them or the attorneys practising in that court to be found in all
the law.

Now, I am persuaded that your vigilance and other qualities, (not to
be named by me just at this time) will correct errors of this kind; and
here is another reason why I am glad, heartily glad, you are appointed
to that Bench.

I am heartily glad that we have a Supreme Court, that the Judges
have a good salary, that their duties are not so numerous as to make
the execution of them anything but a pleasure and an honor, and that
their office is for life, and that they are exempted from circuit riding
and trying the causes in the Superior Courts. But the Supreme Court
should at least commit no blunders which are so obvious as to be dis-
covered by men, who like me have no pretensions to a knowledge of
the law.

You will please not mistake me. I have the greatest respect and
esteem for the gentlemen whose errors I have been speaking of. I am
far from suspecting them of any dishonorable motives. All men we see
are liable to error, or surely these had been exempt. You will understand
me however as having a greater confidence in your industry, and capacity
and in your habits of business, examining everything for yourself, than
I have in most men. Hence one ground of my partiality and esteem,
for these qualities assure us all of fair treatment. Your humanity and
politeness assure us of kirkd treatment; and this is the other ground of
my esteem. I could go on but stay; I am not now to write your epitaph
and eulogy. Judge then, the pleasure, and the sincerity with which I
expressed it, and also of the intelligence of it, what I felt upon reading
your appointment.

I stop here ; lest in the next 15 minutes, I write you to death.

P. S. You will see that altho I write without malice or any oth^
bad motive ; and that altho all I have said can be supported ; still that
its circulation is calculated to make enemies for

Your friend

[Address: Baleigh M". C]

The Buffin Papebs. 637

From Joseph B. Skiivner.

Edenton 29th Deer. 1829.
I congratulate you and our common country upon your elevation to
the Supreme Court Bench. It is indeed consolatary to me that something
like sobriety and cool determination has marked this Legislature com-
pared to the faction and disorganization which ran through the whole
of the last. But Bedford Brown of ridiculous memory is elected our
Senator. Has he acquired intellectual merit since the days in which I
knew him, so that the State is not dishonored, or has it resulted from party
juggling? I am too remote from the scene of action to hear often, and
I am not worth the attention of my immediate representatives.

My nephew T. S. Hoskins^ has given me very short notice of his
inunediate departure for Raleigh to make application for a County Court
License, and I must therefore not throw away my time upon matters
which I cannot control, and of which thank Qod you are in one sense
independent. Mr. Hodcins is a young Gentleman a Graduate of our
University of ezceUent morals, modest and unassuming. He studied
Law awhile with Judge Henderson, and for the last 15 or 18 mos.
attended the Law School in New Haven Count. He returned with me
this autumn. Judge Daggett and Mr. Hitchcock spoke in high terms
of him, but I fear he cannot acquire that tact in his profession, so neces-
sary to get along with successfully. You will do him as well as myself
a favor to give him an examination and decide his fate as soon you may
find it convenient.

I understand (casually) that you intend leaving Hillsboro and resid-
ing on your estate on the Dan. Is it so? I suspect Mrs. Ruffin, Miss
Catharine, Mr. and Mrs. Eirkland and the whole host of your Hillsboro
friends will most vehemently oppose you. Be pleased my dear Sir to
make my kind respects to Mrs. Ruffin and Miss Catharine, and to my
old and worthy friends Mr. and Mrs. Eirkland. Excuse my haste.

If Judges Henderson and Hall have not forgotten me be so good as
to remember me to them respectfully J. B. S.

[Address: Raleigh.]

From Archibald D. Murphey,

J. ^y. , Haw Riveb, 13th January, 1830.

Mr. Christmas wishes to know whether you will hire Cesar. He offers
him at $50. He is worth this sum, and Jerry cannot do without him, or
some other person. The Mill is thronged and Jerry will soon break down

iThomas 3. Hoskiiifl was a member of the House of Commons in 1835.

538 Thx Nobth Carouea Histobical CoMioBSioif.

without help. CSesar is a pretty good miller, and when not wanted ii
the Mill can work on the plantation. Mr. Christmas b^gs yon to bdam
him immediately whether yon will take him.

I received your letter on today. I think I can arrange the Debt iii&
Dr. Webb. I will try and give you notice. To me it is a matter of As
last importance to save the Library.

If you knew or had any idea of my afflicted condition, you would nn
deny my request as to Bridget. "When you were here last, I web op-
pressed by sad reflections and overwhehned with melancholy feeliogE.
I did not mention the subject to you then: I thought you knew idj
wishes. I cannot expect Cornelia to remain with me long, and viie
she is gone I shall be left dependent upon those who know not how t»
nurse me, or take care of me in my sufferings. I appeal to your gaus-
osity on this subject, and to your sympathy for a human Being, who Im
suffered and is probably long doomed to suffer the extreme of human
wretchedness.

If our Friendship does not entitle me to this small Boon at your Haodi,
let my affliction prefer its claim. I declare to you that I luul rath^ be
dead than to be deprived of all chance of good nursing in my suffaingB.
One thing is certain, I should quickly die. Let me therefore entreat joo
not to deprive me of Bridget, if I can make out to pay yon for her. I
think I can pay you with certainty, at the time mentioned in my hit
Letter. Write to me, if you can by the return MaiL

Honble. Thomas Buffin.

From V. M. Mturphey.

,^ •. c,. Haw Eivxb 10th Feby. 1830.

My Dear otr: —

I had been in Oreensboro. assisting my Father in moving for nearly
a week before I received your Letter, but immediately upon my retorn,
turned my attention to your business. On today Mr. Moore left here
for Hillsboro. with the wagon for your Fork. Old Cupid is not here as
you expected. He came down early in January expecting yon had pur-
chased pork in the neighbourhood, but finding that you had no^ lie
returned to Caswell again. However when Mr. Moore returns I will
have the pork carefully hung up and smoked. I went to see Jerry respect-
ing the Flour. He informs me there is wheat enough in the Mill to
make 28 or 30 Barrels of flour and that the flour can be made at asj
time when the barrels are ready. Mr. Moore was disappointed in getting
barrels from persons who some time since had promised to supply him

The house will be vacated on Tomorrow. Cornelia and the children
will start to Greensboro. My Father is already there. My Orandmother
appeared to be so much distressed at parting with her, at once we thought

The Buffin Fapebs. 689

it prudent that Cornelia should remain a few days longer than my

Pather^ who was compelled to go up early in the last week.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Upon the subject of the Library I suspect my Father will write you
\>y the Mail of Tomorrow. I apprehend there will be no difficulty about

lw» • • •

Hon. Thomas Buffin.

From V, M, Mwphey.

,, ^ a. Haw EiVBE, 26th July 1830.

My Dear 8%r. ' •^

^ ^ 0 ^ ^ ^ 0

My Neighbourhood has lately been visited with some sickness. The
Fever has broken out in some few families, and as far as my practice
has extended I find it of a much more malignant character than that
of last year.

Our candidates are making much noise about their election, par-
ticularly those for the Senate, and I have never known such perfect
indifference about an election, and I regret to say that there exists a
prospect for the election of your worthy Friend Dr. Craig in the Com-
mons. William mentioned that he had written to you today and that
the Family wei^ all welL

[Address : Baleigh, No. Ca.]

From Archibald D. Murphey.

J. ^. ^ Gbbensbobough 81st August 1830.

I send down Tom for some Flour and Corn and Com MeaL Being
detained all day on yesterday in giving my deposition in the Cape Fear
Navigation Cases, I don't know whether I can write intelligently this
morning. However you will probably understand me.

Ist When you went to Baleigh I sent you 4 Bbls. of Flour. I agreed
to take 4 Bbls. in return out of the Mill. When I moved to this place
Jerry made 2 Bbls. for me: and I was supplied with Flour from the
Mill from the time of my arrest here in Nov. last untill I moved. The
Boo^ of the Mill will shew how much I got, and you can then tell how
much Flour is yet coming to me to make up the 4 Bbls. Whatever there
be, I beg you to have it prepared and send up by Tom.

2'd. Send me Com and Com Meal to the amount of the enclosed Bill.

3'd. Mr. Worth and myself wish to make a contract with you for 120
Bbls. of Com and 10 Bbls. of Flour — ^with the Liberty of extending the

540 The Nobth Caboliva Histobical Comiobsios^.

Contract to 160 Bblfl. of Corn and 15 Bbls. of Flour. We will take Ae
Com and Flour at the Mill from Time to Time as we may want them,
and we shall want one half^ perhaps more^ of the Com ground. We wDl
give you $4 per Bbl. for flour, and $2 for Com, and make payment as
follows : for all we get up to tiie 1st December we pay the money as ii€
get the Com and Flour. On the 1st Dec. next, we will pay you in
advance $60. On 1st March next, $60. On 20th May next 150. And if
we should extend the Contract to 150 Bbls. of Com and 15 Bbls. of
Flour, we will pay you $80 in June next. We wish to engage Com and
Flour for our Families and also for the Oold Mine at Gibson. We iriD
take sometimes 3, sometimes 8 Bbls. at a time, of Com. We wish to get
it at the Mill as we may want it — and more than half, I expect, we shsll
want ground.

If you will make this Contract with us, I wish you to send a BbL of
Flour and 1 and V^ Bbls. of Com ground into Meal, by Tom, to the
Oold Mine. Whilst he is gone, Jerry can prepare my Flour and Meal
for Tom to bring up. Mr. Worth will be at the Mine on next week and
will send you the money for the Flour and Com. If you decline letting
us have Flour and Com on the terms proposed, you need not send any
to the Mine : Tom may come on home as soon as he can get his Floor etc

Some of the people of this place will wait for Tom's return, to hear
upon what terms they can get Flour and Com at your MilL They can
buy Com here at $2.50 and haul it; and Flour is ofFered in the streets at
$2.50 per Hun'd. But those who have Carts prefer sending to your
Mill if they can get Flour at $2 per Hun'd — and Com at $2 per BbL

I am better and hope to see you as I go on to Orange Snp'r. Court.

From Archibald D. Murphey.

^ ^. Gbbensbobouoh 2'd Sep. 1830.

Having to send Tom down to the Mine on this morning with some
Potatoes etc. for the Hands, I have directed him to go on with the Cart
to the Mill and bring up the Com Meal for the Mine. He tells me two
Bags of it are at the Mill — , and I wish you to send up to the Mine by
him 200 lbs. of Flour. You oflfer it at the price which Mr. Worth
expected. Common Flour will answer as well as any.

I saw Mr. Worth on yesterday. He said he expected you would not
take $2. for com; and authorised me to offer you $2^ for an hundred
Barrels. But I suppose you will make no contract until you see Mr.
Stith.

If you will wait with me for the money until the latter part of Orange
Superior Court, I will thank you to send me 200 Lbs. of Flour and a

Thb Hvjrjrm Papers. 541

Sarrel of Corn ground into Meal. I should be glad to get them now, as
Tom and the Cart are now idle and will be so for three or four days,
furnishing a good opportunity of collecting in a few supplies. If you
^11 not wait, tell him to come on directly home from the Mine : if you
will wait, tell him to return from the Mine and get the Flour and Com.
Mr. Worth will not be at the Mine untill the week after next, nor shall
I see him untill my return from Hillsborough. He will either write to
you or go to see you. I expect we will take 20 Bbls. of Flour. *^"

■:>

►'^ n

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