Rome, Georgia - History (part 7 of 17)

Early on the morning of May 18 our men burned the Oostanaula River bridge. The Etowah bridge had also been burned. About 11 o'clock the Yankees pushed their outposts into town, but our battery on Myrtle Hill continued to fire throughout the day. The town was now at the mercy of the invaders, who started burning houses and making themselves comfortable. Certain wooden structures were torn down so the lumber could be used to make temporary shacks for the Union soldiers. The home of Dr. Hicks in DeSoto (now the Fourth Ward) was burned because it was charged Mrs. Hicks had insulted Streight's men when they were brought in the year before as prisoners by Gen. Forrest. Mrs. Choice's home also went up in smoke, and the family had a narrow escape. Several attempts were made to burn the Norton home and barn, but the fire was put out each time. Many more families left town in haste and confusion. Pillaging day and night was common. The Confederates were scattered through the country, and Yankee wagon trains on foraging expeditions were handled roughly. Scores of negroes were sent North by the Union army leaders; they were not only of no help to our people, but in the way. Free transportation North was given such people as wished to go, and a few took advantage of the opportunity; I think there were eight or ten, whom we could well spare.

Homes were quickly turned into hospitals. Only three male members of the Presbyterian church were left: Nicholas J. Omberg, H. G. Peter and myself. The authorities took up the carpets of the church, and moved the furniture and prayer books; pews were removed and used to float pontoon bridges across the rivers. The First Presbyterian was used as a store house. The Methodist church was filled with ammunition and the Baptist and Episcopal structures were converted into hospitals.

On Sept. 18 the Confederates fired on the Yankees on the Cave Spring road, killing eight or ten and wounding others. The Federals, fearing a surprise attack, dug additional rifle pits. The people, in the meantime, remained in their homes as much as possible.* They were moved about, as their d\ filings were needed for military purposes. They lived on whatever they could hide out; sometimes cooked for the enemy and thus fed themselves. Miss Joe Stewart (later Mrs. J. A. Stansbury) told how she penned up a lot of chickens in her basement, and how their feathers were missing when they were finally turned out after the departure of the enemy.

Oct. 29 was noteworthy as the date Gen. Sherman and his staff came into town. They entered at night. On Nov. 10 at 5 a. m. it became evident that the invaders were preparing to evacuate, for they started burning the places of military value. Several additional citizens went North. The last of the Federals left at 9 o'clock, a. m., Nov. 11, 1864, and they destroyed such stores as they could not take along. Two days later there was not a soldier of either army to be seen. The streets were entirely deserted. Everything was as still and quiet as if no war were in progress. The business section was dead; only a little drug store was left, and that kept by Dr. J. H. Nowlin. The 40 men left behind organized a patrol force for the protection of their homes. They were as follows:

Of these, Judge Burwell, Mr. Quinn and Mr. Lee were unable to bear arms. The ages of the men left were 18 to 70. Among the women who remained at home might be mentioned Mrs. Lizzie Roach Hughes, Mrs. J. M. Gregory, Mrs. Robt. Battey, Mrs. John Choice, Mrs. Peter M. Sheibley and Mrs. R. S. Norton.

Different sections were assigned to the civilian guard. Mr. Omberg and Mr. McGuire were on duty in the Broad Street neighborhood north of the Buena Vista hotel (Sixth Avenue). Early one night they heard the shrill voice of a woman, calling for help. They rushed forward and discovered it was old Mrs. Quinn. Before they reached her, a ruffian of a Scout band held them up at the point of a pistol. Another ruffian placed them under guard. Conversation between the two robbers revealed that they had been hanging Mr. Quinn by the neck to make him give up money and valuables. He surrendered what he had, so they did not kill him. Mr. Mc- Guire and Mr. Omberg were ordered to follow the gang leaders, who would 'fix them' out of town. The two ran for their lives. A dozen shots were fired at them, one taking effect in Mr. Omberg's leg. Mr. Oinberg's wife was dead, and he and his children were living with his sister-in-law, Mrs. Thos. J. Perry. Mrs. Perry was in her yard when she discovered Mr. Omberg coming up lamely with his hat in his hand, and without a weapon. He told her he thought he was done for, and begged her to hide him, for he knew the marauders would follow. She got him upstairs into an attic** and ran to the nearest neighbor's to get aid for him. The neighbors were afraid to venture out, so Mrs. Perry returned to the sufferer and did the best she could.*** Later she went to the home of her neighbors and implored them to go for Dr. Nowlin. The doc-

*This probably refers to an ambuscade at the Hawkins place, on the Lindale road one mile north of Lindale, by Colquitt's Scouts. Some 25 wagons manned by soldiers and drawn by horses and mules were held up by fire from the bushes. The beasts broke into a wild stampede, several overturning the wagons. Colquitt's, men escaped into the hills. Gen. Jno. M. Corse, commanding at Rome, sent ambulances out and brought in the wounded, several of whom had been taken into the home of Mrs. Tom Hawkins and given first aid. Gen. Corse held Mrs. Hawkins, her absent husband and her father, Roland Bryant, responsible for the attack, and burned her home while she looked on.

***Judge John C. Printup is authority for the statement that Mr. Omberg was shot near Eighth Avenue and Broad Street, and died at the home of his brother-in-law, Thos. J. Perry, at the northwest corner of Eighth Avenue and E. First Street. It is generally accepted that this job was done by Colquitt's Scouts, and it is said that several young men of Rome were recognized in the crowd. Mrs. Judge Jno. H. Lumpkin was also robbed.

Getting him buried was just as difficult. Everybody stayed cooped up in their homes for fear of being shot down by a hidden foe. Presently the men ventured forth, made a coffin out of pine boards and laid him away.

These robbers were deserters from both armies, and they banded together to prey upon defenseless citizens. They committed many atrocities in the country, but did not come to Rome again.

The steamboat (probably the Laura Moore) arrived from Gadsden to see how things were getting along at Rome, but went back the next day. Many country people came to town to avoid the Scouts; they crossed the rivers in batteaux.

Postmaster Hardin arranged to get mail through the country in a buggy, and gradually the people began to circumvent Sherman's army and to return home. After the final surrender, the refugees came in large numbers and turned willing hands to the restoration of their premises and their fortunes. Rome cotton that had been hid out was brought to town and made a little trade; it brought 25 to 30 cents in greenback.

On May 13, 1865, the condition of affairs was dreadful; negroes troublesome, food scarce, very little specie in the country. Not a yard of cloth could be bought. There were no shoes, no groceries, no anything except a few drugs at Dr. Nowlin's, and they could not be eaten. All was used up, wasted away. That our people rose above these conditions is a splendid tribute to their stamina and light-heartedness.

The Federal authorities came into Rome on June 20, 1865, and announced to Mayor Jas. Noble, Jr., that his office was vacant and the town was under military rule. The Freedmen's Bureau was established with Capt. C. A de la Mesa in charge, and thus began the rule of the carpetbagger, under which our people endured life calmly until their country was once more restored to their keeping.

Robert Battey to her husband, then presumably at Selma, Ala., contains a graphic description of the privations endured by the fewpeople left at home :

My Darling: I have just received your letter from Selma. I am so sorry that you could not come home for a few days. I feel as if you are so far from me now; it may be a long time before I see you again, if ever. I'm feeling sad tonight. I have had a hard time for the last two months. The negroes all left me and went to the Yankees, and when the Yankees left, the negroes all had to "foot it" to Kingston, Aunt Cheney carrying her clothes and Belle the baby; Bill carrying himself the best he could. Pagey got along very well, but old Mary had a hard time walking so far and by the time they reached Kingston they were sick of the Yankees and turned and came home.

Two miles this side of Kingston a man took Belle and carried her to his home. Day before yesterday the negroes all returned except Belle. I heard that she was at Mr. Sheibley's place, so Mr. Sheibley went up, found her and brought her home today. Now

I have them all home. They lost all their bedding and clothing. They have treated me very badly, left me sick; Bessie to nurse; cows to milk, cooking to do, washing and everything else. No one to help but George. We had a hard time.

Willie went with Mrs. Hawkins to Columbus. I look for them back Sunday. I need him very much. We have no wood, and no one to get it for me. My fences are all gone. You would not know our home.

I was ready to go South when Mr. Maupin came home. He told me that you thought it best for me to stay at home, even if I had to live in one side of the house and burn the other, so I concluded to stay. I had no one to help me out with my children. I felt that I could not carry Bessie, so I hope it vdll all be for the best.

I don't know how the negroes will treat me when I take to my bed. I miss poor old Coyle. I wrote you that he was dead. He died two or three months ago.

Should I ever see you I will tell you what I have to go through. Don't have too much confidence in all of the negroes; some of them are mean.

The Yankees are gone, I hear, to Macon. They have 60 days' rations. I fear we have no force there, and am so anxious to know what they are going to do. I feel more discouraged now than I ever have before.

Our people are doing so badly. They are in here robbing and killing. They robbed old Mr. Burwell a few nights ago, and again last night they hung him until he was almost dead, for his money. They have it all now. They killed Mr. N. J. Omberg last. He was out in the yard, he and Mr. McGuire, and they heard somebody cry out, and ran to old Mrs. Quinn, and found they were hanging Mr. Quinn. They met Mr. Omberg and he asked them who they were. They replied, "Friends." Mr. Omberg put down his gun and they walked up to him and took all his greenbacks, then shot him. He lived until today. They robbed Mrs. Lumpkin of everything she had, and Peter Omberg, too. I look for them all night.

I don't undress for fear they will come. I have no money for them to get, and hope they will spare me. Such a life to lead! No rest night or day! I had expected that when the Yankees left I would get to sleep some at night, but it is worse than ever. You don't know anything about it.

The night the town was burned I was all alone, except for my little children. I can not describe my feelings. I did not know what to do, so I went to washing, and washed two or three dozen pieces. I had not had any done for four weeks. I passed the night away somehow and am still alive. But I must not write you all these things. I hope you will excuse me, as I can not think of anything else.

Dear Grace, I am glad to hear she is well and wish so much I had her with me. The poor child would not feel at home here now; everything is so changed. I wall write her tonight. She had better come home if I stay here. Oh, how I long to see you, to be near one who feels an interest in me! I don't know what I will do while I am sick, but I hope that you will be here or that something may happen to help me.

Don't bother about money; if you can't get it you can do without it. I owe some greenback, but they will have to wait for it. I have tried to get along the best I could since you left.

The children are all well. Little Bessie is well, but cannot walk; I feel very anxious about her and fear she never will. Reddy looks delicate, but keeps up and is a good little thing. George, Mary and Henry are well and help me all they can. They want to see their dear father very much.

Mr. Norton and family are well. Aunt Cooley is not in good health. Georgia and Mary are well. Where is Mrs. Stillwell? I heard from Bailie; he was well but needed money. He wrote Mr. Moore for some. I sent him $5, all I had, but don't know whether he got it or not. I would write to Mrs. Stillwell if I knew where to write. Mrs. Lee and children are well. Some of their negroes are gone - old Annie, Richmond and Haygood. Jack's wife has not gone. She had a baby and is doing well. I hope Mrs. Graves will get home soon now.

I might write you a more interesting letter and tell you how I fared with the new commander we had here. I will write again when I feel more cheerful. I will finish this in the morning.

The first real sorrow that came to me during the Civil War was when my only brother was brought back home in his coffin from Cumberland Gap, Tenn., Dec. 1, 1862. It had never occurred to me that his home-coming would be so sad, that with my dear old father, whose life was bound up in his promising son, and whose heart never recovered from this stroke, and with the broken-hearted young widow and the five little children, I would stand beside the form of a strongyoung soldier, cut down in the heyday of his youth.

Nearer and darker grew the war cloud in 1863. Marching and counter-marching was the order of the day. Wheeler's and Forrest's cavalries dashed in and out of our quiet little Dii'ttown Valley. Thousands of cavalry camped on my father's extensive plantation; the commanding officers quartered in our home, and often sat at our table.

In the latter part of the summer of 1863 nearly every family of prominence in our neighborhood refugeed. On Sept. 20 and 21, 1863, the thunders of artillery from Chickamauga battlefield startled us, and from then until the capture of Kennesaw mountain the roar of cannon reverberated over this section of Georgia day and night. Then came the lull before the storm. For six long weeks everybody in our neighborhood kept close at home; not a human outside our own family did I see, save my step-brother-in-law as he passed twice a day going to and from his mill.

One bright moonlight night I was awakened by a low, rumbling sound; the sound came nearer and nearer until I recognized the hoof beats of cavalry. In a short time the noise increased and I heard the command, "Halt!" given. Instantly the quiet became intense. I raised up in bed and peered through my window. The whole front grove seemed full of mounted soldiers, whether friend or foe I could not tell. In a few moments a trim, soldierly fellow rapped loudly on the front door. I threw up a window and asked, "Who knocks?" He replied, "I am Capt. Harvey, of Mississippi, and I have been ordered by Gen. Johnston to his rear to tear up the railroad between Chattanooga and Kingston. I am here in command of 100 men. We have ridden 100 miles

In the meantime, my father remained in his room listening to the conversation. His life had been threatened often, and for this reason we never allowed him to appear at the front door until some of the family had first reconnoitered. I said to the captain, "Step out into the moonlight and let me see your uniform." He jumped lightly over the bannisters and jocularly remarked, "Are you satisfied?" I made him promise on his honor as a soldier and a gentleman that my father should suffer no violence from him or his men. He solemnly gave his word, and I then directed him to a window in my father's room. He and father had quite a chat; he gave father several Confederate newspapers and father presented him with a number of Northern papers that a neighbor had secured in Chattanooga. Father then directed Capt. Harvey where he could find corn and fodder for his horses.

Capt. Harvey and his command remained in our neighborhood six weeks or more, raiding the railroads up about Ringgold and Dalton, and capturing many Federal prisoners, many of whom f^uld net sreak a word of Eng- lish intelligibly - these were foreigners imported by wealthy Northerners as substitutes in the Federal army. The prisoners were taken to Cedar Bluff, Ala., and as a member of Capt. Hai-vey's command told me, "were lost in the Coosa river."

I can say that Capt. Harvey was a gentleman, and we suffered no violence from him or his command. He was very fond of music and liked to play whist, and was a frequent guest in our house. Thus he whiled away his time with my step-sister and myself. Once when I sang "The Officer's Funeral," he leaned his head on the table and sobbed aloud. He begged me to overlook his apparent weakness, for he had a wife and a little boy in Mississippi, and the chances were he would never see them again.

On Sept. 15, 1864, we met a different band of men. These were the "Independent Scouts." Yes, write the name in blood, drape it with the pall of death, trace it with fire, and then you cannot conceive the full meaning of the term. A horde of these marauders made their camp in our neighborhood, committing the most outrageous atrocities on old and feeble men. A gang of perhaps a dozen came to our home, and took everything they could carry away. Before leaving they laid violent hands on my father, swearing he should be hung unless he gave them money, either gold or silver. A rope was thrown over his head, and with an oath one of them started to drag him off to a limb. I threw up my hands and begged for my father's life with all the fervor of a pent-up soul, assuring them he had no specie. The ring-leader looked me steadily in the face and said, "I believe you are telling the truth." I answered, "On my honor as a lady, as sure as there is a God, I am!" "The rope was removed from my father's neck, the leader remarking, "Old man, you owe your life to your daughter; but for her we would have hung you as high as Hamaan."

On Oct. 10 and 12 Hood's weary horde appeared and passed in hot retreat. It was ragged, worn, foot-soi-e and dejected in spirit. Yet they plodded on their weary march, some barefoot, others with raw-hide tied over their bleeding feet. "Lost Cause" was stamped on every face. I knew then the Confederacy was doomed.

On Oct. 14 and 15 the center of Sherman's army passed, following Hood. I think this part was commanded by Gens. Slocum and Frank Blair. What the "Scouts" left was appropriated by the Federals. Again our home was pillaged from foundation to attic. Large army wagons were loaded to the brim with corn, fodder and wheat; cows and hogs were driven off or shot, smoke houses stripped, pantries cleaned of every movable article, and such as could not be carried off was broken or damaged. The negroes huddled together in their houses, like sheep among wolves, scared out of their wits and frightened almost white.

P'ather and several neighbors had left a few days before for Blue Mountain, Ala., to procure salt, all of this commodity having been exhausted some time before from the smoke houses. My step-mother, a woman of unusual courage, was so prostrated with fear that she took to her bed. Thus I again had to run the household. Capt. Hall, of Kentucky, kept guard over us for four hours, and after he left we were at the mercy of "wagon dogs." Three of these prowlers shut my step-sister, Em White, and myself in a room, swearing they would search us. Em collapsed in a large rocking chair. One of the marauders stood with his back to the door, while another ransacked bureau drawers, wardrobes, turned up the mattress, etc. I engaged the third in conversation, holding in my hand a heavy wrought iron poker, with which I occasionally poked the fire, but really kept in readiness to give the fellow a whack if he dared lay hands on me. That "dog" never made a movement to touch me, although he said he had "stripped mjany as damned goodlooking women as I was and searched them." One jerked Em from the rocker and pretended that he would strip her. I begged for her and he let her go. They left very much disappointed that they found little of value.

Hoop skirts were in vogue then, and so were full skirts. I had several thousand dollars in Confederate money in a bustle around my waist, and my small amount of jewelry and a few keepsakes in huge pockets under my hoops. Em had her jewelry and silver forks and spoons in pockets under her hoop.

After the Federals had passed, desolation was writ throughout the valley. For three weeks a hundred in our family (including slaves) literally lived from hand to mouth. We picked up scraps of potatoes left in the fields, small scattered turnips and meat from

*Judge John W. Maddox declared in a speech early in 1921 at the City Auditorium that all the Yankees left in Chattooga County was a broken-down steer that was not fit to be eaten by man or beast.

the carcasses left by the Yankees and dragged in by the negroes. The new corn left was sufficiently soft to be grated on graters constructed from mutilated tinware.*

Oh, those were strenuous, perilous times. I will say in justice to our faithful slaves that only four left us; they stood by us nobly until my father came in from Rome and announced that Lee had surrendered. My father called them all up and told them they were all free.** He employed some; others "spread wing." None went away empty-handed. Father helped them to the extent of his ability.

When Gen. Lee furled the Stars and Bars, sheathed his sword and shook hands with Gen. Grant, I did the same and on that day I buried every feeling of animosity, never to resurrect the dead past. With thousands of other Southern women I had my baptism of fire and blood that tears cannot efface.

Standing on this mountain-top of three-score and eleven years (she is now well around 80), and looking back through the vista of time, I see how lovingly my Heavenly Father led me

Present-Day Romans In Striking Attitudes Chapter Viii

VlARIOUS roving bands, organized for good purposes g^^ and bad, added substantial- * ly to tbe misery which hovered like a spectre over the people at the close of the Civil War. Primarily, these bands separated themselves from the main body of the Confederate forces in order to impede the progress of the Union troops (or they were cut off), and to this extent their existence was justified. Parts of the forces of Gen. Johnston and Gen. Hood had been forced steadily back into Georgia by the driving power of Sherman's army, and they never rejoined their regular commands, but carried on a bushwhacking campaign from the hills. As long as opposition to the invaders remained their object, they acquitted themselves with bravery and credit, but once the Union army had passed, certain of these bands fell behind and plundered the countryside ; they stole, destroyed and murdered, and for a time the people were completel}' at their mercy. ^

These organizations were usually made up of horsemen, 30 to 50 in number. Excellent riders they were, and well heeled. They had a rather definite range, but no particular headquarters. When the men became hungry, they would swoop down upon a plantation or small house and take Vxhat they could find ; the}- were always looking for saddles and riding boots as well as money and food. Sometimes they paid for things a])prr)])riatcd, 1)Ut this was not often.

In the "up counties" near the Tennessee line, perhaps the bestknown gang was Gatewood's Scouts, organized and led by John Gatewood, of Tennessee, assisted bv his brother, Henry Gatewood, who kept the books ctnd accounts of the company. John Gatewood was an illiterate mountaineer whose red hair fell In long fronds down his back, like Daniel Boone and David Crockett ; and when he wished to escape detection in a daring dash, he would cram his locks into the crown of his soft felt hat. He Avas a man of wonderful physique, tall and angular, with the fire of Vulcan in his eye ; and it used to be said that while galloping on his horse he could shoot a partridge off a rail fence with his pistol in either hand. His reason for taking the saddle independently against the Union men was that they had killed his old father in Tennessee, and he was pledged to vengeance. After the Federals had left, however, his men terrorized the country from Gaylesville, Ala., as far northeast as LaFayette, Walker Co., Ga.. and touching Alpine, Summerville and Trion, Chattooga County, between. It was undoulitedl}- Gatewood's Scouts A\ho visited the Wesley Shropshire plantation in Dirttown Valley, Chattooga County, Sept. 15, 1864; l)ut so far as is known they paid only one visit to Rome.

John (latcwood had an Indian who looked after his horse. One day he sent the Indian to a grist mill near 'Prion, to have some corn gromid into meal. A band of scouts tavoral^le to the Union, led by John Long, killed this Indian by way of defying Gatewood. The challenge was accepted, and a pitched battle was fought near the spot at night. Later Long was convicted of killing Blev. Taylor in Alabama near Frix's Mill, McLemore's Cove, Chattooga Co., and died in an Alabama penitentiary camp near Wetumpka while serving a life sentence.

Gatewood is said to have killed Green Cordle, another independent scout leader and a man of some years, in Walker County, after running him out of a house where he was enjoying a meal. It was Gatewood's policy tu exterminate the other leaders and bands wherever he could, but in several instances he found strong opposition. His gang gradually broke up ?nd he left Gaylesville on horseback, riding over Lookout Mountain to Texas, where he established himself on a ranch. Maj. John T.

Burns, of Rome, state comptroller general in 1869, who also went to Texas, once ran across Gatewood after the war, and found him engaged in peaceful pursuits.

Gatewood's Scouts participated in one of the most spectacular events of the war at Chattanooga, probably early in 1864. They rode boldly into the Northern army camp at night (this time with no less than 100 men) and stampeded and drove away 2,000 cattle and horses which they took to Gaylesville and sold or turned over to the Confederate army.

The scout band best known to Rome was that of Capt. Jack Colquitt, a member of a Texas regiment who remained behind in 1864 and married a daughter of Jerry Isbell, of Polk County, near Etna and Prior's Station. Its clash with the Prior boys and its daring incursion into Rome in November, 1864, will long be remembered by the older Romans. Reference has already been made to the gang's murder of Nicholas J. Omberg and its hanging of Judge L. D. Burwell and Wm. Quinn to make them give up their money and valuables ; also of its robbery of Mrs. Jno. H. Lumpkin and J. J. Cohen.

Judge Burwell was keeping a (juantity of gold (said to have been at least $1,800) for a Jewish merchant named Wise, of the firm of Magnus & Wise. He was afflicted with some physical deformity that caused him to bend far forward when he walked, and the scouts told him if he didn't give up the gold they would "straighten him out." He didn't surrender it until the noose began to cut into his neck. They said "We've got Wise's gold ; now tell us where yours is, or we'll hang you up again." As it happened, Judge Burwell had entrusted $500 in gold to Mrs. Robt. Battey, who had put it in her stockings. When the scouts came to her house the same night, they stole a lot of small things, but did not get the money. They also intended to hang up James Noble, Sr., on Howard Street, but were scared off by the determined attitude of his daughters.

There appear to be two versions as to what brought the Priors into conflict with Colquitt's Scouts, with such disastrous results to the latter. One says that Capt. Jack Colquitt was killed by the Priors in the presence of Hayden Prior, the father, near Prior's Station, because he had driven off some of the cattle of the family when he stocked the farm of his father-inlaAv, Jerry Tsbell. The other, more generally accepted, is that Colquitt's men first killed Hayden Prior, better known as "Hayd" Prior, and the sons then took up the feud and accounted for seven of the scouts, including their leader. At any rate, Hayden was shot off his mule between Cave Spring and Prior's Station, and fell face forward into a branch where the animal was drinking. A brother of Capt. Jack Colquitt is supposed to have been in this ambushing party, as well as the captain himself.

Capt. Colquitt was found one day in 1864 in Cedartown by the brothers, John T. and James M. Prior. He was in a grocery store, and pretty well loaded with mean liquor as well as his brace of pistols. The brothers took him by surprise and got his pistols away by covering him with their own. It was apparently their intention to put him under arrest and get him a trial, but he showed fight.

"Gimme a chance with my gun and ril clean all of yer up, one at a time !" he roared, at the same instant drawing a long Bowie knife out of his right boot.

Quick as lightning Jim Prior shot Colquitt over John's shoulder, and the two pumped bullets into his chest until there were eight. John explained as follows to a friend and hunting companion some time later :

The men in the store removed a ham and box of baking powder and stretched Capt. Jack Colquitt out on the counter. He wore a red-spotted calico shirt ; the white spots were now dyed deep in the red of his own blood.

The Prior boys went quietly off and were not arrested, nor did they ever answer in court for taking seven scout scalps. They had sworn to exterminate the Colquitt eansf as a service to the community.

wasn't afraid of the devil. He was loyal to his friends and an implacable foe to his enemies. Men who hunted with him said he was the deadest shot for miles around ; he could lay his double-barreled shotgun on the ground, flush a covey of partridges, pick up his gun and kill two every time. Jim was of more even temper, regular build, but he also took no foolishness from any man, and he contributed his part toward a genuine pair in those stormy days.

The brothers quit the corn and cotton fields and hunted scouts. A man named Tracy and several other friends joined them at various times. Tracy later went to Texas to live. The Priors came upon Colcjuitt's Scouts in camp near Ball Play and Turkeytown, Etowah County, Ala., on the Coosa River; gave them a surprise at night and put them to flight. The scouts scattered and the Priors found two of them eating at a house by the road. John killed one as he hopped oft" the near end of the porch and the other as he left the far end. On their persons were found a number of $20 gold pieces (Wise's money captured in November, 1864, at Rome) ; when things had quieted down John Prior sent one of these coins to New York and had a cavalry battle engraved on the obverse side, and wore the trinket as a watch charm.

Near Cave Spring the Priors came upon two scouts riding along the road. Surrender was demanded. One young fellow held up his hands and came in. The other wheeled about, dug his spurs into the flanks of his horse and sped away like a flash. John was carrying the shotgun his father had used so long. As the fugitive turned a sharp curve in the road, he cracked down. It was impossil)le to tell the result, and the

The poor devil was dying in the bushes ; his horse kept going. Sevtral buckshot had entered the man's back, and several the base of the saddle. It is supposed, but not definitely known, that the fellow taken captive met a violent end.

The next victim was a farmer of the neighborhood. John Prior walked up to this man's house and asked his wife where he was. The woman replied that he was plowing in the bottom. John went down there and told the farmer to unhitch his horse and send him in a canter to the house ; to say his prayers if he wanted to, because he was going to be killed. The man begged for his life ; he was reminded that old man Prior was shown no mercy. A shot in the breast finished him.

The hunter next heard that one of the marked men was living in the West, maybe Arkansas, maybe Texas. He went to the man's residence and executed his design. After living a while out there, Prior returned to Prior's Station, and later removed to the territory of Washington, on the Pacific coast, where he died. Jim died at his Prior Station home.

A farmer named Ritchie, killed on the Carlier Springs road about five miles east of Rome, was charged up to Colquitt's Scouts. Isom Blevins, a young Texan, was killed at night by a Rome crowd at Flat Rock, where the Southern crosses the N., C. & St. L. (or Rome) Railroad. His boots and spurs were removed and his body was thrown some 50 feet off the bluff into the Etowah River. Several days days later the body was found lodged against a willow snag at the foot of Myrtle Hill cemetery, and was buried on the river bank. A scout, sometimes known as "The Lone Soldier," was waylaid . and killed on the Alabama Road between Coosa and Beech Creek, and lies buried on the Rogers place, near the road, about five miles west of Rome. The grave is surmounted by a headstone, and residents of the neighborhood have kept it green for 57 years, and have maintained around it a neat picket fence.

In these fierce depredations Romans were reminded of the lawlessness of the Indian days ; and as if to answer their prayers, a local scout organization was formed by "Little Zach" Hargrove. Many people thought "Little Zach's" crowd would prove to be as bad as the test, but Horry Wimpee and others testify that it was organized for protective purposes, and did much to drive the camp - followers and deserters away. It was reported that "Little Zach" attracted the attention of John Gatewood, and that Gatewood brushed by Rome with an invitation to fight ; but the result is not known.

The Ku Klux was also active soon after this period, especially around Coosa, so the anxiety of the civilian population, who were bent on making crops and a living, can well be imagined. One night the Ku Klux called on Prof. Peter M. Sheibley, a Northerner by birth and a non-combatant in the war. When Mr. Sheibley opened his front door, a wooden coffin fell into his arms.

The political views of Judge Jno. W. H. Underwood caused the Ku Klux to play a gruesome joke on this sparkling humorist. A young fellow well disguised by a turnedup coat collar and a turned-down hat walked up to Judge Underwood after dark and offered him a cordial greeting'. The extended hand was left with him, and it was made of wood !

Such incidents added a piquant touch to the lives of Romans, wrung the hearts of many, and brought a strong desire for peace, a helpful understanding and a constructive program.

When Man Takes His Paddle In Hand

tey ol Atlanta, native son of Rome, here forgets incisions and bandages. His ' voyage . was taken in'^October. 1920, from Carter's Quarters. Murray County, down to Head of Coosa 05 m.les

Ross-Ridge Factions Fight

ROSS-RIDGE FACTIONS FIGHT. - The following item from the Georgia Constitutionalist (Augusta) of Friday, Aug. 21, 1835, will give an idea of the feeling between the factions represented by Ross and Ridge:

"We have just learned of another murder having been committed in this country on the 3d of August, inst. The names of the Indians killed were Murphy and Duck. It occurred, we understand, at an Indian dance on the Oostanaula river, where a considerable number of the town or clan had collected to enjoy the customary pastime.

"Sometime within the night the Indians murdered were seen standing conversing in apparent friendship. A few minutes later Murphy exclaimed that he was stabbed, and expired immediately.

"Duck was heard to say at the time that there was but one other Ridge man on the ground, and that he would inherit the same fate if he did not leave the place instantly.

"Is it not manifest from the many outrages of the kind that it is the settled determination of Ross' myrmidons to silence opposition by the knife of the assassin, and unless they are kept in awe by the Guard will go far to execute their hellish purpose?"

In 1835 (or 1837) an atrocity that was typical of the others committed in the section occurred in Floyd County near the Polk line. The body of Ezekiel Blatchford (or Braselton), a land trader from Hall County, was discovered in a lime sink; he had been murdered, it was believed. A single gold button was found on one of his coat sleeves, and it was of odd design, probably having been worked out of a nug-

*Authority : Hilliard Horry Wimpee. Virpil A. Stewart stated that the name of the Indians' victim was White. Mrs. Robt. Battey stated his name was Braselton. The name Ezekiel BuffinKton appears on the real estate records of that period at the courthouse. The name Blatchford waF taken from an account in 1889 by Belle K. Abbott, written for The Atlanta Constitution.

get extracted by the wearer from a gold mine in Hall. With the button as a clue, the local authorities and friends of the deceased went to work. The police in Indian Territory arrested two Indians wearing bottons similar to the one found on the sleeve. Barney Swimmer and Terrapin were brought back to Rome, were given a fair trial at the old court house, found guilty of murder and sentenced by Judge Owen H. Kenan, of Newnan, to die by hanging. This was the first capital punishment meted out to Indians in Floyd County, and it was a coincidence that a cousin of the murdered man, Wm. Smith, who was serving temporarily as sheriff, should have met the duty of sending them to their happy hunting grounds. The hanging took place at a tree at Broad Street and Ninth Avenue, and was witnessed by practically everybody in the town, and by hundreds from the county. Several hours before the Indians were due to have been hung they requested permission to take a last swim where the Etowah and the Oostanaula join. This was the place they had often swum as boys. Judge Kenan granted the request, and a strong guard watched them from the various banks. They thanked the court and the officers for the privilege, and went to their death with the courage of Stoics. It was said that Terrapin was full of whiskey during his trial and up to the time of his execution.*

A LETTER FULL OF NEWS. - The following letter from Geo. M. Lavender, trading post man at Major Ridge's up the Oostanaula, gives a picture of pioneer life around Rome:

Dear Sir: I have received but one letter from you since your departure, and that was received some time since and should have written you, but expected, for some weeks back, that you were on your way home. I have concluded from the last letters received from you that you remain at Washington some time yet.

I have but little news of importance to communicate to you. Mrs. Betsy Waitie, consort of Stand Waitie, Esq., died four or five days since from the delivery of a child.

One of the emigrants, named Seekatowwa,** of Hightown, was shot two or there weeks ago by a white man at a little whiskey shop, one mile from Artsellers or Dun Steers,*** said to be an accident; he is, however, dead and no more.

Your family are all well and everything about your crop appears to be going on finely. Major Ridge's family are all well, and your mother is going on in her usual and fine way in making a crop, though frequently a little unwell, but no ways dangerous. No person, except a Mr. Cox, has taken any of the cleared land; he has taken one-half of the long field on the west side of the river.**** She has lost none on the side we live.

Our season for planting has been very bad, owing to so much rain; but all appears to be getting on vei-y well except the poor Cherokees, of which there is not a few who have been dispossessed of their fields and dwellings, and turned out to seek refuge in Alabama and Tennessee, without any kind of support, moneyless and nothing to buy provisions. I know of a number of families destitute of provision, or money to buy it, and wandering and eating from them that has a little subsistence, and many of whom are emigrants. The circumstance calls aloud on the authorities of Government for relief of these people. It seems impossible for them to last through the season. Corn is scarce and worth $1 per bushel by the quantity, cash; flour could now be had, and bacon at tolerable moderate prices. You can scarce have any idea of the suffering your Cherokee friends are now encountering. Every week we have lots of men hunting stolen property, and smoke houses robbed of bacon, and every kind of stealing going on.

Your friend Knitts, of Donehutta, received 120 lashes a few days ago, supposed to be concerned in robbing a smoke house; but I think he will be proved innocent.

I see my Cherokee friends, emigrants, within this vicinity every week, inquiring what is doing at Washington, and trying to find out what will be done as regards their perilous situation.

Geo. M. Lavender

CAVE SPRING INDIANS. - Now and then a roving band of Creek Indians would descend upon the newlycreated Floyd County to fight or treat with their ancient foes, the Cherokees. It was probably in 1832 that a group of them pitched camp close to the white settlement at Cave Spring, prepared to go into a pow-wow the next day with their more intelligent neighbors, Avhose camp was situated not a great hark away.

Among the old settlers living at Cave Spring then was William Smith, who removed to Rome two years later. Mr. Smith was away from home when the Creeks appeared, and his wife was badly frightened. The visitors looked so dark and villainous, and they crept about like snakes. When night came, Mrs. Smith gathered her baby Martha (Mrs. Robt. Battey) in her arms, and taking a negro nurse, stole out of the house into the underbrush, where, wrapped in shawls and an Indian blanket, they spent thfs night. Mrs. Smith had feared the Creeks might break into her house during the night; they could be seen moving stealthily and keeping a close watch, but they attempted no outrage.

Included in the Cherokees ac Cave Spring was a young fellow called Little Meat. He was in the habit of scaring wee Martha Smith now and then by appearing suddenly and grunting "Ugh!" and at the same time lifting her up into his swarthy arms. He was a playful rascal and never meant any harm, but he nearly scared the little girl out of her wits many times. They called him Little Meat because he killed so many small birds and roasted them on a spit.

***Probably intended for Dirtseller's, Chattooga County. A map dated 1810, in the Carnegie Library at Atlanta, places Hightown between the rivers where Rome now is. "Hightower"' is probably a variation of "Hightown," and may have referred to an Indian signal station on the present Tower Hill.

posts, and here and there a rough Indian trail that sufficed for a road. As settlers came in they were chosen by mutual consent for certain duties. William Smith was usually in "saddle and boots," prospecting a mine down the Coosa, trading in land up the Oostanaula, attending court at Livingston, hence acted as "sheriff" before the county machinery had been set up (and perhaps afterward). On one occasion an Indian charged with a serious offense was caught and brought to Cave Spring behind Mr. Smith with hands tied. They rode a horse. There was no secure place to keep the Indian, so Mr. Smith lashed him with rope to a bed-post at the foot of the bed, after which Mr. and Mrs. Smith retired, and Mr. Smith slept soundly. Once several years later at the Forks Ferry, Rome, a sullen Indian provoked the wrath of Mr. Smith, who knocked the man unconscious with a heavy stick. The condition of the Indian for a time was serious, and Mr. Smith, following the advice of friends that he should be careful of violence, went for a week to live with Philip W. Hemphill at the place now known as DeSoto Park. Most of the Indians were his friends, however, and they sent him word that no harm would come to him.

David Vann, the sub-chief, was the most powerful member of his tribe around Cave Spring, and Vann's Valley was named after him. On July 28, 1850, he was living temporarily at the Lake House, Cave Spring. He was very well educated and wrote a pleasing hand with occasional misspelt words, like most of the Indian leaders. He had two handsome, pleasant mannered sons called Cooey and Clem, who in 1851 were living in Grandsalem, Cherokee Nation, Arkansas, and about that time visited Dr. and Mrs. Robert Battey on Second Avenue on their way to a law school in Baltimore. Other sons were said to have been Augustus and Washington. Under date of Aug. 27, 1850, David Vann wrote William Smith at Rome from Washington, D. C. :

"Dear Sir: I wrote to you some time since informing you tiiat I would be glad to hear from you respecting our silver mine in Alabama, but have not yet received anything from you. Will you be kind enough to write me a few lines and let me know how you are getting along? I have determined to go that way when I leave here for home. I can not say when that will be. It may be some time in October.

I have no idea that I can get away before Congress adjourns & there is no time set yet for the adjournment of Congress, though I will let you know before I leave when I will be at your house. I wrote a few lines to Major Richardson a few days ago requesting him to save me some peech seed from my old orchard (those large white peeches). I have no news but what you see in the papers. Mr. Clay has got back this morning. He has been absent ever since his Compromise bill was defeated. The Senate has passed all the measures that he had in his Compromise bill separately with very slight alterations. Give my respects to your family and accept for yourself my best wishes for your health and prosperity.

Under date of July 28, 1850, Chief Vann wrote Mr. Smith from Washington and stated that he was having some trouble getting his patent to 40 acres of land containing the silver mine, and adding: creek. By looking in the ford you will find where old Campbell cut the hole in the rock and filled it up, and just below the ford he said there was a deep hole, evidently dug out by some person."

Shortly after this the two, accompanied by Col. Cunningham M. Pennington, of Rome, visited the mine on Sand river, but failed to find anything of special interest.

"My apology for delaying to write you before this time is hardly sufficient excuse. I have been run to death of daylight and so tired of nights that I have put it off from time to time, till I have got through with the bridge and have some leisure.

"After you left Gunter's Landing, I went up to where they were to run their horse race; there I found all parties concerned in that lot we wanted. I took Collins and fixed things with him to bring about the trade with D. A. Smith. He managed it as I directed it and I got the lot for $125 cash. . , . Pennington is in high spirits, though he had very bad luck in the matter. He took some eight or ten pounds of the best ore we could get and took it to Washington, or I should have said started with it at Wilmington. He had his trunk stolen and lost his specimens and all his clothing and has never heard of them yet. He was on other business at Wa'shington and has just returned. We will consult as soon as this awful cold weather breaks and make a thorough examination and write you immediately. There is great excitement about it. I give them no satisfaction. I shall take a good geologist with me, D. A. White, of Savannah; he I have seen and he is anxious to accompany us over there. I shall lie low; it miist count. I am in hopes you will be able to get the old man Campbell to come out with you soon. Don't count the expenses if you can prevail on him to come. It will do more good to have him here looking than anything. We must barely let the people know he is here.

"Well, I have no news to write you more than you have seen by the papers. Georgia has killed the Disunionist in the South. Our Convention was composed of the best talent in Georgia; there were but 18 Disunionists in the convention out of nearly 300 members. They have broken up all old party lines and left the Disunionists to themselves, with Colquitt and Towns to manage; they are dead letters in Georgia; you can't get one of them to talk about it.

"You have no idea how our town has grown in the last three months. They have built all around me clear to the railroad and back to the bridge. We have but a few lots left and I don't expect to keep them two weeks. It is a lively business at last, though it was a long time coming. My wife joins me in our love to your wife and children and says she remembers her kindness to her in bygone days. Accept for yourself my best wishes.

DANCE AT CHIEFTAIN'S. - Mrs. Jno. S. Prather (Susan Verdery), of Atlanta, who once lived at the old home of Major Ridge, contributes the following:

"It was evening and the night was bright, with a galaxy of stars bending their pale beams through a wealth of climbing roses, clinging woodbine and white star jessamines. Candle light sent a glimmer through the windows to the front porch, and shadows from the tall Colonial pillars fell across the mossy lawn. A swish of satin could be heard here and there and the gleam of white muslin and a more somber contrast of black broadcloth and white vests as the couples lined up for the dance.

"A scraping of the preliminary chords and the popping of a fiddle string made known that the plantation orchestra was nearly ready to begin its part of the performance. The two black fiddlers were the property of the owner of the mansion.

"Ah, there went the light footsteps in perfect unison with the music of the cotillion! They danced for half an hour. Occasionally a couple forsook the crowd and repaired to the veranda through the leafy screens of honeysuckle, there to exchange words of understanding and to pluck a nosegay that carried its silent message straight to the heart.

"Milady sounded the gong; the dancing ceased and supper was enjoyed in the dining room. What a supper! Of quality and variety the choicest, and prepared after Aunt Lindy's favorite recipes. Then Augustus Nicholas Ver- dery, son of a French planter of the West Indies and master of the plantation, struck a martial air on his fine violin. The couples formed again, and the son of the house, Thos. Jefferson Verdery, and a fair young lady from Charleston led the gay company out into the ball room again. The colored fiddlers played 'Oh Miss Nancy, Don't You Cry! Your Sweetheart Will Come to You Bime By!'

"A specialty was introduced by Mr. Chas. De I'Aigle, of Augusta, whose polkas and schottisches set the young feet patting and young hearts palpitating; and Tom Verdery and his little sister, Susan, danced steps that enjoyed a wide vogue more than 50 years later.

"At 11 the guests climbed into the barge 'Mary Berrien' and were poled down the Oostanaula to Rome - all save the guests of the house. A lone figure drew into the shadow of a giant sycamore as the merrymakers passed. It darted near the mansion, peered in with a vengeful look and was swallowed in the gloom of the nearby forest. 'Twas an Indian woman left behind when her sister and brother redskins departed for the west, an inhabitant of a cave in the hills who had stolen down into the lowlands to gaze on the Cherokee retreat of the olden days with a prayer for the return of the tribe to its happy hunting grounds."

CREEK CHIEF IS CAPTURED. - White's Historical Collections of Georgia (p. 151) and an old Rome newspaper clipping furnish data for an interesting story of the capture in 1835 of old Fosach Fixico, the Creek Indian chief, by Georgia and Alabama troopers, part of whom were recruited from the Coosa Valley near Rome. Historian White records : "Very soon after the ratification of the New Echota treaty, an apprehension was entertained by many citizens in Georgia that the party who had opposed the treaty would become hostile, and petitions for arms, troops and ammunition were presented to the Executive, and granted. Orders were issued to Brig. Gen. James Hemphill to raise a battalion of militia and place them at Lesley's Ferry, on the Coosa River, for the purpose not only of keeping the Cherokees in check, but also of preventing the Creeks from swarming into Georgia, which orders were executed, and the battalion was organized under the command of Gen. James Hemphill and Maj. Chas. H. Nelson. A part of the Cherokees were disarmed, and 500 muskets and accouterments were ordered and sent to Cherokee County, in case of any hostile movements on the part of the Indians. These preparations on the part of Georgia, together with the appearance of the Tennessee troops under Brig. Gen. Jno. E. Wool, of the United States army, quieted the fears of the citizens."

The clipping referred to states that Capt. Mitchell was placed in charge of the expedition down the Coosa, having heard that the Creeks were moving down toward the Cherokee country from the head of Terrapin Creek, Ala., to excite their tribal cousins in the Valley of the Coosa. A scout, Fields, was sent out, and reported that the Indians were concentrated and ready to strike from the mountains at the head of Terrapin, which empties into the Coosa just below Centre, Cherokee County, Ala. Without waiting for reinforcements, on scout duty or furlough, Capt. Mitchell left Rome with 20 men mounted on horseback and muleback, some with saddles, some with blankets and others riding bareback. They galloped down the Alabama road through the Coosa Valley, gaining recruits with squirrel guns as they went. At dusk the command, now 120 men, was within six miles of the Indian camp, and at sunrise the next morning they were on the spot, ready for an attack. In the meantime, the good women of the neighborhood had sent in breakfast rations for all of the troopers. The expectation was that there would be a bloody fight. These Coosa farmers and Georgia Volunteers were determined to strike a telling blow in defense of their wives and children, and this determination was not any less sharp from the fact of their crude arms and scanty equipment.

About 200 warriors, practically naked and well daubed with paint, swarmed from their wigwams like bees, until a side of Craig's Mountain was well dotted with them. As the Georgia troops were about to close in, a clatter of hoofs was heard and up dashed Capt. Arnold with a company of 60 cavalry from Jacksonville, Ala. Capt. Mitchell cried out: "No time for consultation ; you fight to the right and occupy the creek above the camp!"

Capt. Arnold's men sped to the point indicated, while Capt. Mitchell's swept to the left, crossed Terrapin Creek, dismounted and deployed in skirmish line and approached to within 40 yards of the camp. Orders were not to fire until fired upon. Suddenly a long strip of white canvas was hoisted on a pole as a flag of truce, and an interpreter was sent out to declare, "I am directed by Chief Fosach Fixico to say that he is not hostile."

The Indian was ordered to return and direct that the chief appear in person. Fosach quickly appeared, the finest diked-out Indian ever seen before or since; he wore a red and blue turban, with crimson and white war gowii of velvet that extended to his knees, and hung profusely with beads and tassels of all kinds; his face and neck were ablaze with war paint. He came forward with an elastic and som.ewhat defiant step. As Capt. Mitchell met him a few paces in advance of the line, he repeated through his interpreter: "I am not hostile." Capt. Mitchell asked him if he surrendered, to which he replied: "I am not hostile, but if you require it, I do."

At this juncture Capt. Luckie dashed up with a troop of farmers from near the mouth of Terrapin Creek, arriving on the west side. He and Capt. Arnold were consulted and the terms of capitulation agreed upon. Fosach was to deliver all his arms to Capt. Luckie, who was to march the Indians forth to Mardisville. whence they were to proceed under additional guard to Arkansas. Twenty-four hours was given for the red-skins to gather up their ponies, women and children. Such of the Coosa River Volunteers as wished to remain with Capt. Luckie could do so, and the others were free to return to their homes. Five hundred muskets and accouterments surrendered by the Indians were sent to Cherokee County.

Shortly afterward, three cavalary companies from Floyd and one from Cherokee were organized into a battalion at Rome and were put in camp at Lashley's Ferry, eighteen miles below Rome, on the north side of the Coosa. These were under direction of Gen. Hemphill and under direct charge of Maj. Nelson and Capt. Mitchell. The command was known as the Highland Battalion, and was sworn into the United States service by Capt. Paine, U. S. A., and served until after most of the Indians had been removed to the west. On the resignation of Lieut. Carter, Joseph Watters was elected to the vacancy, and when Capt. Mitchell resigned, Watters was named in his place. This was undoubtedly the same Joseph Watters for whom

RIDGE'S LUCKY SHOT. - The following anecdote, summarized from the Cartersville Courant of Apr. 2, 1885, (by Judge Jno. W. H. Underwood) will show how a red-man would now and then befriend a pale-face:

"In old Pendleton District, South Carolina, lived Col. James Blair, a Revolutionary soldier, last commander of Oconee Station and one of the constables of Col. Benj. Cleveland, a hero of the Revolution, colloquially known as 'Old Roundabout.' For 20 years Col. Blair had rounded up Tories and thieves and had swung many a 'bad man' to the gate gallows in front of Col. Cleveland's plantation home.

"On this occasion. Col. Blair was following Wiley Hyde and Tom Phillips, half breed Indians who had stolen two fine horses from Benj. Mosely, who lived near Oconee Station. He was equipped with a horse in leash as well as his saddle animal, and two large horse pistols. At Reece's Spring, a mile east of the home of Major Ridge, the Cherokee chief, and two whoops and a holler from Ft. Jackson, Col. Blair came upon the Indians, drinking at the spring. They were also fairly full of fire-water, and as he approached (having tethered his horses nearby), they covered him with their rifles.

"Col. Blair threw up his hands, but quickly said, 'Don't shoot! I am a friend with some good whiskey ! Don't shoot a friend with some whiskey on his hip!'

"The Indians relented and began to question him in their maudlin way. He told them he wanted to join a crowd and go over into Vann's Valley and steal some horses. The suspicions of Wiley Hyde were aroused, and he said, 'Tom Phillips, you are a fool. He's from over the line, and he'll be shooting us full of holes in a minute. Let's kill him and throw him in the river.'

"Hyde raised his gun, cocked it and was about to crack down on Col. Blair's chest when 'Bang!' came from the nearby forest. Hyde fell face forward into the branch, and as he went down. Col. Blair seized his gun and covered Wiley Hyde, who threw up his hands.

hearsed before his eyes. He knew the two men to be worthless scoundrels, and was glad to do Col. Blair and the state the service of dispatching one of them. John Ridge, the Major's son, Stand Watie, John's cousin, and Sally Ridge, the Major's pretty young daughter, came running up, and with a courtly bow. Col. Blair presented his handsome gold watch to the little girl. John and Stand Watie got the stolen horses together for Col. Blair; Tom Phillips was tied securely and put on one of them, and Col. Blair went back to the Pendleton district of South Carolina. The dead Indian was buried 150 yards below the spring, without even a tear from Miss Sally to damped the sod.

"This act gained for Major Ridge an honorable name among the palefaces, who ever after looked to him to redress wrongs committed by members of his clan; and when he fought so bravely at the Battle of the Horseshoe, Ala., several years later, under Gen. Jackson, all felt that his laurels were lightly worn."

TROUBLES OF THE CHIEFS. - That life was not a bed of Cherokee roses for the Ridges and their kinsman, Elias Boudinot, is evident from the following letters :

Sir: I read this letter this morning, advising me of the progress of intrusion upon my plantation and ferry within the chartered limits of Alabama. The damage done to me will be considerable if this is suffered to proceed. Deplorable will be the fate of the Indians if lawless men, without the authorities of the States, are suffered to throw free people out of their houses while they are preparing to leave the land of their forefathers. This is not a solitary case, but these aggravating cases are transpiring almost every day. The Government should give instructions to its agents upon this subject without delay.

John Ridge

Dear Friend: It has been some weeks since I wrote to you. I have been expecting to receive a letter from you, but have not received any yet. I now write to give you the times here. We are all well. I have commenced clearing up my ground for a crop. I shall start my ploughs in a few days. Jno. W. Garrot*** is here on the other side of the river; has got large double houses built, and has taken those old houses that Pathkiller used to live in, and made kitchens of them. He has moved part of the fencing there and says he intends to hold all the possessions, and that he will take the ferry as soon as you return. I forbid him to build there, before witnesses. He threatens to shoot any man that would interrupt him. He says he can raise a militia force any time to protect himself. Major B. F. Currey was here shortly after Garrot first came, and ordered him off. Garrot now says they had a private conversation, and Currey had told him that he should not be interrupted, and that they (Currey and himself) had made a compromise of the business. I hope you will be able while you are there to make arrangements from Government to have him put off from this place. If you can not do that, it will injure you more than one thousand dollars. If he was away from here I could get $2,500 for the place at any time, but it will not sell for half that amount under the present circumstances.

I have bad news to tell you about the money business here. My share this winter is but little. The smallpox turned the people away in the fore part of the winter, and now and for some time back the people are afraid to travel on account of the highway robbers. The travellers are getting killed and robbed in all parts of the country. Between Mr. West's and Spanish John's old place there have been found a man and two horses killed. On the mountain between here and Mr. Bell's a man has been robbed of a horse. Down at Mill creek, on this road, a man was robbed of $192. On the mountain near Cox's, a man was killed and robbed of his horse and money. In Chattooga Valley there were two men shot, but neither of them killed. Near Montgomery, a few days ago, a man was killed and robbed of several hundred dollars.

I heard from Mrs. Ridge a few days ago. They were all well. Today I shall send Mrs. Ridge $45 of cash. I must conclude by saying to you that I still remain,

WM. CHILDERS. Army Cherokee Nation, Valley Town, N. C, Aug. 12, 1836. Brig. Gen. Dunlap,** Of the Brigade of Tennessee Volunteers.

Sir: Captain Vernon, stationed at New Echota, informs me that John Ridge has complained to him that some white man is about to take forcible possession of his ferry on Coosa River. You will without delay inquire into the case, and if you should find the complaint to be just, you will, until further orders, protect Ridge in his rights and property. This order will apply to all cases of similar character in the Cherokee country.

You are further directed that in case you should find any troops within the limits of the Cherokee nation, whether in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee or North Carolina, not belonging to the East Tennessee brigade, to notify them that they are exclusively subject to my authority, and unless they report to me without delay, and become subject to my orders, will either leave the nation or be disbanded. In your proceedings, you will be governed by your instructions of the 4th instant.

John E. Wool

"I herewith enclose you sundry papers placed in my hands by Mr. Garrett, on the subject of Ridge's ferry. From these papers it would seem that Garrett is willing to yield his claims to the civil authority, and yet to obey and respect any military orders to him directed by you.

"Garrett alleges that he will cease to run his ferry boat provided Ridge will keep up the ferry and not disappoint travelers, but further states that Ridge is like the dog in the manger - that he will neither run his own boat nor suffer him to run one. The papers, however, will place you in possession of the facts and relieve you from further trouble in the case.

Sir: By the last mail I addressed a letter to Mr. Schermerhorn, to your care, which you have probably perused. What I there stated in regard to the state of feeling among the Cherokees has only been confirmed to my satisfaction. Indeed, I will venture to say there has never been a time for the last five years when appearances were so favorable as at present. I know of no hostility to the treaty. I hear now, on the contrary, the Cherokees in this region will receive it with cheerfulness. They say the matter is now settled and they are glad of it. I speak of the mass of the Cherokees.

There is a portion who, no doubt, feel far otherwise; but they are those whose ambition has been disappointed. Without their interference there will be no excitement. I trust they will not endeavor to excite the people.

The white inhabitants of this country are in a state of great alarm, founded upon some unfounded apprehensions. I believe it is owing a great deal to what is transpiring in the Creek nation. Our people are not even aware of the state of feeling among the whites, much less are they thinking of making war. I trust, sir, that no exaggerated rumors, which, no doubt, will go out of this country, will induce the Government to believe the Cherokees are in a hostile attitude. They are not, nor do I believe, even with Ross's influence, will a portion of them ever assume such an attitude.

Our people are greatly suffering for food. It is very important that the necessary appropriations should be made soon for their relief. If I had authority to do so, I would begin to supply them in this neighborhood.

In my letters to Mr. Schermerhorn I have referred to the speculations that are going on upon the Indians by whites and half breeds. Strong measures are necessary to prevent it. The president ought to have the right of deciding what are the just debts of the Indians, for the protection of that class. If not, they will go to the west deprived of every cent of their property, and the money will go into the hands of the whites and such Indians as have opposed the very treaty by which they are now trying to amass wealth. I say again, strong measures are necessary.

I trust the President will think it best to send Mr. Schermerhorn again. I think he is a suitable person because he is a terror to speculators, and understands the situation of these people and their affairs.

Elias Boudinot

Sir: I addressed a letter to you yesterday, giving you a favorable account of the state of feeling among the Cherokees. I have since then received the enclosed letter, which would seem to contradict what I have stated. I wish to be understood as speaking of the Cherokees in this region, and from which I have direct information. There are neighborhoods where I have every reason to presume there is hostility towards us as a treaty party, and there are individuals who would willingly take our lives if they could. I have no idea that the danger is as great as is apprehended by the writers of the two letters enclosed.

I came through the neighboi-hood - where hostility is said to exist, and the frolic or dance spoken of was held before I came along. I saw Thos. Taylor there, and he told me that he found the people better satisfied than he expected.

I yet think there may be some mistake about Welch being waylaid. Foster, one of our delegation, was here the other day, and he told me everything was going right for the treaty. But as I have before stated, inflammatory statements from the other side may change the state of feeling. I shall not be excited, and shall take the matter coolly and deliberately, and shall endeavor to keep you apprized of what is happening. I shall repeat again what I have said, that matters have never appeared so favorable within the compass of my observations within the last five years, as at present, and if Ross would only keep away, the nation would almost be unanimous for the treaty.

To give you an instance how these poor people are deluded and misled, it is said that one of Ross's delegation on his return reported that the Cherokee countries here and in Arkansas have been sold, and that the Cherokees will have to go to a far country, infested by man-eaters. The people protested going there, but are willing to go to. Arkansas.

I should have addressed these letters to Mr. Schermerhorn, if I thought he was still there. Please give my respects to him, and let him see these letters.

Sir: There was an Indian frolic or dance on Saturday night last, and there was some white men went to the same. They have reported that the Indians said that they had no malice towards the white people, but that they intended killing Ridge and yourself. I have written you that you might be on your guard, which no doubt you are. The citizens of this county had a meeting yesterday; they are resolved to punish all offenses, if any. I would recommend for your safety for you and family to leave the country until the excitement is over a little. Please to accept for yourself and family my best wishes. Truly yours,

George Kellog

My dear Boudinot: I have just received a letter from Welch, informing me that his house has been waylaid by the Indians, who are seeking an opportunity to kill him. Our friend Tom Taylor is scattering the firebrands. All my friends are well pleased that our treaty has been ratified and are ready to pledge their lives in defense of the treaty party. We have thousands of friends amongst the Georgians, ready to do the same.

If you are at all apprehensive of clanger, let me advise you to collect all your friends and form an encampment at Ridge's; arm but act on the defensive ; make any contracts necessary to your support. The treaty must meet them. I have just written to Schermerhorn, informing him of Taylor's conduct. Write to me often. I am much concerned for your safety. Sincerely your friend,

Ross Driven From Home

ROSS DRIVEN FROM HOME. - In April, 1835, it would appear, Ross returned from Washington to his home at "Head of Coosa," Rome. On Mar. 14, the Ridge party had signed with the Government the preliminaries of the New Echota treaty, giving the Indians $5,000,000 for Cherokee Georgia. In order to reach Washington in those days it was necessary to travel by stage or horse to Charleston, and there take the steamer north or go the entire way on horseback. He had come in on his trusty charger, tired and hopeful of a kiss from his wife and children. Instead, he found his family gone - thrown out with a few scant things they could carry with them, and making for Tennessee over the dusty road.

The following statement was signed by eight leading Cherokees,'''* including Ross, and it was undoubtedly written or dictated by Ross himself. Although the ejectment seems to have taken place in April, complaint was not made to Washington until June 21, 1836, more than a year later. Here is the summary of grievances, including the tale of the ejectment; it states that Ross's father, Daniel Ross, was buried at Rome, whereas members of the family in Oklahoma have always thought the parent and certain others were buried at Lookout Mountain, Tenn.

"The Cherokees were then left to the mercy of an interested agent. This agent, under the act of 1834, was the notorious Wm. N. Bishop, the captain of the Georgia Guard, aid to the Governor, clerk of court, postmaster, etc., and his mode of trying Indian rights is here submitted:

" 'Sir - The legal representative of lots of land No. 95, 25th district, 2nd section, No. 86, 25th district, 2nd section, No. 93, 25th district, 2nd section, No. 89, 25th district, 2nd section. No. 57, 25th district, 2nd section, has called on me, as State's agent, to give possession of the above described lots of land, and informs me that you are the occupant upon them. Under the laws of the State of Georgia, passed in 1833 and 1834, it is made my duty to comply with his request, therefore, prepare yourself to give entire possession of said premises on or before the 20th day of February next; fail not under the penalty of the law. '"WM. N." BISHOP,

"Mr. Martin,*'''* a Cherokee, was a man of wealth, had an extensive farm, large fields of wheat growing; and was turned out of house and home, and compelled, in the month of February, to seek a new residence within the limits of Tennessee.

**John Ross, John Martin, James Brown, Joseph Vann. John Benge, Lewis Ross, Elijah Hicks and Richard Fields. Authority : Cherokee Indians, Congressional Documents (1835-6), Doc. No. 286, ps. 5-6-7. After Ross was dispossessed, he went to live in Bradley County, Tenn., where he and John Howard Payne were arrested a few months later.

***Martin had been a judge of one of the Cherokee districts (Amoah). On Aug. 10, 1835, he was arrested by liieut. Jno. L. Hooper, commander of Co. F, 4th Inf., U. S. A., at Ft. Cass, Calhoun, Tenn., and confined at the home of Lewis Ross at that place, whence he soon made his escape. A spirited tilt then took place between Hooper and Major Currey. Martin was charged with having threatened the life of John Ridge for negotiating with the Government.

"Mr. Richard Taylor was also at Washington, and in his absence his family was threatened with expulsion, and compelled to give $200 for leave to remain at home for a few months only.

"This is the 'real humanity' the Cherokees were shown by the real or pretended authorities of Georgia, disavowing any selfish or sinister motives towards them.

"Mr. Jos. Vann, also a native Cherokee, was a man of great wealth ; had about 800 acres of land in cultivation; had made extensive improvements, consisting, in part, of a brick house, costing about $10,000, mills, kitchens, negro houses, and other buildings. He had fine gardens, and extensive apple and peach orchards. His business was so extensive he was compelled to employ an overseer and other agents. In the fall of 1833 he was called from home, but before leaving made a conditional contract with a Mr. Howell, a white man, to oversee for him in the year 1834, to commence on the first of January of that year. He returned about the 28th or 29th of December, 1833, and learning that Georgia had prohibited any Cherokee from hiring a white man, told Mr. Howell he did not want his services.

"Yet Mr. Bishop, the State's agent, represented to the authorities of Georgia that Mr. Vann had violated the laws of that State by hiring a white man, had forfeited his right of occupancy, and that a grant ought to issue for his lands.

"There were conflicting claims under Georgia laws for his possessions. A Mr. Riley* pretended a claim, and took possession of the upper part of the dwelling house, armed for battle. Mr. Bishop, the State's agent, and his party came to take possession, and between them and Riley a fight commenced, and from 20 to 50 guns were fired in the house. While this was going on, Mr. Vann gathered his trembling wife and children into a room for safety. Riley could not be dislodged from his position upstairs, even after being wounded, and Bishop's party finally set fire to the house. Riley surrendered and the fire was extinguished.

driven out, unprepared, in the dead of winter, and snow on the ground, through which they were compelled to wade and to take shelter within the limits of Tennessee, in an open log cabin, upon a dirt floor, and Bishop put his brother, Absalom Bishop, in posession of Mr. Vann's house. This Mr. Vann is the same who, when a boy, volunteered as a private soldier in the Cherokee regiment in the service of the United States, in the Creek war, periled his life in crossing the river at the Battle of the Horse Shoe.** What has been his reward?

"Hundreds of other cases might be added. In fact, nearly all the Cherokees in Georgia who had improvements of any value, except the favorites of the United States agent,*** under one pretext or another have been driven from their homes. Amid the process of expulsion, the Rev. John F. Schermerhorn, the United States commissioner, visited the legislatures of Tennessee and Alabama, and importuned those bodies to pass laws prohibiting the Chei-okees who might be turned out of their possessions from within the Georgia limits, taking up a residence in the limits of those states.

*Spencer Riley, of Cass County, formerly or Bibb. The fight took place Mar. 2, 1835 ; authority : Georgia Journal, Milledgeville, Apr. 7, 1835.

"The same summary process was used toward Mr. John Ross, the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. He was at Washington City, on the business of his nation. When he returned, he traveled until about 10 o'clock at night to reach his family; rode up to the gate; saw a servant believed to be his own; dismounted, ordered his horse taken; went in, and to his utter astonishment found himself a stranger in his own home, his family having been some days before driven out to seek a new home.

"A thought then flitted across his mind - that he could not, under all the circumstances of the situation, reconcile it to himself to tarry all night under the roof of his own house as a stranger, the new host of that house being the tenant of that mercenary band of Georgia speculators at whose instance his helpless family had been turned out and made homeless.

"Upon reflecting, however, that 'man is born unto trouble,' Mr. Ross at once concluded to take up his lodgings there for the night, and to console himself under the conviction of having met his afflictions and trials in a manner consistent with every principle of moral obligation towards himself and family, his country and his God.

"On the next morning he arose early, and went out into the yard, and saw some straggling herds of his cattle and sheep browsing about the place - his crop of corn undisposed of. In casting a look up into the widespread branches of a majestic oak, standing within the enclosure of the garden, and which overshadows the spot where lie the remains of his dear babe and most beloved and afi'ectionate father, he there saw, perched upon its boughs, that flock of beautiful pea-fowls, once the matron's care and delight, but now left to destruction and never more to be seen.

"He ordered his horse, paid his bill, and departed in search of his family. After traveling amid heavy rains he had the happiness of overtaking them on the road, bound for some place of refuge within the limits of Tennessee. Thus have his houses, farm, public ferries, and other property been wrested from him."

JOHN RIDGE IN NEW YORK. - Martin Grahame, of Briarlea, Saskatchewan, Canada, who for some years lived on the East Rome place owned by J. Paul Cooper, sent the following in 1921 to Linton A. Dean

"New York, N. Y., Feb. 2, 1832. - Was also with Testes Dwight to the City Hotel and was introduced to and had conversation with two Indian chiefs, the first and only I have seen - Mr. John Ridge and another chief whose name I do not remember. They were well-dressed men in surtouts, (wide-skirted coats reaching below the knees. - Webster's New Standard Dictionary), spoke good English and behaved themselves like gentlemen. Ridge is the son of an orator, the greatest, Mr. Dwight said, among the Cherokees, a chief of the Deer Tribe. The other Indian was of the Wolf Tribe, of the Cherokee Nation, both of them. They had beautiful, small hands and feet, especially Ridge, who is married to a New England lady. They have come to New York to raise the sympathy of the public in behalf of their countrymen who have deputized them with that design, for the purpose of getting them allowed to remain in their lands guaranteed them in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina in their treaty with the United States.

"The Cherokees consist of 16,000 to 20,000 people, the women more numerous than the men. The Sequoyan alphabet, according to Ridge, can be learned in three days by a quick scholar, and in six days by a slow one. They have left ofl" the chase largely of late and devote themselves to agriculture. Mr. Ridge said superstition kept the Indian from gaining more information. He stated that legend had it that God first made the Indian and then the white man. The Indian was off"ered the choice of a book or a bow and arrow, and while he hesitated, the white man stole the book; thus the bow and arrow was left to the Indian, and he has made good use of them ever since. Mr. Ridge's father's home is a two-story one, 52 by 28 feet, and there are many others of handsome design which show the wealth and civilization of the owners.

"Tonight at a public meeting in Clinton Hall, Mr. Ridge mentioned that the chiefs of the Cherokees had voluntarily resigned their ancient powers and modeled their state into a Republic on the general plan of the United States, with frequent elections (universal suffrage there is also, but he did not mention that).

and at these seasons men do not approach them, even to speak, except from a distance. Adultery in high or low degree is punished with beating until the criminals faint, and then cutting the ears off. Formerly, passing between a woman and the wind or bathing higher up a stream at the same time with her was held adultery, communicated of the water or the wind. After punishment is inflicted, however, the offender resumes his rank, and if he can escape until after an annual jubilee, he may save himself entirely from punishment.

WHEN THE RED MAN LEFT. - (By Jno. W. H. Underwood, in The Cartersville Courant, 1883). - The County of Floyd is perhaps the most interesting locality of this section of the state. Situated on the confluence of the Oostanaula and Etowah rivers, it has attracted the attention of many people. It was the favorite resort of the Red Man, and when the treaty of Dec. 29, 1835, was made, the influx of population was greatly increased.

The Cherokee country was surveyed by the authorities of the State of Georgia in 1830 and 1831. The lots were 160 acres and 40 acres in size. That supposed to be the gold region was laid off in 40-acre lots, and that where there was supposed to be no gold was laid off in 160-acre lots. The whole of the Cherokee country comprised in the chartered limits of Georgia was made into one county, called Cherokee County. The extent of the territory embraced was very considerable, beginning at the point where the S5th parallel of N. Latitude comes in contact with a point on the Blue Ridge fixed by James Blair and Wilson Lumpkin that now divides Towns and Rabun counties, running thence west to Nickajack Cave, the northwest corner of Georgia, thence due south, nearly in the direction of Miller's bend, on the Chattahoochee River, two miles south of West Point, Ga., until it strikes the north of Carroll County, thence east until it reaches the Chattahoochee River, thence along said river to the mouth of the Chestatee, thence up the Chestatee River to the head and then

at Princeton University. It is generally accepted that he attended the mission schools at Spring Place, Murray County, and at Cornwall, Conn.

due north to the top of the Blue Ridge, then in an easterly direction to Hickory Gap, then with the meanders of the Blue Ridge to the beginning.

Cherokee County was organized early in 1832. The courthouse was located where the town of Canton now is. A judge and solicitor general were elected. The Hon. Jno. W. Hooper was the first judge of the Superior Court. He was the father of Mrs. Thos. W. Alexander and John W. Hooper, long a resident of Rome. Hon. Wm. Ezzard was elected the first solicitor general. He now resides in Atlanta, Ga., a hale and hearty, well-preserved man between 80 and 90 years of age, an ornament to mankind, an honor to his race, a connecting link between the past and present. Jacob M. Scudder, who had long resided among the Indians as a licensed trader, under the new intercourse laws of the United States, resident in the nation, was elected senator, and a man by the name of Williams representative. Scudder was a highly intelligent and able man, and very soon made a favorable impression upon the legislature. Early in the session he introduced a bill to lay off the country into ten counties, as follows: Forsyth, Cobb, Lumpkin, Union, Gilmer, Cherokee, Murray, Cass, Floyd and Paulding. Murray County embraced the territory that is now in Whitfield, Catoosa, Walker, and one-half of Chattooga. It would perhaps have been best if the original counties had remained as they were, with slight exceptions. Mr. Scudder laid off Floyd County with the view of the existence of a city where Rome now is. John Ross, the principal chief of the Cherokees, resided immediately north and opposite the junction of the rivers, and called his place "Head of Coosa." I have seen his letters to my father often.

Major Ridge, who was made a major by Gen. Jackson at the Battle of the Horseshoe on the Tallapoosa River, in Alabama, for gallant conduct, resided up the Oostanaula River nearly two miles north of the courthouse, on the east bank of the river. Major Ridge's son, John, was educated at Princeton, N. J.,* and John's sister, Sallie, at Mrs. Elsworth's School. John Ridge was the great rival of John Ross, and Sallie Ridge was the first wife of George W. Paschal, deceased, who was once one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Texas. Ridge Paschal, their son, is a distinguished lawyer in Texas.

was at first located down the Coosa River, ten miles from Rome and called Livingston. In 1834, however, there was a very heated contest, and the seat of justice, the courthouse, was moved to the junction of the rivers and the place named Rome. Among the early settlers were the two Hemphills - - James and Philip W. Hemphill. One of them resided at the Mobley place, now owned by Col. Yancey, and the other in Vann's Valley, at what has been for many years known as the Montgomery farm.

Walton H. Jones was the brotherin-law of Hemphill and was an early settler. So was Edward Ware, who resided eight miles south of Rome, where Mr, Alexander White now lives. Joseph Ford, the father of I. D. Ford and Arthur Ford, was another, and resided in Vann's Valley where Mr. W. S. Gibbons now lives. He built the brick residence there. John Rush was another early settler, and resided on the Calhoun Road, seven miles northcast of Rome. Joseph Watters was an early settler, settling eight miles northeast of Rome at the "Hermitage." Wallace Warren was here early, and resided on the west side of the Oostanaula six miles from Rome. Dr. Alvin Dean, the grandfather of Linton Dean, was another one of them. He resided about nine miles down the Coosa at the residence of John W. Turner, who married his daughter. Thos. S. Price was another striking man, for sixteen years sheriff and deputy sheriff with Thos. G. Watters, now of Rome. The Loyds were heard of at an early date, and so were Thomas and Elijah Lumpkin. John PL Lumpkin was here in 1834. Joseph Watters was many times a senator from Floyd. John H. Lumpkin was for three terms a member of the Superior Court. Among the men of mark who were here at an early day may be mentioned Daniel R. Mitchell, Wallace Mitchell, A. T. Hardin, Elkanah Everett, and Thos. Selman, the father of the numerous and highly respected Selmans.