Franklin Township (part 14 of 19)

^ They found themselves suddenly re-attached to a country in which a considerable portion of them could perceive no affection for them- Belves, nor any disposition to give them protection, nor otherwise actuated, as many believed, but by a desire to get from the sale of their lands more certificates of public debt ; and the opinion was entertained that North-Carolina could expose them to the tomahawk and scalping knife, iriihout feeling in the least for their snfiferings, and without having tho least inclination to prevent them. Past experience, in their judgment, had fully demonstrated the advantages which were to be expected from the renewal of their connexions with North-Carolina ; they were to fight for themselves, protect their own possessions and pay taxes ; which, if not sufScient for the expenses incurred in defending themselves, were to be applied as far as they would go, and the surplus of expenses was to be left unsatisfied. On the other hand, the members of the Atlantic oonnties bad the near prospect, as they supposed, of becoming subject to a still greater aggravation of burthen, and this anticipation never fiuled to recall a desire for separation ; indeed, it seemed as if, at this moment, there was a presentation to the Assembly of more western claims than had ever before come forward at one time. The Atlantic members laboured t^ find ways and means; and, still more, to avoid making contributions from the counties east of the Alleghanies. They had, in the late revolt^ been furnished with the hint, that for very small provocations as they deemed them, the western counties would set up lor independence, which it was not in their power to control* Operated upon by these and other motives, the Atlantic counties, came to the conclusion to let them separate, stipulating for themselves, as the price of emancipation, such terms as were necessary and convenient for their own people.'*

It soon became evident that her western counties were an inconvenient, and expensive, and troublesome appendage to Korth-Carolina, and many on both sides of the Alleghanies^ had more recently opposed the Franklin separation, or any dismemberment of the distant and disjoined sections of the parent state^ were the first now to make the frank avowal thai it was the policy of each, and the interest of both, that the two coranmaities should no longer remain united, but sboukl at once become separate and distinct political organizations. The Assembly proceeded to mature a plan to sever them forever asunder, and passed an "Act for the purposp of ceding to the United States of America, certain western lands therein described."

In conformity with one of the provisions of the Act of Cession, Samuel Johnston and Benjamin Hawkins, Senators in Congress from North-Carolina, executed, on the 25th of February, 1790, a Deed to the United States, in the words of the Cession Act.

On the second of April, of the same year, the United States, in Congress assembled, by an act made for that special purpose, accepted the Deed, and what is now Tennessee, ceased to be a part of North-Carolina. The separation, though once resisted as unfilial, disobedient and revolutionary, was now in accordance with the judgment and wishes of all- - peaceable, dutiful, aflectionatc. The Old North Stale is yet held in grateful remembrance by every emigrant she has sent to Tennessee. And there and elsewhere, to the farthest West, in all their wanderings and migrations, the succeeding generation still cherish, with ancestral pride, the name, and character, and worth of North-Carolina, their mother state.

Chapter Vi Negotiation With Spain

As EARLY as 1780, Spain had indicated a determination to claim the country west of the following boundary : ** A right line should be drawn from the eastern angle of the Gulf of Mexico to Fort Toulouse, situated in the country of the Alibamas ; from thence the River Louishatchi should be ascended, from the mouth of which a right line should be drawn to the fort or factory of Quesnassie ; from this last place, the course of the River Euphasee* is to be followed till it joins the Cherokee ;t the course of this last river is to be pursued to the place where it receives the Pelissippi ;J this last to be followed to its source ; from whence a right line is to be drawn to Cumberland River, whose course is to be followed untill it falls into the Ohio.**

And, on other questions then arising between her and the United States, Spain declared : ** The savages to the west of the line described should be free and under the protection of Spain ; those to the eastward should be free and under the protection of the United States." - ** The trade should be free to both parties/' - "As to the course and navigation of the Mississippi, they follow with the property, and they will belong, therefore, to the nation to which the two banks belong.^ - " Spain alone will be the proprietor of the course of the Mississippi, from the thirty-first degree of latitude to the mouth of this river.*'

This line, designated by Rayneval, in his negotiation with Mr. Jay, left, not only the lands north of the Ohio without the limits of the United States, but a part of the country now constituting the State of Kentucky, all of Tennessee "^est of Hiwassee, Tennessee and Clinch Rivers, as above delineated, and nearly the whole of Alabama and Missis- sippl. To tliis extraordinary territorial pretension, on the part of Spain, was added that of the exclusive navigation of the Mississippi River.

Soon after the ratification of the definitive Treaty of ( Peace, in 1783, Congress turned their attention to ( commercial intercourse with foreign nations, and instructed the American Ministers particularly, in any negotiation with Spain, not to relinquish or cede, in any event whatever, the right of freely navigating the River Mississippi, from its source to the ocean." Spain, still persisting in her extensive claims east of that river and to its exclusive navigation, appointed, in 178i>, Don Diego Gardoqui her Minister, to adjust the interfering claims of the two nations. Mr. Jay, then Secretary of Foreign Affaire, was appointed to treat with him on the part of the United States. The Spanish Minister declared that the king, his master, would not permit any nation to navigate any part of the Mississippi between the banks claimed by him. The American Minister, on the other hand, insisted on the right of the United States to its free navigation. On a previous occasion, while representing his country in Europe, Mr. Jay had strenuously contended for that right, and urged the importance of retaining it. Now, the negotiation being renewed at home, he reminded the Spanish Minister "that the a^jar cent country was filling fast with people, and that the time must soon come when they would not submit to seeing a fine river flow before their doors, without using it as a highway to the sea, for the transportation of their productions," and pointed out the wisdom of such a treaty being now formed, as would not contain in its Btipulations the seeds of future discord. These appeals were resisted by the Don, and he still insisted that the Mississippi must be shut against the commerce of the western people and of the United States. At a later period in the negotiation, Mr. Jay, in a commn- ( nication to Congress, adds : "Circumstanced as we, ( are, I think it would be expedient to agree that the treaty should be limited to twenty-five or thirty years, and that one of its articles should stipulate that the United States 'Pitkin.

Excites Indignation In The We8T

In support of this concession, Mr. Jay stated : '' That the navigation of the Mississippi was not at that time very important, and would not probably become so in less than twenty-five or thirty years, and that a forbearance to use it, while it was not wanted, was no great sacrifice ; that Spain then excluded the people of the United States from that navigation, and that it could only be acquired by war, for VKjiich we were not then prepared ; and that in case of war, France would no doubt join Spain." A resolution was submitted to Congress, repealing Mr. Jay's instructions of August 25, 1785, and directing him to consent to an article, stipulating a forbearance, on the part of the United States, to use the Mississippi River for twenty years. In support of these resolutions, the members from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New- York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, voted unanimously ; while those from Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina and Georgia, with equal unanimity, voted against them. .

These proceedings of Congress, though with closed doors, soon became partially known, and excited great indignation and alarm in Virginia, and in all the. western settlements. In November, 1786, in consequence of a memorial from the western inhabitants, the Virginia Assembly declared unanimously ** that the common right of navigating the Mississippi, was considered as the bountiful gift; of nature to the United States ; that the Confederacy, having been formed on the broad basis of equal rights in every part thereof, and confided to the protection and guardianship of the whole, a sacrifice of the lights of any one part, would be a flagrant violation of justice, and a direct contravention of the end for which the Federal Government was instituted, and an alarming innovation on the system of the Union." They, therefore, instructed their delegates *' to oppose any attempt that may be made in Congress to barter or surrender to any nation whatever, the right of the United States to the free and common use of the Mississippi ; and to protest against the same as a dishonourable departure from the comprehensive and bene- volent feeling, which constitutes the vital principle of rte Confederation ; as provoking the just resentment nnd reproaches of oiir western brethren, whose essential rights and interests would be thereby sacriUced and sold ; and as tending to undermine our repose, our prosperity, and our Union itself."

After the instructions of Mr. Jay, as already mentioned, were rescinded by the seven Northern States, negotiations were renewed, but without effect. The Spanish Minister still refused to admit the United States to any share in the navigation of the river, below the boundaries claimed by his monarch, on any terms and conditions whatever.

By the eighth article of the treaty between Great Britain and the United States, it was provided, that the navigation of the River Mississippi, from its source to the ocean, shall forever remain free and open to the subjects and citizens of the two powers, respectively. The boundaries of Spanish Louisiana, after the dismemberment, comprised all the region west ofthe Mississippi. It included, also, the island of New- Orleans, on the east side of that river, and south of the Bayou Iberville ; thus including, necessarily, the mouth attd the river itself, with the eastern bank above the Iberville, and both banks from the Iberville to the Balize. With France. Spain had .also become involved in the war in favour of the American Colonies, and against Great Britain. By the treaty of September, 1783, on the part of all the beU ligerents. Great Britain confirmed to Spain, the whole ofthe ploridas, south of the thirty-first degree of latitude. The Provinces of Louisiana and Florida returned to a state of peace and prosperity, under the wise administration of Governor Mero. The river trade with Upper Louisiana and the settlements upon the Ohio and its tributaries, had become active, and the Spanish dominion upon the Mississippi appeared to be increasing continually, in importance and power.

em settlements of the United States, which were coming in collision with their own. Georgia claimed much of the territory from Loftus' Heights, northwardly, several hundred miles. But this whole region was in the possession of Spain, with a population of nearly ten thousand souls. An active trade from the people on Holston, Cumberland, and other branches of the Ohio, had forced Itself down the Mississippi, and they claimed the natural right of the use of this stream, throughout the Province of Louisiana, and to the ocean. On the other hand, it had become a matter of great interest to the Spanish authorities to derive a large revenue from this trade, by the imposition of transit and port duties. For this purpose, a revenue office, with a suitable guard, and a military post, was established at New-Madrid and other points, at which all boats were required to land, and comply with the revenue laws. These were enforced with great rigour, even to seizure and confiscation of the cargo. It requires but little knowledge of the chaj^acter of the western people to know what effect these exactions and restrictions upon their trade would produce. They believed they had a right to navigate the river, free from all these impositions ; that the duties were exorbitant, oppressive and unjust. Under these impressions, it is not strange, that many of them should resist the laws, and disregard the attempts of the revenue officers to enforce them. In this manner, it/requently happened, that the west-' em traders were seized, fined and imprisoned, their cargoes confiscated as contraband or forfeited, and the owners or supercargoes discharged, penniless, to find their way home.* Occurrences of this kind had greatly incensed the wesjiem people, and disseminated a general discontent and opposition. To such an extent had this vindictive feeling been carried in Kentucky, and upon the Cumberland, that a military invasion of Louisiana was devised, for redressing the 'Wrongs of the western people, and seizing the port of New- Orleans, should the Federal Government, then negotiating on the subject, fail to obtain from Spain the free navigation of the Mississippi. So general had become this excitement, that the Spanish Governor became exceedingly apprdiensive of an invasion, to be carried against Louisiana, in defiance -o{ the Federal authority. And the western people themselvefl» indignant at the failure of Congress to secure them the free use of their only outlet to market, were strongly tempted to separate from the Atlantic States, and to form for themselves an independent form of government^ which would enable them to obtain from Spain, under one form or another, those commercial advantages which they were determined to possess.*

Under this condition of things, Col. Wilkinson made an arrangement with the Spanish authorities, by which he secured. permission for himself and a few others to trade with the city of New-Orleans, and to introduce, free of duties, many articles of western production. Some concession was made in favour of western commerce, and a slight relaxation of the rigour of the revenue laws followed.

During CoL Wilkinson's stay at New-Orleans^ he was requested, by Governor Mere, to give his sentiments, freely, in writing, upon the political interests of Spain and the western people. This he did in a document of great length, which the Governor considered to be of such importance that it was transmitted to Madrid to be laid before the King of Spain. In this document, as copied from Butler, he urges ^* the natural right of the western people, to follow the current of rivers flowing through their country, to the sea. He states the extent of the country ; the richness of the soil - abounding in and producing everything suited to foreign markets, to which they have no means of conveyance, should the Mississippi be shut against them. He sets forth, also, the advantages which Spain might derive from allowing them the free use of the river. He mentioned the rapid increase of population in the West, and the eagerness with which every individual looked forward to the navigation of that river, and described the general abhorrence with w^hich the intelligence had been received, that Congress was about to sacrifice their dearest interests, by ceding to Spain, for twenty years, the navigation of the Mississippi ; and represents it as a fact, that they were then on the point of separating, on that account, from the Union. He addressed himself to the fears of the Goviernor, by an ominous display of their strength ; and argues the impolicy of Spain iA being so blind to her own interest as to refuse them an amicable participation in the navigation of the river, and thereby forcing them into violent measures. He assures the Spanish Governor that, in case of such an alternative, Great Britain stands ready, with expanded arms, to receive them and to assist their efforts to accomplish that object, and quotes a conversation of a member of the British Parliament to that effect. He states the facility with which the province of Louisiana might be invaded by the united forces of the English and Americans - ^the former advancing from Canada, by the way of the Illinois, and the latter from the Ohio; and, also, the practicability of proceeding from Liouisiana to Mexico, in a march of twenty days, and that, in case of such an invasion. Great Britain will aim at the possession of Louisiana and New-Orleans, and leave the navigation of the river free to the Americans ; and urged, forcibly, the danger to the Spanish interests in North America, with Great Britain in possession of the Mississippi, as she was already in possession of the St. Lawrence and the great lakes."

Mr. Jay, on being called upon by Congress, to communicate his views on the subject, said that his own opinion of the justice and importance of the claims advanced by the United States, had undergone no change^ but that, under present circumstances, he thought it would be expedient to conclude a treaty with Spaio^ limited to twenty or thirty years, and for the United States to stipulate that during the term of the treaty, they would forbear to navigate the Mississippi below their southern boundary. Sagacious as were, generally, the views of Mr. Jay, they have been outstripped, in this instance, by the growth of the Western country, beyond the anticipation of our wisest statesmen. Our progress has been a race scarcely checked by an accident on the course.* Had the commercial limitation taken place

To quiet the apprehenrions of hef westaminhahltawi^3ss» upon the point tk <oarrying into eflbot the dismaBberflMMital: the parent state, and the formation of the State of FkanUie^ the delegates from North-Carolina, in September of 1788^ submitted to Congress a resolution, declaring that,

^ Whereas, many citizens of the United States, who poMees lands on the western waters, have expressed mvteh nneasiiiesB mm a report that Congress are disposed to treat with Spain for the surrender of usir claim to the navigation of the Mississippi River : In order, therefore, to quiet the minds of our fellow-citizens, bj removing such ill-founded apprehensions,

** Beiolved, That the United States have a clear, absolute and nnaKenable claim to the free navigation of the Mississippi ; which daim is not only supported by the express stipulations of treaties, but by the great law of nature.*^

Virginia, too, had adopted similar resolutions. These decided measures tranquillized, for a time, the growing diseontents of the western settlements, and prevented that aliena* tion of feeling which, at one time, led them to repudiate their, dependence upon their Atlantic countrymen, and to look forward to a connexion of some kind with their Spanish neighbours.

Colonel Wilkinson, in his statement to the Spaniali Go* vernor, had artfully interwoven appeals, both to the interests and the fears of Spain. His diplomacy and address had succeeded ih convincing Governor M ero of the policy of conciliating the western people, and of attaching them to the Spanish Government. FoF this purpose, he invited, by liberal grants of land, the citizens of Kentucky and Cumberland^ to emigrate to West Florida. To such as did not wish to emigrate, he relaxed the exactions required by the revenue laws. While these conciliatory measures were exerting a salutary influence, he adopted others, intended to promote a political union between the western people and Upper Louisiana* A large American settlement was projected, west of the Mississippi, and between the mouth of the Ohio and the St Francis River. To General Morgan, who was to settle this colony, a large grant fpt land was made. Here, soon .after his arrival, was laid off the plan of a magnificent city, which, in honour of the Spanish capital, was called New- Madrid. This policy of gaining over the western people to an adherence to the Spanish interests, was not wholly unsuccessfhl. Many of them had been highly dissatisfied with the Federal Gk)vernment, which had failed to secure them their right of free navigation ; and some were even favourably impressed with a future union with Liouisiana. But this feeling was of short duration. The repeated infractions of his revenue laws, were followed by an order from Gk>vernor Mero to the Intendant, for a more rigorous enforcement 'of them. Seizures, confiscations, delays and imprisonments, became frequent and embarrassing to the traders upon the river, and Louisiana was again threatened with invasion from the Ohio. Hundreds of fiery spirits, in Kentucky and on the Cumberland, were anxious to embark in the enterprise.* The western people had long known, that notwithstanding her alliance with the United States in the war against Great Britain, Spain desired to weaken that Power by separatifog her American Colonies from her, more than to assist the new states in their struggle for independence. So soon as that #bject had been obtained^ the Spanish GovitaMMati alarmed at the approach of the westerti settlementa, .aiid*tiie conseqaent dissemination of republican pritacipIoB among the colonists npdn their border, adopted measores to vestraiB thei)r expansion, and ooanteract their growth and inftneneei to check their commerce, to prevAt the nearer apprdaeh tf a population that had already manifested, bolh a mairltii spirit, and a capacity to gavem themselTcs.

In the meantime, the Anglo- American settlemeMtii had eat* tended far within the line claimed by Spain ; the vmi^raifls on Holston, Camberlan^ and Kentucky, wwre already finrar ing themselves into organized communities^ and the jnrisdiai^ tion 'of the United States was, by the ordinance of 178?; tended over the Morth-westem Territory. It was elaarly that a|i Spain had not hitherto been able to previent the pancy ^ the extensive possessiouft she clahned In.tiie Wes^ so no means within her dbntrol^ conld secure the mottopoi^ of navigating the Mississippi River. What ecmld not be done' by legitimate means^ waA hereafter to beeflBsetasd'tf' intrigue. Tromi the year 1788^ -we may date the- eiittM policy of Spain, through her diplomatic and colonial aitthoeities, to endeavour, by diplomacy and intrigue, to acquire the western portion of the United States. The King approved the judicious policy of Governor Mero, relative to the indulgences extended to the western people. The Court of Madrid was warned of the danger to be apprehended from the increasing power of the United States. Navarro portrayed, in strong colours, the ambition of the Federal Government on the subject of western territory, and the thirst for conquest, which, he asserted, would be gratified only by the extension of their dominion to the Pacific Ocean. And as the only true policy for Spain to pursue, he recommended the necessity of dismembering the Federal Union^ by procuring the separation of the western country from the At* lantic States. This accomplished, the danger to the Spanish provinces, from the encroachments of the Federal powei^ would immediately cease, and Spain would be at liberty to enter into negotiations, mutually advantageous to Louisiana and the western people, who were already impatient of the

Amd Hbr Colonial Auth0Ritie8. 6Ss

These suggestions of Navarro were well received at Court, and formed the basis of the subsequent policy of Spain and Louisiana towards the Federal Government and the western people respectively, and were the commencement of that series of intrigues and vexatious court delays, which afterwards characterized the political relations of that Power towards the United States.*

The policy of Spain invited emigrants into her provinces, ,1790 i ^"^ restored an amicable and mutually advantageous ' ( trade between New-Orleans and the western settlements. Still, jealousy of the Federal Power was not allayed, and, indeed, it was much increased, by other occurrences which, about this time, took place, and greatly disquieted the Spanish authorities. The difficulties between North-Carolina and the State of Franklin had been adjusted, the parent state had ceded her western lands to Congress, and after her -relinquishment of sovereignty over them, the extension of Federal jurisdiction over the "South-western Territory" took place. In further support of the claim to the boundaries stipulated for in the treaty of 1783, Commissioners on the part of the United States, had concluded a treaty of peace and limits with the chiefs of the Creek nation, which had been fully ratified by them in New- York. With the view of counteracting the effects of this treaty, especially as to boundaries stipulated in it, another negotiation was made between the same nation and the Spanish authorities, prohibiting the opening of the boundary as agreed upon and ratified in New- York. For more than a. year, the Creeks refused to ran the line, and under the influence of Spanish emissaries, many of them were induced to assume a hostile attitude to the southern and south-western settlements.

Another intrigue to increase the disaffection of the westem people, and alienate them from the Atlantic portion of the Union, manifested itself in this year. The inexecution by England, of the treaty of 1783, left in the possession of

( the commercial privileges extended by his predecessor to the western people. New-Orleans, ^and indeed the whole Province, derived such advantage from this policy, that a partial infraction of the revenue la¥r8 was not only tolerated by the Minister of Finance, but was even justified by the King. To this propitiatory course, Spain was induced, not less by the suggestions of an enlarged and profound diplomatic policy, than the considerations of pecuniary lt98 i ^°d local interest. *' France and Spain were now

( at war ; and French emissaries sought, through the prejudice that had been roused against the St>aniards rela* tive to the navigation of the Mississippi, to instigate an invasion of Louisiana and Florida by the people of the United States, and if practicable, even a separation of the Western States, and an alliance with Louisiana under the dominion and protection of France."* To carry into effect these pur* poses, M. Genet, the Minister of Republican France to the United States, issued commissions to several individuals, as officers in the French armies, with authority to raise troops in the western country, for the contemplated invasion and revolution of Lousiana. The settlements upon the Cumberland and Ohio, were the theatre of their principal operations. Here, it cannot be concealed, existed elements favourable to the machinations of the indiscreet and impulsive Minister. Apart from the occlusion of the mouth of the Mississippi, and the restrictions imposed upon their commerce by the policy of Spain, there was a spirit of undisguised dissatisfaction with the delay and failure of the Federal Government to secure, by negotiation, thone rights, which now the West was able to extort by force. Besides - a fraternal sympathy united them to the people of France, and the recollection of the past, enlisted their co-operation with the French Republic. It is known that many of the best patriots on the frontier, contiguous to the possessions claimed by Spain, yielded for a time to the seductive influence of these feelings and prejudices, and it required all the vigilance and decision of Washington to arrest the expedition, and restrain the impulsive western soldiery from an invasion of Louisiana, an alliance with France and a possible separation from and dismemberment of the Union.

Apprehensive of the success of Genet and his emissaries upon the Cumberland and Ohio, the Baron de Carondelet adopted every measure to defend his province from the ^threatened danger. His forts, as high up the river as New- Madrid, were reinforced. As another method of precaa- ( tion, a treaty was concluded with the Ghickasaws, ( securing the alliance of that nation, and permission for the establishment of a military post within the present bonndaries of Tennessee, near the mouth of Margot (Wolf) River. For this purpose, the Ghickasaws ceded the fourth Bluff, with the view of erecting thereon a fort, which^was to be kept in good repair, for the purpose of protecting Louisiana from any invasion from the United States. The fort 'Was called '* Fort San Ferdinando de Barancas," and stood

So suecessful had been the intrigue of VLGmMftgimfK^ ilw \ ^^^^^S - T^^^f i^ nnveiling-r^ spintof aeiioMd^ -< affection on the pArt of the people oCthe WAA.-^KnA the Federal Administration^ that Govdmor rnipnitolol ttfkmeasores to secore the favour of- the Western paopAa tosi^ alliance with Louisiana under the Spanish^moiiaiich j, . - Bi went so far as to authorisEe his emissary, Ppwwv^to: every thing desired by the peq)le» andtogiTe thMi^ of the readiness of the colamal gavertmmU.i» /vrAuA^rv^, mmnunitUm and money^ 0 sustain them in ikeMtemfi teilMp qfthe authoritff of the Federal Owerna^en^ , . v ^.

At a period somewhat later, promise was made.of (ihIi of laodt to such as would submit to the Spmis)i.4on||i£Miwhile intimations were secretly cUsseminatedianiMiF tisikW^' suspecting people^ that Spain would extend to i3l«Mii^.etf2ii^ eonunnnity, every commercial advantage and |siirikg6 MMir could be desired, provided they lirnrn riinnniinnnf ad iflroin liij[ Federal Grovemment. The Spanish Miiueter,«esiilettt iiHW United States, had declared unequivocally; to his ^Qg^^emlitt correspondents, that unless the Western people would dedasl themselves independent of the Federal Power, and establish for themselves an independent form of government, Spain never would allow them the free navigation of the Mississippi ; '' but upon these terms, he was authorized and would engage to open the navigation of t?ie Ht;«r,*' ^^.f

The first settlers of Tennessee and Kentucky received^ through the courtesy of the Spanish authorities, many eoBh mercial privileges, but they were unwilling to submit to the species of vassalage^ implied by the manner in which the river commerce was enjoyed. They could not receive si special favours^ what they claimed as common and indefemsi^ ble rights.

apprehensive of invasion of her American possessions by the pioneers of the West - whom all her intrigues had been unable to seduce from their allegiance to the Union - intimated her willingness to negotiate on the points in controversy. Mr. Pinckney was appointed as Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Madrid, and a treaty was concluded and signed, on the 20th of October, 17U5, covering the whole ground of controversy which, for more than ten years, had engaged the attention of both countries.

In accordance with the provisions of that treaty, Mr. Elli- 1797 i ^^^^* ^^^ United States Commissioner, was in this year ( on the Mississippi, in order to run the boundary line and to receive the posts east of it Here, most unexpectedly, the territorial authorities of Spain interposed objections. During the delay consequent upon these, another, and the last Spanish intrigue, was detected, the object of which was to continue, to Spain, the possession of the very territories she had bound herself to relinquish to the United States. A former emissary, Mr. Power, was despatched by the Baron de Carondelet, with proposals to the people of Kentucky and the inhabitants of the Western country generally, to withdraw and separate themselves from the Federal Union, and to form an independent government, wholly unconnected with the Atlantic States. The danger of permitting the Federal troops to take possession of the posts on the Mississippi River, was pointed out, and an offer of pecuniary assistance, from the royal treasury at New-Orleans, to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, was made by the Baron, for the purpose of organizing the new government ; and the same amount was to be furnished by his Catholic Majesty, for the purpose of raising and maintaining the troops which, immediately after the declaration of independence, were to take possession of Fort Massac. Twenty ^ield pieces, ammunition and small arms, and every necessary appendage to an efficient army, were also to be placed vithin the fort. His Catholic Majesty engaged, also, to assist the new government in subduing the Indian nations eoath of the Ohio, and agreed to be bound, by future treaty, to defend and support it, in preserving its independence, and

During that whole period of paHtical eaeileiBeBt^ U-k wordiijr of remark, and highly creditable to iAm ficicd «CUM and patriotism of the people of Tennessee^ 4hat^ thiy wssl in no ease, aeduced into an abandeameal of thm'r righrsaai dhity, nor of allegiaaee to iheir own eonatry^ and. lUMsj^ Iheir republicaa pnndples. Tho' mswes of 4tlwwn. w^mmkmA trae and ineorruptible. bodaled iastaneas^tf judivid - l it \ fection, did oocnr. Prominent and ambitioas men wiasa Ibuil m different 'sections, sustained it nay be, by hero and llMrib a partisan, not unwilling to elevate themselves at the immi* nent hazard of the welfare and permanent interest of the country. Among these there was little unanimity, and no well-digested concert of action. They gave rise, howevtri for the time being, to the following parties, ^ enumerated by Monette :

II. In favour of entering into commercial arrangementi with Spain, and of annexing themselves to Louisiana^ witt all the advantages offered.

III. Opposed to any Spanish connexion, and in favour of forcing the free navigation of the Mississippi by the arms of the United States, with the invasion of Louisiana and West Florida.

V. The strongest party, however, was in favour of new independent state organizations in the West, leaving it with the Federal Government to regulate the Mississippi and boundary questions with Spain.

To estimate properly the virtue, the patriotism, the loyalty and the republicanism of the western people, when, with a noble disinterestedness and self-sacrificing devT>tion to the Union, they resisted these artful and powerful appeals to their sectional and local interests, let it be remembered, that the several communities to whom these 'appeals were made, had penetrated through a vast wilderness of desert and mountain - that their own courage had expelled a savage enemy - their own rifles had achieved their conquest - their own enterprise had planted and defended their settlements - their own efibrts had made their fortunes, provided them a home, and the benefit of a simple, but stable government - that with little assistance from the old states, almost none ftom the General Government, the wilderness, under their/ / own industry and culture, " blossomed as the rose ;" and that the fertile banks of the navigable streams in the distant in whose bosoms they dwelt, were rewarding with a luxuriant harvest of rich fruits, their own labour, upon their own fields ; that the intervention of hundreds of miles and great mountain ranges, insulated them from the commerce of their Atlantic countrymen, and that for the products of the whole West, there was but one great outlet to the ocean and to the markets of the world - the Mississippi Rivec ; and that the right of freely navigating that stream, though gualanteed to them as a result of that Revolution which they had assisted to effect, and of those victories achieved in part by their valour, was still withheld from them, under the vexatious delay of Federal negotiation. Under such circumstances of admitted neglect, disappointed expectation, deferred hope and accumulated wrong, to remain constant, and faithful, and loyal to the Union, is alike a rare instance, and evidence, of all that is heroic in forbearance, lofty in patriotism, and majestic in national virtue. Western purity mnained muiediiced by the ooqaetry of mcnmrriitoaliiitrigw^ and the stem virtae and primitive integrity of die aliApl»> hearted pioneer and hunter, resisted die art and baffled the designs of the diplomatist and the emissary. - .

Territory Of The United States South Of Ohio River

Provision being thus made for the government of the territory, it remained for the President to nominate suitable ofBcers to carry the Territorial Government into operation. Several gentlemen, of acknowledged capacity and worth, were presented to President Washington, for the appointment of Governor. Patrick Henry recommended to him Mr. Mason of Virginia. But there was an obvious propriety in selecting, for this station, a citizen of the state which had ceded the territory, and who was presumed, on fhat account, to be familiar with the circumstances and interests connected with and involved in the cession. WjUiam Blount, of North-Carolina, received the appointment of Governor. He bas been heretofore mentioned in these pages, as the vigilant agent of his state, and the faithful guardian of the interests of North-Carolina, at the treaty of Hopewell. He was of an ancient English family, of wealth and rank, which, at an early day, emigrated to Carolina. The name is often mentioned in the annals of that state during the Revolution. Charles, James and Benjamin Blount, were all civil or military officers during that period. William Blount was one of the deputies from North-Carolina to the Convention which formed the Constitution of the United States. It was on this occasion, probably, that General Washington, the President of the Convention, first became acquainted with him, and, appreciating his qualifications for the public service, his discernnient selected hirn for the important position of Governor oMhe new Territory. He was remarkable for great address, courtly manners, benignant feelings, and a most commanding presence. His urbanity - his personal influence over men of all conditions and ages - ^his hospitality, unostentatiously, but yet elegantly and gracefully extended to all, won upon the affections and regard of the populacei and made him a universal favourite. He was at once the social companion, the well-bred gentleman and the capable ofiicer. He received his commission as Governor of the Territory, August 7, 1790. On the 10th of October, he reached the theatre of his new and important public duty on the frontier, amidst a people unacquainted as yet with the forms and usages of old and refined society, but unsurpaawd any where in all the strong traits of character which form the man, the patriot and the citizen. At first, he made his residence at the house of William Cobb, in the fork of Hdston and Watauga Rivers, not far from the Watauga Old Fields, where was planted, twenty years before, the germ of the future Tennessee.* Mr. Cobb was a wealthy farmer, an emigrant from North-Carolina, no stranger to comfort and taste, nor unaccustomed to what, in that day, was called style. Like the old Carolina and Virginia gentlemen, he entertained elegantly, with profusion rather than with plenty, without ceremony and without grudging. Like theirs, his house was plain, convenient, without pretension or show. His equipage was simple and unpretending. He kept his horses, his dogs, his rifles, even his traps, for the use, comfort and entertainment of his guests. His servants, his rooms, his grounds, were all at their bidding. They felt themselves at home, and never said adieu to him or his family, without the parting regret and the tenderness of an old friendship.

It was here, and under such circumstances, that Governor Blount opened and held his court in the ancient woods of old Sullivan. The President had associated with him, in the administration of the Territorial Government, as Judges, David Campbell and Joseph Anderson. The former had held a like position under the State of Franklin, and subsequently, under the authority of North-Carolina. The latter

And Assumes Its Govesnmbkt

Governor Blount proceeded to appoint and commission the officers, civil and military, for the counties forming the District of Washington. Those holding office under North- Carolina, generally continued to serve in the same capacity under the Territorial Government ; a new commission and a new oath of office were required. The oath was administered by Judge Campbell, in the presence of the Governor. The names of some of those commissioned by him are here given.

Wabhinoton County, Nov. Term, 1790. - Charles Robertson, John Campbell, Edmond Williams, John Chisholm, Magistrates. James Sevier, was appointed Clerk - a position ho occupied under the Franklin organization, under the authority of North-Carolina, during the Territorial Grovernment, and under the State of Tennessee up to the time of hisncleath in 1842.

SoLuvAM CouKTT. - The first Court was held December, 1700, when the magistrates commissioned by the Governor were sworn into office by Judge Campbell.

GttBKNi CouNTT, Fkbruary Sessiof, 1791. - Prcscnt^ Joseph Hardiii| John Newman, William Wilson, John McNabb and David Ranlun. Daniel Kennedy was appointed Clerk - an office he had also held under each of the preceding governments, and which he retained many years afterwards. At this session, David Allison and Wm. Cocke were admitted Attorneys.

The same gentleman also became, for a time, the Private Secretary of the Governor. He yet (1852) survives, in a green old age, an intelligent chronicle of past events. To him is this writer indebted for some of the incidents detailed in these pages.

Having commissioned the necessary officers in Washington District, Governor Blount, on the 27th of November, set oot for the District of Mero, then composed of Davidson, Samner and Tennessee counties, to make similar appointments there.

The Governor had, in all the counties, appointed military officers below the gtade of brigadier-generals. These he coald not appoint, but recommended to the President, CoL John Sevier, as the brigadier for Washington, and Col.

In his tour, passing through the Territory from one extreme settlement to the other, Governor Blount endeavoured to make himself familiar with its condition and wants, so as to enable him the better to discharge his official duties, to the satisfaction of the Government, and with benefit to the people His instructions from the Executive, were to restore and maintain peaceful relations with the Indians. To effect this, he had sent Major King to the Cherokee nation, with an invitation to meet and hold a treaty with the whites the succeeding May. This proposition was now more likely uf be accepted, as the Creeks had entered into terms o\' peace in August of the last year, at New- York. Major King found the Cherokees divided into two parties, of which Hanging Maw was the leader of the northern, as the Little Turkey was of the southern party. At the time of his mission. Major King found each of them disposed to negotiate.

The settlements formed in the Territory, at the time Governor Blount assumed the government of it, extended from the Virginia line on the east, in a peninsular shape, southwest to the waters of Little Tennessee, a distance of about one hundred and fifty miles in length, by a width no where more than fifty, and in some places less than twenty-five miles. This narrow strip of inhabited country, was bounded on the south by a constant succession of mountains, claimed, if not occupied, by the Indians. On the west, by the Indian territory then in their occupancy: and on the north and northwest, by the Clinch and Cumberland Mountains. Indeed, the settled country was confined to the valleys of the Holston, the Nollichuck}^ and the French Broad and Little Rivers below the mountains. All the rest of what is now East Tennessee, was either covered over with Cherokee villfiges, or frequented by the Indians in their hunting and predatory excursions. The white population thus insulated, was quite small. It was estimated that W?ishington District contained less than thirt}^ thousand inhabitants. Besides these, there were, along the Cumberland Valley and its lower tributaries, settlements still more feeble and more ex- posed to Indian assault and aggression - entirely insulated by desert wilds, and dissociated from all contact with civilized neighbours. Mero District contained about seven thousand inhabitants ; while the four southern Indian tribes numbered above twenty thousand warriors alone.

Between those two remote sections of the Territory, there 1790 i ^^^^ ^^ direct communication, either by land or water. ( The rapids and shoals in the Tennessee, and the ascent of the Ohio and Cumberland, was an obstacle to the latter ; and the intervention of a wildernessjand a mountain^ made the other difficult, if not impracticable, to any but Indian marches.

At the commencement of Governor Blount's administration, the Gherokees resided upon, and many of them within, the boundaries of the Territory, upon lands which they claimed, but much of which had been granted by North-Carolina to her citizens, and a whole section of which had been occupied and settled under the laws and treaties of Franklin. The Chickasaws claimed also, but did not reside upon, the country between the Tennessee and Mississippi. Much of their claim was covered by grants from North-Carolina, but none of it was settled. It furnished a hidden retreat, and a thoroughfare, inaccessible to the whites, through which constant intercommunication was had, between the southern and northern tribes, and foreign emissaries, who sought to incite them against the intervening American settlements. The Choctaws and Creeks had no valid claim to any part of the Territory, but each of them had settled, and permitted Spaniards to reside in, their towns, near the Great Bend of Tennessee.

State Convention that ratified and adopted it, on the part of North-Carolina, and also a member of its legislature in 1781^, when the Cession was made, and of which he "was a zealous advocate, his appointment gave general satisfaction.

Mr. Blount also received the appointment of Saperintendent of Indian Affairs. To his selection for the joint duties thus assigned him, President Washington was led by the m^ gent solicitation, and at the unanimous recommendation of the members of the legislature of 1780, who were present as representatives from the western counties. It is believed that no one was better qualified than he, to reconcile the conflicting elements that had estranged, to some extent, the western citizens, after the dissolution of the Franklin Government ; none, with more ability and fidelity, to regulate Indian affairs between the Government of the United States^ thepeople of the Territory, the Indian tribes, and the frontier population generally.

The superintendency of Indian aflairs embraced the four southern tribes - the Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws and Chick* asaws. Some judgment ma^ be formed of the difficult, responsible and delicate duties these two offices devolved on the Governor, by a brief reference to the posture of afiairs when he received his appointments. The Territory over which Governor Blount was called to preside, bordered upon the frontiers of Virginia, North and South-Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky, within the boundaries of which, as well as his own Territory, all the southern tribes either resided or claimed hunting grounds. The interests and pursuits of this entire frontier, constantly produced collision, if not hostility, between the whites and the several Indian tribes. All complaints on whatsoever subject, between these parties, were cognizable by, and made to Mr. Blount, for redress or palliation. This duty was arduous in the extreme, and delicate. There were in all of the tribes, several distinct parties, swayed by opposite influences, some adhering to the United States, some to the Spanish authorities south and west of them, who held a number of trading and military posts, not only in Florida, but within the limits of the United States, east of the Mississippi. The British still held possession of a namber of posts of like character on the lakes, and in the northwest, within the boundaries of the treaty of 1783, and from these emanated counsels unfriendly to the peace and extension of the territorial settlements. On account of ex« isting foreign negotiation, Governor Blount was restricted by his instructions from the Federal Government, to defensive measures only ; offensive measures against the southern tribes , being forbidden by the delicate and unsettled posture of affairs between the United States and England, and the United States and Spain. Foreign intrigue had been suooessful in fomenting quarrels in portions of each tribe, and in stimulating invasions and strifes between some of the several Indian nations within the superintendency. To reconcile all these animosities between' savages, and to protect his Ter* ritory from their injurious effects, required frequent conferences and correspondence, imposing a Herculean labour upon Mr. Blount. His correspondence with the Governors of adjoining States, with the Secretary of War, and with the authorities of Spain, is extensive and minute. Being well preserved in the printed archives of state, at Washington, bat a small portion of them need be transferred to these pages. To keep the Indian tribes quiet - to conciliate their friendship to the United States - ^to save the Territory from invasion, and to neutralize and prevent foreign influence, and, at the same time, not to jeopardize negotiations then pending required a high degree of administrative capacity and diplomatic talent. In the discharge of these arduous duties, Governor Blount was aided by his two private secretaries, his brother, the late Governor Willie Blount, and the late Hon. Hugh Lawson White, whose lives, as will be hereafter seen in the prosecution of these Annals, were spent in the service, and identified with the interest, and character, and honour of Tennessee.

Along the frontiers of the four eastern counties, were several forts and stations, rudely constructed by the inhabitants in times of imminent danger, bnt famishing no adequate protection. These were manned, generally, by the militia of the neighbourhood, under no permanent organization.

ded west of the Cumberland Mountains - confined, principally, to a circle embraced by a radius of less than forty miles, of which Nashville was the centre. Beyond that circle was an unsettled wilderness of almost indefinite extent, used only as Indian hunting grounds. Whilst, on the other hand, the Indian population of the tribes surrounding, furnished not less than from thirty to fifty thousand* fighting men, in alliance with more distant tribes in the northwest, and in friendly intercourse with military posts occupied by British and Spanish garrisons, the commanders of which were in the habit of issuing trading licenses, alike to native and foreign companies, who resided among the Indians. Such were the posts of Mobile, Pensacola, St. Marks, St Augustine, Baton Rouge, New-Madrid, Cape Gerardean, St. Genevie and St. Louis, where supplies were kept, and ammunition and arms furnished, to the Indians, to excite them to commit murder and depredation upon the citizens of the Territory, then, except on its eastern extremity, an exposed and defenceless frontier - extending, with the meanders of the several treaty lines, nearly a thousand miles. A border, thus extensive and thus exposed, invited attack. Several invasions, as will be hereafter more specially detailed, were carried on by the Indians, in large bodies, not only against the border settlements, but extending to the interior and better settled neighbourhoods. Instructed, as he was, to refrain from ofiensive war, and to act purely on the defensive, Governor Blount was, of course, oflen and severely censured, for afibrding so inefficient protection to the people of the Territory. The aggressions upon them were frequent, numerous, and of several years continuance. They gave rise to many complaints, not only by his own people, but by those of other states contiguous to his superintendency. The people complained that ofiensive measures were not vigorously adopted - the Indians, that they were adopted - and the Executive and Congress of the United States, that the expenses of protecting the frontier were so great, and accumulated so rapidly. These complaints the Governor bore with equanimity. The people, at length, ascertaining that the fault

Werb Laborious, Delicatb And Rb0Pon8Iblb

Some of the duties assigned to the Governor were complex, delicate and difficult. Much of the land in Greene and Hawkins counties, entered and held by the inhabitants, according to the provisions of the laws of North-Carolina, were south and west of the line described as the line of allotment in the fourth Article of the Treaty of Hopewell. Some settlers had crossed Clinch River in violation of the same treaty ; and the entire population south of French Broad and Holston, were upon lands reserved to the Cherokees, as hunting grounds, by the legislation of the mother state, but yet relinquished by the Indians at the treaties held under the authority of Franklin - an authority denied by North-Carolina, and not recognized by the United States. These were only a part of the embarrassments which Governor Blount had to encounter. The provisions of the treaty of Hopewell, for the delivery of property stolen by the Indians, during the Revolution, were not only disregarded by them, but additional thefts were constantly practiced, both by Cherokees and Creeks, upon the citizens of the Territory. This disregard of treaty stipulations by one party, led to a like disregard and violation of treaties by all. A proclamation from the Federal Executive, warning intruders upon Indian territory to withdraw within the treaty limits, and others to observe and comply with treaty stipulations, were issued, but, as the Indians broke the treaty, the whites refused to perform its requirements on their part, and the proclamation was disregarded.

Another serious difficulty presented itself. By an act of the State of Georgia, disposing of certain vacant lands, three million and a half acres of land, lying south of Tennessee River, were conveyed to the Tennessee Company, consisting of Zachariah Cox, Thomas Gilbert and John Strother, Eisquires, and their associates. The proprietors took measures, soon after, to effect a settlement of their purchase. 2«achariah Cox and Thomas Carr, as agents of the Company, repaired to the Territory, and there, Sept. 2d, 1790, issued an advertisement that it would embark a large armed foroe at the mouth of French Broad. The fleet was to start Jan. 10, 1791, carrying, in the boats, such emigrants as desired to settle near the Muscle Shoals. A bounty of five hundred acres was ofTered to each family, and half of that quantity to each single man. A land office was opened for the disposition of these lands, which was to be kept at the confluence of Holston and French Broad till the company embarked, and was then to be opened at the Great Bend. Undoubted fee simple titles were promised to the adventurers.

Against this projected settlement, and two others, known as the South-Carolina Yazoo Company, and the Virginia Yazoo Company, the Secretary of War earnestly remonstrated, and the President issued a proclamation, forbidding the intended settlement, and declaring that those who made them would be considered, to all intents and purposes, entirely without the protection of the United States.

A copy of this proclamation the Governor communicated to such agents and employees of the Company, as were then in the Territory and preparing to embark on the projected expedition ; with the declaration, that if the expedition should go forward to the Muscle Shoals, he would at once acquaint the Indians of its movements, who should be at liberty to act towards the Company as they might think right without offence to the United States. /

Not deterred by the Federal prohibitions. Col. Hubbardt, ( Peter Bryant, and fifteen others, embarked at the ( mouth of Dumplin, and went with Zachariah Cox to take possession of the Tennessee Grant, near the Muscle Shoals. In a small boat and two canoes, and with so few men, the enterprise was hazardous in the extreme. The ** Narrows" were still in the occupancy of the same savage hordes, who, in 1788, had butchered and captured Colonel Brown's company. His sad fate was a warning, which Hubbardt and his comrades could not disregard. They proceeded with the utmost caution and circumspection. ' Below the Suck, at the Indian Old Fields, a small party of Indians came out in; their canoes and hailed them. The same number of white men were sent out to meet them, advancing firmly with their rifles in their hands, but with orders not to fire till the last extremitv. Their canoe floated down towards the Indians, who observing their preparation for attack, withdrew and disappeared. A little further down, night overtook the voyagers, and when, from the dangers of the navigation at night, it was proposed to steer to the shore, they saw upon the bank a row of flres, extending along the bottoms as far as they could see, and standing around them armed Indian warriors. They silenced their oars by pouring water upon the oar pins - spake not a word, but glided by as silently as possible. The dogs barked from the bank. The Indians rekindled their fires and appeared to listen. The boat escaped. Several times next day the Indians tried, by various artifices, to decoy them to land. On one occasion three of them insisted, in English, to come and trade with them. After they refused and had passed by^ three hundred warriors rose out of ambush. They were then beyond the reach of their guns, and escaped. For three days and nights they did not land, but doubled on their oars - beating to the south side at night, and in the middle of the river through the day.

Cox and his party built a block-house, and erected other works of defence, on an island, at the Muscle Shoals. The Glass, with about sixty Indians, appeared shortly afterwards, and informed them, if they did not peaceably withdraw, he -would put them to death. After some further conference, the works were abandoned. The Indians immediately reduced the works to ashes.

A bill of indictment was twice sent to the Grand Jury Against Cox and his associates, at the next term of the Superior Court of Washington District, but the indictment was not sustained as a true bill.

Another source of embarrassment to Governor Blount* was the immature negotiation with Spaiii concerning boundaries, the navigation of the Missis.sippi, and the treaties of that Power with the Indians. The delicate posture of that negotiation required caution and forbearance on the part of the western people, and subjected the Government and its agents, at that time, and for years after, to very serious complaints, censure and opposition. A fort, about ten miles from M ary ville, had in it several i femilies, but only seven gunmen. It consisted of a ( rudely constructed cabin, one story high, provided, though, with the usual defences, port-holes, etc. A large party of two or three hundred Indians approached it, with ' the evident design to attack and destroy it. This they could have undoubtedly . effected with suitable resolution, but were deterred by the method adopted for its defence. The besieged, of whom James Houston, the narrator, was one, reserved their fire till the assailants were near enough for very decisive and certain aim. The discharge at that moment, of the seven rifles, was calculated to impress the enemy with the belief that a more formidable force was lodged within. The firing was repeated with great vigour. The savages picked up their dead and wounded, and retired. The fort did not lose a man.

Indian aggression had become so frequent and general, 1791 \ ^^ every part of the extensive frontiers of the United ( States, that Congress passed an act for their defence, authorizing the President to call mounted militia into the field, and to increase the defences of the country by new levies. These were ordered to rendezvous at Fort Washington, to be placed under the command of General St. Clair, to be employed in an expedition meditated against the Indian villages on the Miamis. A requisition for that purpose was made upon the forces of the Territory.

The President required three hundred and thirty-two men from the District of Washington, to be enrolled at the earliest moment, and ready to march to the head-quarters of Gen. St. Clair, at Fort Washington. For once, the militia of the country did not turn out with their usual alacrity. The term.of service was longer than they had been accustomed to, and they were required to take an oath to obey command of officers whom they did not know, and in whose selection their voice was not heard. A draft was had, and many hired substitutes.

Levib8 Beht To General St. Clair

Most of the civil, and nearly all of the military, appointments made for the Territory by Governor Blonnt, were conferred upon the former officers of the State of Franklin. Considerable dissatisfaction was excited, and a petition was got up, remonstrating against the acts of the Governor.

The opposition thus raised against the administration of Governor Blount, was occasioned! principally by his efforts, and those of General Sevier, to raise the United States levies, then wanted for the reinforcement of the north- western army. The terms, especially as to the period of the enlistment for the quotas to be sent from the Territory, were rery formal, Jtnd different from the volunteering system which had so long obtained with the western militia. The period of ser- Tiee with them had always been short, and they never parted with the right of choosing their own officers.

A further reason for the hesitancy of the Territorial militia to join St. Clair, was the inadequacy of the defensive measures nearer home. Still, there was no relaxation, on the part of the Governor, to send forward the levies from the Territory. He was himself engrossed with pressing duties^ growing out of his superintendency, and found it neeASsary to devolve on General Sevier the task of organising the battalion. Writing to him, under date May 24, 1791, Governor Blount says : *' The necessity I am under to meet the Cherokees, in treaty, on the last day of this month, will not permit me, after Thursday next, to pay but very little attention to these troops.''

Major Rhea was appointed to the command - the battalion was organized and ordered to march, and, before July 15, had started with two hundred men to Fort Washington. Bach of the troops as reached the scene of action did their doty, and fully sustained the character of their countrymen for conduct and courage.

Among the troops sent to the army of St. Clair, raised' in the South-western Territory, was the company commanded by Captain Jacob Tipton. About to leave on that distant knd perilous service, he had taken his farewell of his family, and had mounted his horse. He hallooed back to his wife, requesting her, that if he should be killed, to alter the name of their son William, and call him, for himself, Jacobu The presentiment which suggested the request^ ivas anhappilj realized. At the battle of the fourth November, 1791, tki brave captain was killed. His last injanction to bis vib was complied with. William became Jacob Tipton, laic General Jacob Tipton, of Tipton county, Tennessee, whiek was thus named, in 1821, by the Tennessee Lfegislator^ ii honour of the patriotic captain.*

In the meantime. Governor Blount was directing attentiM to the great subject of procuring a lasting peace between the Cherok^es and the people of the United States. He ha4 during the last year, sent, through Major King and others invitations to their chiefs, to meet him for that purpose it treaty. Some mischievous men on the frontier and in tk nation, had circulated a report that it was the intention ef the Governor to draw them to the treaty ground, and there have them all cut off. To counteract such reports, which were keeping back some of the more influential leaders, in the more interior towns, General Robertson, who always bad their entire confidence as an honest and frank man, went to their nation early in June. He succeeded in quieting their apprehensions and removing the unfavourable impressions they entertained towards the United States, and in disposing them to treat. At first, they proposed to meet at the confluence of Holston and French Broad, and to this General Robertson assented. But they were at length induced to yield to the preferences of (Jovernor Blount, who designated a point four miles below, on the north bank of Holston River, as the most convenient and suitable place for holding the treaty. There, was a denser settlement, of which

* Another Tcniicsscan, of the some name and family, was distinguiahed afterwards at Tippecanoe. lie left his native state with au axe aod a rifle for hti patrimony. He subsequently became Senator in Congress, and one of the most prominent men in Indiana. Of htm the anecdote is narrated, which we have seea in the public joumalf, where Gkneral Harrison is represented as riding up in the heat of the battle, inquiring of the young Tipton - " Where is your capiaio T -* Dead ! sir." " Your lieutenant ?" ** Dead 1 air/* " Your second lieutenant T " Dead I sir." " Your ensign T " He stands before you !" where Tiptoo then -tood, holding and defending the flag, but so covered with dirt and so with blood, that Qeneral Harriaon icaroely knew him.

White's Fort was the centre, and where, indeed, there was already the nucleus of the future Knoxviile and the seat of the Territorial Government.

It would be desirable to present here, a full and minute account of this negotiation with the Cherokee chiefs and the Superintendent of the Southern District. This, together with the treaty itself, were laid before the Senate, in October following, by President Washington, for its advice and ratification. The proceedings are not on record or on file in the War Department, and cannot be procured elsewhere. Tradition says that Governor Blount received and entertained the chieftains and head warriors with signal attentions and marked ceremonials. The treaty ground was at the foot of Water-street, where the Governor appeared in full dress. He wore a sword and military hat, and acted throughout the occasion the polite and accomplished gentleman, the dignified officer and courteous negotiator. He remained seated near his marquee, under and surrounded by the tall trees which then shaded the banks of the Holston. His officers, civil and military, stood near him, uncovered and respectful. On this occasion, James Armstrong was arbiter eleganiiarum** Behind the officials, in clusters and disorderly groups, stood strangers, attracted by the occasion, and the citizens of the immediate neighbourhood. The soldiery were not present.

One of the interpreters, in Indian costume, introduced each chief to Armstrong, and he presented him to the Governor, announcing him by his aboriginal name. The delegation was large ; forty-one of them being thus presented, in order according to their age, and not their rank. Twelve hundred other Indians were upon the ground, among whom were some women and children. The Braves were decorated with eagle feathers on their heads, and other insignia of their

* Jtmes ArmatroDg, alias Trooper Armstrong, the aDcestor of General Robert Annatrong, the hero of Emuckfaw and other battles in the Creek war, and at Iffeaeot the editor of the Washington Union. The father had seen service in Europe, and was familiar with foreign etiquette and manners, and acquitted himwM oA this occasion much to the natisfaciion, both of the Governor and the In> - the Itttter are always pleased with ceremony and forma.

After the presentation was over, Groveraor Blount, speaking through the interpreter, opened the conference. During its continuance, the chiefs observed strictly the Indian Concil House tactics - the speaker alone standing, while Ui colleagues sat upon the ground, in a circle around hiDi,ii respectful silence and with fixed attention. Squollecottak, Kunoskeskie, Auquotague and Nenetooyah, are said to hare been the principal speakers. Chuquilatag^ue seemed soUei, and, it is believed, signed the treaty reluctantly.

By its provisions, perpetual peace and friendship were r> stored and established between all the citizens of the Unilel States, and the whole Cherokee nation of Indians, who ae> knowledged themselves to be under the protection of the United States, and of no other sovereign whatsoever. Thej agreed to deliver to Governor Blount all prisoners then in their nation, the boundaries of which were declared to

** Beginning at the top of the Currahee Mountain, where the Greek line passes it ; thence in a direct line to Tugelo River ; thence northevk to the OcuDDa Mount^n, and over the same along the Soath-Caroliai Indian boundary to the North-Carolina boundary; thence north toe point from which a line is to be extended to the River Clinch, that shaO pass the Holston at the ridge which divides the waters rimning into little River from those running into the Tennessee; thence up the Brns Clinch to CampbelPs line, and along the same to the top of Cumberliad Mountain ; thence a direct line to the Cumberland River where the Kentucky road crosses it ; thence down the Cumberland River to a pomt from which a southwest line will strike the ridge which divides the witers of Cumberland from those of Duck River, forty miles above N«kville ; thence down the said ridge to a point from whence a southweit line will strike the mouth of Duck River.

For the country thus ceded, the United States were to pay and deliver to the Cherokees certain valuable goods, besides an annuity of one thousand dollars. It was farther stipulated, that the citizens of the United States should have the free and unmolested use of a road, from Washington to Meio District, and the navigation of the Tennessee River. The right of regulating their trade, was also reserved to the

First Printing Press In Tennessee

During the inception and progress, and even after the 1191 \ signing and execution of the Treaty of Holston, In- ( dian hostility continued. In May, John Farris was wounded, and Mr. Miller and five of his family killed, and his house robbed, on the Rolling Fork of Cumberland. In Russell county, Virginia, near Moccasin Gap, Mrs. Mc- Dowell and Frances Pendleton were killed and scalped.

A few days afler the signing of the treatj", a party of Creeks were seen on the Lookout Mountain, with fresh scalps, which they acknowledged had been taken on Cumberland. It was generally conjectured, that most of the mischief mentioned here, was perpetrated by the Creeks and the banditti at the five Lower Towns. Whether by the Creeks or Cherokees, murders continued with little abatement. James Patrick was killed in the Poor Valley, seventeen miles from Rogersville, early in September. The people began to complain of the inefHciency of treaty stipulations in preserving peace, and Governor Blount felt it necessary to urge upon General Robertson the necessity of preventing an infraction of the treaty on the part of the whites, and to maintain, if possible, friendly relations with the Indians.

THie fiflh of November, 1791, is signalized in the annals of Tennessee, as the day on which the first newspaper was iflBued within the borders of that state. The pioneer printer, pablisher and editor, in Tennessee, was George Roulstone. He established his press first at Rogersville, in Hawkins cennty, which thus claims the credit and distinction of the nativity of the newspaper press, which sent forth, through a doinestic medium, the first ray of light for the information and improvement of the new community, in whose limits it was founded.

ed to be issued at Knoxville, where Governor Bloanthad determined to fix the seat of his government. In Febraaiy, of the next year, Knoxville was laid off by Col White, and the Gazette removed to it soon after. It ivas issued from & cabin, erected on .the lot lately owned by Mr. Samuel Bell, on Gay-street.

The columns of the Gazette will, hereafter, famish some of the matter of these Annals. It was a small sheet, bat *" regarded as the pioneer newspaper in the country, the Gazette engages an interest, to which its intrinsic merits would not entitle it. Solitary and alone, in the midst of an extensie Territory, its adventitious importance was necessarily considerably. The publisher was a man of rather more tbaa ordinary capacity, but seldom ventured opinions, confiniig himself to the more easy and ordinary duty of chronicling passing events."*

In this year, Mr. White's neighbourhood bad become laif* erf and invited, by its position and strength, the location near it of the seat of the Territorial Government. Governor Blount so determined, and the proprietor, James White, laid off a town, consisting of the necessary streets and sixty-foor lots. In honour of Major-General Henry Knox, the then Sec* retary of War, under President Washington, the new town was called Knoxville. Some of the lots were sold, in 1791, but no considerable improvement was commenced till February, of 1702, when several small buildings were erected.

Being still Hawkins county, no county buildings were at first erected, but in June that county was circunuscribed and ^bdivided, by an Ordinance of Governor Blount, and Knox county established. Lots had been, however, designated for county purposes, by the proprietor, and temporary buildings for a court house and jail, were, soon after the establishment of the county, put up. The first court house was on the Igt adjoiningand westof the residence ofS. R. Rogers, Esq. The jail was made of squared logs, let down close together, and the floor and loft of like materials. It was enclosed with long palisades, deeply entrenched and sharpened at the upper end. It was a small building, not more than fourteen feet square, and stood near the spot now occupied as the vault of the Bank of East Tennessee, corner of Main and Gaystreets. The lot for the barrack, extended from Gay to Prince streets, embracing the entire front of that square on Main street. The barrack was an entensive, but not costly structure. It stood upon the ground now the L of the Mansion House, but extended more than twice its length, towards the liver ; the building was made of logs notched closely together. It was thus secure against attacks with small arms. The second story projected twd feet on every side beyond the walls of the first, so as thus to prevent the application 'of fire to them in case of a siege. In both stories and in the floor of the oeeond, port-holes were left, at suitable distances. The entire area around it, as far as a rifle would reach, was cleared - even a stump large enough to protect the body of an assailant, was eradicated. The site was well selected, and well adapted to its purposes. The structure itself was designed with military skill.

With pious regard and consideration for the church and religion of his fathers, the proprietor of Knoxville designated a lot for the erection of a place of public worship. The barrack, and the court house, and the grove, above the mouth ofWhite's Creek, on the river bank, were at first substituted for this purpose, and it was not till 1810 that a church edifice was erected on the church lot. An adjoining square vras, afterwards, designated to a purpose scarcely less important - the instruction and education of youth. The entire square between Gay and Church-streets, and State and Boundary-streets, was appropriated to Blount College.

Amongst the first settlers of Knoxville, were James White^ James King, Mr. McLemee, Governor Blount, Hugh Dunlap, Samuel and Nathaniel Cowan, Joseph Greer, John Chisolm, Mr. Stone, Captain John Crozier, and Major Arthur Crozier.

The first lots improved were those nearest the river, and in the south-east quarter of the town. It was not till 1794, that the trees were cut from the lots since owned by Captain

Grozier, south of Gay and north of Cumberland. When he built bis jSrst store-house, at what is still called Crozier's Corner, it was shaded by the trees of the ancient forest, and considered out of town.

The cabin of the Governor was on the knoll, between the University and the river. Afterwards, a more suitable residence was erected by him on the lot now owned by Judge Boyd. The mansion stood near the centre of the lot - ^was finished with some taste, and the grounds were better improved than any in town. His office was inunediately between his house and Chisolm's Tavern, south of it. It ii still standing. Chisolm's was the pioneer tavern in Knox* ville. Col. M cClung's clerk's office was on the corner, now known as Craighead's. Nathaniel Cowan's house was on the corner of Water and River-streets. Stone's Tavern was on the property known as Park's Corner. Joseph Greer resided upon the lot now owned by S. R. Rogers, Esq. The approach to Knoxville, on the east, was at first along the deep hollow or ravine, which extends from a little below Kennedy's saw-mill, and reaches Cumberland-street before its junction with Main, in front of the residence of Msyor Swan.

The annuity of one thousand dollars to the Cherokees, as provided by the Treaty of Holston, was considered by some of the chiefs as insufficient. A deputation, consisting of Nenetooyah or Bloody Fellow, Chutloh or King Fisher, Nontuaka or the Northward, Teesteke or the Disturber, Kuthagusta or the Prince, Suaka or George Miller, and James Cary, Interpreter, arrived at Philadelphia, Dec. 28th, 1791. A long conference ensued and continued to the 11th. In this conference, Nenetooyah gave a minute and interesting account of all that had transpired at the Treaty of Holston, and, with the rest of the delegation, made a full expose of the affairs of his nation.

On the 18th, the President proposed an addition of five hundred dollars to the Cherokee annuity, to which the Senate gave its advice and consent.

Scalp Dance In Cherokee Towns

In February, of this year, Col. E. Robertson informed Governor Blount of aggressions by the Indians, and that on the 27th, in the evening, they killed Mr. Thompson in his own yard, and jumped into his house and killed all the women and children except two. The Governor also received information from Captain Craigt whom he had despatched on a mission to the Lookout Towns, that some prisoners and scalps had been brought in by the Turtle-at-Home, and that at night a scalp dance was there held, at which Richard Justice and the Glass took the scalps, and tore them with their hands and teeth with great ferocity, as did also the warriors generally, with all the forms, gestures, exultation and declaration of a war dance ; and that the warriors from Running Water coming in afterwards, renewed the war dance, and gave other indications of hostile intentions ; that the Shawnees, in their invitation to the Cherokees to join them against the United States, after St. Clair's defeat, had added the declaration, that they would consider all Indians as enemies who did not assist them, and that General McGillevray wished to form a general confederacy of all the Indian tribes against the Americans, and that eighty Creek warriors had crossed the Tennessee, on their way to attack Cumberland, and were expectingjreinforcements to make a formidable invasion of that country. Captain Craig felt a deep conviction that both the Creeks and the Cherokees of the five Lower Towns would join the IShawnees.

Gov. Blount was also Superintendent of Indian Affairs for - the Creeks, Cherokees, Choctaws and Chickasaws. In each tribe he had a deputy resident, and also interpreters. To these he gave instructions, and from them received reports of the condition, disposition and views of the Indians where they resided.

The instructions of the Government restricted Governor Blount to the adoption of defensive measures only, by which to give protectiofl and safety to the Territory. Thus restricted, he stationed detachments of militia at the more

April 21. - General Pickens, of Soath-Carolina, was requested, by the Secretary of War, to attend at Nashville, where Governor Blount would hold a conference, in June, with the Chickasaws and Choctaws, to which sonne of the Cherokee chiefs would be invited. At that time and place, a proposition would bo made to these tribes to join the United States army, and it was proposed, by the President, if they accepted, that General Pickens should conunand th^n combinedly, on the contemplated expedition north-west d the Ohio.

One of the guards came express to Campbeirs Station, with the news that the Indians had just killed two boys at Mr. Wells's, in Hind*s Valley. On this occasion it was, that the Indians came to Col. Campbell's and fired at himsdf and another man, ploughing by his side. The report of their guns being heard by Mrs. Campbell, she, very coolly, barricaded the door of the house, took the rifles from the rack, and waited, at the port-holes, for the approach of the Indians. In that position she was found by the men escaping from the field. She handed out the rifles - the Indians were pursued, but were not overtaken.

Governor Blount had been invited, by the Chiefs, to meet them, in conference, at Coyatee. As. he approached that place, the standard of the United States was erected. Two thousand Indians were marshalled into two lines, between which the Governor and his honourary escort passed. A firing, in the manner of a feu de joi^ was commenced and kept up, handsomely, for some time. The object of the meeting, was the distribution of the goods, and the payment of the annuity, according to the treaty, and to bring to the attention of the Chiefs the repeated infractions, by their warriors, of the provisions stipulated for in treaty. To hb remarks on that subject, the Breath, of Nickiyack, the Hanging-Maw and John Watts, renewed their declarations that their people w^re for peace.

After the conference at Coyatee, Governor Blount, attended by a sufficient guard, crossed the mountain, and, at Nashzbiglbb's station attaoked. 568 ville, held a conference with the Chickasaws and Choctaws. In conjunction with General Pickens, he met there a large delegation of their chiefs, distributed the ^oods, and renewed assurances of peace witl^ them.^ Returned to Knoxville, he writes to the Secretary of War, under date -

On the 10th instant, the conference with the Chickasaws and Choctaws ended ; there was a very full representation of the former, but not of the latter, owing, there is reason to believe, to the Spanish influence.

During the conference. General Pickens and myself received the itrongest assurances of peace and friendship for the United States, from both nations, and I believe they were made with great sincerity.

June 26. - Zeigler's Station, about two miles from Bledsoe's Lick, was attacked by a large party of Creek Indians - first in the afternoon, and then at night. This station was picketed and was defended by thirteen men, including the -on of Mr. Joseph Wilson, a lad not fully grown. Four were killed, four wounded, who escaped, three escaped anhurt, and eighteen were made prisoners. Of the prisoners, nine were regained by purchase, made by their parents and friends. One, Miss Wilson, and four negroes, were oarried into captivity.

July 31. - At Greenfield's, near Bledsoe^s Lick, John Berkley, Jun., was killed and scalped, and John Berkley, Sen., was wounded. He killed the Indian while scalping the son.

Mr. Cochrane lived on the farm afterwards occupied by Doctor M'Gee. His son, returning from Pistol Creek, was met by a white man, a stranger, who detained him a minute in conversation ; Indians lying in ambush, fired on him, their bullets passing through his hat and clothes without inflicting a wound. He, with his father's family, escaped down the creek, and alarmed the neighbourhood, who began to build a fort, A few days after, Gillespie and two boys went home .after some corn. The Indians killed Gillespie and the eldest boy, but the youngest they took prisoner. A white man

The forts in what la now Blonnt oonn^, ware reintbreei and guarded by men^firom Knox coBo^. Coptun John Crawford took trttopa from Tnokahoe, and other plaee*, «i4 left eome ot them at Henry*!, Grai^ and IA'e Stalionff, Ukd afterwardfl at Tellieo Blodt-hoose. Thi$ wal fi strong ^vork, of ooDBiderable b\w», with a. prqjeetion on each square, Airnished with port-holes, and ealsalated to stand n siege by an enemy provided with small arms only. Colonel James Soott commanded the troops of this frontier to the absence of Sevier.

(lOTemor Btoont, by express, fnlbrmed the Secretary of War, that the five Lower Cherokee' toWtts on the Tennessee, headed by John Watts, had formally deOlared war against thA United States, and that the warliori bad set out on some expedition agunat the fronttenL probably against the Camberiand settlements. Their noinber was variously estimated at from three to six hundred, inolading one hundred banditti Creeks. The Governor ordered out one regiment of the militia of Washington District, and sent orders to General Robertson of Mero District, to put his brigade in the best possible state of defence. The military strength of the oonntry was immediately called out. The colonel of Knox eobnty at once issued orders to his captains, bearing date -

Enoxvillx, September 11, 1Y93. Sir : - Yon are hereby oommanded to repair mtii yoor oonipany to Enoirille, equipped, to protect tlie fnmtiets ; there is Imniiiiflat oangv. Bring with you two day e proviuoQ, if poBsible ; bat yon are not to dalay an hour on tLat head.

The militia paraded at the points designated, and wert distributed to the most exposed stations on the frontiers. R was, in the meantime, ascertained that the expedition of the hostile confederates was directed against the settlements.on the other side of the mountain, and Governor Blount dis-

" M^or Sharpe, of Sumner county, who commands all the troops in service, for the protection of th^ frontiers, is to be considered as subject to the orders -of no superior militia officer, not in actual service. But in case of any militia bemg turned out from either of the counties, by the commanding officer, to chastise Indians for recent depredations, he will -cordially co-operate with such part of his command as may be in that pwlacuJar county. No pursuit to be continued beyond the ridge dividing the waters of Cumberland and Duck Rivers. Patrols and reconnoitring parties to be kept out from the stations, in search of, and to prevent Mkj further depredations by the Indians ; and in case any Indians should be found skulking or lurking about to the northward of the ridge afore- -seidy in the woods, off any path, or fleeing, to b# considered and treated as enemies, save only, Chickasaws and Choctaws, women and dbjldren.

^ Annexed are the names of the stations, and the number of men at each ; but in case Major Sharpe should conceive it essential for the better protection of the frontiers, he will increase the number at any or either, and lessen them at any other, either the cavalry or infantry, or both, but erect no new ones, until his command shall receive an augmentation of troops ; and on that event, he will either augment the numbers at the present statioas, or erect new ones, so as best to effect the object of protection. Such men of Tennessee county on duty, as are draughts, to be discharged on the arrival of the men under the command of Captain Lusk, and their places to be supplied by a part of bis men. Major Sharpe will call militia officers, not in actual service, into court martial for the trial of offenders, in cases where he cannot collect a sufficient number who are in actual service.

*' On the 30th September, about midnight^ John Buchanan's Stitioii, four miles south of Nashville, (at which sundry fiunilies had oolieeted, and fifteen gun-men,) was attacked by a party of Creeks and Loirer Gherokces, supposed to consist of three or four hundred. Their approach was suspected by the running of cattle, that had taken fngnt at them, and, upon examination, they were found rapidly advandng within ten yards of the gate ; from this place and distance Uiej receired tbe first fire from the man who discovered them (John McBcMy). Thej immediately returned the fire, and continued a very heavy imd constant filing upon the station, (block-houses, surrounded with a stockade,) far an hour, and were repulsed with considerable loss, without iojnring man, woman, or child, in the station.

^ During the whole time of attack, the Indians were not more distant than ten yards from the block-house, and often in large numbon round tbe lower walls, attempting to put fire to it. One ascended the roof with a torch, where he was shot, and, falling to the ground, renewed his attempts to fire the bottom logs, and was killed. The Indians fired thirty balls through a port-hole of the overjutting, which lodged in the roof in the circumference of a hat, and those sticking in the walls, on the outside, were yory numerous.

" Upon viewing the ground next morning, it appeared that the fellow who was shot froii the roof, was a Cherokee half-breed ot the Running Water, known by the whites by the name of Tom Tunbridge^s step-son, the son of a French woman by an Indian, and there was much blood, and signs that many dead had been dragged off, and litters having been made to carry their wounded to their horses, which they had loft a mile from the station. Near the block-house were found several swords, hatchets, pipes, kettles, and budgets of different Indian articles ; one of the swords was a fine Spanish blade, and richly mounted in tlie Spanish fiEushion. In tbe morning previous to the attack, Jonathan Gee and other articles left by the Indians, were found a handkerchief and a moocasin, known one to belong to Gee, and the other to Clajton, hence it is supposed they are killed."* party of fifteen gun-men at Buchanan's, is a feat of bravery \ which has scarcely been surpassed in all the annals of ( border warfare. The number of the assailants, Creeks, Cherokees and Shawnees, was afterwards ascertained to be above seven hundred, some of them well mounted, and all well armed, and led by distinguished Braves of their several tribes. According to the Indian version of the affair, the assault was led by Kiachatalee, a daring half-breed warrior of Running Water Town. When it was found impracticable to carry the fort by other means, he " attempted to fire the blockhouse, and was actually blowing it into a flame, when he was mortally wounded. He continued, after receiving his mortal wound, to blow the fire and to cheer his followers to the assault, calling upon them to fight like brave men, and never give up till they had taken the fort."* Amongst the numerous wounded, was the Cherokee chief, John Watts.

^ The settlements of Mero District extend up and down the Cumberland River, from east to west, about eighty-five miles, and the extreme width, from north to south, does not exceed twenty-five miles, and its general width does not exceed half that distance, and, not only the country surrounding the extreme frontier, hut the interior part (which is to be round only by comparison with the more exposed part^ is covered

Enerally with thick and high cane, and a heavy growth of^ large timr, and where there happens to be no cane, with thick underwood| which afford the Indians an opportunity of laying days and weeks in my ^ and every part of the district, in wait near the houses, and of domg injuries to the inhabitants, when they themselves are so hid or seonred that thoy have no apprehensions of injuries being done in return, and they escape from pursuit^ even though it is immediate. This district has an extreme frontier of at least two hundred miles.**

By the Governor of the Territory, an ordinance was passed, at Knoxville, the 11th of June, circumscribing the counties of Greene and Hawkins, and laying off two new counties, Knox and Jefferson.

1703, Jim 16. - Junei Whit^ John bswyevB, Hdgh Boiicl, Jdb Adaiiv Oeofg^'MeKutt^ Jeramiah Jack, John KMm,' Jiunei (Mto, JoIb ByiDi^ Stmnal NtweU^ Willijun WaNioa, Thonwi IfaCUM^, :Willi^ HMDiltflKn, Dvvid CSraig and WilHaim, Lowvy, pnwnted a finnifnkil6|| from Gorernqr Bloonli appomtiDgfbm Jiistioesoftba'Paaee^ ooUatT, and an'^Bired Mfbrathe Hoacmrriito I>«^ OaaqbeD, K^ who, m the pveaaaoeof GovmRMr Bkmnt» adntmktttod to eaoh of AM an <^ to anj^ort the Oomtitation of. the United lltatei^ and alieMi oathdToESce.

The first Court held, was on the 16ih of July, 1792. Present - Janus White, Samuel Newell, David Craig and Jeremiah Jack. James Wiiits was appointed chairman.

June 16. - ^Luke Bowyer, Alexander Outlaw, Joseph Hamilton, Ar* chibald Roane, Hopkins Lacy, John Rhea and James Reese, Esquirei^ were qualified and admitted to practice law in this Court

1793, January 26. - Commissioners were appointed to contract for the building of a Jail. Its dimensions were, sixteen feet square ; the logs to be one foot square, the lower floor to be laid of logs of that use, to be laid double and crosswise ; the loft to be laid also with logs, and

Bcouts On French Broad

By the Governor and Judges of the Territory, an act was passed, authorizing the courts of the several counties to levy a tax for repairing and building court houses, prisons and stocks, to pay jurors of the Superior Courts, and defray the contingent charges of the counties. This act provided, that the poll tax, for any one year, should not exceed fifty cents, nor the tax on land more than seventeen cents on each hundred acres.

On the 30th November, Sevier informed Gov. Blount that the Block-house, at South- West Point, near the present Kingston, was finished, and advises the erection of a post between that place and Carapbeirs Station, and that a strong detachment should be sent forward, to a point near which Captain Handley was defeated - assigning, as reasons for this policy, that a large body of Indians were in that vicinity, and that the greater part of all the Lower Cherokee families is on the north side of Tennessee River, about and near the Camberland Mountains.

Gov. Blount, having received authentic information of the hostile disposition of the Creeks and Lower Cherokees, issued orders to the colonels of the several counties of Washington District, to raise two regiments of troops to operate against them, on the defensive. On the 27th of September, he ordered General Sevier to repair to Knoxville to take the command of the brigade. The colonels were Carter and Christian ; lieutenant-colonels, Blair and McNabb ; majors. Sawyers. McFarland, Conway and Rutledge.

Indians were seen at the Warm Springs, and at the plantation of Charles Robertson, on Meadow Creek, probably watching the motions of the guards who were stationed for the protection of the frontier on French Broad. These guards were stationed in four block-houses - at Hough's, at the Burnt Cane-brake, at the Painted Rock and at the Warm Springs, and scouted, regularly, between these block-houses,

The official letters of Go%'. Blount to the War Department, and letters addressed to him by his subordinates, contain the best, and certainly the most authentic, account of the trimsactions in the Territory. They are voluminous, and being well preserved in the archives at Washington, need not be transferred to these pages. A few extracts, however, are considered essential to these Annals, and are here given.