A History of the Commonwealth of Kentucky

Front matter

A HISTORY OF THE COIVMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, FROM ITS EXPLORATION AND SETTLEMENT BY THE WHITES, TO THE CLOSE OF THE NORTHWESTERN CAMPAIGN, IN 1813 ; WITH AN INTRODUCTION, EXHIBITING THE SETTLEMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA FROM THE FIRST PAS- SAGE OF THE WHITES OVER THE MOUNTAINS OF VIRGINIA, IN 1736, TO THE TREATY OF CAMP CHARLOTTE, NEAR CHILICOTHE, OHIO, IN 1774. BY MANN BUTLER. SECOND EDITION; REVISED AND ENLARGED BY THE AUTHOR. CINCINNATI . PUBLISHED BY J. A. JAMES AND CO.; LOUISVILLE— BY THE AUTHOR. 1836. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1834, by MANN BUTLER, A. M., in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Kentucky. 'StcreotvflSftiyyO. A. James, Cincinnati DEDICATION, TO GENERAL WILLIAM CLARK, OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI. Sir: Among the numerous friends whom the undertaking of the History of Kentucky has procured for me, I know of no one who has conferred such signal obligations upon me, as yourself.

The papers of your illustrious brother, George Rogers Clark, so liberally placed by you in my hands, have shed most curious and interesting lights upon the affairs of the western country; and particularly of Kentucky. These could have been procured from no other source. To whom then, can I so well dedicate this History, as to your self, who have so faithfully preserved some of the most precious memorials of our history, and have so kindly contributed them for the public information: Were this not the case, who is 60 properly the representative of the pre-eminent founder of Kentucky, and the successful negotiator for its Virginia ac knowledgement, as his only surviving brother: After yourself, allow me to associate your ancient friend in arms, General William H. Harrison, as one to whom the author is next most deeply indebted, for interesting illustrations of the early military movements of your common commander, General Wayne, as well as for the elucidation of some of the obscure vicissitudes of Indian history.

Be pleased then, to accept the dedication of this work, as a testimonial of my high and unfeigned sense of the obligations conferred upon the great community of the west, much more than on my humble self, in your generous co-operation with my historical labors. In the interim I have the honor to remain Your obliged friend, MANN BUTLER. CONTENTS. CONTENTS OF

Chapter 1

Peace of Aix La Cliapelle — Limits of the Western Country embraced in this work — iis Description — The Aborigines — their Jiabits, character and numbers — Claims of France and Great Britain to the Discovery of the Western Country — Discovery of the Mississippi by Father Marquette and Joliet, in 1673— Expedition of La Salle and Hennepin to the Mississippi, in 1679— Route— Foundation of Kaskaskia, Peoria, Vincennes, Cahokia and Detroit — Title of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, to the Western Country— Settlement of Winchester in Va.— Adventures of the first Explorers of the Upper James' River — Ohio Company — Christopher Gist — Capture of the First Fort at the head of the Ohio— Death of Jumonville— Siege of Fort Necessity — Battle of Monongahela — State of the Colony— Forbes' Campaign— Capture of Fort Du.

Quesne, and the establishment of Fort Pitt. [page xiii CHAPTER H. Resignation of Washington— Peace of Paris in 1763— British Appropriations to the Colonies— Exertions of Virginia in men and money — Rise of Towns in Western Virginia — Colonel Bouquett's Expeditions — Settlements on the Monongahela and the Ohio— Brownsville and Wheeling— First Anglo-American Expedition to Kentucky —Descent of the Ohio by George Croghan, in 1765— Visit of John Finley, in 1767— Daniel Boone in 1769— Treaty of Hard Labor, in October, 1768— Of Fort Stanwix, November, 1768— Treaty of Lochabar in 1770— Thomas Buliitl and the McAfees visit Kentucky— Murder of the Chief, Bald Eagle— Destruction of BulMown— Expedition of Colonel Angus McDonald— Battle of Kenhawa— Lord Dunmore's Campaign against the Shawnees at Chillicothe— Indian Peace of 1774— Treaty of Wataga in 1775— Colony and Convention of Transylvania— Conventions of Virginia— Virginia Declaration of Rights, June J2lh, 1776— Independence of Virginia. [page xlvi 1 * V VI CONTENTS, CONTENTS OF TEXT.

CHAPTER I.

Earliest condition of Kentucky— Iroquois, or Mohawks, known in ]60J-Early 8Cats— Progress to the Mississippi and tlie Illinois— Appeal to the Colonial <7°"lJl1!9J?n°r|A General Braddock's talk— Treaties with the English— Great treaty of l'6»-^P""°n of Supreme Court on Indian title— Opinions of General Harrison— Treaties ot l./*— 1775—1785—1795 and 1818. LPa8e •"

Chapter II

Policy of the British Government— Proclamation of 1763— Violations of it— Visit of Dr Walker in 1747— Name the Shawanee river, Cumberland— Visit of John Iinley— of Daniel Boone— Long hunters— Visit of Capt. Thomas Bullitt and McAfees— Surveys of Louisville— Simon Kenlon— Burning of Hendricks— Adventures of the McAfees- James Harrod settles Harrodsliurg— Battle of Point Pleasant— Treaty of 1774— Treaty of 1775— Settlement of Booneslorough and St. Asaphs— Indian method Of siege. [page 17.

CHAPTER 111.

First visit of Clark to Kentucky— Visits Harrodstown — Chosen a delegate to the Virginia Legislature with Gabriel John Jones — Calls on Governor Henry — Receives gunpowder for Kentucky — Procures the creation of Kentucky county — Brings gunpowder from Fort Pitt — Conceals it on the hanks of Limestone creek — Blackfish attacks Harrodstown — Singular escape of Ray — Plans approved by Governor and Council — Spies in Illinois— Arrives at the Falls of Ohio— Eclipse of the Sun— Passes the Falls — Reaches Kaskaskia — Surprises the town — Takes Cahokia. [page 35

Chapter IV

Plan against St. Vincents — Thanks of Virginia— St. Vincents revolts from the British— M. Girault— Illinois county— Negotiations with New Orleans— Indian negotiations. [page 58.

Chapter V

Recapture of St. Vincents by the British— Plans against Americans— French volunteers — March to St. Vincents— -Capture— -Return to Kaskaskia. [page 79.

Chapter VI

First Court of Kentucky -Its officers— First Colonel— Siege of St. Asaphs, or Logan's Station— -British Proclamations— Capture of Boone— -Siege of Boonesborough— -Land Law-— Its Commissioners. [paBe 88. CHAPTER VH. Colonel David Rogers' Expedition to New Orleans— Defeat— -Captain Benham— Colonel Bowman's Expedition— Colonel Byrd's Expedition up Licking— -General George Rogers Clark's march from Fort Jefferson—- Shuts up the Land office at Harrodsburi* Expedition against Pickaway. [page 102.

Chapter VIII

Kentucky county divided into Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson-Erection of Fort Jefferson on the Mississippi— Spanish and French intrigues at Paris against the western boundary of the United States— MrKee and Girty— Attack on Bryant's Station— Battle of the Blue Licks-Expedition of General Clark to tha Chilicothes in 1789— Early manners and state of the arts in Kentucky. [pa"e 118.

Chapter IX

Land Titles-Attempts lo sever Kentucky from the United States— John Jay resists them— Supreme District Court established -James Wilkinson— Commercial Associa lion in Philadelphia -Settlement of Washington, in Mason county— Indian depredations— -First Convention— Virginia agrees to a separation of Kentucky -Clark's unfortunale expedition in 1786 -Colonel Logan's expedition. [page CONTENTS. VII

Chapter X

Earliest attempts at Navigating the Mlssissipni, bv Americans— Colonels R. Taylor and Linn — Negotiations between Jay and Gafdoqui -Discontents at Pittsburgh, and in Kentucky— -Trade of Wilkinson with New Orleans—Suspicions of his fidelity— First Newspaper in Kentucky— -Constitution of the United States. [page 154.

CHAPTER XL

Don Gardoqui's propositions to Mr. John Brown— Apology for Kentucky Statesmen — Court and Country parties in Convention— Wilkinson's memorial to the Governor of Louisiana— New Government of the United States— -General Washington's letter to Colonel Thomas Marshall— Transylvania — Indian depredations. [page 170. chapter xn. Gen. Harinar's Campaign — Eighth Convention of the Districts-Separation from Virginia agreed upon— -Col. Hardin's battles—- Captain HubhePs defence against the Indians — Gen. Scott's Expedition— -Col . Wilkinson's Expedition— -Gen. St. Clair — Board of War m Kentucky — St. Clair's defeat— -Pretended retaliation by Gen. Scott. [page 190

CHAPTER XIII.

Convention of 1792— George Nicholas— First Constitution— -Boundaries— First officers d Government— -Compensation— -Intrigues of Genet in Kentucky— -Remonstrances of Gen. Washington with Gov. Shelby—French attachments in Kentucky. [page 207 chapter xrv. Wayne's Campaign of 1794— Indian peace of Greenville— -British Treaty of 1794— Spanish Treaty of 1795— -Spanish Negotiation with Judge Sebastian in 1795 and 1797 Firs* conflict between the court of Appeals and the Legislature. [page 235

CHAPTER XV.

Land Laws of Kentucky— Dissatisfaction with the Constitution of 1792— Gov. Garrard— John Adams, President of the United States — Occupying claimant law and controversy — Seven years' limitation law. [page 258

CHAPTER XVI

Convention — Emancipation of Slaves — Henry Clay — Penitentiary Code — Alien and Sedition Laws — Nullification Resolutions of Kentucky, in 1798-1799 — Abjuration of this doctrine in 1833— Constitution of 1800-— State of Legislation — Trade — Election of Mr. Jefferson as President of the United States— -Judiciary Repeal — Repeal of the Internal Taxes— -Insurance Company. [page 280.

CHAPTER XVII.

Convention of 1799 — Essential alterations of the old Constitution— New Constitution- Spirit of the Laws from Marshall— State of the Kentucky River — Hew Government of Kentucky— Changes in the state of society— Commercial difficulties— Election of President Jefferson— -Joy of Kentucky — Repeal of the Circuit Courts of the United States, and of the internal taxes— -Insurance Company— Circuit court system. [page 290.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Suspension of Deposite at New Orleans — Cession of Louisiana to France—Louisiana Negotiation— -Cession to the United States — Newspaper Reports of Adjudications in the Court of Appeals—Second Election of President Jefferson— Colonel Burr— Spanish Difficulties on the Sabine— Return of Burr to the West— Trials— Apprehension— Sebastian's Spanish Pension --Judge Innes— President Madison— -Governor Scott— Foreign Depredations — Embargo— Replevy— - Battle of Tippecanoe— Death of Daviess. [page 303.

CHAPTER XIX.

Second term of Governor Shelby— Petition of Daniel Boone— War with Great Britain- First detachment of Kentucky volunteers— Surrender of Detroit— Kentucky Brevet to General Harrison— Indian siege of fort Wayne — Description of fort Wayne— Expedition against the Indian towns— General Winchester appointed to command the North Western army — Nature of the country and the plan of the campaign — Expedition of General Hopkins— Expedition of Colonel Russell. [page CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XX.

Troops for the right wing assemble— Plan of Campaign— Difficulties— Adventure and Death of Logan— Missis6inewa Expedition— Movement of the Left Wing to the Rapids of the Mauninc— First Battle of French Town— Second Battle of French Town, or Defeat of River Raisin— Massacre of Prisoners— Death of Col. Allen and Capt. Hart— New Plan of Campaign— Harrison's opposition. [page 365

CHAPTER XXI.

Some Indians unite with the American Army — Johnson's Corps ordered to Kaskr.skia — Expedition of Colonels Russel and Bartholomew — Indian Block-house in 3812 — Second Siege of Fort MAs— Indian Force— British abandon the Siege— Attack and Defence of Fort Stephen_on— Reinforcement from Kentucky— Victory on Lake Erie —Organization of Kentuckv Troops— American Army lands on the Canada shore- British Retreat— Americans Pursue— Battle of the Tliames— Death of Tecumseh. [page 416 CONTENTS OF

Appendix

. Spark's Abstract of Marquette's Journal of 1663 — Discovery of the Mississippi. [page 491 Treaty of Wataga, and the Proceedings of the First Cismontane Legislature, held at Boonesboroush, May 23d, 1775 — Copy of the Deed made by the Chiefs and Head . Men of the Cherokees, to R. Henderson & Co. [page 503 Copy of the original " Journal of the proceedings of the House of Delegates or Representatives of the Colony o( Transylvania, begun on Wednesday the 23d of May, in the year of our Lord Christ 1775, aud in the fifteenth year of the reign of his Majesty, King of Great Britain." [page 50t!

Estill's Defeat, in 1781— Letter from Nathaniel Hart. [page 515 Spanish and British Intrigues in Kentucky, in 1788. [page 517 Correspondence on the subject of Spanish and British Intrigues in Kentucky, extracted from the Washington Writings — furnished by Mr. Jared Sparks. [page 519 Governor Shelby's Correspondence with President Washington, General Wayne and others, with his Vindication. [page 524 Message of Governor Shelby to the House of Representatives of Kentucky, in 1793. [page 525 Extracts from a Letter of the Secretary at War to Governor Shelby, conveying the sense of the Washington Administration as to him, after the whole affair of the Genet Plot of 1793-4, dated 16th of May, 1794, while Governor Shelby's offensive Letter to the Secretary of State is dated 13th January, 1794. [page 526 Letter from Governor Shelby to General M. D. Hardin. [page 528 Extract of a Letter from Colonel James Innes to Governor Shelby, communicated by Mr. Meehan,the distinguished Librarian of Congress. [page 529 Address of Governor Shelby to the Freemen of Kentucky. [page 529 Judge Innes' Impeachment, and the Proceedings of the House of Representatives of the United States in regard to it. [page 531 Capture of Kaskaskia, the only official account of the interesting event now extant. [p-ige 532 Sitfe 14 B.°™esboroueh— Letter from John [Bowman to Col. G. R. Clark, dated Octo- [page 534 Battle of the Blue Licks— Letter from Daniel Boone lo the Governor of Vireinia living an account of it.

"page 535. CONTENTS, IX General Clark's Letter to Governor Harrison, on the Indian Expedition of 1782. [page 536 Honours to General George Rogers Clark. Letter of Governor Barbour to General G. Clark, dated, Richmond, October 29, 1812. [page 537 An Act concerning General George Rogers Clark, [Passed February 20th, 1812.] [page 538 Official accounts of the Battle of the Thames. Copies of Letters from General Harrison to the Secretary of War. [page 539 Letter from Governor Shelby to General Harrison, dated at Frankfbrt, April 21st, 1816. [page 547 Death of Tecumseh. [page 546 Letter from the Indian Agent of the Western Territory, to the Author, on the latter requesting the opinion of Capt. Anthony Shane, who killed Tecumseh? [page 545 Letter of Colonel G. Wall to the Author, on the subject of the death of Tecumseh. [page 547 Letter of the Rev. O. B. Brown to the Author, in reference to the death of Tecumseh. [page 548 Localities of Indian Towns in Ohio. [page

Preface

The first and most important inquirv respecting any history of social transactions is, its impartial truth. In om'er to answer this question, two others present themselves for examination. First, what have been the opportunities of accurate information enjoyed b'-the author? and secondly, how faithfully has he availed himself of his opportunities ? The latter enquiry must be left to every reader; the author's protestations neither shall, nor ought to interfere with the answer. To the formel, he will reply most unreservedly. The author has been no inattentive observer of public events in Kentucky, from his migration to the State in 1806; nor has he been destitute of intercourse with public characters. His curiosity, he may add, his heart, was early en gaged in the story of Kentucky heroism, hardship, and enterprise.

Nor during twenty-eight years' residence in the bosom of the State, has he felt his interest lessen in the fame and the fortunes of his adopted commonwealth. Still the au thor places the claims of his history to the public attention on a basis higher, than any personal intercourse he may have enjoyed, at the late period of his removal to the west. It is on a body of private papers belonging to some of the princi pal actors in Kentucky history. These have ccme into his possession from numerous sources in the most cheering and friendly manner. In the first place are the papers of Gen. George Rogers Clark; these contain a memoir by the great western hero, of his public services, from 1775 to 1779. These periods embrace the most interesting epochs; the papers also include an interesting correspondence with Patrick Henry and Jefferson, the early and distinguished Governors of Virginia, as with many military officers in the western country.

These documents are now, after more than the lapse of half a century, for the first time submitted to the public. Te the McAfee papers, preserved by Gen. Robert B. McAfee, the author has had full access. They form a part of the records of Providence church, the first established in "Kentucky ; and embrace the adventures of that enterprising and bold family of men from 1773 to the final settlement of the family in peace and in the plenty of Kentucky. In addition to these almost untouched mines of western history, and memorials of Kentucky story, the author has, by the liberality of Colonel Charles S. Todd, John J. Crittenden, and Nathaniel Hart, Esqrs., been favored with the Shelby, Innes, and Floyd papers. Messrs. Thomas and Edmund Rogers, H. Marshall, Esq., judges Rowan, Underwood, and Pirtle, Hon. H. Clay, and Jas. Guthrie, Dr. D. Drake, of Cincinnati, Messrs. John and James Brown, and Gov. Pope, have all most freely and kindly contributed every thing in their power. From M

PREFACE.

. Gen. James Ray of Mercer county, a living chronicle himself, Captain Games, of Woodford, and Colonel Vigo, of Vincennes, has been derived most interesting matter. From Gen. William H. Harrison, information essential to a critical estimation of Indian traditions, as well as elucidating the decisive campaigns of General Wayne, has likewise been received. To the Hon. Richard M. John son, the public are indebted for a copy of the treaty of fort Stanwix, of 1768. This treaty forms the comer-stone of cur conventional relations with the Indians; it conveyed the first Indian cession of tht soil of Kentucky, as far south as the Tennessee, Hogotege, or Cherokee river. Tt has been procured from a work in the library of Congress, and is annexed in full, as a part of the appendix. In fine, the author may honestly say, and it has been one of the greatest con solations of his labors, (not a little embarrassing in a country destitute of historical repositories,) that he has been favored with the confidence and cor respondence of all the parties, into which the ardent people of Kentucky have been so keenly divided.

He tenders to them all, his sincere and profound ac knowledgements of obligations conferred not in consideration of his humble pre tensions, but of the pervading interest they have felt in the history of the State. It may be interesting to collect into one view, the printed authorities on western history. The earliest printed account bearing on the history of the west, is the work* of Lewis Hennepin, who in 1 680, speaks of a tribe of Indians whom the Illinois called the "Oudebasche," and records the descent of the Mississippi, by Monsieur De la Salle, in the same year, re-published at London in 1698. In another place, in 1682, he says, "the Ouabache is full as large as the Mesa chasipi." After the French explorations, comes the "history of the Five Nations, by Cadwallader Colden, Esq., one of his Majesty's Counsel, and Surveyor General of New York."

The only edition to which the author has had access, is the property of N. M. Hentz, Esq., of Cincinnati, published at London in 1750. It embraces the history of this remarkable confederacy, from 1603, to the treaty of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1746. It is much less interesting than the author supposed it to be, from the use of it in the memorial of Dr. Franklin to the King in Council, which is contained in the article, 'Ohio Settlement,' in the fourth volume of his works. The journals of Major Washington's mission up the Alleghany in 1753, and that of Colonel Croghan's descent of the Ohio, in 1765, next present themselves in point of curiosity, and superior in authenticity and copiousness of detail. There is also a "journal by Patrick Kennedy, giving an account of an expedition undertaken by himself and several coureurs des bois in the year 1773, from Kaskaskia village, to the head waters of the Illinois river."

It is solely topographical, and is to be found annexed to au edition of "Imlay's America, London, 1797." The memoir of Boone, dictated to John Filson in 1784, but not published till 1793, at New York, and the glittering letters of * Notes of Dr. D. Drake, obligingly communicated to the author t Marshall's Washington, Appendix, vol. 1. ' PHf Face, XIII Tmlay anneied lo the topographical description of the second author, comprise the earliest publications connected with western history. To these, succeeded the history of Kentucky, by Humphrey Marshall, Esq., in one volume, in 1813, and which was enlarged to two volumes in 1834. This work has formed the substratum of the author's authority for the current of ordinary events; not without considerable, and as it is believed, important additions.

In the complexion of many events, as well as the character of most of the early statesmen of Kentucky, this work differs from that of Mr. Marshall, wide as the poles. The public must determine between him and the author. Mr. Marshall enjoyed opportunities of coteinporary intercourse and observation, which the author freely acknowledges have been unrivalled. Yet while saga city and orginal information are fully »nd sincerely accorded to the primitive historian of Kentucky, the author's solemn convictions of historical duty extort his protest against the justice and impartiality of the representations of his com petitors in public life. The author painfully feels the compulsion of making this declaration ; much as he respects the talents and public services of Mr. Marshall, now silvered with venerable age.

Yet he owes it to himself, he owes it to that posterity, who may feel curious to investigate the conduct of their ancestors, to declare, as he most solemnly does, his conviction that every man and party of men, who came into collision with Mr. Marshall ur his friends, in the exciting aud exasperating scenes of Kentucky story, have been essentially and profoundly misrepresented by him, however unintentionally, and insensibly it may have been done. The contentions between this gentleman and his competitors for public honors, have been too fierce to admit of justice to the character of either, in each others' representations. These enmities have transformed his history into a border feud, recorded with all the embittered feelings of a chieftain of the marches. Yet his picturesque portraits of the pioneers of Kentucky, distinct from party influences, have ever given the author the utmost delight.

But to have been opposed to Mr. H. Marshall in the political struggles of Kentucky, seems to have entailed on the actors, a sentence of conspiracy, and every dishonorable treachery. Our Shelby, Innes, Wil kinson, Messrs. John and James Brown, Nicholas, Murray, Thomas Todd, and John Breckenridge, have been thus unjustly denounced by Mr. Marshall. The author of this work, appeals from this sentence of an ancient antagonist, to a generation which has arisen, free in a great de gree, from the excitements of the times in question. Whether he has caught an opposite impulse, he cheerfully submits to the verdict of his countrymen. The author cannot conclude this preface, without apprising the reader of a most injurious mutilation of the despatch of General Wayne, to the President of the United States, announcing the important victory over the Indians at the Rapids of the Maumee, on the 20th of August, 1794. This mutilation consists in omitting five important passages, substituting and mj #*

PREFACE.

. XIV terpolating many words. The pregnant paragraph omitted, which has led Mr. Marshall as well as the author, into reflections injurious to the memory of the gallant Wayne, is as follows, "The bravery and conduct of every officer belonging to the army, from the Generals down to the Ensigns, merit my highest approbation. There were however, some, whose rank and situation placed their conduct in a very conspicuous point of view, and which I observed with pleasure, and the most lively gratitude: among whom I must beg leave to mention, Brigadier General Wilkinson and Colonel Hamtramck, the commandants of the right and left wings of the legion, whose brave example inspired the troops; to these I must add the names of my faithful and gallant aids de camp, Captains De Butts and T. Lewis, and Lieutenant Harrison, who, with the Adjutant General, Major Mills, rendered the most essential service by communicating my or ders in every direction, and by their conduct and bravery exciting the troops to press for victory."

Thus, so far from not "distinguishing Wil kinson," or "ungenerously omitting him," as mentioned by the author, Gen eral Wayne mentions all his gallant officers, Hamtramck, Captains De Butts, T. Lewis, Lieutenant W. H. Harrison, and the Adjutant General, Major Mills. The sources of this mutilation, the author cannot trace ; his own copy of the despatch is contained in a collection of public documents entitled "In dian wars," compiled by Metcalf;* another copy to which he has had access, is contained in a work entitled "History of the discovery of Ameri ca, &c, by Henry Trumbull," published at Boston, the native city of Major Mills, by Stephen Sewell, 1819. The copy right taken out is dated in 1811. The above extract is from the Casket of 1830, published with the approbation of Isaac Wayne, Esq., the son of the General; and enriched with many original papers.

It is too important to omit, that General Wayr.e had positive authority from President Washington, to al tack and demolish the British fort of Miamis. But on reconnoitering it closely, and discovering its strength, added to his own weakness in artillery, the General, with a prudence not always accorded him, most judi ciously declined an attack. In this daring reconnoiter, the General was near falling a victim to his gallantry. He had rode within eighty yards of the fort, accompanied by his aid, Lieutenant William H. Harrison, and within point blank shot of its guns, when a considerable disturbance was perceived on the platform of the parapet. The intelligence of a deserter the next day explained the whole affair. It appeared that a Captain of marines, who happened to be in the garrison when General Wayne made his approach, resented it so highly, that he immediately seized a port fire, and was going to apply it to the gun. At this moment Major Campbell, the commandant, drew his ► Dr. Metcalf, it is believed, now of New York

PREFACE.

. XV sword and threatened to cut the Captain down instantly, if he did not desist; he then ordered him to be arrested, aud addressed the officer-like note to General Wayne, mentioned in the text. This high minded for bearance, in all probability, saved the life of General WajTie, tvith his suite, and possibly the peace of the United States. In conclusion, the author will only add that, any errors of omission or commission, (which he is confident he must have made,) that may be pointed out to his conviction shall be faithfully attended to. Should the public reception justify a continuation of the work to recent times, the author will readily prosecute it to the utmost of his limited powers. The facilities granted by the legislature, in giving him the free use of the archives of the State, will give him additional sources of authentic and minute information.

Several articles referred to as in the Appendix, have been unavoidably exclu ded by the size of the volume. They shall appoar in another volume, should the public call for its production. Louisville, April 24, 1834.

PREFACE.

TO THE SECOND EDITION. In offering this edition of his History of Kentucky, the author thinks it appropriate to the occasion to inform the reader of the extension of his plan, and the improvements which he has endeavored to effect in it. The work is now brought down from the time of the authentic passage of the whites, over the mountains of Virginia, to the close of the battle of the Thames, in October, 1813. This period embraces the settlement of Western Virginia, strictly so called, which lies between the Great Sandy and the Blue Ridge. The author has, on this part of the early history of the west, been enabled, by the distinguished courtesy of Mr. Jared Sparks, to lay before the public an abstract, and interesting notes executed by himself, of the Journal of Father Marquette, the discoverer of the Upper Mississippi, in 1673, six years before La Salle (his supposed predecessor) pursued the same route.

The same gentleman has communicated copies of the original correspondence with President Washington, of Colonel Thomas Marshall, the father of the late Chief Justice, (so lamented and pre-eminent in his high office,) respecting the Spanish and British intrigues of 1788, for detaching Kentucky from the American confederacy. On this subject, President Madison, still anxious for the fulness and accuracy of his country's history, at the close of his long and illustrious career, as in the ardor of his patriotic youth, has honored the author with his testimony. To these valuable contributions the author has been enabled, by the friendly sympathy of James Alves, Esq., a descendant of one of the Wataga purchasers, and the Rev. D. H. Deacon, to add the proceedings of the first cismonlane legislative body in the United States, which assembled at Boonesborough, in May, 1775.

Nor can the author omit his acknowledgments to the Hon. Benjamin Watkins Leigh, for his most liberal contributions of original documents in his possession, as well as for personal kindness, under circumstances, which will enhance it to the last recollections of his life. . The writer has not been insensible to the criticisms with which his labors have been honored in several periodical works, but more at length in the American Quarterly, for June, 1835. High as he deems the authority of this journal in matters of belles lettres end criticism, he does not assent to the justice of all its observations on the first edition of the History. Where he has thought them veil founded, he has cheerfully regarded their admonition. In respect to the deficiency of the former appendix, it was restricted, out of consideration for the interests of the former publishers, at their request, not by the desire of the author.

He has now, however, furnished the whole. The essay of General Wilkinsons on the Mississippi trade, is given in the letters of Colonel Thomas Marshall to General Washington ; besides thirty pages of original materials, in the journal of Colonel George Croghan of 1765, and the treaty of Fort Stanwix, in 1768 which were not promised. They were not even expected. The author will only add, that he has labored faithfully, and at no little expense, or care to pre sent an impartial, authentic and interesting account of the transactions of Ken tnrW. In this he has been charged with extravagant ardor, particularly in regard to the military character of General George R. Clark. If that noble soldier was not, in the language of no incompetent judge, the late John Ran dolph, the American Hannibal, in the scale of his operations, he was in spirit and bold purpose.