A History of Illinois from its commencement as a state in 1818 to 1847, etc. Sixth thousand

Front matter

A HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, FEOM ITS COMMENCEMENT AS A STATE IN 1818 TO 1847. CONTAINING A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE BLACK HAWK WAR, THE EISE, PEOGEESS, AND FALL OF MOEMONISM, THE ALTON AND LOVEJOY EIOT8, AND OTHER IMPORTANT AND INTEEESING EVENTS. BY THE LATE GOV. THOMAS FORD. SIXTH THOUSANDTH. CHICAGO : PUBLISHED BY S. C. GRIGGS & CO., Ill LAKE STREET. NEW YORK: IVISON & PHINNEY 1854. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by S. C. GRIGGS & CO., ta the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. STEREOTYPED BY THOMAS B. SMITH, 216 William St.

Introduction

BY GEN. JAMES SHIELDS. In 1850, while the author of this work was on his death-bed, he placed in my hands a manuscript, with the contents of which I was then wholly unacquainted, with the injunction that after his decease I should have it published for the benefit of his family. He soon after departed this life, leaving his orphan children in a des titute condition. In compliance with his dying request, I made re peated efforts to have the work published on terms that might secure some percentage to the orphans, but until my arrangements with the present publishers, all these efforts proved unsuccessful. By this arrangement the children will receive a liberal percentage on the sales of the work. The author, during his whole life, had very favorable opportunities for observing events and collecting infor mation connected with the history of his State.

He was yet a child when his parents emigrated to Illinois. On arriving at maturity he was there admitted to the bar, and practised his profession for many years with

INTRODUCTION.

. VI very considerable success. He was afterwards elected an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the State, and discharged the duties of that responsible station with distinguished ability. Subsequently he was chosen Governor of the State, which was the last public office he held. From this office he retired to private life, and during his retirement prepared this history for publication. His opinions of men and measures are very freely and unreservedly expressed ; but they may be regarded as the opinions of a man of strong feelings, who took such an active part in many of the scenes which he repre sents, that it was impossible for him to describe them with ordinary moderation. I regret the severity of some of the author's judgments, and the censure with which he assails the character of some of our public men, who are both my per sonal and political friends ; but I feel it to be incumbent upon me, by the very nature and circumstances of the trust, not only to have the work published according to his injunction, for the purpose intended by him, but also to abstain from making any alteration in the text.

I therefore give it to the public just as I received it from the hands of the author, and with the sincere hope, for the sake of his destitute children, that it may meet with an indulgent and generous reception. Washington, Feb. 3d, 1854. CONTENTS.

Chapter I

Petition of the Territorial Legislature to Congress to be admitted into the Union— Bill reported by Judge Pope, the territorial Delegate— Amendments proposed by him— Boundaries of the Slate enlarged— Ordinances of 1787— Claim of Wisconsin to the fourteen northern counties— Reasons for extending the boundaries— Call of a Convention— Constitution adopted— E. K. Kane— Petition of the Covenanters— Organization of the Slate Government— Gov. Bond recommends the Canal to Lake Michigan—Judge Foster— Judge Thomas— Legislature of 181a— Code of laws— Removal of the Seat of Government to Vaudalia— Origin of the name Vandilia— Character of the people— Notice of the French villages and of the early American settlers — Schools, teamed professions— The early preachers— Pursuits and business of the people — Their ingenuity— Anecdote of James Lemon— Commerce— Money- Speculation — Banks in Ohio and Kentucky— General indebtedness— Money crisis —Creation of the State Bank of 18-21— lu history — Col. Menard— John M'Lean— Judge Young — First duet— Judge Lockwood 19 CHAPTER n. Gov.

Coles, Judges Philips and Brown, and Gen. Moore — The question of Slavery — The Missouri question— Immigrants from the Slave States to Missouri — Growing desire for the introduction of Slavery— The Slavery party— Effort for a Convention to amend the Constitution — Hanson and Shaw — Resolution for a Convention passed — The riotous conduct of the Slave party — The free Slate party rally — Contest between them in the election of J824 — Principal men of each party — The Convention defeated — Character of early political contests— No measures ; and no parties of Whig or Democrat, Federalist or Republican — Effect of regular political parties- Reorganization of the Judiciary — Circuit Courts established — First case of proscription — Causes the repeal of the Circuit Courts — Road law and School law providing for a tax ; operated well, but were repealed — Hatred of taxation— School law of 1840; of 1845— Wm. Thomas, H. M. Wood, John S. Wright, and Thompson Campbell — Present state of Schools — Revision of the laws by Judges Lockwood and Smith — Gov.

Edwards — Mr. Sloe — Lieut. Gov. Hubbard — His speech, as a candidate for Governor — His speech about Wolf scalps — Tbe old State Bank again — Effort to investigate its management — Resisted by the Bank officers — Gov. Edwards' messages— A packed committee report against the Governor — Power of a broken Bank— Combinations to commit crime or resist law — Daniel P. Cook — Gov. Duncan — Change of political parties — Gen. Jackson's defeat, and subsequent election— Influence of this upon parties — Gov. Duncan's change — Winnebago War — Galena— "Suckers" — ** Pukes" — The chief, Red Bird — Gov. Edwards' claim to the public lands — Sale of School lands — Borrowing of the School fund 50

Chapter III

Review— Election of State Treasurer in 1827 — Election and defalcation of Sherifls — Courts — Judges — Sentence of Green — Instructions to juries — The huDg jury — Law of 1846— Eminent lawyers — Character of litigation— Election by ballotr— The keepdark lyBtem— The " butcher-knife boyB"— Influences in the Legislature — Creasing CONTENTS. PAOl and swallowing, fce-Aims of politicians and of the people-Anecdote of senator Crozier-Good and bad self-government-Rule to lest , tfie apujof *e people for either-Educated ministers of Ihe Gospel-Ill-wil *™^J^0^£«„„ tbe old minislers-Room enough for both-Benevolent n.slit utions and education -Colleges-Change of dress among young people-Regrets of the old folks . tl sects of attending church on Sundays-Effects of not attending church on Sundays upon young people-Progress in commerce-Character of first merchants-Sell ing for money supplied by emigration-Nothing raised for or shipped to foreign markets— Flal-boais -Farmers taking their own crops to market, and bad effects of it— Foreign markets-Steamboats and high rates of exchange encourage the merchants to become exporters— Bad effects of farmers holding their produce from market, expecting a higher price— This practice contrasted with the New England practice of selling at the market price— Good effects of this practice— Prosperity of northern Illinois in a great measure owing to this *"

Chapter IV

Extent of settlements in 1830— Election for Governor that year— Judge John Reynolds—William Kinney— Further development of party— Description of an election of contest— Reynolds elecied by Jackson and anti-Jackson men— Legislature of 1831 bound to redeem the notes of the old State bank-Horror of increasing taxes — Fears of the Legislature— The Wiggins1 loan— All the members broke down —The little bull law — Penitentiary punishments — Curious contest for State Treasurer — Indian disturbances — Treaties with the Indians — Black Hawk's account of them— His character— He invades the Rock river country— Call for volunteers- March to Rock Island— Escape of the Indians — New treaty with them — Next year Black Hawk returns— Volunteers again called for— March of Gov. Reynolds and Gen. Whiteside — Burning of Prophet's town — Arrival at Dixon — Majors Stillman and Bailey — Route at Stillman's run — Account of it by a volunteer Colonel — Council of war — Gen. Whiteside marches in pursuit of the Indians — Massacre of Indian Creek — Two young ladies captured and restored — Gen. Whiteside buries the dead and marches back to Dixon — Meets Gen. Atkinson — Dissatisfaction of the men — Marches to Ottawa— Army discharged — New call for volunteers — Volunteei regiment left as a guard of the frontiers — Col. Jacob Fry — Capt. Snyder— Battle with tbe Indians — Bravery of Gen. Whiteside — Gen. Semple and Capt. Snyder — Indian murders— St. Vrain and others— Siege of Apple-river Fort— Coi.

Strode — Galena — Martial law there — Gen. Dodge's successful attack — Capt. Stephenson — Martial spirit of the Indians— Major Dement— Defence of Kellogg's Grove — Gen. Posey's march— Gen. Alexander— Gen. Atkinson— Gen. Henry — March up Rock river— Turtle village — Burnt village — Lake Keshkonong — Search for the Indiana —Two regular soldiers fired on — Expedition to the "trembling lands" — Army dispersed in search of provisions 109

Chapter V

Gen. Posey marches to Fort Hamilton— Gens. Henry and Alexander, and Major Dodge to Fort Winnebago— Gen. Atkinson remained behind to build a fort— Description of the country and the rivers at Fort Winnebago— Gen. Henry informed as to the position of Black Hawk— Council of war— Agreement to violate orders and march after the Indians— Alexander's men refuse to march— Dodge's horses broke down— Arrival of Craig's company— Protest of officers and signs of mutiny— Put down bv Gen. Henry-H is character as a military man— March for Rock river-Description of Rock river-March for Cranberry lake— Express to Gen. Atkinson-Discoverv of the retreat of Black Hawk to the Wisconsin-Confession of the Winneo^oes tÆ*,^ theTWl9C°,n3in-ThUnder st<>rm-Privations of the men-Arrival a? the four lakes-False alarm-Description of the four lakes-Gen. Ewingand the spies-Major Dodge-Ardor of the men-Come close upon the Indians-Baule of the Wisconsin heights-Defeat of the Indians-Their retreat acroi the river- Reasons why Gen. Henry and the Illinois volunteers never received CTedft abroad or what they deserved-Gen. Henry's death-His singular mod^tT^LSS the troops to the Blue Mounds-Bad treatment of Henry and h£bri|a<to by Gel CONTENTS.

IX Atkinson— Gen. Atkinson pursues the Indians across the Wisconsin— Order of march— Henry's men put in charge of the baggage— They resent, but submit— Gen. Atkinson in front decoyed by the Indians— Drawn off on a false sceut— Henry advances on the main trail- Comes upon the main body of the Indians, and again defeats them before Gen. Atkinson arrived with the rest of the army— Retreat of Black Hawk Indians— Sent in pursuit of him— The one-eyed Decori — Capture of Black Hawk and the Prophet— Description of ihe Prophet— Indian speeches — Gen. Scott— Discharge of the volunteers— Treaty of peace— Black Hawk and other prisoners taken lo Washington— Makes the tour of the Union, and are returned to their own country, west of the Mississippi 136

Chapter VI

First efforts for a Railroad system — Central Railroad— Impeachment of Judge Smith —Benjamin Mills — Other efforts to impeach judges — Effect on the public mind — Election of Governor — Gov. Duncan — Creation of a new State Bank— Conrad Will — Means of passing its charter — Road tax — Hooking timber — Preachers employed to preach against trespasses — Veto power — Banking in Illinois — Increase of ihe Bank Stock — Stock readily taken — Intrigues of the subscribers — State Bank goes into the hands of Thomas Mather and his friends — Effort to build up Alton — The Lead trade — Unfortunate speculations — Real estate fund — Hostility of the Democrats — Illinois and Michigan canal — George Forquer's report — Bill to borrow money — Passed with an amendment to borrow on the credit of canal lands — Great speculation in 1835-'G — Internal Improvement system — Means of passing it — Calculations of its funds — Election of Board of Public Works — Bank suspensions, negotiations—Election of Governor in 1838 — Thomas Corlin — Cyrus Edwards — Maxim of politicians--Explosion of the Internal Improvement system — Presidential election of 1840 — Further history of parties) — Work on the canal— Payment of interest — Mr. Cavarly's bill iw

Chapter VII

Reform of the Supreme Court— Chief Justice Wilson— Justices Lockwood and Brown Secretary of Slate and alien questions— Alexander P. Field— John A. McClernand —Decision of the Supreme Court— Popular excitement— Decision of aCircuit Judge on the alien question— Commotion among the Democrats— Suspicions of the Supreme Court— Mode of deciding political questions— Mode of reforming Ihe Court —Violence of the measure— Reluctance of some Democrats— Obstinacy ot others —How a politician must work in a party^Judge Douglass' speech in the lobby- Evasive decision of the Court-Judge Smith's intrigues and character— Passage of the bill— Motives of both parlies— Prejudice against the Supreme Court— Moral power with the people of the Judges of Ihe Supreme and Circuit Courts— Breaking of the banks— Causes which lead to it— Bank suspensions— Power of the State Bank over the Legislature— Special session— Struggle to forfeit the Bank Charters —Whigs secede— Call of the House— Jumping out of the windows— Democratic victory—Thrown away before the end of the session— New suspensions— Small bills —Fierceness of parties against each other— Views of both parlies concerning banking, and of each other

Chapter VIII

Progress of settlements— Colleges— Education— Society— Religion— Literature— John M6 peck-James Hall-John Russell-Newspapers-Effects of speculation— Plenty of money-Credit— Debts-Usury-H igh rates of interest— History of mobs- Alton —Mob— Lovejoy— Abolitionists— Mobs in Pope county— Mobs in the north— ugle county mob-Cause of mobs in free countries-Joe Smith-Origin of the Mormon. —Their settlement in Missouri— Troubles there-Settlemnnt in Ohio— Kirtland CONTENTS. X PAOB Bank-Mormons return to Missouri-Mormon ™£Z*flg££3j££ souri-Settlement of the Mormons in U \™*-£^™_?L*Lt Little-Stephen Van Buren-Henry Clay— John J. Stuart— Dr-Jf™ p,mulur clamor against the A. Douglass-Mormon Charlers-Nauvoc 'J^?^*°$^™$™°]Da50a of Mr. Mormons-Arrest of Joe S^T^X™rao&OT.D^ a candidate Snyder as the democratic candidate lor Governor bo \. um ? Mormons tor, and Treasurer forbid the receipt of Bank paper for Taxes condition 01 State in 1842

Chapter IX

Character of the people-North and South-Causes of discord -Principle upon which elections were made-Character of candidates-Reasons for preference-Further maxims of polilicians-John Grammar- Want of unity in the democratic party- Want of great leaders-Members of the Legislature— Legislative elections— Neglect of other business-Love of popularity— Account of lobby members-Their motives and influence— Professional polilicians-Ullraists and " Milk and water men" tending to repudiation— Plans lOr public relief— Illinois Canal— Juslus Butterfield— Michael Ryan -Arthur Bronson— Compromise with the Banks— Proposed repeal of their Charters— Gov. Caiiin's message— Arguments for compromise and for repeal— Ayes and Noes in the House— John A. McClernand— Lyman Trumbull —James Shields— Feuds among politicians growing out of the appointment of Secretary of stale— Amalgamation of the co-ordinate branches of goverument— Opposition to the Compromise Bill in Ihe Senate— Character of the leader of this opposition— Removal of Trumbull from the office of Secretary of State— Humbug .et off against humbug — Improvement of public affairs— Execution laws; debtor and creditor

Chapter X

Mormons — New warrant for the arrest of Joe Smith — Tried before Judge Pope — Intrigues of the Whigs — The Mormons determine to vote for Whig candidates for Congress — Cyrus Walker — Joseph P. Hoge — Dr. Bennett— Prejudices against the Mormons — New demand for the arrest of Joe Smith — Arrest aud discharge by the Municipal Court— Walker's speech— Walkers and Hoge's opinion— Mormons always prefer bad advice — Demand for a call of the Militia — Reasons for not calling them — Intrigues of the Democrats— Backinstos— Hiram Smith — William Law- Revelation in favor of Hoge— Joe Smith's speech— Hoge elected— Indignation of the Whigs— Determination to expel the Mormons — Stephen A. Douglass — City ordinances — Insolence of the Mormons — Joe Smith a candidate for President — Conceives the idea of making himself a Prince — Dauite band — Spiritual wives — Attempt on William Law's wife— Tyranny of Joe Smith— Opposition to him — " Nauvoo Expositor"— Trial of the press as a nuisance— Its destruction— Secession of the refractory Mormons — Warrant for Joe Smiih and Common Council— Their arrest and discharge by the Municipal Court— Commitiee of anti-Mormons— Journey to Carthage — Militia assembled — Complaints against the Mormons — Cause of popular fury— False reports aud camp news— Pledge of the troops lo proiect the prisoners — Martial law— Conduct of a Constable and Civil Posse — Council of officers— The great flood of 1841— Surrender of Joe Smith and the Common Council— Warrant for treason— Commitment of Joe and Hiram Smith— Preparations to march into Nauvoo— Council of officers— Militia disbanded— Journey to Nauvoo — Guard left for the protection of the prisoners— Further precautions— The leading anti-Mormons by false reports undermine the Governor's influence— Governor's speech in Nauvoo— Vote of the Mormons— News of the death of the Smiths— Preparation for defence of the country— Mischievous influence of the prei3 CONTENTS.

XI

CHAPTER XL PAGE

Account of the assassination of the Smiths— Done by the forces at Waraw— Treachery of the Carthage Greys— Franklin A. Worrell— Attack on the Jail— Murder of Joe and Hiram Smith— Character of Joe Smith— Character of the leading Mormons —Character of the Mormon people— Affairs of the Church— Sidney Rigdon's prophecies — The Twelve Apostles — Triumph of the Twelve— Increase of Mormonism— Causes of it — Gov. Ford and Herod and Pilate— The Mormons quit preaching to the Gentiles — Character of their preaching— Increased hostility of the " Saints" — Determination to expel the Mormons — Both parties ready to set aside free government—Natural inclination to despotism— Presidential election of 1H44 — Infatuation of the people— Stale election— Col. Taylor's visit to the Mormons induces them to vote the democratic ticket — The fault laid on tbe Governor — Fresh determination to expel the Mormons— Conduct of the Whig press — Pusillanimity of politicians — Gen. Hardin— Col. Baker— Col. Weatherford— Col. Merriman— Anti-Mormon wolf-hunt— Military expedition to Hancock— Militia infected with an'i-Mormonisni — Surrender of two persons accused of the Murder — Terms of surrender arranged by Col. Baker — Incompelency of a Militia force in such cases — Prosecution of the murderers — Riotous trials — Constitution in relation to changes of venue — Trial of the Mormons for destroying the press — Both parlies get a Jury to suit them — All acquitted — Anarchy in Hancock 353

Chapter XII

Canal Negotiations — Appointment of Oakley and Ryan to go t^i Europe — Factiousness of the letter-writers and newspapers — Proceedings of ihe Commissioners — David Leavitt— Meeting of American Bond-holders— Journey to Europe — Conditional agreement there — Appoinlment of Gov. Davis and Capt. Swift to examine and report on the Canal — Gov. Davis attacked by the Globe newspaper — Ryan's answer and atlack on the Globe — Favorable Report — Ryan's second trip lo Europe — Gov. Davis sent for — Failure of the negotiation — Ryan's attack on Gov. Davis — Letter from Baring, Brothers & Co, lo Ryan — Letter of Wm. S. Wait, Esq , against taxation — Answer thereto — Visit of Mr. Leavitt and Col. Oakley lo Europe — New negotiations successful — Opposition to the Governor likely to defeat the Canal — Nature of this opposition — How to get up an opposition to any Administration — Scandalous conduct of a Committee of Investigation— Trumbull and others— Conduct of the opposition — All their projects defealed — Visit of Gov.

Davis and Mr. Leavitt to Springfield — Jealousy of the Legislature against monied men and foreign influence— They are well received — Propositions of the public creditors — Opposition arrayed — Miserable intrigues of George T. M. Davis and other Whigs— Patriotic conduct of Judge Logan and other Whigs — Norih and South again — Messrs. Strong, Adams, Janney, and Dunlap— The Canal Bill defeated in the Senate — Talk of bribery— Vote reconsidered and divided— Good management of Senator Kilpatrick — The Canal Bill passed — The money for the Canal obtained — Election and organization us tbe Board of Trustees— Rate of Interest reduced to six per cent. — Repeal of the Mormon Charters— Resolution calling on the Governor and Judges to relinquish their Salaries— The Governor's answer — Mistaken notions of Economy — Buucomb resolutions and speeches on this subject — Shawneetown Bank — Conditional contract with that Institution — Dr. Anderson — The true art of riding hobbies 370

Chapter XIII

The city of Nauvoo — The Temple — New causes of quarrel — The " Oneness" — Anti- Mormon meeting fired at by themselves — Character of the anli-Mormons— New mobs — House burning— Sheriff's posse — Backinstos— Plundering — McBratney — Death of Worrell— Danbeney er— Dur fee— Trial of the Sheriff for murder— Gen. Hardin sent over with 500 men — Stops the disorders on both sides — Anti Mormon Convention — The Mormons agree to leave the State— Maj. Warren with two companies left as a Guard— Good conduct of Major Warren— Indictments against the CONTENTS.

XII Pina Twelve Apostles for counterfeiting-Exodus of the M™"^*"™" ious to expel the few that were left-Cause of a new quarrel-Wnts sworn rout- Oid trick of calling the posse-The matter adjusted-Mormon yo te in '8« New excitements-New writs sworn out-The posse aga.n-The new citizens Pf«"'°" for protection-Order lo Major Parker-Order to Mr Brayman-Trea /between the narlies-Not agreed lo bv the Anti-Mormons— Mr. Brayman s letter-James W Cg£o,.-Thomas S. Bfockman-Order lo under it-Numbers of each party-Battles-Not many hurt-The Mormons sur render the Cily-Triumphant entry of the anti-Mormons— Their bm al conduct- Sufferings of the Mormous— Excitement against the anti-Mormons— Moderate men not to be relied on in times of excitement— Difficulties of the Executive—Expedi tion to Nauvoo— The anti-Mormon posse dispersed— Violence of the anti-Mormons against the Governor— Anti-Mormon meetings— Their resolutions- Anti-Mormon Committee of rogues and blackguards— The Irish Justice aud Constable— Capt. Al len's expedition lo Carthage— Major Webber— Attempts to arrest a Spy— Writs sworn out to arrest him and Capt. Allen— The old trick of the posse again—Insta bility of popular feeling— No disposition anywhere to assist, but a disposition everywhere to censure government, for not performing impossibilities— Popular notions of Martial Law— Like master like man— Anarchy and despotism—Lib erty and slavery *"''