Life and public services of General Lewis Cass : together with the pamphlet on the right of search

Preface

A desire to present a fair and impartial history of the public career of one of the greatest of American Statesmen, has prompted the compilation of the following pages. However great may be the, difference of opinion, politically regarded, between the rtladei aud the distinguished subject of the work, the formei canr.ct but feel a just and honorable pride, in the successful career, the commanding position, and the statesmanship of his countryman. Whether he be viewed at the bar, on the battle field, as civil governor, in the cabinet, at the foreign court, or in the senate, he stands forth a noble monument of the rewards of industry, integrity and patriotism, — a cheering example to the young men of the Union, to strive to follow in his path.

The writer prefers no claim to originality in the production of this work. The history of Lewis Cass is to be found in the public records of the country ; the effect of his services, in her progressive prosperity at home, and in

VIII

PREFACE.

her unstained reputation abroad. To collect the scattered history of his many and valuable services, has been the object most in view.

The appearance of this book, at this time of political excitement, when we are just on the eve of a Presidential election, may be considered as stamping the work with a partisan character ; but such is not its tenor, or the purpose of its publication.

Chapter I

Introductory Remarks — Birth of Mr. Cass — His Parentage — Education — He emigrates to Ohio — Enters upon the Practice of the Law — His Succs? — Volunteers in Defence of the Frontier — War of 1812 — Invasion of Canada — Col. Cass' heroic conduct in Canada — Defeats a party of British Soldiers near Maiden — Secures an Important Post — Orders of Gen. Hull — Is compelled to give up the advantages of his conquest, and return with the army to Detroit.

Chapter II

Battle of Brownsiown — Battle of Maguaga — Col. Cass volunteers to accompany a detachment through the wilderness to the River Raisin— The Surrender of Detroit — The detachment ordered to return — Indignation of Cols. Cass and McArthur — Their Return to Detroit — Letter of Gov. Meigs — Resolutions of General Assembly of Ohio— Official Letter of Col. Cass to the War Department. Page 29

Chapter III

Effect of Surrender of Detroit — Volunteers of 1812 — Symms' -: Card " — Indian Warfare — Cruelties of the Savages — The Massacre at the River Raisin — The Defence of Fort Stephenson by Croghan and his brave compeers. Page 53

Chapter IV

Reception of Col. Cass at Washington — His promotion — Confidence of the Government in him — Is apppointed Brigadier General — He joius the army under Harrison — Harrison assigns to Gen. Cass the command of the army at its debarkation on the Canada shore — Proctor's flight — Movements of the army in Canada — Battle of the Thames — Gen. Cass, with Com. Perry, acting as aids to Gen. Harrison — Defeat and flight of Proctor— Is pursued by Gen. Cass — Harrison's testimony to the personal exertions and bravery of Gen. Cass — Gen. Cass is left by Harrison in command at Detroit — Is appointed Governor of the Territory by President Madison — The responsibility of his Office — His qualifications— The attachment of the Citizens of the Territory— His journey to Albany in midwinter. Page 64

XII CONTEXTS.

Chapter V

Colonel Cass as Governor of Michigan Territory — The arduous duties of his Office — Examination of Upper Michigan — Is requested by Government to ascertain the disposition of tee Indians in Ohio in regard to disposing of their Lands — Is appointed Commissioner — Concludes an important Treaty— Urges the construction of a military road through Ohio — Number of Treaties made and concluded by Gov. Cass with Indian Tribes — Tour by way of the Lakes to the head-waters of the Mississippi — Leaves Detroit in an open boat — Navigates the Great Lakes in a canoe — Perils of the Route — Personal exposure of Gov. Cass in resenting an insult to his Country's Flag — His determination and the successful results of his expedition — Is appointed to negotiate Treaties of Peace between hostile Tribes — Accomplishes his purpose — A novel Temperance Lecture — Treaty at Fond du Lac — Gov. Cass' address to the Pottawatomies and Miarnis. Page 73

Chapter VI

Joarney to Lake Winnebago — Hostile feeling among the Winnebagoes — Attack on the Miners — War Messages — Gov. Cass organizing the Miners for defence — Alarm at Fever Fiiver — He goes to St. Louis — Anxiety at Green Bay for his safety — Rumors there of his death — Arrival at Green Boy — Treaty of Butte de Morts — Occurrence at the Treaty — Personal danger at Indian village — Providential escape — Removal of Troops, cause of the Indian difficulties — Successive appointments of Gov. Cass — His civil administration — His freedom from religious intolerance — Tribute to the Catholic Missionaries — Satisfaction of the people with his administration — Secret of his success — His views on appointment to office — First Legislative Council of the Territory — Gov. Cass calls attention to the existence of Copper oh the upper Peninsula — Removal of the New York Indians — Visits of the Indians to the British post at Maiden — He attempts to prevent them. Page 93

Chapter VII

Message to the Legislative Council of UJ2ii — Boundary line between Michigan and Ohio — Constitutional Convention — Action of Congress in defining boundary as a condition of admission of Michigan into the Union — Action of the two Conventions — Final admission — Democratic tone of Gov. Cass' messages.

Chapter VIII

Gov. Cass is called by Gen. Jackson to the Head of the War Department — Motives prompting the selection of Gov. Cass — The popularity of the New Cabinet—Proceedings of the citizens of Detroit on the departure of Gov. Cass for Washington— Address of Major Biddle in behalf of the people of Michigan- Reply of Gov. Cass— He assumes the duties of the Department— His Indian policy while Secretary— Black Hawk war— His preparations to bring the contest to a speedy close — Reforms introduced by Gov. Cass In his Department — Their popularity— The Indian difficulties in Georgia— Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States reviewed by Gov. Cass — His position sustained by the people and adopted by the President— Defences of the Country — Gov. Cass' views on the subject— Controversy between the Bank of United States and the Administration— Nullification— Action of the Administration.

CONTENTS. XIII

Chapter IX

Gov. Cess accepts the embassy to France — He departs on his mission — His vigilance in guarding the rights of his conntry — He thwarts the attempt of the English Ministry to obtain universal dominion on the high seas — His examination of the question of the Right of Search — His Protest laid before the French Ministry — Subsequent proceedings. Page 133

Chapter X

Effect of the protest upon the action of the French government, respecting the Quintuple Treaty—The Ashburton Treaty— Proceedings of Gov. Cass, on receiving copv cf treaty — His conespondence with Mr. Webster, Secretary of State.

Chapter XI

Gov. Cass' opportunities for acquiring knowledge of the schemes of diplomatists— His success in thwarting their plots against the welfare of his country — His return to the United States — The reception given to him by the people of Boston — Letter from Gen. Jackson — The welcome extended to him by the citizens of the towns and villages through which he passed on his journey to Detroit— His letter to the Committee of the Democratic Convention of Indiana — Gen. Cass regarded by the people as a Candidate for the Presidency — Public opinion, The annexation of Texas — Gen. Cass' letter advocating annexation, The Baltimore Convention of 1844 — Gov. Cass' letter read in that Convention— His name withdrawn for the sake of union and harmony — Nomination of James K. Polk — Gov. Cass supports the nomination — Meets his fellow citizens in various parts of the country and advocates the election of Mr. Polk — Great Democratic victory. Page 209

Chapter XII

Magnitude of questions before Congress — Interest felt throughout the Union, in the election of Senators — The sentiment of the people, in regard to Gen. Cass' election to the Senate — His election by the Legislature of Michigan — His first act in the Senate, evinces his keen watchfulness over the rights and honor of his country — Resolutions of Senator Allen — Gen. Cass supports them — His remarks thereon — The Oregon question — The great interests involved in its settlement— The recommendations of the President — Resolution of Mr. Allen, giving notice that convention of 1327, between the United States and Great Britain, be annulled and abrogated — Speech of Gen. Cass, in regard to our defences — His remarks thereon. Page 226

Chapter XIII

The Slavery question — Position of Gen. Cass — The Wilmot Proviso and Mexican War — Remarks of Gen. Cass in the Senate, February 10th, 1847, on the appropriation of three millions to bring the war with Mexico to a close — His remarks on voting against the adoption of the Wilmot Proviso— Gen. Cass' letter to A. O. P. Nicholson, of Tennessee — His desire for a vigorous prosecution of the war — Tribute of praise to the Armv in Mexico — Origin of the war.

XIV CONTENTS.

Chapter XIV

Appropriations for Improvement of Rivers and Harbors — Difficulties surrounding the question of the right of Congress to make such appropriations — Gen. Cass' opinions on that subject — He sustains the position of Gen. Jackson — Proceedings in the Senate — Remarks and Vote of Gen. Cass — Further remarks — Chicago Convention — Its object — Foresight of Gen. Cass in anticipating the results of that Convention — His letter declining an invitation to attend it — Unjust and unfounded inferences drawn from the letter — Gen. Cass' exposition of his views on the Constitutional right of Congress to make Appropriations for the Improvement of Rivers and Harbors, delivered in the Senate, March, 1851.

Chapter XV

Gen. Cass' sympathy for the patriots of the old world — His readiness to welcome them to the United States — His participation with the Citizens of Washington, in expressing their congratulations at the success of the people of France in the late Revolution — Extract from his remarks on that occasion — His vote in the Senate on the resolution of congratulation — His resolution to suspend diplomatic intercourse with Austria — His remarks on the Bill offering aid to Ireland — His vote on the Bill — He supports the Bill authorizing the temporary occupation of Yucatan. Page 349

Chapter XVI

dent ol the Convention — lien. Lass letter ot acceptance — Baltimore Resolutions— Gen. Cass resigns his seat in the Senate — His reception by the people, on his route home — Campaign of 1848- -Position of Mr. Van Buren — The Utica Convention — Buffalo Convention — Bitterness of the opponents of the democratic party against Gen. Cass — Characteristics of the contest — Confidence of the democratic party in their candidates. Page 356

Chapter XVII

Effects of defeat in 1848 — Increased confidence of the people in the political views of Gen. Cass — He is re-elected to the Senate — First session of the thirty-first Congress — Importance of the questions before it — The feeling of the south — Course of ultra politicians — Efforts of Compromise — Propositions of Messrs. Clay and Boll — Mr. Foote's Resolution — Gen. Cass' re.narks — Remarks in reply to Mr. Berrien — Report and Bill of committee of thirteen — Amendments to the bill — Opposition to the admission of California — Remarks of Gen. Cass — The "' Fugitive Slave " bill — Suggestions of Gen. Cass in relation to it — Compromise measures — Their effects — Efforts of Gen. Cass and other eminent men to create a sound state of feeling in regard to slavery — His remarks at a public meeting in the city of New York — Extract from his letter to the Democratic Union festival, at Baltimore — His action on the slavery question approved by the people — Repeal of Resolutions of Instruction by the Legislature of Michiigan — Unanimous re-election of Gen. Cass by the Legislature of Michigan, in February, 1851. Page 370

CONTENTS. EV

Chapter XVIII

Gen. Cass' acquirements and literary standing — His power as a writer — His command of language — Contributions to the Reviews— His sketches of Indian character — His exposure of the frauds and inaccuracies of certain writers of Indian History — His account of the battle of .New Orle .ns — His travels in the East — Extract from North American Revie"/— His addre3ses oa ceveral occasions— Extract — Extracts from his address b-fore the New England Society of Michigan — -'France, its King, Cou^t and Government — Extract from address before the Agricultural Society of Michigan— His personal appearance, &c— Conclusion. Page 410

LIFE

O F

GENERAL LEWIS CASS.

Chapter I

Introductory Remarks — Birth of Mr. Cass — His Parentage — Education — He emigrates to Ohio — Enters upon the Practice of the Law — His Success — Volunteers in Defence of the Frontier — War of 1812 — Invasion of Canada — Col. Cass' heroic conduct in Canada — Defeats a party of British Soldiers near Maiden — Secures an Important Post— Orders of Gen. Hull — Is compelled to give up the advantages of his conquest, and return with the army to Detroit.

The record of the deeds of an individual , who by his own personal effort, the energy of his spirit and the force of his talents, has raised himself to a conspicuous and prominent position among his countrymen, is the best incentive that the young men of our country can have placed before them. The following is a biography of one, who of himself, has risen from the station of the humblest citizen, to that of the first statesman of his country, scarcely less known and celebrated among the Great Powers of Europe, than in his own country, and wherever known commanding attention, esteem and respect.

The pages which follow, are but a brief and unpretending narrative of the most marked events in the life of Lewis Cass, and as such the reader will please receive them.

Lewis Cass was born at Exeter, in New Hampshire, on the 9th of October, 1782. His father, Jonathan Cass was a practical mechanic, and at the commencement of the Revolutionary war was industriously pursuing his occupation in a quiet village of New England. But the first shot which proclaimed hostilities between the mother country and the colonies, awakened his patriotism, and arranging his private affairs as speedily as possible, he joined the 2 army of patriots on the day after the battle of Lexington and served under Gen. Washington in the most memorable contests of the war. He and his brother Daniel fought side by side at Bunker Hill, one being a sergeant and the other a corporal in the army. Jonathan Cass was at Monmouth, Trenton, Princeton, Germantown and Saratoga. His services were rewarded with a Major's commission in Wayne's army, whose scene of operation was to be in the defence of the western portion of the Union. To that region he removed from his New England home and when further labors in his country's service were no longer required, he settled down to pass the remaining years of his life upon land acquired by his own bravery, on the Muskingum river in Ohio ; where he lived for many years and died respected by all, having been permitted to witness the rising greatness of his son Lewis, who at the time of his father's death had been for thirteen years Governor of the Territory of Michigan.

The foundation of Lewis Cass' education was laid at the Exeter Academy, where he received a classical education of a high order Distinguished in his school-boy days for his ardent desire for learning, he applied himself studiously to the acquirement of knowledge, and in a short time was competent to take charge of an academic institution at Wilmington in Delaware. He remained at the head of the Wilmington academy until he determined to accomplish what had for some time been his wish — to make his home in the Great West, where he might grow up with that region of country about which he had obtained information which satisfied him that at no distant time, it would form a very important portion of the American Union.

Accordingly we find him at the age of seventeen, in the year 1799, crossing the Alleghanies on foot, carrying his knapsack and seeking, unaided, and without the help of wealth or power, a new home in the wilderness of Ohio. His steps were directed to Marietta, a small settlement at the mouth of the Muskingum. Here he commenced the study of law and entered upon its practice. At the bar he acquired a reputation which placed him among the eminent lawyers of the west. In the pursuit of his profession he was subjected to all the inconveniences and hardships of the wilderness, being often required to travel on an Indian trail through dense forests to the places where the courts were held, which in those days were wherever the exigency of the moment fixed them. He was often called to try his powers in opposition to men of established fame in the courts of the state, and the success which is said to have attended his efforts proves that he was able to cope with the able and eloquent lawyers who were then regarded as the leaders of the profession in the North-west. His fame as a lawyer spread through the country and the unfortunate pioneer who became entangled in the meshes of the law, looked upon his release as certain if he could secure the advocacy of Lewis Cass. In the case of impeachment of Judge Brown, one of the presiding Circuit Judges in 1812, Mr. Cass was employed by the Judge to defend him on his trial before the Senate of Ohio. The state had engaged the celebrated Henry Baldwin, of Pittsburgh to prosecute the articles of impeachment. The novelty of the case — the standing and character of all concerned — accusers, court, accused and counsel, created great interest in the trial and attracted a large concourse of people at the Capitol to hear the proceedings. Baldwin was a man of great powers, and when he closed his speech against the accused, the friends of the latter feared that his eloquence and argument had closed the door of hope upon the Judge and secured his conviction. But the young advocate for the defendant rose amid the stillness and breathless anxiety of the mass of human beings who filled the capitol, and in a speech of tremendous power, in which he seemed to concentrate his whole being, swept away the apparently immoveable barrier raised by the eloquent Baldwin against the acquittal of the defendant, and secured the victory for his client.

At the age of twenty-five, Lewis Cass was elected to the Legislature of Ohio, then just admitted as a State. Here he was not less conspicuous for his powers both as a speaker and writer, than for the readiness of perception which characterized his comprehension of subjects brought to his notice. He was placed at the head of important committees, and though the youngest member of the House of Representatives, he was unanimously regarded as the leader of his party, The detection and exposure of the conspiracy of Aaron Burr, brought the young Legislator into more conspicuous notice, and made his name and patriotism objects of national interest. Ohio was then, in 1806, the scene of Aaron Burr's incipient operations, where he attempted to raise men and means for his expedition. His progress was arrested by the prompt and decisive action of Mr. Cass, who drew up the law which put an end to Burr's designs. The Legislature of Ohio forwarded to President Jefferson an address on the occasion, written by Mr. Cass, which is replete with the noblest sentiments that can animate the bosom of an American citizen, setting forth with the eloquence of a true heart, the inestimable advantages of Union — the safety which exists only in a reliance upon the patriotism of the people, and their capacity to preserve inviolate the sacred contract which binds the states together in the Federal Union. This decisive and energetic act of Mr. Cass was pronounced by,JVIr. Jefferson to be the first blow given to the dangerous and treasonable schemes of the gifted but disappointed politician who sought to revenge his fancied wrongs, by subverting the good order and government of the people who had honored him, not, it is true, to the extent of his ambition, by bestowing upon him the second office of the Republic.

In March, 1807, President Jefferson appointed Mr. Cass, Marshal of Ohio. In the performance of the duties of this most responsible office, he was engaged until hostilities of the Indians rendered it necessary to take up arms in defence of the inhabitants on the frontier. In the latter part of the year 1811, the Indians instigated by the British officers at Maiden, in Canada, to attempt to recover the lands they had ceded to the Americans by treaty, attacked the American camp on the Wabash. This aroused the patriotic inhabitants of Kentucky and Ohio, and they volunteered to march to the defence of the frontier. Mr. Cass was amon tr the foremost who reached Dayton, the place of rendezvous. Here he was by acclamation elected Colonel of the third regiment of Ohio volunteers.

Other influences, however, were at work, which afforded a more extended field of action for the ardent soldier who had so eagerly enrolled his name among the defenders of his country. ■

In the early part of the year 1812, it was anticipated that the peaceful relations existing between the United States and England would soon be terminated by a declaration of war, forced by the repeated and continued aggressions of the latter.

Acting upon the preservative principle, " in peace prepare for war," Congress adopted measures for the increase of the army. As it was probable, in the event of war, that the frontiers bordering upon the British Provinces, would be the principal theatre of hostilities on land, the attention of government was directed to their protection. A call was made upon the Governor of Ohio for a draft of militia and volunteers, for the service of the United States. Col. Kingsbury, of the 1st regiment, U. S. Infantry, was designated as the commander of the force, and was ordered to Washincrton to receive his instructions. Sickness, at that place, prevented him assuming his post, and General William Hull — who had acquired a high reputation in the revolutionary army, and who was then at Washington — was appointed a Brigadier General, and was assigned to the command of the north-western army. Gen. Hull was, at that time, civil Governor of the territory of Michigan. It was with some reluctance that he accepted the military command. This was in April 1812. The military force was raised for a double object : to act against the British in Canada, if there should be war, and to suppress hostilities from the Indians in the Territory of Michigan.

The militia of Ohio, under the order of Gov. Meigs, were, in a very short time, prepared to march. They rendezvoused at Dayton, to the number of 1200, and, marching from their to Urbana, were joined by 300 men of the 4th United States Regiment. The third regiment of Ohio militia and volunteers, was commanded by Col. Lewis Cass. Early in June, the army left Urbana for Detroit, distance more than 200 miles. Previous to commencing their march Col. Cass addressed his fellow soldiers, urging upon them the necessity of performing their duty to their country, and setting forth in glowing colors the honor and fame to be acquired by a successful campaign. The way led through a wilderness requiring the opening of roads and the construction of bridges and causeways. The soldiers were zealous in the cause which they had espoused, and bore the labors and fatigues of the march with heroism and patience. For the protection of the country, and the use and convenience of the army, they erected a number of block houses on the route. These were of great service to the invalids of the army, some of whom were worn down by the great and arduous difficulties of the march.

While the army was on the march to Detroit, there were, necessarily, but few opportunities for drilling the soldiers. Indeed there appears to have been culpable in attention to that important part of military education. But it is mentioned, by those who were the companions of Col. Cass, that he availed himself of every opportunity of drilling his regiment and accustoming them to movements and evolutions, upon the proper execution of which, battles have been often won. When the army halted for any length of time, after they were sufficiently recruited, Col. Cass would have his regiment on parade. The men thought the more of him for the interest he showed for their instruction. It would have been different, had he merely been content with issuing his orders, and entrusted their performance to his subalterns. That he did not do. He was on the ground himself; on the very spot where he should be. He required nothing of his soldiers, which he was not willing to do himself. Seeing him thus zealous in the cause in which he had embarked, the soldiers could not help being influenced by his example. A laudable emulation for excellence in martial acquirements thus became infused throughout his regiment, and with that spirit grew an attachment to their leader, which was attended with the happiest results. Kind, yet strict, he was loved and respected by all under his command. He had been chosen, by acclamation, to lead them, and they were willing to obey his orders, and follow him to the cannon's mouth.

There was not between him, and the obscure volunteer in the ranks, that broad and deep abyss, over which neither could pass, and throw aside the strict etiquette of military distinctions. He could sit beside the sick or wounded soldier, and administer, to the wants of the unfortunate, without feeling himself humiliated by the act, or his rank degraded by the humanity, which was moved by the sufferings of the private soldier. He could talk with him as man to man, of the common occurrences of the day, without lessening his influence, or hazarding obedience to his orders. Nor did he consider it unbecoming his station as an officer, to dismount from his horse and march on foot at the head of his regiment, while the wearied soldier, sinking with fatigue or illness_, was placed upon the seat his commander vacated. Such acts as these endeared him to his men, and made him the most popular and esteemed, and best obeyed officer in the army. When the army reached the forks of the Miami, Gen. Hull chartered a small vessel to transport to Detroit the heavy baggage and such of the sick as required rest and an easier mode of travel. This vessel was captured by an armed force, at the mouth of the Detroit river, sent from the British fort at Maiden. War had been declared by the United States while Hull and his army were in the woods, and information had reached the enemy's post, at Maiden, before it was known to Gen. Hull or any of his officers. Gen. Hull had previously received a communication, bearing date on the 18th of June, the day that war was declared, directing him to proceed to Detroit with all possible expedition. It was probably written previous to and just on the eve of the formal act, declaring hostilities to exist. On the 2d day of July, he received notice from the Secretary of War, that war had been declared. This communication, also, bore date on the 18th of June, but, by some means never ascertained or accounted for, it was fourteen days on its route, and did not reach him until five days after the event was communicated to the officers at Maiden, and not until the day after the vessel had sailed from the Miami, with the invalids and bao-crao-e.

The route to Detroit, passed along the margin of the Detroit river, and through na Indian village, nearly opposite the British fort. War existing, it was supposed that our soldiers would be attacked and annoyed by detachments from that garrison. But such was not tha case: the army continued its march and arrived at Detroit on the 5th of July, where it remained until the 12th of July, when it crossed the river into Canada. It was supposed that Gen. Hull would proceed at once and capture Maiden. His officers and men were alive for the expedition. It was, to the extreme of military propriety, urged upon the commanding General by his associates and subordinates in command, but these suggestions had no effect other than to cause him to make preparations, ostensibly for the attack on Maiden. Col. Cass, who had recently been at Maiden, was satisfied that the fort there was not defensible against a well directed and vigorous attack from our army. He was ardently desirous that the army should march forthwith to that point. In this he was not alone ; other officers as well as the men, were solicitous for the expedition. They considered it a part of the duty they had come there to perform, and did not understand why they were held back. Gen. Hull himself, could not be otherwise than convinced that the possession of Maiden, would be holding the key of the whole campaign ; for in one of his letters to the Sec. of War, he says : that possessing Maiden, he could march his army through Canada, to York or Niagara, in a very short time.