xt7z610vr194 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7z610vr194/data/mets.xml Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay), 1809-1885. 1852 books b92-156-29785661 English Lippincott, Grambo, : Philadelphia : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Kentucky History.Carpenter, William Henry, 1813-1899. History of Kentucky : from its earliest settlement to the present time / by T.S. Arthur and W.H. Carpenter. text History of Kentucky : from its earliest settlement to the present time / by T.S. Arthur and W.H. Carpenter. 1852 2002 true xt7z610vr194 section xt7z610vr194
THE
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY,
FROM ITS
(Flirdt Ettttntut ta tet TrutEt Cim.
BY
T. S. ARTHUR
AND
W. H.CARPENTER.
PHILADELPHIA:
LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO CO.
1852.
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1852, by
T. S. ARTHUR AfD W. H. CARPENTER,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania.
STEREOTYPED BY Ix JOHlNSON AND CO.
PE01ADELPHEA.
PRINTED BY T. R. AND P. G. COLLINS.
PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
THERE are but few persons in this country who
have not, at some time or other, felt the want of an
accurate, well written, concise, yet clear and reliable
history of their own or some other state.
The want here indicated is now about being sup-
plied; and, as the task of doing so is no light or
superficial one, the publishers have given into the
hands of the two gentlemen whose names appear in
the title-page, the work of preparing a series of CABI-
NET HISTORIES, embracing a volume for each state in
the Union. Of their ability to perform this well, we
need not speak. They are no strangers in thd literary
world. What they undertake the public may rest
assured will be performed thoroughly, and that no
sectarian, sectional, or party feelings will bias their
judgment, or lead them to violate the integrity of
history.
The importance of a series of state histories like
those now commenced, can scarcely be estimated.
Being condensed as carefully as accuracy and interest
of narrative will permit, the size and price of the
volumes will bring them within the reach of every
family in the country, thus making them home-read-
ing books for old and young. Each individual will,
1-
5
6 PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
in consequence, become familiar, not only with the
history of his own state, but with that of other states:
-thus mutual interest will be re-awakened, and old
bonds cemented in a firmer union.
In this series of CABINET HISTORIES, the authors,
while presenting a concise but accurate narrative of
the domestic policy of each state, will give greater
prominence to the personal history of the people.
The dangers which continually hovered around the
early colonists; the stirring romance of a life passed
fearlessly amid peril; the incidents of border war-
fare; the adventures of hardy pioneers; the keen
watchfulness, the subtle surprise, the ruthless attack,
and prompt retaliation-all these having had an im-
portant influence upon the formation of the American
character, are to be freely recorded; while the progres-
sive development of the citizens of each individual state
from the rough forest life of the earlier day to the
polished condition of the present, will exhibit a pic-
ture of national expansion as instructing as it is inte-
resting.
The size and style of the series will be uniform
with the present volume. The authors, who have
been for some time collecting and arranging materials,
will furnish the succeeding volumes as rapidly as their
careful preparation will warrant.
PREFACE.
THE history of Kentucky, here introduced to the
reader, is the first of a series of popular state histories,
now in course of publication. The aim has been to
present a graphic picture of the progress of the state,
from its first settlement by Daniel Boone down to the
present time.
The fierce and incessant inroads by which the
savages sought to drive the first settlers from their
favourite hunting-grounds; the capture of Kaskaskia,
Cahokia, and Vincennes, by General Clark; the ex-
peditions of Harmar, St. Clair, and Wayne; the at-
tempts made by Spain to sever Kentucky from the
Union; the machinations of Burr and his fellow-con-
spirators; the services of the volunteers from Ken-
tucky in the war of 1812, and the more recent inva-
sion of Mexico, have all been recorded: briefly in
some respects, but always fully whenever they came
within the scope of state history.
Kentucky decupies a peculiar position in relation to
her sister states. Previous to the explorations which
led to the erection of block-houses and rudely forti-
fied stations by the early pioneers, the western In-
dians had fondly clung to the hope that the Ohio
River would remain the boundary line between the
8 PREFACE.
whites and the aborigines. When this hope was over-
shadowed by the advance of hardy frontiersmen-
few, indeed, at first, but gradually increasing in
numbers until they grew to be formidable-the In-
dians commenced hostilities, and in thelir endeavours
to force the daring intruders to desert their favourite
hunting-grounds, and retrace their steps across the
Ohio River, Kentucky became the battle-ground of
the West, and by the wonderful endurance and energy
of her pioneers, opened a peaceful path to those who
came afterward and settled in the territories beyond.
From this circumstance, and from the frank-hearted
patriotism of her people, Kentucky occupies a high
position among the States of the Union, and exercises
a wide influence in the councils of the nation.
This volume records briefly, yet, it is believed, with
fidelity and clearness, every event of leading interest
connected with the progression of the state to its pre-
sent position; at the same time there is presented, as
much in detail as possible, a narrative of those thrill-
ing adventures of the early settlers which give to the
history of Kentucky the fascination of a romance.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Introduction-Doctor Walker touches the northern parts of
Kentucky-Explorations of John Finley-His glowing de-
scriptions of the country-Boone and others proceed to Ken-
tucky-Builds a cabin near Red River-Boone and Stuart
captured by the Indians-Mysterious fate of their com-
panions-Arrival of Squire Boone-Stuart killed and scalped
-Squire Boone returns home-Solitary condition of Daniel
Boone-Returns to North Carolina-Colonel Knox and the
Long Hunters-Boone sets out for Kentucky with five fami-
lies-Is attacked by the Indians, and turns back-Leads
a party of surveyors to the falls of the Ohio-Captain Bul-
litt-The, brothers McAffee-The Wataga treaty-Opera-
tions of Boone-Attacked by the Indians-Fort at Boones-
borough built-Forts of the early settlers-Harrodstown
station-Immigration continues-The Transylvania Com-
pany form a proprietary government-Virginia annuls the
treaty of Wataga-Boone brings his family to Kentucky-
Arrival of Mc3Gary, Hogan, and Denton-Simon Kenton... 19
CHAPTER IL
George Rogers Clark-Suggests a meeting of the colonists at
Harrodsburg-Appointed with Gabriel Jones a member of
the Virginia assembly-Applies to the council for ammuni-
tion for the colonists-The daughter of Boone and two other
females zaptured within sight of the fort-The Indians pur-
sued and the captives retaken-Kentucky erected into a
county of Virginia-Clark conveys the powder granted by
Virginia down the Ohio-Is pursued by the Indians-Se-
cretes the powder at the mouth of Limestone Creek-Colonel
Todd defeated near the Blue Licks-Jones and Grayson
9
10 CONTENTS,
killed-McClelland's Fort attacked-Kenton and others at-
tacked near Hinckston's station-Harrodsburg invested by
the Indians-Fearful situation of Jamns Ray-Major Clark
assaults the Indians-Heroism of Logan-A spy company
organized-Skirmish at Boonesborough-The life of Boone
saved by Kenton ................................................ 32
CHAPTER IMI.
Border life-Clark sends spies to Kaskaskia-Projects an in-
vasion of Illinois-Submits to the Governor of Virginia a
plan of operations against the British outposts-Is appointed
to lead the expedition-Boone taken prisoner at Blue Licks
-Escapes from Chillicothe and returns to Boonesborough
-Is besieged by a large Indian force led by Captain Du
Quesne-Artifices of the Indians-The siege raised-Clark
captures Kaskaskia and Cahokia-Sends his prisoners to
Virginia-Takes Vincennes-His success in conciliating the
Indians-Governor Hamilton recaptures Vincennes-His
ulterior designs-Clark resolves to attack Hamilton-His
terrible march through the wilderness-Reaches Vincennes
-His stratagem-Fatal accuracy of his rifles-Governor
Hamilton surrenders.................................................... 48
CHAPTER IV.
The first block-house built at Lexington-Expedition of Colonel
Bowman against Chillicothe-Bravery of Logan-Singular
conduct of Bowman-The attack by Logan-Bowman orders
a retreat-Harassed by the Indians-The savages repulsed
by Logan and others-Land law of Kentucky-Its obnox-
ious features-Vexatious law-suits arising from it-Colonel
Rogers attacked by the Indians on the Ohio-Dreadful
slaughter of the whites-Romantic anecdote of Captain
Denham and his companion-Ruddell's station attacked by
Canadians and Indians under Colonel Byrd-Ruddell sur-
renders-Treacherous conduct of the savages-Indignation
of Byrd-Martin's station captured-Byrd retreats down
the Ohio-Escape of Captain Hinckston-His ingenuity in
discovering the route to Lexington by night-His perilous
escapes-Surrounded by Indians-Reaches Lexington in
safety-Indians retreat with their booty .......................... 81
CHAPTER V.
Clark destroys the Piqua towns on the Miami-Kentucky di-
vided into three counties-Indian incursions-Immigration
0ONTTRNTS.
11
continues-Transylvania University incorporated by Virgi-
nia-Indians invest Estill's station-Are pursued-Defeat
of Estill-Bryant's station attacked by Girty at the head
of six hundred Indians-Heroism of the women-Arrival
of reinforcements-Their perilous situation-Skirmish in
the corn-field-Attack on the station-Girty attempts to ne-
gotiate-Answer of Reynolds-The Indians raise the siege
-Are pursued by a party under Colonel Todd-Fatal reck-
lessness of Mc(ary-The Kentuckians attacked by the In-
dians from an ambush-Desperate conflict-Rout of the
Kentuckians-Escape of Daniel Boone-Presence of mind
of Netherland-Retaliation of Clark-Burns the Miami
towns......................................................................... 73
CHAPTER VI.
Increase of immigration-Prospect of peace with England-
Difficulties continue-Indian hostilities cease-Kenton re-
claims his settlement in Washington-Brodhead opens a
store in Louisville-General James Wilkinson immigrates
to Kentucky-New counties laid off-Proposition to sepa-
rate from Virginia-Expedition of Clark against the In-
dians on the Wabash-Causes of its failure-Conventions
in Kentucky-Difficulties with the general government-
The navigation of the Mississippi-Spanish intrigues-
Brown has several conferences with Gardoqui-Letter of
Innis to the Governor of Virginia-General Wilkinson goes
to New Orleans-Returns-Tempts the Kentuckians by the
offer of an independent treaty with Spain-Animosity of
parties-Letter of Marshall-Conventions-Kentucky re-
ceived into the Union ................................................ 86
CHAPTER VII.
Indian inroads-Silas Hart pursues the Indians-Is killed-
Heroism of young Hart-Captivity of the family-Judge
Rowan sails down the Ohio-Is pursued by Indians-His
perilous position-Wonderful presence of mind of Mrs.
Rowan-Adventure of Caffree, McClure, and Davis-Meet
with an equal number of Indians-Terrible combat-Caf-
free and Davis killed-Subsequent adventures of McClure
-His escape-Colonel Marshall descends the Ohio-Is
hailed by James Girty-Indian decoys-Captain Ward as-
saulted by Indians-Death of his pephew-Panic of the
others-The search for a stray horse by Downing and
Yates-They are followed by Indians-Downing conceals
himself-The pursuit-Perilous situation of Downing-
His remarkable escape ................................................ 98
12
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIm
Indians attack the house of widow Shanks-Their stratagem
-The house fired-Fearful massacre-Heroic conduct of
young Shanks-Pursuit of the Indians-Their singular es-
cape-New mode of warfare on the Ohio-Political condi-
tion of Kentucky-Adventure of John Lancaster-Taken
captive with his companions-His escape and subsequent
privations-Floats down the Ohio on a raft-Is rescued at
the falls-Ballard's house attacked-Stubborn defence by
old Mr. Ballard-Daring conduct of Bland Ballard, the cele-
brated spy-Loss of the Indians ................................... 110
CHAPTER IX.
Captain Hubbell descends the Ohio-Is attacked by Indians
-His desperate defence-The Indians beaten off-Boat of
Captain Greathouse captured-Hubbell again attacked-
Indians retire with great loss-Heroism of a boy-Num-
ber of wounded-Painful condition of Captain Hubbell-
The boat reaches Limestone-Unsuccessful pursuit of the
savages-John May descends the Ohio-Indian stratagem-
Finn urges May to put into the Ohio shore-Finn surprised
by the savages-The boat attacked and captured-Skyles
wounded-May and Miss Fleming killed-Reception of the
Indians by Johnston-Captain Marshall descends the Ohio
with three boats-Is pursued by the Indians-The attack
and defence-His escape with the loss of two boats ........... 123
CHAPTER A.
Indian outrages-Action of the general government-Expedi-
tion of General Harmar-Miami villages burned-Hardin
detached to follow up the Indians-Falls into an ambush-
Is defeated-Painful situation of Captain Armstrong-Har-
mar retreats-Hardin again detached-Indian stratagem-
Noble conduct of the regulars-Hardin defeated-Harmar
returns home-Harmar and Hardin court-martialled-Ac-
quittal-Resignation of Harmar-Scott's expedition-De-
struction of the villages on the Wabash-Return of the
troops-St. Clair's expedition-Rendezvous at Fort Wash-
ington-Feeling of the Kentuckians-Object of the cam-
paign-Condition of the army-Fort Hamilton built-Erec-
tion of Fort Jefferson-The march-Desertion of the
militia-Of the Mountain Leader, a Chickasaw chief and
his band-St. Clair encamps on one of the tributaries of
the Wabash-Furious attack by the Indians, led by Lit-
CONTENTS.
13
tle Turtle and Girty-Defeat of St. Clair-Retreat to Fort
W ashington ........................................................... 140
CHAPTER XI.
Personal incidents of St. Clairxs campaign-William Kennan
-His strength and activity-Discovers the Indians-Is
pursued by them-A race for life-His extraordinary leap
The retreat-Carries a wounded companion-His terrible
recourse to relieve himself-Assists Mr. Madison, afterward
governor of Kentucky-Excitement in Kentucky-Scott
and Wilkinson call for volunteers-Wilkinson marches to
the battle-ground-Horrid spectacle-Constitution of Ken-
tucky-Its provisions-Legislative acts-Population of the
state-Indian disturbances-Settlement on Elkhorn attack-
ed-The Cooks killed-Resolute conduct of the widows-
Escape of McAndre-Martin killed-Escape of Dunn-Mur-
der of his two sons-Indians pursued .152
CHAPTER XII.
St. Clair superseded-Wayne appointedhis successor-Colonel
Hardin-Sent as a messenger to the Indians-Is murdered
-Biographical notice-Hardin serves under Dunmore-
Volunteers with Captain Morgan-Is wounded in the thigh
-Rejoins Dunmore in an expedition against the Indian
towns-Contemplates moving to Kentucky-War between
England and the colonies-Hardin enlists men for the de-
fence of his country-Is appointed a lieutenant-Offered a
majority, but declines-Moves to Kentucky-Appointed
colonel of the county militia-His services-Grave charge
against Wilkinson-Tecumseh-Kenton's skirmish with
him-His stratagem and escape-The last Indian inroad-
Kenton forms an ambuscade on the Ohio-Kills four In-
dians and two white men-Escape of the others 166
CHAPTER XIII.
Genet supersedes Ternant as ambassador to the U nited States
-Perplexing position of the government-Washington calls
a cabinet council-Proclamation of neutrality resolved upon
-High-handed conduct of Genet-His reception by the
people-Projects an expedition against the Spanish settle-
ments-Despatches agents to Kentucky to raise volunteers
-George Rogers Clark commissioned a major-general in
the French service-Letter to Governor Shelby from the
Secretary of State-His reply-Democratic societies formed
-Second letter to Shelby-His sympathy with the move-
2
14
CONTENTS.
ment-Shelby's letter to the Secretary of State-Reply of
Edmund Randolph-Washington issues a proclamation to
the people of Kentucky-The recall of Genet solicited-Ac-
tivity of the Democratic associations-Meeting at Lexing-
ton-Recall of Genet-The expedition abandoned-Genet
marries and settles in New York ..................................... 177
CHAPTER XIV.
Commissioners sent to the Indians to treat for peace-Refusal
of the savages to treat-The army under Wayne-Fort
Greenville built-St. Clair's battle-ground reoccupied-Fort
Recovery built-Wayne joined by the Kentucky volunteers
-Commences his march-Indian villages abandoned-
Builds Fort Adams and Defiance-Intelligence of the In-
dians-A flag sent to them-Their answer-Fort Deposit
built-The enemy discovered-Battle of Fallen Timbers-
Defeat of the Indians-Wayne encamps near the British
fort-Altercation with Major Campbell-Conduct of the
Kentuckians-Fort Wayne built-Treaty with the Indians
-Feeling in Kentucky-Marshall elected to the Senate of
the United States-Attempt to remove Judges Muter and
Sebastian-Courts of quarter sessions and oyer and termi-
ner abolished-Other laws ............................................ 188
CHAPTER XV.
Retrospective-Joe Logston-His character-Leaves the fort
in search of cattle-Is fired on by two Indians-His horse
killed under him-Wounds one Indian severely-Is attack-
ed by the other-Both combatants disarmed-A fearful
trial of strength and activity-Kills his antagonist-Re-
turns to the fort-Is disbelieved-A search instituted-The
story confirmed-An example of savage heroism-The
Nickajack expedition-The people of Tennessee call upon
Kentucky for assistance-Colonel Whitley marches with
one hundred men-Forms a junction with Colonel Orr-Is
appointed to command the troops-Surprise of the Nicka-
jack towns-A second expedition organized-The result-,
Anecdote of Whitley-Proceeds to the southern towns to
recover some negroes-Conduct of a half-breed-Friendship
of Otter Lifter-His character-Biography of Whitley-His
death....................................................................... 200
CHAPTER XVL
Final ratification of the treaty of peace between Great Britain
and the United States-Spain agrees to grant the navi-
CONTENTS.
15
gation of the Mississippi-Intrigues with Kentucky-Power,
the Spanish agent, confers with Judge Sebastian-Baron
Carondelet's proposition-Views of Sebastian, Innis, and
Nicholas-Power visits General Wilkinson at Detroit-His
reception-Reply of Wilkinson-Views of Sebastian-
Power's own opinion-Power sent to Port Massac under an
escort-Reaches New Madrid-Subsequent revelation con-
cerning Sebastian-Adams elected President of the United
States-His unpopularity in Kentucky-Meeting of the le-
gislature-Proposition to revise the constitution-Votes for
and against a convention-Decision of the legislature ........ 212
CHAPTER XVII.
Garrard elected Governor of Kentucky-Denounces the alien
and sedition laws-Nullification resolutions written by Jef-
ferson-Endorsed by Kentucky-Denounced by other states
-Creation of new counties in Kentucky-Education pro-
moted-Various academies established-Appropriations of
land for their support-Meeting of convention-New con-
stitution adopted-Garrard re-elected governor-An at-
tempt made to encourage manufactures-Election of Jef-
ferson-Navigation of the Mississippi interrupted-Louisi-
ana ceded to France-Excitement in Kentucky-Letter of
Jefferson to Livingston-Monroe sent to Paris-Purchase
of Louisiana-Claiborne takes possession of New Orleans-
Greenup elected Governor of Kentucky-Re-election of Jef-
ferson-Kentucky militia discharged .............................. 224
CHAPTER XVIII.
Aaron Burr-Elected Vice President of the United States-
Loses the confidence of his party-Is nominated for Gover-
nor of New York-Defeated through the influence of Ham-
ilton-Kills Hamilton in a duel-Flees to South Carolina-
Returns to Washington-Sets out for the West-His nomi-
nal projects-His association with Wilkinson-Becomes ac-
quainted with Blennerhasset-Actual project of Burr-
Reaches New Orleans-Returns overland to Kentucky-
Spends the spring and summer in Philadelphia and Wash-
ington-Attempts to win over Eaton, Truxton, and Decatur
-His second journey to the West-Builds boats on the
Muskingum-Contracts for supplies and enlists volunteers
-Wilkinson at Natchitoches-Receives despatohes from
Burr-Sends a messenger to the president-Orders New Or-
leans to be strengthened-Proceeds to Natchez-Despatches
a second messenger to Washington-Writes to Claiborne
16
CONTENTS.
and the Governor of the Mississippi Territory-Reaches
New Orleans-His measures at that place ....................... 283
CHAPTER XIX.
Conflicting reports concerning the intentions of Burr-Ex-
posures made at Frankfort-Energetic conduct of Daviess
-His affidavit against Burr-An examination ordered-
Burr attends the court-The case postponed-A new grand
jury summoned-Second appearance of Burr-Absence of
General Adair, the principal witness for the prosecution-
The examination pressed-Acquittal of Burr-His false de-
claration to Henry Clay-Action of the general government
-Jefferson sends an agent to Ohio-Disclosures by Blen-
nerhasset-Seizure of ten boats on the Muskingum-Tyler's
flotilla-Burr proceeds to Nashville-Meets the volunteers
at the mouth of the Cumberland River-Descends the Mis-
sissippi to New Madrid-Gains a knowledge of Wilkinson's
revelations-Encamps above Natchez-The militia called
out by the Governor of the Mississippi Territory-Burr sur-
renders himself to the civil authorities-His boats searched
-Charges against Sebastian and Innis .245
CHAPTER XX.
Critical foreign relations with the United States-Berlin de-
crees-Restraint upon commercial enterprise-Attack upon
the Chesapeake-Great excitement throughout the Union
'-Embargo-One hundred thousand militia called for-Re-
solutions passed in Kentucky-Declaration of war-Indian
difficulties-Tecumseh-His attempts to form a confedera-
tion of tribes-Assembling of warriors at Tippecanoe-
March of Harrison-Battle of Tippecanoe-Death of Joseph
H. Daviess-Return of Tecumseh-His interview with Har-
rison-Hull appointed to command the northwestern army
-Invades Canada-Returns-General Brock summons De-
troit-Surrender of Hull-Indignation of the states-Volun-
teers from Kentucky-Hopkins marches against the Illinois
Indians-Is deserted by his men-A second northwestern
army organized-Harrison commissioned a brigadier-gene-
ral-Appointed commander-in-chief .257
CHAPTER XXL
Plan of the fall campaign of 1812-Harrison appointed com-
mander of the northwestern army-Winchester marches
from Fort Wayne-Difficulties of the route-Deplorable
condition of the troops-Winchester halts at the Rapids-
CONTENTS. 17
The enemy approach Frenchtown-A detachment of Ken-
tuckians under Colonel Lewis sent against them-Proctor
advances from Malden-Battle of the River Raisin-Sur-
render of the Americans-Inhuman massacre-Reception
of the news in Kentucky-Four regiments of volunteers
raised-Harrison builds Fort Meigs-Is reinforced from -
Kentucky-Siege of Fort Meigs by Proctor-Advance of
General Clay-Colonel Dudley destroys a part of the Bri-
tish batteries-His detachment surrounded by British and
Indians-Terrible slaughter of the prisoners-Inhuman
conduct of Proctor-Tecumseh-His indignant reply to the
British general ..........2...................... . ......... 269
CHAPTER XXII.
Great advantages possessed by the British-Perry ordered to
build vessels on the shore of Lake Erie-Extraordinary ac-
tivity and despatch-Proctor assaults Fort Stephenson-
Croghan's noble defence-Perry's victory on Lake Erie-
Harrison advances into Canada-Proctor retreats toward
the Moravian towns-Battle of the Thames-Surrender of
the regulars and flight of Proctor-Desperate conflict with
the Indians-Colonel Johnson severely wounded-Tecum-
seh killed-The British forces under Packenham threaten
New Orleans-Vanguard of the enemy bivouac on the Mis-
sissippi-Night attack by Jackson and Coffee, supported by
the schooner Caroline-Arrival of Packenham-His tardy
movements-Activity of Jackson-Kentucky reinforcement
arrives-Battle of the 8th of January-Terrible slaughter of
the enemy-Death of Packenham-Retreat of the enemy.... 281
CHAPTER XXIII.
Peace proclaimed between England and the United States-
Inflated condition of the currency-Dreadful monetary de-
rangement-Banks chartered-Power of replevin extended
-Bank of the Commonwealth chartered-Great excitement
on account of the relief law-Relief and anti-relief parties
organized-Legality of the relief law contested-Decision
of Judge Clarke sustained by the court of appeals-Gene-
ral alarm and outcry-Unsuccessful attempt of the legisla-
ture to remove the judges-The old court of appeals abolish-
ed, and a itew one established-The constitutionality of the
latter contested-The old court sustained-State and gene-
ral politics-Suspension of specie payments-Second mone-
tary derangement-The legislature again applied to for
relief-Wisdom of the measures adopted-Governors of
Kentucky-Presidential election................................. 298
2
18 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Mexico and the United States-Annexation of Texas-Gene-
ral Taylor ordered to move to the Rio Grando-Encamps at
Corpus Christi-Erects a post at Point Isabel-Marches to
a point opposite Matamoras-Builds Fort Brown-The
Mexicans cross the Rio Grande in force-Taylor returns to
Point Isabel-Again marches to Fort Brown-Battle of
Palo Alto-Battle of Resaca de la Palma-Occupation of
Matamoras-Reception of reinforcements-March upon
Monterey-Storming of Monterey-Great reduction of the
force under General Taylor-Is compelled to assume the
defensive-Return of Santa Anna to Mexico-Concentrates
a large army at San Luis Potosi-Marches against Taylor
-Battle of Buena Vista-Conclusion ............................,.30
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
CHAPTER I.
Introduction-Doctor Walker touches the northern parts of
Kentucky-Explorations of John Finley-His glowing de-
scriptions of the country-Boone and others proceed to Ken-
tucky-Build a cabin near Red River-Boone and Stuart
captured by the Indians-Mysterious fate of their companions
-Arrival of Squire Boone-Stuart killed and scalped-Squire
Boone returns home-Solitary condition of Daniel Boone
-Returns to North Carolina-Colonel Knox and the Long
Hunters-Boone sets out for Kentucky with five families-Is
attacked by the Indians, and turns back-Leads a party of
surveyors to the falls of the Ohio-Captain Bullitt-The
brothers McAfee-The Wataga treaty-Operations of Boone
-Attacked by the Indians-Fort at Boonesborough built
-Forts of the early settlers-Harrodstown station-Immigra-
tion continues-The Transylvania Company form a proprie-
tary government-Virginia annuls the treaty of Wataga
-Boone brings his family to Kentucky-Arrival of McGary,
Hogan, and Denton-Simon Kenton.
No history of any individual state belonging
to the North American Confederation presents so
graphic a picture of the courage, energy, capacity
of endurance, and indomitable tenacity of its peo-
ple, as that of Kentucky. The sternest truths,
in relation to the difficulties encountered by the
bold hunters and hardy pioneers of "4the dark
and bloody ground," assume the wild charm and
19
20 HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
vivid colouring of the most startling romance.
In this case, history far transcends fiction, by
giving all those minute details of time, place, and
circumstance, which stamp all narratives of real
adventure with the fascinating impression of per-
fect lifelikeness.
As the. self-reliant type of the American cha-
racter at the epoch of the Revolution, the Ken-
tuckian stands pre-eminent. He may even stand
for it at the present day. The descendant of the
cavaliers of Virginia and Maryland, he carried
with him into the wilderness many of the noble
qualities for which that brave, high-toned, but
reckless class of people were distinguished; while
he left behind him not a few of their vices.
Daring even to rashness, he was yet full of all
generous impulses; fierce to his enemies, he was
yet hospitable to the stranger; quick to resent
an injury, yet prompt to forgive it; fertile in
stratagem, yet steadfast in resolve; fiery in pur-
suit, yet cool and collected in action; never re-
treating but to fight, Parthian-like, as he fell
back; never stooping to the earth but to gather
strength for the rebound; simple in his tastes
and pleasures; a doer of brave acts and generous
deeds-not to gain the applause of others, but
from native nobility of soul. Free even to the
verge of lawlessness, time has reversed in him
the stigma which Captain John Smith had cast
upon his progenitors, who, if they were amenable
ITS ABORIGINES.
to the censure of that valiant soldier, as being
"more fitted to corrupt than found a common-
wealth," have yet the merit of having redeemed
their memory in the pure republicanism of their
children's children.
Of the original occupants of that splendid coun-
try, which, under the modern name of the State
of Kentucky, stretches from the thirty-sixth to
the thirty-ninth degree of north latitude, and
from the eighty-second to 'nearly the ninetieth
degree of west longitude, nothing now is known.
That they were superior in civilization to the In-
dians who subsequently roamed its sylvan aisles,
and contested their possession so long and so
hardily with the Anglo-American pioneers, is
sufficiently attested by the remains of their skil-
fully-constructed fortifications, their copper tools
for mechanical purposes, their curiously-carved
pipes, and the more perfect and ingenious charac-
ter of their household utensils. As to who they
were, or of what nation, how they came, or whither
they departed, antiquarian knowledge has hitherto
been at fault, and the traditions of their ruder
successors furnish no clue.
Until Dr. Walker touched upon the northern
parts of Kentucky, at some time between the years
1747 and 1758, no Anglo-Saxon foot had ever
stood upon its soil. Nine years after this latter
period, it was partially explored by John Finley,
-who, on returning home from his adventurous
21
22 HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
excursion, gave such glowing accounts of the rich-
ness and fertility of the new country, that the
bold and daring frontiersmen of Virginia; and
North Carolina were stimulated to cross the rug-
ged Cumberland Mountains, and view for them-
selves the be