chagrin to Ross, who assured him, that as he had been perfectly acquainted with his motives, he would guaranty his safety as respected the government. In the moment of injured feeling, he exclaimed, "it seems that all the thanks I am to

has not yet seen our representatives; he does not know our demands. We can only receive these commissioners as a matter of form, or civility; the first step must be taken by us; we can only lay before them what is to be laid before the President; and of course, they must wait for instruc- receive for the exertions I have made, and the tions. Our waiting here would therefore be en- dangers I have encountered, is that I shall be retirely useless. The authority to negotiate, to cor-garded as a traitor; if such be my fate, I may as respond, &c., must be entrusted to the Standing well join the insurgents in earnest." "By no Committee, for this requires time, and may require means," said Ross, "the force of genius is almighty, caution and dexterity to prevent an advantage being give them not the aid of yours." In fact, the taken of us." insurrection would soon have worn a different asNo one spoke after this, and the resolution was pect, under the direction of a man, who, though passed. A proposal was made to instruct, but this bred to letters, and having no great relish for the was again parried by observing, that instructions profession of arms, was, like Rienzi, equal to any could not be framed without knowing the proposi-emergency; and if driven to desperation by injustions which might be made by the commissioners.tice, might have led the way to consequences which It was agreed that the new meeting of deputies no one could foretell; for at this moment, when should be at Brownsville, in September; the Stand-the whole West was attached to the East by a ing Committee to fix their own time of meeting. slender tie, Spain and France, with the good will When he walked out of the circle, he observed of England, were endeavoring to divide the Union, to Ross, "I think the point is now gained. There by making the Alleghany mountains the boundary is a basis now laid on which we can act. To this of a distinct power. But with him these were the point I have always looked, not expecting com- thoughts of a moment, and instantly banished from missioners from the government, but propositions his mind; he was too much of a patriot and phifrom it to commissioners on our part, holding out lanthropist, to be deluded by the visions of false an amnesty; which I take to be the great secret ambition, and selfish aggrandizement. of composing the disturbance. Until that appeared, On the meeting of the Committee at Pittsburgh, the disposition of those involved was to acts of to confer with the commissioners, Mr. Brackenviolence to support themselves; and the whole ridge took the first opportunity to lay aside the county, conscious that every man has in some de-mask he had been compelled to wear. gree contributed, by words or actions, to produce plained fully and candidly the motives by which he this mental opposition to the law, which has ter- had been actuated, addressed them as men of sense, minated in actual force, could not reconcile it to and pointed out the necessity of accepting the amtheir feelings to abandon those who have acted nesty as speedily as possible, orders having already with precipitation in the late occurrences. been issued to assemble the militia on the other amnesty being given, these can say to their coun-side of the mountain; and they were then probatrymen, you are now on the same ground with us; bly on their march. Gallatin and others, who enstop, we will go no further." tertained the same views, made similar representaHe had no previous consultation with Gallatin, tions, and it was found that the Committee was with whom, he was but slightly acquainted; but with them, with the exception of Bradford and he took the first occasion to say to him, "I pre- Marshall, who appeared thunderstruck; "the first sume, Mr. Gallatin, you understand me." "Per-looked red and angry; the latter pale and affected." fectly, sir," was the reply. A few days after the It is highly probable, that they had, by this time, last meeting, the commissioners had arrived at discovered that an amnesty would not reach their Pittsburgh; they were Messrs. Yates, Bradford, case; the riots, in which great numbers had been (Attorney General,) and Mr. Ross. engaged, might be passed over; but their avowed Mr. Brackenridge found that there was a strong treasonable designs, and robbery of the mail,—a prepossession in the mind of two of the commis- little project of their own,—could not be so reasioners against him, and he learned that his con-dily forgotten.

But an

He ex

duct had been cruelly misrepresented on the other Mr. Brackenridge was entrusted by the Comside of the mountains, (chiefly by persons who had mittee to draw up a report, and he was desirous to left Pittsburgh,) either from enmity or misapprehen- place the case of the people in as strong a light as sion. He was represented as the real leader of possible, so as to show that the Committee had the insurrection, and Bradford but a tool in his made the best of it. But this was objected to by hands. He was thus placed between two fires; he the commissioners, who wished that the question had run great risk with the people, and was now of acceptance or not, of the amnesty, should be in greater danger from the government, by which, placed before the new assemblage of deputies, and he was to be denounced as a traitor. He could for this purpose, hastened their meeting at an earlier not refrain from expressing his mortification and day than that fixed upon. The season was advan

cing, and the President could not delay sending to be indignant at the conduct of Jackson, he retroops. It was besides told him, in confidence, that lated to them, with infinite drollery of manner, an there was a serious apprehension of a rising in the anecdote of Oliver Cromwell, perhaps invented for lower counties, that is, of those on the other side this occasion. "Some one came to Oliver and of the mountains, opposed to the excise, unless informed him, that a certain person had had the something was speedily done. audacity to say, that the Protector might go to the devil.' 'Did he?' said Oliver- the villain—I'll punish him; go to him and tell him to come and show me the way.' This fellow has called us a Scrub Congress-let him be named Scrub himself, and made to pay for the christening." Peals of laughter followed this sentence, and the Quaker was carried off to receive his punishment, which amounted to a few gallons of whiskey.

In his report, Brackenridge suggested some reasons which he thought would have weight in inducing the people to accept the terms of the commissioners; but in this, Gallatin differed from him. In his work on the insurrection, he makes some remarks on this head, which are worth repeating here, for their truth and good sense. "No doubt it is the true democratic principle that the will of the majority shall govern; the national will has The report of Mr. Brackenridge was read. But made the law, and it should be obeyed. However it appeared that the popular feeling had gone beunequal and oppressive it may be in this part of yond the idea of an amnesty. The people rather the community, yet the will of the whole required thought of giving one-they had expected a susthat it should be obeyed. This is an abstract ar- pension of the obnoxious laws, if not a repeal. He gument, which must satisfy the understanding, but saw it would not do to enter upon the business can never reconcile the heart. It is like the theo-immediately. Findlay, Smiley and others were on logical argument of the divines, that the good of the ground, and might prepare the public mind-it the whole requires that some should be damned, was therefore thought prudent to adjourn until next and that a man cannot be a saint until he feels a morning. Bradford and Marshall had become disposition to be reconciled to the divine will, even his bitter enemies, and were desirous of holding a if it shall fall to his lot to be doomed to everlast- caucus with such members as they could operate ing punishment. A regenerated man may come upon. The situation of Mr. Brackenridge was to this, but a natural man never can. So an en- again perilous, his popularity having once more suflightened politician may comprehend, and acquiesce fered. Popularity, in such times, is of little value; in the principle of submission to inequality of bur- it is but the turning of the hand, the palm up or thens, when the nation dooms him to it; but the down-liable to a sudden fall from the highest pincommon mind revolts; and nothing will quiet such nacle of favor to the lowest point of obloquy. a mind, but the consideration that it cannot be The next morning he found the situation of Galhelped. My argument, therefore, chiefly contem- latin and himself rather delicate. During the plated the want of power-sometimes introducing night great pains had been taken to inflame the the idea of postponement, &c., and when it was re- minds of the people. With his coadjutor, he was plied to the latter, that the people could never be determined to risk the question of amnesty; but roused again, my answer was, "I know that, and with the very unpleasant prospect of being arit was on that principle I suggested it. It was rested as traitors by the mob, if they failed. It was quite safe to talk of another day; for if Satan was proposed that Edgar, a Presbyterian elder, and a once laid, it would be hard to raise him again. member of the twelve, who was not so deeply comThe people would begin to look back, and be made mitted, should open the matter; but he declined; sensible of the precipice on which they had been it was therefore put on Gallatin. This gentleman standing. Let the law be put in operation, and occupied the attention of the assembly, and a nuthey would not find it the evil they conceived it merous audience, for some hours, with a speech of great power and eloquence; and was heard with The deputies, or General Committee, consisting deep attention. Mr. Brackenridge then, at conof sixty members, including the Standing Commit-siderable length, went over the ground which had tee, met at Brownsville on the 28th of August. been occupied by Gallatin; placed the arguments The first thing that occurred, was the bringing be- in somewhat different lights, and added something fore the Committee, under a guard of seventy-men, new. Gallatin was more didactic; Brackenridge a Quaker, of the name of Jackson, who had given more impassioned ;--the first, addressed their pagreat offence by calling the assemblage a " Scrub triotism and their reason; the latter, their conCongress." The people had at first intended to destroy his property, and tar and feather him, but Before the flight of this individual, a letter containing had been persuaded by the more moderate to bring a tissue of falsehoods and absurdities, was procured from him before the Committee for trial. On this oc-him by some of Mr. Brackenridge's enemies, with a view of implicating him. They did not reflect that such a docucasion, Mr. Brackenridge gave a proof of his ready ment would be more injurious to those who could conaddress, and showed that wit may sometimes answer descend to use it than to the person against whom it was a better purpose than sober argument. Affecting used.

to be."

sciences and fears. Both speeches were masterly own party, who cried out, "Dagon, how art thou efforts. They were followed by Edgar, in a kind fallen!" Feeling little confidence in this new maof sermonizing discourse, but which was replete nœuvre, he came to the conclusion that his safety with good sense, and had its effect on the people, to whose habits it was adapted.

lay in flight. Another meeting was held on the 2d of October at Parkinson's Ferry, at which General Bradford spoke with violence against accepting Wilkins and Mr. Brackenridge were delegates the terms of amnesty. "We will defeat the first from Pittsburg. Resolutions were passed declaring army that crosses the mountains," said he, "and that law and order were restored; and two pertake their arms and baggage." After he had con- sons, Findlay and Reddick, were chosen as delecluded, Gallatin moved to take the vote-but as gates to the President, to request that the march only the members of the committee of twelve stood of the army, which had by this time assembled, up, it was negatived. Presuming that this pro- might be stopped. They went on their mission; ceeded from unwillingness to vote openly, Gallatin an account of which is given by Findlay in his hisproposed the ballot. This was negatived in the tory. They joined the army at Carlyle, where same way. Here was a situation. If the vote they were introduced to the President, who had had not been taken, the proposition would have been there but a short time. Before his arrival, been lost, and the consequence would have been serious disorders had been committed by the troops, immediate preparation for war. Bradford would a large proportion of whom were hired substitutes, have come forward with his project of arms, &c., and others, who considered it their duty to put down in which he had been baffled at Parkinson's, and opposition to the excise laws, looked upon all who Gallatin and himself would have been arrested on were against those laws as traitors, who ought to the spot. Gallatin with great presence of mind, be hanged without judge or jury. The appearance proposed that a vote should be taken by ballot of a liberty pole was enough to endanger the safety merely to ascertain their own minds, but without of a whole neighborhood. The delegates themintending it as an answer to the Commissioners. selves, according to Findlay, ran some risk, and After some hesitation, a member proposed that a were considered as implicated, together with Galscrap of paper should be made out by the Secretary, latin and others, who had always openly opposed with the words yea and nay written on it, and the insurrection. As for Mr. Brackenridge, he given to each member, one of which words he was regarded as worse than Bradford, as in fact could tear off and destroy. This plan was adopted; the principal, and his life was threatened by seveand on the vote being counted, there were thirty-ral of the officers, as well as by the soldiers. four in the affirmative, and twenty-three in the negative! The question was now as completely at rest, as if it had been put in the most formal

manner.

Two persons had been put to death in a most shameful and wanton manner, before the arrival of Washington. The delegates expressed a desire that if the march could not be stopped, the PreBradford became dark and dismayed. The face sident would command in person. But neither of things was instantly changed-the more mode- of these requests could be granted. Although the rate among the numerous spectators were embol-idea of the amnesty is to be attributed to the wisdened, and those who had been induced to join the dom and magnanimity of Washington, yet Findlay more violent through fear, and from a vague belief seems to think that the refusal to stop the march of of their having a majority, were glad of an oppor- the army proceeded from his advisers-especially tunity to leave them. When it was moved to ad- from Hamilton, who, he says, was for seizing the journ for a few hours, Bradford took his departure, occasion to strengthen the new government by a and appeared no more. When they met again, the display of physical force. It would occupy too report was received, and the amnesty virtually ac-much space here to discuss the question; but I do cepted. From this moment, the insurrection may be not hesitate to say that when we regard the consesaid to have terminated; but the recoil was felt un-quences, it was not wise to have ordered the army fortunately by the people, and by those who had been to continue its march, after the insurrection had thus active in preventing scenes of blood and de-been brought to a peaceful termination; after the struction. After appointing a new Committee of request of the delegates, and after that of the GoTwelve, the assembly adjourned. vernor of Pennsylvania. What did the army efThe 11th of September was the day for signing fect after it had passed the mountains? Did it the amnesty throughout the Western counties, and meet with opposition, or find a single individual in great pains were taken by influential men to in-arms? And was it not guilty of monstrous outduce the people to accept it. But many of the ill-rages, which the historians have passed over too disposed or infatuated threatened those who were lightly? These are related by Mr. Brackenridge desirous to sign. Bradford had become a convert and by Findlay, and they cannot be read at this day to the new order, and endeavored to distinguish without astonishment.

himself by more than common zeal, but it did not The election passed off in the disturbed state of answer his purpose; he lost every thing with his the country, with but little attention. But few at

tended, and in some districts none voted. It had Such was the rooted prejudice which had been been reported that Mr. Brackenridge had declined; conceived by persons, who ought to have leaned to Gallatin was taken up only a week before the the side of innocence, that even after the examielection, and was elected by a few votes over him. nation of Mr. Ross, who entirely acquitted Mr. There were five other candidates; and there is no Brackenridge, they still persisted in considering doubt Mr. Brackenridge would have been elected, him as the chief insurgent.

They were desirous but for the misapprehension, which induced many of aiming at a shining mark, and to avoid having to vote for Gallatin in his place. Another meet- any thing to do with common culprits. They ing was held on the 24th of October, at which were staggered, however, by the examination of more than a thousand persons attended, and passed the gentleman just mentioned, and some doubts resolutions declaring peace and order restored, and began to be entertained. A letter written by Mr. a determination to submit to the excise law; but Brackenridge to Bradford, was now produced, very all in vain; it was determined that the army should dark and mysterious; it spoke of a duplicate— be sent forward. hinted at some papers, &c. What do you think of It is stated by Mr. Brackenridge, that, from in- this, Mr. Ross? Certainly very mysterious—but it formation on which he placed reliance, the rage of happens to be addressed to William Bradford, Atthe army against him seemed to increase as it ap- torney General, who can probably explain. “Genproached. The prejudice existing in the minds of tlemen," said Alexander Hamilton, " you are going the principal officers, and persons accompanying too fast in this business." the army, was too strong to be encountered.

In the meantime Mr. Brackenridge expected Mr. Ross honorably redeemed his pledge, as far every moment to be arrested, and lay several nights as was in his power, by making a fair representa- on a couch ready to be taken at a moment's warning; tion of his conduct. The very best treatment he for it seems that these arrests, for what reason it is could expect, would be to be sent to Philadelphia difficult to say, generally took place in the dead in irons to be tried at an expense which would hour of night. His sensibility was deeply touched; ruin him; for without one or two hundred wit- and he experienced a return of a nervous affection, nesses, he could not explain his conduct on every brought on in youth by great application to study. occasion. But the greater probability was that he In the meantime General Lee had arrived; he would be assassinated. came directly to Mr. Brackenridge's house; it having Bradford had good reasons to fly; but Bracken-been chosen by the quarter-master on account of ridge had none, for he was innocent; he therefore being large and commodious, and without consultresolved to stay at home, and perish on his own hearth. ing the owner. A very awkward and painful reHe put his papers in order, arranged his affairs, cognition took place, as General Lee (not the Euand drew up a statement of the principal facts, ad- ropean of that name who has been mentioned dressed to Mr. Ross, with a request that he would heretofore,) had been a junior scholar at Princeton, see that justice was done to his memory. The and occasionally placed under his tuition. Lee Judge of the United States of the Pennsylvania changed his quarters in a few days; and Mr. district had preceded the army a few days, with Brackenridge, about the same time, was served with the intention of taking civil cognizance of such as a subpoena to appear before the examiners as a might be placed under military arrest. Under witness. He knew that this was only a mode of what section of the Constitution, or of the judiciary arrest, and that if he did not exculpate himself, the law, this was done, I am not able to say; but at arrest would follow; and this depended very much that time, there were many different ways of act- into whose hands he might fall in order to be exing, which we should think strangely of at present; amined. The task was undertaken by Secretary and none more than of the powers then exercised by Hamilton, who was to all intents and purposes the the Secretary of the Treasury, or of the arrest of Commander-in-Chief, representing the civil and citizens remaining quietly at home, by the soldiery. military power of Washington. This may seem Mr. Ross, at the request of Mr. Brackenridge, strange; but it was the fact; and it was fortunate waited on Judge Peters, and pledged himself that for Mr. Brackenridge-he at least had no right to he would come forward at any moment when he complain, for he was treated by Hamilton in a would be required, so that he might not undergo manner at once just and magnanimous, considering the mortification of an arrest. The first troops that he was approached only by the most violent that arrived, were those under the command of enemies, who lost no opportunity of misrepresentGeneral Morgan; and the same evening, a party ing all his actions and motives, and in exciting the of military ruffians came to Mr. Brackenridge's most injurious prejudices against him. house for the purpose of assassinating him ;-they The examination having commenced, he prowere only prevented by the interference of their commanding officer, and of Colonel Neville, who arrived just in time to prevent the perpetration of the deed.

ceeded to dictate to Secretary Hamilton. After writing an hour or two, the Secretary stopped, and said "I observe one leading trait in your account, a disposition to excuse the principal actors; and

be."

before we go further, I must be candid and inform It were unnecessary to say that this acquittal you of the delicate situation in which you stand-was gratifying to the subject of it. In so deliyou are not within the amnesty-you have not cate a case," says he," where life had been sought signed on the day;* a thing we did not know until by insidious men; and where, what I felt most senwe came upon the ground; and although the go-sibly, my hopes of estimation in the world were vernment may not be disposed to act rigorously, yet likely to be blasted, at least for a time, it may it has you in its power, and it will depend on easily be supposed that no word escaped me, or the candor of your account what your fate will will ever be forgotten." And thus, in this free country, and under this government of laws, the To this Mr. Brackenridge promptly answered-person whose patriotism and consummate ability "I know, sir, I am not within the amnesty, and entitled him to the mural crown, considered himam sensible of the power of the government; but if my narrative were to begin again, I would not change a single word." The dispassionate mind, at this day, cannot hesitate in deciding which of these persons appeared on this occason in the most exalted character! When the Secretary came to the part which relates to the going to the Mingo meeting, at the instance of the Inspector, or rather The arrests began in the night of the 9th of Noof his son, he appeared surprised; and it was evi-vember, with the greater part of innocent or merident that this fact had been concealed from him. He stopped writing, and appointed an hour for continuing it in the afternoon. It is probable he made some inquiry of Col. Neville, (recently returned with the army,) with whom he dined. This gentleman had once been on very friendly terms with Mr. Brackenridge; but from causes which it is unnecessary to inquire into, had of late united with his enemies; but he was a man of humane and generous feelings, and when directly appealed to, would speak as became a man of honor. On the return of the Secretary, he immediately said, "Mr. Brackenridge, your conduct has been most horribly misrepresented.'

self but too happy to escape without the ruin of his estate, and perhaps an ignominious death. Once he was saved with difficulty from assassination; and on another occasion, a pistol was presented to his breast-but as he did not flinch, the ruffian turned away, declaring that he believed him, after all, a very clever fellow.*

The examination continued during that and part of the next day. At its conclusion, the Secretary expressed himself in the following terms: "In the course of yesterday, I had uneasy feelings. I was concerned for you, as for a man of talents; my impressions were unfavorable; you may have observed it. I now think it is my duty to inform you, that not a single one remains. Had we listened to some people, I do not know what might have been done. There is a side to your account; your conduct has been horribly misrepresented, owing to misconception. I will announce you in this point to General Lee, who represents the Executive. You are in no personal danger. You will not be troubled, even by a simple inquisition, by the Judge; what may be due to yourself with the public, is another question."

There is too much truth in the following remarks of Findlay: "If Mr. Brackenridge, who had conducted with such address, in a situation which rendered it necessary for him to temporize, that he knew he was in no danger from the usual mode of process, but he also knew that the power of the government, with which he was threatened, conveyed another idea. If such powerful addresses were made to the hopes and fears of Mr. Brackenridge, who from his profession was able to judge of his situation, what may we not expect was done with such ignorant people as did not know what part of their conduct or expressions might be deemed criminal!"

VOL. VIII-3

torious persons; but on the 13th, during a most inclement season, nearly three hundred were dragged from their beds, and driven through streams, over muddy roads, and penned up in stables like cattle! From an awkward mistake in the lists made out, those intended for witnesses were not distinguished from the supposed criminals; many were so seriously injured, that they never recovered their health. The end of all this, was two or three convictions of poor obscure men, who were afterwards pardoned; and what is curious enough, according to the doctrine of treason, established by Marshall in the case of Burr, no treason had been committed: for the treasonable projects, even of Bradford and Marshall, were not followed by any overt act of treason. There had been riots, disorderly conduct, robbery of the mail, but no act with the view of subverting the government. There was nothing but constructive treason, which is now regarded as odious.

The extraordinary outrages of the 13th of November, were long kept in remembrance by the people of the West, and familiarly known as the dreadful night. It must not be said that we have made no progress in the principles of liberty. Such scenes could not take place in our time, without exciting feelings of horror and universal indignation. Even in England, such wholesale arrests would more properly belong to the times of Charles II, than to any subsequent period.

At the close of the insurrection, the popularity

The insubordination of the army as it was called, may excite surprise. There were many honorable exceptions, such as Captain Dunlap's troop, and some others--but the greater part was little better than a mob. Take the following related by Findlay: "On one or two occasions, when some foolish men who mixed with that wing being in danger, General Morgan pretending to reserve them for an ignominious punishment, saved them, till they could be safely dismissed, or kept his men from killing them himself." This looks more like temporising with a mob, than commanding an army!