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Readers are asked to re- port all cases of books marked or mutilated. , Do not deface books by marks and writim. g^g^A 092 218 b/« The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://archive.org/details/cu31924092218571 ( rk^{n^^^^f-^6l{,^^ffun PUBLICATIONS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL COMMISSION THE PAPERS OF THOMAS RUFFIN COLLECTED AND EDITED BY J. G. DE ROULHAC HAMILTON. PH.D. Alumni Professor of History in the University of North Carolina VOLUME I BALEIQH Edwabds & Bbouqhton Fbintino Co. State Fbintebs ■1918 F CONTENTS PAGE Preface 3 Chronology of Thomas RuflSn 5 Calendar of Letters 6 Life and Character of the Hon. Thomas Ruffin. By Wilttam A. Graham. . 17 Chief Justice Thomas Ruffin. By Francis Nash 35 The Ruffin Papers 45 PREFACE The letters and papers of the following collection were, for the most part, preserved by Judge Ruffin himself, and, after his death, passed successively to his son, the late Sterling Ruffin, his grandson, the late Allen J. Ruffin, both of Hillsboro, N. C, and to his grandson, Bennehan Cameron, of Stagville, N". C. By Mr. Cameron, with the approval of the other two named, they have been entrusted to me for editing for publica- tion. The ones from that collection here printed have been carefully selected from the total of more than ten thousand letters which compose it. The other papers included have been partly drawn from a large number owned by Judge Ruffin's daughter, Mrs. Catherine Ruffin Roul- hac, which have been for some years in my possession, and partly from scattered sources. Since the Ruffin and Roulhac collections have been consolidated, no distinction is made between them, and, since they form the greater part of those published, I have not thought it necessary to indicate them. In the case of all the others, footnotes indicate the sources from which they have been obtained. My guide in making the selection of the letters to be printed has been solely my desire to choose all such letters as may throw light upon the history of the State and iN'ation, or upon the personality and character either of Judge Ruffin or the writers. In this connection, it is to be regretted that such a small number of letters written by Judge Ruffin are included. Few of his correspondents, apparently, preserved their letters with the care which he employed, and in several cases where the letters were kept for years, war or fire destroyed them. In the editorial work I have not attempted further annotation than that which seemed necessary to a proper understanding of the letters. Many of the writers, and a still larger number of persons alluded to, are unknown. In the case of men of established national reputation, I have not thought it necessary to do more than indicate, in cases of doubt, to whom the reference is made. I have sought to present the letters as they were written, without changes of spelling or expression. Omitted words or phrases have been inserted in brackets where the meaning was doubtful, an occasional abbreviated word has been expanded in the interest of clarity, and the signs £ and <&c have been always replaced by and and etc. In the interest of space, I have in general omitted the forms of address and closing, in- eluding the signatures. I have omitted many references to matters of a 4 The N^oeth CAEOLiiirA Histokical Commission. professional, personal, or domestic nature, always indicating the omis- sion of one or more paragraphs by asterisks, as * * * ; and of a sentence or less by periods, as, . . . As a proper introduction to the letters, I am reprinting the memorial address delivered by Governor William A. Graham soon after Judge Euffin's death, and a sketch of him by Francis ITash, Esq., of Hillsboro, published originally in the Charlotte Ohserver. In one of the later volumes will appear several addresses delivered by Judge Euffin and several of his more important decisions. The work of editing has been greatly lightened by the use of The Murphey Papers, also published by the North Carolina Historical Com- mission, and I desire to make special acknowledgment of my indebtedness to the careful and thorough work on them of Mr. "William Henry Hoyt. I take this opportunity of expressing my deep sense of obligation to all those who have assisted me in my laborious but intensely absorbing task. Without the assistance and cooperation of Mr. R. D. W. Connor, the work would have lacked much of its completeness. I have also been greatly assisted by my colleague. Dr. Kemp P. Battle, Professor V. L. Collins of Princeton University, Mr. Richard H. Ritter, president of the American Whig Society of Princeton, President Lyon G. Tyler of Wil- liam and Mary College, Mrs. Fanny Conigland Farinholt, Mr. Bennehan Cameron, Captain S. A. Ashe, and Dr. Stephen B. Weeks. To each of them I desire to express my grateful sense of their courtesy and aid. Above all, I desire to acknowledge the invaluable assistance rendered me by my wife, whose part in the preparation of the collection has been scarcely less than my own. _ _ .„ _. J. G. DE RouLHAC Hamilton. Chapel Hnx, N. C, May 15, 1918. CHRONOLOGY OF THOMAS RUFFIN 1787. Nov. 17. Born at "Newlngton," King and Queen County, Va. 1801-1803. Student at Warrenton Academy, Warrenton, N. C. 1803. Entered Junior Class at Nassau Hall, Princeton, N. J. 1805. Sept. 26. Received degree of A.B. from Princeton. 1806 - 1807. Law student at Petersburg, Va., under David Robertson. 1807. Moved to "Oakland," Rockingham County, N. C. 1807 - 1808. Law student under Archibald D. Murphey. 1808. Admitted to the bar. 1809. June 9. Moved to Hillaboro, N. C. Dec. 9. Married to Anne Kirkland of Hillsboro. 1813. Member of the House of Commons for the borough of Hillsboro. 1815. Member of the House of Commons for the borough of Hillsboro. 1816. Presidential elector on the Monroe ticket. Member of the House of Commons for the borough of Hillaboro. Speaker of the House of Commons. Dec. 16. Elected judge of the Superior Court. 1818. Dec. 23. Resigned from the bench to engage in the practice of law. 1820 - 1822. Reporter of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. 1824. Candidate for presidential elector on the Crawford ticket. 1825. Elected judge of the Superior Court. 1828. • Resigned from the bench to become president of the State Bank of North Carolina. 1829. Elected judge of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. 1830. Moved to "Haw River." 1833. Became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. 1834. Received degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of North Carolina. 1835. Delivered address before the Dialectic and Philanthropic Socie- ties at the University of North Carolina. 1852. Resigned from the bench. 1853. Delegate to the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in New York City. 1854 - 1860. President of the North Carolina Agricultural Society. 1858. Elected a judge of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. 1859. Resigned from the bench. 1861. Delegate to the Peace Conference. Delegate from Alamance to the Convention of 1861. 1866. Moved to Hillsboro. 1870. Jan. 15. Died at his home in Hillsboro. CALENDAR OF LETTERS LETTERS WRITTEN BY THOMAS RUFFIN HERE PRINTED Place Greensboro, N. C Oct. Greensboro, N. C Oct. Hillsboro, N. C Aug. Raleigh, N. C Oct. Raleigh, N. C Oct. Raleigh, N. C May Raleigh, N. July Pittsboro, N. C Feb. Raleigh, N. O June Hillsboro, N. C Oct. Hillsboro, N. C Dec. Fayetteville, N. C Nov. Hillsboro, N. C Feb. New Bern, N. C Mar. Asheville, N. C Oct. Hillsboro, N. C Dec. Greenville, N. C Mar. Raleigh, N. C Apr. Hillsboro, N. C May Hillsboro, N. C June Hillsboro, N. C July Hillsboro, N. C July Rockingham, N. C Sept. Sampson C. H Nov. Hillsboro, N. C Jan. Perquimans County, N. C....Apr. Greensboro, N. C Oct. Raleigh, N. C Deo. Raleigh, N. C July Date Written to 26, 1814 Edward Jones 26, 1814 Edward Jones 20, 1816 Kemp Plummer and others 5, 1820 James F. Taylor 6, 1820 James F. Taylor 21, 1822 William Polk 22, 1822 Bartlett Yancey 10, 1824 Catherine Ruffin 30, 1824 John Owen 29, 1824 Catherine Ruffin 3, 1824 Bartlett Yancey 12, 1825 Catherine Ruffin 6, 1826 William Polk 14, 1826 Catherine Ruffin 12, 1826 William K. Ruffin 31, 1826 William K. Ruffin 5, 1827 William K. Ruffin 3, 1827 William K. Ruffin 16, 1827 William K. Ruffin 6, 1827 William K. Ruffin 5, 1827 William K. Ruffin 25, 1827 Catherine Ruffin 25, 1827 Catherine Ruffin 5, 1827 William K. Ruffin 17, 1828 William K. Ruffin 14, 1828 Catherine Ruffin 22, 1828 Catherine Ruffin 23, 1828 Joseph B. G. Roulhac 1, 1829 William Boylan LETTERS WRITTEN TO THOMAS RUFFIN HERE PRINTED Place Brunswick, Va May Brunswick, Va Sept. Brunswick, Va Dec. Jan. Brunswick, Va Feb. Brunswick, Va Mar. Brunswick, Va May Brunswick, Va June, Pittsville, Va Sept. Oct. Richmond, Va Nov. Dec. Brunswick, Va Dec. Brunswick, Va Dec. Dec. Date Written by 5, 1803 Sterling Ruffin 8, 1803 Sterling Ruffin 29, 1803 Sterling Ruffin 29, 1804 Muscoe Garnett 3, 1804 Sterling Ruffin 14, 1804 Sterling Ruffin 9, 1804 Sterling Ruffin 1804 Sterling Ruffin 24, 1804 William Garnett 22, 1804 William Garnett 22, 1804 Sterling Ruffin 3, 1804 William Garnett 6, 1804 Sterling Ruffin 22, 1804 Sterling Ruffin 31, 1804 William Garnett The Euffin Papers. Place Brunswick, Va Jan. Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Date Written 'by 11, 1805 Sterling Ruffin 14, 1805 William Garnett 21, 1805 William Garnett 13, 1805 William Garnett 21, 1805 Sterling Ruffin Mar. 17, 1805 William Garnett Mar. 25, 1805 William Garnett May 6, 1805 William Garnett Brunswick, Va May 11, 1805 Sterling Ruffin .Sterling Ruffin Brunswick, Va June 11, 1805 . Brunswick, Va July 1, 1805 Sterling Ruffin July 12, 1805 William Garnett Aug. 7, 1805 William Garnett Aug. 8, 1805 Robert Ruffin Aug. 9, 1805 Muscoe Garnett Brunswick, Va Aug. 12, 1805 Sterling Ruffin Essex County, Va Aug. 29, 1805 William Garnett Richmond, Va Oct. Princeton, N. J Nov. Essex County, Va Bee. Princeton, N. J Bee. Philadelphia, Pa Jan. Pittsylvania County, Va Feb. Petersburg, Va Feb. Mar. Spring Garden, Va July 28, 1806 Spencer Roane Philadelphia, Pa Aug. 12, 1806 Elisha Clarke Sept. 3, 1806 William Garnett Sept. 20, 1806 William Garnett Brunswick, Va Sept. 20, 1806 Sterling Ruffin 2, 1805 George Hairston 20, 1805 John Reynolds 17, 1805 William Garnett 20, 1805 John Reynolds 18, 1806 John Reynolds 2, 1806 George Hairston 24, 1806 Jane Harding 18, 1806 William Garnett Lynchburg, Va Oct. Brunswick, Va Nov. Brunswick, Va Jan. 10, 1806 William P. Claiborne 11, 1806 Sterling Ruffin 8, 1807 Sterling Ruffin May 11, 1807 William Garnett Aug. 1, 1807 William Garnett 9, 1807 John F. May 3, 1807 James Niblock 13, 1807 John F. May 5, 1808 Benjamin Tappan 16, 1808 Benjamin Tappan 6, 1808 William Garnett Petersburg, Va Sept. Brunswick, Va Nov. Petersburg, Va Dec. Ravenna, Ohio Jan. Ravenna, Ohio Feb. Mar. Petersburg, Va. June 16, 1808 John F. May Petersburg, Va May 27, 1809 John F. May Wentworth, N. C ^ulj 26, 1809 James Campbell Washington, D. C Apr. 6, 1810 Richard Stanford Petersburg, Va July 12, 1810 William Garnett Sept., 1810 Archibald D. Murphey Hermitage J*"!- !• 1^11 Archibald D. Murphey Petersburg, Va Feb. 19, 1811 Edward Dillard Greensboro, N. C Mar., 1813 Bartlett Yancey Caswell, N. C Apr. 2, 1813 Bartlett Yancey Surry County, N. C Nov. 14, 1813 Jesse Franklin Dec. 2, 1813 William Garnett 8 The Nobth Caeolina Histoeical Commission. Place Raleigh, N. C Jan. Raleigh, N. C Jan. Raleigh, N. C Jan. Washington, D. C Feb. Orange County, N. C Feb. Washington, D. C Mar. Raleigh, N. C July Raleigh, N. C July Washington, D. C Oct. Greensboro, N. C Oct. Raleigh, N. C Oct. Oct., Washington, D. C Nov. Fayetteville, N. C Nov. Dec. Rockingham, N. C Jan., Norfolk, Va Jan. Washington, D. O Jan. Raleigh, N. C Jan. Raleigh, N. C Feb. Rockingham C. H., N. C May HlUsboro, N. C May Petersburg, Va June Waynesboro, N. C Aug. Fayetteville, N. C Oct. Gibraltar Oct. Fayetteville, N. C Nov. Wentworth, N. C Nov. Morrisville, N. C Dec. Washington, D. C Jan. Wilmington, N. C Feb. Washington, D. C Feb. Warrenton, N. C Mar. Rockingham County, N. C — Apr. Raleigh, N. C June Oakland, N. C June Raleigh, N. C Aug. Raleigh, N. C Aug. Raleigh, N. C Aug. Raleigh, N. C Aug. Ravenna, Ohio Aug. Raleigh, N. C Aug. Raleigh, N. C Aug. Tarboro, N. C Nov. Waynesville, N. C Nov. Raleigh, N. C Nov., Hillsboro, N. C Nov. Fayetteville, N. C Dec. Dec. Washington, D. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Oakland, N. C Deo. Date Written by 6, 1814 Archibald D. Murphey 10, 1814 Archibald D. Murphey 12, 1814 Archibald D. Murphey 4, 1814 Bartlett Yancey 27, 1814 Duncan Cameron 5, 1814 Bartlett Yancey 22, 1814 Joseph Gales 29, 1814 Joseph Gales 5, 1814 Bartlett Yancey 26, 1814 Edward Jones 26, 1814 Joseph Gales 1814 A. Meilan 3, 1814 Bartlett Yancey 17, 1814 John MacRae 20, 1814 Duncan Cameron 1815 James Campbell 16, 1815 James Campbell 21, 1815 Bartlett Yancey 26, 1815 William H Haywood 20, 1815 Joseph Gales 3, 1815 James H. Dearing 7, 1815 Richard Stanford 7, 1815 John F. May 25, 1815 John R. Donnell 16, 1815 John A. Cameron 17. 1815 William Roane 27, 1815 George McNeill 27, 1815 James Campbell 30, 1815 William M. Sneed 9, 1816 John Roane 12, 1816 A. Meilan 17, 1816 Bartlett Yancey 19, 1816 William Ruffln 22, 1816 Ira Ellis 18, 1816 John Haywood 25, 1816 Sterling Ruffin 2, 1816 Thomas Henderson, Jr. 2, 1816 Thomas Henderson, Jr. 2, 1816 Thomas Henderson, Jr. 9, 1816 Kemp Plummer and others 26, 1816 Benjamin Tappan 29, 1816 Thomas Henderson, Jr. 30, 1816 Joseph Gales 2, 1816 George E. Spruill 12, 1816 Thomas Love 1816 William Miller 25, 1816 James Webb 4, 1816 George McNeill 8, 1816 Duncan Cameron 9, 1816 Weldon N. Edwards 16, 1816 William Miller 18, 1816 Richard Stanford 18, 1816 Sterling Ruffin The EtJiTiN Papebs. Place Tyson's, N. C Jan. New Bern, N. C Jan. Loyd's, Va Mar. Oxford, N. C May Oxford, N. C July Vesuvius Furnace, N. C Aug. Lombardy Grove, Va Oct. Raleigh, N. C Oct. Vesuvius Furnace, N. C Nov. WentTvorth, N. C Nov. Fayefteville, N. C Nov. Wilmington, N. C Jan. Haw River, N. C Feb. Hillsboro, N. C Mar. Morganton, N. C Apr. Lincolnton, N. C June Oakland, N. C July Haw River, N. C July Sept. Germanton, N. C Sept. Petersburg, Va Oct. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Washington, D. C Jan. Feb. Washington, D. C Feb. Vesuvius Furnace, N. C Mar. Rockingham, N. C Mar. Fayetteville, N. C Mar. Montpelier, N. C Apr. Petersburg, Va May Raleigh, N. C May Baltimore, Md July Rockingham County, N. C . . . July Wilkesboro, N. C Aug. Bdenton, N. C Aug. Rockingham County, N. C Aug. Montpelier, N. C Sept. Raleigh, N. C Oct. Wentworth, N. C Nov. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Feb. Pittsboro, N. C Mar. Orange County, N. C Apr. June Haw River, N. C June Petersburg, Va June Raleigh, N. C July Salisbury, N. C Aug. Raleigh, N. C Oct. Raleigh, N. C Oct. Date Written by 4, 1817 Archibald McBryde 20, 1817 George B. Badger 13, 1817 William Garnett 17, 1817 ...... Thomas B. Littlejohn 5, 1817 Thomas B. Littlejohn 10, 1817 James Graham 21, 1817 Richard Apperson 29, 1817 John Haywood 9, 1817 James Graham 20, 1817 James Campbell 29, 1817 John MacRae 26, 1818 Adam Empie 15, 1818 Archibald D. Murphey 10, 1818 George E. Badger 28, 1818 William Roane 1, 1818 James Graham 10, 1818 Sterling Ruffin 17, 1818 Archibald D. Murphey 15, 1818 John L. Henderson 21, 1818 Thomas T. Armstrong 10, 1818 John F. May 3, 1818 Archibald D. Murphey 17, 1818 Romulus M. Saunders 18, 1818 James Mebane 18, 1818 George B. Badger 27, 1819 James S. Smith 7, 1819 Gabriel Holmes 17, 1819 Montford Stokes 1, 1819 James Graham 19, 1819 Archibald D. Murphey 30, 1819 George McNeill 20, 1819 Gabriel Holmes 13, 1819 John F. May 20, 1819 William Polk 8, 1819 George McNeill 13, 1819 Sterling Ruffln 3, 1819 William' Roane 4, 1819 James Iredell 12, 1819 Sterling Ruffln 29, 1819 Gabriel Holmes 7, 1819 Joseph Gales 4, 1819 William Roane 18, 1819 Archibald D. Murphey 18, 1820 Archibald D. Murphey 30, 1820 Charles Manly 24, 1820 Duncan Cameron 3, 1820 William H. Ruffln 5, 1820 Benjamin Smith 19, 1820 David Robertson 28, 1820 John Hall 15, 1820 James Graham 6, 1820 James F. Taylor 7, 1820 James F. Taylor 10 The IToBTH Caeolina Historical Commission. Place Date Written by Baltimote, Md Feb. 10, 1821 John Rogers Charlotte, N. C May 10, 1821 James Graham Hillsboro, N. C May 19, 1821 John Rogers Raleigh, N. C June 6, 1821 William Ruffin Haw River, N. C June 10, 1821 Archibald D. Murphey New Bern, N. C June 12, 1821 John Stanly Fayetteville, N. C June 22, 1821 George McNeill Salisbury, N. C Sept. 23, 1821 James R. Dodge Charlotte, N. C Nov. 9, 1821 James Graham 15, 1821 Romulus M. Saunders Washington, D. C Dec, Baltimore, Md Dec. Dec, Washington, D. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Salem, N. C Dec. Greensboro, N. C. ■. Jan. Jan. Chapel Hill, N. C Jan. Raleigh, N. C Jan. Grassy Creek, N. C Feb. Raleigh, N. C Mar. Baltimore, Md Mar. Petersburg, Va May Raleigh, N. C May Orange County, N. C Oct. Raleigh, N. C Nov., Chapel Hill, N. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Jan. Raleigh, N. C Feb. Stagville, N. C Apr. Washington, D. C May 16, 1821 John Rogers 1821 John Witherspoon 22, 1821 Lewis Williams 24, 1821 George B. Badger 26, 1821 C. F. Bagge 17, 1822 John M. Dick 22, 1822 Thomas Hunt 23, 1822 Elisha Mitchell 30, 1822 John Hall 5, 1822 Joel Strong 14, 1822 Joseph Gales 23, 1822 John Rogers 14, 1822 John F. May 21, 1822 William Polk 5, 1822 Duncan Cameron 1822 John Haywood 2, 1822 Gavin Hogg 25, 1822 Duncan Cameron 9, 1823 Francis L. Hawks 14, 1823 Francis L. Hawks 15, 1823 Thomas D. Bennehan 24, 1823 R. J. Meigs Wentworth, N. C May 27, 1823 James H. Ruffin Sydenham, Ga May 31, 1823 Hugh Ogleby Haw River, N. C June 10, 1823 Archibald D. Murphey Greensboro, Ala. June 15, 1823 Samuel Strudwick Raleigh, N. C July Lynchburg, Va July Raleigh, N. C Aug. Raleigh, N. C Sept. Fayetteville, N. C Oct. Raleigh, N. C Oct. Washington, D. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Jan. Washington, D. C Jan. Washington, D. C Feb. Washington, D. C Feb. Raleigh, N. C Mar. 1, 1823 Joseph Gales 7, 1823 Thomas Crowder, Jr. 12, 1823 B. B. Smith 2, 1823 B. B. Smith 22, 1823 Duncan McFayden 28, 1823 B. B. Smith 29, 1823 Romulus M. Saunders 1,1824 William Ruffin and others 20, 1824 Willie P. Mangum 5, 1824 Romulus M. Saunders 12, 1824 Henry Seawell 1, 1824 Henry Seawell 9, 1824 Romulus M. Saunders Washington, D. C Mar. Chapel Hill, N. C Mar. 11, 1824 William F. Ruffin Washington, D. C Mar. 14, 1824 John W. Long, Jr. Washington, D. C Mar. Washington, D. C Mar. 15, 1824 Romulus M. Saunders 23, 1824 Henry Seawell The Ruffin Papers. 11 Place "Washington, D. C. Chapel Hill, N. C. Chapel Hill, N. C. Greensboro, N. C. Caswell, N. C. ... Wllkesboro, N. C. Date Written by .Mar. 24, 1824 Willie P. Mangum .Apr. 1, 1824 William P. Ruffln .Apr. 10, 1824 William H. Thompson .Apr. 29, 1824 Archibald D. Murphey .June 29, 1824 Bartlett Yancey . July 9, 1824 . . John Finley July 13, 1824 Archibald D. Murphey .July 30, 1824 Romulus M. Saunders 6, 1824 George E. Badger Milton, N. C Warren ton, N. 0. Aug, Surry County, N. C Aug. 15, 1824 Lewis Williams Randolph County, N. C Aug. 20, 1824 John W. Long, Jr. Bladen County, N. C Aug. Bladensboro, N. C , Oct. Warren ton, N. C Nov. Washington, D. C Dec. Washington, D. C Jan. Fayetteville, N. C Jan. Fayetteville, N. C; May Raleigh, N. C June Haw River, N. C June Richmond, Va June 20, 1824 John Owen Sept. 28, 1824 John Owen Oct. 21, 1824 William Moore 25, 1824 William Garnett .15, 1824 Weldon N. Edwards 15, 1824 Willie P. Mangum 1, 1825 Lewis Williams 15, 1825 W. F. Strange 29. 1825 George McNeill 3, 1825 Charles Manly 5, 1825 Archibald D. Murphey 8, 1825 William Garnett Haw River, N. C June 11, 1825. .Archibald D. Murphey Fayetteville, N. C. ...July 1, 1825 Robert Strange Haw River, N. C July 13, 1825 Archibald D. Murphey Raleigh, N. C July 16, 1825 George B. Badger .July 18, 1825 Hutchins G. Burton 4, 1825 John W. Long, Jr. Raleigh, N. C. Asheboro, N. C. .Aug. Richmond, Va Sept. 12, 1825 . .Thomas Ritchie Hillsboro, N. C. .. Hilleboro, N. C. ., Hillsboro, N. C. ., Washington, D. C. .Oct. .Nov., . Nov., .Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec. Willlamsboro, N. C Jan. Richmond, Va Feb. New Bern, N. C Feb. Caswell C. H Apr. Baltimore, Md Apr. Baltimore, Md Apr., Raleigh, N. C Apr. 5, 1825 William A. Graham 1825 Francis L. Hawks 1825 Francis L. Hawks 8, 1825 Lewis Williams 8, 1825 William H. Haywood, Jr. 27, 1825 William Robards 12, 1826 William Robards 10, 1826 John F. May 29, 1826 Edward Graham 13, 1826 James H. Ruffln 16, 1826 William K. Ruffin 1826 William K. Ruffin 25, 1826 J. Wetmore Lenoir County, N. C May 12, 1826 H. B. Croom Milton, N. C June 21, 1826 Romulus M. Saunders New Bern, N. C July 13, 1826 George S. AttmOre Milton, N. C Aug. 8, 1826 Romulus M. Saunders Pittsboro, N. C Aug. 16, 1826 Robert Strange Surry County, N. C Sept. 10, 1826 Lewis Williams New Bern, N. C Oct. 2, 1826 Wright C. Stanly Rock Rest, N. C Oct. 18, 1826 M. E. Jones The Oaks, N. C Oct. 30, 1826 Romulus M. Saunders Raleigh, N. C Dec. 5, 1826 Charles Manly 12 The N'obth Carolina Historical Commission. Place Milton, N. C Dec. Deo. Fayetteville, N. C Dec. Newington, K. and Q. Co., Va.Dec. Raleigh, N. C Jan. New Bern, N. C Jan. Washington, D. C Jan. New Bern, N. C Jan. Salisbury, N. C Jan. Fayetteville, N. C Jan. New Bern, N. C Feb. Haw River, N. C Feb. Haw River, N. C Feb. Haw River, N. C Mar. Person County, N. C Mar. Fayetteville, N. C Mar. Hem River, N. C May Warren County, N. C June Haw River, N. C Aug. Raleigh, N. C Oct. Fayetteville, N. C Nov., Fayetteville, N. C Nov., Fayetteville, N. C Nov., Laurel Hill, N. C Nov., Fayetteville, N. C Nov., Richmond County, N. C Greenwood, N. C Nov. Hillsboro, N. C Nov. Richmond County, N. C Nov. Richmond County, N. C Nov. Fayetteville, N. C Nov. Raleigh, N. C Nov. New Bern, N. C. . * Nov. Halifax, N. C Nov. New Bern, N. C Dec. Fayetteville, N. C Dec. Columbia, Tenn. Dec. Salisbury, N. C Jan. Loghouse Landing, N. C Jan. Raleigh, N. C Jan. Jan. Columbia, Tenn Jan. Rockingham, N. C Feb. Raleigh, N. C Feb. Bdenton, N. C Feb., Edenton, N. C Feb. New Bern, N. C Feb. Bonarva, N. C Feb. New Bern, N. C Feb. Mar. Washington, N. C Mar. Sdenton, N. C Mar. Date Written by 6, 1826 Romulus M. Saunders 12, 1826 Archibald D. Murphey 18, 1826 John MacRae 29, 1826 Archibald R. Harwood 6, 1827 William A. Graham 10, 1827 John R. Donnell 15, 1827 Romulus M. Saunders 15, 1827 John R. Donnell 26, 1827 James Martin, Jr. 27, 1827 Robert Strange 3, 1827 John Devereux 8, 1827 Archibald D. Murphey 13, 1827 Archibald D. Murphey 7, 1827 Archibald D. Murphey 21, 1827 James H. Ruffin 31, 1827 John MacRae 21, 1827 Archibald D. Murphey 10, 1827 Weldon N. Edwards 20, 1827 Archibald D. Murphey 28, 1827 Henry M. Miller 1827 John D. Eccles 1827 John D. Eccles 1827 John D. Eccles 1827 John R. Buie 1827 John D. Eccles Henry Dockery and others 6, 1827 George E Spruill 7, 1827 William A. Graham 8, 1827 J. Macalister 8, 1827 Alfred Dockery 12, 1827 John R. Bute 16, 1827 John Louis Taylor 20, 1827 Wright C. Stanly 27, 1827 Joseph J. Daniel 11, 1827 John R. Donnell 27, 1827 John MacRae 31, 1827 Archibald D. Murphey 5, 1828 James Martin, Jr. 8, 1828 Henry S. Clark 9, 1828 James Iredell 11, 1828 William M. Green 20, 1828 Archibald D. Murphey 13, 1828 Walter F. Leak 16, 1828 George E. Badger 1828 A. M. Gatling and others 18, 1828 James I. TredweU 20, 1828 Wright C. Stanly 22, 1828 Ebenezer Pettigrew 29, 1828 William Gaston 1, 1828 Gavin Hogg 1, 1828 John Gray Blount 1, 1828 James I. TredweU The Rtjffin Papers. 13 Place Hillsboro, N. C. Hillaboro, N. C. Edenton, N. C. , Raleigh, N. C. , Raleigh, N. C. Plymouth, N. C, Plymouth, N. C, Raleigh, N. C. Raleigh, N. C. Raleigh, N. C. Raleigh, N. C. Raleigh, N. C. Raleigh, N. C. Bnfleld, N. C. „ Raleigh, N. C. Hillsboro, N. C. . Anson County, N. Raleigh, N. C. . . . Greensboro, N. C. Washington, D. C. Edenton, N. C. . . . Raleigh, N. C. . . . Haw River, N. C. Haw River, N. C. Haw" River, N. C. Raleigh, N. C. . . . Pitteboro, N. C. . Lexington, N. C. . Pittsboro, N. C. . Washington, D. C. Wilmington, N. C. Raleigh, N. C. . . . Chapel Hill, N. C. Rockford, N.C. .. Anson County, N. Salisbury, N. C. . Washington, D. C. Asheville, N. C. . . Pittsboro, N. C. . . Greensboro, N. C. Hillsboro, N. C. . . Albin, N. Salisbury, N. C. . Greensboro, N. C. Salisbury, N. C. . Oak Hall, N. C. . . Edenton, N. C. . . . Salem, N. C Weldon, N. C. . . . Hillsboro, N. C. . New Bern, N. C . . Bdenton, N. C. . . . . . ..Mar. . . . .Apr. Apr. June July, Aug. Sept. . . . .Oct. Nov. . . . .Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. . . . .Nov. Nov. Nov. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. . . . . Jan. . . . .Jan. . . . .Jan. ....Feb. ....Feb. . . . .Feb. Feb. ....Feb. ....Feb. ....Feb. ....Feb. Mar. .... Mar. .... Mar. Mar. . . . .Mar. Mar. . . . .Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. . . . .Apr. ...'.Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. May .... May Date Written ty 17, 1828 Victor M. Murphey 1828 Daniel M. Barringer 1828 Augustus Moore and others 1828 William Robards 1828 Thomas P. Devereux 1828 Peter Browne 1828 Thomas Turner 1828 Thomas Turner 1828 James H. Ruffin 1828 Frederick Nash 1828. . . . . .George E. Badger 1828 Frederick Nash 1828 Frederick Nash 1828 James H. Ruffin 1828 John Branch 1828 Frederick Nash 1828 Bedford Brown 1828 Adam Xiockhart 1828 John Louis Taylor 1828 John M. Dick 1828 Lewis Williams 1828 Joseph B. Skinner 1829 John L. Henderson 1829 Archibald D. Murphey 1829 Archibald D. Murphey 1829 Archibald D. Murphey 1829 William Gaston 1829 Patrick Henry Winston 1829 John M. Dick 1829 Frederick Nash 1829 James Iredell 1829 Robert W. Brown 1829 William Polk 1829 Nicholas M. Hentz 1829 David F. Caldwell 1829 Adam Lockhart 1829 John L. Henderson 1829 Henry T. Garnett 1829 David L. Swain 1829 Frederick Nash 1829 John M. Dick 1829 James S. Smith 1829 David Clark 1829 David F. Caldwell 1829 John M. Dick 1829 William J. Alexander 1829 William Bethell 1829 James C. Johnston 1829 Emmanuel Shober 1829 Andrew Joyner 1829 Frederick Nash 1829 Wright C. Stanly 1829 Joseph B. Skinner 14 The I^oeth Cabolina Histokical Commission. Place Raleigh, N. C May New Bern, N. C May Charlotte, N. C May Hillsboro, N. C June Hlllsboro, N. C June Richmond County, N. C June Washington, D. C July Vesuvius Furnace, N. C Aug. Caswell County, N. C Aug. Salem, N. C Aug. Hillsboro, N. C Aug. Salisbury, N. C Aug. Salisbury, N. C Sept. Chapel Hill, N. C Sept. Greensboro, N. C Sept. Oxford, N. C Sept. Wadesboro, N. C Sept. Lexington, N. C Oct. Chapel Hill, N. C Oct. Richmond, Va Oct. Greensboro, N. C Nov. Chapel Hill, N. C Nov. Warrenton, N. C Nov. Fayettevillg, N. C Nov. Plymouth, N. C Nov. Anson County, N. C Dec. Edenton, N. C Dec. Salem, N. C Dec. Plymouth, N. C Dec. Edenton, N. C Dec. Raleigh, N. C Dec, Haw River, N. C Jan. Haw River, N. C Feb. Haw River, N. C July Greensboro, N. C Aug. Greensboro, N. C Sept, Date Written hy 22, 1829 John Owen 22, 1829 William Gaston 26, 1829 David F. Caldwell 2, 1829., William J. Bingham 12, 1829 Cadwallader Jones 27, 1829 James A. Vaughan 28, 1829 Henry T. Garnett 10, 1829 William A. Graham 16, 1829 James H. Ruffin 16, 1829 Emmanuel Shober 18, 1829 Hugh Waddell 31, 1829 John Giles 5, 1829 John L. Henderson 8, 1829 William K. Ruffin 9, 1829 John M. Dick 12, 1829 Frederick Nash 22, 1829 John Giles 6, 1829 James T. Morehead 12, 1829 William K. Ruffln 19, 1829 William H. Brodnax 7, 1829 Archibald D. Murphey 16, 1829 William K. Ruffin 23, 1829 James Somervell 28, 1829 Henry Branson 30, 1829 Thomas Turner 1, 1829 Adam Lockhart 10, 1829 William R. Norcum 19, 1829 Charles F. Bagge 22, 1829 Thomas Turner 29, 1829 Joseph B. Skinner 1829 William H. Haywood 13, 1830 Archibald D. Murphey 10, 1830 V. M. Murphey 25, 1830 V. M. Murphey 31, 1830 Archibald D. Murphey , 2,1830 Archibald D. Murphey MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS HERE PRINTED Written 'by Place Date Alexander McCaine .Fellspoint July 19,1805. Elizabeth Kirkland . Glasgow^Scotland . Sept. 13, 1810. William Ruffln Warrenton, N. C. .May 20, 1814. William Hinton Raleigh, N. C Aug. 8, 1814. William Henderson .Raleigh, N. C Aug. 9^1817. Romulus M. Saunders Dec. 2, 1818 . James Walker July 17, 1819. Nat. Cutting Washington, D. C.Mar. 23, 1820. William Polk Raleigh, N. C May 21, 1822 . John McLean Washington, D. C.Aug. 27,1823, John McKechney ...Quebec June 30,1823. E. Freeman New Bern, N. C. .Mar. 8, 1824, William Norwood ...Hillsboro, N. C.Nov. 6, 1826 Written to .Sterling Ruffin .William Kirkland .Sterling Ruffin .William Henderson .Thomas D. Bennehan .William Norwood .Nathaniel Harris .James S. Smith .Wake County Court .B. B. Smith .Duncan McFadyen .H. Potter .William K. Ruffln The Euffin Papers. 15 Written by Place Date Written to Duponceau Jones ...Pittsboro, N. C.Feb. 2, 1827. .WllHam K. Ruffin Henry Webb Middletown, Conn.Feb. 27, 1827.. William K. Ruffin B. McLaughlan Baltimore, Md. ...Aug. 20, 1827. .William K. Ruffin M. C. Jenkins Baltimore, Md. ...Sept. 11, 1827. .William K. Ruffin B. McLaughlan Baltimore, Md. ...Sept. 18, 1827. .William K. Ruffin Jose Farres Baltimore, Md. . . .Sept. 18, 1827. .William K. Ruffin M. C. Jenkins Baltimore, Md. , . .Feb. 22, 1828. .William K. Ruffin MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS HERE PRINTED Thomas Ruffin's Bachelor of Arts diploma from Princeton, Sept. 26, 1805. To the Citizens of Rockingham County, by Alexander Sneed, July, 1809. En- closure of James Campbell, July 26, 1809. Extract from the Lincoln and Catawba Journal of Feb. 10, 1829, signed "One of the People." Enclosure of William Polk, Feb. 28, 1829. UFE AND CHARACTER OF THE HON. THOMAS RUFFIN Late Chief Justice of North Carolina A MEMORIAL ORATION, BY WILLIAM A. GRAHAM. Delivered before the Agricultural Society of the State, by its request, at the Annual Fair in Raleigh, Oct. 21st, 1870. RALEIGH, N. C: NICHOLS & GORMAN, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 1871. ORATION. The patriotic people of the County of Rockingham in a public assem- blage at their first Superior Court after the death of Chief Justice RrrFFiN, in which they were joined with cordial sympathy by the gentle- men of the bar of that Court, resolved to manifest their appreciation of his talents, virtues and public usefulness, by causing to be pronounced a memorial oration on his life and character. Such an offering was deemed by them a fitting tribute from a people among whom his family first settled upon their arrival in North Carolina, and with whom he had been associated as a planter and cultivator of the soil from his early manhood till his decease. The Agricultural Society of the State, of which for many years he had been a distinguished President, subsequently determined on a like offering to his memory at their annual Fair. The invitation to prepare such a discourse has been by both bodies extended to the same individual. The task is undertaken with diffidence, and a sense of apprehension, that amid the multiplicity of other engagements, its fulfilment may fail in doing justice to the subject of the memoir. Thomas Ruffin, the eldest child of his parents, was born at !N"ewing- ton, the residence of his maternal Grand Father, Thomas Roane, in the County of King and Queen, in Virginia, on the I7th of ITovember, 1787. His Father, Sterling Ruffin, Esquire, was a planter in the neighboring County of Essex, who subsequently transferred his residence to N^orth Carolina, and died in the County of Caswell. Ardent in his religious sentiments, and long attached to the Methodist Episcopal Church, he very late in life, entered the ministry, and was for a few years prior to his death, a preacher in that denomination. His Mother, Alice Roane, was of a family much distinguished in Virginia by the public service of many of its members, and was herself first cousin of Spencer Roane, the Chief Justice of that State in the past generation, whose judicial course, connected as it was with questions of difficulty and importance in constitutional law, gave him high profes- sional, as well as political, distinction; but it may well be doubted, whether, in all that constitutes a great lawyer, he had any pre-eminence over the subject of our present notice, his junior kinsman in IsTorth Carolina, then but rising into fame, and destined to fill the like office in his own State. His Father, though not affluent, had a respectable fortune, and sought for the son the best means of education. His early boyhood was passed on the farm in Essex, and in attendance on the schools of the vicinity. Thence, at a suitable age, he was sent to a classical Academy in the beautiful and healthful village of Warrenton, in l^orth Carolina, then 20 The North Caeolina Histoeical Commission. under the instruction of Mr. Marcus George, an Irishman by birth and education, a fine classical scholar and most painstaking and skillful instructor, especially in elocution, as we must believe, since among his pupils who survived to our times, we find the best readers of our acquaint- ance in their day. His excellence in this particular was probably attri- butable to his experience on the theatrical stage, where he had spent a portion of his life. He made his first appearance in the State at the Convention in Hillsborough, in 1788, which rejected the Federal Consti- tution, in search of employment as a teacher, was engaged by the Warren gentlemen then in attendance, and many years subsequently was still at the head of a flourishing school, in which our student entered. The system and discipline of Mr. George conformed to the ancient regime, and placed great faith in the rod. He is described as a man of much personal prowess and spirit, who did not scruple to administer it on his pupils, when sloth, delinquency or misbehavior required, without refer- ence to age, size or other circumstances. Yet he secured the respect of his patrons, and the confidence of the public, and inspired the gratitude and affection of his pupils in a remarkable degree. This turning aside from our subject, to pay a passing tribute to his old preceptor, is deemed to be justified not only by the long and useful labors of Mr. George, in the instruction of youth in the generation in which Mr. Ruffin's lot was cast, but because he himself entertained the highest appreciation of the profession of an instructor, accustoming himself to speak of it as one of the most honorable and beneficent of human employments. Throughout his laborious and well-spent life, he often acknowledged his obligations of gratitude for the early training he had received under the tuition of this faithful, but somewhat eccentric son of Erin. And it may well be doubted whether Lord Eldon, in the maturity of his wisdom and great age, retained a more grateful and affectionate recollection of Master Moises of the High School of New Castle, than did Chief Justice Euffin of Master George of the Warrenton Male Academy. At this institution were assembled the sons of most of the citizens of Eastern North Carolina and the bordering counties of Virginia, aspiring to a liberal education. And here were formed friendships, which he cherished with great satisfaction throughout life. Among his com- panions were the late Robert Broadnax, of Rockingham, subsequently a planter of large possessions on Dan River, among the most estimable gentlemen of his time; and Cadwallader Jones, then of Halifax, but afterwards of Orange, at different periods an officer in the Navy and in the Army of the United States, a successful planter, and a model of the manners and virtues which give a charm to social intercourse. With both of these gentlemen his early attachments were in after life cemented by the union in marriage of their children. Here, too, he found Weldon N. Edwards, of Warren, subsequently distinguished by much public service in Congress and under the Government of the State, The Rufpin Papers. 21 thenceforward his lifelong friend, with whom his bonds of amity seemed to be drawn more closely as others of his contemporaries dropped from around him. Of these four youths of the Warrenton Academy, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Mr. Edwards alone survives. Long may he live to enjoy the veneration and respect due to a life of probity, honor and usefulness. From the Warrenton Academy young Ruffin was transferred to the College of ITassau Hall, at Princeton, New Jersey. It is believed that his father, who was a deeply pious man, was controlled in the selection of this College in preference to that of William & Mary, in Virginia, next to Harvard University the oldest institution of learning in the United States, not only. by a desire to place his son in an unsuspected situation as to his health, which had suffered from the malarial influ- ences prevailing in the tidewater region of Eastern Virginia, but to secure him as well from the temptation incident to College life, in an institution, in which as he supposed, there was too loose an authority and discipline exerted over the sons of affluence and ease. He entered the Freshman^ class, at Princeton, and "graduated at the commencement in 1805 ;" the sixteenth in a class of forty-two members, "being the first of the second division of intermediate honors." The late Governor James Iredell, of l^orth Carolina, was in the class succeeding his own, and for nearly the whole of his College course, his room-mate. Thus commenced a friendship between these gentlemen in youth, which was terminated only by the death of Mr. Iredell. Among others of his Col- lege associates who became distinguished in subsequent life, there were Samuel L. Southard and Theodore Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey, Joseph R. IngersoU, of Philadelphia, the Cuthberts and Habershams, of Georgia, Christopher Hughes of Maryland, and Stevenson Archer, of Mississippi. Returning home with his bachelor degree, Mr. Ruffin soon afterwards entered the law office of David Robertson, Esquire, of Petersburg, as a student of the law, and continued there through the years 1806 and 1807. Here he was associated as fellow-student with John F. May, afterwards Judge May, of Petersburg, and Winfield Scott, afterwards so highly distinguished in arms, and the only officer down to his time, except Gen- eral Washington, who attained the rank of Lieutenant General in the army of the United States. General Scott, in his Autobiography, de- scribes their preceptor, Mr. Robertson, as a Scotchman, a very learned scholar and barrister, who originally came to America as a classical teacher ; but subsequently gained high distinction as a lawyer, and was the author of the report of the debates in the Virginia Convention which adopted the Federal Constitution, and of the report of the trial of Aaron Burr for high treason. In a note to the same work. General Scott men- tions his chancing to meet Judge Ruffin in New York in 1853, while the latter was attending as a delegate, the Protestant Episcopal Convention, of the United States after a separation of forty-seven years, and recurs iThis is an error. RuflBn entered the Junior Class in 1803. 22 The I^oeth Cabolina Histokical Commission. to their association together with Judge May, as law ■ students, and to the conversation in which they then indulged, with manifest pride and pleasure. He also refers to their subsequent intercourse in the city of "Washington, in 1861, while Judge Euffin was serving as a member of the Peace Congress, and expresses the opinion, that, "if the sentiments of this good man, always highly conservative (the same as Critten- den's,") had prevailed, the country would have escaped the sad inflictions of the war, which was raging at the time he wrote.-*- Sterling Euffin, the father, having suffered some reverses of fortune, determined to change his home, and removed to Eockingham County, Iforth Carolina, in 1807. His son soon followed, a willing emigrant. It was in North Carolina he had received his first training for useful life: here was the home of most of his early friends, and here he con- fidently hoped to renew his association with Broadnax, Jones, Edwards, Iredell and other kindred spirits. He doubtless brought with him a considerable store of professional learning from the office of Mr. Eobertson, dn which he had been more than two years a student, but on his arrival in North Carolina, he pur- sued his further studies under the direction of the Honorable A. D. Murphey, until his admission to the bar, in 1808. Early in 1809, he established his home in the town of Hillsborough, and on the 9th of December, in that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Anne Kirkland, eldest daughter of the late William Kirkland, of that place, a prominent merchant and leading citizen. The twenty years next ensuing, during which his residence was con- tinually in Hillsborough, comprehends his career at the bar and on the Bench of the Superior Courts. In 1813, 1815 and 1816, he served as a member of the Legislature in the House of Commons from this town, under the old Constitution, and filled the office of Speaker of the House, at the last mentioned session, when first elected a Judge upon the resig- nation of that office by Duncan Cameron. He was also a candidate on the electoral ticket in favor of William H. Crawford for the Presidency iThe mention to which Governor Graham refers is as follows: "Mr. Robinson, in my time, had but two other students in his office — Thomas Ruffin and John P. May. The first of these and the autobiographer did not chance to meet from 1806 to 1853, a period of forty-seven years, when Mr. Ruffin, Chief Justice of North Carolina, came to New York as a member of the General Protestant Episcopal Convention. The greeting between them was boyishly enthusiastic. The chief justice, at the table of the soldier, said, 'Friend Scott, is it not a little remarkable, that of the three law students, in the same office, in 1805 and 1806, all yet in good preservation, our friend May has long been at the head of the bar in Southern Virginia; I long at the head of the bench in North Carolina; and you, the youngest, long at the head of the United States Army!' The last I saw of this most excellent man, always highly conservative, he was a member of the Peace Convention that met in Washington in the spring of 1861. Had his sentiments, the same as Critten- den's, prevailed, we should now (July, 1863) have in the thirty-four States fewer by several millions of widows, orphans, cripples, bankrupts, and deep mourners to sadden the land. Judge May, fortunately for him, died before the commencement of this horrid war." Scott, AutoMography, Vol. I, pp. 11-12. The Ruffin Papers. 23 of the United States, in 1824. But his aspirations, tastes and interests inclined him not to political honors, but to a steady adherence to the profession to "which his life was devoted. He found at the bar in Orange and the neighboring counties to which his practice was extended several gentlemen, his seniors in years, who were no ordinary competitors for forensic fame and patronage; of whom it may be sufficient to name Archibald D. Murphey, Frederick Nash, William Norwood, Duncan Cameron, (who although he had suspended his practice for a time, re- sumed it not long after Mr. Ruffin came to the bar,) Henry Seawell, Leonard Henderson, William Robards, Nicholas P. Smith, of Chatham, and later of Tennessee. His first essays in argument are said not to have been very fortunate. His manner was diffident and his speech hesi- tating and embarrassed. But these difficulties being soon overcome, the vigor of his understanding, the extent and accuracy of his learning, and his perfect mastery of his causes by diligent preparation, in a short time gave him position among these veterans of the profession, secured him a general and lucrative practice, and an easy accession to the Bench in seven years from his initiation at the bar. His reputation was greatly advanced and extended by the manner in which he acquitted himself in this office. The wants, however, of an increasing family and an un- fortunate involvement by suretyship forbade his continuance in a situ- ation of no better income than the salary which was its compensation. He resigned to the Legislature of 1818, and immediately returned to the practice. Mr. Ruffin had kept up habits of close study of his profession before his promotion to the Bench, and the leisure afforded by the vaca- tions of the office was eagerly availed of, for the same object. He came back to the bar not only with his health renovated, which had never been very robust, but with a brightness in his learning and an increase of fame, which, in the Supreme Court then recently established on its present basis, and in the Circuit Court of the United States, as well as on the ridings in the State Courts, brought to him a practice and an income, which has hardly ever been equalled in the case of any other practitioner in North Carolina. For forty-three weeks in the year he had his engagements in Court, and despite of all conditions of the weather or other impediments to travelling in the then state of the country, rarely failed to fulfill them. He held the appointment of Reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court for one or two terms, but relinquished it from the engrossment of his time by his practice; and his labors are embraced in the prior part of the first volume of Hawks. Mr. Archibald Henderson, Mr. Gaston, Mr. Seawell, Mr. Murphey, Mr. Moses Mordecai, Mr. Gavin Hogg, and Mr. Joseph Wil- son, all men of renown, were, with Mr. Ruffin, the chief advocates in the Supreme Court at that period, Mr. Nash and Mr. Badger being then upon the Bench ; and according to tradition, at no time have the argu- ments before it been more thorough and exhaustive. The late Governor Swain being a part of this period a student of the law in the office of 24 The I^oeth Caeoliwa Histoeical Commission. Chief Justice Taylor, in a public address at the opening at Tucker Hall, in ■which he gave many reminiscences of former times in Raleigh, men- tions a prediction in his hearing of Mr. Gaston to one of his clients in 1822, that if Mr. Euffin should live ten years longer he would be at the head of the profession in l^orth Carolina. By the same authority we are informed, that only a year or two later, Judge Henderson declared that he had then attained this position of eminence. Among the pro- fessional gentlemen he met in the wide range of his practice on the cir- cuits, in addition to his seniors already named, were Bartlett Yancey, Augustine H. Shepperd, Eomulus M. Saunders, James Martin, Thomas P. Devereux, Jas. F. Taylor, Charles Manly, "Wm. H. Haywood, Jr., Daniel L. Barringer, Samuel Hillman, John M. and James T. More- head, Bedford Brown, Willie P. and Priestly H. Mangum, Francis L. Hawks, Thos. Settle, John M. Dick, George C. Mendenhall, and several others, of high distinction among the advocates and public characters of the State ; by all of whom his eminent abilities and attainments were fully acknowledged and appreciated. In the summer of 1825, upon the resignation of Judge Badger, Mr. Ruffin again accepted the appointment of a Judge of the Superior Courts. His recent successes had relieved him of embarrassment, and supplied him a competent fortune ; his health demanded relaxation and rest ; and his duties to his family, now quite numerous, in his estimation required m.ore of his presence at home than was consistent with the very active life he was leading. He therefore relinquished his great emoluments at the bar for the inadequate salary then paid to a Judge, and virtually closed his career as an advocate. By the bar and the public he was wel- comed back on the circuits, and for the three following years he admin- istered the law with such universal admiration and acceptance, both on the part of the profession and the people, that he was generally desig- nated by the public approbation for the succession to the Bench of the Supreme Court whenever a vacancy should occur. The reputation he had established by this time, however, did not merely assign him capabilities as a lawyer, but ascribed to him every qualification of a thorough man of affairs. It was conceded, at least, that he could teach bankers banking and merchants the science of accounts. In the Autumn of 1828, the stockholders of the old State Bank of Worth Carolina, at the head of whom were "William Polk, Peter Browne and Duncan Cameron, owing to the great embarrassment of the affairs of this institution, involving disfavor with the public, and threats of judicial proceedings for a forfeiture of its charter, prevailed on him to take the Presidency of the Bank, with a salary increased to the pro- curement of his acceptance; and with the privilege on his part to prac- tice his profession in the city of Ealeigh. In twelve months devoted to this office, with his characteristic energy, mastering the affairs of the Bank with a true talent for finance, making available its assets and pro- The Euffin Papebs. 25 viding for its liabilities, and inspiring confidence by tbe general faith in bis abilities and bigb purpose to do rigbt, be effectually redeemed tbe institution, and prepared tbe way to close out in credit tbe remaining term of its charter. At tbis period, also, another place of high political eminence was at his choice, but was promptly declined. A vacancy having happened in the Senate of the United States by the appointment of Governor Branch to the head of tbe Navy department, and the Honorable Bartlett Yancey, who had been tbe general favorite for tbe succession, having recently died, Mr. Ruffin was earnestly solicited to accept a candidacy for this position with every assurance of success. But bis desire was, as he him- self expressed it among bis friends, "after the labor and attention he had bestowed upon his profession, to go down to posterity as a lawyer." Irrespective, therefore, of his domestic interests, and the care and atten- tion due to his family, of which no man ever had a truer or warmer conception, he could not be diverted from his chosen line of life by the attractions of even the highest political distinction. While assiduously employed in the affairs of the Bank, to which was devoted the year 1829, his services were still demanded by clients in the higher courts, and his reputation at the bar suffered no eclipse. Upon the death of Chief Justice Taylor, in this year, tbe Executive appoint- ment of a successor was conferred on a gentleman of merited eminence in the profession, and of a singularly pure and elevated character; but tbe sentiment of tbe majority of the profession as well as public opinion, had made choice of Mr. Ruffin for tbe permanent office, and he was elected a Judge of the Supreme Court at the session of the Legislature in the autumn of 1829. In 1833, upon the demise of Chief Justice Hen- derson, he was elevated to the Chief Justiceship, in which he won that fame which will longest endure, because it is incorporated in the judicial literature of the country, and is co-extensive with the study and adminis- tration of our system of law. Before directing attention to his labors in this highest court of appeals in the State, it is appropriate to remark on his prior career as an advo- cate, counsellor and Judge of the Superior Courts. Of his arguments at the bar, at nisi prius, or in the Courts of appeal, no memorials have been preserved save the imperfect briefs contained in the causes that have been reported. His nature was ardent, and his manner of speech earnest and often vehement in tone and gesticulation. Though versed in belles lettres, and with tastes to relish eloquent declamation, it was a field into which he did not often, if at all, adventure. His reliance was upon logic, not upon rhetoric ; and even his illustrations were drawn from "things practical, rather than tbe ideal. Analyzing and thoroughly com- prehending his cause, he held it up plainly to the view of others, and "with a searching and incisive criticism exposed and dissipated the weak points in that of his adversary: and all tbis, in a vigorous, terse and manly English, every word of which told. Few advocates ever equalled 26 The K'obth Caeolina Histoeical Commission. him in presenting so mucli of solid thought in the same number of words, or in disentangling complicated facts, or elucidating abstruse learning so as to make the demonstration complete to the minds of the auditory; capacities, doubtless gained by severe culture, a part of which, as I learned from an early student in his office, had been a daily habit, long after his admission to the bar, of going carefully over the demonstration of a theorem in Mathematics. Thus habituated to abstract and exact reasoning, he delighted in the approach to exactness in the reasoning of the law, and no student could more truly say of his professional in- vestigations, "Labor ipse est voluptas." The accuracy thus attained in his studies, gave him high eminence as a pleader, in causes both at law and in Equity; and among his associates usually devolved on him the office of framing the pleadings in the causes in which they were engaged. It also gave him rank among the great counsellors of the time, whose opinions were not the result of cramming for an occasion, or a fortunate authority, but the well considered reflections of gifted minds imbued with law as a science, and who had explored to their sources, the prin- ciples involved in the subjects they examined, and made them their own. This full development of his forensic character does not appear to have been manifested until after his return to the bar subsequently to his first service on the bench. But from this period till his second retirement, in 1825, he had hardly a rival in the bar of the Supreme Court of the State or the Circuit Court of the United States, except Archibald Hen- derson and Gaston, and had a command of the practice in all the State Courts he attended. As a Judge of the Superior or nisi frius Courts, he exhibited equal aptitude for the Bench as for the practice at the Bar. With an energy that pressed the business forward, a quickness rarely equalled in perceiving and comprehending facts, patient and industrious habits of labor, and a spirit of command which suffered no time to be lost, he despatched causes with expedition, but with no indecent haste. Whilst he presided, it was rare that any cause before a jury ever occupied more than a single day, and none is remembered that extended beyond two. It may be inferior to the dignity of the occasion to indulge in profes- sional anecdotes. The promptness, however, with which he disposed of a case of some novelty on the circuit, may justify a passing notice. The plaintiff and defendant had disputed on a matter of law, and growing warm in the controversy, laid a wager on the question of whether or not the law was as affirmed by the plaintiff ; and a suit was brought to have the point determined. After the contract of wager had been proved, the plaintiff rested. The Judge called on the counsel for the plaintiff to prove that he had won. The counsel replied that that depended on the point of law which he submitted to his Honor. The Judge rejoined, that it was one of facts in the controversy, on which he was forbidden to express an opinion ; but for their trifling with the Court in instituting such an action, he ordered it to be dismissed, and each party to pay half The Rtjffin Papers. 27 tte costs, with an intimation, that it was leniency in the Court to stop with no greater penalty. It is worthy of remark, that about the same time, as we since learn from the reports, Chief Justice Abbott, in the King's Bench in England, ordered a cause "to be struck out of the paper," the subject of the action being a wager on a dog-fight, upon the ground that it was insignificant, and it would be a waste of time to try it. In administering the criminal law, in which the extent of punishment generally depended on the discretion of the Judge, his sentences were such as to inspire evil doers with terror, but eminently tended to give •protection to society and confidence to honest and law-abiding men. His accession to the Bench of the Supreme Court was a source of gen- eral satisfaction to the profession, and to the people of the State, by whom his enlightened labors in the circuits had been witnessed with admiration and pride. He at once took a conspicuous part in the pro- ceedings of this high tribunal, and for twenty-three years, that he con- tinuously sat there, probably delivered a greater number of the opinions on which its judgments were founded, than any Judge with whom in this long career he was associated. These opinions are found through more than twenty-five volumes of books of reports, and form the bulk of our judicial literature for a full generation. They embrace topics of almost every variety, civil and criminal, legal and equitable, concern- ing probate and administration, marriage and divorce, slavery and freedom, and constitutional law, which can enter into judicial contro- versy, in the condition of society then prevailing in the State, and con- stitute memorials of her jurisprudence, by which the members of the profession are content she shall be judged in the present age and by posterity. They have been cited with approbation in the American courts, State and l^ational, by eminent legal authors, and in the judicial deliberations of Westminster Hall; and the N'orth Carolina lawyer who can invoke one of them as a case in point with his own, generally con- siders that he is possessed of an impenetrable shield. It has been rare in England that a Judge or Advocate has reached high distinction in the courts both of common law and Equity. The student of the judicial arguments of Chief Justice Ruffin will be at a loss to determine in which of these branches of legal science he most excelled. To the votary of the common law, fresh from the perusal of the black letter of the times of the Tudors and early Stuarts, and captivated with its artificial refine- ments and technical distinctions as to rights and remedies, he would appear to have pursued his professional education upon the intimation of Butler in his reminiscences, that "he is the best lawyer, and will suc- ceed best in his profession, who best understands Coke upon Littleton ;" or, advancing to the modern ages of greater enlightenment and freer intercourse among nations, that he had made a specialty of the law of contracts, bills of exchange and commercial law generally; whilst his expositions of Equity causes will satisfy any impartial critic, that he was at least equally a proficient and master of the principles and practice 28 The North Caeolina Histobical Commission. of the jurisprudence of the English Chancery, and would induce the belief that, like Sir Samuel Komilly or Sir William Grant, his practice at the bar had been confined to this branch of the profession. The minute distinctions between the limits of the jurisdiction of the Courts of Equity and common law, he comprehended and illustrated with a rare discrimination and accuracy. Buring the term of his service in that Court, it will be remembered by the profession, that three great departures were made from long estab- lished precedents in the English Courts of Equity, which have tended to give simplicity to our system, and to free it from the embarrassment and confusion of the authorities in the English cases ; namely. First, in adhering to the direction of the statute of Frauds, and refusing to decree the specific execution of a contract for the conveyance of real estate required to be in writing, upon the ground that the parties had acted upon their agreement, and that it had been partially carried into execu- tion. Second, in discarding the doctrine that a vendor who had sold land and parted with the title, trusting his vendee for the purchase money, yet had a lien on the land as a security for its payment. Third, in negativing likewise the English doctrine of a married woman's equit- able right to a settlement for her maintenance before her husband should invoke the power of the court to reduce her estate to possession. These have been acknowledged as salutary reforms both at home and abroad, in all of which Chief Justice Ruffin concurred and delivered leading arguments in their support. Accustomed tenaciously to adhere to prece- dents upon the theory, that the wisdom of a succession of learned Judges, concurred in or tolerated by the Legislature from age to age, is superior to that of any one man, and that certainty in the rules of the law is of more importance than their abstract justice; yet where there had been no domestic precedent, and those abroad were at variance with the com- mand of a statute or with obvious principles, he readily embraced these opportunities to symmetrize and perfect the system of practical morality administered in the American courts of Equity. His familiar knowledge of banking and mercantile transactions and skilfulness in accounts, gave him a conceded eminence in the innumer- able causes involving inquiries of this nature. During his presidency in the Supreme Court, it cannot fail to be remarked that there was a great advance in the accuracy of pleadings in Equity causes, and in a general extension of the knowledge of Equity practice throughout the circuits. And the precision and propriety of entries in every species of procedure were brought to a high state of perfection, mainly by his investigations and labors, in conjunction with those of that most worthy gentleman, and modest but able lawyer, Edmund B. Freeman, Esquire, late Clerk of the Court, whose virtues and public usefulness, connected as he was for so many years in close and friendly association with the immediate subject of our remarks, now likewise gone down beyond the horizon, I am gratified the opportunity serves to commemorate. The Euffin Papers. 29 In the department of the law peculiarly American, in which there comes up the question, whether the Legislature can legislate to the extent it has assumed, or other expositions of the Constitutions of the State or Union, though the occasions for such exercises were rare in the quiet times of his judicial life. Chief Justice Euffin shone to no less advantage, than in those dependent on municipal regulations. His conversancy with political ethics, public law and English and American history, seems to have assigned to him the task of delivering the opinions on this head, which have most attracted general attention. That delivered by him in the case of Hoke against Henderson in which it was held, that the Legislature could not, by a sentence of its own in the form of an enact- ment, divest a citizen of property, even in a public office, because the proceeding was an exercise of judicial power, received the high encomium of Kent and other authors on constitutional law; and I happened per- sonally to witness, that it was the main authority relied on by Mr. Reverdy Johnson, in the argument for the second time, of Ex parte Garland, which involved the power of Congress by a test oath, to exclude lawyers from practice in the Supreme Court of the United States, for having participated in civil war against the government ; and in which, its reasoning on the negative side of the question, was sustained by that august tribunal. The singular felicity and aptitude with which he denuded his judg- ments of all extraneous matter, and expounded the very principles of the case in hand, usually citing authority only to uphold what had been demonstrated without it, is the most striking feature in his numerous opinions. No commonplaces or servile copying of the ideas of others fill the space to be occupied, but a manly comprehension of the subject in its entire proportions, illustrated by well considered thought and lucid and generally graceful expression. His learning was profound, but not so deep as his own reflections. His powers of abstraction sub- jected every thing to scrutiny, and rare was the fallacy which passed through that crucible without exposure. If he did not develop new truths the old were made to shine with a fresher lustre, from having undergone his processes of thought and illustration. His style of writing was elevated and worthy of the themes he discussed. His language well selected, and exhibiting a critical acquaintance with English philology. A marked characteristic in his writings, as it was also in his conversation, was the frequent, dextrous, and strikingly appropriate use he made of the brief words of our language, usually of Saxon derivation; as in his response to the tribute of the bar to the memory of Judge Gaston : "We knew that he was, indeed, a good man and a great Judge." In the autumn of 1852, while in the zenith of his reputation, and not yet pressed with the weight of years. Chief Justice Ruffin resigned his office and retired, as he supposed forever, from the professional employ- ments he had so long and with so much renown pursued. But on the death of his successor and friend. Chief Justice Wash, in December, 30 The Noeth Cabolina Historical Commission. 1858, he was called by the almost unanimous vote of the General As- sembly then in session, to fill the vacancy, and sat again as a Judge of the Supreme Court until the autumn of 1859, when failing health ren- dered his labors irksome, and he took his final leave of judicial life. Six years of rest in his rural home had induced nothing of rust or desuetude : he wore the ermine as naturally and gracefully as if he had never been divested of its folds; his judicial arguments at this time evince all that vigor of thought and freshness and copiousness of learning which had prompted an old admirer to say of him, that he was a "born lawyer." It is not improbable that this preservation in full panoply was in some design aided by the circumstance, that in a desire to be useful in any sphere for which he was fitted, he had accepted the office of a Justice of the Peace in the county of Alamance, in which he then resided, and had held the County Courts with the lay justices during this period. Though near ten years later, and when he had passed the age of eighty, in a matter of seizure, in which he took some interest for a friend, under the revenue laws, in the Circuit Court of the United States, a branch of practice to which he had not been habituated by experience, I had occasion to observe that he was as ready with his pen in framing the pleadings, without books of authority or precedent, as any proctor in a Court of admiralty. In looking back upon his long life devoted to the profession, and the monuments of his diligence, learning and striking ability that he left behind him, it is no extravagance of eulogy to affirm, that if the State or any American State has fostered great advocates, counsellors or Judges, he assuredly was of this class. But when, as Coke to Littleton, we bid "Farewell to our jurisprudent," who had basked so long in the "gladsome light" of jurisprudence, we have not wholly fulfilled the task assigned us. Jurisprudence was indeed his forte; and that in its most enlarged sense, embracing the science of right in all its aspects. Considering how thoroughly he had mastered the systems prevailing in England and the United States, the fullness of his knowledge in kindred studies and the facility with which he labored and wrote, it is to be regretted that he did not betake himself to profes- sional authorship. But there are other aspects of his character than that of a lawyer and Judge. At an early period he became the proprietor of an estate on Dan river, in Eockingham, on which he established a plantation at once, and gave personal direction to its profitable cultivation from that time until his death. Carrying his family to Raleigh for a sojourn of twelve months upon assuming the Presidency of a Bank as already stated, he removed thence to Haw river, in Alamance, in 1830, and there under his own eye carried on the operations of a planter with success until the year 1866, when the results of the war deprived him of laborers, and he sold the estate and removed again to Hillsborough. The law has been said by some of its old authors, to be a jealous mistress, and to allow no rival The KtrFFiN Papers. 31 in tlie attentions of its votary. Chief Justice Euffin, however, while dili- gently performing the duties of his great office, and keeping up with the labors of his cotemporaries, Lynnhurst, Brougham, Tenterden and Den- man, in England, and the numerous Courts exercising like jurisdictions in America, found leisure to manage his farm at home as well as to give direction to that in Rockingham. And this, not in the ineffective manner which has attended the like efforts of some professional men, but with present profit and improvement of the estates. From early life he appeared to have conceived a fondness for agriculture, including horticulture and the growing of fruit trees and flowers, which his home in the country seemed to have been selected to indulge. Here for thirty- five years, in the recess of his Courts, he found recreation in these pur- suits and in the rearing of domestic animals ; the result of which was the most encouraging success in orchards, grapery, garden, cereal crops, flocks and herds. Combining a knowledge of the general principles of science, with fine powers of observation, and the suggestions of the most approved Agricultural periodicals, he was prepared to avail himself in practice of the highest intelligence in the art. It was therefore no empty compliment to a great jurist and leading citizen, when the Agricultural society of ITorth Carolina, in 1854, elected him to its presidency after his retirement from the Bench, but the devotion to public uses and service, of an experience and information in the cultivation of the soil, and all its manifold connections and dependencies, which few other men in the State possessed. He was continued in this distinguished position for six years, when declining health demanded his retirement; and at no time have the interests of the society been more prosperous, its public exhibitions more spirited ; and it may be added, that on no occasion did he ever manifest more satisfaction than in the reunions of its members. His farming was not that of a mere amatewr in the art, designed as in the case of other public characters of whom we have read, to dignify retirement, to amuse leisure or gratify taste, though few had a higher relish for the ornamental, especially in shrubbery and flowers. This, he could not, or did not think he could afford, but to realize subsistence and profit, to make money, to provide for his own, and to enable him to contribute in charity to the wants of others. He consequently entered into all the utilities, economies and practicabilities of husbandry in its minute details, realizing the English proverb, quoted in the writings of Sir Francis Head, that "a good elephant should be able to raise a cannon or pick up a pin." The liberal hospitality that he dispensed throughout life was a most conspicuous feature in the period thus devoted to practical agriculture. His nature was eminently social, his acquaintance in his high position extensive, his dwelling near one of the great highways of travel through the State in the old modes of conveyance, easy of access ; and the exuber- ance of his farm, garden, orchards and domestic comforts were never more agreeably dispensed, than when ministered to the gratification 32 Thb IToETH Cakolina Histokical Commission-. of his friends under Ms own roof. The cordiality and ease with which, he did the honors of an entertainer in an old-fashioned southern man- sion, is among the pleasant recollections of not a few between the Potomae and the Mississippi. It was here, indeed, surrounded by a family worthy of the care and affection he bestowed upon them, relaxed from the severe studies and anxieties of official life, in unreserved and cheerful inter- course, that, after all, he appeared most favorably. By his industry, frugality and aptitude for the management of prop- erty, he accumulated in a long life an estate more ample than usually falls to the lot of a member of the profession in this State ; and although much reduced by the consequences of the. civil war, it was still competent to the comfort of his large family. Judge Ruffin was, until superseded by the changes made in 1868, the oldest Trustee of the University of the State, and always one of the most efficient and active members of the Board. For more than half a century on terms of intimate intercourse with its Presidents, Caldwell and Swain, and the leading Professors, Mitchell, Phillips and their associates, he was their ready counsellor and friend in any emergency; whether in making appeals to the Legislature in behalf of the institution for sup- port and assistance in its seasons of adversity, or in enforcing discipline and maintaining order, advancing the standard of education, or cheering the labors both of the Faculty and students. His criterion of a collegiate education was high, and he illustrated by his own example the rewards of diligent and faithful study. He retained a better acquaintance with the dead languages than any of his compeers we have named except Gaston, Murphey and Taylor. In ethics, history and the standard British classics, his knowledge was profound. In science and in natural history, more especially in chemistry and those departments pertaining to Agriculture, Horticulture, Pomology and the like, his attainments were very considerable, as they were also in works of belles lettres. Poetry, taste and fiction, at least down to the end of the novels of Scott and Cooper. He worthily received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of iN'orth Carolina in 1834, and the like honor is believed to have been subsequently conferred by his Alma Mater at Princeton.^ His style and manner in conversation, in which he took great delight and bore a distinguished part in all companies, abounded in pleasantry, but exhibited the same wide range of thought and information with his public performances, and was full of entertainment and instruction to the young. His temperament was mercurial, his actions quick and ener- getic, and his whole bearing in the farthest possible degree removed from sloth, inertness and despondency. In political sentiment he accorded with the school of Jefferson, and for more than forty years was a con- stant reader of the Richmond Inquirer, the editor of which, Mr. Ritchie, iThis is erroneous. The Euffin Papers. 33 was his relative; though no one entertained a more exalted reverence for the character, abilities and patriotism of Marshall, with whom he cherished a familiar acquaintance while in practice before him at the bar, and after his own elevation to the Bench. Later in life he formed a like kind and admiring acquaintance with Chancellor Kent. In the winter of 1861, the Legislature of N^orth Carolina, having acceded to the proposition of Virginia, on the approach of the late, rupture between the States of the Union, to assemble a body of delegates in the city of Washington, to consider and recommend terms of recon- ciliation. Judge Ruffin was appointed one of the members in the "Peace Conference," and is understood to have taken a conspicuous part in its deliberations and debates. We have the testimony of General Scott, in his Autobiography, already quoted, that his counsels in that assembly were altogether pacific. President Buchanan, in his work in defence of his action in that important crisis, makes assertion of the same fact. After the failure of the eif orts at adjustment, and the war in his opinion had become a necessity. Judge Ruffin accepted a seat in the State Con- vention of 1861, and threw into its support all the zeal and energy of his earnest and ardent temper; one of his sons, a grandson and other near connections taking part in the dangers and privations of its camps and battlefields. When defeat came, he yielded an honest submission and acquiescence, and renewed in perfect good faith his alle^anee to the government of the United States. Too far advanced in years to be longer active in affairs, his chief concern in regard to the public interests thenceforward, was for the conservation of the public weal, and that the violent convulsion of which we had felt the shock and the change might be permitted to pass without any serious disturbance of the great and essential principles of freedom and right which it had been the favorite study of his life to understand and illustrate. With the close of the war his farm about his mansion having experi- enced the desolation of an army encampment, and its system of labor being abolished, he felt unequal to the enterprise of its resuscitation and cultureV and therefore disposed of the estate and again took up his abode in Hillsborough. Here, in occasional occupation as a referee of legal controversies, in directing the assiduous culture of his garden and grounds, in desultory reading, in which he now and then recurred to his old favorites among the novels of Scott, in the duties of hospitality and the converse of friends in the bosom of his family, he passed the evening of his days. In the sense of imbecility or decreptitude, he never grew old, but was blessed with the enjoyment of a remarkable intellectual vigor and fine flow of spirits almost till his dissolution. And in antici- pation of death in his last illness, he laid an injunction on his physician to administer to him no anodyne which should deprive him of conscious- ness, as he did not wish to die in a state of insensibility. On the 15th of January, 1870, after an illness of but four days, though he had been an invalid from an affection of the lungs for a year or more, 3 34 The N'oeth Cabolina Historical Commission. lie breathed his last, in the 83(1 year of his age. His end was resigned and peaceful, and in the consolation of an enlightened and humble chris- tian faith. For more than forty years a communicant in the Protestant Episcopal church, he was one of its most active members in the State, and more than once represented the Diocese in the Triennial Conven- tions of the Union. The venerable companion of his life, a bride when not yet fifteen, a wife for more than sixty years, yet survives to receive the gratitude and affection of a numerous posterity and the reverence and esteem of troops of friends. This imperfect offering is a memoir, not a panegyric. It contains not history, but particidas historiw — scraps of history which it is hoped may not be without -their use to the future student of our annals, for the char- acter we contemplate is destined to be historical. His life was passed in the public view in the most important public functions — in contact with the most gifted and cultivated men of the State for half a century; it ran through two generations of lawyers. It was given to a profession in which were engaged many of the first minds of other States, and I can call to recollection no Judge of any State of the Union who in that period has left behind him nobler or more numerous memorials of erudition, diligence and ability in the departments of the law he was called to administer. The study of his performances will at least serve to correct the error of opinion prevailing with many at the ITorth, that the intellectual activity of the South delights itself only in politics. To the members of the Agricultural Society and to this audience his devotion to, and success in agriculture is a subject of only secondary interest to his professional fame. It has been remarked by one of the British essayists, as "a saying of dunces in all ages, that men of genius are unfit for business." It is perhaps a kindred fallacy to which pedantry and sloth have given as much countenance on the one hand as blissful ignorance on the other, that high culture and erudition as in the case of the learned professions, is incompatible with success in practical affairs in other departments. "We have before us the life of one who demonstrated in his own person, that it is possible for a great and pro- found lawyer to take a leading part and become a shining light in prac- tically promoting the first and greatest of the industrial arts, and although there be no natural connection between these occupations, that the same well-directed industry, patience and energy which had achieved success in the one, was equal to a like triumph in the other; whilst in high probity, in stainless morals, in social intercourse, in the amenities of life, and the domestic affections and duties, his example will be cherished in the recollection of his friends, and may well be commended to the imitation of our youth. CHIEF JUSTICE THOMAS RUFFIN' By FRANCIS NASH THOMAS RTHTIN The fiest boen of Sterling Rtjffin and Alice Roane, BOBN AT ITewINGTON, King and Queen County, Vibginia, Nov. 17th, 1787, Died at Hillsboro, Orange Co., N". C. January 15th, 1870. Graduated at ITassau Hall, Princeton, 'N. J., 1805, Admitted to the Bar in IT. C, in 1808. Intermarried with Anne M. Ejrkland December 9th, 1809. A MEMBER of the StATE LEGISLATURE, Speaker of the House of Commons ; a trustee of the University; twice Judge of the Superior Court; IN 1829, Justice of the Supreme Court, in WHICH HE presided FOR 19 YEARS AS Chief Justice Labor ipse est voluptas. In the eighty-third year of his life, in full possession of his faculties, ripe in learning and in wisdom, crowned with public honors and confi- dence, rich in the affection of his kindred and friends, he closed his long, active, and useful life in the consolation of an enlightened and humble Christian faith. "A man resolved and steady to his trust. Inflexible to ill and obstinately just." That is the inscription upon Judge Ruffin's tomb in St. Matthew's churchyard at Hillsboro — ^his life in epitome. How severely true is this inscription ! How characteristic of the man ! On this marble the salient features of his life and work are carved, that all may know "that he was indeed a good man and a great judge." He 'Reprinted from the Charlotte Observer of March 19, 1905. 36 The N"orth Cabolina Histoeical Commission. has, however, erected to his own memory a more indestructible monu- ment than this, in the thirty-five volumes of Iforth Carolina Keports in which his opinions are recorded. These can never become obsolete, for in them the foundations of our law are laid, broad and deep, strong and enduring. It is my purpose to write something of this great lawyer and greater judge, of him who for so many years lived and labored and loved within the little town wherein I write, side by side with Murphey, ITorwood, Cameron, ITash, Hawks, Henderson, Badger, and later, Graham, all compeers in his profession and friends and neighbors in his life, and some of whom should occupy a niche in the temple of fame as high as his own, while others would be but little lower. "Too clearly it is a topic we shall do no justice to in this place ! One comfort is that great men taken up in any way are profitable company. We cannot look, however, upon a great man without gaining something by him." "The first born of Sterling Euffin and Alice Roane." Sterling Ruffin was a planter of Essex County, Virginia, a man of substance and char- acter. It is said that at one time he was a great fancier of race horses, attended the races at Richmond and other places, bet heavily and lost or won as it might be. He owned several horses himself, and entered them and backed them freely at the annual club meetings. On one occasion, after having sent his horses on to Richmond, he in a few days commenced his journey to the same city. A Methodist camp-meeting was in progress at a place where he stopped for the night. He attended it, was converted, went on to Richmond, withdrew his horses from the races, paying the forfeit, and sold them all at a sacrifice, and ever after- wards was an ardent Methodist, becoming a preacher of that denomina- tion late in life. His fortune becoming impaired, he removed to Rock- ingham County, K C, in 1807. Alice Roane was of a distinguished Virginia family, being first cousin to Spencer Roane, the great Chief Justice. Thomas Ruffin was born at Newington, the residence of his maternal grandfather, Thomas Roane, in the county of King and Queen, November 17, 1787. HIS EDUCATION "His early boyhood was passed on the farm of his father, in Essex, and in attendance on the schools in the vicinity," says Governor Graham, memorial oration, Raleigh, October 21, 1870. Later he was sent to the classical academy of Mr. Marcus George, in Warrenton, E". C. "Mr. George," quoting Governor Graham again, "was an Irishman by birth and education, a fine classical scholar, and most painstaking, skillful instructor, especially in elocution, as we must believe, since among his pupils who survived to our times we find the best readers of our acquaint- ance." Many years after this period, and not many months before his death. Judge Ruffin entered one of his granddaughters at a female school The Euffin Papers. 37 then, and afterwards, noted for its thoroughness. As the principals of the school attended the old gentleman to the door, he inquired who of them taught reading. Being informed, he turned to the lady and ex- claimed: "Then, Miss, for God's sake teach the child to read!" In Mr. George's school, as in near all the schools of the period. King Solo- mon was still an authority. Says Governor Graham : "He is described as a man of much personal powers and spirit, who did not scruple to administer it" [the rod] "on his pupils, when sloth, delinquency, or misbehavior required, without reference to age, size, or other circum- stances. Yet he secured the respect of his patrons and the confidence of the public, and inspired the gratitude and affection of his pupils in a remarkable degree." Here, among others, Robert Brodnax of Rocking- ham County, Cadwallader Jones, then of Halifax, later Orange, and Weldon N. Edwards of Warren, were schoolmates of young Ruffin. He went from this academy to Princeton, where he graduated six- teenth in a class of forty-two in 1805. Among his associates at K'assau Hall were James Iredell, the younger, of iN'orth Carolina; Samuel L. Southard and Theodore Frelinghuysen of New Jersey; Joseph R. Inger- soU of Pennsylvania ; the Cuthberts and Habershams of Georgia ; Chris- topher Hughes of Maryland, and Stevenson Archer of Mississippi. All these were subsequently distinguished. After graduating at Princeton, he studied law under David Robertson, Esq., at Petersburg, Virginia ; "Winfield Scott and John F. May of Peters- burg being with him in Mr. Robertson's office. In 1807, his father having removed to Rockingham County, E". C, he, too, came to this State and finished his studies under Judge Murphey. He was admitted to the bar in 1808, and located in Hillsboro for the practice of his profession June 7, 1809. HIS ROMANCE About 1790 there came a young Scotchman, William Kirkland, from Ayrshire, Scotland, to Hillsboro, to engage in mercantile pursuits. On the eve of Christmas, 1792, he married Miss Margaret B. Scott, and the following year, 1793, their oldest child, Anne, was born. In 1799 he purchased the old Few homestead, and lived there the remainder of his life. Just east of Hillsboro, touching indeed its boundary, was a rounded mound, scarcely high or abrupt enough to be called a hill, whose sides and top were covered by an open grove of magnificent oaks, hickories, and maples. Through this, in 1809, ran a footpath to Ayrmount, the home of the Kirklands, a mile away. In this grove, the summer of the same year, and on a tree trunk fallen by the wayside, Thomas Ruffin, the ambitious young lawyer, with his future already to himself secure, but unsuspected by others, addressed Annie M. Kirkland, then scarcely more than a child — not yet sixteen years of age — and was accepted by her. They were married December 7, 1809. 38 The IToeth Cabolina Historical Commission. On January 3, 1811, young Kuffin purchased 43 acres of land adjoin- ing the town of Hillsboro on the east, and in this tract was included the mound with the grove on it and the fallen log. They built a little house near by, and there the young couple lived through the few first years of stint and poverty — a home so small and insignificant that now it would be contemned by a clerk on $600 salary. Soon, however, as the great powers of the husband were afforded more and more a scope for action, their financial sky brightened and they were looking forward with assur- ance to an early attained afiluence. Then the crash came. Mr. Ruffin had become surety on many undertakings of a friend and connection, and that friend had been unable to meet his obligations, so the young lawyer, with an increasing family and impaired health, found himself confronted with a debt, not in a sense of his own contracting, of thou- sands of dollars. With indomitable will and undaunted courage he labored as few men have ever labored, for forty-three weeks in the year, riding from court to court, or arguing cases in them, until at last his fortunes were again upon a firm basis. Over hill and vale and mountain, in all sorts of weather, on horseback or in open gig, as far west as McDowell County and back again to Raleigh, he went. Surely labor was his delight. Throughout all these years of struggle and of striving, of disappoint- ment and disgust, his wife was ever his good angel, soothing the asperi- ties of his temper, restraining his ardent, sometimes intense, sensibili- ties, stimulating his hope and his ambition, and sharing his disappoint- ments and trials. Meantime she was bearing him child after child, and caring for, guiding and controlling them all. It is said that she was the only influence that came into the life of this great but rugged personality to which he deferred — the kind of deference that is beautiful always, but is strikingly so in such a character. Judge Rufiin, about 1820, donated the site whereon 'St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and churchyard is now situated. The church was erected in 1826 on or very near the spot where the romance of his life had commenced, and the land was donated as a memorial of that event and a thank offering to God for the blessings it had brought in its train. Ah! it commenced there, but it did not end there! For, many years afterwards, when he comes to put off the garments of this life to lie down to sleep, he thus speaks of his wife as he devises her all his property: "She has been as good and affectionate wife and mother as husband and children ever had ;" and further, "my wife, who deserves all the affection and honour I have ever felt for her, or could feel." Fourteen children were born to this couple, and only one died under age. AS A LAWYER It is said that the country lawyer must know something of everything. If this is true now, much more must it have been true when lawyers in gig or on horseback rode the circuit, with their library in their saddle- The Euffin Papeks. 39 bags. The capacity to acquire, and the capacity to use, knowledge are two very different things. Generally the school is the test of the former, life of the latter. To have both of these in an extraordinary degree makes a very high order of intellect. Now, Judge Ruffin's mind could not truth- fully be called brilliant. The limitation was upon his capacity to acquire knowledge; but this he obviated by incessant, earnest, untiring labor. Endowed by nature with an excellent judgment, the soundest common sense, and an indomitable will, his capacity to use the knowledge that he acquired was almost unlimited. While the minds of some of his com- petitors may have been filled with knowledge, unassorted, ill-digested — a lumber room, so to say — ^his was a well-ordered cabinet, with a place for everything and everything in its place, all ready for use at the demand of the occasion. This orderliness of intellect was especially valuable when books were few, and those few, quite often in an itinerant practice, inaccessible. Very quickly would it supply the place of graces of oratory, and make its possessor much sought as an attorney. Judge Ruffin, though on occasions vehement, had none of these graces, and so he had been some years at the bar before his excellence was appreciated and clients knocked at his door (e. g. He is not marked as counsel on the equity docket until the March Term, 1814, and then in only 12 out of 57 cases. He commences with 3 cases in the county court, but by the Ifovem- ber Term, 1814, he was in 42 out of 72). When he resigned from the bench in 1818 he had as much work as one man could do, and for six years and more literally coined money. Governor Graham says that at that period, viz., from January, 1819, to July, 1825, his income was greater than that of any lawyer in the history of the State to 1871. When it is remembered that he was in competition with such accom- plished lawyers as Murphey, Ifash, Leonard Henderson, Cameron, Badger, Hawks, and others, any one of whom would have done honor to any bar anywhere and at any time, his extraordinary excellence as a lawyer can be easily seen. Quoting Governor Graham: "At first, his manner was diffident, and his speech hesitating and embarrassed. But these difficulties being soon overcome, the vigor of his understanding, the extent and accuracy of his learning, and his perfect mastery of his cases by diligent preparation, in a short time gave him position among these veterans of the profession and secured him a general and lucrative practice." AS A JUDGE Here his excellence was supreme. Few judges in the TJnlon have been of the same class as he, and none in N"orth Carolina. If Judges Shaw of Massachusetts; Tilghman and Gibson of Pennsylvania, and Kent and Spencer of New York, have had a greater influence upon the develop- ment of the law in this country, it was simply because their decisions dealt with questions broader in their scope and more varied in their aspect, and not because they were greater judges. However this may be, 40 The North Carolina Histokical Commission. it is certain that the older text-books on several branches of the law fairly bristle with citations from the North Carolina Eeports, generally from opinions delivered by Judge Ruffin, though our State was, before the war, commercially unimportant, and the range of cases presented for judicial determination was relatively small. A court in which Taylor, Hall, and Henderson, RufSn, Gaston, and Daniel, Nash, Pearson, and Battle sat necessarily commanded the respect and confidence of courts and law writers throughout the country. Judge Ruffin's mental constitution was more like that of the great Chief Justice Marshall than of any judge of whom the writer has knowledge; but the defects of Ruffin's temperament, assuming that he had been placed on so broad a stage, would have prevented him from becoming so great a judge. Both were endowed by nature with what for lack of better term we call a "legal mind" ; both had great courage and strength of will; both were ambitious in and for their profession; both had a great capacity and fondness for labor; both had great vigor of understanding, and both loved the law as a science and were thoroughly imbued with its principles. Marshall, however, bad a calm evenness of temper, a sweetness of disposition, a thorough control over his prejudices that Ruffin never had, nor could ever acquire ; so the ardor of his tem- perament made him, who otherwise might have been a Marshall, more of a Thurlow. So great, however, were the endowments and acquire- ments of Judge Ruffin that one can but regret that he had not been placed upon the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States, side by side with Marshall. What noble discussions of fundamental questions from opposing points of view we should then have had ! EXTEACTS FEOM WBITINGS The salient features of Judge Ruffin's opinions are their breadth of view, fullness of discussion, the battle-axe force of their reasoning, the strength of their language, and the almost inevitable character of their conclusions. He cited little authority. In theory and in practice he followed Lord Mansfield's dictum in Cowper, page 39 : "The law of England would be a strange science, indeed, if it were decided upon precedents only. Precedents serve to illustrate principles and give them a fixed certainty." To show his style, as well as to throw some light upon his character, I make two or three extracts from his writings. The following is from State vs. Boyce, on the right of the owner of slaves to permit them to meet and dance on his premises at Christmas: "We may let them make the most of their idle hours, and may well make allowances for the noisy outpourings of glad hearts, which Providence bestows as a blessing on corporeal vigor united to a vacant mind. . . . There was nothing contrary to law or morals in all that, adding as it did to human enjoyment, without hurt to any one, unless it be that one feels aggrieved that these poor people should for a short space be happy The Euffin Papers. 41 at finding tlie authority of a master give place to his benignity, and at being freed from care and filled with gladness." This from Adams vs. Turrentine: "Nothing is more speedily or certainly destructive of pri- vate and of public virtue than to relax the obligations of contracts and render the rights of creditors insecure. . . . The supposition cannot be tolerated that the law is of less binding force here than in any other country. The judiciary, at all events, can never adopt it, unless it should become that greatest of curses that can befall an unhappy and degraded country — dependent, and then, necessarily, the weak or pliant instru- ment of popular impulses." The following is the conclusion of an address before the State Agri- cultural Society at Kaleigh, in October, 1855 : "I cannot close, however, without asking you once more to cleave to North Carolina. Stay in her, fertilize her, till her, cherish her rising manufactures, extend her railways, encourage and endow her schools and colleges, sustain her institutions, develop her resources, promote knowledge, virtue, and religion throughout her borders, stimulate State pride and exalt her renown." Six months before his death, July 8, 1869, he wrote of the Ku Klux organization: "The great objection is that the whole proceeding is against law, and civil power of government and assumes to supersede them by taking the power of trying, condemning, and punishing into their own hands. That is a power not to be entrusted to any man or set of men. No man can trust himself with it, much less all those indis- criminately with whom he is associated. Supposing them" to have the best intentions in such case, there is danger of mistaking from want of a fair, open, and deliberate trial by a responsible tribunal. But in all events, it is an attempt in every case to do good by wrong means — a principle which St. Paul indignantly repelled as slanderously imputed to early Christians, and which from that day to this has been no less indignantly denounced by all good men. To do evil that good may come of it is a horrible heresy in religion, morals, and public policy, even if the good hoped for really resulted. But in truth it hardly ever does. Evil almost certainly follows evil, and what was begun in good faith for useful ends almost ever terminates in grave personal and private injuries. Perhaps at first only bad men are the subjects of the assumed jurisdic- tion ; but it may happen, and after a while almost certainly does happen, that good and innocent men become the victims of their arrogant and self-constituted tribunal, and gross outrages are perpetrated. It is wrong — all wrong. It is much better that offenders should escape pun- ishment than to attempt to repress crime by such unlawful presumptions and dangerous methods." A PEKSONAL EECOLLECTION Judge Rufl5n died when the writer was a small boy, so he had little personal knowledge of him. Only once did he see him face to face. Sent 42 The !N'okth Caeolina Historical Commission. by a relative on an errand to his house in the spring of 1869, I knocked at the door. It soon opened and the tall, gaunt, black-clad form of the great Chief Justice towered above me, with his hair all bushy and white, his nose like an eagle's beak, his eyes, deep-set under overhanging brows, calm but searching, and his smooth-shaven face all wrinkled and gray from age — the ruggedest and strongest face I have ever seen, and, alto- gether, the most impressive. Another has said: "Judge Ruffin, in person, was about six feet in height, and of a spare figure. His move- ments were nervous and rapid. The general expression of his counte- nance indicated great energy, resolution, and power. He was neat, uniform and tasteful in regard to dress. In his latter days his appear- ance was impressive and very venerable." Two or three anecdotes are told that illustrate the dramatic force that resided in the intensity of his emotions. He was an ardent Union man until after his return from the Peace Convention of 1861 and Mr. Lincoln's call for troops. A public meeting was held in Hillsboro in April of that year, that the citizens of the town might express their senti- ments on the alarming state of public affairs. Judge Ruffin, though residing in Alamance until after the war, was present. In the course of the meeting he called the veteran Democratic politician. General Allison, up into the bar, and, facing the audience, stood by his side with one arm about him and said: "My good old friend, 1 ask you what ought to be done, now ?" General Allison's reply was inaudible, but as he was known to be a Union man, it was guessed. Judge Ruffitn, leaving the old general standing, advanced a step toward the audience, and his whole frame in a quiver of emotion, extended his arms, bringing them down in vehement gesticulation at each repetition of the word as shouted, "I say Fight! Fight! Fight!" It was the scream of the eagle as he swoops upon his prey. The war feeling, already aroused, became the dominant passion in every man's breast. In the convention of 1861 "he was fiercely indignant," says Dr. Battle (No. 3, N. C. 498), "at the proposition to abolish corporal punishment. His reply to the argument that it was an outrage to whip a free man was with bitter emphasis and vehement gesticulation, as he stood in the aisle : 'Whip a free man ! l^o. Whip a rogue ! Whip a rogue !' " and that was all, so another gentleman has informed me. Suffice it to say that rogues continued to be whipped until the bouleversement of the war. This intense and dramatic mode of expression was probably an inheri- tance from French ancestors, the name Ruffin itself implying a French derivation. Those ancestors possibly were Huguenots who had for gen- erations intermarried with the English. Judge Ruffin had a wonderfully strong constitution. When he was an old man one of his daughters was taken suddenly very sick at Mr. Cameron's Fairntosh farm. A messenger was despatched for her father, who then was at his farm in Rockingham County. The old gentleman, on horseback, leaving Rockingham early in the morning, reached his The Ruffin Papers. 43 home in Alamance at noon, changed horses, and at dark arrived at Fairntosh — a distance of 80 miles, and was little the worse for his ride. "In the sense of imbecility or decreptitude," says Governor Graham, "he never grew old, but was blessed with the enjoyment of remarkable intellectual vigor and fine flow of spirits, almost until his dissolution. . . . On January 15, 1870, after an illness of but four days, he breathed his last in the eighty-third year of his age. His end was resigned and peaceful and in the consolation of an enlightened and humble Christian faith." He was great as a lawyer, great as a judge, great as a financier, great as a farmer — a rugged, indomitable soul in a frame of iron, made to conquer, and conquering every diflSculty on every side. THE RUFFIN PAPERS From Sterling Buffing TLjf -f o BEUiirsw[ic]K [Va.] 5t]i May 1803. Your letter inclosing sundry receipts came safe to hand in due time, with its contents I was much pleas'd; first, because it was much better dictated than ordinary, secondly, as it was well spell'd, thirdly as there were few omission or interlineations and fourthly as it contain'd a promise to be very assiduous. Let me advise my Son to be not only attentive to your books, but particularly so to your manners. A man may be better read than his neighbor, and yet not acquire half the respect if the other should be more accomodating. Politeness, good humour and charity, (by which I would be understood to mean much more than giving alms to the poor) will allways as they deserve, obtain respect and friendship. You are now of an age to begin at least to form some opinion of mankind, and the advantages which result to individuals, as well as to society, from a proper demeanor of conduct. By History observation on manners is greatly to be improv'd ; it will soon be time for you to commence that most improving study. When my Children will reflect on the anxious wish which pervades the minds of their most affectionate Parents for their future (both temporal and Eternal) wel- fare, surely they will leave nothing undone which may tend to their own happiness, and thereby lessen the pang which arises from fear, doubt and a thousand nameless tremors which vibrate on the aching Heart of Paternal affection. I reed, a letter from your Sister since you went from here; she desires me to inform you that your letter had come to hand, and that she would have answer'd it long since, but that she did not know how to direct. I have given her your address, and no doubt but you will receive one soon. From [torn] Election I suppose you have heard, [torn] borne is return'd majority 47 Votes; the pole will be purg'd, and I have no doubt but Field will oust him. Maclin and Caudle for the County. We are all well and join in best wishes for you. Your afft. Father [Address : Steeling Ruffin Mr. Thomas Ruffin Student at Warrenton Academy. Warrenton, 'S. C] iSterllng Ruffin, the father of Thomas Ruffin. For a sketch of him, see pp. 19 and 36, supra. 46 The Noeth Caeolina Histoeical Commission. From Sterling Buffin. Beunsw'k. Sepr. 8tli 1803 My dear Son, Your two last letters on the subject of Luisiani^ liave come to hand, with which I am well pleas'd, and for which I thank you. I am well pleas'd, because you display in your account of that country, consider- able Geographycal knowledge, and an acute mind in drawing effects from causes, which is the grand and only principle, or foundation of Logic or reasoning ; or in other words of becoming an Orator. I thank you, because you have shown such promptitude, and industry, in complying with my request of giving as accurate an history of that Country as you could collect, together with your own ideas, and reasons for such opinions ; all this you have done, and I assure you in a much more satis- factory, and masterly manner than I expected. This I hope will stimu- late you to persivere in your assiduity to receive information, for I think nothing is so great a spur to a Noile mind, as generous, honest praise, such as I now bestow with Heart felt pleasure on my Son. To convince you that I am sincere in what I have said, I inclose you a letter of your dear Sisters, in answer to one I wrote her ; in which I only did you that justice which I really think your late conduct fully merits. From the contents of her letter you will see I must have represented you as an amiable Lad, worthy in some instances to be followed as an example. Here my dear Tom, I will take the liberty of offering her as a pattern to you in some others. MeeJcness and gentleness of Temper. Oh ! my dear child believe me when I say that no human being can enjoy tolerable ease or content of mind, who is turbulent, tempestuous or tyranical in disposition. Meekness, gentleness, charity, and good will towards our fellow mortals of every discription, are the qualifications, which God bestow'd on man in his original, (or if I may be permited the expression) in his divine state; but oh! how deprav'd have we become — endeavor then my Son, to check unruly passions and sinful! desires, ere it grow so much into nature as to deprive you of peace here, and draw on you the eternal wrath of Heaven. I shall bring your Sister home next month, when I assure you I shall be well pleas'd to have her again under our immediate care and direction. A Girl of her age, should not be left to the care of a boarding Mistress, as there is nothing so easily injur'd as the reputation of a Virgin; they are tender flowers that cannot bear the Wintery blasts, or Summers heats. I therefore now call upon you, should it please the Eternal and allwise Creator to deprive them of my aid, to be the protector of my familys rights and Earthly happiness. Latterly we have not been well, the whole of us having very bad colds iThe purchase of Louisiana was of course a matter of general discussion at this time, and there was much curiosity concerning the newly-acquired territory. The Ruffin Papers. 47 tho' never confin'd, and now much better. I shall expect to hear from often. May the ever Merciful God take you under his immediate pro- tection prayes Your truly Aff Father Sterling Ruffin. IN". B. When you write again endeavor to improove the hand, for I assure you it is with difficulty I can read it. S. R. [Address: Warren ton, N". C] From Sterling Buffin. „ „ o Brujstsw'k 29th Deer. 1803. .JKJy JJear Son, Your letter from Princeton dated the 20th Inst. I reed, a few days past, which reliev'd us, from considerable anxiety for your safe arrival there. I am much pleas'd at the favorable opinion you entertain of Doer. Smith ;^ and flatter myself, that your conduct, and general de- meanor will be such, as to merit his esteem and approbation. Respect to the professors, and a strict adherance to the laws of the institution, together with a sufficient degree of application to your studies will cer- tainly produce this desirable effect. There is a certain steadyness and uniformity of conduct mingled with humility without servility that must and will make friends of all who are worthy to be receiv'd as such. You will not forget the advice I gave you of not being too hasty in forming intimate connections with strangers ; the more I reflect on that opinion, the more I am eonfirm'd in its correctness: treat all with civility and respect, but none with unreserv'd friendship, until you are convinc'd their characters are such as that prudence would dictate a greater inti- macy with them. I hope it will proove advantageous to you, to be in a room with the young Gentleman from Phida. as he is further advanced than yourself, he will be able to instruct you very much. Should his character be worthy, I shall consider it as a most fortunate circumstance. Your standing in college is very pleasing to me, as it is a proof among others that your time at Warrenton* has not been mispent, and as it is a great encouragement for me to hope that you will do yourself justice in future ; allways remembering that your wellfare depends on the proper use of time, and that the expences attending your education is allmost more than I can possibly compass. I mean not by this to recommend parsi- mony or niggardliness, but a proper application of time, and prudence in spending your money, steering a middle course between meaness and iSamuel Stanhope Smith, 1750-1819, president of Princeton from 1795 to 1812. 2Reference is here made to RuflSn's course at Warrenton, N. C, under Marcus George. For details, see Graham, p. 20, supra. 48 The N^orth Caeolina Historicai, Commission. extravagance. Your expences in College are so mucli more than I cal- culated on, that they appear to me to be quite enormous ; there are many extra charges which I do not understand. How could Chamber furni- ture cost you so much when there are two others in the room with you ? room rent, entrance into college beside tuition, and servant hire I do not understand. Inform me too how long the Session is, for if you are to pay $83 p. quarter, it exceeds any thing I ever knew. If you can make any tolerable calculation of the amount of your Years expences I wish you would inform me, and when the different remittances must be made, for you know from my little fortune, that I cannot at all times raise as much money as you may want, without a little notice. When you have no other subject of more importance to communicate give a history of your travels which to us will be interesting. Your Mama (as you may expect) was much surpris'd on my return to find you were gone to Princeton, tho much pleas'd, prefering that situation greatly to "Wil- liamsburg, as do all your friends. Your Sister will write in a few days. Robt. Brodnax^ has written you, I believe he has not determin'd what to do with himself next Year. Ned Johnson I fancy goes to Williamsburg : what to do I know not. We are all well and send our united love to a great fellow .allmost a man, from whom we desire and expect to hear in a short time. May a Merciful God direct your studies to the temporal and Eternal wellfare of your Soul and Body is the sincere and fervent prayer of Your Aff Father. Sterling Ruffin. N". B. I send you all the B. N. I have by me $10. [Address: Mr. Thomas Ruffiin Student at Nassau-hall Princeton. Endorsed: Received January 7th 1804] From Muscoe Gamett/^ January 29th 1804. Dr. Buffin I received your envious letter a few days ago and should have answered it immediately. But was then at a Ball in Tappahannock where I had the pleasure of seeing your relations in King and Queen all in good health. Miss Catherine inquired very particularly after you and desired to be remembered to you. And now I have answered your inquiries with respect to your relations give me leave in turn to propound a few iRobert Brodnax had been a schoolmate of Ruffin at Warrenton. The Ruffin and Brodnax families were closely united by ties of friendship and long acquaintance. In later years a son of Robert Brodnax married one of Ruffln'e daughters. 2Muscoe Garnett, a college mate of Ruffin at Princeton. The Ruffin Papers. 49 questions to you some of which I think require an answering, well to begin with the first What in the world has been the reason o£ your long silence perhaps you had forgotten that William had a brother when he was at Princeton that became acquainted with you much about the same time that he did, for I can in no other way account for your writing frequently to him without even mentioning my name in the whole course of your correspondence. Suppose that I had have been in some of those dreadful sittuations which you mentioned in your first and last letter how wuld I possible have guessed whare to send for your aid unless kind chance had have been pleased to acquaint me with the place of your resi- dence as you did not think proper to do it yourself. But as you have at last condescended as to let me know where you are to be found and as I still flatter myself that I possess some share [of] your friendship if I am ever reduced to one of those terrible extremities I shall not fail to make you acquainted with my situation. N B Upon reading this letter over I find it so filled with reproach that I am almost tempted to sit down and write something more on this side by way of salving it over but as I am in a hurry to put in the office for fear of the posts going by you must take it such as it is. [Address: Princeton, N. J.] From- Sterling Ruffin. ,, , _, Brtjnswi'k Feby 3rd, 1804. My dear Tommy, Your letter of the 11th and 14th Ulto came to hand this day; it afforded us great pleasure, first as it came from you, and secondly as it manifested the mind being exercised by reflection ; a requisite so essential in the acquirement of scientific knowledge, that there is no progressing towards perfection without it. I am much gratified at your properly discriminating between the motives which produce and promote, emula- tion ; and cannot but hope, you will be advantaged by that laudable stimu- lant which appears to push you on. You have talents given you by an Infinitely Wise and Merciful Creator, who if I am capable of Judging impartially, has been very bountiful, and it certainly behooves you to improove them agreeably to your opportunity, and to make that use of them, for which they were bestow'd. On some weak and vain Minds this Elogium would produce a very contrary effect than what I wish, that is pride and contempt for those who have been less bless'd than themselves, instead of humility and Gratitude to the dispenser of the blessing, giving him all the glory as it is all his work, taking praise to yourself only, for having improov'd as a free agent the talent he has been pleas'd to bestow on you. ^Nothing can give me more pleasure than to hear frequently from you, and to receive particular accounts of 4 50 The N^okth Cabolifa Historical Commission. studies with the different examinations you may pass through. Whether the great anxiety which preys on my mind for your wellf are, and which produces such repeat'd admonitions will be for your good, I cannot tell ; I shall at least have the pleasing consolation of having done my duty towards you,, and trust to Providence for the rest ; hoping you will never forget, that you are a free agent, and made capable of working out your own salvation. You have enter'd now my son, your career of life, and on the offset, generally depends the station we assume, or rather support in Society, ; therefore it is absolutely necessary, you should be very cir- cumspect in your demeanor; avoid all things that are censurable, and persue all that are praiseworthy. "Be not deceiv'd, evill communica- tions corrupt good manners" said the greatest Man that ever did or ever will live. If you would take him for your guide I would not fear for* you. I must request you as much as possible to obtain the friendship of Mr. Smith, as I think many advantages would result therefrom. Did you inclose the circular letter at his request, and is it necessary I should write him on the subject ? I received a letter from your Uncle Tommy'^ a few days past, in which he says he has been inform'd the students at , Princeton are as extravagant and disspated as anywhere on the Conti- nent. I hope he has been misinform'd, but should he be correct, I flatter myself, you have been sufficiently caution'd and possess sufficient firm- ness, to avoid following any course that may infringe the laws of the institution, which no doubt are founded on Religion and morality; particularly as you well know how distressing it would be to your Mother and myself to hear of [your] throwing away your time and patrimony. You so well know my pecuniary circumstances, and I have before observ'd it, that it is scarcely necessary now to remind you, that it will not be in my power to give you very little more than your education ; make good use then My Son of your time. Your cousin John Eoane^ was here soon after the receipt of your first letter, he was extremely anxious for the arrival of a Teacher from Princeton ; I hope you have written him ere this as he expected you to correspond regularly with him. Your Uncle Tom is an amiable charac- ter cultivate his friendship by respectfull attention. You have not in- form'd me how much money I must remit you nor when, tho' I suppose you [have] a sufficiency 'til April. Your poor little Brother has been at the point of Death, on the brink of Eternity, given out by the Doer. (Walker), but thank God, he is restor'd to us, and I hope will ever be in good health ; this is the first day he has been dress'd in nearly a fort- night, and he is now so weak and debilitated that he cannot walk alone : his disorder worms. The rest of us, and all your friends here are well Robert Brodnax is still at home, and I rather expect will not go to school iThis was Thomas Roane "of the Forge," the younger brother of Ruffin's mother. 2The John Roane mentioned here was John Roane of "Uppowoc," the first cousin of Ruffin's mother. She also had a brother, John Roane of "Newlngton." The Ruffin Papers. 51 any more, what are his intentions I cannot say. By the first possible opportunity I will make you a subscriber for the Warrenton paper. Your cousin Tom Ritchie* has purchas'd the Examiner at Richmond and wiU commence a paper (the Enquirer) the 15th of March from his great abilities and industry I expect it will be one of the best papers on the Continent, and shall therefore subscribe to that for you. You have sent me no account in your last of expenditures, I hope you are not allready tired of transmitting to me the way in which you lay out your money, or perhaps no expences have been incur'd. I want to know whether you have enter'd on composition, and how you like it. Your Mama says you must write to her a letter as long as from here to Prince- ton, and to compensate you, if she lives till your return she will give you as much Peach Jam as you can eat every night you stay at home. Minerva^ has such an antipathy to writing that it requires more influ- ence than I have over her to get her to write you, altho from day to day she promises ; it is not because she does not sincerely love her Brother, but because like many other persons in this world she is too indolent to do right. We all join in love to you, and .prayers to All mighty God to guard you from harm, and to direct your studies for your temporal and Eternal good. [Address : N'assau hall Princeton.] From Sterling Buffin. Bkunsw'k 14:th March 1804. Yours of the 1st Inst, came safe to hand yesterday, the contents of which, gave both pain and pleasure. To hear of your indisposition has somewhat alarm'd us, particularly as it proceeded principally from intense study ; which cause, may again produce the same effects ; I have therefore to request you will be carefuU of your health, and altho I by no means should be pleas'd with idleness, yet you cannot suppose I should be gratified by your doing an injury to your Constitution. I think it nothing but justice to you (and I hope it will have the desir'd effect on iThomas Ritchie, 1778-1854, the son of Archibald Ritchie and Molly Roane, the latter a great-aunt of Ruffin, was born in Tappahannock, Va., and, after beginning the study of law and then of medicine and deciding against them, turned his attention to journalism. Purchasing the Richmond Examiner at Jefferson's request, he changed its name to the Enquirer and made it a Jeffer- sonian Republican paper which became exceedingly influential. No other Southern editor enjoyed any such influence as Ritchie came to possess in politics. During Polk's administration, and at his request, Ritchie turned his paper over to his sons and went to Washington as editor of the Union, which was the Democratic organ. 2Minerva Ruifln, the second child of Sterling and Alice Roane RufBn, born July 24, 1789, married (1) Edward Dillard, and (2) George McNeill of Payette- ville, N. C. 52 The I^orth Carolina Historical Commission. your mind) to inform you, that I have no cause of complaint against you for any part of your conduct as far as I am capable of judging since you left me. Your improovement is visible, and the close application "which you have given, I think, I may say, has arisen from two laudable motives, viz : the one to give me pleasure, and the other, from an allow- able degree of pride to exeell in your class. For the first I really thank you, and I have no doubt, but if you live, you will see the day, that you will have great cause to rejoice that the latter motive operated so advan- tagiously. Praise to a deserving mind is a tribute which justice demands, and one which at this time is paid with great pleasure by me. I hope as the spring advances the remains of the cough which still incommodes you, will be removed, particularly as you will by that time, have made up the most of your private studies, and therefore will not have to labour harder than your companions. You have not said a word in your last letters of Doer. Smith. Is he attentive to you? Does he frequently offer his advise privately? or do you go to him for instruction? You must give me leave to chide you, or rather to advise you, when- ever I see any thing of, or from you, which I think wrong. How much more pleasing would it have been to me to have read in your letter to your Sister, an account of your travels to Princeton, of your amuse- ments, and of the town and country about you than an illnatur'd (forgive the expression) philippick against the friend of your childhood, and the son of my best friend. If this Youth is unfortunate in his disposition and talents, he is much to be pitied, and for the first blam'd, inasmuch as it is his duty and Interest to amend it : but for the latter, tis the work of an allwise God whose designs are allways good, and with whose decrees we are not at liberty to find fault, at least in the way of ridicule. Alltho' this young man may never make a Milton or a Newton, nor yet a Jeffer- son, yet God has bless'd him with sufficient abilities to make a good and usefuU member of society: He may shew mercy, do Justice, and walk humbly before his God. Oh ! my Son, I hope that letter was dictated unthinkingly and not by uncharitableness. Believe me this rebuke is dictated by Parental affection and a most anxious solicitude for your temporal and Eternal wellfare. "With respect to the necessary's of clothing to which you may from time to time want, it is impossible for me to judge ; I leave it entirely to your discretion, believing you will be economical, and by no means wishing you to be niggardly. Inclos'd- you will receive $100 which I suppose will do for the present, you will in- form me in your next when I must send more ; should it be immediately, fear not to make the call ; my wish is to support you genteelly, but not extravagantly. Your Sister will write you soon, she has been from home several days, or perhaps you would have heard from her ere the recept of this. Your Mama feels herself slighted, and will continue to do so, unless you write oftener to her. Your friends in this Neighborhood are all The Kuffin Papers. 53 well. Eemember us in your regular prayers to tlie Throne of Grace, as we do you allways, petitioning for temporal and eternal blessings for the Son of Youe afft. Father. N". B. When you were initiated into the visible church of Christ by baptism, I promis'd as your sponsor, that you should lern the Catikism, the Lords prayer and the commandments, with the belief by Heart, you are now of an age to f ullfil the promise : You will please me by perform- ing it. [Address: Princeton.] From Sterling Buffin. Beunswick May 9th 1804. Your two last letters have arrived, the contents of which gave us great pleasure: first and principally the recovery of your health, then the figure you made in the examination, and lastly the sentiments contain'd in the first relative to those unhappy fellow mortals the Africans, whom our ancestors have entail'd on us. You say "if I am not pleas'd at your being the fifth in your class you cannot help it." You must suppose me too partial in the calculations I have made of your abilities if (consider- ing the indisposition you labour'd under, together with your commencing late in the Season) I were not well satisfied with the stand you made. In so numerous a class as yours; we may reasonably calculate some of the cleverest young men in our Country are to be found. I cannot say that I should not have been better pleas'd, if you had been the first ; but this proceeds from the anxiety which at all times exists on my mind for your wellfare, I must now inform you that I shall look forward to the next examination with flattering expectations that you will excell. You did not say whether those eight that were distinguished, were rewarded with any honorary present, or by what means they were dis- tinguish'd. You have not inform'd me when the vacation ends and what your studies will be in the next course. Pray does Doer. Smith or any other of the Professors dictate to, or tye up the consciences or opinions of the students on political or Religious subjects? or are they left free to exercise their own reason ? a great deal has been said against the institution on those heads, and I hope ill founded. Your Uncle Tom has left us this morning, not very well, he was the only one of our friends that came out; tho' they were all well, and have promis'd a visit this Summer. Your Cousin Eobert from K. Co. is here, your Aunt and all friends are well. What is the reason you have not written to your Uncle ere this? He is very desirous to receive a letter from you, and promises to correspond regularly if you will commence it. I think it will afford you pleasure and improvement. Your Cousin John Eoane I fear has not heard from you either. You will be surpris'd 54 The IsTokth Carolina Historical Commission. at receiving a letter like this from me in answer to two, but this is writ- ten in a great hurry as I am just seting off to the post office, and having been engaged the whole of the last week from the time of your Uncles arrival I have not time or opportunity to write you fully ; you will there- fore expect to receive another in a few days, in which I shall consider the subject of Slaves as well as I am able. We are all well and join in best wishes for your temporal and eternal wellfare and may the Glorious God take you under his immediate protection and make you one of his choicest Vessels prayes Your most [Address: Princeton.] Affbc Father From Sterling Buffin. [Brunswick, June, 1804] I have no apology to offer for not complying with the promise made in my last, of writing again, in a few days, except that I wish'd to have forwarded you a small B. Note, for fear, from some unforeseen event, it might be serviceable to you ; as yet, I have not been able to procure one; and as I find from your last which has come to hand, you are anxious to receive the promis'd one, I now do myself the pleasure of gratifying your wishes. r was not surpris'd at reading your sentiments on Slavery, as I was well aware of the impressions which a different mode of treatment than that pursued in Virginia, would make on a Heart, which I hop'd was capable at all times of sympathising in the misfortunes of a fellow mortal ; and would as the mind matur'd, and contemplated the miserable situation of these unhappy beings, feel most sensibly for them; but alas ! like all others who are not intirely void of every spark of Sensi- bility, you feel for them, lament, greatly lament their uncommon hard fate, without being able to devise any means by which it may be ameli- orated ! That they are a great civil, political, and moral evil no Person will deny, but how to get rid of them, is a question which has imploy'd many much more expansive minds than mine, without fixing on any rational, or probable means to make their situations more comfortable, without endangering the political safety of the State, and perhaps Jeopardising the lives, property, and everything sacred and dear of the Whites. You will not pretend to throw blame on the present generation, for the situation of these unhappy domestics, for as they are impos'd on us, and not with our consent, the thing is unavoidable. You will perhaps ask why we do not treat them with more humanity ? the answer is obvious : the fewer there are of this discription intermix'd with the Wbites, the more they are under our immediate eye, and the more they partake of the manners and habits of the whites, and thereby require less rigidness of treatment to get from them, those services which are The Rtjffin Papers. 55 absolutely necessary for their support and very existence. Unhappily for us and them, there are too many with us to render a tolerably free intercourse of sentiment possible, and of course their minds have degen- erated into as abject slavery as their persons; and as there is no tye of gratitude or affection on their parts towards their masters, nothing is to be expected from them, but as fear, servile fear operates on them, which produces a sluggishness of action, which must be increased momentarily by a greater degree of fear, with a greater degree of personal attention on our parts. It has been one of many benefits which has resulted to Society from the Christian Religion to expose the impropriety of keeping our Brothers in bondage, and however we may at present justify our- selves from the peculiar situation of our Country consider'd politically; I cannot but look forward with pleasure to the time, when an Alwise, and MercifuU Creator will by a more universal revival of his blessed Religion prepare the Hearts of all men to consider each other as Broth- ers, and put us more on an equallity even in temporal things — ^When this much to be wish'd for period will arrive, or what will be the means adopted for a general emancipation!, I do not pretend to divine; but that such a time will be, I have little doubt. Tom you cannot conceive the happiness that I receive in believing from your letters that you begin to see the necessity and reallity of Religion ; believe me my Son, who have had a fair opportunity of esti- mating the pleasure of Sin, (by enjoying all the comforts that indipend- ance and the things of this world could bestow unconnected with a Spiritual love for the giver of these blessings) that there is no compari- son between the real solid happiness of a life spent in faith, bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, and a hope growing therefrom that [Rest of letter missing.] [Address: Princeton.] From William Oarnett} „ „ „ PiTTsviLLE [Va.] Sept. 24th, 1804. Dr. Buffin. You will no doubt be very much surprised at not having heard from me before this but I can assure you that it has not proceeded from a want of inclination as I have been so much engaged and so unwell together that I have never untill now had leisure to write. Muscoe and myself recvd our money the night after you left us upon which we imme- diately got our dismissions and set off for home where I have at length arrived quite sound and safe. And having now gotten over the hurry iWilliam Garnett, 1786-1866, son of Muacoe Garnett and Grace Fenton Mercer of "Blmwood," Essex County, Va., was a contemporary of Ruffin at Princeton and throughout his life his close friend. 56 The North Cabolina Histobical Commission. and confusion of my journey I begin to feel very solicitous to know whether you return to Princeton again as you said when I saw you last that you could not inform me untill you had advised with your father upon the subject. My sentiments on this head you have often heard in conversation. I cannot therefore now offer you anything new but as the descision which you are about to make is of the utmost consequence, I think it my duty once more to trouble you with my objections to Prince- ton college. They are these principally these, firstly the tyranny of the college government, secondly the conduct of Doctor Smith, with respect to politics and thereby the manner in which the sciences are taught and the particular branches of them which are taught. As to the first of my objections your own experience can so well testify to the truth of it I need not therefore expatiate very largely upon it. You have frequently seen young men given the lie in the public hall for the most trivial cir- cumstance and you may also very well remember to have heard of an instance which happened this session in which Doctor Smith behaved so improperly to a student as to oblige his father to force him to make an apology for his conduct, But it would be an endless as well as a needless task for me to attempt to' enumerate the number of similar instances which have happened at IsTassau Hall. I shall therefore for the present lay aside the objection and proceed to examine my second which is to the conduct of the Doctor with relation to politics. You have read his political philosophy and consequently are sufficiently quali- fied to judge of its tendency which is directly hostile to republican prin- ciples. During the whole work the writer plainly evinces his partiality for the british constitution and endeavours in the most insidious manner to excite in his pupils an aversion to our own and a hatred against the supporters of it whom he stigmatizes with the names of jacobins and anarchists. It must certainly be very disagreeable to a young man who has been accustomed to think independently to hear the principles in which he glories every day pronounced to be prejudicial to the interest of his country and the advocates of them loaded with the aprobious names demagogues and disorganizers. But I will not insist any farther on this objection as you have seen enough of the Doctor's conduct to enable you to judge for yourself. The post is almost ready to set off. I cannot therefore now examine my last objection which is certainly as important as any of them but I will say more on this subject in my next letter. Adieu an believe me to be Your .Sincere friend "W. Garnett. P. S. I have sent you ten dollars of the money which I owe you. I could not get a one dollar note or I should have sent you the rest but we can settle it when you come to see me this fall. Write to me by the next post. [Address : Brunswick, Virginia.] The Ruffin Papers. 57 From William Garnett. October 22 1804. I have for sometime past delayed writing to you under an expectation that I should receive an answer to the letter which I wrote you upon my arrival. But I have been so often disappointed that I have given over all thoughts of receiving one. Acting under this impression I should not have troubled you again but I have since thought that either my letter or yours must have miscarried for I am certain that you cannot so soon have forgotten me. Judging therefore of your friendship by my own I shall continue to trouble you with my letters untill I am assured by their not being answered that they are disagreeable to you. Agreeably to your request in my last letter to you I detailed the prin- cipal objections which I have to Princeton college but was prevented from examining them all under an apprehension that I should be too late for the post. I will therefore, resume the subject and proceed to examine my remaining objections which were as well as I recollect the two following. Firstly to the manner of instruction pursued by the professors of that institution and lastly to the abridged and imperfect manner in which the sciences are there taught. The manner of instruc- tion pursued at Nassau Hall I think admirably well calculated for a grammar school where boys require force to oblige them to study. But it can never answer with young men for if they are treated as children they loose all respect for themselves and will of course continue to con- duct themselves as such. Acting from no other motive than that of fear they cease to think that they are studying for their own improvement but only in compliance to the will of an arbitrary despot. The consequence of this is that they soon learn to conceive that every moment they can escape from the eye of an instructor is time gained to themselves which they have a right to mispend as they please. Such your own experience can tell you is the effect produced by this system of instruction at Princeton which is calculated only to make young men contract a narro,w and illiberal way both of thinking and acting. The beneficial effects of an opposite system is I think obvious to every person who will only reflect a momment. When a young man is treated as such he will learn to respect himself and acquire an independence of thinking which will make him scorn to commit an action which he thinks unworthy the character of a man. Stimulated by such a motive his whole endeavour will be to acquire the respect and esteem of those around him. But it is needless to say any thing farther on this subject. I will therefore advert to my last objec- tion which I think is of as much importance as any of them. The prin- cipal object of a young man in going to college is to make himself master of the sciences and if this object is defeated (which it certainly is at Princeton) I know of no other motive which he can have for going to one. There is not one single study of importance which is not either 58 The Woeth Carolina Historical Commission. abridged or compiled by men who must certainly be vastly inferior m point of talents and information to many otters who have written on the same subjects. Thus for instance instead Blairs lectures in two volumes which they study at William and Mary at Princeton they have an abridgement of about an 100 pages and the same is the case with respect to logick. The course of moral and political philosophy also which they study at Princeton is equally deficient both in point, sub- stance and length. The superiority of William and Mary over it is greater in these studies (which are certainly the the most important) than in any other for instead of Doctor Smiths Moral and Political philosophy they study all the most celebrated writers who have ever written on the subjects. But I must bid you adieu for the present. P. S. Let me know in your next when you intend coming to see me. And let me know also whether you have reed my first letter as I inclosed you a bank note of ten dollars, which if you have not got I will replace, immediately or if my letter has miscarried mine will be returned to me. I shall then owe you one dollar which as I could not come at exactly we will settle when you come to see me which I hope will be immediately upon the recpt of this letter. W. G. [Address: Brunswick County, Virginia.] From Sterling Buffin. EiCHMO. 22nd ISTov. 1804. Your two letters from Princeton have come to hand ; the last I reed, yesterday morning at your Uncles on my way to this place. I need not inform you that I was much gratify'd to hear of your safe arrival, and of your being judged quallified to join the Senr. class at that Siminary, where I hope you will be enabled to graduate the next fall. I am much hurt at Doer. Smiths conduct towards you ; and can easily see that it is necessary your conduct should be very circumspect to retain your present standing. I do not conceive this will ultimately be of disservice to you, as it will necessarily produce a close application to study, and a strict observance of College dissipline. It may for a little time be unpleasant, but if you retain, and come up to your resolutions mentioned in your last, you need not be afraid. I have no doubt but Smith is a man pos- sessing uncommonly strong passions, which for the want of Vital Re- ligion are indulged to a dangerous excess, be this to himself; conduct yourself with that respect towards him, which as a man in years and your preceptor he certainly merrits. Politeness and good manners are due to all, but particularly so from you to him, this may at all times and situations be paid without condecending to meanness or servility, The EuFFiiiT Papers. 59 whicli neither the laws of God or man exacts. Be extremely cautious how you speak of him to any person, it cannot possibly render you either satisfaction or profit — To indulge malice is one of the Deadliest Sins, it is our duty to forgive others as we hope to be forgiven by Him whom we have offended in a much higher degree than we can possibly be: it is our duty and interest to pattern after the glorious example our bless'd Master has set us ; remember, that while he was expiring on the cross, his prayer was, "Father forgive them," (his murderers) "they [know] not what they do" — Oh ! my Son learn of him to do the will of Our Heavenly Father, which is compleatly reveal'd to us in his blessed word. xThere has nothing occur'd since you left home worth communicating. Robt. Eiiffin is out from Kg. Wm. all friends are well in that quarter. Doer, l^iblock"- appears very anxious to get a letter from you, his enquiries are allways friendly ; a correspondence with him would not only be amusing, but improving to you. I expect to be at home on Tuesday next when I shall take your Sister who is still in Petersburg along with me. She no doubt will be mortified that I did not call to see her to day, but I was so situated as to render very inconvenient. Your letters will be fre- quently expected. That you may become wise, and happy is the prayer of Your aff. Father. [Address: lyfassau-hall, Princeton.] From Sterling Buffin. Brunswick 6th Deer., 1804. I am much gratify'd at the affectionate and dutiful! remembrance of us, you bear in your Mind, as express'd in your last letter of the 20th TJlto. just receiv'd. Your expectations *ere this have been satisfy'd by receiving a letter I wrote from Richmond in which I gave you my advice relative to your conduct towards Doer. Smith. My opinion is by no means chang'd by ■ his present behaviour ; which has either been produced from your polite- ness, or from some hidden motive; in either case, it is necessary you should be circumspect ; and common prudence will direct you to be silent on his Tyranical whims. Remember an old proverb which will well apply to you, "Your hand is in the Lions mouth, and you must get it out as easily as possible." Interest keeps you at "Princeton and you must make the best of it. I am glad that you are comfortably fix'd with room-mates. You have said nothing of your expences, or how your money holds out, of this you will inform me in your next. lA physician of Brunswick County, Va., and an intimate friend of the family. 60 The Kobth Carolina Histokical Commission. With respect to the plan of studies you are to adopt, and of which you ask my advice, I can only say I do not conceive you or myself as com- petent judges as the Faculty who have from long experience adopted the present system of education at that seminary. You are as you justly observe young enough to have time for History, etc., other than your attention will be devoted to this year, and I am inclined to think from the mode recommended, or pursued, that the memory will be lastingly improved; and I see not why the judgment will not be as much exercised as by a different plan. Add to this the advantages which is derived from being at the head of your class, it gives eclat to a young man which goes with him. into the World, and he commences business under every advantage which talents can bestow. Our lives are short at most, and when we have to work out our living a great deal depends on the outset. It is therefore my advise that you will so far as is in your power, conform to the system of Education laid down by the Professors, by which I hope you will be advantaged. Our friends remain as when you left us except your amiable and much lamented Uncle Brokenbrough* whose death you will see announced in the Enquirer — That health, respect, and all the blessings of Grod may attend and await you. N. B. The flower seed will be sent as soon as procured. [Address: Nassau-hall, Princeton.] From Sterling Rwffin. Bbunswick 22nd Deer. 1804. Yours of the 9th Inst, came to hand a day or two ago, by which I was glad to find but little of your late indisposition remain'd; I flatter myself in this it is intirely eradicated, and that health, the greatest temporal blessing will be perminently establish'd on its ruins ; for which I hope you will endeavor to be thankful to the bountifuU giver. On the subject of your studies, I wrote you in my last, which I imagine is at hand before this. The long experience of the Professors of Princeton together with the number of first rate Characters which have been edu- cated in that Seminary, induces a wish for you to conform in all things to their method. I am much surpris'd however at that expression in your letter, "that after graduating your head will only contain a few Greek and Latin phrases without knowing any thing of polite litera- ture." Without referring to the different branches through which ^e classes must pass, and of course have a pretty correct knowledge before they can graduate, I had made up an opinion that a great deal of polite iDr. John Brokenbrough, the husband of Sarah Roane, Ruffln'a great-aunt. The Ruffin Papbes. 61 and useful learning was acquir'd. It is by no means my intention should circumstances permit to cramp you in your education, that system most proper to be pursued after this Year will therefore be adopted. "We were much pleas'd at the affection and duty you evinced by writing to your aged Grandmother. I am sure it gave her great pleasure to hear from you, which I imagine will not be diminished by being repeated. I Can give you no information from that quarter as I have not reed, a letter from your Uncle since you left us, which is very unaccountable to me. Do you not think you might have chosen a subject in which you could have display'd more talents, and derived more advantage for your compositions than the Character of Hamilton? From your expendi- tures I find you are without cash, I have therefore sent you $30 which must answer for the present. There is no neighborhood news, every thing as you left us. I congratulate you on being able at last to make choice of a profession, it is a good one, but I expect a very laborious one. We join in Love and good wishes to you, and bear you allways in mind in our prayers to our God, who I hope will bless you temporally and eternally. [Address: Princeton, iN". J.] From William Garnett. December the 3 1804. I am not at all surprised to hear that neither myself nor my political principles are very popular at Princeton. But I must confess that I was a good deal astonished to hear of being considered so great a liar as I find I am. It is a character which I do not conceive that I by any means merit nor will I tamely submit to such an acusation's being brought against me. You will therefore much oblige me by informing me in your next what Doctor Smith has alledged against me and as near as you can remember the particular words which he made use of. I will also thank you to mention the reasons which have induced the stu- dents [to] brand me with the name of a liar as well as the names of those who have thought proper to make so free with my character. I wish you to be very particular in relating every thing which has been said as I mean if I find the case requires it to send on a publication to Duane^ in vindication of myself and also to endeavour to exhibit the character of Doctor Smith to the public in its true colours. In doing this I shall carefully avoid bringing your name in as it will serve only to exasperate uncle Sammy still more against you. I did not receive the letter which you wrote me just before you set off for Princeton untill the other day or I should certainly have answered it. But I must bid you farewell iWilUam Duane, editor of the Aurora, the famous organ of the Republican party. 62 The North Cakolina Historical Commission. for tlie present as I find my thoughts so taken up with the intelligence which your last letter contained that I cannot think of anything else to say. P. S. I shall write you a long letter by the next post. Muscoe desires his love to you, do write a little plainer. [Address: Princeton, New Jersey.] From William Qamett. December the 31 1804. I should have acknowledged the receipt of your last favour before this but I have been so much engaged in visiting about during the Christmas holidays that I have not had one single moment of leisure time. The information contained in your last letter was perfectly satis- factory and convinces me in what manner I ought to proceed. I shall for the present wave an explanation with Doctor Smith until I can write to Fenton Mercer,^ and know from under his own hand what it is that he has said of me. From your letter I observe that I am charged with having made three assertions highly derogatory to the character of Princeton college namely that the young men were dissipated that the government of the college was tyrannical and that political persecution was carried to a very great length by the professors. The two first asser- tions with which I am charged of having made are perfectly correct, but the last one is a palpable falsehood. I have always said that Doctor Smith's political phylosophy was decidedly inimical to republican prin- ciples and turned rather towards monarchy. And I have also farther observed that I believed he endeavoured to influence young men in favour of the federal administration but I have uniformly denied my having any knowledge of his making use of coercive measures to induce them to change their political opinions although I believe from what I heard while I was at Princeton that I might have said so without vio- lating truth. What I have said of the college and of the character of Doctor Smith I never wished to remain a secret, and feel myself grati- fyed at hearing that it has reached his ears. I only feel vexed at the manner in which he has obtained his information and at the use which he has put it to when I am certain that he must be conscious of the truth iCharles Fenton Mercer, 1778-1858, a first cousin of William Gamett. A.B., Princeton, 1797; A.M., 1800; LL.D., 1825. His public record follows: captain U. S. A., 1798; lawyer; member of the legislature of Virginia from 1810 to 1817; brigadier general of militia in War of 1812; member of Congress from 1817 to 1840; member of the Virginia constitutional convention of 1829-1830. He was largely responsible for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and was presi- dent of the company. He was during all of his maturity a bitter opponent of slavery and the slave trade. The Rupfin Papers. 63 of my observations. I liave never seen Mr. Mercer since my return from Princeton except for a few minutes and consequently have had little or no conversation with him about the College or its regulations, he could therefore have obtained the information which he has thought proper to give Doctor Smith in no other way than by a letter which I wrote to my mother during my residence at Nassau Hall stating my reasons for wishing to leave it. As I have said before I wished Doctor Smith to hear what I have said of him but at the same time I think that Fenton Mercer coming at his information in the manner in which he did has acted entirely out of the character of a gentleman for disclosing it and for which according to the modern laws of honour I conceive I have a right to demand satisfaction. Remember me to all my friends but par- ticularly to Harrison'- and tell [him] I shall expect soon to receive a letter from him. farewell and believe me to be your sincere friend P. S. I heard of the letter which Penton Mercer wrote to Doctor Smith before you wrote to me from a young man by the name of Simson who had just left Princeton. He mentioned the facts which are stated in your letter but he could not tell whether Fenton Mercer in relating "them to Doctor Smith had mentioned my brother and myself as being the authors of them. I have myself conjectured that Doctor Smith knowing the connexion between our families had taken it for granted that we were without being authorized to say so from Fenton's letter. If I find this to be the case the affair may be settled without being carried to extremities and then I shall think of my old friend [Address: Princeton, N'ew Jersey.] From Sterling Ruffin. Brunsw'k, 11th Jany. 1805. I am now certainly indebted to you one letter as I have reed three since my last, tho' not all of them dated subsequent to mine ; and I with pleasure comply with your desire, and that duty which I owe to you and my own feelings, in answering them. I am greatly pleas'd at Doer. Smiths reconciliation and friendly demeanor towards you; and hope from the propriety of your general conduct, that it will not change again : nothing is so certain to procure respect, as a steady uniformity of upright behaviour, not f orgeting, never to return evil for evil, but allways good as far as in your power. In my last (which I hope you have reed) I inclos'd you $30 enough I suppose for present demands, more will be forwarded when wanting, if it can be procur'd; times are very hard — iHenry P. Harrison of the class of 1805, who entered the Junior class at Princeton, from Spartanburg, S. C, in 1804. 64 The Noeth Carolina Historical Commission. Yours of 27tli Deer, contain'd information that at once pleas'd and astonish'd me. I was pleas'd at the particular interference of a mercifull providence in saving from temporal punishment by not permiting the mad men to be maim'd by the explosion of the house, and far more mercifull in preserving their lives while they were so unprepar'd to plunge into Eternity and meet the Judge of quick and Dead. It is a wise man my Son who improves by observation, and as much may some- times be gain'd, by marking the conduct of the wicked as the Saint, Worship the great Jehovah who is alone worthy to be ador'd for his goodness, and by no means permit yourself to attribute that to chance, or fickle fortune, which is so evidently mark'd with the hand of an Infi- nite God. I was astonished that such conduct should take place at that seminary, but much more so that the transgressors should escape punish- ment; and can only account for it in one way, (which however may be erronious) viz, that the principals were great favorites of the Pro- fessors, and rather then make an example of them, the whole were per- mitted to escape. Should this be the case, I shall entertain a more unfavorable opinion of Smith than before, which I am sorry to say was not a good one. I hope that your room companions, nor any of your intimates, were among the disorderly; if they were, it is my most earnest desire, and serious advice, that you should at once give up their company and intimacy; otherwise you may before you are aware, and perhaps innocently, be involved in great difficulties. I am much gratified at your determination of combating all opposition at Princeton this year; it manifests a firmness which is in all situations essential; it shews too a desire to adhere to principle, which will grow into habit and be serviceable, and pleasurable, as long as you live. These good determi- nations can neither be made or kept without the assistence of the great ruler above, look to him therefore my dear .Son for strength, and when good is done let him have all the credit, and when evil take it all to yourself. "A happy New Tear to you !" Bless the hand that prolongs your life and your dear friends, and withholds not those comforts which are suited to our situation. It is well for us, nay it is necessary that we should look back on our lives, not only from Year to Year, but from day to day, and improve therefore; avoiding the evil which we have done, and pursuing the good. With shame and regret I acknowledge that I have not profited as much as time and opportunity has permitted ; I have not grown in Grace and Divine knowledge as I should have done, and as is my earnest desire to do in the present year, and as I hope before it's too late my son will do: for as we live and have communion on Earth, so I wish we may do in Heaven— I feel myself greatly indebted to you for the disire you express of conforming, or rather of obtaining Religion because your Mama and myself wish it: but my Son there is a far greater motive which ought to operate on your mind, and that is the Glory of God and your own happiness. Eead as much as possible the New testament, and use [torn] prayer to Him whose word it is to The Ruffin Papers. 65 instruct, and inform you of its truth and necessity, and agree to follow conviction whithersoever the Spirit leads, and I doubt not your obtain- ing what my Heart desires. You say you would make the attempt if you could see one advantage that would result. What interest can I have in deceiving you ? What advantage can acrue to me, or any other practical Christian, in attempting to impose on any person? Must not our declarations be founded from the clearest conviction and experience of the truth of our allegations? and if so, what becomes of those after death who have not an interest in the blood of the covenant? and none can have this interest unless they love God, the test of which as our Lord declares is the obeying of his commandments — That these things may sink deep into your mind and be a part of the means of bringing to truth is my most earnest prayer. We are well except Sarah who is very ill with a plurisy what her fate may be is very uncertain. Receive our united Love and good wishes. [Address: Nassau-hall, Princeton.] From William Garnett. January 14th 1804. [1805] ^ It is now some time since I have had the pleasure of hearing from you but as I know that it must have proceeded from some accidental circumstance I shall again write to you without waiting for an answer to last letter which I wrote you. I have not yet heard from Fenton Mercer and I therefore cannot inform you by this post in what manner our difference will terminate but I hope for the best. It is not my desire to be at variance with any man whatever but much less with one who is so nearly connected with me it would consequently give me infinite pleasure to be enabled to inform you that our difference has been amica- bly settled. This settlement will take place shortly as I expect to hear from Fenton Mercer by the next post, and if it terminates as I have reason to hope it will I shall then have leisure to devote a small portion [of] my time to the Rev. Doctor Smith who I think merits a little atten- tion from my hands. As to the other gentlemen mentioned in your last letter who have thought proper to make such severe strictures upon my conduct I think them beneath a public notice I shall therefore pass over the epithets which they have honoured me with in silent contempt. But if I should ever chance to meet with any of them I shall then treat them as all such scoundrels deserve to be treated. I have I expect already exhausted your patience on this subject I will therefore wave it for the iThe endoreements upon this letter and its contents show that it was really written in 1805 instead of 1804. 6 66 The N'oeth Cabolina Historical Commission. present and I hope in my next letter to conclude it entirely. Tou must I immagine by this time be pretty much tired of Princeton if so I wish you would take a dismission and come to visit an old friend who will always be happy to see you. I would offer to introduce you to some of the handsomest girls that ever your eyes beheld but as I know you to be very luke warm in your devotion for this fairest and most valuable part of the creation I fear that it would not be a sufficient inducement. I must therefore depend entirely upon myself for the pleasure of a visit from. you. [Address : Mr. Thomas C.^ Kuffin Princeton New Jersey] From William Garnett. January the 21 1805 Your ironical letter of the 10 Instant came safe to hand and I now take the earliest opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of it. You have I find made sufficient allowances for my want of punctuality in answering your last favour I will therefore extend the same charity to you whenever a similar Instance shall occur This however I apprehend will not be the case while you remain at Princeton as the people of New Jersey do not like the Virginians delight in the exercise of hospitality and social intercourse. But are more inclined to take for their guide the maxim, of "a penny saved is a penny got" than that of "let us eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die !'' It may be a matter of doubt with some persons which principle is the most laudable of the two. But for my part I feel no hesitation in declaring for the latter. For this very obvious reason that the disciple of this opinion will at least enjoy some pleasure while he lives and may possess many virtues. In fact such a position as this necessarily implies many very prominent virtues, viz such as liberality openness of heart and philanthropy. Whereas a disposition like the former excludes the idea of any thing like virtue. The man who is entirely devoted to his own interest is of all characters to me the most odious his narrow and contracted soul is incapable of feeling one single generous emotion and his icy heart is alike impene- trable to the genial warmth of friendship. ■ The finer feelings of the soul which are such bright ornaments to the human character are entire strangers to his bosom and in short we behold him in every point of view an object which should excite hatred and disgust of every rational creature. From what I have said I would by no means infer that the maxim of Epicurus is a correct principle but I merely contend for its iRuffin's middle name, Carter, was dropped soon after he left Princeton. The Etjffin Papers. 67 superiority over the one whicli principally characterises the inhabitants of the state of N Jersey. I heard from your relations in King and Queen a week or two ago and am happy to inform you that they are all well., John Roane^ and Kitty^ will be here in the course of a fortnight and I shall then be able to feive you a more circumstantial account of them. Your request concerning my commentaries upon Smiths philoso- phy I am not at present able to gratify. But as soon as I feel myself industrious enough to commence the task it shall be complied with. As for Eoanes academy I have not heard any thing respecting it for some time and am of course unable to give you any satisfactory information on this head. I believe that I have now answered all your enquiries except the one relative to myself which shall be answered in as circum- stantial a manner as possible. Since I quited Princeton I have been engaged in studying metaphysics which I commenced with Reid's essays and Duncans logick. The course of study which I mean to pursue for the balance of the winter is history and politics. So much for my studies and now for my amusements I occasionally visit about in the neighbourhood amongst my friends and receive visits from them. Every thursday I go to Pittsville (which is about a mile from the house) to receive my letters and papers and then I always meet with a number of my friends we generally spend our time in passing about the grog and conversing upon the news of the day. All the Foxes near here are destroyed the amusement of hunting I am therefore obliged to forbear untill they become more plentiful. I however find game enough for my gun and as I am a pretty good hand on the wing I often join in shooting parties. This is an exact description of the manner in which I employ myself— ^and I shall expect one equally as minute from you. Muscoe was not at home when your letter arrived it will therefore be out of his power to answer it by this post, farewell and believe me to be your Sincere friend. N" B Let me know in your next whether there has been any accession of republican students at Princeton and if it is not a secret the authors of those disturbances which took place on christmas. [Address : Princeton, 'New Jersey.] From William Oarneti. February the 13, 1804. [1805]» Tour letter of the 31 instant arrived while I was in King and Queen and I consequently could not answer it by the last mail. Since my return I have received another from you but as it is only a continuation of the iJohn Roane was Ruffin's uncle, being his mother's younger brother. ^Catharine Roane was the younger sister of Ru£Sn's mother. 3The endorsements upon this letter and its contents show that it was written In 1805 instead of 1S04. 68 The ITokth Caeolina Historical Commission. former I shall comprise my reply to both of tliem in this letter. I have since I wrote you last had a conversation with Fenton Mercer through the medium of my brother James^ respecting the reports which are in circulation about me at Princeton. He denies his ever having made such assertions of me as he is reported to have done and to prove his inno- cence has written on to Doctor Smith for a coppy of his letter to him. So that I think there can be no manner of doubt but what we shall settle our diflPerence amicably. But I will quit this subject for the present and advert to one which more nearly relates to yourself. My concern and astonishment 'at hearing of your dismission from the "W. S.^ was extremely great but nevertheless I think you take your removal too much to heart as it was not in consequence of any disgraceful action committed by you. The conscienciousness of the uprightness of your intentions should I conceive be sufficient to enable you to bear up under a much greater mortification than the one which you at present sustain. If you consider the motives by which you were actuated when you advocated the estab- lishment of this new society, I am certain that you cannot think that there is any disgrace attatched to your present situation and more espe- cially as the students who are implicated with yourself are among the most respectable members of college. I do not clearly understand the plan on which you propose to organize the A. S.* but from the imperfect apprehension which I have of it it appears to me that by its being com- posed of members from the two highest classes in college to the exclusion of the lower classes it would ultimately end in the abolition of the present existing societies. For this reason that as the societies now stand there is no body or society in college superior to them which would not be the case was the A. S. established. This society being composed of the best informed part of college would render the others much less respected as they would be thought much less honourable than they formerly were. The consequence would be that in the course of time they would be uterly neglected and perhaps dissolved. But as I expect the mail every moment I can not express myself so fully on this subject as I intended to have done. iJames Mercer Garnett of "Elmwood," Essex County, Va., 1770-1843, was a memlier of the Virginia legislature for several terms, served in Congress, 1805-1809, and was a delegate to the Virginia convention of 1829-1830. He was a member of the grand jury that indicted Aaron Burr. 2The famous American Whig Society of Princeton was founded as the Plain-Dealing Society. Ruffin was evidently dismissed from it because of his connection with the founding of the Adelphic, another society, which was to be composed of the members of the two upper classes only. , There are hints in the letters of his reinstatement, the records of the society do not tell of his dismissal, and the catalogue of 1914 includes his name. 3The Adelphic Society, which this letter indicates that Ruffin founded, was organized during the college year of 1804-1805. The Whig and Cllosophic immediately took joint action against it and succeeded in stifling it after a short existence. Its origin probably lay in the desire of a few men to organize a society which would not be as crowded as the two Halls. The Ruffin Papers. 69 P. S. I staid in K. and Q. so short a time that I could not see your friend of that place but I heard that they were all well Eemember me to Schenk^ and tell him that I was from home when his letter arrived or it should have been answered before this. [Address: Princeton.] From Sterling Buffin. My dear Son. ^^^^ 21st. 1805. Yours of the 25th Ulto. came to hand when I was from home on an excursion up Dan river in Eockingham County Iforth Carolina, in search of better land than I occupy in Brunswick; to which place I expect to return in the next week to close a bargain for a very valuable tract, on what is calld the Saura town, which more than probable you have heard of. Mr. Brodnax accompanies me, and in a year or two (if we live) we both expect to be residents of that place. There is a part of this land more productive than you can have an idea of, and more valuable than the people surrounding it think, from its being all- most inexhaustible and so level that there is no perceivable fall in 200 or 300 acres. You will at once know that this is low grounds, and yet there never has been a crop lost by the flooding of the Eiver. To enable me to make the purchase I have sold part of my quarter tract, and must sell the remainder together with this place as early as possible. I shall be very hard run for money, and as this debt is contracted for the tem- poral good of my Family, they must help me pay for it by frugality, I am much gratify'd by Doer. Smiths attention to you as it is a confirma- tion of the propriety of your demeanor, which with your age I hope will increase. You will find on more mature reflection your idea incorrect : surely it is better to have a real, than a pretended friend — say in your next whether it is necessary to have $150 in April, or at different periods through the Session. I am well pleas'd that you have got rid of Mr. Harrison.^ "Evil communications will corrupt good manners," and are at all times very much to be dreaded, particularly by Youth. I feel it allmost unnecessary, alltho my duty compels me to say something on the subject of swearing — Surely there never was so idle, so sinful and so unprofitable a custom so universaly prevalent as that of prophane con- versation. May I not flatter myself that my son will be so much the Gentleman, and have so much of the fear of an avenging God before his eyes, as to refrain from habits that are so immoral? IS'o information could have been given, that would have been more pleasing, than your devoting a certain portion of each Day to the study lEvidently William Conover Schenck, A.B. Princeton, 1805; A.M., 1808; later a noted Presbyterian minister. 2Probably Henry P. Harrison of Spartanburg, S. C, a member of the class of 1805. 70 The North Caeolina Histoeical Commission. of the Bible. Let me intreat you not to discontinue so laudable a pur- suit, and let me beg of my dear Tom that this time may be doubled on every Sabbath. I thank my God that you begin to see the beauties con- tain'd in this Holy Code, and that you admit it to be of Divine origin : the more you read and understand, the more you will admire and receive the truths contain'd therein. But my son reading alone will not do, humble yourself before a gracious God, and honestly confess your weak- ness, your ignorance, and your sinfuUness, and ask him to lead in that way which will be most to his glory. Remember he is a God who never sleeps, and is aUways near to help in every time of need, be not afraid that he will be deaf to your wants, or that he will not grant those things which you essentially require for your happiness. He never yet with- held truth from the humble Heart, or refused bread to the hungering soul. When you address a throne of Grace endeavor to do it with suit- able reverence, and never forget to implore Mercy for your unworthy friends at flower Garden. Holy and infinitely merciful God, operate by the influence of thy blessed spirit on the Heart of the Son of thine unworthy servant and handmaid; give him grace to love and fear thee as he ought, to serve thee with a willing mind, and to make thy glory the principle which actuates his every deed. Lead him Oh. thou God of Love to the fountain which fiow'd from the side of thine only begotten Son, and by sprinkling him therewith cleanse him from all pollution; let the truth as it was in the blessed Jesus inlighten his mind, burst the chain of unbelief which inslaves his Heart, and bring him into perfect freedom, by owning him as thy returning son. Oh. that thou mayst give him grace to stand a scoffing and persecuting World, the Carnal desires of his sinfuU flesh, and the luring baits of a tempting Devil ; and that each succeeding day may bring him nearer thee and his eternal rest, until it shall please thee to admit him into the full and compleat fruition of thyself through Jesus Christ our infinitely meritorious Redeeiner. IT. B. Your Mama sends specially her love. She thinks herself slighted, not having reed, more letters particularly to herself. The Jerusalem Cherry is sent herewith. [Address: Princeton, "New Jersey.] From William Garneit. March the 17 1805 Tour favour of the 27 Instant should have been duly answered had it not have been that at the time I received it I was confined to my bed by a severe attack of the mumps and thereby disabled from writing. I was the more anxious to give a prompt reply to your last letter as I observed that it contained suspicions entirely unfounded and permit me The Rtjffin Papers. 71 to say extremely illiberal. To suppose tliat any alteration has taken place in my friendship for you on account of the different relations in which we stand is to immagine me capable of entertaining sentiments which I hold in utter abhorrence. I have from my earliest infancy contracted a habit of thinking and acting for myself And as I value the privilege more than life itself I am clearly of opinion that it should be extended alike to every one as a natural and inherent right of which they cannot in justice be dispossessed. It would therefore be in the highest degree prepostrious and absurd in me to break off all intercourse with a man whom I valued and esteemed merely because we differed in our opinions. Were I a student of Princeton college, I should most undoubtedly oppose the organization [of] the Adelphic society from reasons which appear to me to be self evident. As the Whig society stands at present there is no body or corporation in college superior to it. By organizing one of a higher order you will most undoubtedly lessen the honour now attached to it and this would necessarily in the course of time occasion its dissolution. But as I am entirely uncon- nected with the Whig society I feel very little interest about it and indeed were I now a member of college I should censure in a most im- qualified manner the animosity and intemperance which the members of the W. S. have shown towards those of the Adelphic. As I can see no reason why men may not differ in opinion and still maintain a friendly intercourse with each other. I must now conclude as I am still in a very weak and low state of health and I am aprehensive that sitting still too long will injure me. P. S. Muscoe saw your friends in K. and Q. last week and he says that they are in good health [Address: Princeton, New Jersey.] From William Garnett. March 25th 1805. I sincerely participate with you in the joy which you express^ on the reelection of Mr. Jefferson to the office of president as it clearly demon- strates after a fair and impartial trial that principle will invariably triumph over corruption. And it further proves that truth is immutable that although it may occasionally be obscured it will ultimately emerge from the clouds which falsehood and deception have cast around it and iThe political opinions which RuflSn evidently shared with Garnett at this time were not altered in his later life. In principle a Jelfersonian Republican, he was in his later years a member of the Democratic party. Such a large part of his life was spent on the bench that he never was for any length of time in active politice. But, nevertheless, he filled a number of political offices, being twice an elector, several times a member of the state legislature, and once speaker of the House of Commons. 72 The Nokth Carolina Historical Commission. shine forth with redoubled splendour. There is nothing which more clearly substantiates what I have advanced than a comparison between the acts of the present and those of the former administration. During the short time that Mr. Adams continued in office we beheld the influ- ence and power of the executive increased to hight truly alarming and we saw with astonishment his rapid progression in steps of tyranny and oppression almost without a paralile in the annals of America. By the embodying of a standing army the creation of a number of useless offices and a strict adherence to the false and accursed maxim of the british government that a public debt is a public blessing he vainly hoped to render himself invulnerable to any attack that could be made upon him. ITot content however with this breastwork of Federalism he determined if possible to entrench himself still more strongly and to conceal from the scrutinizing eye of the public under the almost impenetrable cover of a sedition law his many and flagrant violations of the constitution. A fact which evidently proves that falsehood will ever shrink from investi- gation. The success which he met with in the prosecution of his nefarious designs plainly evince the futility of human calculation. But let us now quit this detestable view of public abandonment — and advert for a moment to the measures of the present administration here the contrast between the simple garb of truth and the perplexed labyrinth of false', hood is at once obvious. Sensible that a government founded upon the solid basis of integrity will always testify for itself Mr. Jefferson has never in a single instance attempted to impose the least restraint upon the liberty of the press or the freedom of speech but he has on the con- trary in several of his public communications invited a free inquiry into the conduct of the executive Knowing that measures founded upon principle can withstand the severest scrutiny. On whichever side we now cast our eyes we behold the prospect equally cheering a territory has been added to our country valuable on account of its extent and fertility and still more so as it in a great measure enables us to exclude from arround us a settlement of foreigners. Our public debt is daily diminishing our dignity with foreign nations supported the numerous list of taxes which were imposed upon us by the rapacity of Federalism are repealed and in short we find our liberty as extensive as man in his present corrupt and degenerate state is capable of enjoying. Such is the state of prosperity which by the wise and patriotic measures of Mr. Jefferson we now enjoy and that it may long continue God of his infinite mercy grant. The account which you gave of the mortification of the Feds of l^assau Hall was extremely diverting and the manner in which they displayed their disappointment shows a littleness worthy of the sentiments they advocate. You request that I will give you an account of the celebration of the 4th of March in Essex in this particular I cannot promise to be very exact as I was confined to my bed when it took place. But I will satisfy you as far as I am able. The gentlemen The Kuffikt Papers. 73 of the county liad dinner at Mr. Banks tavern in Tappahannoek at which, was drank 17 toasts prepared by my brother James and Mr. James Hunter and accompanyed with appropriate music from a very excellent band. It would be needless for me to insert them as you take the enquirer in which you will find them published. An oration was also delivered by Mr. Horrace Fpshaw in commemoration of the glorious and memorable revolution which that day gave birth to. Of the merits of this action there are various opinions some are of opinions that it was tolerable good others that it was neither good nor bad and others again say that it was indifferent but all agree that it was very badly delivered. Thus I have to the best of my ability given you a detail of our proceedings on the 4th of March. I will therefore conclude by assuring you that I still remain your sincere friend. [P. S.] Muscoe desires to be remembered to you and says that he should have answered your letter but he is confined with the mumps as soon as he gets well he will certainly do it. I expect that it would divert you to see him now his head is swelled to twice its ordinary size so that you guess he is a very great beauty. Col. 'Nevr^ our present representative in congress has declined and my brother James has offered to supply his place as there is no opposi- tion he will certainly be elected. [Address: Princeton, New Jersey.] From William Gamett. ,, , „ ^„„» May the 1805. I shall after your example without any preamble enter immediately upon the subject of the contemplated convention in- the State of Pensyl- vania.^ The position which I took on this subject in my last letter I shall still maintain viz have the people of Pensylvania a right to alter their form of government and is it expedient at this time for them so to act. The right of the people to amend or abolish that constitution whenever they disapprove of it is so well known and acknowledged in America that I need say nothing upon this head. I shall therefore, advert to my last Question is it expedient for them at this time so to act. The great end for which government was first instituted is said by politicians to be the security of the life liberty and property of the governed. It follows as a necessary consequence that whenever any people find that the government under which they live is incompetent lAnthony New, a native of Gloucester County, Va., had been a colonel in the Revolution. A lawyer by profession, a Republican in politics, he had been a member of Congress since 1793. He was later a member of Congress from Kentucky from 1811 to 1813; 1817 to 1819; and 1821 to 1823. 2The agitation in Pennsylvania for a convention was fruitless, and it was not until 1838 that the constitution was altered. 74 The I^oeth Cabolina Historical Commission. to this important end it is expedient for them to alter or abolish it. This I apprehend to be the case with the people of Pensylvania after fifteen years experience they find that their present constitution is insufficient to secure to them the blessings of liberty and happiness. They have witnessed the most glaring acts of tyranny and oppression committed by their public functionaries for which they have in vain sought a con- stitutional redress. Would it not therefore be madness and folly in them tamely to submit to such wrongs when they have it in their power to remove the sources from whence they proceed. Shurely it would and I trust there is too much good sense in Pensylvania for the people to let slip this golden opportunity of reforming their constitution. You have I observe deduced a consequence from one of my arguments which I by no means admit to follow. Because I maintain that it is expedient for the people of Pensylvania to call a convention you infer from thence that I must necessarily advocate the proposed amendments. This I deny to be the case. I do not nor will not advocate any amendments which I have never seen. Does it necessarily follow that because the people of Pensylvania are advised to amend certain parts of their con- stitution that they are also obliged when met in convention blindly to adopt the plan proposed to them without consulting their own reason at all. Certainly not they are free to judge for themselves. Should the alterations proposed meet their approbation they will adopt them — if not they will of course reject them and then propose such as they them- selves think necessary. But you argue if they reject these amendments the object of the convention will be defeated and I must therefore either concur both in the amendments and the convention or disaprove them both. The object of the persons proposing the amendments I readily admit will be defeated but that the object of the convention (which is a reform in certain fundamental principles of their constitution) wiU be rendered nugatory I deny. Certain I am that there have been outrages committed against the liberty and property of the citizens of Pensyl- vania which have undermined and saped to its foundation their present constitution, outrages which call loudly upon them for redress which warns them that unless a speedy reform takes place the beautiful temple of liberty will on their land be laid prostrate with the earth and the Gothic castle of despotism erected upon its ruins. It is from these momentous and pressing circumstances that I have been induced and shall ever continue to advocate the call for a convention in the State of Pen"'» And such is my reliance upon the judgement integrity and good sense of the people of that state that I am convinced they will not act in servile compliance to the dogmas of any set of men but in reforming their constitution they will adopt the opinions of other men only so far as they are conformable to their own. The amendments proposed by the persons who have advised the convention are nothing to the purpose they may or they may not be proper this is to be determined after the convention has met no man can take upon himself to say what amend- The Ruffiis- Papers. 75 ments will take place in the constitution should the convention meet. I have no doubt but that there will be many alterations suggested which are not at this time thought of. But I have said enough on this subject for the present. I shall therefore take my leave of it and begin to draw my letter to a close. You accuse me of inconsistency when I affirm that you may by following my prescription recover your health in the course of a fortnight. To you who appear to be so callous and insensible to the captivating charms of the female race so considerable an effect produced from what you would term so inconsiderable a cause may indeed seem wonderful. But to me it does not bear the smallest mark of incon- sistency. I do not however in this prescription recommend the ladies indiscriminately to you. I mean such only as to beauty and personal accomplishments add the more solid and durable advantages of an improved and cultivated understanding. It is such ladies as these that recommend to your acquaintance for as to the fine ladies as they are termed I hold them in sovereign contempt. P. S. Your friends in King and Queen were all well the last time I heard from them as well as those in Essex excepting Mr. Edwin Upshaw-'- who got shot through the thigh in a duel which he fought on Saturday last with Carter Wood a brother of T. Woods our present representative. I will thank you to get me some seed of the melon genus if you can procure any and send me directions at what time and in what manner they are to be planted as well as a receipt for dressing them. [Address : Princeton, New Jersey.] From Sterling Buffin. Bbunsw'k 11th May 1805. Your letter to your Mother is at hand which gives us the pleasing information of your perfect recovery from the late affliction you have experienced. You do not say whether the vacation has ended, or when if not, it will — you do not say, whether you have chang'd your boarding house, or whether you still remain a labourer in your Mistress's garden ; and you never have said whether this garden is in the Town or Country; these are things we should like to know and would have afforded you the means of lengthening your letter. I am rather fearfuU that subjects will fail me ere I make this a long letter, for my Mind is never prolific, and I confess at this time, I feel it less so than usual; and should not now have taken up my pen, but to gratify the solicitude of your Mother, added to the forwarding as soon as possible, the $20 call'd for. You inquire after your friends in King and Queen Ct. at which I am really lEMward Upshur married Lucy Roane, Ruffin's aunt. 76 The IN'okth Cakolina Historical Commission. astonish'd as your Uncles Tom and Jolin intended writing wlien I left them three weeks ago. Your letters to your Uncle and Grand-Mother were both reed, and apparently gave great pleasure, and John express'd great earnestness, and promis'd himself great pleasure in corresponding with you: ere this I think you must certainly have reed their letters. Your Uncle Tom meant to advise (he said) the Study of the Law. I think by this time you must have decided on your profession and yet you have not inform'd us. You inquire where we are to move to. Our next change in time, will be to Sauratown, for a part of which, (1000 Acres) I have just a few days ago concluded a bargain. Let not this distress you, as I do not propose selling more of my land here, than (1000 Acres of the quarter plantation) enough to enable me to make good this bar- gain, which will leave a sufficiency in sweet Virginia for you. A subject strikes my mind the persuit of which would make this a very long letter, but as I am not in the humour I will just drop a few hints, and leave it with you to improve. It is the grand part of Creation, the blessing givfen unto Man, a "Woman. How is it possible that you can have a Heart capable of being warm'd with the genial rays of friendship; expanded with the pleasing sensation of love, and not respect the female sex. How can you view them as a nuisance, as a pest to Society when but for Woman you could not have existed, nay, a much more valuable person, even the great Saviour of fallen man. Is it because tyrannical custom, added to the bitterness of the Ware [sic] which prohibits their being educated at Colleges and obtaining classical educations and obtain- ing diplomas that they are not to be regarded ? or is it because they are really below the notice of a wise man? or what is the reason that your letters breath nothing but disgust agst. the whole sex.^ Far be it from iThe following extract from a little diary containing occasional entries by Ruffln is interesting in connection with his views at the time this letter was written: June 9th, 1809 — This day I became a resident of Hillsborough. The motives for removal are to my mind, urgent in the extreme. Only one rises against it. My Father, tho' not opposing, thinks it will eventuate in my injury. To you. Oh God, I address myself. May that power which has led me thro' life thus far, still extend its arm of help to my weakness, still watch in aid of my blind- ness, still cherish and protect thy doubting and trembling servant, I pray! ! ! On Monday the day of June, 1809, I mentioned to Anna Kirkland the tender subject of many weeks and months reflexions. No man who has not felt, can conceive the hopes and fears, the pains and pleasures of early, first, and sincere Love. I mean that sensation which results from desire for one and only one woman, who is worthy of our esteem and can attach to herself our respect and friendship. With a trembling voice and beating heart I un- folded to her the secret of my soul. Agitated by a passion as warm as it was determined, convulsed with a fear of repulse and with conviction of my poverty preying on my mind, I scarce knew what to ask, scarce cared what should be the result. — I did ask. On this day, .... June 1809, She granted. And I am happy! She promises to make me happy! She will do it, has done it! Thomas Ruffin. HnxsBOEOiJGH, December, 1809. By cash pd. for hat $5. — By cash pd. for marriage license 2. — By cash pd. Parson Prather 10. — The Ruffin Papers. 77 me to wisli your time spent in Gallantry witli the fair sex, but I cer- tainly should be pleas'd if you were to estimate them as they merit. We are all well and join in prayer to Heaven to bless the son of Your affct. Father [Address : Princeton, l^ew Jersey.] From, Sterling Buffin. ,, , „ Brunswk 7th of June 1805. my dear Son, Your three last letters of 17th, 21st, and 23rd. Flto are now before me, and in their order I shall answer them. Your first informs me of your choice of a profession, by which you expect to gain a livlihood, and no doubt pluck some laurels in your travels through the different wildernesses of this worlds pilgrimage, to which you desire my opinion and advice with respect to the mode of study for the next year. To the first, i. e. the study of law, I can have no possible objection, if you make choice of it, as best suited to your taste and talents. It is clearly my opinion that our avocations should be suited to our gifts, or what would be pleasurable, will be labourious and irksome. To the other, i. e. the way in which you are to spend the next year. I do not feal myself intirely competent to advise; but should suppose it would be most profitable to begin the study of your profession at once ; and devote a certain portion of time to history poetry etc. These are so intimately connected with Law, that no man can be a good barrister without being a good historian, and in some measure acquainted with the Muses. Yet I believe it is an invariable rule to unite these studies; i. e. to form a more intimate acquaintance with the two latter while you are preparing yourself to exhibit in the former, than you could possibly do, while in the classics. Under this impression I have written to Judge Eoane^ (who is justly considered one of the greatest Lawyers in this state) to give you admittance as one of his family : from thence should we live, you will no doubt go to Wm. and Mary College. There were no illnatur'd reports circulated against Gholson;* and the only iSpencer Roane was the son of William and Judith Ball Roane and was a first cousin of Ruffln's mother. He was horn in Essex County, Va., April 4, 1762. He studied law under Chancellor Wythe and was immediately success- ful in practice. Serving a number of times in the legislature of Virginia, he became a judge of the general court in 1789, and of the court of errors in 1794. He married a daughter of Patrick Henry. He was Virginia's foremost jurist at the opening of the century, and was Jefferson's choice for chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Diametrically opposed to Marshall in political belief, his appointment would probably have profoundly affected the history of the United States. BProbably Thomas Gholson, of Brunswick County, member of Congress, 1808-1816. 78 The Nokth Cabolina Histokical Commission. reason he was not elected was McLins long standing: there were about 100 Votes between them. I was greatly pleas'd at your living with Mrs. Smith, as I well know the advantages which will result from Female society, if it is enjoy'd only while at the dining table ; there is a certain ease and agreeabler.ess in demeanor which never can be attain'd except from the company of Females; they can alone make the polish'd Gentleman: do not mistake me, I mean not a fop; but he who in all company's can make himself agreeable, and allways feel himself all things to all People ; sin excepted. I am much afraid you are some what of a pedant in your opinion of Women ; remember they are made by a wise God for wise purposes, and were given to man as the greatest blessing Heaven could bestow ; remem- ber allso that they have or had, and yet may have the image of God stamp'd on them ; remember too that Nature has in most instances dealt as bountifully towards them, as to the stronger sex, and that it is now owing to custom, tyrannical custom that they are generally inferior to Men in Moral, Civil and Political knowledge and usefullness. In Re- ligion there are many of them perfect patterns, and worthy to be f oUow'd by the greatest man ; In that sphere then, which they were intended to move, both by Divine and human laws, they are, and ought, and will be respected. You say you will never mention this subject to me again, you are wrong; nothing is so fatal to error as free discussion, nothing so enduring between friends, as free interchange of opinions, and surely none can, or at least ought to be nearer than a Father and Son. I have no doubt but I entertain many erronious opinions, as well as yourself, and certainly I have a right to expect by free communication both will be benefited. You may rely on it, I shall not dispute with you on, or contradict your opinion of a Dueller ; be he whom he may, he is a pest to society. I hope not to live to hear of your becoming one, whatever situation you may be placed in, for none can justify it. Your friend Mr. Monford did not call on us, it would have given me great pleasure to have seen him, and render him any service in my power. We and our IN'eighbors are generally well. We all join in love. [Address : If assau hall, Princeton, New Jersey.] From Sterling Ruffin. Beunsw'k 1st July 1805. The Lord has been kind and gracious, to your Earthly Father lately ; It has pleas'd him whose wisdom and mercy is as boundless as Eternity, to afflict this earthly tabernacle in which my Immortal Spirit is in- velop'd with much pain. I have had, and am just recover'd from a tolerably severe attack of the Flux ; during the continuance of which, I felt sore in body, but thanks be to God, I had much peace of mind; The Ruffin Papers. 79 through faith, I saw a Country where peace and pleasure uninterrupted reigns, and by Grace, I think I had a seat prepar'd for me there. Thank God, I had some patience under his rod, which I do believe was dipt, and chasten'd in Love, and I humbly hope his gracious purpose will be answer'd, i. e. I hope it will be the means of making me more faithful to his Grace, and that I shall live nearer to him, and more to his glory than I have done before. The more I know of him who is enthron'd in glory and light inaccessable by mortals, the more I love him, and the more I wish to know; for it is well said, "who that loves can love enough." My soul is continually hungering for the perfect image of Christ my Saviour, and I can truly say my son, the more I have of it the happier I am. Remember Tom, and oh ! that it may be deeply engraved on the tablets of your Heart, "that without holiness no man can see the Lord" that is in peace; and be assur'd that this temper cannot be attain'd by living to, and for the World, nor in any other way than that which is mark'd out by God in his holy word. For your sake and Gods glory I write these things. Oh ! my Son, let not your Father appear in Judgement against you, but from this time seek an interest in Jesus the friend of Sinners, and live and die happy in the Lord. Religion will not interfere with any of the comforts, or duties, of man below, but greatly highten the enjoyment, and perform- ance of them; and happy, truly happy is he, who keeps a good con- science to God and Man. Your two last letters of the same date are safe at hand. If I find it in my power you shall have a draft to procure the books wanted. I must leave the manner of your coming intirely to yourself, by water or the stage. I am glad that you have consulted Mr. George on the subject of your studies, he is no doubt fully competent to advise, and I hope will do it. I shall be quite willing to follow his opinion. I have an answer from Judge Roane, in which he says he would gladly comply with my request, but there are some particular circumstances which prevent his taking you. Should you now, or at any future time commence the study of Law, I shall endeavour to get you with some person in whose talents I can confide for the first year or two; believing it better than commencing at Wm. and Mary it will be sufficient to end there. Your prejudices against private Familys are unfortunate. Do you never mean to asso- ciate with any but Gentlemen, and that at a tavern ? You certainly do not reflect on the advantages that result from different company, and at other places, or your eyes would be open'd to your interest. The longer these sentiments are cherish'd the greater difficulty you will experience in surmounting them; the less you mix with different societies, the less quallify'd you will be to fill any important station of life. We are happy to hear of yr. good health I pray it may continue, and that you may be thankfull to the giver of that, and every good gift. Our friends to the N"orth are well except Lucy, who could not come with 80 The N'obth Cakolina Historical Commission. Kobert in consequence of indisposition. The N". Family are not here, tho' they promise to be out this fall. May the Father of our Spirits bless you, and give you Grace and knowledge to serve him in Christ our Lord, prays Your aff. Father [Address: Princeton, N. J.] From William Gamett. July 12th 1805. The excuses which I made you for not being more punctual seems as the saying is to have gone in at one ear and come out at the other. I find it needless therefore to offer you any more and you must conse- quently be content to receive my valuable epistles as I have leisure to write them. But jesting apart you appear to be very much out of spirits and if I judge of your situation by what my own was while I lived in Princeton it is not without a cause. The sooner therefore you quit this modern Sodom and Gomorra the better and when you do set out let it be by land at all events. You need not be under the, smallest appre- hension about your cash's giving out for if you find yourself in the least streightened you know where to apply. I shall always be ready and extremely happy to furnish you with any sum of money or with any thing else that lies in my power. And the friendship between us is so cordial that I hope you will never be backward in asking of me anything that is within the compass of my ability and I am confident that will always expect me to act in the same unreserved manner towards yourself. When the commencement draws near if [you] will let me know on what day you expect to be in Fredericksburg I will meet you there in a gig and bring [you] down to Essex, for I cannot let you pass so near with- [out] spending some time with me. You have I find departed from your intention of studying physic in favor of the law. I approve very much of your choice as I think your constitution much too delicate to with- stand the fatigues attached to the duty of a physician. I have myself some intention of studying one of the above mentioned professions. I am however as yet in doubt which but I rather believe that I shall decide in favour of the former. My principal inducement for adopting this method of gaining a livelihood is the great aversion which I have to the manner of cultivating our lands in Virginia by slaves. I feel myseK utterly incompetent to the task of manageing them properly. I never attempt to punish or to have one punished but I am sensible that I am violating the natural rights of a being who is as much entitled to the enjoyment of liberty as myself. Under such impressions as these I can never be happy while I am forced to act in a manner which my con- science reproaches me for. Such is the all powerful reason which has The Ruffin Papers. 81 almost determined me to endeavour to live by the study of a profession in preference to retaining my farm and undertaking the management of a set of slaves. But enough of this stuff for the present. I have more agreeable news to tell you. Your Aunt Catherine Roane is now in Essex and in good health. I went down on yesterday to Mr. Archibald Ritchies^ in a car- riage and brought her Miss Brooke and your cousin Mary Ann Campbell to Mt. Pleasant — ^and they intend remaining here for ten or 12 days to come. I have been very bussy for several days in making preparations for a barbecue which we are to have on this day week and to which I am appointed one of the managers being so great ladies man that they could not do without me. [P. S.] Mrs. Roane says that they reed a letter from you a short time ago which took them 2 days to read. I could make the same complaint — but I believe you are incorrigible in the habit of writing bad. [Address: Princeton, N. J.] Alexander M'Caine^ to Sterling Buffin. My dear Brother. [F-.spoi^t [Mb. ?] July 19, 1805] Before you proceed one step towards the reading of. this letter (if a letter it can be called) let me request you to sit down — and exercise patience in hearing my tale. An apology cannot be rendered for my silence which would weigh, if I were of sufficient note or of that impor- tance, that my scrawl would have been of any great service. Such as is the production of my pen — ^you should have had it long before to day, were it not for the press of business that crowd upon me. See a Town in which there may be about 5 or 6000 Inhabitants, that Town visited with sickness, in that Town but One Minister and a Roman Priest, that Minister preaching three or four times in a Week — none to Baptize the children, none to visit the sick — none to marry the living, none to bury the dead but himself — see him also from 8 oclk in the morning — ^till 6 in the afternoon engaged in a large school — after school engaged in some one or other of the above callings. See this man running hither and thither by IN'ight and by day without any one to assist him in the dis- charge of these Ministerial duties — without time to read and almost without time to pray. See this man — and then you will see me. An iColonel Archibald Ritchie, the first child of Molly Roane and Archibald Ritchie, married his first cousin, Martha Hlpkins Roane, the fifth child of Colonel Thomas Roane of Newington, and the younger sister of Ruffin's mother. 2No information can be obtained concerning the writer of this letter. Evi- dently he was a Methodist minister who had been associated with Sterling Ruffin in Virginia. 6 82 The IToeth Cabolina Histobical Commission. opportunity oflfering for me to write to Ireland, I was, I think upwards of Two weeks in writing one single letter to my Sister, five times I was at it before I could finish it, the like of which I have not experienced before — ^yesterday I was oblig'd to stop my school a little to Baptize some children that were sick and in the afternoon I attended one funeral and married three Couple between 6 oClk and 9. You will see by these things I am busy. But are you never tired? may you say. Indeed I am. Tired — ^weary — sick of life — Sick — weary — tired of myself on account of my little Eeligion — of the World — on account of its vanity — on account of the Friendship of it on account of its instability. Longing after immorality for its substantial joys — after Heaven for its real pleasures and permanent Friendships. The 62 Psalm and 9 v. has made an impression on my mind the whole is seen as I never saw it till of late. The circumstances which have affected me this year, may have been hinted to you, if they have not been blaz'd abroad, I mean the treatment of some of the Virginia Conference to me. That has cool'd the ardor of my Zeal towards the - - . I am here now, the wound then inflicted on my feelings is cicatrized but the scar remains. I have no great thought of committing myself all my days into the power of any man or body of men whose favourite principle is a man accused of Maladminis- tration ought not to be allowed to produce witnesses or speak his own defence. This is so absurd a doctrine that no body will be found who will believe it — and so notorious is the fact of its being advanced by some of our Headmen in Conference that no one can be found who will deny it. To such a system of policy I enter my most solemn protest — and with such my honor will never be united. But enough of this ! I thank God my dear Br. I have had only one days sickness since I came to Fellspoint — altho' the weather has been extremely warm and dry. It is very healthy all things considerd — and should the Lord keep far from us Sickness it will be matter of Thankfulness and of Joy. You have understood no doubt that I am engaged in keeping a School. I could not get over it, private or pecuniary considerations were not the main or moving cause. I have procured an Assistant and have as many as keep us both pretty busy. Indeed I am so completely trammelled with my engagements that I know not how I could get them off were I now calFd from this place. I have often thought of my Br. Sterling and his Companions perhaps a day has not I got on as far as not when the Town Clock struck Eight I was obliged to drop my pen and run to School — and now about the middle of the day I resume the subject, and again say perhaps a day had not passed since I came that I have not thought of you, your family, your Br. Wm. and his family. I have thought of you — yes — and I believe you will have some of them while I have any at my disposal — this is all I can do — and this I think I will do when I am engaged in conversing with MY FRIEND. Touching anything more — as to a visit to your Sfeigh- The Euffin Papers. 83 bourhood or even to Virga. I am afraid I got too mucli at the Con. to visit it again — not that I would be afraid to stand before the World in defence of Truth — I mention this to let you know the real motive. "With many of my dear Brethren I am united and to all the rest I wish Peace. Discharging everything that might raise conjecture I will tell you that our Dear Doctor Coke has got a dear Penne' he was lately married in Bradford a Town in England to a Miss Penelope Smith possessed of a fortune of 30,000 £ Sterl !!!!!!! Wonders will never cease. Who could — ^would — should — or ought blame a young Man of 30 when the Old man of 60 puts his head into the Halter. This my dear Br. has made me a little merry when I heard of it. I dare say it will in the two Worlds raise many a smile — Parewell dear Doctor — Farewell. To be serious, this paper contains a mixt — a queer collection of mat- ter, well, forgive everything that is wrong. I did not intend to write such a letter when I promised to write to the Ladies — this however is not for them it is for you To let you know I am alive. Danl. Hall passed through this City a few days ago. I did not see him he has advertised his Chair — but whether he sold it or not, I cannot tell — they say he need not go to Tennessee if he is going to do as the other Dr. has done. Jesse Lee is gone to the Eastern Shore to a great Camp Meeting which is to commence the 25 Inst. He has gone largely into the book making no less than 4000 copies ! ! when he will return to Virga is, I believe uncertain. And now Br. let me close by begging in the MOST SOLEMN" manner an Interest in your prayers. Give my love to your Companion and family, Br. Wm and his family — Br.« Hobbs — Gholson Jr — the Brs. Saunders's — and to those that may even enquire (if any should enquire) for your unworthy Br. Alexastdbb McOaine. Fellspoint July 19th 1805. [Address : Mr. Sterling Ruffin Gholson's near Gholson's bridge Brunswick County. Virginia.] From William Garnett. August the 7, 1805. I received from you by the last mail two letters which contained as usual many complants against me for my want of punctuality. I have once before informed you that mail arrives at Pittsville on Wednesday evening and goes up so soon on the following morning that I cannot possibly answer your letters untill the post after. This excuse I think sufficiently accounts for my want of punctuality. I shall therefore advert to other circumstances of which you will probably wish to be informed. 84 The Noeth Caeolista Histokical Commission. Your aunt Koane and your cousin Miss Campbell left Mr. Pleasant before your letters arrived. I could not therefore deliver your message to them. Our 4tli of July was celebrated in a very different manner from what it was in Princeton. "We had a dinner at Tappahannock prepared by Mr. T. Banks at which there were a number of toasts drank but we had no oration. The night after the dinner we had a ball at which there were a number of handsome girls. I know of no other circumstance which occurred on that night worth relating. You have therefore re- ceived a full account of all our proceedings on that important day, and I have no doubt but you will think us a shabby set of rascals. I shall not however attempt to make any excuse for our conduct but submit our- selves entirely to your mercy. I am now writing in room so full of noise that I find it impossible to continue my letter I must therfor beg that you will excuse the shortness of this letter and believe me to be Your affectionate friend [P. S.] You have I fancy forgotten to procure me the seed of the melon genus and the receipt for dressing them which I request you to send me some time ago. I shall write you a long letter by the next post. [Address : Princeton, New Jersey.] From Robert Bitffin.^ Flo WEB Gakden Augst 8, 1805. It will do well enough ha : ha : ha you ask'd if I would have resolution enough to read your letter to the end if I have I am sound soul and body this is an unfair way of Judging what would you expect of a child who was put to reading before he knows his letters can you judge of his abili- ties from that, suppose he cannot read you will then abandon him from your doctoring for I assure you this is a case to [illegible] you had as well have wrote in greak or hebrew as to have made those caractors I assure you there is but one person in this part of the world who can read it and that is your father to whom I had to apply for a translation. You desired that I would give you an account of the fourth of July in Brunswick which I should have done had it been conducted even toler- ably well but knowing it must be insippid to one who had seen anything like what you gave me an account of I will say nothing about it more than that Gholson was our president and Stith was Vice; Your Father gave me 15$ and told me to enclose it in my letter said he you may inform the Boy so much for July; Uncle John Koane desired me to get from you an account of the proceedings and the different studies at l^assau Hall. I suppose he wishes to keep up the same rules and regulations iRobert Ruffin was a first cousin of Thomas KuflBn. The Rdffin Papers. 85 at the academy and King William; there is a great preparation for a camp meeting which will take place the day week it is supposed there will be more people than was ever at one in this part of the world. We are all well except your mother who is frequently complaining of the swimming in the head but under daily expectation of the mumps break- ing out in the family I was down with your father at Petersburg where I caught it and it broke out after I got home ; I saw the doctor yesterday he desired me to give his compliments to you. [Address : Citizen Thos. C. Ruffin N^assau Hall Princeton.] From Muscoe Qarnett. August 9th, 1805. Be assured that however deficient I may have been in demonstrating my friendship towards you it has not proceeded from any real want of it, on the contrary instead of diminishing as you seem to think, it has done, I can say with truth that it daily augments. What excuse can I then make for my long silence? No other than that of an incorrigible indolence, which although you have so severely commented on I am forced to plead to avoid a suspicion much more alarming to my fefeUngs, which is that of a deficiency in friendship. But as you are so great an adept in the study of the human heart, I think from our long acquaint- ance that you might have known mine better than to have suspected that my silence proceeded from any such cause. I expect your return with the greatest impatience, but I cannot say with certainty whether or not we can spare sufficient time from our studies to accompany you to Brunswick as we shall be at that time very busily occupied in the study of the French language, and several sciences. It is with the greatest difficulty that I can force myself to write, indeed so great is my aversion to it that my correspondents are perpetually rebuking me for my neglect, and I can assure you that you may always look upon a letter from me as a strong mark of my friendship for as every action of our lives is the result of the prevailing motive I say that for any incentive to be at any time sufficiently strong to overcome that innate slugishness in me as you are pleased to call it, is a proof of the strength of my friendship. It begins to grow very late and it is time to conclude for there is such a noise in the house I scarcely know what I write, but luckily we have no political subject to discuss as you and William always have, and I am no preacher as you are for I can scarcely call this letter of yours anything but a moral lecture on Indolence and if you go on to improve in proportion as your commencement promised I do not doubt that you 86 The North Cakolina Historical Commission. will in time rival Doctor Blaire Himself. I have twice hurried on farther than I intended and will now conclude with assuring you of the continuance of my friendship. [Address: Princeton, Hew Jersey.] From Sterling Euffin. BRtrwsw'K 12th Augst. 1805. Your letters of the 27th and 30th Ulto are both at hand, the first of which I shall attend to in this letter; the other affording important matter for a seperate one, if I find time and inclination to write, before your return ; or a conversation when we meet, that I hope will be edify- ing to at least one, if not both. Let me only in the mean time again request in the most solemn manner an interest in those prayers which I trust you put up to a throne of Grace. Let me hope that at, or about Sun rising and setting you will present your Father etc. to an Almighty and all mercyfuU Creator, and implore his pardon and blessings on them, as a part of them will endeavour to Remember you when they are pouring out their souls to Him. Prayer is certainly food for the soul, and it cannot be kept alive without much of it. Oh! then my Son intreat the Father of mercies to give you and us praying Hearts. Your Cousin Robert wrote you a few days ago when I inclos'd $15. I herewith send $140 making the sum required. If you have reed. Hills draft you may make use of it in procuring books (among which I wish you to get me Cowpers Poems) and I will pay him. This sum $200 besides your furniture and such books as you will dispose of (and which cost you a good sum) is more than I calculated you would want, and nothing short of the assistance of a friend has enabled me to send it at this time. Alltho' I am anxious to see you, and your departure from Princeton immediately after the examination would hasten the time of our meeting, I can by no means consent to your leaving it sooner than commencement without the approbation of Doer. Smith. It would hurt me extremely if you were to eome off contrary to the regulations of the Institution, by which your good name would be sullied. If then, you cannot make your arraingements with his entire consent, and come away with credit to yourself, you must stay until you get your parchment. You may say to Doer. Smith if he has no particular objection I wish you to leave Princeton as early after the examinations as possible. If you are in Richmond between the 20th and 25th of Septr. you will more than probable meet with me at the Bell.^ "We are all well except your Mother lA well-known tavern in Richmond. The Etjffin Papeks. 87 who has been latterly afflicted with her old complaint. You should be particular in forwarding your trunks; and as you leave iN'assau hall, perhaps forever, you should dispose of such things as you do not bring off. [Address : Nassau-hall, Princeton, ITew Jersey.] From William, Garnett. [Essex County, Va.J August 29th 1805. I have this moment received a letter from you but in consequence of the post office at Pittsville being this day put down I am obliged to send my letter to Laytons which I am fearful will prevent you from receiving it in time. You will however have sufficient leasure between this and the 20th of September to let me know the result of your application to Dr. Smith for permission to quit Princeton before the commencement takes place. If you will let me know at what time you expect to be in Predericksburgh I will certainly meet you there in gig, if I can procure one which I think is a very doubtful matter as neither myself nor any of my neighbours are rich enough to burthen ourselves with so unneces- sary an expence. But should I not be able to procure a gig you can easily get one by applying to one of the tavern keepers in Fredericks- burg. It is however needless to say more on the subject as we can arrange all matters when we meet which I hope will not long. I find by some observation of yours in the letters before the which I received from you that you have entirely misunderstood the remarks which I made some time ago respecting the condition of our slaves. I do not by any means think that it would be politic in us to emancipate them in their state. On the contrary I conceive that should such an event take place the evil done to themselves as well as to society in general would be incalculable. 2for do I think there can possibly exist a greater evil than that of partially emancipating our slaves. Besides the injury which you do to the community at large by turning loose upon them a set of men brought up as our negroes generally are you render those who are still retained in slavery much more discontented with their situation than they otherwise would be. And if you take all things into consideration you will find that the slaves themselves who are emanci- pated in this way are not in the smallest degree benefitted by it as they commonly act in such a manner as bring themselves under the correction of the law. "No my plan was not to free my slaves but to dispose of them to some person who I would be assured would treat them well and thereby rid myself of the painful task of keeping them under proper 88 The Worth Carolina Historical Commission. discipline. This plan I ttink, I shall still adhere to unless the task of manageing them [is] much more agreeable than I expect it is. [Address : Princeton, New Jersey.] Praeses et Guratores Collegii Neo-Gaesariensis. Omnibus et singulis has literas lecturis Salutem in Domino. Notum sit quod nobis placet, auctoritate publice diplomate Praesidi et Curatoribus hujusce institutionis coUata, Thomas C. Buffin juvenem ingenuum, moribus inculpatum, literasque humanioribus imbutum, ex- aminatione in artibus coram facultate collegii imprimis habita, titulo, graduque Artium Bacalaurei adornare. Cujus haic membrana, sigillo collegii nostri rata, nominaque nostra subscripta, testimonio sint. Datum Aulae — ^If assovicae Sexto Kalendas Octobris Anno Domini Millesimo Octingentesimo quinto. Saml. Smith Prabses Joseph Bloomfield^ Joannes Bayard^ Elisha Boudinot* > ^ . ri 4 ) Guratores. ASHBEL trEEEN* J. B. Smiths Ira Condict* ISAACUS SnOWDEn''' From William, Garnett. September 27th, 1805. You will no doubt be surprised to learn that I was very much disap- pointed at receiving a letter from you a few days since. But as para- ijoseph Bloomfield, trustee of Princeton, 1793-1801. He signed this diploma as governor of New Jersey. 2John Bayard, trustee of Princeton, 1778-1807. SElisha Boudinot, trustee of Princeton, 1802-1819. lAshbel Green, professor at Princeton, 1785-1787; trustee, 1790-1812; presi- dent, 1812-1822. BJames Bayard Smith, trustee of Princeton, 1779-1807. 6Ira Condict, president of Rutgers College, and a trustee of Princeton, 1804-1809. TIsaac Snowden, treasurer of Princeton, 1782-1808. The Kuffin Papers. 89 doxical as this may seenij to you it is nevertheless a fact. To hear that you had heen so near me without my having the least intimation of it was indeed a disappointment and more especially as you have all along fed me up with the hopes of seeing you this fall. It is true that you endeavour in some measure to palliate your conduct but I really think your excuse appears to be rather a lame one. If you were afraid of being sick could we not have taken as much care of you here as they could at home no the truth of the matter was you were too impatient to see your relations in Brunswick. You therefore stand without any other excuse whatever and you can only make up for your non perform- ance of promise by immediately complying with the one which you last made me of coming to see me as soon as you could possibly leave home. This I am the more anxious for you to do as I have several very im- portant subjects which I wish to discuss with you and which I cannot so well do by letter as by a personal communication. Some of these points we have already partially discussed whilst you were a resident of ^Nassau Hall but there are others which I wish to advise with you upon that relate wholly to myself and are to me of the last importance. Calculating certainly upon seeing you shortly I shall defer saying more on this subject untill I can have by a personal appearance a better opportunity of explaining myself. I am at present busily engaged in the pursuit of my studies however I cannot say as I am learning nothing but the f rench language. This leads me to speak of a man in whom I have been more deceived that ever I was before in my life. From the great character under which Doctor Haller entered our family I had calculated upon his being to me an invaluable acquisition. His great reputation for talents information and integrity had prepossed me more strongly in his favour than any stranger that I had ever seen in my life. You may judge therefore how great has been my disappointment when I tell you that I have found him entirely destitute of the first two requisites and I have many strong reasons to believe him to be also in a great measure destitute of the last. Of this I shall, however say no more untill I see you and shall only observe that at present neither Muscoe nor myself are upon speaking terms with him. Muscoe is just recovering from a spell of sickness which has for some time past confined him to his bed or he would otherwise have written to you. We have had for some time past a sick family two of my brothers are just getting well of the fall fever and I have a brother and a sister now confined to their beds with it. I am in fact the only one who can be said to have entirely escaped from sickness this fall. Adieu. P. S. I wrote you at Princeton, since your return home as I did not get the letter which you left for me at Predbg in some time after it was written and I should not then have gotten it but Mr. Potts happened there by accident and brought it down. Let me know when I shall expect you. 90 The ITobth Cabolina Histoeical Commission. Our jockey club races in this neighbourhood took place a few days ago at which I saw Tom Eoane John and archibald Eitchie they were all well, and spent a day with us before they returned home from the races. [Address : Harris Post Office Brunswick Virginia.] From George Hairston?- Richmond Oct. 2nd 1805. Dr. Friend Tours from Petersburg I had the satisfaction to receive at [torn] gave me great pleasure to hear of your safe arrival. I have complied with your request in not neglecting your Diploma, and left it where you desired. The reason of my not putting an Adelphic ribbon to it you, I suppose, have heard. I was sorry to hear of the proceedings of that Society, with regard to you, but I do not know why I should be, because nothing in my opinion is more ridiculous than that of expelling a man from a thing which no longer exists and that too without giving him a hearing or even information of the business previous to their determination. Their conduct in this instance has been considered to be curious and contemptible. I suppose they found themselves fast sink- ing into oblivion and in order to prevent the members of College from forgetting that there was such a boddy, they proceeded to this unaccount- able conduct, preferring to be remembered with disgrace, rather than to be sunk into the gulf of forgetfulness. The ribbon on your Diploma is the same kind with the others who were not members of either of the Societies. ifothing very particular occurred on the day of commencement, the speakers delivered their orations rather better than usual. The remark- ably numerous audience appeared to inspire them with oratorical fire. I left Princeton on thursday night and arrived here last evening in company with Messrs. Penn,^ Brice* [torn] I could not have supposed that parting with Friends would have been so affecting as I found it to be, in spite of me, I could not avoid shewing my weakness. I would iGeorge Hairston, of Virginia, a student at Princeton who failed to receive his degree in 1805 because of his not having studied Greek, but who did receive a special diploma for the rest of his work. He was without doubt a member of the Hairston family which later settled at Sauratown in North Carolina. 2Robert C. Penn, of Richmond, Va., who remained at Princeton until May, 1807, when, just before his graduation, he was dismissed for rebellion. sProbably Archibald Bryce, of Richmond, Va., a member of the Sophomore class at Princeton, admitted in 1805, who never graduated. The Etjffin Papers. 91 not undergo such an other [torn] no considerations whatever. I am just now hurrying off to the Fair ground. You will therefore excuse me for scribhling off these few lines in such a bungling and careless manner. If you can make out to understand it, I shall be agreeably disappointed. I shall tomorrow proceed on my way home where I will be happy to hear from you at any time etc. [Address: Harris post office Brunswick Cty, Va.J From J. Reynolds.^ r, r> JK Peinceton l^ovr. 20th 1805. Dear Kwjjin I have delayed answering your letter a few days till I would complete your business with Mr. Eobinson^ and be able to give a full account of it to you. I will pay Robinson to night: as certain as death: and the reason why I could not sooner, is because leaving home two weeks before college commenced, I did not bring money with me : but had it forwarded to me at this place after I came. Pollard* has no money he says at present but will be able to discharge his quota immediately — John Blair* has paid his part, or had money and intended to pay it. Since I wrote the above line I have enquired and found that neither of them have discharged their several accounts. I urged Pollard strongly : he declared to discharge it immediately. It would be best for you, Sir to write to Pollard or Blair. I know well that they are dilatory, and that my words have not as much force as yours. I am sorry indeed that I have it not in my power to send you a satisfactory account of this affair — with respect to myself, you may be assured of promptness in the performance of my part of the business, probably when you next receive a letter from me, I will have the pleasure writing a more account of it. Your departure from College without taking leave of me needs no apology: I am no advocate for forms and ceremonies — I am told that some time before your departure, you renewed your acquaintance with Robt: Green.' I was surprised when it was mentioned to me: and no way displeased at your condescension. Our college is very much crowded by the new students who have entered this fall, I believe the number is nearly 200 Every room in Col- iJohn Reynolds, of Shippensburg, Pa., a non-graduate member of the class of 1806. 2Probably Jonathan Robinson, of Philadelphia, a non-graduate member of the class of 1807. SRobert Pollard, of Richmond, Va., a non-graduate member of the class of 1807. 4John H. Blair, of the class of 1806. BRobert Stockton Green, of the class of 1805; A.M., 1809; died, 1813. 92 The I^oeth Caeolina Histoeical Commissioit. lege has its complement, and a large number board in town. I am afraii that our Society will he very much crowded, as a great number wil apply and few can be refused. You probably have been informed by Belnap^ or Cuthbert^ that you brother adelphians have with the firmness of popes excommunicatec you from their august bodies. Indeed it seems strange that a Societ;; would expel a worthy member, when the next moment it had in con templation, a dissolution of itself. I heard that the cause of your ex pulsion, was the divulging of some secrets, one of which was that "thi society was to be dissolved at Commencement and that the records wen to be burnt. You yourself, know best the cause, and I will leave yoi to thinli: for yourself. It was my opinion that a new society would be formed this winter I hardly think that it will be the Case at present — the number of Stu dents so little exceeds the number of which the College has for some time consisted that the formation of a new society will hardly be attempted You recollect I informed you of the intentions of some students togethei with myself — to establish a third Society: the business has fallei through — for my part think too much trouble would devolve on me if 1 attempted to carry it into execution with a few others. There would be great expense, and trouble for a few to carry it into effect. I hopt to see the time, and I hope it will be soon, when we can again call you Whig. . I then with some caution will lay before you the state of Society I am of opinion that the College will never consist of many more students than it does at present. So many institutions have been lately estab- lished in the several states that, after some time this college will be con- fined nearly altogether to the education of the Youth of N. Jersey — the Jerseymen are pouring in like like the northern invaders upon the Boman Empire — % of the present number are all Jersey men. The Seniors are reciting Catoprics in Helsham^ — I. M. is far the besi scholar, will take the first honour Write again soon inform me of every thing. Mr. T. E. [Address: Harris's, Brunswick, Virginia.] iHezeklah Belknap, of the class of 1805; A.M., 1808; tutor, 1806-1807; librarian, 1807-1809 ; member of the New York assembly, 1814. Died, 1824. 2John Alfred Cuthbert, 1788-1881, class of 1805. Lawyer, member of the Georgia legislature for many years, captain In the War of 1812, member oi Congress from 1819 to 1821, federal commissioner to treat with the Creeks and the Cherokees, 1829 ; editor of the Federal Union, 1831 to 1837. In the latter year he moved to Mobile where he became a county judge in 1840 and a circuit judge in 1852. 31 am unable to identify the classic mentioned. This was probably a local slang equivalent. The Ruffin Papers. 93 From, William Gamett. December I7tli 1805. If you are a man of your word this letter cannot reach you before you set out for Essex. But for fear that this should not be the case I have thought proper to answer the epistle which I received from you by the last mail. You mention matter which you wrote me some time ago, but which I have never yet received. You may therefore judge that I have had sufficient reason to conclude that you were either dead or that some dreadful catastrophe had befalled you. Your letter however has cleared up my doubts as to your non entity and soundness of body but the cause of your long silence still remains unexplained. I shall not however urge you farther on this subject but leave you to make such comments upon it as your own reflection will suggest. I believe that I shall commence the study of the law after Christmas but I do not well know how to give up medicine a Doctor having always been a favourite profession with me. My view in studying the law if I determine so to do will be to gain a subsistence. You will no doubt be surprised to hear a man who is in possession of a tolerable good tract of land and negroes enough to work it talk in this strain. But it is nevertheless a fact that my sole object in studying the law is to gain a livelihood. I dislike the present system of cultivation in Virginia so much that I think the situation of the master but little preferable to that of the slave. Under the influence of these impression I do not think it likely that I shall long retain my farm when I arrive at an age which will quallify me to dispose of it. And should this happen which I think there is every probability of its doing I shall then need a profession for my support. I shall I suppose see you in a few days and I can then enter more largely into my views to say more at present would therefore be superfluous. Essex, Virginia. [Address : Harris Post office, Brunswick, Virginia] From J. Reynolds. _, , . , PKiNCETOiir Deer. 20th 1805. jUear friend. Your letter afforded me much pleasure ; I neither regard the postage or any trouble which I may have in receiving the letters or doing any business for a particular friend. I do not mean by these words that I 94 The N"oeth Cabolina Historical Commission. ever experienced any trouble in transacting any business relating to you. I agree with you on your eulogy of Friendship. It is a sacred tie : which, binds mortals together. Unhappy must be the man for whom there ii no "eye to pity or hand to save." The greatest pleasure that has been ever mingled with my cup of sorrow has arisen from the sympathetic affectionate kindness of my friends. No person ever needed more con- solation from their fellow mortals than myself. Even this moment were I not conscious that I have friends, who watch with an anxious eye, my unhappy state of mind and body, my evil genius might hurry me imperceptibly to the commission of some rash action. — I have let the pen very foolishly glide along without heeding what it writes. — You must know that I at present labour under a scourging disease, which will force me to leave College in a few days. I have resolved to take a dismission from College and go to Philadelphia. You may be anxious to know, what is the nature of the disease. I never informed any person but an intimate friend. You however shall know it. I always thought that the mention of it involved a point of delicacy and therefore I tell no person. But there is no shame attached to the discovery of the disease. If you consult any system of Surgery you will find a disorder called Hernia. Certainly it is one of the most afflicting diseases that the constitution of man is liable to. I shall be in the city on the 26 of Deer. It is my intention to put myself under the care of some eminent physician at that place, whose skill in surgery may promise a speedy cure. (I doubtless shall leave College and never return again.) Tho' I value somewhat a regular degree; yet when my health is put in com- petition with a nominal honor you know what choice is preferable. Most probably I shall immediately commence the practice of Physic; if I receive a successful cure. The operation will be somewhat dangerous, but I am prepared for the consequences death : or life, tho' I hope that the first will never happen. I do not wish you to write me for some time as I am not certain where I will reside. I will inform you by Letter from Pha. what may be the result of my disorder. I shall all ways esteem Euffin as one of my best friends in life — and shall anxiously look forward to the day when I shall have better oppor- tunities of perpetuating a friendship, which if it be as pure as it is at present will only terminate with my existence. [P. S.] Ritchie sends the Enquirer yet: I only took it for one half year. [Address : "Westward Mill Brunswick Virginia.]' The Euffin Papees. 95 From J. Reynolds. T, T, rp Philadelphia Jany. 18tli, 1806. JJear Muffin '' ' I have been in this city 3 weeks under the care of I>rs. Physick^ and Wistar* — they have given me a very favourable opinion of my disorder in consequence of which I will leave town in a few days. Whether I ever shall return to College again, depends upon circumstances. My ill health would prevent me from going to Princeton before spring at least, and I have partly concluded to begin the study of Medicine. The faculty would be unwilling to receive me after being absent so long a time as four months and rather than being forced to stay at Col- lege another year, I'll drop the notion of taking a degree at Princeton College. I do not value a nominal degree: Among Republicans where equality is the favoured principle and monopoly of any kind is dis- carded by an intelligent people the pompous title of A.B. will have little effect, when a man is to rise by his own intrinsic merit. It shall be the business of my whole life to investigate all the mysteries of science : and seeing that I have some rudiments of taste implanted in my mind by an accademical education, I may be nabled to pursue them to a favourable issue. A degree certainly is of use to a man in the literary world, in the profession which he intends to pursue. If I study medicine, no doubt the degree of M.D. will be conferred upon me. Of the three pro- fessions that of Medicine will suit me best. There are bad prospects for lawyer in the state of Pennsylvania. The spirit of litigation will in time cease throughout the U. States : instead of contentious strife which is the consequent of party spirit, and of the demoniacal effects of jacob- inism, universal harmony and order will arise. I intend to read much in the course of this winter if my health permits, and prepare myself for the study of Physic. I will write to the faculty and if they be unwilling to receive me in Spring, I will immediately commence study. I hope you will write to me at Shippensburg give me an account of every important occurrence in your sphere since I seen you. The Students of Princeton did not pass over Christmas without show- ing something of their antient infatuation — Drunkeness, a monstrous practice, was common thro' College. Little William Hamilton^ of No. Carolina has been suspended for impertinence to Thompson.* l^eile^ is married, and gone from Princeton. Belnap is reading Law. John iPhilip Syng Physick, 1768-1835, the "Father of American Surgery." 2Caspar WIstar, 1761-1818, a noted surgeon who succeeded Jefferson as president of the American Philosophical Society. The vine, wistaria. Is named for him. swilliam Hamilton, of Elizabeth City, N. C, a member of the class of 1808. *William Thompson, professor of languages, 1802-1808. sWilliam Neill, of Pennsylvania, 1778-1860; A.B., 1803; tutor, 1803-1805; moderator, Presbyterian General Assembly, 1815; president, Dickinson Col- lege, 1824-1829; editor and writer. 96 The I^okth Carolina Historical Commission. Seott^ is reading at Dr. Smiths. I. Smith^ and Barton^ are studying medicine in Philadelphia. The "Whig Socy. contains 80 members, and Old Morford is much of a rascal yet. Walker* is one of the best scholars in the Senior class, and has exceeded the expectations of all — ^he will have the third or fourth honour. I have been amusing myseK in this City for 8 weeks. T. C. Kuffin. [Address : Westward Mills Brunswick, Virginia.] From George Hairston. PiTTSLVANLi CiTY [Va.J Feby 2nd, 1806. I am afraid you have before this concluded that warm friendship cannot' dwell in the breast of one, who has delayed answering your agree- able letter for so great a lenght of time, but believe me my dear friend it has been much less owing to inclination than to unavoidable circum- stances; to detail which would be useless to your generous and unsus- pecting heart ; and would only trouble you with excuses, which I know you judge to be useless. I have often conversed with my friends at Princeton and they per- fectly agreed with me, with regard to the tyranical and unprecedented conduct of the Adelphians to you. I suppose it must have been the expiring struggles of ambition which had no other channel through which to give itself vent. It was no less useless than absurd. It could not possibly have been productive of any good consequences whatever; for that was the last groan of the institution and I suppose it has almost sunk into oblivion. As it could have proceeded from nothing but enmity iJohn Morin Scott, A.B. Princeton, 1805, was a lieutenant in the War of 1812; member of the legislature of Pennsylvania, 1816-1817; member of the constitutional convention of 1836; mayor of Philadelphia, 1841-1843.' He died in 1858. 2Isaac Ambrose Smith, A.B. 1805, of Prince Edward County, 'Virginia; M.D. University of Pennsylvania, 1808; later of Louisiana. 3'William Barton, of Philadelphia, 1786-1856; graduated from Princeton in the class of 1805. He received the degree of M.D. from Pennsylvania In 1808. 'While a student, following the example of the majority of his class who assumed names, he added Paul Crillon to his name. He was a surgeon in the United States Navy from 1809 to 1856, but was during that time (1816-1828) professor of botany at the University of Pennsylvania, and professor of materia medica and botany at Jefferson Medical College (1828-1830). He was a very prolific author. 4John 'Williams Walker, of "Virginia, 1783-1823, a member of the class of 1806. He moved to Alabama where he became a very prominent lawyer, and after several terms in the legislature was elected United States Senator in 1819 and served until 1822 when he resigned. The Ruffin Papers. 97 I am in hopes you treat it witli disserved contempt and I will spend not another thought about it. Writing one letter to the members was of more trouble than it merited. Little did I expect, when we parted at Princeton to have the happi- ness of having you or any other of my Princeton friends neighbors of mine. This gives me incouragement to hope that the hand of providence will send more of our old class mates to become neighbors of ours. Do not take me to be like a miser the more money he gets the less he enjoys what stock he has and is so craving after wealth that he becomes miser- able and a useless member of society. But on the contrary and if we should have but few neighbors we must make up the deficiency by fre- quent visits. You see my dear friend I already count you a visitant though you speak so indeffinately of the time of your fathers moving, that I am some time afraid so pleasing an expectation will be frustrated. Must however trust in providence, qui gubernat omnia. Instead of 50 miles it cannot be over 20 from where I expect to reside. I suppose you will be a little surprised to hear that I am a going to become a person of business. Instead of that peaceful retirement which I promised myself after my return home, have engaged in the laborious study of the' Law. What produced this change I can hardly tell you. I must confess vanity had a little share in it, I can't say fame because I never expect to be immortalised by my oratory but merely to be raised above the grovelling multitude and to be of some benefit to my acquaint- ances. In order to persue my studies with the greatest advantage I have put myself under the instruction of Christopher Clark^ who is now in Congress. Write me soon what time in the Spring you intend up in Henry and if possible I will be at home about that time. However if I am not there "Old Bob" will ; so that I am in hopes that you will not decline going on account of the uncertainty of my being at home. I understand two or three of your neighbors are about settling upon the same body of Land also, if any of them should come to see their intended residence with you. I shall be very happy to see them with you at my Fathers. I have had several letters from Princeton, no disturbance there this Christmas. Ronolds from Richmond is sent off. Mrs. Maddi- son, Mr. Striker^ and his daughter Ca. have departed this life since we left there. But those things I suppose you have heard. Happiness attend you and believe me to be yours etc. [Address : Westward Mill Brunswick County.] iChristopher Clark, 1767-1828, of Albemarle County. He was several times a member of the legislature, and was elected to Congress In 1803 and served until 1806 wben he resigned. 2Daniel P. Stryker, of New Jersey, a member of the class of 1804. 7 98 The N^oeth Carolina Histoeical Commission. From Jane Harding.^ Pbteksbtjkg 24 February 1806. What appology, What atT;oiiemeiit, shall I make for neglecting to answer your letter so long. No doubt you have formd, a thousand con- jectures about it. I plead guilty and must throw myself on your good nature for forgiveness and What ever pennance you chuse, to inflict I am determined, to submit without a murmur, but let me beg of you not to be too severe, a propos of pennanees I have seated myself with a determination to answer your letter not to make appologies, yet I know not how to begin, here I have been sitting this half hour, studying a few words and my head is so thick and confus'd, that I find it impos- sible, to fix upon one that will please me. I must throw that idea aside and begin with the flattery you intended for me, but I am determined not to believe that you are capable of flattering, you are not yet in pos- session of that fine accomplishment. I have no doubt you intend to make it one of your studys if you wish to please the Ladys, according to Chesterfields notions, for he says the Least attention please them the greatest charm and flattery no matter how gross is greedily swallowed. I do not agree with him there I cannot admit the idea that a very ugly woman can be pleased with what she knows not to be her due. A hand- some person, such as your Brunswick Belle might expect and no doubt gets a sufficient quantity. You do great honour in allowing me to fill Minerva's place in the Epistolary way, and I promise to be better pleas'd with your letters than you can be with mine, for there is no possibility of your being edified by such Letters as I shall write you but there is a possibility of my receiving the greatest instruction from yours. Perhaps you will observe that we do not write for edification or instruction but for amusement. I admit it and even for amusement my Letters must be dull, and insipid. I hope you will not think I am repeating all, this for another mouthful of flattery. No I am shure you will not, for I am certain, at least I hope as a Brother you will not think so meanly of me. I would write you all the news if I had any worth relating, for I am shure you will not be pleasd with the silly chit chat of the town or village we live in. I shall leave that out and inform you of a very agreeable party I was in at Parson Harritsons. there was a very handsome Collection of bo'ath Ladys and gentlemen our famus Paris Beau doctor Holms was there, I think the title of formal much more applicable than Holms — therefore doctor formal at your service, he appears to have study'd the graces but not sufficient to divest himself of a stif and formal way he has acquir'd perhaps a little practise will make him perfect. I do not mean to be satyrical and if I have gone too far I beg his pardon, need I appologise for the lenth of my letter I fear II am unable to locate the writer of this letter. The Euffin Papers. 99 I have tiard you witL my nonsence, you must forgive me as I cannot have the pleasure of conversing with you, we are seperated it is true but I hope you will make up the deficiency by writing often and not weight for an answer to every letter. I hope you are above such Ceremony. I heard Eobert Kuffin was in town last week he thought proper not to call. I intended to have sent some things out by him that Minerva left here. I shall scratch him intirely off my Books. Mrs. Jeffrs sends her Love to you and intends to send you a kiss on the oather side of this letter take good care of it and prise it for I expect you do not often have kiss's sent you so far. Present my love to your Fathers family and accept the same from your sister Jane Haeding. When we dwell on the lips of the lad we adore, Not a pleasure in nature is missing; May his soul be in heaven, he deservs it I am shure, Who was first the Inventor of kissing. — M. Jefrs. Patsey, I take your verses and your kiss, Such goodly offers I can ne'er refuse; My soul desires to reciprocate by this And dedicate to you the products of its muse.i [Address : Harris's Post Office Brunswick.] From William Gameti. 18th March 1806. I have this instant received a letter from you by a private opportunity from Tappahannoek couched in the most bitter terms of complaint against me for my remissness in writing to you. In reply to the allega- tions which you have made I can assure you that I have' not only answered all the letters which I have received from you but have written many which you have never acknowledged the receipt of. This I have in a great measure attributed to the irregularity of the mail as all the letters which I have received from you since your return to Brunswick have been lodged in Tappahannoek and as I but seldom go there they have in many instances remained for months in the office before I knew of their being there. Having' said thus much by way of exonerating myself from so heinous a charge as that of a dereliction from friendship I must request that you will hereafter give the post master a particular injunction to direct your letters to Laytons instead of Tappahannoek as he has heretofore done. This being done I can assure you that there shall never be an interruption to our correspondence at least as far as iThia is written in a different hand from the rest, and strongly resembles that of Ruffin as it was at that time. 100 The I^oeth Cabolina Histoeical Commission. it lies in my power. Your assurances of friendship were quite needless as I never once in my life had the smallest doubt of your regard and I solemnly aver that my attachment to you so far from being weakened by our long seperation is if anything stronger than it ever was before. But as I am well convinced that you have every reason to place an entire confidence in my friendship I will urge this subject no further. You have requested to be informed of the place which I at this time call my home, of my present employment and of the plans which I have formed with regard to my future destination in life. To the first of your queries I reply by informing you that I still continue to be a resident of Mount Pleasant and shall in all probability continue to be so for many years to come. I employ myself at this time principally in attending to my farm and in prosecuting a course of history which I commenced this winter and which I hope to conclude sometime in the course of the next. I shall then if I do not alter my determination commence the study of the law, not as a profession merely but as a science from which I may derive amusement and information as well as profit. Having thus given you a full account of my present and future plans of opperation I shall cal- culate upon receiving the same information from you in your reply to this epistle. But apropos what goddess is this who has so completely overturned your stoicism and obliterated from your memory those many wise and prudent maxims which I have so often heard you repeat upon the subject of matrimony. I had hitherto believed you invulnerable to the darts of Cupid but I find that you can no longer boast of being shielded by the impenetrable aegis of Minerva. Poor fellow I sincerely commiserate your situation and can only advise you to enlist all your philosophy to your aid if your case is a desperate one. My unfortunate brother Muscoe has very lately been in the same dilema with yourself but his Dulcinea remained inexorable to all his entreaties so that he has returned home quite dispirited and broken hearted. I have written both my ideas and my paper out and must consequently bid you adieu. [P. S.] I must make a request of you although I fear it will be need- less which is that you will write plainer. So long as we have been corre- sponding I still find the greatest difficulty in reading your letters. Indeed there are several passages in many of them which I have never yet made out. It is a bad habit and one which you ought to correct, especially as you are to be lawyer. [Address : Westwardmill Brunswick Virginia.] The Euffin Papees. 101 From Spencer Roane. jy o. . Spring Gakdbn July 28t]i, 1806. I received your letter of Stli instant, only two days ago. I regret to inform you, that the largeness of my family at present, and other circumstances of a domestic nature, make it entirely inconvenient to receive any further addition to the family. These considerations have been so imperious as to compel me to decline similar applications, from persons I wished to oblige, in every instance except two, and those some years ago. Wishing you success in your studies, and with compliments to your father and family, I am, y obt. st. Spencee Roane. [Address: Brunswick] From Elisha Clarke. Philadelphia August 12th, 1806. With blushes I acknowledge the extent of interval since my last com- munication — ^but permit me to urge in extenuation of the seeming neg- lect, that it proceeded not my dear fellow, from the most remote view of dissolving that friendly correspondence, and mutuality of sentiments and interest for the welfare of each other, which formed so prominent a feature in our first letters; but from a source, to which I am really ashamed so often to attribute any apparent indifference to my warmest friends. That indolence has heretofore been almost one of my elementary principles, I fear too many of my friends can bear witness, but from this period I will never more plead it in excuse, and the strongest testi- mony that I can give of my newly acquired resolution will be a strict adherence to those principles which form its basis. Thus I might con- tinue the round of assurances of my sincerity, and desire to perpetuate that reciprocity of affection which at present exists in such an high degree, but I will desist, enjoying the consolation that your candour to excuse is not less eminent than your abilities to guage. My movements are very similar to yours, not more rapid in CuUen and Rush than you in Blackstone. As to the women, they appear at one hour of the day, and I at another ; but were I in your part of the world, amidst the pleas- ing murmurs of so many fine girls, I should from almost an innate prin- ciple be oblidged to assume the garb of a gallant. But in this populous City, though to me one of the most unsocial places that I ever was in, I am oblidge to move almost alone. The occurences of the day are few and insipid, and upon the whole I enjoy no amusement except occa- sionally with my fellow students, l^o appearance of the late epidemic 102 The North Caeolina Histobical Commission. scourge as yet, and from present appearances no suspicions are enter- tained. I am iiappy to hear that Dr. Niblock is doing so extremely well^ the other two whom you mention in your letter, seem at the time of fixing their place of residence to have kept in mind the old proverb, that. birds of a feather always flock together — rather than consult their own interest. The lectures are fast approaching, and as I have been a pretty close student all the summer, shall for relaxation take a little excursion in the country, probably to Princeton. Accept, Sir, my tenderest wishes for your prosperity and write me often. P. S. You ought to tell the Girls in Brunswk not to dispair of getting^ husbands, that there is yourself together with several others who in all probability will not fly elsewhere to get wives, at least without previously offering their services. Two of your old friends and graduates. Messrs. Eeynolds and Barton are here studying medicine, both of whom desire- to be remembered to you. [Address: Brunswick City, Virga.J From William Garnett. 3^ September 1806 I have at length received a letter from you through its proper channel which induces me to hope that there will not hereafter be so many- obstacles in the way of our epistolary intercourse as there have hitherto been. You express a fear that sickness has made me forget my promise- of writing a long letter to you after I had finished my harvest — This I can assure has not been the case as I have never at any period of my life enjoyed better health than I now do. The supposed non perform- ance of my promise can not therefore be attributed to this cause nor is it attributable to me in as much as I by writing the letter directing it to- you and putting it in the post office did all that was in my power towards, its accomplishment and am consequently in no degree blameable for my intentions not having the desired effect. I sincerely sympathise with you in the loss of your friend as I know by sad experience the agonising- sensations that such an event must occasion. , To most of the dispensa- tions of providence I think I can submit with as much fortitude as any man But to be bereft by death of a valuable friend is a misfortune too great for my philosophy I give way to the impetuosity of my feelings without the ability of making a strugle against them. When we reflect seriously upon the subject it really appears astonishing that a man after so severe a loss should ever recover even a tolerable degree of tran- quility. The state of uncertainty that we are in whether we shall ever meet again or if we do in what relation we are to view each other are- The Rtjffin Papers. 103 considerations whicli fill the mind with anguish which defies the power of language to describe. I fear you will accuse me of being but a bad comforter and although I am forced to plead guilty to the charge I must add by way of extenuation that the subject upon which I have been writing has called forth feelings which though they occasionally lie dormant neither will or can ever be totally extinguished. The death of my father and a friend of whom you have frequently heard me speak T. Peyton often obtrude upon my mind and occasion the most melan- choly refiections. To pour forth my feelings in the bosom of a friend who I know will sympathise with me in all my afflictions afiords me a gratification which I cannot forego. But unless you should as well as my selfe be too much infected by the gloom which the subject naturally inspires I will dismiss it and take my leave of you. [Address : Westward Mills Brunswick Va.J From, William Garnett. September 20th 1806. An opportunity offering of conveying a letter to you as far as Rich- mond through a private channel I hasten to avail myself of it; hoping that being so far safely carried, it may escape the fate, which has for some time past befallen both my letters, and your own. I have not received a letter from you since early in last month. This I do not mention as a circumstance which should attach any blame to you but as an event which I greatly deplore in as much as I can devise no remedy against it. For myself I can safely say (and I believe that I can with the same propriety affirm as much for you) that I have made every exertion within my power to prevent this vexatious interruption. All the efforts which I have made to this effect have and will continue to prove abortive unless some radical change is made in our post office regulations. I shall not however relax in any degree my exertion to maintain an intercourse from which I derive such infinite enjoyment. In your last letter to me you touched upon the subject of politics. I have hitherto been silent on this head as it is a topic (I allude to the politics of the day only) which from a variety of causes requires such a voluminous investigation as would far exceed the limits of a letter. I am on this account the more anxious to see you as I wish very much to have some conversation with you upon a subject which has lately become more than ordinarily interesting. The scenes now acting in Europe open a wide field for speculation — Should not some unforeseen circumstance occur to check the ambitious views of Buonaparte I wish that we may not have cause to tremble for our political existence. Great 104 The North Cakolina Histoeioal Commission. Britain (whose navy as Mr. Randolph justly observes presents the only barrier which exists between us and French oppression appears to me to be almost upon the eve of dissolution. Already upon the brink of bank- ruptcy I do not think it possible that she can withstand the blow which the exclusive system that Buonaparte has established upon the conti- nent must necessarily give to her commerce — annihilate this and you at once annihilate her. — ^And that this will unavoidably be the case (should the exclusive system now established continue in force) appears to me to be susceptable of demonstration. Can England possibly support the enormous expenses of her government when deprived of so consider- able a portion of her revenue as that which she derives from her com- merce with the continent of Europe — certainly not, the downfall of her navy will be the necessary consequence of this measure and with it her own ruin. That my presages may prove to be unfounded I most ardently ■wish but unless something (which I do not now forsee) turns up to materially alter the face of things I fear that I have but little reason to hope that this will be the case. From Sterling Buffin. Beunswk Septr. 20th 1806. By Mr. Brodnax you will receive this, who will inform you of the situation of the family, and neighborhood. Inform Mr. McBae I shall be down between the 1st and 15th of Oct. at which time I shall calculate on receiving the money loan'd him, allso that which is due to Kobt, or rather desire Robert on his return to give McRae notice, if he has not done it. I received a letter from Mr. Robertson^ by Capt. Gholson soon after you left us saying he could not admit you a student sooner than Oct. neither could he then, unless you would engage for at least two years ; conscious that no young man could be qualify'd to commence the practice of the law with honor to himself and his instructor sooner: believing this opinion to be intirely correct and not wishing you to engage sooner than you are admissable by law (viz at 21 years old) I do not hesitate in recommending it to you, to accede to his proposition. His price is 25 Guineas p. annm. one half in advance the bal. at the end of the term. When I come down I expect to furnish the money; in the meantime, if circumstances should require it, you must draw on those notes you have. You have come to that time of life to discover your duty and interest so unequivocally, as to render any observations of mine on the importance of improving your time unnecessary; but perhaps iDavid Robinson, a Scotch lawyer in Petersburg, under whom Ruffin was now studying law. See Graham, p. 21, supra. The Rupfin Papers 105 it may not be as much so to guard you against the vices that are preva- lent in that place, and to make it my particular request, that you will keep at a distance all characters who would lead you to the commission of deeds which your reUgion would on reflection blush to own. Your friend Doer. Claiborne makes it his particular request, and thro me offers his advice, that you will be regular in the use of moderate exercise. He thinks your constitution imperiously calls for it. Tom, divide the day into so many parts as will render, rest, exercise, and study profitable ; and let not small things break in upon your system; acquire a habit of firmness in making pleasure or amusement yeald to business while you are young, or you will find it harder than you are aware, and perhaps impracticable when you are old. We join in love and best wishes for your wellf are, and expect to hear frequently from you. N. B. Write to Yr. Mother particularly. [Address: Petersburg.] From William Presley Claiborne. Lynchbueg 10th Ocf^. 1806 oir — When I last saw you it was my intention to have spent this Winter in Philadelphia for the purpose of receiveing the benefit of the Physical Lectures, But the day after I left You I was taken so ill on the road it prevented my traveling and altho I had previously preceded nearly Fifty miles I was five days in reaching home only One Hundred and 20 miles. Not had I been in Lynchburg two Hours before Dr. Cabell Senr.^ an eminent physician, thought it requisite to take forty large oz : of Blood from me. From which time I spent my time, neither in hope nor fear, for two and a half days; and kept my Bed seventeen. You may well Imagine I was, and still continue much ematiated. But I am now fast recovering and hope e'er long to see you in Petersburg. From which cause; my attention in Philadelphia this season will be impossible as the Lectures commence the first Week in November, and my strength will not admit of my traveling so fair. — I have not since I saw you been so lucky as to have received the scrip of a pen from Din- widdle where I fear my Sister is ill. Will you be so good as to inform me by letter Doct'. Gilliam's opinion of her real situation, And your's of her present health — I have a task to learn, which when compleated, will in my Breast raise monuments of approbation. Yet hard it is, to know, to here, and not to see, the Object that I love you yet are happy, you have not known the stings of disappointed Love, You have not felt iDr. George Cabell. 106 The JSTorth Cabolina Historical Commission. as Mr. Otway*^ most gloriously express'es it when Polydore attempts to overcome the Virtue of Monimia If to desire you more than Misers wealth, Or dying Men, an hour ol added Life; If softest wishes, or a heart as true As ever sufferd under Loves, suspence Spoke e'r the tidings of his soul, 'tis I.? Or if you have, some grasp of hope was left, some spray or twig whilst washing down the stream wav'd by the wind to raise thee from dispair, [torn] thou siezd and raised thyself from misery. Yet me ! I dare not speak, nor look in Love, for by the Eternal God's e'er her I knew, my Bloom was blasted. In her Opinion I wore the blackest garb, that eer was placed upon the back of innocence. For did she know, my mind cords with her own, dam'd be the Man who searches not for worth but covers blackness, with Curs' d sordid pelf. And she believes this groveling meanness mine. P. S. Altho I cannot bring myself to hope success, I could wish to know the progress of other more happy than myself. Say, does she still continue to retain Scott, Hinton, Snelson, etc., etc., etc., and does any dare to hope more than to be cast for trouble and cost, say. Time lost, expences to plays. Horse hire. Hair dressing, etc. For did I proceed this would be but my Hope, But one Hours, one sparkling look would ful repay an age of foulest Bondage. [Address : at Cap. Goodwins Petersburg, Va.] From Sterling Bujjin. Bbunsw'k 11th ISTovr. 1806. Last night I arriv'd in safety from Saura-town, and thro' mercy, found the Flower Garden family in good health. Your Mama sends your trunk containing your shirts, cravats, draws and books, which I hope will arrive safe. Tom, our lot is at last cast in Eockingham County, State of IvTorth Carolina ! I have ventur'd greatly to exceed my resources in a purchase of Land, unless a kind and beneficent Providence will aid me in disposing of my possessions in Brunswick. From a retrospective view of past circumstances, apparently accidental, and yet all working together for the accomplishment of the end, I have no doubt but it is the will of Him whose Guardian care is particularly over those who love him, that it should be so ; and therefore with fewer doubts I ventnr'd to iThomas Otway, English author and dramatist, 1652-1685. The quotation here is from his most famous work, The Orphan. The Ktjffin Papers. 107 engage. I now own the seat of Gov. Eobert "Williams/ containing two thousand Acres, for which I am to pay five hund^ pounds p. annum for four years, hegining next Novr. (that is 1807). To this place I shall immediately move my People, and go as soon after them as possible in the mean time I have several, and to me, great arraignments to make, which perhaps, can be better done while the end propos'd remains a secret ; you will therefore say nothing of what I am about, until you are licens'd by receiving an advertisement for publication. My crop of corn on Dan River is better than I expected. Our speculation in Corn yet wears an aspect of being profitable, but the expence of geting it to a cash market will be considerable. . . . Your Mama wants her dresses, hasten them and send them by some safe conveyance. The goods sent from McRaes receiv'd considerable damage and your present of the cheese altho charg'd has not arriv'd. Your Mama will visit her friends on York river this Winter after our goods are off. "We expect to hear from you and often : let us know how you like Petersburg, its inhabitants, the study of the law and your progress. [Address: Petersburg.] From Sterling Buffin. Bbunswk 8th Jany. 1807. Yours by your Cousin I have just reed, and agreeably to your request hasten to answer it. I have no doubt of the propriety of your removal from Petersg. but I think the Spring will be sufficiently early, in the mean time I will endeavour to procure you a birth with Judge Haywood^ or some other thro' the agency of your Uncle who is now here. Your expences in your present situation are mostly paid for the next three months, in which, you will perhaps be able to read thro' Coke to much advantage not only having the advice of Robertson, but allso the assist- ance of May your friend. "Were you to quit Petersg. previously to your fixing elswhere, it might be attended with a loss of much time, which to you is invaluable. In March I expect to be with you when I will make iRobert "Williams, 1768-1836, a native of Virginia, who had removed to North Carolina and owned land in Surry and Rockingham counties. He was a member of Congress from 1797 to 1803, and governor of the Mississippi Territory from 1805 to 1809. 2Judge John Haywood, 1762-1826 ; judge of the Superior Court for the district of Davidson, now in Tennessee, 1785; solicitor-general, 1790; attorney-general, 1791; judge of the Superior Court, 1794. In 1800 Judge Haywood resigned from the bench to defend James Glasgow, and in 1707 or 1708 moved to Ten- nessee where he had already large landed interests. In 1816 he became a judge of the Supreme Court of Tennessee and held the position until his death. He was the author of a large number of legal works and of two histories of Tennessee. 108 The JiToBTH Carolina Historical Commission. my wislies known to Mr. Robertson, and no doubt bis assent will easily be procured. I sometimes tbink it possible that you withhold from me one motive for wishing to leave Petersg. either you have got prejudiced against R. or I furnish you with too niggardly a hand, which prevents your joining in parties with other young men ; which is it ? or is it both ? I know that you have been dealt sparingly with, but I dare say you know the cause, and will justify the motive; but yet, if you are rather too much straighten'd, dont be afraid to say so, and I will endeavour to strain a point. The "Waggons have not yet retd. as soon as they do I shall bid adieu to B. Write me in a day or two and forward it to DanviUe and I shall get it on my way up, which will somewhat revive a wayworn traveller. This is the third letter to night and it's past 12 oC. That God may bless you and give rest and peace prays Your Affect. Father [Address: Petersburg.] From, William Oarnett. 11th May 1807. I received a letter from you by the last mail announfcing to me the supposed death of my brother Muscoe. In this I am happy to inform you that you are mistaken. The gentleman's death which you have seen mentioned in the Enquirer was not as you immagined my brother's but a distant relation of mine. I feel myself however much gratified by the sympathy which you have expressed for my immaginary loss. Under a firm conviction that the lively sensation of regret which you express at the death of my brother proceeds from a heart warmly interested for my happiness I experience an indiscribable pleasure. This would be to me a great source of consolation under any misfortune that could befall me. To know that I have a friend who would so sincerely sympathise with me in my afflictions as I am persuaded you would conveys to me the most heart felt satisfaction. There is no man in existence in whose friendship I have a more unbounded confidence than I have in yours. This confidence I hope is reciprocal. Muscoe desires to be affectionately remembered to you. He will write you by the next mail, in the mean time he requests me to inform you that he intends becoming an extremely punctual correspondent. His remissness hitherto has he says proceeded from an almost unconquered aversion that he has against writing. This however he advises you through me shall no longer be an impediment to your epistolary communications. I find that you have not received any of the letters which I have written you since my recovery. This I suppose is owing to my having directed them (at your request) to Rock- ingham ct house IT. Carolina. In one of them I invited you to my wed- ding which is to take place on the 4th of June. This invitation I again The Euffin Papeks. 109 repeat but I fear that it will not be attended to. Do if you possibly can come over For I can with sincerity say that my desire to see you (instead of diminishing from the length of our separation) be comes every day more ardent. From the embarrassed state of my circum- stances (in consequence of bad crops and bad management) it will be entirely out of my power to visit you in any short time. The only pos- sible chance therefore of our m.eeting will be by your coming. [Address : Danville Virginia] From WiUiam Garnett. 1«' August 1807 Were I in the habit of censuring (as has sometimes been the case with you) without waiting to hear a reason you would justly be entitled to a considerable share of censure from me. It has been many weeks since I received a letter from you during which time I have written one to which I expected an immediate reply. But in conformity to the prin- ciple laid down in the preamble of my letter I will not reproach you untill I hear what justification you have to make. Supposing it probable that the epistle above alluded to may not have come to hand I will state the circumstances which gave rise to it and the substance of what it contained. Perceiving from many letters which I have lately received that there is a considerable difference in our political creeds and that you wish a discussion upon these points I proposed not long since as in prelude to the controversy, the following queries: 1^' Upon what prin- ciples do you defend the course pursued by the last congress toward Spain and Great Britain ? 2"^'? What do you think of the violation of the con- stitution by general "Wilkinson ?i 3*'y And lastly what do you think of the attempt made to justify Wilkinsons conduct by a suspension of the habeas corpus^ act after the president had himself declared that all ap- pearance of danger was dissipated ?* As the subject is a very voluminous one you had better begin by answering one question at a time until you get through the whole. You can then make a general reply to my answers. I am at present very busily engaged in a settlement of my pecuniary concerns. Some of them are involved in such intricacy that ijames Wilkinson, at this time a major general In the United States army and In chief command. After becoming involved in the Burr conspiracy, he had betrayed Burr and was now very active in his attempts to break it up and avert suspicion from himself. 2Reference is of course here made to the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in New Orleans. 3In January, 1807, an attempt was made to induce Congress to suspend the writ. The Senate passed the bill but the House rejected it. Jefferson in his message had declared that there was no danger that would warrant such action. 110 The IToRTH Caeolina Histoeical Commission. I believe it would require the financial skill of Hamilton or Galatin to arrange them. As I cannot boast of the fiscal knowledge of either of these gentlemen I calculate upon encontering considerable difficulties This however is but a momentary consideration to a man of my acknowl- edged industry. Do not permit our political discussions to exclude from your letters any thing relative to your private concerns — communica- tions upon this subject will always be more interesting to me than the discussion of any philosophical or political question. They will now be peculiarly acceptable as it has been such a length of [time] since I have heard from you. As agreeable however as is an epistolary correspondence with you a personal one would be much more so. This I hope to enjoy in the course of the fall next ensuing. I will now conclude by a quotation from a letter which I the other day reed from a very dissipated friend of mine "May you enjoy every happiness which this world can afford and an eternal crown of glory in the next. [Address : Haw River P. O., N. C] From John F. May?- „ ^ Petbbsbg. Sept. 9, 1807. Dear Muffin, I reed a few days since your letter of the 18th ult. The only one I have reed, from you since you left Brunswick. Hence you vdll not be sur- prised that after having tvdce written to you without receiving a reply and after the lapse of 6 months, I entertained some fear that when you left Virginia, you meant to part with Virginia feelings and to take leave of Virginia friends. It was however not a belief but merely a fear and one which never could affect me. I am really concerned to hear that the spirit which I had fondly believed animated every American and pervaded every part of the union, has found a non-conductor in the bosoms of the IT. Carolinians. You are I hope not correctly informed on the subject. Can they possibly be dead to the feelings of resentment which the hypocrisy and treachery the insults and aggressions of a pusillanimous govt, have excited in the whole American people?^ Are they deaf to the voice of their peaceful but injured and exasperated countrymen? Are they blind to the paths of national interest and national glory? I hope that altho' there may iJohn Fitzhugh May, 1784-1858, a schoolmate of RuflSn in Petersburg. He was later one of the foremost lawyers in Virginia, a member of the legislature, and a state judge. 2Referenc6 is here made to the excitement in the country over the case of the "Chesapeake" and the "Leopard." The President had called upon the governors of the States to have in readiness their respective quotas of 100,000 volunteers. A careful investigation of the North Carolina press of the period reveals no indication of any hesitancy in complying with the request. The Euffin Papbks. Ill he defects in their militia Laws, there is no want of American principles and American feelings in the people ; that since the new volunteer system has been published and explained, the people of that State will come forward and offer their services to the Govt, with a zeal and alacrity increased by regret for their delay ; and that tho' they may not have been as forward in resolving they are as prompt and determined in acting as any of their countrymen. But I do not mean to write an exhortation as you dont need one and they will not see it. You have heard ere this of the acquittal of Burr.^ He is to be tried today for the misdemeanor and will I expect be acquitted when a motion will be made to send him to Kentucky where I am informed by the counsel for the U. S. his guilt will be incontestibly proven.^ I have attended the trial several times, and altho' I have differed with the Ch. Justice several times, I do not think he deserves censures hitherto reed. I mean since the trial commenced. His previous conduct was placed in a proper point of view by my excellent frd. Leigh* in a piece wh. you aaw in the Enqr. signed "a Stranger from the Country." Wirt* is a prodigiously great man. I have seen him make Burr writhe and shrink from his terrible invective what J. R.® could not do when he pronounced a "True bill." T. B. R.' is appointed secy, of Orleans and leaves us in a few days. The Prest. unsolicited, wrote a very flattering letter to Gov. Page'' urging him to persuade Boiling to accept the appointment. Leigh and Ro. Pegram are candidates for the Assembly — a warm contest. I expect a bold independent majty. for L. but you know my feelings. I wish I could give you a "history of our campaign." Ritchie has done iBurr was tried for treason in August, 1807. After his acquittal, he was tried on an indictment for high misdemeanor, the charge being that he had hegun on Blennerhassett Island an expedition against the dominions of the King of Spain. He was also acquitted on this charge. 20hio was made the place for trial and Burr never appeared. 3Benjamin Watkins Leigh, 1782-1840, a cousin of Ruifln. Graduated from William and Mary College, began the practice of law, and engaged actively in politics. He was a member of the Virginia legislature a number of times, a delegate to the constitutional convention of 1829-1830, and United States Senator from 1834 to 1836. In politics he was in his later years a strong Whig. ^William Wirt of Maryland, 1772-1834, one of the most eminent lawyers in the United States. In 1802 he became chancellor of the eastern district of Virginia, United States district attorney in 1816, and was attorney-general of the United States from 1816 to 1825. In 1832 he was candidate for President on the Anti-Masonic ticket. He was the author of The British Spy, a life of Patrick Henry, and a number of other works. BJohn Randolph of Roanoke was foreman of the grand jury which indicted Burr. 6Thomas Boiling Robertson, 1784-1828, a native of Virginia, who had moved to Louisiana and commenced there the practice of law. He served as attorney- general under Governor Claiborne and in 1807 became secretary of the terri- tory. He was a member of Congress from 1812 to 1818, governor from 1820 to 1824, and United States district judge from 1824 to 1827. TJohn Page, of Gloucester County, 1743-1808. He was a member of the House of Burgesses and of the colonial council, of the convention of 1776, of the council, and the committee of safety, and saw service in the Revolution as a colonel of militia. He was a member of Congress from 1789 to 1797 and governor of Virginia from 1802 to 1805. 112 The I^orth Cakolina Historical Commission. it I think pretty accurately. But lie has not done justice to the Character of Genl. M.^ there is not bitterness enough in his constitution to portray that character. An obsequious devotion to the British consul, a haughty foolish contempt for the soldiery, an infamous cowardice evinced during the Revoly. War, and a private life chequered by the most infamous immoralities — such is the character of Brig. Genl. M. But the Gov. and council will never give him another command, this is resolved on. He will sink again into obscurity and contempt. But this man could get a character sent to Salem and published! could have an act of infamous swindling by which he gained £10,000 represented as an act [of] mag- nanimity and enterprise — and could get a vote of approbation from the Norfolk officers, but thank God no others. You see I have no objn to long letters but only to long essays, disquisitions on Revenue systems for 1900 etc., etc. Eemember me respectfly to yr father and family and believe assurances of my regard etc. [Address : Thos. C. Ruffin Student of Law near Danville Va.j From James NihlocTc. [Brunswick Va, 'Nov. 3, 1807] With pleasure do I take the opportunity of tendering you my sincere congratulations on your entrance on the Sea of Life, by the honorable profession of the Law ; and that your ships made of so good materials, both in Hull, mast, and rigging may with the assistance of propitious gales, waft you to the Haven of wealth and otium cum dignitate, is the sincere prayer of your warmest friend. From your Fathers obligation to business added to similar causes in myself we've had but little time to reanimate the hidden fire of past friendships with delights of former associations. Indeed I'm this moment returned from Brodnax's where by appointment we were to spend the term of our last interview, his business however denied me the gratification. Hence am I induced to comply with the first and most imperious feeling of my heart, in luxurating in the anticipation of spiritual communion with my^ dearest friend which I take to be a pleas- ure the most delicate and divine, which the celestials in their bounty, have favored mortals. I wish my dear friend, I could write you anything novel and enter- taining. The Sun rises and sets every day, shines in the old way, which is the best tidings I can give you of my life, which is a continual revolu- iProbably Thomas Matthews, brigadier general of Virginia militia, com- manding at Norfolk. The Kuffin Papers. 113 tion, the, production of no novelty. The recklessness of the fall amply compensates for the salubrity of the past summer, and that state of things is peculiarly favourable to me ; who am constitutionally incapaci- tated from bearing continual exposure to a vertical Sun. [Illegible] has been for some time been laid up in Lavender but this evening seems to have recovered fresh spirits. His assistant is a youth of inexperience, ergo, not to be relied on ; between them however, I continue to keep con- tinually in motion ; as the good Citizens continue, or rather, are begin- ning to do justice the most ample to your friends claims to patronage. Ive been to B. Fall races, no sport. Saw the natives exhibit at the Ball ; none of the She's inspired me with the sensations that Kachel did Jacob. Nor, on the whole, did I return any more satisfied for being of the same Herd of animal life. Have not seen Petersburg and therefore none of your town friends since you left us. Of our first rate Belles, pardon the impiety, all being first; none have thrown off the tramell of celibacy and assumed the free and Independant air of a matron. As for Mr. Jesse, he's as much in Love as ever with matrimony and infinitely less with existing circum- stances. Difficultas in omni passu est. tell B.B. that Miss I is more lovely than ever. (Miracles will never cease) and in my judgment would bless her stars for a sight of him, to whom I would be remembered with interest. You win not fail presenting Mrs. E. and Minerva with my Sincere love and warmest wishes for their felicity. The first time you write give them a cause in which to acknowledge me. It would be like rain to the Sunburnt clime, or the Suns rays to the benighted wanderer. Adieu, may God bless and multiply your joys, to as great an excess as the reverse is realized in your unfeigned wellwisher. [P. S.] If sympathy or any other of the endearing sensations still possess your bosom, write. You may wish to know whether the Books I had let J. Gordon are all repair'd, three volumes only are missing. Miloe suffered those in his care to be carried off. Some of them I have got, and may, all of them. The Vicar of W-field, I have not been able to lay hold of. It is how- ever within the reach. Bbtjnswick ITov. 3. 12 O Clock P. M. I've opened this to say, that were I as near your home as you are Brunswick; It would not be as Wallace Informs me. So great a dis- parity however, exists in the incentives that the figure is, I must confess, of but small force — circumstances point with more satisfaction to a call from you toward Christmas. A letter, dated August, from Ireland, says the military department is all verve in preparing for an American "War. [Address : Warrenton IN". Carolina.] 8 114 The Wokth Caeolikta Histokical Commission. From John F. May. Peteksbg. Deer. IStli '07. Your Letter of the 20th ult. was reed, in the same season of this cli- mate that it was written in of yours, just after the quarterly courts, when we have some little indulgence from the labors of our profession. I am therefore enabled to reply to it more promptly than I generally do to the Letters of my friendly correspondents. I am sincerely pleased to hear that you have obtained a License and commenced the practice of the Law. God grant (as the chancellor said to me when he sent my License) that it may be the foundation of wealth, honor, and happiness. Every man can give excellent advice to a beginner ; and therefore I shall not trouble you with any from Virginia, especially as you will have freight to pay — altho' if I could see you I should probably bestow it on you most copiously. Act with firmness, never with obstinacy — consult your own judgment, and your sense of propriety will be more valuable to you than all the advice which the world can bestow. I believe I in- formed you of the removal of my valuable friend T. B. Robertson. He consulted with Leigh and myself about accepting the appointment. We were divided in opinion and he followed Leigh'^ advice. His removal from this place will be I am in hopes very beneficial to me — His brother "Wm. who has his law business here, is destitute of both the powers of his mind and the greatness of his soul. E. O. G-oodwyn has been ap- pointed Atto for Dinwiddle, the day after he got his License— recom- mended and supported solely by the dead influence of numbers. I had too much prudence to oppose a candidate so reputable from his connec- tions, and formidable from their influence. In this Town however I succeeded in opposition to whole Bar except G. JS". Taylor, D. Robertson, Allison and Leigh with the loss of only two votes on the first ballott. Leigh is unanimously elected Capt. of the Repb. Blues ; and I hope and believe will succeed him in the H. D. It is with great pleasure I inform you that he is as well as he could possibly be expected to have been. He passed thro' town on Monday last on his way to Mr. "Watkins' and can just move about on crutches. I wish to God that after the breaking of one child's Leg and the Death of another after the burning of his House and the fracture of his own thigh, providence would indulge him with some short respite from the continuance of such afflictions. But I very much fear that his amiable wife is near the last stage of a consumption. I would almost descend to the commonplace complaints against provi- dence and arraign the injustice of those dispensations which can afflict so frequently and so bitterly so much worth and virtue. I am getting a very good practice in this place and Dinwiddle. I am quitting Ch. City for Amelia, for tho' in full business there the profits since the old Chancery cases were tried in the spring are too inconsider- able. Chesterfd. is still very profitable and Nottoway unprofitable. The Ruffin Papebs. 115 Amelia promises well. I qualified in Wovr. and I see there my great friend "Wm. S. Archer^ and the most agreeable society male and female too, in the world. What do the people of 'S. Ca. think (if sensation has not superceeded reflection) about the trial of Burr, and of Genl. Wilkinson ? The ortho- dox opinion (i.e. of the administration party) is that he is as pure as virginity itself — the saviour of his country. But evidence and reason I think pronounce him a man whose whole life has been chequered with the most infamous immoralities who has been a time server to every administration and who in this affair has been convicted of stratagem fraud duplicity perjury and complicated Treachery. Wirt I am informed has given him up. He said not a word about his testimony. Wirt is unquestionably the greatest character engaged in the trial. With Horace he may say, "Exegi monumentum aere peren- nius." There is in his speeches an attic repartee a poignant irony a bold and eloquent invective which very properly castigate insolence and effrontery. Tho' the subject is barren as the sands of Africa (or "naked as a sleeping Venus") his argument always profound and cogent, is clothed in the richest and most varied imagery that the creation can afford. As long as Belles letters and oratory are admired Wirts talents vidll be graduated with those of Burke for their sublimity and those of Swift for their variety of invention. How would a common mind have been routed by the motion to exclude testimony ? But unmoved by that sudden sortie he required no closet auxiliaries, no bumpswelling lucubra- tions, no torturing revolution of musty folios. In a moment a perfect pandect was produced — digested, harmonious, consistent, mature as Pallas from the brain of Jove. His virtues are as much and as deservedly admired as his talents. But I did not intend to write a Eulogy on Wirt and it is time to conclude. If I thought it fair to ask not only that a man should read a long letter but should give an opinion on it too, I would enquire what is this — a letter, an essay, a miscellany, or all ? [Address : Eockingham N". Ca. near Danville Va.J From Benjamin Tappan. Ravenna [Ohio] Jany. 5th, 1808. Yours of Ifovr. 10th we reed about Christmas, unexpectedly for we were apprehensive that you would forget your friends of the forest — iWilliam S. Archer, 1789-1855, a native of Amelia County, Va. After six years service in the legislature he was elected to Congress in 1820 and served there lor fifteen years. In 1841 he was elected to the United States Senate and served one term. 116 The !N'obth Caeolina Historical Commission. but not unwelcome for many a time when the mail arrived had we hoped to receive some evidence of your recollection at least. You regard the event of your admission to the bar with the importance of a venture rather than that of a thorough paced lawyer, an eminent lawyer is made of dilligence and a moderate supply of judgment or good sense, nothing more is necessary, more is pernicious, but the mere lawyer is the vilest animal on Gods earth both to himseK and others — you will never be of that class. The bar in the Eastern and middle states have combined to perpetuate the reign of judicial absurdity hitherto they have succeeded and eloquence gives way to subtlety, the flights of genius and the embel- lishments of fancy are rarely adventured since the law is to decide. You cannot have read law without disgust, your disgust will encrease when you become initiated in the practice of the courts, yet you may be a lawyer and preserve a nice sense of honor and a steady adherence to sound principles, but not without dispising the pettyfogging herd with whom you will be compelled to associate. You know that wealth is a comparative appendage — you wish that you had funds to live in Ohio. I assure you that you have ample funds our citizens are neither so honest or discreet as to live without lawsuits, so that you would have some fees, a property of ten thousand dollars in Virginia is no nearer riches than one thousand is here. What was the cost of your education? mine (every sixpence) was 600 dolls, yet the rigid economy of Scotland boasts of as high a pedigree and as noble descent as the profuse liberality of England, and perhaps science doth not disdain to illumine the North with as pure a ray as the South. "Argat" if you should remove hither you would in all probability be a rich man. I know not exactly the extent of your finances nor the fru- gality of your habits tho' the former have hitherto proved sufficient with the aid of the latter to procure to you every advantage which might be desireable. I do not like to have you go to Mississippi territory, it seems as tho' you would be farther from home, and if you will mount your nag and ride to my castle in the spring I will covenant and agree to satisfy you as to where it will be best to remain, then there will be one thing more you have fraternal and possibly filial notions, suppose I could give your Father an opportunity to double his property by a purchase here would he forego slavery? his bible he need not — ^be assured that I verily believe the country I now inhabit to be superior to any part of Virginia I have seen, if our friends were around us it would add to the real pleasures of existance some ten or twenty fold, and our selfishness in soliciting them to come is atoned to our minds by the advantages which we fancy would result to them. The Ohio Militia turned out promptly at the call of their country best men without arms, discipline or skillfull leaders are not sufficient for modern warfare, we have very few good arms, the rifle is the only weapon in the hands of the frontier militia, that they can use with effect. I The Ruffin Papers. 117 suspect that Kancy would not be angry to see you step over the threshold of our door — ^she speaks of you often with sisterly affection, as to myself I cultivate the earth by daily labour and read to my wife evenings. Write to us what you intend to do with yourself. [Address : Danville Virginia.] Front Benjamin Tappan. Ravenna, [Ohio,] Febry 16th 1808. Since I wrote you last I have been informed that our Legislature in their wisdom have inter alia made a new county, you will possibly enquire how this can concern you and I will endeavor to enlighten your mind on the subject. The new county is so laid off that this settlement is in the center and accordingly my house is fixed ^s the temporary seat of justice, the probability is that the county town will not be more than two miles from it when it is fixed, which will be this spring. Kow in the whole extent of this new County there is but one lawyer and he is a particular friend of yours — a question then very naturally arises in my mind, had not you better come here than to go to IS'atchez ? The first court will sit the latter part of May — as to business I assure you that I have known many lawyers get rich who were inferior to you both in learning and tallents and I can say this without the smallest risk of flattery. I believe you would have business enough to support you and I know that as the country populates rapidly lawsuits encrease in number and importance, it will not be much for you a Virginian to take a ride here and see how the country and the people look. I have the business so well arranged in my own mind that I shall expect to see you alight at my door about the middle of May. The chance for a settlement is what would generally be thought a good one, yet I know not what it would be to you nor can know without knowing your views and prospects, the lawyer who first gets settled in a county town generally takes the lead in business — a county town by the way, with us is a central place for business, it will be the best town in the county, and not like a Virginia Courthouse, you have seen however the shiretowns in the middle states — one here is to be created — ^but property is lower and business not dull in the infancy of them — if you have an inclination this way or are waver- ing, I have said enough to determine you — but if you are fixed on another course it would avail nothing indeed it would look like selfishness to endeavor to induce you to alter your course. Nancy says it would be a good place for you, you see here an authority in point, she sends her love to you. [Address: Danville Virginia.] 118 The North Carolina Historical Commission. From William, Garnett. 6tli March 1808. Ill health, and pecuniary embarrassments have laterly much inter- rupted my epistolary communication to you. What excuse you may have for your remissness in this particular I know not. I can only state as a fact that it is novif many months since I have heard from you. I shall however forbear to press this subject on you. I have no expecta- tion of beholding you more on this side of the grave and our correspond- ence I have every reason to believe will soon be finally sealed by the termination of my existence. Since the severe attack of the nervous fever which I had during the winter of 1806 the state of my health has been such as to convince me that my constitution then received a shock of which I never can recover. I have now been confined at my mother's for three weeks with the most obstinate cough that I ever had in my life : it is indeed something better at this time but my indispositions are so frequent that it is impossible I can stand it long unless a radical change can be effected in my constitution. My wife's health is if possible worse than my own you may therefore readily conceive that my situation is not at all enviable. My path through life has been (no doubt for wise purposes) strewed with thorns instead of roses. I am destined I believe to date my happiness (if at all) from the hour of my dissolution. But this melancholy strain may perhaps be infectious. I will therefore en- deavour to change the current of my reflections. You may perhaps imagine from our long seperation and from the increase that I have made in the objects of my affection that my interest in your happiness has proportionally decreased. This according to the common way of judging is a very natural conclusion but in the present instance it is never the less a false one. My best wishes will never cease to attend you but with my existence. You must perceive from the foregoing part of my letter that there are insurmountable obstacles in the way of my visiting you, Be assured that nothing else would prevent me from doing what I so much desire. You were when I last heard from you unincum- bered with a family and enjoyed good health if therefore you still retain the friendship for me that you once had, you will I am persuaded put yourgelf to some trouble to gratify me by making a trip to Essex. This is the crucible in which I propose to analise your friendship. If it remains pure and unadulterated the process will not be tedious it will shortly be terminated by your appearance. You have no doubt heard of the death of your uncle Tom Roane^ he is much regretted by all his acquaintances and particularly so by his neighbours. It is certainly one of the most unfortunate families that I have ever known. Your grand- mother^ has lived to bury all her sons but one and he bids fair to shortly share the fate of his brothers. Poor old lady, death will probably spare iThomas Roane, Ruffin's maternal uncle. 2Martha (Hipkins) Roane. The Kuffin Papers. 119 her the pain of this addition to the measure of her afflictions. She has lately been dangerously ill but is now I believe almost well. I have no news to narrate and as I begin to feel something of the headache I must conclude. [Address : Lenox Castle Rockingham North Carolina.] From John F. May. [Peteesbukg, Va., June 16, 1808.] Your letter of March last reached me some time in April. My engage- ments at our Dist. Court, and at the May quarterly courts, and engage- ments more interesting to my feelings, and I had hoped more important to my welfare must be an apology, I do not pretend they are a justifica- tion, for my long neglect to answer your very friendly and interesting letter. If any situation of life, except an absolute inability, would justify such neglect of such a letter, I would most confidently pronounce that a justification did exist in the ceaseless and arduous duties of the Lover and the Lawyer, in the labours and perplexities of the one and the agonies and raptures of the other. I am now, however, perfectly, and perhaps not unfortunately, freed from all those cares and duties — business of every kind is embargoed, the courts will scarcely grant a judgment, the people are unable to pay a fee, I have been dismissed by her whom but the day before I had embraced and pressed to my bosom as the woman who was to have been the partner of my future days and was to have blessed them. I have nothing to do — 'am myself again and at length, my soul can, unagitated, rest. I dare say particulars might give you some satisfaction, but I do not much like writing even in general terms on these subjects and as I hope to see you in July (Wright tells me you'll then be here) I will defer it till then. In the mean time I can tell you I am the same that tho' my feelings have suffered for a time my reason teaches me that the suffering is the price of greater happiness — and that I am content. Thus much of myself, tho not the most interesting — yet to you not an uninteresting subject. We are still pretty warm and determined in the contest between Mon- roe and Madison. In this neighborhood the Madisonians are every- thing — we nothing. I am still and more zealously than ever in the Ean- dolphian Minority.^ When I see the governing party denouncing this lEandolph., just at this time, was using ©very effort to defeat Madison and elect Monroe, probably not for any particular desire for the latter's election, hut to accomplish the defeat of Madison and, as he thought, disappoint Jefferson. 120 The N'obth Cakolina Historical Commission. great and good man for speaking irreverently of the slippers of the President when I see the most unprincipled and malignant efforts made to humble him in the dust not for anything pretended to be dishonor- able — not for any attempt to violate our constitution or our rights — not for a departure from any one principle that is dear to republicans but for opposing anti-republican measures of Govt, for intemperance not of conduct but of expression — an intemperance which is increased and embittered by that unprincipled denunciation — ^when I see this same overwhelming majority attempting to subvert the constitution by a Treason bill and a court martial Law — introducing standing armies in contempt of all their former principles — supporting in the command of those accursed forces in contempt of every principle of public and private morality, a man guilty of forgery, perjury, robbery of the mails, bribery, treachery, and treason — the H. of E. busily sacrificing their const', priviledges at his shrine — or at least to prevent what they suppose wd. be a triumph of Randolph — when I perceive that the Yazoo monster after being a little while protected at court has almost ceased to be loathsome, execrable among them — ^when I know that Madison is the advocate and Monroe the opponent of these things — I cannot, I shd. contemn myself if I could, hesitate a moment whom to prefer "That unfortunate and proscribed state" (the minority) carries no terrors to me. I will not swim with the current merely because it would carry me. "What think you of the H. of R. rejecting four times 75 to 45 Randolph's motion to publish the Documents etc. and passing it the next day the moment the P. thought it not improper? But I should write a Book instead of a Letter if I were to go on upon these subjects. Farewell. [P. S.] I feel half disposed to give you another sheet on these subjects but the mail closes in half an hour. My letter, upon looking over it, has I think at least the merit of singularity. It has very much the cast of my mind and feelings — ^but when I reflect where it is to go, I feel per- fectly satisfied without altering a sentence or a word. In answer to your enquiries — Geo. Hay^ wrote to the P. U. S. in Kovr. that Wilkinson was beyond all question what I have represented and warned him against that imposition which been for some time practiced on him and Wirt. I caimot write, but I could tell you, some circum- stances that [would] astonish you. Ritchie's stories and statemts. con- tain about half the Truth. Hay is the writer of Hortentius. I have no idea of an administration caucus appointing the future Presidents of America. Washington and Adams could, Jefferson has, and his sur- vivors always will have a Caucus majority for reasons too obvious to mention. [Address: Lenox-castle N. Ca.] iGeorge Hay was a distinguished lawyer and politician who had served in the Virginia legislature and who, as United States district attorney, had prose- cuted Burr. He was afterwards a United States district judge. He was a son- in-law of Monroe. He was well known for the political articles which he wrote under the name "Hortensius," and to some one of which May was now refer- ring. He died in 1830. The Euffin Papers. 121 From John F. May. Petbbsb'g May 27. '09. I am not certain exactly who owes the other a letter, but as some time has elapsed since I heard any thing of you and as you have here- tofore been rather in advance, I avail myself of one of the earliest leisure moments after my laborious and fatiguing spring circuit, to renew a correspondence from which I always derive pleasure. I do not know to what cause I may ascribe it, but without any subject, as I am, impor- tant enough to impel me to write, or interesting enough to induce you to read, withdrawn as I am from scenes in which we formerly engaged together, it seems to me to be still necessary to commune with one another. It tends to revive, in my bosom at least, recollections which are pleasant and which bring with them no regret that they are now mere recollections. I can however even now almost fancy myseH in the company of my friend and companion, removing the thin veil of vanity in his presence, describing my spring campaign, the contests, which have been well fought, the victories which have been gallantly won, and as Darnum says, those which have been bravely lost. I think I have your sympathies for the manifold grievances to which we are unfortunately subject — and this brings me down quite to Mr. Gholson's new judiciary system — from which Good Lord deliver the poor Lawyer of this commonwealth. You know when I saw you I hoped that the courts would have been invested with chancery powers and expected, in that event, to be much benefitted. But the system is in operation with all its original imperfections aggravated by inconven- iences of which I could have had no conception. Dinwiddle supr. court and the Hastings quarterly court — Brunswk. supr. and Chesterfd. County — Dinw. quarterly and Chesterfd Supr. — Brunswk county and Ifottoway and P. George supr courts are happily arranged by the supreme wisdom of the Legislature so as respectively to fall on the same days, and these are the only courts I wish to attend, or with any convenience can attend. I should not have attended P. George, but the same evil genius of mine contrived to get Petersbg transferred to that county quo ad hoc. I fear it will be impossible too, to get an alteration which will be in any respect important — ^unless as I devoutly hope the system be abolished. My friend and neighbour Mr. Wm. Knox tells me he has an undoubted right to a tract of land in your state in the possession of some person holding under a State Grant in violation of his superior right. I have advised him to write to you on the subject and to institute a suit in the federal court. He is one of the soldiers of the revolution with a shat- tered fortune, a numerous family and a character never tarnished. If you can render him any service he will be grateful as well as he is able, will reward you liberally for it. Give our best regards etc. to your sister and family. We shd. be very glad to see her if [she] should be in this 122 The IToeth Cabolina Historical Commission. state this summer or fall. My rib is still in a delicate state of health — in fact has been last winter in a low state of health — but the spring we are flattered is bringing about its restoration. "We expect to be in Warren in the course of the next month from which if an opportunity offers you will hear from me. In the mean time I bid you an affecte. farewell ! [Address : near Lenox Castle l^o. Ca.J From James Campbell.^ [Wentwokth, E". C, July 26, 1809.] I received your letter dated 10th Inst, from Brunswick. I'm con- vinced you spent some happy hours there with the acquaintances and companions of your infancy and youth. . . . Altho' you are situated at a distance from Rockingham, and in a place where objects of magnitude are apt to divert your mind from the recollection of your old cronies, yet I fondly hope that Oakland^ and its invirons are sometimes near you. Presuming that this is the case, and that it will continue to be so I'm determined not to let slip any incident happening in the county, however trivial that I may conceive to be interesting to you. Enclosed you have the effusions of our sage, Squire Sneed. I uiider- stand a great many printed copies are in circulation. The one from which I took a copy being only loaned a few hours I had no opportunity of procuring a Printed one in time for this days mail. You will observe he pegs it in to Daddy Menzies, nor does he spare uncle Robin Mallock etc. On perusing his circular the reader, sure enough will find the persons there spoken of guilty; hut this is an ex parte statement. I have been at some pains to dive into the matter. I find that a Balance of £242.7.1 was struck in a settlement for the levy of 1806 as stated by Sneed, but the d — n — d rascal omitted in said statement to give credit for disbursements made in the same year to the amount of £222.5.4 leaving a Balnce in the hands of the Trustee of only £20.1.9 This settle- ment is in the office and signed by himself, Joseph Ladd and Jacob Young (the refuse of the Bench)— The sums of £41.10.2 and £31.11.6 respecting Strays which he states as "facts" would appear from his statement to be charges distinct from and exclusive of the Balance of £242.7.1 — This happens to be a falsehood for they are both included as appears from the Commissioners report in office. Well, you'll observe he stops short after ascertaining this Balance of £242.7.1 in place of the true Balance of £20.1.9, leaving this impression, ijames Campbell, a prominent citizen of Rockingham County. 2Tlie home of Sterling Ruffin. The Ruffin Papees. 123 that the trustee had actually in his hands this sum — why did not the Enave recite a subsequent settlement several months prior to the publi- cation of his letter, whereby a Balance of only £150.15.4: was ascertained to be in the hands of the trustee and which entirely did away [with] all and every former settlement. Since this Balance was struck Mr. Menzies has taken in orders and claims to the amount of £115.16.8 leaving the pitiful sum of £34.18.8 proc : money due the county. I wish you could see into this matter as clearly as I do. The peace and happiness of a worthy old citizen and his family whose characters and reputation in life stand unimpeached, disturbed by the scurrilous assertions and clamorous sayings of so miserable a wretch as Alexander Sneed, a man of no principle no honour and to use his own words, a de- signing demagogue and will stick at nothing in furtherance of his nefarious schemes. The sum of £36.13. with which Mr. Gallaway^ is charged is stated correctly, but let me tell you that the county at this time and are this moment indebted to him some hundred dollars, and he was in nowise bound to pay a cent of it but retain that sum in part payment. Col. James Hunter, Thos. Learey and Thomas Henderson^ it is supposed have been auxiliaries to Sneed in putting out his Circular. There is no doubt with me but its publication was intended to affect Nathaniel Scales's* election, and also that of our friend Harden,* for I take the latter to be one of those whom Sneed hits at when he talks of "influential characters and designing demagogues." T'other day at Muster Harden handled him to a nicety. Poor Mays election in place of being better'd by the report will be materially injured, a great many being of opinion that he had a hand in the pye and that he has all along been a Sneed and Martins man (the minority in county matters). Enough about this business. I made a tarry of two nights at our friends at the castle about a fort- night ago. The old fellow is in high spirits — two of my countrymen Were at this time visitors at the camp and lately from Edinburg, Scot- land, from whom I had pleasing accounts of the situation of that country. They are residents of Charleston and leave that place annually during the warm months for the N^orthern clime. I shall be in the neighborhood of Oakland this Evening where I shall call and take dinner. I shd. be glad you would drop me a few lines from Hillsboro' before you set out to the Several Courts, in which please say what you think iJames Galloway of Rockingham County, member of the Senate, 1786-1790. 2Thomas Henderson, of Rockingham County, member of the House of Com- mons, 1792-1794; member of the Senate, 1796. ^Nathaniel Scales, of Rockingham County, member of the House of Com- mons, 1803, 1817; member of the Senate, 1806-1812, 1821-1823. *Mark Harden, of Rockingham County, member of the House of Commons, 1806-1810. 124 The I^okth Cakolina Histokical Commission. of Sneeds expressions "designing demagogues, nefarious schemes, mis- management, partial conduct" etc. ; altho' I do not see any hold that can be taken from these — old Menzies is staggering about at every Muster and gathering etc. with a pair of old saddle bags crammed full of papers, relating to his settlement as trustee, endeavouring thereby to discredit Sneeds statement, others are mute, some for suing him, others for giving him a drubbing. Wentwoeth 26th July 1809. [Address: Hillsboro' Addressed a second time Vm. Gaston Esqr. ITewbern North Carolina.] [Enclosurel To THE Citizens of Rockingham County. Friends and fellow Citizens. The time has actually arrived when I consider it my inevitable duty in vindication of the rights of the people to make the following state- ment of facts ; and in doing so permit me by way of Introduction to take a retrospective view of things as they have come before us. In the first place it would be well to observe that the Citizens of this county have long paid a much higher county tax, perhaps than any other County in the State, when at the same time we have done nothing more conducive to the public benefit than other counties, and perhaps not so much as many of them. If this be true (and I believe it will be readily conceded) it is natural to inquire for the cause that has produced so striking a contrast. In answer to which I must be permitted to say, it has pro- ceeded from the mismanagement, and partial conduct of a few influential characters who have long had the indirect control of our public affairs ; a combination who have assumed to themselves the plausible character of being the exclusive friends of the people, with real design to direct, controul and counteract the public will ; — a set of designing demagogues who under the mask of republicanism stick at nothing in furtherance of their nefarious schemes, whose sole object is to monopolize power, in order more effectually to prey upon the substance of the people with impunity, and take from the mouth of labour the bread it has earned. It is a fact that John Menzies, county Trustee when called upon by the committee for a settlement of his public accounts for the year 1805 did produce a statement of his own (which he said was the way he had always settled) endeavouring thereby to bring the county in debt to him when in fact he was owing the county the sum of £46.19.6 as will be seen by the report of the committee for the said year. The Ruffin Papers. 125 It is a fact when called upon by the said Committee for the returns of the rangers which he had in his possession, he refused to produce them, at the same time producing a statement of his own for the sum only of £41.10.2 which he asserted was the full amount he had collected on Strays. It is a fact that the Committee was then under the disagreeable neces- sity of calling on the rangers for copies of their returns, which copies when after being compared with the statement aforesaid, there appeared to be a further sum of £31.11.6 actually collected, and in the hands of the said Trustee, which he at first refused to account and settle for. It is a fact that on a further settlement of his public accounts for the year 1806 he was indebted to the county a further sum of £195.7.7 making in the whole an aggregate amount of £242.7.1 actually collected, and in the hands of the said county trustee, as will be seen from the report of the Committee. It is a fact that on further inquiry we found in the hands of the said county Trustee for collection the sum of £22.10.4 due on strays which he had failed to collect in due time as will be seen by said report — also in a settlement for all arrears of money due the county we found a further nett amount of £23.16.8 due on strays and not collected as per Strays Book of George Perry Esq. deceased, as will be seen by the report of the Committee. It is a fact that on further examination we found in the hands of Nathaniel Scales Esqr. one of the commissioners appointed by the act of Assembly to sell and dispose of the several lots in the Power of the Wentworth the sum of £131.11.9 including the interest due the county in Bonds and money which he had failed to collect and account for in due time as will be seen by the report of the Committee. It is a fact that John Matlock Sheriff of Rockingham County, on a settlement with the said Committee was indebted to the county the nett sum of $184.25 it being the Balance of the monies levied and by him collected for the purpose of building a stone gaol. This Balance, he had failed to account and settle for in due time altho the county was then bound to pay and did actually pay Interest to Robert Gallaway assignee of Charles L. Hunter to the amount of $63.50 in consequence of such failure as will be seen from the report of the Committee. It is a fact that Robert Gallaway Esq Clerk of the County Court of Rockingham had failed to pay over to ,the county Trustee all fines and embursements by him received from May Sessions 1804 to Febry Ses- sions 1808 Amounting to $36.13, altho' he at the same time was drawing Interest to the amount of $63.50 as aforesaid on the Balance due him as assignee for building said stone gaol as will also be seen by the report of said Committee. And it is further a fact that in consequence of the aforesaid settle- ments and investigation the county court has been enabled to reduce the county tax the sum of two shillings and six pence on the Poll in the two 126 The liToRTH Cabolina Historical Commission. last years — tave repaired the courthouse at the price of $493. built two Bridges and purchased a sufficiency of Law Books for the use of the court and still have outstanding debts due the County to collect to the amount of $350. These are plain simple facts which cannot be denied. Is it not time for the people to look out and say that such things shall not be? N^. B. The above statement has not been made with any invidious view, but from a Conviction (being placed in a situation to know) that it is my indispensable duty to let the people know how their money goes. (Signed) Alex. Snebd One of the Committee. From Richard Stanford.^ Washington City, Apl. 6, 1810 I cover you a paper containing the opinion of the supreme Court in the case of "Yazoo title, "^ and the report of Judge Johnson,* the case is not a little interesting here, and may therefore attract professional' curiosity your way. Congress has done so little I have nothing to communicate of their doings, except that they have undone Macon's Bill. It is lost through the disagreement between the two Houses. Foreign news appearing rather to bear a favourable aspect, I presume the non-intercourse law will be left to expire with the session. This, if the Senate concur, we have voted to close on the 23d inst. The additional duties proposed on the reduction of the naval and military force with that of the reincorporation of the Bank U. States are subjects which will probably engage us principally till we rise. From William Garnett. Pbteesbijkg, 12th July, 1810. Agreeably to your appointment, in your letter to Mr. Matthews, I arrived in Petersburg on yesterday, prepared to greet you as soon as iRichard Stanford, 17.67-1816, a native of Maryland, came to North Carolina in 1793 as a school teacher in the Hawfields. He was a Republican member of Congress from 1797 to his death. 2The reference Is of course to the decision in the case of Fletcher v. Peck, 6 Cranch, 87. sWilliam Johnson of South Carolina, 1771-1834; member of South Carolina legislature, 1794-1798; speaker, 1796; state judge; associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1804 to 1834. His opinion in the case mentioned above was a concurring one, but he differed widely from the Court in hie reasoning. The Ruffin Papers. 127 you should alight from your horse. You may easily judge of the painful anxiety with which I watched, both yesterday and to day, for your arrival. After having traced so many wearisome steps to see you, to be compelled to leave this place without enjoying this pleasure, was a dis- appointment so little calculated upon, that it required my strongest efforts to support it with tolerable fortitude. But I will not reproach you with the mortification and chagrin, which I have suffered; I feel persuaded that you have a good reason for not keeping your appoint- ment. I cannot, however, avoid bewailing my unlucky fate ; and lament- ing the accident, which has prevented your journey to Petersburg. I ah&ll hate the place as long as I live, and, with, my good will, shall see it to-morrow for the last time in my life. I shall reach Richmond to- morrow where it is probable I may stay a day. Let me here from you as soon as possible; but to see you in Essex would be far more agree- able. It [torn] would afford me some consolation for a disappointment, which I believe I shall, otherwise, take six months to recover. Such was my impatience to see you, that I left fully % of my harvest to finish, that I might enjoy a pleasure so long, and so fruitlessly, wished for. But I must conclude, for I find that this accursed misfortune hangs so heavily upon me that I can neither think or write of any thing else. Remember me affly. to your good lady and accept the assurances of the undiminished friendship of your disappointed friend, P. S. I put up at the Bell Tavern — [Address : Hillsborough, ISTorth-Carolina.J From Elizabeth Eirkland to William KirTcland?- „ , „ „ Glasgow 13th Sept. 1810. My dear Brother. It is impossible for me to express the heartfelt satisfaction your letter date 10th May afforded your Dear Mother and all of us, to be informed you were well and dear Sister and family proved quite a balm to us in the midst of our distress. I regret sincerely that our Congratulations to our dear Anne on her marriage should be mixed with bitter, but to the will of Heaven we must submit, in a letter I sent you previous to the one you answered I mentioned to you that our dear Janes complaints were consumptive which alas proved fattal she died on the 24th of July last and a blest example she left us of christian piety, and resignation to the divine will she was sensible to the last moment and when she lEliisabeth Klrkland was, as this letter shows, a sister of William Kirlsland of Hillsboro. The latter had come to Hillsboro some time prior to 1790 and ' lived at Ayr Mount,, a mile east of the town. He was a merchant and planter, and the father-in-law of Ruffin. 128 The !N'oeth Cakolina Histobical Commission. would have looked round and saw us the last last dawn she would have smiled and said happy happy, as much as to say we were not to mourn for her, and not many minutes before she breathed her last she named you and all the rest of her absent Brothers, indeed my dear Brother if our feelings would submit to reason we would rejoice at the happy change we have every reason to hope she has made, but nothing but the lenient hand of time can sooth our feelings, her poor husband is in the deepest distress as you may suppose, his little Anne is a very fine child, and very stout grown. I hope in God she will be spared for a comfort and blessing to him and all her friends. Brother John and IsTancy has been at London visiting !N"ugent and family. John carried up his eldest son and daughter with him. N'ugent had wrote for them some time ago. John is to be placed in a Millitary Academy for some time, Isabella is to be educate with their Anne, who has a governess to her self, and having only her she will be much the better of a companion. Our dear Mother joins in sending her blessing to you and dear Sister with our most sincere congratulations to our dearest Anne and her better half, may Heaven have a plentitude of its blessings upon them and may they be long spared for a blessing and comfort to each other, and be to you and our dearest Sister just what you could wish. Tell my ITephew Mr. Euffin that I shall certainly write him as soon as I am in better spirits assure him that nothing would make his Aunt Elizabeth so happy as to hear from him. I have not a doubt but he will be making me a very respectable woman some of these days for instance a Grand Aunt, happen when it will none will rejoice more than me, Nugent and Mrs. Kirkland wrote immediately on learning their was letters from you and begd we would offer their best wishes and congratulations on the happy occasion she is a most excellent woman and is as much interested in you, our dear Sister and family, as if she knew you all, by the by my dear Wm. I am going to request a favour of you and our dear Sister if your next is a Boy to name it iTTugent or if a Girl to call it Pheba for Mrs. K. I hope you will pardon my presumption and may retaliate in the same way as soon as I get off the stocks which I will not do till you honour us with your presence having put it off so long I shall defer till then. We shall certainly look forward with much pleasure to the spring hoping it will bring you, think how much it will gladen the heart of your good old Mother to see her darling William who at the very Idea of it seems two or three years younger already. We had very comfortable letters from David lately date 29th Decemr last. He was then at Goa in Bombay, tells his mother he had purchased a House for forty Pounds and only wanted a good wife to make him quite comfortable and happy. I trust in God he will do well. John saw a young man in Ayr about eight months ago who had seen James about three years ago at Baltimore he was then a sailor in some vessel but could not tell the name of it ; they had been old school companions and recognized one another, tis very strange if he is still alive that he does not write his friends, it is truly The Etjffin Papees. 129 lamentable that a young man of Ms abilities should have so far forgot himself. I trust the Almighty God -will guard and protect him from evil, in whatever situation of life he may he in, and that we may yet hear comfortable accounts of him. I regret sincerely that times have been so bad in America indeed it is not to be wondered at considering every thing we feel it here very much, trade at present is very low, never was more so, we both want consumers and confidence but the blessing of hope is richly infused and we must not despair. The Almighty is all sufficient and can bring good out of evil. John is just arrived and sends a thousand loves to you all, and will write and give you all the news of his jaunt as soon as he is fairly settled, next week is the seventh week at Ayr and he is just hurrying on to have matters arranged, as his whole time will be occupied that week with the judges, he left N"ancy in Edin[bur]g for two days with Mr. Kirklands friends, they went and came home by sea. Nancy was very sick but I hope she will be better for it as she was by no means very well when she went away which made us urge her to go. Took a peach wishes to know if you have any mind of her thats the name you used to give Anne you know, our family never was so little as it is at present, only my Mother Anne and me at home, Sister Mary has been at Ayr during her absence however I hope by next week we will be altogether again. So you have no less than two of addition to your family upon my word Wm. you are very rich and I sincerely hope they are aU sent for a blessing to you and their dear Mother. Sir A. McKenzy I am sure will be very proud of his name sake, do you think Sister would not consent to let two of the children come with you to see their Grandmother it would be such a treat but we must not expect too much for fear we be disappointed. We rejoice to hear that your health is so much better, and intreat you to take good care and > not make too free, its a blessing we too seldom prize till we are robed of it, again Adieu Kiss all the children for me, and when you write Betsy and Peggy give all our love. E. K. I shall conclude with our most affct love and best wishes to all your happy family. May Almighty God Bless you all is the prayer of your truly affect and loving Sister. E. Kibkland. [Address : William Kirkland Esqr. Hillsborough, North Carolina.] 130 The Wobth Cabolina Historical Commission. From Archibald, D. Murphey. r, «• [September. 1810.1 Dear oV ^ ^ -■ You will have learned before this reaches you, that great Part of Mr. Duffeys^ library was sold on this Week by the Sheriff of Chatham. I could not Stand by and see the Books go for Nothing. I attended the Sale and bid up, so as to make them bring as rrmch as possible : had I not done so, the Books would not have sold for one half of their value, nor, I believe, for one third. The Consequence of my bidding has been, that a great many of the Books have fallen into my hands. Among which are a N'umber of valuable Lawbooks. I intended, if money enough could have been received to meet the most pressing demands, to have offered those books, which I purchased, for sale upon a Credit of 12 Months for the benefit of the estate. But I find this cannot be done and I have to pay the Cash for them at the next Chatham County Court. I mention these things to you, to learn whether you are disposed to take part or most of the Law Books etc. You may take them at the same Prices at which they were bid off to me. You will never meet with an opportunity again of getting Books upon the same terms. Let me know by Isaac whether you will take these Books. If you do not, I shall let Love and Willson have them. The following are some of the books with their Prices. 12 Vols, of Modern Reports $18 This book generally costs $36 or 40 3 Do of Wlllsons . Do « general Price $ 9 1 Do of Cowper Do 2 Do 5 1 Do of Douglas Do 3 Do 5 1 Do of Willes Do 2.50 Do 5 Do of Vesey Junr. 15 Do 25 2 Do of Vesey Senr. 3 Do 8 4 Do of Cooke 10 Do 15 103 1 Latches 1.50 Do 1 3 Piere Williams 6 Do 12 2 Strange 2 Do 6 2 Henry Blackstone 3.50 Do 10 3 Dyer Do 4. Do 10 2 Shower Do 3.50 Do 8 3 Dallas Do S.90 Do 15 2 FonWanque on Equity 3.50 Do 6 2 Vernons reports 3 Do 8 1 Cases tempore Talbot 1.25 Do 3 1 Kyd on Awards 1.50 Do 2.50 2 Hales Pleas of the Crown 2.70 Do 8 2 McNallys evidence 2.50 Do 5 47 2 Bspenapi's Nisi Prius 2 Do 6 103 150 iWilliam Dulfy, a prominent lawyer and member of the legislature. He practiced successively in New Bern, HillsBoro, and Fayetteville. He had died shortly before this letter was written. The Euffin Papers. 131 These books are very little injured — they are worth nearly as much as when Mr. Duffey got them — they will make you a very good Law- Library when added to those which you already have. * « D: * 4> * « [Address: Hillsboro.] [Endorsed : Mr. Duffy's Books Sepr. 27th 1810 Duffy, a few days ago died !] From Archibald D. Mwphey?- _, „. Hermitage. Ist January 1811. Dear Sir. ■' ^ ^ ifi ifi y^ iii ^ As soon as you reach Petersburg, enquire of the apothecaries for the Alcomoque,^ which has lately been imported into Philadelphia by Mr. Chevalier and advertised for sale. This is the Vegetable so much cele- brated lately for its efficacy in curing Pulmonary Complaints. I wrote to John Williams some time ago to procure some of it for me, and also Instructions for using it. If possible, get some of this Vegetable before you leave Petersburg. Dr. Umstead has induced Jenny to believe that the Alcornoque will restore her to good health. With the greatest Anxiety for your Welfare and Happiness, I remain, Dear Sir, Yours Very Sincerely A. D. MURPHET. Thomas Ruffin esqr. [Address : Hillsborough.] From E. Dillard.^ Petersburg 19th Feb. '11. I returned from an excursion into the country about 12 days ago, and have since been compell'd to put myself under the hands of a Physician, iThe omitted portion of this letter is printed in Hoyt,- ed.. The Murphey Papers, 1, p. 46. 2A South American bark which was at this time much in use. It disappeared from the American Pharmacopoeia about 1840. SEdward Dillard, captain of the Fifth U. S. Infantry until May, 1811, when he resigned on account of ill-health. He married Ru£Sn's sister, Minerva, and died within a few years. 132 The IToeth Caeolina Historical Commission. owing to an encrease of tlie infernal troublesome disorder under which. I have so long labored. I am housed and shall continue so, literally feeding upon bread and water; and am determined to make use of the most desperate remedies, if mild ones will not do, to eradicate the disease. Permit me to plead the above as an apology for not sooner writing to you. We have no news here, but what you will have seen in the papers, before this reaches you. Mon. Bormy it seems, has been a little civil in restoring certain condemned American property ; and if it be true, which there can be little doubt of, that the Prince of Wales is appointed Regent, we may expect from the change in the Administration an abolition of the British orders in council. We can therefore reasonably anticipate better times, but it may be well not to "count the chickens hefore the eggs are hatched." I have a letter from a friend in the War department which mentions that much longer requisitions have been made than usual for Military cloathing. Camp equipage and other war materials and that the recruit- ing service has been revised, a number of the supernumerary officers having been detached upon that duty. From this he infers, that there is "a speck of War in the Horizon." I cannot tell in what quarter since the Florida's have submitted without a struggle. The probability is, that the Secretary at War intends filling up the existing Regiments for a permanent peace establishment. My own experience tells me that even this will be a very hard matter. I do not believe that it can be effected in five years by the present mode of voluntary enlistment. Congress is wonderfully engaged about — Nothing. God knows what they will do about the non-intercourse. Write me forthwith, and tell me candidly what are the sentiments of M's parents upon a particular subject. I hope and trust they are favor- able. My furlough has been extended till the 20th next July. [Address: Hillsborough, N. C] From Bartlett Yancey.'^ Gbeensbobo: Monday morning March 1813. I am this far on my return from the counties of my district r I set out on tuesday morning, dined at your father's and went that night to Went- worth ; the next morning to Spring-Garden and to Robert Galloway's,^ iBartlett Yancey, 1785-1828, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, a distinguiehed lawyer, member of Congress from 1813 to 1817, state senator and speaker from 1817 to 1827. He was a close friend of Ruffin. 2A member of the large and influential family which was prominent in Rockingham County affairs for many years. The Euffin Papers. 133 tliat nigiit to Joseph Gentry's ■} the next day to several Houses in Stokes, on to old David Dalton's and to my very worthy and patriotick old friend Col. Winston's.^ In passing so far through the County, I met apparently with a most hearty welcome, all were my friends, and most actively engaged for my success before they saw me; I gave them a circular for themselves and Neighbours and a few to distribute, which they with alacrity promised to do. And I have no doubt will with a degree of zeal, from Col. Winston's Went on to Germanton, My old friend Winston with me, introducing me to every man, woman and Child. I found all the town, except Tho : Armstrong,* (who was not at home,) my most decided friend: from there I went to Isaac Dalton's* in whom I found a most active and valuable friend, and the next day I went to a muster on the borders of the Moravian settlement ; Many of the Dutch were there and the Country just around having mentioned the day before, that I was expected at the muster, more than one hundred persons had assembled when I got there : several of my friends went on with me, and there I met with the Dobsons ;® I was introduced to many and had scarcely time, to shake hands and speak to them before I was called upon by a messinger from the Captains of both companies to address the men : I began, directly in the midst of them, and in a little time raised among them the war-whoop : I knew not how it would stick, but came out with a bold front, and with warmth : at the conclusion of my speech which was short, almost every man, flocked to me, telling me, they had heard of me, but they now knew my principles and would sup- port me, this seemed to be the tune of all, with the exception of a single one, an old vulgar fellow of a Dutch-Irishman, who said he would vote for Martin:® Lacy'' would not have gotten a single vote there on that day : from the muster, I went to Salem. I expected it the bed of federal- ism and disaffection: but to my great surprise, I found all the leading men among them, the advocates of the present War, in order to get a honorable peace: I think they will stand divided between Lacy and myself, myself getting many more of them, than I expected: I went to town in Company with our friend Capt Harden f we met many of my iJoseph Gentry of Rockingham, member of the House of Commons in 1804. ^Joseph Winston was a native of Stokes County and was a major in the Revolution, taking quite a prominent part in the battle of Kings Mountain. He was the first etate senator from Stokes in 1790, and was also a member of the Senate in 1791, 1802, 1807, and 1812. He was a member of Congress from 1793 to 1795 and from 1803 to 1807. He died in 1814. SThomas Armstrong of Germanton. 4Isaac Dalton, a member of the House of Commons from Stokes in 1805, 1806, 1814, and 1815. sprobably Henry B. and William P. Dobson, both influential in the politics of Stokes County. ejames Martin, Jr., of Stokes, who was a very prominent lawyer at this time and had been a member of the state senate In 1811 and 1812. He died in 1822. TTheophilus Lacy of Rockingham, member of the House of Commons in 1799 and 1801. He later declined to be a candidate. sProbably Mark Harden. 134 The North Cakolina Historical Commission. friends returning from the town : they told me Bloom, the tavern keeper was warmly my friend: that Criser was rather opposed to me, and thought me too warm a politician. After I got in, many of the young men came down to the tavern to see me, (for it tad got to salem early in the day, that I was to be there, that night) Among the number who came down was Criser and Stiner: Criser and myself in the presence of the others fell into a political conversation, and I soon found from him, that after the late law upon the subject of the employment of sea- men, he was an advocate for war: In that we agreed: I took occasion however, to discriminate between firmness and decision of opinion and virulence and madness : It seem to fit him, but I know he stood pledged to Lacy; during the conversation he remarked that if Lacy declined, Martin would get but little support: Stiner is a good Republican and Bloom tells me will support me : Criser on yesterday took considerable pains at the Church to introduce me to all their leading men : This town in politics can be revolutionized : It is now ascertained beyond doubt that James Martin is a candidate,, for since the first of the week, he has been into every county of the dis- trict, except Caswell. He and his friends are writing and riding daily : Lacy has been to this place during the last week : I can hear of him in many places, at some he talks of declining, at others he says, by George,, it will not do, it looks too much like being beaten: In all my travels through Stokes, I never could hear of but 3 men, all of them living together that would support Lacy and they were doubtful: In this I was completely astonished: for I expected he would there get a good support : I am universily told he will get none : I am expected at Stokes; Court on thursday : I propose that we should meet on Monday at Cas- well, and on Monday and tuesday do all the plain business, there are but two litigation suits on docket. Barker and Reid; Harrison and Boyd: Settle is concerned in both and will not be there, we can make use of that for a continuance. On tuesday night we will get to your fathers, and on Wednesday night to Germanton: I am particularly anxious, that you should be with me at Stokes : you are well acquainted and I am told and believe you can do me good : I want to beat Martin in his own county r Murphy and Settle^ will attend to your business in Stokes till you get there, think of this proposition till Court, I am confident it will answer- a good purpose : My friends in this county and Rockingham tell me I will beat either of them a good ways. Strange to tell, they say in this county, Martin will get none except a few in the neighborhood of Lea Hunter. [Address : Hillsborough.] iThomas Settle of Rockingham County, 1791-1857; member of the House of Commons, 1816, 1826-1829; speaker, 1828; member of Congress, 1817-1821;. judge Superior Court, 1832 until his death. The Euffin Papbes. 135 From Bartlett Yancey. Caswells 2d. April 1813 : I have before written you from Greensboro, but think it possible this may reach you before that ; as my Old friend Capt : Tait promises it a speedy passage. My letters from Guilford will give you a full account in a short way of my late tour through the district ; Your letter by Mr. Evans from Hillsborough I have reed, and precisely the same proposi- tions you make me, I have suggested in my letter to you : it will suit the interest of both of us, and particularly myself. My proposition was formed upon a Conversation with your father and other of my friends, I saw upon the rout : I have this day understood, that the post-Boy brings certain intelligence from Lacy's neighborhood that he has certainly declined : I have reed, no letter from Mr. Lacy on the subject but it was a thing I fully expected from what I had heard of him on my tour : James Martin is certainly up, and making every exer- tion possible for success : I think I shall beat him very easy, but I mean notwithstanding to be active and endeavour to stur up my friends to activity, and impress on them to come out on the day of Election : I shall be at home on Sunday before Caswell Co. Court, and shall be glad of your company : "We must set out on tuesday night for German- ton ; go to your fathers by promise : R. Ct. House to breakfast and on to Germanton : Campbell will expect us : [Address: Hillsborough. Ifo.C] From Jesse Franklin.^ SuEBT County 14th Ifovr. 1813. You will recollect we had some Conversation at Germanton last Court upon the Subject of a Vacancy taking place in the Senate of the U. S., upon further consideration I am inclined to believe that none will hap- pen — that our friend the Judge^ will continue. But if a vacancy should ultimately take place and our friends after Coning over the Subject, iJesse Franklin of Surry, member of the House of Commons, 1793, 1794, 1797, 1798; member of Congress, 1795 to 1797; United States senator, 1799- 1805 and from 1807 to 1813; state senator, 1805-1806; governor, 1820; died, 1823. 2David Stone of Bertie, 1770-1818; studied law under Davie and became prominent at the bar; was member of the Commons, 1790-1794; judge of the Superior Court, 1794-1798; member of Congress, 1799-1801; United States senator, 1801-1806, when he resigned to become a judge of the Superior Court; governor from 1809-1810; member of the Commons, 1811-1812; United States senator, 1813 to 1814, when, the legislature having passed resolutions of censure on account of his opposition to the war measures of the administration, he resigned. 136 The Noeth Carolina Histoeical Commission. Should be of opinion that the use of my name as a successor will serve the present cause you are at Liberty to make use of it. Not Sir that I have any personal wishes ever to attend the sessions of the Senate, for if ever I had any they have been long since gratified, and after having been twice Honored with that High trust. Certainly I can have no farther Claims of that sort upon the State, but I can never Sit down and view with indifference the passing events growing out of the present Contest in which we are engaged, but on the Contrary I feel the most lively interest in the struggle, and it is with pain that 1 ever see thorns and thistles strewed in the way of those of the Majority, who must govern, who must necessarily point out the Course, that the nation must pursue. I did believe that longer forbearance with the British Government on our part would have been criminal; that from some fatality or other, no nation is exempt from the Horrors of war, and in their turn all must encounter it. That our cause is a just one and we in time must Join the Dredfvll revelry. To meet it manfully is our proper course to shrink from it would be a baseness to which Americans as free men, knowing and valluing their rights never could submit, and that a vigorous prosecution of the War is the only way to Honorable peace. I voted for the war, but not untill I believed that every effort had been made to preserve the peace of the nation, that every point of the political compass had been tried, and .every Honorable offer made to» the present enemy ; notwith- standing what may be said by those in the opposition. If a vacancy should take place and our friends can unite upon any Gentleman whose prospects of success are plasible let me not stand in the way. I have not vn-itten to Judge Stone, indeed I have been at a loss How to answer his letter upon the subject. The Judge and Myself have ever been upon the most intimate terms of friendship both as publick men and individuals from long acquaintance and long service together. 'S. B. I wish you an agreable session and after doing much good for the State a Happy meeting with your family and friends. [Address : Mr. Euffin Esquire Member of the Legislature of the State of N". Carolina Kaleigh iN". C. from the town of Hillsbo.] From William Gamett. 2d Dec, 1813 It is with very great pleasure that I am enabled by the receipt of your letter of the 15th of Nov, once more to reply to a communication from you. This pleasure is the more increased, as I had began to think that The Euffin Papebs. 137 our correspondence had, at length, reached the end of the tendency, which it has long appeared to have, to a termination. In June last, I wrote you a long letter, informing you that I should be in Richmond at the siting of the chancery court, and requesting a meeting if possible at that place ; but, as well as I recollect, I gave it a wrong direction, directing it to Warrenton instead of Hillsborough, I, therefore, presume that you never recvd it. I rejoice with you in your prospects for domestic happiness, which I hope you may continue to realize as long as you live. My own, I think, are as good as I could reasonably expect, though I am far from being in the flourishing circumstances, with regard to my pecuniary affairs, that you seem to immagine. I possess, nominally, a pretty good estate. I own about 8 or 9 hundred acres of Eappahannoek River land, and about forty negroes, I have, besides, a reversionary interest, which I estimate at between two and three thousand pounds, but notwithstand- ing this, I have been embarrassed and perplexed with debt ever since I began life. When I came to the possession of my estate, I found it burthened with debt, which building and purchasing furniture towards housekeeping very much encreased. Since then, I have bent my utmost exertions towards relieving it from its heavy incumbrances, but the embargo threw me back very much, and I was but just recovering from its baneful influence when the war assailed me, and will, I fear, shake me to center if it continues much longer. My family consists of a wife^ and three children, a son, and two daughters, and, I think, I have as much reason to be happy in them as most men. As you observe with regard to your children, mine are too young to exhibit any strong characteristick features; they are healthy, and viewing them with the partiality of parent, I suppose, I can see as little to object to in them, as in any children I know of their ages. From your letter, I observe that you are in your state Legislature; the political ocean, I believe, is a very tempestuous one and the adven- turers upon it, rarely ever promote their own happiness by it ; but it is necessary that some should buffet the storm, and patriotism requires that no man should hang back when his services are required. Tour fate and mine has been very different in this respect, I have been long politically proscribed, and am considered, or rather affected to be considered, by those who aspire at despotic sway in one District, as nothing better than a tory. The ostensible, (though not the real cause,) for such an opinion, which I have good reason to believe is frequently expressed, behind my back and in the most insiduous and secret manner, is because I thought it impolitick to declare war when we did, and because I have taken all proper occasions to express my disgust at the pusillanimous conduct of our govt, towards France, and at the shame- less and barefaced manner in which they have persisted in falsely afirm- iWilliam Garnett married his cousin, Anna Maria Brooke. Their children at the time of this letter were Anna Maria Catherine, born 1808; Muscoe, born 1810; and Charlotte Olympia, born 1812. 138 The IN'oeth Cabolina Historical Commission. ing that tlie F. Decrees were repealed when the Presidents proclamation declared them to be. But I have not time to go into this long and dis- gusting subject, I will, therefore, reserve it for another letter. I would not be in public life if I could, which bye the bye is well put in, unless my services were solicited, as I do not think my talents of that brilliant stamp to render it improper that I should indulge my predilection for a private life, and I believe it is one in which the people are very willing to indulge me. But I will now conclude, for the pres- ent — Remember me affectionately to all your family, and write to me as often as you can find leisure, and I promise you to do the same. [Address : Raleigh I^orth Carolina] From Archibald D. Murphey.^ „ ^ Raleigh, 6th Jan? 1813.2 [1814] JJear Muffin. Your letters have this moment come to hand. I will get the Copies from the Clerk of the Federal Court which you wish and either bring them or send them to Hillsboro. I have taken up your Fathers "Note $1461. If the Acts of 1764 and 1768 can be had in the Secretary's Office, I will get copies for you. I will attend to the Cases which you enclosed and get a Decision on them, if possible. The Moravian Cause* comes on Tomorrow, and I shall not get away before Monday or Tuesday. Mr. Robards* is appointed Clerk — Great News here — Peace, I hope, is in prospect for us. The allies are trium- phant in all quarters — the Papers of today give us details — the Prince of Scwartszenberg acted as Commander in Chief of the Allies, Supported by the Army of Siberia under Blucher and the Northern Army under Bernadotte Blucher fought Ney on the 17th Octo., and defeated him with great loss. On the first day the Main Allied Army was engaged agt. Buonaparte : On the night of that day Orders were issued by the Prince lArchibald De Bow Murphey, 1777-1832, well-known to North Carolina as a great judge, a great statesman, and a great orator. He was one of Ruffin's most intimate friends add also a connection 'by marriage. Ruffin also for a short time studied law under him. 2Thie letter is dated 1813, but its contents show that this was an error, as does the letter from Murphey to Ruffin, dated January 10, 1814. sThis was a very important case which involved the possession of and title to a large part of the lands of the Moravian Church in North Carolina. Murphey was the chief counsel for the Moravians, and in 1814 secured a decree of the Supreme Court in their favor. See Benzien v. Lenoir, 4 N. C, 117. The case was reopened later. *William Robards of Granville, member of the House of Commons in 1806 and 1808; state treasurer, 1827-1830; clerk of the Supreme Court for many years; died, 1842. The Euffin Papees. 139 of Swartszenberg to renew the Attack on the next day and Notice given to Bernadotte and Blucher to make certain dispositions of their forces during the night So that a general combined Attack might be made upon all parts of the French Army — the Attack was made as concerted ; Bennington who had just arrived with the Army of Eouen, seems to have sustained the hotest fire and contributed to the Victory in that Quarter where the Allied Army under Pr. Swartszenberg fought. Bernadotte and Blucher carried all the positions of the French in the Quarters where they fought and before night the French Armies were routed and fleeing in all Directions. France has lost some of her best Generals. It is stated, but not officially, that MacDonald is taken Prisoner, and that Prince Poniatowsky, who commanded the Polish Troops was drowned in his flight in the river Saalle. The official letters of Sir. Ch. Stewart written on the 19th, a few hours after the Allies entered Leipsig, an- nounce the Capture of Generals Sabiston, Brune, Vallary and many other distinguished Commanders. General Latour Manbourg lost a leg. Since the death of Bessieres the Duke of Istria, Manbourg has been esteemed the best Commander of Cavalry in Europe, except Murat the King of N'aples. Buonaparte attempted a retreat by the Road to Erforth, But Berna- dotte had detached such a force in that direction, that he changed his route, and took the road to Brunswick with the wreck of his Army. It is expected that by the route of the Saale he will endeavour to force his way to the Military posts near the Mouth of the Rhine. Genl. Blucher pursued him along this Rout and Bernadotte had Succeeded in throwing a Strong force between him and the Rhine in this Direction. In the Battle of the 17th Octo. the Saxon Troops with their Artillery went down and joined Bernadotte, who made a Speech to them, put himself at the Head and lead them against the French. In the Battle on the next day, 17 Battalions of German Troops with their Artillery went over to the Allied Army. Bavaria has joined the Allies : the Saxon and many of the Wirtemburg Troops having joined them and the King of Saxony being taken Prisoner and all his Dominions in the hands of the Allies, he will of course join them. In forty eight hours, France has lost nearly 100,000 men and many of her best Generals. The Colos- sus of her Power is broken to pieces. Whilst she suffers this bad reverse of fortune in the IsTorth, Lord "Wellington is entering her Territory in another quarter. He has stormed all the line of Mili- tary posts at the foot of the Pyrennees and displayed the British Standard on the Soil of Ancient France. How many Centuries have passed away since this Standard was unfurled on French Ground? The Prince Regent's Speech is in the Papers of today. He announces the great events upon the Continent and the junction of Bavaria to the Coalition. He regrets the War with the United States, declares a Dis- position to Settle the Difference, and applauds the Conduct of his Troops in Canada. It is conjectured that the Flag of Truce which has arrived 140 The N'oeth Caboliita Histokical Commission. at Annapolis brings a direct proposition from Lord Castlereagli to treat either here or in England, and declining the Interference of a third Power. It certainly brings some proposition upon this subject and some say, a Minster is on Board — ^this is not believed. It was believed at Washington that in a few days Mr. Bayard would be nominated to the Senate as Envoy Extraordinary to England. God send us peace. My Heart bleeds for the unhappy sufferers on the Frontiers, whose Towns and Country Dwellings have been laid in Ashes, by way of retaliation for burning Newark. Genl. McClures friends declare he acted under the Orders of the Secretary of War:^ this latter Gentleman denies it. One or the Other, or both deserve the execration of the civilized World. Do not our Disgraces sicken your Soul ? Wilkinsons Army will, I fear, all be captured before I see you. It is said, they have been twice Sum- moned to Surrender — All the Officers almost, are to the South. I pray God to give us peace, and save us from further Disgrace. We shall get out of the War, loaded with Debt and taxes, Defeat and Disgrace. It is time for men of all parties to Unite and put into Office Men of Ability and Elevation of Character, that the Honour of the N'ation may be reestablished, and the Dominion of low passion be broken down. God bless you. Dear Ruffin. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Archibald, D. Murphey. Ealeigh, 10th Jany. 1814: It is now nearly 1 Oclock — engaged in the Moravian Cause which has already occupied two days and will probably take up two more. I have only time to write a few lines — the Judges have decided against the Suspension Act,^ Unanimously. 10 Companies of detatched Militia are ordered to march from this State immediately to Milledgville in Georgia — 8 of Infantry, 1 of Cavalry and 1 of Artillery. The Governor is in Granville, he has been that far and will be here tomorrow or next day. London papers of 14th Nov. have been reed. — Bonaparte escaped to the Rhine and had reached Mainz with 20 or 30,000 men. No particu- lars are received as yet. iThe Secretary of War at this time was John Armstrong of New York, a Revolutionary soldier, the author of the "Newburgh Letters," delegate to the Continental Congress from Pennsylvania, senator from New York, minister to France and to Spain, brigadier general in the United States Army. He was forced to resign at the time of the capture of Washington. 2This was an act passed in 1812, providing for a stay of judgment in all suits for debt or damage from December 31, 1812, to February 1, 1814. The opinion in the case, Jones v. Crittenden, was written by Chief Justice Taylor, Judge Hall dissenting. The EtTFFiN Papers. 141 I enclose one of my circulars to you, I am for Mr. Kirkland. I wish you could think as Jas about some of the things contained in it. My love to Anne, Mr. Kirkland and all his family. God bless you. T. Kuffin esqr. [Address : Hillsboro, IsT. C] From Archibald D. Murphey. jj „. Ealeigh 12th Jany. 1814. We have been nearly a Week on the Moravian Cause, and we shall not finish it before tomorrow or next day night — We are all tired. !|: 4i 4° He 4: 4s !ic [Address : Hillsborough.] From Bartlett Yancey to Sterling Bwffin. Washington: 4th Feb'y. 1814. 1 fear that the conclusion which you have drawn with regard to my Silence in writing you is not dissimilar, with my own with regard to your Silence in writing to me : Permit me however to assure you, that much of my time which has been devoted to correspondence and atten- tion to my constituents, has been in answering letters and dispatching news-papers to those parts of the district where I expected they were most likely to answer the cause which I am endeavoring support: Amidst my labors of this kind, however, I cannot, nor must not subject myself justly to be reproached with ingratitude to my friends and my most able supporters : To give you a detailed account of the proceedings of Congress, would be pretty much like the most of the business of the session, uninteresting. Before much of the important business of the session, has been matured by the Committees, and brought forward in the House, Our Government received dispatches from the British Ministry containing a proposition to negociate for peace: this Correspondence has been published and no doubt you have seen it before this reaches you: These dispatches were communicated to Congress, and Ministers to meet at Gottenberg to nego- ciate. Mr. Adams, Mr. Bayard, Mr. Clay (late speaker) and Mr. Jona- than Russel^ were appointed for that purpose: Mr. Russel was also iJonathan Russell, 1771-1832, charge d'affaires in England at the outbreak of the war; minister to Norway and Sweden, 1814-1818; member of Congress, 1821-1823. 142 The IToeth Cabolina Historical Oommibsioit. appointed Minister to reside at Stockholm. Notwithstanding this ap- pearance of peace, it was recommended by the President, that we should adopt suitable measures for a Vigorous and determined prosecution of the war, during the next campaign. This course, so necessary and indispensible, was fully determined on by Congress, both before and after the reception of that message. We have learnt, the truth of that Maxim, that to procure peace and main- tain it, we should be prepared for war. Congress has accordingly passed a Bill, to fill the Ranks of the Army : by which they offer $124 : and 160 acres of land as a bounty : $50 to be paid at the moment of enlistment, $50 at the place of Rendezvous and 24 at the end of Service : to be enlisted for five years, or during the war : "We have also passed a Bill to authorize five of the Regiments already authorized to be turned into Rifle Corps — : And this day was passed to a third reading a Bill to accept of the service of any Volunteer Corps, who are now ready and willing to go into service and continue for five years, or during the war. It is believed that several of the corps to the North, are now ready to enter the service. The Committee of Ways and Means have made this report in part, and the greater part of the present session will be devoted to providing the Revenue for the next year. They have reported a Bill to authorize the issuing of Treasury Notes and also a loan : It was to have been expected that the war, would have cost a great deal of money : the Expense has not been greater than there might be expected : The Military establish- ment for the last year is about 18 Millions. This Constitutes the greater part of the Expense. Nothing is yet heard from Mr. Gallatin. It is said and believed, that if he is not heard from in a short time, that there will be an appointment for the treasury. Who it will be is uncertain. I need not tell you, I am tired of this place : of this I am persuaded you are already convinced. It is believed at present, that Congress will adjourn the last of March or first of April : It will be better to adjourn as soon as the public business will admit of it : It will give the Executive a better opportunity for the next campaign. It is believed our Commanders to the North, will be changed : Brown^ and Izard^ have been promoted to Major Genl. within a few days : Wil- kerson* I hope will be sent from the North, and I would be willing if he is willing that he should be shifted. iJacob Brown, 1775-1828, who after a varied career as teacher, surveyor, private secretary to Alexander Hamilton, judge, and colonel of militia, won fame in the War of 1812, and in 1821 became general in chief of the United States Army. 2George Izard, 1777-1828, a member of the regular army who became a major general in 1814. He was governor of the territory of Arkansas from 1825 to 1828. sjames "Wilkinson was now in command in the North. A month later he made a complete failure at Lacolle Creek and was suspended from command to appear before a court of inquiry, which he had already requested. He was acquitted but never was restored to command. The Ruffin Papebs. 143 We have just heard by letters from the Worth, that Forsyth^ passed over the lines, had an engagement, killed 160 and took about 400 prison- ers: God grant it may be true: I suppose you will see my friend Mr. Watt in a day or two : let him know of what I have written you : Since I came to this place, he passed through the city and would not call to see me: Mr. Williams was good enough to call and mentioned to me, that Mr. Watt, he expected, would do so: but he did not come nigh. Tell him I fear that a maxim may be applied to him in politics, which is sometimes said of the Christian faith, that he will not hold out to the end: He cannot have as an excuse, that he was a waggoner, and in a Waggoners garb ; for he knows me too well to know, that I should not be glad to see him, at any time : I will write him before long ; Will you be so good as to inform me, by letter what are the times since the Com- mencement of the Eevenue System? What is the complexion of the times : Upon the subject of peace you can form as good an opinion as myself : I see no obstacle to it and believe if the opposition made to it by the federalists, do not prevent it, we shall have a peace — ^but Sir, rely upon it, that we shall receive from them as much opposition to peace, as we have ever experienced in the prosecution of the war. It has already commenced here in public debate; the papers of that party have taken up the subject. Mr. Clay has left this for Gottenbergh, and will arrive there I suppose, about middle of March : two months I think will settle the question of peace or war. And thirty or fifty days bring back the tidings : so that from the middle of July to the first of August will give us the News. Mr. Clay was to see us the evening before his departure. He seems sanguine in his expectations of peace. But certainly could form but little better opinion than you or I : I do not wish Mr. Clay's impressions to be mentioned. Such part of this letter as you think expedient you will communicate to our friends and acquaintances : Your friend and relative Mr. Eoane* is well: My respects to Mrs. Ruffin and the family : I hope to do myself the pleasure of staying with you as I pass on to Rockingham Supr. Court : Write me on the receipt of this. [Address : Sterling Ruffin Esquire Wentworth Rockingham Co. N-o. C] iBenjamin Porsythe of Germanton, Stokes County, North Carolina. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1807. He went to Canada in the War of 1812 as a captain, and was killed in 1814. Forsyth County is named for him. 2John Roane of Uppowoc, the first cousin of Sterling RuflSn's wife, member of Congress, 1809-1815, 1827-1833, 1835-1837; died, 1869. 144 The ITokth Cabolina Historical Commission. From Duncan Cameron?- Orange Feby 27, 1814. It was most sincerely my wisH that our friend Mr. ITasli^ should have been appointed to fill the vacancy on the Bench,* when I went to Raleigh ; I understood the Governor* intended to nominate me — I expressed my disinclination to him and suggested Mr. Nash. I found that in the event of my refusing that he would nominate some person other than Mr Nash. I was finally tho' be assured very reluctantly induced to accept the appointment which was unanimously approved by the Coun- cil ; all being present. — Particulars when we meet. I set off for the Western Circuit on Thursday. I hope to see you in Hillsborough on that day. I wish you to attend to all my Business in the County and Supr. Co. of Orange, when Mr. Nash appears on the opposite side — he will finish my Business where his engagements will permit. He*has all my papers and will divide with you, such as are to pass over to you. In great haste. [Address: Hillsboro'] From Bartlett Yancey. Ho. Bepkesbntatives 5th March 1814. Permit me to ask you if you have received 3% dozen letters, which you have not answered? If so, whether you will postpone the answer to them till I see you? My Dr. Fellow, I think you might have spent as much time as would enable you to write me: How are things going on in the State and how is the business of the courts going on. I shall be able to get home by Caswell County Court: Congress will adjourn on the 2nd Monday of Apl. Be good enough to give a friendly assistance to my business in the courts : I am very tired of this place : I have no intelligence except what you will find in the public papers: The debate on the loan Bill termi- iDuncan Cameron, 1777-1853, a native of Virginia, member of the House of Commons, 1802, 1805, 1807, 1812-1813; member of the Senate, 1819, 1822-1824; judge of the Superior Court, 1814-1816 ; president of the State Bank, 1829-1840. 2Frederlck Nash of Orange, 1751-1858, member of the House of Commons from New Bern, 1804-1805; from Orange, 1814-1817; Hillsboro, 1828-1829; speaker, 1814; judge Superior Court, 1818-1826, 1836-1844; justice of the Supreme Court, 1844-1852; chief justice, 1852-1858. SFrancis Locke of Rowan, who had been on the bench since 1803, had just resigned in consequence of his election to the United States Senate. ^William Hawkins. The EtTFFiN Papers. 145 nates on the 3d: In this dispute the Quids^ have been more severely- handled, than they ever were before, they find themselves opposed hy- men of more talents and firmness than they ever before had. I have just heard from our State, that Cameron is appointed judge : Ho-w- did it happen : Write me in ans"wer. [Address : Hillsborough I^o. Ca.] From William Rujfin^ to Sterling Rwjfin. Waebenton 20 May 1814. I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you since you last left this place. I hope you reached Oakland in safety, and found the family all well. When you were last here, I think, you mentioned that our Friend Watt had a load of Whiskey to dispose of ; if he has not sold, would take 75 Cents per Gallons, delivered here, and wait a short time for the money. I think I could aid him in getting rid of it, provided he would deliver it soon. Can you make enquiry of him and let me know by return of the mail. My reason for wishing to know by that time is, that I have some idea of going to the North, and should like to be determined before I set off. I received a letter from Robert last night, dated Sackets Harbour 6 May, he was then, thank God, well, and appears to consider the Harbour as secure from any attack from the Enemy and that our Fleet will soon be ready for service, that our force is superior to the British, and will of course soon obtain the ascendency upon the Lake. I very much fear we have met with a discomfiture at Oswego. Robert mentions a heavy cannonaiding was heard at the Harbour on the morn- ing of the 6th in that direction. The late accounts from Europe are uncertain and contradictory. But they all agree that there has been several very bloody battles, and that G^reat] B[ritain] has abandoned the idea of dethroning Bonaparte. You must excuse this note, it was my intention to have written you a Letter. But I was prevented by companies coming in, till it was too late for me to indulge my inclination. But I cannot conclude without informing you that thro' the merciful dispensation of a Kind Provi- dence and an indulgent God, we are all in the Land of the living and in our usual health. iThe group of independents headed by John Randolph. 2-Wllliam Ruffin was Sterling RuflSn's brother. 10 146 The ITobth Cabolina Histokical Commission. The family joins me in best wishes for the health and happiness of you and yours. W. B. if you have an oppy. send me a Kegg or two of Tobacco, such as you had. [Address : Sterling Euffin Esq. Eockingham County No. Ca.] From Joseph Gales} [Kaleigh, ]Sr. C, July 22, 1814.] Provided the friends of an Agency of the State Bank in Hillsborough should succeed in their wishes, which I think they will, would you be willing to accept of the Agency? In discussing the subject your friendly services to the Institution were spoken of as they deserve, and that the Board was informed that you recommended D. Yarborough as Agent, it was concluded that if an Agency was established, an offer of the Busi- ness should be first made to you. Though unauthorized, I drop you this line to enquire whether it will suit your convenience to accept of this appointment. I do this to save time. The establishment of the office depends upon a contingency, which if it turns out favorably, I wish the Business to be immediately effected, which can be done provided we have your answer in the mean time. Kaleigh, July 22, 1814. The salary of the Agent will be I [Address : Hillsborough.] From Joseph Gales. [Raleigh, IST. C, July 29, 1814.'] I duly received your favor of yesterday by today's mail, and I write you a line to say that I am well satisfied with the reasons which you give for declining the contemplated Agency, and to inform you that the question of establishing Offices being somewhat connected with another subject at present under consideration, which has been thought of suffi- cient importance to call together all the Members of the Directory, which cannot be effected before the latter end of August, this Business has been postponed to that time also. I mention this, lest not hearing from us on the subject, you might ijoseph Galee, founder and editor of the Baleigh Register, at this time one of the directors of the State Bank. The Euffin Papees. 147 have supposed the Business was relinguished, which is by no means the case. I am firmly of opinion that the office will be established in Hills- boro' and that our friend Mr. Yarboro^ will be the Agent. Raleigh, July 29, 1814. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Bartlett Yancey. Washington 5th October. 1814. I have just time to write you a scrip before the closing of the mail, so as to meet you at Caswell Court : We are now engaged in a very unneces- sary and I fear protracted debate on the question of removal. Instead of attending to the necessary and imperious business of the nation, the Representatives from New York and Pennsylvania, with a few excep- tions, are seizing on this unpropitious time, to remove the seat of govern- ment to one or the other of these states. The pretended object is tem- porary removal, but the intention is a permanent one. If this be estab- lished, and those gentlemen have power hereafter to keep us in one of these states, the consequence will be, one will have the Congress and the other the President alternately. Besides this objection, the propositiofii is at a most unfavorable time : In my opinion it would have a most fatal tendency upon public credit. I hope my business at Caswell court will not suffer in my absence. Mr. Sanders^ will afford you such assistance as may be in his power: the state of our finances you will see from the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury are in a miserable condition. You now see what I told you, upon my return at the last session, that immediately upon the Repeal of the Embargo, the Capital of the Country would be employed in com- merce, because it was more profitable, than to leave it to government. It is not yet ascertained what measures will be adopted by the Committee of ways and means. We must increase the taxes, both Direct and in- ternal. We shall have to raise near 20 Millions. Lapprehend that we shall not adjourn till the 3rd of March ; it is im- possible however to say at this time. I should be very pleased to hear from you ; give me a general account of the aspect of things, and when I write you next, I will be more in detail. [Written on back of letter :] Col. Rhone, now by my side, pays his respects. [Address : Caswell C. H., N". C] iDavid Yarborough. 2Romulus Mitchell Saunders, of Caswell County, 1791-1867, member of the House of Commons, 1815-1820, 1852-1854; speaker, 1819-1820; member of Con- gress, 1821-1827, 1841-1845 ; attorney-general, 1828-1835 ; Judge of the Superior Court, 1835-1840; Democratic candidate for governor In 1840; minister to Spain, 1846-1849. 148 The N"obth Cabolina Historical Commission. To Edward Jones.^ „. Geeensboko, Octo, 26tli, 1814. Sir. ' ' ' It is essential to my reputation, that you should declare that the remark which you made to day in the Court house in relation the leaf of the Minute Docket being torn was not intended as an insinuation that / had torn it, or, if such an insinuation was intended, that it was utterly without foundation in Truth. I am, Sir Your Obedt. Servant Thomas Rtjffin. Colo. Edward Jones Greensborough. [Written on same sheet] October 26th, 1814. As to Mr. Buffin, I had not any the most remote intention to insinuate that he had any Agency in the interpolation of the docket had Mr. Euffin mentioned it in court I should more courteously have explained, the other parts of the above note from me requires not a reply to. Ed. Jones. P. S. I believe there was no intended misconduct anywhere. To Edward Jones. „. Geeensboko — Octo. 26th 1814 otr — It is very satisfactory and gratifying to me to learn by your note that no imputation derogatory to my character was intended by you today. Certainly any such imputation was entirely undeserved. But the in- ference was so obvious, that I, and no doubt others, instantly drew it. To do me justice therefore commensurate with the injury I might have sustained. You cannot but be willing to explain it in the morning in Court — I am content that it should appear, as of your own mere mention, without any requisition from me. I am Sir Your obedient Servant Thomas Ruffin. Colo. Edward Jones Greensboro lEdward Jones, of Chatham, at this time solicitor general of the State. He and RuflBn were warm friends in spite of the feeling evident in this letter. The Euffin Papers. 149 From Joseph Gales. [Ealeigh, ]Sr. C, Oct. 26, 1814.] Agreeably to promise, I inclose you the opinion on the Libel Case^ which I reed, from Washington. The opinion was given, as you will discover from reading it, without a sight of the Libel. I afterwards inclosed the Piece with a copy of the Indictment, and received the slip of Paper also inclosed. When you next come to Ealeigh, you can return me these papers. Ealeigh, Oct. 26, 1814. [In Judge Euffin's handwriting] Covering the opinion of A. J. Dallas Esqr. on the publication of "Graccus"; for which a prosecution had been pending in State Supr. Cot, as a libel. Mr. D. thinks it libellous. The Defendt. was acquitted. [Address : Thos. Euffin, Esqr. Hillsborough Endorsed : Jo. Gales Esqr. Oetp. 1814.] From A. Meilcen.^ ,, r> CT- rOCTOBEK. 1814.1 My Dear Sir. "- -■ I have to return you many, very many thanks for your kind and friendly Civilities to me during my Eesidence in Hillsborough and par- ticularly for the occasional Use of your Library. But as Good-nature is accustomed to be encroached upon, I have taken the Liberty of borrow- ing one of your Books, as a Compagnon de Voyage, but will take the greatest possible Care of it and return it shortly and in as good Condi- tion as at present. I have ventured this freedom because I do not think it a book that you may have daily use for. It is the Dr. and Student. And I perhaps should not find it in many other Libraries. My stay in the Low Country will depend entirely on Circumstances as thby arise — but in whatever Situation I shall ever retain a grateful Eemembrance of your kindness and subscribe myself Your sincere and obliged Hble Servt. A Meilan. iRomulus M. Saunders was indicted in 1813 In Stokes County for libel, on the basis of a commanication written by him and published under the name "Graccus," favoring the election of Bartlett Yancey to Congress in opposition to James Martin, Jr., of Stokes, on whose political character the article cast serious reflections. He was defended by RuiBn and acauitted, October 21, 1814. 2A foreigner who had been staying for some time in Hillsboro. 150 The N'obth Caeolina Historical Commission. From Bartlett Yancey. Washington 3rd !N^ovemr. 1814. I flattered myself that before this time, I should have received a letter from you. I am however disappointed. , By the Eegister of last Week, I see that you succeeded in the defense of Mr. Sanders.^ I have reed, a letter from Mr. Sanders merely mentioning his acquittal. I hope that upon the reception of this, you will give me a full account of the trial and the apparent impression produced upon the people by the trial and acquittal. Having been from our State so long and having received no information of a political nature, I am just as ignorant of the state and condition of parties, as you are of the secrets here of the opposition; they are somewhat at a loss in the Courts. Among them seems to be a difference of opinions on the correct course for them to pursue. Some are for the ways and means, others against it — : they move on in their own way of opposition without regard or respect from their political opponents. The Bill to fill the Eanks of the Kegular Army is now before the House. It is yet impossible to say what will be the details of the Bill that will become a law. The Ways and Means have not yet reported their Bills, or the several resolutions decided on by the House. Their first proposition will be on the Bank: they are now maturing that, and upon that will greatly depend the other Bills. If we cannot establish the Bank we must then resort to Treasury !N"otes and lay a tax equal to the whole expenditure of the Government : this cannot possibly be paid without it be a tax in hind. You know I am friendly to a National Bank, on correct principles. Indeed I would almost take it on any terms, rather than inundate the country with paper money. I am sorry to inform you, that I have this moment reed, information directly from Kentucky, by the Representatives from the Bed Banks, that our friend and acquaintance Richd. Henderson^ is dead. He died in a sudden attack on the 10th of last month. You have perhaps previous to this, understood, that your cousin Robert Ruffin died at George Town, on the Saturday before Congress met. He was in a mounted Volunteer Company. He was in good health a very little time before his death. The feds here, I understand, are in fine spirits, from the information they have from their friends from our State. They expect the whole State, with the exception of one or two members will be federal : for my own part I have no such expectation and am willing to indulge them without contradiction. Write me I will write you more at length. [Address: Hillsborough IT. C] iSee note to letter of Gales to Ruffin, October 26, 1814. 2Ricliard Henderson, of Kentucky, 1766-1814, the younger son of Judge Richard Henderson of North Carolina. The Etjffin Papers. 151 From John MacBae} Fatetteville 17tli Not. 1814, Arrived in Wilmington a few days since the private armed Schooner Saratoga from a sucessf ul cruise in the British channel. She has brought in some late London dates which have been forwarded to Washington. In one of them I read an account of the Expedition under Lord HiU having their sailing orders countermanded, also an account of the de- struction of the British Sloop of War Avon of 20 Guns by the Amern. Sloop of War Wasp Capt Blakely* of equal force ; the Avon went down a few minutes after the action with all her sails standing but her crew were fortunately saved by the boats of another sloop of war which was in sight during the action — the Wasp immediately left her cruizing ground and is probably on her return home — the papers furnish nothing from our commissioners, they have ceased to parley with those of the Enemy upon the subject of negotiations and all the communications they have with each other now are in writing — the war has become of such a nature now that nothing but a determined and vigorous prosecu- tion of it and (some say) a change of men in power, can bring us Peace. In the last London papers they make great complaints of the injury which they suffer from Amern. Privateers which are so audacious as to take their property almost from their very doors. A meeting of the Merchants of Glasgow was held upon the subject and a memorial sent up to the Lords Corns, of the Admiralty. My respects to Mrs. K. and Family and to the good people at Ayre Mount. I expect to have the pleasure (wfEh my old woman) of taking a Christmas dinner with you. Tho. Kuffin Esqr. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Duncan Cameron. Deer. 20th 1814. After wading through the long Bill which you sent me by Mr. Mur- phey — 1. have granted an Injunction — not, because I am certain that it iJohn MacRae, 1793-1880, postmaster of FayetteviHe for forty years, who was the brother-in-law of Ruffin's wife. He was the author of a map of North Carolina. 2 Johnston Blakeley, 1781-1815 (?), was a native of Ireland who was brought by his parents to Wilmington in 1782. He was adopted by Colonel Edward Jonee, who sent him to the University and procured for him an appointment in the navy. His exploits as commander of the Wasp in the War of 1812 and hia disappearance are too well known to require elaboration. 152 The N'oeth Carolina Historical Commission. was right to grant it — ^but lest I might be wrong in refusing it. I have done it penitenter et dubitanter — if I am wrong, the error will not be rectified. I have not been two miles from the House since I came home in November — and have seen but a few persons other than my own family. Like yourself, I want a social friend to chat with for a day. I am pleased with your promised visit; and shall feel highly obliged by it. I shall certainly be at home, and shall be much disappointed if you do not come to morrow or next day as promised. We are well — which I hope is the happy lott of your family. I am with great regard and esteem. [Address : Hillsborough.] From James Campbell.^ [Eockingham 1^. C. Jany 1815] I've got this far — I could not leave Raleigh till late on Wednesday on ace"*' of furnishings necessary for Bill — at that place I was intro- duced to his Excellency^ and half a Gross of the members. I've nothing to boast account my Swap with A. R. R.* — Archie (the swaped horse) can't knock out more than 2^ in 3 miles an hour, and if lie does not get rid of his laziness and occasional lameness he will be a fit subject for the Tanner and the slow : hound when he gets to Norfolk. I have not written to Archibald. I wish you would do so, hinting to him what passed 'twixt you and myself about the exchange. If he has not returned the large Bay request him to swap him off. If you find him at the Court House on Saturday the 31st Instant direct Mr. Scales to swap him with Mr. Murphey — ^his son has a good horse. Halifax is a pretty little village. Keep all the ladies about you single 'till I return — Will you ? — Yes ! well do so. God bless you. [P. S.] The troops passed Southampton C. H. on Tuesday last, so will not touch this road till within 30 miles of Norfolk. I'm quite pleased with Colo. Atkinson.* He has promised to follow in a few days. I will write to you again shortly after I get to Norfolk. In the irvterim shd. any new thing happen write me — a letter from you will always be exhilerating to my spirits. [Address: Hillsborough, N. C] ijames Campbell of Rockingham was first major of a regiment of detached militia which had been organized at HlUaboro, November 28, 1814, and from there marched to Norfolk. The companies composing it came from Chatham, Person, Caswell, Rockingham, Guilford, Randolph, Stokes, Surry, and Wilkes. 2William Miller. SArchibald Roane RuflSn of Stokes. 4Richard Atkinson of Person, lieutenant colonel commanding the regiment. The Ruffin Papeks. 153 From James Gamipbell. KoEFOLK 16tli Jany. 1815. In the first and foremost place I beg you to excuse this course sheet of ration: paper. I arrived here on the 27 ultimo, nothing particular happening on my route excepting a complete dislodgement from Archie, 11 miles in the rear of this place. I limped a few days from the fall I reed., but marching time to good music has limbered me — our situation has been pitiable. Even at this time nearly two companies are yet in the thin tents brought down with them. "We, however, have made a beginning to build houses for those thus situated. We have, in every respect, been much neglected — our supplies of provisions, wood etc. is very irregularly brought to us; Since, however, we have become ac- quainted with the heads of departments, and the proper places where application is to be made to remedy such negligence we are a little better off. We and the Field :Officers frequently call upon those officers, and tell them in positive tones that such remissness in their several duties will be reported to those having the power to punish etc. — only 8 deaths have happened since our arrival — 276 are reported sick and unfit for duty this morning; none of them dangerous. The measles is the only complaint prevailing — at the Peach Orchard where the 1st Regt. of K. C. Militia^ are stationed 61 died last month — the diseases there have all originated from an exposure after having the measles which subjects the system to diseases of a mortal termination, colds settling on the lungs, quincys etc., etc. 'No appearance of the latter complaint among us yet. If it does creep into our Camp we may calculate on losing 73 or perhaps one half of our men, they being at this time in houses badly cover'd and on damp dirt floors. Camp Defiance, for so our Station is called is situated nearly a mile north from the main or middle street of Norfolk, altho' from the great number of buildings promiscuously situated, adjoining the town on the road towards it, it may properly be called a part of the Borough. Until a few days ago, Hunter,^ Winston,^ McCauley,* Doctors Kimbro* and Atkinson,^ Serjt. Major Cummings,® two white servants and three negroes roosted in one hut, indifferently covered, half dobb'd ; pots, ovens, iThe First Regiment of North Carolina Militia was also at Norfolk at thid time. As regularly constituted for the war it was composed of companies from Chowan, Currituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Gates, Hertford, Bertie, Northampton, Halifax, Warren, and Nash. Its regular officers were: Duncan McDonald, colonel commanding; Andrew Joyner, lieutenant colonel; Joseph F. Dickinson, first major; John C. Green, second major. As it went to Norfolk, so far as can be discovered, the regiment was composed of troops from Gran- ville, Wake, Johnston, Franklin, Warren, Halifax, Northampton, Nash, Edge- combe, Martin, Bertie, Hertford, and Gates. 2Samuel Hunter of Guilford, lieutenant in the regiment. sjoseph Winston of Stokes, second major in the regiment. 4This is possibly Andrew McCauley of Orange. 5The persons named cannot be identified. 154 The N'oeth Caeolina Histoeical Commission. skillets, kettles, frying pans etc. on their right 5 Beds or Cots in the centre, daily rations of green pine wood on the left, provisions for man and ieast, saddles, bridles, Portmanteaus, Bear skins, valises, saddle bags etc., etc., in the rear, and to complete a proper foundation. Potters' Field (where the remains of from 10 to 15 arrive daily) 55 yards in front! Oh ! what a fine thing it is to be a soldier ! I'm enjoying health, but begin to find out that my hands will be full, and in place of my trip affording me a release from business, it will be quite otherwise, but you know I dislike being idle. Wentworth crosses my mind sometimes which makes me restless. From letters however from that quarter matters are going on smoothly. You deserve bumping — ^Why didn't you meet Simon and others at the C. House on the 31st ulto? If you have not done something in Brown's business pray, my good Mr. Euffin, set about it. Colo. Atkinson joined us a few days ago. The Frigate Constellation rides before my eyes in superb style (being in the garret of a four story house from which I can see her in all her splendour). I have not found any Town acquaintances as yet, having been much confined in Camp. I cannot rest nor feel satisfied until I see the poor soldiers more com- fortably situated. The field officers. Lieutenants Sheppard,*, Webb,* Henderson,* Surgeons Mebane,* Kimbro', Atkinson and a few more board at Mr. Sutters house 200 yds from the Barracks. I've been officer of the day twice since I came down. This is a most arduous duty. It is this — This officer is compelled twice in 24 hours to visit all the guards at the outposts, a route of 16 miles, to be performed in the day from 10 A. M. to 2 oc. P. M. and in the night from 7 oc. to midnight, crossing old bridges of great width, gullies, marshes etc., etc. We have every day fatigue parties employed in draining the muster ground, cleaning before the huts etc. and many a good baptist and men of other professions had to use the spade yesterday (Sunday). The British Barges captured the Hampton packet tother day. We heard the firing and at the time had many conjectures. The Constellation manned and sent out 6 Boats full of men, but too late to see the fun. This mornings report from the Pleasure House states the British force to be off there, one 74, 2 frigates, a sloop of war and a tender. You know the Constellation has been buryed up here since the commencement of the War. It is hinted that she will shortly make a trial to get out. Colo. Atkinson and myself are the only two in the mess who know any thing about the game of Bagammon — we are at it every other Evening and play for the first kisses of the ladies about Hillsboro — at this time I am 10 games a-head. I am very much pleased with the Colonel. He requests to be remembered to you. Keep to yourself what I have said about the number of sick and the situation of the camp. My chapeau de hrees came very securely and without the least injury from the nice cover Mrs. Billiard made for it. Do write iProbably Egbert Sheppard of Orange. 2The persons named cannot be identified. The Euffin Papers. 155 to me immediately on the receipt of this — tender my hest respects to every member of your family. Tom, I've no notion of dying, but may be I may send you a memo- randa from which you can make out the last speech and dying words of Your very Sincere friend J. Campbell. Capt. Young^ has just reed orders from Head Quarters to march his men to Craney Island 6 miles off to act as artillerists. In his company are Lieuts. Henderson and Webb (the latter is now in fine health and spirits) This situation is a very enviable one, being the only healthy scite abt. Norfolk and could the whole Eegt. be quartered at this Station the lives of many fine fellows would be spared. Jno. Kuffin is here dashing about. He looks well. [Address: HiUsboro' N". C] From Bartlett Yancey. Ho : Eepeesentatives, 21st Ja'y 1815. On yesterday evening the fate of the Bill to establish a Ifational Bank^ was decided. It is now or will be, when it receives the signature of the President become the law of the land. In common with the rest of the Country, you feel no doubt, such an interest, as to induce a desire on your part to understand its provisions. It is composed of a Capital of 30 Millions of dollars, of the following proportions — In Treasury IN'otes, or New Stock 15 millions : In War-stock (meaning stock created since the war) 10 millions : In specie 5 millions, and a power on the part of the goverjiment to subscribe whenever directed by Congress 5 millions of public stock, then to be made and funded in the Bank : so that the capi- tal virtually is 35 millions: % of the capital in the several proportions mentioned above to be subscribed and paid (I believe) the fourth Mon- day in March, % in 4 mo. thereafter % in 6 : and % in 8 months. The Bank to be established in Philadelphia, with power to establish branches in the several states. The other details of the Bill are pretty much like all other Banking institutions, with a power on the part of Congress, by committees to examine into the proceedings of the institution and point- ing out a remedy, by which an abuse of the powers and rights of the Bank have been made, and the mode of trial. A proposition for the establishment of a Bank, has been before one branch or another of Congress, almost the whole of the session: The iThis is probably Francis Young. 2This bill was vetoed by President Madison on the' ground of unconstitu- tionality. 156 The Nobth Cabolina Histoeical Commission. great point of Controversy between those who were in favor of a Bank, especially of the Republican Party, has been as to the kind of stock of which the Bank was to be composed: Many thought that the greater part of the Capital should be War Stock, for by that means, you would take up the stock in the market and thereby be able to negotiate new loans. Others were of opinion, and of that number was myself, that we were under no obligations to the owners of stock except such terms as our contract with them imposed, and that in establishing a Bank, the greater part of the Capital should be Wew-Stock, for by that means, we should immediately procure a loan to that extent at par, and by that means, save the interest and bonus and certainly procure the loan : there are many other views of this subject — to numerous for a letter, that I will defer until I see you. The present plan is pretty much a compound of the two plans; and in my opinion better than either. It is a plan in many particulars, very different from either : It was adopted by the select Committee to whom the Bill had been referred in the House of Representatives: of that Committee I was a member : the plan of the present Bank, I pro- posed myself and at first only two members of the Committee, Mr. Findly^ and myself voted for it : We postponed the subject for a day and night, and had two or three meetings on the subject: a sober and temperate discussion and deliberation of the Bill and a mutually dis- cussion of opinions ; produced an unanimous opinion on the part of the conmiittee and a vote in the House of Representatives of 120 to 38 : more than half of the latter, would have voted for it, except for Consti- tutional obligations: it was resisted in the Senate by several of our political friends, upon the ground of the proportions of the capital and also upon the ground, that there ought to be in the bill a provision rela- tive to the suspension of specie payment, if in the opinion of the Direc- tors it should be necessary: my own opinion however is that the War- stock was the real objection. It is scarcely possible to imagine the transcendant, indirect influence of monied interests. I am in great haste : I have expected a letter from you before this : I have however reed, none, though, I have written you frequently: on this morning, we reed, a very able report from the Secretary of the Treasury.^ He asks for more taxes to the amount of several millions: I think it probable that we shall adopt a small income tax, to raise several millions ; but it is very uncertain what may be adopted, relative to taxes, until the subject is taken up and discussed. We are in daily expectation of advices from Europe: Be so good as make such opportunities as may be convenient when you are on your iWIUiam Findlay of Pennsylvania, a native of Ireland, who after service In the Revolution became active in Pennsylvania politics, serving in the con- stitutional convention of 1790 and as a member of Congress, 1791-1799, and 1803-1817. He died in 1821. He was the author of several books. 2The secretary of the treasury at this time was Alexander J. Dallas, 1751- 1817, a native of Jamaica, who had emigrated to Pennsylvania. The Euffin Papers. 157 feb'y circuit, at the several courts, explaining the circumstances relative to the Bank, and my apologies, which you can ojfer, for my not having given the information to more. I think, perhaps, I shall write a circu- lar: but I have really been very busy all the session. I shall expect a letter from you directly. [Address: Hillsborough N". C] From William H. Haywood} State Bank of No. Carolina Thomas Rwffin Esquire Kaleigh 26th Jany 1815. Sir. I am directed on the part of the board to request that you will super- intend the suits which it may from time to time become the interest of this Bank to cause to be brought on notes due the bank by its customers. It was suggested in the board that you intended practising in the Supe- rior Court of this County and as it would be much more desirable and convenient that the suits should all be brought in this court I am directed to issue or cause the Writs to be issued from Wake Superior Court. There are now only three or four on which Writs may be issued. I am Sir Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. Wm. H. Haywood, Cashr. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Joseph Gales. [Raleigh, N. C, Feb. 20, 1815.] if * Hf * if * * You are right in supposing that I was one of those in favor of employ- ing you in any Law Business which the Bank may have. I can assure you that you have many Friends at the Board. I do not recollect that there was a dissenting voice to your appointment. As the Servant of J"^. Mebane^ waits to take this, I have time only to iWilliam H. Haywood, a native of Edgecombe County, brother of Treasurer John Haywood, was cashier of the State Bank and clerk of the United States district court for North Carolina. 2James Mebane of Orange, 1774-1857. He was educated at the University of North Carolina where he was one of the founders and the first president of the Dialectic Society. He was a member of the House of Commons, 1798, 1801, 1803, 1818, 1820-1824; speaker, 1821; member of the Senate, 1808-1811, 1828. 158 The N"oeth Cakolina Histokical Commission. say, that we have certain Ifews that Preliminaries of Peace were signed at Ghent on the 24th. inst. that they have been ratified by the Prince Eegent, and there is no doubt they will be ratified by the President. I most heartily congratulate you on this Kews. I had liked to have omitted saying, "Writs will be issued without giving you any trouble in the Business. Raleigh, Feb 20, 1815 [Address: Hillsborough] From James H. Bearing} EocKiNGHAM C. H. N. C. May 3rd 1815. Having understood that Genl Scott is now at Washington City, fixing the peace establishment — And knowing that you are personally ac- quainted with the Genl.2 I have taken the liberty to solicit your influence in my behalf for a birth in that establishment — And also in behalf of brother Pleasant* who is a 3rd Lieutenant in the same corps (artillery) with myself. I know that a line from you if early forwarded will be amply sufficient. Thos. Euffin Esqr. P. S. I am under orders for Columbia, S. C. — and shall march with my men the 4th inst. Farewell J. H. D. [Address : Caswell Court House, N". C] From Bichard Stanford. HiLLSBOBO May 7, 1815. I am passing on from Person to be at the meeting of the Directors of the Cape Fear ITavigation* on Wednesday next, at Pittsboro. If you are not to be at the Chatham Court, say if you have still the desire you expressed to me to have an interest in the company ? If you have I will as you suggested transfer two of my shares to you, and thereby qualify you for a Directorship. If you feel the proper solicitude for that busi- ness I shall endeavour to have you appointed a director the first occasion ijames H. Bearing of Rockingham County, first lieutenant. Second Artillery, from May, 1812. He resigned in 1816. 2It will be remembered that General Scott and Ruffin studied law together. spieasant Bearing, third lieutenant, Second Artillery, who was honorably discharged six weeks later. 4The Cape Fear Navigation Company was chartered in 1815, succeeding the Beep and Haw River Navigation Company. The Euffin Papers. 159 that offers. You can pay for the shares to Mr. Kirkland as I owe him a good deal more than their amount, which is only fifty Dollars that is 25$ a share. I^o instalment remains due upon my shares. From John F. May. Petersbg. June 7. 1815. I have not time to write you such a letter as I intended when the high Ct. of Chancery is over. My object at present is to introduce to you, if chance should throw him in your way, my friend, my pupil, and my kinsman, Hob. Strange.^ He is going to N. C. with a view of obtaining a license and settling there as a member of our illf ated profession. Know- ing you both well; without writing a formal introduction, I will only say that when you know Strange you will find in him every thing to excite esteem or attract regard — respectable talents, an honest heart — a true Virginian and a staunch patriot. (This latter — Qod he praised! I can boast of, as to all my pupils!!) I hope he will meet with you; as I am anxious to make you acquainted with each other, from a firm belief that you will both be pleased. I have been very sick and very busy this spring — and therefore have not answered your friendly and gratifying letter. Mrs. May and Anne are well — and by the time I write you again I hope to be able to make mention of another of the family. [Address: Hillsboro' ST. C] From John F. May. Pbteesbg. June 23d, 1815. Shortly after the receipt of your letter of the 31st March, I wrote you a hasty reply by some gentleman, not now recollected. . . . I was not a little gratified at the frank and friendly account which you gave of your prosperous situation; and that gratification was in- creased by the motives that dictated, and the sentiments which accom- panied' the communication. You are indeed blessed by Providence, in a healthy climate, with a happy and growing family, with acquisitions iRobert Strange, 1796-1854, settled at Fayetteville and was, In 1821, elected to the House of Commons from that borough and served until 1823, and was again a member In 1826. In the same year he was elected a judge of the Superior Court and remained on the bench until 1836, when he was elected United States senator. He resigned in 1840 on the issue of instruction from the legislature. He was later solicitor, serving until his death. 160 The IvTorth Carolina Historical Commission. and endowments whicli at once procure prosperity, and command respect and esteem ! ! Of your success in your profession I never doubted ; but I acknowledge that it has gone beyond my expectations. Long may it continue — "Length of days be in thy right hand; in thy left riches and honour. May all thy ways be ways of pleasantness; and all thy paths be peace." (I do not know that the quotation is as accurate, as the application is sincere.) My prosperity in life, all things considered, has been considerable. My practice is extensive, and laborious; but its evils are mitigated by a knowledge that I enjoy the confidence, and am sometimes even cheered with the applause of those to whom it is best known. I derive from it a competent support; I always can command more than is necessary for ordinary purposes; I am freed from the embarrassment and debt with which I began life and which tho' small, required time only to have humbled me into dust. And for these, I ought to rejoice, and do greatly rejoice. But I can hardly say that I am laying up any thing, as a pro- vision for old age or a maintenance for infancy. I have now two daugh- ters, having had another about ten days ago — and when I reflect, as I sometimes must do, upon their situation in the event of accident to myself, the reflection plants thorns in the roses which are blooming around me. But notwithstanding the baleful effects of various political causes ; tho' the frost of embargo blasted my first fruits ; and although a war of extermination has been waged against the stock from whence they spring, still, my prospects, I think, brighten and expand. My practice in the town and country is, I believe, better than any of my competitors. In the Superior court of Chancery, it is increasing, not only from the counties in which I practice, but in all the adjacent country. I have not qualified in the court of Appeals, tho' I have about 10 or 12 cases waiting my determination (this fall) in that respect. My receipts I suppose are $250. they may be $300 ; for I keep few accts. and no genl. acct. of rects. and exps. which I never could do for three weeks together in my life. For fees, I usually require cash or bonds; and thereby save trouble as well as money. The expences of a town life are considerable and have been increased by the war; and my father's unfortunate situation, also requires some aid from me. All these things however leave pretty clear of Debt and worth from $8, to 10,000. In this estimate I do not include a late speculation. I bave purchased a body of Kentucky lands on these terms — J. Wilder and myself in partnership — $4000. cash (all paid by W. in consider- ation of my admitting him into the partnership) and $5000 out of pro- ceeds of the sales of the Lands. This is a complete leap in the dark. I am told that my half is worth 10, 20, and even 50,000 Dols. but I really Icnow nothing about it. I have thus followed your example "and opened all my affairs to you unto the very bottom" and altho' you beat me 100 pr. et. in profit and loss, you have no advantage over me in the pleasure resulting from this open communion between friends interested in each The Rtjffin Papeks. 161 other's welfare — "old messmates bound together by similarity of temper and feelings; and identity of views and pursuits.'' It would give me great pleasure to make our wives known to each other, and our children, too, when they grow up. But unless your good woman will come here to see the fine London Goods, or unless there is much gold to come out of my Kentucky Lands, I hardly know how to accomplish it. For really I never have leisure to leave home ten Days, not even to go and look for that Gold! I gave to my estimable friend Strange a short letter of introduction to you. He is desirous of settling in the lower part of N". C. but as you might meet, I wished to make you acquainted. He will probably settle in Payetteville, (or as the ungrateful Inhabitants say, Fateville, a cir- cumstance which makes me dislike the place I confess.) I have advised Strange to see you before he settles if he can ; because I think you could, and know you would, serve and aid him. My best respts. to yr. father, sister and family. P. S. . . . Tell your father I reed, the last halves of his notes. By the way, ask him what is difference, arithmetically, or mathemati- cally between two equal risks of each half, and one like risk of the whole. But then the puzzle must come from you, not me. You understand he sent one half of $720 by one mail and the other by another, and the disadvantage is, that if a thief takes the first half, the 2d will never escape; besides which, if the first was safe, there is still his chance for the second, and as the Banks will pay half to such half notes, there is exactly two chances of losing a half equal to one chance of losing the whole. [Address: HiUsboro', IT. C] From John R. Donnell.^ "Watnesboeo Augt. 25th 1815. 4: :Ie 4: :|i JIc :ie IK Permit me before I conclude to congratulate you on your election from the Town of HiUsboro and on the unexpected triumph of our Republican friends in almost every part of the State at the late Con- gressional Canvass. [Address: HiUsboro.] iJohn R. Donnell, 1791-1864, a native of Ireland, Bolicitor, 18K-1819 ; judge of the Superior Court, 1819-1836. 11 162 The itfoBTH Carolina Historical Commission. From John A. Cameron?- Fatettbville Octo. 16t]i, 1815. I have come to tlie determination of becoming a candidate for the office of Comptroller of the State at the approaching session of Assembly, and take the liberty of apprising you this early with my intentions. This is an office of small emolument, but as I can never hope to resume my profession and as I m/ust adopt some other pursuit, I have thought of this office as one which my education and habits qualify me for filling with credit to myself and usefulness to the public. 'Tis true that the person now in office may wish to remain so : to this I will only say, that I want the office, and rotation is a principle universally admitted to be correct amongst the friends of republican governments. I might say tis true, that my capacity for being useful in my profession was destroyed while in the service of the State, but as I do not want the office as a pen- sion, I forbear to urge any consideration of the kind. Will you be good enough to mention my intention to your colleagues and to each other member of the Assembly as you meet with. I shall be in Raleigh early in the session if in my power, but I am afraid that it will not be, as I expect an increase of family about that time. I wish you a pleasant and profitable circuit. Anything you may do in furtherance of my designs will be gratefully acknowledged. [Address: Guilford Ct. House.] From William Roane? TJ. S. Ship Constellation,* Bat of GtIbkaltab 17 Oetr 1815 According to promise I write this for the purpose of letting you know how and where I am, as well as what kind of a passage we had. On the 10th Sept', we sailed from the capes of Virga: on the 12 a gale com- menced which lasted 2 days during which time one half of the officers were sea sick myself amongst the number ; after which we had a pleasant passage being able to take an observation at meridian every day. On the 19th made Land a high peak on the Island of Corvo, one of the Azores or western Islands belonging to Portugal, the two succeeding iJohn A. Cameron, 1788-1837, of FayettevlUe, a native of Virginia, member of the House of Commons, 1810-1812, 1820; major in the War of 1812; consul to Vera Cruz, 1829 ; judge of the United States district court for Florida from 1831 until he was lost at sea. 2William Roane, a close relative of Ruffin's wife, was at this time a midship- man, having been appointed In November, 1814. He resigned in 1816. SThe Constellation was a twelve-hundred-ton ship with ten guns. The Ruffin Papers. 163 days passed Fayal, (The port in which the Armstrong Privateer was defended so gallantly by her crew during our war with Britain) Corvo, Terreserra, St Georges, St Michaels and St Maries which appear to be covered with Vineyards and towns, wherever they are habitable (being the most broken land I ever beheld.) On the 30th we saw an English Frigat to the Northward, which as soon as she discovered us bore down untill she came close along side when we showed the Yankie stars which as soon as she saw she bore away with every foot of canvas she could spread — On the 12 Sept' we came to anchor in the Bay of Algerias (opposite the rock of Gibralter on) on the Spanish main. On the 14th I was attached to this Ship. Capt Gordon^ who is a very fatherly commander and who by the by has a very clever set of officers The midshipmen are mostly young men of genteel families many of them from Virga., a son^ of Mr Jones formerly the editor of a noted paper of Richmond a Ran- dolph* and Armsted* Also a Son^ of the Rev [sic] Eldridge Gerry former Vice President of the TJ States — So of course you may conclude I am well pleased with my situation. When we first arrived our squadron was on good terms with the English of Gibralter, but the Scoundrels have since been giving them- selves some airs which will cause us to remove our head quarters even after having began to unlade our stores They have been guilty of a most paltry and pitiful act; that of charging us with having made efforts to enlist some of their soldiers As soon as the Comodore heard of the charge he stopt all communication with them and informed the governor that he would hold a court of enquiry to try the sergeant who was implicated by them; as soon as they learnt that he was offended they began to apologize, but he told them for his part no apology would do. And insisted that they should bring forward their evidence to trial ; the court of which no doubt you have learnt officially. Yet I will make one remark they accused the seargeant of offering one of their men 5 Double loons to desert, (when it is a matter of fact that money was so scarce in the squadron that but few of the officers can do more than pay for their washing. And it has been proven that at the time the sergeant went on shore he had no more money than half a dollar which he bor- rowed.) The ship to which the sergeant belonged had more than her compliment of men and has since turned over to another ship 50. in consequence of not wanting them. We do not knowingly suffer an infernal British dog on board our ships. Yet that corrupt and malicious government by her wicked scoundrel like servents accuse our offi'cers of iCaptaln Charles Gordon, who died in 1817. 2Richard A. Jones became a commander in 1844 and died in 1846. 31 am unable to locate this Randolph among four who were in the navy at the time. ^Robert Armistead. sThomas R. Gerry. 164 The ITobth Carolina Histoeical Commission. tampering with her soldiers: but thank godd they have completely dis- graced themselves by it and we are getting in our timbers again which had been hove out for storage Octr 25th 1815 We are again under weigh for Malaga. Malaga. Octr. 27th. 1815 After a pleasant passage we arrived on the 26th. — I have been a'shore and seen one of the pleasantest towns in Spain but have not time to do more than finish my letter as the Comodore has just made the signal to remove. Do write me and get the letter sent from Washington by the secretary of the N^avy. Let me know how all friends are The sine qua non will take this to JNTew York My best respects to Mrs Ruffin and all friends Tell sister I shall write the first opportunity Ask your Father to write me; as I have done him but fear his letter will not go safe as I left it at Gibralter Most respectfully sir I remain Yours Wm. Koane midm U S mvy [Address : Hillsboro N". C] From George McNeill} Fatetteville, Nov. 27th, 1815. * * * it it if We are as yet, ignorant of the proceedings of your honble. body — at least the papers contain nothing except the election of speaker and his Excel' long message. I hope you will make C. Fear navigable before you rise. Wishing you an agreeable Session [P. S.] busy times Tob. $8 C 15 Salt 151— falling. [Address: Raleigh.] From James Campbell. [Wbntwokth, is. C, Nov. 27, 1815.] Your communication by master James E. Gallaway, addressed to your father, and in his absence opened by me contained a paper writing which gladened us much. Gallaway arrived about 9 A. M. on Friday. iGeorge McNeill, Ruffln's brother-in-law, was a prominent merchant and business man in Fayetteville. The Kuffin Papers. 165 I enjoined on him secrecy as to the contents of your letter. Young Ifathl. Scales (at whose father's house Mr. Gallaway remained all night) daddy-like gave it too much publicity, — altho' I believe unknown to poor Welch.^ He certainly calculated on suffering death. At 12 O'C. he was taken from the Jail for the place of Execution (on the west-side, about 150 yards below W. Wrights) attended by Thomas Moore, Eobert and Charles Moore, Methodist preachers. I held the Governor's pardon, and at 2 O'clock when the ministers had nearly finished I went down and gave it to the Sheriff. I read it to nearly one thousand persons. Welch was brought back to prison where he will remain until tomorrow when he will Swear-out. He is grateful to you and your father. By your means his life has been spared. I was with him an hour on the Evening of Friday — ^he promises enough. Any Parliamentary news, interesting, will be thankfully received. Twas fortunate you sent an express, there being no mail on Monday last. Weisttwoeth 27 Nov. 1815. Settle, Hill, and Lacy are the only attornies expected. [Address: Thomas Ruffin Esqr. Atto. at Law presently in Baleigh. Endorsed: Majr. Ja. Campbel Novr. 1815] From William M. Sneed. MoBEisviLLE Deer. 30th, 1815. The caucus at Louisburg have chosen Weldon K. Edwards* as their successor of Mr. Macon. W. P. Little* is also a Candidate also R. H. Jones* and I. I. Hill and probably Blake Baker.® [Address: Hillsboro.] iWelch was convicted in Rockingham County in 1815 of horse stealing, then a capital felony, and sentenced to death. He was pardoned by Governor Wil- liam Miller on November 14, 1815. 2Weldon Nathaniel Edwards, 1788-1873, a protegg of Nathaniel Macon and Ruffin's schoolmate at Warrenton and lifelong friend. He was a member of the House of Commons, 1814-1815 ; member of Congress, succeeding Macon, 1815- 1827; state senator, 1833-1846, 1850-1854; speaker, 1850-1854; member of the convention of 1835; president of the convention of 1861. swilliam P. Little of Warren was member of the state senate, 1804-1806. 4Robert H. Jones, member of the House. of Commons, 1816-1818, 1823-1824, 1826-1827; United States district attorney under Jefferson; attorney-general of North Carolina, 1828. SBlake Baker, attorney-general of North Carolina, 1795-1802; member of the House of Commons, 1807; judge of the Superior Court, 1808-1818; died, 1818. 166 The Noeth Cabolina Historical Commission. From John Roane to Sterling Ruffin. Washington Jany 9tli 1816. The state of my family and affairs prevented me, from taking my seat untill Friday last since then a number of letters have engrossed my time so that I can give you little or nothing passing here. Late com- munication from England, which you will have seen in Gazettes before this can reach you, create some expectation of an adjustment of differ- ences, but I have not much confidence in such a result, unless our armies cooperate better, than they have of late. Indeed the enemy's efforts on the Canadian line have been too successful to sustain a hope of advan- tageous terms under existing circumstances. Something must be done here, to correct blunders in the fighting departments, add strength and vigor to our enemies, and change present prospects, before an honorable peace can be expected. I will shortly say more of these topics, when time permits. Your friend in King Wm. are well. Present me affectionately to yr. family and accept yourself the best wish of yr friend etc. [Address : Sterling Euffin Esqr. Lenox Castle Eockingham County !N^orth Carolina.] From A. Meilan. Wilmington IST. C. 12 Feby 1816. I must once again intrude upon your kind and friendly disposition towards me and request your Assistance to obviate the objections raised by His Honor Judge Cameron to sign my Licence for the County Ct. Ear when originally presented to him about this time last year by my friend Mr. l^ash. You are no doubt acquainted with the Circumstances and therefore it is needless to trouble you with a Eepetition. My then recent admission to Citizenship and the then political situation of Eng- land and America was I conceive the principal objection. A lapse of further time conjoined to a former Eesidence of Eleven years will I hope have the same effect in removing the former in the opinion of his Honour as the happy return of Peace must in reality have in removing the latter. You know my Dear Sir the Eecord is complete and ought therefore to be unimpeachable — that the Oath and Abjuration are bind- ing on me and consequently both should be reciprocally effectual in their operations and Consequences. But as under all circumstances I would more willingly owe the success of my application to friendly Exertions The Ruffin Papers. 167 and favourable dispositions than to argument or Authority I will rather rely on the United Efforts of others than to my own logical Deductions. I have written upon the same Subject to Mr. Murphey, Mr. Nash and Mr. Kirkland and sent the Certificate of my Citizenship with the incom- plete Licence to the latter — to be used when and how you may deem most advisable hoping that some private business may induce Judge Cameron to visit Hillsborough during the County Ct. week. I entreat you thus once again to exert your Influence in my behalf to present my respectful Eegards to Mrs. Ruffin and Mrs. Dillon and to believe me sincere in subscribing myself T. C. Ruffin Esqr, From Bartlett Yancey. Washington 17th February 1816. The interest and importance of public affairs of this place is daily becoming more interesting and important. With the dispatch and atten- tion to public business, our time would be sufficiently employed, but to this duty so multifarious in its parts and so important in its object is added the interesting question who ought to be the next President ? From the continued paragraphs which you see issued and copied in the !N"ational Intellingencer, you would be induced to believe that the Republican party thought of no other person, but Col. Monroe. Such, however, is not the .truth : This representation of opinion here, is not only untrue, but it is known to be untrue by those who daily scribble in that paper, upon the subject of the Presidential Election. It is believed to be done for the purpose of giving tone to the other Republican papers of the Country, and by that means give tone to the party in favor of a man, who however respectable otherwise, requires the aid of such means to be palmed upon the country as the next President. I believe I am certainly correct when I say, that a decided majority of the party, now in Congress, prefer Mr. Crawford for the appointment. The choice of Mr. C. is not confined to a few states, but is extended to some of almost every state in the Union — from what has been published as proceeding from him, upon this subject and which has been issued to the world for the purpose of impressing upon public opinion, that he declines all the pretentions of himself in favor of Col. Monroe, you will be able to form some opinion of the management of this place. It is, however, considered, that if Mr. Crawford had upon any occasion volunteered his services for the appointment, or declared, that he would not accept of the nomination, if made by the Republican party, he would have discovered a degree of arrogance and imprudence, which the whole history of his life has not offorded a specimen. It is known to a certainty here, by those who intend to contribute as far as their vote will permit, to nominate him for the presidency, that if selected, he will serve. 168 The IsTosth Caeolina Histoeicai, Commission. Witli Mr. Crawford's public character you are somewliat acquainted and permit me to tell you, that if you were more minutely acquainted with his talents and fitness for business, it would add much to the high character he now sustains in your estimation. The objection to the most of our great men, is that they are more remarkable for theory than practice. It results from habit and education, more than nature. Such men seldom possess those qualifications, necessary to constitute an Executive ofiicer. To this general rule Mr. Crawford is an exception. He is remarkable for the resources of his mind, the comprehensive, yet practical view, which he immediately takes of every subject. He is prompt in the discharge of his own duty as an officer, and enforces observance and attention on the part of those around him. His talents in this respect have been most remarkably exhibited in the war Depart- ment since he came into it. When he entered it he found the business of the whole Department much deranged. It has now assumed a system which in a little time, will be in such a perfect state of arrangement that its duties will be much easier performed, and with much greater ad- vantage to the country. I hesitate not to say that from the acquaintance I have with him, that he would make the most able President this Country ever had. I have thought proper to say this much on the subject for your infor- mation and those of our friends with whom you are intimate : It became the more necessary because I have understood, that you were among the number nominated for the general ticket. I should be very glad to hear from you and that in your letter, you •would inform me of the public opinion of our state on this subject : A considerable majority of the Eepublican Delegation of our State is decidedly for Crawford. I see that Gales, has come out in his Register for Monroe. I have reason to believe he had his orders from here. I never write as a member of Congress for the papers, but if you think any extract from this in the Register and Star would be productive of good, you are at liberty to make such extract, withholding however my name. Will you be so good as to write me immediately. From William Ruffin. Wabkenton 1^0. Ca. 19 Mar. 1816. It was with equal surprise and mortification (I must confess) I heard the other day, that you had expressed yourself hostile to the Election of Mr. Monroe, as the next President. Knowing the correctness of your opinions upon political subjects (generally) and believing the Republican Members of the last Legislature, made up the Electoral ticket with an eye to Monroe, I should certainly have discredited the information if the ■Gentleman had not made the assertion with so much confidence as to The Rtjffin Papers. 169 leave me no groimds to doubt. Still I am unwilling to believe yours was an unqualified expression, and as I have experienced some anxiety upon tbe subject, I have at length determined to address you upon the subject, and request the favor of you to satisfy me, as to the truth of the report. In the mean time will you permit me to state some of the reasons which have influenced my mind in favor of Monroe? First, negatively, not because I have an objection to Mr. Crawford; for of this Gentleman I cherish the most exalted opinion, and firmly believe that the Government might with great safety be confided to his charge. His integrity is irreproachable, his understanding of the first order — and his firmness not to be questioned. But his claim upon the publick and the publicks claim upon him are not reciprocal, as to cite you, we have a right to exact of him, his services in that station to which we may call him, when as a Citizen he may have no just claim to an office he may solicit — the appointment to office being frequently intended as a reward for past services. Again Mr. C. is of that age, that without hazarding much he could wait one Presidential term, and still be several years younger than Monroe. Affirmatively, I do not know that I can say thing under this head, that you are not already acquainted with. Certainly there are very few characters now in office, who have served the Commonwealth longer, none in as great a variety of office, and few with the same zeal, ability or usefulness as Monroe. I first knew him as a soldier in the Revolu- tionary army — then as a member of the Virginia legislature — a member of the Executive Council^— next a member of the old Congress, under the Confederation, when he displayed his firmness and foresight in opposing the surrender of the Navigation of the Mississippi to the Spaniards. He was also a member of the Virginia Convention, then a Senator from that state, next a minister extr. and resident to France — after his recall, chosen Govr. of the State — once more deputed upon foreign service and charged with two most important negotiations — one was happily accomplished. Returning to the bosom of his native Land was again called to the first office within the State — ^from this station he was called to the important offilce of Secry of State — then Secy of War and when "The Storm of War blew over" did not retire to the shades of tranquility and ease ; but again resumed the duties of Secre'^ of State where we now find him. Where, my dear Thos. shall we find one other man passing thro' all the gradations of office — manifesting an equal degree of zeal, intellect and integrity, with so little censure attaching? or how shall such a man be rewarded? While the Crowned heads and Despotisms of Europe are lavishing their offices, their honors and their wealth upon their Vassals ? Shall we withhold from him the only boon worth his acceptance? Is it pretended that the Government would not be well administered by him? What are the necessary traits to constitute a great statesman, which are not found in Monroe? His mind clear, cool and discriminating. His 170 The N"oeth Cabolina Historical Commission. virtue and patriotism almost proverbial. And his public services ac- knowledged on all hands. The only thing he can be reproached for is, that he is poor! (the strongest proof of his virtue) and shall it also be said he is friendless! Forbid it gratitude forbid it honor. To withhold from Monroe the office his friends now ask for him, is to drive him into retirement, and cast a damp upon the vivid hopes of all, who look forward to a promotion in office, as a reward for past services; "While the luster of his past life shall illumine the page of history, it will only shine to portray in darker colours the ingratitude of an ungrateful nation. "What is it that prompts a soldier to seek danger in the "Cannons mouth" or the statesman to devote his time and talent to the General "Weal? N^ext to a self approving mind, is public esteem and confidence. I could say much more but you see my mind and my feelings, and as far as I am capable of Judging they are in perfect accord and with those of my acquaintance in this part of the Country. My family join me in best wishes to yourself, Mrs. Ruffin and all your family and our acquaintances who are in Hillsboro. [Address : Hillsboro' No. Ca.J From Ira Ellis. 1 R. coon. 1 Mink 6 Rabbit $ 0.62% 6 M'rat. 8 Rabbit 1.75 14 Rabbit, 2 M'rat 0.87% 26 Rabbit 0.80 2. M'rat, 7 Rabbit 0.62% 4 Rabbit, 2 M'Rat 0.81% 1 M'rat 0.25 50 Rabbit, 2 M'rat 2.00 3. R.Coon, 10 M'rat, 12 Rabbit 3.75 10 M'rat, 2 R.Coon 21 Rabbit 3.50 24 Rabbit, 3 M'rat 1.55 25 Rabbit, 1 R.Coon, 3 M'rat 1.82% 7 M'rat 1.75 19 Rabbit, 1 M'rat 0.71% 1 Rabbit, 10 M'rat 2.43% 31 Rabbit 1.00 25 Rabbit, 2 R.Coon, 1 Mink 1.16% 14 Rabbit 9 M'rat, 9 R.Coon 5.18% 9 Rabbit 1 Mink 0.50 3 M'rat, 1 R.Coon : 1.00 6 Rabbit, 1 R. Coon, 7 Fox 2.97% 2 Rabbit, 11 M'rat 2.50 13 Raccoon 5.50 $ 43.09 36 Rabbit 1.20 2.20 45.29 33 Do 1.00 The Euffin Papers. 171 [KocKiNGHAM, K C, Apr. 22, 1816.] Above you have a Bill of tlie Fur that Irwin has got for you the last Winter and Spring. I have charged your Father with the Amount, and you may give him Credit for that sum. Two years ago we procured about 160 or 70$ worth and I wrote to you to send Nicholas a Hat, and if you judged the services worth tVo hats, you might send one for Irwin also. You sent them both. Some time after your Father informed Irwin he had paid you $5 for his Hat. — Irwin now sends you the within Fur, and leaves it with you to say how much he shall pay your Father beside the services rendered in purchasing this fur, for the Hat he has had and he will settle it with Him. If you have charged your Father, (as I suppose you have) for the Hat sent Irwin, you will Credit him for whatever you now allow Irwin for his services. EocKiNGHAM April 22d, 1816. P. S. No hat expected for this Fur. [Address : Hillsborough.] [Cieculae] From John Haywood and Others. „. Ealeigh, June 18, 1816. isir, ' ' The destructive fire of last week, which has laid waste a square and a half of the closest built part of our City, has given to a number of our Citizens large claims upon the benevolence of their fellow men. — Many of them were thus suddenly deprived of house and home ; and all have seen themselves stripped in a moment, by the devouring element, of the hard earnings of their laborious industry. In a word their condition calls loudly for relief. Their neighbors acknowledge this; and feel every disposition to extend towards them the hand of friendly assistance. But in a small place, like ours, it is to be feared the degree of bounty must fall very far below the measure of distress. Under this impres- sion, a committee has been appointed with the duty prescribed to them, of inviting to these circumstances the sympathetic eye of our sister Towns: and the committee perform with pleasure, this task, confident that the appeals they make will be as effectual as the nature of the case can require. Permit us, therefore, to request. Sir, in furtherance of this design, that you will take such steps as may be usual with the view of obtaining from the liberality of your citizens whatever aid they may be vsdlling to contribute. A trifle from each, will only be felt, by the generous bestowers, in the happy consciousness of relieving the sufferings inflicted 172 Thb North Cakolina Historical Commission. by a terrible calamity; while the aggregate shall essentially serve in helping industry to recover from the blow which had destroyed its best hopes. Any remittances which may be made, you will be kind enough to have directed to the undersigned; who pledge themselves that the sums re- ceived shall be distributed with a scrupulous regard to the selection of such objects as may seem most to require relief. We tender you, Sir, the assurances of our highest regard ; and respect- fully remain your obedient servants, John Haywood, Henry Potter, Henry Sea well, Joseph Gales, Calvin Jones, A. S. H. Btjrges, T. Henderson, Jr. [Address: Hillsboro.J From Sterling Buffin. Oakland 25th June 1816. By Charles you will have an opportunity of sending an account of the Charleston hides, that we may proportion the gain or loss and know how much we have received of you. Inform me when you and Mr. Scales will commence your business, and of course when money will be taken up at the Eank. I am apprehensive that I shall be harder press'd for cash shortly than I ever was; and therefore it is necessary to begin to lay up three months before. This place is entirely barren of informa- tion worth communicating; dry and cold weather, bad crops, and the approaching election, are the only subjects of conversation. I begin to think that Douglas^ will be permitted to stay at home, some of his former influential friends having declar'd against him. I am well satis- fy'd that BethelP should out pole him, altho I do not feel willing to assist him by my vote. How does Mr. Scott* succeed? is he likely to have a seat in the next Legislature ? I shall endeavour to meet you at the next Caswell Court. [Address : Hillsborough 'No. Carolina.] iWilllam Douglas of Rockingham, who for a number of years had been a member of the House of Commons. He was a candidate for the Senate in 1816 and was elected. 2William Bethel of Rockingham who had been a member of the legislature at intervals since 1786, and who was to continue his membership until 1820. 3John Scott of Hillsboro, who was frequently a member of the House of Commons from that borough. The Kuffin Papebs. 173 From Thomas Henderson Jr} Ealeigh, August 2, 1816. I have received your letter whicli informed me that you were in- structed, in the event of my refusing to give up the proper name of a writer of my paper, of the 12th ult. under the signature of "a citizen of Wake," to commence a suit against me as the Editor.^ Since the receipt of your letter I have taken advice of eminent Counsel as well as of intelligent friends, and they have united in expressing an opinion that the person who threaten the suit will not be able to establish any libellous matter or to recover a cent of damages. Of this I have from the first felt individually confident. Not the smallest particle of animosity to either of the Public Officers in question governed me in giving place to the article which has offended them ; — on the contrary, I felt myself to be discharging merely my duty to the public as the conductor of one of the journals to which they recur for information. The same channel I held open for reply; and indeed 1 did not at first publish the article until I had informed several gentle- men, of both parties of the nature of its contents, and heard their unani- mous opinion that it was of sufficient importance to demand an insertion. Kow, Sir, although I consider myself entirely shielded against injury, or even blame for what I have done, I am still very unwilling to have disagreeable litigations with my neighbors. Permit me to observe, too, that I cannot think they- have any proper tnotives for persevering in the proceedings. They have industriously and very improperly, as I think, endeavoured to identify me with the author. Their object in this is of course best known to themselves. They have also made use of my paper, as offered to them, not only to vindicate themselves, but actually, as I have just hinted, to injure me by attempting to make me a party in a dispute from which I have really held myself aloof, farther than con- siderations of public duty urged me. In my opinion an opportunity has been given them to refute the charges against them; and I have no doubt, my readers, as I am, are generally convinced of their innocence. What then have they to com- plain of against me ; or what object do they propose to themselves by a prosecution, in which I am assured they do not calculate on obtaining a verdict? I am at a loss to know. My wish is, that the business should proceed no further ; but this wish is expressed, as I hope you will believe, frankly and candidly, without any fear of consequences should it not be met. I have done the gentle- men for whom you act no wrong; and have never myself, publicly or privately, expressed any opinion of their having acted improperly in iThomas Henderson, editor of the Raleigh Star. 2So far as is known, no file of the Btar for 1816 is In existence. I have been unable to discover anything In regard to the contents of the article mentioned. 174 The IsTokth Caeolina Histoeical Commission. the disctarge of their duties. They erred, perhaps, in not making public the circumstance of the 5 per cent (additional valuation of slaves) which at once would have put every thing in a proper point of view. The want of knowledge, among the people, on this head, shows that there were grounds of misapprehension ; and I think it was fortunate for the repu- tation of the public officers that the subject was so soon agitated : — other- wise doubts of their correctness would still exist, and the charges which some individuals might have made would have been countenanced by the calculations of hundreds who had not a proper understanding of the facts. I do hope. Sir, that upon properly weighing the subject your clients will see the propriety of relinguishing their intention; and sparing themselves, as well as me, the disagreeable feelings which law-suits for the imaginary reparation of character always occasion. Tho. Euiftn Esqr. Atto, at Law, Hillsboro. From Thomas Henderson Jr. Dear Sir. Kaleioh, Augt. 2, 1816. Enclosed you will receive my answer to your oificial letter of the 27th ult. For your friendly letter accompanying it, I thank you, and would most willingly follow your advice could I do so with propriety. But under present circumstances (tho' I fear no such consequences) I would suffer the fate of Woodfall before the name of the author should be sur- rendered. I have neither seen nor heard from the author since your letter was received. I am, Sir, very sincerely, Yours, Thos. Hendekson jk. Tho. Euffin Esqr. [Address: Hillsborough N". C] [Enclosure] From Thomas Henderson Jr. „. Ealeigh, Augt. 2, 1816. On "Wednesday last I received your letter of the 27th ultimo asking as Attorney for Messrs Gales, Vanhook and Whitaker, the name of the writer of a piece lately published in the Star, under signature of "A Citizen of "Wake." The Euffin Papers. 175 Having been threatened with a prosecution before I had it in my power to consult the Author, and being advised that the piece contains no libel, though I abhor the idea and misery of litigation, I have to inform you that the author's name will not be given up. I am. Sir, very respectfully Yours, Tho. Hendekson jb. Tho. Ruffin, Esqr. Atto. for Messrs. Gales, Whitaker and Vanhook. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Kemp Plummer and Others. Raleigh, 9th August, 1816. Sir, At our last General Assembly, and subsequent to the passing of the Act providing for the appointment of Electors to vote for a President and Vice-President of the United States, the Republican Members of that body, having convened as private citizens, proposed fifteen persons (of whom you are one) as fit characters to be chosen Electors under that act : and at the same time nominated the undersigned as a Committee of Correspondence, to make such communications as would probably pro- duce unity of action; without which, a small but undivided minority might frustrate the object of the law and the wish of a large majority of the people. In compliance with this nomination, and in the discharge of the trust thus reposed in us, we feel it our duty to afford every facility in our power to the fair and faithful execution of the law, according to its spirit and import. To this end, permit us respectfully to enquire of you, Sir, whether you will serve if elected, and whether you will vote for James Monroe as President, and Daniel D. Tompkins as Vice-President of the United States ? A knowledge of these facts will enable us to announce not only the names proposed, but also the sentiments of the candidates. Did the functions of an Elector require discussion and deliberation, we should not presume to ask any question inconsistent with the free exercise of that judgment which should be the result of future enquiry and investi- gation; but viewing the subject as presenting to the people an abstract proposition, which, from the necessity of the thing as well as the consti- tutional provision, must be answered through the Electors, as the proper organs of communicating their will on this single point, it would seem that the duty of an Elector required nothiiig more than to ascertain the opinion of his constituents, and to adopt that opinion by his vote. There is, to be sure, but one candidate for each of the high stations mentioned ; but this circumstance does not entirely forego the propriety 176 The ITokth Caeolina Histokical Commission. or even necessity of the enquiry we now make, since a feeble opposition, acting in concert, might outweigh any fragment of a divided majority. — And although it be true that no man is bound by this or any other nomi- nation for Electors, but any man or set of men, have an equal right to propose other characters, yet if no ticket be held up to public view, the will of the majority can never be known. Unaminity, therefore, in the Electoral Vote, is the great object — and it can be matter of no moment to the people whether they are personally acquainted with the candi- dates or not, provided they are satisfied as to the votes they will give. An answer, addressed to us at this place, at as early a day as may suit your convenience, is desired. With sentiments of respect, we have the honor to be Your obed't, humble serv'ts, Kemp Plummee,^ Thos. Falconee,* Hewet Pottee.* [Address : Hillsborough.] To Kemp Plummer and Others. „ ., HiLLSBOEouGH. August 20th, 1816. Gentlemen — ' I take an early opportunity of answering the questions proposed to me in your (Circula;r) Leti/ev dated 9th Inst. I answer both of them in the affirmative. If chosen an Elector by the Citizens of ITorth Carolina, I will serve ; and, believing that the people would wish or expect me so to do, I shall vote for James Monroe for the office of President, and Daniel D. Tompkins for that of Vice-President. I have the honor to be. Gentlemen Your most Obed. Svt. Thomas Euffin. Kemp Plummee ") Thomas Falconer > Esquires. Henet Pottee j From Benjamin Tappan. August 26th 1816. It is now several years since we have heard from you and as long ago as Octo. 1812 since we have reed any intelligence from our surviving friends at Petersburg. . . . iKemp Plummer of Warren County. 2Thomas Falconer of Granville County. 31 am unable to locate Henry Potter. The Ruffin Papers. 177 I do not know that except the wear and tear of time we have altered much since you saw us, we have a son now 3% years old, the only child we have been able to raise and he promises fair, as to myself our Legis- lature have thought proper to make me President of the Courts of Com- mon Pleas over a Circuit of 8 counties, so that I have left the bar to younger men. In this State the Congress are much condemned in all quarters for the compensation law and the probability is that no one who voted for it will be reelected, in Kenutcky but 3 of 10 present members are reelected, a change of men may have a good effect in bringing back the govern- ment to the economical principles of 1801 from which a sad departure hath taken place. If. B. Nancey says I have made a slight mistake in the age of our boy and that he is 4% years old — so it is. From Thomas Henderson, Jr. Raleigh, August 29, 1816. Enclosed I send you what I deem a concilatory letter and which I hope will satisfy all parties. It was written after mature reflection and con- sultation with my friends here. I sent it to Mr. Gales, who I suppose has taken a copy of it, as I requested him to do, if he thought proper. [Address: Hillsboro'.] From Joseph Gales. [Raleigh, K C, August 30, 1816.] Col. Henderson did not shew me the Letter he has sent you till today. It is not so satisfactory as I could have wished but I suppose it must be accepted as a sort of apology. If it had occupied less room and been less equivocal it would not have been necessary to have accompanied it with" the remarks which will now be unavoidable. It is the course, however, which the Col. and his friends have chosen, and we must make the best of it. When I have the pleasure to see you, I will do what is right for the trouble you have had in the business.. Raleigh, Aug. 30, 1816. You will of course shew Mr. Van Hook the Colonel's Letter. [Address : Hillsborough.] 12 178 The Noeth Oabolina Histoeicaii Commission. From George E. 8pruill?- Tarboeo N'ovember 2, 1816. In compliance with the wish which you so kindly expressed I avail myself of the first opportunity of writing. Since I parted with you I have been in several of the lower Counties and though I did not see the members, I think I can calculate on the votes of those from Tyrrell and Washington Counties. Gteneral IredelP cordially promised me his sup- port, I expect the votes of the members from my own County. I have friends who will make interest for me in other Counties, with what suc- cess I [am] unable to determine. Such are my prospects in this part of the Country. With what suc- cess you have advocated my cause in the Western interest, you have, by this time, discovered. I have not seen Mordecai* since I left you ; but have no doubt he wiU be a candidate. Mr. Drew* has declared himself a candidate. "And by my Gods, sir" says he, "I deem it no egotism to say I can beat any man that will offer." Credat Judaius Apella. Such is the opposition which I already anticipate. And to confess the truth, two such opponents against one young practitioner are fearful odds. How many more will spring up between this time and the election I am at a loss to discover. The election will hardly take place until the latter part of the Session. Col. Burton told me, he would certainly resign; but probably not until the latter part of the Session ; the reason of the delay I did not learn. Do you think it would be worth while to go to Raleigh before the Elec- tion? Such are the facts within my own knowledge, upon which my hopes of success are founded. Whether, these, in addition to what you know yourself, will justify such a hope you can determine. We so easily believe that which we wish to be true ; that I am always ready to distrust my own views of a subject in Which I am myself interested. The head is so often the dupe of the heart, the understanding so often biassed by the feelings, that I almost involuntarily anticipate disappointment when my hopes are strongest. In the present case, I must confess I indulge some expectation of success ; but I shall nevertheless be prepared to meet disappointment. It will rest with you and Gen. Iredell whether to bring my name forward or not. And in making the election I doubt not you will exercise the same prudence and wisdom, and in both I have the iGeorge E. Spruill of Halifax County, member of the House of Commons, 1825-1830, at this time a candidate for attorney-general to succeed Hutchins G. Burton, who had announced his intention of resigning. 2james Iredell of Chowan. SMoses Mordecal of Pitt and later of Wake, 1785-1824, one of the most dis- tinguished lawyers in the State at this time. He was educated at the Warren- ton Academy and was probably a schoolmate of Ruffin. ^William Drew of Halifax. He was elected by the ensuing legislature. The Euffin Papers. 179 greatest confidence, that you would in your own case. From the interest which Mr. Brown has manifested in my behalf, I doubt not he will give you what information lies in his power. I shall be anxious to hear froik you, and hope you will write as soon as you conveniently can. Whatever may be the event of the election, I shall feel myself under the strongest obligations to you, for the very kind interest which you have taken in my favour. It will be remembered with gratitude, and reciprocated when occasion shall offer, with pleasure. And though I am unable to command success I hope to do more, to deserve it. Tho. B. Kuffin Esq. [Address: Hillsboro N": C:] From, Thomas Love.^ Watnesville 12th K'ovr. 1816. Permit me to trouble you with a few remarks, Eespecting the Dilemma that our State has got into with respect to perfecting titles to the vacant and unappropriated Lands within the State of Tennessee, which right she had previously reserved to herself by her Act of Cessioii; But the wild and unprecedented measures Taken by Congress and Tennessee on that Occasion, In my Humble Opinion, Calls aloud for some Legislative aid of Our State. If you recollect we had some conversation respecting that Business at our last Assembly, And would have Taken up the Subject at that time But the Law of Tennessee of 1812 entramelling any further proceedings on the part of 'No. Carolina Could not then be procured. I shall Trouble you with but a few remarks, merely reciting you to the several Laws that have been enacted on that Occasion; for from my personal Acquaintance with you, I am well assured that from a review of the several Laws on that subject. You will at once discover the imposi- tion about to be practised on the Claimants under No. Carolina, and I Trust will be able to prescribe some mode to remedy the Evil. You will see by the Act of Cession of 1789 that No. Carolina Specially reserved to herself the right to perfecting Titles to all Bonafide Claims of Lands within the Limits of the Lands then intended to be Ceded ; But from the frequent solicitations of the State of Tennessee, No. Carolina in the year 1803 passed a Law, giving to Tennessee the right of perfecting Titles, to all the Bonafide Claims of Lands then within the limits of said iThomas Love of Haywood County. He was a member of the House of Com- mons from feuncombe from 1797 to 1809; from Haywood, from 1809 to 1812, from 1814 to 1816, and from 1817 to 1821. He was a member of the Senate from 1823 to 1829. This total of twenty-five terms, so far as I can discover, has been exceeded only once — ^by James Wellborn of Wilkes, who served twenty-seven. 180 The N'oeth Cabolina Historical Commission. State, in as full a manner as N'o. Carolina had reserved to herself under her Act of Cession, Upon Congress first giving her Assent thereto ; Wow Sir for a moment examine and see what has been the Conduct of Congress and Tennessee on this Occasion; In the Session of Congress of 1806, They have Entered into an intire new Compact, leaving out of the question the Act of l^o. Carolina of 1803 and the Act of Cession of 1789 which all the Laws relative to that Business grew out of, and between them have made a conditional line known by the name of the Congres- sional reservation line, which you will see described in the Act of Con- gress of 1806 page (87) In which Act the State of Tennessee has agreed to relinguish all right and claim to perfecting Titles to the Lands South and West of the said line to Congress, And in consideration of which Congress have relinguished all their right of Soil East and itforth of the said line ; furthermore Congress in their goodness have made a Donation of a Tract of Land of 100,000 acres in an intire body to the State of Tennessee for the use of Colleges and lOO,000 acres more for the use of Academies and 640 acres for every six miles square for the use of schools etc. But not one single acre for the use and benefit of No. Carolina who was the original proprietors, and who had fought Bled and wasted her Treasures for those very Lands; You will see by the 2nd Sec. of the Act of Cessions, that it is Expressly Stipulated, that if the Bounds laid out for the OflB.cers and Soldiers of the Continental line should not contain a sufiicient quantity of Land fit for cultivation that such officers or soldiers falling short of his allottment should be at Liberty to take his quota in any other part of the Lands then intended to be ceded which were vacant and unappropriated ; and there is a further provision in the same Sec. for all Subsequent Entries where there were prior Entries for the same spot or piece of Ground, That such subsequent Entries should be at Liberty to remove his Claim to any other vacant Land within the limits of the Land then intended to be Ceded ; The 3rd Sect. Provides that all the Lands intended to be Ceded, and not appropriated as above, should be considered as a Common fund for the use and Benefit of the U. S. iN'orth Carolina inclusive. !Now Sir I will ask after Congress had accepted of the Cession with those several Conditions, where she Acquired the right to appropriate one single acre, Untill all the Just Claims of N'o. Carolina was first satisfied. The late Treaty made by Genl. Jackson^ with the Indians includes a Considerable portion of the Lands within the Congressional reservation and so soon as the Treaty shall be Ratified, Those Lands will be subject to the satisfying of the Claims under No. Carolina ; But how are they to obtain Titles to their lands, Congress having no right to perfect Titles to none of those Lands, Tennessee has relinguished all the right vested in her by 'No. Carolina And by the Law of Tennessee iThe treaty referred to is the one made by General Jackson with the Creek Indians in 1814. The Euffin Papees. 181 of 1812 If No. Carolina should Send her Surveyors there to survey those Lands they are to [be] fined and imprissed like fugitives; This Shews the necessity of a prompt and Spirited interference of our Legislature on that subject. I had some conversation on that subject at our last spring Court with his honour Judge Cameron, he appeared decidedly of Opinion that some Legislative interference of our State was highly necessary in the pro- tection of our rights, And thought it would be advisable for the Legis- lature to appoint some man of Standing and Talents as an Agent to Congress and these have the matter fairly investigated. My Brother Eobert Love^ will be at Raleigh Early in the Sessions, and will hand you the Tennessee Law alluded to. I hope and Trust that you will in your Official capacity as a representative of the people endeavour to Provide some means by which the Heroes of the Revolution and those who have paid their money for those very lands more than Thirty years can come at their Titles etc. Thomas Ruffin Esqr. [Address : Thomas Ruffin Esqr. Member of Assembly Raleigh No. Carolina.] From William Miller.^ Executive Office IT. C. o,. Raleigh ITovemr. 1816. Sir, Upon an examination of the returns from the different counties, I have the satisfaction to inform you, that you are elected an Elector to vote for a President and Vice-President of the United States; and to request your attendance at this place on the first "Wednesday in Decem- ber next for the purpose of giving your votes for these officers. Very respectfully Your Obt. Servt. Will. Millee. Thomas Ruffin Esquire. [Address: Raleigh.] iColonel Robert Love of Haywood. 2WilUam Miller of Warren. Before his election as governor in 1814 had served several terms in the legislature. 182 The North Cabolina Historical Commission. From Dr. James Webb} „ ^ _. HiLLSBOEO N"6v 25th 1816. My Dear mr From a conversation I had with Dr. CaHwell^ when he was last here I have no doubt that he will accept the Presidential Chair of our Uni- versity if offered to him provided the trustees give him a strong Faculty ; in this matter you can act as circumstances and your better Judgment may direct. Your family and friends here as well as usual. Wishing you a short and pleasant session believe me your friend and servant [Address : J. "Webb. The Honorable Thomas Euffin Speaker of the House of Commons Ealeigh.] From George McNeill. Fatettevillb Decem 4th, 1816. Your regarded favour of the 30th TJlt. covering Wote of Wm R. Puckett Esqr. was duly received. I will attend to the collection of the note. The State Bank here will not collect ! ! ! and the note has not time enough tO' run to be discounted even if they were discounting any paper. I have secured the payment of Brown note to you by agreeing to take it out in Fr.gt. ... is a bad debt. Specie is selling at 15 p cent, and one- person asks 25 p. cnt — it is very scarce and, while the Banks continue- to receive it, as they now do, it will no doubt keep high. Before we reed yours of the 30th we had sent on $1100 to Richmond to purchase the stock for you — ^we intended to have purchased it in Boston but found we should not have time to get the transfer made. We have something more than $1100 of yours in our hands including the- pro[ceeds] of the silver. I observe what you say about the "School Association"* and other money manufacturing persons — I am no way interested in the "Associa- iDr. James Webb of Hillsboro, an alumnus of the University and one of the- most interested and active of the trustees. 2Dr. Joseph Caldwell, who had been president of the University from 1804, had resigned in 1812 to give his entire attention to mathematics. He had been succeeded by Dr. Robert Hett Chapman who held the oflSce until 1816. Cald- well was at once elected to succeed him. SReference is probably here made to the Fayetteville School Association,, which had been Incorporated at the preceding session of the legislature. The Euffin Papbbs. 183 tion" but I cannot imagine how you are to get at them, unless you lay aside the Constitution, that the Assembly did (and I suppose can do again) when they issued the State Sue Bills, or treas[ur}y notes as they are calld. I mean that section of the U. S. Constitution which says "no State shall coin money or issue Bills of credit" — it is to be hoped that the Assembly will suppress their own due Bills in the general suppression. I hear this morning that Mr. Daniels^ is made Judge. Your friends here are all quite well and join in Love and affectionate regards to you. [Address: Ealeigh.] From Duncan Cameron. Deer. 8, 1816. I was much gratified by hearing that you were called to the chair during the present session of the General Assembly.^ I delight to hear that marks of distinction and confidence are conferred on my friends. The session will soon be drawing to a close — three Weeks of it have already elapsed; and but little publick Business is done. I fear that the various elections will prevent the maturing of many publick acts. And that the present will, like many preceding it, terminate, without much having been done for the improvement of our judicial system, and the amelioration of our penal code. I have enclosed to you my resignation as a Judge;* which please do me the favour to present to the Assembly. Many considerations with which I have already acquainted you, forbid my longer exercising the function of a circuit Judge. I despair of seeing a separation of the Supreme Court from the duties of the circuit Judges — nevertheless should such an event take place, and my friends wished it, with the approbation of the Assembly, 1 would attempt to perform the duties of a member of the Supreme Court. I mention this, as it grew out of the conversation we had on this subject, this week. iJoseph J. Daniel of Halifax, who served sixteen years as a judge of the Superior Court. Elevated to the Supreme Court in 1832, he served for sixteen years, dying in 1848. 2Ruffin had already served as a borough member of the House of Commons from Hillsboro in 1813 and 1815. During the session of 1813, when the war fever and the excitement against David Stone was at its height, Henry Seawell wrote Bartlett Yancey, in a letter dated December 17: "It is with the greatest heartfelt satisfaction I inform you of the signal distinction our friend Ruffin obtained by his conduct in this respect. He has deservedly acquired a pre- eminence for understanding and patriotism which I trust is not to be forgotten and which I believe is to make him useful in a high degree to his country and himself. He stands decidedly foremost on the republican side, and I rejoice that the Interests of the community are measurably committed to so safe a guide." RufiSn Was unanimously elected speaker on November 18, 1816. SRuffln was elected, on December 16, 1816, to succeed Judge Cameron and at once resigned from the legislature. James Iredell, his intimate friend and roommate at Princeton, was chosen to succeed him as speaker. 184 The K'okth Caeolina Historical Commission. Since I cominenced writing this letter the mail has brot the news- papers; and from them I have learned for the first time, the result of the ballotting for Judge and Senator.^ You have indeed had tough work and close cutting. I have not been more than two miles from the House, since I saw you. * My family has been, and yet is very sick. My children are all sick with the measles — some of them very sick. "Wishing you a pleasant time of it, and a safe return to your family, I remain with great regard. [Address: Raleigh.] From Weldon N. Edwards/' -, _ „ Washington City 9th Deer. 1816. Vear Muffin. I have postponed writing you longer than I wished — ^but hope to be excused, when you are assured the delay has proceeded entirely from a desire to collect something to write about. Indeed I wish I could even now present you something of Interest, but I am prevented that pleasure by the short time I have been here, and by the fact that no communica- tion, or report, except the message of the President, has been made us ; without which you know it is impossible to speak with any certainty of the measures we shall probably adopt, or even of the particular views of members; for conversation never becomes busy and lively untill the budgets are all before us. The Presidents communication appears not to have suddenly excited activity in business, nor indeed comparatively speaking, does it present much to be done — ^yet it has given birth to feelings of the most consolatory kind. The picture it presents of our pacific relations with foreign powers, and of the happy economy of our domestic concerns, seems to excite in the breast of every one sensations of joy and pride, and it is not unfre- quent that you hear members giving a loose to such feelings; particu- larly those whose exertions have mostly contributed to produce the present state of things. There is no doubt but our commercial relations with G. Britain, will early command our attention in order to remedy, as far as practicable, that inequality of which the President so properly makes mention. The alterations recommended in the Judiciary* are of great magnitude, and certainly have their difficulties. The additional expense necessary is perhaps unimportant compared with other consider- iJames Turner resigned from the United States Senate in December and Montford Stokes was chosen to succeed him. 2Weldon N. Edwards had succeeded Nathaniel Macon in Congress when the latter was elected to succeed Francis Locke in the Senate. sPresident Madison recommended that the federal judiciary be reorganized so as to relieve the justices of the Supreme Court of the arduous duties of the circuits. The EuFFiisr Papers. 185 ations of a political nature. Some think Executive patronage already suffilciently great, such, would perhaps be opposed to the proposition — but others believe it confin'd to its proper sphere, and without the means of dangerously extending itself, who would probably think the adminis- tration of Justice much ameliorated by it. For my own part, I hope so to decide the question as will be most promotive of my Country's good. The compensation law has furnish'd us with some talk out of doors, but there are so many floating opinions, that I cannot even guess the result of the proposition now before us upon the subject of it. It will no doubt be repeal'd ; but whether the old law will be restored or an increased p diem substituted, I really cannot tell. I sometimes think the one, and then the other will be the case. You will have seen before this the speech of Colo. Johnson,^ preliminary to his motion to enquire into the expedi- ency of repealing it. He was not wanting in his usual honest zeal and interesting animation yet advocating the measure, while he proposed its repeal deprived his speech of some portion of its merit. But he says "vox populi, vox dei," is his guide. I have heard of the confirmation of Judge Daniel's appointment, and the election of Genl. Stokes as successor to Govr. Turner in U. S. Senate. You have had many candidates before you,, and, as you remarked, I could readily conceive the dilemma in which my very worthy friend Mr. Plummer that good man, was. So many friends knocking at the portals of his heart, and not wherewithall to satisfy all, must have made him occasionally scratch his head. Do make my respects to him, and tell him I wish he had the dispensation of many of the goods of this life, that I know all his friends would be amply provided for and fare well. Gan't you give him a sinecure — He should have one? I heartily concur in the attempt you are making at internal improve- ments — ^Yet I have my apprehensions for the success of your several projects. Our State will never be respectable either in numbers or wealth, untill that all important branch of domestic economy is better encouraged among us — emigration and all its concomitants will always keep us under the Hatches unless the Legislature by its high-mindedness and public spirit create new inducements to the citizen to abide with us. Your judiciary Bill I have scarcely any hopes for, having some knowl- edge of the temper and disposition of members in regard to it. Expense ! Expense ! opening the avenue to the destruction of the C. Court system ! these will be the cry. The amendment of our penal code by a Peni- tentiary has its origin in the best feelings of the heart and is strongly recommended by humanity ; but I respectfully submit that sound Policy is against it, and think the latter should always be able to withstand the eloquent, tho silent, language of the former. I know we differ on this subject, but can say no more here. The revision of our Constitution may possibly have its dangers yet if the object is to do justice and to correct iColonel Richard Malcolm Johnson of Kentucky, afterwards Vice-President of the United States. 186 The K"oeth Cabolina Historical Commission. injustice, I think it should be assay'ed. Yet is the injustice in question as great as you seem to think it ? Is not our population at present two sparse and too fluctuating? However, it is a subject upon which I have not seriously reflected. This much I will venture, that eastern and western jealousies seem to distract and exasperate our councils without any profit, as experience proves, and it is to be much wish'd that they may in future be buried. Your Land warrant will soon be obtained. It had better remain in my hands to draw the grant should it issue during this session. But upon this I will wait your advice — remember me to my friends. I have written much more than I intended, and without regard to matter or style, but I knew it was for the eye of a friend. The "Honlle" Thos. Buflin. State of E"oeth Cabolina. His Excellency William Miller Esquire Governor Captain General and Commander in Chief. To the Honourable Thomas Ruffin Esquire, Greeting "We reposing special trust and confidence in your prudence, integrity, abilities and learning in the Law, [seal] do hereby authorize you, after taking the oaths pre- scribed for your qualification, to enter upon the office, and discharge the duties of a Judge of our Superior Courts of Law, and Courts of Equity, you having been appointed thereto by joint Ballot of both houses of the General Assembly. To hold the said office, exercise and perform the authorities and duties, and receive and enjoy the Salary annexed during your good behaviour therein. In testimony whereof I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed and signed the same at the City of Raleigh the 16th day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixteen and of the Inde^ pendence -of the United States the forty-first. Will Millek. By the Governor S. T. Sanders P. Secy. State of North Carolina Supreme Court January Term A. D. 1817. In pursuance of this Commission from His Excellency William Miller Esquire Governor etc of this State, The Honorable Thomas Ruffin esquire The Etjffin Papbbs. 187 at the Supreme Court began and held in the City of Raleigh on the first Monday of January A, D, 1817 took the Oaths prescribed by Law for his qualifications as Judge of the Supreme Court and Superior Courts of Xaw and Equity within State. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and aflSxed the Seal of my office at the City of Raleigh [seal] the 7th day of January A. D. 1817 and 41st year of our Independence. Wm. Robabds. From Richard, Stanford. Washington City, Pec. 18, 1816. You have professed some friendship for our Cape Fear Navigation which I have no doubt you feel, — ^let me request you, therefore, to aid Murphy (should his larger and more general project fail) to consoHdate into one the various laws respecting our Cape Fear company, and charter. We want our stock increased, and such privileges, and no other, as have been conferred upon other companies. , I think if we are moderately encouraged, we may be able to go on, tho' we should fail in the encourage- ment we think we deserve from the State. We have done nothing as yet, and prepared little to do; but there seems to be a good deal in a course of preparation. No subject presents itself however either thro the message, or otherwise, which seems likely to produce much party division or discussion. Indeed I don't anticipate much division of the kind, an increase of the army is to be attempted (and that too from the Republican side of the question) but I don't know how it will go — that I shall be against such increase you will readily imagine, but my unfashionable notions have little effect. If it should be increased it will be a repuhlican measure of course. I verily believe, so far from increasing, we might reduce and economize out of the army, and army expenditure alone enough to dispense with all the internal taxes at the present session, but economy-ism is now out of the question, Republicanism is the order of the day. I am really pleased, however, that the prospect is more than usual harmony is like to prevail throughout the present session. Even on the subject of President there seems not like to be the usual party division; For I do not hear, nor is it probable any Presidential candidate will be held up from among the Federalists. The division then, if any will be among those of the majority, and among them there are a few schismatics, not willing to have another President from Vir- ginia, for Monroe is certainly at present the object of the caucus; and if from some cause, not yet known generally, he should not be laid aside by his friends beforehand, he will certainly be the man. But the business is working, and it is said, a deep system of intrigue is going on from 188 The N^obth Cabolina Histokical Commission. N". York to change the Virginia dynasty. If this be true, we may yet find ourselves under the benign and republican auspices of a Tompkins. I have folded my arms, and am just looking on to see what they will make of it. [Address: Ealeigh, If. Caro.J From Sterling Buffin. Oakland 18th Dec. 1816. James arrived with "William yesterday ; he returns tomorrow by whom I write. Herewith you will receive One hundred dollars which I should have sent you sooner, had an opportunity ofifer'd. Maj. Campbell intended to visit Raleigh, but inform'd me a few days ago that he had declin'd it. Should you have as much money to spare, and an opportunity should offer, send Mr. McNeill $50.00 which I owe him for the Crate; and I will endeavour to return it, when "Wm. comes again to school. For ten days your Mother and myself have been much indispos'd with the prevailing cold ; she is geting better but I believe I am waxing worse and worse. The papers have announced to me the great impropriety of your conduct, in submitting your name to be held up as Judge. Cal- culating from every circumstance within my knowledge, I am obliged to pronounce it the most unadvised act of your life. If you were deter- mined to sacrifice your practice of the Law, why did you not go to Con- gress ? Amidst all the clouds which overshadow this misterious act there is a ray of light which portends some good, viz : to quallify yourself to fill the important station to which you are call'd, with that dignity to which your pride and good sense will aspire, you will have to read much, very much; which after one or two years should you be dispos'd to resign, will enable you to resume the practise with much greater prospects of success. I want very much to see you ; will you be at the next Caswell County Court? This is the last year of the five which Mr. Ellis and myself engaged for ; the business will go on as heretofore, but we shall want to close the whole of the first concern; and take inventory bonds etc. at the end of this year; you will therefore see that the necessity of my receiving an account of your transactions with the bank in this year. Send up as early as possible for your sheep, such is the injury they are sustaining from being too numerous, that I have lost several. Pray write me immediately; I am both surprised and mortify'd at not having heard from you since I saw you. We join in Love and prayers to and for you and our dear Anne and little children. May Heaven bless you all. [Address: Hillsborough No. Carolina.] The Etjffin Papers. 189 From Archibald McBryde} „. Ttsons 4tli Jany. 1817. Dear sir. Give me leave in the first place to offer you my sincere congratulations on your present appointment ; next to the public good it is my real wish that it may prove agreeable and advantageous to you and your family. The bearer Mr. Mclver read Law in my office. I think he is a very good young man and of respectable talents, he obtained a County Court License a year ago and will apply at the ensuing supreme court for a Supr. Court License. Anson County Court is on the 2nd Monday of this month, and it will be of some consequence to him be examined so early in the first week of the Supreme Court as to be at Anson Court. It would also oblige Dear Sir Sincerely Yours A. McBktdb. Be so good as to tender my respects to Mr. Murphey. [Address : Raleigh, 1>(. C] From George E. Badger? Newbbbn Monday Jany. 20th 1817. I arrived here this morning and am happy in being able to inform you that my Mother has no objection to the proposed change in the place of residence. I shall leave this place for Hillsborough on Monday next and unless prevented by accident shall be with you on the Thursday following. I cannot conclude without assuring you that I feel grateful for the good opinion of me which prompted your offer to put your business under my care, and pledging myself that if the most persevering atten- tion on my part will avail anything you shall never have cause to regret your confidence. The Hon. Thos. Ruffin. [Address: Hillsborough N'. Carolina] lArchibald McBryde of Moore was a distinguished lawyer. He was a member of Congress from 1809 to 1813. 2George E. Badger of Craven. He had heen licensed to practice law in 1814, hut had been solicitor for almost the entire period since then. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1816 where he and RuflSn formed a warm friendship which lasted all their lives. When Ruffin became a judge he offered his practice to Badger. 190 The North Cabolina Histoeical Commission. From William Garnett. [Loyd's Va] 13th March, 1817. It is a long time, my dear friend, since I have taken up my pen to write to you, or since I have rec'd a letter from you. I trust, however, that no inference, derogatory to that friendship, which we have so fre- quently possessed for each other, can be drawn from this fact. I am well aware that age has a chilling influence, both upon our physical and moral nature; but as friendship constitutes one of the strongest liga- ments, which bind the human heart, I am persuaded that it is least accessible to its baleful influence. Can you reciprocate this sentiment? I would not for worlds think otherwise of you. For it is "the cherished madness" of my heart, (if it can be called madness, to indulge in retro- spections of which pain constitutes a considerable ingredient), to retrace many of the pleasurable scenes of our former intercourse, and to recall to my memory "departed joys," which are never to return. There is a melancholy luxury (if I may be allowed the expression) derived from reflections of this kind, which I would not exchange for years of that empty unmeaning kind of frivolity usually termed happiness. I have always been an enthusiast, in love, in friendship, and indeed in every thing else ; and like all other enthusiasts, I am sometimes, apt to endeavor to persuade myself that no one else can feel as intensely as myself, that I am a kind of isolated being in this respect. This disposition, however, to arrogate a monopoly of feeling, is checked by the consideration that to outward appearances there is no great difference in men. To the world, I make no doubt, that I appear to be as much interested in the common affairs of it, as other people, and as little corroded by care as any of them. But the state of my heart, my dear friend, presents a very different aspect to myself. I have [met?] with misfortunes that has deadened the interest that I formerly took in the concerns of this life. I have lost many of my dearest and most valued friends, and I have lost one of my children. More than a twelvemonth has elapsed since the date of the latter visitation, but it has made an indellible impression, an aching void, a chasm, which can never be filled on this side of the grave. may you never have a practical knowledge of the heart rending agony of such a misfortune. This world affords no consolation for grief arrising from this cause, — ^it is to religion alone that we can look for succor. This, 1 know, when its influence is properly felt, contains a sovereign balm for every wound. But I have never yet been able to realize that fervid piety, that faith, which overcomes the world, and without which we are taught to believe that no one can be reconciled to God. I trust, however, in the mercy of that God whose mercies I have so often abused, that he will not close my eyes in darkness, without imparting to my soul a ray from that sun of righteousness, whose beams can penetrate the darkest recesses of tomb, and make bright with the refulgence of eternal day the The Rttpfin Papers. 191 gloomy passage through the valley of the shadow of death. I intended when I sat down to have written you a much longer letter, but I feel oppressed with the subject that I have inadvertently fallen into and must, therefore, conclude for the present. I am now by myself, and at Mantapike, a house that has been recently almost desolated by death, which must be my apology for the gloomy impression my letter. Present me affectionately to your wife, who I should be happy to see at my house, if you can ever find time to bring her to Virginia. As to myself, circumstances confine me almost as rigidly to my farm as if I was one of the slaves; it is certainly not the most agreeable profession in the world, for a man, who has always held slavery, of every kind, in most unquallified abhorrence, to be compelled to confine himself to the man- agement of slaves, for his subsistence, and the future support of his family. "We must, however, take things as they happen in this life. Farewell, and believe me ever your most affectionate Wm. Gaenett. [Address: Warrenton, ITorth Carolina.] From Thomas B. Littlejohn. OxFOED 17th May 1817. By the appointment of Mr. N'athanl. Robards to the Sheriffalty of this County, the Office of Clerk and Master will become vacant, and as you will have that vacancy to fill, I beg leave to inform you that I will be glad to receive the appointment provided you should think me qualified to discharge the duties of that Offi'ce. I am with great respect Honble. Thos. Ruffin Esq. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Thomas B. Littlejohn. Oxford 5th July 1817. I have the pleasure to acknowledge receipt of your much esteemed favor of the 30th ulto., wherein you are good enough to inform me that you had appointed me to the office of Clerk and Master for this County. If I shall not be prevented by some unforeseen event, I will be in Raleigh some time in the Course of next week for the purpose of taking the oaths of office before you. The Honble Thomas Ruffin. [Address: Raleigh] 192 The ITobth Cabolina Historical Commission. William Henderson'- to Thomas D. Bennehan? r, cr- Kaleigh August Qtli 1817. Dear oir. Can't we keep tte man* of many pursuits at home? At least let us endeavour to do so. He is a perfect Proteus, always varying. Here, lie is a federalist, an admirer of Washingtons politics, no adminis- tration man ; in short sir he is every thing, but a federalist. I hope the Doctor will pardon me ; The pursuit would be a fruitless one, too elevated for one of his political persuasion. I enclose the letter of Colonel Wil- liam Hinton, of this county to you, in obedience to the request of Mr. Dickens ;* that you may transmit it to Person before the election. Mr. Dickens supposes, if the charges contained in Colonel Hintons letter can be established in his own county ; he will command almost, an unanimous vote. It is then important for we are apprehensive, the contest is doubt- ful here, as well as in Orange. I hope not, I trust we are not so far declined. We can ascribe it to nothing but the supineness of Mr. Dickens's friends. Wake is certainly Federal, when she chuses to rise in her strength. Smith's friends have left no stone unturned. It is the intention of Mr. Dickens to make Smith commit himself, by denying the charge, and then to prove it. May God prosper every good word and work. (Micklejohn). Will you let me know by the messenger, whether you will find it con- venient to send to Person, and whether Mr. Dickens called on you, on his return home. I tremble for the fate of the election. Thomas Bennehan. *Dr. Smith. [Address: Flatt River, Orange County.] [Enclosv/re^ William Hinton* to William Henderson. [Aug. 8, 1817] In answ. to your letter I shall make use of the language that I have done in private, in the open streets of Raleigh, and to many of Smiths friends, when I believe he was in hearing, which was as follows, on the last day of July I saw Doct. Smith^ (for the first time) at a muster in iDr. William Henderson was a son of Chief Justice Leonard Henderson. ^Thomas D. Bennehan of "Stagville," Orange County. sSamuel Dickens of Person County, member of the House of Commons, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1818; member of Congress, 1816-1817. 4William Hinton of Wake, a prominent citizen and frequently a member of the legislature. 5Dr. James S. Smith of Orange, then a candidate for Congress. He was successful and served two terms. The Kuffin Papers. 193 my neighbourhood and when he address'd the Company he uttered senti- ments very different from what I calculated on, for they were such as I should have expected from a Federalist and strongly urg'd the necessity of adopting Washingtons principles, and in the Course of his address he made use of sentiments to this effect (if not in the precise words, they had the same meaning) that the administration had been in an error and it was Honorable to retract. Some time after the Company was dismissed Mr. rennell and my self got into argument and I told Fennell that I was sorry he wou'd not acknowledge his error for his Friend Doctr Smith has this day in the course of his address honestly did acknowledge that the administration had been in an error and it was Honrbl to retract this Mr. Fennel rather denied and propos'd to me to go to Smith which I refus'd to do and told him to bring him to me which he did, and the same question in substance was put to Doctr. Smith which he (I thought) reluctantly assented to. I returned him my thanis for his candure, and turn'd to Fennel and ask'd him if he was satisfyd he made no ansr. but I know from his counte- nance he was mortifyd and disappointed this last conversation I can prove by Charles King esqr. and perhaps by several others. Mr. King is not at home and Robertsons was not present therefore I dislike giveing a Certificate alone but you may consult Dickins best inform'd friends and if they think this letter will be usefuU and no dis- advantage to me you are at liberty to make use of by sending it to Dickins or in any other adviseable way. [Address: Doctr. Henderson, Raleigh.] From James Ordham} Lincoln Vesuvius Ftjenacb August the 10th 1817. I left Hillsboro within a few days after I parted with you in Raleigh. I assure you Sir it gave me no small degree of pain to part with many of my friends in and about the Boro. For although many make a pro- fession of Friendship, yet comparatively very few act in conformity with their professions; and therefore when once a person has evidence as high as heaven of a course of conduct which uniformly bespoke friend- ship of the sincerest sort; then, that man's heart must be as cold as the iJames Graham, 1793-1851, a native of Lincoln County, the son of General Joseph Graham and a brother of Governor William A. Graham. He hecame well known as a lawyer, but was especially prominent in the politlce of the western part of the State. After service in the legislature for some years, he was for six terms a member of Congress. 13 194 The North Cabolina Histokical Commission. ioe at the north pole, who feels no regret at parting from friends whom time and the ties of golden friendship have endeared to each other, and who feels no degree of gratitude for an invariable hospitable and polite attention. It has been my lot for many years past to sojourn here and there without any permanent place of abode, in the course of which I have had favourable opportunities of testing the conduct and motives of many different persons in various places and situations. I therefore trust that I am not unable or unwilling to appreciate services and favours which flowed from the purest source, from friendship in the plain garb of simple sincerity, unsurrounded by the tinsel of parade and unin- trenched behind ceremonious forms. To say, therefore, that I am under great and lasting obligations of respect gratitude and esteem to those whose kindness and polite attentions I have informly received, is not to pay the Debt of compliments but of merit. I arrived at my fathers during the week of Lincoln county court. I went up to Lincolnton before the court adjourned and took the oaths prescribed by law which are usually taken on similar occasions. The bar is pretty thronged, the business however is chiefly in the hands of three men — ^R. Burton,^ R. "Williamson,^ H. Webb.* From court I returned to my fathers where I have been ever since, except two days on business to Statesville: where I accidentally saw Mrs. Harris who was [in] good health, and high spirits. She whispers and smiles as usual, and therefore, I said acci- dentally for as I was walking the street I heard her voice before I saw her face and then directed my course accordingly. She returns to Hills- boro next week, she informed I have heard no one speak of her in Iredell who did not extoU her usque ad coelum. I have read very little law lately, but I shall before the last of this month pitch upon some place where I shall locate myself and resume my studies for one year but shall not make any permanent settlement, prior to the expiration of that time. I should be much obliged if you would write me to Lincolnton stating what books I ought to read before I apply for superior court license. My father wishes me to go to Tennessee this fall and dispose of his lands in that state : but when I reflect how it would conflict with the arrange- ments which I have chalked out in my professional pursuits, I am obliged to decline it for the present. You, Sir, can't conceive of the anxiety and confusion that pervades all ranks of people in this section of country to remove to the Alabama, numbers have actually sold and many more are desirous to sell and hunt a new home in the wide wild wilderness. The consequence is that land here is deminishing in point of value, and the country loseing many of its most enterprising and iRobert H. Burton, 1781-1842, a son of Colonel Robert Burton of Granville. He was one of the most prominent lawyers of Western North Carolina. zRobert Williamson of Lincoln County, a member of the House of Commons, 1818-1821; Senate, 1821-1823. SHenry You?ig Webb of Lincoln, member of the House of Commons, 1817. He later moved to Alabama and became a judge there before its admission to the Union. The Euffin Papees. 195 respectable inhabitants. Crops generally, with tbe exception of cotton and very low bottom lands, are quite good and we expect to enumerate this among the most plentifull years in the annals of crops. You may probably reckon I would mention something relative to the election, but as I know nothing respecting it and make no enquiry you will not be surprised that I venture no conjectures with regard to the result; for nothing is more certain than the uncerta/mty of an election; it is a vessel without a Helm in a boistrous sea, over or against which the billows of discord malice and envy beat and break. When I write you again I shall have struck my Tent for one year. I have spent my time very pleasantly since my return in examining the acts of Assembly and in hearing my reverend old Father recount the dif^culties and dangers to which he was exposed in the morning of Life, and enumerate the characters and conduct of those who stood up in the perilous times that tried the souls of men : and when I bear in mind that his head, his hand and his thigh afEord the strongest marks of the truth of the facts which he relates, they fill my mind with the tenderest emo- tions. Present, if you please, my sincerest respects and esteem to Mrs. Euffin to Mr. and Mrs. and Miss J. R. Kirkland and accept for yourself the sincerest sentiments of gratitude and warmest wishes of health and happiness. To Badger, Scott and Cain my respects if you please. [Address: Hillsboro No. Carolina.] From Bichard Apperson. LoMBAEDT Gbove Mecklenbtjbg Va. Octr. 21st. 1817. I have been informed that a Mr. William Woods in the vicinity of Hillsborough, is an excellent waggon maker. I want two first rate road waggons and wish you to be so obliging as to give such information to Mr. Woods as that he may state to me the terms for such Waggons — all to be of Seasoned wood and clear of nots and ironed in every part that it may be necessary. If he can supply me, I shall then pay him through you. I have been so plagued with bad waggons that I offer that as an appology to you for troubling you with so triffling an agency. The answer of Mr. Woods will be to me and I will hereafter com- municate with him except in the close, and he must guarrantee the goodness of the waggons before the purchase money is paid — on the Condition alone of his warrantee do I want them and am willing to pay a price adequate on that account. The Roanoke navigation, (about which I know you have the warmest zeal is in bright prosperity — A few feeble efforts may probably be made at the meeting of the next Legislature of your State, to prove that the 196 The North Carolina Historical Commission. P. and Directors liave some designs agt. the town of Halifax, Viz. that they will be charged with having attemted to fix the Depo at the foot of the falls Seven miles above by which H[alifa]x. will be abandoned. But the fact is that the President and Directors have had no sort of Interest or designs in the place of depo — or have they said anything on the Subject, — they say they wish to make the River navigable as the law directs, and that mercantile men may build their houses where they please, and circumstances point out, — they have nothing to do with local Interest — nor will they mind local and Interested clamour, except to rebutt false charges made on that account. Accept my warmest wishes for your health and prosperity [Address : Hillsboro, N. C] From John Haywood} (Confidential) Raleigh 29th October 1817. Your favour of the 25th, bearing the Post Mark of the 26th Curr. at Payetteville, was handed me last evening ; and should have been acknowl- edged by this day's Mail, but for the hindrance occasioned by a sick Child and sleepless night. Among your many friends, I beg you to be assured, there is not one who values the favour of a Letter from you more highly than I do ; nor is there of the number any one individual who could feel greater grati- fication and pleasure at meeting or furthering any wish of yours than I should: — it follows then of course. My dear Sir, that instead of your feeling either difficulty or reserve in communicating with me freely and confidentially on all those occasions in which it may be supposed I have the power of being, in any way, useful to you or to yours, I shall be flattered and obliged by your commanding my best services. I am happy to perceive from your Letter, that you and I feel and think precisely alike, with respect to removing or ousting from Office or appointment: — the present Incumbent of the place you mention, has unfortunately but too often rendered himself liable to the unpleasant animadversions of his Employers; and has, I apprehend, faUen under the displeasure of some of them : but the issue of the business depends, I am persuaded, very much upon his future Conduct, or rather punc- tuality, in making the necessary Returns etc. — as it has been principally, and perhaps solely, owing to inattention and remissness in that par- ticular, that he has been called in question, and his continuance of office, rendered doubtful. Thinking favourably of Mr. R. as a man, and deprecating the Consequences inseperable from a Removal from Office, ^''Treasurer" John Haywood. The Euffin Papers. 197 I have uniformly endeavoured to excuse and apologize for his remissness ; and to appease and conciliate the Board, on all those occasions when he has been most called in question: — of the friendship and kindness of my conduct towards him in this regard, that Gentleman has, I believe, no knowledge or intimation whatever, as he and myself never corre- sponded. Although my feeble but well meant endeavours in this par- ticular, may possibly have contributed somewhat towards the preventing the disastrous effects of a pending storm, for the moment; yet I very much doubt whether they have produced any lasting impression or effect : — ^How the business will terminate, however, time alone can deter- mine; as both the one and the other of the Kesults you mention, have been spoken of here. You cannot think more favourably nor more highly of the Gentleman you name as your friend, than I do ; and I have therefore, neither diffi- culty nor hesitation in saying to you, that if in the course of events it shall unfortunately so happen that either of the Contingencies mentioned in your Letter shall take place, I know not the man that I should with more pleasure vote for, or see the appointment offered to: — indeed it has been for many years my determination thus to vote, in case a vote should be of necessity taken whilst I have a seat at the Board: — and thus you see, my much valued and respected friend, that we do not think alike in a solitary instance only. You may rely on my silence with respect to the purport of your much esteemed favour above mentioned: and whether viewing me as a friend or as one of the Directors here, I am aware it is equally unnecessary that I should remind you, that there are few indeed to whom I would have written in the like unreserved and confidential manner ; and that there- fore you wiU consider this to you and to yourself only. I wish your Circuit happily closed, and would here offer to you my Congratulations on the near approach of the time, when you will be at liberty to return to the bosom of your family. Judge Ruffin. [Address: Fayetteville N". C] From James Graham,. Vesuvius Fuenacb Lincoln N'ovember the 9th 1817. I have a convenient opportunity of writing you by our Representative Mr. "Webb who will call at Hillsboro' as he goes to Raleigh. I wrote you in the month of August last time enough for the letter to have reached Hillsboro' before you commenced the autumnal circuit, as I never re- ceived an answer, I am somewhat apprehensive the letter has miscarried and you did not get it. I have attended the courts in three counties ■Lincoln, Iredell, and Mecklenburg ; in the first I presume you know there 198 The K"oeth Cabolina Histobical Commission. are but two county courts in the year at which any Jury causes are tried. Indeed a large proportion of the business in the three counties is trans- acted in their respective superior courts. Having attended these courts and witnessing the progress of business I am convinced of the correctness of an observation which you once made to me "that the western part of the State was not a place for a lawyer to make money'' ; there is not one of the profession who in this circuit makes anything more than a tolerable competencry by his profession, hence several of the lawyers here, (chiefly those who have families to support,) have turned their attention, in part, towards some other pursuit and as I think where a man lives by his labour it is fair and right he should go where he can receive the greatest price for his labour I therefore have it in contem- plation to explore the Missippi State and Alabama Teritory next fall or winter so as to satisfy myself respecting the advantages and inducements which that country is said to afford. The Alabama Weaver rages here with great violence and has carried off vast numbers of our Citizens. I am apprehensive, if it continues to spread as it has done, it will almost de- populate the country. There is no question that this feaver is contagious and I presume it will be so pronounced by the most celebrated political phicians [physicians ?] for as soon as one neighbour visits another who has just returned from the Alabama he immediately discovers the same symptoms which are exhibited by the person who has seen the allureing Alabama. Some of our oldest and most wealthy men are offering their possessions for sale and desirous of removing to this new country. How- ever there is a material difference between offering to sell and actually selling and therefore many will be obliged to relinguish their intentions. The Hessian Fly has commenced destructive operations this Autumn again upon our wheat and I am fearful, from their early appearance, will do much mischief in our fields. Our Cotton Crops have been assailed by a worm which is thought to be the same that frequently injures the cotton in Louisiana. I have lately read a part of my time in Lincolnton but principally at my Fathers. I hope you will write me shortly and mention what books I ought to read in order to obtain a superior court license and state, if you please, the order in which they ought to be taken up. I think it probable now I shall go to Hillsboro, and read a few weeks just before next July. I experience much inconveneance at present from not having an opportunity of talking with some one who is thoroughly acquainted with legal subjects and who could remove my difficulties and correct errors into which I sometimes slip. As to news in this question, we have none except the hon. D. M. Forney*^ was married a fortnight since to Miss Brevard of this county, the Major, I am informed will take his Lady on to Washington with him. I have ever since my return here in July been desirous of forming some plan by which our trade in this quarter might be diverted from the chanel through it now passes, ID. M. Forney, 1784-1847, a major in the War of 1812; member of CongresB, 1815-1818; state senator, 1823-1826. In 1834 lie moved to Alabama. The Ruffin Papbbs. 199 (into South Carolina) and directed to some, good market town within the limits of Iforth Carolina in order to secure to our own State the advantages of her labour and industry In pursuance of this desirable object I have drawn up a petition to the Legislature Praying them to lay off and open a main market Road from Fayettfeville to Morganton. the petition, I believe, has the cordial approbation of every one west of the Yadkin River. My Father has written a memorial to the Legislature for the purpose of reviving and perpetuating the name and fame of a man who fought and fell in defence of his country. You I presume know I allude to Genl. Lee Davidson.^ If the Legislature do anything on this subject worthy of a greatful people, God bless them, if not, vice versa. Its high time I was going down to brother "Webbs to deliver this clumsey letter, and I wish I could save him the trouble of Pocketing it, by going on myself, but thats out the question now, tho' I trust it will not be next summer. Present if you please my respects to Mrs. Euffin Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland also to Cain and Badger, tell them not to gallant each other any longer across the bridge, down the River, but fix their affections upon some beautiful damsel and get married and sing, wife, children and friends. May you and your family enjoy health and happi- ness here and heaven hereafter is the wish of yours [Address: Hillsborough K". C] From, James Camphell. [Wbntwoeth, an. C, :Noy. 20, 1817] Let me beg of you to interest yourself, by letter or otherwise, in my pretensions to the appointment of Brigadier General for this Brigade. Abm. Philips has resigned. Judge Seawell, Mr Yancy and others hinted that my name in the Legislature would bear promotion with Colonels Hunter and Bethell. I do assure you with earnestness, Judge, that I seek not the appointme*. but to baffle Bethell in his career ; his conduct, in my view, has always been exceptionable, but that, on a recent occasion, such, as will forever stimulate me to thwart him in all his publick views. If you are not in Raleigh during the sitting of the present session do write to a few of your friends in the Legislature. Mr. Murphey knows my thirst to oppose Bethell. If Hunter succeeds, the Brigade officers will be satisfied. If Bethell does the Field and staff will offer resigna- tions as fast as they can be entered. Mrs. C. joins me in best respects to you, your lady, and family. Very respectfully I remain, Wentworth SO.lSrovem— 1817 [Address: Hillsboro] ^General William Lee Davidson who was killed at the battle of Cowan's Ford. Davidson County, erected in 1822, was named for him. 200 The N'obth Cabolina Histobicab Commission. From John MacBae. Fatettbville 29 Kov 1817 By a letter from Hillsborough of the 20th inst I had the pleasure to hear of your safe return to your Family and Friends and at so fortunate a time. I hope your young Son and his Mother continue to do well. Our much esteemed friend McMillan notwithstanding his favourable appearance when you sett off relapsed immediately and died on the Sunday following — a severe public loss indeed ! Since your departure I have had several conversations with my Father relative to his acceptance of the Cashiership of the Branch of the State Bank at this place. No circumstance has had so much influence in delaying his determi- nation to comply with the solicitations of his friends as an unwillingness to be the means or even to have the appearance of being the cause of the dismissal of so good a man as Mr. R. whose ill success in giving satis- faction he thinks as do many others proceeds not so much from a want of disposition as a constitutional failing — he has however at length sig- nified through his friend Mr Boylan his willingness to take upon himself the duties of the office but has begged of the directors to continue his friend Mr. R. for a short time. I presume that he may have an oppor- tunity of taking the only step which can now save his feelings the wound accompanying a removal from Offi!ce. In the event of my Fathers suc- cess I expect to discharge the duties of the Post Office. I assure you I feel under great Obligations to you for the interest you have taken in promoting the arrangement. Thomas Ruffin Esqr. [Address: Raleigh N". C] From Rev. Adam Empie.^ „. "Wilmington Jan'y 26, 1818. Sir -^ ' The Episcopal Church in this State having been organized last Spring and a missionary society formed I take the liberty herewith of sending you a copy of the minutes of our convention together with some mis- sionary circulars and I beg leave respectfully to solicit your aid and your influence in obtaining contributions for this missionary fund and if possible in organising the Episcopal Church in Hillsboro' for the purpose of sending a delegate to our next convention, which will be held in Fayetteville on the second thursday after Easter — the 2nd of April. iRev. Adam Empie was a prominent Episcopal minister. He was at this time rector of St. James's Church, Wilmington. He was later president of the College of William and Mary. The Rtjffin Papbbs. 201 I would respectfully urge this upon you and the Episcopalians around you. To be represented in, and in union with our Convention is very desirable on account of the privileges attending it. Those who are repre- sented will have the advantage of regular visits from the Bishop of Virginia, who has taken the superintendence of the Church inthis State ; the advantage of our missionaries who will officiate among them, when they have not constantly a Pastor of their own, the advantage of the superintending care of the Church, to watch over their interests to con- sult their welfare and to supply them when destitute as well as to secure them against such impositions as they lately suffered in Salisbury. If we will but exert ourselves as we ought, by the blessing of God, we may soon have a flourishing Church and a Eishop of our own. The Lord grant this for his mercy's sake and the Lord direct and bless you and all of us in all things that tend to promote the welfare of Zion. A Bible Society has lately been formed in this town, and we hope soon to organize a Prayer book Society, the Constitution of both which I shall send you — ^I should be happy to hear that you had followed our example. If we can aid you either with bibles or Prayer books, tell us how, and we will gladly do it — and if you wiU. form societies auxiliary to us, or contribute otherwise to our societies, we shall be happy to lend you our assistance to the utmost of our power, tho' you may perhaps find it more expedient to unite with some Bible or prayer book societies more immediately in your neighborhood. I shall be happy Sir to hear from you on this subject and I beg you or any. one that does write to me to inform, whether there are any of the above societies in your town or Section of the country — whence you generally procure your books — thro. what Channel it is most convenient for them to come, whether bibles and prayer books are much wanted in your part of the State, and whether the Bible and Prayer book societies nearest you be in this State, So Carolina or Virginia. I am Sir with the greatest respect Yr very humb® Serv*. A. Empie Hon^'ie Judge Ruffin. N. B. In a small parcel accompanying this letter you will find an Advertisement in relation to our next Convention. If there is a printing office in your town I beg you to have it inserted four or five times and to request the Printer to forward his bill to me or to Mr. Loring the Printer in this place. [Address: Hillsborough K C] 202 The IsToeth Cabolina Historical Commission. From, Archibald D. Murphey. „ rr • 7 Haw-Eiveb, 15tli February 1818. Dear Friend. ^ ^ Sf! ^ Sfi S|C 3|G I have been incessantly engaged since I saw You, and feel Half broken down before my Circuit commences. I have done much business and hope before your Return home to do much more. My Prospects just now are good for the approaching Circuit. When you return, if you do not conclude to quit the State,^ turn your Attention a little to the Cape Fear. The time is near at hand, when the entire Condition of that Section of the State is to be changed. :ie :ie 4; 4: 4! !ic :}c Address; Hillsboro'. From George E. Badger. Hillsborough, March 10th 1818. I left home on the Sunday after your departure and with Mr. Nor- wood* and Mr. Nash* spent the night at Mr. Cameron's.* We passed Flat River the next morning, though it was quite deep and rising rapidly, but found Napper Reeds Creek^ unpassable — So determining to follow the precept of my Lord Chesterfield on one occasion at least, we did what must be done with as good a grace as possible and turning up to Doct. Bullock's we made ourselves comfortable there until next morning. On arriving at the Court House we found Judge Daniel detained by the waters east of the C. H. had been before us but half an hour. The delay of a day kept the Court open till Saturday night. On Sunday I came back as far as Mr. C's. and yesterday about dinner time dismounted at my own door. Your friends Messrs. Henderson* and Plummer^ were there, well and in good spirits — The former has for the present forgotten his Cancer. I made a good Court, returned, 150 dollars, better off than I went, and only wish it may be ominous of the rest of the Circuit. iRuffin was at this time in very lo^ spirits and despaired of the future in North Carolina. He was probably considering a move to the Southwest, where he had many acauaintances. 2WiUiam Norwood. sFrederick Nash. *Judge Duncan Cameron's place, "Fairntosh," in Orange County. BKnap of Reeds is meant. 6Probably John L. Henderson of Granville. 7Kemp Plummer. The Euffin Papebs. 203 I saw Mrs. Ruffin today — and little Ann and Eliz who were well. Mrs. E. reed, a letter from Mrs. Dillard and informed me that she said nothing of coming to Hillsboro. I was much pleased to learn from her that you had arrived safely at Elizabeth and met with Genl. Iredell. The im- mense quantities of rain which had fallen here and the swollen streams had given me some fears that you might meet with some difficulties. And I did not feel altogether easy on the score of Mr. Cain's Horse, but I suppose as you are silent on that head that he had performed well. I believe I shall not visit Salisbury this Spring. The cases in Gran- ville Sup. Court relating to Vinkler Jones while having been removed to Franklin, and a good fee having been offered me in two other cases in the latter county, I think it better to go there. 150 dollars are more than I can expect at Rowan. But although I shall do so I do not haK like the arrangement; But one circumstance, besides the profit I hope for, tends to reconcile me to it. I shall escape Judge D. If ever Heaven cursed a man with a most ungraceful utterance of most unintelligible expressions that man is D. Indeed, my dear Sir, whatever may be said of the value and importance of legal learning, I shall ever believe that the power of speaking so as to be understood, is the most important faculty either in a Judge or an Advocate. Of what avail is the clearest Judgment which arrives with the certainty of demonstration at a just conclusion, if the ability to convey that conclusion and the process of reasoning which leads to it, to the minds of the others be wanting ? What- ever may be the other qualifications of J. Daniel, he is certainly most conspicuously deficient in this form of utterance. He seems to me always like a full bottle, which in emptying gurgles and sputters, drop by drop, wanting alike the clearness and smoothness of a gentle stream and the dignity and force of the dashing torrent. He never gets at the right end of his subject, and unfortunately he seems to be entirely unconscious of the difficulty under which he labors. Instead of accommodating himself to the conformation of his mind and voice by stating in as few words as possible what is essential to explain the subject of which he is speaking, he seems always laboring to make a display, begins at a distance from his subject and travels towards it in such an inconvenient gait and by such circuitous routs that he either becomes bewildered and fails to reach it at all, or reaches it at last not only wearied himself but having ex- hausted the patience of all who are in attendance on him. But this though in my opinion a capital blemish in him is not the only one. I set it Up as a principle that a man who thinks clearly, will sometimes speak intelligibly. This he never does and I therefore conclude that he is deficient in that faculty which composes and distinguishes which we call judgment. The want of judgment makes memory, in him a mis- fortune tvhich in most men it is considered a most happy endowment. He has collected a confused mass of desultory information on a variety of subjects. If he were a man of levity, fancy or versatile powers, he 204 The N'obth Carolina Histokical Commission. would improve this information to embellisli his conversation. If he were a man of Judgment he would make it useful at once to assist his own opinions and to carry his meaning with clearness and force by illustrations of his subject judiciously selected. But as he possesses neither, his conversation drags on with tedious difficulty, and his opinions neither attract attention by their elegance nor command respect by their wisdom. I know not whether I ought to ask your pardon for this free statement of what I conceive to be some of the capital blemishes of one of your Brethren. But when I write to you I must write what I think and what is uppermost. Should you be in an ill-humor when you receive this or in low spirits which is next neighbor to ill humor and be disappointed that 1 have offered nothing to restore your temper or to raise your spirits, be good enough to recollect in my justification, that I am myself sometimes afflicted with both these diseases of the mind. And that I never felt in a better humor to cut my throat than when I commenced this letter. KecoUect also that this little place is more barren of amusement more destitute of variety than is the African desert of rills or vegetation and that drafts on my own ingenuity to supply this deficit are seldom honored. In justice to me also observe that I have done all I can for us both — to please you I have told you that your wife and children are well to relieve myself I have refunded some Sensorial power by visiting my spleen on poor Judge D. and that this has been done when a Seventy dollar fee would be ungraciously received by me if required to take the trouble of writing a receipt for it. The ladies here have taken advantage of your absence to over power me. They have not only threatened me with the thunder and lighting of their brows and the poisoned arrows of their tongues, but have inti- mated that unless I shall alter my course a patriotick coat of tar and feathers will be my reward. What could I do. Could I stand singly against a multitude? I recollect Sir John Falstaff's maxim that "dis- cretion is the better part of valor" and resolved to temporize. So that I have turned about and commenced [to be ?] Eulogist. But, like Junius, I am not versed in the language of encomium, and my new profession sits awkwardly enough upon me. Cannot you send me a skeleton, a kind of memorandum of the heads of a discourse in favor of the ladies ? Do try for I am in most perilous cirsumstances. Danger threatens me on all sides. I have not courage to be a martyr for the faith, but wish to make the best time I can by a sudden apostacy. Thus have I commenced correspondence with you, my dear friend, which I assured you from the first would produce you neither pleasure nor profit. But if you will consent to accept this and such as I can write hereafter as the price of your answers, when your occupations of the Circuit will permit you to write, I shall be a gainer indeed. The Etjffin Papers. 205 My Mother and Fanny send their best recollection and wishes to you and for myself the best wish I can make you is that your private happi- ness and success as well as your professional reputation may be such as you deserve. Judge Ruffin. [Address : The Honorable Thomas Ruffin Care of Genl. James Iredell Edenton Via Petersburg Va. North Carolina.] From William Roane.^ MoEGANTON, 28th April 1818. Although my silence may on first glimse appear to proceed from want of respect, yet I am convinced when you come to hear the cause it will be deemed excusable. I have at various times been down the country, and generally calculated on being in Hillsboro; yet was prevented by my business, which I well know you would not approve of my neglect- ing; especially when I inform you that I will if possible do myself the great Pleasure of seeing yourself Mrs. Ruffin and the little children in the summer: after next Guilford Court. As to myself, I feign hope, I have so far passed the threshold of my profession, that with ordinary care, prudence and industry, a prosperous and safe passage may be had through life. Notwithstanding I am "a foreigner, an alien as to this country" and "a citizen of another State, one who had no right to settle here and expect to be employed and en- couraged where there are so many native citizens of equal merit in the country." I say notwithstanding all this I hope there is a right for me to believe that by the year 1819 my practice in the County of Burke alone, will be sufficient to support me. (Although as yet I get but little money, it being customary, (which custom I cannot run contra to) for attorneys to trust their clients untill the determination of the cause in which they are employed.) Being convinced that the obligation which your kindness induced you to lay me under towards yourself, proceeded from friendship and a dis- position to serve me, I will only remark if I am as fortunate as I hope, I have a right to expect : I shall make an effort to discharge my contract with you the ensuing fall. iThis Is tie same William Roane who served in the navy. See p. 162, supra. Prior to hie naval service he was in the employ of Judge Murphey. 206 The ITokth Cabolina Histobical Commission. Amongst those of your acquaintances worthy of your enquiry, there is no change since you were in the circuit. Paxton is 'well; as inert in his movements as ever. Though as honest a man, and of as nice and correct principles of honor as any man I ever saw. Old "Brother Robt." Henry is a generous man, and so also may I say of several other Gen'men in the profession, but as to the younger ones, they are like men of similar standing in other districts. You know in all professions men of envious and malicious dispositions will be found. As to myself I am not popular amongst the latter class, being to independent for a Junior. Accept Sir of my best wishes for the health and happiness of yourself and all connected with you, give my respects to Mrs. Ruffin, tell the chil- dren (some of whom remember me) how do ye for me, and remember me to Mr. Kirkland Mrs. Kirkland and family. P. S. I hope I may be allowed to hint. I write to my friends the sentiments of the moment — if correct I wish but few to see them if in- correct none. County Court is now sitting here. 3 days ago the moun- tains on both sides of us were covered with snow. [Address: HiUsboro IST. C] From James Graham. LiNCOLNTON June the 1st. 1818. On my return yesterday after being absent a fortnight I found your friendly letter of the 15th ult., in which you very politely invite me to partake of your new offilce and likewise to assist in making preparation for my approaching examination for this, as well as many other indica- tions of friendship. I am heartily obliged to you. I am apprehensive however it will not be in my power to be in Hillsboro' before the supreme court; the county courts which I attend are just over and I have one month only left to read and the course which I have before me requires every effort which industry is capable of making. The very extraordi- nary anxiety which I feel on the occasion and have felt for a considerable time operates very materially to retard my exertions, would to God I could divest myself of those unpleasant feelings tho' I consider them as in some degree necessary and aposite to every one who has a proper regard for his reputation. You ask relative to my success and plans? My success has entirely equalled my expectations however I have rather considered myself as the student than the Lawyer, in the business with which I have been entrusted much care has been taken to guard against error and not without an eye to the success and interest of one whose character and hopes must depend somewhat upon the first impressions. As to my plans I have [not] fixed upon any which may not be changed by subsequent contingencies, which, by the bye, I recollect is contrary The Euffin Papees. 207 to your advice and not at peace with my notions of business. I cannot become reconciled to this part of the country and owing to my prepara- tory course for application for Licence I have not been able to look around and contrast the different prospects. Judge Webb^ and my Eldest brother set off a fortnight since to the Alabama Territory they both contemplate moving there if the country corresponds with the repre- sentations and reports which they have heard. I have not seen Judge Burton^ since I came to town but I am Informed he has resigned. I think the next Legislature may take a hint from this which will induce them to increase the salary of the Judges and perhaps make some alteration in the Judiciary system: This is the general impression here and I believe throughout the western part of the State. If I can, any way, get off in time I will be in Hillsboro a day or two before the supreme court tho' I am fearful I cannot. It would be of infinite service to be examined before the fiery ordeal which awaits me, as I have not at present so much as an opportunity of even asking a Law question and of course my ideas want a good deal of pruning and dressing in order to pass correctly among your honours. I have found considerable difficulty in procuring books to read and utterly imprac- ticable to obtain some which I deemed essential as the mail hour is out and I hope to have pleasure of making a more full communication in person in few weeks I therefore must conclude. Present my respects to Mrs. Ruffin and Mr. Kirklands Family and be assured that I remain your friend and humble Svt. The Honourable Thomas Suffin. [Address: Hillsboro' N. C] From Sterling Buffin. Oakland 10th July 1818. I should have sent "William* down at the time you advis'd but Sally was unable to travel from improper shoeing. I regret exceedingly that the attempt to get a successor to Mr. Eogers* did not succeed. I have no expectation that he will advance his scholars more this session than here- tofore; his system is entirely unlike every other teacher I have ever heard of, and I cannot but be surpris'd that so much talents as there is in Hillsboro, all of which is immediately, or remotely interested in the iHenry Y. Webb. 2Burton had been elected to the bench a short time before, but after riding one circuit he resigned. swilllam F. Ruffin, a younger brother of Thomas Ruffln. 4John Rogers, a graduate of Georgetown, had for some time been conducting a classical academy at Hillsboro under the direction of Rev. John Wither- epoon. He seems to have been a most successful teacher. 208 The North Carolina Historical Commibsioit. prosperity of that institution should suffer him to persue it. There is not one fourth of the grammar which is taught by him, and no more after twelve months reading than when they began. Can it be possible that boys not void of understanding should be justly dealt by, and only read a few chapters in one small book, and a very small part of the gram- mer in three whole sessions ? and what is very strange to me none of you appear either to feel or care for it. I am fearful that I am not doing William justice in again commiting him to the care of that man and am confident that unless he improves more than he has done it will be the last time. Are you not one of the trustees? forget not your duty; if you are not pray remind those who are of the absolute necessity of attending more to the interest of the school than they have done. My note at Bank will be due next month; inclos'd you will receive $50.00 to renew it, it is more than the sum due, but pay it all in — Know of John when his note is payable and what is my proportion and write me in time. I have commenced building in Leaksville, and shall be very hard push'd for Cash. Let me entreat your exertions in favour of this point for the establishment of an agency of the State Bank. The question is not whether Leaksville is to put down Milton, or visa versa, but whether both is to put down Danville and thereby bring the whole Virginia trade to No. Carolina. That some place above Danville, and not below it, is to effect this, is so evident that I am astonish'd any person or common observation should for a moment doubt. The truth is, that Danville or some higher point must ultimately succeed to a very considerable extent. Taking it for granted (and I believe there are none who question it) that the great place is to be at the lower end of the canal where the boats navigating Dan River will deposit their loads, it is not to be presum'd that any place as near that as Milton, can do much for any length of time; while all are making exertions for the mastery it may share with the others, particularly as it has had a good start, but depend upon it, it cannot hold out. It will be a great misfortune if so much personal wealth and exertion as is now center'd in Leaksville should be crushed for the want of some aid from the publick. Jackson is now quite out of the question, not a single lot sold on the last day appointed for that purpose ; two or three of the former partners have sold out to men of no enterprize or capital, and Clay gone to the western Country. Here it is not spoken of at all. Madison and Hairstonborough has not yet come into repute, at the latter place there were three or four lots cry'd out, tho' not believed to have been sold. The dry weather continues. I have had not rain of any consequence since you left us, still my crop is tolerably good. Enquire of John whether he has received any information of James Eoane. I shall anxiously wait to hear from you. Remember us affectionately to your uncle and family. [Address: Raleigh JST. C] The Euffin Papers. 209 From A. D. Mwrphey. Haw Eiver 17th July 1818. My "Wife lias been unwell for a Week past and is at this time too weak to ride to Hillsboro', without a change of Weather. I beg you to send up my Clothes by the Stage on Sunday — will you be good enough to ask Anne to wrap them up in a Handkerchief? I must send my Notes to Raleigh and Fayetteville on next Week — I must entreat you to get Mr. Kirkland to indorse them, lest Something Should prevent his Coming up on Sunday. Send them to me by Mr. Hunter, or by the Mail. Mr. Price-' is here with his Surveyor etc. They will go on Tomorrow. I have just finished their Instructions, which I have given much in Detail, as it is out of my power to be much with them. ******* Honble. Thomas Ruffin esqr. On Monday we broke ground and commenced the Canal on the Cape Pear. [Address: Hillsboro'] John L. Henderson? September the 15th 1818. The ofSce of Clerk and Master for this county will become vacant next court. Permit me to recommend Alfred Macay to your notice as a candidate to fill that vacancy. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Thomas T. Armstrong. Geemanton 31st Sept, 1818. Agreeably to my expectations when I saw you, Genl. Williams resigned his office at our last Court. Mr. Matthew Moore and I were the only candidates to fill the vacancy, and Mr. Moore was elected. TJpon informing the Justices that I had been to you for the purpose of resigning my office, the opposite party, who are famous for intrigue iJonathan Price of New Bern was in cliarge of the surveys then heing made for the proposed internal Improvements in the State. 2John Lawson Henderson, 1778-1844, a son of Judge Richard Henderson. 14 210 The Noeth OAEOLiisrA Histoeicai, Commission. suggested that I had gone to you for the purpose of making an arrange- ment to have my son appointed to succeed me and this they industriously inculcated into the minds of the justices which turnd. the current against me and I lost the Election by four votes. They had no authority what- ever for their assertions except their knowledge of his ability to perform the duties of the appointment and your well known friendship toward me. [Address: Hillsboro.] J. F. May to Thomas Rwfjin. Petbksbo. Octo. 10. 1818. I wrote you a hasty letter last eveng. to go by mail which I find left this place the day before and goes only once a week ; — I have just been informed of a safe private conveyance; and therefore enclose you the copy record, suit recently brought in the name of Jos. Bragg and Benjn. Jones partners etc. for my benefit. If nothing can be done, send me the record by any safe hand at your leisure. Yrs. cordially J. r. May. Hon. Ths. C. Euffin. ■ P. S. The addition of your second name is a mere mistake of the pen, growing perhaps out of old feelings and recollections. I certainly have no such spite as would induce me to put an alia^ to it, especially in 'S. Carolina. [Address : Hillsboro' N". C] From Romulus M. Saunders to William Norwood. Deer. 2nd. 1818. Much local business is before us — on yesterday the Supreme Court bill, with a salary of $2500 for the Judges passed the Senate and to- morrow it comes on in the house, where I think it will also pass. I am in hopes to get off before Christmas. [Address : William N"orwood Esqr. Atto at Law Hillsborough.] The Euffin Papers. 211 From Archibald D. Murphey. „ Ti • J Raleigh. 3d. Deer. 1818. Dear Fnend. The Bill to appoint three Judges to hold the Supreme Court has passed its Second reading in both Houses. In the Senate 42 to 16. in the Com- mons 80 to 44. The Salary $2500. This will surprise you as it has every one here. It will probably be read the third Time and passed in each House Tomorrow. To Night the enquiry every where is, who are to be the Judges? — I wish you were here to help our Friend Seawell.^ I fear his Chance is not good, great efforts are making for Taylor,^ and dont be surprised if he be elected. L. Henderson' will be one, I believe. I was waited upon this evening to know whether my name should be used. I intend to be governed by circumstances. If I see my way clear, poorly qualified as I am, I shall enter the Lists. I have been confined to my room constantly and know nothing but from those, who have busi- ness with me. James Mebane tells me, that L. Henderson, Gaston* and myself will be elected, if in nomination. He "is well acquainted with the Members and is influential. In all this you will know how easily we may be deceived. One day more may give a different Aspect to things, and probably will. The Salary of the Circuit Judges will be raised to $2000, 1 think they will probably be located. — ^We have a liberal and intelligent Legislature. When will you be down? No Nomination is yet made to fill the vacancy on the Bench. Nash,^ Toomer,* Paxton'' and Miller* will all be in Nomination. I can't even conjecture who will be elected. — Pray write to me. Remember me Affectionately to Anne and Cornelia^ to Mr. Mrkland and his Family. - Yours Affectionately A. D. MUBPHEY. Honble Thos. Ruffin esqr. [Address : Hillsborough.] iHenry Seawall of Wake, 1772-1835. He had been appointed a judge in 1810 by the governor and council, but the legislature failed to confirm the appoint- ment. He was appointed and confirmed in 1813 and resigned in 1819. 2John Louis Taylor of Cumberland, a native of Ireland, who had been a Superior Court judge since 1798. He became chief justice of the new court and held that position until his death in 1829. SLeonard Henderson of Granville, 1772-1833, one of the ablest lawyers in the State, who had been a Superior Court judge from 1808 to 1816. He was elected to the Supreme Court and became chief justice in 1829. *William Gaston of Craven, 1778-1844. His public service up to this time had been as a member of the House of Commons from the borough of New Bern for several terms and as a member of Congress from 1813 to 1817, in which latter position he established a national reputation. sFrederick Nash, 1781-1858, formerly of Craven, but now of Orange. He was elected to the Superior Court at this session. 8John D. Toomer of Cumberland. He was also elevated to the Superior bench at this session. 7John Paxton, who was also chosen to the Superior bench. He died in 1826. SGovernor William Miller. 212 The I^okth Cabolina Histoeical Commission. From RomuLus M. Saunders. Kaleigh [Dec] 17th 1818. The Bill relative to the Superior Courts has not been read in our House untill to day, so that I deemed it useless to write you as I could have sayed nothing on the subject, and it being now read only once I can form no certain opinion. The Bill as reported gives to the Circuit Judges the power of fixing time over circuits amongst themselves, if they can agree, if not the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is to determine. This is in principle location — as to its passage I think it problimatical. I endeavoured to ascertain the opinion of the House as well as I could, and think it likely, that should it be preposed to divide the State into two divisions — three circuits in each, that the Judges (one half) ride alternately in the circuits in each division, that it would succeed. This however is mere opinion. The Blank was not offered to be filled in one house, as it was thought best to suffer it to return to the Senate. I under- stand that it will there be filled with 90$ a court. I have but little doubt that 100$ would succeed arid I am induced to believe that this will be the sum fixed on. I think so from what I have heard, and from' the circumstance of almost every attempt of raising fees, succeeding — today there passed the 2nd reading the bill respecting Solicitors and the House readily consented to give to the Attorney Grenl. $100 — for attending the Superior Court. Miller is in nomination for Judge. I should have been glad to have written you to more certainty, but you know that "all things are doubtful" which have to pass the ordeal of the Legislature. I expect the bill will pass on Saturday, if so I can inform you, should you not come down before on Sunday as I expect to be in Hillsbo*" then — nothing of consequence before the house. [Address : Hillsborough.] From James Mehane. Raleigh December the 18th. 1818. Since Supper I received yours of the 16th inst. and have this moment returned from a consultation with Mr. Murphy on the subject of it. The Bill relative to the Superior Court is now before the Senate for its second reading as reported by the committee, and will I expect be taken up tomorrow but we cannot hope, however much we may desire it, that the judges will be both located and receive a salary of $100 pr court and indeed it is very doubtful whether the salary will be more than $80 pr court, and the riding to be regulated by the Supreme court. I think it would be well for you to come here on Monday next that you may have an opportunity to suit your course to occurences, which are as yet very uncertain. The Kuffin Papers. 213 Paxton, 'Nash and Toomer are the judges elect for the Superior Court. "We have this day established an agricultural Society for this State and have elected you a member. As to David Fulton I some time ago searched the muster roll and could not find his name on it, but I will notwithstanding make further search and if I can find anything that will be of use to him I will take every necessary step in the business. I remain respectfully your friend etc. [Address: Hillsboro.] From George E. Badger. Raleigh Dec— 18, 1818. A ballotting this morning took place for three Circuit Judges — Messrs. Toomer Paxon and Nash and Miller were in nomination. The three first were elected. Toomer 160 Paxon 136 and Nash 106. Miller 60. The Bill to raise the salaries has not yet been acted on. It was re- ported with the sum Blank to the Senate, — 2000 dolls is spoken of and it is expected it will be taken up on Monday. There is no provision for locating the Judges nor have I heard that plan spoken of. My information is not much on the subject and in great haste Hon T. EuflSn. [Address : Hillsborough.] From James 8. Smith}- Washington City, January 27, 1819. I have inclosed you six seed of the wild Olive. It is a beautiful ever- green that grows rapidly and to the hight of 40 feet and the trunk is in some instances two feet through it has a dark green leaf smooth on the surface with the edges a little serrated. Mr. Crawford the Secretary of the Treasury presented me about an hundred they grew in his garden in Georgia. He planted the seed about twelve years since and he informed me that the Tree is now about 8 inches through and twenty feet high the seed must be planted where you wish the Tree to stand as all the evergreens are difficult to transplant. The seed should be planted 2% or 3 inches deep and in light rich earth the sooner these seeds are planted the better as the season for vegetation is fast approaching. [Address : Hillsborough N. C] iMember of Congress from the Orange district. 214 The IsTokth Caeolih-a Historical Commission. From Gabriel Holmes?- [Feb. 7, 1819.J Without ceremony I have sent my son Lucian to Hillsborough with the pleasing expectation that you will take him under your care and patronage and permit him to read Law in your office untill you may think him amply prepared to take a License for the bar. Should you have it in your power to gratify my hopeful wishes and expectations in fitting my son for a license you will greatly oblige Dr. Sir yours Thos. Ruffin Esquire February 7th 1819. [Address: Hillsboro' Orange County IN". C] From Montford Stohes? Washington February 17thj 1819. I am this moment favored with yours from Pittsburg.^ If I did not suppose that your immediate Representative constantly corresponded with, and sent you the public documents before Congress, I should not soon forgive myself for neglecting to do so myself : — For be assured there is no man in North Carolina for whom I entertain a more sincere esteem than yourself. But it has grown into a kind of agreement here, that the Representatives from the different districts send the public papers of importance to their respective Constituents ; and the Senators send them to the different Departments of the State Government. Under this im- pression, I have totally neglected many of my friends, who had a just claim to my attention, and by whom I hope not to be forgotten. I am sorry to be informed by you, in addition to the information from others that Judge Seawell was treated unfairly as well as ungenerously at the last Assembly at Raleigh. But after the treatment I myself re- ceived at the same place upon a sip.ilar occasion, I cannot be surprised at the degrading and disgraceful conduct of some men who foist them- selves into that body. It is not known to many, (because I have long been taught the folly of complaining,) that I was shamefully and clan- destinely defrauded out of my Election as Senator on the first balloting that took place for the six years. And the fraud was exultingly ac- knowledged in my presence. The circumstance being known to a few iGabrlel Holmes of Sampson, state senator, 1807; governor, 1821; memter of Congress, 1825-1829. 2Montford Stokes of "Wilkes, 1760-1842, United States senator, 1816-1823; governor, 1831-1833. 3TMs spelling for Pittsboro was not unusual at this time. The Euffin Papers. 215 of mjr friends, it rivitted them more strongly to my pretensions, and I was ultimately successful. This success prevented me from carrying the matter further. I had gained my object, and felt no disposition to dirty my hands "with the blood of scoundrels. In the particular ease of Judge Seawell I can only say that I am proud that so many of our distinguished Citizens besides yourself have given me their Opinions which perfectly accord with my own as to the merits and just pretensions of Judge Seawell. You may rely on it that I shall not omit any opportunity which may occur, to promote him as far as my feeble efforts extend.^ I will however state to you, that although the Bill for appointing nine Circuit Judges has passed the Senate, it is very uncertain whether it will pass in the H. Eep. We have just passed finally a Bill which increases the salaries of the present circuit Judges, and I expect this is as far as Congress will go at this session. I voted against the first mentioned Bill for the 9 Circuits ; not because I had any objections to the Bill or the principle; but merely because, as regarded the state of N. Carolina, and some of the adjoining states, the situation of the Docket did not require such 0. change. With respect to other business before Congress, we are progressing slowly. The H. Eep. have spent two weeks debating the question on the Seminole War ; and by the time they get through the Bank question, the Session will be nearly at an end. I know not your opinion on the affair of Genl. Jackson, but for myself, although I admit he went to the extent of his authority, I cannot say he has deserved the censure of the Government. Much pains being taken by some of our Representatives to circulate the speech of Mr. Clay cen- suring the conduct of Genl. Jackson, I take, the liberty of enclosing you Genl. Smyth's* speech in opposition. You will judge for yourself. I have not written to Judge Seawell nor he to me, since I have been here. If you fall in with him, be so good as present my respects. Tho. Euffin Esqr. From James Graham. Lincoln Vesuvius Fubnace March the 1st, 1819. Having waited a considerable time to write you by Judge Paxton and at last disappointed as we have recently been informed he would ride the Morganton circuit instead of Hillsboro' I am now determined not to omit or delay any longer. I have just finished my county court circuit iThrough the influence of Stokes, Judge Seawell in 1820 was appointed one of the commissioners, Under the treaty of Ghent, to award damages for slaves taken away by the British in the war of 1812. ^Alexander Smyth, a member of Congress from Virginia. 216 The Nobth Caeomna Histobical Commission. at Mecklenburg last week and am on the return to Lincolnton ; since July last I have added Burke and Rutherford to the counties in which I before practiced and have been favoured with Judge Paxton's business in the county and superior courts of Rutherford. Much murmering pervades this riding in consequence of Paxton's presiding here this sping and should not be surprised if the western member in the next general As- sembly show his Excellency that their suffrage will not be given to a man who, to say the least, overlooks them. We have just been informed of the resignation of Judge Seawell and are at a loss to know who will be appointed in his room all that we are certain about it, is that we don't want Billy Miller upon the bench. Jos. Wilson^ has just returned from the Alabama and has purchased Land and says he thinks he will in two or three years move to the that Country tho' here where so many talk of moving we believe he will not go or any other man who does not immediately pack up and move off after his return. Webb moved on the 25 of Deem last and left his land unsold. Our brethren are marrying here quite fast Shipp,* Caldwell* and Martin all within two moons. The Catawba company has just commenced cutting a canal round the moun- tain Island Falls which will be about three quarters of a mile, they expect to remove every obstruction in the River by the 1st of October next from Morganton to the South Carolina line and if the ensuing summer should be favourable I have no doubt the work will be com- pleted.* Many persons are spoken of as candidates for Congress in this district as yet however none have declared themselves, it is believed Capt. John Reid* will oppose the present member, in the Mountain District Joseph M. Carson.* Porter'' and Walker* are the candidates and con- siderable exertions have already been made among their respective friends. Porter says he's Ball against the field and will distance the other two. I rather presume it will be a close race between the three. The seperate Supreme court seems to be quite popular in this section of the State and I believe the body of the people would cheerfully have paid circuit Judges at least two thousand dollars per annum. I must ask the favour of your Opinion on a legal question which grows out of the following clause in a Will — "If any one of my Legatees should die iJoseph Wilson of Mecklenburg, a distinguished lawyer who served in the legislature and as solicitor. 2Bartlett Shipp, 1786-1869. He married Susan Forney. sprobably D. F. Caldwell. 4This work was never completed. BJohn Reid of Lincoln, state senator, 1810-1811, 1817, and 1818. 6Joseph M. Carson of Rutherford, member of the House of Commons, 1812- 1815, 1835; state senator, 1832, 1836-1840; delegate to the convention of 1835. This was a strange slip of Graham's as he was never a member of Congress. TWilliam Porter of Rutherford, for many years a member of the House of Commons. SFellx Walker of Rutherford, 1753-1828, a native of Virginia who accom- panied Daniel Boone on his trip to the West in 1774. He was a member of the Commons for a number of terms, and after serving in Congress from 1817 to 1823 was defeated and moved to Mississippi. The Ktjffin Papers. 217 unmarried that particular portion, hereby willed to him or her is to be equally divided amongst the rest of my Legatees: Or if any of them should marry or die without issue, that portion of property hereby vested in him or her shall by virtue of this will revert to the rest of my Lega- tees." Quere whether (the latter part involves the doubt) if one of the Daughters of the Testator marries and dies without Issue, is her husband or her brothers and sisters entitled to her property. Your opinion on this question and a reference to the doctrine and cases on which it is founded will very much oblige me, as there is a diversity of opinions on the question, and it is probable a suit may be brought to decide it. I have beared nothing from Hillsboro' since last July except once by Mr. Mangum of Salisbury who I presume hears from the boro' more fre- quently than I do, and perhaps it would be doing injustice to his feelings to say he hears without a palpitation a little v/nder the left breast; the heat in his left side would create steam enough to propell a Seventy four. Blessed be the man who first invented "the compound of hopes and fears made of storms and deluges of Tears." I am quite sorry I did not see Dr. Webb and family when on a visit to his brother here, and I being in Lincolnton never beared of them untill they were gone. I feel a strong inclination to visit Hillsboro' in June next as it is probable shall have some business in Fayetteville about that time, whether my situation at that time will permit an excurtion of that kind I am not yet certain. I regretted to hear our friend N". Smith of Chatham had left the state and also of Brother Boons' death which I fear was occasioned by intem- perance; its truly lamentable that a man who has married an amiable woman, and when of course he no longer lives for himself alone, but for others, should surrender himself a sacrifice to a never ceasing thirst. Burton and Osborn B. Pickens and R. Henrie are all heavy laden with the essance of rye, so much so that their vessels are a good deal crippled and weather beaten. I should thank you to write me in what counties you contemplate practicing. Present my best respects, if you please, to Mrs. Euffin, and Mrs. Kirkland. Tell Brother Badger and wife I con- gratulate them on the Marriage and only regret that I am not similarly disposed of. I have understood sir you intended moveing over to Dan Eiver if this be correct I presume you have given out our Tour through the Alabama and the country west of the Mississippi River "which you talked of last summer; I am told by Jo. Wilson, the Alibama is as yet a poor country for a Lawyer. I should be glad to receive a letter from you shortly and be pleased to accept my best wishes for yourself and family. The Honourable Thomas Ruffin Esqr. [Address: Hillsboro' K C] 218 The !N^okth Cabolina Histoeical Commission. From Archibald D. Murphey. _ n - , Rockingham. 19tli. March 1819: JJear Friend. Thus far I have had a very pleasant Circuit. The Bar and the People have been kind and polite, and we have done a good deal of plain busi- ness. If the Circuit prove as agreeable all round, I shall be a little dis- appointed. I have not heard from Orange since I left it. Today I set out for Mr. Roanes, and from Lumberton shall go to Fayetteville, where I hope to receive Letters. I have been to Sneedsboro',^ and the business there is finally arranged. It is a pretty place, and with some exertion may be made a place of con- siderable Commerce. About 2.000 Bales of Cotton are received there this Season. The Company get about 100 Lots, some of them well improved, and 1160 Acres of Land lying around the Town. For this Property the Price is $38,410. Of this Sum $10,000 are to be paid by the Company, and to be paid during this Year. For the Residue the Company are not bound. Mr. Johnson is to receive Payment out of the Proceeds of the Sales. The Stock is divided into Shares of $1,000 each, and the fraction of a Share. You will see that each Share will have to pay less than $300. One half of the Instalments to be paid Mr. Johnson, fall due in May, each Share having to advance about $135. at that time, and the same amount in Nov'. Are you disposed to take an Interest in the Company? Write to me at Fayetteville, and say whether you will take any Shares, and if so, how many. Say Nothing about this business, except to Mr. Hamon. He and Coke, take 2 Shares. God bless You. [Address : Pittsborough.] From George McNeill. Fayetteville 30th Mar. 1819. I have reed, your esteem*, favor dated yesterday and I shall attend to getting the mattress — ^but there are few opportunities of sending any thing to Hillsborough just now. On the subject of Bank Stock it is difficult to form any correct opin- ion — ^the Banking business has been carried to its height and it must take, if it has not already taken a retrograde movement. If I had money to invest in Bank Stock I should prefer that of the United States Bank to any other. It being at all times most easily converted into money- — and I think the most likely to rise in price — and it will probably pay the lA town in Anson County, now dead. Cf. Hoyt, ed., The Murphey Papers, I, p. 131. The Etjffin Papers. 219 best dividends. I have no doubt but that the dividends of the TJ. S. Bank will hereafter average 8 p. Cent and if so the stock will rise to at least $133, and as I do not think that the local Banks will be able to divide more than 8 p. cent, if that, and their stock will come down to $120 and probably lower, the relative difference in the price of stock and the dividends, I account for by the U. S. Bank having a wider field for opperations consequently it will attract more the attentions of Capi- talists at home and abroad. I think Phil*, and New York the best places to buy the stock — but how to place funds in those places I cannot advise you, unless you can get a check of the State Bank — private Dfts may be had here at 60@90 days, but that would not answer your purpose, as it is doubtful whether they would negotiate and at any rate you would have to pay a commis- sion of 2% p. cent for doing it, — the Stock might probably be purchased as low in Charleston and you can get funds there by giving %@1 p. cent for checks or you can get the Charleston N'otes at par. I would send the Dfts on the Genl. Post Office to Washington and direct the stock for that amount to be purchased there, but if preferable the IT. S. Bank will cash the Dft — and it is probable they would give you a check on Charleston for the amount of it. If I wished to remit funds to N'ew York or Phil*. I would send to Charleston to do it. Next to the TJ. S. Bank Stock I would [prefer] Cape Fear Stock. Any service I can render you in the business you will please command. [Address : Ealeigh, N. C] From Gabriel Holmes. MoNTPBLLiEB. [April 20, 1819] Your letter dated at Raleigh mentioning the Eeceipt of mine by Lucian and your final conclusion to receive him in your ofiilce came safely to hand. Permit me to assure you that no recent Occurrence has given rise to more grateful and satisfactory emotions than that letter. Your very friendly and polite assurance of disposition to serve any member of my family is truly flattering to my pride and sensibility. But to take my son in the Character of a Student immediately under your care and patronage, contrary to your established usage, the solicitations of many gentlemen notwithstanding, is to me so imperiously obligatory that the nature and warmth of my acknowledgments can only be appreciated in that bosom that gave them existence. In a conversation with Mrs. Dil- lard that Most amiable Lady, as well from others, I learned the latter point of my letter. It never occurred to me to make the necessary enquiry whether you received Students or otherwise. I therefore greatly fear 220 The IN'oeth Cabolina Histokical Commission. my Dear Sir that my conduct lias been intrusive and too familiar rather than polite and formal. Touching the time and studies of Lueian, wUl you do me the pleasure to regulate them after your own way, untill jou think him perfectly prepared to do Justice to his client, credit to him- self, and not dishonour his preceptor. Then and not till then, let him go into the world. Lueian I hope will be industrious and attentive to his studies and your candour (the sine qua non) which I most heartily beg you will never withhold from him, cannot fail to make him useful to society. Will you be so obliging as to make my unfeigned respects to Mrs. Kuffin, and believe me Yours very sincerely Thos. Kuffin Esqr. 20th April 1819. [Address : Hillsborough IsT. C] From John F. May. Peteesbg. May 13th, 1819. Your kind letter of the 5th ult. reached me at a moment when I was so much oppressed with the fatigue of business, that I could not then answer it ; and the same cause has continued from that time till the day before yesterday. I was pained, no little, at the idea that I might pos- sibly have done, what I dare say many wiser men have done, lost a friend for a jest. But how to suggest the idea to you, without giving you cause of complaint against me for that very pain, I was utterly at a loss ; and in that situation I remained, till I could remain so no longer. Six months has elapsed without my hearing from, either in the way of friend- ship or of business; and I knew that either was sufficient, as a motive of action with you, where neither could operate so strongly as in the case at bar. I had no idea that you had forgotten me ; for I knew that the feelings and the sympathies, by which we were bound, had begun too early, and existed too long, to have gone off in that way. I fre- quently heard of you and about you ; and as I always heard of your well being etc, I could not account for my not hearing from you. Your letter gave me much gratification in every view. The view of your feelings towards me, thus unbosomed, was gladdening; the infor- mation of your prosperous affairs was highly pleasing; and the flattering opinions expressed of me contributed their full share or influence upon my worse feelings. I have no doubt that you acted wisely in leaving the bench : and it is with me, a very strong proof of great wisdom, to be capable of acting wisely in such a situation, for I am in the daily habit of seeing wise men act otherwise on such occasions. The RuFFiiir Papers. 221 My own appointment in the Bank was as entirely unexpected, as it was unsought, by me. I was in Richmond on the day, and had been for ten days before, the appointment took place. I had said, and had written on the very day before, that I would, on no account, be a Candidate. After being thus elected, I had made up my mind to resign the ofSce; but the exclusive patriots here, would not give me time to get home, before they threatened to have me turned out next year ; and thus, by the wishes of friends, and the animosities of opponents, I am remaining in office. It does not, and shall not take me from my profession ; to which alone, with the blessing of Heaven, I look for a certain and ample sup- port for me and my family, in spite of all the caliminies of malice, and prejudices of ignorance. I had become, as you probably knew, heartily tired of the country practise; and found, in my office and in the Sup. Cts. of Chancery and Appeals, as much employment as I cared for. Hence I was withdrawing from every court, holden out of this place and the Capitol, except Dinwiddle. I do not think my vocations at all in- compatible: And altho' the writer to whom you perhaps allude, shewed much wit in his anger; and seemed to suppose, as he had, good cause very earnestly to wish, that I would abandon my profession; yet neither I, nor my friends here, ever had an idea of that, as a consequence of my acceding to their wishes. As I presume it can afford not much cause of joy to a man who has to toil at half a dozen country courts for their support and maintenance, I forbear any congratulation upon the prospect of your being blessed, as we say, with just that number of children. I have exactly half as many, and think it enough for any reasonable man. My wife's health, which during last fall and Deer, was better than it had been for many years, has been much worse than it ever was, since the birth of our last but I fondly hope she is now rallying again. My children are all fine ones, and unusually blessed with health. I infer from your letter, as I occasionally now hear, that in these respects, you are extremely happy in your family, having, (a gang — shall I say — of) very fine healthy children; and Mrs. R. enjoying very good health. It would give me great satisfaction to see you all ; and if I am ever gentleman enough to be able to leave home on visit of pure unmixed pleasure, I will see you. Will you not have some occasion to visit us soon ? I think it would be well worth your while, if for no other purpose than to apprize the merchts. that you have come down to the bargain. Fare well! God bless you and yours. Th. Ruffin esq. [Address: Hillsborough !N". C] 222 The North Carolina Historical Commission. From William Polh?- [Kaleigh liT. C, May 20, 1819] After the Jury returned a verdict yesterday in the case of the Newhern Bank vs Saml. High etc. the case of some person against Jno. D. Delacy^ was called, upon which Mr. Seawell observed "that Col. Polk could testify as to his Delacy's hand writing" or words to that import, and accompanyed the observation with a significant laugh. It is possible I may have misconstrued the meaning Mr. S. had, in making the obser- vation he did, and that I may be better satisfied in that respect, I ask it as a favor that you will state to me, what were your impressions at the time. I make this request of you, because I know you heard the words spoken and a reply made by me at the time, and my recollection does not serve me as to any other person who did notice the conversation. Your answer will much oblige, From George McNeill. Baltimore — July 8th 1819. I called to see Mr. Walker as I passed thro' Petersburg and got Va. Bank notes for the check I remitted to him on your account ; Mr. Walker had been waiting, expecting to get a check from the Bank on this place, but was disappointed — the Bills which the Bank expected to derive the funds from were returned "protested" — ^you however have gained by the delay — the Bank has made no dividend and stock is falling — there will be some discount on the Va. notes. I have put them into the hands of Campbell, Ritchie and Co. (a very worthy concern) who will attend to the business and have the certificate stock ready here against my return from New York. The Dft on post office department has been paid. Stock is worth 89@90 in this place. There is much distress here, but it is confined chiefly to adventuring and not to the regular merchants, but the whole community is more or less affected by them — they are of three classes — 1st Speculators in U. S. Bank Stocks. 2nd. Pirates, call* South American or patriot Privateers. 3 — Traders in the African slave trade, in connection with the priva- teers. That infamous traficing and plundering has been carried on to iColonel William Polk, 1756-1830, a native of Mecklenburg and a colonel in the Revolution. He settled at Raleigh when the town was founded and was thereafter one of the leading men of the place. 2John Devereux Delacy, who came to North Carolina in 1813 to make surveys and organize steamship companies for Robert Fulton. Falling in this, he later entered the employment of the Neuse Navigation Company. The EtTFFm Papers. 223 a great extent — ^most of the parties are now however reaping part of their reward, infamy and ruin stares them in the face — they disgrace the whole country, and the Laws should be so amended as not to be evaded with impunity. I leave this evening for Phi*. My best love to you and yours and our Dear friends near you. P. S. The crops are fine, said to be better than they have, for the last 20 years — the wheat Harvest is about one-half over in this State. [Address: Hillsborough N". C] From Sterling Bwfjin. Rockingham 13th July 1819. For a few days past I have laboured under a cold which has so affected my head that I am now (altho' much better) afraid to expose myself too much to the Sun, which prevents my coming to Caswell to see you ; have therefore got James to ride down, as I am very anxious to hear from all my family, and friends, in Hillsboro, and to get an answer to my letter by William. I am well aware that the Mr. Williams's will be very much disappointed in not receiving payment from me agreeably to contract, but it will be impossible under existing circumstances, unless (as I observ'd before) Capt. Hobson should obtain payment of the money due him in Richmond, which is I think not to be expected. Per- haps in consequence of the great and unforeseen change in things, they may wish not to remove and it would suit their convenience to keep the land and give up the contract ; if so, I am entirely willing even at the inconvenience of living here another year. Of this you can inform your- self without directly making the enquiry. In this section of Country, we are now borne down under the extreme pressure for money, but the distress experienced now, is nothing to what will be felt ere long. Most of the dealers with the agency at Leaksville are farmers who have engaged largely in the purchase of tobo. which having almost perish'd in their hands leave them without resources to meet their payments at Bank, what they will do I know not. I have an order for what money is due Joseph Roe from your tan yard for clothing, which I mention'd to Mr. Kirkland, I wish you would receive it, and apply to my credit with you for Wms. schooling, as I suppose you have paid it, and let me know the amount that I may give his father credit for it. Let me know whether you have reed the money on Lyons notes, or what you have done with them. James by my advice, intends reading Law ; he will come down about the first of Septr. He informs me that Mr. Cain has invited him to his house, which friendly offer I have advis'd him to accept of, as it would be burdensome to you to have 224 The Nokth Caeolina Histokical Commission. him and William both, and might produce some unpleasant feelings with Mr. Cain and Mary — as both of your houses are small, I propose sending down a bed, which he and William can both occupy in your office if you have no objection. I have sent you $130.00 to exchange for Virginia, TT. S. or notes on the principle Bank at Raleigh which I shall want on thursday next. My crop is tolerably good, but we are begining to want rain. God bless you. [Address: Caswell Ct. House ^. C] James Walker to Nathaniel Harris. July 17th 1819. I understand you mean to law me as long as you can, for takeing the lock off the Meeting House door, and I also hear your brother Mark has 100 Dollars to spend in the same way — ^let me give you a piece of good advice, when you pay your money to a lawyer for advice tell him the truth, the hole truth, and nothing but the truth. 1st. I suppose the House was built a free House, for and by the IS'eighbourhood, then in that case it belongs to the neighbourhood. 2nd. I suppose there was a deed, executed by your father (to J. Willson, J. Mcfarlin, and IS. Harris and their successors as Trustees for the neigh- bourhood) of a small tract of land including the Meeting House, then in that case the Meeting House belongs to the neighbourhood. !N^ow Sir notwithstanding the House being free, you being the head of the Methodical society at that place was applyed to for your consent for a Singing school to be made up and taught at that place, after a while you called your breathren to gather and went out into council, upon three things. Viz. 1st Whether there should be a singing there or not, 2nd whether Linsy should be teacher, or Haley if a singing should be made up there. 3th to say whether it should be of working days, or of Satur- days and Sundays. You returned and was ask'd, have you agreed for singing to be here ? You said we have agreed that there may. You was ask'd, which man have you pick'd upon? You said we have chosen Haley. You was ask'd what days. You said Satturdays and Sundays — thus Sir if you had any right to the Meeting House, you at that time gave it away to Haley, and the Subscribers. Viz. every other Satturday and Sunday — thus Sir haveing shewn you that the House belong to the Neighbourhood originally and dose yet by Deed also — and that you Methodist gave your right of it up to Haley and the subscribers every other Saturday and Sunday, I proceed to lay before you some of your and your brother Marks improper and unkooth conduct in that affair. The Etjffin Papers. 225 J Wilson is no more. J. Mcfarlin is gone to Tennessee, and I am told carried off the Deed (and it not being recorded) so that there's but one Trustee left. Now sir what can one Trustee doe? I tell you nothing, without a majority, you have no more right without a majority than I have there must be some constituted and appointed by the neighbourhood before you can act, or do anything What right have you or any one to put a lock to that House, and lock the door against the rightef ul owners ? it shews you want to Tyrenise over the neighbourhood, and usurp sole authority. What sort of a man must you be when you lock'd the door against Hailey and all the Scholars, when you pick'd upon the man that should Sing, the place, and time? how dare a man to brake his word especially a Christian ? What sort of a man must you be when you went to that house quarreled with some of the Scholars on Sunday and told Hailey you would lock the door if he gave any intermishon? it shews plainly you wish to tyranise, rule and sway, and take the rights of others from them. You are not a man of your word. You shews plainly how you would vent your splean if the Deed was made to Asbery and Hoke and there successors — ah how you would then make me smoke for taking off the lock — and it further shews you are very far from being a good man much less a Christian. I have said Hailey would have serv'd you but right when you came there quarrling and threatening, to lock the door, and makeing disorder there, to have taken you by the Hand, lead you to the door and kicked you out. If it had been some men they would have made no bones to have done it. I hear you have been talking "with a lawyer. I have not seen one, let me tell you; that you are not yet Bonapart; when in his glory. You have not yet arive to absolute sov- ereignty; if you have to a demanabobs sovereignty over your Society. I thought to have wrote a great deal more, but I fear this will make Old Saton rage in you worce than ever. I trust and hope you will see your error, and amend your life and when you depart this life be a better man than you now are. I am yours etc, Mr. Nathaniel Harris. Jas. Walker N. B. I don't write this to make you mad. I have wrote nothing but the truth ; and what I believe to be the truth. J. W. [Address: Mr. Nathanl Harris Orange County.] From William Roane. WiLKESBORO N". C. 3rd Augst. 1819. Seldom having anything to speak of than myself is the reason of my silence, as I have an utter avertion to anything savoring of egotism. Yet am I convinced that never to communicate to you my situation and 15 226 The N"okth Cabolina Histoeical Commission. prospects would be sligliting that friendsMp you have always professed and exercised towards me. My prospects in this country are as good as those of any man in the State commencing life under similar circumstances. I shall in 10 or 15 years make some property and acquire in all probability celebrity as a Lawyer and a popular standing as a citizen. This is a rational conclu- sion when we reflect that with the worst possible means I have in two years exceeded the most sanguine hopes of either self or friends, and am I well convinced that with the same enterprise and industry I have ex- pended in this poor mountainous country I could have in this had I settled at St. Stevens or some other elegable place in the Southern section of the States acquired a good estate. To give a semblance of probability to the assertion I will give my reason for believing so by an example coming to my own knowledge, Soon after I commenced the practice of the Law — I had reading with me a young man of ordinary talents little industry and dissipated habits. This young man after reading some time and finding no prospect of acquiring in a reasonable time a License here went and settled in the Alabama perhaps at the falls of the Tuscaloosa and commensed practice in the adjoining courts just before he left me I examined him and he knew nothing even of the 1st Vol Black, notwithstanding that he is doing more business than I am and has besides acquired some property in Lands whilst I who have maide all the exertions my body has been capable of have only marched on in a snail's pace. This does not suit my disposi- tion. I am always emulous to be amongst the foremost if I cannot go in front. In the foregoing statement you can see the reason of the fol- lowing proposition. You once made me an offer to place funds in my hands for a speculation I did not like. I now am going to mention a project which if you and your friends will join me in I shall undertake. I will mention the whole of my plan which is this ; to go to the AUabama and commence the practice of the Law — provided I can take with me 5 or 10,000$ to lay out in Lands. I have no capital myself and so will have to resort to those who have and are willing to vest it in such prop- erty. The Terms I propose to do business on are to have one half of the profits at the end of 5 years or whatever other Terms may be agreed on. It may be probable that you who live amongst people who rarely engage in distant speculations of Lands, have paid but little attention to the subject. I will just state to you that there are immense bodies of fertile Lands (but little known) now subject to entry at $2 pr. acre and the last installment not due for 5 years, not inferior to such Lands as have been knocked off at the public sales at the most extravagant prices owing to the immense bodies laying in a wilderness state that have been visited only by the public surveyor wild Indian and beasts of the forest. I have a friend (Jno. Caldwell of Morganton) just returned from that country who states that in a few weeks exploring these wilds and enduring some little privation he has acquired at the moderate price of $2 and The Ruffin Papers. 227 oiEcial fees about 2,000 acres of first rate bottom land (not inferior to such as lie purchased by agent at the public sales at the most extravagant prices), and says to me you or any other enterprising young man may do the same only by using a little industry (and he thinks in 5 years the same Lands will bring a thousand per ct. so fertile, such the demand and so fast settling are said Lands). The U. S. agent for selling those Lands (J. Pickens) is a particular friend of whom I can command any infor- mation. Such being the case was I to leave here I should probably estab- lish myself at St. Stephens where he resides and where purchasers of both large and small tracts go to market and, make application to such as have made locations and can shew the Lands and such purchases considering you right certain will often give $10, 15 or 20 pr. acre for your Location although you have made but one payment, they taking upon themselves to make the other payment and perfect the titles. You no doubt see before this what my object is therefore I have only to say if you or your friends have or can make up such a sum and give me such an interest in it as will make it an object for me to desert my present domicile, I should like to do so as the field for a Lawyer to display or is much more elegable in that country than this please write me an answer to Went- worth where I shall be on the 30 Instant. Present my best respects to Mrs. Ruffin and' friends. P., S. I hope you will see the necessity of keeping this letter a secret as my practice would be injured by its being known I have the least thought of leaving here at any time. [Address: Hillsboro K C] From James Iredell. Edenton Aug. 4th 1819. I beg leave to introduce to you the bearer of this letter Mr. Samuel Follett. He will probably reside in Hillsborough during the fall for the purpose of prosecuting in a healthy part of the country the study of the Law in which he has been engaged some time. Permit me to recom- mend him to your attention as a young man of excellent moral character and of modest and amiable manners. Thomas Ruffin Esqr. [Address: Hillsborough N". C] 228 The Nobth Carolina Histobical Commission. From Sterling Buffin. Rockingham 12th Augst. 1819. Capt. Hobson has heard nothing from his agent on the subject of money, I am. much afraid there will be a disappointment; he sets off for Richmd in two or three days at furthest, whether he gets a letter or not, to endeavour to borrow if his own money should not have been reed. But there is so great a probability of his not obtaining any there, that I must request you to look about and stir yourself in my behalf, and see what can be done. Immediately on Hobsons return, (which will be by our Court,) I will inform you what he has done, and how much money I shall want. I have added unavoidably, five hundred dollars to the sum I have to pay Mr. Williams, for Corn etc., etc., which I have to pay the 15th of next month which makes me apprehend that less than $2000, will not answer my purpose. The crops here are ruin'd! In Stokes and the adjoining Countys in Virginia they are worse; corn cannot now be engag'd at any price; and except for the plentiful crop of wheat. We should certainly be threatened with starvation next Year. My crop, altho' the dust has not been laid since the corn first began to shoot, is very good ; with't an accident from now, it will be worth from $2500 to $3000. I made a most fortunate, and advantageous purchase of Williams, his corn not costing more than about two dollars p barrel. Why have you not written me since Charles came up ? We are quite anxious to hear of the State of your health. There are so many of you together that I ought to receive a letter from some one of you every post. Mr. Michaux has leas'd this plantation, the terms one fourth of every thing made on the place, and not to graze the Land. Your Mama and myself enjoy our usual health and join in love to all our dear children. Remember us affectionately to Mr. Kirkland and family. [Address: Hillsborough N. C] From Gabriel Holmes. ■> MoNTPELLiEB. [Sept. 29, 1819] Your letter of August came to hand some time this month. I should have answered it long since, but the indisposition of Mrs. Hobnes has been of such a cast as to diffuse the poppy over my literary hours, she has been confined to her bed for five weeks. Your high commendations of Lucian are extremely grateful to my ear, more especially as I rely on your candour. But I fear the coUouring is rather florid and partakes too much of friendship and partiality. Your wishes, my Dear Sir, relative to his continuance in study till spring term are perfectly con- The Ruffin Papers. 229 cordant with my own. If I mistake not it was to please Lucian that I consented, even for him to consvit you on the subject, as I have placed him under your direction. I beg you will be his great Appolo. I trust that you will tell him when to apply for a license, howsoever anxious he may be to mount the Rostrum. Your mention^ Marie and her better health was also extremely pleasing. Accept, I pray you our acknowl- edgements to yourself and Mrs. Ruffin for your polite attention to her with assurances of our sincere esteem and affection. Thos. Ruffin Esquire 29th Septr. [Address : Hillsborough] From Joseph Gales. Raleigh, Oct. 7, 1819. When we were speaking on the subject of the Election of Directors of the Bank of the IT. States, the other day, it did not occur to either of us, that there was to be a general meeting of the Stockholders in Phila- delphia on the 1st Monday of next month, to take into consideration the concerns of the Bank. Since I saw you, I have reed, a letter from my Son at Washington, who is a stockholder, and a Director of the Washington Branch. He speaks of the meeting as important, and asks if we do not intend sending an Agent to represent us at it, hopes to see me in that character etc. and concludes with sayin, that if we send, no one, he shall attend the meeting, and shall be glad to act for us. I mean, therefore, to send him my Power and those of some others here; and if you have not already commissioned my Friend Wm. T. Birch to act for you, I would propose that you send your Power to Joseph Gales jun. as he will be present at both meetings, and it would be gratifying to him, I believe, to represent us. [Address: Hillsborough] From William Roane. Wentwobth 4th Novr. 1819. On my arrival at this place I found your friendly letter of date 14th August last and I can assert with truth that nothing can give me more satisfaction than the free and candid remarks contained in it on the subject of my Last to you and well am I convinced that when you express a doubt as to the propriety of your giving me advice, that such a doiibt must be excited by modesty, for I cannot believe for one moment that it 230 The ifoKTH Cabolina Historical Commission. originates from a belief excited by any part of my conduct that your admonitions will not by me be considered friendly and Universally Thankfully reed. On the Contra Dear Sir I assure you I consider your advice one of tbe best marks of your Friendship towards me, and I also am convinced that the remarks contained in your Letter are true. My observation this fall Supr. Court Circuit tends to convince me beyond the possibility of a doubt of the correctness of your position. The prospects in the west at the time of my writing the Letter alluded to were brighter than at present, and my prospects here at the same time were then less fair than at this time so that nothing but the fairest appearances of success in so doing would induce me now to give up a certainty for an uncertainty. However I will mention to you an opinion I have entertained ever since I returned to the TJ. S. in 1816 : That 'N. Carolina is not a soil calculated either to Display Grenius or to make a mans fortune when compaired with many parts of the U. S. (I speak confidentially) Every- thing both of a political and domestic nature is tinctured with Nigardly- ness. This Opinion (whether correct or incorrect I cannot say) has been so long by me entertained as to become almost constitutional. At that period I calculated in this way. I have not now funds sufficient to enable me so to fit out as to authorize my venturing far to sea. I must venture on a short cruise: if successful in that then a longer and more distant one. Though vain, I was fearful of relying on my own talents far from those whom I have always found to be friends. I determined to take such a course as the following one. "to wit." Go to the Mountains of N. Carolina where I hope to restore my health (should I find my Legal Talent to authorise such a plan) procure means as soon as able and Transplant myself to some of the regions of the west or southwest where real property is to be procured (for I have always considered real as the most valuable property), and there locate myself for life. True it is that I never told you or any friend excepting A. D. Murphey Esquire my plan untill I wrote you. Yet have I for 3 years entertained the same: though from my peculiar situation I now believe it to be impossable to carry it into effect were it still desirable. I perceive from the whole tenor of your Letter that you ascribe mine to an oscillating disposition, which opinion of yours is perhaps justifyable never having heard me say I calculated on not dying a iN". Carolinian when in truth I entertained the opinion before I was reading Law 6 months. In fact for the purpose of seeing the world : of learning more of mankind and for the purpose of forming a more correct oppinion of the place proper to make for myself a resting place. I say such purposes influenced me much at the time I went into the American ITavy. I do not say that I have absolutely changed my opinions yet my plans from their imprac- ticability can not be carried into effect. I assure you it gratifies me no little to receive from you such a Letter as yours. It is characteristic of genuine and disinterested friendship,. The Euffin Papees. 231 and sucli Letters would be always thankfully reed, could you find idle time to write them in: Yet I am informed you have but little time to spare from the Labors of your Profession. It augurs well and I hope and have no doubt but your time is profitably employed. I congratulate you on your return of health and Mrs. Ruffins also. Should be glad to see you all but cannot guess when I shall have a chance so to do. Please accept my respects your self present my compliments to Mrs. EufBn Cousin Mary your own three oldest children (who I suppose recollect me) Miss C. M. Mr. Kirkland and Family. P. S. A. L. Erwin has several times requested me to pay you for him the amount of some Taxes you advanced on his account he appears to be uneasy about it suppose you enclose me a Little mem*, of the amount to Morganton. Tell Cousin Mary Mamma and family have been all very sickly and I am determined to bring them to R. again, [Address : Hillsboro N. C] From Archibald D. Murphey. Raleigh, 18th, Dec. 1819. Mr. Boylan^ will purchase, I believe. He came to see me last evening and told me, he had made up his mind to make a Contract with me to the Amount of eighteen or twenty thousand Dollars — in which were to be included, my Lands on the Yadkin, Crop and Stock ; and the balance in ITegroes — that he should go up with Mr. Frohock and Carter this eve- ning or Tomorrow. I have a Certainty of Selling either to hiin or Judge Cameron. In reviewing the situation of my Affairs and devising plans for their speedy Settlement, I am of Opinion I should change the Direction of your Generosity as to your Bank Stock. The relief which I shall get by the plan I first proposed, will not be much; and I find I can easily meet all my engagements at the U. S. Bank for the next year by my Flour and Cotton and Tobacco, and certain Other Funds which I can place at Mr. McNeil's Disposal. I must make preparations to meet certain Debts which fall due in January, to private individuals, par- ticularly to John A. Ramsay. I want also make a Payment to Mr. Bagge.^ I have received a Letter from him on the Subject. You will see the force of another reason — the fact of my Selling a Valuable Part of my estate will be known; it will render it more necessary for me to have in hand money to meet the Claims which then fall due, than if I iWiUiam Boylan of Wake, editor of the Minerva, president o'f the State Bank, and one of the best known business men of Raleigh. 2Charles F. Bagge, a banker and business man of Salem. 232 The North Cabolina Historical Commission. did not sell. Let me entreat you then, As you have resolved to aid me, to give your Generosity the Direction which appears to me most ad- visable. I wish to get the Proceeds of your Stock in Money : Out of it first pay the Small 'Note at Fayette ; and hold the other a little Time to meet private Claims how much I may want for this purpose, I cannot now tell. This Direction will best support my Credit, and aid my en- deavours to get through my difficulties. You may rely upon this, that not one cent wiU be misapplied. Should you agree to this, I shall have further to beg you to put in your own note; for they will not discount mine and let me take the Proceeds. I hope to pay 25 or 30,000$, before June — and to pay the greatest Part in next Month. I begin to see my way partly clear in all things relative to my Affairs, except the removal of certain Members belonging to Branches of my Family. This I will effect, even with a Sacrifice. Dont forward the Papers to Mr. McNeil, 'till I see you. Write to me to Haw River by the next Mail. Judge Toomer has resigned — Mr. B — is talked of. Thomas RufBii esqr. [Address: Hillsborough] From Archibald D. Mwphey.^ ^ „ „ Raleigh. 18th February 1820. Dear Bujfm. ******* On Monday night I promised Mr. Jessup to be at his house on my way to the mountain. I have seen him, and he tells me that there is an Abundance of Rich Ores on what he was told was our Lands. I wiU get Charles Banner and examine the Lines, and do aU I can to satisfy myself as to the Prospects in that Quarter. Jessup thinks there is a strong Probability that one entire Nob of the Mountain is made up of a Rock which is the Matrix of a rich Copper Ore. He shewed me a Piece of the Rock, and shewed me the Metal which he had fused from other Parts of it. I entertain a doubt whether this Nob be included within Our Lines. I shall get all the information I can, and give it to You at Hills- boro' during your Court. Address: Raleigh. iThe part of this letter omitted is printed in Hoyt, ed., The Murphey Papers, I, p. 157. The Kuffin Papbks. 233 Nat. Gutting to James 8. Smith. Wak Depaetmbnt, Section of Bounty Lands, The Honble J. S. Smith, March 23d, 1820. Sir, The Pile of documents in the case of the late Lt. Cader Parker, now returned to you herewith, has been laying on my Desk several days to be dispatched; but the current of the business of the OflS.ee has been so pressing and prior Claims so numerous, that I have been laid under the necessity of postponing this reply till the present date. Permit me now to State that every known Record in the Archives of the Genl. Government, which was supposed to have any bearing on the Claim, have been examined; but the N'ame of this original Claimant is no where found. In the course of this investigation, we have learned that a Letter from the Secretary of the State of North Carolina communicates the impor- tant Tact that, in the Archives of that State, there exists a complete and authentic Return, or Muster-Boll, of "the North Carolina Line on Con- tinental Establishment" — during the Revolutionary War: but the said Secretary adds the Remark that, having no assistant in his public Labours, he cannot undertake to send an authentic Transcript of the important Record for the Use of the General Government. Perhaps you may be able to effect this desirable purpose : It might be the means of establishing Claims in behalf of some of your Constituents, which the imperfect state of Bevolutionary Military Records at the seat of Govern- ment, since the Conflagration of the War Oflfice in the year 1800, causes to be rejected. Inclosed herewith you will find the letter of Jos. A. Woods, which you were pleased to transmit to this Office in your communication of the 17th inst. The Authentic Copy of this Discharge which you asked for in his behalf, is folded within the Letter. I have the honor to be, very respectfully. Sir, Your obedt. humbl. Servt. Nat. Cutting. 234 The Noeth Cakolina Histobical Commission. From Charles ManVy?- PiTTSBORO Both March '20. It seems some difference of opinion prevails as to a conversation held between you and myself in the presence of some gentlemen at the last County Court of Chatham in regard to the election of Judge Mangum.^ I am represented to have said that I would not hold the office of Judge Mangum under the circumstances which he did for some immense sum. That you said "then you think the office was unworthily obtained"? To which I replied "Yes I do." Or "Yes I do by God." As a correct understanding of this conversation is of considerable importance to me I hope Sir that you will do me the favor as well as justice of stating as well as you can recollect the precise conversation. A full explanation is respectfully solicited. I pledge myself that your statement shall be deemed confidential nor will I use your name in the matter without yowr consent. From Duncan Cameron. Orange Apl 24th, 1820. I set out on tomorrow for the Northward, (by way of Edenton) to place my son Thomas at school in a colder climate, than that in which we live, in the fond hope that his muscular strength will be increased, and his mental faculties be invigorated. The situation of my family prevented my being at the Sepr. Court, and I regret that I leave home without seeing you. I hope it will accord with your inclination to become a Candidate to represent the county in the house of Commons of the next Assembly. I know by doing so, you must necessarily make some sacrifice of time and pecuniary advantage — ^but I feel confident that such considerations will not prevent you from undertaking the duty. There is a great work on hand (the regeneration of our State Constitution)* in the success of which I feel persuaded you feel in common with many of our friends a deep interest — although there are many well-wishers to the cause yet iCharles Manly, 1795-1871, at this time a practicing lawyer and secretary of the board of trustees of the University. He was later for many years clerk of the House of Commons and was elected governor in 1848. 2Willie Person Mangum of Orange, 1792-1861, one of the most distinguished political figures in North Carolina. He was a member of the House of Com- mons in 1818, 1819, and a state senator, 1840; judge of the Superior Court, 1819-1820, 1827, and 1828-1829; member of Congress, 1823-1826; United States senator, 1831-1837, 1841-1853; president pro tern,., 1841-1845. sjudge Cameron was an ardent advocate of constitutional amendment. The Euffin Papers. 235 tlie number of really efficient labourers in it in the Assembly will be but few. Allow me to say tbat I deem your aid of great importance in carry- ing the business through successfully and I flatter myself if you will not withhold it, there can be no doubt of your election, as I am entirely confident you will receive a general support in every part of the County. I fear it will not be in my power to return home by May County Court. I shall therefore not be able to inform the People in my proper person at that time, that I am again a Candidate for the Senate. I must therefore rely on the attention of my friends to that subject, and beg the favour of you to make it known to the people and to account for my absence from court. Write to me in answer to this. Address to me care of McE [illegible] Hale and Davidson of Philadelphia, to reach me by the middle of May, and if I can do anything for you northwardly, pray favour me with your commands. [Address: Hillsboro'] From William H. RvMn} „ ^ ^„„. " 3 June 1820. This letter will be handed You by my Nephew John Haywood who goes to Hillsborough with a view of studying Law or Physic. Most of John's friends think he would probably make out the best in the latter profession. Should he, however, determine on reading law, and You are willing to take a student, it is preferred that he should be placed under Your direction and tuition. But should he resolve on the study of Medicine, we wish him to study with Doctor "Webb of Your town; having no acquaintance myself with Doctor Webb, I use the freedom of soliciting Your aid so far as to get John in with the Doctor. It will readily be perceived that John's primitive education is quite limited, his father, the late Doctor Henry Haywood of Tarborough, having died when he was an infant, leaving him without estate, his education was in a considerable degree neglected. If, however, for want of more education John be deemed unable to make out tolerably well in the study of either profession, he can turn into the Hillsborough Academy and learn whatever You and Doctor Webb may deem indispensably neces- sary to his purpose. All debts or contracts for Board and tuition which John may make, will be accountable for, and pledge myself shall be paid without delay. John was at one time intended for a merchant and in order to prepare him for that business he was put in the store of Mr. Larkin Newby of ^William H. Ruffin was a first cousin of Thomas Huffin. 236 The IToeth Caeolina Histokical Commission. Fayetteville, where he remained three Years and I understand sustained an unexceptionable character. His term of Service with Mr. N^ewby has expired, and he now expresses anxiety to become a student of Law or physic, but seems not to care much which. Any advice or assistance which You may render my young kinsman in effecting the object of his visit to Hillsborough will be thankfully received by him, and confer an obligation on Dear Sir Your most obedient much obliged and very humble Servant W. H. Rtjffin. [Address : Hillsborough] From Benjamin Smith} ^ „. Judge Muephbts 5th June 1820. IJear air. Judge Murphey had only set off a few hours after dinner yesterday. I sent an Express after him but he has written to me such reasons for not returning that I should have blamed him if he had. I consider it necessary to see him before I could be properly prepared to speak to you on business I wished and therefore yield to his invitation and persu- asion to meet him at Salisbury for which place I am just starting and may probably meet you at Raleigh during the Supreme Court. This reminds me of our interviews a year past which ended with thankfulness on my part but I fear with unfavorable impression on yours. When I began to converse with you I expected to receive a large sum of money. I was disappointed and being detained longer than I counted on when I left home had to borrow a small sum to defray my expenses and with an empty purse could not feel authorised to go further than I did. I requested Mr. Gastons assistance because from former payments to him I considered myself more at liberty. This explanation of a delicate nature is drawn from me and should not have been made but to rescue me from the appearance of trifling which is very far indeed from the disposition of Dr. Sir. ^ , ,, Yours respectfully Ben J. Smith. As Raleigh will be entirely out of my course home where I was ex- pected yesterday, I shall go across the country by Lumberton. Is the iBenjamin Smith of Brunswick, 1756-1826, governor, 1810-1811. The Etjffin Papers. 237 liberty (I would be pleased with your taking with me) too great to ask ;your Servant to call on Clifton and enquire for some Cloths I left to wash 2 shirts, a silk handkerchief, a pair of cotton stockings and to for- ward them by some safe opportunity to B. B. Smith at Raleigh or Mr. G. W. B. Benjamin to Wilmington. He may be expected at Hillsboro daily and I know will take them down cheerfully. Enclosed are 25 Cents which I understand is the price. [Address: Hillsboro'] David Rohertson} to Thomas Buffin. Petbbsbueg 19th June 1820. I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance, the bearer Mr. James E. Dodge^ who having lately obtained a license to practise law goes to your State for the purpose of permanently settling therein, and pursuing his professional avocations. He has resided in this place, two or three years, first and principally in the mercantile line, during which time his conduct has been, I believe, uniformly and strictly correct, and proper. He is a native of the State of New York where his connections are highly respectable. He has not read enough on legal subjects, but as he is very industrious studious and persevering, I entertain no doubt he must succeed, and that he will become a valuable member of your society. The countenance of respectable people at this time may be of incalculable advantage to him. I therefore have recommended to him to become acquainted with you. I know the liberality of your dispo- sition will incline you to befriend him, should it be in your power. Any civility you may think proper to shew to him, will be deemed a favor done to myself. I am sorry you never call to see me when you come to Petersburg. Mrs. Robertson and myself will be always happy to see yourself or any of your family in our house. I remain Dear Sir, with sentiments of great respect and esteem. Honble Thomas Ruffin Esqr. [Address : Orange County N". C] iDavid Robertson was Ruffin's law teacher in Petersburg, Va. 2James R. Dodge, 1795-1880, a native of New York, had been a soldier In the war of 1812. Settling in North Carolina he obtained a large practice at the bar and served for a time as solicitor. Later he was clerk of the Supreme Court at Morganton. He was the warm and intimate friend of Ruffln, Badger, Gaston, and Leonard Henderson. 238 The N'oeth Cabolina Histobical Commission. From John Hall?- Ealeigh July 28t]i— 1820. According to promise, I drop you a line in relation to the time when this court will rise. We will not finish this week, but no doubt we wiU do so, on Monday. Judge Henderson and myself will certainly (barring accidents) leave this on tuesday next. Ifothing new has happened. Ealeigh is becoming very tiresome. [Address : Hillsborough.] From James Graham. Salisbttet August the 15th 1820 I have an opportunity of writing you by my youngest brother, Wil- liam, who is going on to Hillsboro to become a student in your Academy. He has for some time past been with Mr. Muchatt^ in Statesville, and we wish him to finish his education at our University and therefore have sent him to Hillsborough preparatory to his 'admittance on the estab- lishment at Chapel Hill, I trust he will find no difficulty in joining your Academy from the late period of his arrival among you ; which has been occasioned by a short illness of mine about the commencement of your present session: if however he should, I would thank you to endeavour to procure his admittance. My courts render it impossible for me to go on with my brother at this time, but I shall be compelled to go on to see you all in December and I wish never to be compelled to do a thing I regret less. I have recently heard of the resignation of his Honour Judge Murphy and am truly sorry the state has lost so much learning from the Bench : if something is not done by the ensuing Legislature to lighten the burden of our circuit Judges, I am apprehensive they will not last on the bench as long as the new moon. Judge Paxton talks of resigning at the expiration of the present year and before I forget let me tell you his Judgeship is busily employed in attempting to scale the walls of Fort Defiance in Wilks. When he sets out on an expedition to that Quarter he looks as trim and spruce as a youth of twenty and talks of Love as though he was wounded about the kidnies and then thinks I "0 how this Spring of love resembles, The uncertain glory of an April day. Which now, shews forth all beauty of the Sun, And, by and by, a Cloud takes all away." ijohn Hall of Warren, a native of Virginia, had been a judge of the Superior Court from 1800 to 1818. He was now a judge of the Supreme Court. 2Rev. Dr. Muchatt of Statesville, who conducted a classical academy. The Euffin Papeks. 239 In Lincoln this year David Sliuford'- was elected in the Senate over Eobt. Williamson and Wm. Johnston^ and Daniel Conrad* in the Comons. In Iredell Co. Connor* is elected in the senate and Falls and Bell in Comons. Judge Locke^ and A. Henderson* are both elected. I should be glad to hear from you. I have written several times but Reed, no answer. Present, if you please, my respects to Mrs. Ruffin Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland and family also to Mr. Cain and wife. The Honble. T. Euffin Esqr. [Address: Hillsborough N. C] To James F. Taylor!' COPY. „. Raleigh Octr 5. 1820. oir It having been intimated to me since I came to this place, that at the last County Court of Franklin, you used Sundry expressions derogatory to my character, the duty is imposed on me of ascertaining the fact, and of vindicating my reputation. I am aware that I am under the disad- vantage of not being able to specify the particular expressions used — to whom — or on what score. But this is no fault of mine. The aspersion, if any, was uttered behind my back, I am obliged therefore to resort to others for information. I have done so, and have not succeeded in obtaining absolute satisfaction on either side. As soon as I indirectly and indistinctly understood that you had become unfriendly to me I applied to Mr. Badger and Mr. Glynn who attended that court to know whether they had heard from you any thing inimical to me. They both candidly answered in the negative. I then applied to a third gentleman. Col. Barringer,® and required the like information from him. Without admitting that- he heard you use offen- sive language, he declined saying with the others, that he had not. The iDavid Shuford was a well-known local politician of Lincoln County. This was Ms fifth and last term in the state Senate. 2The legislative journals record this name as Johnson. 3Daniel Conrad was another purely local figure. He was seven times a member of the House of Commons. *Colonel Charles D. Connor was a state senator, 1817-1820. He was also a member of the Board of Internal Improvements. 5Francis Locke. «Archibald Henderson of Rowan, 1768-1822, one of the great lawyers of his day and a member of Congress for two terms, 1799-1803, as a Federalist. TJames P. Taylor of Wake, 1791-1828, member of the House of Commons, 1823; attorney-general, 1825-1828. SDaniel L. Barringer of Wake, member of the House of Commons, 1813, 1819-1822; member of Congress, 1826-1835. He later moved to Tennessee, where he became speaker of the House of Representatives of that State. 240 The IToeth Carolina Histobical Commission. inference is a necessary one that you did use such language, and thai it was highly offensive. I make this detailed statement, that I may not he answered hy a requisition for specific words. Possessing as I will •suppose you to do, those principles of a gentleman, which I am left to infer you have in your conversations unjustly denied to me I think you cannot and will not demand more precision from me, but will at once frankly avow or disavow the use of any expressions upon that occasion injurious to my feelings or character. I am Sir Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas Euffin. From James F. Taylor. Kaleigh October 6th, 1820. Str. I was not a little surprised yesterday evening to learn that some friend, who is more influenced by a desire to embroil others in disputes than a regard for his own character, has intimated to you that at the last Frank- lin County Court, "Sundry expressions were used by me derogatory to your character, and injurious to your feelings." And altbough from the nature of your call upon me, it is one for information, rather than an explanation of expressions used upon a specified subject, yet I am dis- posed to waive all ceremony, and to come at once to the points on which information is desired. In this I feel less difficulty than might have been anticipated, for I do not recollect to have used any expressions in regard to you, at all disrespectful, except upon one occasion in a private and confidential conversation with a Gentleman upon the subject of the unpleasant misunderstanding between Mr. S * * * and Mr. Seawell, in the whole of which conversation, as I understand it, there was no differ- ence of opinion between that Gentleman and myself. I mention this however, with no other view than to satisfy you of the nature of the channels through which your intimations have been received. In the course of the conversation alluded to, the part, which it was understood, you had taken in the late appointment of Clerk of Wake Superior Court, was spoken of, and I believe, I remarked that if the information which I had received on the subject was true, you had acted a part towards Mr. S * * * which was unworthy of you, and which he had no right to expect from your previous offers of friendship and assist- ance," or something to that effect. The information I allude to was derived from Mr. S * * *, and a Gen- tleman whose name I am not at liberty to mention. Mr. S * * * had informed me, that at the County Court of Wake before the appointment of Clerk was made, you took him out, and without any solicitation on his The KuFFiiir Papers. 241 part, offered to promote his interest as a Candidate for that office, and promised to use the influence which you might have, for that purpose. And the other Gentleman told me, that at the request of Judge Paxton during the week of "Wake Superior Court, you undertook to ascertain by particular inquiry whether the reports which had been mentioned to the judge of Mr. S * * * 's habits of gambling and intemperance were true or false; and that after you had made the enquiries, you reported un- favorably to Mr. S * * *. I believe, Sir, that I have now made to you a substantial disclosure of the remarks made by me, and of the grounds upon which those remarks were predicated. Whether the part which you acted in that affair has been fairly repre- sented to me, I cannot pretend to say : and can only add that I received the information from a source, which justified, as I conceived, my using the remarks of you which I did, in the private way alluded to. I am Sir Yr. Obt. Servt. Thomas Ruffin Esqr. James F. Taylor. Addressed : Thomas Ruffin Esqr. at the Eagle Hotel Mr. Manly. To James F. Taylor. „. Raleigh October 6, 1820. You judged rightly of the character of my note of yesterday. I did seek for information and not explanation in it ; because not knowing the expressions which had been used by you on the occasion on which they were used, I could not determine whether they admitted of an explana- tion or not. Your answer however has been so open and frank that. I now feel every disposition to come to a full explanation of the whole matter. Perhaps strictly speaking, I am not bound to offer to you any statement of my conduct relative to the appointment of the Clerk, It has certainly been misconstrued — tho' I was not aware of it until this week — as soon as I heard of it — I determined to use the first opportunity of placing it in its true light to Mr. S* ** himself. That I owed to Mr. S * * * and to myself. To third persons however I am no way account- able; and should therefore have refrained from communicating with you, in that regard, had you not in your note waived all ceremony and stated the manner in which you used the expressions to be private and confidential, the information Upon which your opinion was formed and that the expressions were, in themselves qualified by a declaration made 16 242 The Woeth Cabolina Histokicai Commission. at the same time "that if the information which you had received was true" etc. I therefore feel relieved from all the difficulties which for- mality might impose on me and am free to offer a distinct account of the agency which I had in the business alluded to. During the last Summer Mr. Badger applied to me to recommend Mr. S * * * for the appointment of Clerk. He pressed his Friend's claims strongly as he always does and at the same time stated that Dr. Hinton was a rival candidate. It is unnecessary to detail the whole conversa- tion — ^but I stated in substance to him tha,t I was not sufficiently ac- quainted with either of the Gentlemen to authorize me to interfere and therefore that I should be neutral. At N'ovember County Court Mr. Simon Turner made a similar application on behalf of Mr. Hinton. I told him that I had much respect for both Gentlemen as far as my slight knowledge of them extended, but declined an interference. Probably at the same Court or about that time Mr. Badger again urged me to aid Mr. S * * * — he represented him to be every way qualified for the appoint- ment that he had a family and that his circumstances required the profits of such a station. In addition he stated that he had understood that Mr. Turner had for more than one circuit sounded the Judges upon the point of this appointment and that having found no Judge disposed to appoint Mr. Hinton Mr. Turner had retained the Office. I felt some indignation at such a course and stated that I should think it right to oppose the views of a man, who, not being content with the office him- self, insisted upon having the selection of a successor. I determined then to recommend Mr. S * * *, as far as I could, and afterwards men- tioned it to Mr. S * * * himself. I think this occurred during the month of January while I attended the Supreme Courts — tho Mr. S * * * says it was at February County Court. I will not be particular as to dates — tho' I think I am correct. I was subsequently spoken to by another person to assist in procuring the appointment of Dr. Hinton. I refused to do so and stated my reasons for prefering Mr. S * * * — upon which it was represented to me that Mr. S * * * was addicted to the ruinous habit of gaming to such a degree as rendered it dangerous or improper that he should be Clerk. N'ot having any personal knowledge of him, and having no reason to doubt what I heard, I regretted that I had been entrapped by my feelings to declare my preference for Mr. S * * *, and being very averse to being instrumental in placing into that important office, an unfit person, I came to the conclusion of again becoming as I had been formerly, neutral between the two gentlemen. Perhaps I might have mentioned this to Mr. g * * * . But many considerations restrained me. I should probably wound his feelings; and I might embroil two men towards whom I entertained respect. I therefore con- tented myself with a Silent determination of neutrality which I think fairly preserved. Of this you will judge from what follows — I came down to the Superior Court on Monday morning and waited on Judge Paxton. He soon mentioned the Clerkship and asked me "whether I The Etjffin Papers. 243 took any part in it ?" or to that effect. I told him that I did not ; that I believed from information which I had received that both of the Gentle- men would make good Clerks, but that I did not know enough of either to take it on myself to recommend him. At that time Majr. Glynn called me out for the purpose of getting my signature to a paper in favor of Mr. S * * *. Restrained by the same feelings which had prevented me from explaining to Mr. S * * *, I did not state to Mr. Glynn my reasons for refusing to sign the paper; but simply declined doing so upon the general ground that I would have nothing to do with the ap- pointment. I returned to Judge Paxton's room, and he mentioned that he was pleased to hear that I did not take a part in the election, as he was in some difficulty about it in the election, or he was in some diffi- culty about it, and wanted information from some indifferent person. He then stated that he had formerly known Mr. S * * * very intimately and that he was as correct a gentleman in his habits and principles, when he knew him, as any man could be, he had therefore been pleased when he heard, that he was a Candidate for the Clerkship, as he would be glad to serve him an^ he then had an opportunity. He had however been informed that he gamed to excess. He might have said drank too ; but that I do not recollect, and he wished me to say whether I knew any thing of it. With perfect truth I told him that I did not and that I was not sufficiently informed of the habits of either gentleman to be at liberty to take any decided part and therefore should not do so. Judge Paxton then applied to me to make some enquiry upon the subject in town which I declined as I did not like to search into the habits of any gentleman with whom I was unconnected. There the con- versation ended for that day. On the next morning the Judge renewed his application, and upon my again shewing an aversion to it, he stated that he claimed it as a right from me. That he was disposed to appoint Mr. S * * * if satisfied of the incor- rectness of what he had been told about him, — But that he must be fully satisfied upon that point before he could appoint him, for he felt his duty to the public to be paramount to any private inclination of his own, and that he was a stranger here and had no acquaintance to whom he could apply, under these circumstances and urgent requests of the Judge, I told him that if I could obtain any satisfactory information for him, without making particular enquiries or injurying Mr. S * * * 's feelings I would. I did during the week incidentally ask two or three gentlemen whether Mr. S * * * gambled. From one I heard that he played cards, but could not be called a gambler. From a second I under- stood that he personally knew nothing of his habits, as he did not mix by gaming parties, but that it was reported that he played a good deal and lost considerable sums of money so as materially to injure himself. I made these inquiries with the hope to have received such answers as would remove Judge Paxton's difficulties. Having received information of a different character, I said nothing about it, as I did not feel it to 244 The I^orth Carolina Historical Commission. be either my duty or to be proper to volunteer it, and therefore I re- mained silent until the Judge, stated on the morning of the day on which he appointed Mr. Hinton (on Friday I think) that he had been called on during the week, by several gentlemen of the city and that he had ascertained from them that the reports were true. He stated that his mind was fully satisfied, and that he should be compelled to appoint Mr. Hinton — contrary as it might be to his inclination. I made no other communication to him on the subject than by then remarking that I had only had an opportunity of speaking to two or three Gentlemen and from them I had understood that Mr. S * * * frequently played and was supposed to have injured himself by it. Judge Paxton said, that the information which he had received was fully satisfactory to him and that he had made up his mind and therefore had not spoken to me again about it. I may have omitted in this statement some circumstances or expres- sions, but I am sure that they are not material and could not affect its substance. The subject was never again mentioned in my presence until I heard of the correspondence between Mr. Seawell and Mr. S * * * which is now publick and notorious — nor did I know that my name had been at all connected with it, until Mr. Glynn informed me on Wednesday night that Mr. Seawell had said in his letter to Judge Paxton that "I would concur with him in the statements therein made." Mr. Seawell had no authority for such remarks, and has since stated in the presence of Mr. Glynn, that he thinks the expression in his letter is, "that he had no doubt I would concur with him in the propriety of appointing Mr. Hinton though he had not consvited me." But whatever may be the expression (which I now know by the kindness of Mr. S * * *) he dis- tinctly disavowed to me and Mr. Glynn that he had any reason to believe that I would recommend Mr. Hinton. On the contrary Mr. Seawell did not say a word to me about the appointment during the Superior Court, and he had before been informed that I would not use any exer- tions on behalf of Mr. Hinton. Having stated in your letter that the expressions made by you were qualified, and having stated (beyond my demand) the grounds of them and entered into an explanation, I have considered it but candid to make known to you all the facts relative to this business, in order that our correspondence might be closed by giving you an opportunity of retract- ing the harsh expressions used by you, upon fuller information than you then had. Of course the introduction of the names of third persons into our letters is to be deemed confidential, but as to any statement made con- cerning myself, I shall not feel a difficulty in avowing it to any person interested in it. I am Sir your Obed Servt. (signed) Thomas Ruffin. James Taylor Esq. The Euffin Papees. 245 From James F. Taylor. „. Raleigh Octo 1i\ 1820. oir. Your eomnmnication reed yesterday evening, represents your conduct, in regard to the appointmeiit of Clerk of Wake Supr Court differently from what I had before been induced to believe was its true character, and removes the grounds upon which my remarks of you were predi- cated. I have no hesitation in saying that if I had then believed your conduct to have been what I now do, it would have given rise to no remarks from me, prejudicial to your feelings or character. I am Sir, Your obt. Servt. Thomas Ruffin Esqr. Jambs F. Taylor. From John Rogers. Baltimore Feb. 10th, 1821. Your letter of the 30th ult. was handed me at the post office yesterday where it had been lying for some time, as I go there but seldom now, to enquire if there be any thing for me, having been often disappointed in that way. It surprised me a good deal to hear that I had been even suspected of soliciting to be released from my promise to resume the management of the school — ^believe me, the report is utterly unfounded. In a letter that I addressed to Mr. Sneed there was something like a complaint that Mr. Witherspoon^ had not answered a letter of mine written soon after my arrival here, and a request that he would ascertain (for from Mr. Ws supposed indifference I began to forbode the worst) whether I was by any one regarded as a burthen at home, assuring him, that if such were the case, I would easily find employment elsewhere. In this way, probably the report originated — though it has pleased Heaven that I should be a sort of wanderer, yet I have my attachments, and being fond too, of keeping terms with my own heart, I do not care to break with it, by being faithless to my engagements I turn from the matter with pleasure for the more agreeable purpose of acknowledging the receipt of your liberal remittance — it was a favor disinterested, and conferred with the purest delicacy, circumstances that constitute a noble benefaction — time will discover, whether it has been worthily bestowed. The compliments you have the goodness to pay me, I am not vain enough to ascribe so much to my own merits, as to the partiality of a iRev. John Witherspoon of Hillsboro, a Presbyterian minister. 246 The IToeth Caeolina Histoeicai, Commission. friend, who would hold up to my view, the delineation of a character, by which he is solicitous that I should form my own — and at this moment of genial feelings, I am almost persuaded to promise that the benevolent design shall not be frustrated. The Medical College here is, to be sure, inferior in reputation, to that at Philadelphia, for it is comparatively of recent existence^— the chemical apparatus is admitted to be the most splendid in America, and Professor Pattisons anatomical Museum, is said not to be surpassed even in Europe — at Phila. the classes visit the Hospital, and alms-houses every day, for those institutions are contiguous to the University — here they are too remote from the College to afford that advantage — but to obviate this inconvenience the students are at liberty to take part of the ticketa for one season, and the remainder the next, that they may have time enough* to visit the alms-house and Hospital, or if they prefer taking all the tickets the first year, they can do so, and devote the following session to private reading dissecting and visiting those Institutions — at Phila. Candidates for the Doctors Degree are required to attend the Lectures; of each Professor during two courses — ^here the Candidates have the option just stated — upon the whole, I am satisfied that the advantages of Instruction here, are equal to those at Phila. and the expenses con- siderably lighter. The Roman Catholic college here, is universally regarded as an orna- ment to the state — but their discipline would be terrible to a Southern constitution, for they compel their pupils to be diligent, and to behave themselves like good boys, there being no men among them, except those having authority — their system of studies embraces the English, French, Spanish, Latin, and Greek languages, Moral and Natural Philosophy,, and every branch of Mathematics. With respect to the other Literary Institutions in this City, I can say nothing more that they appear to be ably managed. On last Sunday I wrote to Mr. Sneed for money, but your kindness has supplied me with more than I shall need — it is to be hoped, that he had some intimation of your design, for to say nothing of the risque by mail, the possession of an additional hundred would tempt me to become extravagant. Early in March, I hope to acknowledge your munificence in person, and to renew my congratulations upon the late accession to your happiness. Please to present my respects to the young gentleman at the office, also to Mr. Cain, and Mr. Kirkland — and for yourself to accept the assurances of my being with every sentiment of respect, and affection your obliged friend, and Obedt. Sevt. John Eogees. Thomas Ruffin Esquire Hillsboro' N. C. The Rtjffin Papers. 247 From James Graham. Charlotte May the 10th 1821. Dear Sir: I received from the hand of Mr. J. Martin in Statesville last week your letter inclosing for collection a Bond on Isaac L. Ward for Four hundred and eighty Dollars and forty four cents due Wilder and Shore in Petersburgh. I enquired immediately for Ward and ascertained he lived in Iredell, that he was somewhat involved, but had property in possession more than enough to satisfy the Bond I received. I therefore issued a writ against him returnable to Iredell county court on the 3d Monday in this month. It is probable I shall obtain a Judg- ment in August and the money in November next. Iredell however is the worst county I ever practised in to collect money as the officers of the county are remarkable only for negligence tho' I keep a vigilant eye upon them. My circuit is almost closed, amd I feel a pleasure in being able to inform you I have made a very good circuit notwithstanding the hard times cramp the people in extremis. We have had several capital cases on the circuit and two convictions of murder. Indeed the business in our courts has grown past expectation this spring. In Iredell I cant con- ceive how the people are to extricate themselves from their embarrassed circumstances. . . . We have had no stir yet about members for the next Assembly. Walker^ and Davidson^ are both candidates in their old Districts for Congress. No opposition as yet known — there are a number of Families recently removed from New York to Rutherford and they speak of establishing themselves together on Broad River at some suitable place for a Manufacturing Town near the head of Navi- gation, they expect to be reinforced this ensuing summer by many other families. Accept sir the assurances of my regard and esteem for you and family from your sincere friend. [P. S.] Present my respects if you please to my worthy friends in HiUsboro' [P. S.] I wish you could make it convenient to accompany me through the alabama and to Florida next Fall. [Address: HiUsboro' N. C] From John Rogers. HiLLSBORo' May 19th, 1821. Your superior judgement decided at once upon the course properest for me to pursue. I allude to the alternatives proposed by you soon after iFelix Walker. ^William Davidson of Mecklenburg, 1778-1857, state senator for eleven terma between 1813 and 1830; member of Congress, 1818-1821. 248 The North Carolina Historical Commission. my return from Baltimore. Every page that I turn over in my books, serves to impress more deeply the conviction that I am doing wretchedly. The Theory is clear as light to my apprehension, but what is theory in such a Profession as mine, without practice. The circumstances under which I write, must be my excuse for being forward enough to say that I have abilities sufficient to render me respectable as a Medical man — there is something too distressing for language to convey in my situation at this time — the distress consists in my being unable to exercise those abilities to any kind of advantage in this place. My heart is set upon graduating next year. I could stay here 'till N"ovember, and accomplish that object, and be withal an indifferent Physician. It is needless to withhold the impression of my views, for you already perceive the direc- tion of them. I wish to be in one of the N^orthern cities during the months of August, September, and October, in order to have the benefit of Hospital Practice. The very inconsiderable service I could render in the Academy during that time, bears no sort of proportion to the decisive turn which such a course would give to my future destiny. I know not in what light Mr. Witherspoon, or others, may view my request to be released from the Institution when they come to hear of it — but upon a full, and deliberate review of all the circumstances, I do feel most honestly convinced that justice to myself requires that I should withdraw. If some provision for my reception into the school, next year could be made, it would add very much to the solidity of my calcvs- lations about the future, to say nothing of the pleasure I should enjoy in being able still to regard Hillsboro' as my home. It would be an ignoble return for your bounty to detail the means I have in view for repaying it, as far as Money is concerned. The feeling that prompted you to offer, and me to accept it, is best acknowledged in saying that I look forward to that hour, as the most triumphant of my life, when I shall present myself before you with the well-merited honors of my Pro- fession. I must not conceal from you the circumstance of my being attached to one of our village girls; and I mention it with a view to obviate any suspicion on your part of my being disposed to avail myself of your prof erred bounty in order to further my hopes in that way, when the matter is fairly considered, I am sure you will agree with me in admitting that the consideration of your partiality for me, will have more weight in my favor, than that of the sums you are willing to advance — ^besides, were I to continue here next session, I should scarcely be compelled to draw upon you at all, and of course in a more independent condition to commence the world. However I have never yet thought seriously upon the subject, nor should I have mentioned it now, only I thought it might come to your hearing, and that of course, it would be best to anticipate it with a candid acknowledgement. But one thing I feel confident enough to promise, and that is, that no feeling of that kind shall have power to diminish the ambition I feel in a more impor- tant pursuit. The Euffiit Papbbs. 249 [P. S.] I do not look for a written answer to this, nor require that you should let me know your pleasure, before you return from Kaleigh. The fact is in Matters of this nature, I have considerable diifidence in my judgment, but in yours I shall acquiesce most implicitly and cheer- fully. Prom William Buffin. Raleigh 6 June 1821. The enclosed letter, which I must request the favor of you to forward, will inform you of the death of Mr. Goodwin,^ and my wishes. Now if you think the office will suit me, and / will suit the office ; I will then request of you another favor, which is, if you have no objec- tion to the course, to interest yourself in my behalf with Genl. Holmes,^ Dr. Umsted and Mr. Lacy. This you can do by letter. Perhaps you may think I am too old, too infirm, and should think of retiring to the shades of life rather than engage farther in the busy scenes of the world. You may be right, such a conclusion would correspond precisely with my feelings* — but my situation will not precisely justify such an act — unless I could dispose of my establishment here. [Address : HiUsboro' N. C] From, Archibald D. Murphey. n n „ Haw River 10th June 1821. JJear Euffin At Chapel Hill I found my Boys could not get home with their Lug- gage Unless I returned with them. And a Letter which I received from Maj. Kearney of the United States Corps of Engineers requesting an iminediate Communication on the Subject of our Sounds and the pro- posed Junction of the Roanoke Tar and ITeuse rivers, determined me to come on Hoiae. Since I got back, I have been confined to the Table, to send off my Packet by the Mail of this evening. "With the Packet I also send to Mr. Gales a considerable Portion of Manuscript. I wish very much to get my reports out of my way. % 9|i 9|e 3lc :{: :1c :(: I well know my Affairs occupy much of your attention : I must beg your Attention to a few particular Views of them and request your iSamuel Goodwin of Cumberland, comptroller of the State since 1808. ^Gabriel Holmes, a member of the Council of State, as were also Dr. John Umstead of Orange and Theophilus Lacy. 250 The North Cabolina Histoeical Commission. Advice. At this time none of my property will Sell to any advantage except that which is most valuable. Perhaps my Mills and Negroes. I have had a thought of making an Offer of my Mills to Mr. Cameron. Unless you would like to own them. Would it" suit your Convenience in any way to take them ? I should like to sell with my Mills my Planta- tion in the Haw-Fields. The two establishments would Suit each other : But if I cant sell them together, I will seperate them in the sale. It is possible I may be mistaken in the Value of my Mills : but I think I am not, and that in ordinary times they will average a net Profit of $1200 Per Year. It is true, there is the labour of making Sale of the Gains of the Mill, of procuring Flour Barrels etc. But having once estab- lished a System on this Subject, I have found not much trouble attend- ing them. If you will take the Mills, you shall have the Use of my Miller for 18 Months or two Years. He with Mr. Jones my Manager carry on the business. The Saw Mill is rotten — ^new Timbers are got for two thirds of a new one. They are not yet hauled. — You may take the Mills and Plantation together or the Mills by themselves at such Price as you may put on them, and if you, upon a fair Trial, find the Price too high, I will, if able, refund to you till they stand at what you may think a fair price. The Dam has undergone a thorough repair and is much better than it ever was before, and the Mills are in complete Order. I should be very unwilling to see you make a Purchase that might possibly prove a bad one; but believing as I do that this is by far the most productive property in the County and will probably con- tinue so, I should like for you to own it, if the purchase will not subject you to too much inconvenience. Mr. Cameron will be this way towards the close of this week. If you be of opinion that I had better make an Offer to him, I will do so. I shall be away from home, but can leave a Letter for him. I should much prefer that you should take the Mills and Lands both — as it may be dis- agreeable to you to have your name in Bank, the Debt may Stand in my Name, Untill you can take it up. If you should not like to take the Mills here, would you take the Mills on New Hope? The Dam is broken and it will probably cost $500 to repair it substantially and set the Mills to work in good Order. These Mills are valuable. I believe there are about 400 or 450 Acres of Land, of tolerable quality only. The Lands and Scite cost A. Harden $3800. The Mills are new — The Grist Mill is on a Small scale, having 2 pair of stones, and is intended only for County Grinding. But this Plan is most profitable in Such a Situation. It is a fine Seat for Custom. On the Land there is the Frame of a good Dwelling House which A. Harden put up. It would be worth something to you. I advised Col. Farrar to take $2500 for the establishment, if he could find a Purchaser. The residue of the Purchase Money amounts probably to $2800. He is bound for most of it and executions are out. The Extffin Papers. 251 Write to me by Henry, -whom you may detain till near night for this purpose. I shall go day and night till I can sell and sink my Debts. Thomas RuflSn esqr. "hand the enclosed to Mr. McNeil. [Address : Hillsborough] From John Stanly} Newbebn 12 June 1821. Mr. Greorge S. Attmore^ who does me the favor to hand you this, is a Candidate for the profession of the law — and will I am assured stand a respectable examination. He is undetermined where to locate himself. The lawyers here, as perverse as the federalists of old, neither die or resign, and we are crowded. If with your knowledge of the Country you can assist Mr. Attmore in a decision, you will serve a gentleman who I know will merit and gratefully remember the friendship and you will greatly oblige [Address: Baleigh.J From George McNeill. Fatetteville June 22nd 1821. 4: :|E :]c :{E :ii :ic :J; You are entitled to the July Dividend on the 50 shares Stock, the Books I believe are not closed before the 10th or 15th June. You may have your dividends transferred to, and made payable at any Office you may choose, by writing to the cashier of the prinl. Bank to that effect — and if Mr. West the cashr. of the Bank in this place is not mistaken, you can appoint the cashr. of the Office at which the dividends are made payable, as Cashier, your attorney to draw the dividends and to deposit them to your credit in the Bank, and for which service there will be no charge made. I presume this is done as a mere matter of courtesy, and not as a duty incumbent on the cashr. Perhaps you had better not write to the Cashr. of the prinl. Bank, until the dividend is declared, as the letter may possibly be overlooked. You may at once give General in- structions to have all your Dividends payable in 'New York, untill other- wise directed and it will not be necessary to write again. A common iThis was the famous John Stanly of Craven, 1774-1834, a Federalist leader in the State. Twelve times a member of the House of Commons from the borough of New Bern between 1798 and 1826, he was speaker in 1825 and 1826. 2Mr. Attmore settled in the end at New Bern, and became a very prominent man in later years. 252 The North Carolina Historical Commission. power attory. acknowledged and certified by a Ifotary Public will I presume be sufficient. Mr. Irvin would I presume charge ^ P cent for drawing your dividends etc., it would be well enough however to make the inquiry (not that he would charge more or less on that account) before giving the business to him, he has done a good Deal of such busi- ness for us without any charge. Mr. Murphey's note of $5862^? in Cape Fear Bank has been rein- stated this week, by paying only the discount, protest etc., but the Bank has notified us to inform the parties that it would not be renewed again without a payment of 5 P Cent. Will you mention this to Mr M., his notes at TJ. S. B are yet under protest. We are owing about $11,000 in England, which we are extremely desirous of reducing — but we find it almost impossible to make collec- tions in time — would it in the least interfere with your views, or other arrangements to grant us the loan of your 50 shares stock for a short time? The Bank is doing little or nothing now except in Pledge Stock and business proper (which we are afraid to give) — they discount on pledge of stock at 4 mo. at par value. I would not ask this if I thought it would in the least interfere with your arrangements, and if it should let it drop. We can, I believe give our note, secured by stock without your name appearing at all and I believe that we shall be able to take up the stock when you may want it by giving a very short notice — that we would do at all hazzards, at your convenience I shall be glad to hear from you on this subject. Mr. Strange^ is a candidate to represent the [torn] opposition to Mr. Canning, it will be [torn] elections. I think however from present appearances that Mr. Strange will be elected, it will I think be of service to Mr. S. to have his ambitions roused a little, but it will be a dreadful mortification to Mr. C. to be left at Home. By the mail tomorrow morning I hope to hear from Hillsborough, and that your little boy Peter Brown has recovered, and all friends well. We are all well hereabouts. Betsey joins me in love to you. [Address : Ealeigh, N. C] From James R. Dodge. Salisbtjet 23 Sept. 1821. I confess myself guilty in not having communicated as frequently and freely as I promised to and as your attentions and favors shewn to me required, but can in mitigation, assign the same reason for the delin- quency that you when of my standing at the bar could have assigned, that is, taking it for granted that the feelings of those similarly situated, iRobert Strange. The Ruffin Papers. 253 are much the same. I have had many difficulties and vexations to con- tend with, embarrassing as to me, but which would have made but a trifling appearance on paper, and if in some degree successful, when writing to a man of standing and experience at the Bar, and who knew me. I would not dare to attribute this casual success to merit and have too much of the pride of the profession to ascribe it to any thing else. There was then no subject but politicks in which your last advise was that I should not meddle, and a monotonous history of attendance upon courts, at this time however, I am anxious to receive advice from you. On my settlement in Stokes it was your opinion, If I remember right that it would be merely temporary and that Rowan would be the county in which I must ultimately locate myself. On a nearer acquaintance with these counties ascertaining their strength and resources, I was fully convinced of this, and was anxious to place myself so that my pro- fession would be of the greatest advantage. I had established something of a character and business in Stokes, but as the emoluments arising from the best in the county Tvould be limited in comparison with the best in the other, it appeared to me of more consequence to serve the noviciate, to which we are all condemned, when afterwards was to be reaped the greatest benefit. So I determined upon this county, and came, it has always been my rule to follow decision with action but since here am something at loss if to settle in this Town or Lexington, here I have the advantage of society, can communicate with the eminent in the profes- sion and have no doubt of obtaining a share of business by perseverance, but I am under the shadow of more deserving men and it will require time to emerge. TTow the county is as you know naturally divided into three parts, the people in Two of which are anxious for a legal division and exasperated against those of this whose interest inclines them against it. The division of which Lexington is the capital is a large and wealthy one. The inhabitants of which are almost in arms against this particular town. E'ow I think by going there I will take advantage of the general prejudice, may expect (as I am assured by some intelligent magistrates) a great proportion of the business, thus seizing fime by the forelock, but must expect decided opposition from the inhabitants of this side and the Bar of this County, and lose the hope of improving except by reading and practice — this is with you Sir. Another affair is this, I have a longing desire to take four dollars a day of the peoples money during the next session of the Legislature it would have a wonderful and salutary effect upon my purse, which the slightest wind might now blow away. It would in some degree revive my spirits by changing the current in which worldly dross, as to me, has generally flown. IN'ow setting aside the diffi'culty of being elected (which IS a mountain itself, but may be removed) these remain: should I not be elected, I lose this county court, as yet not of great value. Should I be elected, I lose this, Rockingham, and Stokes. I leave a gap in my business, or rather routine of attendance, but I put money in my pocket 254 The Noeth Cabolina Histokioal CoMMissioiir. as one of the engrossing clerks, besides I must visit Kaleigh. in the fall. Should you approve the plan I must solicit your influence. I have some cases in the Superior Court and would be pleased to know if Judge Ifash would be apt to stop my mouth, should I dare to open it on this circuit, if he will I must take an affectionate farewell of one or two of the best fees I ever was offered. [P. S.] No news. I will retain my practice in Stokes. I would not wish the Lexington plan mentioned until ready to act upon it. [Address : Thomas Euflln Esqr. at Chatham Court N". C] From James Graham. Chablotte N"ovember the 9th, 1821. ******* As to the occurrences of the day in this quarter we have none of public moment. We had hoped, and fondly hoped, before the last election that at the ensuing Legislature the Convention would have had manny able advocates in the Legislature; but the result of the last election in the western part of the State forbid us to indulge a single hope from the next General Assembly. Our Dockets in this quarter are quite crowded, and Father IN'orwood'^ has thined them very little, he is much esteemed here both as a man and as a lawyer tho' he has not done much business on the Circuit. Present my respects, if you please, to Mistress Euffin and Mr. Kirkland, and family and Accept assurances of my respect and esteem for yourself. [Address : HiUsboro', IST. C] From Romulus M. Saunders. "Washington' Deer. 15th 1821. I have now been here only two weeks and have as yet seen nothing of legislation. We succeeded in ousting Taylor^ as Speaker. The very countenance of the man indicates the meanness of his principles — altho' iWilliam Norwood of Orange, 1767-1840, judge of the Superior Court, 1820- 1836. 2Johii W. Taylor of New York, who had succeeded Clay as the speaker of the Sixteenth Congress in November, 1820. Defeated now, he was speaker of the Nineteenth Congress. The Euffin Papers. 255 Mr. Barbour^ is and will make a good Speaker, yet he wants dignity, and I thought it bad policy to take a Speaker from the Senate. Mr. McLane* of Delaware is a man of talents and a gentleman — ^he was with us on the Missouri question — ^yet the circumstance of his and Rodney's^ both being up opperated to their defeat. — We already hear much as to our next Prest. I have seen Crawford, who is as aiHble in his manners as he is dignified in his deportment and gigantic in his powers, yet every lever is brought to bear against him. I find that with great as with little men, self is the primum mobile of their actions. I have learnt here to my surprize that yr. representative* is unfriendly to Crawford. If this be a fact he ought to be put down in Hillsb". I hope you will see to it, for if INorth Carolina equivocates, he is gone. This is said to be an able Congress, as yet however its powers have not been displayed. There is no doubt to be much legislation, as but little has been done for sometime. Genl. Jackson has resigned, the papers have been called for in the House, with a view no doubt to an investigation into his conduct.^- But it seems to me that if the Spanish Government is disposed to pass over his conduct, we should not invite a scrutiny. My feelings do not lead me to take any active part in what is passing around me. I should greatly prefer being engaged in offering petitions to our County Courts at forty shillings than to be introducing them here at $8 per day. I would to God, my friend, that I could have learnt a little of that prudence which has directed you to the care of your family, rather than to that of the republic. But I am now in, my ambition has been gratifyed and I must get through as well as I can. What has been done with Mr. Murphey? or rather what has his sale done for his securities ? It is important that some steps should be taken in his Western lands. This is poor Carters only chance — and I fear this is a slender one. Yesterday we buried Colo. Trimble,* Senator from Ohio, he died of wounds of the late war. But from what I have already felt of the cli- mate, I should not be surprised if more of us are taken off. My respects to yr. family. I should be glad to hear from you, if you have time. Yours truly K. M. Saunders. [Address: Hillsborough N. C] iPhilip Pendleton Barbour of Virginia, who had been a member of Congress since 1814. He was later president of the Virginia convention of 1829-1830, United States judge in Virginia, and associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. 2Louls McLane was a member of Congress, 1817-1827; senator, 1827-1829; minister to England, 1829-1831, 1845-1846; secretary of the treasury, 1831-1833; secretary of state, 1833-1834. sCsesar Augustus Rodney of Delaware, member of Congress, 1803-1805, 1821-1822; United States senator, 1822-1823; attorney-general during the admin- istrations of Jefferson and Madison. 4Dr. James S. Smith of Orange. SThis was the famous Clay investigation of Jackson's conduct in Florida. BWilliam Allen Trimble, a gallant soldier of the War of 1812. 256 The N'oeth Cabolina Historical Commission. From John Rogers. Baltimore Dec 16th 1821— I liave just received a letter from Mr Witherspoon informing me that it was probable Mr Hooper^ would resign his Professorship in the University. At the same time he wishes me to have my name held up for the office in case an Election should take place. Before I say any thing further on the subject, permit me to vent my indignation at the inexcusable negligence of Post-masters. Every letter I receive from Hillsboro' is constantly kept in the office there, three days after it is put in the box — thus, a letter is delivered at the office either on monday, or thursday morning, and kept there until the next mail for Raleigh. Surely, if Cook, or his clerk had the smallest degree of reflection, he would forward it to the next office, even tho' the mail should be closed, as a Way-letter. And this all-important letter of Mr. Witherspoon's, besides being kept there three days, was detained in the office in this city, eight days before I could get a sight of it, though I had been calling there daily for a week past. After all, I do hope most earnestly that I am not too late. The office in question, is one that I have long had my heart set upon, and most happy will I be, should I succeed in obtain- ing it. Before I solicit your interest, let me assure you that I am very far from presuming to think that I have any particular claim upon you, on such an occasion. Your generosity has gone greatly beyond my desert already, and surely, the exercise of your privilege as a Trustee, in favor of another candidate, shall in no respect diminish the grateful affection with which I must always remember you. Should Mr Hooper resign, and I be elected to the office, I shall leave Baltimore immediately on receiving the Intelligence. A Bachelor's degree in Medicine (and I can obtain it very easily at this time) will entitle me to that of Doctor at the expiration of three years. And to be candid with you, my solicitude to return home, is perhaps the most urgent consideration with me at this moment, for calling upon you in this abrupt way. But should another be chosen, I must remain here, and come forward in the beginning of March for the Doctor's Degree, which I have very little doubt of obtain- ing. Thus far, with the exception of three hours passed at the College daily, I have been almost constantly among the sick at the Alms-house. By my assiduity, I have so far gained the countenance of the attending Physician, as to have free access to every department at any hour — and among nearly two hundred patients of every age, and sex, from infancy to old age, and with the additional privilege of making up all the pre- scriptions, and administering them, you may judge how fine a situation iWllllam Hooper, Professor of Languages in the University from 1817 to 1822, when he resigned to resume his work as an Episcopal minister. He was succeeded by Ethan Allen Andrews. The Ktjffin Papers. 257 it is. Even now I have confidence enough to think that I should not he much at a loss as a Practitioner, in any disease whatever. For after all, in the practice of Medicine, there are hut few well-estahlished prin- ciples, and when these are clearly comprehended, and one has had an opportunity of observing cases that illustrated those principles, the greatest obstacle is at once removed — the subsequent career of the prac- titioner depends altogether upon his good sense, diligent reading, and careful observation. Should my views with regard to the Professorship not be realized, perhaps it may be better for me in the end. Had I nothing but ambition to stimulate me to exertion in the Practice of Medicine, I believe I should dislike exceedingly to be numbered in the rear of the Profession. The gentle being who has blessed me with herself, depends upon me for the continuance of that comfort, and ele- gance she has always been accustomed to, and believe me, I am not so degenerate as to neglect any of the measures of improvement, which are calculated to ensure an object so supremely interesting. With regard to my pecuniary wants, one hundred, and fifty dollars more will be amply sufficient, should I have to remain here till March, my expenses in travelling home included. My calculations with regard to expendi- tsires, when I saw you in Baleigh, were too limited, and I hope I need not assure you, that I have been frugal of my little means, and that I have disposed of them to the best advantage. Present my affectionate respects to Mrs. Ruffin, Mrs Dillard, and Mrs Cain. Thomas Ruffin Esq. [Address: Hillsborough iNorth Carolina.] From, John Witherspoon. It was rumoured some weeks since that Mr. Hooper intended leaving the University for Fayetteville. Our friend Mr. Rogers, having ex- pressed a great desire for a situation of that kind I gave him early inti- mation of it. In reply to my letter he informs he had written to you and requested your interest in the matter. I received a note from Raleigh last evening, stating that Mr. Hooper had sent in his resigna- tion, and the writer advised me to get a recommendation in favour of Mr. R. sent down without delay, as the probability was, the appoint- ment would be made as soon as practicable. I send you one which my brother has drawn up, with the request of your signature, and also that you would, if convenient, write to the Treasurer^ on the subject. I wish to send the letter over to Raleigh in the morning. Mr. Rogers name I hear has already been mentioned to the Treasurer perhaps by yourself. I feel much interested for him especially as he seems so anxious to obtain the appointment. iJohn Haywood. 17 258 The I^okth Caeolina Histokical Commission. From Lewis Williams?- Washington December 22nd. 1821 Your letter of the 15th Inst, came duly to hand by the mail this morn- ing. I am much obliged to you for the account you forwarded agreeably to the request contained in my letter from Baleigh. It will at any time afford me great pleasure to give you information of such events of an interesting nature as may arise in the 10 miles square. At present we have nothing worthy of your notice, except some talk in reference to the election of the next President. It is, I think, pretty well ascertained that Pennsylvania will be faithful to her old attachments, and will support Crawford; Ohio is decided in favour of Crawford; Maine will do likewise, so that we have more strength according to present appearances than we want. It is better however that we should have a little to spare, than to have not quite enough. During the pen- dency of the Missouri Question, while it was doubtful whether the influence and feeling excited by it might not be carried into the next election of President, John Q Adams and his friends were very much elated. They hoped to draw off Pennsylvania, and with her assistance to carry all before them. But at this time they seem discomfited. Penn- sylvania and a portion of Ifew York resisted the election of Taylor. This proves that they are no longer to be operated upon by the Missouri ques- tion. If N^ew York can't get her own man, I think there is little! doubt of her supporting Crawford, and opposing Adams. This man cannot be supported where he is known or seen unless by such as disregard all principle, and act with a view to their own ultimate elevation or ad- vantage. The good of the nation requires that any such looking man as Adams should be defeated in his pretension to the Presidency. To any one who has seen him this would be an all sufficient argument. South Carolina will be somewhat an obstacle to that unanimity which ought to prevail in our section of the Union. The reason of it is that she has citizens who aspire to the same distinction. This is pretty well understood. But she will be obliged finally to submit. It is intimated by some that the vote of North Carolina will not be so undivided as was, at one time, supposed. I think it a matter of great importance to us that we should present as solid a column as possible. I write for your self alone, and with great Respect Thos Ruffin, Esq. iLewis Williams of Surry, 1786-1842, a member of Congress from 1815 to 1842. At the time of his death he had been in Congress longer than any other member and was known as the "Father of the House." The Euffin Papers. 259 From George E. Badger. „ , n • J [Raleigh, Dec. 24, 1821] My dear Friend ■- ' ' -" I received your letter on the subject of your unlooked for embarrass- ments, and I am truly glad that it has been in my power to return in cash nearly the whole of the sum you so kindly loan'd me. Above you have a Check for one thousand dollars. I happened to have made no disposi- tion of the price of ten shares of stock which I sold while in Ifewbem at par, when I heard (before receiving your letter) that you were likely to have a large sum to pay for Mr. 'Murphy and instantly resolved to send you that sum. I cannot but deeply regret that I have it not in my power to step forward in your necessity and open a purse to you with the same ready kindness with which yours was always open to me. It is vain to say a word of my willingness — for that I know you will give me credit and I have it not in my power to back my words by deeds — strug- liag as I am for existence myself. But if you will point out any mode h^ which I can personally serve you, it will add one to the obligations I already owe you. "With regard to the residue of the sum I owe you I expect I shall be able in a short time to send you a check for that, which I should prefer to putting another note in the Bank if it will answer your purpose, if not let me hear from you and I will immediately send the paper to you. I should feel really mortified if I thought you could for a moment believe that your long letter (as you term it) could produce in me other feelings than those of the deepest interest and concern. Indeed, my dear Sir, I cannot reflect on your loss and that of my dear Mrs. Euffin without heartfelt sorrow and the only circumstance of alleviation is, that I hope neither she nor you are of the number of those who "are without hope in the world." For my own part probable as I feel a similar result to be to myself, I thank God, that I am in some degree convinced that the only subject of real concern in this life is so to live as to obtain a place in a better and immortal existence. Let me hear from you soon — and direct to Warrenton. Meantime offer my sincere respect and warm affection to Mrs. Euffin and believe most affectionately your grateful and attached friend and Servt. T. Euffin, esq. G. E. Badger. Ealeigh Dc^ 24. 1821 [Address : Hillsborough N. C] 260 The Nobth Carolina Histobical CoMMissioisr. From G. F. Bagge. Salem Decemljer 26tli 1821. Last Saturday I reed your favour of the 17th instant by mail; for which I kindly thank you; since I received it, I have deliberately con- sidered its contents, but still am undetermined in what manner to act; The esteem I have for our worthy but unfortunate friend Judge Murphey will not allow me to take those advantages which justice and self interest would dictate in transferring his note to some friend on whose integrity I could depend, and who would agreeable to my instructions attach his lands in the "Western Country and have them sold for my use for little or nothing, as I still believe that in course of time these lands if not attached by some other persons will be the means of Judge Murpheys extricating himself out of his present difficulties; The other plan you suggest to me to get the payment out of Captain Haralson^ appears to me to be more readily accomplished, although there are several diffi- culties in the way which might not be so easily surmounted ; the first is the procuring the "Witnesses to the note, secondly, that the note is not given in the words ""We or either of us" ; but says "We the undersigned do promise to pay"; in this wording of the Note I am not Lawyer enough to have an opinion on which I could rely; thirdly, the risk I would run in sending the note for collection by mail to Mr. Dickens,^ in fact I am unacquainted with the place of residence of Mr. Samuel Diekins, and lastly I think it would be my duty to apprize Judge Murphey previously of my intention, but I shall let the matter rest Untill I have the pleasure of hearing your opinion by letter on this subject ; Could I secure myself in the payment of Judge Murpheys note where Mr. Haral- son and his Brother Alex. Murphey® are security, as well as the note in which you are security, I would with pleasure indulge four or five years for the principal, provided the interest is paid punctually and the debt of both these notes secured by personal security in such a manner as to put it beyond doubt that the Money should be paid to me or my Execu- tors after four or five years ; In saying in my former letter to you, that if it was agreeable to you to send me a new Note for 4360$ my meaning was, that it should be signed by Judge Murphey as principal and by yourself as security, but on this I do not insist, and shall with pleasure acquiesce whatever course you deem most proper to pursue; iCaptaln Herndon Haralson, 1757-1847, Murphey's brother-in-law, a native of North Carolina, but now a resident of Tennessee. 2Samuel Dickens had been a member of Congress from North Carolina in 1816 and was now Murphey's land agent in Tennessee. He was later the agent of the University of North Carolina in prosecuting its land claims in that State. SAlexander Murphey, 1770-1822, was Murphey's older brother. He was a merchant and planter in Caswell County. The Ruffin Papers. 261 As Mr. James Martin passed through Salem on his return from Stokes County Court, he mentioned to me that he had understood there was a Company of Gentlemen in Iredell and Lincoln County who would prob- ably purchase a quantity of land of Mr. Murphey which he owns in the Western Country, perhaps on enquiry you may be able to ascertain if any application or contract has been made with Mr. Murphey by those Gentlemen, and in the event thereof something perhaps may be done to secure the payment either to yourself or to me ; this I merely mention as a report ; You may confidently rely on my keeping the correspondence between you and myself a profound secret from any person whatsoever, and I beg you to receive this letter under the impression that it was written by me with a friendly intention both to yourself and Judge Murphey : In case Genl. Graves should pay me any money after the rise of the General Assembly will it not be necessary for me to have his note in my possession? I believe that there is nothing more in your letter to which it is neces- sary to recur, and I shall await your answer as soon as convenient; Thos. Ruffin Esqr. [Address: Hillsborough Orange County North Carolina.] From, John M. Bick} Geebnsboeo Jany the 17th 1822. I reed your letter some time since and waited for a private convey- ance for the Copy of the answer you desired. I thought you might be disappointed if I delayed longer, and I have sent it enclosed. You will find it a long if not an able answer. I made the best I could out of the facts and I hope we will be able to prostrate your Cliant or at least come near it. You inform me that our Legislature has Legislated you out of two Courts and express a hope that you are the only sufferer among your brethren. I am a fellow sufferer with you, and we are by no means alone, Mr. Little, Mr. Morehead^ and several others are much injured by the changes. I am Legislated out of Orange County Court, and the ■Superior Court of this County will sometimes conflict with the County Court of Randolph. We ought to be under great ohligations to our iJohn M. Dick of Guilford, state senator, 1819, 1829-1832; judge of the Superior Ck>urt, 1835^1862. He and Ruffln were close friends. 2John Motley Morehead, 1796-1866, at this time a practicing lawyer in Rock- ingham County. He moved to Guilford this same year. 262 The ITokth Caeolina Historicai, Commission. friend Yancey for those favours and I hope at the next Legislature we will have his favours duly acknowledged. I am preparing materials for a suit in Equity in this County in which we are to he associated, I will have them in readiness to draw a Bill at Orange County Court. Our Client informs me that we may expect good fees (which you know is a pleasant thing) and he is a man who altho he has many bad quali- ties has one good one, he pays good fees. You gave me no information relative to your present state of health, which I hope is restored. Thomas Euffin, Esqr. [Address : Hillsboro K C] From, Dr. Thomas Hunt. Jy. 22*, 1822. Our mutual friend Judge Henderson has open* to me fully the circum- stances hint* at this morning an injury done a friend under any circum- stances should be instantly acknowledged and if possible, the necessary atonement made. I feel the injustice done you by my observation (from the explanation made to our friend). My feelings on the occasion are as they should be, should anything further be requir* of me I am ready to do all things which you may ask for a restoration of your peace. [Address : Thos. Ruffin, Esqr. Present.] From Elisha Mitchell?- Chapel Hill Jany 23d. 1822. It is growing late but as I see that I have considerable matter before me I have taken a large sheet a good part of which at least I must fill before I sleep. I have four several subjects on which to write you. 1. With regard to the books purchased from the library of the Eobert Williams.^ I received the kind letter you had the goodness to send me respecting them and am blameworthy in not having sooner sent you an answer. I have moreover received the volumes from Mr. Manly and they are now at C. Hill. You said nothing in your letter respecting lEliaha Mitchell, 1793-1857, at this time professor of mathematics and natural philosophy at the University of North Carolina. Later he took the chair of chemistry, mineralogy, and geology. aprobahly Robert Williams of Surry. The Euffin Papers. 263 the manner in wMeli they were to be paid for. Mr. Manly was under the impression that the money would be drawn by a warrant from the Treasury. Please inform me whether it is so, and if not I will send it to you in Hillsborough or see that it is in Raleigh in season to meet the demands of the executors of the estate when it shall become due. Tou mentioned your having understood we had already a copy of Grotius commentary in the library at Chapel Hill and offered to take it ofE our hands in case it should be so. Now as to what you had heard, it is true we had already a copy of Grotius commentary and the reason of my requesting the purchase of this book of the deceased Gren. Williams was this. I observed that the work offered in the advertisement was "Grotii Opera." Ifow as this book made part of a Lawyers library was it an unnatural conclusion in an honest parson who of course would believe there was no goodness but in his own gang that these same volumes con- tained Grotius' work on the Law of I^ations and his other tracts relating to antiquities and Jurisprudence? Under this impression I requested the purchase of the books — hastily to be sure. As to your offer of taking them off our hands I remark that I suspect you were influenced by a desire of taking an incumbrance out of our way rather than of posses- sing this book. If this is so you need give yourself no uneasiness as I shall be able easily to exchange it in New York for other valuable works. I see this book is marked on the New York Catalogues at 22 Dols. But^ if on the other hand the offer was made from pure love of divinity of the year 1630 in latin you may have these volumes and welcome though I think the work of the Rosenmullers (Father & Son — "Scolia in Fetus et Novum Testamentum" would be preferable. The talk about these books has spun out wonderfully. Within the new page we will begin a new subject. 2. With regard to my becoming instructor to your son I say as follows. I have both thought upon the subject myself and conversed about it with Mr. Obnsted.^ The state of Mr. Olmsted's family is such as to forbid his receiving a youth into his house. Without any particle of that feeling which influenced the fox to aver respecting the grapes that they were sour I can say that 1 thank God I have no children. With me therefore the same obstacle does not exist as with him. When Judge Murphey applied to me a while ago to take a son of his I told him I consented with reluctance — but on the whole I don't know that I shall be unwilling to spend a portion of time every day for a year or two to come in teaching the language that I may become more thoroughly grounded in the rudi- ments. But before I agree to take your son or you to send him let us understand what we are both to expect. I sent for my brother in law from Yankee land and undertook to fit him for college and have since taken 3 others who could go on in a class with him and to these I devote iDenlson Olmsted, 1791-1859, professor of chemistry and mineralogy in the University of North Carolina. He went to Yale in 1825 as professor of mathe- matics. He was the first state geologist of North Carolina. 264 The N'oeth Caboliwa Histoeical Commission. one hour the day between 2 and 4 besides getting time late in ^he evening to cast my eye over the lesson. I received Judge Murphey's son and to him two others have since joined themselves and to these also I devote an hour every day. My brother in law also teaches them as well as he can for an hour. IsTow should your son come down to C. Hill to live with me I could only engage to spend an hour with him or with a class that should go on with him if there should be others whom I might receive on account of their being of the same standing every day and that my brother should do as much. For this together with his board wood washing etc. I should ask 15 dollars a Month and if he were older I should ask more. I could not even if you should conclude to send him receive him under Three months from the present time and during the vacations I should probably be away. I give it you as my opinion that if Mr. Rogers were going to stay in Hillsborough it were better for your son to stay with him and perhaps you had best do nothing about the business till that point is ascertained. 3. With respect to our salaries. According to the tenour of the com- munication made me by the committee of appointment I am undoubtedly entitled to about 1500 Dollars in place of the 1240 I receive. Nor was I at all consulted when the reduction was made. I must confess I was a little disturbed when I was told that the matter had been settled without so much as the compliment of "by your leave" but I learned afterwards that the Trustees had yielded the thing entirely to the representations and solicitations of Dr. Caldwell and soon satisfied myself that this excel- lent man whose value we shall know when he is in his grave, had not only intended but done all things well. The Trustees proceeded upon the ground that Dr. Caldwell proposed nothing which did not meet the approbation of his brethren and the Dr. himself proceeded upon the ground that we were like himself ready to yield up something for the common good and to suppose otherwise were to think very meanly of us. I do not suppose that any intimations and still less any explicit assur- ances were given to the Trustees as to what our views and feelings were. Yet they very naturally drew the conclusion that our assent had been given to the proposed measure. To that we have nothing to complain of on the part of the Trustees. Had been really consulted we should beyond all doubt have fallen in readily with the plan so there has been nothing irregular but the omission of an empty ceremony. But as you appear to be so sensitive upon the subject it may not be improper to say that probably the expectations which the Trustees authorized us in indulging when we left our early home have been satisfied inasmuch as the great increase in the value of money within the last two or three years has rendered our present stipend as valuable as 1500 would have been in times like those in which our contract was made. So that Adam Smith would say we had no ground for complaint even if we chose to complain — and Adam you know is no mean authority. Furthermore Mr. Olmsted enjoyed for nearly two years and I have enjoyed for a year The Etjffin Papers. 265 and a half and am to occupy in future the house in which I live — a thing not promised by the Trustees. So that if I were to give up what was promised above what I receive from the Treasury I should seem to do very little. Knowing however what are the disposable funds belonging to the University and that although you are ready to do even more than was promised yet we cannot hope to keep our professor of Ehetoric except upon the present scheme I certainly cheerfully give up from the present time all claim to more than 1240 Dolls pr. Annum. And whilst I wish these matters to be communicated in the proper way to those few persons amongst whom the subject has been talked over, I should be glad to have them after this has been done, hushed to sleep. With regard to Mr. Olmsted I will observe that up to the present time we have perhaps shared equally with myself, the liberality of the Trustees in Relation to a house but that hereafter unless the expenses I shall be obliged to incur for repairs to the building I occupy should be more than I expect, I shall, If this house is not purchased by the Trustees, have the ad- vantage of him — he has moreover a pretty large and expensive family — and if the Trustees could find themselves able agreably to their vote of last winter to purchase his house they would do a good kind and perhaps a just thing. After this, one thing which is not taken into account in fixing the salaries of men in our situation. Shutting ourselves up as we do like a parcel of monks, we never learn how to do business and manage money and are therefore forever imposed upon. I alway think I come off grandly if when I make a bargain I am not cheated more than one third. Wow that I have you as it were in my claws I will call your atten- tion to the enclosed in presenting which I hope you will not think I am stepping out of my proper sphere. I have not time to finish the paper referred to on the last page but may put it into your hands at some future time. E. M. [Address: Raleigh.] From John Hall. Raleigh Jany. 30th, 1822. I have done as you requested me with the papers and books left in my possession. We expect to finish the business of court today and leave this to morrow. I have not forgot what you requested as to my notes, but I do assure [you] upon looking over them I am of opinion they would be of no use to you, but only perplex you. Had I thought of it when I took them I would have tried to make them of some use to you. Kothing has happened since you left this, we are all in statu quo. I hope and believe that time with yow diligence will carry you thro your embarrassments and restore to you your wonted spirits etc. My respects to my friends and believe me respectfully [Address : Hillsborough.] 266 The Noeth Caeolina Histobicai Commission. From Joel Strong. Geasst Ceeek 5tli Feby 1822. I would beg leave to inform you, that I bave concluded to have my name put in nomination to fill the appointment of Professor of Lan- guages in tbe University, now vacant, by the resignation of Mr. Hooper. As you have long been acquainted with me, I shall say nothing con- cerning my pretensions — and from your uniform friendship, I make no doubt of your support, so far, as you may think me worthy. But I would assure you, that I have long since wished to devote the remainder of my life exclusively to litterature, and my only motive, in seeking this appointment, is, to enable me to do it, and at the same time, to make myself in some measure useful to others. Thomas C. Ruffin, Esquire. [Address: Oxford.] From Joseph Gales. [Raleigh, March 14, 1822] We have finished all the copy sent by my Son from Hillsboro, and my Hands will be at little until we receive more. The copy sent makes about 50 pages, so that it will require about twice as much to make up the present ^o.^ If you will let us have it, the No. shall soon be out. Raleigh, Mar. 14, 1822. [Address : Hillsborough.] From John Rogers. Baltimore March 23d 1822. My movements have been a little eccentric of late — but the result has been propitious. In person ere long, I shall have the pleasure of acknowledging to yourself and Dr. Webb, with how much gratitude I am [etc.,] [P. S.] About fifteen minutes ago, I was received by the Faculty, as a Doctor of Medicine. My Thesis is yet to be written, which will employ me three or four days. The Commencement takes place next Monday week and if possible, I shall obtain permission to leave Bait, before that period, so as to be in Raleigh by the first Monday in April. iReference Is here made to Supreme Court Reports, Ruffin having been made reporter in 1820. His reports are to he found in 1 Hawks (8 N. C), 1-248. The Ruffin Papers. 267 If you could only know how transcendantly delightful my feelings are, I am sure you would excuse me for the apparent negligence and haste with which this is written. [Address : Dr. James Webb or Thomas Ruf&n Esquire Hillsboro' North Carolina.] From, John F. May. Peteesbg. Mar. 14th, 1822. I wrote some time ago to your Cashier Mr. Haywood, requesting him to hand you a note of Messrs Harisons, which Mr. Jones, our cashier had forwarded for insertion on my aect. Mr. Haywood has not answered my letter or Mr. Jones's ; and I fear that some Bank matter may perhaps have ruffled liis temper. It is a pity that corporations should have all the bad passions and feelings incident to human beings ; without a Soul to answer for, if not to correct and controul them. But such I suppose must be the fact; I cannot suppose that a man so respectable, and so much a gentleman as Mr. Haywood, would decline any civility or good office, to any stranger of tolerably decent reputation; on the contrary I know that the better feelings which have characterized him thro' life, would make him take a pleasure, (a real tho' small still pleasure, in solitude after a day's business), in the reflection that he had, from the best and purest influences under which we ever act, done a service to one of his brethren, tho' a stranger ; and thus contributed to extend the circle of human felicity. For what a wretched condition would ours be, without the dispositions and feelings which lead to the many little kind and civil offices, that are so necessary to our comfort our conven- ience, and our helplessness. But Banks can have all the feelings of • resentment which an individual has, without any of those dispositions and corrections which heaven has, in its mercy, created in the human race: and thus the cashier of the Bank of N. C. will not give a civil answer to a civil question asked by the Prest. of the Bank of Va. as it was no doubt supposed — tho' in fact it was extended as a favour, asked of Mr. H. for poor me. I, by myself, I, as John Randolph said — But I am very far from the purpose with which I set out and which was any- thing rather than moralising. The note of which I speak was one handed to me, as agent for a most estimable woman, Mrs. Ro. Colquhoun, last fall. Mr. Harrison would have paid it, but for my neglect ; and there- 268 The N'okth Cabolina Historical Commission. fore when she, was going to Philad*. I advanced her the money for it. It was not a negotiable note; and therefore not one whieh, here, (and probably in N. 0.) could stricti juris, be collected at Bank; and was in Deer, last sent to Mr. Haywood with a request that he would cause an application to be made for the money. Some time in febry. I requested him to say whether the note was paid; and if not to place it in your hands. Will you do me the favour when you go to Raleigh to take charge of the matter for me? I have never heard one word from Mr. Haywood on the subject. it; tti af * '^ ^ ^ I feel anxious to learn what is your situation and what are your pros- pects, in relation to Murphy's affairs. I wish most earnestly that you may be extricated from this embarrassment upon better terms than you anticipated; and have several times intended to make this enquiry, but the pressure of business in the winter find spring prevents my doing any thing but business. I hope that you and your good lady are in a great degree resigned to the more distressing affliction of which you apprized me last fall; and that its effects have yielded to that influence of time and those duties of life, which afford the only worthy solace to the agonies of a parents' bosom. :{; :(i 4: Hi :i! :{! 4s Th. C. Euffin Esqr. [Address: Hillsborough N. C] To William. Polk} [Raleigh iST C, May 21, 1822] At the Court House — I have seen Mr. J***H***in the street today and conceive that he is plainly deranged; and I have some reason to believe that, in his state of delusion, he meditates a personal attack upon you for some supposed recent injury — Mr Seawell detained him over an hour this morning opposite the Bank from going into the Directors room, where he had before enquired what Directors attended. I feel it my duty to communicate this matter to you and to suggest that the only way to contend effectually with a mad-man is to avoid him. I hope his friends wiU be able to get him to go home shortly and in the mean time, that you remain at your own house — Mr. Seawell expresses the same hope, to whom I have shewn this and who desires me to add that he knows, that Mr H * * * is a perfect maniac and that he has the most hostile pur- poses towards you. At present Dr H * * * has charge of him and will use his best endeavours to restrain and to get him off. iMss. Division, Library of Congress, "William Polk Papers. The Ruffin Papees. 269 From William Polk. [Ealeigh, ]Sr. C, May 21, 1822] I am much obliged by the Ifote wbioh you sent me tbis morning and am tbankful to you and otbers wbo bave interested tbemselves in tbe business to wbicb your Note bad allusion. I bave told Dr. H * * * tbat I would not tbrow myself in J. H's way; but my dear Sir I bave like other men business to perform which will call me from my bouse into tbe street and elsewhere ; and I cannot consent or submit to being confined to my domicil thro' tbe threats of any man ; and if attacked must defend myself but to avoid all tbis, is it not in tbe province of tbe Court to take cognizance of the matter and apply the legal preventive — to this end I enclose you an address to tbe Court, which I beg you to present in such way as your good judgment shall direct. 1 O'clock 21, May, 1822. Mr. RufSn. [Enclosure] To the worshipful Court of Wake County. Gentlemen. I have this day been informed by high and reputable authority ; tbat J***H*** Esqr. of the county aforesaid, has declared it as his intention, to assault me, that for tbis purpose he carries a large Hickory stick, and has been in search of me, in divers parts of Baleigh, to carry bis declarations into effect. It is not fear of Mr. H * * *, that induces me to make this communication to your Worships ; but it is, that you as conservators of the peace, and guardians of tbe priviledges and fredom of the citizens of the County over which as a Court you preside ; will take measures to secure that peace and personal fredom which is likely to be disturbed and restrained by the menaces of the said J*** H*** Esq if carried into execution. I am an old Man now, with a large Family under my care; and a member of this Eamily is now in a situation unqualified to bear surprise or distress from whatever cause, but more particularly from an assault on me. I pray the Court to take such order on the foregoing representation as they shall deem proper. Your very Obt. Ser Tuesday May 21, 1822. Will. Polk 270 The E"obth Caeoliwa Histobical Commission. To Bartlett Yancey.^ Raleigh, July 2nd, 1822. The sale of Rose's property will be made on Monday next to a cer- tainty I expect. I shall attend myself and hope the sale will be closed as I have had trouble enough about it, God knows, and can't think of taking more on me if avoidable. I shall be exceeding glad to see you there and beg that you will not disappoint me. I have many things to say to you — to communicate some facts and to interchange opinions upon other points. The Republicans must rouse themselves. The public mind must be enlightened; else the Cause and the Country will go down. There is a powerful combination forming and formed against us. Don't fail to be at Person. I have no time to say more. 'N. B. Come early in the day, so that we may have a long talk. I shall be obliged to get home Monday night so as to leave again on Tuesday. From Duncan Cameron. Obange Octo : 5th 1822. * * * Have you heard lately from Mr. Murphy — do you expect him back shortly — if not what detains him ? Report says that he is engaged in the purchase of property. I hope not, as I fear it will prove an unprofitable speculation. [Address: Hillsboro'] From John Haywood. Satijbdat night, [N^ov., 1827] Your kind note of this Evening is before me: — I regret much that Business has so occupied you as well as myself, during the present week, that we have not had half an hour which might be devoted to a discus- sion of the meritorious claims of our absent Friend and to the placing them on such a Basis as will help promise to insure justice; by which I would be understood to mean a liberal Compensation, and one which should be graduated by the magnitude and importance of his late highly iThis letter is in the possession of the North Carolina Historical Society and is reprinted from The James Sprunt Historical PtiMications, Vol. 10, No. 2. The Ktjffin Papers. 271 valuable services to our University •} — ^Needy as that Institution is and has ever been, Mr. Murpbey's late Efforts in its favour, bave been crowned with a degree of success wbicb I hope and trust will prove incalculably valuable; by placing at its disposal Funds which; with prudent management, cannot fail to prove commensurate to its wants, at all future times. As there is no man in our Country who could better have achieved this meritorious work or service, so there is none among us, that I would more willingly owe the Benefits of it to, than to Mr. Murphey: and in truth, I doubt much whether there is any other man in our State, who could have effected the delicate and difficult Business of that Undertaking, with that full and complete success and address which he has. — The University owes him much, and I consider the Trustees and our Citizens at large greatly indebted to him, on that occa- sion : — He has neglected his own Business, as well here as in Tennessee, to attend to and accomplish ours, or rather that of the University of which we have the Care : — as a Patriot, I doubt not he feels a Reward in the reflection, that he has served this Establishment, the best hope of our Country, and one to which he has long been enthusiastically attached, efficiently and to the utmost of his power: but we all know, that whilst his invaluable time and labours have been devoted to this service his private affairs, and of course his family, have been neglected. He has laboured much and long for the public good, whilst he has accom- plished less for himself and family than most other men of ability and worth among us ; and it remains for the Trustees to take order, that his services to the University shall issue in a different respect. I love Murphey as a friend and Brother, and feel indeed a deep interest in all that concerns him, or his ; and on the present occasion, none among his many friends can be more anxiously desirous that he should be hand- somely and liberally treated and compensated, than I am: — I wish to God it was more in my power to do justice to his worth and merit, hy puilickly speahing of them; or to place his just Claims in such light as would insure their success : — The little I can do, either in the Board or out of doors, shall not be left undone : — I wish however exceedingly that you could be here, as I am persuaded you would be highly useful now although you might not feel free or at liberty to say much on the occa- sion. I trust and hope with you that Mr. Murphey will rise superior to those diffibulties which have latterly clouded his prospects, and de- pressed his Friends : — I trust his expectations in the western country will be fully realized ; but in the mean while, I know you will agree with me, that his friends here ought not to be the less industrious, in advocating the just claims of which I have made mention above, however he may be able to live without them. The Trustees of our University compose a numerous Body, and among such numbers some diversity of opinion iMurphey had been able to secure for the University of North Carolina a compromise which had restored to it a considerable portion of its Tennessee lands which the State of Tennessee had refused to release. 272 The Noeth Carolina Histobical Commission. may well be looked for. I wish you could attend tlie meetings of the Board, during a few evenings ; and if it would be in your power to do so, I will not fail to advise you of the time when this Business will probably come on. I hope our country generally and the Trustees of our Uni- versity in particular will shew, that they appreciate these Services of Mr. Murphey on this interesting Mission. I am willing to believe all will be grateful, but, in his circumstances that is not enough ; I wish to see him rewarded — munificently rewarded — and this I trust and hope will be done. Judge Ruffin. [Address: Eagle Hotel Baleigh.] From Gavin Sogg} [Chapel Hill, K C, Bee. 2, 1822] One of the members of assembly mentioned to me that there was a Bill before the assembly to take away from the Judges of the Supreme Court, the power of appointing a Reporter, and to vest it in the Assembly who were to appoint some person to report every year with a salary for his services and asked me whether I would accept the appointment: I answered that I had no objections to report the cases but that I would do nothing that would tend to displace you : He said tFat your removal was determined on and that my accepting or refusing would not affect you : I then declined giving an answer to the application until my return which would be on thursday: He said He would endeavour to keep the Bill on the table until my return: I left a verbal message for Mr. Devereux authorizing him if it would not affect you and if no one else was solicitous to have the appointment to let the member know that I would accept : But this communication was to be made only in the event that it was necessary to decide before my return : The conversation with the member was on friday last I left Raleigh on Saturday before Mr. Devereux had returned from Johnston Court: You have friends in Raleigh who will have advised you of the Bill or Resolution for I know not which it is : You will perceive at once that it was due to the good understanding between us that you should know from me in what manner my name became concerned in the matter : I do not know now that my name will ever be mentioned to the Assembly but if it should it is proper that you should know from me that I would not consent to receive any advantage or profit at your expense. Thos. Ruffin esqre. [Address : Hillsborough.] iGavin Hogg was a noted lawyer of Bertie County. The Euffibt Papebs. 273 From Duncan Cameron. Raleigh, Dec. 25t]i 1822. It was with great reluctance that I complied with your instructions in reporting your resignation as a Member of the Committee etc. I had fulfilled your request in that particular before the receipt of your last letter. I now regret that I did not take on myself the responsibility of withholding it. The Assembly is fast drawing to a close, of which I am heartily glad — its proceedings will be found highly unprofitable to the State, an attempt was made to establish Courts of Equity in each of the present judicial circuits, to be holden by the Judges of the Supreme Co. and to create two additional circuits with two Judges both of which have failed. I will give you some information on those subjects worthy of notice when I see you. I am decidedly of opinion that the Supreme Co. as at present organized rests on a very unstable foundation, and that unless other duties than those as are performed by the members of it are assigned to and performed by them, it cannot maintain its existence many years. I shall be gratified by hearing from you on your return from Danville, and by learning that you have gotten the business with Cabell adjusted to your satisfaction. I remain with regard [Address: Hillsboro'] From Francis L. Hawhs} Raleigh Jany 9, 1823. In consequence of the act of 1822, the Judges of the Supreme Ct. have made me Reporter, I accepted the appoiatment under an assur- ance I had received (not however from the Judges) that you did not wish it. It is made my duty to report such cases as you have not, and I have to beg of you to furnish me with such papers as you may have, belonging to or connected with cases which you have not prepared for the press. If you can bring them with you, it will be to me an accomo- dation. [Address : Hillsborough.] iFrancis Lister Hawks, 1798-1866, the noted author and Episcopal minister, then a practicing lawyer. 18 274 The I^okth Carolina Histobical Commission. From Francis L. Sawks. Kaleigh Feb. 14, 1823. I have availed myself of the privilege you gave me when here and have published your last in my name, adding a note that you prepared the cases. My object was to secure to you some remuneration for your trouble. I can receive pay for it and hand it over to you, had it appeared in your name nothing would have been obtained. [Address: Hillsborough.] From^ ThoTnas D. Bennehan. Stagville 15th April 1823. Most sincerely do I join you in wishing that your situation was such, that you would feel willing to abandon your laborious but lucrative pro- fession, it is only necessary for you to continue it a few years, and our wishes will be gratified, and the moment you reach this point, I as a friend advise you either to abandon your Profession or curtail your labours for your life in my opinion depends on it. I have scarcely heard one word in this section of the county about the congressional election, but this much I am confident of that our people will not submit willingly to be saddled by D. L. Barringer, if we can possibly prevail on some decent man to oppose him. Be so good as to tell Mr. Kirkland that I will write to him in a few days on the subject of Thrashing Machines. [Address: Hillsborough, N". C] From James H. Buffin.^ Wentwobth 27th May 1823. 4s 4: 4: i}: 4: :(: 4: We have this day had an election to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Jno. Mattock as Sheriff. There were 4 or 5 candidates and John O'Donnel has been the successful aspirant to the office. The contest was principally between Jas. Watt and him, and was very nearly equal, he succeeding by only two votes. His success is unpopular among the legal profession at this Bar. My love to Sister and your family : — Thomas Ruffin esqr. Hillsborough Wo. Ca. ijames Hipkins Rulfln, the younger brother of Thomas Ruffin. The Euffim- Papers. 275 From Httgh Oghby. Sydenham Gbokgia May 31st 1823. Stould it not be too great an infringement upon your professional avocations, you will confer a favour on me, by informing me of the situation of the Debts placed in your hands some time since on Jonathan Haralson. Also the result of the Suit instituted by Thos. Donoho against my Father and Doctor Garland for the Land sold the Latter. Wheather it has been tried, or wheather you think it is probable, they will ever bring it to a close. My removal to this country has presented much better prospects in life than I had in Milton, and I hope to be enabled (if I can remain unmolested) by Industry, and strict Economy to afford those who are dependent upon me for subsistance, all of the necessary comforts of life. We at this time experience considerable pressure, money is scarcer here than it has been known to be for several years past. There has been some recent improvement in the price of cotton, it is brisk sale and in Demand in Augusta @ 8 to 12^^ cents. Politicks runs unusually high with us upon the next Presidential Election, how stands Mr. Crawford with you. Our Crops are unusually promising. Please give me an answer to this as early as may suit your Convenience. A Letter will reach me directed to Bethlehem, Oglethorpe County Ga. [Address : Hillsborough, Iforth Carolina.] From Archibald D. Mwphey. _ „ ^ Haw Kiver 10th June 1823. Dear E'u§m. ^ ip ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ I have been specially employed in the Case of Stokes and Wellborn vs Waugh and Eindly. It is the old Moravian Cause over again, and I fear a further examination of it. It is better for the Parties to have a Continuance: I expect Stokes and Wellborn both calculate upon my paying some attention to it : but I have never received any direct appli- cation on the subject, and therefore am not at liberty to interfere. Gaston appears for the Complts, I believe. Continue it, if it be mutually agreeable. If I die in Tennessee, or on the road, in due time have me brought to Orange and laid by the Side of my Children. I leave my Will with my Wife, duly attested to pass my lands in Tennessee. I have devised the whole of my Lands to yourself and my son William, in Trust to pay my Debts, in the first place, and in the next, for the Use of my Wife. 276 The I^obth Carolina Histobical Commission. If I die and you can Sell as mueh of my lands as will pay my Debts, and pay you for the following Negroes, Henry, Bridget and Lucy, I wish, you to convey those Negroes to my "Wife. She could not in any possible way that I can conceive, get along without Henry and Bridget. Should my Wife stand in need of any thing, I beg you to furnish it. I shall hasten back as fast as I can: But I wish to settle $20,000 of Debts before I leave Tennessee. My mind will be much relieved, if I can effect this. I shall have a busy time, having a great Variety of Business to do for others as well as myself : But all of it will yield me a Profit, except a little Business of Mrs. Camerons. Thomas RuflSn esqr. N. B. I beg you to buy a Virgil with English Notes, in Raleigh, and send it to the Care of Mr. Johnston in Hillsborough for TJmstead. He will want it before you go to Caswell Court. I have no other chance of getting him a Virgil. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Samuel Strwdwick} Neab Gbeensbobo, Alabama, [June 15, 1823] I learn by Mr. Sd. Ashe who has but just returned from N. Carolina, that the Cape Fear N. Company have obtained a judgement on a note they held against me for $450. which is one half of the price of a lot I purchased of them at the sale. This is the second bond; the one that became due first I discharged. Mr. Ashe also informs that in pur- suance of your advice he enjoined the Cape Fear N. Company on the judgement they had against him, and that it is advisable for me to resort to the same expedient; This I would most cheerfully do, but I am entirely at a loss in what manner to do it; whether the injimction can be had in this country and forwarded ; or whether it can be effected through an agent to whom I may have communicated the grounds on which the injunction is solicited. Reduced as I am to this state of incertitude I must beg you to furnish me with the earliest instructions on the subject; and if there unfortunately should not be time enough, to avail myself of an injunction, I wish you to adopt such further pro- ceedings on my behalf as will be to my advantage.' In a letter I have just written to Doctor Webb I have stated as well as I could my reasons for praying an injunction; hoping it might perhaps have the desired effect. There is another subject to which I wish to call your attention, namely the settlement with my Fathers estate for the monies reed, from England. iSamuel Strudwick was a native of Orange County who had become a resi- dent of Alabama. The Kxtffijs- Papers. -277 A final settlement has never yet taken place, neither has there been any allowance made me for the expenses incurred in conducting this business. The accounts exhibiting the expenses referred to, were left with you, and as I am in arrears to the estate, it is of importance to me that these accounts should be passed to my credit. I am still desirous to have the question of Law relative to the distribution of this money decided by the Supreme Court, and altho' many may be disposed to impugn my motive, none have a right to do it, because none know it. The bargain you will recollect I made with you was that I would give you if success- ful $200, otherwise $50. I should glad to hear that you had reed, of Mr. Bruce the amount of the note, for which I am security, but I am a little fearful there are no such good tidings in store for me. Suffer me to repeat the request, that you will communicate with me as soon as possible, and furnish me with the instructions relative to this bill of injunction I so much need. I have the happiness of being able to inform that the Carolina Colony are all well. Present my best respects to Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland and Mrs. Kuffin and accept the assurances of sincerest esteem. P. S. I understand Eeeves intends coming on here to take or steal, my Lynch negro ; I would be very thankful to you if you would take the trouble to give me a little information on this subject, — ^Whether he has any right take her into possession? And what sort of right it is, I have to a piece of property that ceased to be mine as soon as I lose possession! June 15th 1823. Thomas Ruffin Esqr. [Address: Hillsboro N. C] From Joseph Gales. Raleigh 1st July 1823. The Intendant and Commissioners of the city of Raleigh having entered into a contract with Capt. Theophilus Hunter for the purchase of his right to a certain Mill Pond on Walnut Creek and the said parties having agreed that the price to be paid for the same shall be ascertained and fixed by certain Arbitrators to be chosen by each. I am instructed to notify you of your appointment as Arbitrator on the part of the Intendant and Comma, and to request the favor of your services on the occasion. The other arbitrators on the part of the Board is Will. Robards Esq. and those on the part of Theo. Hunter are Will Sneed Esqr. of Gran- ville and Henry Goodloe Esq of Franklin. Yours respectfully Jo. Gales, Int'. of Police. 278- The N'oeth Carolina Historical Commission. From Thomas Crowder Jr. Ltnchbukg 7tli July 1823. I have long had it in contemplation to write you but in consequence of an important charge, a crowd of business and much affliction I have been let hitherto. I however at last have found the time. At the present I am recovering from a severe attack of ague and fever ; the attack was more bilious than otherwise; my fevers were very high frequently pro- ducing delirium, but in all this the Lord was with me, insomuch that I could say with the great Apostle of Gentiles "for me to live is Christ; but to die is gain." We have a very la,rge church in this place, consisting of two hundred and forty five members — our house is a very good one and remarkably well attended. I suppose, at moderate calculation, upon an average, I preach to one thousand souls every time I hold forth. We have very precious meetings among us, though as yet, no particular revival has taken place; yet I hope we are ripening for one. I think I have seen some traces of it. May the Lord hasten it on and save the purchase of his own blood. Amen. I will now change the subject for a while. The various kinds of trade here are dull except the tobacco trade which, by the by, is the most important. I have understood from my landlord, that upwards of ten thousand Hogsheads of tobacco have been inspected here this year; but notwithstanding this the people cry here like they do there. Hard times! Hard times! One, (and the grand) reason of so much dissatis- faction in world, is the people are seeking happiness where it is not to be found. iNow permit me to close by subjoining you an exortation. Eeflect how precious and short time is, how much is already gone to waste, the vast importance of redeeming the remainder; on the talents God has freely and mercifully given you, the awful responsibility under which you lay to him for an improvement of those talents; the evanescent nature of all thinga below; G«d's having advertised you of this and prepared and directed your mind to something well calculated to render you in part happy here and forever hereafter ; and the awful thought of dwelling in the damnation of hell through interminable ages ; but elating idea of dwelling in those mansions which our blessed Emanuel has pre- pared for them that love him, there where glory dwells; in glory and light beams behind light. !N"ow when you have thus reflected, hasten to the Lord Jesus, the intrinsic eloquence of whose pleading once darkened the sun as mid' night, clothed Phoebus in sackcloth, dimed the stars and converted the whole earth, yea even rent the solid marble; and now prevails in your behalf : He will apply the purifying blood to your soul, hide you in the The Euffiw Papbbs, 279 cleft of the rock (himseK) cause you to see his glory and spread over you his broad hand of power and save you forevermore. So adieu. Give my love with both hands to Mrs. Euffin, Catherine and all the .children. Eemember me to all enquiring friends. [Address: Hillsborough N. C. Endorsed : Kevd. Thos. Crowder July 1823.] From B. B. Smith. Eaieigh 12th Augt. 1823. I have just reed from the P. M. General a copy of the letter addressed by his predecessor to you on the 24th May last, and you will find it on the other page. I am more than ever confirmed in the belief, that the original must have been purloined and your plan for detection discovered. Let us however be on the alert, and try aU expediraits for I yet hope we shall discover the Miscreants. I have examined the northern packet several times from Hillsboro' but perceive you have not as yet made the experiment we agreed upon. You will do so doubtless whenever you find time. Thos. Euffin Esqr. Hillsboro. [On same sheet of paper] Genl Post Office Thos. Euffin Esq. 24th May 1823. Hillsboro, K C. SiE. The project which you suggest for discovering the depredators upon the mail appears to be a good one. If you will make a remittance, taking the same precautions as you did in the letter to Eobertson & Kelso, appointing the time for Mr. Smith to open the mail and repeating the experiment two or three times if necessary. If any loss is sustained It shall be reimbursed to you by this office. Your friend ought not to know it is any other than a real transaction. I have written Mr. Smith on this occasion. EespectfuUy etc. (Signd.) E. J. Meigs. [Address: Hillsboro, N. C] 280 The I^oeth Caeolina Histobical Commission. John McLean^ to B. B. Smith. Post Office Depaetment Sir, 27 Aug. 1823. I have just received a letter from Judge Ruffin, with your postscript. It appears to me, that a plan somewhat different from the one proposed by the Judge, might be adopted with a better prospect of success. Sup- pose that you or the Judge should enclose in a letter fifteen or twenty dollars in one dollar notes, folded in such a manner, as to shew that something of value was enclosed, and direct this letter to some town to which remittances are frequently made. This letter might be mailed at an office, so as to require it to pass through the suspected offices. You or he could accompany the mail with a key to open it, and always open it just before it arrived at the suspected office, and immediately after it had passed. By this means the dishonest P. M. might be detected, and the evidence would, in all probability, lead to a conviction. It is not only desirable, that such dishonest post masters should be discovered, but that they should be punished. If you or he will undertake this plan, your expences shall be paid, and a compensation for your time, also any loss which you may sustain by enclosing the money above stated, shall be made good. You probably have a spare key in the Office, if not, I will send you one. This letter will authorize you or the Judge to open the mail. I am willing to adopt any plan most likely to detect dishonesty, but I should like to see the one I have above suggested first tried. I am very respectfully B. B. Smith Esquire Your obedient servant Ealeigh, N". C. John McLean. [Address: Benj. B. Smith Esquire Post Master, Raleigh W'orth Carolina.] From B. B. Smith. Post Office, Raleigh 2d. September 1823. You will find enclosed a letter from the Post Master General, on the subject of your late communication. He seems disposed to try a different ijohn McLean of Ohio, 1785-1861, M. C, 1813-1816; postmaster general, 1823- 1829; associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, 1829-1861. The Kuffin Papers. 281 plan from the one intimated by you, and I think it a pretty good one; but after all, it is only what we heretofore agreed upon, but never carried it into execution. Suppose therefore we make the experiment in the next mail or the mail after, and if we should not succeed, on information being given to the P. M. Genl. he will try the experiment suggested by you. I have given Mr. Moring, the Key to hand to you ; and after putting in your letters at the Post Office, you could get into the stage and ride a short distance and examine the Hillsboro packet of Letters directed "iforthwardly." If all was safe, then you would be satisfied that no attempt had been made at Hillsborough to rob that mail and you might return. It would then have to pass thro' the Chapel Hill Post Office, and if at that place any violence was committed, on examining the same Northern Packet of Letters, here, it would be readily discovered if nothing was found amiss, why then I could take out your letter or letters, and return them to you by Mr. Moring. If we do not succeed the first attempt, let us continue the experiment, and I think after a while we shall be apt to entrap the miscreant. You ought to let me know privately by Mr. Moring, the address of the letters you intend for the experiment, so that they may not pass this office. It would I think in writing these letters, be well, to be particular in the phraseology, so that if they should fall into bad hands, they might not suppose they were caught; for in such event they might immediately make their escape by flight. I would come up to Hillsborough myself, and consult with you further on the subject, but it being uncertain, whether I should find you at home, and as it will be in your power to do every thing that I conceive to be necessary in the business, it is not worth while for me at present to visit Hillsborough. Let me hear from you as soon as practicable. I suppose of course that the Post Master Genl. wrote to you, as well as to myself. "What does he say about Cookes letters ? Did he ever receive any from him on the subject of these robberies? Thomas Kuffin Esqr. Hillsboro. From Duncan McFayden. Faybtteville 22d Oct. 1823. Mr. John U. Kirkland of this place advised me to write you as one of the Trustees of the University of this State and give you an account of the family of a Mr. Gilbert MacKechnie who died at Chapel Hill in June 1821. In hopes that such will facilitate the means of recovering any little money left by said McKechnie, I beg leave to trouble you with the following particulars. 282 The I^okth Carolina Histokical CoMMiBsioisr. The deed was a native of tlie Island of Islay Argyle Shire Scotland, which place he left in October 1820 leaving then an aged mother in indigent and reduced circumstances. His only brother John MaoKechnie left Scotland four years ago and is since living in the British Dominions of America. I have had a letter from him lately which I send you enclosed and from which you may see that it is his wish to send his poor mother anything that can be recovered after satisfying all demands against his brother, Gilbert McKechneys Estate. The amt. left agreeably to Mr. J. P. Sneed's statement to me, was, after defraying all expences, about Sixty seven dollars, which sum although small would now be of essential service to this poor woman for whose relief alone I have been at so much trouble and Expense. I hope therefore that you will exert your influence in recovering this little sum and on remitting it to me or Mr. John U. Kirkland. I shall forthwith send you and Mr. Sneed or either a satisfactory Bond of Indemnification. Should the enclosed letters from the mother and brother of the deceased be not sufficient to convince the Trustees of the University as to the confidence reposed in me by them, I shall beg leave to refer you to the following gentlemen for particulars respecting my character — ^hoping to hear from you on this subject when convenient, References. Angus Taylor Dun: Thompson John M. Dobbin John McRae. P. S. I enclose you also .5/ to pay the postage as I cannot get into the office. D. McF. ' [Address: Hillsborough N. C] [Enclosure] John MacKechney to Duncan McFadyen. „ „ ,, n , Quebec 30th June 1823. Mr. JJuncan Mc Fadyen Sib. tho I belive your are My countryman, yet I am sorry to truble you as I dont Recolect of you. I had a letter Inclosed to me from John Gillien Losset — Dunes of Islay — Argyleshire which apeared to have been sent you from Mr. James Hogg — of Chapel hill Dated 7th June 1821 Giving you a particular account of My Brother Gilbert McKech- neys Death. John Gillies is a Casen of minft — he could not, give me any other acct. of Gilberts Death only this letter— -which I supose you send to my Mother Catherine Mclntyre l^eanboss Islay I left Paisley 4 years ago and My Mother G McKeehney was to follow — ^however it was not to be. ITow the only thing I wish you to do for me, is if you can The Euffin Papers. 283 give me any Information so as to recover his watcli and seals wliich was my own, and formerly Belong to my Brother Malcolm McKeeliney Jailor, Glasgow, who Died in 1817. I was the oldest Brother — and now left alone however thank God I have a promising little Family of 4 children and Considering the had times pretty comfortable. I supose by the account you had from Mr. hoggs that there would be very little left when all was paid. Mr. hogg behaved as a friend and a Gintleman I wish I had it in my power to make him a Recompence — he will have my poor Mothers Blesings who is now left without a child Only me — and fare from him it would be an act of Charity to send her any thing that was lift — if any it Might be sent to Better MacEacharn Spesel Marchant Greenock, a friend of ours. I trust these lines will come to your hand and an answer will Greatly obblige Your most Obt. Sert. John MacKechnbt. Armoure Ordnance Department Quebec. If. B. there is one Malcolm MacLellon Tailor from Islay hear whom you know. Please to let me have Mr. Hogg address. J. M. K. [Address : Mr. Dun" McFayden at Mr. Taylors Mercht. Fayetteville U. S.] From B. B. Smith. Post Office Ealeigh 28th Octo. 1823. Your favor under date of the 16th Inst, by Mr. Moring, was duly reed, and Agreeably to your request, I opened and particularly examined the mail myself and found that the two fictitious Letters sent in the Ealeigh Packet and the one in the Petersburg Packet, were aU safe, and no markes of violence appeared on any of the genuine Letters therein enclosed. They were of course forwarded. By this days mail I return you the money in two Letters of a similar character. One addressed by myself to you, covering $17 and the other by Alexander Collins, con- taining $20. I have taken down the number and description of the Bills as nigh as they could be ascertained, some of them being very ragged. I hope you will meet the stage and examine the Ealeigh packet. That you may ea-sily find and distinguish it from the other Packets I will direct it in large Letters> "HiUshoro, Orange County No. Ca., and underscore the word Hillsboro. This may save you a good deal of time, and after you shall have opened it and satisfied yourself, you wiU be 284 The North Cabolina Histokical Commission. very particular in doing it up again. If everything should be right, why then you must wait until the mail shall be opened at the Hillsboro Office, and here if your Letters are not immediately delivered you may easily know the reason — should they go safe to hand, it will be well to repeat the experiment after a while and I think we shall be pretty apt to catch the villain. Whenever you propose to try it again, drop me a line by Mr. Moring, and as before I will particularly examine the mail. Thomas Euffin Esqr. From Romtidus M. Saunders. Washington Dec. 29th, 1823. I have the satisfaction of acknowledging the receit of yours of the 20th inst. Your profered "services in defending or adjusting" the demand against me, places me under additional obligations to the many other causes of friendship which I have already received at your hands — and nothing I can assure you will ever afford me more real gratification than to retain your good opinion and in some way be able to return the many favours for which I am so much your debtor. Do not however let me impose upon you any labour, that may be the least injurious to your health, which I am happy to learn has so far improved, and which with care I trust vdll soon be entirely restored. You should certainly abstain from the 'cares of life' for a sufficient length of time to place your disorder out of the probability of returning. It will afford me pleasure at any time whilst here to give you such information upon the passing accurrances as may interest you. We have as you will perceive many propositions for the amendment of the Constitution. One would think from the number that the Abbe Sieyes or his constitution making spirit had gotten amongst us. Mr. McDuffie'^ and Hayne^ are both very zealous, the former has made a very able report in favour of his plan and will I understand make an elaborate argument, the latter on introducing his into the Senate claimed credit for what did not really belong to him nor his plan and that of Mr. Taylor' last year is in principle the same — ^very doubtful what is to be done. Mr. Webster has offered a Greek resolution* he is an able man and when it iGeorge B. McDuflle, 1790-1851, member of Congress from South Carolina. 2Robert Young Hayne, 1791-1839, senator from South Carolina. 3John W. Taylor of New York. ^Greece, now in the midst of a fierce struggle against Turkey, sought recog- nition from the United States. There was much feeling in the country favor- able to recognition. Webster's resolution provided for the appointment of a oommissioner to Greece whenever the President deemed it expedient. Webster and Clay both supported this vehemently, while President Monroe and John Quincy Adams, secretary of state, were both insistent upon neutrality. The resolution was lost partly through Randolph's opposition. It was a par- ticularly unfavorable time for such action In view of the President's message at the opening of this session of Congress, promulgating the Monroe Doctrine. The Kuffin Papers. 285 comes up will no doubt support it with ability. Tbe Tariff we shall again certainly have. I fear they are to get the advantage of us, tho' every resistance will be made to reject or render their burthens as light as practicable. It is rumored that the president is in possession of im- portant communications from the British governments, in relation to the views of the Holy allies concerning the South American republics — what they are will not likely be known, before our Committee of Foreign relations shall propose something and probably not untill after it shall be known what the allies propose doing. I wish that Calhoun in his wild ambition may not induce the President to endanger our own peace by endeavouring to give consequence to the army and his extravagant plans for fortifications. It is really a source of mortification to hear to what little petty appoint- ments the President has condescended to prostitute himself, in order to serve the selfish views of Calhoun. I learnt a day or two since, that both the Senators and representators from Missouri recommended a man as collector in that State, that Mr. Crawford concurred, being an appoint- ment properly belonging to his depart, yet the President recommended a man, a brother of little Cook's''^ of Illinois, who had voted for Calhoun in a Legislative caucus. The Senate however had the firmness to reject the nomination. It is said too that Gov. Edwards^ (a man without moral character) would receive the nomination to Mexico, but for the fear of his rejection Stokes is an applicant, but poor old fellow his services in the cause of the "favorite" are too feeble to insure him success. I agree entirely in your views in relation to certain characters and parties, and though I have strong grounds to hope for success, still there is much to fear. Adams and Calhoun evidently begin to jar, there has been one or too pieces in their papers here that evince no small degree of feeling. I think it more than likely therefore that Crawford would divide the Eastern States, should Adams be drafted. From Pennsyl- vania I learn the caucus nomination will certainly succeed — that Craw- ford already has the largest number in the Legislature — that Jackson's friends will certainly go for him, as they complain of the arrogance with which Calhoun's friends claim them — I find too that amongst the mem- bers here Jacksons few supporters from that State, will vote with us in caucus. ITew York it is confidently said, will go for the Caucus — should De Witt C. offer, this will more likely unite the republicans. But every possible exertion is now making against a caucus. Calhoun has out spies, who bring every body that can be operated upon, to his house which iDaniel Pope Cook, 1795-1827, M. C, 1819-1827. 2Ninian Edwards, 1775-1833, had been chief justice of Kentucky, governor of Illinois Territory for nine years, and was now United States senator. He was appointed minister to Mexico in 1824, hut was recalled to answer charges. He had written a paper containing very serious charges against William H. Crawford and avowed the fact. Not being able to sustain them in any respect, he resigned. He was governor of Illinois from 1826 to 1831. 286 The I^obth Carolina Histoeical Commission. is always open to his partisans. Clay's party too begin to liawl off, they still say they greatly prefer Crawford as Second, but they know the hostility of the other candidates and that Calhouns party will do any thing for his defeat, hence they found their calculations for the success of Clay, they do not positively refuse and I am in hopes that enough of them will go in to answer our purpose. So soon as the Legislature of New York shall meet, which will be in January, and shall again express their sentiments upon a caucus, we shall make a trial to have it. I agree with you fully as to Calhoun and I should not be greatly disap- pointed should he prove a second Burr. I am in hopes Mr. Macon will go into Caucus. Branch now admits that Mr. Crawford will get the vote of our State. I trust our Legislature does as hansomely in forming their electoral ticket as they did upon other points. I wish we may do as well here. I hope for the best. Thomas Huffin esqr. From, William Muffin and Others. „. Raleigh, 1st January, 1824 oir. At a public meeting of the Members of the General Assembly, favor- able to the election of William H. Crawford as the next President, on the 24th of December, you were nominated as an Elector for the District in which you reside: We were appointed a Committee of Correspond- ence, and directed to inform you of your nomination, and enquire of you, whether you would consent to serve if elected, and vote for Mr. Crawford as President. We trust, that if you agree with us in the propriety of supporting Mr. Crawford, principles of patriotism will induce you to comply with the wishes of your friends, in consenting to place your name on the Ticket formed by those friendly to his election. You will be pleased to give us an answer on this subject, directed to William Euffin, of Raleigh, as soon as practicable. Very respectfully, B. Yanct, RoBT. Stranoe. J. Wilson, J. W. Clabk, W. RUPFIN. [Address : Thomas Ruffin, Esq.] The RirFFiif Papers. 287 From Willie P. Mcmgum. , , r. n • Washington City January 20th. 1824. My Dear Sir '' I was surprised and indeed mortified to see announced in the Star yesterday that our friend Mr. James Mebane had consented to hold a poll for one of the electors to support the election of Mr. Calhoun. I was mortified, because the contest will inevitably destroy that harmony which is so desirable in the county, and impair that good uaderstanding which it has been my pleasure to cultivate between him and my friends. I have written to Mr. Mebane at great length on the Presidential election two or three times, and laboured to convince him that whatever might be the success of Mr. Calhoun in North Carolina, that he stands no chance of ultimate success, and that division in the South will vel-y probably secure the election of Mr. Clay. I regret to see Mr. Mebane made the organ through which that party will express their opinions, and to see him with his personal and deserved popularity endeavouring to sustain a cause that cannot but be hopeless. The result will impair the usefulness of that very excellent man, without a prospect of advancing essentially the interests of his favorite candidate — I still hope that he will decline, and open the way to a gentleman who is ever ready to occupy the breach not where imminent perils are to be encountered but where popular favour can be wooed. Touching the result everything is in doubt and uncertainty. That Mr. Crawford is intrinsically stronger and considerably stronger than either of the candidates cannot be questioned. But that Mr. Calhoun cannot succeed I take to be equally certain. Mr. Adams is evidently on the decline. His best friends abate in their ardour, believing I presume that he cannot be carried through. Gen. Jackson is more carressed here than all them — and is rapidly gaining ground, and could without doubt get Pennsylvania, if she did not think her vote would be thrown away. You have seen that a convention will be held in Pennsylvania, with the view of designating a ticket. It is believed here that her object is to gain time, watch the progress of events and ultimately throw her strength in favour of the rising candidate. It is believed that both New York and Pennsylvania will make it a point not to be in the minority of the General Government, and therefore I presume that any calcula- tions at this time could not be satisfactorily relied on. If the election shall come to the House of Reps. I assure you that Mr. Clay will be a dangerous Competitor. Since my arrival at Washington I have become more and more con- firmed in the belief that the best interests of this nation require the ele- vation of Mr. Crawford to the Executive Chair. You have observed the direction and progress of the present Admin- istration and it seems to me that it cannot be doubted that the present fashionable ultra republicans have gone mad further than the sound 288 The Noeth Carolina Historical Commission. Federalists of tlie old school, and that Mr. Calhoun is at the head of the new school cannot be questioned. I do not believe that there is any intelligent Federalist in l^o. Ca. that upon his own principles can keep pace with the new school republicans. The new school has taken the principles of the old -Federalists but press their principles much further, I mean on the subjects of internal improvement etc., and especially in a latitudinous construction of the constitution generally. Mr. Macon informs me that even Rufus King told him that he was alarmed at the extent to which the new school were going, and that it had put him upon a reexamination of long established opinions. Mr. Webster yesterday occupied the house 2 or 3 hours on his resolution. The topic would seem to be barren, but he made it most interesting, and it is said that a more able speech has not been made in some years, in the House on the policy and views of the Holy Alliance he was most powerful, and indeed of the great men here he is the only one that in debate has yet manifested all the strength that I had attributed to him. You know that as a popular speaker Mr. Clay is perhaps unrivalled. Their excellence as you also know is very different in its kind. Mr. Crawford is still very ill, and he has been constantly confined to his chambei* since the meeting of Congress. He is now confined in a dark room on account of the infiamation of his eyes. It was thought at one time that he would lose his sight. But at this time no doubts are entertained of his recovery — ^he amends but slowly, tho surely. Be pleased to present my respects to Mrs. Euffin, Mr. and Mrs. Cain and accept for yourself assurances of my high respect. Thos. Eufiin Esq. ^- ^- ^^^^^^- From Romulus M. Saunders. "Washington Febr. 5th, 1824. But little has as yet been done in Congress — tho' the papers will give you a full account of what has occured — the Greeks after an animated discussion are laid upon the table without taking any vote, where it is probable the subject will rest. The subject of roads and canals has been under discussion for more than a week, — thus we talk from day to day — but I fear the next subject, the tariff will eventuate more unfortunately for us, If so we must resort to the same kind of associations that pro- ceeded the war of our revolution, if we have virtue enough. I have just returned from Mr. Crawfords and am happy to say he is greatly mended — except his eyes he is well — these are still inflamed but much improved — he says he thinks he will be able to come out in ten days — it has operated much to his prejudices in being confined. We have determined on having a caucus on the 14th of this month — this is with a view of nominating Mr. Gallatin as Vice president, so as to The Ruffin Papeks. 289 anticipate the meeting in Penna. calculating this to secure the vote of that State. Our plan is to call the caucus by getting one man from each State to sign the notice provided we can get one from the Majority of the States to sign — we think that one from fifteen States will sign and that our meeting wiU consist of at least ninety. We will then address a letter to such as are friendly to Crawford who refuse to go, and thus secure in his favour a majority of the republicans, which consist of about 220 in all. If we succeed as we expect, some of the ITew England States will go with us, and by the exertions of Gallatin I yet think Penna will come in. I fear you have formed too favorable an opinion of Clay — he is acting in a way calculated to forfeit our entire confidence — he refuses to go into caucus and has said all he wants is to get the election to the house tho' he is not very certain of getting in himself and he certainly will not if Jackson runs, and then if Crawford, Adams and Jackson come to the House the first must fail — ^Clay no doubt has promises from Calhouns party provided he will oppose a caucus — the anti-caucus party have secret meetings, appoint one from each State to get signatures and promises against a caucus — they have I learn about sixty to their paper, they will either come in and attempt to vote us down or publish their list and swear they have a majority — we will not be voted down, even if they attempt it, tho' I do not think they will risk this, as we are resolved to go through. Macon will not go in — tho' we shall get his sanction to the recommendation — Branch I understand is in correspondence with Murphey and others upon the subject of forming a ticket in our State for Jackson. I yet hope we shall be able to beat the rascals. You must if necessary and your health permits take the field next summer against Mebane, tho' Calhouns party have no hopes here — he stiU holds out merely for appearances and to make the best bargain he can. I rejoice in his defeat as I think him the most dangerous man in the Government. The Minister to Mexico not yet appointed — it is said Calhoun has become alarmed about Dallas and as he has promised so many I should not be surprised if some one should get it, that has not as yet been named. But as the President is in much difficulty about it — chance will deter- mine it. Thomas Puffin Esq. To Catherine Buffin.^ nr r, , r^-, ■■.■, PiTTSBOROUGH — February 10th 1824. My Dearest Child— ^ My promised letter to you should have been written long ago, if I had not been so constantly engaged as to be unable to take the time. For I assure you it is not more my duty to you than it is a pleasure to myself iCatherlne Ruffin, later Mrs. J. B. G. Roulhac, was Ruffln's eldest child. 19 290 The IsToeth Caeolina Histobical Commission. to commence and continue a correspondence with you. I fear however that I shall not be so agreeable as to make you desire frequent letters from me — for I should tell you of the faults in yours and give you other advice and that is generally not very acceptable to young people. I was nevertheless gratified at your last letter to your Mother. It was quite well written in diction, pointing, and spelling and seemed to have been written at your leisure. That is a great matter in all things. You ought always so to order your time as to do what you intend or is necessary in due season and without being hurried, and you will more likely then do them properly and to your own satisfaction. liTever, in particular, write carelessly and always write your best in every respect. You would soon acquire a habit of correctness and your letters would be sensible, neat and easy. I hope that you spend most of your time at home and especially your evenings and nights. You are too young to go much into company and altogether so to mix in that sort of company called parties. I hope you do not desire to do so and will not feel disappointed in not going to them. You know, your Parents did not acceded to your leaving them to go visiting — but to spend your time chiefly with your two Aunts, whose advice and attentions would restrain and improve you. I repeat the Counsel I gave you when you left us, upon that head : and if my words would have more authority as commands than as advice, you may take them in that light. You ought to be particularly careful not to go out at night for anything. Your throat has given your Mother and me a great uneasiness. It may get entirely well if you will observe a proper course this winter ; though by neglecting it at your present age, you may be an invalid through life. I have therefore to beg you to avoid exposure and taking cold — ^keep within doors in bad weather and of evenings. You tell your Mother that you are reading European History. That is very proper and I offer you my thanks and my congratulations for so useful and so agreeable an appropriation of your time. Our lives are only happy in proportion as they employed in acquiring knowledge and practicing virtues. But let me add, that occasional reading of a single volume, or a defective treatise upon one subject and then of another is of very little value. System and Diligence are essential to the acquisi- tion of correct or extensive knowledge and that alone is of value. When you read therefore, read, in retirement, well selected books and devote all your thoughts to them ; endeavour to impress important events upon your memory and to apply the moral considerations arising out of them, by reflection, to your own heart and improvement. But I would have [you] remember one Book above all the rest. The Book of Life, — ^which I trust you read daily and devoutly. The Bible is the fountain of Truth and the revealed will of God to man: In every line it contains whole- some instruction, reproof or comfort and is worthy of being studied and known of all men. But it is the surest school for those who desire to cultivate good feelings towards God and man, to learn our true nature The EuFFiiT Papers. 291 and destiny and to live in meekness and humility. There are all proper tempers and dispositions for a fine woman and nothing would give me more pain than to see you indifferent to them. I never knew a woman that professed Infidelity or was careless about Religion who duly felt the weight of any duty or was useful in any of the relations of life or was kind in her disposition or was happy. If my opinion be entitled to any influence with you, you will not neglect your religious duties: Eemember your prayers and your Bible and fail not daily to seek for instruction in the former and to acknowledge your dependence in the latter — as you have been accustomed to observe in your excellent Mother. I wished to add other admonitions ; but I must reserve them for another letter, as I have now hardly room left for communicating the tidings qf home; for which I know you look in every letter from Hillsborough. Yonr Mama and the Children as well as all our friends are quite well. Your Sisters returned from Caswell last Saturday week, where they had spent the whole of their holidays much to their satisfaction. Anne is very hearty and full of glee as usual : Alice looks thiner than common, tho' I hope not much is the matter. William went to see his grand-mama the first Monday of the month, and, truant-like, he staid all the week and only returned on Saturday night. He is at school with Mr. Rogers and is reviewing his studies, so as to enter the Freshman class next Ses- sion at College with credit. He is also attending upon the instruction of a Mr. Moss, who teaches Elocution and Reading, in which William is very deficient. I am told that he is a remarkably correct speaker and an excellent Reader — from which I have hopes that your brother will derive much improvement. Sterling is again a pupil of his Scotch friend upon the Hill; and Peter is Company for Elizabeth and your Mama. Elizabeth begins to walk, tho' she is lazy and timid. She grows and is in fine health and pretty as ever and well worthy of your wishing to see her. I do not know whether you stand in need of Clothes or Books; but for fear you should I enclose you Ten dollars for any little matter you may wish. I would advise you however not to consult yourself alone about your wants, for very few people make safe judges in their own matter. You have good counsellors at hand in your Aunts. Write often to your Mama and brother and sisters — You will shew your affectionate remembrance of them by doing so, besides affording the means of improvement to yourself and the children. I need not say, that I shall expect letters myself. Offer my kind regards to all our relations ; and receive, my Child, the assurances of the tender affections of your Father and Friend Thomas Ruffin. Miss Catherine RufEn Fayetteville. 292 The IJ'J'obth CAEOLmA Historical Commission. From Henry Seawell. "Washington 12tli Feby 1824. I have been in tbis City ever since tbe 12tb Ult. — we bave gone tbrougb all tbe evidence adduced on tbe part of tbe government, and are waiting upon "our Oars" for tbe arrival of farther testimony, wbicb we are notified from tbe department of State, is "speedily expected." My time begins to bang beavily upon me — tbe novelty of scene has past away: I bave been physicked witb tbe expression of sympathy for tbe Greeks ; I have attended tbe Supreme Court, and heard several interesting ques- tions relative to State-rights discussed; and the right of Congress to make internal improvements, being common talk for tbe hackmen; I may say in truth, I am pretty well gorged with Washington, and would prefer, greatly, to be at home, or even, on my plantation at Crabtree. Congress is said to bave more talent, than usually falls to her lot. I am permitted as one of the privileged order to a seat within the hall. I bave attended on most occasions of interest and heard tbe debates. Mr. Clay, very far, surpasses any other member I bave beard — ^he is tbe most eloquent man I ever bave met with, and possesses a voice that would give force to any thing he might say. I have seen Genl. Jackson and beard him make a short motion. Tbe idea of bis military character and achievements, makes all who bear him, willing to think be makes out pretty well. The great men in the Supreme Court almost read their speeches — they bave a iook in manuscript, on each point, fastened to- gether in the form of a bill in equity, and equal in length, to Murpbey's bill in behalf of Stokes and Welbourn now pending in tbe Supreme Court of 1^0. Carolina. The Council in argument begin so low, as scarcely to be heard, and gradually swell until they fairly rave; then they gently subside into a soft whisper, their gesticulation is menacing, both to the Court and tbe bystanders, and an equal portion of all they say, is distributed to every part of the hall. The Constitution of tbe United States, appears to be acquiring in the political world what was ascribed to tbe philosopher's stone in tbe physical regions. It is gather- ing by its own growth, tbe capacity of converting every thing, into exclu- sive Jurisdiction of Congress: for according to the construction now contended for, and what it is more than probable will be supported by the Supreme Court, tbe States can do nothing, what it is not in the power of Congress to regulate; and there is scarcely any thing they can act upon at all — tbe trade, or commerce, being subject to the regulation of Congress, is supposed to draw after it almost all power of regulation, and according to a definition given to the word "Commerce" by the Atto. Genl. that it means "intercourse," I shall soon expect to learn, that our fornication laws are unconstitutional : for the favorite doctrine now is, that all tbe powers which congress possess are exclusive, and consequently tbe sole power of acting upon that subject is transferred to them. As The Euffin Papers. 293 to the presidency, no man knows any thing about it. "The Holy alli- ance" I think, have over shot the mark. The people are obliged to see, that it is not their right for which so much sensibility is felt ; it is a con- sciousness, that it requires a reunion of all the other Candidates, to out vote Crawford. Their object is to prevent the people from electing the president, in order that it may come to the house of Representatives, when it comes there, States may, and will be divided, in some instances equally ; the very fulcrum can then be designated, upon [which] to apply the efficient lever length enough is all that's wanting, little bodies will be raised with short levers; post offices, coUectorships, marshals. Judges of Territories etc., but your huige masses, will require more length : and as different lengths are to be found in the great political forest, he who becomes the Owner, can direct one to be cut, as easily as another — then to the longer grade, up to a ministership. I fear I shall not be able to get to Granville Court — I must again implore the mercy of my bretheren. I should be glad to hear from you. Accept my best wishes. [P. S.] I cannot perform the labour of transcribing this blotted sheet. You will find out my meaning and I do not write for the press. Mr. Buffin, [Address : Hillsborough N". C] From Henry Seawell, ,, „ «• Raleigh 1st March 1824. My Dear isir ' I returned from Washington on Saturday worn out with the fatigues of the stage, and am at this moment sick enough to be in bed. I am compelled to return by the 15th, and it is utterly impossible for me to be at Granville. I have been greatly beset by HoUoway, and have heard from Mrs. Falconer — my absence is purely accidental, for under no ordinary happening of events, coud I have been prevented — our Board was literally waiting upon the government for weeks, after having waided through^ the whole mass of evidence adduced by individuals, as a sub- stitute for the evidence general in its character which the government by the Convention was to lay before the board on the question of Average value we have after repeated applications and short adjournments, been informed by the 4th of this month the evidence is to be closed, and to give full time we adjourned to the 15th. I wish I could see you to talk about the presidential election, the event depends upon circumstances, and no probable calculation can be made. Mr. Calhoun who was repre- sented by his understrappers to be so popular as almost to render his election sure, "is ojf." There is no doubt he will aid Jackson and Adams 294 The Noeth Carolina Histobical Commission. all his power, preferring Jackson in the first instance and any body before Crawford — The Holy Alliance seem determined to put him down — Many of the friends to Clay, are for Crawford in the second instance, and there are some N. England men who are his friends, but afraid to turn out against their section. So much for politicks. I write in great haste to send to town to go by those bound to Gran- ville. I am chilled with cold — and still worse have a client at my elbow. God bless you — remember me to all my brethren in feelings of kindness, and show me all the mercy you can. Thomas RufBn Esqr. [Address: Oxford.] [Copy] E. Freeman^ to H. Potter? IsTewbeen, March 8th 1824. No sooner did I cast my eye upon that part of a former letter of yours, informing me of your being visited (infested, I should say) by two Anti- Trinitarian Preachers — a Father and his son — than it was impressed upon my mind, Whitaker and his son are the men! Your letter by today's mail has confirmed my suspicion — or rather shown me my conjecture was correct. The only reason why I did not mention my suspicion to you in my last was, I could hardly believe the young man had had the impudence to become a preacher. The character of these men I know full well. They are from New Bedford, Massachusetts, which is within 30 miles of my Father's house, and which place I have often visited, and visited this last fall. I never heard any good of them. I have heard from the best authorities much evil. Not that they were capable of doing much hurt by preaching — they were considered by all as unfit to preach — as too immoral even to preach socinianism, — The elder man had been settled over the anti- trinitarian Church in New Bedford a number of years and had also a school in that place, until last spring or summer. Reports of his stealinff wood etc., whipping his wife unmercifully, and such like deeds had be- come so frequent, and his immoralities and infidelity so notorious, that his people (his church and congregation), tho' they had themselves no more true religion than the Hindoos, were ashamed of him, and were anxious to get rid of him. At length (his congregation having dwindled iProbably Edward B. Freeman of Halifax, 1795-1868, a native of Massa- chusatts, clerk of the Supreme Court, 1845-1868. 2Henry Potter of Craven, 1765-1857, judge of the United States District Court, 1801-1857. The Ktjffibt Papbbb. away to almost his own family) and the parish wishing to have another minister, agreed to give him $1200, if he would release them from their obligation to support him and clear out. He found this for his interest and left IN". B. upon which they settled a Socinian by the name of Dewey. — :The young man was considered an infidel and assisted his father in publishing a work which he edited, called the "Christian Philan- thropist" — a publication of a most irreligious and immoral tendency. These two men, no doubt, finding their character gone in Mass"'., have come to these ends of th« earth, hoping to impose upon the good people. The young man has probably taken up preaching since he left his native State. They may have recommendations from those who were willing to have them leave those regions, and cared not for what impositions they might practise elsewhere. Their testimonials, if they have any, may be forged. It is a pity they should be permitted to impose upon the people any where, either as preachers or Schoolmasters. — I consider them dangerous men in either occupation. You are at liberty to show the above as far as you may think proper. In the extract sent to Mr. Morrison (which I did not see) I under^- stand that some of the expressions, such as stealing wood etc., were omitted. From Bomulus M. Saimders. Washington March 9th 1824. I wrote to Mr. Yancy a few days since. I suppose you will meet at HiIls[bor]o next week. We receive here such unfavourable accounts as to Gallatins* being run for the Vice Presidency in 'N. C. that I should like for you and him to have a conference upon the subject and advise me of the result. Mangum says his runing will endanger the success of Crawford in his District. You will have seen the result of the Harris- burg ticket for Jackson and Calhoun — these I understand are to be supported under the expectation of carrying the vote of 1^. and S. Caro- lina. Their nomination will certainly benefit us in the north and Eastern States. From N. York I have positive intelligence, that the Senate will reject the Electoral bill — that in the Senate there are two for one in favour of Crawford and in the other House 86 — that they will in a few days hold a caucus and confirm our nomination. If they do this all will yet go right. Clay has played a desperate game and lost everything — he is much depressed at the Harrisburg views. He calcu- lated on being named as Vice Prest. there — such is his reward for his labours upon the Tariff. Gallatin has not yet accepted the caucus nomi- iGallatin, who had been nominated by the caucus for Vice President, was forced to withdraw in September in the hope of helping Crawford. 296 The Nokth Cabolina Histobical Commission. nation and as his own State has refused to support him, it is whispered that he will not. I am desirous therefore of having the views of Mr. Y. and yourself as to the effect of runing him in W. C. that I may com- municate with the party here. Branch speaks iii such positive terms — Mangum and Cameron as well as Lacy express such fears upon the sub- ject, that I entertain some danger. We are still engaged upon the Tariff — on yesterday we gained an important advantage by striking out the 3rd Section of the Bill, which imposed an additional duty, equal to the amount of bounty in premiums given by any foreign power — as conflicting with the British Treaty forbidding any preference being given to other powers in preference to their exports. Upon this subject Clay was so paralized by the news from Penn. as to have faild completely and the friends of the Bill begin to despair and I yet think we shall reject or greatly modify it. Let me hear from you as soon as convenient. Thomas Ruffin esqr. [P. S.] Such is Clay's state of feelings that should K". Y. come out for Crawford, I should not be surprised at his joining Jackson nothing but a union of C. and Adams friends can prevent the election of Jackson. From William F. Rufjin. Chapel Hill, March 11th, 1824. I have entirely recovered my health again and on my return to the Hill found my class a good ways ahead of me in my studies, but shall be able to make up all before the examination in June. We are now studying a late edition of Modern Geography by Sidney Morse in 1822, and the Atlas we get with the Geography are of no earthly use, there are but one or two principle places laid down, (I think you have a large one,) if you have, send it down to me by the first stage for it is impossible to get a lesson correct on the one I have at present. One thing I neglected to tell you when in Hillsboro last. Mr. Cain told me to tell you if you would give him the money when he goes to Petersburg that he will get better cloth for less money than you can get in Hillsborough and that he would charge me no profit, nothing but the cloth would cost in Peters- burg and that it would be better on my side considerably, or if you dont do that, wait untill he comes back and get a nice piece of Blue from him as I suppose he will get some good. I Believe I can do with a waistcoat until the winter, just get a coat and pr of panterloons. Dr. Caldwell is going to set out for London in a month or two for the purpose of purchasing a Philosophical apparatus and Books for the use of the College. Give my love to Sister and the Children and accept it yourself [Address : Hillsboro, IST. C] The Euffin Papers. 297 From John Long Jr} Washington City March 14th. 1824. A great deal of speculation here relative to the next President. The Legislature of N". York has refused to repeal the Electoral Law of that State from which it is infered that the State will undoubtedly support Crawford. Calhoun has struck his flag to Gen. Jackson and I under- stand the managing part of Crawfords enemies in N. Ca. are very indus- triously engaged in transferring the whole of Calhouns friends in that State to Jackson. It is possible that the people can be so blinded by the Sound of the peoples ticket as to submit to such Bargaining and Barter- ing at the will of a few unprincipled Aspiring Partizans. Would it not be advisable for the people during the week of their Supr Court in their respective counties to meet and recommend Mr. Crawford to the people etc. I know the Editors of the Raleigh Register would like to publish their proceedings and many would like to read them. I have suggested the plan to several of the leading men of Chatham County (Col Jones^ and others) should you think with me and be at Pittsboro Court I know you will feel interested in having it Judiciously conducted. I cannot entertain an opinion for a moment that there is any doubt but Crawford will get the vote of IS". Ca., but I know that some of his enemies will not stop at any thing to carry their point and should they succeed it will afford a triumph that I should be sorry to witness. The nomination of Gallatin did not meet my approbation nor can I urge his election — indeed I was surprised at the l^omination and think it rather unfortu- nate and yet hope that he will refuse to accept. If he should not I think we must have our Electors in N Ca at liberty to vote for who they please as Vice President. Should be glad to hear from you from Pittsboro. Thomas Ruffin Esq. From Romulus M. Saunders. Washg. March 15th, 1824. I have this "moment received from Albany the pleasing intelligence that the Electoral Bill^ is rejected. Wew York is now safe — the mem- iJohn W. Long, Jr., of Randolph, 1785-1857, M. C, 1821-1829. ^Colonel Edmund Jones. SThe law of New York gave the choice of electors to the existing legislature. The Clinton element, against the opposition of Van Buren and his followers, attempted to secure the passage of a law providing for their choice by popular vote. The bill for that purpose was defeated, but the struggle roused- so much feeling that Van Buren was unable to hold the legislature and the vote of the State was divided. 298 The IsTokth Cabolina Historical Commission. bers of tlie legislature will in a few days come out for the caucus candi- dates — all we have now to fear is a union between Adams and Clay — the former as President and the latter Vice Prest. Clay is decidedly hostile to Crawford. It is difficult to say on what account unless it be that he is resolved on being either Prest. or Vice Prest. But I yet think we will defeat their machinations. [Address : B. Yancy or Thos. Ruffin Esqr Hillsborough No. Carolina] From Henry Seawell. Washington 23d March 1824. I am at this among the most distressed men, am gravely cooped up without employment, whilst I see my business at home suffering for want of my presence. When I am to be able to get off, I can form no guess. I despair of reaching home in time for Wake Supr. Court. The clients from whom I have received fees in that court, already begin the refunding system — it is ruinous to me — for the expenses of my situation, are almost equal to the emoluments. Hainds, our client in Jail, wrote me a note when I was at home enquiring whether in case of failure, I woud refund what he had paid me ? I have visitted him half dozen times in a loathsome dungeon ; done more drudgery than I would perform for the seventy dollars he has paid me, (I think it is about that sum I have received) and now he calls on me to return that unless I go through with him. There are divers cases on the Civil docket when I have been paid — for God's sake extend to me all the clemency you can ; and intercede for me with my other brethren, be assured it is perfectly accidental that I have detained so long nothing but the most ill advised course in the preparation of the evidence in relation to the preliminary point of average value coud have produced such a result. When we get over this point, then our course can be shaped according to our own convenience and I shall have abundant opportunity to attend to all my business — if I can be permitted to finish it, it is as far as my previous intentions have extended, but if I am compelled to refund, I shall be obliged to seek indemnity, by a more vigorous effort in the practice, than I have hitherto made — as for politicks, they are out of my range, but I occasionally hear them talked about. The tariff is making slow progress, but I think it doubtful whether it will pass, there is at least, a hope that it will not as the Presidential election. I have this moment made the enquiry, with a view of writing you something on that head. The Oracle I have con- sulted is Col. Hayne of the Senate from So. Carolina, a thorough Anti- The Kuffin Papees. 299 Crawford, Jacksonian, he tells me Crawford is down, and Clay very much on the waine, and that the contest will be close between Jackson and Adams. This Gentleman is my near neighbour, and possesses my confidence and esteem in an eminent degree. There is no labourer in the vineyard, more zealous or better disposed to promote its true inter- ests; and there are few more sturdy, or who wield their implements to better advantage. On common topicks I consider his opinions a great degree oracular, and it is matter of great regret to me, that so able an officer shoud be found in the ranks opposed to Crawford. My own opinion is, that Crawford is rising, that his prospects are brightening every day, nor should I be surprised, if he should be elected by the people. If J. Q. should obtain no accession to the strength of If. E. he must inevitably fail, and in that event, I should consider Crawfords election as sure, but if H. C. should be withdrawn, I have great fears from the west — it is much to be dreaded, that, that force will be thrown into the scale of Jackson — it is all important therefore, that his name should be kept up — and I make no hesitation in stating to you that he is decidedly my second man — his course has been open manly and above board, his sentiments upon every subject are perfectly known, he seems to prefer that he shoud be understood, there is no difference of opinion upon the Tariff bill, with respect to his sentiments — the same with Mr. Crawford, the motion of reference to the Secretary of the treasury was opposed in the H. Representatives, not from any tenderness to Craw- ford, but because his views and sentiments would become official and Tcnown to the community. Great pains have been taken, as I think, to make Clay inimical, personally, to Crawford, but as I believe, without success, his course is "erectus in curia" as Ch. Jus. Taylor woud say. My opinion is, that personally he is friendly and I have little doubt that if he is brought to throw his weight in the H. R. in the presidential election that it will be in Crawfords scale — it is asserted with much con- fidence here that Jackson is to get the vote of No. Carolina, he is without doubt a tariff man, though it is possiile his objections to some of the details may induce him to vote against it. The people of our State ought to be informed that the principle of the tariff bill is exclusion or prohi- bition, and that consequently the government is to be supported not from revenue raised by import, but direct taxes, if the importations are pro- hibited from foreign countries, they in return, will prohibit the intro- duction of our products. The effect then is to cut off all markets, and whence are we to pay these taxes? And is it any consolation for all these evils brought upon us, that it was necessary to pay the debt of gratitude due to the Hero? I admire the soldier who has exposed his life in the service of his country. I venerate the patriot in whatever way he may have manifested his zeal for his country's good, and as an officer, I know no man more deservedly entitled to the confidence of the government, and who woud so generally be sustained by the voices of his fellow citizens as Jackson, but I cannot be convinced that because 300 The I^oeth Cabolina Histoeical Commission. he is a good officer ; because he is a patriot, and has the confidence of the people, therefore he is qualified to be the ruler of their civil affairs ; and therefore his views of the true policy of the government is right. Accept my kind wishes, remember me affectionately to all my brethren and believe me very sincerely. Mr. Euffin. From Willie P. Mangum. House of Repe. 24:th March 1824. •(• T* •!• ■!• ■!* ■■• •!* There is nothing new or important here, that is not to be seen in the papers. I think it perfectly certain that Gen. Jackson, tho strong, cannot in any event be elected President. I should be gratified to feel as sure that Mr. Adams is not to be the man, no material however that I know of. Crawford will get at least 90 votes in the electoral college. It is believed however that no election will be made, unless by the H. of Heps — and there is the difficulty that Crawford has to encounter. If the intrigues that are on foot, I mean of the combination of the other candidates, shall succeed, he will be ultimately defeated — all indeed depends upon that and it is probable before we leave Washington, that the result may be anticipated with some certainty. Congress will not adjourn I think before 15th May, probably not before 1st June as some think. [Address: Raleigh, N. C] From William F. Buffin. Chapel Hill April 1st, 1824. I received your letter by yesterdays mail which tho greatly surprised me gave me the most considerable pleasure. Your first rate advice I shall endeavour to follow, tho I have studied harder this session than I ever have done in my life and still I shall not be first in my class. I have been second and I am a little afraid that I shall lose that, though it would undoubtedly be partiality in the highest degree. The Tutors here of late have into a plan of marking any person when he recites to stand against him in confering the honours, their marks are 5 for the first honour, 4 second, 3 third and 2 and 1 none. We recite to Mr. Toung^ one lesson in the day and he generally gives me the first mark iBlisha Young, a tutor in the University. The Kuffin Papers. 301 and never below the second and we recite to Mr. Betner^ one lesson also and lie (Who it is given up by all the class that he is the most partial mean principled men on Chapel Hill, has his favourites to whom let them recite ever so badly he will give the first marks) gives me generally the second and third marks. But may be he'll repent it sometime or another. And Messrs. Andrews^ and Young men who are guided as little by partiality as any two men I know will tell you how I recite and then you may at once judge impartialy whether Mr. Betner is partial or not, but if his low marks exclude me from my desert, I can say with as good a face as any person and I am not the only that will say so that I have recited my lessons this session as well as and better than some of those to whom he through his partiality has given the marks of the first honour and moreover I can say that his low marks have not kept me from studying harder than I otherwise would have done or from knowing my lessons any better, but I should not be surprised if he were to knock me out completely. I expect he has taken up an idea that I am a noisy lazy fellow and that I partake in hissing and whistling at him sometimes in recitation, he gets a good deal of it some time, I assure for none but his favourites care anything more about him than for the College Servants and indeed not as much. You advised me to read not novels but useful and solid Books, but there is no more chance to read here since they have so greatly increased our Studies than it is to fly. I haven't read a half dozen Books this whole session, not even a Tragedy of Shakespeare as you mentioned. The members of the Senior Class speak this week their own composition, there were two as good speakers delivered on Tuesday evening as I ever heard one by James "W. Bryan^ from New Bern on A Survey of Europe and Greece, and the other by Henry E. Coleman* from Halifax Virginia on Should the United States united with Mexico, and we had a very interesting debate on monday evening between Jno. W. l^orwood^ and Benjamin B. Blume® of Ger- manton in Stokes on Should 50 Acres of land constitute A Voter, John very ably supported the negative. You mentioned that you had forgotten that Articles I asked you to send for By Mr. Moore to Petersburg, it was only to give him the money to get cloth for a suit of Clothes and hat as he can them of much better cloth there for less m'oney than you can in Hillsboro. Ask him to get Blue as nice as possibility with the money you will give him and a Hat of which I've told him. Give my love to Uncle and his family. I have written four times to Sister M. and iGeorge Shonnard Bettner of New Bern, a graduate of 1823 and a tutor in the University. 2Ethan Allen Andrews, professor of languages in the University. 3James West Bryan of Craven, 1805-1864, who was a lawyer of Carteret County in later life. He was state senator and delegate to the convention of 1835. *Henry Embry Coleman of Halifax C. H., Va., graduated in 1824. sjohn Wall Norwood of Hillsboro, who later became a prominent lawyer and was twice a member of the legislature. ^Benjamin Bynum Blume of Stokes, who graduated in 1824. 302 The N'oeth Caeolina Histokical Commission. Catherine since I came from Hillsboro and they haven't answered one of them and I have given it up as a bad job and quit. You mentioned that you expect I have heard lately that all my relations are well in Hillsboro for your little folks were always speaking of writing to me but they never do it. I haven't received but one letter from "Wm. this session and have written a dozen at least. [Address : Ealeigh, Wake County, N. Carolina.] From William H. Thompson?- Chapel Hill April 10th 1824. The earnestness with which you have advised and the liberal accept- ance you have rendered me in acquiring an education, have induced me to call upon you again at the close of this education, for your advice with respect to my future course. Medicine is the profession I have made choice of for myself — But as I will be unable for want of funds to enter upon the studies directly after graduation I designed taking charge of some school — For this purpose I applied to Mr. Rogers to get the appoint- ment of assistant teacher in the academy at Hillsboro. He wrote to me that he had already agreed with Mr. Jno Norwood to assist him, but mentioned that there was a vacancy in Ebenezeer Academy at Leesburg, Caswell, occasioned by the dismissal of Mr Cooper, and that he would name me to the Trustees of the Academy if I requested it. He says that a salary of four or five hundred dollars may be calculated upon at first, and that there is every reason to believe that this sum will be liberally augumented as the teacher proves his claims to further remuner- ation. As this is the most favorable opportunity within my knowledge of engaging in business, immediately I had thought it would be my best course to accept of the appointment if offered. However, as I regarded you as the best of friends — I considered it proper to consult you on the subject, before I had taken any definite step. I hope you will favor me with your advice in this case as soon as you can. When I commenced writing I intended to have concluded here — But I do not consider it to be improper to subjoin a few remarks — the report of the senior class — as it has been a subject of considerable discussion, here and given, rise to much unpleasant feeling and indeed some dis- turbance among the Dialectic members of college among whom I include myself — The chief cause of complaint to our members, was what we iWilliam Henry Thompson of Chapel Hill, a graduate of the University In 1824. The Eitffin Papers. 303 conceived to be an unjust distribution of distinction by the Faculty. They appointed a member of the Philanthropic Society to deliver the latin speech, When we were all fully convinced there were four or five members of the D. S. who ought to have been prefered. This decision of the Faculty was attributed to a partialty which we have thought, has long existed in that body. So indignant were the students when the report was first received, that a general spirit of insubordination prevailed among the other classes, and I am proud to say that its suppression was owing to the influence of the senior class, who promised to act in such a manner as would satisfy them. Accord- ingly the Dialectic members of the Senior class wrote a petition to the Faculty requesting to be exempted from taking any part in the exercises of commencement. This request has not, as yet, been acted upon by the faculty, and so it rests here. "We have no hope that the faculty will comply with what we ask. We only wish to show by our proceedings that we disapprove of the report. Judge RuflGm. [Address: Hillsboro, N. C] From Archibald D. Mwrphey. GrEEENSBOKOTJGH 29th April 1824. I am sorry to hear of your indisposition. You must take more Care of yourself: your Constitution is delicate and cannot bear up against the exposure and Fatigue which you have of late years suffered. Your life is to.0 valuable for you to run any risk of your Health : it is every year becoming more so, and every day imposes upon you a new duty to take Care of it. I hope you will Soon be well again. I did not know your Brother was going down from this place Untill the Xoment he was about to start, or I Should have written to you by him. I have attended to your Business here, and shall again on tomorrow give all the satisfaction I can to your Clients. Your Absence is much regretted by the People, as well as your Brethren. We have done but little, and it is upon the whole a poor Court. Capt. Estis^ had the lands Surveyed by a Mr. Beck, a Deputy Sur- veyor. I did not reach his House untill Sunday Morning, having been detained at Lexinton by the Trial of Law for Murder. He and his Wife would have executed the Deed According to the Survey of Beck; but your Brother had gone and taken with him the papers ; and Capt Estis told me, Mr. Michaux insisted upon a survey "being made by Mr. Wil- liams, the County Surveyor, He promising to get Mr. Williams to make iJoel Bates, formerly of North Carolina but now of Tennessee. 304 The N"oeth Caeolista Historical Commission. the survey, and I am to go to his House from Rockingham Court House on next Week, on this business ; When I hope, I will get everything done that is necessary. I am very desirous of closing it. I will have the necessary Orders made in your Suit with Holman. Mr. Hill has not been here, nor are the Costs paid. I will have an exe- cution issued. I received $50 for Mr. Caven for you, and making up Money for Mr. Bagge and to pay a Debt to Elisha Mendenhall, which he called on me for, I have used it. I expect to get it again tomorrow, and if so, I will Send it to you very early on friday Morning, with $25. I got for you from Mr. Bray. I shall be able in a few days, I hope, to pay up to Mr. Bagge the entire Interest upon my two Bonds. He has been here and seems quite content: and says upon my paying him the Interest regu- larly, he will give me four or five years to begin the reduction of the principal. I have had pretty good luck thus far on the Circuit. I am trying to drive some trades for Western Lands : whether I shall Succeed, I cannot yet tell. It is probable, I shall, in Part. I received on Monday a Letter from Mr. McLemore^ enclosing me a Map of the great Connexion of Surveys on the Holston, and Seeing the Tracts which Mr. Hughes^ had Selected for me, and containing Maj'- Horkly's Description of these Tracts. Mr. McLemore writes a long Letter about these lands, and lands generally in the Western District of Tennessee. My Lands are better than I expected. I would send you Mr. McLemores letter and Maj'. Horkleys Map; but I have made a Propo- sition to Mr. Yaney and he has the letter and map for examination : and I want them on next week at Rockingham. I will send them to you in time for you and Mr. Kirkland to examine them before Orange Court. In my Contracts with Mr. Alston,^ Col. Farrar,* George Luther and others, I have allowed them 20 per Cent upon the Amount of my Debt to them in Consideration of their taking Payment in lands. I intend to do the same with you and Mr. Kirkland : but you and he will get the best land I own. It seems from Majr. Horklys Statement that there are upwards of 4,000 Acres of first rate land in the Tract. I am very desirous of closing our Contract, and wish by all means to do it when we meet ; and in the meantime, if you can command as -much time, draw up the necessary Instruments. The Idea of reestablishing Myself at the Hermitage^ has given me new life and vigour : I once more begin to feel like a Citizen. iJohn C. McLemore of Nashville who had formerly lived In Raleigh. He was a surveyor and, like so many of his kind, a land dealer. 2Rohert Hughes, a lawyer of Jackson, Tenn., and Murphey's land agent. He married Murphey's niece. sprobably the Alston who sued Murphey in 1819. See Hoyt ed.. The Mv/rpJiey Papers, I, 151. 4John Farrar of Chatham County. sMurphey's home in Orange, formerly the property of his father-in-law, John Scott. The EtrsFiN Papers. 305 I have paid Mr. AUen^ one half of his account for the Timbers he furnished at the Mill. I will settle, with Mr. Hinton and also Mr. Wood ; but I do not expect I can pay Mr. "Wood on this Week. However, if he prefers, I will make some Arrangement for his geting his money in ten days. The money for the lands I will Send you. I pray God, Dear Ruffin, to restore you quickly to good Health, and to prolong your life, Untill you can acquire that high honor and reputa- tion that await your Genius and honourable exertions. Remember me kindly to Anne and all the Children. Thomas Ruffin esqr. [Address : Hillsborough] From Bartlett Yancey. Caswell, 29th of June 1824. Being at Raleigh and seeing persons from almost every part of the State, you can give me some News on the Presidential election. Inquire of Willson and others from the West : Also of the Cape Fear Country. Inquire about the Halifax and Edenton Districts, and be so good as to write me by Mr. Watlington on his return. I see from an intimation in the ITational Intelligencer, of the 2 2d, that the Committee on Investigation have retracted nothing they have before said, and that in the subsequent investigation, the Secretary stands as fair as at first. Of this I had full confidence, because I know well, that if ever I saw an honest politician and an honest man, it was Craw- ford. Will not his affair have a powerful effect in favor of his election ? It certainly ought, and will have an influence. In Rockingham, the upper part, they are not for Jackson: Also in the neighborhood of Leaksville. Otherwise we are doing very well. Write me fully. [Address : Raleigh, N. C] To Major John, Owen? Raleigh— June 30th 1824. About 18 months ago a man by the name of Moore of Orange County brought to me by way of Consultation the bond of James Porterfield, of which I annex a copy on the other side. Mr. Moore is the son of the man to whom the bond was given who died in some few years after the lAlexander Allen. 2Major John Owen of Bladen, 1787-1841, member of the House of Ck>mmons, 1812; state senator, 1827; governor, 1828. 20 306 The N'oeth Cabolina Histokicai, Commission. date of the Contract leaving Ms son an infant of very tender years. Major Samuel Turrentine formerly the Sheriff of Orange was the Exec- utor or administrator of Alexander Moore and the guardian of his son and only child. Maj. Turrentine removed to Tennessee about ten years ago and now resides there. The bond, being a contract for Land, belongs to the son as heir. He seemed to know but little of Mr. Porterfield or his Estate and nothing of the nature of the contract, as he had but lately come into possession of it from his father's representative. I told him that I would enquire into the affair. I did so and learnt that Archd McBryde Esqr of Moore County had settled Mr. Porterfield's Estate. I applied to him for information as to its situation. He told me that he perfectly knew Mr. Porterfield's writing and from inspection that the bond was genuine^-that he had chiefly settled the personal Estate, not as. Executor or administrator but as the Agent of the person who bore that Character — that he was unable to say how it now stood and never knew any thing about the Lands ; but that you and your Brother, or one of you had succeeded to the Estate as heir or devisee and that application ought to be made to you. Knowing that there was some landed connec- tion between you and my friend Mr. Murphey, I mentioned the subject to him and requested him to speak to you when he should see you, which he promised to do. I do not know whether he did or not, but rather suppose that he forgot it from my not hearing from either of you about it, tho our conversation passed last winter. When I myself saw you here, it entirely escaped me, else I should have mentioned it. Mr. Murphey however requested me on your behalf to see my Client again and to know of him whether he insisted on having the land or would put up with money and what sum at the least. I have lately had a con- versation with Moore, who is an exceedingly ignorant man as well as in humble circumstances; for each of which reasons he is averse to litigation and especially at a distance. He was hence induced upon my advice, to agree to take in money, instead of the land, the original sum advanced by his father, say £120 — with Interest on it. You will, I have no doubt, properly appreciate this letter, which let me say once for all is not intended professionally to draw you into any admission or obligation, that would subject you to pay anything that you may not now be under obligations for. My object is simply to give you notice of the demand and the nature of it and to communicate the terms to which my client will assent if you feel it your interest to accept them. I would further enquire of you, whether, supposing the bond genuine and its validity unimpaired by subsequent circumstances, Mr. Porterfield has left Western Lands to comply with it or personal Estate to make it good ; and whether yourself or who else is, within your knowl- edge, his heir or devisee, and further, whether it would be agreeable to him or them to make the compromise as suggested or to offer any other. As I stand in the confidential relation of Counsel for Mr. Moore, I would add, for my own sake, the expression of my wish that you should The Etjffin Papers. 307 consult a legal friend before favouring me with your answer — which I take the liberty of asking at as early a day as convenient. The good cause of Republicanism and the good and great man, Craw- ford, are in a pretty good way in my county and District: Mehane I believe goes to pot this election. I hope your friends below continue stedfast. [Address: Bladen County N". C] From John Pmley. "WiLKESBOEo' July 9th 1824. Genl. Lenoir^ and myself have been thinking it would be impossible for you to be as well prepared to enter into the trial of the Moravian Cause^ this term, as at the next, as the proof which you took a memo- randum of while we were at Raleigh can be had at the next term, if nothing happens; and I shouTd be glad to know if the Supreme Court could order a record to be made by that officer when he would be out of his own County with the Books at Raleigh. Thos. Ruffib Esqr. 'N. B. I presume you understand me, as I wish the above proof to be kept a profound secret, which you are apprized of, when you took notes of what could be proven. [Address : Raleigh N. C] From Archibald D. Murphey. DearBuffin. . 13th. July 1824. * * * I am on the eve of seting out for the "Western District. The excessive hot "Weather has distressed me and delayed me. My Time is short and I have a great deal to do : More than I can possibly get done. Thus far things have gone on pretty well with me, except that my Pocket has been rifled and between one and two hundred Dollars stolen from me. This is confidential. I know the Man, and I had no more Suspicion of him than of you. I will tell you all about it when I see you, and you will be no less surprised than Myself. The Money is lost. i"William Lenoir of Wilkes, 1751-1839, the first president of the hoard of trustees of the University of North Carolina. He was a man of much power and was very influential in his section of the State. He had been four times a member of the Commons and eight times of the Senate. 2The Moravian Cause had been reopened by Lenoir In 1822. 308 The !N^orth Carolina Historical Commission. There is no news. Great apprehensions are entertained of a sickly Season about this place. Dysentery and bilious fever already prevail. I think it probable I shall so manage as to get all the Warrants of the Trustees which I brought out, adjudicated and located before I return. We have got an Order from the Circuit Court for a Mandamus, to Mr. Graham, to adjudicate the Warrants : He has appealed to the Supreme Court, and the Case will be argued on Monday next. We are pretty confident of Success. In the Mean time I have been engaged in pro- curing Locations for the Warrants, And have got nearly two thirds of them secured, for Lands equal or nearly so to the Lands of the Warrants of 1822. The Warrants rejected by the last Legislature and those I brought out this Summer (the Part remaining to the Trustees) amount to 50.000 Acres and a fraction. There is a flood of Warrants collected from a strange Construction given to an Act of the last Assembly, and will be poured over the Western District in a few Weeks. However the Trustees of the CoUedges here and myself have engaged from the Loca- tors all the Locations or nearly so, that are in Keadiness, And in this way, if we can get out Warrants into the Locators's hands within the next six Weeks, We shall still be safe. Our Counsel here deserve the thanks of the Board and a very large Fee. Remember me Affectionately to Anne and all your Children, to Mr. Kirkland and Family, and to my good Friend Dr. Webb. Address: Hillsborough. From Romulus M. Saunders. Milton, July 30, 1824. He ifc :ic 4e $ # :Js I should be extremely happy to see you, for since my return home I learn but little of what is passing in our own State, except what the papers inform me. I learn from Mr. Van Buren that the Governors Proclamation and the Report of the investigating committee has had a powerful effect in uniting the Republican party in N". York and that unless he is greatly jdeceived the Electoral law will not be repealed. From Penn. Mr. Lawrie writes me, that they have strong hopes of carrying the vote of the State. If we hold firm in this State I yet think the good cause will triumph. I have no fears of my own District — tho' the oppo- sition is stronger than I could desire. I have had one meeting from the Hustings with Shepherd^ and have no cause to regret the conflict — altho' I am informed that the Salisbury paper has published something that was said by me on that occasion. lAugustine H. Shepperd of Stokes, member of the House of Commons, 1822- 1826; member of Congress, 1827-1839, 1841-1843, 1847-1851. The Euffin Papers. 309 I shall spare no occasion that I can with propriety embrace to exert myself in the contest. "Will you do me the favour to present the subjoined order and accept the same as a present from your friend. I regret to hear of your indisposition and fear unless you spare yourself more than you have done for past years it may prove fatal to your con- stitution. Thos. Euffin Esqr. [Address : Hillsborough.] Prom George E. Badger. Wabrenton Aug: 6th. 1824 It is so long since I wrote to you that my silence may well seem in- capable either of explanation or apology. An aversion to writing in- creased by a long habit of seK indulgence, prompted by a natural indolence of- disposition, gives often to me the appearance of negligence or indifference to the kindness of my friends, and yet I may safely affirm it gives only that appearance. My heart is far from any indolence in cherishing a grateful and affectionate sense of your uniform friendship, and what has not been professed or declared has not on that account been less deeply understood or less warmly recollected. Your kind expres- sions in a letter to Mr. Devereux were not received by me without sensi- bility, coming as they did at the most trying period of my life. They would long since have been acknowledged but I hoped for the pleasure of once more seeing you this summer in the midst of your family. Until within a few days I had'nt entirely abandoned that hope. I am now however about starting to the Virginia Springs where I shall spend per- haps ten days and then hasten to the commencement of my circuit. As therefore I shall not see you again this Summer, I feel that it would ill become me again to consult my indolence and neglect acknowledging a kindness which has been to me at once the source of pleasure and the means of advantage. I have several times heard with regret that your health was feeble. I fear in your anxiety to provide for a numerous and amiable family you are tasking yourself beyond your ability to bear and I wish it were in my power to prevail with you to give yourself some relaxation. It is certain that no pecuniary advantage could compensate your family for the loss of yourself. In putting to hazard your life you are hazarding all that is valuable to them, and their claims (to say nothing of those which the publick justly have upon your learning and ability) should be a motive to proportion your labors rather to the Strength of your body than the energy of your mind. It appears to me, from the little observation I have been able to make, that this consider- ation is little attended to by men who have children to raise — of which Mr. Stanly and yourself are prominent examples. You are both putting 310 The Woeth Caeolina Historical Commission. to risk lives of extraordinary usefulness without adequate motive or (if you will pardon the expression) due consideration. I should rejoice to hear that you had given your body and your mind some repose from the incessant exertion of the last six years, and the effect would probably be a renovation of your health. In the fall of 1818 a Mr. Crittenden left in Hillsboro in my absence from home two small notes. If you recollect the time you may imagine a reason why they were not attended to then. I have shamefully neglected them, and put away in my desk they have reposed until a letter reached some time ago making some inquiries. Crittenden seems from the memorandum he left with the notes to consider the debtor's circum- stances as desperate and to trust to some unexpected accession of property he had heard of by will or descent. I do not now remember if I took any steps — if I did it was nothing more than enquiry. Will you have the goodness to ascertain if there be any such man as; !N'orman in Orange and what can be done ? Crittenden said in his mem i that he did not wish any writ issued unless he had property. Will you dispose of them as you think best by suit or putting them in the hands; of a constable ? Crittenden lives in Greenville District So : Carolina. I inclose you the notes. Remember me in the kindest and most respectful terms to Mrs. RuiEn,, and also to Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland and believe me dear Sir Thos : RufHn esq. [Address : Hillsborough] From Lewis Williams. SuEBT County August 15th, 1824. iK ^ :IE 4c 4c :<« 4: We are beginning active operations in the Presidential Election. !N"o' effort win be spared to obtain a large majority in this County and dis- trict. The public mind is however a good deal estranged at present. But I trust all things may be made straight before the Election. Our- Grand Jury at May Court denounced caucuses and recommended Jack- son. At the August Court last week they voted and gave 10 for Craw- ford and 6 for Jackson. This Shews the begining of a change. Col. David Durrett^ who is elected for the commons from this County openly and publicly in his speeches on all occasions declared for Crawford. The other candidates declared for Jackson. In the Senate Roberts* had" 440; Hampton 380:* In the commons Durrett had 1057; Martin 848;* iDavld Durett of Surry, member of the Commons, 1824-1825. ^Pleasant B. Roberts, member of the Commons, 1820-1823, 1836; state sen- ator, 1824, 1826. SThomas Hampton. 4W. C. Martin. The EtTFFiN Papebs. 311 Sater 68 — Thiis it seems Durret has been elected by a large majority although he publicly declared for Crawford. From all these circum- stances it would appear that the people are not only changing but that they are not wedded to Jackson by indissoluble ties. In confirmation of this belief I have not seen a man who does not after the thing is properly explained in a personal conversation admit that Jackson ought not to be elected President. Much is to be done by exertions at the Superior Courts. Therefore as you are one of the Electors let me suggest the propriety of addressing the people at all of the Superior Courts you attend. Let Mangum and such of the members to the Legislature as are friendly to Crawford join you and address the people at the same time. These joint addresses will come to the people like a greater weight of evidence than if only one addresses them. Franklin^ and myself have agreed to pursue this plan in this district, and will have the aid of such County members as are friendly to Crawford. If measures of this kind are resorted to it seems to me that an entire revolution of opinion may be effected in the State. Our adversaries plume themselves upon the majority they are likely to have. But that majority depends for its existence upon the want of true information respecting the claims and qualifications of Genl. Jackson. Let one great and simultaneous effort be made throughout the State, and the vote of No. Carolina will be given to Crawford without doubt. By letters from the City of 'New York and from A. Stevenson^ of Richmond Va. I am informed that those great States will give an un- divided vote for Crawford. I suppose you have at Hillsboro by this time some information from Albany. If l^ew York and Virginia stand firm every thing will be safe. No delinquency should appear in the conduct of the good old North State. Every man should be at his post and do his duty. Thos. Euflin Esq. [Address : Hillsborough No. C] From J. W. Long Jr. Randolph Cott. August 20th 1824. My hasty and unexpected departure from Pittsboro prevented me from saying something more to you concerning the peoples ticket. I want you to undertake to give the people a fair and full exposition of the invidious scheme and its Origin; thro the Hillsboro paper. I con- iMeshack Franklin, 1772-1839. ^Andrew Stevenson of Virginia, 1784-1857, member of Congress, 1823-1834; speaker, 1827-1834. 312 The I^oeth Caeolina Historical Commission. scientiously believe there is nothing wanting but a full and honest explanation of the thing to cause the people to denounce it as the greatest stride and most daring attempt ever made by a few to deceive and defraud the people of their right in the most important and interesting subject. I know you fully understand the subject and have no doubt you can have your communication published without being known as the Author. I think all that is necessary is to shew what it really is and where it comes from and so far from its being the peoples ticket very few if any body will acknowledge they know any thing about it. That they require Crwfd to get a Majority against the world which to say the least of it is ungenerous and something that never was expected or required of any one man before and to Warn the friends of Jackson and Adams against the Intrigue of each other and finally shew that the Electors on the peoples ticket are not bound to vote for Either of them but will feel themselves at liberty if Elected to vote for a man of their own choice be him whomsoever he may, provided he in their Estimation is most likely to Succeed against Crwfd. This is nothing short of Asking the people of No. Ca. to clothe those 15 Gentlemen (who seem so Anxious to take upon themselves the responsibility) with the power of choosing a fit person to preside over them as President without being under any other pledge to the people than to Vote and Act against Crwfd. I was at Salisbury last week found the enemies of Crfd. Seemingly in high spirits but before I left we had the information of the Adjournment of the 'N. York Legislature which you know was quite unpleasant to most of them. Amongst the rancour and disingenuous misrepresentation I had the satisfaction to find many of the substantial men in Rowan in favour of both Crwfd and Caucus and upon the whole I do believe the number of my friends have increased in that part of the district. But I can assure you that unprincipled W. Carolinian has had its poisonous influence in the Western part of the state where they see no other paper, and hear but little else on the Presidential question, l^or have we any chance where only that paper circulates for notwithstanding the Editors profession he will not publish communications on our side of the question satisfactorily. I find Mr. Mebane^ and Mr. Giles^ do not view the peoples ticket alike. Mr. Giles says if he is elected he will vote for Jackson unless he sees he stands no chance of being Elected in that case he will vote for some other person that is most likely to be elected against Crwfd. Mebane will vote for Jackson if he gets more votes on the peoples ticket than Adams if not he will vote for Adams. Giles seems to know nothing about the Arrangement Mebane speaks of the people to signify their preference on the back of their ticket etc. I have no doubt but they may be made to contradict each other in their views of the peoples ticket so as to throw all into confusion. I know your experi- ijames Mebane of Orange. 2John Giles of Rowan. He was defeated in this campaign. The Kuffin Papers. 313 ence has long since shown you how liable those are who are dishonestly engaged to be thrown into confusion. Unless the people do come to understand the scheme of the peoples ticket better than at present I am of the Opinion it will prevail in the Western part of the state. That they may is my sincere desire and only hope. Should be glad to hear from you by the [word illegible] . Thomas Ruffin Esqr. From John Owen. Bladen Co : August 20th 1824. I was in Elizabethtown a few days ago, and reed, from a dram shop, your favor of the 30th of June, and was at a loss to conceive who was the bearer of it, as it did not come by mail, but seeing it directed from Raleigh, supposed at once that either Genl. McEay^ or Mr. "Wright,^ who I knew had been up in attendance on the Supreme Court — ^had probably brot. it down, and meeting with the Genl. soon after he told me he was the bearer. Mr. Murphy never mentioned the subject of the bond to me in any manner as well as I recollect, indeed, I am confident he never did, as I feel assured if he had done so, I could not thus entirely have forgotten it. 'No man can have a better acquaintance with the handwriting of my uncle James Porterfield than Mr. McBryde,' who was his personal friend whilst living, and gave much assistance in the settlement of his deeply embarrassed estate after his death. James Porterfield died in the year 1795, intestate, leaving considerable real and personal estate. John Porterfield his only surviving brother administered on the estate; my father, (who married the only sister) refusing to have anything to do with it, believing the estate more in debt than it was able to pay. John Porterfield in a few years after, (I believe in 98) died also, leaving a will and Richard Street of Moore County (his father in law) and Thomas Owen* of Bladen County, my father, his Exrs, and after making provision for his widow, left the balance of his estate (all real) to my brother James Owen and myself. Richard Street has long since been "gathered to his fathers," and I know nothing of his affairs. My father died in 1805 leaving James iJamee J. McKay of Bladen, 1793-1853, was for a time United States district attorney, was many times a member of the state senate, and was a member pf Congress from 1831 to 1849, being for a number of years chairman of the ways and means committee. 2Probably Joshua G. Wright of New Hanover. SArchibald McBryde of Moore. *Thomas Owen of Bladen, 1735-1803, was a native of Pennsylvania, and wa« a revolutionary soldier. He was a member of the provincial congresses of 1775 and 1776, many times a member of the legislature, and for one term a member of Congress. 314 The Koeth Caeolina Histoeical Commission. Moorhead of Bladen Co. and Elisha Stedman* of Fayetteville (who is still living) his Exrs. James Moorhead is dead, and Isaac Wright of Bladen, and Hinton James^ of Wilmington are his Exrs. — "And, so endeth the first lesson." You perceive that neither my brother nor myself have had anything to do in the settlement of James or John Porterfields or my fathers estate, and whether the law, which ( I believe) permits only a dealing in straight lines, can reach us in the settlement of this bond I know not ; — I mean that I do not know whether there be any legal obligation upon us to pay the bond, nor do I care to take the advice of any gentleman of the profession; should there not be, there may yet exist — a paramount obligation ; I mean a moral, and should such a one exist, the debt shall be immediately discharged, as the means of doing so are completely within our power. Fpon a statement of these facts to Mr. Peter Browne,^ if he is of opinion anything can be recovered in a court of law or equity from my brother and myself, the bond shall immediately be taken up — if he should think otherwise, it will not lessen the moral obligation, and this shall be attended to in due season. The good cause of virtue and republicanism in my county is doing as well as I could wish, and doing well in two or three adjoining counties, and I trust in my district will prevail, but in all Covingtons and Le- grands* Country so far as I can learn it is completely prostrate — Covington is personally very unpopular, and Legrands polities have always been doubted. In my district we have a dreadful drawback in Mr. Gallatin, who notwithstanding his transcendant talents and eminent public services is a great clog to our cause. I must confess I am dread- fully afraid of the issue in this state, but the final result must be favorable. In the counties of Robeson, Richmond, Anson, Montgy., Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Burke, Buncombe and Ashe, some Missionaries ought to be sent out, and. if Covington could be prevailed on to withdraw and Jo. Picket" or some other popular man put in his place, it would in my opinion add many hundred votes to the Republican ticket. Thomas Ruffin Esqre. [Address: Hillsborough N". C] lElisha Steadman married Thomas Owen's daughter Mary. 2Hlnton James was the first student to attend the University of North Carolina. sPeter Browne was a native of Scotland and was regarded for a time as the head of the bar in North Carolina. He retired from practice in 1818 and returned to Scotland but only remained three years, returning to Raleigh to spend the rest of his life. He died in 1832. He and Ruffin were devoted friends, and Ruffin named a son for him. 4james Legrand of Montgomery, who was frequently a member of the legis- lature. sjoseph Pickett of Anson, a local politician of much influence. The Ruffin Papees. 315 From John Owen. Bladenbobo Septr. 28th, 1824. Your very flattering letter of the 3rd inst. is duly reed. It certainly was not my intention to draw from you a compliment -to the character which either my brother or myseK have made with our friends in this State: — whatever that character may be, it is certainly better worth preserving than the acquisition of a little pelf at the expense of principle ; and I trust neither of us would hesitate a moment to forego a much more imposing opportunity of enriching ourselves, than that now pre- sented, out of a man both "ignorant and poor" — ^but enough of this. James Porterfield left no personal property which ever descended in any way to my brother or myself, nor did our mother ever receive from James or John Porterfield one cent of property ; you have mistaken my letter in this regard, but probably the mistake is not material. John Porterfield, the only surviving brother inherited the whole of James's real estate, and took possession of all the personal property as Admr., and never accounted for one dollar to my mother — of John Porterfields estate (which had been James's) my brother and myself as his devisees, have sold a lot of ground in Fayetteville of greater value than the amount of the bond to Moore, and we now claim 5000 acres of land on the Mis- sissippi granted to James Porterfield, the grant for which, is now in the possession of Mr. Murphy — it was to this grant I had allusion in my last letter, where I stated that we had the means of satisfying the bond — and this is the only land granted to him in the now State of Tennessee. I am sorry to say that the good cause of our Country is not doing as well in our part of the State as I could wish. In Sampson County, we shall do worse than in any county in my electoral district. The Gov. (Hobnes'^) and a numerous family connection are against us, and what is still worse, the Honble. "William R. King^ of famous memory, and his brother Genl. Thomas D. King,* who formerly resided there, have spent the summer in that county, and have vast influence. I dread the issue. Thomas Kuffin Esqr. [Address: Hillsborough N". C] iGabriel Holmes. 2WillIam R. King, 1786-1853, after service In the legislature and as member of Congress from North Carolina, moved to Alabama. He was United States senator, 1819-1844, 1848-1853; minister to France, 1844-1846; Vice President, 1853. 3Thomas Devane King, member of the Commons, 1804-1807. 316 The liToRTH Cabolina Historical Commission. From Major William Moore. [Oct. 21, 1824] I have longed to see you for some time But my misfortune put it quite out of my power to Come to see you that Respecting our Elettion for the precedance I understand that you stand firm on the ground you first tucke your stand for Wm H Craford wich makes me Regoice to thinke that we have some men that ant to Bee Changed with Every wind of Ducktren that Blows know man in the world Can thinke more of general Jackson then I Do for the Feild then I Do But for god sake kee him ther and not Let him Come to the Chaire for you Can see as well as me and Beter two that thers somthing in the Clouds that hant Fell out yet" I am Like the old Roman when he says that Every gaod general ant fite for a presedance or in words for an Emprer I am sorrow when I Com to see some of our grate men how was at the anomation fly the track I Cant See for my part what is the Reason that ther so grate Change in the people But ther minds has Been poisend som way or other I Dont know why general Jackson Should Bare all prases of our Last ware for I think general Brown and general Egell and Duburn and pery foute harder fighting to the North then Jackson Did and JSTumber of other officers not a word about them my opion is !N"ot for Jackson for I think Crafford superer to him for that office and I hope god will Bless you for your stand I Bad at wrightin and speling But you will understand me I wuld wrot more But I Did not know whether it would pleas you — if I have Dun Rong I hop you will for give me for my Eigrance But my Love to the Rule of Right is so grat that Cant give it out as Longe I Live Sir Remain your Friend William Moobe Oct. 21th 1824 [Address: Hilsborough] From William, Garnett. 25th Oct. 1824. Our mutual avocations seem to have put an end to our epistolary intercourse. Indeed it is so long since we have had any communication of this sort, that I cannot with certainty remember which of us is the debtor on this score; though if my memory is not treacherous I think you are the delinquent. It is not however with a view of adjusting this balance that I now address you. A large and growing family admonish me to look out for a more eligible settlement for them. My object there- fore is to seek cheaper lands a healthy country, and to avoid if possible the inconvenience of emigrating to a state of society which if I have not been greatly misinformed with regard to our new State, is but little removed from semi barbarous. I have lately had my attention directed to your State as most likely to fulfil the object I have in view and I know of no person from whom I could obtain such satisfactory inf orma- The Euffin Papers. 317 tion as yurself, and I can at the same time assure you that the prospect of a renewal of our early friendship offers the strongest alleviation that I can promise myself of the pain of separation from all the friends of my youth, and I may add, the soil of my native State. But such regrets are unavailing when duty commands and they should if possible be placed out of view. To return then to my subject I wish to be informed at what price a good farm of 600 to 1000 acres could be purchased for per acre; the kind of crops that hold out the greatest inducement to cultivators — the proximity of such a settlement to market and lastly though not the least consideration the healthiness of any situation you may recommend. I do not wish to purchase an unimproved place that is in relation to buildings. My present plantation contains about a 1000 acres, for which I can get a pretty good price ; and I desire if prac- ticable to repurchase as much or nearly as much as I now own and to have a surplus to pay some debts that I owe, which I see no other pros- pect of paying, as the fund that I had provided for that purpose has been tied up in a chancery court for 8 or 9 years ; and I presume that you are sufficiently well acquainted with these tribunals to judge what a forlorn hope this must be. It is very possible that I may have omitted many inquiries that a man in search of a settlement ought to make; I shall therefore rely upon your judgment to supply such omissions and to furnish me with all the information that you may deem requisite. Should I judge from the account I receive from you, that there is a prospect of bettering my condition in your country I shall visit it during the ensuing winter or spring. As your acquaintance must be very extensive I wUl thank you to make inquiries for me in other parts of the country that I may have as large a view of the subject as a man with such an object in view should take. I have only six children living which I understand is three less than your number; but from the information I recvd of you last summer at the springs from two of your countrymen Mr. Johnson and Skinner your profession promises you an ample pro- vision for them all. This at once reminds me of another inquiry is there any opening for a lawyer at your bar ? I have been reading law myself and had some idea of commencing the practice in this State, but the prospect here is very discouraging. When you write direct to Loyds Essex County Va. and the letter should be sent by the way of Richmond and Fredericksburg or as our mails are very uncertain you could meet with a safe private opportunity to Richmond Mr. Thomas Brocken- borough of that place would take charge of it and forward it to me. With assurances of the most sincere and undiminished regard I remain my dear friend unalterably [P. S;] When you see Mr. Johnson and Skinner remember me to them. I was much pleased with them both. Direct to Col. Wm. Garnett, as there is a man of my name in this county who sometimes gets my letters. Let me hear from you as early as possible. [Address: Hillsborough N. C] 318 The Worth Cabolina Historical Commission. To Catherine Bwffin. ,, _ .^7-171 Hillsborough — October 29th 1824. My Dearest Child! — It makes us very happy to hear so frequently from you and both your Mother and I, as well as your brothers and sisters, return you our thanks ' for the remembrance of us which your letters evince. We add our hopes that you will not relax in your diligence in that respect, as we should be apt to see in it a cooling of regard. Besides frequent letters, we shall look for well written ones. I know you have candor, and intelligence enough to make both an interesting correspondent to your Parents and an instructive one to the younger branches of the family. Make us as happy as in your power : and begin to act upon the rule (which ought to be that of your life) of being as useful to your friends as possible. I do not mean to flatter you upon your capacity for correspondence. But I assure you I derive much solid pleasure in reading some of your letters — those I mean in which you have taken some pains to be correct and perspicuous. You have a turn of thought, fancy and expression, which if duly cultivated will form a pretty epistolary style. Do not spoil it in the attempt to mend it. The art of letter writting consists in being easy, polite, candid and affectionate and treating a subject as a well bred person would in a familiar, unrestrained and good humour conversation. Write therefore always as you feel. This will have two good effects: The first is, you will escape stiffness and the danger of pedantry: The second is, that it insensibly tends to the cultivation of good feeling in the heart. One does not like at your age to play the hypocrite for any length of time ; nor is it agreeable at any age to expose ones-self even to the nearest relation by putting into the permanent form of writing bad feelings, the fruits of malicious, mean or censorious spirit, frivolity of temper, sourness, passion or any other disposition. Hand- some writing therefore is not the only benefit or praise that you derive from attention to your letters and style. Desireable as that is, there is another — the improvement of the heart and moral faculties — which excels it. I have read many essays and much praise on Candor. But I do not remember ever to have seen, what I conceive, its chief excellence noted by any author. Candor consists in speaking ones mind truly and sincerely — without malice, and without flattery. It is a most amiable trait in every one and makes many friends — But it has a very powerful tendency to make us better within ourselves — Even the veriest hypocrite speaks to the world the sentiments of virtue and piety. We are all ashamed to publish our own wickedness of thought as well as of deed — and here lies the moral excellence of Candor : One who speakes what she feels and is habitually candid in delivering her thoughts is of necessity obliged to cherish good feelings and cultivate useful reflection; else either the contempt or the disgust of all around follows. Of the same character is an unaffected, natural and simple style of writing. Our The Kuffin Papers. 319 letters, not the result of study, must either then be the offhand display of a good heart, filled with affection for our friends and purity of feeling, or must must be unacceptable for their courseness and other worse quali- ties as to make the writers ashamed of them. But how I have fallen upon these subjects for a letter I know not. When I began to write, nothing was farther from my thoughts than giving you either a moral lecture or a disquisition upon any sort of style and particularly the epistolary — for which perhaps no person is less qualified than myself. Should you however see nothing else in it, I trust you will perceive an anxious solicitude for your well fare and be farther led to the reflection, that there is no virtue or good quality that does not tend to produce others and that there no vice nor indeed fault, by which another is not engendered. Your brother has written to you. From him more news can be learnt than from me; for he knows more and is more inclined to tell it. The melancholy result of poor young Mr. Walker's illness has, no doubt, been heard at Eock-Eest. His death was much regretted by all here and his funeral was numerously attended yesterday at the Church; "How unsearchable are the Judgments of God; and His ways, past finding out!" Here is a Youth in the prime of life and giving the earnest of usefulness snatched away while an aged father and a still more aged Grandmother survive to mourn over the bereavement. If the old must die, the young may die. N'eglect not therefore the all-important Duty of Piety — Cultivate a spirit of habitual devotion — Neglect not your private prayers and read the Scriptures daily. Give your Heart to God and he will reward you. Your Mother says she will have shoes made for you next week ; which with paper etc. I will bring down, when I come. I hope to be with you on tomorrow week. Let me hear that you have been diligent and dutiful and let me see the happy effects. Your Mother unites with me in the expression of our Love for you and in the prayer for your happiness. All the children often, nay daily, speak of you and love you very much. Eequite their attachment by reciprocating it. God bless you, my dear child ! Your affectionate Father, Thomas Euffin., [Address: Eock-Eest Chatham.] From Weldon N. Edwards. Warbenton 12th IsTovr. 1824. The returns for the election in this County just reed, give Crawford 489, Jackson 152 votes. 320 The North Caboliwa Historical Commission. Some weeks ago a sorrel mare strayed from my plantation. She is five or six years old — goes a little lame in one hind leg — having been injured in the ancle by a plough, which tho' well is a little larger than the other. I recollect no white about her. She paces tolerably well — is of good sire. I understand she was raised by a Mr. Hart living near Hillsboro. Oblige me so far as to make inquiry for her of Mr. Hart, and if to be found secure her and give me early information of it. Shall be glad to hear from you during the winter. [Address : Hillsboro' IS". C] To Bartlett Yancey} HiLLSBOEOTJGH, Dccem. 3rd, 1824. I have occasion to get a Deed here for some lands in Yirginia and wish to know how I am to have it acknowledged by Husband and wife here, so as to be effectual there without further proof or proceedings. The Act of Assembly of that State prescribes the very form of the whole pro- ceeding and is to be found in "Leigh's Revisal" which belongs to the Executive Office in Raleigh, under the head of "Deeds" as well as I remember. The Act embraces the proof of all Deeds, I think; but also specially provides the form of proof or acknowledgement before the tribunals of the Country or State in which the grantors live, when it is executed out of Virginia. That is the part I want and I shall feel greatly obliged to you for extracting those sections in totidem verbis and enclos- ing them by the return of the mail or by the first opportunity. We have no news here but what has got cold with you. We know not yet whether Clay or Crawford get into the house. For my part I feel very indifferent about it, because Crawford has been so abused and vilified and all sides have so run at him and thro' him at the Eepublican party that I have no hope of his final success even if once in the hoase. I do not know but it is better for the good cause and the revival of Democ- racy that he should be excluded. A spring will bear a certain degree of compression beyond that it will not be forced, and then its elastic rebound is certain and often fatal to the resisting power. Thus I hope it will be with the people and their deluders. Besides, if Clay can be brought on the Turf, he will make sport, be sure of it ! ! His men will not go to Jackson or Adams, the Republicans would support him in preference to either of the others and he would get some States, this for instance, where neither Crawford nor his Ticket has succeeded. Eesides this, I learn from Murphey (you have my author) that the West generally, including Jackson himself, will support Clay, when Jackson can not be carried. iThis letter is in the possession of the North Carolina Historical Society. It is reprinted from The James Sprunt Historical Publications, Vol. 10, No. 2. The Euffin Papbks. 321 This must be the case, for the Adams men will not — nay, nobody can support him (Jackson) after he leaves the shoulders of the People. Hence I should not be surprised if Clay should be the man at last. I have no hope of Crawford. He is too honest and too good for the present day. The Republican party is down — God grant it may not be done! — and he has sunk with it. Murphey told me today that he thought Crawford much the greatest and best man among them. I believe the fact to be so, but did not expect so candid a confession from him. To what sentiment or conclusion do you imagine it was the preface? "That he was opposed to him and rejoiced in his defeat, because Virginia was for him. He declared that he would rather have a weak President than that N'orth Carolina and* Virginia should vote together. I reminded him that in this . instance Virginia came to us ; "we being as we were eight years ago and she having changed. He said he knew that, but if Crawford had been elected Vir- ginia would have had all the credit of it and No. Ca. none! I asked where was our credit now? What were we to get? how to be honored, served, or rewarded ? ' I got no answer — Time will show, and my sincere hope and confident expectation is that many an hungry expectant will gnaw his nails in bitter disappointment about the Ides of March next. I don't ask you at Raleigh to do much good — all we can look for is that you may prevent others from doing harm, which of itself, is much with such a gang as you have this winter. God bless you ! Thomas Ruffin. B. Yancey, Esq., Raleigh. From Willie P. Mangum. "Washington 15th Dec. 1824. I have just returned from Baltimore, where I left "William. He seemed never fully to realize his situation until I was about to leave him when he seemed deeply affected. Indeed every thing about St. Mary's-*- wears a melancholy appearance to one from 'No. Carolina. The dresses of the Catholic teachers, the Gothic tower, the strange appearance of the halls hung with pictures calling up every sort of religious association altogether affects "William in almost any other way than pleasantly. He will however I have no doubt become perfectly satisfied in a short time. There are many fine boys in the school — and some of them from the south and from protestant families. Mr. Damplon indicates every disposition to put William in a course that will not at first tend to strengthen his dislike of his situation. The lAn old and well-known Roman Catholic institution in Baltimore. 21 322 The KToeth Caeolina Historical Commission. intercourse I should think from what I observed, is upon a more easy footing between the Teachers and the Students at St. Mary's than at Chapel Hill, and from all that I have been able to learn on the subject, I should think that it is one of the best institutions in the United States for the acquiring of the ancient and modern languages, and more espe- cially the latter. I presume you know that Mr. Damplon is a Parisian, that he lived and taught in Paris until he had attained a ripend manhood — and that under the troubles of Jf apoleon he left Paris for America with no other view than that of paying a visit to some of his friends, but contrary to his expectations was induced to become an officer in St. Marys. I had an interview of say 2 hours with him, I left him well pleased with his affability, easy politeness, and even courteousness. The check you handed to me was duly paid at the Bank in Baltimore. I enclose you a prospectus which will give you more fully the infor- mation you may desire in relation to the course of study in the College. I also enclose to you Mr. Da:mplon's receipt for the money paid him. I have but a moment more to say to you, that Gen. Jackson will in all probability be the president. Everything however depends upon Mr. Clay. Crawford's friends have determined to stand upon their arms and receive the Cross forces of the enemy, that is to say Virga. l^o. Ca. Georgia and Delaware — for it is pretty certain that New York true to her character, will abandon Crfiwford in the House. The North Ca. vote will remain firm unless under some exigency they shall move en masste, and with unanimity. I will say more to you on these subjects before long. Mr. Thos. Euffiai. Address : Thomas Ruffin Esquire Hillsborough North Carolina. Endorsed : Honble. W. P. Mangum Deem. 1824. From Lewis Williams. "Washington January 1st, 1825. :C 4: :): 4: 4: ^ * I know you feel great solicitude on the subject of the Presidential Election, and I do most sincerely wish it were in my power to give you information in any way satisfactory. The friends of Clay hold the balance in their hands, and no one can tell how they will act. Rumours The Euffin Papers. 323 of all sorts, both strange and contradictory are circulated daily. At one time it is said Clays friends will support Jackson : Then Adams, and then again Crawford. But none of them have a just foundation I believe, for it seems to me that the friends of Clay intend to stand aloof for a while, and finally act as circumstances may require. Of one thing I have always been assured that Clay will cooperate with those with whom an association shall seem most advantageous. To ascertain this he and his friends will require time to look about and as the period for final decision has not yet arrived we of course can know nothing posi- tively. These remarks are made to you in confidence and I hope you will receive them in that way. Let me hear from you. Thomas Euffin Esq. From W. F. Strange. Fatettevillb, [N. C] 15th Jany 1825. The Judges of the Supreme Court have surely forgot the promise they made to Mr. Gaston of deciding as soon as possible the propriety of admitting aliens to practise law in this state. I have been very anxious indeed to learn the result, day after day have I gone to the Post Office expecting to have been favored with a letter from you on the subject, but none have I yet received. I trouble you with this under the impression that it will afford me some consola- tion to know with certainty whether they have decided the question or not, and it will moreover enable [me] to write home to my Brother, who I daresay is as anxious as myself to know the result. I wrote him some time ago saying I was afraid some objection might be taken to my prac- tising law being an alien as a Grentleman under the same circumstances had been refused at the last session of the court. I know you would have written me if the decision had been made, but "hope deferred, I may almost say has made my heart sick," if you can find as much time I would be glad to know if there is any probability of their coming to a decision shortly. [Address : Ealeigh, If. C] From, George McNeill. Fayetteville May 29th 1825. I wrote to you a line on the 19th Inst, directed to Raleigh; but for fear you may not have reed it, I think it proper to inform you that your note at U. S. Bank will be due on Wednesday. 324 The N'oeth Carolina Histoeicax Commission. Tlie TJ. S. Bank has adopted an important change in the manner and policy of its business with regard to the State Banks — such as will compel the State Banks to pay specie or cease to do business. The TJ. S. B. will receive the Local Bank notes and pay out only its own notes or specie, and compel the State Banks to pay up — the motive is avowedly to restore a sound currency. The new system is to commence on the 1. Sept. of which the State Banks have notice. I fear it will alarm the State Banks and cause them to curtail their business, thereby causing a great pressure on the community for money this summer — and par- ticularly in this place. [Address: Hillsborough N. C] From Charles Manly. „. Raleigh 3rd June 1825. (Sir. The fourth Monday of the present month has been fixed and agreed on as the day on which the Committee of Appointment for the University of N"o. Carolina will meet in the City of Raleigh to consider of and determine on the advisability of filling the Professorship of Rhetoric and Logic in the said Institution which has lately become vacant through the resignation of the Revd. Mr. KoUock.'^ A full meeting of this Committee is wished and expected. I have the honor to be Yr. Obt. Servt. Chas. Manly. Secty: Trustees. The members of this Com. — are Gov. Burton, Badger, Haywood, Hawkes, Wash, Polk, T. Ruffin, Witherspoon.* [Address: Hillsboro' No. Ca.] From Archibald D. Mwphey. Haw Rivee. 5. June 1825. I am well again, but very weak, my Attack was bilious and very Severe. I called a Physician instantly, bled and took Pukes and Cathar- iShepard K. Kollock, a Presbyterian minister from New Jersey, had been professor since 1819. 2Theee members were Hutchins G. Burton, George E. Badger, John Hay- wood, Francis L. Hawks, Frederick Nash, William Polk, and John Wither- spoon. The Euffin Papers. 325 tics, Untill my System was entirely cleaned and Set aright. I hope I shall now be free from further bilious Fever during the Season. I saw Mr. Michaux, the Claim for Insurance turns out to be a mere Claim, and Michaux told me it was abandoned. Old Mrs. Daniel has just died and left a large estate to Wm. W. Man, who is expected in this Month. I left his Bond with Mr. Michaux, who told me he would see him and get his Deed. I am preparing to Set out for Tennessee. I am now trying to raise some Money. For this Purpose I must go to Guilford on Tomorrow and sell a small Tract of land. I hope to make Several Sales this Summer : and if the prospect be good, I shall run the risk of loosing part of my Circuit next Fall. I shall go and see you before I set out. My business is so behind that I beg you to let Moreau return on Tomorrow and help me here for a week. Thomas Kuffin esqr. [Address: Hillsborough] From William Gamett. [Richmond, Va. June 8, 1825] I take the liberty of enclosing to you (and bespeaking your patronage) the prospectus of an agricultural paper about to be editted in this place. The editor is an uncommonly worthy man and he has a numerous family entirely dependant on his exertions for a support. This to be sure is merely an appeal to the good feelings of the public ; but I think I may promise that the paper will (from the talents and information engaged to contribute to it) be not unworthy of its patron- age. Last fall I had it in contemplation to remove to the South and addressed some enquiries to you relative to the prospects which North Carolina might hold out to an emigrant endeavoring to better the fortues of a large and increasing family. To this letter I never reced an answer and know not whether it ever reached you. If your avocations will permit I should be very happy occasionally to hear from you — Though long separated from you I have never ceased to feel the continued influ- ence [of] the friendship formed between us in early youth. Many and affecting have been the various scenes through which I have passed since those days of joyous youth when scarcely a ripple occurred to agitate the smooth current of life. But these vicissitudes have only served to make me cling with increased tenacity to the remembrance of the happier days that I have passed with the friends of my youth. But I must now take my leave of you to go to the federal courts where I 326 The N"orth Caeolina Historical Commission. have a suit of considerable importance to attend, farewell my dear friend and believe me ever yours most sincerely KicHMOND S"* June 1825 My address is Loyds £ssex County [Address: Hillsborough ITorth Carolina] From Archibald D. Murphey. _ ^ -. , Haw Eivee, 11th June 1825. Uear Rwffinl. It is now certain that I shall not be able to go to Tennessee within this Month. Although I am free from Disease, I am weak, and my Strength returns so Slowly that I am not able at this time to make even a Short ride without much su£Eering. I have put off from day to day seting out for the upper Part of Guilford, Where I have some business that requires my Attention, but I still feel too weak. I have resolved to try the Road on Tomorrow. I had appointed to cross the Blue ridge on the 28th Inst ; and have engagements in Tennessee for the early Part of July. Unable to go myself, I have thought it would be prudent to Send Moreau : prudent in two respects. 1. Because I can depend upon his strict attention to every thing committed to his charge, and 2nd. He will become acquainted with the Situation of my Affairs in Ten- nessee, and in the event of my death greatly aid you in Settling them. I am Sorry to withdraw him from his Studies : But, Perhaps, the Trip may be useful to him in teaching him something of Practical Life and of Business. I shall be glad, if you concur with me in Opinion. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Robert Strange. Fatetteville, July 1st, 1825. V **■ T* ^ "P "I* "fS Concerning the vacancy in the Judiciary created by the resignation of Judge Badger would you be willing to use your influence in favor of Joseph Picket Esqr. of Wadesborough ?^ Our district is much in want of a Judge and has been much overlooked in the distribution of offices. In addition to the considerations already named I think my interest would be advanced in his promotion. [Address: Raleigh N. Ca.] iRuffin himself was chosen to succeed Badger, the council nominating him. unanimously, and the legislature electing him, on November 24, 1825, without; other names being brought forward. The Etjffin Papees. 327 From Archibald D. Mwrphey. Haw Eivbe, 13tli July 1825. I heard on yesterday that you had agreed to go again on the Bench, I hope this intelligence is correct and that you will be commissioneci before you leave Kaleigh : I hope so, not only on your Account, but on Account of the Public. Your Constitution is wearing out, And a few years more of Fatigue will destroy it. You want rest, and the Bench is an honourable retreat. Your promotion just now, will open the way to the Bench of the Supreme Court, to which you will be appointed on the first vacancy. Your Profits may be less : but you you wiU be able to scuffle through your difficulties. The Public want you on the Bench. You will do business: you will give some energy to the Administration of Justice, and break down the Docket. You too will know how sadly inefficient our Judges are: they really display no Activity nor Energy, except in Sending a few poor Wretches to Jail. — This is inter nos, but it is true. Since Friday last, I have felt like getting well. My system has gotj right although I am very weak. Making out my Dispatches for Ten- nessee gave me three relapses. Moreau is, I expect on today, at Mur- freesborough. Mr. Irving and Mr. Holt went in (!omp9,ny with him. Mr. McLemore informs me that the price of Lands has advanced in the "Western District and that sales are more brisk than heretofore. He advises me not to sell untill the present crop of cotton is gathered in. But I sent out Instructions to Mr. Hughes and Mr. Dickens to sell as fast as possible. Mr. Dickens wrote to me that he had sold a great deal of land (to use his worcls) since I saw him and that having arranged his business and gotten it into good Tr^in, he would accept an, agency for me B,nA. aid me as far as he could in making Sales. My friend Mr. McLemore is now at N'ew York. I regret tl\is. vpry much, as Moreau could have been greatly aided by him. But in the style of that Friendship which he has evinced toward me, from the moment I saw him at Nashville, He wrote to me previous to his setting out for 2^ew York, and expecting that I would be in Tennessee during the Month, he says perhaps I might want some pecuniary assistance during the summer, and authorizes me to draw on him for any money I might want. He goes further, and tells me if any Person wishing to purchase Lands from me, should prefer any of his Lands to mine, that I may have as many tracts as I want, and he will take my Lands in exchange, and that if my Lands give out I may take as many of his Tracts as will answer my Purposes, and pay him whenever it may be convenient. Now although I have been the means of procuring thou- sands of acres for him as well as Col. Dickens yet this conduct of his is certainly generous and kind in the extreme. I mention his Letter and its contents, because I know you admire and esteem him. 328 The !N"obth Carolina HisTetacAi Commissioit, If you are ever bilious, you must have observed that when, an idea or a train of thought takes possession of the mind, you can't get rid of it until the Bile be corrected. Before I was taken sick, I was engaged, whilst travelling about the Circuit, in arranging the Plan of my intended Work on ITorth Carolina. On that "Week I sketched out Part o-f it, and my Mind was intent upon the subject, when the Bile first assailed me' — t and has continued to dwell on it incessantly ever Since, UntiH a few days past. During the Time, I arranged the Plan for the Cblonial History of the State, Civil, Military, Legislative and Judicial: — Now, my reports occupy my attentionf I wish the work to be done. I am not able as yet to do more than half as much in the day, ais if my Health were restored. William is with me, and I hope he will do better. I ^ve him encour- agement, and beg you to do so, when you see him. If you go on the Bench, He ought to exert himself day and night. My Wife is no better, her situation is disagreeable indeed during tfias; hot Weather. I sent for Dr. Umstead this morning and. will get hinai toi stay a week with her. Her Complaint is local, but will^. I fear, affect her general Health. What is the News at Court ? What is done mtk Colquets Case, etc.? Thomas Ruffin esqr. J] Address: Hillsboro.J From George E. Badger. Ealeigh July Iff,. 1825. Since you left us I have thought seriously and anxioBsEf upon the subject of undertaking your business in the Counties of 0>range Dan- ville and Wake, and it would not be right towards you or just towards myself to conceal from you the result of my reflections. I M t the Bench as you well know merely for the purpose of making monesy of which I am in great need not only for myself but for others whom I am bound to provide for by every tie sacred in morals and dear to affection. To dis- charge these obligations it is incumbent on me to considear- the uncertainty of life and the small period, if I live, which is left me for active exertion to provide for ease and comfort in old age. Your business includes one side of every cause of importance in your Courts — and if I undertake it I shall find myself in the labor of business without its reward, — and for years shall lose the profits of my exertions in three of my best courts. The only part of your business which promises remuneration is that belonging to the collection department for which I am not qualified and should dislike to undertake. Your business in the Supreme Court shall command my best exertions and unwearied industry. But under the circumstances in which I am placed do not think me fickle or disobliging The Kuffin Papers. 329 if I yield to the paramount obligations of necessity and desire to decline your business in the other courts. Had this view of my situation dis- tinctly presented itself to you it is probable you would not have proposed to me the undertaking. Indeed I think you have some notions towards your clients of over- strained delicacy — you are entitled to and should retain the moneys you have received unless it may be in some few cases of extraordinary com- plexion. Keep your fees therefore and let your clients choose and pay their counsel as they please. My affectionate and respectful regard to Mrs. Ruffin. Say to her for me that if she regrets your going on the Bench the inference will be that she desires to be a widow. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Hutchins G. Burton.^ State of Iforth Carolina. To the Honble. Thomas Ruffin. We reposing special trust and confidence, in your prudence, integrity, abilities and learning, do hereby commission you one of the judges of our Superior Courts of Law and Equity, you having been thereunto appointed by his Excellency the Govr. by and with the advice of the Council of State; and authorize you, after taking such oaths as are necessary for your qualification to enter upon and discharge the duties of said appointment and to receive and enjoy the salary thereunto annexed until the session of our next General Assembly. In testimony whereof I Hutchins G. Burton, Governor, [seal] etc. have caused the Great seal of the State to be hereunto affixed and signed the same at our city of Raleigh the 18th. July 1825. H. G. Bueton. By the Governor, JiTo. K. Campbell,' Private Secty. From John W. Long. AsHBOBOuGH Augt. 4th 1825. In consequence of your late appointment I fear you will not be at Chatham Court. Mr. McBryde and myself were making large calcula- tions on the advantage your attendance there would be to me in the present contest. I have spent considerable time in Chatham with Mr. ^Governor Burton's Letter Book, p. 19. Collections of North Carolina His- torical Commission. 330 The I^obth Caeolina Histoeical Commission. Giles at the different meetings and met with more encouragement than I had anticipated. From this I shall go to Forks (Rowan) with a view of attending a large meeting at Mocksville Saturday next then return to Davidson to attend the Election. Mr. Giles has been all the last month in Chatham and will return there, great exertions will he made by his friends. What he and them may resort to in my absence is unknown but they stop at nothing. Even Messrs. Steadman and Colton are circu- lating a report that I prevented the passage of a Bill when in the State Legislature to compel the Quakers to bear arms. Nothing more un- founded. I never acted on such a subject. Have you no business suffi- cient to cause you to go to Chatham Court ? If you coud be there only on Tuesday I am confident it woud be of infinite service to me. Mr. Giles some times says a great deal about the formation of the Crawd. Ticket at Kaleigh, this would give you a good opportunity of contending with him. He at one time denyed that Jackson was in favour of the Tariff. iCfow he is rather denying the assertion and geting round. But if you shoud go to Chatham Ask the candidates of that county what he said on the subject. I know Ramsay Underwood and several others were present. I still calculate upon success but must confess when I learn the extraordinary exertions that are making and the injurious means used I cant be surprised at any thing. Honble Thomas Euffin. From Thomas Bitchie. EicHMOND, Sepr. 12th, 1825. After an absence of 7 weeks, I returned last night to the bosom of my family. How much the deaths of my venerated friend* and his good son, shocked me, it is unnecessary to tell a man like you. There was no man, whom while living, I loved more — no one, whose memory I shall more piously cherish — ^no one, whose dying request I would more sacredly respect. But, my own duties, and those which I owe to my Sister and her family, forbid in the most peremptory terms my officiating as Trustee or Exr. under my deceased friend's will. In every respect, except the most affectionate devotion to my Sister, am I utterly disqualified for these sacred trusts. Of law, and particularly of that of If. Carolina, I am profoundly ignorant — of the administration of the affairs of men, few men of my age are so wofrdly inexperienced. This Estate too is situated at a distance from me, for, to me even a journey of 50 miles is a tiresome Enterprise. My hands are full to overflowing of my own busi- ness. It has exhausted all my time; and withered the very vitals of my own constitution. I have just returned from a pursuit of health, across iRuffin's uncle, William Ruifin of Raleigh, and one of his sons had recently died. The Ruffin Papers. 331 the mountains, a little improved, it may be, but only to meet a load of business and care, which will in all probability consign me to the same infirmities from which I have so recently attempted to save myself. In this state of things, how is it possible for me to discharge the trust with satisfaction to myself or advantage to my Sister? Mr. Ruffin would not probably have selected a man in the whole world, whose whose means were so incompetent to his wishes, one, who was more anxious to serve, and so little able. I have uniformly made it a point of solemn duty to refuse such offices. When my brother Archibald was on his death-bed, as I supposed, I came to the determination to decline any share of an administration, which he might have committed to my charge. "When my venerated father-in- law sank to the grave, I was compelled to turn a deaf ear to his testa- mentary requests; nor was my own interest sufficient in its appeals to change the settled purpose of my own best judgment. I must equally decline it in the present instance, in spite of the powerful reasons which you have assigned, and the strong feelings which co-operate with all your Arguments. But, may I jaot, my dear Sir, join my own intreaties with the wishes of our deceased friend, and beseech you, if possible, to accept of this important trust ? Your office will make it your duty frequently to visit Raleigh — at other periods, you can devolve the trust upon some confi- dential Agent. You know the laws. You know the people. You know the situation of the Estate : and I know, you possess the unbounded Con- fidence of the whole family. Your character will give efficacy to all your arrangements ; and confidence to all your measures. I entreat, therefore, my dear Sir, that you would act in behalf of the family: do the best you can, and confer the greatest obligation on, [Address: Fayetteville, N. Carolina.] From William A. Graham. Hillsborough Oct 5th 1825. Agreeably to promise I now undertake to write you a few lines. With great pleasure I inform you that your family, and friends in this place, are in good health — all except little Elizabeth who (Mrs. Ruffin requests me to say) is much better than when she last wrote you. Since your departure the town has been visited by an unusual degree of sickness — no deaths however except a little daughter of Mr. Heartt and a Mr. Reeves from the lower part of the county — ^both of which you have no doubt heard of before. Wm. Adams has been at the very point of dis- solution for several days but is now thought by his physicians to be recovering. A few cool days which we have had and one or two slight frosts have freed us from any apprehension of the continuance of bilious 332 The North Cakolina Historical Commission. fever, whicli has been the prevailing malady. As usual in Hillsboro' there is a scarcity of news. Were I writing to a younger friend I might have much to say on the subject of the ladies, as it is, sufficeth to say that they have extorted much of the tribute which was due to Blackstone and Coke. It is now however the eve of our gayety. Most of those who have been spending the summer here will leave during the present week, and it is to be hoped those venerable masters will then be restored to their former dominion. I suppose you have heard of the election of Prof. Obnsted to the professorship of Mathematics in Yale College. It appears to me strange that they should have offered the appointment to Mr. 0. in preference to Mitchell who is certainly his superior not only as a Mathematician but in every department of science. North Carolinians however ought not to regret it as the loss to our own college is not so great as it would have been In the other event. Moreau Murphey wrote me from Nashville 22nd August. He expected at that time to set out for home about the 20th of Sept. — appears highly pleased with the country and the hospitality and kindness of its inhabitants. During the court here Judge Paxton handed me a letter from Brother James — it was written just after his discomfiture — he seems a good deal chagrined — mentioned that it was quite currently reported through the district that Walker had transferred his interest to Carson for a valuable consider- ation. He congratulates himself however on being freed from the care and fatigue of electioneering and expressed a determination to return with redoubled assiduity to the duties of his profession. I expect to set out for Lincoln about the middle of this month in company with Mr. Benehan who contemplates settling himself in Wilkesboro', having been advised to do so by Judge Nash. My absence will not be for a longer period than a fortnight or three weeks, as I am anxious to read a good part of Lord Coke before you return. I believe we had instituted our Moot Court before you left us. Our meetings are held weekly and con- fined exclusively to the discussion of questions of Law. Mr. Hawks fre- quently attends and delivers his opinions. It will no doubt be to us a source of much improvement if properly attended to. The Masonic fraternity of this place had a grand parade a few days since in dedicating their lodge. Mr. Green delivered an address in the Lodge on the subject of their institution after which they marched in procession to the Metho- dist church where Mr. Hawks as deputy grand master of the state gave us another speech of a similar nature. In haste. Sincerely Your Friend and Most Obedt. Servt. Hon. Judge Euffin. Will : A. Graham. [Address: Hon. Thomas Euffin, Fayetteville Mail. No. Carolina Endorsed: Wm. A. Graham Octo. 1825.] The Kuffin Papers. 333 To Catherine Euffin. ,, r. 7^ i± t Fatetteville — Wovemr. 12tli 1825. My Bear Daughter! I have received on my circuit your very affectionate Letters. They merit my thanks ; of which I ought perhaps to have returned an earlier expression. The truth is however, that while my occupations leave me but little time to devote to my friends, they likewise in a great degree give to my spirits a cast so sombre that I am unwilling to shew myself even to my children. The long journey I have taken, hath brought me into the company of few people, to whom I should be anxious to intro- duce you; and dull descriptions — in my style — of places, customs and things would hardly be worth your reading. They may serve to beguile in conversation a long winter's evening when you get home; and if of sufficient interest to you to be made the subjects of enquiry, I promise then to tell you all I have seen. As a present exception however I must mention that I spent two days at Bellville, the seat of Mr. John "Waddell, whose daughters are your school mates. They deserve every good feeling of which you are capable, if a child be under any obligation to recipro- cate the good offi,ces done to the Parent. The situation is beautiful and somewhat embellished by art ; but the hospitality and kindness of most of the very worthy proprietors with their unusual urbanity of manners is the great charm of the spot, which cannot fail to attach the guest while there and excite a grateful remembrance after seperation. Mention to the young Ladies, that their Parents and friends are all well — Shaving reached home without an accident. I hoped and expected to have received letters here from both your Mother and yourself — But upon my arrival today I found none from either. My last accounts from home relieved me from much painful solicitude, as they advised me of the convalescence of poor Betty and the recovery of your Mother and most of the Servants. I still flatter myself that no further sickness prevents your Mama from writing, because Mr. McNeills letters from your grand-father do not contain any such intimation. Moreover Mr. McWs carriage is now at Hillsboro for his children and is daily expected back by them. I shall hear all particulars. It would give me great pleasure to comply with your affectionate request by taking the Rock Rest^ road home — especially as you press it on me so in both your letters. But at present, I cannot promise. My first duty you know is further on : And without doubting my regard for yourself, you will permit" me to add, that, naturally I wish to be soonest where the most of those who are most dear to me are. If I leave for Payetteville in the morning, I can reach home in two days by the nearest iRock Rest was the Chatham County home of Colonel Edmund Jones. His wife conducted a school for young ladies there. 334 The E"oeth Carolina Histoeical Commission. rout, which I rmist go. But if it be my fate to set out late, as I cannot get all the way up next day, I will call on you in the way. Don't be selfish and wish me the ill-fortune of a detention here, that will throw me upon you. The date of this letter reminds me that on this day fifteen years I was made a Father for the first time, by your hirth. You are now almost a woman, my child ; and I trust and pray God that you have improved the precepts and principles in whidh your Mother has raised you, as, after her example, to be a good Woman! the friend of your sisters — the pride of your brothers — the comfort of your Parents and — if you should chance to be mistress of a household at a future day — the ornament and crown of a Husband. Your years lead us now to look for prudence and discretion in you, — sense and knowledge, properly mingled with good humour and fine feeling. I will not add an admonition — but simply desire you habitually to call up in your mind reflections upon questions of propriety and, in all cases in which you doubt yourself look to the aid of Mrs. Jones who is with you and consider, what your excellent Mother would herself do in your place, or would wish you to do. With their helps, it will be difficult to err. One caution take at my hands : The least, the very least of Ajfectation put far ffom you. It makes a char- acter partly artificial, wholly so in the end. If the property or manner afFected be a virtue, do not feign it, but strive to possess it in reality. If a foible or a vice, it is contemptible and indelibly stamps a reproach upon your understanding and will finally unsettle all your best feelings. You must not play (at any rate) in your letters to persons older than yourself and particularly in those to your parents, the little trick of Romance of subscribing yourself by any other than your true name. By what better authority can you lay aside the baptismal appellative, than the baptismal vows ? Besides, it is not respectful. I am at Mrs. McNeill's, where I shall chiefly stay during my detention here. Tomorrow however I shall go from Church with Mr. Strange. Both of your Aunts and the children are well. I have only been here a few hours and have not had time to call on Mrs. Eccles — but your Aunt Minerva says that both she and her children were in good health a few days ago. I offer my most respectfull regards to Mrs Jones and all the family at Rock-Eest. For yourself, I renew to the Almighty the fervent prayers of. Dearest Catherine, Your most affect. Father Thomas Ruffin. P. S. The Court here will continue two weeks. Miss Catherine Ruffln Rock Rest Chatham [Address : Colo. Edward Jones' Chatham.] The Euffin Papers. 335 From Francis L. Hawks. HiLLSBOBo' Wednesday morning. [November, 1825] Mr. Waddell^ handed me your note a short time since, and I take the earliest opportunity of answering it. The expression of which you desire an explanation, I believe I can readily and I hope satisfactorily explain. As to the use of the word puhlichly. In the conversation which I had with you, I gave you to understand that I had learned a rumour was circulating, charging me with injuring the characters of gentlemen in this place by publick imputations against them. The conversation in Mr. Ws office, I did not deem publick, and tho' I freely acquit Mr. W. of any thing like a breach of confidence, yet I must repeat that I am sure, I would have not said any thing, had I supposed it could ever injure you either with the publick or the gentle- men present. This was one reason of my use of the word, but another and the principal reason was this. Before I removed to this place, during a term of the Supreme Court, on one occasion, a gentleman of the bar whose name I shall not mention, coming out of court with me, spoke of you, of an argument which you had made, complimented your talents, and adverted to what others had said of you on the score of sin- cerity. I had heard (to be candid with you) other gentlemen who knew you better than I did, speak of you in this particular, and I remembered too that but a short time before, I had been told of remarks of your EocKiNQHAM, February 13th 1828. Your esteemed favour, reached me by the last mail, pointing my attention to the act of 1820, as exonerating my Client, (the owner of I^at) from the costs which accrued at Robeson superior County, which act I was in possession of at the Trial, but unfortunately for young Chambers, the legislature of 1821 repealed the act of 1820, (which you will find in the acts of 21 ch. 28) which repeal, brought into effective operation the act of 93 by which, your Honor disposed of the costs which accrued in Richmond making each party pay his own costs ; The subject of costs was not made a question at Robertson, [sic] from the belief, that your Honor had virtually decided the case, by your Richmond decision. I join with you in deprecating the evils which result, and unavoidably must result from such a rapid succession of statutes, and for my own iWalter P. Leak of Richmond County, 1799-1879. 432 The 15'oeth Caeolina Histokical Commission. part, I should be extremely glad, that tlie pruning knife could be applied to this excressence of liberty, (viz), (the too frequent meetings of our State legislature), If such an expression is allowable, which can only be done by a convention, for I really am inclined to the opinion, that we would do much better with biannual, than annual sessions. Accept Sir my sincere thanks for the attention shown me, in directing me to the act of 1820. [P. S.] When I had the pleasure of seeing you last at Robeson, I promised to meet you at Fayetteville, at which place I would receive a list of such books as you thought most advisable for me to read, being prevented from attending I must take the liberty of your sending me by letter a list of such as you think most advisable, promising to your Honor, that I have read inattentively a good many, but understand very few, if any as I should. [Address: Hillsborough IT. C] From George E. Badger. • Raleigh Feby. 16, 1828. A report has reached here that Mr. Swain has really resigned his solicitorship of the Edenton Circuit. Whether this be true or not must be matter of more doubt after the occurences of last fall and winter than reports of that kind usually involve, but I take the liberty of reminding you, if the office be indeed vacant or should become so, of our friend W. C. Stanly. His qualifications, you know and his recent misfortunes in the sale of his estate to pay his Debts make the office more than ever desirable to him. The letter you wrote me last summer stating a case on which you desired my opinion found me engaged in the business of reporting, and consequently (as you well know) in the midst of perplexity and dis- traction. Thinking the matter might admit of some doubt I laid the letter aside intending at a moment of more leisure to advert to it again and give you the result of my examination — but the circuits supervened long before any leisure was found and it was not until the close of the Fall circuit that the more convenient season to which I had postponed the enquiry arrived. When that arrived — you know my habits of inac- tion and want of system in the arrangement of my business and allotment of my time. I suffered myself to be occupied in empty nothings until the Assembly which kept me engaged in worse than empty nothings to the commencement of the Supreme Court which brought real business to engross my days with evil sufficient for each. Still as ever and anon my conscience reproached me for the delay I resolved and re-resolved and still delayed. In the meantime the letter became involved in a mass The Euffin Papers. 433 of letters and papers which had been accumulating upon my table and in my chairs into a frightful confusion of disordered heaps and I am now solacing myself with the hope that the day is not far distant when I shall do that which I flatter myself (as usual with all patronizers of procrastination) is better late than never. We occupied a week during the Court in discussing the Moravian Cause and I think the Judges will not be able to refrain from reversing the decree — The grounds on which the defendant's case rest, especially the defense from the Stat, of Liens, became so clear in the course of the argument, and our foundation upon the closest investigation was found to be so sound, that were the case one of hearing instead of re- hearing, I should not entertain a doubt of the result. It is, in my judg- ment, one of the clearest cases I have ever been concerned with. * * if He * * * I hope when you start on your Circuit you will take Kaleigh in your way, and I particularly request that you will do me the favor to drive up to my door and spend a night with us. You shall find food and lodging for yourself and what is more to the purpose perhaps, a hearty welcome and what is more important even than either — a plenty of good provender for your horse. OfFer my very respectful and hearty good wishes to Mrs. RufiSn and say I hope to have the pleasure of taunting her after the old fashion upon your absence from home, and her comfortable widowhood during the spring circuit. Judge Ruffin. [Address: Hillsboro.J From A. M. GaiUn and Others. „. Edbnton [Feb] 1828. oir The office of the elk of Chowan Superior Court being vacant, by the appointment of the late incumbent to the office of Collector of the Port of Edenton, under the laws of the U. States, permit us to recommend to your iSrotice for the vacancy, Mr. James Wells of Edenton. He is no doubt well acquainted with the duties of the office, having been much in the office of the late Henry Wills Clk of the County Court of Chowan. He is a young gentleman of character, on whose punctuality and atten- tion to the duties of the office we have full confidence. A. M. Gatlin Will: B. Shepard J. N". Lamb g. w. bueney Nat. Hatjghton T. B. Haughton 28 434 The Noeth Caeolina Histoeicai Commission. From James Iredell Tredwell. [Edenton, Feb. 18, 1828.J The Office of Clerk of our Superior Court being vacant by the appoint- ment of Mr. McDonald to the collector of the Customs for this post I offer myself as a candidate to fill it and refer you to my brother in Law (Mr. Iredell) Mr. Hogg and F. B. Haughton for my qualifications. Edenton Eeby 18th, 1828. [Address : Hillsborough N'. C] Via Petersburgh. From Wright C. Stanly. ISTew Been February 20th, 1828. I have just learned (thro W. F. Hawks who arrived here yesterday from Raleigh) that Mr. Swain has, in consequence of the continued indisposition of his father, sent to the Governor his resignation of soli'', for the Edenton District. I am still an applicant for the appointment and hope that I may from our former friendship value on you for the same. Last winter it was desirable, now it is necessary. Circumstances, (which I will at large communicate when next I see you) have placed me in reduced circumstances and makes the appointment desirable and necessary. I know not that one of your independence of character and intelligence capable of bearing you out in your independence requires any apology or justification for yielding to your wishes which may promote the interest of the State, if you should I can bring to you a bundle of recommendations and you have my permission to say I am or intend to be a resident in the district. At all events I am if I can receive the appt. of Soli'. Your attention to this letter by the return mail will reach me on "Wednesday before Tyrrell Supr. Court. It is desirable that I should be apprized of your views previous to the commencement of a Circuit of ten weeks length. [Address : Hillsboro, K C] From E. Pettigrew} BoNAEVA ON Lake Phelps Feb 22, 1828. I have at last succeeded in geting made, the spades which you re- quested, and have sent this day six to the care of Messrs Th. and W. A. lEbenezer Pettigrew of Tyrrell County, a noted farmer. He was a state senator, 1809-1810; member of Congress, 1835-1837. He was the father of General James Johnston Pettigrew, C. S. A. The Euffin Papers. 435 Turner, with a request to cause them to be conveyed to you by the safest and most expeditious rout, I hope they will arrive in due time. They appear to be pretty well made, except raftier long. I think all they are more than a foot long, is that too much. Since my corn was hilled I have dug a six feet ditch one and a half miles in the Savanna in a southeastern direction from the improvement which I carried you to in it. I find below the surface from one to two feet. Cypress, Black gum, and Laurel stumps, and at three feet, clay, in various places as deep as I dig say four feet, burned earth and wood. Considering the extreme dryness of the season the corn I planted in that improvement or place of experiment gives a favourable opinion of the land, but it will be such a work of time for its decomposition that the experiment will in all probability not be fully tested untill I shall be no more. I have just eompleated an arduous work in the creek at the mouth of my canal. The mud machine which was making when I had the pleasure of your company answers my fullest expectations. Four men and a boy will remove to the bank, on a flat, in between five and eight feet water, one thousand cubic feet of mud in twelve hours. Mrs. Pettigrew and family have enjoyed so far this fall unexampled good health ; on the 4th of July I had an accession to it of another son. I have been unwell the greater part of the summer, but am tolerable now. My gouty affection did not long continue. I suppose it would be superfluous to wish good health to a resident of Hillsborough. Please to accept the sentiments of Esteem from your Obdt. Sevt. Hon. Judge Kuffin. iN". B. I hope when you ride this circuit again you will give me the pleasure of your company all the space between the rise of one and the siting of the other. [Address: Hillsborough N". C] From M. C. Jenkins to William K. Buffin. February 22d, 1828 Baltimore. I thought it a pity that such a day as this should be devoted either to ordinary occupations or exclusively to frolic and idleness. Jollification is not worth a fig unless we have a friend to partake of it, wherefore I thought I could do nothing better than commune with you ere I sought out the few the very few in Baltimore whom I can even term intimate acquaintances. Why I should have selected a debtor in preference to a faithful correspondent (who at one of the extreme ends of the TInited States sends me two letters where you send one) may well require an explanation. He, (Legendre of Louisiana) will I'm sure remember me today in the conivial cup as I will him and Ruffin and (dearer than all) 436 The North Cabolina Historical Commission. a fair Carolinian. But what can I say for you? Must your thoughts of me be estimated by your punctuality in writing? If that be the standard I am forgotten. Considerations like these made you upper- most in my brain and determined me to write to you. This is only a friendly drubbing, but such a one as your remissness deserves. Let's shake hands and chat on. As old Gloucester in Henry 6th says to his termagant wife, "ITay be not angry I am pleased again." To trace out the conceptions which crowd upon me on a day like this exceeds my power.' Whenever I think extravagantly I speak feebly. This is but other words, I think, for an idea which you had of me in my last, speak- ing of the subject nearest to my heart. Days like the one before me make me bring together in imagination all that my heart cherishes, my friends encircle me in gaiety iSnd hilarity, the soft smile of love 'throws its enchantments over me. The visionary scene is succeeded by reality. I see my friends scattered to the extremities of my country, the few or rather the two that attract me to St. Mary's will soon be far from me. The object of my adoration is far off. I east a longing, lingering, de- sponding sigh to Carolina blessed with the most amiable and beautiful of heaven's works. Had I a few hundreds at my disposal before this would I have feasted on the sight of her. I'd face as many difficulties to reach her as Tom Moore's Epicurean to reach the priestess of the moon. I wish to heaven I was half or ten thousandth part as devoted to study as I am to that consummate charm. I am sure I would arrive at some eminence. In study I'm like a river whose course is forcibly altered; In thinking of her I'm like the same stream rushing gladly back to its natural bed. But I forget, it is the birthday of our deliverer. The sound of the drum is striking on my ear, the yeomen are out in military pomp, a soldier's memory is sanctified. Washington the saviour of his country, "Proud to be useful scorning to be more" This was the praise the Irish Methodist gave him and is exactly the praise which does honour to a republican those few contain the definition of a republican. Jackson the "Julium Sidus" as Eandolph styled him of the late war the defender of the rights which Washington established, on a day like this we may proudly associate their names. Having equalled the "father of our- country" in the field, futurity will disclose whether Jackson can wear the toga with parallel dignity. In spite of the slanders of his enemies, whom I have often heard in social dispute, express a wish that he may prove all they have represented him to be a brutal despot, as Randolph says "a raw head and bloody bones." In spite of all this and more I think his administration will be among the ablest our country has wit- nessed. To give you a little Baltimore news must be my next lookout. A good many challenges have passed between the young bloods in this section of the country since you left. The first was early in October: It resulted in a meeting between McMahon and Tyson. After two shots had been exchanged they were arrested by the peace officers and bound over. The next duel was between Martin and Carr in which the former The Euffin Papebs. 437 was sent to his long home instantaneously upon the first fire, the latter escaping unhurt. A challenge also passed from young Pinckney the editor of an Adams paper in Baltimore called the Marylander to Mr. Simpson editor of the Philadelphia Mercury. But Simpson had him hound over. I believe I can give no more domestic news of any interest unless it is that the boys at St. Mary's are all well and many of them frequently enquire after you more particularly Tom Bryan who speaks of you with a warmth which friendship alone can dictate. This is a long enough letter for Washington's birth-day. I'll go hunt up a crony or two. lAddress: Chapel Hill, N. C. Forward to Hillsboro.] From Willia/m Gaston. N'bwbern Peby. 29'>'. 1828. Jjear Sir The Newspapers announce that M^ Swain has resigned his office of Solicitor for the first judicial circuit, and my friend M'. Wright C. Stanly informs me that he purposes to make application for the vacant appointment. Permit me to take the liberty of recommending M'. Stanly as well qualified to discharge the duties of the office. I have known him from his infancy and known him intimately. He has talents, legal knowledge, the principles', habits, and manners of a gentleman. — Al- though not a married man he has a large and helpless family — the family of a widowed sister — with the support and education of which he has charged himself, and some late misfortunes have occasioned him pecuni- ary embarrassments which render a close application to professional duties indispensable. I have no doubt that M"^. Stanly, should he receive the office, will acquit himself of its obligations with benefit to the State and credit to himself. Believe me with sentiments of great respect Your most obed'. Serv*. Judge Kuffin Will : Gaston [Address : Currituck County.] From Gavin Hogg. [March 1, 1828] I reed, your letter from Mr. Taylor asking my advice as to the appoint- ment of a Solicitor for the Edenton Circuit — I have always thought it was a duty from the members of the profession to aid the Judge with 438 The North Cakolina Histokicai. Commission. advice in the appointments to be made by him. Some of the Judges here- to fore have allowed so little might to the unanimous recomendation of the Bar that I had determined I would never again be forward in giving advice. For reasons however that I need not mention it will give me pleasure if any information I may have can be useful to you. It is I can assure you no Very pleasant task you will have to perform and it is an absolutely painful one for me to compare the merits and demerits of those wishing to have the appointment. I am I may say on good terms with all certainly at enmity with none of them : I must in Candour say that in my Judgement there is not any person in the district or as far as I have heard any applicant from any other part of the State who is in all respects a fit person to fill it. Mr. J * * * of Windsor is in point of attainments very well qualified for the office of solicitor but it gives me pain to say that his moral character in general estimation and in my individual opinion is not such as to entitle him to a publick trust — I understand that the expression of this opinion when he was before the legislature in reply to enquiries pro- pounded to me has given him deep offence but a sense of what is due to truth after a careful examination of myself obliges [me] to adhere to the opinion and the expression of it on this occasion. All the other Gentlemen have as far as I know unexceptionable moral characters: They are Mr Lloyd of Tarboro who practises in Bertie only, Mr White of Bertie, Mr. Bailey^ of Pasquotank. These are all Gentlemen whom I believe to be entitled to respect and esteem and whom I hold in due regard. The two first are best known to me — they are all very young- men of not much professional knowledge or experience and (as every thing here must be sacrificed to truth) of not very much talent. Mr. Long is a man also of great probity of more experience than the others ; and of like intellectual character: Mr Wilson I do not so well know. He has done some plain business for me as executor of Mr. Blount very much to my satisfaction. I have heard him spoken of by Mr. Iredell as an honest energetick man; but as a very selfish one; his intellectual character I think is not superior to that of the other Gentlemen. From some of the above I think the selection must be made. ISTeither Mr Barney nor Mr Sawyer in the district nor Mr Stanly or Mr Bryan from IsTewbern out of it would fill the appointment so respectably as either Mr Bailey, Mr Lloyd, Mr White, Mr Long, or Mr Wilson. I cannot say which you should appoint because I do not know. If it were matter of favour, Messrs. Long, Lloyd, White, and Bailey would stand first and equal with me and I mention this to put you in possession of what favour I have that you may allow for it. As a duty if Mr Bailey on enquiry (from those who living below know him better than I do) should, answer the opinion I have formed of him I should appoint him. Judge Ruffin iJohn L. Bailey of Pasquotank, 1795-1877, judge of the Superior Court, 1837-1863. The EuFFiiT Papers. 439 [P. S.] None of the Gentlemen mentioned in the preceding letter have communicated with me on the subject of the appointment; the vacancy I think is not publickly known — I suppose they will be candi- dates before you; because some of them were avowed candidates on the appointment of Mr Swain and others openly solicited support from me last legislature when it was expected there would be a vacancy and others were ready to be nominated by their friends as soon as the Eesignation of Mr Swain should have been handed in : [Address : Care of Tho Turner esqr. Plymo. j From John Gray Blount. "Washington March 1st. 1828. I understand that Mr. Swain has resigned the appointment of Solicitor of the Edenton District and W. C. Stanly Esquire informs me that he intends to make application for the appointment. My desire to serve a Gentleman I have long known will I hope be a sufficient apology for my taking the liberty of addressing you on the subject and to assure you that from his long practice in our Court I have full confidence in both his abilities and integrity to qualify him for the able and faithful discharge of the duties of that appointment. From James Iredell Tredwell. I wrote you on the 18th offering as a candidate to fill the vacancy, in the Clerks Office occasioned by the appointment of Mr. McDonald as collector etc. In this I was, perhaps, a little hasty. I then understood that the appointment had [not] been made, but have since learned that it has prohdbly been made and will be confirmed, of which I have no doubt ; When the vacancy does occur I hope you will consider my appli- cation. Edenton 1st March 1828. [Address : Tyrell Court.] Fronu Victor M. Murphey?- HiLLSBOEo' 17th March, 1828. The principle object of my visit to HiUsboro' on the day previous to your leaving home, was to see you, and ask your friendly advice upon iVictor Moreau Murphey, 1805-1862, Judge Murphey's second son. He car- ried out his intention and became a physician. 440 The ITokth Caeolina Histoeical Commission. a subject in whidi I am tlie only one personally interested and although I have come to a determination, as to the course I shall pursue, I was reluctant to do so before consulting you. I was not aware that you would leave Hillsboro so soon untill meeting with you, and the pressure of business which required your individual attention, and the company which I found constantly at your House, prevented my disclosing to you at that time the object of my visit. The frequent interruptions which have been my constant attendants during my prosecuting the study of the Law, have produced such a delay in my acquiring the necessary proficiency in the Science to insure me success, that I have resolved to abandon the profession, and in doing so, hope you will not consider me wanting in inclination to pursue the course which you so kindly pointed out to me. You will know my situation and that my means of support are exceedingly limited. I have arrived at that period of life when it becomes necessary to look for some employ- ment by which I may be enabled to enjoy the ordinary comforts of life, and upon which to establish an honourable reputation. I would cer- tainly prefer greatly being an able advocate at the Bar, than being dis- tinguished in any other avocation and shall never cease to think that the brightest ornaments of the Bar are the brightest ornaments of Human Nature. But under present circumstances, I like many others, wish to pursue a profession which I must at present think more lucrative. When I first left college, my intention was to study medicine but my Father expressed a wish that I should study Law, and at that time and ever since felt disposed to gratify his wishes. I am of opinion that my prospects of success in the practice of medicine are more flattering than that of the Law. This change I hope, you will not attribute to my fickle- ness, it is the result of much deliberation on my part. The Study of Medicine is generally considered the dernier resort of all Blockheads. I had not despaired altogether of success at the Bar, but the the disad- vantages to which many young men are subjected, when making their first appearance in public life, prevented their entering into business for many years during which time they labour under many difficulties and some which I should find myself unable to support. As to the respect- ability of the profession — ^You know much more than myself. The Law in this respect has the ascendency, but I must suppose there is no char- acter more truly Honorable and certainly no vocation more highly bene- ficial than the Physician. I have often heard it said that he who is good at making excuses is good for nothing else, and in excusing myseM for abandoning the Law, I have probably said enough to make the censure contained in the remark applicable to myself. Yet hope when taking into consideration my situation you will countenance the course 1 have adopted, and be assured that you can not for a moment doubt my sincere attachment for yourself and every member of your Worthy Family, both on the score of personal respect and gratitude which it will never be my disposition to forget, though it may not be in my power to The Ruffin Papees. 441 return, but this is a subject wbich I should never exhaust and will stop for the present, Knowing that if I have not convinced, I have at least tired you with my own affairs. Cousin Anne and all your family are very well and all your Friends in this place. William Euffin, I believe writes to you today. Should you find time to write more letters than are necessary, the receipt of even a short one would afford me much pleasure. I heard from my Father a few days ago. His health was still improving. Honble Thomas Ruffin. [Address : Edenton N. C. via Petersburg Va.] From Daniel M. Barringer} HiLLSBORo' April 7th— 1828. I now sit down to perform my promise to you. Nothing remarkable has occurred since your departure. Against the "hardness of the times" there is still the same clamour. If there be any alteration at all — it is that the complaints are increasing. To say that provisions are in abun- dance, and money in great scarcity would perhaps be as good a descrip- tion of the State of the Country as could be given. And were there no debts to pay, no embarrassments among the people, this would perhaps be as favourable a view of their situation as a patriot could desire. But from some cause or other, this is unhappily not the case, and the means of extrication are not within the reach of those to whom they are so indispensable. The pressure upon the people seems to be greatest, when their ability to diminish it is least. Whether this distress proceed from "unwise legislation" or our own want of enterprize, and foresight, it is to be hoped that it cannot long continue. If it does — if the "Southern contagion" spreads and there be no prospect of relief — we have reason to fear it will lead to consequences very much to be deprecated. It may be that the "partnership" will be in danger of dissolution — And that the most strenuous efforts of every lover of the Union may be called into requisition to preserve its integrity, — and avert the dreadful consequences of such an event. The fact is, this matter is too much talked about already, there is too much calculation about the "value of the Union". The people are oppressed with a burthen of whose origin they are ignor- ant, and disposed to attribute it to any cause, to have some pretext for the expression of tjieir discontent. Such a state of feeling is always iDanlel Moreau Barringer, 1806-1873, a nephew of Daniel L. Barringer, after his graduation at the University in 1826, studied law under Ruifin at Hillsboro. He was later prominent in politics and served In the legislature and in Con- gress and as minister to Spain. He and Ruffin were colleagues in the Peace Conference in 1861. 442 The North Caeolina Histobical Commission. the precursor of a more fearful species of opposition. May it never be experienced in this nation! About the "all-important" (as some say) question — who is to be the next President? — We go on as usual. The Adams men say their party is becoming more numerous, and the Jack- sonites claim the same for themselves. There is no certainty in the matter, except, I suppose, that the "Hero" of Orleans ( — ergo — would be president) will receive the vote of this State. The truth is — ^the present state of parties is enough to disgust any but demagogues, with polities. The indiscriminate abuse, of talents and virtue, on both sides, is really shameful. I dislike the disposition which cannot admire merit, whether in friend or foe, but which must sacrifice to an inordinate ambi- tion all the better feelings of our nature, utter charges without truth, and misrepresent without decency. This I think is one of the principal features of the present contest ■ — But I forget — I reckon you care as little about these matters as I do myself. And would rather learn whether your family are well etc., than that either Jackson or Adams is elected President of the U. S. They are all well — and the town is about as healthy as usual. We had snow on yesterday after one of the mildest winters that has ever been experienced here — so say the old men. The frosts have proved injurious, especially to gardeners, and the fruit, which has probably been nearly altogether destroyed. Mr. Murphy has returned from the West — ^his health in about the same state as when he left iNT. C. Nothing more — I am uncertain whether this will reach you or not, as Mrs. Kuffin informed me that you had received none of hers altho' several had been written. I address however as you requested. I shall be extremely happy to hear from you in answer as soon as you receive it, and shall always be so in giving the strongest assurance of my regard. N. B. — ^William has gone to Caswell in expectation of studying to more advantage than he could here — Whom have you appointed Solici- tor? — I am much pleased with Powell and Newland on Contracts— r D. M. B. [Address : Edenton K C. Via Petersburg Va.] To Catherine Buffin. Perquimans County — April 14th 1828. So little comes under my observation on my circuits, that can excite or gratify a laudible curiosity of my dear daughter, that I have it seldom in my power to write anything that ought to be satisfactory to you or. myself. It is nevertheless a high gratification to me to hold intercourse with any member of my beloved family; and especially, my spirits de- pend so much upon hearing from home, that I willingly write every week, if it be but for the sake of purchasing an answer. I have however, The Rttffin Papbbs. 443 now, to acknowledge that I already owe you for two kind and dutiful letters, which I have already received from you. They give me the pleasant tidings, that you are all well — which is the chief and indeed al- most the only substantial enjoyment I experience during my long separa- tions from your dear Mother and our beloved children. A similar ac- count I shall hope to get again the last of this week, when I shall arrive at Elizabeth City. I remained at Edenton until this morning — It is my usual custom on the circuit to go to the Court-house on the Saturday or Sunday before the Court, that I may avoid bad weather and be sure to be at my post in due season. I was induced to depart from my rule in this instance, by the double pleasure of sharing the hospitality of my friend Mr. Skinner^ and of hearing the Service and an excellent sermon from my good friend Mr. Avery on yesterday. I thought I could safely allow myself those indulgeneies as the distance between Edenton and this place is only twelve miles along an excellent road. I came over, accordingly, this morning, I do not regret my plan, tho' I have paid tolerably for not abiding by an old habit ; for we have had here a cold, raw, drizzle, with a N^orth-east wind, which make up an unpleasant ride. A northeaster is bad enough as high up as our hills, but really we know nothing there of one of those dampers, of the low Country. Here it goes thro and thro' one of a sudden and the spirit of the most mercurial constitution sinks as surely and as quickly as the fluid of a thermometer plunged in August into an ice house. An east wind here, forthwith from the sea, saturated with salt and mois- ture, sweeping over this level region composed of large bays and rivers or land almost as low and quite as smooth as the waters,, is a blast the hardiest frame cannot well resist. It is so keen and so depressing, that in a few minutes only it would extinguish all the fire of the roughest, stoutest, and toughest mountaineer — much less can my thin carcase and unsteady temperament support it. It seems to me, that / could tell a north-east wind of our Banks, were I corked up in a demijohn — Hah ! It makes me shiver and shudder now to look out of my windows tho' I am siting by a warm fire in a tight room. Tho' I am old enough to be your father, yet you know I am still a child in some points : for instance, I sometimes get vexed for trifles; and I am always put into high spirits by the falling of snow. There is so much beauty and purity in the untainted and unspotted vesture with which nature clothes the earth in that operation and the contrast between the sufferings of animals exposed to the severities of the storm and the comforts for man and the beasts domesticated and taken care of by man, is so striking that the earliest dawning of infant reason perceives it and teaches the heart to rejoice in and be thankful for the intelligence which qualifies man to be thus provident for himself and his dependents. In my breast this feeling has iJoseph B. Skinner of Chowan, 1780-1851, a noted lawyer and the Intimate friend of Ruffin. His skill as a farmer may have stimulated Ruffin to the close study which he gave to agriculture during the latter half of his life. 444 The N"obth Cabolina Historical Commission. so long and so powerfully predominated that even in our open, straitened, rotten and inconvenient habitation and with oyir family larger than the house will hold, there is always an irrepressible sensation of exulting pleasure at beholding a fall of snow; and the more rapid, thick and deeper the fall, the greater is my delight. Now just the reverse of all this is an east wind on the Sea Shore : If anybody can laugh, or meditate or love or eat or drink, with an East wind of the Atlantic Coast in the month of April blowing on him, his nerves, muscles, skin, mind, stomack, and heart must be different from mine, in all and every particular; Even the Lilly of your face would become purple and the Eose sky- blue ! I am apt to think from the signs of the Seasons here, that with you there must be now or lately snow or severe frost enough to arrest all horticulture and save us from aU the fruit-eating diseases of the next summer. Corn and irish potatoes are killed in all the low country and wheat essentially injured. I have been apprehensive that my little patch of Rye was so forward as to be geting into head and if so, that it will be killed. I do not suppose the Corn has yet come up. If it should be destroyed by being bitten down by the frost or roting in the ground, tell Cupid to have it replanted early — indeed, as soon as he can ascertain that it will be necessary. I am afraid too that your Mama's Yams may have been frost bitten. If this be so, I would advise her to get Mr. Moring or his stage driver to buy her a bushel in Raleigh and to have them buried immediately. I shall be very sorry to lose the crop of them ; for I make so much of my winter's living of them, that the want of potatoes would be worse than the want of bread. Ask her also, if her Irishmen should appear to her likely to prove deficient either for want of quantity or keeping, to speak to your grand-father to procure a barrel of If orthern ones by the last of May for late planting. I left orders with Henry to plough all the Hillside below Mr. Cain's and our garden in which rye was not sowed. After the corn is planted he can do so ; and I suppose the present a convenient time for it. So tell him, if he hath not already done it. I shall expect to hear again from you after you get this letter Let me know the health, employments and enjoyments of every member of the family. I confide to you the task and honorable trust of assisting your most excellent Mother in all her domestic cares and labors — of supplying my place in soothing her spirits in all her times of troubles, amusing her mind by returning for her admonitions and parental solici- tudes reverence and docility and affection for affection, to make her happy. She merits all this from you. For if you should ever be useful or happy in future life, you will owe it mainly to your Mother's lessons and example. Her industry and economy, the purity and singleness of her heart and the firmness and uprightness of her principles make her worthy of emulous imitation by man or woman. Most of my self- command and much of the best of my few virtues I am indebted for either to her counsels or the reflections which the observations of her The Euffin Papbbs. 445 actions hath excited. I speak therefore from experience, when I assure you of the utility of studying her characteristics and making her actions and opinions the model of your own. Above all, my dearest daughter, let nothing escape you that can justly lead a Mother to suspect or to feel that you are a thankless child and that her society and conversation is less agreeable to you than those of any other person. Pray, have you no art to make your brother a student ? Can you not invent some cunning device to make him in love with his name, that he may strive to make to himself a name that shall be in future days hon- orable in the land? Has he really no ambition or have we only failed to touch the string that will rouse it? Have you or will you try your powers to reach and excite his sensibility? I leave him to the experi- ments of your Mother and his sisters. My little boys must remember me and be good. Say so, from me; and say further that children can only be good by serving God and loving and honoring their Parents and obeying their teachers and governors. To them and your sisters as well as to yourself I send my blessing. May God protect you and keep you innocent, and in his grace and peace! I do not forget my sweet Betty, darling name-sake of that charmer. Miss Polly, Kiss them all and tell them that I am coming before long, — make Miss Polly call me daily at the door and give her a flower for me every morning. Remember me to your grandfather and Mother and all the family there and at Mr. Cain's — in no wise omiting my daughter Sally and her father's house- hold. Beg your Mother to write to me and particularly to say all about herself and her health. For its preservation and her perfect happiness in herself her husband and her children, daily prayers have been con- stantly and will be offered by your Father Thomas Rtjffin. Miss Catherine Ruffin Hillsborough No. Ca. From Augustus Moore and Others. [Edenton, ¥. C, April, 1828] The Office of Clerk of the Superior Court having become vacant by the appointment of Genl. D McDonald to the office of Collector of this Port, permit us to recommend to your Honor Mr. James Wills to fill that vacancy as we have no doubt of his ability to discharge the duties of that office. Augustus Mooke Jesse Wilson C. R. Kjnney J. L. Bailey [Endorsed: Jos. B. Skinner. James Wills' Recommendation, April 1828.] 446 The North Cakolina Historical Commission. From William Robards. Ealeigh Jun nth 1828 Your kind letter containing yr ten Certificates and Clerks bonds was handed to me by Mr Haywood. I thank you for the frank and candi,d manner in which you always write and speak on subjects that materially concern me, I assure you I want some one, to talk freely with. I am surrounded by a set of strange beings, men whose course of conduct is so different from what I heretofore thought, that I am under great re- straint, and cant advise with but few, when I need counsel. The doings in our Bank would astonish you, to say the least of the Conduct of the Cashier. He has forfeited the good opinion, he was thought to have acquired ; some think he has acted criminally. The Bank is in a ruinous state by his conduct, great profits must have been made by individuals at the expense of the Bank. While in Office he so managed as to enable some to keep at all times a constant supply of ITorthern funds, grinding and shaving the dealers in the Bank at an exorbitant rate, men too with- out funds in ordinary times. I might add at this time without Northern. I am sorry to believe, that men who have occupied so high standing in society should forfeit it for a little gain. We are endeavouring to have things right and to have business done in Bank as it ought to have been done for years. It will take some time to redeem the credit of our paper, we are resolved to put it at par, let the sacrifize be what it may, at this time our funds are low, the immense sum demanded within 90 days has nearly exhausted the specie or its equivalent. I heard to day we have paid within that time upwards of $100,000 in specie and IT. S. notes. As soon as I rec* yr letter I made known your situation to the President. He assured me you should be accommodated, less [sic] it should not be granted I mentioned it to the board of Directors — the same desire evi- denced and I was flattered with the prospect of getting the amount you wanted, untill this morning. I am now told that it can not be had until funds can be procured, and then principal notes each be required. I have therefore drawn the amount of your Certificates and enclosed it. If you can get the principal notes and can do without the Worthern money for a few weeks I think you may get it. I regret this disappoint- ment, but I have done all in my power. I should be pleased to spend a little time with you. Judge Ruffin [Address : Hillsborough] The Ruffin Papers. 447 From Thomas P. Devereux.^ I have this morning received yours of the 23d and would with pleasure send you the opinions you request but as yet I have only one and I under- stand all their honors deliver one. I have been so very pressing for the opinions as to make me fear I may have been thought obtrusive. I flatter myself however that there will be no need of sending you a manuscript copy as I have made such arrangements I hope, as will enable me to give each of the circuit Judges a copy of the law cases by the time they com- mence their circuits. I am morally certain of being able to give them to you at Granville, no accident but severe indisjposition can prevent my sending them to you at Chatham — this you and your brethren may depend upon in future. [Address : Hillsborough.] From Peter Brovme? [Ealeigh, N". C, Aug. 7, 1828.] I am glad that you have come to a resolution which I am confident will promote the interest and happiness of you and your family. I agree, more or less, with everything you state in your letter, except as to the value you seem to set on a seat on the Bench of the Supreme Court. ■ I consider it no very desirable object for you, whether it is viewed as to Honor or Distinction — Emolument — or Permanency. Honor or Distinction — I neither see nor feel it; nor, I believe, is it much seen or felt generally. I can tell the names of eminent lawyers in many of the States; but the names of judges of the Supreme Court in hardly any one. Emolument — If you live here and attend the courts which sit here and in Orange County, and no other, I believe you can make more than the salary. Permanency — I am surprized that the Legislature has not been tinker- ing before now, and fully convinced that the first alterations, either for the better or worse, will be followed by others, until they amount to actual or virtual annihilation. For example, if the plan you state suc- ceeds, and one Judge has to go a circuit, — ^Why not two ? — Why not all ? Why not come to a Court of Conference? That I think would be the final result. As to selling your TJ. S. Bank Stock, or any part of it, I will only state some facts and leave you to draw your own conclusion. The depre- ciation of our currency cannot possibly continue : in fact it is now gradu- iThomas Pollock Devereux, reporter of the Supreme Court of North. Carolina. SRuffin had evidently written Browne concerning the offer which had been made to him shortly before to accept the presidency of the Bank of the State. 448 The USTobth Cabolina Histoeical Commission. ally appreciating. The last sales of IT. S. Bank Stock, of which I have heard has been at 121 ; so that it has not rose much on account of the rise in the dividend. The charter expires in March 1836, and if it is not renewed the $21. prem. will be lost: if it is renewed (which I expect) there will be a bonus, etc. more or less sweating. Yet I prefer that stock on account of my peculiar situation, there being a very extensive and pretty steady market for it. I believe the affairs of that Bank to be exceedingly well managed. By the bye, they have raised the salary of Mr. Huskie to $1500 a year, to commence from the 1st of June last. This I suppose to be very proper, as he is a most valuable oflScer. Steps have been taken to prevent any difficulty in abstaining from appointing an Atto. for the state Bank till the end of the year; but I understand several are aiming at it, which I can readily believe as I am told the legal fees amount to $1,000 a year. Offer my respects to Mrs. Euffin. I shall be glad to have her for a neighbour. You will no doubt take the proper steps for her accommo- dation here. My respects to Mr. Kirkland. I say to him, and you too, there is danger in being security for a man in business who keeps one standing debt of $18,000 or $20,000. Times must always be hard with such men. Interest must eat them up. Raleigh Aug. 7, 1828. Honble. T. Euffin, esq. [Address :' Hillsborough.] From Thomas Turner. Pltmo[tjth], K C. Sep. 25, 1828. Yesterday Mr. Pettigrew sent to me for you, a box of 6 spades, (I have not opened it;) and today I fall in with a cart belonging in Rock- ingham — and the owner Mr. Robert MuUins, has kindly said, he will take the box and deliver it to you — and I have sent it by him. So, that I, partake of your good luck in this instance. Alas! Sir — We have all to lament that you are not on our Circuit again — ; but I more than any other. For the first time within my knowledge, I have, in the course of my duty as clerk at the desk, given offense to the presiding judge! or if I ever offended before, they (the judges) have ever been so kind, as not to let it be known to me, nor, as I believe, to others. On the contrary, I have ever until now been flattered by them. But for once it is not so. Having said this much, I will take the further liberty to give you the facts. A poor old man, one day in term time, came into Court and stood near the door. He was drunk, and his son, a fool, was indicted as a common liar. The old man sustains the opposite character, and felt, no doubt, as he ought to feel on the occasion. The old man, drunk, sat The Kuffin Papees. 449 near the door, and kept up a muttering like one talking to himself, and dwelling upon his griefs. The Judge ordered him taken out. It was done without the least confusion ; hut still, it interrupted the proceedings of the Court while it was about, that is, there was a waiting for the thing to be done. In this moment of suspense, I, fearing the shf. or rather the D. shf, a harsh little man, might hurt the old man, or handle him too roughly, said from the Desk, "Dont hurt him Mr. Shf." I spoke before I thought and from feeling, and was instantly ashamed that I had spoken; but I thought the motive of my speaking would be seen and understood, and so I reconciled myself to it and as it was painful to think of it, tried to forget it. Again ; I as agent for A. M. Slade, had to defend a suit. It was taken up late in the day and lasted until 10 in the night. The verdict was against me. My attorney, as well as myself thought there was error of law in the charge. A rule was obtained for new trial and discharged and appeal prayed. My attorney had never known anything of the facts until the suit was called for trial. The other attorney on my side had now left the Court. I took the opportunity while an Indictment for perjury was trying, and after all the witnesses were sworn and seperated, and while they were examining the witnesses, and when I had nothing to do as clerk at the Desk, to make out a case for the Supreme Court, in which I stated the evidence as it was given in and the charge of the judge on the point on which the objection was taken. This I did as a memo- randum or brief for my attorney, to whom alone I gave it. The judge on the bench, sitting above me, inspected as it seems what I was writing. I did not know it. If I had known it, I should have written as I did, not dreaming it was wrong or offensive to him to do so. Again : On the Equity docket. Mr. Haughton my atto. was sick. He at the Bar asked me at the desk, what I would have done with Mr. Armisteads suit then called. (It had been previously stated by the judge that nothing could be done on the Equity docket) and I answered, from the desk, for I had but a word to say, "Let it be continued under former order." It was done. Again, Mr. Jones my atto, in another suit wherein Mr. Armistead and other (myself tho' not named on the judges docket) were defendant, asked me what I would have done in that case. I answered, as you had left the suit, "Let the rule for hearing be stricken out and leave' for defendants to take testimony." The judge said I had an attorney in Court. I excused myself for speaking, by stating mildly, "I was defendant in that suit and that my atto had called upon me.'' I^othing was said in reply, and I spoke ijo more. It was now sunset Saturday. The Judge went out of the Court, stating he would make up that case and another for the Supreme Court in his room. I was not apprized, I had not the least suspicion that I had offended the judge. On the contrary I was of opinion that if he had any feeling for me at all and were to express it, it would flatter and please me. I am sure he had not displeased me. To be sure, I soon saw that he was 29 450 The North Caeolina Histokicai. Commission. not Judge Kuffln ; but in this he was like so many men, that that did not displease me. The truth is, that I liked him pretty much. I thought he had a favorable opinion of me, acquired some years ago at Raleigh, and that now I had improved it. I felt, and I am sure, he never before saw so much work done at a elks. desk. I never sat down while the court was in session. I write pretty fast and am tolerably acquainted with what I have to do. My court papers are in the best order imaginable. What I had to do was done quickly, yet gently and rightly, and there was no waiting for me or for a paper. The judge worked hard and quick and a little fractiously all the week, a great deal was done; the judge himself said, as he left the bench, that it had been a hard weeks work. I really thought I had done nothing but what was handsome. But it was not so, as the judge thought. For at night Mr. Jones, my atto, called upon him in his room to see to the making out the case for the Supreme Court. I did not go. There were several in the room. Mr. Jones looked at the case which the judge had made out. After reading it, he stated in his mild and modest man- ner, as I have been told, that he wished the case to state a point or two which was not in it, and to refer to one or more papers, to neither of which it did refer. I have been told that the judge replied angrily to him, and amongst other things said "that Mr. Jones knew that that for which he then contended has had no more effect upon the jury than the chattering of a mocking; that he disliked to burden the case with such nonsense, and having reference to the case which he saw me making out, said, although Mr. Jones told him it was not designed for the judge but for my attorney, that he had had a great mind to fine and imprison me and call another man to the desk; He stated he saw me, that he over- looked me as I made out the case — and has since said he never saw so troublesome a clerk ; that I had pestered him very much. I understand that Jones felt himself very considerably insulted; that he felt the insult the more severely as it was in the Judge's own room and while he was sitting as a judge. I cant pretend to repeat the judges words — ^nor all the substance of what I have been told they imported, except to the fining and imprison- ment of me. Since I got this information, I have duly considered and reflected upon my conduct as Clerk, and I cannot, if my life were at stake and to be redeemed by it, call to mind any conduct more offensive, or so much so, as that which I have stated in the foregoing lines. I am sure I have stated all that could possibly offend. But why pester you with this recital ? Simply, I am so full of it : It has excited me so much, that I cant help it. I work for praise, not for the fees. I am disappointed and mortified, and have no help, no means, of redress ; no way by which to explain and show him that he has wronged me and get him to confess it, or make him do it. The Ruffin Papers. 451 When lie went to Windsor — The first thing he spoke of to a friend of mine was the very troublesome clerk he had had to deal with in the last week, and added, if he were again in the legislature, he would pass a law if he could, forbidding clerks to be agents for others in the Courts wherein they are clerks. He was told that it was believed, I had ever given the judges great satisfaction. When I heard this, I could but say that such a law would prevent elks, from acting as Commission merchants and Trustees in deed etc, and that a better law would be one that should regulate the making up of cases for the Supreme Court; that should present no parties to the record, but the parties really litigant, and that should prevent the Judges pride of opinion from making him, in that respect, a party there. Pray my Dear Sir ; write me something on this subject. If you cen- sure, I will take it as coming from one "whose frowns are but the graver sort of love," and I will amend in those points that may not please you. But if you censure not, but approve, it will relieve my feelings some; tho not wholly, for I must still know that the judge moves in some circles where I am not known and that in these I must ever be misunder- stood. P. S. There is one shade in this letter which I must correct. The judge, when speaking of the law he would have made concerning clerks, did not allege that it was necessary, to correct any evil practices in their office. On the contrary. He said, the law should not affect them in their own suits in their courts, but that, it should restrain them from being agent in suits for others, as before said. I am not aware that he has complained of any unfairness on my part in office, but that I was per- haps insubordinate; speaking when I should not speak; and attempting to dictate to him in making out that Case ! ! ! T. T. [Address : Hillsborough.] To Catherine Buffin. ,, , , ^, .T, GrEEBNSBOEOuGH — Octo 22nd, 1828. My dearest Child. I wrote to you Sunday night and enclosed the letter in one to Mr. Cook, in which I requested him to send yours up to you as soon as it came to his hands — I hope you received it ; but for fear that you might not, I now write again by Mr. Adams, who promises as soon as he gets home to give it to you. In my last, I mentioned that from the State of the business in this Court, I found it would be impossible for me to do my duty here and go home too. I shall not be able to finish by Saturday night; I am now well convinced. Being extremely anxious to see you all, I cannot but regret my condition very sincerely. But I must honestly confess that I 452 The N'oeth Cabolina Historical CoMMissioif. would ratter pay my respects to your Mother than to my other friends ; and therefore in the present state of affairs, I wrote to you, explaining my situation and desiring that, instead of returning home on Saturday next to meet me, she would remain at Lenox Castle (where Anne said she would go on thursday or friday) until I could get there on Saturday night or Sunday morning — as there will be no other probable oppor- tunity of a meeting between us. I desired you to send up that letter to her, that she might be truly informed of my situation. I now repeat my request, for an acquaintance of another day with my business here confirms me in the opinion that it will detain me the whole week. I am really grieved at it ; because, besides the privation I suffer by not seeing my children, I had rather spend an hour with your Mother at home than almost a day elsewhere. But her Society anywhere is a great delight to me and as I shall be deprived of it altogether for three Weeks more to come, should she not wait my coming at the Springs, I hope she will, consent to do so. By Jesse, send me to Caswell two pair of yarn stock- ings and my new shoes that are hanging up in the office and request your Mama to take them to your Uncle's with her. I am sorry that you are so inexperienced in farming and gardening matters, else I would trouble you with some messages. As it is, let me mention, that the sweet potatoes ought to have a good shelter made over them to keep off the rain ; and this you must tell Cupid. From Jesse I will learn how other things are and get the favor of your Mother's atten- tion to them on her return. I was a good deal surprised at being told by Mr. Graham, that your Cousin Moreau was to go yesterday to Philadelphia, as I had heard nothing of it before. His Father informs me however that he is still with you, but will depart in the next Stage. I am gratified to learn that he is well enough advanced in his profession to attend the Lectures at the University. Offer him my regards and best wishes for his im- provement and for his success in life. Tell him, I hope he will not forget us. I should be pleased to hear from him frequently. Write to me "Wednesday Morning by the Stage and say whether you have received my letters and when Jesse goes up to Caswell. The Stage leaves Hillsboro at breakfast ; so you must set about to finish your letter as soon as you get this. Tell Anne and Alice and the boys to be upon their best behavior, while their Mother is away, upon the pain of my displeasure: I am sure Betty and Thomas will be good. I suppose Miss Polly is with your Mama, so that I hope to kiss her soon. You do not say a word about Uncle John and his Beauty: Are they off or on, or just as they were and how was that? Give my love to your Aunt Mary and her children and to all the young ones at Ayrmount and my duty and reverence to your Grand-Parenta The Euffin Papers. 453 I wish I could see you all ; but what can not be must be borne and sub- mitted to with what grace we can. God bless and preserve you all, my dear children, and keep your hearts and minds in the ways of his laws and the works of his command- ments, prays Your father and good friend Thomas Ruffin. P. S. Send this letter by Jesse too. [Address: Hillsborough N". C] From Thomas Twrner. Pltmo N. C. Oct. 26, 1828. In the making of one explanation, and a few remarks, I beg you to indulge me. I did not know when I wrote you last, but have learnt it since, that you and Judge . . . are allied by marriage. Of course, my letter, was not, and could not have been designed, to be disagreeable to you. I make no other explanation ; and as for excuse, I have none to offer. I am not sensible of my error in that letter, except perhaps the error of indiscretion ; the writing of it, being perhaps, unnecessary. I, however, do not conceive it to have been unnecessary: For those that have heard, and shall hear of the Judges' reproaches, so unkindly and unfairly heaped upon me, have a thousand tongues. I have but one. Defense is due to myself. They speak of these reproaches, some from malice, others for entertainment, and many to gratify that hungry pro- pensity in man which it is hard to satiate, the natural food of which is defamation — and the pulling down of others. Of these, a few only abstain from speaking, until the subject matter shall be incidentally and naturally introduced ; For most of them tug it in neck and heels together without regard to time, place, circumstance, conversation or company. The judge himself, I am inclined to think, lugged it in thus at Windsor. And rumor has spread it wide, and will continue to spread it wider ; and has seldom told it right, and will still continue to tell it wrong. Under these circumstances, my letter, cannot, I think, have been wholly unnecessary. For what am I to do ? I regard a stain as I do an injury. As the injury threatened, if executed, would have been an out- rage ; so the reproach is outrageous. I have no defense, but also to lug the subject matter neck and heels into my conversation and correspondence, as I did to you, and shall continue to do to others. Even then, I am but a poor match for the 1000; for besides their numbers, there are many amongst them who 454 The K'oeth Caeolina Histoeicai, Commission. cannot, and many who can and will not tell the story right; while I, for my own sake, must restrain myself to the facts (which thank God) are satisfactory to me ; and also to a language not more reproachful than that the treatment I received was not only unkind, but unjust also; and that it was the more unkind and unjust, not only because it was unprovoked and undeserved, but because {as I am persuaded) the same conduct on my part, would have met, not only no reproach from, but the commendation of every other Judge on the bench. [Address: Hillsboro E". C] From James H. Buffin. Raleigh, ITovr. 16th, 1828. I have only time to write you a few lines : — I have learnt since my arrival that Jackson has in New York, 21 votes and Adams 18. — Report also says that Ohio and Kentucky have both gone for the Hickory tree: — One thing respecting Maryland, — Jackson has five votes in that State : — this is certain, but of the other reports, a good deal is uncertainty : — I understood that C. J. Marshall says that there is no doubt of Jack- son's having a majority of 60. in the electoral college : — [Address: Hillsboro] From Frederick Nash. Raleigh the 17th 'Nov. [1828] Your brother wrote you this morning and I address you at this time, for the purpose of apprising you of the fact of Mr. Macon's resignation. Col. Robards informed this evening it was in town in the hands of the Senator from Warren,^ who will I presume present it as soon as the Senate is organized. Taking it for granted that after proving deaf to the solicitations of your fair Petitioners, that your mind is settled on the subject, application will be made to Cameron to suffer his name to be put in nomination, it is tho't he can be elected. Ohio and Kentucky have both declared for Jackson, the business is too complete. I could have wished poor Adams had made a better run. Judge Marshal has no doubt Jackson will be elected by a majority of sixty votes. . . . [P. S.] Louisiana and Indiana also for Jackson. Jo. Gales has Wm. B. Giles down, his thumbs in both eyes — and his fingers twisted iRichard Davis. The KtrFFiiir Papbes. 455 in his hair. I never saw a nicer trap laid, and never did poor gull run more heedlessly into it — the Gov. is done up, for the future he must con- fine his gaU to his own bosom.^ [Address: Hillsboro] From George E. Badger. [ISTov. 18, 1828.] Above you have "Monsieur Tonson come again" and if you are only half so tired of seeing him as I am, a more unwelcome visitor could scarce arrive. So by way of disapprobation put your mark upon him and send him back. Mr. Potter^ of Granville has today opened the ball in the house of Commons with a proposition [for the?] honor and relief of the Judges of the Supreme and Superior Courts and of all other officers. To the first class of Judges the bill allots $1500 pr an : and to the latter 60. pr Court. To the Treasurer 1200 a year without any allowance for a clerk, to the Comptroller 800. etc., etc. Should this bill pass you Judges will no longer get fat with high living large salaries and indolent lives as heretofore, but you will get the money that you earn and earn the money that you get. If measures such as these shall open the road to popular favor, how can we rationally expect any permanent good or enviable fame for the State. I hope you have had an agreeable circuit. The opening of mine was unfavorable — ^pleasure and profit being with me nearly of the same signification when applied to Courts. At Granville $80 — at Hillsboro 65. was a bad prospect and although N^ash rose to $233 yet Johnson sunk me again — think of an ex Judge at a Superior Court four days and receiving $10. At this you may be sure I was low spirited enough and began to envy the snug ticket of a Judge, but the remaining five courts returned me again to life and animation by bringing me together the additional sum of $1220. I have been employed for some days past in the Circuit Co : of IT. S. where brother Gaston is all in all — and though I have heard much and seen a little of leaning yet never saw I, or heard I of such complete iWilliam B. Giles of Virginia had been attacking President John Qulncy Adams very bitterly, and the National Intelligencer, the Gales paper in Wash- ington, had just published a series of letters from Giles to Adams which put the writer in a rather uncomfortable position. 2Robert Potter of Halifax and Granville, one of the most interesting figures in North Carolina history. His career in brief was as follows: midshipman, U. S. N., 1815-1821; member of the House of Commons, 1828, 1834; member of Congress, 1829-1831; delegate to the constitutional convention of Texas, 1836; secretary of the navy of Texas; senator. He was killed in 1842. At a later day his conduct in respect to the banking institutions of North Carolina, in spite of the odium which has been heavped upon him ever since, seems to a large extent justified by conditions. He represented a type of progress all too rare in the State. 456 The I^oeth Cabolina Histobical Commissioit. supporting upon a lawyer as of the Ch. J.^ upon Gaston. The Ch. J. seems to be but his echo, though he is not aware of it, for his integrity is certainly pure. We lost Plummer's Suit which has gone to the Supreme Court upon a decision of opinion on the bench and as Gaston drew the statement and I had but five minutes to examine it, I feel sure the Case as it was has not been hurt. Such is the outline of my official pursuits, and I have no other. Offer my sincere and affectionate regards to Mrs. Ruffin and Catherine. [Address : Hillsborough IT. C] From Frederick Nash. Raleigh the 21st Nov. [1828] I have but a moment in which to write to you. You will perceive by the papers that I am Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, with not a very hopeful set to aid me. I shall however prefer bringing my Bill^ before the Legislature thro' the sanction of the committee. I think I have upon it a majority favourable to my views. So far as I have made enquiries my hopes are very much strengthened of a favourable result. I have not mentioned it to an individual member but Mr. Gaston who does not approve it — and he does not appear disposed to oppose it with any zeal. You shall hear from me again next week. [Address: Hillsboro IST. C] From Frederick Nash. Raleigh the 22d ISTov. [1828] I have read your communication with feelings more easy to be felt than expressed.* For the sentiments of kindness towards me and mine, contained in it, accept my grateful acknowledgements. I had indeed hoped that our children would have been permitted to cherish and con- iChief Justice John Marshall. 2Nash'e judicial hill which he introduced and which was never allowed to reach its third reading in the House of Commons, of which he was a member at this session, provided for an additional judge of the Supreme Court. It also provided that future vacancies in the Superior Court judges should not he filled, hut that the judges of the Supreme Court should in turn ride those circuits. sRoiffin had evidently written to Nash telling him of the offer just made to him of the presidency of the Bank of the State. The Kuffin Papers. 457 tinue the friendship that has subsisted between their parents. To poor Sally the seperation will be truly distressing. Your house is the only one, except her uncles and her sisters, where she ever visits and Catherine, she has always regarded and loved as a sister. To loose the society of Catherine will be a sore distress to her. But these are considerations not of importance sufficient to turn you from your course, 'tho' they will embarrass and embitter it, — I mean the discomfort which the step will bring not only to your own family but to your friends. My dear Sir wherever you go — may a kind Providence go with you and bless you in your person and in your family. The advantages of a pecuniary nature offered by a residence here, under the circumstances attending your removal, do not allow me to say a word. I do most deeply regret as a citizen of the Country that you wiU be lost to the Bench. I had looked forward with eagerness to your being placed in the Supreme Court. I mean no idle compliment when I say they need you there — and your brethren of the Bar have I believe with one voice named you as the individual who was next to be there and your succession was without question. I say w