History of Athens County, Ohio - 21 CHAPTER II. The Ohio Company. ALL of the present county of Athens was included in the original " Ohio Company's Purchase." It formed a part of Washington county until the year 1805, so that for a period of sixteen years, or until the date of its severance from Washington and erection into a separate county, their histories were, in some sense, identical. The fortified and well-protected settlement of Marietta, begun in 1788, very soon pushed its outposts into the interior, and many of those who first located within the limits of Washington, died within the limits of Athens county. The number of instances is still greater in which the second generation of pioneer families is found to have removed from one county to the other. In view of these facts we may with propriety introduce into this narrative some account of the formation of " The Ohio Company" and its founders, and of the first colony planted under its auspices at Marietta in 1788, by which Washington and Athens counties became 22 - The Ohio Company. the site of the earliest white settlement made in the territory of the Northwest. The conclusion of the Revolutionary war, as of all earnest and protracted wars, witnessed the sudden throwing-out of employment of a great many men. There were patriotic officers who had risked their lives and sacrificed their property in the contest, and no less patriotic soldiers who, though they had not sacrificed so much, found themselves at the end of the war with an abundance of liberty but no property, and their occupation gone. The eastern states abounded with these men. They were men of character, energy, and enterprise, full of patriotism and true democratic ideas, proud of their manhood and of their ability to labor. Nor were they in every case men of merely physical resources ; in many instances they had enjoyed the advantages of scholastic training, and had mingled the culture of Science with the profession of arms. Others of them, though not educated, in the usual acceptation of the term, had that strong native sense and "mother wit" which avail far more in the world than the knowledge of mere pedants however extenSive. Bold, active, and adventurous, they had the fullest confidence in the future of their country, and longed to bear a further part in its history and development. Added, doubtless, to such considerations was a desire to rebuild their shattered fortunes, and to regain, under the large liberty and equal laws History of Athens County, Ohio - 23 of the new republic, some portion of the wealth they had sacrificed in fighting for it. The following sketch of one of these retired warriorS will revive the memory of a good and pure man, who was for many years very cloSely identified with the first settlement of Washington and Athens counties. Rufus Putnam. RUFUS PUTNAM was born at Sutton, Massachusetts, on the 9th of April, 1738. His father, Elisha Putnam, was the great-great grandson of John Putnam who emigrated from Buckinghamshire, England, and settled at Salem, Massachusetts, in 1634, just fourteen years after the landing at Plymouth Rock. Rufus was the youngest of Six children. His father, who is Spoken of as "a very useful man in the civil and ecclesiastical concerns of the town" where he lived, died in 1745. Thus orphaned at the tender age of seven, the boy Rufus was sent to live with his maternal grandfather, Mr. Jonathan Fuller, in Danvers, Massachusetts, where he remained less than two years. While here he had such school advantages as the place and times afforded, and learned to read. These advantages, however, meager as they were, were quickly ended; for about this time his mother married again, and Rufus went home and lived there till he was fifteen years old. His stepfather was not only an illiterate man, but despised learning and scouted at the idea of studying 24 - The Ohio Company. books. He not only did not aid his Stepson in his efforts to learn, but denied him all opportunities for instruction. The boy was not allowed to go to school, was refused the means of adding to his little store of books, and was even denied a candle at night by which to study. But, he verified the adage "Where there is a will there is a way," and proved anew that a youth with a thirst for learning was never yet baffled in his resolve to quench it. The stepfather kept a kind of public house, and Rufus, by diligently waiting on chance travelers, acquired a few pence of his own. With these he bought powder and shot, and, being something of a Sportsman, raised money enough by the sale of game to purchase a Spelling book and arithmetic. With these invaluable aids he made fair progress, teaching himself meanwhile to write and compose sentences. When nearly sixteen years old he was apprenticed to a millwright in Brookfield, Massachusetts, with whom he remained four years. Here he learned the purely mechanical parts of the trade, but he had no further instruction. He pursued, however, his course of self instruction, getting such books as he could, and toiling painfully along in the Study of arithmetic and geography. His working hours were devoted to acquiring the practical art of the millwright and to farm labor, and his leisure time to reading and the study of such books as he could procure. Thus, by the time he was eighteen years old, he was, physically, a thoroughly History of Athens County, Ohio - 25 developed and powerful man, and, in mental culture, had laid a good foundation for future acquisitions, and gained a Stock of ideas by no means despicable. At the age of nineteen his apprenticeship was completed. The war between Great Britain and France had then (1757) been in progress about three years, and young Putnam was no sooner free to choose his own course than he enlisted as a private soldier in the provincial army. His patriotic instincts at that time led him to fight for, as in later life they forced him to fight against, the King. The company to which he belonged joined the army in the vicinity of Lake George, New York, in May, 1757. He served from this time in all of the campaigns till the close of the war, undergoing with patient heroism all the toils and dangers of the service, and discharging his duty with fidelity and zeal. At the close of the war, in December, 1760, he returned to his home in New Braintree, and in the following spring, April, 1761, married Miss Ayres, of Brookfield, who died in childbed in the ensuing winter. For seven or eight years after the conclusion of the French war, Mr. Putnam devoted himself exclusively to his trade as millwright. Being now master of his own time, he habitually gave certain portions of it to self improvement, especially in the practical branches of mathematics, in which he felt himself deficient. By persevering industry, he so far acquired the principles of Surveying and navigation as to be able to practice 26 - The Ohio Company. them. Later in life his knowledge of surveying was of the greatest value to him. In January, 1765, being then twenty-seven years old, he married a second time. His wife was Miss Persis Rice, of Westborough, Massachusetts. They lived together more than fifty- five years, and raised a numerous family of children. We have very little record of Mr. Putnam's life during the next ten years. It is probable that he pursued the joint vocations of farmer and millwright, rearing his family, meanwhile, according to the thrifty code of New England. These were the piping times of peace, from 1765 to 1775, and the crisis had not yet arrived when men of action like Putnam showed to advantage. We are, however, informed of one undertaking in which he engaged during this interval, which indicates that he was full of enterprise and alive to the movements of the day. This was an effort to colonize in Florida, by an association styled " The Military Company of Adventurers." It was composed of those who had served in the provincial army during the French war, and the association expected to obtain grants of land in "West Florida" (now Mississippi), from the British government. Mr. Putnam was chosen one of the explorers. The necessary preparations for the voyage and service having been completed, the party sailed from New York in January, 1773. After a long voyage they arrived at Pensacola, and there, to their great disappointment and chagrin, found that the History of Athens County, Ohio - 27 Governor had no authority to grant them lands as had been represented. Considerable time was spent in negotiations on the subject, and exploring the rivers and adjacent country; but no Settlement was made, and Mr. Putnam finally returned to Massachusetts. The contest between England and her American colonies had now reached the acme of bitterness. On one side was evinced a disposition to oppress, and on the other a determination to resist. Reconciliation was out of the question, and what shrewd men had long foreseen was now to become a reality. War began. On the 19th of April, 1775, the battles of Lexington and Concord were fought, and immediate and open hostilities followed. Among the first to take up arms in defense of the country was Mr. Putnam. He received a commission as lieutenant-colonel in Brewer's regiment, one of the first that was raised. From this time till the close of the war, he was ardent, active, and efficient in his support of the colonial cause. In August, 1776, he received from Congress an appointment as engineer, with the rank of colonel, in which rank he Served several years with great efficiency. In 1782 there were two vacant brigadier generalships in the Massachusetts line, to one of which Col. Putnam felt that his long and meritorious service entitled him to be promoted. Owing, however, to certain local intrigues, not necessary to be detailed, no promotion was made, and the places were kept 28 - The Ohio Company. vacant for a considerable time, much to Col. Putnam's annoyance and disgust. Washington, whose entire confidence Putnam enjoyed, and who fully appreciated hiS services and ability, interested himself in the Colonel's behalf. Hearing that Putnam thought of quitting the army in disgust, he wrote him as follows: " Headquarters, Newburg, Dec. 2, 1782. " SIR : I am informed you have had thoughts of retiring from service, upon an arrangement which is to take place on the 1st of January. But as there will be no opening for it unless your reasons should be very urgent indeed, and as there are some prospects which may, perhaps, make your continuing more eligible than was expected, I have thought proper to mention the circumstances, in expectation that they might have some influence in inducing you to remain in the army. Col. Shepherd having retired, and Brig.-Gen. Patterson being appointed to the command of the first brigade, you will, of consequence, be the second colonel in the line, and have the command of a brigade, while the troops are brigaded as at present. Besides, I consider it expedient you should be acquainted that the question is yet before Congress, whether there shall be two brigadiers appointed in the Massachusetts line. Should you continue, you will be a candidate for this promotion. The Secretary at War is of opinion the promotion will soon take place; whether it will or not I am not able to determine, and, therefore, I would not flatter you too much with expectations which it is not in my power to gratify. But if, upon a view of these circumstances and prospects, the state of your affairs will History of Athens County, Ohio - 29 permit you to continue in the present arrangement (which must be completed immediately), it will be very agreeable to, sir, Your most humble servant, G. WASHINGTON." " COL. PUTNAM." On receipt of this letter, Col. Putnam, who was at the time absent on furlough, immediately repaired to camp and reported for duty. On the 8th of January following, he was commisSioned a brigadier-general, which position he held during the brief remainder of the war. The friendship of Washington was extended to Gen. Putnam after he retired from the military service, as was evidenced by his appointment to various offices at different times. In the summer of 1783, just before the final reduction of the army took place, some two hundred and fifty officers petitioned Congress for a grant of land in the Western country. Gen. Putnam, who was himself personally interested in the measure, and was revolving ideas of emigration, addressed a letter to Washington on the subject, setting forth the plan in Some detail, and requesting the latter to use his influence with Congress in favor of the grant. It is an interesting document, as illustrating the difficulties that had then to be dealt with in the Subjugation of the Western wilderness, and shows decided ability and foresight on the part of the writer. The letter is as follows: 30 - The Ohio Company. " New Windsor, June 16, 1783. " SIR : As it is very uncertain how long it may be before the honorable Congress may take the petition of the officers of the army, for lands between the Ohio river and Lake Erie, into consideration, or be in a situation to decide thereon, the going to Philadelphia to negotiate the business with any of its members, or committee to whom the petition may be referred, is a measure none of the petitioners will think of undertaking. The part I have taken in promoting the petition is well known, and, therefore, needs no apology, when I inform you that the signers expect that I will pursue measures to have it laid before Congress. Under these circumstances, I beg leave to put the petition in your Excellency's hands, and ask, with the greatest assurance, your patronage of it. That Congress may not be wholly unacquainted with the motives of the petitioners, I beg your indulgence while I make a few observations on the policy and propriety of granting the prayer of it, and making such arrangements of garrisons in the western quarter as shall give effectual protection to the settlers, and encourage emigration to the new government ; which, if they meet your approbation, and the favor be not too great, I must request your Excellency will give them your support, and cause them to be forwarded, with the petition, to the President of Congress, in order that, when the petition is taken up, Congress, or their committee, may be informed on what principles the petition is grounded. I am, sir, among those who consider the cession of so great a tract of territory to the United States, in the western world, as a very happy circumstance, and of great consequence to the American empire. Nor have I the least doubt but Congress will pay an early attention to securing the allegiance of the natives, as well as provide for the defense of the country, in case of a war with History of Athens County, Ohio - 31 Great Britain or Spain. One great means of securing the allegiance of the natives, I take to be, the furnishing them with such necessaries as they stand in need of, and in exchange receiving their furs and skins. They have become so accustomed to the use of fire-arms, that I doubt if they could gain a subsistence without them, at least they will be very sorry to be reduced to the disagreeable necessity of using the bow and arrow as the only means of killing their game; and so habituated are they to the woolen blanket, etc., etc., that absolute necessity alone will prevent their making use of them. This consideration alone, is, I think, sufficient to prove the necessity of establishing such factories as may furnish an ample supply to these wretched creatures ; for unless they are furnished by the subjects of the United States, they will undoubtedly seek elsewhere, and, like all other people, form their attachment where they have their commerce; and then, in case of war, will always be certain to aid our enemies. Therefore, if there were no advantages in view but that of attaching them to our interests, I think good policy will dictate the measure of carrying on a commerce with these people; but when we add to this the consideration of the profit arising from the Indian trade in general, there can not, I presume, be a doubt that it is the interest of the United States to make as early provision for the encouragement and protection of it as possible. For these and many other obvious reasons, Congress will no doubt find it necessary to establish garrisons in Oswego, Niagara, Michilimackinac, Illinois, and many other places in the western world. The Illinois, and all the posts that shall be established, on the Mississippi, may undoubtedly be furnished by way of the Ohio, with provisions at all times, and with goods whenever a war shall interrupt the trade with New Orleans. But in case 32 - The Ohio Company. of a war with Great Britain, unless a communication is open between the river Ohio and Lake Erie, Niagara, Detroit, and all the posts seated on the great lakes, will inevitably be lost without such communication ; for a naval superiority on Lake Ontario, or the seizing on Niagara; will subject the whole country bordering on the lakes to the will of the enemy. Such a misfortune will put it out of the power of the United States to furnish the natives, and necessity will again oblige them to take an active part against us. Where and how this communication is to he opened, shall next be considered. If Capt. Hutchins, and a number of other map-makers, are not out in their calculations, provisions may be sent from the settlements on the south side of the Ohio, by the Muskingum or Scioto to Detroit, or even to Niagara, at a less expense than from Albany by the Mohawk, to those places. To secure such communication (by the Scioto, all circumstances considered, will be the best), let a chain of forts be established ; these forts should be built on the banks of the river, if the ground will admit, and about twenty miles distant from each other, and on this plan, the Scioto communication will require ten or eleven stockaded forts, flanked by block-houses, and one company of men will be a sufficient garrison for each, except the one at the portage, which will require more attention in the construction, and a larger number of men to garrison it. But besides the supplying the garrisons on the great lakes with provisions, etc., we ought to take into consideration the protection that such an arrangement will give to the frontiers of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. I say New York, as we shall undoubtedly extend our settlements and garrisons from the Hudson to Oswego. This done, and a garrison posted at Niagara, whoever will inspect the map History of Athens County, Ohio - 33 must be convinced that all the Indians living on the waters of the Mohawk, Oswego, Susquehanna, and Alleghany rivers, and in all the country south of the lakes Ontario and Erie, will be encircled in such a manner as will effectually secure their allegiance and keep them quiet, or oblige them to quit their country. Nor will such an arrangement of posts from the Ohio to Lake Erie be any additional expense ; for, unless this gap is shut, notwithstanding the garrisons on the lakes and from Oswego to the Hudson, yet the frontier settlers on the Ohio, by Fort Pitt to the Susquehanna, and all the country south of the Mohawk will be exposed to savage insult, unless protected by a chain of garrisons which will be far more expensive than the arrangement proposed, and, at the same time, the protection given to these states will be much less complete ; besides, we should not confine our protection to the present settlements, but carry the idea of extending them at least as far as the lakes Ontario and Erie. These lakes form such a natural barrier, that when connected with the Hudson and Ohio by the garrisons proposed, settlements in every part of the states of New York and Pennsylvania may be made with the utmost safety ; so that these states must be deeply interested in the measure as well as Virginia, who will, by the same arrangement, have a great part of its frontier secured, and the rest much strengthened ; nor is there a state in the Union but will be greatly benefited by the measure, considered in any other point of view, for, without any expense, except a small allowance of purchase money to the natives, the United States will have within their protection seventeen million five hundred thousand acres of very fine land, to dispose of as they may think proper. But I hasten to men- 34 - The Ohio Company. tion some of the expectations which the petitioners have respecting the conditions on which they hope to obtain the lands. This was not proper to mention in the body of the petition, especially as we pray for grants to all members of the army who wish to take up lands in that quarter. The whole tract is supposed to contain about seventeen million four hundred and eighteen thousand two hundred and forty acres, and will admit of seven hundred and fifty-six townships of six miles square, allowing to each township three thousand and forty acres for the ministry, schools, waste lands, rivers, ponds, and highways ; then each township will contain, of settlers' lands, twenty thousand acres, and in the whole, fifteen million one hundred and twenty thousand acres. The land to which the army is entitled, by the resolves of Congress, referred to in the petition, according to my estimate, will amount to two million one hundred and six thousand eight hundred and fifty acres, which is about the eighth part of the whole. For the survey of this, the army expect to be at no expense, nor do they expect to be under any obligation to settle these lands, or do any duty to secure their title in them ; but in order to induce the army to become actual settlers in the new government, the petitioners hope congress will make a further grant of lands on condition of settlement, and have no doubt but that honorable body will be as liberal to all those who are not provided for by their own states, as New York has been to the officers and soldiers that belong to that state ; which, if they do, it will require about eight million acres to complete the army, and about seven million acres will remain for sale. The petitioners, at least some of them, are much opposed to the monopoly of the lands, and wish to guard against large patents being granted to individuals, as, in their opinion, such a History of Athens County, Ohio - 35 mode is very injurious to a country, and greatly retards its settlement ; and whenever such patents are tenanted, it throws too much power into the hands of a few. For these, and many other obvious reasons, the petitioners hope that no grant will be made but by townships of six miles square, or six by twelve, or six by eighteen miles, to be subdivided by the proprietors to six miles square, that being the standard on which they wish all calculations to be made; and that officers and soldiers, as well as those who petition for charters on purchase, may form their associations on one uniform principle, as to number of persons or rights to be contained in a township, with the exception only, that when the grant is made for services already done, or on condition of settlement, if the officers petition, with the soldiers, for a particular township, the soldier shall have one right only to a captain's three, and so in proportion with commissioned officers of every grade. These, sir, are the principles which gave rise to the petition under consideration ; the petitioners, at least some of them, think that sound policy dictates the measure, and that congress ought to lose no time in establishing some such chain of posts as have been hinted at, and in procuring the tract of land petitioned for, of the natives ; for, the moment this is done, and agreeable terms offered to the settlers, many of the petitioners are determined not only to become adventurers, but actually to remove themselves to this country ; and there is not the least doubt, but other valuable citizens will follow their example, and the probability is that the country between Lake Erie and the Ohio will be filled with inhabitants, and the faithful subjects of the United States so established on the waters of the Ohio and the lakes, as to banish forever the idea of our western territory falling under the dominion of any European 36 - The Ohio Company.   It will be noted that Gen. Putnam, in the foregoing letter, suggests townships of six miles square, and the allowance to each township of "3040 acres for the ministry, schools, waste lands, rivers, ponds, and highways." This was, it is believed, the first suggestion of these points, and to Gen. Putnam belongs the honor of devising and first urging these practical and beneficent measures. His advice as to the size of townships was subsequently adopted, and has continued to be the standard of a surveyed township ever since. The other suggestion as to school and ministerial lands was applied to the Ohio Company's and to Symmes's Purchase (on the Miami), but never became of general application.   Washington addressed a communication to congress, strongly approving Gen. Putnam's letter and the application of the officers for a land grant, but no definite action was taken by that body. In the spring of 1784, Gen. Putnam, who was deeply interested in the matter and anxious to open   History of Athens County, Ohio - 37   the way for the settlement of the Ohio country, again addressed Washington as follows :   "Rutland, April 5th, 1784.   " DEAR SIR : Being unavoidably prevented from attending the general meeting of the Cincinnati at Philadelphia, as I had intended, where I once more expected the opportunity in person of paying my respects to your Excellency, I can not deny myself the honor of addressing you by letter, to acknowledge with gratitude the ten thousand obligations I feel myself under to your goodness, and most sincerely to congratulate you on your return to domestic happiness ; to inquire after your health, and wish the best of Heaven's blessings may attend you and your dear lady.   The settlement of the Ohio country, sir, engrosses many of my thoughts, and much of my time, since I left the camp, has been employed in informing myself and others, with respect to the nature, situation, and circumstances of that country, and the practicability of removing ourselves there. And, if I am to form an opinion on what I have seen and heard on the subject, there are thousands in this quarter who will emigrate to that country as soon as the honorable congress make provisions for granting lands there, and locations and settlements can be made with safety, unless such provision is too long delayed ; I mean till necessity turn their views another way, which is the case with some already, and must soon be the case with many more. You are sensible of the necessity, as well as the possibility of both officers and soldiers fixing themselves in business somewhere, as soon as possible, as many of them are unable to lie longer on their oars, waiting the decision of congress, on our petition, and, therefore,   38 - The Ohio Company.   must unavoidably settle themselves in some other quarter ; which, when done, the idea of removing to the Ohio country will probably be at an end, with respect to most of them. Besides, the commonwealth of Massachusetts have come to a resolution to sell their eastern country for public securities, and should their plan be formed, and propositions be made public before we hear anything from congress respecting our petition and the terms on which the lands petitioned for are to be obtained, it will undoubtedly be much against us, by greatly lessening the number of Ohio associates.   Another reason why we wish to know, as soon as possible, what the intentions of congress are respecting our petition, is the effect such knowledge will probably have on the credit of the certificates we have received on settlement of accounts; those securities are now selling at no more than three shillings and six pence, or four shillings on the pound, which, in all probability, might double, if not more, the moment it was known that government would receive them for lands in the Ohio country. From these circumstances, and many others which might be mentioned, we are growing quite impatient, and the general inquiry now is, when are we going to the Ohio ? Among others, Brig. Gen. Tupper, Lieut. Col. Oliver, and Maj. Ashley, have agreed to accompany me to that country, the moment the way is open for such an undertaking. I should have hinted these things to some member of congress, but the delegates from Massachusetts, although exceeding worthy men, and, in general, would wish to promote the Ohio scheme, yet, if it should militate against the particular interest of this state, by draining her of inhabitants, especially when she is forming the plan of selling the eastern country, I thought they would not be very warm advocate   History of Athens County, Ohio - 39   in our favor ; and I dare not trust myself with any of the New York delegates, with whom I was acquainted, because that government is wisely inviting the eastern people to settle in that state ; and as to the delegates of other states, I have no acquaintance with any of them.   These circumstances must apologize for my troubling you on this subject, and requesting the favor of a line, to inform us in this quarter, what the prospects are with respect to our petition, and what measures have been or are likely to be taken, with respect to settling the Ohio country.   I shall take it as a very particular favor, sir, if you will be kind enough to recommend me to some character in congress acquainted with and attached to, the Ohio cause, with whom I may presume to open a correspondence.   I am, sir, with the highest respect,   Your humble servant,   RUFUS PUTNAM."   " GEN. WASHINGTON."   In reply to this communication Gen. Putnam received the following letter from Washington :   "Mount Vernon, June 2d, 1784.   "DEAR SIR : I could not answer your favor of the 5th of April, from Philadelphia, because Gen. Knox, having mislaid, only presented the letter to me in the moment of my departure from that place. The sentiments of esteem and friendship which breathe in it, are exceedingly pleasing and flattering to me, and you may rest assured they are reciprocal.   " I wish it was in my power to give you a more favorable account of the officers' petition for lands on the Ohio, and   40 - The Ohio Company.   its waters, than I am about to do. After this matter and information respecting the establishment for peace, were my inquiries, as I went through Annapolis, solely directed ; but I could not learn that anything decisive had been done in either.   On the latter, I hear congress are differing about their powers ; but as they have accepted of the cession from Virginia, and have resolved to lay off ten new states,* bounded by latitudes and longitudes, it should be supposed that they would determine something respecting the former before they adjourn ; and yet I very much question it, as the latter is to happen on the 3rd, that is tomorrow. As the congress who are to meet in November next, by the adjournment will be composed from an entire new choice of delegates in each state, it is not in my power, at this time, to direct you to a proper correspondent in that body. I wish I could ; for persuaded I am, that to some such cause as you have assigned, may be ascribed the delay the petition has encountered, for surely, if justice and gratitude to the army, and general policy   * The plan reported by the committee (consisting of Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Howell) on the 19th of April, 1784, provided for the division of the northwestern territory into ten states, by parallels of latitude and meridian lines. The names of the new states, beginning at the northwest and proceeding southwardly, were to be Sylvania, Michigania, Chersonasus, Assonisipia, Metropotamia, Illinoia, Saratoga, Washington, Polypotamia, and Pelisipia. (Journals of Congress, April 23d, 1784.) The report of the committee was debated for several days, during which it underwent very essential changes. Looking at the foregoing list of horrible names, the innocent people of the western states may well tremble at their narrow escape.   History of Athens County, Ohio - 41   of the Union were to govern in this case, there would not be the smallest interruption in granting its request. I really feel for those gentlemen, who, by these unaccountable delays (by any other means than those you have suggested), are held in such an awkward and disagreeable state of suspense, and wish my endeavors could remove the obstacles. At Princeton, before congress left that place, I exerted every power I was master of, and dwelt upon the argument you have used, to show the propriety of a speedy decision. Every member with whom I conversed, acquiesced in the reasonableness of the petition. All yielded, or seemed to yield to the policy of it, but plead the want of cession of the land, to act upon ; this is made and accepted ; and yet matters, as far as they have come to my knowledge, remain in statu quo. * *   I am, dear sir, with very sincere esteem and regard,   Your most obedient servant,   G. Washington,”   Though his favorite scheme for an organized emigration to the western country failed in 1784, Gen. Putnam was destined not only to witness its success a few years later, but to live to see the most marvelous results of civilization follow the accomplishment of his sagacious policy.   The next few years were spent by Gen. Putnam in part attending to his private affairs and in part discharging the duties of public surveyor and land agent of the state of Massachusetts, in which position he gave entire satisfaction. From 1788 his career was in a great degree identified with the operations of the     42 - The Ohio Company.   Ohio Company, and the colony at Marietta; and we shall, in that connection, obtain further insight into the excellence of his character and the simplicity of his life. He died at Marietta, beloved and mourned by the whole community in May, 1824, at the age of eighty-six.   Timothy Flint, who knew Gen. Putnam personally, said of him, writing in 1828:   " He was probably the member of the Ohio Company who had the greatest influence in imparting confidence to emigration from New England to Ohio. When he moved there it was one compact and boundless forest. He saw that forest fall on all sides under the axe ; and, in the progress of improvement, comfortable and then splendid dwellings rise around him. He saw his favorite settlement survive the accumulated horrors of an Indian war. He saw its exhaustless fertility and its natural advantages triumph over all. He saw Marietta making advance toward an union of interest with the Gulf of Mexico by floating down to its bosom a number of sea vessels built at that place. He saw such a prodigious increase of navigation on the Ohio as to number a hundred large boats passing his dwelling within a few hours. He heard the first tumult of the steamboats as they began to be borne down between the forests. He had surrounded his republican mansion with orchards bending with fruit. In the midst of rural abundance and endeared friends who had grown up around him ; far from the display of wealth, the bustle of ambition and intrigue, the father of the colony, hospitable and kind without ostentation and without effort, he displayed in these remote regions the grandeur, real   History of Athens County, Ohio - 43   and intrinsic, of those immortal men who achieved our revolution. He has passed away. But the memory of really great and good men, like Gen. Putnam, will remain as long as plenty, independence, and comfort shall prevail on the shores of the Ohio." *   Benjamin Tupper.   Contemporary with Gen. Putnam, and a companion in arms and friend of his, was Gen. Benjamin Tupper. Born in 1738 at Stoughton, Massachusetts, of parents whose immediate ancestors came from England, he reached manhood in time to bear arms during the French war, in which he served as a subaltern in the provincial army. In November, 1762, he married Miss Huldah White at Easton, Massachusetts. At the commencement of the Revolutionary war, Tupper, who was then a lieutenant of militia at Chesterfield, ardently espoused the cause of the colonies. The first act of his military career was arresting and adjourning the supreme court, in 1776, which was sitting at Springfield under the royal authority. From this time he served continuously till the close of the war, rendering efficient service to the cause in the various grades which he succesSively filled, of major, colonel, and brigadier general.   In 1785, after the return of peace, Gen. Tupper sought employment of the government as a surveyor   *Flint's Western States, vol. 2, p. 364.   44 - The Ohio Company.   of public lands in the West, under the ordinance of May l0th, 1785, providing for the execution of that work. This appointment had been tendered to Gen. Putnam, who, for private reasons, declined it. He, however, used his influence to secure the office for his friend Tupper, who was appointed by the following resolution of congress :   " July 18th, 1785. " On motion of the delegates from Massachusetts,—   Whereas, Mr. Rufus Putnam, appointed a surveyor under the ordinance of the 10th of May, from public engagements with the commonwealth of Massachusetts, can not attend to the business of his appointment during the year : Resolved, that Mr. Benjamin Tupper be and hereby is appointed a surveyor, with authority to perform the duties of that office, until Mr. Putnam shall actually join the geographer and take the duties upon himself." *   In the autumn of the same year Gen. Tupper started for the northwest, intending to prosecute the land surveys of that region, but, owing to Indian troubles, did not proceed further than the present site of Pittsburg. In the summer of 1786, after the Indians had been temporarily quieted by treaty made in January previous, Gen. Tupper made a second journey to the west, and completed, during that season, the Survey of "the seven ranges."   * Journals of Congress, vol. 4, p. 547.   History of Athens County, Ohio - 45   On his return to Massachusetts from his first visit to the northwest, during the winter of 1785-6, Gen. Tupper's mind was filled with the idea of removing to the Ohio country — an idea which appeared so visionary to most of his friends that they could not regard it as serious. He, however, was thoroughly in earnest, and knew where to find a person who would enter into his plan. This was his friend Gen. Putnam. Tupper visited him at his residence in Rutland; and thus were brought together again, after the war, the two men who originated the idea of the famous Ohio Company. What they talked of the night of Tupper's visit, history does not wholly record. We fancy them sitting before a blazing fire in the old-fashioned open fire-place, where hickory logs were steaming and sparks flying up the chimney. Putnam's sword and spurs, perhaps, hung on the wall, relics of the late war, and mute reminders of common perils. If the little Putnams were permitted to sit up that evening later than usual, to listen to the conversation, it may, with tolerable certainty, be conjectured that they dreamed of strange western countries, wild men and beasts. Perhaps the elders recounted the trials and adventures of the war; doubtless, they discussed the politics of the day, and the perils that beset the cumbrous and rickety government of the liberated colonies (for the constitution was not yet framed, and those were the dark days of the "confederation"); but one thing we   46 - The Ohio Company.   know of which they discussed long and thoroughly, and that was western land and emigration. The next day their ideas on this subject were so far matured that they united in an advertisement which was published in the newspapers of the state, on the 25th of January, 1786, as follows:   "INFORMATION.   " The subscribers take this method to inform all officers and soldiers who have served in the late war, and who are, by a late ordinance of the honorable congress, to receive certain tracts of land in the Ohio country—and also all other good citizens who wish to become adventurers in that delightful region ; that from personal inspection, together with other incontestible evidences, they are fully satisfied that the lands in that quarter are of a much better quality than any other known to New England people ; that the climate, seasons, products, etc., are in fact equal to the most flattering accounts that have ever been published of them; that being determined to become purchasers and to prosecute a settlement in this country, and desirous of forming a general association with those who entertain the same ideas, they beg leave to propose the following plan, viz: That an association by the name of The Ohio Company be formed of all such as wish to become purchasers, etc., in that country who reside in the commonwealth of Massachusetts only, or to extend to the inhabitants of other states as shall be agreed on. In order to bring such a company into existence, the subscribers propose that all persons who wish to promote the scheme, should meet in their respective counties at 10 o'clock A. M. on   History of Athens County, Ohio - 47   Wednesday, the 15th day of February next, and that each county meeting then assembled choose a delegate or delegates, to meet at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston on Wednesday, the first day of March next at 1o o'clock A. M., then and there to consider and determine on a general plan of association for said company ; which plan, covenant, or agreement being published, any person (under condition therein to be provided), may by subscribing his name become a member of the company.   RUFUS PUTNAM, BENJAMIN TUPPER."   In response to this call county meetings were held and delegates appointed, who convened at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, in Boston, March 1st, 1786. The delegates were Winthrop Sargent and John Miles from Suffolk county; Manasseh Cutler from Essex; John Brooks and Thomas Cushing from Middlesex; Benjamin Tupper from Hampshire; Crocker Sampson from Plymouth; Rufus Putnam from Worcester; John Patterson and Jelaliel Woodbridge from Berkshire, and Abraham Williams from Barnstable.   Gen. Rufus Putnam was chosen chairman of the meeting, and Major Winthrop Sargent secretary. We quote from the records of the company:   " From the very pleasing description of the western country given by Generals Putnam and Tupper and others, it appearing expedient to form a settlement there, a motion was made for choosing a committee to prepare the draft of a plan of an   48 - The Ohio Company.   association into a company for the said purpose, for the inspection and approbation of this convention. Resolved in the affirmative.   Also, resolved that this committee shall consist of five. Gen. Putnam, Manasseh Cutler, Col. Brooks, Major Sargent, and Capt. Cushing were elected.   On Friday, the 3d of March, the convention met, and the committee reported as follows :   Articles of Agreement entered into by the Subscribers for constituting an Association by the name of the Ohio Company.   PREAMBLE. The design of this association is to raise a fund in continental certificates, for the sole purpose and to be appropriated to the entire use of purchasing lands in the Western Territory belonging to the United States, for the benefit of the Company, and to promote a settlement in that country.   Article 1st. That the fund shall not exceed one million of dollars, in continental specie certificates, exclusive of one year's interest due thereon (except as hereafter provided), and that each share or subscription shall consist of one thousand dollars, as aforesaid, and also ten dollars in gold or silver, to be paid into the hands of such agents as the subscribers may elect.   Article 2d. That the whole fund of certificates raised by this association, except one year's interest due thereon mentioned under the first article, shall be applied to the purchase of lands in some one of the proposed states northwesterly of the river Ohio, as soon as those lands are surveyed, and exposed for sale by the commissioners of congress according to the ordinance of that honorable body passed the loth of May, 1785, or on any other plan that may be adopted by congress, not less   History of Athens County, Ohio - 49   advantageous to the company. The one year's interest shall be applied to the purpose of making a settlement in the country and assisting those who may be otherwise unable to remove themselves thither. The gold and silver is for defraying the expenses of those persons employed as agents in purchasing the lands, and other contingent charges that may arise in the prosecution of the business. The surplus, if any, to be appropriated as the one year's interest on the certificates. Article 3d. That there shall be five directors, a treasurer and secretary, appointed in manner and for the purposes hereafter provided.   Article 4th. That the prosecution of the Company's designs may be the least expensive, and at the same time the subscribers and agents as secure as possible, the proprietors of twenty shares shall constitute one grand division of the Company ; appoint their agent, and, in case of vacancy by death, resignation, or otherwise, shall fill it up as immediately as can be.   Article 5th. That the agent shall make himself accountable to each subscriber for certificates and monies received, by duplicate receipts, one of which shall be lodged with the secretary ; that the whole shall be appropriated according to these articles of association, and that the subscriber shall receive his just dividend according to quality and quantity of lands purchased, as near as possibly may be, by lot drawn in person or through proxy, and that deeds of conveyance shall be executed to individual subscribers, by the agent, similar to those he shall receive from the directors. Article 6th. That no person shall be permitted to hold more than five shares in the Company's funds, and no subscription for less than a full share will be admitted ; but this is not   50 - The Ohio Company.   meant to prevent those who can not or choose not to adventure a full share, from associating among themselves, and by one of their number subscribing the sum required.   Article 7th. That the directors shall have the sole disposal of the Company's fund for the purposes before mentioned ; that they shall, by themselves, or such person or persons as they may think proper to entrust with the business, purchase lands for the benefit of the Company, where, and in such way, either at public or private sale, as they shall judge will be most advantageous to the Company. They shall also direct the application of the one year's interest, and gold and silver, mentioned in the first article, to the purposes mentioned under the second article, in such way and manner as they shall think proper. For those purposes, the directors shall draw on the treasurer from time to time, making themselves accountable for the application of the moneys, agreeably to this association.   Article 8th. That the agents, being accountable to the subscribers for their respective divisions, shall appoint the directors, treasurer and secretary, and fill up all the vacancies which may happen in these offices respectively.   Article 9th. That the agents shall pay all the certificates and moneys received from subscribers into the hands of the treasurer, who shall give bonds to the agents, jointly and severally, for the faithful discharge of his trust ; and also, on his receiving certificates or moneys from any particular agent, shall make himself accountable therefor, according to the condition of his bonds.   Article 10th. That the directors shall give bonds, jointly and severally, to each of the agents conditioned that the certificates and moneys they shall draw out of the treasury shall be applied to the purposes stipulated in these articles ; and that the lands   History of Athens County, Ohio - 51   purchased for the Company shall be divided among them within three months from the completion of the purchase, by lot, in such manner as the agents or a majority of them shall agree ; and that, on such division being made, the directors shall execute deeds to the agents, respectively, for the proportions which fall to their divisions, correspondent to those the directors may receive from the commissioners of congress.   Article 11th. Provided, That whereas a sufficient number of subscribers may not appear to raise the fund to the sums proposed in the first article, and thereby the number of divisions may not be completed, it is therefore agreed that the agents of divisions of twenty shares each, shall, after the 17th day of October, next, proceed in the same manner as if the whole fund proposed had been raised.   Article 12th. Provided, also, That whereas it will be for the common interest of the Company to obtain an ordinance of incorporation from the honorable congress, or an act of incorporation from some one of the states in the Union (for which the directors shall make application), it is therefore agreed that, in case such incorporation is obtained, the fund of the Company (and, consequently, the shares and divisions thereof) may be extended to any sum, for which provision shall be made in said ordinance or act of incorporation, anything in this association to the contrary notwithstanding.   Article 13th. That all votes under this association may be given in person, or by proxy, and in numbers justly proportionate to the stock holden, or interest represented." The foregoing report was adopted March 3, 1786, and subscription books were opened at once. A year passed before a sufficient number of shares were sub-   52 - The Ohio Company.   scribed to justify further steps. On the 8th of March, 1787, a called meeting of the shareholders was held at Brackett's Tavern, in Boston, and Samuel H. Parsons, Gen. Rufus Putnam, and Dr. Manasseh Cutler were appointed directors to make proposals to congress, "for a private purchase of lands, and under such descriptions as they shall deem adequate for the purposes of the Company." Major Winthrop Sargent was elected secretary of the Company. The election of the other two directors (five being the number required) and treasurer was postponed till a future meeting. The directors employed Dr. Manasseh Cutler* to make a contract with congress for a body of land in the "Great Western territory of the Union."   * In an original memorandum concerning the transactions of the Ohio Company, in the handwriting of Dr. Cutler, now before us, he says: "In April, 1787, the directors empowered Gen. Parsons, of Connecticut, to apply to congress for the purchase of lands on the Muskingum river. He petitioned congress, and a committee was appointed to confer with him. To that committee he proposed a purchase on the Scioto river. The proprietors here were generally dissatisfied with the situation and lands on the Scioto, and much preferred the Muskingum. The directors then appointed Sargent and myself agents to go on to congress, and, if possible, make the purchase on Muskingum—which we did. This business was precipitated through fear of other purchasers taking the lands we wished to purchase, as several other companies were making applications to congress at that time. This circumstance occasioned an earlier appointment of a majority of directors, and less formality than there would otherwise have been."   History of Athens County, Ohio - 53   Dr. Cutler left his home in Hamilton, Massachusetts, in June, 1787, for New York, where the congress was then sitting. The constitutional convention, engaged in framing the Federal constitution, was sitting at the same time in Philadelphia, and Dr. Cutler bore letters of introduction to leading men in both cities. His Journal of this trip is before us, and we insert, at length, those portions of it which relate to his negotiations with congress, as a part of the chronicles of the Ohio Company.* The good Doctor's Journal shows that the art of " lobbying" was not altogether unknown even at that early period of our history. The portions 'omitted are entirely personal or have no elation whatever to the negotiation.   Dr. Cutler's Journal.   " Sunday, Tune 24, I 787.—Exchanged with Mr. Parsons, of Lynn. After meeting, called on John Carnes, Esq., to receive his commands, if any, for New York. Rode to Cambridge. Spent the evening at Dr. Williams's, in company with Mr. Winthrop, the librarian. Proposed going to President Wil-   * For this very interesting document, as for other valuable material, we are indebted to Mrs. Sarah Cutler Dawes, of Washington county, Ohio, a granddaughter of Dr. Cutler. The Journal ought to be published entire ; our space only allows such extracts as are here inserted touching the history of the Ohio Company.   54 - The Ohio Company.   lard's (of Harvard College), but the Doctor insisted on my lodging with him, which I did. Monday, June 25th.—Waited on Dr. Willard this morning, who favored me with a number of introductory letters to gentlemen at the southward. Received several from Dr. Williams, and went with him to Boston. Received letters of introduction from Gov. Bowdoin, Mrs. Winthrop, Dr. Warren, Dr. Dexter, Mr. Guild, Mr. Belknap, etc.; conversed with Gen. Putnam ; received letters ; settled the principles on which I am to contract with Congress for lands on account of the Ohio Company."   * * * * * *   He arrived at Middletown, Connecticut, the residence of Gen. Parsons, on the 3oth of June, and the next day, Sunday, preached in that town.   "Monday, July 2.-It was nine o'clock this morning before Gen. Parsons and I had settled all our matters, with respect to my business with Congress. He favored me with a large number of letters to members of Congress and other gentlemen in New York.   * * * *   July 5th. * About three o'clock I arrived at the city (New York) by the road that enters the Bowery. Put up my horse at the sign of the Plough and Harrow, in the Bowery Barns. After dressing myself, I took a walk into the city. When I came to examine my letters of introduction, I found them so accumulated that I hardly knew which to deliver History of Athens County, Ohio - 55   first. As this is rather a curiosity to me, I am determined to preserve a catalogue, although only a part are to be delivered at New York."   Here follows a list of over fifty names, some of them very celebrated, which we omit.   " The first letter I delivered was to Mr. Hugh Henderson. He is a wholesale merchant, and lives in a genteel style on Golden Hill street, New York. Mr. Henderson received me very politely. After tea, he proposed a walk about the city, but first gave me a specimen of Scotch generosity—urged me to take lodgings with him while I tarried in the city, assigned me one of the front chambers, and ordered his servant, Starling, to attend me. After finding that no apology would avail, I accepted his invitation, and his servant was sent for my baggage. We rambled over a considerable part of the city before dark, delivered a number of my letters, and returned and spent the evening very agreeably at Mr. Henderson's.   Friday, July 6th.—This morning delivered most of my introductory letters to members of Congress. Prepared my papers for making my application to Congress for the purchase of lands in the western country for the Ohio Company. At eleven o'clock, I was introduced to a number of members on the floor of Congress chamber, in the City Hall, by Colonel Carrington, member from Virginia. Delivered my petition for purchasing lands for the Ohio Company, and proposed terms and conditions of purchase. A committee was appointed to agree on terms of negotiation, and report to Congress. Dined with Mr. Dane.   * * * * * * * *   July 7th.—Paid my respects this morning to Dr. Holton   56 - The Ohio Company.   and several other gentlemen. Was introduced, by Mr. Ewing and Mr. Rittenhouse, to Mr. Hutchins, geographer to the United States. Consulted him where to make our location. Dined with Gen. Knox.   Monday, July 9th.—Waited this morning, very early, on Mr. Hutchins. He gave me the fullest information of the western country, from Pennsylvania to the Illinois, and advised me, by all means, to make our location on the Muskingum, which was decidedly, in his opinion, the best part of the whole western country. Attended the committee before Congress opened, and then spent the remainder of the forenoon with Mr. Hutchins.   Attended the committee at Congress chamber ; debated on terms, but were so wide apart that there appears little prospect of closing a contract. Called again on Mr. Hutchins, consulted him further about the place of location. Spent the evening with Dr. Holton, and several other members of Congress, in Hanover square.   July 10th.—This morning, another conference with the committee. As Congress was now engaged in settling the form of government for the Federal territory, for which a bill has been prepared and a copy sent to me (with leave to make remarks and propose amendments), which I had taken the liberty to remark upon, and propose several amendments, I thought this the most favorable time to go on to Philadelphia. Accordingly, after I had returned the bill with my observations, I set out, at seven o'clock."   * * * * * * *   History of Athens County, Ohio - 57   The visit to Philadelphia conSumed a week. After his return, the Journal continues:   “July 18th.—Paid my respects, this morning, to the President of Congress, Gen. St. Clair. Called on a number of my friends. Attended at the City Hall on members of Congress . and their committee. We renewed our negotiations.   * * * * * * * *   July 19th.—Called on members of Congress very early in the morning, and was furnished with the ordinance establishing a government in the western Federal territory. It is, in a degree, new modeled. The amendments I proposed have all been made except one, and that is better qualified. It was, that we should not be subject to continental taxation, unless we were entitled to a full representation in Congress. This could not be fully obtained; for it was considered in Congress as offering a premium to emigrants. They have granted us representation, with the right of debating but not of voting, upon our being first subject to taxation. As there are a number in Congress opposed to my terms of negotiation, and some to any contract, I wish now to ascertain the number for and against, and who they are ; and must then, if possible, bring the opponents over. This I have mentioned to Col. Duer, who has promised to assist me. Grayson, R. H. Lee, and Carrington are certainly my warm advocates. Holton, I think, may be trusted. Dane must be carefully watched, notwithstanding his professions. Clark, Bingham, Yates, Kearney, and Few are troublesome fellows. They must be attacked by my friends at their lodgings. If they can be brought over, I shall succeed; if not, my business is at an end. Attended the committee this morning. They are determined to make a report to-day, and   58 - The Ohio Company.   try the spirit of Congress. Dined with Gen. Knox and about forty-two gentlemen, officers of the late continental army, and among them Baron Steuben. Gen. Knox gave us an entertainment in the style of a prince. I had the honor to be seated next the Baron, who is a hearty, sociable old fellow. He was dressed in his military uniform, and with the ensigns of nobility, the star and garter. Every gentleman at the table was of the 'Cincinnati,' except myself, and wore his appropriate badges. Spent the evening at Dr. Holton's with Col. Duer and several members of Congress, who informed me that an ordinance was passed in consequence of my petition, but, by their account of it, it will answer no purpose.   July 20th.—This morning the Secretary of Congress furnished me with the ordinance of yesterday, which states the conditions of a contract, but on terms to which I shall by no means accede. I informed the committee of Congress that I could not contract on the conditions proposed; that I should prefer purchasing lands from some of the states, who would give incomparably better terms; and therefore proposed to leave the city immediately. They appeared to be sorry no better terms were effected, and insisted on my not thinking of leaving Congress until another attempt was made. I told them I saw no prospect of contracting, and wished to spend no more time and money in a business so unpromising. They assured me that I had many friends in Congress, who would make every exertion in my favor; that it was an object of great magnitude, and that I must not expect to accomplish it in less than two or three months. If I desired it they would take the matter up that day on different grounds, and did not doubt they should obtain terms agreeable to my wishes. Col. Duer came to me with proposals from a number of the principal characters of the city,   History of Athens County, Ohio - 59   to extend our contract and take in another company—but that it should be kept a profound secret.* He explained the plan they had concerted, and offered me generous conditions if I would accomplish the business for them. The plan struck me agreeably ; Sargent insisted on my undertaking, and both urged me not to think of giving the matter up so soon. I was convinced it was best for me to hold up the idea of giving up a contract with Congress, and making a contract with some of the states, which I did in the strongest terms, and represented to tbe committee and to Duer and Sargent the difficulties I saw in the way, and the improbability of closing a bargain when we were so far apart ; and told them I conceived it not worth while to say anything further to Congress on the subject. This appeared to have the effect I wished. The committee were mortified; and did not seem to know what to say; but still urged another attempt. I left them in this state, but afterward explained my views to Duer and Sargent, who fully approved my plan. Promised Duer to consider his proposal. We had agreed last evening to make s party to Brooklyn, on Long Island, which is a small village opposite New York, divided from it by East river. Duer, Webb, Hammond, Sargent, with others, were of the party. When we landed, we ordered a dinner of fried oysters at the' Stone House tavern. We took a walk on the highlands, and viewed several of the old forts   * This refers to the "Scioto Company," whose French settlement at Gallipolis was one of the most disastrous episodes of the day. The confused and mysterious accounts of it can not, even at this distance of time, be read without lively pity for the sufferings of the poor Frenchmen, and indignation at the authors of their misfortunes. With this, however, neither Dr. Cutler nor the Ohio Company had anything to do. Their action was all in good faith.   60 - The Ohio Company.   erected by the British. Our dinner was elegant. I spent the evening closeted with Colonel Doer, and agreed to purchase more land, if terms can be obtained, for another company, which will probably forward the negotiation.   Saturday, July 21st.-Several members of Congress called on me early this morning. They discovered much anxiety about a contract, and assured me that Congress, on finding I was determined not to accept their terms, and had proposed leaving the city, had discovered a much more favorable disposition, and believed, if I renewed my request, I might obtain conditions as reasonable as I desired. I was very indifferent, and talked much of the advantages of a contract with one of the states. This I found had the desired effect. At length I told them that` if Congress would accede to the terms I proposed, I would extend the purchase from the tenth township from the Ohio and to the Scioto inclusively ; by which Congress would pay more than four millions of the public debt ; that our intention was an actual, a large and immediate settlement of the most robust and industrious people in America ; and that it would be made systematically, which must instantly enhance the value of Federal lands, and prove an important acquisition to Congress. On these terms I would renew the negotiation, if Congress was disposed to take the matter up again. Dined with Gen. Webb, at the Mess House, in Broadway, opposite the Play House. Spent the evening with Mr. Dane and Mr. Milliken. They informed me that Congress had taken up my business again.   July 23d.—My friends had made every exertion, in private conversation to bring over my opponents in Congress. In order to get at some of them so as to work powerfully on their minds, we were obliged to engage three or four persons before we could get at them. In some instances we engaged one per-   History of Athens County, Ohio - 61   son, who engaged a second and he a third, and so on to the fourth before we could effect our purpose. In these maneuvers I am much beholden by the assistance of Col. Duer and Major Sargent. The matter was taken up this morning in Congress and warmly debated until three o'clock when another ordinance was obtained.* This was not to the minds of my friends, who were considerably increased in Congress, but they conceived it to be better than the former, and they had obtained an additional clause empowering the Board of Treasury to take order upon this ordinance and complete the contract on the I general principles contained in it, which still left room for negotiation.   Spent the evening with Col. Grayson, and members of Congress from the southward, who were in favor of a contract. Having found it impossible to support Gen. Parsons as a candidate for Governor, after the interest that Gen. St. Clair had secured, and suspecting this might be some impediment in the way (for my endeavors to make interest for him were well known) and the arrangements for civil officers being on the carpet, I embraced this opportunity frankly to declare that for my own part—and ventured to engage for Major Sargent-if Gen. Parsons could have the appointment of First Judge, and Sargent, Secretary, we would be satisfied ; and that I heartily wished that His Excellency Gen. St. Clair might be Governor, and that I would solicit the Eastern members to favor such an arrangement. This I found rather pleasing to the Southern members and they were so complacent as to ask repeatedly what office would be agreeable to me in the Western country, I assured them I wished for no appointment in the civil line Col. Grayson proposed the office of one of the Judges, which   * Ordinance of July 23d.   62 - The Ohio Company.   was seconded by all the gentlemen present. The obtaining an appointment, I observed, had never come into my mind, nor was there any civil office I should, at present, be willing to accept. This declaration seemed to be rather surprising, especially to men who were so much used to solicit or to be solicited for appointments of honor or profit. They seemed to be the more urgent on this head. I observed to them although I wished for nothing for myself, yet I thought the Ohio Company entitled to some attention; that one of our Judges, besides Gen. Parsons, should be of that body, and that Gen. Putnam was the man best qualified, and would be most agreeable to the Company, and gave them his character. We spent the evening very agreeably until a late hour. ly 24th.—I received this morning a letter from the Board of Treasury inclosing the resolutions of Congress which passed yesterday and requesting to know whether I was ready to close a contract on those terms. As the contract had now become of much greater magnitude than when I had only the Ohio Company in view, I felt a diffidence in acting alone, and wished Major Sargent to be joined with me, although he had not been formally empowered to act, for the commission from the directors was solely to me. It would likewise take off some part of the responsibility from me if the contract should not be agreeable. After consulting Duer, I proposed it to Sargent who readily accepted. We answered the letters from the Board as jointly commissioned in making the contract. We informed the Board that the terms in the Resolve of Congress were such as we could not accede to, without some variation. We therefore begged leave to state to the Board the terms on which we were ready to close the contract, and that those terms were our ultimatum. This letter * was sent to the Board, but the packet   * See Appendix.   History of Athens County, Ohio - 63   having just arrived from England and another to sail next morning, it was not in their power to attend any further to our business for the day. Dined with Mr. Hillegas, Treasurer of the U. S. I spent the evening with Mr. Osgood, President of the Board of Treasury, who appeared very solicitous to be fully informed of our plan. No gentleman has a higher character for planning and calculating than Mr. Osgood ; I was therefore much pleased with having an opportunity of fully explaining it to him. We were, unfortunately, interrupted with company ; we, however, went over the outlines and he appeared to be well disposed.   July 25th.—This morning the Board of Treasury sent our letter to the Secretary of Congress, requesting him to lay it before Congress for their approbation or rejection. But the dispatches from Europe, received yesterday by the British packet, occupied the attention of Congress for the day. Mr. Osgood desired me to dine with him, assuring me that he had purposely omitted inviting any other company, that we might not be interrupted in going over our plan. I had been repeatedly assured that Mr. Osgood was my friend, and that he had censured Congress for not assenting to the terms I had offered ; but, such is the intrigue and artifice often practiced by men in power, I felt very suspicious and was as cautious as possible. Our plan, however, I had no scruple to communicate and went over it in all its parts.   Mr. Osgood made many valuable observations. The extent of his information astonished me. His views of the continent of Europe were so enlarged that he appeared to be a perfect master of every subject of this kind. He highly approved of our plan, and told me he thought it the best formed in America. He dwelt much on the advantages of system in a new settle-   64 - The Ohio Company.   ment—said system had never before been attempted ; that we might depend on accomplishing our purposes in Europe, and that it was a most important part of our plan. If we were able to establish a settlement as we proposed, however small in the beginning, we should then have surmounted our greatest difficulty; that every other object would be within our reach, and, if the matter was pursued with spirit, he believed it would prove one of the greatest undertakings ever yet attempted in America. He thought Congress would do an especial service to the United States even if they gave us the land, rather than that our plan should be defeated, and promised to make every exertion in his power in my favor. We spent the afternoon and evening alone and very agreeably.   July 26th.—This morning I accompanied Gen. St. Clair and Gen. Knox on a tour of morning visits, particularly to the Foreign Ministers.   It being now eleven o'clock Gen. St. Clair was obliged to attend Congress After we came into the street, Gen. St. Clair assured us he would make every possible exertion to prevail with Congress to accept the terms contained in our letter. He appeared much interested and very friendly, but said we must expect opposition. I was fully convinced that it was good policy to give up Parsons, and openly to appear solicitous that St. Clair might be appointed Governor. Several gentlemen have told me that our matters went on much better since St. Clair and his friends had been informed that we had given up Parsons, and that I had solicited the Eastern members in favor of St. Clair's appointment. I immediately went to Sargent and Duer. We now entered into the true spirit of negotiation with great bodies. Every machine   History of Athens County, Ohio - 65   in the city that it was possible to set to work we now put in motion. Few, Bingham, and Kearney are our principal opposers. Of Few and Bingham there is hope, but to bring over that stubborn mule of a Kearney is beyond our power. The Board of Treasury, I think, will do us much service, if Dr. Lee is not against us—though Duer assures me that I have got the length of his foot, and that he calls me a frank, open, honest New England man, which he considers as an uncommon animal ; yet from his jealous, cautious make, I feel suspicious of him, especially as Mr. Osgood tells me that he has made every attempt to learn his sentiments but is unable to do so. His brother, Richard Henry Lee, is certainly our fast friend, and we have hopes he will engage him in our interests. Dined with Sir John Temple in company with several gentlemen. Immediately after dinner I took my leave of them and called on Dr. Holton. He told me Congress had been warmly engaged in our business the whole day; that the opposition was lessened, but our friends did not think it prudent to come to a vote, lest there should not be a majority in favor. I felt much discouraged and told Dr. Holton I thought it in vain to wait any longer, and should certainly leave the next day. He cried out on my impatience ; said if I obtained my purposes in a month from that time, I should be far more expeditious than was common in getting much smaller matters through Congress; that it was of great magnitude for it far exceeded any private contract ever made before in the United States ; that if I should fail now I ought still to pursue the matter, for I should most certainly finally obtain the object I wished. To comfort me, he assured me it was impossible for him to conceive by what kind of address I had so soon and so warmly engaged the attention of Congress ; for since he had been a member of that body he   66 - The Ohio Company.   assured me, on his honor, that he never knew so much attention paid to any one person who made application to them on any kind of business, nor did he ever know them more pressing to bring it to a close. He could not have supposed that any three men from New England, even of the first characters, could have accomplished so much in so short a time. This, I believe, was mere flattery, though it was delivered with a very serious air ; but it gave some consolation. I now learned very nearly who were for and who against the terms. Bingham has come over, but Few and Kearney are stubborn. Unfortunately there are only eight states represented, and, unless seven of them are in favor, no ordinance can pass.* Every moment of this evening until two o'clock was busily employed. A warm siege was laid on Few and Kearney from different quarters, and, if the point is not effectually carried, the attack is to be renewed in the morning. Duer, Sargent, and myself have agreed that if we fail, Sargent shall go on to Maryland, which is not at present represented, and prevail on the members of that state to come on, and interest themselves, if possible, in our plan. I am to go on to Connecticut and Rhode Island to solicit the members from those states to go on to New York, and to lay an anchor to windward with them. As soon as those states are represented, Sargent is to renew the application, and I have promised Duer that, if it be found necessary I will then return to New York again.   Friday, July 27th.-I rose very early this morning, and after adjusting my baggage (for I was determined to leave New York this day), I set out on a general morning visit and paid my respects to all the members of Congress in the city, and   *At this time the vote in Congress was taken by states, each state having but one vote.   History of Athens County, Ohio - 67   informed them of my intention to leave the city that day. My expectations of forming a contract, I told them, were nearly at an end. I should, however, wait the decision of Congress, and if the terms which we had stated and which I considered .to be very advantageous to Congress, considering the state of the country, were not accepted, we must turn our attention to some other part of the country. New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts would sell us lands at half a dollar an acre, and give us exclusive privileges beyond what we had asked of Congress. The speculating plan concerted between the British of Canada and the New Yorkers was now well known. The uneasiness of the Kentucky people with respect to the Mississippi was notorious. A revolt of that country from the Union, if a war with Spain took place, was universally acknowledged to be highly probable ; and most certainly a systematic settlement in that country, conducted by men strongly attached to the Federal Government and composed of young, robust, hardy, and active laborers, who had no idea of any other than the Federal Government, I conceived to be an object worthy of some attention. Besides, if Congress rejected the terms now offered, there could be no prospect of any application from any other quarter. If a fair and honorable purchase could now be obtained, I presumed contracts with the natives similar to that made with the Six Nations, must be the consequence, especially as it might be much more easily carried into effect. These, and such like, were the arguments I urged. They seemed to be fully acceded to, but whether they will avail is very uncertain. Mr. R. H. Lee assured me he was prepared for one hour's speech, and he hoped for success. All urged me not to leave the city so soon, but I assumed an air of perfect indifference and persisted in my determination, which had, apparently, the effect I wished. Passing   68 - The Ohio Company.   the City Hall as the members were going into Congress, Col. Carrington told me he believed Few was secured ; that little Kearney was left alone, and that he was determined to make one trial of what he could do in Congress. Called on Sir John Temple for letters to Boston. Bid my friends good bye, and, as it was my last day, Mr. Henderson insisted on my dining with him and a number of his friends whom he had invited.   At half past three, I was informed that an ordinance had passed Congress on the terms stated in our letter, without the least variation, and that the Board of Treasury was directed to take order and close the contract. This was agreeable but unexpected intelligence. Sargent and I went immediately to the Board, who had received the ordinance, but were then rising. They urged me to tarry the next day, and they would put by all other business to complete the contract ; but I found it inconvenient, and after making a general verbal adjustment, left it with Sargent to finish what was to be done at present. Dr. Lee congratulated me, and declared he would do all in his power to adjust the terms of the contract, so far as was left to them, as much in our favor as possible. I proposed three months for collecting the first half million of dollars, and for executing the instruments of contract, which was acceded to. By this ordinance we obtained the grant of near five millions of acres of land, amounting to three and a half million dollars. One million and a half acres for the Ohio Company, and the remainder for a private speculation, in which many of the principal characters in America are concerned. Without connecting this speculation, similar terms and advantages could not have been obtained for the Ohio Company. On my return through Broadway, I received the congratulations of a number   History of Athens County, Ohio - 69   of my friends in Congress, and others, with whom I happened to meet."   Dr. Cutler left New York on the evening of this day—the 27th of July. On his homeward journey, he again called on Gen. Parsons at his home in Connecticut.   "When I had informed the General of my negotiations with Congress, I had the pleasure to find it not only met his approbation, but he expressed his astonishment that I had obtained terms so advantageous, which, he said, were beyond his expectation. He assured me he preferred the appointment of first judge to that of governor, especially if Gen. St. Clair was governor. He proposed writing to Gen. St. Clair and his friends in Congress, that they would procure an appointment for me on the same bench ; but I absolutely declined, assuring him I had no wish to go in the civil line." *   On the 26th of July, Dr. Cutler and Mr. Sargent   * In an original memorandum, now before us, written by Dr. Cutler many years later, he says :   "On the 29th of August, 1787, I made a report to the directors and agents at a meeting in Boston, of the purchase and terms agreed upon by the Board of Treasury, and Sargent and myself. At this meeting a great number of the proprietors attended, alt of whom fully approved of the proposed contract. Gen. Varnum was elected a director, and Richard Platt treasurer. Sargent and myself were directed to proceed to New York immediately, to make the first payment and complete the contract. At this meeting, Gen. Parsons and Gen. Varnum, two gentlemen eminent in the law, were requested to prepare the bonds for the directors and treasurer to execute. They did so."   70 - The Ohio Company.   had addressed a letter to the Board of Treasury, proposing to enter into a contract for the purchase of the lands described in the ordinance of July 23d.* On the 27th, their letter was referred by Congress to the Board of Treasury " to take order," but the contract was not finally executed till October 27th, 1787.   Of the grant thus obtained, amounting to nearly five million acres of land, only one million and a half were for the Ohio Company; and, owing to certain embarrassments in its affairs, the company finally became possessed of only nine hundred and sixty-four thousand two hundred and eighty-five acres. The whole tract bargained for by the Ohio Company for themselves is thus described: "From the seventh range of townships, extending along the Ohio southwesterly to the place where the west line of the seventeenth range of townships would intersect that river; thence northerly so far that a line drawn due east to the western boundary of said seventh range of townships would, with the other lines, include one million and a half acres of land, besides the reserves." These reserves were two townships for the purposes of a university, and the school and ministerial sections in each township. There has been a good deal of criticism about the alleged bad location of the Ohio Company's purchase,   * See Letter, Appendix.   t For what they finally came in possession of, see Appendix.   72 - The Ohio Company.   had a great deal to do in deciding the location, if; indeed, his advice was not conclusive. He had formerly been a captain in the army, and had accompanied Col. Bouquet's celebrated expedition against the Indians, in 1764, as a military engineer. He wrote "A Description of the Ohio, Scioto, Kanawha, Wabash, and Illinois Rivers," which was published in London in 1778; also, "An Account of Florida, Louisiana, the Mississippi," etc., published at Philadelphia, 1784. He had traveled much through the western country, and had closely noted the comparative advantages of different regions. He advised Dr. Cutler, by all means to make the location on the Muskingum." Mr. Hutchins's recommendation probably referred to the rich bottom lands on the upper Muskingum, a region at that time greatly exposed to Indian depredations. His advice was, however, followed to the extent of locating the Company's chief town at the mouth of the Muskingum, and extending the purchase from there southwestwardly into the interior and along the Ohio river.   The writer of a "View of Ohio" (Am. Quar. Rev. for March, 1833, p. l00), referring to this subject, says:   "The Ohio Company had their first choice within this rich and ample domain, but unfortunately selected the poorest tract in its whole compass. An anecdote is told, which, if true, would seem to indicate that their shrewdness, for once, over-   History of Athens County, Ohio - 71   and some have held that they showed great lack of judgment in the matter. Why, it has been asked, did they choose the hilly and unattractive lands lying on the Hockhocking and the Raccoon, when they might as easily have selected the broad and fertile plains in the southwestern part of the state?   There were weighty considerations at the time of the purchase to justify the wisdom of their location. First, they had the protection of Fort Harmar, a well-established military post, garrisoned by government troops. Secondly, they were influenced by the remoteness of the Indian tribes, who had no fixed habitations in this region, and whose visits thither, though full of danger to the settlers and much dreaded, might be expected to be comparatively rare. They were also contiguous to Western Virginia, where the whites had some settlements pretty well advanced. Moreover, there is evidence that they knew of the existence, to some extent, of coal, salt, and iron, within the territory selected; and, finally, it was then believed that the communication between the Ohio river and Lake Erie, would be through the Cuyahoga and Muskingum rivers, and that a great trade would eventually grow up, flowing westwardly from the Potomac and James rivers, across the mountains and down the Kanawha. It is needless to say that not all of these considerations were well founded.   It is entirely clear from Dr. Cutler's Journal, that Thomas Hutchins, the "government geographer,"   History of Athens County, Ohio - 73   reached itself. It is said that when the party arrived at Wheeling, on their way to the settlement, they met with Ebenezer Zane, afterward the proprietor of Zanesville, and at that time familiar with the Ohio country. They asked his opinion as to the best place of location, and he, in honest simplicity, named several, either of which would have verified his recommendation. He did not, however, mention the tract about the mouth of the Muskingum. What could be the reason ? Possibly he had an eye to it himself, and, if so, it must be the best. The party at once took up their line of march, and, without looking further, planted themselves there."   Thus, according to this writer, Securing the region coveted because old Zane had not mentioned it. This anecdote is quite incredible, for the palpable reason that the location had been decided upon, and even the plan for a city at the mouth of the Muskingum adopted, before the party left New England, or ever met Col. Zane.   Another version is given of Col. Zane's possible influence in fixing the location. General Samuel H. Parsons, one of the Ohio Company's directors, who strongly urged the location between the Muskingum and Scioto, had been appointed by the old congress a commissioner to treat with the Indian tribes of the west, and in the discharge of this duty, visited that country in 1785 and '6. A writer in the North American Review (vol. 47), who states that his information was received direct from Gen. Putnam, says:   74 - The Ohio Company.   "After Gen. Parsons had examined the country immediately about the junction of the Muskingum with the Ohio, he proceeded up the valley of the former that he might have a view of the interior. Having gone many miles, he met one of the Zanes, four of which family were among the most noted of the frontier rangers. Zane was probably engaged in salt making, at Salt creek, which runs into the Muskingum about ten miles below the present town of Zanesville. Parsons, well knowing that the man he had chanced upon knew, from an acquaintance of fifteen years or more, the whole of what now forms the state of Ohio, asked his advice touching the location of the purchase which the Ohio Company proposed to make. Zane, having pondered the matter, and consulted with some of the old Delaware Indians that lived thereabout, recommended the General to choose either the Miami country or the valley of the Scioto, in preference to that which he was then examining. What it was that made Parsons doubt the good faith of the pioneer, we know not; but he came to the conclusion that Zane really preferred the Muskingum to any other point, and wished to purchase it himself, when the sales should begin, in a few months. This impression did away what little doubt still remained in his mind; and returning to the east, he laid his proposal to contract with Congress for all the land along the Ohio, between the seventh range of townships and the Scioto, and running back as might be afterward agreed upon, before the directors of the Company of Associates."   There may be some foundation for this anecdote, thus reiterated, but it appears doubtful.   After all, the location was not the worst that might have been made. The purchase undoubtedly included   History of Athens County, Ohio - 75   a large amount of rough and broken land; but it also included many tracts of beautiful farming country, well watered, well timbered, healthful, and fertile. And whatever reaSonS were wanting fifty years ago to justify the wisdom of the location, have been furnished in later days by the solid agricultural growth of the counties included in the purchase, and by their great and rapidly developing mineral wealth. Agricultural interests are ever the earliest to be developed; but, in the long run, the mineral resources of a country are equally important to its wealth and Supporting power. The vast deposits of coal and iron in Athens county and adjacent regions, are but just beginning to be utilized, and the time may yet come when the "Ohio Company's Purchase," which they were laughed at for selecting, and which, in later years, has been stigmatized aS the "Huckleberry Knobs," will support a swarming population. Those hills will Some day Smoke with forges, foundries, and manufactories of iron. They will be honey-combed with innumerable tunnels, from which will be taken the precious deposits of coal there concealed, and a million freemen may yet inhabit those counties, which, while their wealth lay hidden, were disregarded for more fertile parts, but which, when developed, will furnish forth the wealth of an empire.