Ohio History Journal

WILLIAM ALLEN TRIMBLE.

 

 

UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM OHIO.

 

 

MARY MCARTHUR THOMPSON TUTTLE.

A woman's way of writing History, differs essentially from

the conventional style and methods approved by great historians.

It is well that this is so, for the student of history obtains thus

now and then, a lighter, more transparent atmosphere; a more

sympathetic view of a life, than could be presented by the mas-

sive outlines of the great scholars, who strive for the philosophy

of life as well as the presentation of facts.

Several years ago while in Washington City visiting, we

were taken by our kind hostess to the National Cemetery as we

had expressed a wish to find the grave of our great uncle,

William Allen Trimble. It was found to be near the entrance

marked by a generously proportioned gray slab, whether sup-

ported by a low brick foundation or four short pedestals, we

cannot now recall. The inscription was still clear and easily

read-as clear as the inscription we find to-day in the old

Trimble Bible, - written by Jane Allen Trimble, the noble pio-

neer mother of this worthy son. She wrote in honest Conti-

nental chirography "William A. Trimble, born April ₄th, 1786,

departed this life on the 12th day of December, 1821, at the

City of Washington. His death was occasioned by a wound

he received in the lungs during the late war from which he

never recovered. He was in the 36th year of his age."

Just above one reads in this same record in the same hand

writing, "James Trimble, our honored and beloved husband died

on the Lord's day at 1 o'clock October 1₄th, 1804." Captain

James Trimble, father of William Allen Trimble, had been a

soldier of the Virginia line in 1776, who, after the Revolutionary

war removed to Kentucky and settled in Woodford county in

1784. He had participated in the battle of Point Pleasant,

Vol. XIV.-15.          (225)

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226       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

(1774), and was a captain in the Revolutionary war. His father,

John Trimble, was killed in the Mountains of Virginia by the

Indians. John Trimble with three brothers emigrated from the

north of Ireland to America in the early part of the 17th century.

Their ancestors were of Scotch descent, disciples of the great

reformer, John Knox. This John Trimble settled in Virginia,

the other brothers in Pennsylvania.  The ancestors were of

Scotch-Irish descent also on the maternal side, Allens, Ander-

son, Christies; Trimble, Trumbull, Turnbull and Pringle, on the

father's side.*

The parents of William Allen Trimble lived near Staunton

until 1784, when, as we have stated, they removed to Kentucky

where they liberated their slaves. The woman who inscribed

so carefully in her Bible the inevitable facts of her family his-

tory, was the oldest daughter of James and Peggy Allen. Her

father had two brothers, John, the eldest was in the Virginia

regiment that marched under General Washington in 1758,

against the French and Indians, at Fort Duquesne, now Fort

Pitt. In the battle called "Grant's Defeat," fought near this

place, John Allen was killed. Hugh Allen the younger brother,

fell at the bloody battle fought at the mouth of the Great Ka-

nawha, now Point Pleasant. The Virginia detachment was led

by General Lewis, and the Wyandot Indians, by that celebrated

warrior, - Cornstalk. She thus knew how much fortitude, en-

ergy, and endurance, how much industry and economy the

life the pioneers had undertaken, required; and as one of a

party of five hundred emigrants, from Virginia and North Caro-

lina to Kentucky, she consented to travel on horseback, with

one child wrapped in homespun blanket, clasped in her arms

and another placed on a "pillion" holding fast to her waist, Mrs.

Erwin carried two negro children in a wallet thrown over her

horse. These were washed away by the force of the current in

Clinch river. Mrs. Trimble now in the midst of this "deep

and dashing" stream, showed a decision which characterized her

and her family. She turned her horse, but gave him the rein,

* The motto on the coat of arms is Servavi Regem - heads of ani-

mals and helmet. A young Yeoman turned the head of the animal who

was about to gore the King.- Turnbull.

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William Allen Trimble.              227 -then grasping firmly the bridle, and mane with her right hand, holding her infant son Allen in her left arm, and calling to her little boy behind to take sure hold, she committed herself to God's mercy.*  When she struck the opposite shore loud shouts went up from all who had beheld the danger. General

Knox called out "henceforth she should be his Aid-de-Camp, and lead the women, as Captain Trimble led the men." Allen Trimble always called himself a child of Providence, because of this incident, and William Allen Trimble the subject * See Life of Jane Allen Trimble, by Rev. J. M. Trimble.

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228       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

of this sketch, who was born two years later often heard

through his boyhood of the perilous experiences of both father

and mother. They gave their son William a liberal education

at Transylvania College, Lexington, Kentucky, and allowed him

to study law at Paris, Ky., under the late Judge Robert Trimble,

United States Supreme Court, then one of the leading lawyers

of the State.

John the oldest son died soon after the arrival in Kentucky.

In 1805 the Trimble family moved to Ohio,-at which

time "William" was about nineteen years of age. He and his

elder brother, Allen, had made a previous trip to Ohio, on horse-

back, toward Yellow Springs. As they journeyed through Cin-

cinnati the beautiful black Kentucky horses upon which they

rode, were observed, and Allen was offered the city lot where

stood later Judge Burnet's home, for one of these horses, but

he deliberately declined what would afterward have made for

him a splendid speculation in real estate. As Captain James

Trimble the father, died in 1804, just after his reconnoitering

trip to Ohio, where he purchased land, and determined to bring

his family,-the care of the family now fell upon Allen, the

oldest son. William, the subject of this sketch, had aided his

brother in opening up a farm near Hillsboro, Highland county,

Ohio,-before settling as he did, in Chillicothe, then the cap-

ital of the State, where he entered the law office of Hon. William

H. Creighton, member of Congress from that district.

In the summer of the year 1810, a Swiss gentleman at the

head of a large boarding school,--Major Joseph Neef,--in-

vited him to be his assistant. The school was situated at the

Falls of the Schuylkill near Philadelphia. Two of his younger

brothers "Cary Allen," and "John Allen," aged fifteen and nine,*

accompanied him "crossing the mountains in a strong single

gig,-constructed for the rough and fatiguing journey of five

hundred miles."  He remained one year with Mr. Neef, and

then visited Litchfield, Connecticut, to complete his law studies,

under Judge Story. He there met the late Judge Storer of

Ohio-as a classmate. The brothers, Cary and John, remained

* The mother named the youngest son John in memory of the son

who died.

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William Allen Trimble.               229

 

at Mr. Neef's school. He wrote to Carey, the older, "to ascer-

tain if he did not desire to study Medicine." He replied: "It

may sound louder to be a Doctor, but I have about decided to

be a School-master. The school here is flourishing, thirty-one

pupils. The system is approved by the most literary people.

Governor Clairborn has promised to lay a bill before the Legis-

lature of Louisiana, to send ten boys of good capacity at the

expense of the State and have them educated as teachers for

that country. If similar plans were adopted by the several states

of the Union it would be a means of establishing a system that

would be of infinite importance. If I have it in my power I

shall establish a school in the Western country on the same

principles. It will be a great pleasure to help some of my hardy

countrymen up the hill of Science."  Falls of Schuylkill, 1811.

Like all young men the recital in letters to their brothers

was not confined to the facts that they were learning French,

Science and Mathematics, but the tailors' bills, and the watches,

etc. had to be written of, and the bills reported. Boots, $12.00;

Vests, $5.00; Coat, $28.00; Hat, $10.00; Watch, $40.00; the

watch had to be purchased Carey remarked, because he was

asked to assist Mr. Neef, and he must have a watch, and a seal

and key, $15.00 extra. John stood high in his classes, and be-

came later in life the Historian of the family. Carey was musi-

cal, played the flute, spoke French, was very handsome, chestnut

hair and brown eyes and a great favorite. When thinking of

establishing a school, on the Pestalozzian system as soon as he

could learn the value of his property in Ohio, he heard that his

brothers, William and Allen, were in Military service, - and he

writes from Falls of Schuylkill, July 7th, 1812:- Dear Brother:

I received your letter dated Fort McArthur, which confirmed

the report I had heard that you on your return to Ohio joined

the Army. It was mentioned in the papers that a William Trim-

ble was appoined Major in the neighborhood of Chillicothe. Pub-

lic sentiment seems to be much divided in the North Eastern

States, concerning the late measures of government, the people

called federalists, (but who do not deserve the name), are loudly

declaiming against the government, and late accounts say that

the governors of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, here refused to

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230         Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

raise the quota of Militia required from      their states. Great

enconiums are passed on the people of Ohio, for their patriot-

ism."   Later, Sept. 27th, 1812, "The surrender of Hull has

caused considerable anxiety.     Popular opinion    is very much

divided   some impute it to cowardice, others to treachery, - yet,

it seems to have been because of bad management. Many are ask-

ing me what you write on the subject?" -"I say, nothing at

all." But young Carey did not know that his brother William

had kept his oldest brother, Allen, informed of all his opinions

and movements."

 

FOOT OF THE RAPIDS, HEAD QUARTERS, July 1st, 1812.

DEAR BROTHER ALLEN: -

The Army arrived here day before yesterday evening, having opened

a road from Maiden block house and built three block houses. General

Hull has chartered a small Schooner to take the heavy baggage round

by water. The Army commences the March for Detroit, by land, in ten

minutes, leaving twenty-five men at this place to build a blockhouse.

General Hull received letters from Detroit, dated the 29th inst. The

Indians are assembled at Maiden, to the number of about two thousand.

They draw rations and every necessary accoutrements from the British.

The British force is not accurately known. If we do not have a fight,

we will get to Detroit about the 7th inst. Captain Barrerer and Captain

Jones' companies are more healthy than any in the Regiment. I have

tolerable health and much fatigue.

Your affectionate brother,

WILLIAM A. TRIMBLE.

 

General Harrison's orders for raising a Company of mount-

ed volunteers , 21st of September, 1812 (St. Mary's), addressed

to Major William Allen Trimble, reads:

"You are hereby requested to proceed through that part of the State

of Ohio lying in the direction of the mouth of Scioto and endeavor to

prevail upon some of the organized Companies of Militia in that part of

the State to join me as mounted Volunteers, with as much expedition

as possible under the permission heretofore given by Governor Meigs.

Companies serving during the Expedition, which is not calculated to ex-

ceed 30 days and will not extend beyond 40, will be considered as hav-

ing performed a tour of duty."

I am respectfully,

Your Humble Servant,

WM. H. HARRISON.

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William Allen Trimble.                  231

 

POSTSCRIPT - Those who have any disposition to accept the very

favorable proposition contained in General Harrison's letter, will meet at

Hillsborough on Monday the 28th inst., prepared to March to St. Mary's,

where they will be supplied with bread, fresh provision, and forage, each

man will carry as much bacon or salted meat as will last the Campaign,

clothing, blankets, etc. Those who cannot conveniently furnish them-

selves with rifles, can draw market at Dayton or Urbana, Horses, guns,

and equipage, and will be appraised and paid for at the rate of 50 cents

per day for each horse.                    WM. A. TRIMBLE."

 

The men in Hillsboro doubtless remembered how Major

Trimble had left his other ambitions on his return from Litchfield,

Conn., in 1811, and while on this trip to attend Court in West

Union, met the first rider, the herald, with an order from General

McArthur, calling on Highland County for a quota of one hun-

dred volunteers; how he turned aside from his cherished profes-

sion, the law, and turning his horse toward Hillsboro, made his

first speech the next day, in the public square. In two days two

full companies were raised. That little army of the ₄th United

States Infantry with the brigade of General Finley, took up its

toilsome march through the dense forests of four hundred miles

through Ohio and Michigan, and shared the inglorious fortunes

of Hull in his surrender of four thousand men to General Brock,

at Detroit. Major Trimble as a prisoner of war, was paroled and

returned to Ohio. He was ordered to attend the Court-martial

for the trial of General Hull, at Albany. General Henry Dear-

born as president of that Court. Major Trimble returned by way

of Washington City, soliciting and procuring the appointment

of Major for the 26th Infantry to be recruited in Ohio.* His

younger brother, Carey, from whose letters we have quoted, then

seventeen years of age, received the appointment of Lieutenant in

the same Regiment. This young brother writes from near Fort

George, Deputy's House, 9th of January, 1814, "I was taken

on the morning of the surrender of Fort Niagara in attempting

to make my escape from the garrison. I saved nothing except

some money, which I luckily tied in my cravat; all my clothing

and other luggage was taken. The garrison was completely sur-

prised, was not in a state of defense, and its commandant absent,

*See Biographical Encyclopedia Ohio.

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232       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

which I hope, the U. S. will bring him to strict account." Then

the particulars are given with great care, and a postscript added,

"The General will please seal this and send it by the first flag, to

the United States and oblige

Your obedient servant,

CAREY ALLEN TRIMBLE."

 

But to return to the record of William Allen Trimble: In

the Spring of 1813, he was superintending the recruiting depart-

ment, while General Harrison was at Dayton, Ohio, making prep-

aration for a campaign to recover Detroit, and obliterate the in-

glorious Hull's surrender. Major Trimble was not yet ex-

changed as prisoner and was not eligible to active duties in the

field against the British. At Dayton, he waited on General Har-

rison, and procured for his brother Allen Trimble, a commission

of Colonel. Allen Trimble was to raise a battalion of five hundred

mounted men, armed, equipped for the relief of Fort Wayne, on

the Maumee, then besieged by the Indians, under Tecumseh.

Major Trimble gave the pledge and riding all night, fifty miles

to Hillsboro, handed his brother the commission, and instruction

from General Harrison. The march of Harrison to Fort Meigs,

was protected by these brave Spartans, -the Indians were dis-

persed. Allen Trimble, later twice Governor of the State of Ohio,

before starting on this trip, went into the "loom room," above the

spring-house, where yards and yards of blanketing hung on ropes,

woven by the weaver employed by him for such work. He cut off

yard after yard and handed to the men, and then went down

into the room of the spring-house, where on a swinging-shelf

was placed some twenty cheese, the product of his wife's indus-

try. He quartered these, giving one-fourth to each man, then bade

his wife farewell, handing her one hundred and fifty dollars.

When he returned she handed him two hundred and seventy-five

dollars, as she was appointed Clerk of the Court, regularly sworn

in-the young man fell ill who had been appointed-there being

no one left to fill the office. This woman was Rachel Woodrow

Trimble, different, as we shall see, from Jane Allen Trimble, but

each perfect in type and nobility. Rachel W. Trimble was an

ideal wife, mother, and daughter-in-law. She had charming

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William Allen Trimble.                233

 

tastes and was known throughout Governor Trimble's public

career, as the beautiful home-keeper.

Thomas McArthur Anderson said in his Ohio Centennial ad-

dress on the Military History of Ohio: "Hull was fifty-nine years

of age at the time of his surrender. His age and Revolutionary

service saved him a sad fate. He was the same age as Major

Robert Anderson, when he defended Fort Sumpter. He was just

the age of Admiral Dewey, when he sank the Spanish fleet, in

Manila Bay."

When McArthur, Major General of the Ohio Militia, was

directed by Governor Meigs, to call out all men capable of bear-

ing arms, under the flag, of thirteen stripes and seven stars,-the

last star being that of Ohio, - which from that time on, has led

men of the Buckeye State from victory to victory.

We have before us letters from General Harrison to Col.

Allen Trimble, Commander of the Ohio Volunteers, St. Mary's,

one dated Head Quarters Fort Mary's, 6th Oct., 1812. Another

from Franklinton, Nov. 18th, 1812, and one from Brig. Gen'l

Foos, 4th Brgd, & Commandment of the 2d Division Ohio

Militia; General Harrison says: "Your exertions on this occas-

ion, Sir, as well as those belonging to your Command who were

willing to do their duty, merit my thanks, and I beg you to

communicate it to them in such manner as you may see proper."

In fact they had not the least reason to complain against Major

Trimble. They fared as well in every respect, as the six and

twelve month Dragoons of the Army."

With great regard and respect,

I am, Sir,

Your Hum. Servant,

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

 

Again in a letter of October 6th, "proceed immediately from

Fort Wayne to the Potawatimee Towns about seventy-five or

eighty miles beyond and about twenty or thirty beyond the towns

on Elk Hart, lately destroyed by a Detachment of the Army

under my command," etc., etc.,

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

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234       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

In the Spring of 1814, Major William A. Trimble received

his exchange and joined his regiment, which had consolidated

with another and was the 19th, known so well at Chippewa,

Lundy's Lane and Niagara. He commanded at the post of Buf-

falo and Black Rock, both considered very important.

On the Canadian side, General Gaines occupied the defense

of old Fort Erie. The night of the 1₄th, 1814, history gives the

following facts: "Under General Gaines, the whole British

Army assaulted the American forces. Major Trimble, antici-

pating a battle, waited upon General Gaines and was permitted to

take the command at Buffalo and his own regiment, the 19th, was

taken charge of by another officer stationed in the bastions and

block-houses of the fort. Major Trimble examined by lamp-

light all the positions of his regiment, and its exposed situation.

The night was stormy. The enemy's veterans, led by Col. Drum-

mond and Scott, approached the parapets of the Fort, and with

scaling ladders and great charge of bayonets, they carried the

principal batteries of the Townson and Douglas, then pushed for-

ward toward the 19th, under Major Trimble. Drummond start-

ed the watchword, which in these days of Arbitration and Peace,

we decline to repeat. Drummond fell within six feet of Major

Trimble, Col. Scott, of the 103rd Royal Regiment was also killed

and his sword, a fine Damascus blade, Col. Trimble secured and

wore during his subsequent military career."

General Brown took command of the army. Fort Erie was

commanded by the British position, but on the 17th, the in-

trenched camp was assaulted. Major Trimble was in Miller's

brigade and in the advance and after storming and carrying two

redoubts, fell mortally wounded it was thought, within the Brit-

ish lines, shot through the lungs.

At the kind home of his friend, General Peter B. Porter, of

Black Rock, he was cared for, for many weeks-after, he was re-

moved from Fort Erie and the following letter to his brother,

Col. Allen Trimble, tells of his wound in his own dignified, sim-

ple language:

 

DEAR BROTHER:                        BUFFALO, 18 Oct., 1814.

"After storming the Center Battery, of the enemy, on the 17th ultimo

and near the close of the action, I received a musket ball under my left

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William Allen Trimble.                   235

 

arm which passed out near by back bone, where it fractured a rib. After

dressing my wound bled freely, which in addition to about a gallon of

blood the Surgeons drew from me, reduced me very low. I have now

been some time on the recovery, have had a good appetite and am gaining

strength as fast as could be expected.

I can walk about my room and my surgeon tell me I am out of

danger. I am now situated with a very agreeable family, who take very

good care of me, and William has always been very attentive.

(This was Bill Hackett, the colored man, in his service as body-

guard many years. The surgeons thought he saved the life of Col. Trim-

ble, for seeing there was no time to be lost, he drew a ram-rod from the

Colonel's musket, and wrapping it with a large silk handkerchief, probed

the wound, thus relieving it of the clot of blood.)

"You can hardly imagine the pleasure I enjoy in meeting brother

Carey, whom I had not seen for more than a year. He stayed with me

two days and then went back, took command of the 19th Regiment,

with which there was in consequence of wounds, sickness, resignation, etc.,

no officer but Lieut. Nixon. Gen. Izard's army arrived here on the

12th, and crossed the Niagara at Black Rock, on the 13th, where it was

joined by the left Division under General Brown, the whole proceeded

that evening toward Chippeway. From the lateness of the season and

some other reasons which I shall not now explain, I do not expect much

will be done. The army amounts to more than 7,000 effective men and

is perhaps the handsomest that was ever formed in the United States.

"The Army had not crossed the Chippeway on yesterday. On yes-

terday evening I heard from brother Carey who is with the Army. He

desired his respects might be presented to the family.

"Tell Mother when I was not expected to live an hour that I was

not afraid but perfectly willing to die. Give my respects to all the family.

Your affectionate brother,

WILLIAM A. TRIMBLE.

The paper upon which this letter was written, now ninety-

one years ago, has turned almost as yellow in hue as the cloth

waist-coat, through which the dreadful bullet went, on that

awful night, at Lake Erie. It was our duty not long ago to

destroy the time-honored waist-coat.      Removing the buttons,

and putting them aside as a memento, the white cloth vest, so

yellowed by time, had finally found "the moths to corrupt." It

lay in the trunk, covered with sheepskin, and fastened with brass

tacks, amid other relics, of the War of 1812-1813,--       but the

day for the burial came; and the fumes which went up from its

ashes were, indeed, solemn to our minds. We turned in con-

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236        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

templation to the portrait of the handsome face, regular features,

olive complexion, dignity of pose, brilliant epaulettes, dark blue

uniform, -and we promised ourselves to make a copy of the

portrait for our own especial collection; but instead of the

brush, the pen has been at work building up the life again from

fragmentary MSS.

ERIE PENNSYLVANIA 4th October, 1814.

DEAR BROTHER ALLEN:

Brother William left Buffalo about the 17th November for Wash-

ington City. His wound has not yet healed on one side, but he intended

travelling only in good weather by very easy journeys. He will go as

far as Albany on horseback, from where he will go principally by water.

I expect to be ordered on to Albany, or New York.

Yours,

CARY A. TRIMBLE.

 

Perhaps the digression can be made here as well as else-

where to the import that Jane Allen Trimble had seven sons, and

two daughters, the oldest son died young, the others were Allen,

William, James, Cyrus, Cary, John, - daughters, Mary and Mar-

garet, (Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. McCue). Allen was not only a

statesman, but an Agriculturist; William not only a Soldier,

but a Senator; James an owner and cultivator of land; Cyrus a

Doctor; Cary a Soldier; John a historian and merchant. It was

to the Hillsboro home that they all returned at intervals of time,

-the mother lived to the age of eighty-seven, respected and be-

loved; the father, as we have seen, died in 1804. The Trimbles

were men of integrity, industry, intelligence, and sobriety.

Major William A. Trimble, after his recovery, which was a

great surprise to his Surgeon, Dr. Trowbridge, "was restored to

active duties in the field."  His friend and comrade, in the sortie

at Lake Erie, General Peter B. Porter of Black Rock," was

sorry indeed, to have him leave his home. In 1814, Sept. 17th,

he was breveted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel for his gallant

services and was retained in the Army with the same rank in

the 8th Infantry, Colonel Nichols of Kentucky. A short letter

from Cary A. Trimble of the 26th Infantry written from Beau-

post, "a village in full view of Quebec," March 27th, 1814, says,

"he, Cary, had the choice of remaining at Montreal or coming to

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William Allen Trimble.               237

 

Quebec, when the general exchange took place; he had located

himself in a French family to learn still more of the language,

had subscribed to a circulating library in Quebec and so on.

When Fort Erie was demolished by our troops, he remarks,

the Batteries blew up with a terrible explosion. General Q's

division was encamped on the sand beach opposite. All the move-

ments of this great last man of the Alphabet show an unpardon-

able want of energy."

In 1815 Cary writes from Philadelphia to his brother Allen,

-"Western paper is at 7%   discount. Baltimore at 31/2, Vir-

ginia and District of Columbia notes at 4 below par. There

are many brokers who will not discount Western notes at any

price, Silver fell from 17½ to 7, on the receipt of the news of

Bonaparte's fall. Feb. l0th, 1806, he advises his brother Allen,

"as to the Militia claims, not to purchase any more until it is

ascertained the appropriations will be made this session for pay-

ing them off. They are pretty hard pushed for funds at Wash-

ington, and the Militia will always be served last."

Lieut. Col. William Trimble had been with his regiment in

1815 in St. Louis, Missouri, and had established the post at

Fort Des Moines. He had also ascended the Red River in keel-

boats and barges, with his men when ordered to Natches.

On the 30th April, 1817, he writes from there to Allen Trimble;

"The first regiment of Infantry is at Baton Rouge; the 8th, is

at Pass Christian. In a most business like letter to his brothers,

interested in the purchase of goods, he says: " I have taken

the liberty of forwarding two crates of queensware assorted and

500 bls. of copperas, - invoices will be forwarded by next mail.

I have made arrangements with Barbour Dent and McClelland,

commission merchants of this city, to furnish you with anything

you may want from this quarter, which you may obtain by

writing to them at any time. These gentlemen have sent a quan-

tity of British Iron to Sumati Limestone. It will be delivered

at that place to about 185 dollars per Ton french weight. They

sold the Iron here at  10 dollars per Ton, and engaged the

freight at 31/2 cents per pound. I agreed for two Tons, but as

the Iron had been put on board the boat and could not be con-

veniently assorted and weighed they say that when the Iron

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238       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

arrives at Limestone you may have any quantity you want at

11O dollars, per Ton, and carriage. This arrangement will be to

your advantage as you will be at no risk in the freight.

There are some vessels in the river loaded with coffee should

it sell low I can send you two or three barrels. Coffee of first

quality is not easy to obtain and sells for 31 cents, - Sugar is

from 11 to 121/2 cents and cotton has fallen from 32 to 27 cents

and will probably fall to 25 cents. There is now no demand for

the produce of the western country; tobacco, beef, pork ex-

cepted, and beef and pork are so badly put up, and brought in

such wretched order to this market that the sales are very much

injured. Flour cannot be sold for six dollars. From the best

information I can obtain beef and pork, if properly put up are

the best articles which can be brought to this market. In my

next letters I shall inform you how salt may be clarified. Pure

salt is of the utmost importance to preserve from putrefaction

of animal and vegetable substances. The Salt manufactured in

the Western country is very impure. Give my love to the family

and remember me to my friends.

WILLIAM A. TRIMBLE.

 

This letter shows the unselfishness of his life: always

trying to help his brothers. From the time he rose before break-

fast, at the school where Cary and John were taken, by him-

self, to be educated, in order to aid them  in acquiring their

lessons, that they might succeed the better, and so on, until the

night he rode without rest to carry to his brother Allen - Gen-

eral Harrison's Commission,-- nobility of purpose, was ever

present with this man. His brother Cyrus wrote from No.

201 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 2₅th,

1818: "I have just been     admitted a member of the Phila-

delphia Medical Society, to which all the first Medical men, in

the United States belong, and of which Dr. Chapman is President.

In 1818, Col. Trimble co-operated with General Jackson in

the celebrated Florida campaign and the capture of St. Marks

and Pensacola. But although only now thirty-two years of age,

he became weary of the life of the army, in times of Peace, and

decided to resign and return to Hillsborough, Highland county,

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William Allen Trimble.              239

 

Ohio an ascending series in its arrangement of names; town,

county, state were rising.

The Trimbles had located much land in this part of the

state, and the land Warrants on Parchment, signed by the early

Presidents, remain to this day relics of interest in Governor Allen

Trimbles' old Secretary, where all of his important letters and

papers were carefully filed away.

The Senatorial Contest, was on when Col. Trimble returned

to Highland county. A letter dated Nov. 25th, 1818, from an

influential man in Washington City says:--"Col. Jessup is in

the City, and I have had a conversation with him. The Claims

of William Allen Trimble are superior to any man's in your

State; all things considered, and I am almost sure, would be

elected. You may rest assured, that the members of your state,

would be glad to have him associated with them here. If he

can name any office which is at the disposal of the Executive,

I am sure he could get it.- Because it is impossible for him to

stand better than he does at Head Quarters, or be more respected

than he is already. While others were working for him, he was

acting the same unselfish part towards his brothers; to Dr.

Cyrus Washington Trimble, at this date he desires his "regards

to the ladies of Philadelphia, of their acquaintance in closing

his letter, he remarks, 'that his brother Allen has gone to Rich-

mond, Va. to purchase land. James will purchase 100 Spanish

hides, at Philadelphia, but best Buenos Ayrean would be preferred.

I enclose copies of the entries in the name of Samuel Bradford,

No. 260 for 900 acres. Nine warrants of the Virginia state line.

I was pleased to read in the National Intelligence Doctor

Mitchel's address to the Agricultural Society, in which he recom-

mends an investigation of the Medical properties of indigenous

plants.

The Senatorial Contest was full of mettle, high-spirited and

animated, for Governor Worthington and his adherents and

friends, desired to see him continued in office; a man who had

served his State so ably and was so highly informed on all the

internal issues of the day, so that the success of Col. Trimble was

the more surprising. The Civil Service idea had not permeated

the minds of the people to the same degree it now has; they felt

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240        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

that although Governor Worthington was undoubtedly highly in-

formed about the interests of the State of Ohio, yet Chillicothe

had had sufficient eclat and Hillsborough would now like to see

one of her worthy sons brought forward.          Personally, Col.

Trimble was greatly admired and trusted, he had served his coun-

try more, perhaps, than his State, but for this very reason, Wash-

ington City would receive him gladly-so unselfish a man in his

personal interests as he ! so gallant a soldier !

We find among his papers a small package of visiting cards,

from the following gentlemen: Mr. Stratford Canning, "His

Britannic Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary," etc., "The Minister

Plenipotentiary de La Majeste tres Chretienne," the Russian En-

voy's card, Le Baron de Mallitz, the Secretary of the Russian

Embassy; cards of all the representatives of the French Embassy,

and the Consul General of France, Mr. Petry, General Jesup,

George Towers, Eugine Vail, Mr. Ogle Tayloe, W. A. Duer, S.

Ruggold; with many others and invitations, one of which reads

as follows:

"Gen. Van Renssalaer, requests the Honor of Col. Trimbles' Company

to Dinner on Monday next at 4 o'clock.

"Saturday, 27."

These are all addressed to Col. Trimble, 66 Broadway, and

with them is placed the receipted bills for board at Mrs. Peyton's,

$12.00 per week, with extra charges for coach and horses.

While we are on the social side of life in Washington, 1820,

an extract from one of Col. Trimble's letters will be of interest:

"We have lost James Burrel Jr. from Rhode Island- in my opinion

one of the most able and useful members of the Senate. The question of

relative rank in Society, seems to be of great importance. If I were

competent to decide this question I should decline to engage in it. I claim

only the position of a stranger glad to receive calls, rather reluctant to

make them."

General Jessup tells him in a letter while he is absent from Wash-

ington for a few weeks, that gossip says, he is engaged to a certain lady

whose name he does not give.

The family had evidently persuaded him about this time to have their

cousin, Mr. Matthew Jewett, of Lexington, Ky., paint his portrait, for he

says, Dec. 23, 1820: "I have sent Jewett one hundred dollars for my

portrait."

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William Allen Trimble.                   241

 

There are letters to Col. Thos. Aspinwall, U. S. Consul, and replies

dated from Bishop Gate Church Yards, 21st Feb. 1820, London, England.:

"We have sent the Maine and Missouri bill to the other house," Col.

Trimble writes to his brother on the 21st Feb., 1820, "where it has been

postponed until tomorrow. I suspect the Amendment of the Senate will

be struck out and the bill for the admission of Maine sent back to the

Senate, where it will be rejected. The Southern people are determined

if possible to prevent the admission of Maine without Missouri is admitted

at the same time without restriction. The Amendment attached to the

Bill to prohibit slavery in the Territory North of Latitude 36" 30' I con-

sider of little importance-because without any probability very few slaves

would be taken North of that line. If the Senators of Indiana and Illi-

nois would concur, slavery could easily be prohibited in the uninhabited

territory of the United States. My time is so entirely occupied in my

official duties and in attending to the private business of numerous cor-

respondents that I have seldom a chance to write to you. It is reported

here that the Spanish Government has refused to receive a note from

Mr. Forsythe our Minister.

Your affectionate brother,

WILLIAM A. TRIMBLE.

GENERAL ALLEN TRIMBLE.

Later: "There will probably be a compromise to admit Missouri

without restriction and prohibit slavery in the whole or much the largest

part of the territory. I shall not vote for the Bill in any shape while

connected with Maine.

12 FEB., 1820.

I have succeeded in getting an able Canal Committee appointed in

the Senate on Roads, etc. He writes in Jan. 1821, from the Senate Cham-

ber:-"My health continutes delicate, but I have not missed one day in

attending to my duty in the Senate. The Canal bill came up when I was

much indisposed. I defended it while I was able to speak, and I hope

not without success. The Sketch of the debate in The Intelligencer does

not by any means do justice to my remarks or even to ground upon

which I supported the bill. Its fate in the Senate will probably be de-

cided day after to-morrow." He sends a printed copy to Governor E. A.

Brown, of the bill reported by Mr. King of New York, twice read by

unanimous consent in the Senate--the bill to authorize the appointment

of Commissioners to lay out a Canal in the State of Ohio. April 22,

1820. We got the bill through the Senate with great difficulty, giving the

State the right of premption, a quarter Section of land in each of the new

counties.

3rd MAY, 1820.

The Senate has just passed to a third reading by a large majority a

bill for laying out a road through the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illi-

Vol. XIV.- 16.             (241)

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242        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

nois, and the committee of roads and canals of the Senate have just

reported a bill to provide for laying out a canal through the lands of the

United States, from Lake Erie to the navigable waters of the Scioto, or

great Miami of Ohio. You can have no idea of the envy of the At-

lantic and Southern countries of the rising prosperity of the North-western

states. We shall probably have to rely upon our own resources and

expect little from the federal government.

"A joint resolution has just passed both houses to adjourn on the

15th. The Tariff was reported this morning by the committee--with

some amendments to reduce the duties on iron, hemp, and some other

articles.

Three letters from Gov. Lewis Cass, dated March 31st, 1821, May

26th, and June 17th, to Senator Trimble containing earnest invitations

for him to attend the treaty with the Indians. "The jaunt would be

pleasant and useful to you, and through your exertions useful to the

Community."

The time of holding the treaty shall be regulated as much as possible

by your convenience. A journey on horse-back to the mouth of the

Sandusky Bay is nothing. Five days from Chillicothe in Steam boat

will bring you here. I trust you will come to my house and stay with

me until your departure.

Ever your friend,

LEWIS CASS.

 

MAY 26th.

We have fixed upon Chicago as the place and upon the (15.), fifteenth

of August. I shall be greatly disappointed if anything prevents your at-

tending. I am, my dear sir,

Ever your friend,

LEWIS CASS.

 

JUNE 17th.

The Steamboat will touch Sandusky the 5th of August,-the treaty

is fixed for the 15th. I shall give such instruction at Fort Wayne, as will

ensure you a companionable escort, in case you should travel the whole

distance by land. I hope nothing will occur to prevent you from coming.

I am my dear sir,

Ever your friend

LEWIS CASS.

 

There is a brightness to these letters because of the big red

seal, and they look remarkably well cared for-the Governor

wrote a fine hand, which is still beautiful. Col. Trimble writes

to his brother Allen as usual, telling him how well the journey

• 18
 

William Allen Trimble.              243

 

went. The Indian agent, Mr. Hayes, furnished me with a guide

at Fort Wayne. If you go to Kentucky soon, I will join you

in the purchase of some of Mr. Mason's sheep and Clay cattle.

Remember me to Mr. Clay and all my friends. Chicago is a flat

Village one hundred and sixty-five miles from Ft. Wayne.  It

is built around a basin, in the rear of which a bluff rises abruptly

on the summit of which stands old Fort Mitchel, - recently re-

paired, - from this we get a prospect of the whole Island. The

surface is Limestone and gravel.  Chicago is a small Indian

Village. The white fish are said to appear in going down the

Lake.

Mr. Stuart gave us a horse-back ride, -The Indians as-

sembled in Council about One o'clock. Governor Cass told them

that they had been invited to assemble at this place to receive

a message from the Great Father, the President of the United

States, which message would be delivered to them tomorrow;

that Mr. Sibley had been associated with him, and that I was a

member of their father's council. The next day they assembled

and the commissioners delivered their message: that their Great

Father desired to purchase the St. Joseph country, for which

he would give them in goods which would be worth more to

them than all the lands and game. One of the war chiefs, Mitia,

answered for them, that they had sold to their Great Father

the greater part of their lands and that they had reserved little

upon which to lay the bones of their fathers, and that it was

necessary to support their chief's women and children, and that

they did not expect their Great Father would have asked them

to sell."

"After this we took quarters with Mr. Ramsey and A. D.

Stuart, Esq. the Collector. Many more details are given in this

letter.

In September, sad news, indeed, reached Col. Trimble. His

brother, Lieut. Cary A. Trimble, so much beloved by the entire

family, now just 28 years of age, accomplished as a Flutist, as

Linguist, as Soldier, betrothed to one of the loveliest young

women in Philadelphia society, fell ill and suddenly died at

Hillsboro, September 10th, 1821.

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244         Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

Senator Trimble evidently tried to distract his mind from

this grief, for on his return trip to Washington, in October, he

writes:- "I stopped at General Porter's at Black Rock. The

Breckenridges were there, Robert, the son, and the Mother.

Then I went to Niagara Falls, Lewiston, Rochester, Auburn,

and seven miles north to Weeds basin on the Grand Canal now

completed from Utica as far West as Montaganna, on Cayuga

Lake. They leave Weeds Basin 8 A. M., arrive at Ithaca the

same hour next morning, (92 miles), I also went to Schenectady,

Albany, West Point.     But the week at Saratoga did not agree

with me. I have not been well since my return. I took cold

on the return trip from Chicago. This little Indian bowl I send,

is for Eliza.

It was a year of great anxiety for the Trimble family,-

General Allen Trimble who had been Speaker of the House, at

Columbus, now since 1818, began to feel that not alone must he

experience the grief of his brother Cary's death, but that Will-

iam's health was fast failing.

Letter addressed to Dr. Cyrus W. Trimble, by Dr. Powell,

of Washington, D. C.

WASHINGTON CITY, 15th Dec'r., 1825.

MY DEAR FRIEND:-

You no doubt have heard ere this, of the death of your gallant and

accomplished brother. His decline was gradual, and steady, and he was

conscious long before his confinement, that his death was not far distant.

He looked forward to his approaching dissolution, with all the firmness

of a hero, and calmness of a philosopher: and during the whole course

of his confinement, not a sigh, or murmur escaped his lips.

The funeral Ceremonies were grand, and imposing beyond de-

scription. The body was removed from Mrs. Payton's, the late resi-

dence of the deceased, by the Committee of Arrangements, and placed in

the Senate Chamber, directly fronting the President's Chair. The House

of Representatives then entered the Senate Chamber; -preceding them,

Speaker, Mr. Ryland, the Chaplain to the Senate, then raised his voice

and in a peculiarly eloquent and pathetic manner, delivered an address

upon the occasion and concluded by an affectionate appeal to the rela-

tives of the deceased.

The body was then conveyed from the Senate and placed upon the

Hearse, which was drawn by four elegant black horses. His coffin was

covered with fine black velvet, elegantly trimmed with silver. From one

side to the other was a plate handsomely formed, placed directly over the

• 20
 

William  Allen Trimble.                   245

 

breast, on which his name, age, and time of decease, were engraven. He

was buried with the honors of war which were eminently due to so gallant

and distinguished an Officer.

The Procession then moved. It as exceedingly splendid, and solemn.

There were at least One hundred private Carriages,-besides an im-

mense concourse of citizens and strangers. The Marine Corps, com-

manded by Gen. Henderson, marched in front of the Procession, with

full band playing those melancholy airs, which are calculated to suffuse

cheeks with tears. Next came the Senators and Representatives from

Ohio, as Mourners: then the Senate, preceded by their Sergeant-at-Arms:

next the head of departments, foreign ministers, etc. The Procession

then closed with a prodigious concourse of Citizens and strangers suc-

ceeded by a long line of two-hundred splendid carriages. When the body

of the gallant man was consigned to the silent tomb, solemn silence reigned

throughout this innumerable multitude, and the bosom of every individual

seemed to heave with a sigh of regret for his untimely fate. To close

the scene, the neighboring hills were made to reverberate by the marine

corps firing volleys of funeral salutes with double charged cartridges,

which at every heavy discharge seemed to say: "This tells the knell of a

Hero!"

I beg you to believe that I sincerely sympathize with you upon the

heavy sorrow which you have sustained.

Your brother's friends here are very numerous. In fact, he had

no enemies, except they were enemies to his sterling honor, and integrity

of character.             Yours most affectionately,

WM. L. POWELL.

To Dr. Cyrus W. Trimble.

 

 

THE FUNERAL OF COL. TRIMBLE.

Late of the Senate of the United States from the State of Ohio.-

(Detroit.)

His body they bore to a warrior's grave-

The morning sun splendidly beaming;

The hearse mov'd slow, and the War-plumes wav'd,

And sabers and muskets were gleaming.

 

The cold winds blew, but he heeded them not-

The sleep of the grave he was sleeping;

The wise and the great of the Nation were there,

And his country around him was weeping.

 

The trumpets peal'd loud, and the death-drums beat-

And the March was the March of devotion;

And deep as the musketry roll'd o'er his grave,

Not a heart but throbb'd high with emotion.

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246        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

For, Oh! he died in the glow of his years,

In the pride and the bloom of his glory;

But long shall his memory emblazon with fame,

The bright pages of our martial story.

 

The winter shall pass, and the Spring-flowers bloom,

By the banks and the groves of his own native river,-

Weep, Parent of Trimble! He ne'er shall return!

By the wave of Potomac he's sleeping forever.

 

But he sleeps with the great; and sweet be his sleep,

And hush'd be the requiem of sorrow;

His star has gone down, like the Sun hid in storms,

To arise in new glory to-morrow.

 

In Ohio's Centennial address of "Ohio in the Senate,"

by the Hon. J. B. Foraker, the following reference was made

to Col. William A. Trimble. "Harrison and Garfield," said Mr.

Foraker "were so conspicuous as soldiers that all are familiar

with their achievements in that respect, while Trimble was noted

among the men of his time for chivalric deportment and daunt-

less bravery. He died, when he had only fairly entered on what

promised to be a most brilliant and distinguished career in the

Senate, from the effects of a wound received in action at Fort

Erie. He was the only one of all Ohio's Senators who died while

holding office. He was buried in the Congressional Cemetery

at Washington, and his untimely death was mourned universally

by the people of Ohio and all his colleagues in public life."

• 22