it lay the flower garden of about two acres, inclosed with neat palings, to which were traced gooseberry bushes, peaches, and other varieties of fruit-bearing trees, in the manner of wall-fruits. The garden was planted with flowering shrubs, both exotic and native, but especially abounding in the latter, which the good taste of the occupants had selected from the adjacent forests, and planted in thick masses; through which wandered serpentine walks, bordered with flowers, imitating a labyrinth. Arbors and grottoes covered with honeysuckles and eglantines were placed at convenient intervals, giving the whole a very romantic and beautiful appearance. On the opposite side of the house was a large kitchen garden, and back of these, orchards of peach and apple-trees of the choicest varieties, procured from abroad as well as from the Belprie nurseries. Lower down on the island was the farm, with about one hundred acres under the nicest cultivation, the luxuriant soil producing the finest crops of grain and grass. For the last three or four years of his residence, a large dairy was added to his other agricultural pursuits, under the management of Thomas Neal, who also superintended the labor of the farm. The garden was conducted by Peter Taylor, a native of Lancashire, England, who was bred to the pursuit; but under the direction of Mr. Blennerhassett, whose fine taste in all that was beautiful, ordered the arranging and laying out of the grounds. The mansion and offices were frame buildings, painted with the purest white, contrasting tastefully with the green foliage of the ornamental shade trees which surrounded it. An abundance of fine stone for building could have been quarried from the adjacent Virginia shore, but he preferred a structure of wood as less liable to be damaged by earthquakes. The finishing and furniture of the apartments was adapted to the use for which they were intended. "The hall was a spacious room; its walls painted a sombre color, with a beautiful cornice of plaster, bordered with a gilded moulding, running round the lofty ceiling; while its furniture was rich, heavy and grand. The furniture of the drawingroom was in strong contrast with the hall; light, airy, and elegant; with splendid mirrors, gay-colored carpets, rich curtains, with ornaments to correspond, arranged by his lady with the nicest taste and harmonious effect. A large quantity of silver plate ornamented the side-boards, and decorated the tables; yet they had not entirely completed their arrangements, when the destroyer appeared and frustrated all their designs for comfort and future happiness. The whole establishment was noble, chastened by the purest taste, without that glare of tinsel finery too common among the wealthy. Their style of living was in unison with the house and furniture, elegant, easy and comfortable." Mr. B. was a highly intellectual man, greatly devoted to scientific occupations, which his ample library and leisure time afforded every facility for pursuing. He was studious, and fond of experimenting in chemistry, electricity and galvanism. His apparatus, though not extensive, was ample for such experiments as an amateur would wish to make. Astronomy was also a favorite study: a fine telescope enabled him to examine the constellations in their courses; a solar microscope to inspect the minuter bodies of the earth. In music he possessed the nicest taste and an uncommon genius; composing harmonious and beautiful airs, several pieces of which are now remembered and played by a gentleman who, when a youth, was intimate in his family. His favorite instrument was the violincello, on which he played with admirable skill: the spacious hall of the mansion being constructed so as to give effect to musical sounds, the tone of his viol vibrated through it with thrilling effect, calling forth the admiration of his guests. Electricity and galvanism received a share of his attention, and many experi ments were made in these wonderful branches of modern science. Among his trials in chemical operations, was that of converting beef into "adipocere," large pieces of which were submerged in the beautiful little cove between the landing and the sand-bar at the head of the island. He fancied it might be used in place of spermaceti for lights; but the cat-fish and perch interfered so much with his trials, that he could never bring the " adipocere" to perfection. He was a good classical scholar; and so highly was he enraptured with Homer's Iliad, that it was said he he lived on the island. His wife was still more charitable to the sick and poor in the vicinity, many of whom felt the benefit of her gifts. With all these kind acts fresh in their memories, several of these men were found among the banditti who ransacked his house and insulted his wife, after he had been forced to leave the island from the hue and cry of treason, which maddened and infuriated the public mind in the valley of the Ohio. In person, Mr. Blennerhassett was tall, about six feet, but slender, with a slight stoop in the shoulders. His motions were not very graceful, either as an equestrian or on foot. Forehead full and well form could repeat the whole poem in the original Greek. His manners were gentlemanly, and disposition social, hospitable and kind, especially to those with whom he wished to associate, but rather haughty to others. In mind he could not be said to be masculine and strong, but was rather wavering and fickle; easily duped and deceived by the designing and dishonest. He had quite a taste for medicine, and read many authors on that subject; which, with his natural propensities, often led him to think himself attacked with imaginary diseases; and it was sometimes difficult to convince him that they were merely ideal. To his sick neighbors and servants he was kind and attentive, often visiting and pre-ed, with a rather prominent nose and scribing for their complaints, freely tendering his medicines, of which he always kept an ample supply. His own heart being perfectly honest and free from deceit, he was unsuspicious of others, and very credulous in regard to their statements, which often led him into pecuniary losses in his business transactions. In bargaining with a notorious cheat for a quantity of the shells of the river clam, which, in the early settlements of the country, before quarries of limestone were opened, were calcined in log-heaps and used for plastering rooms, the fellow said it was a difficult matter to collect them, as he had to dive under the water where it was six or eight feet deep, and must charge. fifty cents a bushel; when, in fact, he could collect any quantity where it was only a few inches. Thinking the man told the truth, he paid him the price, which was at least five times as much as they were worth. He was very kind and charitable to the poor and unfortunate backwoods men. A Virginian who had lost his house and furniture by fire, was soon after invited with his wife to dine with him. This man owed him a considerable sum for lent money. After dinner, he told him he would either cancel the debt, or give him an order on his store at Marietta for an equal sum, and let the debt stand. The suf- | ferer was a man of honorable mind and just feelings; he therefore chose not to add to his present obligations, but accepted the cancelling of the debt, which was immediately done. This man still lives, and related the incident in 1846. Many such incidents are known to have occurred while good proportioned face. Eyes weak, and sight imperfect, seeing objects distinctly only when near, so that in reading, the surface of the page nearly touched his nose. They had a nervous, restless agitation, which probably arose from weakness in the optic nerves, requiring the constant use of glasses. Yet, with this permanent and continual annoyance, he was a great student and operator in experiments. He was also much attached to hunting, shooting quails and other small game on the island. To enjoy this sport he had to call in the aid of other persons whose vision was more acute than his own, who pointed the gun for him at the game, and gave the word when to fire. This person was often his wife, who, with the greatest kindness, attended him in his short excursions, and, with the tact of an experienced sportsman, pointed out the object, levelled the gun, and stood by with the most perfect coolness when he discharged the piece. His general habits were sedentary and studious, preferring the quiet of his library to the most brilliant assemblies. In conversation he was interesting and instructive, confining his remarks to the practical and useful more than to the amusing. As a lawyer, his wife, who had probably heard his forensic eloquence, has been heard to say that he was equal to Mr. Emmett, and frequently urged him to enter as an advocate at the higher courts of Virginia and Ohio, instead of wasting his time in obscurity, at his philosophical pursuits on the island. His library contained an ample supply of law books. A list of thirty volumes, loaned to James Wilson, a lawyer of Virginia, a few days before he left the island, is now among his papers in the hands of his agent at Marietta. Mr. Blennerhassett dressed in the old English style, with scarlet or buff-colored small clothes, and silk stockings, shoes with silver buckles, and coat generally of blue broadcloth. When at home, his dress was rather careless, often, in warm weather, in his shirt-sleeves, without coat or waistcoat; and in winter, he wore a thick woollen roundabout or short jacket. In this quiet retreat, insulated and separated from the noise and tumult of the surrounding world, amidst his books, with the company of his accomplished wife and children, he possessed all that seemed necessary for the happiness of man. And yet, in common with many of the distinguished men of his time, he gave no evidence of that clear religious faith without which there can be no solid contentment in any condition of life. The works of the French skeptics and enthusiasts, which were his favorites, could not guide his intellect to the simple truths of Christianity. He laid out his plan of existence for the indulgence of every lawful pleasure, but lacked those higher motives of action which inspire men with true firmness and dignity. the most perfect proportions, with dig- When she rode on horseback, her dress was a fine scarlet broadcloth, ornamented with gold buttons, a white beaver hat, on which floated the graceful plumes of the ostrich, of the same color. This was sometimes changed for blue or yellow, with feathers to harmonize. She was a perfect equestrian, always riding a very spirited horse, with rich trappings, who seemed proud of his burthen, and ac Mrs. Blennerhassett was more aspiring and ambitious, with a temperament in strong contrast with that of her husband. Her maiden name was Margaret Agnew, the daughter of Captain Agnew, a brave officer in the British service, and at one time the Lieut. Governor of the Isle of Man. General Agnew, who fell at the battle of Germantown, in the American Revolution, was her grandfather; and a monument was erected to his memory by his grand-daughter, after her arrival in America. She was educated and brought up by two maiden aunts, who took great care to instruct her in all the useful arts of housewifery, laundry, pastry, sew-complished the ride to Marietta, of fouring, &c., which was of great use to her in after life, when at the head of a family. They were led to this, in part, from their own limited means, teaching them to be frugal, and the need there is for every woman, who expects to marry, to be acquainted with all the useful branches of housekeeping. In person, Mrs. Blennerhassett was tall and commanding; of teen miles, in about two hours; dashing through and under the dark foliage of the forest trees, which then covered the greater part of the distance; reminding one of the gay plumage and rapid flight of some tropical bird, winging its way through the woods. In these journeys she was generally accompanied by Ransom, a favorite black servant, who fol lowed on horseback in a neat showy dress, and had to apply both whip and spur to keep in sight of his mistress. She sometimes came to Marietta by water, in a light canoe, (the roads not being yet opened for wheel carriages,) navigated by Moses, another of the colored servants, who was the principal waterman, and had charge of the boats for the transport of passengers from the island to the main. Her "shopping visits" were made in this way, as she directed the purchase of groceries, &c., for the family use, as well as for the clothing. She possessed great personal activity, sometimes, in fine weather, choosing to walk that distance, instead of riding. In addition to her feats in riding and walking, she could vault with the ease of a young fawn over a five-rail fence, with the mere aid of one hand placed on the top rail, and was often seen to do so, when walking over the farm, and a fence came in the way of her progress. It was performed with such graceful movement, and so little effort, as to call forth the wonder and admiration of the beholder. She was passionately fond of dancing, and greatly excelled in this healthful and charming exercise, moving through the mazes and intricacies of the various figures with the grace and lightness of the "queen of the fairies." Her tastes, in this respect, were often gratified in the numerous balls and assemblies given, at that day, in Marietta and Belprie, as well as at her own house, where the lofty hall frequently resounded to the cheerful music and lively steps of the dancers. With all this relish for social amusements, Mrs. Blennerhassett was very domestic in her habits. She was not only accomplished in all the arts of housewifery, but was also an excellent seamstress; cutting out and making up with her own hands, much of the clothing of her husband, as well as preparing that for the servants, which was then made by a colored female. At that period, when tailors and mantua-makers were rare in the western wilderness, this was an accomplishment of real value. That she was willing to practice these servile arts, when surrounded by all the wealth she could desire, is one of the finest and most remarkable traits in her character, indicating a noble mind, elevated above the in VOL. I. NO. IV. NEW SERIES. 25 fluence of that false pride so often seen to attend the high-born and wealthy. She was a very early riser, and when not prevented by indisposition, visited the kitchen. by early dawn, and often manipulated the pastry and cakes to be served up on the table for the day. When this service was completed, she laid aside her working dress, and attired herself in the habiliments of the lady of the mansion. At table she presided with grace and dignity; and by her cheerful conversation, and pleasant address, set every one at ease about her, however rustic their manners, or unaccustomed they might be to genteel society. Her mind was as highly cultivated as her person. She was an accomplished Italian and French scholar, and one of the finest readers imaginable ; especially excelling in the plays of Shakspeare, which she rehearsed with all the taste and spirit of a first rate actor. In history and the English classics, she was equally well read, and was often called upon to decide a disputed point in literature, under discussion by her husband and some learned guest. Her decisions were generally satisfactory to both parties, because founded on correct reasoning, and delivered in so gracious a manner. Few women have ever lived, who combined so many accomplishments and personal attractions. They strongly impressed not only intellectual and cultivated minds, who could appreciate her merits, but also the uneducated and lower classes. One of the young men, a farmer's son of Belprie, rented and cultivated a field of corn on the island, near the avenue leading from the house to the river, for the sole purpose of stealing a look at her beautiful person, as she passed by on her way to ride or walk, as she was wont to do every pleasant day. Wirt's celebrated panegyric on this lady, was in no way undeserved, although, in appearance, so much like romance. Eight years had passed rapidly and happily away, since they took possession of their island home. Two children, Herman and Dominic, had been added to their domestic blessings, whose lively prattle and cheerful smiles seemed to make life still more desirable. Parties of the young people from Marietta, Belprie, and Wood county, with occasional visitors from more distant regions, whom the far-famed beau- In an evil hour this peaceful and happy ty of this western Eden had called to see residence was entered by Aaron Burr, who, and admire, often assembled at their hos- like Satan in the Eden of old, visited this pitable mansion. Social parties of the earthly paradise, only to deceive and deolder and more sedate portion of the stroy. "Like some lost malignant spirit, community, were invited to visit them, he went to and fro upon the earth, to harand spend several days and nights on the ass and sneer at poor humanity. He was island, especially females of the families always so courteous, so polite and dewhere they visited themselves; so that corous; so interesting, nay, fascinating, they were as abundantly provided with when he strove to engage the attensocial intercourse, as if living on the main tion, that it was impossible to resist his land. A large portion of their visitors influence. It was the atmosphere of his came by water, in row-boats or canoes; presence, that poisoned all who came withas the country was so new, and destitute in its reach." In the spring of the year of bridges across the numerous creeks, 1805, this intriguing and artful man first that carriages were but little used. If visited the valley of the Ohio—his mind travellers came by land, it was on horse- restless and uneasy, a disappointed, vexed back. A gentleman of taste, who visited man, whose hands were still red with the the island in 1806, described it as "a blood of the great and noble-minded Hamscene of enchantment; a western para-ilton. No ordinary occupation could satdise; where beauty, wealth, and happiness had found a home." The wild condition of the surrounding wilderness, and the rude log cabins in which the inhabitants generally lived, by their striking contrast, added greatly to the marvellous beauty of the improvements on this remote island. Steamboats were then unknown, and travelling on the western rivers was slow and painful. Each man, or family, provided their own vessel, usually fitted for their temporary voyage in the rudest manner. A journey of one hundred miles was a long one, more formidable than five hundred or a thousand at this day. The settlement of Belprie was the only one from Marietta to Cincinnati, that showed marks of civilization, in its well-built houses, nicely cultivated farms, and blooming orchards; indicating an intelligent and refined population, who could appreciate the worth of their accomplished neighbors. A gen- He, however, made a visit of only a few tleman, who once lived in Marietta, and hours; long enough to introduce the subwas a great favorite in the family, from ject of a splendid land speculation on the his many personal and mental attractions, Red river, and to allude to the prospect of says: "I was but a boy when they left a war of the United States with Spain, and the island, but I had been a favorite in the the ease with which the Mexicans might, family for years, and had passed many of my with a little aid, throw off the foreign happiest days in their society. My intimacy yoke which had so long oppressed them. in the family of Blennerhassett is like an He then proceeded on his way. A large oasis in the desert of life. It is one of those portion of the following winter was spent 'green spots in the memory's waste,' which by Mr. Blennerhassett and his lady in Phildeath alone can obliterate; but the verdure adelphia and New York, on a visit to his of the recollection is destroyed by the old friend Emmett; where, it is probable, knowledge of their ruin and misfortunes." | he saw Burr again, and matured the plan isfy the mind of such a being; but some vast, difficult and grand scheme of ambition must be sought out, on which he could employ his exuberant faculties. Filled with his future project of founding a vast empire in the province of Mexico, with a portion of the valley of the Mississippi, then, as he had ascertained, ripe for revolution-but the plan chiefly confined, at that time, under a cloud of mystery, purporting to be a settlement of the lands he had bargained for on the Washita river" he descended the Ohio in a boat, landing as a passing traveller, merely to see and admire the far-famed improvements of the island. Mr. Blennerhassett, hearing that a stranger was on his lawn, sent a servant to invite him to the house. The wily serpent sent his card with an apology; but Mr. B., with his usual hospitality, walked out and insisted on his remaining a day or two." |