e of the most conspicuous men in that section of country;
while his private virtues and public actions endeared him to
every individual of the community. During the war of 1774 and
subsequently, he was the most active and efficient defender of
that vicinity, against the insidious attacks of the savage foe;
and there were very few if any scouting parties proceeding from
thence, by which the Indians were killed or otherwise much
annoyed, but those which were commanded by him.

He was the first justice of the peace in the district of West
Augusta--the first sheriff in the county of Harrison and Wood,
and [98] once a delegate to the General Assembly of the States.
His military merits carried him through the subordinate grades
to the rank of Colonel. Despising the pomp and pageantry of
office, he accepted it for the good of the community, and was
truly an effective man. Esteemed, beloved by all, he might have
exerted his influence, over others, to the advancement of his
individual interest; but he sought the advancement of the
general weal, not a personal or family aggrandizement. His
example might teach others, that offices were created for the
public good, not for private emolument. If aspirants for office
at the present day, were to regard its perquisites less, and
their fitness for the discharge of its duties more, the country
would enjoy a greater portion of happiness and prosperity, and
a sure foundation for the permanence of these be laid, in the
more disinterested character of her counsellors, and their
consequently, increased devotion to her interests.

[12] The Spaniards at New Orleans, from the first settlement
of the country west of the Alleghany Mountains, sought to
attach it to the province of Louisiana. Knowing the powerful
efficacy of gold, in producing such results, they dispensed it
with a liberal hand, to such as made New Orleans their market.
The attachment of the first settlers, to the free institutions
of our country, baffled every attempt to detach them from it.

------

_Comment by R. G. T._--The Spanish conspiracy was, in the main,
"baffled" by the prompt action of our general government.
George Rogers Clark and several other leading Kentuckians were