Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1840-11-17
RLANNERHASSET.


A few miles below Marietta, we passed
bIannerhasset's Island. We ran under the
lee of it some distance, but the thick wood
OF the river obstructs any view Of the inte-
rlor. We saw no trace of the beautiful
mansion Of Blannerhasset, except a Chin
ney at the north end of the Island, which
was all that escaped the fire in which that
dwelling had been consumed. | hear how
ever, that the beautiful shrubbery still lives
on the Island, which was planted by Blan-
ncrhasset, and that many Of the walks he
IaId out are now open.
Blannerhasset was one Of the Irish pa,
tr!ots who were compelled to flee from Ire
land after their attempt to Iiberate them
selves from the thraIdom Of England. He
was possessed of a large amount of pro-
pcrty, the greater part of which he was
fortunate enough TO render available IN mo-
ney before his departure. Disguised with
the corruption Of courts and turmoil OF po-
ltlcs, he sought retirement ia the western
wilderness, on a beautiful Island in the Ohio,
then on the borders of civilization. He
built princely mansion on it, and embel-
Ilshed it in a costly manner Situated on
the borders Of Virginia, Kentucky and
Ohio, he had access TO very refined socie-
", with which it was his custom constant
y to intermingle and interchange ciyIi-
ties.
His hospitality was unbounded, and dealt
out as it was by his own chjyarc couIte-
sy and the grace Of his beautiful wife, his
island became the general resort Of ali the
country around, and 1t is even yet ceIcbra-
ted for the splendid revelrics and entertain
ments Of which it was the scene. B,an-
nerhasset was a fine sample of polished
Irish gentleman, and rendered himself a
very aHectionate object OF regard by the
amrnity OF his manners and disposition.
Ills lady was q women Of rare beauty
and accomplishments, which were height
encd by pure and unimpoachabo char
acter She reigned the Queen Of this belu-
tljuI kingdom of taste and refinement,
which Blannerhasset had created on the
OHIO, ard according 10 cOtemporary aG-
counts, she deported herself with a grace
and dignity that would have become a
throne. She was a woman OF high spirit
and ambition. aud when Burr, aware Of
her commanding influence owe: her hus-
band, confidently entrusted her with his
plan OF Mexican dominion, she was fired
with the bo!dncss and inrepdity Of his en-
terprse, ana Immediately determined 10 en-
gage her husband as a confederate. BIan-
ncrhasset was man OF ductile temper,
and was easily induced by the dazzling re-
presentations Of prospective glory and no.
nour, which his ambitious wife set before
him, TO become a partclpator with BGrr.-
He was moreover ahberaist Of he French
School, OF which Aaron Burr was we'll
aware. The gorgeous reT rcsentation which
Burr held up to him Of Mexico redeemed
from tyranny by their united efforts, fired
his soul as he entered with enthusiasm in-
to what he believed an honorable and hui
manc undertaking.
When once pledged to Burr, under the
mastering ,enius of his wife. he actively
engaged in enlistiug men, building boats,
and preparing the essentials OF his eXpcdl-
ton. Many Of the most respectable citi-
zens Of the neighboring country were con-
nected with the affair, and deIuded in the
same manner as Bannerhasset. The en-
tertalnments on the island were broken up,
and its shores echoed only to the muli1ed
oar of the conspirators, as they crossed to
the adjacent bank, or to the tramp of bold
adventures, as they congregated on the
beach, to resolve and discuss their plans Of
Mexican redemption.
A large number Of flat boats had been
built on the Muskngum, and sent over to
the island, and everything was ready for
embarkation, when the plo;was discovered
TO the public authorities by one Of the ac-
completes. Biannerhasset was instantly
deserted by his followers, and left alone 10
brunt the storm. Timothy BueI, comman-
der of the militia, with a small detachment
went over 10 arrest Bannerhasset. He
had hardly set foot on the island. before
he was met by Mrs Blannerhasset, whose
| spirit seemed 10 rise with the increasing
desperation of her fortunes. She had seen
the party coming, and snatchiug I'D a pair
Of her husbands pistols, she ran from the
| house to meet them. just as the militia
MAJOR stepped out of the beat, she seized
| him by the shoulder and thrusting him
back. presented two formidable pistols full
! in his face, cooked and primed, command