The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1840-09-01
BLANNERHAssErs ISLAND.

some distance, hut The thick wood of the river
obstructs any view Of the interior. We no
trace of the beautiful mansion Of Blannerhasser
| except chimney at the north eud of the island
which wns>alItha escaped the fire in which
( that dwelling had been consumed hear, how
ever. that the heauifnl shruhbery still lives on
the island, which was planted by Blamerhassai,
and that many ofthe walks he laid OUT now
open.
Biannerhasset was ore of the Irish patriots
who were compelled TO fee from Ireland after
I their attempt 10 iibsrate themselves FROM the
thraldom of England. HI was possesseda of u
! large amount Of properfy, Inc grenter part of
which he was f,,tunate enough 10 render avail
able in money before his departure. Disguised
with the corruption OF courts and turmoil Of pol
| tiles, he sought retirement in the western wilder
ness, beautiful island in the Ohio, then on
the borders LIBERALIZATION. lie built lnincey
mansion on il, and embelIished it in most
C ostiy manner. Situated on the borders of Vir.'
einia, Kentucky and Ohio, he had access to very
refined society with which it was his custom
constantly to intermingle and interchange civil
| tiles.
His hospitality was iinbounded, and dealt out
as it was by his own chivalric courtesy and the
grace of his beautiful wife, his island became
the general resort Of all the country around, and
it is even yet celebrated for the splendid revel
ries and entertainments of which it was The
scene. Bannerhasset was fine sample OF
polished Irish gentleman, and rendered himself
n very affectionate object of regard by the nmen
hy OF his manners and disposition.
His lady was women of rare benuty and
conplishnehts, whichwere heightenedhy pure
and unimpeachable character. She reigned the
Queen of this beanti(ui Kingdom of taste and re.
finenent, which Blannerhasset had created on
the Ohio; and according 10 contemporary nc
counts, she deported herself with grace and
dignity that might have become throne. She
n of fIiufl auI apbitIou auG
when Burr, aware of her commanding influence
over her husband, confidently entrusted her
with his plans of Mexican dominion, she was
fired with the boldness ond intrepidty OF his en-
| ,erprise, and Immediately determined to engage
her husband as a confederate. Blannerhasset
was man OF ductile temper, and was easily in
Iduced hy the dazzling representations of pros
pec,ve glory and honor which is ambitious wife
set before him, TO become participaior with
Burr! He was moreover liberalist of the
French school, of which Aaron Burr was well
aware. The gorgeous representations which
Burr held up TO him of Mexico redeemed from
tyranny 10y their united efforts fired his soul,
and he entered with enthusiasm into what he
believed and honorable and humane undertak-
ing. e. ..-..t-.
When once pledged to Burr under the mas.
tering genius of his wife, he actively engaged in
| enlisting men, building boats and preparing the
essentials OF his expedition. Many of the most
respectable citizens of the neighboring country
we're connected with the affair. and deuded in
the same manner Blannerhasset The enter.
tainu,enis ON the island were broken up, anil its
shores echoed only to the muffled orr OF the con
sprators, as they crossed from the adjacent
bank, or tn the tramp of bold adventures, as
they congregated on the beach to- resolve aud
discuss their plans Of Mexican redemption.
large number Of fiat boats had been built on the
Muskinguni, and sent to tie island, and
every thing was ripe for embarkation when the
| plot was discovered TO the public authorities by
one of the accomplices. Bannerhasset was In.
std,,tly deserted by his followers, and left alone
to brunt the scorn. -Timothy Buell. commander
| of the Militin, with sunll detachment, went o.
| yer 10 arrest Blnnnerhasset. He had hardly set
foot on the island, before he met by Mrs
Blannerlasset whose spirit seemed to with
The increasing desperation Of her fortunes She
had seen the party coming, and snatching up
pair of her husbands pistols, she ran from the
house TO meet them Just as the militia major
slept ont of the boat, she seized him by the
shoulder, and thursling hi n hack, presented two
| formidable pistols full in his face, cooked and
! PINNED commanding him in the most positive
! touc, not TO advance-'one step forward, and
will send you into eternity; it is easier for
me to do than say it, were her words, according
| 10 my narrator, who was one ofthe party. Her
splendid figure drawn up TO its full height, her
eyes fixed with strong and determined gaze,
her han,ls clenched firmly the pistols which she
held ut arms Iergth, told the militia major, in
language not be mistaken, the terms
1 which he might advance. The old fellow
quailed and trembled before the courageous
woman, and was forced TO turn without his VIC
Tim. Blannerhasset made his escape, and is
now was few years since, living with his
wife in poverty in France t..... ... a.
|