Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-17
NEW LIGHT THROWN
ON CAPTURE
OF BURR
INTERESTING FACTS CONTAINED
IN PAPERS JUST DISCOVERED
AND PLACED IN ARCHIVES
OF MISSISSIPPI.

JACKSON, Miss, April 14.-The director
of the department of archives and history
of Mississippi Mr.. Dunbar Rowland, has
come into the possession OF some most
valuable papers relative to the capture OF
Aaron Burr, which throw new light upon
that stirring epoch of Mississippis history
and the thrilling times which existed then
in this vast western territory, and how
excited the people were when 1t was learn
ed that Burr was coming down the Mis-
sissippi river, with armed associates, TO
establish a government in the west.
The first step that was taken by the Mis-
sissippi territory to Illustrate the plan or
Burr in his empire building was a proc
lamation issued by Cowles Meads, then
acting governor of the territory OF Mis-
sissippi in the absence of Governor Will
Jams, who was visiting out of the section,
bearing the date of October 8, 1906, warn,
ing the people of the approach of Burr
and of his base designs against the SAFE
ty and peace of the country.
The proclamation is original in many re-
spects 1t does not mention Burr's name,
but says, Whereas. information from
various sources has been communicated
TO me Of the designs of an association
whose object is the dismemberment OF this
and neighboring countries from the gov
eminent of the United States" He warns
all citizens to be on the alert and prove
their patriotism by giving such assistance
TO the capture of these traitors as they
can, and he further, to make sure that
none of the officers Joined this band. or
dered that all officers who had not taken
the oath required of them by the statutes
of the country, come forward and take the
same in Is days, or in default their COM
mission would be revoked and they dis
missed from service.
Though much excitement prevailed and
many rumors were afioat. nothing official
further was done. toward the capture OF
Burr until general orders were issued by
the commander of the Mississippi terrific
rial forces for a more complete and per-
feet organization Of the militia Of the ter
ritory. which order bears the date of De-
cember 25 1906. The first regiment was
ordered to be mustered in January 20, at
Natchez, the second, January 10th, at
Greenville the fourth, January 18th at
Port Gibson and the fifth January 18th
at Plercy's plantation.
on January 10th an express from
washington City with dispatches arrived,
and on Monday following sixty men were
put on guard on the high blum at Natchez
to watch the river, with orders to stop and
examine every boat that should try to
pass.
On January 18th Meads addressed the
legislative assembly. which was then in
session, saying that "the cloud which has
so long been anticipated by the assembly
has now assumed a definite aspect OF de-
fiance and slowly proceeds upon us. These
signs bid us convert the pen of the legis-
lature into the weapon of war, and sus-
pend the elegance of debate for the clang-
or of military arrangement And in his
proclamation he adjourned the assembly
that the members might take up the
weapons of war.
On Tuesday. word was received that
Aaron Burr. had arrived at Bayou Pierre,
north of Matches. with a force estimated
from 40 to 800 men.
On that day a detachment of 275 men
were collected on the bank of the river,
and on the day following at sunrise, the
detachment embarked in charge Of Fer
nand L. Claborn, up the waters of Gull
Inns creek for Bayou Pierre to capture
Burr. The detachment was met by Major
Shields and Captain Poindexter, who were
then sent in haste to Colonel Burr's en-
campment to announce to him the move
ments Of the troops and to invite his sur
render.
Burr signed an armistice and the next
day met the governor at the home of
Mr.. Calvits, and afterwards surrendered
himself as a prisoner. A company Of
troops were sent up the creek and de-
stroyed his stores and other munitions of
war.
Burr was then indicted by the grand
jury for treason and gave bond for trial,
but broke his bond soon after he was
given his liberty. He was, however, re-
captured in Louisiana. s~
The papers relative to his capture in
Mississippi are interesting and throw new
light upon the subject.