The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1934-11-30

movement for a new state or to await further
developments. Sewer replied that: I'VE shall
pursue no further measures as to new State"
But despite this avowal, Governor Martin
thought it best to send personal representative,
Col Samuel Henderson (brother of Judge Rich
ard Henderson, founder of Pennsylvania and
employer of Daniel Boone In the settlement of
Kentucky. to investigate conditions in the West.
He found that Sewer had already been elected
governor of the new State Of Franklin. that
William Cooke had been appointed as delegate
to the Continental Congress TO urge its accep-
lance Of North Cardinals cesson and that the
legislature had established an academy named
after Governor Martin.
Henderson delivered to the Franklin legisla-
ture, then in session in Jonesborough letter
from Governor Martin demanding account
of the late proceedings Of the people in the
western country" and in reply received two let
tiers, one from the legislature and one from
Sewer, which, although conciliatory in tone,
frankly expressed doubt as to North Cardinals
willingness or ability to protect her borderers
or give them a stable form Of government and
intimated their determination to persist in the
movement for independence.
The result Of this was manifesto from
Martin in which he denied their right to declare
themselves independent OF North Carolina and
demanded that the government should stin be
supported and anarchy prevented"
equally fiery one and Martin countered with
the appointment of Evan Shelby in Sewers
place as brigadier-gen of the militia and Of
Jonathan Upton colonel Of his county. In
June, 1855, Richard Caswell succeeded Martin
as governor Of North Carolina and the new
ecutive proceeded in a conciliatory but at the
same time firm manner to assert his states SOW
ereignty over the disputed territory.
Meanwhile Sewer and his legislature were
min 70 pofin cro oufbnr TIc
legislature passed various acts dealing with the
property rights of the citizens of the new state,
education currency, militia, elections, organiZa-
ton of new counties, taxes, etc. In connection
with the currency there arose problem which
was solved in a manner characteristic of the
genius of the American frontiersman for adapt
ing himself readily to circumstances. With
facilities for issuing either currency or hard
money, skins of animals were made legal tender
and provision was made for paying state officers
their salaries follows: the governor 1000 deer
skins the chief justice, 500 deer skins; the gov
ernor's secretary, 500 raccoon skins; the state
treasurer, $50 raccoon skins each county clerk,
300 beaver skins; the clerk of the house of COM
mons. 200 raccoon skins; members of the assem-
bly, per day. three raccoon skins; justice fee for
signing warrant, muskrat skin; and to the
constable for serving q warrant, mink skin
Late in 1855 the legislature met at GreeneviIle
and there committee. headed by Rev. Samuel
Houston Of Washington county, presented for
adoption a constitution which is an oddly in
American Jurisprudence. It provided for legis-
lature of single house and from this were to
be excluded not only ministers of the gospel
attorneys at law and doctors Of physics but also
those who were "of immoral character guilty
of such fragrant enormities as drunkenness, gam
ing profane swearing. lewdness, Sabbath-break-
ing and such like, or who shall deny the existence
of God. Of heaven, and of he'll the inspiration
of the Scriptures, the existence Of the Trim
ity." Although full religious liberty was guaran-
teed, only the strictly orthodox might hold Of
fee but it was barred to anyone who was mot
a scholar to do the business"
This remarkable document, which provided
for many other curious innovations In govern
ment, was the work Of pioneer doctrinaires-
Houston, Campbell. Cooke and Tipton-and de-
serves study as a bizarre reflection of the spirit
and genius Of the western frontiersman" says
Henderson. Excellent II may have been in
many respects, it was turned down fatty and this
rejection was to have an important effect on the
later fortunes Of the State Of Franklin.
For North Cardinals quiet and persistent as
sertion Of Its authority was beginning to create
a schism In the new commonwealth. Henderson
says that the "considerate policy" of Governor
Caswel, coupled with the detection from
Sewers cause Of men of the stamp of Houston
and Upton after the laundering and cavalier
rejection Of their singular constitution under
mined the foundations Of Franklin
North Carolina began sending its officers into
Franklin to exercise her authority over the citi-