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Story Archives: Jan. 12, 1804: U.S. flag raised over Concord (Vidalia)
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Jan. 12, 1804: U.S. flag raised over Concord (Vidalia)
 On Oct. 31, 1803, Congressman William Dickson of Tennessee wrote Gen. Andrew Jackson, head of the Tennessee militia.
Dickson reported that President Thomas Jefferson had directed "five hundred mounted infantry be raised with all possible expedition...to proceed to Natchez and cooperate, if necessary, with the troops under Genl. (James) Wilkinson and the militia of the Mississippi Territory...He further contemplates raising a force of some thousands to be also in readiness to march, if necessary, by the first of December..."
In Tennessee, the Mississippi Territory and throughout the young United States, there was fear that the Spanish might force a war over the issue of the Louisiana Purchase. Spain had ceded Louisiana to France in a secret treaty. When France decided to transfer ownership to the U.S. for $15 million, Spanish officials were outraged. War was feared.
Tennessee Gov. John Sevier reported to Sen. George Campbell on Nov. 7, 1803, that the Legislature was taking measures to raise the troops, but worried: "The season of the year, coming on cold, and many of the men bare of clothing, I submit to your consideration whether it might not be proper to order the troops one month's pay in advance."
While the first detachment of 500 mounted troops was being organized and preparing to march, Jackson awarded a contract for the construction of 28 flatboats to transport the second detachment. Secretary of War Henry Dearborn in early December ordered the construction of several ferry-boats "large enough to convey four or five horses at one time and convenient light boat of the batteaux kind for the conveyance of foot passengers."
Sevier appointed Col. George Doherty, a Revolutionary War veteran, as the commander of the first detachment of 500 troops. He also determined that the second detachment would include 1,500 men as work continued furiously to raise the volunteers.
In late November, the men of the first detachment, coming from different areas of Tennessee, passed through Nashville. The Tennessee Gazette wrote: "They are now encamped at Golgotha about six miles from this town (Nashville), and will march tomorrow under the command of Col. Doherty, from Holston, and Majors Hall and Witherspoon of Mero District. They are well equipped and in high spirits." Among the other officers was Col. Gilbert Christian Russell.
On December 7, the paper reported that the last company of volunteers departed "on their way to Natchez and yesterday proceeded on their march." The soldiers traversed the Nashville to Natchez Road, later to be known as the Natchez Trace. Notorious criminals such as Sam Mason and Little Harp were terrorizing travelers along the road during that period but stayed clear of this heavily-armed military force.For the full story, subscribe to the The Concordia Sentinel's NEW E-Edition! |
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