BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF HERMAN BLENNERHASSETT, AND MRS. MARGARET BLENNERHASSETT.* HERMAN BLENNERHASSETT, Esq., was a descendant of a noble family of Ireland, in the county of Cork. He was born in Hampshire, England, in the year 1767, while his parents were there on a visit. The family residence was Castle Conway, in the county of Kerry, to which they shortly after returned. He was educated with great care; and when a boy, attended the Westminster school, celebrated for its classical excellence, completing his studies at Trinity College, Dublin, whose honors he shared in company with his relative, the celebrated T. A. Emmett. | They read law together at the King's Inn Courts, Dublin; were admitted to the bar on the same day, in the year 1790; and between them existed ever after the warmest friendship. Having spent some time travelling in France and the Netherlands, he returned and practiced at the bar in Ireland. Expecting, however, to fall heir to a large estate in a few years, he made but little effort to excel in the law-rather cultivating his taste for the sciences, music, and general literature. At the death of his father in 1796, he became possessed of a handsome fortune; but on account of the troubles in Ireland, in which he became politically involved, he sold the estate to his cousin, Lord Ventry, and went to England, where he soon after married Miss Agnew, daughter of the LieutenantGovernor of the Isle of Man, and granddaughter of General Agnew, who fell at the battle of Germantown. Lord Kingsale, and Admiral De Courcey of the navy, both married sisters of Mr. Blennerhassett. The latter expressing rather freely his republican principles in opposition to his relations, finally concluded to visit the United States, and make that country his | future home, where he could utter his se timents and enjoy the benefits of freede undisturbed by spies or informers. Before sailing for America, he visite London, and purchased a large library classical and scientific books, with a losophical apparatus, embracing vari branches, and arrived in New York 1797. By the aid of his letters, weal and his own personal and literary me he became acquainted with some of th first families in the city. Among othe of his newly acquired friends, was Joseph S. Lewis, a rich merchant of PE delphia, who became his business an and for many years his firm friend. E Blennerhassett named his youngest son seph Lewis, in token of his regard for t gentleman, who was finally a consider loser by this connection, and after Mr. E nerhassett's failure, and the destruction his house and property, became the ow of the Island. His stay in New York w of only a few months' continuance; w hearing of the rich valleys and beau country on the Ohio river, he crossed t mountains, and after spending a few wel in Pittsburgh, took passage for Mari in the fall of the year 1797. Here passed the winter, examining the vici of that place for a spot on which to m his permanent residence. He finally cided on purchasing a plantation oz a island in the Ohio river, fourteen r below the mouth of the Muskingum, within the jurisdiction of the State of V ginia. The situation was wild, rond tic, and beautiful; and as it was chief a state of nature, a few acres only be cleared, he could reclaim it from the fr adorn and cultivate it to his own tel Its location also gave him the privileg From a volume of Biographical Sketches of the First Settlers of Ohio, by S. P. HILDREDE, MI. a, written for the Cincinnati Historical Society. American Review, 1845. Article by Mr. Wallace. lding colored servants as his own propty, which he could not do in the NorthEst Territory. The island was, moreer, near the settlement of Belprie, comsed chiefly of very intelligent and well-gardens. It was covered at this spot with ucated men-disbanded officers of the nerican army-whose society would at time relieve him of ennui. The island elf was a picture of beauty, as well as all its kind, at that early day, before the nd of man had marred its shores. The Doping branches of the willow laved ir graceful foliage in the water; while more lofty sycamore and elm, with ir giant arms, protected them from the le blasts of the storm, and gave a granr and dignity to these primitive landpes, now only to be seen in the remoter ions of the West. | island, and building his island mansion, which was completed in 1800. Much labor and expense were necessary in preparing the ground for his buildings and forest trees, which had to be removed and stumps eradicated, so as to leave a smooth level surface, with expensive landings up and down the banks on both sides of the river for convenient access to and from the island. Boats of various sizes were also to be procured, and a company of eight or ten black servants purchased as waiters, grooms, watermen, &c. His outlays, when the improvements were completed, amounted to more than 40,000 dollars. This sum, expended chiefly amongst the mechanics, laborers, and farmers of the new region where money was scarce and hard The island at present known as "Blen- to be obtained, was of very great advanhassett's," was then called "Backus's,' tage to their interests; and Mr. Blenner> had owned it since 1792. It is said hassett may be considered as the greatest Lave been located by General Washing-benefactor, in this respect, that had ever as he owned a large tract of land im- settled west of the mountains. The island liately below, called "Washington's mansion was built with great taste and tom," entered by him in the year 1770. beauty; no expense being spared in its as first surveyed in May, 1784, on a construction that could add to its usefulI warrant issued in 1780, and a patent ness or splendor. It consisted of a main le out by Patrick Henry, Governor of building, fifty-two feet in length, thirty in ginia, in 1786, to Alexander Nelson of width, and two stories high. Porticoes, mond, Virginia, who was a member forty feet in length, in the form of wings, mercantile firm in Philadelphia. By projected in front, connected with offices, in chancery of the High Court of presenting each a face of twenty-six feet, inia, procured by Mr. Blennerhassett and twenty feet in depth, uniting them erfect his title, it appears that Elijah with the main building, forming the half tus of Norwich, Connecticut, bought of an ellipse, and making in the whole a ames Herron of Norfolk, Va., in the front of one hundred and four feet. The 1792, two islands in the Ohio river; left-hand office was occupied for the serrincipal one being the first below the vants' hall, and the right for the library, th of the Little Kenawha, then in the philosophical apparatus, study, &c. The ty of Monongalia, containing two appearance of the mansion indicated the red and ninety-seven acres, for the fortune and the exquisite taste of its proof £250, Virginia currency, or prietor, the grounds being laid out with $833 33. This island is of a very great care and elegance. A handsome iar form, narrow in the middle, and lawn of several acres occupied the front at both extremities. In March, ground, while an extended opening was Mr. Blennerhassett purchased the made through the forest trees on the head portion, containing about 170 acres, of the island, affording a view of the river he sum of $4,500; and soon after for several miles above, and bringing the d with his wife and child on to his mansion under the notice of descending purchase-living in a large old block- boats. Well-graded walks, with a car, standing about half a mile below riage-way, led from the house to the river, pper end of the island, built in the passing through an ornamental gateway of the Indian war by Capt. James. with large stone pillars. A fine hedge of he resided while conducting the im- native hawthorns bordered the right side ments near the upper end of the of the avenue to the house, while back it lay the flower garden of about two acres, inclosed with neat palings, to which were traced gooseberry bushes, peaches, and other varieties of fruit-bearing trees, in the manner of wall-fruits. The garden was planted with flowering shrubs, both exotic and native, but especially abounding in the latter, which the good taste of the occupants had selected from the adja cent forests, and planted in thick masses; through which wandered serpentine walks, bordered with flowers, imitating a labyrinth. Arbors and grottoes covered with honeysuckles and eglantines were placed at convenient intervals, giving the whole a very romantic and beautiful appearance. On the opposite side of the house was a large kitchen garden, and back of these, orchards of peach and apple-trees of the choicest varieties, procured from abroad as well as from the Belprie nurseries. Lower down on the island was the farm, with about one hundred acres under the nicest cultivation, the luxuriant soil producing the finest crops of grain and grass. For the last three or four years of his residence, a large dairy was added to his other agricultural pursuits, under the management of Thomas Neal, who also superintended the labor of the farm. The garden was conducted by Peter Taylor, a native of Lancashire, England, who was bred to the pursuit; but under the direction of Mr. Blennerhassett, whose fine taste in all that was beautiful, ordered the arranging and laying out of the grounds. The mansion and offices were frame buildings, painted with the purest white, contrasting tastefully with the green foliage of the ornamental shade trees which surrounded it. An abundance of fine stone for building could have been quarried from the adjacent Virginia shore, but he preferred a structure of wood as less liable to be damaged by earthquakes. The finishing and furniture of the apartments was adapted to the use for which they were intend ed. "The hall was a spacious room; its walls painted a sombre color, with a beautiful cornice of plaster, bordered with a gilded moulding, running round the lofty ceiling; while its furniture was rich, heavy and grand. The furniture of the drawingroom was in strong contrast with the hall; Fight, airy, and elegant; with splendid rs, gay-colored carpets, rich curtains, with ornaments to correspond, arranged by his lady with the nicest taste and harmonious effect. A large quantity of silver plate ornamented the side-boards, and decorated the tables; yet they had not entirely completed their arrangements. when the destroyer appeared and frus trated all their designs for comfort and future happiness. The whole establish ment was noble, chastened by the pures taste, without that glare of tinsel finery too common among the wealthy. The style of living was in unison with the hous and furniture, elegant, easy and comfor able." Mr. B. was a highly intellectual ma greatly devoted to scientific occupations which his ample library and leisure time afforded every facility for pursuing. was studious, and fond of experimenting in chemistry, electricity and galvanis His apparatus, though not extensive, wa ample for such experiments as an amate would wish to make. Astronomy wa also a favorite study: a fine telesco enabled him to examine the constellatio in their courses; a solar microscope to spect the minuter bodies of the earth. music he possessed the nicest taste an uncommon genius; composing harm nious and beautiful airs, several pieces which are now remembered and played a gentleman who, when a youth, was ir mate in his family. His favorite instrum was the violincello, on which he playe with admirable skill: the spacious bi of the mansion being constructed so as i give effect to musical sounds, the tone his viol vibrated through it with thril effect, calling forth the admiration of guests. Electricity and galvanism receiv a share of his attention, and many exp ments were made in these wond branches of modern science. Among trials in chemical operations, was tha: converting beef into "adipocere." pieces of which were submerged in beautiful little cove between the lar and the sand-bar at the head of the is He fancied it might be used in pla spermaceti for lights; but the cat-fish perch interfered so much with his that he could never bring the “ adipo to perfection. He was a good clas scholar; and so highly was he enrap with Homer's Iliad, that it was sa more charitable to the sick and poor in the vicinity, many of whom felt the benefit of her gifts. With all these kind acts fresh in their memories, several of these men were found among the banditti who ransacked his house and insulted his wife, after he had been forced to leave the island from the hue and cry of treason, which maddened and infuriated the public mind in the valley of the Ohio. In person, Mr. Blennerhassett was tall, about six feet, but slender, with a slight stoop in the shoulders. His motions were not very graceful, either as an equestrian or on foot. Forehead full and well form good proportioned face. Eyes weak, and sight imperfect, seeing objects distinctly only when near, so that in reading, the surface of the page nearly touched his nose. They had a nervous, restless agitation, which probably arose from weakness in the optic nerves, requiring the constant use of glasses. Yet, with this permanent and continual annoyance, he was a great student and operator in experiments. could repeat the whole poem in the origi- | he lived on the island. His wife was sti nal Greek. His manners were gentlemanly, and disposition social, hospitable and kind, especially to those with whom he wished to associate, but rather haughty to others. In mind he could not be said to be masculine and strong, but was rather wavering and fickle; easily duped and deceived by the designing and dishonest. He had quite a taste for medicine, and read many authors on that subject; which, with his natural propensities, often led him to think himself attacked with imaginary diseases; and it was sometimes difficult to convince him that they were merely ideal. To his sick neighbors and servants he was kind and attentive, often visiting and pre-ed, with a rather prominent nose and scribing for their complaints, freely tendering his medicines, of which he always kept an ample supply. His own heart being perfectly honest and free from deceit, he was unsuspicious of others, and very credulous in regard to their statements, which often led him into pecuniary losses in his business transactions. In bargaining with a notorious cheat for a quantity of the shells of the river clam, which, in the early settlements of the country, before quarries of limestone were opened, were calcined in log-heaps and used for plastering rooms, the fellow said it was a difficult matter to collect them, as he had to dive under the water where it was six or eight feet deep, and must charge fifty cents a bushel; when, in fact, he could collect any quantity where it was only a few inches. Thinking the man told the truth, he paid him the price, which was at least five times as much as they were worth. He was very kind and charitable to the poor and unfortunate backwoodsmen. A Virginian who had lost his house and furniture by fire, was soon after invited with his wife to dine with him. This man owed him a considerable sum for lent money. After dinner, he told him he would either cancel the debt, or give him an order on his store at Marietta for an equal sum, and let the debt stand. The sufferer was a man of honorable mind and just feelings; he therefore chose not to add to his present obligations, but accepted the cancelling of the debt, which was immediately done. This man still lives, and related the incident in 1846. Many such incidents are known to have occurred while He was also much attached to hunting, shooting quails and other small game on the island. To enjoy this sport he had to call in the aid of other persons whose vision was more acute than his own, who pointed the gun for him at the game, and gave the word when to fire. This person was often his wife, who, with the greatest kindness, attended him in his short excursions, and, with the tact of an experienced sportsman, pointed out the object, levelled the gun, and stood by with the most perfect coolness when he discharged the piece. His general habits were sedentary and studious, preferring the quiet of his library to the most brilliant assemblies. In conversation he was interesting and instructive, confining his remarks to the practical and useful more than to the amusing. As a lawyer, his wife, who had probably heard his forensic eloquence, has been heard to say that he was equal to Mr. Emmett, and frequently urged him to enter as an advocate at the higher courts of Virginia and Ohio, instead of wasting his time in obscurity, at his philosophical pursuits on the island. His library contained an ample supply of law books. A list of thirty volumes, loaned to James Wilson, a lawyer of Virginia, a few days before he left the island, is now among his papers in the hands of his agent at Marietta. Mr. Blennerhassett dressed in the old English style, with scarlet or buff-colored small clothes, and silk stockings, shoes with silver buckles, and coat generally of blue broadcloth. When at home, his dress was rather careless, often, in warm weather, in his shirt-sleeves, without coat or waistcoat; and in winter, he wore a thick woollen roundabout or short jacket. the most perfect proportions, with dignified and graceful manners, finely moulded features, and very fair, transparent complexion; eyes, dark blue, sparkling with life and intelligence; hair, a rich, deep brown, profuse and glossy, dressed in the most elegant manner. When at her island home, she often wore a headdress of colored silk stuff, folded very full, something in the manner of an eastern turban, giving a noble and attractive appearance to the whole person. These were of various colors, but always composed of a single one, either of pink, In this quiet retreat, insulated and separated from the noise and tumult of the sur-yellow, or white, adjusted in the most rounding world, amidst his books, with the company of his accomplished wife and children, he possessed all that seemed necessary for the happiness of man. And yet, in common with many of the distinguished men of his time, he gave no evidence of that clear religious faith without which there can be no solid contentment in any condition of life. The works of the French skeptics and enthusiasts, which were his favorites, could not guide his intellect to the simple truths of Christianity. He laid out his plan of existence for the indulgence of every lawful pleasure, but lacked those higher motives of action which inspire men with true firmness and dignity. becoming manner and nicest taste, in which particular few women could equal her. White was a favorite color for dress in the summer, and rich colored stuffs in the winter. Her motions were all graceful, and greatly heightened by the expression of her countenance. No one could be in her company, even a few minutes, without being strongly attracted by her fascinating manners. A very intelligent lady, who was familiarly acquainted with her in her best days on the island, and has since visited and seen the most elegant and beautiful females in the courts of France and England, as well as Washington city, says that she has beheld no one who was equal to her in beauty of person, dignity of manners, elegance of dress, and in short, all that is lovely and finished in the female person, such as she was when "queen of the fairy isle." When she rode on horseback, her dress was a fine scarlet broadcloth, ornamented with gold buttons, a white beaver hat, on which floated the graceful plumes of the ostrich, of the same color. This was sometimes changed for blue or yellow, with feathers to harmonize. She was a perfect equestrian, always riding a very spirited horse, with rich trappings, who seemed proud of his burthen, and ac Mrs. Blennerhassett was more aspiring and ambitious, with a temperament in strong contrast with that of her husband. Her maiden name was Margaret Agnew, the daughter of Captain Agnew, a brave officer in the British service, and at one time the Lieut. Governor of the Isle of Man. General Agnew, who fell at the battle of Germantown, in the American Revolution, was her grandfather; and a monument was erected to his memory by his grand-daughter, after her arrival in America. She was educated and brought up by two maiden aunts, who took great care to instruct her in all the useful arts of housewifery, laundry, pastry, sew-complished the ride to Marietta, of fouring, &c., which was of great use to her in after life, when at the head of a family. They were led to this, in part, from their own limited means, teaching them to be frugal, and the need there is for every woman, who expects to marry, to be acquainted with all the useful branches of Lekeeping. In person, Mrs. Blenwas tall and commanding; of teen miles, in about two hours; dashing through and under the dark foliage of the forest trees, which then covered the greater part of the distance; reminding one of the gay plumage and rapid flight of some tropical bird, winging its way through the woods. In these journeys she was generally accompanied by Ransom, a favorite black servant, who fol |