Note 89 — Chapter XV

This description of the Blennerhassett place so soon after the family were forced to abandon the island, is of especial interest. The story of Harman Blennerhassett is one of the best-known in Western annals. He was an Irish gentleman of fortune and culture, who because of his republican principles emigrated to America. In 1798 he bought this beautiful island in the Ohio, and prepared it for a home for his family. Charming and accomplished, he and his wife occupied themselves in beautifying the place, in generous and lavish hospitality, and in scientific investigation. Unfortunately Blennerhassett was tempted to embrace the schemes of Aaron Burr, and involved his entire estate in that enterprise. Late in 1806 rumors of treason grew so strong that Blennerhassett was obliged to escape from his island, which was shortly overrun with local militia, who wantonly destroyed much property and insulted Mrs. Blennerhassett. The place had been left to the care of Colonel Nathaniel Cushing, who, after distinguished service in the Revolution, had removed to the Ohio, and having settled near Belpré, was a neighbor and warm friend of the Blennerhassetts. The fine mansion was burned in 1811 by the carelessness of negroes, and but little is now left of the estate which had been laid out with so much care and taste. For description of the present condition of the island, see Thwaites, On the Storied Ohio.—Ed.