A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
OF
FORT CRAWFORD
By: Mrs. Annie C. Waters
There are many grammatical errors in this documentary. Mrs. Waters copied the quotes very
carefully from the original sources, errors included. Now the history begins!
On a high bluff overlooking the waters of the Aloochahatcha (Murder)
Creek (1) was erected in 1816 the U.S. military post named Ft. Crawford, located within the present day
city limits of East Brewton, Alabama. It was
situated 3 miles from the Conaka (Conicu, Conecuh) River and about one mile
east of Neyatonchee (Burnt Corn) Creek. (2) Few historical sites evoked more
controversy over a century and a half among history buffs than has this fort.
Such questions as, when was it built and by whom, what was its exact location, for whom was it named, how long was it manned by the American forces,
what relation did it bear to Andrew Jackson and his men, who were its
commanders, what unit or units of the army served there, and for what
purpose was it erected, have been answered by facts mingled with traditions
over the years, so that hardly any two persons seem to accept the same
answers. It is the purpose of this narrative to factually answer as many of
these questions as authoratative sources will permit and to renew local
interest in the old fort.
When the Creek War ended with the Treaty of Fort Jackson in 1814 the land area which today
comprises Escambia County was a part of the Mississippi
Territory as was all the land in present Alabama that was ceded to the United
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States by the Creek Nation. As such, it was under the jurisdiction of the
Territorial governor. Major General Andrew Jackson was in command of the
Division of the U.S. Army of the South and at the end of the Creek War
returned to Tennessee and Maj. Gen. Edmund P. Gaines was left in charge of
the military affairs of what is now central and southern Alabama with
headquarters at Ft. Montgomery in north Baldwin County. From 1813
through 1814 no less than thirty-two forts had been erected and from 1816
through 1818 at least 7 more were built; of these, some were built by the
troops, others by the settlers. (3)
The year 1815 was one of peace between the Indians and the settlers but by
January 1816 hostile natives were again on the war path, encouraged by the
British and Spanish particularly in West Florida. Hostile Creeks and Seminoles brought death and pillage
to the southern frontiers of Georgia and
Alabama, thereby necessitating the building of the second group of forts
mentioned above.
1816
On March 12th Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson ordered Gen. Gaines to examine
the country near where the Escambia River crossed the West Florida line and
select a suitable site for a permanent fort. (4)
May 6 -From the Camp Alabama River Gen. Gaines wrote the following to Maj. Twiggs of the 7th U.S.
Infantry:
"Upon your arrival at Ft. Montgomery you will add to your Command one of the companies now at
that post, and as soon as you shall obtain such supply of rations, tools and ammunition as in your
judgement may be proper,
together with the necessary transport for the same, you will march to the point
at which the line of demarkation between the United States and Spain crosses
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the Escambia river; near which you will select a site, combining as much as "
practicable the advantages of health and strength of position,--where you will
encamp and secure yourself by a temporary stockade or breast work, made of
light materials, for present defense against small arms. "Being thus secured, you will reconnoitre the
adjacent country for ten miles above the line and three or four miles on each side the river and report to
me the topography of the same, and your opinion as to the most eligible position for a permanent post-where it is intended to construct a strong work.
"At Ft. Montgomery you will ascertain how far the arrangement of the
contractor to comply with my requisition may be likely to insure a regular
supply of rations, which should not be less than two or three months always in
advance. P .S. Capt. Robinson will accompany and assist you in selecting a
position for the new work." (5)
David E. Twiggs, a native of Georgia was appointed Capt. 8th Inf.
(Probably Georgia Militia) on March 12, 1812; on Dec. 2. 1815 was aptd. Capt
7th Inf. He served at Ft. Crawford in 1816 and in 1817 became commandant of
Ft. Scott. Ga. He advanced to Brig. Gen. in 1846 and served with the U.S.
Army until March I, 1861.
Jeoffrey Robertson was aptd. from Tenn. 2nd Lt. 7th Inf. Dec. 12, 1808:
Capt. 7th Inf. Feb. 21, 1814 and died Aug. 31, 1817. (6)
May 27 --Gen. Gaines wrote to Gen. Jackson the following:
"The Battalion of the 7th under Maj. Twiggs arrived at Escambia on the
21 st inst. He is directed to cross this river, and take a high healthy position
near the Conaka" (Conecuh) "about four or five miles beyond the Escambia.
The Conaka is much larger than the Escambia and is navigable for large
boats,for many miles above the line." (7)
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July 16 --Capt. James McDonald wrote from Ft. Montgomery to General
Jackson reporting:
"In conformity with your order of the 12th March addressed to Maj. Gen.
Gaines, I have examined the Country adjacent to where the Escambia crosses
the line of demarkation between the United States and Florida, and can find
no position suitable for the establishment of a Fort: the country is generally
low and no doubt willl be unhealthy. --The only suitable position that can be
found near the 1ine, is on the Aloochahatcha (Murder) Creek three miles
north of the Conecca river, and seven north of the line of demarkation
between the United States and Florida, the position is high and I presume will
be healthy, with the advantage of several fine springs under the bluff. Six
companies of the 7th are in camp within a quarter of a mile of the place at this
time preparing materials for the work.
The Creek is navigable for small boats the greater part of the season, should this position meet your
approbation, will commence the work immediately, I must request in the meantime to be instructed
whether the Fort must be a regular work, capable of defence against heavy cannon, if so the labour will
be amence in this sandy soil, Maj. Gen. Gaines directs that a work similar to Ft. Jackson, with two
bastions only, instead of four will combine strength, with cheapness of materials; Four bastions to a
work so small as will be requisite for four or five companies, are altogether useless, two, placed at
opposit diagonal angles, are quite sufficient. I am sorry to differ in opinion with the General, however in
this
case I must contend that two bastions cannot defend a work similar to Ft.
Jackson; under a belief that Maj. Gen. Gaines is mistaken in the plan of Fort
Jackson. I must request to be particularly instructed whether I shall be
permited to change the plan, or procede as ordered.
"The hostile Indians in the neighborhood of Conecca and the Escambia,
have generally surrendered and are very desireous of being received again as
a part of the Nation, they are destitute of everything and have applied for
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relief; I do not feel myself authorized to furnish them with provision, having
received no instructions, the Awtessee Foster is the Chief of the principle
town of the red sticks, (so called because their war clubs were painted red)
"twenty miles east of our camp." (This location would place this Indian
village within present day Escambia county, probably on Blackwater Creek.)
"I have granted him, and his people leave to remain at their village, to raise
there corn and hunt in the neighborhood of our Fort, a great number of them
fled to Pensacola on the approach of the troops, but have since returned and
surrendered, they all appear disposed to be peacable, should they be
otherwise we will take ample satisfaction for the many crimes they have
commited." (8)
James McDonald was appointed from Ohio May 3, 1808 as Capt. Rifle Reg., transferred to 7th Inf.
May 17, 1815, resigned April 30, 1817. (9)
July 21 --Gen. Gaines at Ft. Hawkins wrote the following report to Gen.
Jackson:
"Col, McDonald with six companies of the 7th is established near the Conaka, about ten or twelve miles
east of the escambia and seven miles above
the national boundary, where the water is good and the site high and airy, and
the troops healthy. I examined the country in the immediate vicinity of the Escambia, near the line, but
could find no suitable site --the escambia being
entirely unfit for boating, and the Conaka, on the contrary, affording good
boat navigation rendered the latter in every way preferable to the escambia.
Still as the escambia was particularly pointed out in your order, I did not feel
authorised to commence a permanent work upon the Conaka without your
futher order--Besides the present state of the weather forbids the heavy labor
which the construction of a permanent work would demand, unless the
necessity was great. I have directed Col. McDonald and Lt. Col. Clinch to
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throw up works sufficient to secure them against small arms, --and on the
approach of cool weather to construct strong works, to defend against artillery."(10)
Joseph J. Clinch, born in S.C., aptd. from N.C. 2nd. Lt. 10th Info Apr. 22,
1812, transferred to 7th. Inf. May 17,1815. Capt. May 31,1817, resigned Oct.
31, 1820. (II)
The temporary works built in the summer of 1816 to secure the troops
against small arms appear to answer to the earthen fortification that tradition
called "First Fort" and the tradition that it was built by the Spanish would
seem to be in error. According to eye witnesses of the remains of Ft. Crawford
the square logs of the permanent fort were embedded in the razed earthen
defense.
From this military correspondence there can be no doubt that the fort was
built by orders of Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson and constructed by the troops
under his command as Commander of the Division of the Army of the South.
Thus these troops might have been referred to as, "Jackson's men" even
though they were not of Jackson's Tennessee Volunteers.
The location near the Escambia where Maj. Twiggs and his command first
encamped appears from the records to have been used on other and later
occasions and the name "Camp near Connecca" appears several times but
from the context this term did not denote Ft. Crawford. This camp was in the
area of present day Flomaton and in June 1816 the following officers were
there: Captains Richard Whartenby, August L. Langham, David E. Twiggs,
Richard R. Bell, George Vashon and John S. Allison. A month later all these
names appear on the Fort Crawford roll. (12)
Capt. Richard Whartenby was commander of Fort Crawford from the latter
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part of June 1816 to June 1817. A native of Pennsylvania, he received his
appointment to the 5th Inf., May 3, 1808, as 1st It., May 17, 1815 became Capt.
in 7th Inf.
August L. Langham, aptd. from Ohio, Ensign Rifles, May 3, 1808; Capt. 7th
Inf. Dec. 2, 1815.
Richard R. (H ?) Bell, aptd. Va. 2nd Lt. 5th Inf. May 3, 1808; promoted to
Capt. Aug. I5, 1813; Transf. 7th Inf. May 17, 1815, resigned May 31,1817.
John S. Allison, born Va. aptd. Va., 2nd Lt. 5th Inf. Jan. 3, 1812, Capt. on
June 25, 1814; Transf. 7th Inf. May 17, 1815, resigned Dec. 31, 1822. (13)
Ft. Crawford, undoubtedly, was considered by Gen. Jackson and Gen.
Gaines as a very important link in the chain of our southern frontier defense to
have had so many officers and troops assigned to its construction. In the
military correspondence of Surgeon's Mate R.M.G. Walmsley who was
serving at the fort in 1817 he designated the chain of forts as "peace
establishments;" (14) however there is evidence that Gen. Jackson had the
intention of conquering Florida as early as June 1814, when he wrote to the
Sec. of War and stated: "Will the government say to me---proeeed to Florida
and reduce it? If so I promise the war in the south a speedy termination and
the British influence forever cut off from the Indians in that quarter."(l5)
Thus it appears that Ft. Crawford and the other forts on the southern frontier were built to keep the
peace for the Americans against any unfriendly Indians, the British, and the Spaniards, but also to serve
as a bulwark in case of war with Spain.
Many Americans no doubt wished to have Florida annexed to the
United States and if negotiations failed, Ft. Crawford would occupy a strategic
position in time of war. This seems to have been in Gen. Jackson's unrecorded
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plans.
August through December -The monthly Returns from Ft. Crawford show
that the officers and troops were busy with the building preparations on the
fort with the exception of twenty men who were reported to be busy cutting
roads. (16)
1817
February -Captains Whartenby and Vashon with fifty noncommissioned
officers were continuing the building of the Fort.
Up until this time the provisions for Ft. Crawford had been transported
from New Orleans to Ft. Montgomery by way of the Tensaw River which
meant that every supply was conveyed by wagon road from Ft. Montgomery
to the fort over a distance of about 70 miles which was tedious and at times led
to a short supply of rations. (17)
Gen. Gaines determined to remedy the situation by transporting the
supplies by the way of Pensacola and up the Escambia-Conecuh waterway.
March 3 --The Alabama Territory was created and Ft. Crawford was in this
territory with William Wyatt Bibb as governor.
March 18 --Edmund P. Gaines wrote to His Excellency The Governor of his
Catholic Majesty's Province of West Florida, Jose Masot, saying:
"Sir, I have the honor to notify your excellency that in consequence of the
scarcity of Forrage, and provision, in this section of the U.S. Territory; and
the inconvenience and delay attending the transportation of those articles by
land to Ft. Crawford, upon the Conaka river. I have ordered supplies for the
U.S. Troops Stationed at that Post to be sent by water.
8
"Lieut. F.S. Gray of the Army, who will have the honor to hand you this
letter, is authorised to superintend the transit of the provision wanted for
immediate use, by the way of Pensacola and Escambia; and to make an
arrangement for the future supply of Fort Crawford by the same channel.
"The peculiar circumstances of the case, the perfectly inoffensive nature of
the arrangement desired; and moreover, the spirit of harmony which
well-disposed neighbors ought to evince towards each other, and which I have
much reason to believe characterizes the views of your Excellency, justify me
in the persuasion that no objection will be made on the part of the Spanish
Government to the measure." (18)
French S. Gray, who was assigned to this task received his apt, from Ky, as
Ensign 7 lnf., May 1814, became 1 Lt, Sept. 1816, Capt. June 1, 1817, died
June 15, 1819. (19)
March 18 continued -Gaines' order to Gray:
"You will proceed to the town of Pensacola and deliver to the Gov. of his
catholic Majesty's Province of West Florida the letter committed to your charge.
The object of which is to enable you to make arrangements for the
conveyance of provision, forage and other supplies through the Bay of
Pensacola, up the Escambia river to Ft. Crawford on the Conaka.
"The Contractor's Agent has been instructed to send thither a Three
months supply of rations for Two hundred men; and I have reason to expect
the arrival of it at Pensacola in the course of the present week --In the
meantime you will adopt the most effectual measures in your power to
expedite this supply up the river, if possible without having it landed at
Pensacola; and you will moreover endeavor to secure a communication for
9
regular supplies in future by the same route. For this purpose you are
authorized to employ a suitable person, with a boat, upon such terms as you
may deem just and proper, to send the supplies up the river--Should there be
no objection to have them stored in Town, or at any convenient point upon the Bay, this mode may be
found to be most convenient. In this case the boat and men belonging to Fort Crawford may be
employed alone to take the supplies up the river...It is not expected that a friendly neighbor will object
to the transit of public vessels and stores, by his port from one of our own ports to
another, through a channel formed by nature." (20)
March 20 -The following report was sent by Gen. Gaines to the Secretary of
War:
"I have ordered the supplies for Fort Crawford to be sent, in future, by
water, by the way of Pensacola. With the first cargo I have sent an officer,
who is instructed to obtain, on reasonable terms, upon the Pensacola Bay,
near the mouth of Escambia, a place of temporary deposit, -where the
supplies may be discharged from coasting vessels, and put on board the
Barges, or Batteaux for ascending the rivers, Escambia and Conaka." (21)
Thomas Mindenhall, whose name appears in the 1820 Conecuh County
census is credited, by tradition, with having built one of the first saw mills in
this area located at Cotton's Bluff and cut timber and made barges for the
Fort. Mindenhall was reported to have also manufactured cotton cards, spinning wheels and furniture.
(22)
Gray's negotiations with Jose Masot at Pensacola were not satisfactory as
later correspondence will show. "
March 30 --Territorial Governor William W. Bibb had not at this time been
able to successfully organize the Alabama Territorial Militia but there were
militia units serving voluntarily at the forts when circumstances forced the
troops to places of greatest need, thus we find that Ft. Crawford was
10
temporarily evacuated by the regular troops as David B. Mitchell, Indian
Agent stated in a letter to the Sec. of War, "Our forts Crawford and Gaines,
having been evacuated, I believe, has been the cause of this Red Stick class
beginning again to commence hostilities. They think that our troops were
afraid to continue there. A moderate regular force stationed at Camp
Crawford, or any other suitible position in that quarter, will, I am confident,
keep all quiet and without it some serious mischief will result." (23)
Tradition relates that the soldiers at Ft. Crawford were frequently sent on spying expeditions to look
for renegade Indians thus temporarily interrupting the construction on the buildings.
One Indian trail often scouted by the troops ran northward by present day Kirkland and Stockade
Branch. On a stream running into Stockade there was a huge rock on which the troops sharpened their
swords and it still bears the name "Whetrock Branch." (24)
April 30 -Evidently the evacuation of Ft. Crawford was of short duration for
on this date John M. Davis reported to Arthur P. Hayne, Inspector General,
that Surgeon Mat R.G.M. Walmsley was stationed at Ft. Crawford with a part
-of the 7th Regt. and that "not long since the Troops at that post, had not more
than four days provision on hand, in consequence thereof two companies
were oblidged to be ordered to Camp Montgomery to prevent them from
suffering."
This same letter has left an undisputed description of the Fort. "Fort
Crawford is Situated about three miles west of Conaka, about fifty miles east
of Camp Montgomery, and about the same distance nearly north of the Town
of Pensacola --The Fort is not yet finished, is a square log work with two Block
houses at a diagonal angles. The buildings are erected with square logs
of about eight or ten inches square. The barracks for the officers and men
form three squares of the Fort, The Doctors shop, Guard house, and Artificers
Shops form the fourth. The logs are laid so close as to touch with port holes cut
11
in them, which makes Fort a complete defence against small arms. This work
is sufficiently large to accommodate four companies, there is at present only
two of the 7th Infantry there, under the command of Brevet Major
Whartenby. In point of health Ft. Crawford is equal to any place I have ever
known Troops stationed at." (25) Water was obtained from springs at the
edge of the bluff but later two wells were dug in the corners opposite the block
houses. One of these wells was still used in the 1880's by the Joshua Jordan
family to furnish water for the stock, however drinking water was brought
from a spring. (26)
Richard Whartenby, was replaced as commander of Ft. Crawford on June
I, 1817 by Capt. George Vashon. (27)
May -Jose Masot, Governor at Pensacola, "from a spirit of conciliation"
permitted a cargo of provisions which the schooner Mabiterra had brought
from New Orleans to proceed up the Escambia to Ft. Crawford after paying
twenty-three or twenty-four percent duty on the provisions. This evidently was the cargo Lt. F.S. Gray
had been sent to Pensacola by Gen. Gaines to
negotiate for on March 18. (28)
June 1 -At this time the Seminole Indians in Florida and a group of still
hostile Creeks were causing the settlers a great deal of trouble along the
southern border of Alabama and Georgia. After their depredations on the
settlers the Indians would escape across the Florida line where they were
secretly being aided by British and French agencies who were unwilling to
abide by the treaties that their governments had made with the United States.
The situation was so severe that the U.S. took measures to strengthen the
defenses of our southern frontier. Roads are of supreme importance to
defense and as early as May 1816 Gen. Gaines had proposed to Gen. Jackson
12
the "laying out of a road from the post near the Escambia to the Chatahochie near the (Florida) line."
(29)
The trouble at Ft. Negro and St. Marks in Florida greatly increased the need for better roads. Troops had
previously been used in building roads but they had also been ordered to assist the Creek Agent in
building storehouses and "beating skins" for the Indians which was deeply resented by the soldiers. Gen.
Gaines reported to Jackson that such menial tasks totally destroyed the chain of subordination and, "I
have therefore to request that if roads are to be opened by the troops, of my command, an Officer of
the Army may be selected to layout such roads, as well as to direct the opening of the same Previous to
the receipt of your dispatch upon this subject, I had ordered a detachment of One hundred men to be
put in readiness to march to the Chattahoochie to strengthen the posts there, and have directed Major
Twiggs, the Commanding Officer, to march direct from Fort Crawford, between a due East, and East
North East course -to explore the intervening country and layout a road to be opened by the Troops. To
fit out this detachment I have had occasion to order the purchase of twenty Packhorses." (30) A map by
S. Augustus Mitchell said to have been published in 1847 shows a road from Ft. Crawford, to Brooklyn,
to Montezuma, to Wellborne in Coffee County, to Newton in Dale county, to Abbeville in Henry County
thence to Fort Gaines on the Chattahoochie. An 1836 map by H.S.Tanner shows the same road as far as
Daleville in Dale county. The Alabama State Department Map of Historical Roads and Trails shows a road
dated 1819 from Ft. Crawford to the Chattahoochie called the "Improved Road. "These roads appear to
all be essentially the same one that Maj. Twiggs was ordered to layout.
July 1 -George Vashon, Commander, wrote to Gen. Gaines that he had
received "30 barrels of flour, 25 barrels of pork, 844 soap, 358 candles, 71
gallons of vinegar, 232 gallons of whiskey and 70 barrels (whiskey?) may be
expected about the 20th." He continued, "This post is without a magazine
and a well, but a spring affording an abundant supply of excellent water can
be commanded from the loop holes of the pickets... The ferries are unsafe for
want of rope...the carriage unfit for service. I have 10,000 musket
cartridges...The troops have always enjoyed good health at this place." (31)
July 10 -The Indians in the area of Ft. Scott, Georgia had been reported to
be preparing for war and Fort Scott had been put in a state of readiness,
sufficient it was believed, to defend themselves against 1000 Indians. On this
occasion Gaines reported to Gen. Jackson, who was in Tennessee. "I am
happy to have it in my power to inform you that, by the report of Maj. Twiggs,
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it appears that a good road may be made from Fort Crawford to the
Chattahoochee, by 100 pioneers in the course of a month. I have not a doubt of this being a much
shorter and better way for a road from this place (Ft.
Montgomery) to Georgia, then the old route by the way of Ft. Mitchell -and
this lower route will possess the advantage of passing, for the most part
within our own limits; whereas the old route passes from Offusky or line creek
to Ft. Hawkins, near 140 miles through the Indian country -Besides the new
route will open between this place (Ft. Montgomery) and Fort Crawford. Ft.
Scott and the southern frontier of Georgia generally, a line of communication the most practicable and
direct.
I think too, it must have been your intention, in making the Treaty and obtaining a cession of country
direct from this place to Georgia, to provide for an open communication and a continuous settlement
within our own limits. With these impressions I shall cause the road to be completed, if not otherwise
directed." (32) Whether the word "pioneers" in this missile meant settlers, troops or a combination of
both has not been -ascertained; however the road was completed before December 1817.
July 12 -Gaines wrote to the inhabitants of Murder Creek, "Gentlemen, I
have received your communication of the 21st of last month, stating that the
Indians residing upon the Conaka had killed cattle and hogs belonging to the
inhabitants of Murder Creek; and had broke into their houses and taken from
them some provisions, corn etc.
"In reply I have to observe that all Indians within the lately acquired
territory are amenable to our laws, and may be prosecuted for the offences of
which you complain in the same manner as if they were white inhabitants."
And until their respective claims to their reservations have been settled
"there exists no where any sort of authority to drive off such Indians, settled
upon the public land." (33)
Several such statements as the above concerning the Indians by Gen.
Gaines were recorded and earned for him the reputation of being a
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considerate and just man.
Oct. 23 -Trouble with the Seminoles was steadily increasing on the Georgia
frontier and troops from Camp Montgomery, Camp on the Escambia and Fort
Crawford were transferred to the troubled area. From Head Quarters near the
Escambia, Alabama Territory, Gen. Gaines communicated the following to
Gen. Jackson, "The First Brigade is now in march for Fort Scott. Three
vessels laden with ordnance stores, Baggage and provisions, with eighty men
under the command of Maj. Muhlenburg were detatched by water on the
20th, and on the same day the effective force at Montgomery and Montpelier
marched under Lieut. Col Arbuckle for Fort Crawford, where he will be joined by Capt. Vashon's
command and proceed without loss of time with the
detachments engaged upon the new road, to Ft. Scott, where I calculate on
meeting Maj. Muhlenburg with the transports and supplies, on the 6th of, at farthest the 10th of next
month. My whole effective force will amount to not
more than 800 men."
It had been rumored that as many as 500 Indians had gone to Pensacola
because their towns were preparing for war. Gaines dispatched James
Cornels, the Interpreter to Pensacola to spy out the situation, ascertain their
numbers and designs.
Gaines continued, "I shall halt at the Conaka (Ft. Crawford) for his
(Cornel's) return, because should there be 500 or even 200 hostile warriors at
Pensacola, I must take measures to keep them in check. This can only be done
by calling out a few companies of the neighboring militia, until a part of the
second Brigade can be ordered hither -for my present force is too small to
admit of a detachment being left behind. I have found it necessary to leave only about 20 men with
Surgeon Mate Whamsley.
15
"Should it appear that the Seminoles at Pensacola are supplying
themselves with powder and lead, or that their towns generally are making
preparations for war, I shall apply to the Governor of Georgia for a
detachment of the Militia which he has notified me is held in readiness for the
purpose." (34)
The length of time that Gen. Gaines and his troops halted at Ft. Crawford
has not been ascertained but Aaron Jordan Booge, a minister and teacher,
and a member of the U.S. Army arrived at Camp Montgomery on October
22nd from Nashville and it being necessary that he report to Gaines, Booge
followed Gaines to Ft. Crawford where he overtook him and the troops. Booge
returned to Camp Montgomery on Nov. 7th, 1817 and began his duties of
conducting public worship and establishing a school with more than twenty
scholars. (35)
October 30 -Acting Secretary of War, George Graham informed General
Gaines, "The President approves of the movement of the troops from Fort
Montgomcry to Fort Scott." (36)
November 9 -Gaines had tarried at Ft. Crawford until James Cornels
returned from Pensacola with information that the number of Indians reported
to be there had been exaggerated, then he continued on to Ft. Gaines by way
of the new road. There he received information from Maj. Twiggs,
commandant of Ft. Scott at this time, that 2,700 warriors were prepared to
attack Ft. Scott so Gaines requested help of the Georgia Militia and continued
his march to Ft. Scott. (37)
November 21 -From Ft. Scott, on this date, Gaines wrote to Jackson, "The
first brigade arrived at this place on the 19th inst." (38) Gaines attempted to
16
hold a friendly conference with the Indian Chief but was repulsed and a battle
ensued. The Seminoles had allies of Red Sticks and several hundred runaway
blacks. In the house of the chief was found a British uniform coat (scarlet) with
a pair of gold epaulettes, and a certificate signed by a British Captain stating
that the Chief was a faithful friend of the British. Several other skirmishes
followed and the First Seminole War had begun. (39) The trepidations of the
Indians at this time within the Alabama Territory is sometimes referred to as
the Second Creek War, but was in reality connected with the First Seminole
War.
Dec. 21 -Two companies of militia were ordered to Ft. Crawford for two ..
months service and constituted part of Gen. Gaines' command. (40) At this
time a Capt. Wright was assigned as commander at the Fort, and he was to
prove himself a very obstinate and revengeful man.
After the departure of Gaines to Fts. Gaines and Scott with the majority of
the troops of the southern area of the Alabama Territory, Ft. Crawford had
been poorly manned and it was at this time that the U.S. 8th Infantry was
ordered to supply troops for this fort as well as Montgomery and others in the
area. With the coming of the 8th Infantry we find Maj. White Youngs who was
to become the hero of Ft. Crawford.
Dec. 26, Sec. of War, J.C. Calhoun, informed Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson
who was in Tennesse, "You will repair, with as little delay as practicable, to
Ft. Scott, and assume the immediate command of the forces in that section of
the southern division." (41) This order,no doubt, Gen. Jackson had been
waiting anxiously to receive so that he might carry out his desire to assist in
thc annexation of Florida to the United States.
17
1818
The year 1818 was destined to be the "golden age" of Ft. Crawford because
of its role in its dealings with the Spanish in West Florida and its conquest of the hostile Indians taking
refuge therein.
Jan. 15. 1818 -On this date Lt. Col. W.A. Trimble, Commander of 8th
Military Department wrote from Camp Montgomery: "In consequence of
unfavorable winds the detachment of the 8th regt. did not arrive here until the
sixth and their baggage and stores not until the 11th inst. "Capt. Wright has been ordered to march the
detachment under his command to Ft. Crawford and garrison that place -The militia who have been
ordered to that post will be discharged. They are without arms.
"To watch the movements of the hostile Indians and to guard this frontier
without harrassing the militia, I have taken measures to raise a company of
Choctaws... I hope the measure will meet your approbation and receive your
sanction. "Ft. Crawford which is the only fortified place on this part of the frontier is not in a good state
of defence. There is, at that post, but a small supply of ammunition and not twenty days provisions. The
local situation of the Fort is unfavorable.... Should it become necessary to place a considerable number
of troops on this frontier, for its defence, I beg leave to suggest the propriety of oscupying a position on
the Perdido as best calculated for the defence and protection of this frontier and from which Ft.
Crawford could be supplied."(42)
There is no subsequent evidence that any action was taken concerning a
position on the Perdido and Ft. Crawford held its status on the frontier.
March 25 -At this time Maj. Gen. Jackson was pushing for victory and an
end to the Seminole War and had ordered the fortification of Ft. Gadsden.
From this post on the Appalachicola River he informed Sec. of War, Calhoun, that, "Finding it very
difficult to supply Ft. Crawford by land I have ordered
the supplies for that garrison by water, and written to the Gov. of Pensacola
that, if he interrupts them during the present Indian War, I shall view it as
18
aiding our enemy, and treat it as an act of hostility.. .and that our
Governments while negotiating, can take the subject under consideration, but
in the meantime, our provisions must pass to Ft. Crawford by water without
interruption." (43)
Gen. Gaines a year previous had attempted with little success to supply the
Fort through Pensacola Bay and Escambia River.
March 27 -Gov. Bibb writing to Calhoun reported more murders committed in southern Alabama by
the Indians on March 13th and the Governor "immediately ordered a detachment of mounted militia
into service, and proceeded with them to the place" (on the Federal Road).
"At the same time, apprehending the murderers might attempt to escape to Florida, the asylum for our
enemies, I transmitted a communication, by express, to the commanding officer at Ft. Crawford" (Maj.
White Youngs) "notifying him of my arrangements, and desiring a force to be sent from the fort, in two
detachments, along certain routes, to the place of rendezvous. The express
was also instructed to overtake me. I accordingly recevied information from
Maj. Young (s), that my request had been executed. The detcachments were
marched with a promptitude honorable to the Major; and, I trust, they will be
enabled, with the aid of militia, to arrest the progress of the hostile party." (44)
This is the first mention made of Maj. Youngs being in command at the
fort, so evidently he had replaced Capt. Wright who had arrived with his
command in January. This could have been the cause of the contention that
dcveloped between Wright and Youngs of which more will be said later.
Bibb also requested the Big Warrior to call his people home and issued an
order for all Indian hunting parties to depart for their nation since it was
impossible to distinguish the hostiles from the friends. (45)
Gov. Bibb continues, "Is it not probably, that when the Seminoles are
pressed by Gen. Jackson, in the neighborhood of Appalachicola, they will
retreat to our frontiers and take revenge on our defenceless inhabitants? I look
19
for it; and am without the means of resistence. There are not more than one
hundred regulars at Ft. Crawford; and two-thirds of the militia of the territory
are not yet organized... I earnestly entreat you to place funds at my disposal
for the protection of the people; and if practicable, to order a much large
number of regular troops to our frontiers." (46)
April 15 -In answer to Gen. Jackson's letter of March 26 Gov. Masot of
Pensacola reminded Jackson that he had permitted a cargo of provisions to go
up the Escambia to Ft. Crawford in May 1817 from a spirit of conciliation,
and had also a January 1818 allowed Capt. Call of the Schooner Italiana to
proceed to the same place.
Subsequently he allowed Lt. Eddy, belonging to the garrison of the fort,
who had been commissioned by Maj. Youngs to secure 60 barrels of
provisions in Pensacola, but had adhered to Spanish export duties.
Masot stated that he did not have the power to give free access to boats
carrying supplies to Ft. Crawford and requested that Jackson apply to the
proper authority in Cuba. (47)
April 26 -Lt. Eddy and his detachment had unfortunately been attacked by
hostile Indians and cut off from their 60 barrels of supplies which they lost. In
this engagement several Indians including women and children were killed by
the U.S. troops. (48) Eddy and Capt. Wright had specific orders to request
reinforcements only for defense and not for agression; however on April 28
they applied directly to Gov. Bibb for one hundred additional men to avenge
their loss. Both men were charged by Youngs with "disobedience of orders" and put under arrest. (49)
April 27 -Maj. Youngs wrote to Masot, Gov. of Pensacola and requested
that he (Masot) negotiate with the hostile Indians in the Pensacola area to give
20
themselves up to Maj. Youngs. (5O)
April 30 -Gov. Masot answered, "I assembled the principal chiefs of the
Upper Creek towns of Calome, Canaan, Corvalle, and Forsytche and
communicated its (Young's letter) contents to them; they all replied that they
had long been unhappy and miserable, without shelter or country but that at
" last by the advice of a good friend, that they all cheerfully adopted it and were
grateful for the offers you had made them. These Indians amount to about
eighty-seven including women and children. I have settled that they divide
into three companies and they will set out as soon as your answer is received,
which they think is prudent to keep, as you will, when informed of their
acceptance to your offer, be enabled to give proper orders for their safety on
their journey and their avoiding any unpleasant encounter with the Choctaws
who, if not duly informed of it might attack them in which case, the measures
taken for the peaceful arrangements that we both have so much at heart would
be defeated." (51)
April 30 -On this date Gov. Bibb issued the following order (copied in part):
"Major Youngs or Lt. Eddy of the United States Army will accompany the
expedition (which Bibb had ordered) from thence (place of rendezvous) with
whom the plan of operations will be concerted. The object of the expedition is
to attack the hostile Indians wheresoever they may be found, except in a
Spanish Fort, Town or dwelling. Should they seek shelter in either, the
Governor (Masot) should be notified of the fact, informed of the murderous
incursions which have been made on our frontier, reminded of the obligations
of the treaty of 1795, and requested to refuse protection to the fugitives. "(52)
The writer has been unable to ascertain the exact date upon which this
21
expedition was executed however it was carried out by Maj. Youngs in open
territory near Pensacola by a combined force of militia, Choctaws and regular
troops resulting in the death of nine Indians and the wounding of many more.
This battle made White Youngs a hero in the minds of the people of south
Alabama and northwest Florida. He had carried out minor engagements with
the enemy on several occasions and the Indians were learning to respect his
ability as a United States Army officer.
A Lt. Allen was in command of the militia on the Pensacola exploit and Maj. Youngs had praise for him
and all those taking part in the expedition. (53)
May 13 -The Secretary of War wrote to Gov. Bibb stating in part: "I do
hope that the war has ere this, terminated in the submission of the Seminoles;
but if this should not be fact, you will make such arrangements and incur such
expense as, in your judgment, the defence of the territory may require. You
are authorized to draw on the department for funds to cover such
disbursements as you may order. Enclosed is a copy of the order, authorizing
Gen. Gaines to carry the War into Florida and you will consider it as
furnishing authority to the troops of the territory to pass the Florida line,
should it be necessary... Gen. Jackson is vested with full powers to conduct
the war, in the manner which he may judge best." (54)
May 19 -Territorial Gov. Bibb was very concerned for the peace and safety
of the Americans in his territory, caused forts to be built, activated the militia
and visited the forts; thus we find him at Ft. Crawford on May 19 where he
wrote the following to Jackson: "Fort Crawford,19th May 1818
"Dear Sir:
"Proceeding to Georgia for the purpose of bringing my family to this
Territory and desirous to provide for the safety of the inhabitants on the
22
frontiers during my absence. I have sought an interview with the Officer in
command at this place. At Camp Montgomery I learnt that you would
probably reach this place in a few days and indulged the hope of seeing you.
An interview with you would have been to me a source of much pleasure, and I regret that my
arrangements will not permit me to await your arrival.
"The Indians commenced their murderous incursions on the frontier
settlements in January last, when two men were killed in this neighborhood.
No events occurred afterwards to excite apprehension until the 14 of March
when a house on the federal road near "Poplar Spring" was attacked and
eight persons killed. This intelligence reached me at Claiborne from whence a
detachment of mounted rifle men was immediately ordered to the place for
one momths service. A few days afterwards five men while traveling the road
were fired at, and three killed; from whom fifteen hundred or two thousand
dollars were taken. The people for the most part were flying for safety in every
direction, and all communication by mail or otherwise with Georgia was
wholly suspended. The Indians were known to be still in that quarter. In this
state of things three posts, were established by my ordr, at which there are in
the whole about one hundred men stationed who have instructions to scour
the woods from day to day. A fortnight since they found a camp, but on their
approach the enemy fled to it contiguous swamp; from whence they fired and
killed one man. The commanding officer informs me that he thinks the
number of indians now in the neighborhood considerable. I should have
mentioned that in April a house within fifteen or twenty miles of Claiborne,
was attacked, the husband killed, and wife and two daughters wounded.
Thirty dollars, a quantity of bacon and every article which could be conveyed
away was taken and carried to Pensacola where I believe the murderers might
23
still be found.
"I yesterday learnt that one indian was killed and another wounded near
the Poplar Spring.
"This detail of events, however, was probably unnecessary as you will
receive from Maj. Youngs every intelligence upon the subject. My principal
object is to state that in my efforts to protect the people over whom I preside
the Territorial Tresury being destitute of funds has afforded me no supplies
whatsoever; nor has it been in the power of the Commanding Officer here, to
render the aid which has uniformly manifested the best disposition to afford. I
am desirous that the troops should be considered as in the service of the
United States, and the accounts adjusted when their term of service expires.
One company rendezvoused at Poplar Spring for three months service on the
10th day of April and a detachment of twenty five at Sepulges lately, for the
same term of service. The expenditures incurred have been necessarily
considerable, and altogether beyond my means of paying. You will readily
percieve how unpleasant has been my situation, without the means of
affording the protection, necessary to keep the inhabitants at their homes.
The regular force in this quarter has been insufficient for the defence of the
country -the Militia I had not had time to organize, and above all not a dollar in the Treasury. My views
of the necessity of forwarding men and money to
this section of the country has been repeatedly stated to Col. Trimble, but I
apprehend that it has not been in his power to meet them.
""Having endeavoured in vain with my limited resources to arrest the
enemy after their successive murders, and being satisfied that they sought
refuge in Florida, I determined to raise a volunteer force and order them to
24
attack the hostile Indians without regard to our boundary. A part of the force
is now under the command of Maj. Youngs, and Capt. Steele is in possession
of my order. Had I been furnished with funds, the enemy would have been
driven from that retreat long before this time; persuaded as I am, that it is the
only effectual method of affording security to this Territory.
"I have this moment received intelligence, which leaves no doubt of your
approach to this quarter; and I shall now leave the Territory perfectly satisfied
that the people will not suffer by my absence. Mr. Henry Hitchcock is
appointed Territorial Secretary, and will act as Gov. after I set out from Ft.
Jackson, which will be on the 26th or 27th of this month, I may however be
detained a few days longer in arranging with the Big Warrior the reception of
a party of Indians who have sued for peace and delivered themselves to Maj.
Youngs. This they did so soon as the Major convinced them by a well timed
and well executed expedition that they would no longer be permitted to
murder our citizens and find refuge in the Spanish Territory.
"There are at this place forty volunteers and the same number of militia at
Camp Montgomery. Should you need any additional aid from the Territory, it
would be promptly furnished, should you notify me at Ft. Jackson before my
departure.
"I enclose to you a letter I have received from the Commanding Officer of
the Militia near the Poplar Spring which will present to you the state of things
in that quarter. Excuse this hasty scrawl and accept the assurances of my
regard and Esteem.
Wm. W. Bibb" (55)
25
This letter would seem to affirm the tradition that Gen. Jackson did indeed
visit Ft. Crawford but a succeeding document proves otherwise, at least for
May 1818.
General Jackson and his men had encamped at Jackson's Lake, near
present day Florala, and indications are that he had planned to stop at the
Fort on his march to Pensacola but he writes:
"With about 1200 men I determined to scour the country west of the
Appalachicola River. May 10th -crossed that river at Ochesee Village and
after 12 days march misled by the ignorance of pilots, finally reached and effected a passage over the
Escambia." (56)
So Jackson appears to be disappointed due to the ignorance of his guides.
He well may have anticipated a productive military conference with the
popular, rising Major Youngs.
Lt. Eddy was under arrest at Ft. Crawford during Gov. Bibb's visit and in
the presence of the Governor used disrespectful language to Maj. Youngs and
also disobeyed orders and visited a house between three and five hundred
yards from the chain of sentinels at the Fort, when he had orders to confine
himself within the cham of sentinels. (57)
As has been previously stated Capt. Thos. Wright was also under arrest
and he had committed some act that caused Gov. Bibb to state on April 30,
1818, "You will perceive that I have concerted an expedition with the officer
of the United States in command at Ft. Crawford. It is due to Col. Trimble and
the other officers (with the exception of a Captain or Lieutenant Wright) to
say, that they have manifested every disposition to exert their very limited
means for the protection of the frontier committed to their care." (58)
26
In retaliation, it appears, for their arrest Lt. Eddy and Capt. Wright filed
charges against Brvt. Maj. White Youngs and eventually destroyed the
military career of the excellent officer. So let's consider what manner of man
was Maj. Youngs.
White Youngs was a young New York lawyer, who, when his country
became engaged with Great Britian in the War of 1812 chose to dedicate his
energies to the U.S. (59) He was commissioned a Captain of the 15th Infantry
on March 12, 1812 and served under Capt. Thomas Macdonough on Lake
Champlain; was in command of a detachment of 248 infantrymen acting as
marines on the ship Saratoga in the engagements of La Cole, Little York, Ft.
George and Plattsburg. (60)
On September 11, 1814 Congress passed a resolution requesting the
President of the U. S. to cause gold and silver medals to be struck with suitable
emblems and devices and present them to the commissioned officers of the
Navy and Army serving on board during the splendid victory on Lake
Champlain. In a report of the conflict Capt. Youngs' name was among those
specifically mentioned. (61) For his gallant conduct at Plattsburg he was
promoted to Brevet Major. On May 17.. 1815 he transferred to the 8th
Infantry. (62)
August 23 & 24 -Maj. Youngs reported to Maj. Glassell, Asst. Adjt.
General that Capt. Boyles left Ft. Crawford on August 21 and that he had sent
an express after him with orders for him and his troops to report to Ft. Dale.
All the Ft. Crawford troops that could be spared were sent to Ft. Dale leaving
a contingent of only seventeen men at the garrison. He reported that he had
not more than 1,100 rations of flour, no meat, no salt, and no vinegar. The
27
contacting agent at the post had no money with which to purchase. Col. King
had ordered Youngs to send all public property except one yoke of oxen to
Pensacola thus leaving the Major to hire transport for the regulars. (63)
This was the last official report found that was made by Maj. Youngs while
at Ft. Crawford.
Gen. Jackson having taken Pensacola on May 24, 1818 and
negotiations being in progress with Spain for the purchase of Florida by the
United States there remained no longer a need for the garrison and Ft.
Crawford was closed, but the exact date of closing was not found; however
there were Monthly Returns from the Fort in January, 1819 according to one
dubious footnote to "Fort Crawford on the Conecuh" by Thompson and
Stokes. (64)
1819
March 29 -On this date we find Maj. Youngs at Ft. Charles, Louisiana,
facing a court martial trial. He had travelled by boat to Baton Rouge in
January, 1819 and was sent from there to New Orleans. Headquarters of the
8th Military Department. The order for his arrest was dated July 1, 1818 and
signed by L. Whiting, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. Charges had been
filed by Lieut. Eddy and Capt. Thomas Wright (65) and were as follows:
Charge 1 -Conduct unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman.
Specification 1 -That Maj. W. Youngs between the first of Dec. 1818 and
31st of Jan. 1819, in the City of New Orleans visited Ball Rooms, Gambling
28
houses, and other public places in a state of intoxication.
Specification 2 -That Youngs repeatedly visited the Lalla Conde Ball Room
notoriously drunk.
Specification 3 -That Youngs suffered himself to be led from the Lalle
Conde Ball Room by two gentlemen.
Charge 2 -Drunkeness
Specification 1 -That Youngs was in the habit of visiting houses of notoriety
drunk and had his eye blackened and bruised.
Specification 2 -That Youngs attempted to walk the street and staggered.
The prisoner being a lawyer, conducted his own defense. He pleaded "Not
Guilty" to all the charges.
(The writer has been at a loss to clear up the fact that the order for Youngs'
arrest was dated July 1818 and his unlawful acts charged in the court martial
were alleged to have been committed in December 1818 and January 1819.)
At the opening of the trial Maj. Youngs objected to two of the witnesses, alleging that they were
prejudiced. The court ruled that the challenge was not
valid. He next objected to the jurisdiction of the court on the grounds that he
had previously have tried by a court martial that had not been promulgated.
(This had been at Baton Rouge and it appears that the court had been
dismissed.) The court decided to proceed. Youngs then objected to the
indefinite nature of the charges, which was over-ruled. Court was adjourned
until the next day.
March 30 -The witnesses, some of whom had never met Maj. Youngs used
the phrases, "It was my opinion, I presumed, I think I have seen him
intoxicated, to the best of my recollection and I am not certain." All witnesses
29
contended that Youngs was disgracing the United States Army, even though they testified he had not
been dressed in uniform during the time of any of the allegations.
When asked how they knew he was a member of the Armed
Forces they replied that someone had informed them to that effect, Two of the
witnesses after the second day left for Philadelphia making it impossible for
Youngs to continue his examination of them. The court adjourned until April
19.
April 19 -One member of the court retired from his seat and left town,
April 20 -Court met and adjourned until April 22.
It appears that Capt. Wright saw that his evidence was insufficient for a
conviction and he contrived to add to the charges.
April 22 -The Judge Advocate exhibited additional charges preferred by
Thomas Wright but objected to their being received. The court over-ruled the
Judge. The prisoner objected to the additional charges of quarrellin at a
gaming table and lying to the court, inasmuch as the Prosecutor was under
arrest at the time he preferred them, The court over-ruled the objection to the
additional charges. The Judge objected to the "opinion" of the witness to the
additional charges but was over-ruled,
The Trial continued on April 23, 24, 26, 27 and met again on May 3, 5, and
6.
On May 7, Maj. Youngs penned a letter to the court in which he contended
that he considered the court was not duly consituted, therefore he had
summoned no witnesses in his defense. (Gov. W. W. Bibb would have been
one of the witnesses,) He quoted numerous writers on martial and civil Iaw,
such as McArthur, McComb, Blackstone and others who expressly declared
that "the time and place shall be particularized" and the time had been
30
specified only as sometime between December 1,1818 and January 31,1819.
He asked his opponent if he had not been within the walls of a gambling house
and if he had not drank wine, where he was when the-person he accused was
in the victorious fields of lake Champlain and Pensacola. For lake Champlain
he referred to the court to the records of Congress. He stated that he looked
for an acquittal but if not he would ask for a legal investigation.
The Court found Maj. Youngs guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer by
visiting public places in a state of intoxication and of the added charge of lying
to the court. Of the other charges he was acquitted. (66)
May 18 -At New Orleans, Maj. Youngs wrote his resignation to J.C.
Calhoun giving as the reason for this action his extreme desire to leave the
army that he might take advantage of an offer to establish himself in business,
"which if not immediately embraced might be lost forever." He expressed
his reluctance at parting with his seven years companions in arms, "those
who shared the toils and hardships of a three years campaign in the cold
regions of the North as well as the sultry climes of the South for a like
pcriod."(67)
The business offer of which he wrote probably had some connection with a
letter of C. Davies, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Albany, New York,
which was in Maj. Youngs' file. (68)
The history of the courageous Maj. White Youngs, the beloved hero of Old
Fort Crawford, who was so popular in the area that John W. Mayo, one of the
earliest pioneer settlers named his son, Charles Young Mayo, Sr. (Nov. 28,
1819-Apri1 19, 1898) in his honor, came to an untimely end. His resignation
being accepted Youngs returned to his native state of New York and died
31
three years later on December 8, 1822. (69)
Fort Crawford was located in Southwest Quarter of Section 27, Township 2
North, Range 10 East, It was of considerable size, being in excess of 500 yards
long according to the charge of Maj. Youngs against Lt. Farley Eddy that he
(Eddy) "did between the dates 18th and 31st, May 1818 visit a certain house
four hundred paces (yards) from the chain of Sentinels at Ft. Crawford, known
properly by the name Old Hospital, when he, the said Lieut. Eddy had been
positively ordered by the letter of arrest to confine himself to the chain of
Sentinels at Ft. Crawford." (70) It would seem certain that the Old Hospital
would have been within the walls of the fort and that at least one hundred
yards would have been guarded by the chain of sentinels.
The United States Postal Department established an office in the old fort
and John Jerrison (Jarrison), Jr. was the first postmaster in 1823. He
purchased the E 1/2 of SW I/4 of Sec. 27-2-10 on November 15, 1823, certificate
No. 26 (in the Sparta office) for one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, thus
becoming the first private owner of the old fort and the land on which it
stood.(71 )
An Act was approved March 2, 1827 establishing post routes from
Pensacola to Blakeley and Pensacola to Ft. Crawford. The Mail was delivered
by stage. At this time a John Jerrison, Sr. was Mayor of Pensacola and
presented a petition to the Postmaster General concerning a post route
between Mobile and Pensacola. (72) He may have been the father or a relative
of the Ft. Crawford Postmaster.
The land on which the fort stood subsequently was owned by the Brewton
family and later by W. W. Weaver, Sr.
32
Through the years there has been much controversy over the person for
whom the old fort was named. Some historians have been convinced that it
was named for William H. Crawford who was Secretary of War before becoming Secretary of the
Treasury. Judge Norvelle R. Leigh left tradtional
evidence that it was named for a Lt. Crawford, who, with his contigent of men,
was trapped by high water on the east (?) side of Murder Creek and learned
that the Indians planned to attack them, he ordered each of his men to
construct a dummy lying on the ground, covered with a blanket and a hat
covering the head. The soldiers concealed themselves that night in the
adjacent woods and when the Indians attacked the soliders annihilated them.
(73) A descendant of the Ben Jernigan family relates the same tradition but
places the battle on the west side of Murder Creek with Lt. Crawford being
killed by a wounded Indian that had a rifle. This tradition states that the
soldiers were so angry at Crawford'd death that they dumped the bodies of
the Indians into the swollen stream (74)
This last tradition gives rise to an unanswerable question. Was this battle fought on Alco Hill, on the
property of Mr. John David Finlay, Sr., who has found evidence of a battle, and could the lone grave that
is still visible today, be that of Lt. Crawford?
According to a record in the National Archives and a letter to Mrs. Marie
B. Owen, Director of the State Department of Archives and History from P.O.
Harris, Adjutant General, Washington, D.C. written Oct. 6, 1921, the fort was
named for 2nd Lieut. .Joel Crawford. (75)
Joel Crawford, a Georgian, was the youngest son of Capt. Charles
Crawford, an officer in the 8th Infantry. Joel volunteered early in the War of
1812, served initially as an officer in the cavalry in Capt. Sam S. Steele's
Troop of Dragoons, Georgia Militia; then he was appointed Aide de Camp to
33
Brigadier General Floyd who commanded Floyd's Brigade of Georgia Militia
and fought the Creek Indians in Alabama under the command of General
Andrew Jackson. It was written that, "The Georgians on the late expedition
against the Creek Indians, though not spoken of so highly as the
Tennesseeans, were equally as brave, and entitled to as much praise. Joel
Crawford, who was aide to Gen. Floyd assured me that the company could not
show more than six days rations at any time during the six months, and that
thcy marched 160 miles on a day and a half rations. Joel distinguished himself
and stands remarkable high. He is going on again in the first class of Militia."
(76)
Joel Crawford's salary was $53.33 per month, $8 per month for each of his
two horses, and $8 per month for one private servant.(77)
In what unit Lt. Crawford was serving at the time that he attained his fame
that resulted in the fort being named for him has not been ascertained;
however the State of Georgia, having at one time claimed all the territory from
the Chattahoochee to the Mississippi River that was west of her original
territory, felt a kinship to the area which became the Alabama Territory and
on several occasions sent her Troops to defend it against the Indians when
requested to do so.
That Fort Crawford was named for Joel Crawford is an established fact of
history.
Written records of Ft. Crawford after 1819 appear to be non-existant except
for the initial land record and the continuing record of the Post Office until the
year 1859. The cemetery was in use in the days of the fort and there were two
rows of graves of soldiers em paled by split cedar pickets. (78)
34
Tradition reveals that the first political speeches of the area were held at the
fort; that there was a large wooden block in the center of the open court from
which the ladies mounted their horses and on which slaves stood to be
auctioned to the highest bidder; and that there was a race track on the level
stretch of land.
Some of the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Ft. Crawford were Benjamin
Bruton (Brewton), Benjamin Journigan (Jernigan), who reportedly had
eighteen children, John W. Mayo, Thomas Mendenhall and Radford L.
Cotton. Mr. Cotton served two appointments as a Justice of the Peace in 1818
and 1819 and was one of the Commissioners who chose Sparta as the permanent seat for the Conecuh
County Courthouse.
In 1827 we find him in the position of Postmaster of a location called Escambia, Florida. (79)
Gradually the logs and the buildings of the fort were torn down and some of the logs were re-rused
in the buildings known as the original W. W. Weaver
house and the John Brewton house which stood on the present lot of the First
Baptist Church of East Brewton. Some port holes of the fort were visible in
these structures.
Fort Crawford may they memory live
And may the sacred and cooling spring
From which the inmates drank
And ne'er from duty shrank
Continue to flow its liquid health. (80)
The community which grew up around the fort was called Fort Crawford
until it was absorbed into the town of Brewton; later the inhabitants on the
east side of Murder Creek withdrew and incorporated themselves into the
town of East Brewton.
35
Au revoir to many of the uncertainties of the United States garrison that
was once called "The Lost Fort."
--Mrs. Annie C. Waters
July 7, 1975
BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF FORT CRAWFORD
(1) Mississippi Territorial File, Alabama Archives Military Papers Office.
Letter of Capt. James McDonald to Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson dated July 16,
1816. (hereafter called McDonald)
(2) Escambia County File, Alabama Archives. Letter by Rev. L.M. Skelton to
Brewton Standard. .
(3) William H. Jenkins, Early Alabama Forts, pub. by Alabama Historical
Society, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
(4) McDonald. Same as No.1.
(5) Miss. Territorial File, Alabama Archieves Military Papers Office.
(Hereafter called MTF, AAMPO.) Letter by E.P. Gaines to Maj. Twiggs, 7th
Infantry, written at Camp Alabama River, May 6, 1816.
(6) F.B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary of the U.S. Army
1789-1903, pub. 1903 (Hereafter called Heitman.)
(7) M. T.F., A.A.M.P.O., Letter of E.P. Gaines to Gen. Jackson from St.
Stevens, dated May 27,1816.
(8) McDonald
(9) Heitman
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(10) M.T.F., A.A.M.P.O., Letter of Gaines to Jackson from Ft. Hawkins,
dated July 21,1816.
(11) Heitman
(12) Records of Adjutant General's Office, Group 94, Monthly Returns for
June 1816. (Hereafter called Monthly Returns)
(13) Heitman
(14) First Old Military Records. National Archives. Wash. D.C.. Letter of
Surgeon's Mate, R.M.G. Walmsley to S. Gen. Dr. Lovell, dated Aug. 24,
1818.
(15) Brooks Thompson and Henry E. Stokes, Fort Crawford On The Conecuh,
Ed Leigh McMillan File.
(16) Monthly Returns, August through December, 1817.
(17) Clarence E. Carter, Territorial Papers of the United States, Vol. XVIII, p.
93 (Hereafter called Territorial Papers) Letter of J .M. Davis, Asst. Insp. Gen.
to Col. Arthur P. Haynes, Insp. Gen.
(18) Territorial Papers, Vol. XVIII, p. 76.
(19) Heitman
(20) M.T.F., AAMPO, Letter of Gaines to Gray dated March 18, 1817.
(21) Territorial Papers, Vol. XVIII, p. 75. Letter of Gaines to Sec. War.
(22) Robert L. Scribner, A Short History of Brewton, Brewton Standard. 1971.
(23) Military Affaics Papers, Defeat of the Seminole Indians p.683, pub.
Washington, Gales & Seaton 1832-61. (Hereafter called A.S.P., M.A. for
American State Papers, Military Affairs.)
(24) This tradition was told to the writer by James P. Jernigan, a descendant
of Ben Journigan (Jernigan) one of the earliest Ft. Crawford settlers.
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(25) Territorial Papers Vol. XVIII, pp. 92-93.
(26) Interview with Herman Jordan, a descendant of Joshua Jordan on Jan. 4,
1972. H. Jordan was 78 years of age.
(27) Heitman
(28) Same as No. 20, also in A.S.P.,M.A., p. 706 Letter of Masot to Andrew
Jackson.
(29) M.T.F., AAMPO, Letter to Gaines to Jackson dated May 27, 1816.
(30) Ibid, Letter of Gaines to Jackson dated June 1, 1817.
(31) Letter from Geo. Vashon to Gaines dated July 1, 1817, Ed Leigh
McMillan File.
(32) M.T.F., AAMPO, Letter of Gaines to Jackson dated July 10, 1817.
(33) Territorial Papers Vol. XVIII, pp. 139-140.
(34) M.T.F., AAMPO, Letter of Gaines to Jackson dated Oct. 23, 1817.
(35) Ibid. Letter of A.J. Booge to Col. Robert Butler dated Nov. 25, 1817.
(36) A.S.P., M.A., Defeat of the Seminole Indians p. 685.
(37) Ibid. Letter of Gaines to Jackson dated Nov. 9, 1817. Also letter of Gaines
to Sec. War, on same date, same page.
(38) Ibid, p. 686, Letter of Gaines to Jackson, dated Nov. 21, 1817.
(39) Ibid.
(40) Scribner; also M.T.F., AAMPO; also Gov. Bibb's address to the
Territorial Legislature, March 14, 1818, in Niles Register.
(41) A.S.P.,M.A., p. 690, Letter of J.C. Calhoun to Gen. Jackson dated Dec.
26, 1817.
(42) M.T.F., AAMPO, Letter of W.A. Trimble, dated Jan. 15, 1818.
(43) A.S.P., M.A., pp. 698-699, Letter of Jackson to Calhoun, dated March 25,1818.
38
(44) Ibid, p. 699
(45) Ibid
(46) Ibid
(47) Annals of Congress 1818-19, Vol. 33, column 1847.
(48) A.S.P.. M.A. p. 707, Letter of Masot to Youngs, dated April 27, 1818.
(49) R.G. 94, Records of Adjutant General's Office 1780-1917, A.G.O.
of National Archives, Letter of Youngs to Col. Wm. King, dated June 16, 1818.
(50) A.S.P.M.A., p. 707, Letter of Masot to Youngs, dated April 30, 1818.
(51) Ibid
(52) Territorial Papers Vol. XVIII, pp. 319-320.
(53) Niles Register, Indian Wars P. 270. There are conflicting dates given but
Bibb and Youngs give the date as the 25th of May, 1818.
(54) Territorial Papers, Vol. XVIII pp. 325-326, Letter of Calhoun to Bibb
dated May 13,1818.
(55) Territorial Papers, Vol. XVIII, pp. 331-333.
(56) Annals of Congress, Vol. 34 column 2207. (Vol. 33 appeared to be divided
into two volumes, numbered 33 and 34.)
(57) R.G. 94, Records of the Adj. General's Office 1780's-1917, A.G.O. Letters
Received Maj. Youngs, National Archives, Washington, D.C., charges and
Specifications by Brevet Maj. White Youngs against Capt. Wright and Lieut.
Eddy.
(58) Territorial Papers Vol. XVIII, p. 318, Letter of Gov. Bibb to Sec. of War.
dated April 30, 1818.
(59) Report by Youngs to President and Gentlemen of the Court written May
7, 1819 in record of court martial proceedings. He specifically mentions
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McArthur, McComb, Blackstone and other writers on martial and civil law.
(60) Ibid
(61) American State Papers, Naval Affairs. Vol. I, p.310, and General Navy
Register, p. 709.
(62) Heitman, p. 1068 (column).
(63) R.G. 94, A.G.O., Navy and Old Army Branch, Military Archives
Division, Washington, D.C. Also two letters of Youngs to Maj. Glassell
written at Ft. Crawford on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, 1818.
(64) Fort Crawford on the Conecuh, by Thompson and Stokes, Footnote No. 41,states there was a
Monthly Return for Ft. Crawford on January 1819 but the
writer believes the date should be Jan. 1818 as no 1819 Returns were found.
McWillan Files.
(65) R.G. 94, A.G.O. Letters Received Maj. White Youngs.
(66) Ibid. Record of Court Martial of Maj. White Youngs.
(67) Ibid
(68) Ibid
(69) Ibid
(70) Ibid. Charges and Specifications preferred by Maj. Youngs against Lt.
Farly Eddy of the 8th Reg. U.S. Infantry.
(71) Records of U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management,
Eastern States Office, Silver Springs, Maryland.
(72) Territorial Papers, Vol. XVIII pp. 788 and 420.
(73) Brewton Historical Series, Brewton Standard, Nov. 25, 1971.
(74) Tradition related to the writer by James P. Jernigan, a descendant of Ben
Journigan (Jernigan).
(75) Letter to Mrs. Marie B. Owen, Director, Dept. of Archives and History,
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Montgomery, Alabama from P.O. Harris, Adj. Gen. written October 6, 1921.
Also a letter to Mr. Ed Leigh McMillan from William Ledford reporting a
record in the Archives of the Adjutant General Office in Washington which
states Ft. Crawford was named for a Second Lieut. Crawford.
(76) Letter of Capt. Charles Crawford to his cousin, Rev. William Crawford of
Louis, Va., dated July 22, 1813. Original in Georgia Archives, Atlanta, Ga.
(77) Records on Joel Crawford in Military Service Records, National Archives
(G.S.A.), Washington, D.C.
(78) Related to the writer by Mr. Herman Jordan, a grandson of Joshua
Jordan who, in 1875, owned the land on which the Ft. Crawford Cemetery is
situated.
(79) Peoples and Places of Conecuh County 1816-1860. Also, Carter, Florida
Territory, Territorial Papers, Vol. XXIII, p. 980.
(80) By Rev. L.M. Skelton, published in a Brewton paper, date unknown, copy
in the Alabama Archives. One of the two springs from which the soliders
obtained their water supply still flows.
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