The Press

[Donerail]

THE

Num.I

March 1789

W E S T E R N  H E R A L D
Offices: Lexington ★ Pittsburgh ★ Marietta ★ Nueva Orleans

An Election has transfix'd this nation, the most unfortunate resulte of the passing of the great General WASHINGTON being that no one man, stands fit to lead these UNITED STATES. A great PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIMENT shall be conducted, with the men of these states as the key players in this grand drama. The multitudinous states shall send DELEGATES to the City of Philadelphia, where matters of great import shall be determined by these states gathered in a NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.

Be as we may, accounting ourselves as citizens of VIRGINIA, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, NEW YORK, MARYLAND, NORTH CAROLINA, or GEORGIA, when gathered in NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, those common interests uniting all who live in or over the great Allegheny Mountains present themselves, and make UNION a necessity. A new political MOVEMENT seeks to represent all those inhabitants of the Western portion of these American states. Led by GENERAL JAMES WILKINSON, hero of the victory of SARATOGA and a close ally of General WASHINGTON, this WESTERN FACTION is the sole party that seeks to guarantee PROSPERITY and DEMOCRACY for all peoples of the West.

This WESTERN FACTION shall dedicate itself wholeheartedly to ensuring that each and every man of the West shall have the right to sell his products as he may choose. Odious and oppressive TARIFFS presently strangle commerce, forcing the Western farmer or hunter to choose between an arduous journey east to sell his wares, and the taxes and duties which sap his wealth in New Orleans or Quebec, a choice which condemns him to POVERTY and DESTITUTION. The right to trade freely with whomever he wishes, without undue government imposition, is a fundamental liberty guaranteed to all free men, which the WESTERN FACTION seeks to guarantee.

This faction, in addition, is the only to guarantee FAIR REPRESENTATION for those men who today see their concerns DERIDED, DENIGRATED, SPAT UPON, and IGNORED by distant and disaffectionate legislatures in Richmond, New Bern, &c. The creation of SEPARATE, DISTINCT, and INDEPENDENT states has been attempted to remedie these grievances, and is indeed the sole remedie which shall deliver appropriate relief to these inhabitants. The WESTERN FACTION is the sole party committed to recognizing, and welcoming as brothers, FRANKLIN and KENTUCKY, guaranteeing those representatives in the SENATE as accord all equal states. General WILKINSON himself has participated in those conventions at Danville, aimed at securing co-equal status for the COMMONWEALTH of KENTUCKY, giving every inhabitant of these lands no reason to doubt his unflagging devotion to this cause, nor the sincerity of his support for the further settlement and development of the West.

While a variety of other parties and cliques may present themselves in the coming months, the true choice for the ballot of every Western man is the WESTERN FACTION.


Great speculation and intrigue accompanies these new ELECTIONS, as no clear favorite exists for the position of FIRST SECRETARY. While much discussion has surrounded the personages of elder statesmen Benjamin FRANKLIN and Samuel ADAMS, the editors of this fine periodical might humbly suggest that the National Assembly consider instead the young James MADISON. He has proven himself wise beyond his years, with his leadership in our Constitutional CONVENTION, and his unwavering commitment to the REPUBLICAN IDEAL will ensure the LIBERTY which so animated our REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT will never be lost.

Just two weeks ago, in the city of CHARLOTTESVILLE, Mr. MADISON espoused his philosophy, stating that every member of his faction has pledged to “stand for the rights of every State of this Union,” for “the rights of the citizen and the farmer” and against that centralized government that was the origin of our REVOLUTION. While we at this fine paper can only hope that his dedication to the rights of the states will yet extent to the new states-to-be of the FRONTIER, his defense of INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY leaves us optimistic. Should his REPUBLICAN FACTION, alone or, as is more likely to be the case, in combination with the WESTERN FACTION and several other factions as yet to be determined, secure a majority in the NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, the HERALD is confident that the nation would face a secure and prosperous future.


Certain STIRRINGS IN FRANCE merit note. For the first time in nearly two centuries, the French King, LOUIS XVI, has summoned the ESTATES-GENERAL, a representative body, to address the debts of the French crown. The French, as every proud inhabitant of this land remembers, were instrumental in driving the loathsome BRITISH out of our lands. Much as our government has incurred certain debts, in the course of the REVOLUTION, so too has the French crown been burdened by the cost of war.

Our friend and ally, the MARQUIS de LAFAYETTE, who served alongside General WASHINGTON with nobility and distinction in the conclusive battle of YORKTOWN, a true ally of DEMOCRACY, suggested that the French King summon a NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, much like our own, to resolve that realm’s financial troubles. The KING, like all kings a thoroughly unpleasant tyrant, resisted this suggestion, going so far as to imprison PHILIPPE, his own relative and the Duc d’Orléans, for suggesting that the PEOPLE had some authority to resist the will of kings. Nevertheless, the King has concluded that he has no alternative, but to accept LAFAYETTE’S wise counsel, and summon the ESTATES-GENERAL to address the grievances of the public. Elections, not dissimilar to those elections which now preoccupy our states, are at this moment taking place in every District in France.

Unlike our National Assembly, however, these ESTATES-GENERAL do not reflect the will of the people in their totality. One quarter of the body is comprised of PAPIST CLERGY, in thrall to the POPE IN ROME. A further quarter are comprised of NOBLES, naturally opposed to the will of the common people. This assemblage of the common people, nevertheless, is an historic occasion, and the HERALD fervently prays that the people of FRANCE, true allies and long friends of the people of these UNITED STATES, will allow this spark of DEMOCRACY to grow into the flame of LIBERTY.

[Donerail]

DO NOT BE A PAWN OF THE PLANTER ELITES !
A Warning To The Men Of The South And West, Of This Faction Calling Themselves The "Patriots"

Certain pamphlets, labeled “On the Western Faction,” have been distributed among the people, particularly in the South. These pamphlets are quite confusing — in criticizing the Western Faction, it betrays the author’s clear unfamiliarity with our people and with our concerns. The rank lunacy of the scribbling, indeed, should be enough to steer any clear-thinking man away from this so-called “Patriot” faction.

These “Patriots” criticize us for failing to offer an opinion on the institution of slavery, claiming that it exists in the majority of those constituencies we seek to represent. This assertion, however, betrays their unfamiliarity with our lands. Their party leaders, a Mr. JACKSON and a Mr. GUNN, are both Georgians. Mr. JACKSON, an attorney, and Mr. GUNN, a planter, assume that because slavery is of great concern in Savannah, that the same ought to be true all throughout Georgia.

THESE PATRIOTS ARE NONE OTHER THAN THE EASTERN ELITE

We have offered no opinion on slavery, because slavery is a matter of little concern in much of the West. Grand plantations are the dominions of the East — and in their writings, the yeoman farmer of the Allegheny Mountains sees his concerns ignored. The “Patriots,” in their own literature, reveal that they only offer an outsider’s knowledge on the concerns of the West.

As for their other writings, they are so ludicrously reasoned as to barely merit response. They criticize the Western faction for our skepticism of the Constitution, an instrument which bound the several states together under one central government — then, in three sentences, suggest that we seek to create an all-powerful central government. They feign concern at our attitudes towards France — the nation which, it must be remembered, assisted greatly in liberating our lands from the tyrant King George — and have the gall to suggest that our gratitude for this action is a sign of monarchism!

The idiotic ravings of the so-called “Patriot” faction collapse under their internal contradictions, and any man with clear reason ought to be able to see this faction for what they are: Eastern elites who wish to marshal the good men of the West in service of their cause. Only one faction is led by men of the West, and places Western concerns at the forefront. For the freedom of trade and navigation, for a swift resolution to the Indian menace, and for a free West, the clear choice is the WESTERN FACTION.

[Donerail]

THE

Num.II

September 1789

W E S T E R N  H E R A L D
Offices: Lexington ★ Pittsburgh ★ Marietta ★ Nueva Orleans

FREE WESTSYLVANIA is the cry that echoes throughout the land. While the TYRANNICAL Government of the State of Pennsylvania threatens those who advocate for Westsylvanian Statehood, with the crime of TREASON and the punishment of DEATH, this fine publication stands UNAFRAID to say: WESTSYLVANIA NOW.

Indeed, in the most recent publication of the “Pennsylvania Gazette,” a publication known as the mouthpiece of this faction, the Radical Faction threatens WAR as the consequence for advocacy for Westsylvania taking her rightful place among our United States. He writes, to wit, that in the present state of affairs, there exists a “near-guarantee of armed conflict in our Western frontier, which would have otherwise resulted in the Great loss of Life,” alleviated only by the noble actions of the Radical faction, in their proposal to shift the state’s capital to Chambersburg.

These compromises, and the language surrounding them, suggests the truth: God-fearing Westsylvanian men and women must no longer find themselves under the rule of the Radical Tyrant-King who styles himself “Governor,” who threatens death and war for the mere act of speech. Indeed, it is the fundamental right of the people to speak FREELY, without FEAR, and to profess those truths which resident in their CONSCIENCE. This freedom of Speech, and of the Press, is the inviolable core of the great Revolution. A government which turns against these ends, by calling speech TREASON, and suggesting that a BELIEF should result in DEATH BY THE HANGMAN'S NOOSE, can be called nothing but an ENEMY OF LIBERTY.

And is that speech itself so radical? All the people demand, is the FUNDAMENTAL guarantee of the Republican System of Government, for which so many men gave their lives in the Revolution: a government that responds to, represents, is, indeed, instituted for the common good of the people. If there were any suspicions that the present government in PHILADELPHIA, isolated as it is from the people of Pittsburgh, Bedford, Newtown, Uniontown, Washington, et cetera., paid little regard to the well-being of the people of the region, their threats of DEATH AND WAR leave no room for doubt.

Our ire is not directed at the “Radical Faction,” but solely at those individuals who persist, in refusing to recognize the POPULAR WILL of the people of Westsylvania, who criminalize and persecute those who dare even utter her name. Indeed, we have irrefutable evidence, that certain members of the Radical Faction have proven sympathetic to the concerns of those citizens they represent: the choice of one Pennsylvanian deputy to dramatically CROSS THE FLOOR and sit amongst those elected deputies of the Western Faction. His words? A demand that the people of Westsylvania be HEARD AT LAST.


In happier news, the statehood petitions of Kentucky and Franklin appear likely to pass. The governments of North Carolina and Virginia, currently controlled in large numbers by the Democratic-Republicans and the Patriot Factions, both stout friends of liberty, have suggested their recognition of the organization and determination of the inhabitants of both localities, and signaled their support for STATEHOOD. We at the Western Herald expect such petitions to come within months, not years, and join our friends in Kentucky and Franklin in eagerly anticipating their co-equal membership, in our Brotherhood of States.


The glorious accomplishments of the Western Faction in government are numerous, none more evident than the new DECLARATION OF RIGHTS. Widely expected to be passed by the National Assembly in a few short weeks, the primary credit for the legislation goes to the brilliant mind of the young First Secretary James MADISON, who has acquainted himself well in his first months in office. However, Gen. James WILKINSON, leader of the Western faction, was deeply involved in the drafting of the rights, with particular items drafted by his hand, that will prove most beneficial to the inhabitants of the Western states.

One such provision, most important to citizens of Western states, is a guarantee that “No tax or duty shall infringe upon the right of the people to trade freely between the states.” At present, as many in the West are aware, shipments from foreign nations arrive at the ports of Philadelphia, Charleston and Baltimore, and from there make their way inward. At every stage, each state applies its own TARIFF on these goods, such that a shipment arriving in Baltimore at a certain price, will see that price increase dramatically upon leaving the state, before it finally arrives several weeks later across the Allegheny Mountains. By the means of this INSIDIOUS TAX, the coastal states effectively COERCE Westerners, into paying a subsidy to their coffers, draining the economies of the West to enrich the East. This Declaration sends a simple message to these states: NO MORE.

Another essential provision, is the requirement that the running waters of the United States, “shall be held in public trust;” and the right of all persons to access such, “shall not be infringed.” This provision guarantees that no rapacious corporations, nor any particularly miserly individuals, shall be able to establish their position across a river essential to transporting Western produce to market, and assess any tax or duty. This FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION shall remove yet another obstacle, to the continued prosperity of the West.

The newly created Federal Courts, shall be entrusted with the enforcement of this legislation; and here too, Gen. Wilkinson shaped the legislation before the Assembly, in a manner most desirous to the continued liberty of the public. The Tory Faction proposed, to set up a series of Judge-Kings, with the ability to dictate what the law is, over the wishes of the popular representatives. Gen. Wilkinson wisely suggested that the National Assembly possess the final authority to override the decisions of the High Constitutional Court, such that the ability to define the Constitution rests firmly with THE PEOPLE, through their elected representatives. In all things, therefore, this Declaration of Rights endeavors to protect the Rights of the People, and ensures that the People themselves, remain the ultimate sovereigns over their liberty.


New legislation before the Assembly promises a Further Expansion West, with the additional benefit of freeing the nation from the shackles of debt. At present moment, debts from the Revolution weigh heavily upon the national government, with the need for government to pay those wages of the Soldiers, who were willing to give their lives for the Revolution, a particularly pressing matter.

At the same time, many who would otherwise settle in the Northwest Territory, and improve the land, and transform that country into a further expanse of Civilization, are excluded from settlement by the current policies, of our federal government. Lands are only available in plots of 320 acres or larger, an expensive proposition — not only must the land be purchased in cash, but such acreage is beyond the capacity of all but the largest families to use and improve, necessitating the hiring of further servants. All but the very wealthy, are in this way excluded from Western settlement.

Gen. James WILKINSON has introduced legislation to the Assembly, that would make land available in smaller denominations, with a system of credit, to encourage the settlement of our Western lands. This Land Act will encourage settlement, and in the process raise substantial sums for the government of the United States, allowing the government to settle its debt with our soldiers. As a commanding officer in the Revolution, Gen. Wilkinson knows personally the bravery of such men as served in the Continental Army, and has made it his chief priority to ensure that they are justly compensated for their service.


In the country of FRANCE, our longstanding friend in our War of Independence, a new regime appears positioned to take power. In our past edition, we wrote “the HERALD fervently prays that the people of France, true allies and long friends of the people of these United States, will allow this spark of DEMOCRACY to grow into the flame of LIBERTY.” Here, we see the FLAME OF LIBERTY ALIGHT, with the people rising in protest of the economic conditions of the country, and the distant and cruel reign of KING LOUIS XVI. The NATIONAL CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY now governs the nation, a government, like ours, elected BY THE PEOPLE. While we have no desire to become embroiled in the affairs of Europe, and wish not for bloodshed, we congratulate the French public on their embrace of the Republican System, which has proven so beneficial for America.

[Donerail]

THE

SPECIAL

February 1790

W E S T E R N  H E R A L D
Offices: Lexington ★ Pittsburgh ★ Marietta ★ Nueva Orleans

A DUEL is to be fought between the esteemed SAMUEL ADAMS of Massachusetts, presently the leader of the Whig faction in the National Assembly, and GOUVERNEUR MORRIS, presently affiliated with the Hamilton faction, but elected as a deputy for (the so-called Commonwealth of) Pennsylvania as a Tory. Mr. MORRIS issued the challenge, evidently the result of several recent provocations by the Whig faction, particularly a recent pamphlet entitled "REVISED AMERICAN DICTIONARY," printed inside in its entirety. Mr. ADAMS accepted the challenge, and specified the duel be fought with pistols outside the city of Philadelphia, at dawn on the sixth of February. Seconds have not yet been publicly named.

At thirty-eight years of age, the hot-headed young Morris is thirty years Adams' junior. Neither man has the military experience necessary for this paper to deem them a crack shot, much less any known record as a duelist. Despite this lack of information, the following proposition bets are said to prevail in particular taverns across the West:

• For Mr. ADAMS to fire and strike Mr. MORRIS: 8-1
• For Mr. ADAMS to fire and miss: 6-1
• For Mr. ADAMS to deliberately discharge his pistol in the air: 4-1
• For Mr. MORRIS to fire and strike Mr. ADAMS: 7-1
• For Mr. MORRIS to fire and miss: 5-1
• For Mr. MORRIS to deliberately fire his pistol in the air: 9-1
• For the duel to progress to a second round: 40-1
• For the duel to progress to a third round: 55-1
• For both men to strike the other: 35-1
• For neither man to strike the other: 8-1
• For no duel to occur: 45-1
• For at least one man to perish: 5-1

The Herald does not condone the institution of gambling, and finds it to be a wicked, vile, and thoroughly un-Christian institution. All information published is solely for the purpose of public information, and should not be used for the purpose of placing bets.

[Donerail]

A Statement to the Nation:

I have read in several (doubtlessly scurrilous) publications that First Secretary Madison has demanded particular legal protections for myself and other members of his government. While clearly the fabrication of the Radical faction, they appear to have been printed widely, necessitating a response. I will be clear: I do not consider myself, nor any member of government, nor any man, to be above the law. I believe the authorities of the present government in Philadelphia to have acted in flagrant violation of the Constitution of that Commonwealth, and several other laws besides. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to confront these unjust and tyrannical authorities in a court of law, where their hypocrisies and trespasses may be exposed before the world. I thank First Secretary Madison, Mr. Jackson, and countless others across the nation for their support, and look forward to resuming my duties in the National Assembly in short order.

x Gen. James Wilkinson
Presently of Walnut Street Jail, Philadelphia

[Donerail]

Statement on Violence in Westsylvania:
I must condemn in the strongest possible terms the violence that is occurring in Westsylvania and elsewhere. The recent reports of private militias rising in Eastern Pennsylvania, seeking to do harm to peaceful supporters of Westsylvanian statehood, is deeply alarming and could quite possibly lead to civil conflict that threatens our very union. I urge all factions to cease aggressive action and allow their elected representatives to attempt to negotiate an agreement.
x Gen. James Wilkinson

[Donerail]

THE

Num.III

September 1790

W E S T E R N  H E R A L D
Offices: Lexington ★ Pittsburgh-in-Exile ★ Marietta ★ Nueva Orleans

WARRE has come to — nay, been forced upon — Westsylvania. Bands of loathsome bandits, lower than vermin, have organized themselves into dishonorable combinations, and marched on Pittsburgh. These men have BURNED the HOMES of many good Christian families, and plunged the region into CHAOS.

But, my friends, that is only part of the story. These disorganized reavers, no natives of the land, are reported to have displayed remarkable knowledge of the terrain, and acted with the consent of the officers appointed by the Governor to oversee their actions. The conclusion is unavoidable: at best, the Governor of Pennsylvania has lost any control he may have had over the state's militias; and at worst, the Governor of Pennsylvania ordered the destruction of Pittsburgh.

This great tragedy and loss of life far surpasses in magnitude all of the past indignations and violations that have been wrought upon Westsylvanians by this tyrannical regime — indeed, it amounts to a Declaration of Warre against a peace-loving people.

The inhabitants of Westsylvania have heretofore, in consideration of protection, acknowledged allegiance to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and agitated for a separate state, not out of any hostility towards that Commonwealth, but because a separate government may enable them to better enjoy their natural rights, and ensure their security and protection. This Act of Warre by the Governor and his militias, reflects a withdrawal of that protection which previously bound the people of this land to his Commonwealth, and is an utter abdication of the most basic function of any Government.

The Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has commenced, and still continues to carry on, with unabated vengeance, a MOST CRUEL and UNJUST WARRE against the People of Westsylvania. His proposal to make support for secession TREASON, and to enshrine such language in the Constitution, the document which guarantees the basic rights of the people, is a public avowal of his purpose: REDUCING THE PEOPLE OF WESTSYLVANIA TO A TOTAL AND ABJECT SUBMISSION TO THE DESPOTIC DOMINATION OF KING FRANKLIN.

A Word from Gen. Wilkinson/b]
Many individuals have confronted me, curious about the possibility of a bargain struck with the Radical government, which before my trial had appeared to want me to hang for my role as an advocate of liberty. The scope of that bargain, however, was a price I was gladly willing to pay: a statement urging an end to the violence, which was and remains my goal. I made no policy concessions, offered nothing that might diminish the liberty of Westsylvanians, merely called on all sides -- particularly those militias rising in the eastern parts of Pennsylvania -- to enter negotiations, so that we might win our State of Westsylvania without bloodshed.

That statement, regrettably, appears to have weighed little on the hearts of those lawless eastern militias, who have responded by driving families from their homes by fire. Let me be clear: my desire for peace ought not prevent any Westsylvanian from taking up arms in defense of himself, his family, or his property.


STATEHOOD FOR KENTUCKY marks a great accomplishment of the Western faction. Elected on the promise of statehood for the Western territories, the faction has delivered on this promise for Kentucky, and is in the process of doing so for both Frankland and Westsylvania. The first new elections in Kentucky represent a triumph for the faction, and the beginning of Kentucky's perpetual and blessed membership in our federal brotherhood of states.


The Herald is overjoyed to see the passage of the Declaration of Rights, which codifies the fundamental liberties of the people into law, and represents a second great achievement of the government presently in office. We are particularly excited to join, on behalf of our employees in Pittsburgh, the lawsuit brought by the Patriot-Star against the "treason law" of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and cheer the people of Westsylvania in their efforts to exercise their rights under the Twentieth Article of said Declaration, which guarantees an "unquestionable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform or change their government, whenever it be found inadequate."

[Donerail]

THE

Num.III.II

October 1790

W E S T E R N  H E R A L D
Offices: Lexington ★ Pittsburgh-in-Exile ★ Marietta ★ Nueva Orleans

EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA!

The people of Westsylvania, and of the several States, are doubtlessly aware of the State of Warre which presently exists in Westsylvania. It is the solemn obligation of the Herald to inform the public of recent events, which have confirmed for many their worst fears about the true nature of Governor Ross and his Radical faction. It appears that Governor Ross has explicitly ordered the state's militia — equipped and armed to secure the liberties of all men under the protection of the Commonwealth — to seek out and murder, in the most cruel of fashions, all those men who confess their support for Westsylvanian liberty. Two dozen honorable men now lie dead, and the removal of Governor Ross, by the multitudinous factions of the state legislature, appears to have done little to curb the violence of these lawless marauders, who pledge their allegience to Tyrant Ross alone.

As a consequence of this WARRE, and observing the inability of the current legislature to resolve the crisis, all allegiance which the people of Westsylvania may have once owed Governor Ross and his successors, is dissolved and at an end, and the State of Westsylvania has ceased to be under his authority. He has used his power in a manner actively destructive of the ends of government, conditions under which the people have a right to change their government, and take such measures as may be necessary to promote their safety and secure their happiness.

Three great men, true friends of liberty, and reflecting all manner of honorable men in Westsylvania, have gathered to issue a statement. These men include a military man, Major General James McFarlane; a man of law, David Bradford, and a man of God, Herman Husband. At Redstone Fort, they inscribed their names, and in doing so ensured that they shall live forever in history.

The Governor of Pennsylvania has issued a DECLARATION OF WARRE. The People of Westsylvania have issued their response: a DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

[Donerail]

Of Slavery and its Place in Kentucky
A Pamphlet by the Western Faction

This speech was delivered by Gen. James Wilkinson, leader of the Western faction, on October 28th in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Within, he discusses the position of the Western faction on the issue of slavery, and responds to the charges levied by James Gunn of the Patriot faction, that the Western faction has no position on the issue of slavery.


My friends, in recent weeks a most curious charge has been levied against our faction. James Gunn of the Patriot faction argues that this election hinges on the issue of slavery, implying that a vote for the Western faction is a vote to devastate our economy. Nothing could be further from the truth. This election presents a simple choice: whether the voters of this state will elect members of a faction dedicated solely to their interests, one which has proven itself in government capable of delivering significant benefits to the economy of this state, or one with no record in government and little differentiating them from the Western faction.

The Western faction has presented a clear platform on slavery, one that the Patriot faction has wholeheartedly supported. In the National Assembly, I was the first deputy to propose a truly democratic approach to the issue of slavery: allowing the people of the state to determine, through their own democratic methods, whether slavery should be permissible in that state. The people of Massachusetts, for example, finding the institution of little import to their economy and having no wish for it to continue, have abolished it; throughout much of the South, its existence has continued, for obvious reasons. If the people of Kentucky wish to allow it, their decision is their own. I have stood against several proposals introduced by the Tory faction, that would have removed that right from the people, and will continue to vote against such proposals if re-elected to the National Assembly.

That is the position of the Western faction in the National Assembly. As for the states, the vast majority of candidates affiliated with this faction in Kentucky support its continued existence in this state, and will not vote to abolish it if elected to the legislature. This is not true in all parts of the West, which is varied and vast; in Pennsylvania and parts of New York, for instance, where slavery would be of little economic value to the public, and there is little desire to permit it, the Western faction does not stand for its expansion. In Kentucky, however, the will of the public is clear, and the candidates of the Western faction would never reject the popular will.

In the upcoming election, then, there is a clear choice indeed. One faction misrepresents the Western policy on the issue of slavery, misleading voters with deceptions and falsehoods. The other, the Western faction, stands on its clear record as an ally of the people of this state: through the Declaration of Rights, through the Land Act, and through being the foremost advocate for Kentucky’s statehood.


The leader of the Westerners,
x Gen. James Wilkinson

[Donerail]

On the Upcoming Elections
A Pamphlet by the Western Faction

This speech was delivered by Gen. James Wilkinson, leader of the Western faction, on November 30th in Lexington, Kentucky.


My friends, today is Election Day, a most emotional occasion. This state — my home, the state I love — will go to the polls for the first time as an equal member of the brotherhood of states. Whatever the outcome of this election, I know that I have played a role, both through my involvement in our Constitutional Convention and through introducing the authorizing legislation in the National Assembly, in gaining our statehood. Of all my accomplishments, that is the one of which I am the most proud.

And I hope that the blessings of statehood may soon resonate through Westsylvania as well. All credit must go to the brave men who declared its statehood, but I do give myself a bit of credit — by being willing to speak in public, though just a speech, I believe I lent courage to many, who had previously only seen a government indifferent to their sufferings. I do not regret the time in prison I served for that cause, and would gladly repeat that sacrifice whenever liberty is threatened, in Westsylvania, in Kentucky, or anywhere in the west of these United States.

I must turn now to the issue of slavery, which has become an issue of some debate. I view this as regrettable — there is, in truth, little disagreement between the parties in this election on slavery, and yet slavery appears the dominant issue of the day, preventing detailed discussion of our accomplishments and records in government, and our other positions on the future. Nevertheless, I have always taken a consistent stance on the issue — to permit the people to decide. In places like Kentucky, where slavery appears to be a significant component of the economy, it should be permitted; in places where the people have voted to prohibit the practice, I do not support its re-introduction. Contrary to the slanderous drivel vomited up by particular members of the so-called Patriot faction, I have never opposed the existence of slavery in any place where the people wish it to exist.

There is still work to be done. In particular, while our Declaration of Rights guarantees some specific liberties, there are still others not yet codified in law, and there are still officeholders — as became evident through the Westsylvania crisis —  who do not respect those rights. Our economic condition is not yet stabilized, though through the Land Act we have made significant strides towards reducing our debt, and extending civilization into the Northwest Territory besides. We have ensured that the Declaration of Rights includes many provisions, extraordinarily beneficial to Western interests, that were not present in Madison’s original draft, such as the guarantee of free navigation. We have ensured, through our role in the governing coalition, that the tariffs that fund our government are no higher than those necessary to support the functions of state. By working within the government, the Western faction has been able to guarantee favorable outcomes for the people of Kentucky in several of the contests of state. I ask that you return myself to the National Assembly, so that I might continue that work.

The leader of the Westerners,
x Gen. James Wilkinson

(This pamphlet shall be circulated throughout Kentucky, as voters are heading to the polls.)

[Donerail]

The Official Platform of the Patriot Faction
And Our Vision For Cumberland

Many men across the great State of Cumberland have heard the message of the Patriot Faction, and in particular our standard-bearer Mr. William BLOUNT. So that we may refresh the memories of the good citizens of Cumberland, and circulate such information to those who have not heard his speech, we have compiled the most compelling passages of his usual oration into this pamphlet.

Our chief policy is a TERM LIMIT, with Mr. Blount pledging to only remain in office for a period of six terms of government. Given that a typical term of government is six years, and Mr. Blount is presently forty-two years in age, this represents a pledge to retire only at the age of seventy-eight. This limit satisfies the populace, assuming that they cannot multiply the terms as quickly as Mr. Blount makes his promises, and allows Mr. Blount to reign as an effective TYRANT, while also allowing him to pretend to oppose that monarchical rule which he so fervently supports.

Another policy of ours, especially popular in the western reaches of Cumberland, is SURRENDER. Quite simply, we find the occasional burden of any taxation, even those minimal rates established by the National Assembly to fund the basic functions of government, far too tiresome. The eastern planters which comprise our leadership, in particular, chafe under the burden of a small tariff on goods imported from BRITAIN, Spain, &c. So that we may strengthen our relationship with Britain, and save a bit of money, we propose reducing the present rates of tariff. As a result, we would either have to allow the debt to balloon, or restrict some of the present functions of government, chiefly comprised of the military forces which endeavor to provide our defense. Refusing to defend our homes and villages, against the merciless Indians on our Western frontier, may result in the deaths of a few thousand innocent people — but what are they worth, to a coin saved for the men of Savannah?

Third — and perhaps so universally agreeable, as to hardly be worth mentioning — is our support for ABOLITION of Slavery. Our proposed solution is to allow for slavery to continue, in certain limited forms, south of the 37th parallel, while eliminating it immediately in all those states and territories north of the line. This would, of course, entail the elimination of slavery in Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, the Northwest territories, and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. While this certainly seems a radical proposition, we are committed to the total destruction of slavery, which must begin with its elimination in several states, so that it may, by pieces, be abolished across the nation.

Contrast this platform with the scurrilous WESTERN FACTION, committed as it is to republicanism, a stout defense against the Indian foe, and the doctrine of popular sovereignty. It is clear that these ideas, while perhaps appealing to the more simple-minded members of the public, are clearly unacceptable in government. It is the PATRIOT FACTION, and it alone, which stands for TYRANNY, SURRENDER, and ABOLITIONISM. While opponents of such theories of government may cast their vote for the Western faction, we trust that all free-thinking men of Cumberland will cast their ballot for the most reasonable choice: the Patriots.

A supporter of,
William Blount


(This pamphlet shall be circulated throughout Cumberland.)

[Donerail]

The Western faction and its organs shall republish the call to arms

[Donerail]

THE

Num.IV

January 1792

T H E  A G R I C U L T U R A L I S T
Offices: Lexington ★ Pittsburgh ★ Marietta ★ Nueva Orleans

The FARMERS' PARTY has been established, the new representative of those people, who make up the core of these United States. The leadership of the Western faction, most notably Gen. James WILKINSON, have concluded that it is not only in the West that the common people yearn for political representation. The Farmers' Party exists to advance the interests of the American yeoman, whose independent and self-reliant spirit exemplifies the particular attitudes which make these United States so resistant to aristocracy and tyranny.

The Farmers' Party stands opposed to all legislation which favors the Southern planters on one hand, and the bankers and financiers of the North on the other. Both classes strive to establish an aristocracy, and come into conflict only over the proper composition of the aristocrats. The Farmers' Party, by contrast, opposes aristocracy and monarchism in all its forms.

As a consequence, the Farmers' Party stands foremost for the preservation of human liberty. While it is essential that a national government exists for our protection and security, it must not be permitted to trample upon the rights of the individual or of the states, and it must represent all men equally, without regard to their standing or property. It must not be permitted to maintain armies in times of peace, and the people must be constantly vigilant against other encroachments upon their liberties.

Essential to the fulfillment of this American experiment is the continued furnishing of new lands, that may allow any man of virtue to make his own fortune, lest the East continue to grow denser and denser, and the yeoman farmer be destroyed. The settlement of the West is a chief priority, as is the integration of the Indian into our society — or the displacement of such men, should they refuse to recognize the virtues of civilization.

The Farmers' Party represents not only farmers, but all good republican men who work to provide for their own subsistence. It counts among its founders farmers, small merchants, storekeepers, artisans, mechanics, teachers, lawyers, doctors, parsons, and military men. All recognize, however, that it is the farm, not the plantation and not the bank, which is central to the vitality of these United States.

[Donerail]

On the Warre Levied Upon the People by the Whigs
A Pamphlet by the Western Faction

Those demoniacal Radicals who now style themselves "Whigs" have introduced, in the National Assembly, a Tax on the consumption of Whiskey. This Tax, if levied upon the people of this Union, is most dangerous to the Liberty of Freedmen. These Exorbitant, not to mention unlawful Fees, included in the enormous Encrease of the Tax, are Evils of which no Person can be insensible. The Farmers' Party shall work tirelessly to undo these sad Calamities, and shall not Cease until all men are once again Free.

The leader of the Farmers,
x Gen. James Wilkinson