Hertford County, NC - That Man Named Solon "Solon Borland & FAMILY Chapter 2: "That Man Named Solon" (11/06/08) "Solon Borland was generous, open hearted and noble in all his instincts, and a tender regret for his early demise filled the hearts of many a friend who had known him in days of yore." "History of North Carolina", by John Wheeler MOORE, 1880, page 253. <~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~> SOLON BORLAND's name-sake was the Greek; "Solon the Lawmaker" who died 2,370 years earlier, in 559 B C. Solon was brilliant, well educated, a family man, a southern gentleman, a frontiersman, an achiever ~ ~ serving the public as: North Carolina militia officer, Adjutant-General of Arkansas, attorney-at- law, Confederate Colonel, editor, pharmacist, physician, politician, publisher, Arkansas' first United States diplomat and fourth U S Senator, United States Army Major and selected a Democratic delegate several times during mid-nineteenth century. He was part of our expanding nation, increasing from 17 to 36 states and west beyond the 1803 "Louisiana Purchase" lands, to the Pacific Ocean during his fifty- two years. Early years spent in Virginia and North Carolina, --- last twenty-seven, eleven in Memphis and sixteen, off and on, in Arkansas. Born August 8, 1811 in Suffolk, Nansemond county, Virginia, third and last known child of Harriott GODWIN and Thomas Wood BORLAND, M D, (emigrant, legislator and serious student of Greek history) raised and educated during early years by mother's older brother and wife, George GODWIN and Fanny GREEN for whom his children by third wife were named. His parents moved in ca1823 to Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina, passing away while he's yet a teenager, she ca1825, he ca1831. Siblings were: Euclid (1809VA-1881VA), a physician and plantation owner and Roscius Cicero (1807VA-1845MS), an attorney. He was thrice married, five known children, died New Year's Day 1864 from pneumonia near Houston, Texas, burial site unknown, believed by some to be City cemetery, Houston. Solon too suffered from ill health as did Doctor BORLAND and wife Harriott, plus descendants, except second son Euclid. Father and mother dying after move to Murfreesboro, with their burial site (s) unknown. http://community.webtv.net/billboggess2/UNITEDSTATESSENATOR http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/media-detail.aspx?mediaID=5935 http://usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford/images/borland1.jpg http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/media-detail.aspx?mediaID=286 A special thanks for my cohorts in Texas, New Hampshire, New Orleans, Memphis and to the many others, without their help I could not have developed as complete insight of Solon's life as they helped provide. www.sallysfamilyplace.com/MulberryGrove/borlandsolon.htm (Texas cohort) His active life caused my New Hampshire cohort to believe we were researching two or more men, even after establishing his time line!! "Borland appears to have been a scraper and perhaps even a little impulsive or hot tempered but a man's honor was taken very seriously in those days. It appears that some newspapers certainly didn't cut him any slack and I'm sure politics entered into the fray.", so wrote my New Orleans cohort who reviewed many newspapers and visited his great,nieces grave sites. Memphis cohort fell in love with daughter Fanny and her beautiful poems. DOCUMENTED FACTS: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Since March 2003, reviewing over 140 newspaper articles, some 330 books via Google book search, plus Inter-Library Loan ~ ~ finding some myths and much misleading and incorrect information is published regarding Solon BORLAND who on balance was a stalwart leader and a honest, fearless gentleman! 1)- He seemed to be interested in serving the down-trodden. 2)- Solon remembered by daughter: http://files.usgwarchives.org/tn/shelby/newspapers/atmyfath3nw.txt 3)- Samuel Cole WILLIAMS, 1930, "Beginnings of West Tennessee, 1544- 1841", 331 pages, Page 225, to wit: "The ablest man in the field of journalism, in our period, was Dr. Solon Borland...." 4)- Will HALE & Dixon Lanier MERRITT, "A History of Tennesseans", 1913, 2644 pages, page 514, to wit: Solon listed amongest the eleven most prominent of early Memphis editors. 5)- Dallas Tabor HERDON, Ph D, (1878GA-1953AR), First Director of The Arkansas History Commission (1911-1953), in his "Centennial History of Arkansas", (S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1922; 1970 reprint), wrote, among other things of him: "...he came to Arkansas [1843] to assume the editorial management of the 'Arkansas Banner.' In that position he won the reputation of being one of the ablest political writers in the United States." 6)- Professor Michael B DOUGAN, Ph D (a fellow southwest Missourian), wrote in his "Arkansas Odyssey". Rose Publishing Com. Little Rock, 1994, 684pp. www.pccua.edu/keough/education2.htm ("Borland") "The first elite of Arkansas often came well-educated. George C Watkins and Chester Ashley studied law in the Litchfield Law School; Solon Borland as a Philadelphia-trained doctor." Also review his page 85 of 1976 book regarding November 1861 General Order. 7)- Solon's intellect was admired by many, including University of Michigan's longest serving Head Librarian (1877-1906) who wrote in his autobiography to wit: "...he must have possessed an inquiring mind and a retentive memory." placing annotations in dictionary margins " ...in the nature of corrections, enlargements and suggestions...."i Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, Raymond C DAVIS (1836ME-1908MI) papers. 8)- Confederate Army's Western Department, Commander, General Albert Sidney JOHNSTON (1803KY-1862TN) appointed Colonel Solon BORLAND, CSA (fellow Mexican War veteran) Commander of Upper Arkansas District, November 5, 1861 to January 10,1862, with only a rank of colonel, between commands of; General William J HARDEE, "Old Reliable", (1815GA- 1873AL) and Major-General Earl VAN DORN (1820MS-1862TN). Solon's fifty page Confederate army record revealed he served eight months, on sick leave December 15, 1861, traveled 1,710 miles during first twenty-weeks, includes copies of his November 29th order and Governor RECTOR's December 20th proclamation ---- unable to return for duty before his honorable discharge, May 26,1862. The calvary battalion Solon formed in Little Rock June 1861 was enlarged, proceeding as the distinguished 3rd Regiment Arkansas Cavalry, CSA after December 1861 until end of war. 9)- The Arkansas Bar Foundation and Pulaski County Bar Association at Little Rock's Mount Holly cemetery Law Day 1992 dedicated: "...a monument for Solon Borland, early prominent lawyer in Arkansas History ..." http://usgwarchives.org/ar/cemph/pulaskiph.htm (incorrect birth date) 10)- Solon's lifetime record of success was nearly as high as purity of Ivory Soap,--- just short of 100%. ~ ~ ~ If a job needed done -- Solon was the one! Success begets notoriety, more successful Solon was the more negative his political enemies became, bringing forth myths, strong negative and half true comments, which many so called history writers purpled those myths, negative and rumored connotations into their books. TRUE, Solon was no Angel, --- but, did what was needed done due to circumstances of that moment. Close scrutinization of 'historical documentations' concerning events is warranted ie: Nicaragua, his fights etc, to reveal his justifiable and plausible reasoning which his political enemies ignored, --- otherwise promoted by some historians (and modern day story book writers) as seemingly degrading and negative actions of Solon BORLAND. 11)- Some modern day history/story book writers provide their reading public myths and incorrect information, ie: Solon's birth/death dates, military rank, misspelled names of mother and wife and incorrect impressions of Solon by failing to report ALL facts and to understand southern "Code of Honor", defined by some 'story book writers' as: "vociferously defend" ---- or perhaps -- they are intentionally demeaning, defaming and smearing his good character because of his success or because he was born and raised with a southern sense of honor--- requiring a response when either is impugned, as others --- he feared not to protect his "Code of Honor" with: voice, pen, fists, dirks or guns as need may be. A)- BIRTH DATE: Documented in December 1849 issue of "The American Quarterly Register and Magazine", p 435, 1856 printing of "Portrait of United States Senators", page109 and elsewhere. Supported from family records by nephew Thomas Roscius BORLAND's (1844NC-1900VA) (once United States Attorney of Eastern Virginia) in January 19, 1897 letter at Thomas HUME #3239 file, University of North Carolina, Wilson library, Chapel Hill archives! B)- DEATH DATE: Documented in: the 1880 "History of North Carolina" by John Wheeler MOORE, pages 252 & 253, the 1892 "History of the Mexican War, page655, and other like publications. Supported by, telegraphed message received March 4, 1864 at Princeton, Dallas county, Arkansas, Solon's home after leaving Little Rock early March 1863 www.griffingweb.com/march_1863.htm to where he came, then from out of his sick bed, after providing for his daughters education and welfare, leaving for Texas evening of 13th September, --- also home of some 750 people, including surviving daughters, Mr DAVIS telegrapher & lady who looked after this ill man, Virginia (Davis) GRAY (Mrs O C GRAY), diary keeper, (MC 1618, University of Arkansas' Special Collections), diary edited, annoted and published spring and summer issues, 1983 Arkansas Historical Quarterly (AHQ), by Dr Carl H MONEYHON, UALR, see Part I, page 74, March 4th entry. C)- MILITARY RANK: "Adjutant-General" under Governor DREW, and "Colonel" under Governor RECTOR, of Arkansas Militia, "Lieutenant" in North Carolina militia, under Governor STOKES,, "Major", United States Army, "Colonel", Confederate States Army. DISCOVERED: ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Our search revealed over 140 newspaper articles plus "642" Google Books on line and about 3,700 internet items (10/14/08) when searching, "Solon Borland", plus: D)- Histories of GODWIN family members to early seventeenth century in Nansemond county, Virginia, http://files.usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford/bios/borland1.txt E)- Nine, 10 by 8 inch chalk on paper, portraits of BORLAND and GODWIN family ca Small Hopes Farm, 1809 by Felix Thomas (James?) SHARPLES, since 1964 at Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, http://www.chrysler.org . (B&W prints first found In Fillmore Norfleet's 1974 book from Frick Art Reference Library, NY, NY) F)- 521 pages of BORLAND family materials acquired 1944, "Collection Mss. 65 B66", at The College of William & Mary's, Earl Gregg Swen Library, herein prefixed (WM), http://swem.wm.edu/ead/display.cfm?file=viw00044.xml (http://swem.wm.edu/ead/) G)- 1969 book, "Arkansas Gazette: The Early Years 1819-1866", by historian & authoress Margaret Deane Smith ROSS (1922AR-2002AR), listing Solon's foot-notes, numbering second only to William Edward WOODRUFF (1795NY- 1887AR) who lived in Arkansas nearly seventy, as opposed to Solon's less than sixteen years. WOODRUFF & the Gazette, generally supported Solon. As brilliant as Solon was, he misspelled his favorite word; "intirely" (page315)! His favorite, but misspelled, word was ever present in most articles, --- thusly, an article was readily identified as Solon BORLAND's writing. H)- Infomation from kind folks, to many for listing, so to each, a warm thank you for helping to unveil this frontiersman's life and, I)- A partially fictional biography with many corrections made from my materials (we sent several correctional documented facts which are ignored), so still with incorrect dates, names, and mythical negative adjectives about Solon by Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture (5/7/07). SOLON's LIFE August 1811 to JUNE 1846 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One first needs to understand pioneering history of mid-ninetenth century in Tennessee and Arkansas, much different than modern day life, Secondly, the southern gentlemen's 'Code of Honor'. Granted, ---- he was NOT a perfect angel, but who is, --- or was in those pioneering days when most gentlemen had the guts to settle their differences, face to face, and Thirdly, what is said, reported, written & published about successful, aggressive, politicians by their opposing parties. Solon reportedly slept but five hours daily, allowing time for writing by candle light till his eyes gave out. Travel was by river boat between Little Rock, New Orleans or Pittsburgh, if river stage allowed, or by stage coach or horseback. Slavery was common, President U S GRANT's wife even had one during civil war. It was quite common for men to settle differences with fists or guns. Indians were being uprooted from their happy hunting grounds, relocated to what now is Oklahoma. Lawlessness rampaged throughout untamed west, Memphis and Arkansas being no exception. < ~ ~ ~ ~ ~> Solon's emirgrant father was a serious student of the classics and Greek life which he shared with his three sons ~ ~ ~ also, Solon, at age 9, was being educated April 1821, in Nansemond county by Bennet M DEFORD, ~ ~ then in 1827, at the very young age of 15 or 16 following the ca1825 loss of his mother, in Murfreesboro he's reported nearly killing 42 y/o James MORGAN¹ (builder of the "Myrick House") with a dirk when MORGAN came at Solon with a chair. (Years later in Texas, General Sam HOUSTON too, documentarily, had his problems with Colonel MORGAN!) ¹NOTE: Thomas C PARRAMORE, in part wrote -- James MORGAN (1786PA- 1866TX) left Murfreesboro, North Carolina for Texas (Mexico) before Nate TURNER's rebellion of August 1831, taking his family & sixteen slaves, who became indentured servants because Mexico disallowed slaves, --- setting up a plantation where he introduced oranges and longhorn cattle to Texans, and where Thursday afternoon, 21 April 1836, Sam HOUSTON's famous battle of San Jacinto was reportedly fought. Site located; near confluence of Buffalo Bayou (Houston Ship Channel, Colonel MORGAN helped organize) and San Jacinto river, a ferry ride southwest from Lynchburg, --- the Battle of San Jacinto was won by General Sam HOUSTON (later serving in United States Senate and the American Party with Solon) with 910 men, shouting battle cry, "Remember the Alamo" against Santa Anna's 1265 men, in only eighteen minutes of battle General HOUSTON gained Texans their independence, losing 9 men, killing 630 Mexicans, this two months before Arkansas was granted its statehood! Emily WEST, attractive young, New York, mulatto servant of MORGAN's, was captured for Santa Anna's "pleasures", thusly said to be the famous "Yellow Rose of Texas". www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/WW/fwe41.html . Location being a ferry-ride from Lynchburg, Harris county, where Solon likely died twenty-eight years later, New Year's Day 1864! Fay HEMPSTEAD (1847AR-1934AR) wrote: "...in William LUBBOCK's home." Solon, with next older brother Euclid, likely studied medicine under their father, as then customary, while attending Murfreesboro's school under "William Neil, Minister of the Presbyterian Church and Principal of the Academy", following up at Philadelphia's University of Pennsylvania, for their documented graduation as medical doctors, Euclid, 1831 at age 22, Solon following in, 1834 at age 23. www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/students/med/az1806to1852/medmatric_b.pdf August 1831 (month he turned 20), Solon served as a militia officer with Samuel Jordon WHEELER (1810NC-1879NC), http://files.usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford/bios/samj01.txt, so wrote Thomas C PARRAMORE, page 59, in his 2003 publication "Cradle of Titans", putting down the August 1831 bloody rebellion in which reportedly 60 white men, women and children were slaughtered by Nat TURNER & followers in/near Jerusalem, Southampton county, Virginia. Now Courtland, the town was given its present name in 1888. It served as Southampton County's only town through the 18th century. This quiet little town was formed in 1791 along the north shore of the Nottoway River on a parcel of ten acres beside the court house. In 1831, the town became famous as it hosted the trials and subsequent executions of Nat TURNER and those involved in the Nat TURNER's Slave Rebellion of1831. At this time, according to a letter written by Solon BORLAND to the governor of North Carolina, it was but a small hamlet of approximately 175 people, with only three stores, one saddler, one carriage maker, two hotels, two attorneys and two physicians in the town. The town was the boyhood home of Confederate Major General William MAHONE (1826VA-1895VA) whose father, Fielding MAHONE, ran a tavern and was in command of militia during the Nat TURNER rebellion. Solon's nephew whom he once raised, Captain Euclid BORLAND, Jr, 8th Regiment, served under General MAHONE as did niece Harriott's husband, Lieutenant Thomas Washington SMITH, 16th Regiment, Solon's other nephew, Harriott's baby brother, Thomas Roscius BORLAND, served in the 9th Regiment, was later MAHONE's most ardent political supporter in Virginia. http://www.historybuff.com/library/refslave.html www.answers.com/topic/courtland-virginia Also at age 19 or 20, he's said to have married superiorly educated Huldah G (Godwin?) WRIGHT (1809VA-1837TN). Born was first known son Thomas (1833NC-1859AR) (to be raised and educated by George GODWIN and Fanny GREEN), while taking lectures to become a physican. Solon practicing medicine or with a newspaper at age 24 when Harold, "Little Solon", (1835NC-1921AR) was born (to be rased by brother Euclid and wife Elizabeth). Solon became a newspaperman, in Virginia and North Carolina. A copy of letter (WM), 24 January 1836 by Thomas J FINNEY, Murfreesboro to George GODWIN, at Suffolk concerns, him as "security" on a note for Solon in amount, $1100, to Mr John WADDELLE of Murfreesboro who now wants payment. Thomas claims he had been given an extra twelve months, but not so, for the sheriff is involved. Ending his letter with his regards to a Thomas(?). (that was a lot of money for 1836), may (?) have been for newspaper at Portsmouth, Virginia which Dr PARRMORE wrote Solon published. Barely 25, and a few months following Arkansas becoming our 25th state, late 1836 Solon and family ventured west to Memphis on the Chickasaw Bluffs, (founded 1819 by Andrew JACKSON (1767SC-1845TN), John OVERTON (1766VA-1833TN) & Charles WINCHESTER, incorporated 1826, city in 1849, population; 1830 = 663, 1840 = 1,799) with an advertisement found dated 3 April 1837 in Memphis Enquirer for medical services, reportedly partnering in 1838 with Dr John R FRAYSER (1815VA-188xTN) a fellow student at U Penn, to Memphis in 1835 partnering with Dr Jeptha FOWKLES (1808VA-1864) in book store for his first several years: "...book at [Jeptha²] Fowlkes & [Henry R] Pugh or[Thomas D] Johnson's Hotel." ("City Hotel" on Winchester avenue between Main and Front streets) ² Dr Jeptha FOWLKES a true southern entrepreneur, financier, in 1858 president and major stock owner of Southern Pacific Railroad, once editor of the Avalanche until July 26, 1862 in Cornith, Mississippi (renamed from Enquirer, which Solon sold in 1861) after General U S GRANT occupied Memphis June 6th and an ancestor (g,g,grandfather?) of Haley Reeves BARBOUR, s/o Jeptha Fowlkes BARBOUR, Jr, ~ ~ Mississippi governor during 2005's hurricane Katrina. (WM) 30 May 1837 letter from Euclid BORLAND in Holly Springs, Marshall county, Mississippi (county created 9 February 1836, town 12 May 1837) to uncle George GODWIN, Suffolk, describing his recent 1000 mile overland journey to Mississippi from Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina, with wife, livestock and slaves, to his father- in- law's, Augustus MOORE (1781NC-1843MS), new plantation located six miles northwest of Holly Springs on the new Memphis road, must be (?) near: "the famous Martin Mission of the Presbyterian Church established on the road [old "Pidgeon Roost Road"?] about 1824 or 1825.; The site of the Mission is about six miles northwest of Holly Springs. Even in those early days, travelers sometimes detoured by the holly springs for the fine water and excellent camping site." also near where for school year 1859/60, O C & Virginia L GRAY with first son Clyde Leslie, taught, boarding on plantation operated by WILLS/WELLS/WALLS (?), with three daughters, one a red-head named Harriet and seventeen slaves, --- Euclid wrote of visit by Solon (age 25), Huldah (age 27), Thomas (4 y/o), who looked delicate, and "Little Solon" (age 20 months). When age 26, wife Huldah dies: "Dead -- in this place on the 25th ult. in the 28th year of her age, Mrs. Huldah G, late consort of Dr. Solon BORLAND, after an illness of several months. Mrs. B. with her husband, removed from Nansemond County, Va., to this place early last winter. Her health had been in a delicate state several months previous to her death, though she was not thought to be in danger until a short time before that event....She had received an education superior to what falls to the lot of most females..She has left two interesting children to the care of their surviving parent. Memphis Enquirer, Saturday, 9/2/1837." www.rootsweb.com/~tnnews/shelby.htm (WM), 16 May 1838 letter of Euclid's from Holly Springs to George GODWIN, says Solon [age 26] not seen since January, Solon's Thomas in fine health and speaks of Grany and George but "Little Solon" has been sickly. Heard Solon left Memphis for Vicksburg. Euclid and wife, Elizabeth Rebecca MOORE (1818NC-1850LA), raised Solon's sons following Huldah's death. Thomas was soon returned east to George and Fanny GODWIN in Suffolk where he was once earlier, who also raised Solon. They, in 1845, took in Roscius Cicero's orphaned Thomas Roscius, with sister Harriott Godwin in school at Washington city, then in 1851 following Solon & Mary, Euclid's, Phocion A and Euclid Jr. The 1860 census had ALL with Euclid and second wife Lucy in Louisiana, except Solon's kids, along with 101 slaves, one, Rose, 107 y/o. The Shelby County Probate Court was served by Solon in 1838, with $150 bond posted, handling affairs of Alexander BOOTHE, possibly same born 1812 at Nansemond county, Virginia. Solon was addicted to politics early on, enjoying the challenge, excitement and accomplishments, so following his reported Portsmouth, Virginia newspaper experience, he founded what today, 169-years later, is the 1923 Pulitzer Prize wining, Memphis Commercial-Appeal, then The Western World and The Memphis Banner of The Constitution, January 1839 and was accepted in Memphis as; "The ablest man in the field of journalism, in our period..." --- with editorials supporteing Andrew JACKSON's (1767SC-1845TN) choice, James Knox POLK (1795NC-1849TN) as 11th governor of Tennessee. Following a successful James K POLK election as governor, sold paper in fall of 1840 to William E WOODRUFF's Kentucky friend, Colonel Henry VAN PELT (17xx-1851TN) an ardent Van Buren supporter, who in 1819 ventured with WOODRUFF to Arkansas Post, --- changing name to The Appeal, publishing a one page paper in his home, a wooden shack along the Wolf river, first publication 21 April 1841 of 68 y/o president William Henry HARRISON's (1773VA-1841DC) death from pneumonia. General Albert PIKE was editor for a couple years, ca 1867, encourging and publishing several poems of Solon's daughter Fanny who visited his daughters, Isadora and Lillian, before they moved on to Washington city. www.wdbj.net/shelby/goodspeed/history/history9.htm http://ehistory.osu.edu/uscw/features/articles/9904/appeal.cfm www.scripps.com/newspaper/newspaper-commercial-appeal.html "Married - On Tuesday evening last by the Rev Philip W ALSTON, Dr. Solon BORLAND, editor of the "Western World", to Miss Eliza B HART - all of this place. Memphis Enquirer, Friday, 7/26/1839" www.rootsweb.com/~tnnews/shelby2.htm Solon age 27, married second wife Miss Eliza Buck HART with July 23rd license and bond by J H McMAHON; www.mv.com/ipusers/harts/family/harts/book/p451.html #n1921 born between 1815 & 1822 at Marietta, Washington county, Ohio, youngest daughter of Major William HART (1775CT-1836TN) & 1st wife Sarah Waters WOLCOTT (1779CT- 1824OH), who with 2nd wife, Mary CASS, cousin to Governor Lewis CASS (1782NH-1868MI), moving to Memphis in 1831, he dying 28 January1836. No obituary or burial site found for Eliz nor a child. 1840 U S census for city of Memphis lists Henry R PUGH fourth, following him is Jeptha FOWLKES, with one name before, Solon "BORLON", then John R FRAYSER after seven more names. I believe Solon's second wife, Eliza Buck HART, is the "20 to 30" female listed. Solon returned to medicine, re-establishing his 1838 partnership with Doctor John R FRAYSER, whose famous son, R Dudley FRAYSER, was born in 1840. He's listed among the most prominent of the early Memphis editors, page 514, A History of Tennessee and Tennesseans, By HALE & MERRITT, 1913, --- started the 2nd drug store in Memphis in 1840, also involved with Jeptha FOWLKES and others in creation of an insurance company, The Mutual Assurance and Trust Company of Memphis. A busy Doctor Solon BORLAND, 29 y/o, graduated 2 March 1841, from The Louisville Medical Institute, created 1833, opened 1837, for yet another (his 2nd) medical degree, thesis on "milk sickness". He was operating a business (possibly (?) drug stores or with Jeptha FOWLKES and E K DODGE, Memphis wholesale dealers in Drugs, Medicines, Paints, Oils, Dye Stuffs, French, English and German Chemicals, Window Glass, Perfumery, Etc. Etc. Surgical Instruments, Etc. Fancy articles) from his Louisville home which prevented moving to Little Rock until November 23, 1843. Because of his high praises about that institution, some incorrectly believed he had taught there. Response to my April 2007 inquiry if he taught, was; "NO", additionally, to wit: "I also checked the directories for the name d'Estimauville de Beau Mouchel and did not find her listed at all.[so, she may (?) have been from Memphis] "I then checked the Western Journal of Medicine and Surgery, which was established in January 1840 by Daniel Drake and Lunsford P. Yandell. I found no mention of Dr. Borland as a founder or an editor [my question answered]. He did however contribute as you mentioned, I found one report re: a skeleton found by a Dr. [John R, Solon's partner] Frayser, (Vol. IV, no. 3, September 1841) and an article "A Case of remarkable and speedy recovery from severe injury of the Spinal Column," (Vol. IV, no. 4, October 1841). In both the report and article he is listed as being in Memphis, TN. "I hope this information is helpful [it most certainly was]. "Katherine Burger Johnson³, Associate Professor Archivist for Manuscript Collections, University Archives and Records Center Archivist/Curator, Kornhauser Health Sciences Library University of Louisville Louisville, KY 40292" ³Ms JOHNSON, had on the 29th of April 2004, confirmed his graduation for me. Solon lectured in Little Rock August 7, 1839, when Memphis Female Seminary made presentation (possible taught here?)(found by www.ArkansasTies.com ) and visited Hot Springs in 1842 wrote Fay HEMPSTEAD. Solon is in Common Law Book #B, 1842 to 1854, petitioned for appointment as: "attorney & counselor at law and solicitor in chancery 67" at Shelby County, Tennessee. Age 32, Solon became editor of "the Democrat's" Arkansas Banner, with John W FARLEY, after 1839 successful campaign & election of James K POLK 11th Tennessee governor, now helping 'dark horse' POLK, Andrew JACKSON and Archibald YELL's favorite, to become 11th president of United States in 5 November 1844 election. "In that position he won the reputation of being one of the ablest political writers in the United States." (Herdon) POLK's vice-presidential candidate was Philadelphia, Pennsylvanian, George Miffin DALLAS (1792PA-1864PA), a 1810 law graduate from Princeton University. Also elected his friend, Arkansas' second governor Archibald YELL (1797?-1847MEX), to U S House of Representatives and Thomas Stevenson DREW (1805TN-1879TX), as Arkansas' third governor, under whom Solon served as adjutant-general. INTERESTINGLY, -- it just MAY (?) have been "General Solon BORLAND" orchestrating creation of both; Polk county (ironically from Sevier county) 30 November 1844 with Dallas its seat of government and of Dallas county, January 1, 1845, with new town Princeton (Dallastown) as seat of government! (History has Mr (Colonel?) BAYLESS suggesting the name Dallas, ---?) The county in which his rumored (?) mistress, the french creole lady from (?) Louisville, went to a town named for her, where he and his law partner helped create Arkansas Military Institute, where Arkansas' new adjutant-general's family resided varies times. WHY else, pray tell, would a southern Arkansas frontier county bare name of a Philadelphia lawyer/politician, born, raised, lived and died in Pennsylvania? But then, what about that town in Texas, started 1843 before state was created under POLK/DALLAS administration? Solon's political enemies (and some modern day story book writers), finding nothing better, made much to do over he and his rival newspaper editor's difficulties. Arkansas Gazette, established at Arkansas Post in 1819 by William Edward WOODRUFF owned and edited by Benjamin J BORDEN (1812NC-1887KY) since spring 1843 as a "Whig paper". Dr BORLAND and BORDEN, its editor/owner (1843-1848), exchanged political and personal attacks in editorials resulting in a fist fight January 1844 where BORDEN got his face smashed. Later, BORDEN challenged BORLAND to a pistol duel and received a carefully placed, non-fatal bullet from Doctor BORLAND's gun, passing through his body (Henry Massie RECTOR (1816KY-1899AR) was Solon's second). The two reconciled, becoming friends for life. Most truthful facts are possibly by family, to wit: www.tmason1.com/pafn01.htm (search BORLAND) ---------- The Arkansas Gazette January 31, 1844 No. 8 - Whole No. 1257 A CARD The difficulty between Dr. S. Borland and B.J. Borden, Esq., Editors of the Arkansas Banner and Arkansas Gazette, has been honorably and satisfactorily adjusted, by the voluntary intermediation of their friends. F.W. Trapnall Chas. Rapley Thos. W. Newton, William Field L.J. Reardon S.H. Hempstead Little Rock, Arkansas January 17, 1844 ---------- (three whigs, three democrats) At age 33, Solon was selected a Democratic delegate in1844. (ALSO, in 1848 and 1852) Unfortunately for Solon, his appointment as a U S Attorney from newly elected YELL was dashed by Senator Chester ASHLEY (1791MA-1848DC). Solon, an attorney, currently not practicing, formed a Law Firm with fellow masonic member Elbert Hartwell ENGLISH (1816AL-1884AR). Elbert later (1855) became, the fourth Chief Justice for Arkansas, who jointly is credited for; "The volumes of Reports of Decisions of the Supreme Court prepared by Judge ENGLISH [1855-64 & 1874-84] and Mr BARBER [clerk,1841-68,(St John's College, 1867-74) &1874-86] constitute a large and valuable part of the written laws of the State Constitution.", http://books.google.com/books?id=i3IOAAAAIAAJ (Chapter XIX, p 303). Elbert (credited with Solon's successful election to full term in the U S Senate against Sevier) and Solon were involved with creation of schools, to name a couple: Arkansas College, in Fayettville with Robert GRAHAM (1822PA-1901KY), Arkansas Military Institute, in Tulip (where Major Benjamin J BORDEN once taught), with Elbert the driving force behind 1850 creation of Arkansas' first institution of higher learning, --- St Johns' College of Arkansas (1850-1882) www.arkansasties.com/Pulaski/OldLittleRock/StJohnsCollege.htm Elbert served as Solon's junior editor at democrat's, The Arkansas Banner until 16 July 1845. Widely accepted folklore: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Following death of second wife Eliza Buck HART, both sons, Thomas and "Little Solon" cared for by family, Solon at Louisville attending medical school, --- supposedly had an "indiscreet liaison" (Parramore's, choosen words) with a french creole lady(not recorded in Louisville). She supposedly (?) followed him to Little Rock in 1844 opening a fashionable school which failed. She then moved to newly created town named for her in Dallas county and headed another school. It was implied by Solon's political opponents he arranged this all for her. When it became known she was charming but of low moral character with child, she left and town was renamed Tulip, school also renamed. Solon's political foes (and some modern day story book writers), making this UN-DOCUMENTED rumor a public issue for more than twelve years, --- until he moved to Princeton, February 1858. I have yet to find proof of, or Solon admitting/denying this generally accepted (promoted ?) rumor. Modern day story-book writers, such as college professors DOUGAN, PARRAMORE and WOODS exploited this rumor in lieu of his many documented benifical accomplishments, ~ ~ similarly as did Solon's political enemies, one hundred & fifty years earlier for more than twelve years. (see also, Journal of Ann Owens SIMS, AHQ, XXXV, pages 151/153) As a Democratic delegate in 1844 election, Solon left Little Rock February 8, 1845 for the March 4th presidential inauguration of his friend, President James K POLK in Washington city. Reportedly stopped in Memphis both directions, possibly picking up 9 y/o son "Little Solon" as well as visiting brother Euclid's growing family, who may (?) have joined him to Washington city where he also visited family and friends at Suffolk, Virginia until leaving with 12 y/o son Thomas April 20th, to Philadelphia the 1st, Pittsburgh 5th, Louisville 10th reportedly again visiting Memphis, if not with him, then picking up "Little Solon" (Harold), bringing both sons to Little Rock for his third marriage May 27, 1845 at age 33, to Mary Isabell MELBOURNE (Milbourne, Milbourn?) (1824LA- 1862AR). "Married last Tuesday evening, May 27, by Rev. A. Hunter, Gen. Solon Borland and Miss Mary Isabel only daughter of Mr. George Melbourne, --- all of this city." (notice published 2 Jun 1845, Little Rock's Arkansas Gazette, p. 3, c. 3) Solon returned son Thomas to George GODWIN and Fanny GREEN where he attend Suffolk (Virginia) Academy under Charles H Disbrow and later other schools. Their union brought forth three known children, George Godwin (1846AR- 1862TX), poetess, Fanny Green (1848AR-1879TN) and Mary Melbourne (1850AR-1938MO) and four known grandchildren, George Godwin MOORES (1869TN-1xxx?), Grace Melbourne BEATTIE (1873TN-1954MS), Mary Borland (Beattie) Clarke-BELL (1875TN-1962MS), and George M BEATTIE (1877TN- 19xx?). Mary Isabel was George and Mary D. MELBOURNE's only child, born in Concordia Parish, Louisiana, 3 October 1824, educated at Mrs. Tevis School at Shelbyville, Kentucky moving to Arkansas with parents April 1844, very talented, becoming known to thousands of Arkansans with her, "... suppressing sweetness and thrilling modulations of her voice.", a major asset to Solon with her magical singing voice while in Washington City, "... with her distinguished husband, Senators, Statesmen, and Ministers of Kings and Emperors, have listened to her wonderful eloquence in song.", during late 1840's and early 1850's, so written in one of her obituaries. Reportedly, on day before Solon's wedding, Arkansas Banner's publisher, John W FARLEY, withdrew from the company, then a couple months later, July 16th, so did his law partner, junior editor Elbert H ENGLISH, thusly with a successful election behind them, their job finished, paper was probably backing down for BORLAND too left December 3rd, later, to return briefly before Mexican War. Family visited Hot Springs mid-August for a month due to illness, returning in September still ill. They moved into Archibald YELL's house, northeast corner 2nd (Cherry) & Louisiana. Solon was about to leave the Banner and reportedly prepared a forty-five page pamphlet "The Milk Sickness" http://books.google.com/books?id=O0MVAAAAMAAJ (Borland) ending 1845.(may well have been his 1841 Louisville Medical Institute's school thesis) ------------ The Arkansas Gazette December 15, 1845 No. 2 - Whole No. 1354 Editorial Change - Dr. Borland has retired from the Banner [age, 34, with December 3, 1845 issue], and the Democratic committee have selected Mr. Archibald Rutherford, as its future conductor. The address of this gentlemen appeared in the last number, being a sensible and well- written statements of his political creed. Having known him for many years, we cannot but wish him every success individually in the arduous and responsible station he has assumed -------- "The 1840's was an important era, ---- it defined direction these United States would take as a nation." www.nps.gov/fosc/mexican.htm "Texas was admitted to the Union on December 29 [1845, under POLK/DALLAS] as the 28th state. By this time, most Arkansawyers supported the acquisition of Texas as a part of the nation's natural expansion. Editor Solon Borland rejoiced at the news of annexation: 'Let the Star of Empire Westward take its way!'" www.arkansashistory.com/resources 5 January 1846 newspaper printed Solon's announcement of returning to practice of Medicine and Surgery, opening office on Louisiana Street. A son was born March 11, 1846 in Little Rock to Mary and Solon (age34), named for uncle George GODWIN who with wife Fanny GREEN raised and educated Solon a quarter-century earlier. George Godwin BORLAND attended Masonic St Johns' College's prep school, at age 15 served when Solon raided Ft Smith, and was serving under General Albert PIKE's Confederate States Army till illness caused his dismissal in Texas, dying at Clarksville, Red River county, Texas, June 24,1862, on way to Little Rock, interned at Mount Holly cemetery, Little Rock without marker. Election of POLK brought forth one of few presidents living up to campaign promises! President POLK wanted United States to expand! Solon, with majority of the nation, agreeing whole-heartily so that he did and more; ---- expanded the borders to the Pacific Ocean, added three states to the Union, started the Naval Academy, the Washington Monument, issued the first postage stamp, and remains the youngest President to die outside those who have been assassinated. To reach that end was a formable task! POLK had Great Britain and Mexico to contend with. He appointed James BUCHANAN (1791PA-1888PA) his Secretary of State, then rolling up their sleaves and went to work. In 1846 POLK, with Buchanan and Great Britain settled upon the 49th parallel as a common line instead of the 54th, but it wasn't until 1848 that Oregon Territory (later, governor was Major John P Gaines, fellow Mexican War prisoner of Solon's) became part of our country. Nicaragua's inter-ocean canal and its internal plus Central America's problems with Great Britain remained un-resolved when Congress (instigated by POLK), declared war on Mexico May 13, 1846 (later agreeing to pay $15 million to purchase land in 1848). MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR, June 1846 to December 1847 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Arkansas' Adjutant-General BORLAND, also again, editor at Arkansas Banner, resigned June 6, 1846 to be elected captain of a militia company Stephen S TUCKER [p 225 ROSS' book] had been expected to head until he was commissioned captain of Third Regiment of United States Dragoons. Solon organized troops for battle in Mexico. Solon would meet up again with Captain Steve TUCKER after escaping during fighting in/around Mexico city September 1847. (Steve had brief controll of the Gazette, ca1840) June 12, 1846 Solon declined offer of appointment to become professor of Materia Medica and Medical Jurisprudence at Memphis University (supporting local rumor he may have served Louisville Medical Institution as a professor), because, as of June 6th, he was a captain committed to raising troops for the Mexican War. Among his recruits was U S Congressman Archibald YELL (Arkansas' second governor) returning from Washington city to his home where Solon and family were living, to enlist. He, in his Tennessee days, was friend and fellow mason with the likes of Andrew JACKSON, James POLK and Solon BORLAND. Private YELL shared Captain BORLAND's tent on way to Washington, Hempstead county, where he was elected Colonel and Solon Major. Thomas Willoughby NEWTON (1804VA-1853NY) was later elected as YELL's congressional replacement. ----------------- The Arkansas Gazette June 22, 1846 No. 29 - Whole No. 1381 A PROUD DAY FOR LITTLE ROCK It has grown almost into a custom, throughout the Union, for American ladies to, prepare Banners for volunteer companies of soldiery, and to present them through one of their number, to the Captains, with an appropriate address. Especially has this been the case, since the war with Mexico. Our exchanges are filled with accounts of these interesting ceremonies. Nor do they serve only to show the deep interest taken by our fair country women in all the concerns the glory of the nation - they do more, they inspire the volunteers with a military ardor, which no dangers can abate, no hardships dampen. It is, as it were, the pledging of each Company to deeds of daring - each soldier to display of his personal prowess. For who ever witnessed the scenes, which attend a presentation, and felt not that every man of the Company, thus honored, would protect the Flag, committed to their charge, with the same indomitable courage with which the celebrated pass of Thermopyla was defended, and if overpowered by numbers, not even one bleeding soldier would return, to relate the story of its capture? As "old Pulaski" had furnished two companies of volunteers for the war, under the late requisition upon the State, the ladies of our City, with commendable interest in their fate, determined to present each with a beautiful Flag, before their departure. Accordingly, early in the week their fair hands were employed in preparing them, and on Friday morning, at 11 o'clock, it was announced that the two Companies would repair to the Arsenal Ground, for the purpose of receiving them. It is needless to add, that about that hour crowds of citizens were seen hastening - some on horseback, some in carriages, and many on foot - to the appointed place. The interest felt for the volunteers was general, as it was known they were to take up their line of march in a few days. While forming one of the vast throng assembled, we could not but notice the admirable arrangements, made by Maj. Butler, commanding at the Arsenal, for the accommodation of the volunteers. His disposition to make everyone happy around him never shone more conspicuous. Two long tables, loaded with viands of all kinds, furnished by our citizens, were spread on the ground floor of the Armory, and tastefully arranged, under his supervision. These were substantial comforts, to be enjoyed after the ceremonies were over. In front of Maj. B's residence, the presentation took place. While waiting for the appearance of the two companies, we examined the Flags. The one designed for the "Little Rock Guards," contained in the centre the motto, "Up Guards! And at 'em" surrounded by a wreath of elegant embroidery. That for Capt. Borland's Company bore upon its folds, the words "Extend the area of Freedom." Each was composed besides of 28 stars and 13 stripes - the nation's emblem. Soon the "Guards" made their appearance, all in uniform - a blue jacket and grey pantaloons, with red stripes at the side. They looked finely, and were better disciplined, owing to the fact that a portion of them have for some years formed a volunteer Company in this city. It is thought that they will be the "crack Company" from Arkansas. Capt. Borland's men had not obtained their uniforms and consequently, could not make so much of a display, as the "Guards". ----------- July 13, 1846, Washington, Hempstead county, Arkansas,YELL was elected Colonel, John Selden ROANE (1817TN-1867AR) Lieutenant Colonel, and Solon as Major, of "Yell's Mounted Devils" much to the displeasure of loser, Captain Albert PIKE (1809MA-1891DC), who had sought the top spot, thereafter seemingly made a career of slandering YELL, ROANE, & BORLAND, following YELL's heroic death February 1847, -- brought forth a pistol duel with John S. ROANE reportedly, neither able to hit the other in three attempts. www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Base/6595/mexico.html www.peace.saumag.edu/swark/articles/ahq/arkansas/general/general303.html AHQ Vol. XXII, Winter 1953, p.303. "Captain Albert Pike, commanding the Little Rock Guards of Company E, was nominated against Yell, only to lose on the first ballot, but he was not too disappointed. Very well, he thought, let Yell be colonel. At least Yell had had a taste of military experience in the War of1812. With Yell as colonel, Pike was sure that he would be elected lieutenant colonel. Again he was disappointed. John Selden Roane, the square-faced captain of the "Van Buren Avengers" and a firm Democrat, without a whit of military experience in his twenty-nine years, was elected as to the post. And when Solon Borland, another staunch Democrat, was elected as the major, Pike turned away in disgust, and a bitter resentment began to rise in him that would last as long as the unfortunate Mexican adventure. "ON JULY 18, 1846, THE ARKANSAS regiment marched south, flags waving, morale high, toward Shreveport and thence across Texas to San Antonio. "Josiah Gregg, an impartial observer who kept a diary of the campaign, noted that the Arkansans were always placed downstream of the other troops so they had "filthy water to drink." Finally Yell refused to camp where Wool ordered. Wool had him arrested. Roane was placed in command and he refused to camp where ordered. Wool arrested him as well and then Borland in turn. "Ultimately, however, all the Arkansas officers were released without charges." http://www.oldstatehouse.com/exhibits/virtual/governors/antebellum_arkansas/yell3.asp ------------- The Arkansas Gazette October 19, 1846 No. 46 - Whole No. 1398 As a portion of the recent tidings from the camp of Arkanss volunteers, is the information that Col. Yell and Major Borland have quarrelled. We have no idea that their estrangement from each other will endure longer than that of two lovers, who quarrel only for the pleasure of making up again. We would just as soon expect an eternal separation between Ashley and Woodruff. ---------- Major Solon BORLAND, M D (age35), Captain Christopher Columbus DANLEY (1818NC-1865AR) and men left camp, Monday, 18 January 1847, in search of SANTA ANNA (Antonio Lopez de SANTA ANNA (1794-1876)), meeting up & camping with, Kentuckians, senior officer, Major John Pollard GAINES (1795KY-1858OR), Captain Cassius Marcellus CLAY (1810-1903), future Arkansas governor, Lieutenant Thomas James CHURCHILL (1824KY- 1905AR), now some eighty men, being surprised (as was SANTA ANNA at San Jacinto in 1836 by failing to post guards), -- when captured at La Encamacion, Mexico by General MINON reportedly with from five-hundred to three-thousand men while asleep early Saturday morning of 23 January1847. Solon wrote from San Luis Potosi, Mexico 10 February copied in 26 March Issue 45; col E, Arkansas State Democrat about the capture: "At day-light, we found ourselves completely surrounded; and being without provisions, and water, and having an average of about 20 rounds of ammunition only, we surrendered..." Solon meets SANTA ANNA, ~ ~ ~ his letter to wife dated: "Prison of St Jago, City of Mexico, March 7, 1847" in part, printed 11 June; Issue 4; col D, Arkansas State Democrat, interestingly stated: "Three days before reaching San Luis [2nd Feb'y], we met Santa Anna on the road. He is one of the finest looking men I have ever seen. He was very polite, and assured us of good treatment, etc." The famous battle of Buena Vista, was but a scant three weeks later, Monday & Tuesday, 22 & 23 February 1847, where friend Colonel Archibald YELL was killed by an enemy lance to the face & head (YELL's body returned to Washington County, Arkansas, July 1847, one local story, "in a whiskey barrel") with 264 others dying, 450 injured and 26 missing, with Colonel Jefferson Finis DAVIS (1808KY- 1883LA), son-in- law of Gen TAYLOR (married Sarah Knox TAYLOR, 17 January 1835, she died shortly thereafter). was severely wounded by General SANTA ANNA's troops, remaining in his saddle while American army inflicted 1,500 deaths to Mexican troops, defeating them in spite of Mexico having a 15,000 - 20,000 to 4,600 superiority of troops. AHQ XXVI, p.373. The war shifted south following SANTA ANNA's losses at Buena Vista to around Mexico City. Many U S troops, including those from Arkansas, returned home in June 1847 and were released. Five months later, August 1st, Major Solon BORLAND, Major John P GAINES and Captain C C DANLEY escaped, then smuggled out on Solon's 36th birthday (August 8th), to distinguish themselves as aides in capture of Mexico City September 14th, thus ending the war. "I joined the army a few minutes after the action of Contreras, and getting a musket, fell into the ranks and did some little duty that day. While engaged in firing, in the midst of some riflemen, who should I meet but our old friend and townsman, [Captain] Steve TUCKER, for it was with his company among whom I had fallen in, without being aware of it at the time. We took one cordial embrace, and went to firing; Steve, himself, was handling a rifle with right good will." That account by BORLAND is from either the October 22, 1847 Arkansas Gazette, or the September 9, 1847 Times Picayune (New Orleans), and there is probably more to it. As an aide to Gen. WORTH, BORLAND ran messages throughout the remaining battles, seeing some heavy fighting on September 8 and 13: "I was not wounded in either action-though the balls flew thick and fast-three that were so far spent as to do no one injury, paid me the compliment of a blow-one on the stomach, one on the arm, and one just above the knee." is most likely from October 22, 1847 Arkansas Democrat, above, both courtesy Ian BEARD, Old State House Museum, Little Rock & Bill FRAZIER, Commercial-Appeal, Memphis (newspaper Solon started in 1839). Major BORLAND entered Mexico City with General WORTH's men, among them were Bvt. Colonel Robert E LEE and a young Ulysses S. GRANT, from USMA, 1843 (21/39), as a Second Lieut, Quartermaster, 4th Infantry, April 1, 1847, to July 23, 1848; Bvt. First Lieut., September 8, 1847, for Gallant and Meritorious Conduct in the Battle of Molino del Rey, Mexico & Bvt. Capt., September13, 1847, for Gallant Conduct at Chapultepec, Mexico), --- at Contreras as volunteer aide-de-camp for Wednesday, 8 September 1847 bloody battle where reportedly another 116 American's were killed and 877 wounded at El Molino del Rey, Monday, 13 September 1847 capture of Chapultepec, then Tuesday, 14 September 1847 Mexico City after 130 Americans killed and 703 wounded. (see AHQ VI, page 251-253) It appears Solon was active in medical treatment of wounded for a couple months following Mexico's defeat, until his November 18th departure for the United States. (WM) 2 November 1847 letter to George GODWIN, from Euclid BORLAND, New Orleans, Louisiana saying plantation, 49 miles below the city. [that's down near Empire, LA], "I have nothing from Solon except what you have seen in the papers that he made his escape from prison & was aid to Gen Worth at battle before & at the taking of the City of Mexico. I am pleased at his good luck in the end." The Semi-Weekly Natchez Courier of 30 November 1847 (issue 96, col.D) announced the arrival of BORLAND but doesn't name the city. I'm pretty sure they arrived in New Orleans. The article states: "The steamship Alabama, Capt. WINDLE, arrived on Wednesday [24th], direct from Vera Cruz, having left that place on the evening of the 18th inst. Among the passengers by the Alabama we notice the names of Maj. Gen. QUITMAN, Brig. Gen. SHIELDS; Maj. BORLAND and Capt. Cassius M CLAY [strongly opposed Solon's political beliefs, www.mrlincolnswhitehouse.org/inside.asp?ID=665&subjectID=2 ], of the Encarnacion prisoners; and George Wilkins KENDALL ["arguably the first newspaper war correspondent", www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/KK/fke19.html ] of the Picayune." BORLAND, after being critical about treatment of the returnees by the U S Government, especially, of refusal by the New Orleans paymaster to pay them subsistence allowances since they were provided for by the Mexican Government while prisoners. There was also mention of charging the soldiers for lost horses, ---- then returned to Little Rock and on to Hot Springs where family was staying with her parents, arriving December 2,1847. (While a U S Senator introduced leglislation compensating Mexican War prisoner of war veterans.) LIFE BETWEEN WAR & NICARAGUA, December 1847 to April 1853 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ March 29, 1848, BORLAND received a letter offering him a position on legation court of Spain, which he immediately turned down, for it was thought to have been arranged by political enemies to prevent his accepting SEVIER's senate seat. Governor DREW appointed Solon, age 36, to fill vacancy of U S Senator Ambrose Hundley SEVIER's (1801TN-1848AR) seat. BORLAND became Arkansas' fourth U S senator when elected on last ballot, 74 to 19, for SEVIER's remaining term. Solon left for Washington city April 6, 1848 arriving the 23rd to fill that seat the next day, assisted by Senator Chester ASHLEY, who took ill, then died the 29th. 4 March 1849, Solon was elected to six year term by a final vote of 71 to 24, reportedly winning with guidance of Elbert H ENGLISH, defeating long ruling JOHNSON family. He served with contemporaries such as; Thomas Hart BENTON, Judah P BENJAMIN, JohnC CALHOUN, Sam HOUSTON, Henry CLAY, James MASON, Jefferson DAVIS, Daniel WEBSTER, Stephen DOUGLAS, to name but a few of the more notable ones. CLAY, WEBSTER & CALHOUN, these three were considered the "Great Trimvirate" dominating American politics in its second generation, all dead after June 29, 1852. (WM) March 30, 1848, letter to their uncle George GODWIN, Suffolk, from brother Euclid BORLAND of 'Pointe a la Hache Plantation', Parish of Plaquemines, Louisiana, mentions Solon's appointment to United States Senate, with some personal remarks. Senator BORLAND served our country with an honorable record and distinction from 24 April 1848 until (reportedly) 11 April 1853, in, 30th, 31st, 32nd, & 33rd Congress, as a United States Senator under four presidents, POLK, TAYLOR, FILLMORE and PIERCE. He served as Chairman of Committee on Printing, 31st & 32nd Congress, then Chairman of Committee of Public Lands, 33rd Congress, among other committees, supporting cross-country railroads, southern rights, expansion of country and trade, enlargement of facilities in Washington city, justice system, education and much more. Christopher Columbus DANLEY, aid-de-camp to Major General John A QUITMAN (1798NY-1858MS) at Battle of Chapultepac September 13th was wounded, resulting in being crippled the rest of his life. His letter to brother J M DANLEY dated: "Mexico, April 6, 1848", published May 12, 1848; Issue 52; col B, Arkansas State Democrat touches on many things, two subjects were: "I was once very nearly well while Maj Borland was attending to me, but suffered a relapse, which was near killing me, from which I have not yet recovered." News stories were apparently printed that General Winfield SCOTT (1786VA-1866NY) caused the liberation of BORLAND, GAINES and DANLEY, to which he states: "That is a mistake, for Majors Borland, Gaines and myself, liberated ourselves by withdrawing our parole and making our escape." C C DANLEY returned to Little Rock a war hero, later elected state auditor, he too upsetting the long reigning JOHNSON "Family" of Arkansas, then once ran for a state senate seat. Solon and Mary, most likely (?), attended Tuesday, 4 July 1848, Masonic ceremonies, for placing the corner stone of our now over 555- foot tall, Washington Monument with President James K. POLK. Solon served in the senate that provided the major expansion of our Capitol Building, dwarfing original structure, dramatically changing its physical appearance, as Victorian, replaced Neoclassical sedateness following its 1830 completion accommodating our growing nation, in Washington city. September 1848, a daughter was born to Mary and Solon (age 37) in Little Rock, she being named for Solon's aunt, Fanny GREEN (who raised him), early in life became a talented poetess, encouraged by Albert PIKE, Father Abram J RYAN (1838-1886) and others, published at barely twelve y/o in newspapers and in London's Cosmopolitan 21 December 1871, married 1869, one son, Fanny Green dying a tragic yellow fever death morning of 23 August 1879 in Memphis at her sister Mollie's home, both having lost husbands the year before to "Yellow Jack", --- burial site unknown. "Fort Smith Gateway to California Gold Field"; Solon supported the 15 February 1849 act for federal government furnishing military escort to California from Ft Smith in competition with Independence, Missouri(ah). (WM) 26 May 1849 letter which The College of William & Mary archivists say is by Solon's son Thomas (age 16) from Alexandria Boarding School, written to uncle George GODWIN in Suffolk, Virginia (Handwriting comparison of the two young Thomas' letters shows a marked difference) Solon BORLAND (age 38) introduced a common schooling bill in Congress on December 31, 1849, "...which had already passed the Senate, and which, if it were enacted into law, would yield as he surmised, ample funds with which to carry out the most admirable system of common school education that can be devised.", his action was followed by the State of Arkansas (no doubt other states as well) passing its first serious attempt to establish a system of common schools, signed by Governor ROANE so reported January 11, 1851 in Arkansas Gazette. Reportedly, the JOHNSON "family", while controlling the state, spent ("squandered"?) intended school funds so no common public school existed until seventeen years later, 1868, when Arkansas finally committed to educating its youth. The senator battled strong and stubbornly for states rights, during Henry CLAY's floor battle in the 1850's, had fisticuffs with Senator Henry FOOTE of Mississippi, who once pointed his Colt pistol at fellow senator Thomas Hart BENTON, of Missouri, while on senate floor. www.pccua.edu/keough/making_of_a_southern_state.htm (searchBORLAND) 1850 Census, U S SENATE ARGUMENT: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Senator Solon Borland of Arkansas: "I think that all the remarks of the Senator from Kentucky go to show the propriety of the proposition . . . to strike out everything but the enumeration of the inhabitants. . . . Are we to erect ourselves into a great college of natural science? Are the funds of this Government to be appropriated to the investigation of great natural truths? I think we have gone far enough . . . "UNDERWOOD continued to argue unconvincingly for the value of exploring whether an individual is a quadroon, a mulatto, or any other proportion of blood" (Page 675)." www.afrigeneas.com/forumd/index.cgi?noframes;read=5461 "Newspaper readers accustomed to considering politics as personality were confused. Democrat owner William E. WOODRUFF hired two successive editors, only to find that their views were substantially different from his own." WOODRUFF was generally a supporter of Solon's. 1850 census found Senator BORLAND, age 39, in Hot Springs, (now Garland county), Arkansas with 26 y/o wife Mary and children; 14 y/o Solon, (Harold) , 4 y/o George, 2 y/o Fannie and a 24 y/o Missouri born physician, William Hammond with wife Elizabeth, listing follows his in- laws. 17 y/o, 1st born, son Thomas found at Western Military Institute in 1850 census of Blue Lick Springs, Nicholas county, Kentucky, under Yankee, Colonel Edwin Wright MORGAN (1814PA-1869PA). Mary and Solon cared for brother Euclid's two sons, Phocion Augustus (1839MS-1863VA) and Euclid, Jr (1844MS-1896VA) following January 1850 death of their mother Elizabeth, and most likely Euclid's daughter Fanny (1846MS-1850AR) was included who died 22nd of November. Friday, 28 June 1850, Mary (Mollie) Melbourne BORLAND was born. Named for her musically talented mother, married twice, three children, no known grandchildren, died in Kansas, City 17 February, 1938, after a lengthly illness, 60 years following first husband, 33 years after her second husband's death. Her ashes buried, unmarked, along side of second husband, Colonel Oliver Crosby GRAY, in Fayetteville's Masonic, now historic Evergreen cemetery, east, across roadway from father's friend, Colonel Archibald YELL. Reportedly a family emergency brought Solon rushing home to Hot Springs from Washington city, -- then the dangerous illness of wife in September and a child (Mollie or (?) Euclid's Fanny), in October caused him to miss the roll call on the 1850 Compromise bill --- for which his political foes had a 'hay day' claiming everything, true or not, they could dream up. Margaret Ross cited in her 1969 published book, page 275, the reported October 1850 illness of a child, which may have been brother Euclid's locally unknown Fanny from Louisiana who died November 22nd (?). Solon returned to Washington city November 9, 1850 arriving in time for session starting December 2nd. "[ca 1850's, Democratic Congressman Robert Ward] JOHNSON's extremism caught people by surprise in Arkansas. Democratic Senator Solon BORLAND, who initially had been sympathetic to CALHOUN's position, even to exchanging blows with compromiser Henry S. FOOTE of Mississippi [who once with his colt pistol, aimed it at Senator BENTON while on the senate floor]. Solon returned to Arkansas because of family sickness even as the crucial votes were being tailed. This did not keep him from giving several speeches around the state in which he affirmed a strong devotion to the Union but urged delay so that the South could get better terms. BORLAND's views got [?] vaguer and vaguer in each succeeding speech, and his critics cogently suggested that he ought to be in Washington at this crucial juncture." www.pccua.edu/keough/making_of_a_southern_state.htm Those were not quiet, simple, days while our lively young nation's western frontier was being expanded and developed. They were somewhat lawless (even in Washington city amongst our law makers), requiring justice to handle affairs of these pioneering people, so Monday, 3 March 1851, Senator BORLAND (age 39) supported: "An Act to Divide the District of Arkansas into two Judicial Districts"; which in 1875 to 1895, brought about "Hanging" Judge IsaacC PARKER to Ft. Smith, Crawford county ["Judge Isaac C Parker - A veteran of the civil war and two-time congressman, was appointed by President Grant as United States District Judge of the western district of Arkansas.] At the relatively young age of 37, Parker found himself responsible for a 74,000 square mile area. In his 21 years at his position, Parker sentenced 151 men to death by hanging [of these 83 were actually executed]. In a territory noted for its lawlessness, his harsh but effective administration helped make the settlement of the West possible." www.cem.va.gov/nchp/ftsmith.htm (Parker) )! (for other see; http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/hlaw:@field ("Borland") (WM) Sunday, 12 October 1851, a letter to uncle George GODWIN by Euclid BORLAND (wife died January 1850, reportedly remarried in 1852), from Solon's, Hot Springs home, spoke of baby Mary talking & walking and is where his sons, Phocion & Euclid plus niece, brother Roscius' daughter, Harriott Godwin (1838NC-1890VA), had come home with Solon from Washington Female Seminary in Washington city where she was for 1850 census. Solon's Thomas was working on a new road (railroad?) in Kentucky with "Colonel MORGAN" (both found in 1850 Nicholas county, Kentucky census, at Western Military Institute, where Thomas is recorded January 1850). Euclid, was preparing to take youngsters to his Louisiana plantation where in 1860 census listed them along with Thomas Roscius as "Solon", where he had 101 slaves, including Rose age 107. He had visited Solon in Little Rock where he was about to depart for Washington city. An altercation occurred "...at the corner of the Anthony House...", so reported the New York Daily Times, 15 Oct 1851. 'Times' informational source being The Little Rock Banner, under control of Lambert J REARDON, former Mayor of Little Rock (1845-1846) and Lambert A WHITELY, his cousin, the two parties reportedly attack, with intent to assassinate WHITELY. NOTE! - Margaret Ross' 1969 book, Arkansas Gazette; The Early Years 1819-1866, page 238, then 263 thru 265, then 283 & 284, provides a more truthful reporting of the parties and what occurred, somewhat different than the Banner reported. ---- Dealt with state's over payments made to WHITLEY, discovered by DANLEY, as state auditor, and its REARDON drawing the gun. The Arkansas Banner, as afore mentioned, was first edited by Solon BORLAND from Sept 1843 to Dec 1845, then by Archibald RUTHERFORD. WHITLEY, appeared in 1848 for four years, moving to Louisville Journal, possibly as the editor used by Solon's political enemy, Cassius Marcellus CLAY, who attempted to defame Solon in defending his own actions as a Mexican prisoner (later with Jeptha FOWLKES' railroad). According to this newspaper article, Senator Solon BORLAND is accused by The Arkansas Banner of being the instigator of an attempted "assassination" of WHITELY by Mexican War crippled Captain Christopher Columbus, state auditor with brothers, Pulaski county sheriff Benjamin F and William DANLEY, a steam boat engineer. The truthful reason behind this news story and altercation, where guns were fired and people were wounded may never be known other than Ross' book, and is locked away in history, but most likely politically motivated, intentionally published against BORLAND in that REARDON and WHITLEY supported Arkansas' long controlling, JOHNSON "Family" which BORLAND defeated in becoming United States senator and DANLEY defeated becoming Arkansas' State Auditor. Solon was in Little Rock getting ready to return to Washington city, so wrote brother Euclid who was at Solon's Hot Springs home, picking up his and brother Roscius' children to return them to his sugar plantation south of New Orleans, see (WM) letter 12 Oct 1851. www.books.google.com/books?id=i3IOAAAAIAAJ (chapter VIII, p.129) Solon (age 40), a distinguished southern gentlemen by character, and successful politician, returned to Washington city November 7, 1851, and on February 5, 1852 while in discussion with Senator James A PEARCE and a printer, Lem TOWERS, reportedly punched Joseph Camp Griffith KENNEDY, superintendent of the census, following KENNEDY's interruption with caustic remark's and having twice been told by Solon he didn't want to discuss the matter --- after which Solon continued his conversation with PEARCE & TOWERS. This action resulted in BORLAND's reported removal from committee on printing, of which he may have been chairman(?). Week-end of June 1 - 5, 1852, at Baltimore for the Democratic National Convention were delegates; Senator Solon BORLAND, M D of Hot Springs, Arkansas and brother, Euclid BORLAND, M D, of Pointe a la Hache, Louisiana. New Hampshire's General Franklin PIERCE (1804NH- 1869NH) was nominated on 49th ballot as their presidential canidate. http://delta.ulib.org/cgi-in/display?call=2845.16596&format=3&search= (WM) Monday, 27 September 1852, letter to George GODWIN, by Euclid BORLAND, from White Sulphur Springs, VA, speaks of several friends, ie: Dr WEBB, Col WHITEHEAD, --- and that Solon left for Cleveland because river was to low from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati. Solon returned to Washington city November 1852 becoming ill with a severe cold which lingered on several months. He gave up sleeping only five hours a night, and his vision was impaired from long nights writing by candle light, but improved with rest and colored glasses. ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY and MINISTER PLENIPOLTENTIARY of CENTRAL AMERICA, April 1853 to June 1854 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nicaragua was but one of Doctor Solon BORLAND's over thirty years of public service, spending about seven months in that country, --- long enough to establish: 1)- an important agreement with the Nicaraguan government regarding Britain's aggressive land confiscations during past five or more years, 2)- the multitude of British abuses against American citizens and their properties around Greytown (San Juan de Norte) and, 3)- a paid temporary force for protection of Americans in Nicaragua against British-Jamiacian troopers and officials of Greytown (San Juan de Norte). Great Britain's treatment of American citizens and their properties in Nicaragua and the taking of Central American countries lands since 1848 was unacceptable and of national interest to President Franklin PIERCE so beginning of his administration he choose to confront Great Britain. To attain his goal he needed two strong willed individuals, so choose and engaged 42 y/o Senator Solon BORLAND for Central America and former Senator then Secretary of State under POLK, a party to nation's 49th parallel settlement with the Brits, 62 y/o James BUCHANAN for England. <~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~> Solon accepted President Franklin PIERCE's appointment and resigned his senate seat when appointed 'Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary' --- after turning down April 8, 1853 offer as governor of New Mexico Territory, becoming the first person so commissioned to the individual republics, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, as well as to "Central America.", but second minister following John Bozman KERR (1808MD-1878DC) to Nicaragua, -- officially 18 April 1853, passport obtained 27 April 1853. Solon arrived 15 May 1853 at Little Rock, Arkansas spending a few weeks with family in Hot Springs, purchasing a home in Little Rock, and half interest in a newspaper, then leaving for New Orleans 4th of July, no doubt spending time with brother Euclid, visiting 100-y/o slave Rose on brother's sugar plantation forty-nine miles south of the city, arriving Into this tense atmosphere at Managua 16 September1853, serving until June 1854, with bloody battling starting May 5th, about two weeks before he departed. Other southern gentlemen later served, such as his hometown acquaintance John Hill WHEELER (1806NC-1882DC), serving 2 August 1854, arrived 7 April 1855, left 23 October1856, then Texan Mirabeau Buonaparte LAMAR (1798GA-1859TX). Nicaragua became an important Central American nation as early as 1823, gaining interest of both, Great Britain and United States, when Spanish ended their authority 1 July 1821. www.scuttlebuttsmallchow.com/usmcnic1.html It was considered a likely route for a canal linking the two oceans (may still so be). Even more so when California and Oregon Territories became a part of United States in 1848 and with California's 1849 gold rush plus Pierce's trade treaty with Japan. January 1, 1848, the British SEIZED Nicaragua's port then and now known as San Juan del Norte located at the mouth of the Río San Juan river at its southern most Caribbean coast, re-nameing it Greytown --- EXPELLING Nicaraguan officials --- replaced with British-Jamaicans. The port was a small Nicaraguan fort and customs station prior to 1848, the start of its period of rapid growth as a foreign merchant enclave was with United States citizen Cornelius VANDERBILT (1794NY-1877NY) www.vanderbilt.edu/News/register/Mar11_02/story8.htm and his Accessory Transit Company which became a big concern to the British (who illegally hampered its operations), beginning with the California Gold Rush, when thousands of travelers crossed the isthmus through this port on their way to or from San Francisco all while we were busy settling affairs after our Mexican war. The following year, 1849, Britain FORCED Nicaragua to sign a treaty recognizing British rights over the Miskito on the Caribbean coast, which the British called the Mosquito Coast (present-day Costa de Mosquitos). By mid-1852, Great Britain had confiscated control of the Caribbean Sea coastline south from Mexico along Central America plus the off shore Bay Islands and the only viable access to the Pacific Ocean, Greytown, on the Rio San Juan river, formerly, Nicaragua's San Juan de Norte ~ ~ ~ this concerned President PIERCE and others. August 26, 1849 a contract was signed between "Commodore" Cornelius VANDERBILT, a United States businessman, and the Nicaraguan government granting VANDERBILT's company--the Accessory Transit Company-- exclusive rights to build a transisthmian canal within twelve years, raising major concerns with Britain. Accessory Transit Company's passengers were loaded aboard a steamboat that took them up the Rio San Juan River a waterway sufficiently navigable that the British and Spanish used to have naval battles on it to Lake Nicaragua. The 10th largest freshwater lake in the world, the 'sweet sea' is about 80 miles by 30 miles, and is home to the only fresh water sharks in the world as well as 400 islands. After the passengers had been taken across the lake, they were dropped off at Rivas and put on stagecoaches for the 12-mile trip to San Juan del Sur. From San Juan del Sur, they took ships north to San Francisco or elsewhere. September 1849, the United States-Nicaragua treaty, along with VANDERBILT's contract, were approved by the Nicaraguan Congress. The contract provided VANDERBILT exclusive rights, while the canal was being completed, to use a land-and-water transit route across Nicaragua, which was miles shorter than one in what now is Panama, where a railroad was first constructed in 1855. ************* http://files.usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford/bios/borland2.txt <~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~> 1850, Nicaragua was struggling with two lively conflicts, a bloody shooting war between its liberal and conservative groups and differences between the British and United States over the Central American countries. May 1850, while a United States Senator (4th from Arkansas),--- BORLAND claimed the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (between Great Britain and United States) violated the Monroe Doctrine and stymied American growth! The opposition of the United States was due, very largely, to the fear that Britain would acquire a privileged position in regard to the proposed interoceanic canal. Great Britain, with her large presence in the Caribbean Sea, started 20 May 1852 confiscating the Caribbean coast of Central America, south of her interest at Balize/Belize, including the Hondurian Bay Islands. This to the dissatisfaction of Central America countries and United States. Central American countries were in turmoil, finding they were unable to govern themselves with any stability against Great Britain and sorely in need of a friend. President PIERCE's apparent two pronged approach to correct things in Central America was implemented September 1853 simultanously in Central America Great Britain with Minister BORLAND and Minister BUCHANAN. Minister James BUCHANAN, in Great Britian, required Britain's withdraw from the coastal lands and bay islands south of Balize/Belize and Minister Solon BORLAND in Managua reached agreement with Nicaraguan government regarding the British confiscated lands within Nicaragua (Greytown and the coast line north). "Filibusters and Financiers", by Wm O Scroggs, 1916, ---Chapter VII p 71- 81, where in his research he concluded on page 77, (viewed 09/19/08), to wit: "There can be little doubt that all the trouble was instigated by the British consul and the ever present naval-officers.". Great Britain was reluctant to return Nicaragua her lands of Greytown (San Juan del Norte) operated by British-Jamaicans and her coastal land north, also BORLAND's so-called 'insult incident' was but one minor, of several major on going and unjust problems being conducted against Americans by the British and was blown out of proportion world wide by news press, ~ ~ therefore actions were taken by the United States and were indeed justified, review the following: A Digest of the International Law of the United States: Taken from Documents ... - Page 594 by Francis Wharton - International law - 1887 (Bombardment of Greytown, July 1854) Documents Relative to Central American Affairs, and the Enlistment Question ... - Page 230 by United States Dept. of State, Great Britain Foreign Office - Central America - 1856 - 485 pages the republic; or a history of the united states of america in the ... - Page 210 ,1888 Central America and the United States: The Search for Stability - Page 21 by Thomas M. Leonard - Political Science - 1991 - 245 pages Solon's appointment to Nicaragua fit well into President PIERCE's overall program, --- which included; $10,000,000 Gadsden Purchase from Mexico for most southern rairoad route, survey for canal in Central America and three railroad routes from Mississippi river to Pacific ocean, attempt to acquire Cuba (by purchase or war), Hawaii and Alaska, plus opening trade in 1854 with The Treaty of Kanagawa, thus allowing trade with Japan and other Western nations. As minister, Solon called for the United States to repudiate the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (of which President Teddy ROOSEVELT did achieve ca 1901, nearly a half-century after BORLAND's failed efforts) and for the American military to support Honduras in its confrontation with Britain over confiscated lands. Mid-October, in a public address in Nicaragua, he announced that it was his greatest ambition to see Nicaragua, "forming a bright star in the flag of the United States". Secretary of State William Learned MARCY (1786MA-1857NY), formerly; 1820 creator of Democrat party, U S Senator, Governor of New York, Secretary of War during Mexican war, ---- wrote a letter to BORLAND setting forth the "official" United States stance in the region which was giving him his most problems because Great Britain was trying to gain control of the area. (View MARCY's history) In 1854 MARCY had to deal with the complications growing out of the bombardment of Greytown under British rule since 1848 to 1860, (now San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua), ---- by the United States sloop-of-war "Cyane" for insults offered the American minister -- [Solon BORLAND] -- by its -- [Jamiacian officials and] -- inhabitants (which had been blown out of proportion) and for their refusal to make restitution for damages to American property. As BORLAND was leaving 16 May 1854, he interfered with a so-called, arrest of an American citizen (Captain SMITH had shot a crew member) by a group of Jamaicans (NOT Nicaraguans) trying to take him to Greytown, the BRITISH -- NOT A NICARAGUA controlled city. (This set off international press stories about the unfavorable Pierce administration to make the United States look bad.) Solon reportedly leveled a rifle at the Jamaicans, warning them to NOT board the vessel. See: Filibusters and Financiers: The Story of William Walker and His Associates - Page 75, by William Oscar Scroggs - Filibusters - 1916 BORLAND was held captive after going ashore and threatened with arrest by the Jamaicans, but after being held 48 hours was not, due to his diplomatic immunity. While arguing with local Jamaican officials, someone threw a bottle in his face leaving a scar on his forehead so noted in his daughters poem to him, At My Father's Feet http://files.usgwarchives.org/tn/shelby/newspapers/atmyfath3nw.txt See New-York Daily Times, May 26, 1854, p1, c1, Delaware State Reporter, May 30, 1854, p2, c4 and many other newspapers. This international incident, www.oldstatehouse.com/.../classroom/arkansas_news/detail.asp?id=739&issue_id=38&page=5 , along with the continuing illegal activities against the VANDERBILT operation were reported to the PIERCE administration by BORLAND on return to Washington city, who then dispatched an American naval ship to the area demanding them to appologize to the minister and to stop illegal harassment of and confiscation of property, correct other illegal activities against the VANDERBILT interests, and to make reparation or restitution for property stolen from American citizens. - - AFTER a warning, with nothing forthcoming, the American ship and marines bombarded and burned the unoccupied British city Greytown (now, Nicaragua's, San Juan del Norte). ~ ~ ~ The facts and that above documented simply DO NOT SUPPORT the flamboyant phrase; ~ ~ "gunboat diplomacy" ~ ~ as set forth by James M WOODS, Ph D, of Southern Georgia University, in the partially corrected biography of Solon BORLAND by "Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture" (5/7/07)! ~ ~ Additionally, --- Great Britain had concerns over losing her Far East trade domineance being lessened by her former colony, a growing world trade threat, United States of America. "....November 1859 Britain delegated its protectorate to Honduras. "This caused great dissatisfaction among the Indians, who shortly afterwards revolted; and on 28 January 1860 Britain and Nicaragua concluded the treaty of Managua, which transferred to Nicaragua the suzerainty over the entire Caribbean coast from Cabo Gracias a Dios to Greytown (now San Juan del Norte)..." www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Mosquito-Coast BORLAND's wisdom (history proved him correct) saw only hopelessness in Nicaragua with its internal blood-shed, turmoil and later appearance of William WALKER (1824TN-1860HON) (of Nashville Tennessee, where Vanderbilt University now stands), so resigned, returning to a private life with his family in Arkansas. Solon's former neighbor and acquaintance, John H WHEELER of Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina was then appointed minister. Solon's argument was proven viable a quarter-century after having uttered it in 1850, again in 1853, ---- a treaty signed in 1878 with Columbia for 553 square miles of land later known as Panama Canal Zone, where the French started the task in 1882, In 1903, Columbia refused to sign a treaty, thus Panama declared its independence and with Teddy ROOSEVELT's actions, United States finished & opened the canal 15 August 1914, following loss of 20,000 lives before 1889, 10,000 after. Canal supplanted the railroad built in1855. The increased lock width to 110 foot seemed advisable, considering Suez Canal at 197 feet, (today, its limiting mega-vessels from passage, with a new canal discussed from time to time). Review: The State of the Union: Being a Complete Documentary History of the Public and Domestic Affairs, Foreign and Domestic, for the year1854. --Washington, Published by Taylor & Maury, 1855. www.books.google.com/books?id=57nyOyJtgakC, search "Borland", (18-pages) NICARAGUA TO CIVIL WAR, June 1854 to June 1861 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BORLAND, the ex-minister, the ex-senator (himself an old newspaper man) to busy doing the 'peoples work' to endear himself to the Washington press corps,--- consequently, reportedly on one attempt it's said they in turn tried to burn him in effigy in the streets of Washington city. When Solon returned to Arkansas as a private citizen, Margaret ROSS wrote, he moved family from Hot Springs to his large frame farm house about one mile south of town acquired before leaving for Central America, ~ ~ ~ his tract, adjoining on west to former Senator William Savin FULTON's (1795MD-1844AR) "Rosewood", part of which in 1869 became The Arkansas School for the Blind, moved ca1938, then in 1949 using 300,000 of its bricks for the then new Governor's Mansion at 18th and Center street. Solon joined in partnership, until June 21,1856, with fellow mason Dr John J McAlmont (1821NY-1896AR) in a drug store purchased from Dr W W ADAMS' at corner of Main and Cherry (2nd) streets, then opened a medical office a block away and in November with Dr Craven PEYTON issued a prospectus for a monthly journal, Medical Reporter. Congressman Robert Ward JOHNSON (1814KY-1879AR), nephew of Vice President of United States, Richard M. JOHNSON, and a brother-in-law to Ambrose H. SEVIER, with brother Richard (Dick) H. JOHNSON (married Thomas W NEWTON's daughter Annie) at The True Democrat newspaper, all of "The Family", was appointed to fill Solon's unexpired senate seat by governor CONWAY, to insure he was able to serve, prevented legislatures from NOT voting him in. Robert's daughter, Sallie, later Mrs. Cabell BRECKINRIDGE, along with General PIKE's two daughters Isadora (took her own life in 1869) and blue eyed, Lillian (Mrs ROME) plus Solon's Fanny Green BORLAND were considered the 'belles-of-the-ball' in Little Rock & Memphis, during reconstruction years, so say General John M. HARRELL, in Confederate Veterans publication, in 1894, www.usgennet.org/usa/ga/topic/news/CV/cv1894pg2.htm, also so cited in Fannie's 24 August 1879 front page obituary of The Memphis Daily Avalanche: "...daughter of the late Senator Solon BORLAND, of Arkansas, .... Ten years ago she was a reigning belle of Little Rock, and enjoyed, as many will remember, considerable celebrity as a poet. General Albert PIKE had a high opinion of her talents in that line, The "Dead Confederacy," [http://files.usgwarchives.org/tn/shelby/newspapers/thedeadc2nw.txt ] republished in the London Cosmopolitan, and highly complimented by that journal was one of the best of her productions." http://files.usgwarchives.org/tn/shelby/obits/m/mooresbo2ob.txt Russell P. BAKER's Fall 1981 article about "Fannie Green Borland Moores", (formerly Arkansas History Commission's Research Project #76.003), in The Pulaski County Historical Review, Volume XXIX, Number 3, reads: "The [BORLAND] family returned to Little Rock in 1854 [from Hot Springs], where BORLAND became a business partner with Dr. John J. McALMONT. In 1858 they moved to Princeton in Dallas County, where they remained until late 1860 [he to Memphis June 1859], when they returned to Little Rock." Another source reported Solon returned to Little Rock to edit the "Arkansas Gazette and Democrat" with Christopher Columbus DANLEY. While in Washington city Solon, with many others, become disenchanted with the Democratic party for they believed it had became "abolitionist". His former democrat friends in Memphis and elsewhere, turned a 'cold shoulder'( to put it mildly) writing many derogatory comments, many untrue. The new American Party (Know-Nothing Party) was spearheaded in Arkansas by General Albert Pike, supporters consisted of men like, Solon BORLAND, C C DANLEY in Arkansas, Sam Houston in Texas, reportedly, 43 from U S House of Representatives in 1855, and many other like brave men who had in past, put forth their own lives for their country. The national scene of democrats voiced myths and wrote very negative newspaper responses to combat Solon, see Memphis, Cincinnati papers & Fort Wayne Daily Times', September 3, 1855, p 2, c2 for its comments. Dick (Richard H) JOHNSON and "The Family" now controlled The Arkansas Banner newspaper (which BORLAND & FARLEY organized in 1843) renamed it The Arkansas Democrat Banner March 11, 1851, then The True Democrat, September 7, 1852. March 1853 DANLEY reportedly purchased the Arkansas Gazette and Democrat from WOODRUFF and BORLAND bought half interest June 15, 1853 before going to Nicaragua, and upon return, worked with DANLEY in behalf of the American Party. He sold his interest back to DANLEY April 5, 1856. William F HOLTZMAN bought in 1858, they dropped "Democrat" from name in 1859. DANLEY died at his office in 1865, then William F HOLTZMAN took the reins, selling his share back to WOODRUFF's family. JOHNSON, most effectively, campaigned a skillful and successful "printer's ink", mythical, political battle against Solon, true, down and dirty, politics, which Dick claimed Solon used to defeat Ambrose H SIEVER (brother-in-law to Dick's brother Robert Ward JOHNSON), in 1848 election for United States Senate. (others gave credit to Elbert H ENGLISH for Solon's victory) I reviewed these editorials written by Dick JOHNSON in "Family's", The True Democrat, of 5 October, 2 November, 11 & 18 December, 1855 and 1 January 1856, which included the 12 year old french creole girl- friend story, revealed they were successful in defeating Solon. Dick, by skillfully painting the worst case scenario, based upon only partially true, publicly known, allegations/rumors of which Solon refused to answer, skillfully causing Solon's political down fall in Arkansas, however --- Dick later served as a private under Solon in April 1861 raid on Ft Smith. The Masonic Grand Lodge of Arkansas, in 1855, had Solon BORLAND, Robert W JOHNSON and Edward A WARREN trying (unsuccessfully) to obtain the Little Rock Arsenal grounds (reportedly owned by C C DANLEY's father Colonel James DANLEY in 1830s as Little Rock Jockey Club), as their school site for Arkansas' first created institution of higher learning, St Johns' College of Arkansas (1850-1882). Solon (age 44), following his "No-Nothng-Party" political defeat, packed family aboard steamboat "Fox" January 5, 1856 and "steamed" off down river for an extended visit with brother Euclid and family at his sugar plantation 49 miles below New Orleans. Being an advocate of education and in creation of a school for higher learning in Arkansas, Solon made his 1856 report, to wit: "At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge, in 1856, Hon. Solon BORLAND, in behalf of the Board of Trustees of the [St Johns'] College, submitted a very able report, reviewing the subject of the College in detail, referring to the circumstances under which it was undertaken, the embarrassments which interfered with its progress, its condition at that time, the benefits it was designed to secure to the order and prosperity, as well as to the State and country at large, and proposing some measures looking to its advancement and early completion." (Source: MASONARY IN ARKANSAS: by M. Shelby Kennard, 1860. Copy from Special Collections, University of Arkansas) The record reveals Solon moved family to Princeton, Dallas county February 1858, selling his farm-home, located west of Wm. Savin FULTON's estate "Rosewood" in Little Rock to Dr. Weldon Edward WRIGHT (1814VA-1883AR) (likely, young brother of Solon's 1st wife Huldah G WRIGHT) of Dallas county, who subdivided it in 1870, into "Wright's Additon" living there over fifty years. (Dr WRIGHT donating $30,000 towards Baxter during The Brooks-Baxter War of 1874.) Solon left for Memphis June 1859 buying into the Enquirer newspaper with ex-senator Jere CLEMENTS, after son Thomas' death at Anthony House January 1859. Solon's said to have returned to his Princeton home for a month, but due to his illness remained a half year. 1860 census found Solon, age 48, editor of "Memphis Enquirer", in Shelby County, Tennessee, ~ ~ ~ wife Mary and their children George G, Fannie G. and Mary M., found in Princeton, Dallas County, Arkansas, as "Barland", girls likely attending Princeton Female Academy (started January 1855) first under tutelage of James L BARRY then under Oliver and Virginia Davis GRAY, Harold is at West Point, Class of 1860, graduate #1887, Orange County, New York year after General "Fighting Joe" WHEELER, (who supported his pension by letter, December 1901) and year before General "Geo" CUSTER, also last in his class. Thomas dead, buried without marker at Mount Holly cemetery in Little Rock. The Williams' Memphis Directory for 1860, page 85, (thanks to my Memphis cohort) lists BORLAND, Solon of the L.D. Stickney & Co.. Lyman Dodge STICKNEY, born 1815 in Germany, coming from Boston ca 1844 (moving on to Jacksonville, Florida as a political force), as president in 1859 with J.J.PARHAM, secretary, Solon BORLAND and Jere CLEMENTS as editors of The Eagle and Enquirer. Solon bought it in 1860, and sold in 1861 to M C GALLAWAY who merged it with The Avalanche which he established in 1858 [selling to Dr Jeptha FOWLKES], all according to "Literary Memphis A Survey of its Writers and Writings", by Marshall WINGFIELD, copyright 1942 for The West Tennessee Historical Society, also discovered by Memphis cohort. Solon bought it in 1860, and sold in 1861 to M C GALLAWAY who merged it with The Avalanche which he established in 1858 [selling to Dr Jeptha FOWLKES], all according to "Literary Memphis A Survey of its Writers and Writings", by Marshall WINGFIELD, copyright 1942 for The West Tennessee Historical Society, also discovered by Memphis cohort. History records show in February 1861, Solon lost an election for state representative from Shelby County in Tennessee, ~ ~ within two months, ~ ~ April 1861 was found as, Colonel BORLAND (age 49), "Aide- de-Camp" for his second at duel with Benjamin J BORDEN, now a one term Arkansas governor, Henry Massie RECTOR, but is unclear how and and what occurred before, instructions were made to raid Ft. Smith, Arkansas (see photo), with state forces including later notables as privates, William Read MILLER (1823AR-1887AR), state auditor, (1877, 1st native born Governor when Virginia Davis GRAY (Mrs V L GRAY) (1834ME-1886AR) donated her painting (now missing) of new (1875) Arkansas Industrial University's building, now known as 'Old Main'), R (Dick) H JOHNSON Esquire, an earlier newspaper opponent and Arkansas Solicitor General John Mortimer HARRELL (born Gates County, NC, later a general) as privates and 15 y/o son George Godwin BORLAND serving under Capt. Wm. E WOODRUFF, Jr's Artillery group. http://stellar-one.com/civil_war/0003.htm, www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/borlands.html Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the site of two military posts and the historic Federal Court. In 1861, Fort Smith was an outpost on the western frontier adjacent to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Fort Smith Times and Herald gave this accounting, to wit: "Last night, about 12 o'clock, the steamers "Tahlequah" and "Frederick Notrebe" arrived almost simultaneously at our wharf, having on board, as we subsequently learned, 235 men, composed of volunteer companies of Little Rock and Pulaski county, in this State; having come for the purpose of reducing, under State authority, the federal post at this place. The expedition ordered by Governor Rector, who was represented in it by his Adjutant General, Edmund Burgevin, who was under the immedate command of Col. Solon Borland, "Aid-de-Camp" to the Governor, and consisted of five companies, three from the City of Little Rock, and two from vicinity." Federal forces had left for Fort Washita (another book says (?) to Kansas) in Cherokee Nation, when learning of Solon's forthcoming attack, thus only a couple persons remained in the fort, one, a Major Richard Caswell GATLIN (1809NC-1896AR) of North Carolina (later resigned U S Army same day his home state seceded from the Union, once Confederate General, but due to poor abilities, released to desk --- NOT Richard Jordon GATLING (1832NC-1903NY), (as implied by Major COLLIER in a book), of Solon's home town, Murfreesboro, North Carolina, inventor of the Gatling Gun, who never served in either Army! "Old Rough and Ready" TAYLOR selected a site eighteen miles north of the Red River on the Washita River, a mile and a half east of the stream. The new fort, occupied in April of 1842, was named Fort Washita, and was abandoned by federal forces in 1861, soon after the capture of Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. Confederate forces from Texas occupied the fort, and it became a major supply depot for Confederate troops in Indian Territory. Sacramento Daily Union, 7 May 1861, described the celebration upon taking Ft. Smith with W. E.WOODRUFF (Jr?) present. (Senior, built his home on 25 acres later Woodruff's Addition, north, across street and facing Masonic St. Johns' College of Arkansas, on 9th street ~ ~ used as an officers hospital by Union Army, later returned minus much furniture, remodeled with entrance moved to 8th street, up For Sale in 2007. CIVIL WAR, June 1861 to June 1862 ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Much relevant & documented historical military information was gathered January 2007 on Jim MARTIN's Arkansas Civil War Board, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/webbbs_config.pl?noframes;read=14343 AFTER January of 2009, you need to use this address: http://history-sites.com/cgi-in/bbs53x/arcwmb/arch_config.pl?read=14343 from Bryan HOWERTON (H), Danny ODAM (O) and Solon's fifty page Confederate service record (R) from Arkansas History Commission (2/09/07). Doctor Solon BORLAND, Esquire, a distinguished southern gentleman, formerly: North Carolina militia officer, Arkansas' Adjutant General, United States Army major of Mexican war fame, Arkansas' fourth U S Senator, Arkansas' first foreign U S Minister and first minister to countries of Central America, "Aid-de-Camp" to Arkansas Governor Henry Massie RECTOR, April 1861, reportedly (?) defeated by James YELL, Arcihbald YELL's nephew, May 22, 1861, 43 to 20 in election for position of major general to coordinate the state military organizations via May 15th created first Arkansas Military Board, with: Governor RECTOR President, Benjamin C TOTTEN, and Christopher Columbus DANLEY. Solon, now under Arkansas Military Board, with a cavalry battalion he raised in Pulaski county and organized June 10th, soon to become Colonel Solon BORLAND, Confederate States Army (rank held eight months until discharged May 26,1862) at Camp Warren(?), Camp Borland (?), Pocahontas, Randolph county, Arkansas, on the Current river near Pittman's Ferry, as commander of that battalion he raised, originally known as 1st Battalion Arkansas Cavalry, it becoming 1st Arkansas Mounted Volunteers upon his and its acceptance into Confederate service on July 29, 1861, for twelve months. This group was enlarged and renamed the 3rd Regiment Arkansas Cavalry in December 1861, officially when Trans-Mississippi was created January 1862. www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/3cav_indx.html According to Major COLLIER's 1965 book, they fought in more skirmishes than did any other Arkansas unit. [Future Governor BAXTER served thirty days under BORLAND, November 1861, later serving the Union] (R) 3 Sep 1861, "Col S BORLAND Regiment of Cavalry will proceed without delay to Little Rock for the purpose of providing clothing for this command.", By order, Gen William J HARDEE [1815GA-1873AL]. Solon was placed in charge of Confederate's Western Department, Upper Arkansas District, November 5, 1861 by General Albert Sidney JOHNSTON (1803KY-1862TN) which was vacated by General William J HARDEE, taking with him all good equipment, materials, and experienced troops, leaving behind useless equipment or materials and inexperienced raw recruits, to wit: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/hertford/letters/borland24.txt http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/hertford/letters/borland21.txt HARDEE, reportedl was assigned to serve in Arkansas June 25, 1861 to recurit men, arriving July 22nd, commander till October, Solon inheriting the position November 5th of which he pleaded to be relieved in letter of November 10,1861. As of 15 December 1861 Solon is on sick leave in Little Rock for an extended period, possibly not returning to the Upper Arkansas District nor the 3rd Regiment Arkansas Cavalry before being discharged May 26, 1862. (H)"Borland's battalion, 1st Arkansas Mounted Volunteers, later increased to a regiment and redesignated as the 3rd Arkansas Cavalry, spent the winter of 1861-62 at Pitman's Ferry, Randolph County, Arkansas. They operated as scouts, manned picket posts, and maintained the courier line between Pocahontas and Memphis. Due to BORLAND's concerns about a possible U.S. attack on Pitman's Ferry, his battalion was often forward-deployed into the bootheel of Missouri to keep an eye on possible enemy movements from that direction." Solon, as afore stated, replaced Gen William J HARDEE as commander of Upper Arkansas District, Western Department, Confederate States Army, until January 10, 1862 when reorganized into The Trans- Mississippi Department, then Major General Earl VAN DORN (1820MS- 1863TN) was appointed in command 15 January 1862 by President Jefferson F DAVIS (1808KY-1889LA), (whom Solon served with in both, the Mexican war and U S Senate), leaving Virginia, arriving in Arkansas 29 January 1862. Solon's letters of record; http://www.simmonsgames.com/research/authors/USWarDept/ORA/OR-S1-V08-C018C.html November 1861, state he had NO longer had a desire of becoming a general even though he was carrying out duties of such, and that he was suffering of ill health. His service record shows he was reimbursed for extensively traveling (1,710 miles) to Little Rock, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi during those twenty weeks of service. (R) 29 Nov '61, Solon posted his 'General Order' regarding home grown foodstuffs to NOT be shipped out of state in order to stem price gouging to local citizens. This turned into a political debacle. It was Solon's attempt to protect army and citizens, as had been done in Missouri, from speculators of price gouging Arkansas' shortage of home grown crops. Governor Henry Massie RECTOR, essentially supporting speculators, complained even after receiving former friend Solon's thirteen page letter. This one-term governor had lost his controll over state military in May when the Military Board took charge, with said action condemend by all newspapers (also unhappy because Arkansas' troops were shipped east, leaving no one nor equipment, to protect Arkansas). (R)11 Dec '61, Solon's letter requesting a leave of absence was sent to General Albert Sidney JOHNSTON, later General John Seldon ROANE (1817TN-1867AR), supported with a letter from surgeon Dr WASHINGTON. (R) Nov 30, 61 to Jany 31, 1862, "Field and Staff Roll". says; Col Solon BORLAND, Absent on leave at Little Rock, Sick. When Judah BENJAMIN (1811BWI-1884FRANCE) ordered BORLAND to turn over his command to next ranking officer and report to him, I assume (?) that officer to have been Lt Col Benjamin F DANLEY. (R) 20 Dec '61, Proclamation by Governor Henry Massie RECTOR claiming to over-ride Solon's General Order. After Maj-Gen Earl VAN DORN was placed in charge of Trans- Mississippi Department, he lost and ran away from the disastrous battle at Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge), Arkansas on March 6-8, 1862 --- back to Pocahontas, Arkansas whose wounded were among the first at St Johns' College in Little Rock, converted into a hospital. (Dr William SHEA has a new book coming shortly about this battle) (O)25 Mar ['62] - Col S BORLAND, 3rd Ark Cav, to report in person to Gen VAN DORN at HQ. [how could he, when he's in Little Rock on sick leave(??)] (H)The Co.[A] was actively engaged on outpost duty & as scouts in the North Eastern portion of Ark. & South Eastern portion of Missouri until the 6th of April 1862, at which time it was ordered to Cornith, Miss. (O)6 Apr['62] - 3rd Ark Cav left for Des Arc, Ark. (O)8 Apr['62] - Special Order #42 - VAN DORN orders all cavalry to be dismounted until further orders. (O)15 Apr['62] - VAN DORN's Special Orders issued at Des Arc: Col BORLAND [Lt Col Benjamin Danley?] and his regiment to proceed to Memphis and report to Gen [Sterling, "Old Pap"] PRICE (1809VA-1867MO). (H)On the 19th day of April the Co.[A] was dismounted by the order [Special Order #42] of Maj. Gen. VAN DORN. The horses were sent to Dallas Co, Ark. to be taken care of there. The horses ["private" as opposed to "public"] were sent in charge on one non-com officer [Possibly 1st Sgt O C GRAY who retrieved them 23 Nov, 1862] & five privates "Ordered east of the Mississippi, he [VAN DORN, with what became 3rd Ark Cav & others] arrived to late to take part in the bloody battle where thousands of troops died, at Shiloh, April 6 - 8, 1862 http://www.geocities.com/heartland/acres/1257/shiloh.html. (O)24 Apr['62] - Memphis, VAN DORN's Special Order #64; Forms brigade under Lt Col Benjamin DANLEY, to proceed to Cornith tomorrow: includes regiments; BORLAND, STONE & SIMS, battalion BROOKS, battery, to be assigned. (O) 25 Apr ['62] - It was found Lt Col GRIFFITH was senior officer, who then replaced DANLEY NOTE: (R) Jany 31 to April 30 1862, "Field and Staff Roll", says; Col Solon BORLAND, Absent Since 15 Dec 1861 on account of ill health. (H)01May 1862 - 30 Jun 1862 Morrisville [camp ??]. (H)4 May['62] - Cornith - Army of the West: ROANE brigade; regiments, BORLAND's aggregate, STONE, SIMS, BROOKS battalion, WILLIAMSON's Battalion Ark Inf battery (O)25 May['62] -Special Orders #98 -list of officers not re- elected and discharged including Col BORLAND & Lt Col DANLEY of 3rd Ark Cav -WILLIAMSONS' Ark bn broken up with 3 companies assigned to 3rd Ark cavalry (R) Apirl 30 to June 30 1862, "Field and Staff Muster Roll" says; Col Solon BORLAND; "Not reelected at reorganization. Dishcharged May 26/62" On 14 June 1862 (10 days before death of 16 y/o son, Pvt George Godwin BORLAND while on his way home (being relieved from CSA servce under General PIKE in Texas, because of poor health) --- The Little Rock Arkansas Gazette printed front page, column 1, to wit; "It is known for sometime that, for several months, the doctor [Solon BORLAND, age 52] has been dangerously ill; his sickness has disabled him so far as to prevent his resuming his duties as a solider in the army for some time to come at least: and best field which he now finds before him for usefulness, is in the practice of his original profession of medicine and surgery. It is useless for us to allude, is the standing of Dr. B. in his profession. That is already known to our readers." CIVIL WAR till DEATH & LATER, June 862 to May 1992 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 'That Man Named Solon', had seemingly served his neighbors heroically and with honor since childhood, in spite of the myths and what his political enemies (and some modern day college history professors) wrote about him, so now returns to that which he was formally trained & educated, medicine and surgery! Son, Private George Godwin BORLAND, age 16 with mother's reluctant consent, served in Indian Territory under General Albert PIKE, says his obit. George died 24 June 1862 at a friend's home in Clarksville, Texas, on way home after relieved of duty due to poor health. ~ ~ (far more died during the Civil War from illness than from battle). Burial with half-brother Thomas, in Mount Holly cemetery, Little Rock, without a marker. Solon's third wife of seventeen years, Mary Isabel, age 38, died Thursday, 23 October 1862, in Little Rock, following a lengthily period of poor health. Her father George, husband Solon (age51) and daughters Fannie & Mary 14 & 12 years old, surviving. Fanny penned two touching poems; "The Past and Future", October 29, 1862, published November 22, 1862 with editor's comment to wit: "Within the last four weeks a little girl, just fourteen years old, sat by the sick bed of her Father, as he slept, a few evenings after the death of her Mother, she composed the following lines." http://files.usgwarchives.org/tn/shelby/newspapers/thepasta8nw.txt "Judge Not By The Outward Look", November 14, 1862, published 29th, November 1862, both by the Arkansas State Gazette. http://files.usgwarchives.org/tn/shelby/newspapers/judgenot5nw.txt One of Mary's obituary's, in part, read: "Her harp is broken, to us her voice is still, in the solemn hush of the tomb, but we are permitted to believe, that with a renewed voice and an unfailing harp, she is charming the ears of kindered spirits in the beautiful land of the redeemed". (Arkansas Gazette, 25 October 1862,p. 2, c. 5) http://files.usgwarchives.org/tn/shelby/obits/m/melbourn5ob.txt burial reportedly at Mount Holly cemetery, Little Rock with son George Godwin and step-son Thomas, all without grave stones, since 1992, with westerly facing memorial stone honoring Solon placed by the Arkansas Bar Foundation and Pulaski Bar Association. 22 November 1862 Solon advertised in the Gazzette for Wood Choppers December 26, 1862 Solon's brother, Euclid BORLAND, M D, in Plaquemines parrish, Louisiana gave Judah P BENJAMIN (A jewish Mississippi large plantation owner with 140 slaves, a fellow U S Senator with Solon in Washington city, who, as secretary of army January 1862 had Solon on the carpet for his General Order of November 29,1861), Confederate secretary of state, a statement about some Union Army skullduggery by a Colonel (?) Andrew J BUTLER (believed to be brother to General BUTLER but NOT in military) and Mr WEED attached to/ brother of, Major-General Benjamin "Beast" Franklin BUTLER's army regarding their crops and slaves. http://files.usgwarchives.org/la/plaquemi/military/civilwar/other/borland2mt.txt Solon retained Ralph Leland GOODRICH (1836NY-1897AR) January 2, 1863 to teach his daughters arithmetic. With likelihood Fed's would re- capture Little Rock Arsenal (lost 8 February1861) and City of Little Rock, Solon released GOODRICH 4 March www.griffingweb.com/march_1863.htm (both seized by Fed's, 10 September 1863 from General Sterling PRICE), so Solon wisely moved daughters, Fanny & Mary (son Major Harold BORLAND was a prisoner in Fort Warren, Boston), along with furniture and all else, back to Princeton, Dallas county, Arkansas becoming a sick inmate in Virginia LaFayette (Davis) GRAY's home (wife of Captain Oliver Crosby GRAY serving Co A, 3rd Ark Cav, group Solon formed 1861). He and daughters were practically members of the family in this HOLMES' house next to their hotel once owned by Captain Wm. T.M. HOLMES (killed Oct 5, 1862, Co A, 3rd Ark Cav), operated by, 23 y/o daughter Lou, who 6 September 1865, married Colonel Henry Gaston BUNN, (1838NC-1908AR); Chief Justice of Arkansas Supreme Court, 1893-1904, she dying July 1866. The second county Court House, built in 1852, was near and used as a hospital following April 29 & 30, 1864 Jenkins Ferry Battle as was the Presbyterian church and possibly other two church buldings. Doctor BORLAND entrusted five thousand and forty-five dollars, two of his reported seven slaves (Pasty & Ann), and household furniture with widow Martha Ausgustina (Gee) HOLMES (1816VA- 1901AR) to watch over his daughters and for their education, before leaving for Texas. See entries, September 9 and 14, 1863 in Virginia Davis GRAY's (Mrs O C GRAY) 1983 AHQ's published diary, (now: MC 1618, Special Collections, University of Arkansas) tells of; --- Solon getting out of his sick bed (age52) and leaving Princeton for Texas, Monday evening, 13 September 1863, after learning of Fed's heading towards Princeton, no other entries about him until 4 March 1864, to wit; "We have heard, through Mr Davis that Dr Borland died near Houston, Texas --- the first day of Jan. 64." Dr BORLAND's December 31, 1863 will, witnessed by fellow physician, C T FROST (1860 census, Lynchburg, Harris county, Texas), clearly established being near Houston, expecting death within days. Hempstead County Arkansas Probate Court appointed Harold BORLAND administrator for his father's estate, 21 April 1865, for will signed 31 December 1863 near Houston, Texas http://files.usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford/wills/borlnd01.txt, --- court papers "fictitiously" established Solon's death date as 15 December 1864, when in fact it unquestionably occurred nearly one year earlier, as recorded in afore said published diary's entry of 4 March 1864 and in 1880 published "History of North Carolina", by John Wheeler MOORE. Solon's estate was probated in Pulaski county, Arkansas, 24 July 1866, signed by 31 y/o son, Harold BORLAND, merchant, Sterling H. TUCKER, and 34 y/o Augustus Hill GARLAND, Esq (married Hempstead County Clerk's, Simon T. SANDERS, oldest daughter in 1853, in 1885 to '89 appointed United States Attorney General),--- Solon leaving entire estate to daughters, poetess Fanny Green BORLAND, then age 18 & Mary Melbourne BORLAND, age 16, for their education etc., with explanation for not including Harold. Strange, --- the will was reportedly again, ten years later, probated in Shelby county, Tennessee, where both daughters were living, 23rd June 1876 ?? Fanny penned her poetic tribute to her father, "At My Father's Feet" (see at head of article) copy being saved only by the grace of Little Rock's, Mrs Frances Marion (Harrow) HANGER (1856IA-1945AR), now preserved in Fred W ALLSOPP's, 1933 "Poems and Poetry of Arkansas" along with her "David O Dodd" poem which Albert PIKE encouraged her to pen in 1867. One might ask: where is Solon and his first two wives, Huldah and Eliza buried? That is unknown but his lovely third wife Mary Isabel with his sons Thomas and George Godwin are buried, without markers, where his westerly facing memorial stone was erected to his honorable memory by Arkansas Bar Foundation, Law Day 1992, Mount Holly cemetery, Little Rock at the Borland Plot, located north central portion of cemetery. twice married Harold ("Little Solon"), Major BORLAND, is buried at Little Rock's National Cemetery, #1001. We have no idea about daughter Fanny Green's burial site, possibly in a mass grave at Memphis or with husband, daughter Mary (Mollie) Melbourne's burial site is unmarked (see her obit), along side her 2nd husband, Colonel O C GRAY in Masonic Evergreen cemetery, lot 144, Fayetteville, across roadway from Colonel Archibald YELL, her fathers friend and commander, then her daughters, old maid Grace Melbourne & twice married Mary Borland each having dedicated their lives to Deaf-Mute schools as had their mother (nearly 100 years total), buried at Belzoni, Mississippi. Solon's grandsons, Harold's ("Little Solon"), Russell & Charles, Fannie's George Borland, once raised by Harold, and Mary's, Godwin M., were disappointingly not found. The following story shows "That Man Named Solon", lived on in memory! PINE BLUFF WEEKLY PRESS Volume 1, No 4; Thursday, February 11, 1869 Wyatt C. Thomas, Editor SAD ANNOUNCEMENT Recent Memphis Papers contain the sad intelligence of the death of that veteran Editor, Col. J. H. McMahon [posted bond in 1839 for Solon's second marriage]. Col. McMahon has for years been connected with the Memphis Press. His name indeed, to the whole reading public, is as familiar as a household word. Col. McMahon, was some years since Editor of that Stauch, Sterling paper "The Memphis Eagle & Enquirer" paper, whose editorial columns is days agone, have been illustrated with the writings of such Boanerges of the Press as the Hons. Jeremiah Clemens and Solon Borland. Col. McMAHON subsequently, also became the Editor of the "Bulletin" and finally of the "Appeal" [the paper Solon started January 1839] and throughout the war was an officer in the Confederate Service. CONCLUSION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My observations following several years research of Solon BORLAND and his family: Our, now fifty United States are better for Solon having lived! Solon and his entire family did indeed live during tumultuous, unsettled frontier days while our country grew from 17 to 36 states extended to the Pacific Ocean. A heartfelt thanks to Solon and others like him, for following their fervent dreams for our United States of America! He often placed the proverbial "cockle burr" under his political foes saddle blankets ~ ~ and they under his! As earlier stated, he was an achiever, so; If a job needed done - Solon was the one! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE BORLAND FAMILY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford.htm (Bios, Pics. Wills, Cem, Letters, etc). ______________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by William S. Boggess - bog417@gmail.com ______________________________________________________________________