From: Ann Toplovich
Subject: "Not Yours To Give" Update
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:22:32 -0500
Thank you to those who replied to my query regarding the text of "Not Yours
to Give," attributed to an 1828 speech by Tennessee Congressman David
Crockett (1786-1836, Congress 1827-1831): under the influence of constituent
Horatio Bunce, Crockett delivers a speech to Congress condemning public
relief as not consistent with the Constitution. Here is a summary of the
results. Tennessee historians were already aware that Crockett was a darling
of the Whigs (and their successors) after turning against Andrew Jackson in
1829-1830, splitting with Jackson over land reform and Indian removal, among
other issues. He was used as a cat's paw to attack the Democrats even after
his death. Crockett also allowed himself to be mythologized during his
lifetime as frontiersman, and it can be hard to separate the truth of what
he said and did from the political/popular media creation he himself aided.
In the case of "Not Yours to Give," this episode of Crockett's life was
first published in the January 1867 issue of Harper's Magazine as "Davy
Crockett's Electioneering Tour" by James J. Bethune, a nom de plume used by
Edward S. Ellis (1840-1916). ("Bethune" published another piece in Harper's,
"Walter Colquitt of Georgia" which is also about a wonderful speaker whose
speeches were not recorded, except in Bethune's later memories. Ellis was
most well known for his dime novels, "Deerhunter" and other Wild West tales
for boys.) The 1867 Bethune piece was reprinted by Ellis in his 1884 edition
of The Life of Colonel David Crockett, but it does not appear in his
original 1861 book on Crockett (available at GoogleBooks). Clearly, Ellis
could not have heard Crockett give a speech that took place 12 years before
Ellis/Bethune's birth.
James R. Boylston published an article in 2004 in The Crockett Chronicle
debunking the "Not Yours to Give"/Horatio Bunce story, and also addresses
the speech in his new book, David Crockett in Congress: The Rise and Fall of
the Poor Man's Friend (October 2009). Gale and Seaton's Register of Debates
for the House on April 1, 1828, records there was indeed a lengthy debate on
whether to award funds to a Widow Brown (wife of a general, not Ellis's
widow of a naval officer); however, although Crockett cast a vote against
the bill, he was not present for the discussion. Crockett did demand a
roll-call vote. Contrary to what the Harper's article claimed, however, the
bill passed the House and the Senate. Ellis states that Bunce's opposition
to Crockett originated in a vote Crockett made in favor of relief for
victims of a Georgetown fire. However, the fire was in Alexandria, not
Georgetown, and the vote was taken on January 19, 1827 - while Crockett was
not elected to Congress until late 1827. All evidence points to the
Bunce/"Not Yours to Give" story as a fabrication - as are so many tales
about Crockett, including many he told himself.
Again thank you for your responses, and the next time you hear Glen Beck or
Ron Paul quote the Crockett speech, you'll know the back story.
Ann Toplovich
Executive Director
Tennessee Historical Society