H-416(4), p. 1
|
|
Vincennes 16th May 1809. |
Sir
I have great pleasure in being enabled to inform you that there no longer exists the least probability of a rupture with any of the Indian Tribes of this frontier- The party which the Prophet had assembled have dispersed with manifest indications of terror and alarm Whether this is to be attributed to the Military preparations which were made here To the want of provisions. disappointment upon the part of the Prophet as to the force he expected to raise, or to the Combination of all these causes- or whether indeed he had ever any design of attacking us I cannot at present determine Whatever I shall be able to discover on this subject shall form the Matter of another communication- I have engaged a confidential Frenchman who speaks the Indian Languages to reside at the Prophets Town for a few weeks to watch his movements and discover his politics-
I have for several years considered a further extinguishment of Indian Title to the North East of this and extending from the Wabash to the purchase made at the Treaty of Grouseland as a most desirable object. And it appears to me that the time has arrived when the purchase may be attempted with a considerable prospect of success- Our settlements here are much cramped by the Vicinity of the Indian lands- which in the direction above mentioned is not more than twenty one miles- The Country on the Wabash below this is sunken and wet, that to the North and West almost entirely Prairie and not of such a quality to be settled for many years- These circumstances must necessarily render the Settlements here feeble for a considerable time unless a further extinguishment of title is effected in the direction I have mentioned
The effecting of this purchase will come within the scope of the Instructions hitherto received- but I shall conclude no bargain until I am honored with the Presidents further direction
The two companies of Militia were dismissed on the 12th Instant- They have been regularly Mustered and the Pay rolls are now preparing, as soon as they are finished they shall be forwarded
|
|
I have the Honor to be most
Respectfully |
H-460(4), p. 1
|
|
Vincennes July 5th 1809 |
Sir.
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 5th Ultimo. The President's & your apporbation of my conduct is highly gratifying to me & permit me to assure you, Sir, that no exertions on my part shall be wanting to merit a continuance of the confidence of the Administration.
The Shawanoe Prophet & about forty followers arrived here a week ago. He denies most strenuously any participation in the late combination to attack our settlements, which he says was entirely confined to the Tribes on the Mississippi & Illinois Rivers & he claims the merit of having prevailed upon them to relinquish their intentions. I must confess that my suspicions of his guilt have been rather strengthen'd than diminished in every interview I have had with him since his arrival. He acknowledges that he receiv'd an invitation to go to war against us, from the British, last fall, & that he was apprized of the intentions of the Sacs Iaouasse early in the Spring & warmly solicitt'd to join their league. But he could give no satisfactory explanation of his neglecting to communicate to me, circumstances so extremely interesting to us, towards which I had a few months before direct'd his attention & receiv'd a solemn assurance of his cheerful compliance with the injunctions I had impos'd on him. The result of all my enquiries in the subject is that the late combination was produced by British intrigue & influence in anticipation of war between them & the United States. It was, however, premature & illjudged & the event sufficiently manifests either a great decline in their influence, or in the talents & address with which they have been accumstom'd to manage their Indian Relations. The warlike & well arm'd Tribes of the Potawatamies, Ottowas, Chipewas, Delawares, & Miamies, I believe neither had nor would have joined in the combination & altho the Kickapoos, whose warriors are better than those of any other Tribe, the remnant of the Wyandots excepted, are much under the influence of the Prophet, I am persuaded they never were made acquaint'd with his intentions, if they were really hostile to the United States.-
H-460(4), p. 2
|
As you have done me the honor to request my opinion with respect to the
position of the Troops destin'd to protect the Western frontiers. I will
communicate the result of my reflections on the subject with great pleasure.
Such is the nature of Indian warfare, that I am persuad'd one hundred thousand
men would not be able to form a cordon along the frontiers of this Territory,
Michigan & the state of Ohio, sufficiently compact to preserve our
settlements from their desultory attacks,in case of a general combination of
the North Western Tribes against us. And any fort that is built with a view to
form part of such a line of defense, would in my opinion be useless. The chain
of Forts began by Genl St Clair & complet'd by Genl
Wayne extendg into the Indian country from the Ohio, & which
were so situat'd as to cover the settlements from any attack but that of
Indians, afforded not the least security to the inhabitants, & were no
further useful than as resting places for the small convoys which were employed
to throw in provisions for the campaign at the head of the line- As we have no
elevation in the whole extent of what was formerly the North Western Territory,
that can be dignified with the name of mountain, we have consequently no
difficult passes, such as the Ancient World & some of the Atlantic States
afford, the securing of which would necessarily command the country for a
considerable extent. There are, however, Military positions to be found, which
if properly improv'd would not only prevent the Ingress of any regular force
but effectually keep the Indians in check- Those are to be sought for along the
great water courses which bound the Country on either side & on those
elegant channels of communication, which nature has provid'd at Intervals to
unite them. Without the aid of these the Bulky Articles which make up the
returns of the Indian Merchant, could never be taken out. The country being
remarkably flat, the roads are excessively bad in Winter, & in the Summer
the immense Prairies to the West & North of this, produce such a multitude
of Flies as to render it impossible to make use of pact Horses. Hence it
follows that a few well select'd positions on the Straits wh unite
the Lakes- on the Mississipi & on the communications which connect them
would completely control the Indian Trade & consequently The Indians- I
suppose the force to be station'd at Detroit, ought in some measure to be
regulat'd by that kept by the British in the neighbouring fortress of Malden.
This has not, I believe, for several years exceed'd two weak companies & is
at present reduc'd to one. The fort at Detroit can have little or no influence
in controling the Indian Trade, because it does
H-460(4), p. 3
|
not command the Strait, & if it did, much the greater part of the trade is
now & the whole could be carried on by the Canoe route of the grand River.
The proper position for our object is therefore to be sought for higher up. In
case of a war with the U.S. & G. Britain, the latter could never think of
defending upper Canada, & no valuable purpose to them could be answer'd by
a temporary possession of Detroit & the neighbouring settlements. I can
therefore see no good reason for an accumulation of force at this point. A
strong regular work to be garrison'd by two companies, but capable of
accommodating a Battalion, would, I should imagine be amply sufficient. It
would be highly desirable to have the Fort so situated as to command the Ship
channel of the Strait. When I was at Detroit in the year 1803 the British had &
I believe still have 6 or 7 arm'd Vessels carrying from 8 to 22 guns, on lake
Erie- With a part of this force & with the assistance of the Indians
Macinac would be easily reduced, as from it's insular situation no
reinforcement or supplies could reach it, if the enemy possess'd the
superiority of Naval force in the upper Lakes. To prevent this, it will be
necessary either to build a number of Vessels equal to theirs, or by fortifying
the River of Detroit confine them to Lake Erie. A situation proper for this
purpose was the object of my enquiry, & Hog Island two miles above the Town
of Detroit was point'd out, as the most eligible, there is also another
favorable situation for commanding the navigation in the Strait between Lake St
Clair & Lake Huron.
As the Canoe route of the grand River & Lake Nepessing to it's entrance into Lake Huron is entirely within the British Territory, the port of Michilimacinac is of considerable importance. It is here & at the neighbouring British port of St Joseph's that the valuable trade which is borne along the route above mentioned & that which comes by the way of Detroit is parcell'd out for the various directions which it afterwards assumes. In the event of a War with the British, it will be their first object to furnish the Tribes who espouse their cause with a sufficiency of arms & ammunition to render them independent of a supply from us for several years. The port of Macanac with the aid of one or two small armed Vessels would be a great check to the throwing in those supplies, but it could only be stoped entirely by erecting a work at the rapids of St Mary, the pass leading into Lake Superior. This route into the Mississipi is not so good a one as that of the Fox River &
H-460(4), p. 4
|
Ouisconsing, but the one being secured & the other open would expose us to
the same mischief as if neither were guard'd. For the peace establishment of
Macanac one well disciplin'd complete company, under a vigilant officer, would
be sufficient. Of all the communications between the Lakes & the
Mississippi, that from Lake Michigan by the Fox & Ouisconsing Rivers is the
most used & the most interesting & important. It is through this
channel that nine tenths of the goods for the Supply of the Indians above the
Illinois River & in Louisiana is convey'd & until we have a military
force upon it,we can never control either the Traders or the Indians. I was so
sensible of this, that at a Treaty which I made at St Louis in the
year 1804 with the Sacs & Foxes, I inserted a clause authorising the United
States to build a Fort on either side the mouth of the Ouisconsing or on the
opposite Bank of Mississippi, as the one or the other would afford the best
side. I. . . .am convinc'd that great advantage would arise from a company
being station'd there- The Village of Prairie du Chien consisting of about thirty
French Families is three miles above. The Fort lately erect'd on the
Mississippi near the mouth of the Demoins will serve as an intermediate post
& support to that on the Ouisconsing- The site of the latter is, I am
inform'd, extremely bad, being command'd by higher ground within musket shot.
The Post of Chicago is an important one, it secures the usual communication
between Lake Michigan & the Mississippi by means of a short creek on which
the Fort stands, & which actually takes it's rise in the same Lake or swamp
with a branch of the Illinois River, so that in the spring boats with their
loading pass freely from one to the other. The Site of Fort Wayne was select'd
by Genl Washington.- To erect a Fort there was the object of Genl St
Clairs campaign.- It's accomplishment by Genl Wayne & a further
knowledge of the country sufficiently evinced the wisdom of the choice.
Proceeding from Fort Wayne to the Wabash & down that River at the distance
of 150 Miles from fort Wayne & 150 from this place, is the site of the old
Wea Towns, where there is a considerable reservation of lands made by the
Treaty of Greensville for a Fort. The situation is beautiful & besides
commanding the Wabash, is near the mouth of the Tippecanoe which discharging
itself into the former, had it's source in the neighbourhood of the Illinois
& St Joseph's of Lake Michigan, to each of which there is a
portage of nine & fourteen miles, much used by the Indians & sometimes
by
H-460(4), p. 5
|
Traders. Notwithstanding these advantages I would not recommend the building of
a Fort there. I think, however, that one other is necessary on the Wabash, but
I should prefer it lower down, as near our boundary line as possible. The
Indians would be greatly dissatisfied at our occupancy of the Wea Towns &
the giving up the reservation at that place would be a great inducement with
the Weas to cede the country they now live on, between this place & the
Vermillion River. There is no part of the Western Country so much exposed as
this. The Tribes in our neighbourhood, (those which were confederated in the
war terminat'd by Genl Wayne,) are numerous, warlike & well
armed & are more than a match for all the others, with whom we have
intercourse, united. I believe, however, they have no idea of again measuring
their strength with ours. No other influence than that of the French could
induce them to do it. But in the event of a French War,if could they be led to
believe that there was even a possibility, that their efforts united to those
of the French would again put the latter in possession of this country, the
remembrance of all the calamities wh their frequent wars with us
have brought upon them & the justice & benevolence with which they have
been treat'd since the peace, would be insufficient to prevent their taking
part against us. The happiness they enjoy'd from their intercourse with the
French is their perpetual theme- it is their golden age. Those who are old
enough to remember it, speak of it with rapture, & the young ones are
taught to venerate it, as the Ancients did the reign of Saturn- "you call
us" said an old Indian chief to me, "your Children, why do you not
make us as happy as our Fathers the French did? They never took from us our
Lands- indeed they were in common with us- They plant'd where they pleas'd
& they cut wood when they pleas'd & so did we- but now, if a poor
Indian attempts to take a little bark from a Tree, to cover him from the rain,
up comes a white man & threatens to shoot him, claiming the Tree as his
own." When the first information of the cession of Louisiana to France
reach'd them, they could not conceal their joy, & I sincerely believe that
the appearance of the first French uniform at St Louis would have
been the signal for a general revolt of all the Tribes in this quarter, the
Delawares except'd. The present Garrison of Fort Knox is too near this Town to
be of as much advantage as if placed some distance above. A good situation
could be found near our present boundary line, but if the further
extinguishment of title, which I had the honor to propose to you, is
accomplished, it might with propriety be placed still higher up.
H-460(4), p. 6
|
It appears to me, however, highly proper to have a Company stationed some where
in this neighbourhood.- I can see no advantage in keeping up the Garrison at
Fort Massac, excepting as a depositary for the Stores &c destined for St
Louis, this purpose would, however, be as well answer'd by a careful non
commissioned officer & six men as with the present garrison. A show of
force in the neighbourhood of St Louis would certainly contribute to
awe the neighbouring Tribes- & if a whole Regiment of Infantry, & one
or two companies of artillery could be spared for the protection of Upper
Louisiana, & for garrisoning the Post in this & the Illinois
Territories, the Field & Staff of the Regiment with the balance of the
companies might with propriety be placed there- an arrangement of this kind
would have a great tendency to preserve (illeg.) discipline &
subordination- Permit me to recommend that in the Forts that are far advanced
in the Indian Country, besides the deposit of six Months provisions by the
Contractor, that there should constantly be kept two or three hundred bushels
kiln dried corn to be annually renew'd. No loss would arise from this measure,
as the old deposit could be always sold to the Traders or Indians, when the new
should arrive. contractors are so often negligent, & convoys of provisions
passing for a considerable distance through a wilderness are subject to so many
accidents, that I have myself known more than one instance, where a Garrison
was upon the point of being forced to abandon it's charge for the want of food.
Should my recommendation to place a company on the Wabash near this place be adopted I should be much gratified to have Lieut. Whitlock, who at present commands Fort Knox, & is Pay Master of the District, continued. He served under my immediate command for several years, & I will venture to pronounce that there is not a more zealous & attentive officer or one possess'd of better principles in the service. He is now the oldest Lieut: in his Regiment, if there is not already a vacancy for him. There is also a Surgeon's Mate here,to whom it would be very convenient to remain, as his connections reside in this neighbourhood.
|
I have the honor to
be
|
The Honble
William Eustis Esqre
Secry
of War
S-741(4), p. 1
|
|
New Stockbridge Novr 20th 1809 |
Honourable Sir
This is to inform you that the Stockbridge Indians receive from the general goverment $350 yearly for the purpose of promoting their civilization agreeable to a Treaty formed by Col Pickering some years past, as by agreement with the President of the United States in comes in money and thro my hands
In general the money has been laid out to the best advantage of the Tribe, but there are some instances for a few years past where in some of it has been spent improperly.
This in part has occasioned a division in the Tribes. The Chiefs and principal men as well as Capt Parish the superintendent and myself have taken much pains to reconcile the difficulties but without any good effect.
The principal men of the Tribe have requested me to inform you that the discontented party have lately sent two men to the seat of goverment to make complaint carrieng with them as is supposed some writings stating their difficulties and probably misrepresenting matters. The present years annuity due next spring is mostly laid out & for which I am responsible. For the future it is the design of the superintendent to make such arangments as to their annuity as shall best promote the wellfare of the people, and the design for which it is given, and this is generally known This makes totally improper for either party to trouble the goverment with their disputes.
It is probable like wise they may say something unfavourable to the character and proceedings of Capt Hendrick one of the Chiefs of the Tribe, who I have good reason to believe is doing much good among the western Indians. If they should cast any reflections on him it will be thro envy, as to his publick proceedings among said Tribes in promoting civilization and a good understanding between said tribes and
S-741(4), p. 2
|
the united states his character is unexeceptionable he well deserves the
support and patronage of the goverment.
On the whole I conclude you will not give countenance to a party, and if you would tell these men you will instruct the superintendent to call on the Tribe next spring, inquire into their difficulties and term such a plan for the laying out of their annuity as he shall judge most benificial to them, and those who will not subscribe to such an arangment, shall be deprived of any benifit from the annuity, this I judge will have the best tendency to distroy the party spirit, after you have dismised these men, and have leasure you will be so good as to forward me a line that I may inform the Tribe the conclusion of the business, if you do not communicate the contents of this letter to the above mentioned men, it may perhaps have a better tendency to quash the party spirit among them, than if they knew I had written to you on the subject. Mrs Sergeant and the family are well Mr A Godnew does not injoy very good health remain with high consideration your
|
humble servant |
Doctr Eustus
W-674 (4), p. 1
|
A correct statement of the number of Indians that attended at the treatys of
Fort wayne in June 1803 and in Sept 1809
|
|
June the 3 1803 |
The Provisions issued in 1803 was by W Wells that issued in 1809 was by J Johnston- the Indians begun to assemble the 15 May 1803 and despercesed the 7 June 1803- the Indians began to assemble the 15 Sept 1809 and despersed the 4th Oct 1809- |
|
|
|
Sept. the 30 1809 |
|
I certify that the above is a true statement of the number of Indians that attended at the two treaties above stated at this place
|
William Wells |
Fort wayne the 5 Dec 18O9
Continue to
next page
Continue
to Dft. Ex. 120.
Return
to Docket 317 Table of Contents
Return to Ohio Valley -
Great Lakes Ethnohistory Archive Menu
Return to Glenn A. Black
Laboratory of Archaeology List of Publications
Return to Glenn A. Black
Laboratory of Archaeology Home
Last updated: 29
September 2000
Comments: webmaster@www.gbl.indiana.edu
Copyright 1997, Glen Black Laboratory of Archaeology and The Trustees of Indiana University.