USA > Indiana > Pioneer history of Indiana : including stories, incidents, and customs of the early settlers > Part 17
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"Vincennes, Indiana Territory, April 16, 1807.
"CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE:
"This will be handed to you by Ell Ernest, one of our scouts. Since you were here on last Friday the 10th inst., two of our scouts are in and report that last Sunday night, the 12th inst., a band of roving Indians captured a white family on the old Indian road from this place to Clarksville this side of the mudhole (near where Otwell, Indiana, now
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stands) killed the the man and took into captivity" the woman and her five children. Governor Har- rison and Adjutant General John Small are both. away. The Governor before starting instructed me to write you that if it was possible without tak- ing too many men out of your settlement, that you : enlist at least twenty men for Ranger service giv- - ing a preference at all times to men who have been : on Indian campaigns, but not to leave any family - without some able-bodied man to protect them, un- less they are in block-houses. This should be done at once so that the men can be on duty in five days. Send in two days from the time you receive this by the same hand an answer. I will then send you instructions as to your duties.
By the order of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. Indiana Territory."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory,
April 20, 1807 .. "CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE:
"Your report by the hand of scout Ernest has .. been received. The Governor is very much pleased at your promptness. The supplies for the families of those who will serve as Rangers will be sent as often as needed.
"I have ordered sent you today, one sack of salt, ten bags of meal, for you to distribute before you leave home. Also twenty-five pounds of pow- der, twenty-five pounds of lead, two hundred gun- flints, one bundle of tow. You will divide your force and form a squad of six men under a reliable man who will act as Sergeant to patrol the main travelled way from your settlement south to the Ohio river, at Red Banks. Instruct the Sergeant to make two trips each way every ten days. I will send a scout who will come with the men and carts that bring the supplies. He will go on duty with the squad patrolling to the south. The other thir- teen men will be with you; also one scout and two. friendly Indians. You are to patrol the old Indian trace that leads from this place to Clarksville on the Ohio river, from a point where this old road crosses White river and going as far as thirty-five :
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miles east of the mudhole. The two Indians to be directly under the orders of the scout who will keep you informed of the orders he gives them. Once every week send a report of your work to this office. It has been ordered that movers coming over the old trace shall be held on the other end until a number of them are together. Then they will travel with the rangers as they are coming west on the trace. Any coming into your territory will be sent to a point out of danger by you, if coming to the older settlements. If they intend to form a new settlement, they must build a fort and stay in it until the season for raids has past. They can prepare houses where they intend to locate but they must remain in the blockhouses at night. If there should be extra men with the movers who have had experience as hunters or in Indian fight- ing enlist them if you can. I hope that your ex- perience in Indian warfare will help you protect your men. The roving bands of Indians prowling over this unprotected country in the warm season aim to murder helpless people for their scalps and the capturing of prisoners for what they can realize from the sale of them for servants to the British posts on the lakes. They are not hunting for arm- ed soldiers. A careful and vigilant scouting ser- vice will in a great measure do away with these prowling bands of Indians.
By order of the Governor, JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. Indiana Territory."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory,
April 29, 1807.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE, in the Ranger Ser- vice of Indiana Territory :-
"Your report by the half-breed Twenney came to hand this evening. The Governor wishes to say that he is well pleased with your work and fully agrees with you that the route from the forks of White river, south to the Yellow Banks on the Ohio river (now Rockport. Indiana) should be patrolled at least once each week. The three men you have recruited can take the place of some of your best men that you are acquainted with. You will send them over the route in company with one of the
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scouts. The Governor suggests that you send scout FuQuay with them, as he is familiar with the coun- try south of you on the Ohio river. In your next report fully describe what was found on the Yellow. Bank route and if any Indian sign has been seen near the Ohio river.
"It is utterly impossible at this time to furnish anything like a company of men to assist the father of Mrs. Larkins in releasing her from captivity. The Governor directs that you say to Colonel Greenup that if he can bring the aid from Kentucky that he thinks he can, that scouts and guides will be furnished them from this post and that he is. truly sorry that he has not the men to furnish all the help needed.
JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. of Indiana Territory. By order WM. H. HARRISON, Governor, Indiana Territory."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory,
May 10, 1807 .. "CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE,
In the Indian Ranger Service.
"Your report with enclosures have been re- ceived. The Governor feels very sorry that Colo- nel Greenup feels as he expresses himself. He ought to know and if reasonable would understand that to govern this wild territory and furnish half protection to the scattered settlers in this wilder- ness, that we have all we can do with the limited number of men that is at our command. It would be a very pleasing thing to aid your old soldier mate and recapture Mrs. Larkins and her children. It is but natural that her father should feel very anxious about her release but he could do nothing with the few men we could send him on such an ex- pedition. After leaving the old Indian road that you are on there is no settlement north and it would take an army to invade the country north of White river. You will please convey to him the Governor's compliments and inform him of the con- tents of this letter. As soon as it is possible, we will give him all the aid we can, but it would do him no good to make the attempt with a few men as they would all be destroyed.
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"The report of the three men on the trace south to the Yellow Banks is noted. There is most likely but little travel on that route. The one family which your men escorted to safety is a sufficient answer as to the usefulness of the patrol. They will be continued at least until the warm weather is over. WILLIAM H. HARRISON,
Governor of Indiana Territory. . By JOHN GIBSON, Secretary of Indiana Territory."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory.
May 22, 1807.
"CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE, Commanding a detachment of Rangers:
"Ell Ernest is in with your report. Will send you a Cree Indian for the one you say is too lazy to hunt. This Indian has been here for a long time and has the reputation of being a great hunter. He can keep your Rangers in meat. I have had an interview with him and he is delighted with the prospect of going as a scout. Ernest is acquainted with him and can make him understand what is to be done. Ernest said that he saw a number of In- dians in bathing on the south bank of the White river and a number of them were fishing. They did not see him. As they were near here a platoon of cavalry has been sent with several scouts to look after them. These troops before they return may report to you and will inform you what these Indians were up to. There are always some con- trary people in all walks of life who are hard to manage. The ones you report are not all who have been troublesome. There is no deviating from the rule. Anyone who refuses to stay in the fort when ordered, arrest them and send them to this post, under guard. When the Government does all that it can to protect its people they must and shall obey the rules. This territory is under no law that can force obedience but the Military. and all of its subjects must obey the governing rule or be sent out of it.
By the order of the Governor.
By JOHN GIBSON,
Secretary of Indiana Territory.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF INDIANA.
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory,
June 7, 1807. "CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE, In the Ranger Service.
"The requisition for provision has been filled and forwarded under escort. One of our scouts re- ports that Indians were seen passing to the west on the south side of White river a little way west of the place where the Indian trace to Louisville crosses that river. Whether they are a roving band of friendly Indians or hostile ones has not been found out at these headquarters. There was a runner sent to David Robb's notifying him about the Indians. When you receive this you had better return to this end of your route and leave one-half of your men under your ranking non commissioned officer. With the rest you had better examine the country to the west on the south side of the river as far as two or three miles west of David Robb's place and see if you can find the cause of these Indians prowling over that section. If the fort at White Oak Springs is too small to hold the new comers, have them build another block house near it and have them both enclosed inside the same stockade with only two gates for the two forts. If you can enlist of the new arrivals as many as twenty-five men for service at this post, your effort will be duly appreciated. The time of enlistment of quite a number of our troops expires next month and at least twenty-five Kentuckians will not re-enlist.
By the Direction of WM. H. HARRISON, Governor of Indiana Territory. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y of Indiana Territory."
"Headquarters, Post Vincennes,
Indiana Territory, June 20, 1807. "'CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE, Commanding a De- tachment of Rangers, Indiana Territory. "Your report by the hand of Ranger Hogue shows that it is best to be determined and firm in dealing with our friends as well as foes. You will not have to arrest any more for refusing to obey the orders for their own protection. Ernest can re- main two months longer. The service that he was wanted for was in a section where he had done
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scouting service some years ago. Mr. David Robb visited the Governor last Saturday the 13th inst. and remained over until Sunday. He says that everything is quiet in your home neighborhood. If you can make the exchange without weakening your force it would be well. Men of families are more liable to yearn for home than single ones. Do not make the exchange until the young men are at the post of duty. Under no circumstances weaken your force, as you have a very important district to guard. Computation for rations are paid for as the regular wages of the soldier, but not when they are in active service and living from supplies furnished by the hunters or by the comis- saries. Computation for rations is intended for those who are on detached duty and paying for their provision. The laws of the United States govern land warrants or land script and each man who serves the required time is entitled to it and can claim any land that is surveyed and not allotted on his warrant. You are correct when you say that in these troublesome times that soldiers who are serving to protect their homes and country are much better troops than those who are serving with the hope of securing large pay. This country must depend on its soldiers and must pay them but the loyalty and patriotism of those enlisted should be well looked after. In giving these certificates whose time of enlistment is up, be sure to note on their discharge, the amount they have been paid and whether they prefer all in land or part in land and part in Treasury notes.
By order of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y of Indiana Territory."
"Headquarters Indiana Territory, Vincennes, July 6, 1807.
"CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE,
Commanding a Detachment of Rangers.
"Last Saturday, the 4th inst. a number of friendly Indians were in to see the celebration of Independence Day. A half-breed Delaware Indian named "Swimming Otter" reported that there was likely to be a raid made by young Indian hunt-
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ers on boats loaded with people and their plunder coming to this section by the Wabash or going down the Ohio river. He said that the band would be led by an Indian who lost his father in a battle with a boat crew near the Red Banks (now Hen- derson, Ky.) The scouts thoroughly interrogated the Indian and he has promised to let them know the time they are to start and the route they will follow. The raiders will not get started, so the half-breed says, in less than ten days and that he will be here two or three days before they go. You. will then be informed by a runner so that you can thwart their designs if they attempt to cross your territory. It is reported here by friendly Indians that a band of Miami Indians captured a boat on the Ohio river some forty miles below Clarksville and captured the crew, killing two men and carry- ing two women and four children into captivity. You can do no better than you have. Thoroughly patrol the three traveled ways. You could not do any good by roaming over the wilderness unless it was to make a short cut to reach a point on one of the other routes. The white people coming to this section are on the three traces or down the Ohio and up the Wabash river.
For the Governor.
By JOHN GIBSON, Secretary of the Indiana Territory."
"Headquarters Post Vincennes, July 12th, Sunday, 1807.
"CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE, Indian Territory Ran- ger Service:
This will be handed you by a Piankashaw In- dian who is thoroughly reliable. He will remain with you until you send your next report. The half-breed, Swimming Otter, came in this noon and reported there were twelve in the band of Indians hunters and they will start Tuesday night, aiming to cross White river above White Oak Springs (now Petersburg, Indiana) and go in a direction that will place them on the Ohio at the mouth of Green river. It is hard to determine where they will cross the old Indian road that you are on, but
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PIONEER HISTORY OF INDIANA.
some place between the mudhole and the White Oak Springs fort. The people at that Fort must be advised. You have the authority to secure as many men for temporary service from the White Oak Spring fort as they can spare. You must have the section all along for fifteen miles to the east thoroughly patrolled. There will be thirty mount- ed men from this Post sent to the south of you who will patrol along and near to the Patoka river with scouts at the different fords on that river. With all this vigilance I feel sure that the Indian band will be destroyed or turned back.
By the direct order of WM. H. HARRISON, Governor of Indiana Territory. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. of Indiana Territory. "Post Script:
"Have the scouts with the Indians on duty near White river send the Piankashaw Indian to a point near the forks of White river to report to you every morning. He is thoroughly acquainted with . that section. By the Governor."
"Headquarters Post Vincennes,
July 17, 1807.
"CAPTAIN WM. H. HARGROVE, Commanding a De- tachment of Rangers:
"Your report by the Piankashaw Indian is to hand. The service rendered by your scouts is of such value to the country that the nation should substantially reward you and your commands. The Piankashaw Indian is well acquainted with the White river for many miles east of the fork. The chastisement given this band of robbers and cut- throats will have a good effect on them and others who would have followed them if they had been successful. The Indian only lea ns as it is shot into him. There will be no more raids from that direction this season but it is only safe when we are prepared to meet them, if they should attempt to come again. Say to young Hogue that the Governor will write him a personal letter compli- menting him for the good shot he proved to be.
By order of WM. H. HARRISON,
Governor of Indiana Territory. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. of Indiana Territory."
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PIONEER HISTORY OF INDIANA.
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory, July 23, 1807.
"CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE, in the Ranger Service:
"Your report is to hand. The salt, meal and other supplies were sent by cart two days ago. The receipt paper I enclose to you. Also fifty pounds of lead, fifty pounds of powder, two hun- dred gun-flints, one bail of tow sent to White Oak Springs Fort in care of Woolsey Pride. The ten men you enlisted for extra service should have a certificate something like the following:
" 'James Blank served ten days on extra mili- tary duty with the Rangers under Captain William Hargrove, commanding, dated and signed.'
"The rangers on the traveled way to the south need not make more than one trip each way every ten days. The danger does not exist on that route that did some months ago but they will patrol to the east, south of the Patoka river a distance of forty miles as the river runs, to a trace that crosses that river coming north from the Yellow Banks. There is no regular traveled way. John Severn will guide them over a blind trace which runs on a line on which formerly there was a chain of small Indian towns running many miles to the east. They can go over this route as often as once each ten days until further orders. Mr. Severns has been seen and will go as soon as yon can make the necessary arrangements. You will want good axemen to mark the traces plain by making blazes on the sides of the trees near the road so that it can be easily followed without a guide.
By order of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. of Indiana Territory."
"Headquarters Indiana Territory,
August 13, 1807. "CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE, Commanding Rangers: "Scout FuQuay with your report is here. This office is well pleased to learn that everything is so quiet in your district. It often happens that the lull in Indian warfare is only temporary and that they are preparing to make a much larger raid at a point where you don't expect them. Indian war- fare as I have learned, after thirty years of experi-
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PIONEER HISTORY OF INDIANA.
ence is like no other campaigning. Their approach is so sly and stealthy that you can never tell where or when they will come. They are the slyest and most treacherous enemy that any civilized troops ever had to contend with and the only security on the border is continual vigilance. The camp of white people that Scout FuQuay found east of the trace to the Yellow Bank are no doubt a part of the misguided people who have scattered over the country as fugitives from justice that had assembled at an island up the Ohio river as followers of that arch traitor and murder, Aaron Burr. The Gov- ernor has closely interrogated FuQuay and this is his opinion. The people are guilty of no more wrong than that of being duped by one of the smartest villain in the country. They only acted as was dictated to them by those who held and had held high positions in the Government. It is broadly hinted that a man high in military com- mand in the American army was strongly tinctured with Burr's chimerical conspiracy that saved him- self from disgrace by turning a traitor to Burr. The thing to do is for you to have these four mis- guided men with their wives and helpless children, prepare a fort some place where you think best in your military territory so that you can give them your protection. Your good judgment is depended upon to keep this matter close and so instruct the refugees. FuQuay has been obligated to secrecy. These people are no doubt worthy and will grow up among the other pioneers and be useful to our country. You will find out from them if they know of any other bands in hiding. This territory needs more people and these misguided, duped men and women will make as good citizens as any. Your requisition for provision and ammunition has been sent to you at White Oak Springs in care of Woolsey Pride who was at this Post yesterday.
By the authority of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. of Indiana Territory."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory, August 20, 1807 ..
"CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE, Commanding scouts. and Rangers:
"Your report by the Crea Indian. He was de-
.
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tained here to carry you this letter of instruction. The four young men you sent with him have en- listed and look like good material to make soldiers. The Governor is well pleased with your success in having the four families located in your district. The young men you sent were interrogated separa- tely. They all agree in their statements that there are several other bands scattered over the territory some distance north of the Ohio river from ten to fifteen miles east of the yellow bank trace to some- thing like the same distance west of the same trace. They claim that there is one band of these refugees west of the Yellow Bank trace about ten miles. They were camped near a large creek. It is thought best for you to send FuQuay with two other men to find these people and have them locate in a place that they can be given protection and that they can aid in giving protection to others. Young Bailey, one of the men you sent in some time ago has orders to report to you to go with FuQuay. He is acquainted with the people and has been at their camp. He says that there are six men, three women and five children in the band. Instruct FuQuay to inform the refugees that they must move near some of the settled sections and build ablock house for their protection and there will be no questions asked. That as soon as the dangerous season for Indian raids has passed, they can go to work preparing homes. If you can enlist the men without families, do so. If you don't need them send them to his Post. If these people should refuse to settle as has been suggested, after you have plainly informed them it must be done, then you send such a number of men as will be required to arrest and bring them and their belongings to this Post. The wounded old soldier and his wife you can put in charge of one of your stockade camps. The man to look well for Indians that may be prowling around, the woman to oversee the cul- inary affairs of the camp.
"John Severns was here today and had an in- terview with the Governor about opening a trace from the one that runs south from your neighbor- hood to the Red Banks, to commence fifteen miles
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north of the Ohio river on that trace, running thence east parallel with the river from forty to fifty miles. If it should become necessary to rein- force the Rangers on either of the traces running to the south or the main one running to the east, it would be almost impossible to do it as the country between the traces is one vast unbroken wilderness. Severns says that many large creeks will have to be crossed that empty their waters into the Ohio. The trace just south of the Patoka river opened some time ago, will be extended from the Yellow Banks trace, thirty or forty miles east. You had better have the same men go over this route as soon as Severns is through with the new survey farther south. Mr. Severns says that in going near the Patoka river many abrupt banks and deep gorges are met with .. Inform him that it is not necessary to make a straight line but to so blaze and mark it that it can be easily traced. It is not intended for wheeled vehicles or sleds to pass over but for foot soldiers mostly. The logs need not be moved but the brush had better be cut seven or eight feet wide.
By order of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. of Indiana Territory."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory. September 1, 1807.
"WILLIAM HARGROVE, Commanding first division of Rangers, east of the Wabash river:
"There has been a trace cut from the Clarks- ville and Vincennes road that leaves that route at a point about forty miles east of the Mudhole and running to the south, coming to the Ohio river at the west end of a large bend about three miles west of the mouth of Blue river. There is a traveled way that comes to the south bank of the Ohio opposite this point that runs to the south and far into Kentucky and people coming to this and other sections of Indiana Territory are crossing the river at that point and following Blue river to the old Indian road before mentioned. The two traces to the east which are now being opened should go into this Blue river trace. You are instructed to
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have a patrol of three men go over the new route nearest the Ohio river to the east as often as once, both ways, each week. Also a patrol of two men, one scout, to go over the trace to the east just south of the Patoka river as often as both ways. once each week. If you do not have men enough and cannot enlist them, they will be furnished from this Post. It will be the best to send men who have seen service over these new routes and keep the newly enlisted men with you.
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