USA > Indiana > Pioneer history of Indiana : including stories, incidents, and customs of the early settlers > Part 18
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By order WM. H. HARRISON, Gov. Indiana Territory. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y."
"Headquarters Indiana Territory. Vincennes, Sept. 12, 1807 ..
"CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE, Commanding Rangers. east of the Wabash river:
"There has long been an old traveled way from this Post that crosses the White river near David Robb's place and the Patoka river at John Severns', thence in a southwest direction to the Wabash river near the point where the Little Wabash empties. into the main river, thence across the main Wabash at that place which can only be crossed by canoes or check boats. This route is known by some as the Salt Route. Salt has become so scarce and high priced that a number of settlers south of White river have petitioned the Governor for an escort of soldiers to protect them whilst on the trail and at the salt works west of the Wabash river. This petition has been under consideration for sev- eral days. The Governor sent for Mr. Robb about this matter and it has been arranged that a meet- ing with the petitioners and other citizens would be held at Mr. Kimbles who lives on the site of the old Delaware Indian town eighteen or twenty miles southwest of Mr. Severns', on Thursday the seven- teenth day of September, 1807. You will tempor- orarily place your command in the hands of your Ranking Sergeant and attend that meeting, taking two men and one scout with you. After due de- liberation and consultation with the people present, if you think it best you can place two men on duty
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on the trail west of the river but their main camp must be on the east side of the Wabash when there are no parties to guard at the salt works. The scouts will remain with the two soldiers doing reg- ular scouting duties. Instruct him to go for miles on every side of the salt works and learn the lay of the country and at night to be near the works or with the soldiers at their camp east of the river. The salt makers are to be instructed to have cer- tain days to make salt and that they must go to the works in a body of not less than fifteen men, one-half of that number to be at all time ready for military duty, subject to the orders of the Sergeant which you place in command, to protect the others while the work is in progress. That from this re- lief the camp guards must be furnished day and night. The two soldiers are to remain on duty as long as you shall think it will be necessary to have a guard. After the first of December there is but little danger of Indian raids. This side of the Wabash is considered sufficiently safe for so large a number of cautious men to travel at any time. After the meeting you will send a report of the proceeding to this office.
By directions of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. of Indiana Territory."
"Post Vincennes, Sept. 27, 1807. "CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE, Ranger Service: "Your report of the 19th inst. by your hunter, the Cree Indian. came in two days ago. He was retained to carry messages to parties on the old Salt trace. That information was wanted from us before this was sent so you. David Robb, John Severns, Sr. and Isaac Montgomery were here last night. The matter of a guard at the salt works was gone over carefully. They all agree with your report that there is no need of guards on the east side of the -Wabash and if it were not for a lot of foolhardy, careless people who would insist on go- ing there in small parties, there would be no need of guards on the west side of the river. The two men and the scout which you have there will re- main on duty. The most probable trouble, if any comes, will be from south of the Ohio river. You
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can have your scout informed of this and have him keep a close lookout in that direction. Young Bailey returned several days ago with your report about the refugees. Retain the three young men which you enlisted if you need them. If the three families will come to a point within two miles of the Yellow Banks road it will do. If they prefer, they can move on to the new road that is being located to the east not far from where they are now camped. It is thought best for you to have Bailey look after this matter. These people must be near one of these routes and must prepare themselves a strong blockhouse with a stockade around it. By order W. H. HARRISONN. Gov. of Indiana Territory. JOHN GIBSON, Secretary."
"Headquarters, Indiana Territory,
Vincennes, Sunday, October 4, 1807. CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE, in command of Rangers: The Governor wishes to assure you of his ap- preciation of your successful work in gathering so many of the unfortunate refugees at points near the Yellow Banks and other traces and the large colony which you have gathered on the new trace crossing the Yellow Banks road. This is a very desirable place to have a strong fort. In making the building be sure that it is strongly put to- gether, made out of large logs and that a stockade ten feet high be built that will enclose one acre of ground. In this enclosure can be erected a number of strong buildings that will safely protect fifty people. This will be a rallying point for all who may come later to that section. The times are very unsettled. The Indians are continually grumbling because the white people are in this country and threatening that unless their lands are restored they will drive them back across the Ohio river. North of the White river they could easily concentrate in such numbers that should they find our people un- prepared could overrun the most of your territory. It is hard to tell anything about what an Indian will do when he has the advantage. They are the most treacherous, cunning rascals on earth and the
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most brutal as well. The only safe way is to keep the advantage on our side and put the Indians on the defense. When they know that your position makes one white man equal to ten Indians there is no danger of an attack. The two men coming into your lines east of the Mud-hole have certainly re- pented of all the wrong which they have done by following after Traitor Burr. It is best for you to see all these people who are connected with that unfortunate affair and instruct them under no cir- cumstances to let any one know that they were in the Burr conspiracy. If they do in after years they will be accused of being traitors by people not half so worthy as they are.
By WILLIAM H. HARRISON, Governor of Indiana Territory.
Per JOHN GIBSON, Secretary.
Headquarters, Indiana Territory, Vincennes, Oct. 12, 1807.
WILLIAM HARGROVE,
Captain Commanding in Ranger Service: Your report and the man you sent in under guard, are here. You did the right thing in ar- resting this man. All such suspicious cases as this should be investigated. What this man is has not yet been found out and it is doubtful if it ever is. If this country were at war with a white race it would evidently be determined that he was a spy locating the military strength and positions of our army. It may be that he is doing that work for the British. He evidently is not what he claims to be. A prisoner for two years among the Indians would not have such clean underwear beneath his buckskin suit. Then his hair has been recently cut by a barber. He will be retained for the pres- ent. This is Sunday and the cart drivers are all at a gathering down the river someway. Will for- ward the supplies tomorrow.
By order of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Sect. of Indiana Territory.
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Headquarters, Indiana Territory, Sunday, Oct. 18, 1807 ...
CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE,
Commanding Rangers:
Your report by FuQuay is received. The flints : were of a new lot. Since your statement has come - they have been examined and found to be of shelly material and are of no value. Others will be sent : you as soon as possible. Have your men save the. old ones until the others come.
The statement of the Delaware Indian that he has seen the prisoner whom we are holding as a ... spy at Clarksville, two moons ago, is noted.
The old trace that runs near the Ohio river crossing the Wabash and on the saline regions of the Illinois has been a regular pass way for Indians. from time when none know. The Shawnees under chief Setteedown have, as you know, a straggling settlement along this trail and extending to about. ten miles off the Yellow Banks trace that you pa --- trolled. Our scouts from this place have often been over the route and visited some white people -- located on the north bank of the Ohio. Major John Sprinkles, who lives on the north bank some six miles up the river from the mouth of Green river was to see the Governor yesterday and informed him that detached bands of Indians had been passing east for eight or ten days and appeared to be carrying their luggage with them. Bailey Anderson, who lives in the neighborhood of a few of the Shawnee wig- wams, informed Mr. Sprinkles that some of these visiting Indians were preparing a camp not more than one mile from his cabin. This may be nothing but hunting parties from over the Wabash. Any unusual gathering of Indians on the Ohio river at this time of the year is looked on with suspicion. They may intend to remain during the winter and if a chance comes, attempt to capture boats and movers descending the river as soon as the water is. in sufficient stage. You will temporarily leave your command in charge of Sergeant Hogue, tak- ing two reliable men with you and at your settle- ment secure mounts for your parties. Then go south along the Red Banks route and up to Major Sprinkles' cabin, who is aware of your coming.
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Bailey Anderson will fall in with your party as you go east from the Major's. You are to make an -official visit to chief Setteedown. Bailey Anderson understands their language and will act as inter- preter. Before leaving the old Chief invite him to bring some of his young men and visit Governor Harrison at this Post. Have him set the day as early as he will. You will then proceed east on the trace until you come to where it crosses the road running to the north that comes to the Ohio river just west of the mouth of Blue river. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the route. In returning, note well the topography of the country. Return the two men to their station and you report in per- : son to this post.
By the direction of WM. H. HARRISON, Governor of Indiana Territory. JOHN GIBSON, Secretary."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory. October 20, 1807.
"CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARGROVE, Commanding the Western Division of Rangers east of the Wabash river:
"Last Sunday night the 18th inst. two of our . scouts returning from a long trip found themselves at White Oak Spring fort a little after seven o'clock in the evening. On going to the gate asked per- mission to stay over night in the stockade, which was denied them. They were informed that when the gates were closed for the night that they would not be opened for anyone. The scouts showed their passes signed by Governor Harrison, yet they were refused admittance saying that Governor Har- rison nor any of his men could get in after night. The Governor directs that you investigate this matter. Scout Ell Ernest, the bearer of this order, will be permitted to be present while the investi- gation is being made as he was one of the scouts who was refused permission to stay in the stockade. Go fully into the details. The Military authorities are doing everything possible with the few men at their command to protect the settlers who are scat- tered on the southern borders of this Territory and cheerfully do this hard service, imperilling the
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lives of the best men of the country, trying to give protection to those who are exposed to danger; but when it comes to such actions as is above related of men who were being guarded, insulting and deny- ing the common courtesies to those guarding them that is so fully extended by all decent pioneer set- tlers to all who come to their cabins. Some par- ties at that fort are guilty of indignities that will not be silently passed over. Find, if you can if the owner of that fort was at home that night. Secure the names of the men who were there and if pos- sible the one who was spokesman. When you have made this investigation send the report to this. office by Ell Ernest.
Ordered by W. H. HARRISON, Governor of Indiana Territory. By JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. of I. T."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory,
Oct. 23, 1807.
"CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE:
"The Governor directs me to send his compli- ments and inform you that he appreciates the ยท prompt and thorough manner in which you made the investigation wanted. Woolsey Pride is here and is fully exonerated and commended for so summarily punishing the parties who were guilty of the petty meanness.
"Your obedient servant,
JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y of I. T."
"Headquarters, Indiana Territory,
October 28. 1807. "WM. HARGROVE. Captain Commanding Rangers: "Chief Settedown and his young men have re- turned to their homes. He assured the Governor that the Indians gathering in his neigborhood were very peaeably inclined toward the white peo- ple and gave as a reason for their being there that game was more plentiful than across the Wabash and that they intended to stay only a short while. In answering the inquiry why he did not want to keep all the game for himself and people, said, that there was much more than he wanted. Finally
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said that in less than one moon they would all go back over the Wabash. It is hoped that this will be true, but the only security with the Indians is to be always prepared and watch them. FuQuay is better acquainted with that section than any one else we have in the service. He and Ben Page have orders to report to you at your east stockade camp, on the Clarksville trace and will hand you. this letter. It is thought best for you to go with the two scouts to the Yellow Banks and have them make such disposition of their time during the next thirty days as will secure the best information of the movements of the strange Indians. This sug- gestion is made for your consideration in this mat- ter. You are on the ground and will understand the situation better than can be understood at this. distance. The two scouts have each a new ax be- sides their rifles and ammunition. This is the equipment that most of the newcomers bring to the Territory. Have them go into the section a few miles east of Bailey Anderson's and build a small. cabin and put in their time hunting and roving over as large a territory around their cabin as they can. In doing this they will have a pretty good idea of what the Indians are doing around them. If there is any design other than friendship by the newcomers, the Shawneesknow it. Of all this you are in the best position to find out the truth. The two scouts will send or bring you a report as often as you think best to require it. You are safe in giving FuQuay your confidence as he is one of the. most trusted men that is in the employ of these head-quarters.
By order of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Secretary of Indiana Territory."
"Post Vincennes, November 4, 1807. "CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE, Commanding a Detach- ment of Rangers:
"The location for the refugees is no doubt a good one. Plenty of water is very desirable. The Governor is favorable to your suggestion. It cer- tainly would be to the advantage of the new emigrants for them to prepare a little cabin inside of the stockades and to remain in it during the
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winter. If they prefer to go to some other place in the spring they can do so. The advantage of being with a number of people during the cold season in hunting and the social advantages is recompense enough for all the trouble they would be at to erect the little cabin.
"Your opinion of FuQuay is correct. He has been closely indentified with the work in this part of the Territory since 1801. The Governor would gladly comply with your request but his services as scout is of such importance that it is not thought best to take him out of that position. Sergeant Hogue would fill the place you wanted FuQuay for with a little training.
"The supposed spy has been sent to Fort Wash- ington with a statement of the evidence and the affidavit against him. There will be no further need of hunting evidence in that case. Without a doubt he is a spy for the British and will be held as such for an indefinite time unless direct evidence of his guilt should be secured. Then he will be summarily dealt with.
"You now have four roads or traces running to the east that can be easily found and traveled over, dividing your territory into sections between the Ohio and White rivers. Also you have four roads or traces running north and south dividing your territory in that direction from near the Wabash on the west to Blue river on the east, thus enabling you to give much better protection to settlers now there and to the emigrants coming into your ter- ritory. This condition makes that section of this territory very desirable for settlers. The most im- portant thing that you can do is to see that the blockhouses are so located that they will be acces- sible to those in the surrounding country if danger should come. There is no certainty that-we will have a continuation of the quiet that now exists. The English on the north are doing all that they can to cause trouble between the Indians and the pioneers, using the treaties which have been made as a pretext, claiming that it was fraudently ob- tained.
"It is thought best that you make a personal inspection of all the blockhouses that are now built
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and the several that are being constructed at the different stations in your territory and see that they are securely built and good, strong, durable stockades surrounding them that will have suffi- cient room for the construction of from six to ten small cabins. Some one who is most competent in each fort must be placed in command and it must be understood that he is to be obeyed by all of those who will use that fort as a place of refuge.
"Have them select by lot the man they want, but advise those interested that the most efficient men they have should be chosen. You will make a careful inspection of their arms and ammunition and should you find them deficient in either you can make a requisition on the ordinance office at this place through these head-quarters for the needed supplies. That needed for the eastern forts will be forwarded to you at White Oak Springs fort. That for the western division will be sent to David Robb's fort. You will have the proper par- ties meet you at a stated period at these places and give out the guns and ammunition to them taking their receipts for the same. This will simplify the work and as soon as you can have a sufficient num- ber of forts so that they will be reasonably accessi- ble in all the Territory, which you command, the need of the Rangers continually marching over the traces will be done away with. Carefully read this letter of suggestions and when you send in your next report any suggestions you may have to make will receive careful consideration.
By direction of W. H. HARRISON.
Gov. of Indiana Territory. JOHN GIBSON, Secretary."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory.
November 12, 1807.
"Capt. WM. HARGROVE, Commanding first division of Rangers, east of the Wabash river:
"Your report enclosing a letter from FuQuay. The contents of that letter were fully considered by the Governor. That there would be some ex- cuse made for the Indians to remain during the winter months has been suspect. The fact that they are building such secure tepees warrants that
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suspicion, but their attempt to be adopted into the tribe of the Shawnees was unlooked for. The Governor directs that you have a vigilant watch. kept on their actions until about the 26th inst. the time Chief Setteedown set for their return will then be up. Better have Bailey Anderson inter- view the old Chief and in their talk remind him of his promise to the Governor that they would be gone in one moon. FuQuay and Anderson it seems found out that the Illinois Indians on the visit are Kickapoos and that they have one of their sub- chiefs in command of them. This looks suspicious. You can do nothing as yet, only have FuQuay and Ben Page keep a vigilant watch on the Indians and instruct them to send one of your runners, who you will keep near them, to you with any informa- tion that they may secure. If you should learn any new dangerous developments, send immediately to this head-quarters a report of it. If it should become necessary, one hundred men can be sent from this Post to any point which you may think best to place them. The Governor thinks it best to make a camp on the Yellow Banks trace at the point where the large fort is located (formerly cal- led Taylorsville, now Selvin, Warrick county, Ind.) If the stockade is not as large as is needed, it can be enlarged and in a short time the soldiers can put up such barracks as will make them comfortable for the short time that they will likely stay.
"The Piankashaw Indian, named Yellow Bird. has just returned from a visit to Indian friends on the west fork of White river. He said to one of our friendly Indians that the Indians on White river were grumbling about the treaties and threat- ening to drive the Americans back over the Ohio. That there is a great unrest among the Indians is not doubted by those whose business it is to know what is going on outside of the settlements. What it may terminate in is uncertain. It is best for our people to be well on their guard and be ready in the event war should come.
By order of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Sec'y. of Indiana Territory."
"Post Script: The Governor directs that you ascertain how many able-bodied men you have in
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your district that would be able to bear arms. This duty can be done by some of your active young men.
For the Governor.
JOHN GIBSON, Secretary.
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory,
November 18, 1807. "CAPTAIN WM. HARGROVE, in the Ranger Service:
"The men will be sent in two hours from the time your runner arrives if they will be needed. If you think that fifty men will be sufficient, that number will be sent. It is best to have all that will be needed.
"At a point some miles below the mouth of White river, there has been some trouble between the settlers and the Indians who had a few wigwams some distance to the east of the Wabash river. Two Piankashaw Indians are here today. They say that their people were driven away across the Wabash river and their tepees, skins and plunder burned.
"It is directed that you go and investigate this matter and see what can be done about ob- taining a satisfactory adjustment with the Indians. Everything has been done here to allay the ill feel- ings of the two Indians. The Governor ordered some tents, blankets and kettles to be sent to those who lost their property. If you can find out who the white people were you will remind them that such conduct as this must not occur again. This Territory is in 1.0 shape for a race war with the Indians. which they would be only too glad for an excuse to engage in. It might be best that you take David Robb and some other of your best in- formed citizens with you when you make the in- vestigation. The Indians who were driven away are with another band of Piankashaw Indians west of the Wabash several miles below the mouth of the White river.
By order of WM. HENRY HARRISON,
Governor of Indiana Territory. JOHN GIBSON, Secretary."
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PIONEER HISTORY OF INDIANA.
"Headquarters Indiana Territory, Vincennes, Nov. 23, 1807. CAPTAIN HARGROVE, Commanding Rangers:
You will personally invite Bailey Anderson to visit these Headquarters. The Governor wishes to properly recognize his services in persuading old Chief Setteedown to force the Kickapoo Indians back to their homes west of the Wabash. There will be no further trouble in that direction. Your estimate of the number of men in your Territory able to bear arms shows a very gratifying condi- tion. A little more work in locating forts and stockades at two or three exposed places, will place you in good condition to repel any attack that may be made on the settlements.
By order of the Governor. JOHN GIBSON, Secretary."
"Vincennes, Indiana Territory.
November 27, 1807. "WILLIAM HARGROVE, Commanding the Western Division of Rangers east of the Wabash river:
"The Governor directs that you discharge the men who are on patrol duty except those who are on duty on the trace east of White Oak Springs Fort. The patrol over that route need not go over that trace but once in every eight days. The scout and the two friendly Indians will patrol the sec- tion of White river from the forks up to as far as twenty-five miles east of the Mudholes. There is more danger arising from stray bands of Indians attempting to come into the settlement for the pur- pose of stealing horses than there is of an attack on the settlers.
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