USA > Michigan > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Michigan : a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests Volume I > Part 24
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UPPER CANADA TROUBLES
It is also significant that while Lower Canada was encountering re- bellion Upper Canada was also involved in Civil strife although not so serious as the other. It is plain that a spirit of mutiny was in the air, for while it was a race question in Lower Canada it was quite a different issue in the Upper Province.
It was a period when the government should have been helpful and conciliatory ; with this course the result would have been very different in what is now Ontario. The government, for instance forbade the im- migration of people from the United States to Canada. (That looks.
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very strange these days, when Canada is extending herself to secure American settlers in the northwest.) It went even farther than that; it even forbid those Americans who were in Canada, from becoming naturalized. This unwise measure was discontinued by the next Parlia- ment which assembled on February 4.
MONROE COUNTY "EXERCISED."
Upper Canada troubles continued to disturb the province, and kept the people on both sides of the boundary in a state of nervous unrest, and it was during this period that Monroe was more particularly "exercised" Petty affairs were continually happening on both sides of the border; and a secret organization called "Hunter's Lodges," sprung up in many places. These originated with a Canadian insurgent named Hunter, from York, (now Toronto) who escaped to the United States and insti- tuted there "Hunter's Lodges" for the express purpose of invading Canada and driving Great Britain from North America. It is said that these lodges were favorably regarded among Monroe sympathizers, though their proceedings and meetings were necessarily handled with great cau- tion and secrecy. The members were accustomed to resort to various places to hold conferences, among others the old "Macomb Street House;" the "Red Light Tavern" an old yellow framed building used as a rather disreputable "place of entertainment" which stood near the southeast corner of the Public Square; also the old "Mulhollen School House" and the "United States Hotel," an ancient rambling old hostelry kept for many years by Orry Adams. In these by turns, regularly or otherwise, the Monroe sympathizers gathered to "talk over" the present situation and to consult with Hunter, the "promoter" regarding future possibilities and movements in the approaching "unpleasantness" among the Ca- nucks. Some of the names of these worthies are remembered by older in- habitants or found among old records of the newspapers, such as Colonel Wallace Dodge, Jarvis Eldred, Austin Dean, Ichabod White, Captain John Wood, "Jim" Cunningham, Bill McQuillan and others; strange to say, considering the ostensible motive for this movement but very few of our French citizens, if any, took any part in it. They were possibly solicited to do so, but they evidently regarded the "derangement" over the border as a "local issue" to be fought out by the Canadians, and cared not to interfere.
BATTLE OF POINTE AU PELEE
One of the last engagements that took place in this "international farce," was known, and shall be known in history, as the "Battle of Pointe au Pelee," which occurred on the 3rd of March, and was fought on the ice of Lake Erie. Colonel Edwin Bradly was in command of the Patriot forces whose statement of the action is probably the only one that was ever made. It exists in the collection of a gentleman of Toledo, (or possibly a copy ) which is given below : "At daybreak, the enemy, (about nine hundred British regulars) was discovered a few miles from our encampment at the head of the island. The main body of their force (about seven hundred) was marched down quietly in front; this left some two hundred, flanking off in the direction of the lighthouse at North Point, and their right, consisting of British regulars, in sleighs and on horseback were pushing on with great speed along the west side of the island to gain our rear, for the purpose of cutting off our retreat should the main force succeed in driving us from our position. After closely examining the force and disposition of the enemy, I did not think it pru-
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dent to await the attack of the main body. The men were therefore in- stantly mustered, and filed off towards the southern end of the island, a distance of seven miles, to meet and fight the regular force which had al- ready gained our rear. This was effected as speedily as circumstances would admit. When we arrived in view of this force which consists of about three hundred and fifty heavy infantry and seventy-five well mounted cavalry, drawn up in battle array on the ice, one and a half miles from shore, in the direction of Middle Island-as we had no time to pause in consequence of the rapid approach of the enemy's main force-I gave instant orders to form in line of battle, which were promptly obeyed by officers and men. When all was in readiness the line moved forward with a firm and unflinching resolution worthy of tried veterans, and advanced within half musket shot of the enemy when they opened a tremendous fire upon our whole line, checking its progress, and compelling us to com- mence the action at a greater distance than we had at first intended. Nevertheless, (some of our troops having fired without orders) to pre- vent confusion it was thought proper that the action should become general. For half an hour we sustained the shock of three times our num- ber of British regular troops, twice throwing them into confusion, break- ing their ranks, and strewing the battle ground with their dead and wounded. All this time the men remained firm, the ranks unbroken and all determined to continue the contest. The near approach, however of the main force in our rear induced some of the men to leave the ranks, in spite of their officers' efforts to prevent them.
"Still the battle was continued by a few of the men until the greater part of the troops had retired to the island, where all assembled to de- liberate upon the best means of escape. It was concluded to cross over to the west side of the island and under its cover retreat, which was safely effected, although the enemy's cavalry being continually on our flank and rear.
"I was ably seconded in all my efforts during the engagement by Colonel Ward, Major Lawton and Adjutant Olney, who fought with a bravery unequaled in modern warfare. It is with pain and regret that I announce the fall of Major Hoadley and Captain Van Rensselaer. The former displayed a coolness during the whole engagement worthy of a better fate. His memory should be engraven on the hearts of his country- men. Other' officers conducted themselves with unexampled bravery. None were willing to give up the contest till compelled by the superior force of the enemy.
"Our loss is one major, one captain and eight privates killed; one captain and fifteen privates wounded, and three taken prisoners. The enemy's loss, from the best information received, is Major McCormick and other officers (names unknown), and from fifty to sixty rank and file killed, and seventy-five wounded. I will further state that we numbered just one hundred and fifty on the morning of the engagement, officers included.
"A Frenchman who was the owner and driver of the teams which carried the enemy from Malden to Point au Pelee, afterwards informed me that fifty-eight of the enemy were killed and seventy-five wounded in this action. A similar movement from the Michigan side was made by the "Patriot" forces to Fighting Island in the Detroit River, where an engagement took place February 25th." This is described by the Detroit Free Press on the following day in the following report: "Yesterday the war commenced in or near Canada. On Sunday P. M. the Patriot forces, which had been lurking in small and detached squads at various points between Toledo and Gibralter, collected on the American shore, opposite Fighting Island, belonging to the British, their number amount-
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ing to between two hundred and three hundred, without arms, except five or six muskets and a small field piece mounted on two rails. In this condition, after receiving and cheering a patriotic speech from General McLeod, who commanded them, they crossed (on the ice) and took pos- session of the island. They did not, we understand, intend to cross until their arms, which were undoubtedly delayed, had been received; but they were forced immediately to abandon the American territory, in order to evade the civil authorities, which, aided by the United States troops, were in close pursuit of them. In the course of the night, about fifty stands of arms were conveyed to them on the island. About daylight yesterday morning, the British troops opened a fire on them with grape- shot from the Canadian shore. After receiving two or three shots and returning as many, the islanders retreated in confusion to the American shore with three wounded-one severely, and two slightly. At the shore they were met by the United States troops, who arrested and disarmed them as fast as they landed. The British troops took possession of the island as soon as it was evacuated. We have seen and conversed with one of the men who was on Fighting Island, and who informs us that they were assured by their officers that five hundred men had crossed into Canada below Malden from Sandusky. This is the prevalent belief here, as heavy cannonading was heard during the forenoon of yesterday in that direction. Our informant says he knows of no other force in this quarter which has been preparing to enter Canada except that with which he was connected on Fighting Island, and that which is supposed to have gone over from Sandusky."
Thus ended the belligerent action of the "Patriot War," and the crazy attempts of an unorganized force of undisciplined men to ac- complish what must have been seen, by cooler minds, as an impossibility. The "sympathizers" and volunteers met with varying experiences after the collapse. Some reached their homes in safety ; the prisoners captured by the British met with harsh treatment and imprisonment, some with death in various forms, and some were banished to the colonies of Great Britain and were never afterwards heard from. The actual participation by Monroe in the hostilities is told in a few words by a participator : "Colonel Henry Smith, a retired officer of the United States army, who had seen service in the Black Hawk war, and once attached to General Scott's staff, upon the call of Governor Mason, organized a company of volunteers in Monroe county which increased to a part of a regiment numbering four hundred or five hundred men, and marched with them to Gibralter, which was the headquarters of the Patriot forces, to be in readiness for such events as might develop. After some weeks of 'occu- pation' they were relieved from duty, their services not being required After the conclusion of the 'war' a public meeting was held, presided over by Lucius Knapp, and Walton W. Murphy being secretary, when the following resolution was adopted.
. "Resolved, that the thanks of the Monroe volunteers called out by Colonel Henry Smith, upon the requisition of Governor Stevens T. Mason to preserve the neutrality of the government between the United States and Great Britain, be presented to Colonel Henry Smith for his generous treatment of the volunteers, while on duty at Gibralter."
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CHAPTER XV THE BLACK HAWK WAR
BLACK HAWK CROSSES THE MISSISSIPPI-OPPOSED BY TERRITORIAL VOL- UNTEERS-BLACK HAWK CAPTURED-ANOTHER ACCOUNT. OF THE. WAR.
The short-lived Black Hawk war really does not enter into the his- tory of Monroe County any farther than it concerns its relations to the stirring events of Michigan during its efforts to establish itself as a commonwealth on a basis of solid and permanent honor, dignity and re- spectability. As a matter of fact it concerned Wisconsin more inti- mately, which was at that time a part of the territory of Michigan.
BLACK HAWK CROSSES THE MISSISSIPPI
Black Hawk was a chief of the Sac tribe of Indians, who had been moved beyond the Mississippi, and who by repeated understandings and after many vexatious "Big Talks" and conventions with United States authorities had agreed to stay there on their own lands and cease their annoyances to the new settlers. Early in the spring of 1832 Black Hawk came across the river with a band of Sacs and Foxes, committing depredations in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
OPPOSED BY TERRITORIAL VOLUNTEERS
This being a part of the territory of Michigan it became her duty to repel these invasions and Colonel Henry Dodge was commissioned to raise a force of territorial volunteers. The governor of Illinois sent up a force on April 27 under General Whiteside, consisting of eighteen hundred men to the mouth of Rock river. From St. Louis General Atkinson moved up in April with a force of United States troops. Colonel Dodge having taken measures to prevent mischief from the Winnebagoes and other doubtful Michigan Indians entered vigorously upon a decisive campaign.
BLACK HAWK CAPTURED
Many sharp fights took place during the spring and summer, and on the 2d of August the last battle was fought, in which Colonel Dodge and Colonel Zachary Taylor, afterwards President of the United States, had command in the advance and in which the Indian forces were almost completely annihilated; Black Hawk was taken prisoner and for several months confined in Fortress Monroe, until in 1833 he was taken out of that fort and conveyed under guard back to the Mississippi. He had been taught a very salutary lesson, one that made a deep impression upon his mind, with the result that during the remaining seven years
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of his life he behaved himself with propriety and caused no further trouble. When first captured he was taken to Jefferson barracks, In- diana, in charge of a small detachment, commanded by Lieutenant Jef- ferson Davis, U. S. A., afterwards President of the Southern Con- federacy.
Although intelligent and having some grievance against the whites through bad usage by the traders and agents, Black Hawk was by no means one of the better types of Indians. The Sacs and Foxes had a bad reputation when the French first came to Michigan and it clung to them with just tenacity. The chief's own story proves him to have been treacherous and of mean instincts. He was an old man, past three score, when this last war broke out, and was in the British interest so .long as they provided for him.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE WAR
The facts in the foregoing are taken mainly from Judge Campbell's "Outlines of Political History of Michigan." Another writer in the Detroit Free Press of a much later date has given an account that dif- fers materially from this. Without investigation, to confirm the ac- curacy of either writer, both accounts are now printed, the latter being more circumstantial : "On the breaking out of the war Governor Mason directed General Williams to march with the First Regiment of Militia to the seat of war, which regiment, under command of Colonel Edward Brooks, a veteran of the battle of the Thames river, started at once for Chicago and proceeded as far as Saline-General Williams accompany- ing it-where an express from Governor Mason overtook it with orders to return, but for General Williams and staff to proceed to Chicago. The regiment was ordered to return by way of Ann Arbor and there report to General Brown, who was in command of troops there. Arriving at Ann Arbor it was met by another express, with orders to proceed to Chicago, and while preparing to march by still another express, with orders to return, except a company of dragoons, commanded by Cap- tain Charles Jackson, which was to proceed to Chicago and report to General Williams, which it did-by which it will be seen that "Gen- eral Williams was in command of the Michigan troops in that cam- paign," and that "General Brown was in command of the Michigan contingent in the Black Hawk war."
"In this connection permit me to say something in regard to the military spirit of one of Detroit's brave and heroic sons, Thomas Wil- liams, son of Major General John R. Williams, who on the breaking out of the Black Hawk war was fourth corporal in the City Guards, an organized independent infantry company-the first in Michigan-which formed part of the First Regiment. When the Guards were ordered back Thomas joined the dragoons and went to Chicago, and on arriving there news had just been received that the Indians were massacreing the settlers at Napier settlement, some miles beyond. Thomas joined a party of volunteers under Colonel Brooks, and went to their rescue that night, arriving at daybreak next morning.
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"Colonel Brooks having accompanied General Williams to Chicago, the detachment under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan D. Davis, of Plymouth, returned by way of Plymouth, where it encamped over night. Arriving at Detroit, it camped on the common, near the Capitol, where they were feasted with fresh meat and vegetables, the first they had on the march. The only rations dealt to them were salt pork and hard tack, nor were they provided with either tent, blanket or camp equipage of any kind. As a substitute for blankets, many of
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the City Guards had green Scotch plaid cloaks-then the prevailing fashion-which, when strapped on their knapsacks, gave the company the appearance of Highlanders. While at Ann Arbor, after the order to return was countermanded, Captain Isaac S. Rowland of the Guards contracted for camp utensils and tents, to pay for which the men con- tributed, some putting up their watches in pledge. Another express with orders to return having arrived, the contracts were cancelled and the merchants who furnished materials very kindly took them back. The troops were discharged the day after their arrival in Detroit, but were not paid until some months after, and never received land war- rants as allowed other troops called into service in that war. The ranks of the City Guard were so decimated by protracted disease and death, resulting from camping without tents in woods during heavy rains, and want of proper food, that the company never reorganized afterward."
The two accounts illustrate the possible wide divergence of two his- torians writing upon the same topic, concerning the same events described by each.
CHAPTER XVI
IN THE MEXICAN WAR
RUPTURE OVER TEXAS-UNITED STATES CLAIMS UNSETTLED-AMERICAN TROOPS MOVE TO THE FRONTIER-WAR DECLARED-RESPONSE OF MICHIGAN AND MONROE COUNTY-SOLDIERS FROM MONROE COUNTY.
One of the most important topics which claimed the attention of the administration of President James Knox Polk, the tenth President of the United States, was the annexation of Texas. On the last day of his offi- cial term, his predecessor, President John Tyler, had sent a messenger to the Texan government with a copy of the joint resolutions of the American congress in favor of annexation. These were considered by a convention of delegates called for the purpose of forming a state constitu- tion for Texas; that body approved of the measure by resolution on July 4, 1845; on that day Texas became one of the states of the American union.
RUPTURE OVER TEXAS
As had been foreseen and predicted, this act caused an immediate rupture between the United States and Mexico; for the latter claimed Texas as a part of its territory ; notwithstanding the fact that its indepen- dence had been acknowledged by the United States, England, France and other governments. On March 6, 1845, congress had adopted the joint resolution for the admission of Texas into the union, General Almonto, the Mexican minister at Washington formerly protested against that measure and demanded his passports. On the 4th of June following, General Herrera, President of Mexico, issued a proclamation declaring the rights of Mexico and his determination to defend them-by arms, if . necessary.
UNITED STATES CLAIMS UNSETTLED
But independent of the cause complained of, there already existed a cause for serious disputes between the United States and Mexico. Ever since the establishment of republican government by the latter in 1824, it had been an amazing, unjust and injurious neighbor. Impoverished by civil wars, its authorities did not hestitate to replenish its treasury by plundering American vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, and by confis- cating the property of American merchants within its borders. The United States had repeatedly remonstrated against this vicious pro- ceedure, wholly in vain, until in 1831 a treaty was formed and promises of redress made. Nevertheless, aggressive conduct continued until in 1840, it was estimated that the amount of property belonging to Amer- icans which had been appropriated by Mexico reached a total of $6,000,000.
The claim of the United States for this amount still remained unset- tled when the annexation of Texas occurred in July, 1845, and when
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peaceful relations between the two governments were suspended. The President being fully aware of the hostile feelings of the Mexicans, ordered General Taylor, then in command of troops in the southwest, to proceed to Texas and take a position as near the Rio Grande as prudence would allow. This army, about 1500 strong, was called the "Army of Occupation," for the defense of Texas. At the same time a strong squadron under Commodore Conner, sailed for the Gulf of Mexico, to protect American interests there. The progress of events was not rapid, but of such a character as to preclude the possibility of avoiding war.
WAR DECLARED
When Congress instructed the President to declare war against Mexico, and the first blood had been shed, the news spread over the entire country, and the people were thoroughly aroused, which increased rather than diminished after the first two brilliant victories of our armies. On the 23d of May, the Mexican government made a formal declaration of war against the United States, authorized the President to raise 50,000 volunteers and appropriated $10,000,000 towards carrying on the contest. While there was considerable difference of opinion in the United States about the acquisition of Texas, there was none in regard to the duty of Americans to maintain their country against the assaults of her enemies and the patriotism of the people was never more con- spicuously manifested.
RESPONSE OF MICHIGAN AND MONROE COUNTY
The call of the War Department upon Michigan for an enrollment of volunteers was promptly responded to, and thirteen independent companies of militia at once volunteered. Of these, eleven were infantry and two cavalry. Four of the former were Detroit organizations, two were from Monroe, three from Lenawee county, and one each from Ber- rien, St. Clair and Hillsdale. These composed the First Regiment of Michigan volunteers, which was rapidly put into shape and fully equipped for immediate service, and proceeded to the seat of war.
Their route was to Monroe by steamboat, where they disembarked and marched through the city from the docks to the corner of Monroe and Front streets, where the officers were entertained at the old Amer- ican House, kept by N. Hubble, and the private soldiers remained "at rest" along the two streets, and were served with a hearty lunch by the city.
SOLDIERS FROM MONROE COUNTY
The occasion was one of great interest in the small town-and is well remembered by older citizens-who observed for the first time in their lives, the blue uniformed, stalwart soldiers in all the "panoply of war" on the march to the field of active military operations against a foreign enemy.
The Monroe companies in the regiment came in for special attention from the Monroe people and were sent forward with cheers and enthu- siastic "God speeds." The record of this body of troops is a credit to the state which sent them, and in this Monroe claims full share. Three companies of the Fifteenth Regiment United States Infantry were not- able for their battle records, the last named being commanded by Cap- tain Frazey M. Winans of Monroe, and was chosen as headquarters guard for their exceptionally fine soldierly bearing. The roster of this gallant troop has been carefully preserved as it existed when the com-
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pany was mustered out after the close of the war in Covington, Ken- tucky, August, 1848, as is hereto appended :
Frazey M. Winans, capt., dis. July 20, 1848.
Hira G. Eastman, 1st lieut., res. May 31, 1847.
Thornton F. Brodhead, 1st lieut., pro, capt. December 22, 1847.
Samuel E. Beach, 1st lieut., m. o. with company.
William D. Wilkins, 2d lieut., trans. to Co. F.
Michael P. Doyle, 2d lieut., died October 23, 1847.
George F. Hooper, 2d lieut., m. o. with company.
Thomas S. Trask, 2d lieut., m. o. with company.
Ebenezer Legro, 1st, serg., trans. to Newport Barracks July 26, 1848. William Inglis, serg., dis. November 24, 1847, disab.
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