History of Monroe County, Michigan, Part 16

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York, Munsell & company
Number of Pages: 882

USA > Michigan > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Michigan > Part 16

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The night after the massacre Colonel Na varre dispatched his son Robert, with his mother and eleven children, on a French train to De- troit for safety, the train being so crowded that Robert rode with his feet braced on the thills or shafts. As they passed the quarters of Colonel Proctor on Sandy Creek, where Proctor's forces encamped the first night after the battle, he witnessed the drunken Indians scalping the wounded American prisoners and their inhuman and barbarous manner of ac- complishing it - by cutting with a butcher knite a circle around the crown of the head, and then placing one foot on the neck of the prisoner, with their hands in the hair, by main force peeling the scalp from the head. This Robert Navarre, who died in Monroe, was the last of the survivors in our vicinity of the sol- diers of the War of 1812 and 1813.

I am under great obligations to the treasurer of our county, the Hon. Alexander Navarre, the grandson of Colonel Francis Navarre, who has in his possession the original files of the accounts, statements and settlements between

him and merchants and fur traders of those early days. I was surprised, in perusing them, to learn the vast amount of money rep- resented therein, and to see the methodical and accurate manner in which the statements and accounts were kept, and the very neat and legible handwriting, which would favor- ably compare with the statements of the best accountants of the present day.

Colonel Navarre was highly esteemed by Governor St. Clair, General McComb, Gov- ernor Lewis Cass, Judge Woodward and Gen- eral Winchester, and a number more of dis- tinguished men of his time, judging from the commissions to him and the voluminous cor- respondence with those gentlemen, which are pervaded with very strong expressions of friendship and great confidence in his patriot- ism and bravery. Believing the perusal of a small portion of them would interest the citi- zens of Monroe, I have procured translations of a small number and annex them hereto, with a copy of the orignal letter written in English by General Winchester to Colonel Francis Navarre, in which he gives expression of grat- itude and thanks to Mrs. Navarre for preserv- ing his watch, spectacles and pen-knife from the general wreck and destruction of property, on the morning of his defeat and hasty de- parture from her hospitable home.

Lewis Cass, Gorernor of the Territory of Michigan, to all who shall see these presents, greeting :

Know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, diligence and ability of Francis Navarre, of the County of Monroe, in the said Territory of Michigan, Esquire, I do hereby appoint him to be an Associate Justice of the County Court of said County of Monroe, in said Territory of Mich- igan, and do authorize him to execute and ful- fill the duties of that office according to law, to have and to hold the said office with all the powers, privileges and emoluments to the same of right appertaining, from the day of the date hereof, during the pleasure of the Gov- ernor of Michigan for the time being.

In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made and the seal of said Territory of Michigan to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand at Detroit, in the Territory aforesaid,

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

this 16th day of July, 1817, and of the inde- pendence of the United States the forty-second.

By the Governor : LEW. CASS. WM. WOODBRIDGE,

Secretary of Michigan.

TERRITORY OF MICHIGAN, District of Monroe.

Personally appeared before me, the under- signed, the within named Francis Navarre, and took the oath of office prescribed by law. LAURENT DUROCHER, J. P. D. M. RIVER RAISIN, August, A. D. 1817.

HEADQUARTERS, DETROIT, July 13, 1816. To Colonel Francis Navarre :

SIR : On due consideration I am of opinion that we cannot get on with the road without the assistance of some person well acquainted with the topography of the country, and I have thought that no person is so well qualified as yourself to guide and direct the trace of the contemplated route.

I shall be glad to know if you will under- take to mark out the line and afford your counsel and advice. For this service a liberal allowance will be made.

Please to inform me as soon as convenient if you can render the services required by this communication.

With great consideration I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, GENERAL ALEX. MCCOMB.

DETROIT, February 16, 1814.

Colonel Francis Navarre :

DEAR SIR: On receipt of this you may set out for Camp Meigs with ten trains. There was on the 14th instant seventy horse loads that arrived at that place and as many more were expected there the next day. Should you not have flour for all the ten sleighs, load them with cannon ball or boxes of canister that is at Camp Meigs.

Yours, etc., JAMES MCCLOSKEY, A. D. to the General.

Lewis Cass, Governor in and over the Territory of Michi- gan, to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting :

Know ye, that reposing especial trust and confidence in the valor, patriotism, fidelity and

abilities of Francis Navarre, I have appointed him Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant in the Second Regiment of Militia. He is, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of that appointment by doing and per- forming all manner of things thereunto belong- ing, and I do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as a lieutenant-colonel commandant, and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions as he shall receive from time to time from the President of the United States of America, or the Governor of the Territory of Michigan for the time being, or general or other superior officers set over him according to the law and military discipline. This commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the Governor of Michigan for the time being.

In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the Territory to be thereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the city of Detroit, this sixteenth day of December, A. D. 1813, and of the inde- pendence of the United States of America the thirty-eighth.

By the Governor: LEW. CASS.

Extract of letter written to Robert Navarre from Jesse P. Green, who fought at the battle of River Raisin in January, 1813:

HARRISON COUNTY, KENTUCKY, ) May 12, 1825.

To Colonel Robert Navarre, River Raisin :

BELOVED FRIEND: I am ever mindful of your kind, benevolent and charitable services at the River Raisin, though years have passed since our last interview.

It would afford me great pleasure to meet you and your aged father and mother. I can never think of them but with sentiments of gratitude for their kind services rendered me at their hospitable home. I have had the pleasure of seeing your brother, Joseph G. Navarre, in Kentucky. Say to your father and mother he is a gentleman of great promise, and will, doubtless, from his high sentiments and superior abilities, prove an ornament to Mich- igan Territory. Say also to your father that his services in the defense of his country, and hospitality and kindness to the sons of Ken- tucky, will be gratefully remembered ; that if

BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY SETTLERS.

he should ever come to Kentucky he would find himself in the midst of a host of friends. I have not received a reply to my letter to him. He may have failed to receive it, as you had no postoffice at Monroe.

Your affectionate friend,

JESSE P. GREEN.

Captain Francis Navarre, Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Wayne, enters for taxation a tract of land containing 708 arpents or French acres, of second rate quality, which tract of land the said Francis Navarre and James Navarre, his brother, received as a gift from the chiefs of the Pottawatomie Nation in 1795, together with the farms on which James Navarre, Isadore Navarre and George Mc- Dougall now reside, making in the whole 2,400 arpents, or French acres, in front, by 120 in depth, as may appear by the Indian deed thereof, deposited by the said Francis Navarre in the hands of the late Major-General Anthony Wayne while at the treaty of Greenville in August, 1793, the which he has lately au- thorized Mr. Jonathan Schiefilin to obtain back from the heirs of said Major-General Wayne.

Said Francis Navarre hereby confirms to and quits claiming in any manner whatever, all his rights to the aforesaid farms of James and Isadore Navarre and George McDougall, having presented the two first to his said brothers, and allowed Colonel Chabert to re- ceive afterwards, as a gift of the said Indians, the farm on which the said George MeDongall now resides, which he purchased from said Colonel Chabert and afterwards settled. The said tract which Francis Navarre has reserved to himself as aforesaid, and is now entered for taxation, is situated on the River Raisin, in the county of Wayne, and bounded as follows : Five arpents and nine poles in front, beginning on the west by a stone fixed in the division line between the said farm and the farm of George McDougall, and on the west by another stone, with pieces of glass, between the said farm and the farm of Isadore Navarre, running in depth from thence 120 arpents in a parallelo- gram south, thirty degrees westerly.

RIVER RAISIN, November 13, 1798.

TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES NORTHWEST } OF THE RIVER OHIO, Wayne, SS.

Francis Navarre und Joseph Jobin, Esquires, two of the Justices assigned to keep the peace within and for the said county of Wayne, to the Sheriff' of said county, greeting :

Summon Francois Vallequet, of the township of Sergeant, in the said county of Wayne, yeoman, to appear before us, at the house of Francis Navarre, Esq., in said county, upon the 25th day of April instant, at ten o'clock in the forenoon of the same day, then and there to answer to and defend against the complaint of George McDougall and George Meldrum to us exhibited, wherein they complain that the said Francois Vallequet, on the 8th day of April instant, at River Aux Sauble, in Sergeant town- ship, in the said county of Wayne, with force and arms and with a strong hand, did unlawfully and forcibly enter into and upon a tract of land of them, the said George Meldrum and George McDougall, in the said township of Ser- geant, on the River Aux Sauble aforesaid, con- taining 120 acres, French measure, being part and parcel of a certain tract of land of them, the said Meldrum and McDongall, of 4,000 acres, bounded as follows, viz. : Southerly on the said River Aux Sauble, northerly and westerly on the lands of said Meldrum and McDougall, and easterly on the lands of said Meldrum and McDougall, now in possession of Joseph Porlea Benac; and them, the said Meldrum and Mc- Dougall, with force and arms and a strong hand, as aforesaid, did expel and unlawfully put out of possession ; and them, the said Mel- drum and McDougall, does unlawfully and unjustly and with a strong hand deforce and still keep out of possession of the same. And you are to make to us a return of this summons and your proceedings thereon on or before the said day.

Witness our hands and. seals the 15th day of April, A. D. 1799.

FR. NAVARRE, ) Justices of the JOSEPH JOBIN, Peace.

I have made service of the within summons by leaving a copy with the defendant this day. LEWIS BOND, Sheriff.

April 16, 1799.

Copy of letter from General Winchester to Colonel Francis Navarre, Frenchtown :

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

STATE OF TENNESSEE, 1

CAIRO, 18th February, 1816. S

Colonel Francis Navarre :

DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 18th of November last did not reach me until yesterday, though I had previously received from Colonel Anderson a letter on the same subject, and without loss of time sent to his address at Washington a state- ment of facts to the best of my recollection, re- lating to the public property as well as my baggage, which was in your house on the fatal 22d of January, 1813. I regret the em- barrassments which Colonel Anderson impru- dently and improperly got himself into in Washington, and sincerely hope it will not operate against the just claims of the people at River Raisin. I feel myself very much obliged to Madam Navarre for preserving my watch, spectacles and pen-knife from the general wreck and destruction of property on the morning of my defeat.

Can you give me any information concerning my papers and books? Some few of them were in my trunk at your house, but the most of them in a trunk on the other side of the. river. I should like to know if these papers fell into the hands of the Indians or the British. Present my respects to Madam Navarre, and accept for yourself the consideration of the regard of your obedient servant,

WINCHESTER.

Mailed February 23d; received March 21, 1816 Postage, 25 cents.

DETROIT, June 6th, 1821. To Mr. Francis Navarre :

MY DEAR FRIEND AND RELATION: The new arrangement which . has taken place in our army calls me out of this country to go to Washington. This circumstance alone has been able to separate me from a great number of friends and relations who are dear, and to whom I am sincerely attached. As long as I have had the honor of commanding upon these frontiers I am constantly obliged to maintain peace between our neighbors, as much in Can- ada as with the savages; and my only aim has been to protect all citizens and guarantee to them their rights and privileges. The old French inhabitants have been the continual object of my attention and solicitude - above all that they are ignorant of their own rights, and the

principles which form the base of our Ameri- can Government. The Congress of the United States has extended to the inhabitants of Mich - igan Territory its friendship and protection, in publishing laws to assure them of the posses- sion of their lands, which were depending upon uncertain titles, which at present have been confirmed with true propriety in a complete and legal manner. It is a great misfortune that amongst the Canadians are found so many who cannot read or write. The acquisition of these first principles of education is an indis- pensable necessity to every American citizen. Without these principles one can not be fully apprised of the daily improvements; to know the laws which are published in the papers for the advantage of all ; and above all, be able to keep his own accounts and govern his own affairs It is also essential to know the English language, because the acts of government and courts of justice are printed in that lan- guage. I would urge you, therefore, particularly; that all the descendants of Francis should teach their children the English and French languages. The advantage of speaking them both would be very great, because they are used daily in the most ordinary details of life. Besides that, the knowledge of several lan- guages has always been regarded by people of the world, even the most polished, as a very great accomplishment. The French of Michi- gan Territory are always noticed for their polite, gentle and engaging manners. These virtues, if I may call them such, contribute much to distinguish a people and prove in them a degree of civilization which is appreciated, justly, by all persons of enlightenment and in- struction. At the same time I should be de- ceiving you if I did not tell you that the in- habitants of this Territory are much inferior to the rest of their fellow -citizens of the United States in point of arts and sciences ; and above all in agriculture, which is not regarded as the least occupation by which men may support themselves. The reason of it is simple, and the blame cannot be thrown upon the inhabit- ants. It should be attributed only to the pecu- liar situation in which they have been placed, even since the first establishment of the coun- try. Neither the Government which inaugu- rated these first colonies, nor the English who have succeeded that Government, have dreamed of making of them an agricultural people.

BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY SETTLERS.

They have been transplanted only to help in the fur trade, and in this branch of commerce the Canadians surpass all others ; but now that the population advances (and that by the means of the wise and equitable administra- tion of the United States), the settlements in- crease, and the people take a character and an attitude which presages a great destiny, it be- comes us to form some just claims, and to know all that can interest its honor and inde- pendence. The French ought to frequent the courts where the laws are discussed, and assist in the election of all their officers, and in this way learn to hold general assemblies, and how to conduct public affairs. Every American citizen ought to know how to use his rights and privileges that assure to him his title of citizenship. This is why it is the duty of each man to acquaint himself with laws, in order to vote, and give his opinion on all occasions which interest him - himself in particular as well as the public in general as a nation. It is thus that one will come to know the merits of our excellent constitution, and that the ad- vantages which result therefrom will be appre- ciated in a general and sensible manner. Be- sides all these ties that we possess or enjoy we ought to count the religious liberty of each man being able to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, and live peaceably in the religion of his fathers. The social commerce established between good and virtuous men ought not to be interrupted by any religions dissension. In our day such disputes are regarded as unworthy of this en- lightened century in which we live. Formerly things were not the same, and for want of equal dispositions among Christians, all was con- fusion and was the cause of the schism which dismembered the old church. For a long time disorder reigned ; but to day such dissensions are suppressed, and virtuous persons of all classes and all sects are generally esteemed and respected. It is also the duty of every man to follow strictly the religion of his ancestors, to cherish it and to have it observed in his family, for no house should be divided against itself upon such an important subject. Without religion there is nothing for men, neither sen- timent nor honor. No one can rely on their word - their oath is null. Thus you see, my dear friend, the price of religion, and how im- portant it is to our happiness on earth and to

our future life. I will not dwell longer upon this subject, because I believe that the inhabit- ants of this country are always remarkable for their strict attachment to their religious duties, as well as their gentle and kind manners to- wards each other. In considering the particu- lar situation in which the old inhabitants of this country are found placed, one would be- lieve that they have not made much effort to aid any government in particular, if one ex. cepts their first masters; but in examining with attention and diving into my searches, I have discovered with great satisfaction that the French people have always been faithful to the Government and hasten to defend its firesides and altars. The late war (considered in its true light) will give to the inhabitants of the Territory of Michigan (whatever their rank may be) a right to the protection and esteem of the American Government. Few persons know the critical situation of this country since the last war. Their zeal and eagerness to pluck out from the hands of the Indians the un- fortunate victims of the River Raisin (and some other rights) will always be a sufficient title to attract the gratitude of posterity. The reclamations or claims that you have made to the Government for the losses you have sus- tained during the last war, have been, it is true, put off from one session to another, in spite of the efforts of our delegates to put them forward; but all these delays must not discourage you, for, although "justice moves with slow steps, it is none the less sure." If your claims are such as they should be to be paid by the Govern- ment, they will not be refused ; but still one must not expect all the damages experienced during the war to be liquidated by the United States. Such an enterprise would cause nec- essarily the ruin of the richest country on earth. The depredations committed by our soldiers, the property seized or destroyed by the enemy because it was occupied by our troops, the articles furnished for the use of the army, either for subsistence or for the quarter- master department: all these different things have been included amongst the objects which the Government ought to pay. All the claims which have had their support in unexception- able certificates, have been reimbursed. A confused arrangement of all the accounts that might be presented would exhaust the treasury, and would be exposing the honest and timid

100

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

citizen, who would rather lose all his rights under the Government than to have the States made bankrupt. The Government only de- mands sure proofs of the justice of the claims in order to pay as far as its means will permit. I am going to leave here on the first steam- boat for the seat of Government. If it is in my power, by my influence, while in the city, to contribute to the advancement of the in- terests of the inhabitants of Michigan, no one will find me lacking in zeal and activity, as far as my intellectual faculties will permit me, to see that justice is rendered in an impartial manner. It is with the greatest regret that I leave a country which is dear on so many ac- counts, above all, when I reflect that I shall be separated from numerous friends, who have shown such affection for myself and family. However, my duty calls and I must go. Adieu, my dear friend, and please remember me to your wife and children, and my friends on all sides. Believe me always your devoted and sincere friend and relative,

ALEX. McCOMB, Nephew.

CINCINNATI, March 10, 1800. To Mr. Navarre :

It is a long time since I received the letter that you have done me the honor to write on the 17th of last January. This is the first op- portunity I have found to reply.

I am very sorry, Monsieur, in spite of the cause, Monsieur, that it has deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you here. No excuse, cer- tainly, is necessary for having restored the representatives to other hands, and in truth, Monsieur, a trip to Cincinnati, in the middle of winter, might be a little too much for you. At the same time I thank you for your good will, and I am pleased that you have survived such a severe season.

The remaining disorders in the town of De- troit have given me many regrets, and demand to be remedied ; although our proceedings in justice are slow, they are none the less surc. The only step I could take at present upon the plea against Mrs. May and - - , I have taken; that is, to suspend the functions of both, until the time that an investigation will take place. Perhaps a resignation will follow. Let that be as it may, when the judges visit Detroit in June all will be examined and

justice rendered to each one. Besides this I promise myself the pleasure of seeing you at your home in. passing from Fort Wayne to Detroit.

My ears are always open to the cries of the people I have the honor to lead; and it is to me a great pleasure, as well as an indispen- sable duty, to do them all the good in my power. I am mortified that they have been molested by Government officers, but Mr. Sargent (stranger as he was) ran the risk, in spite of best intentions, of being deceived concerning the different characters, like any other man in the same case. With much consideration for your upright and sincere character, I am, Monsieur, your very humble servant,

A. ST. CLAIR.

Certificate of marriage of Colonel Francis Navarre, November 9, 1790, and family record ;

After the publication of the bans of marriage made at the sermon of the grand mass of the parish, having obtained dispensation from two others of Mr. Dufaute, doing the duties of Grand Vicar of Detroit, between Francis Navarre (son of Robert Navarre and Arch- angel Marsaive), his parents belonging to the parish of St. Anne, Detroit, and J. Marie Suzor (daughter of Louis Suzor and Marie Josephine Labeau), her parents belonging to another part of the same parish, and not finding any hinderance to said marriage, I, the undersigned priest and curate, do certify to having received their mutual consent of marriage, and to have given the nuptial benediction with the cere- monies prescribed by our Mother, the Holy Church.

In presence of Messrs. Charles Reaume, Mar- tin Nadeau, Louis Gaillard, Louis Suzor, and several other witnesses. Among them some have signed and others have declared they know not how to sign this writing, accord- ing to the ordinance of the aforesaid day and year.

Copied from the original. Chas. R., M. Nad., L. G., Pr. John Bt., Cure.

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History of Monroe County, Michigan, Part 16

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: New York, Munsell & company Number of Pages: 882

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York, Munsell & company
Number of Pages: 882