USA > Michigan > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Michigan > Part 34
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The same year the Walk-in-the-Water was launched the Erie canal was commenced, but was not entirely completed until 1825. From
this time on a golden era was inaugurated for steamers, as well as for the country, and emi- gration was greatly stimulated. Freighting was not then remunerative. No grain or farm produce was furnished from the West, but freights were nearly all from the East. Now it is reversed, and the marvelous amount of pro- duce from the West, and of iron, lead and copper from Lake Superior, is exceedingly great. The steamboat passenger trade was at its greatest height from 1834 to 1845, but now owing to rapid transit by rail the competition for passenger traffic is limited to the summer months. In 1837 and 1838 I have often seen the steamers at Detroit bound for Chicago with their decks as black and densely packed with human beings as are now the spacious ferry boats and excursion steamers during the months of July and August. The best of the old line steamers would not favorably compare with those of late years, either for speed, elegance or service.
The first sail vessels that plied between Mon- roe and Buffalo and intermediate ports were owned by Captain Luther Harvey (deceased). In later years the enterprising citizens of Mon- roe that were interested in or owners of sail ves- sels were Jos. M. Sterling, Wm. Addison Noble, Frederick Waldorf, John Burch, Mr. Newell, Thomas Plues, Mr. Lyons, Christopher Deffen- baugh, William Stonner and Joseph Schwap. The schooner Cambridge came to Monroe in the summer of 1844 in command of Captain Helfrich, and hailed from Sackett's Harbor. She was purchased by Noble & Sterling, com- mission merchants; was sold by them in 1853 to J. M. Booth, a lumber merchant of Buffalo, who built the schooner Harriet Ross from her bottom. Captain Helfrich claimed that the Cambridge was built from one of Commodore McDonough's gunboats that was in the service on Lake Erie, and won the naval battle in 1813. It was after Commodore Perry had con-
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MONROE STEAMERS AND SAIL VESSELS.
quered in this battle that he wrote his famous dispatch : " We have met the enemy and they are ours."
The first steamer built at Monroe was the Monroe, by Captain Harry Whitaker, then a resident of Monroe but now of Detroit, and in his eighty-seventh year in the full possession of his faculties and in the enjoyment of a good old age. As Captain Whitaker is regarded as one of the most successful captains that has ever sailed a steamer on the lakes, as well as a former resident of Monroe and well remem- bered by most of its older citizens, I deem a somewhat extended notice of interest to old residents. He has stated to me that he has commanded from the commencement of his career eighteen steamers, some of them but a short time, yet has never lost a life or a pound of freight. His first employment was on the sloop Huntington at six dollars per month. In 1821 was wheelsman on the Walk-in-the- Water; in 1824 commanded the schooner Mace- donia, and in 1828 the steamers Peacock and . Pioneer, both but a short time, relieving others. He commanded the first steamer that sailed up Grand River, and the first steamer that reached the Sault Ste. Marie River. In
1847 he built the fine steamer A. D. Patchin, a much finer steamer than any of its prede- cessors, but which was wrecked in 1850, caus- ing great loss to the Captain. By this disaster his fortune was nearly ruined, and he regretted he was not on board, that the loss might pos- sibly have been averted.
Among the favorite steamers of the old timers built or owned by enterprising citizens of Monroe, as regards excellence of construc- tion and good qualities, were the Monroe, built at Monroe, commanded by Captain Harry Whitaker; De Witt Clinton, owned by Stolham Wing and Carlos Colton, commanded by Cap- tains Brown and Ludlow; Macomb, owned by George W. Strong and commanded by Captain Choate; Constitution, owned by Tunis Van Brunt and commanded by Captain A. D. Per- kins; Southerner, built and owned by Fifield & Sterling and commanded by Captain A. D. Perkins; Anthony Wayne, owned by Fifield &
Sterling and commanded by Captain A. D. Perkins; Griffith, owned by William V. Studde- ford and commanded by Captain Roby ; Helen Strong, owned by George W. Strong and com- manded by Captain Albert Strong.
The daily line of steamers that plied between Detroit and Toledo, calling at the docks cach way, were the J. Wolcott, commanded by Gov- erneur Morris and -- Dustin, now of Monroe ; General Brady, commanded by Captain Burtis ; General Macomb, commanded by Choate & Atwood; Arrow, commanded by Captains A. D. Perkins and Ira Davis; Indian Chief, owned by J. J. Godfroy ; John Owen, commanded by Ira Davis; Hollister, commanded by Selah Dustin.
Sail vessels were engaged in the Lake Supe- rior trade as long ago as the beginning of the present century, but the commerce of that re- gion did not assume important proportions until the opening of the St. Mary's ship canal, an event which at once gave an impetus to mining as well as commerce, both by steam and sail. With characteristic enterprise our steam- boatowners undertook and successfully carried forward the work of transporting steamers across the portage before the completion of the canal, which was opened for business in the spring of 1855.
Soon after the completion of the various rail- roads having lake ports as their termini, large and elegant steamers were built and placed on the lakes, running in connection with the lines respectively to Buffalo. The palatial and ele- gant steamers that plied between Monroe and Buffalo were the Southern Michigan and the Northern Indiana, commanded respectively by Captains A. D. Perkins and Pheatt. Subse- quently the Western Metropolis, commanded by Captain Pheatt; City of Buffalo by A. D. Perkins; and Empire State, commanded by Captain Van Allen. They were exceedingly popular, but the competition with railroads was sharp, and they were finally all withdrawn soon after the railroads were completed on the north and south shores of Lake Erie from Buffalo west.
14
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE PATRIOT WAR.
W THAT was known as the " Patriot" insur- rection in Canada, beginning in 1837 and continuing through 1838, was the cause of much excitement and disturbance along this side of the border of that province. The al- leged object of the movement on the other side was the overthrow of British rule and the es- tablishment of an independent republican gov- ernment, to be known as the "Republic of Upper Canada," with the design, when such should be successful, of extending the movement to Lower Canada. The enterprise, while sup- ported by a few Canadians, more or less sincere in their professions of love for free government, depended chiefly for men and means upon co- operation from this side. At no time had the scheme enough of home support to last thirty days, and most that it did have was due to ex- aggerated ideas of what was to be done in the United States.
The work of preparation occupied most of the year of 1837, when there was considerable agi- tation, attended by some collisions in Canada. Meantime, the work of the "sympathizers " progressed on this side. The grossest exagger- ation was employed for effect on both sides of the line. Thus, in the United States reports were rife of wonderful " popular uprisings " all over Canada; while in that province equally false accounts of sympathy and assured sup- port from this side were employed to bolster the movement; whereas in fact there was in neither country any support to justify a moment's con- tinnance of the mad scheme.
By December, 1837, such forces as the leaders had been able to raise were gathered along the line, with the purpose of a "combined move- ment " of some sort. The recruits from this side consisted mainly of the idle and thriftless, which classes had been swollen in numbers by the serions financial collapse and business sus- pension of that year. An idea of the sort of material that made up the body of the "Patriot"
recruits, may be had when it is stated that the distribution of " rations " to a squad of these at Norwalk, while on their way from Akron to " the front," consisted of one man passing along the rank with a basket of crackers, followed by another with a pail from which was delivered to cach "soldier" a small cup of whisky. Poultry and young pigs were in constant peril on the line of march, while dealers in clothing, boots, shoes, etc., often had all they could do to maintain and enforce their ideas of right to property so much coveted by the " Patriots " passing through, who could not understand why those who stayed at home should not con- tribute more liberally to the aid of those who went to the " battlefields of Freedom."
The two ends of Lake Erie were the scenes of the main movements of the " Patriots." In December they took possession of Navy Island (belonging to Canada) in Niagara River, and from there issued a proclamation gravely an- nouncing that the " Provisional Government of the Republic of Upper Canada " was established -that a reward of £500 was offered for the apprehension of Sir Francis Bond Head, then Governor of Canada- that 300 acres of her Majesty's lands would be freely bestowed by the Provisional Government upon every volun- teer who should join the revolutionary forces -adding that " ten millions of those lands, fair and fertile, would speedily be at their disposal, with the other vast resources of a country more extensive and rich in natural treasures than the United Kingdom or old France."
For purposes of communication with the American shore, the " Patriots " employed a small steamboat, the " Caroline," of which Captain " Gil." Appleby (a well-known lake navigator) had command. This craft proved very useful, and this so far aggravated the. British authorities, that on the night of the 29th of December, a British force sent for the purpose burned the steamer while lying at Schlosser,
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THE PATRIOT WAR.
on this side of the river. This action was a godsend never more needed by the failing for- tunes of the new-born "Republic," inflaming the American people, and arousing our Gov- ernment in protest against such unwarranted violation of our territorial rights. The ques- tion at one time threatened the peace of the two countries.
The eastern campaign of the " Patriots " col- lapsed with the loss of the Caroline, and opera- tions were transferred to the West. In Febru- ary, 1838, the volunteers from this side made a movement from Sandusky, crossing on the ice to Point au Pellee Island, where they landed on the 25th of that month, and took possession. The island was the property of a Mr. McCor- mic, and had been deserted. It was well stocked with provisions, cattle, hogs and poultry - which, as reported, proved a very acceptable prize with the "Patriots." An ox-mill and a supply of corn also were found. On the 3d of March, the scene was changed by the arrival of British troops, when was fought the " Battle of Point au Pellee." The engagement took place on the ice. Colonel Edwin D. Bradley, now (1887) of Stryker, Williams county, Ohio, was in command of the " Patriot" forces. Interest will be felt in Colonel Bradley's report of that engagement, which action at the time excited intense interest throughout the border. Colonel Bradley susequently commanded with credit a company of infantry in the Mexican War of 1846-7, and afterwards the Thirty-Eighth Ohio Volunteers in the Union army, as long as his health permitted. The official report of Colonel Bradley is as follows :
To Brigadier-General McLeod, Commanding Western Division of Patriot Service of the Republic of Upper Canada :
DEAR SIR: I hasten to answer to you for the information of the Commander-in-Chief, that an action was fought on the morning of the 3d instant at Point au Pellee Island, Upper Canada, between the Patriot force under my command and a detachment ofabout 400 British regulars.
At daybreak the enemy was discovered in great force a few miles from our encampment, which was at the head of the island. Their main force, about 700 strong, was marched down quietly in front; their left, about 200 strong, flanking off in the direction of the light- house at North Point; and their right, consist-
ing entirely 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 re- treat should the main force succeed in driving us from our position.
After closely examining the force and dispo- sition of the enemy, I did not think it prudent to await the attack of the main body. The men were therefore instantly mustered and filed off toward the southern end of the island, a dis- tance of seven miles, to meet and fight the reg- ular force, which had already gained our rear. This was effected as speedily as circumstances would admit. When we arrived in view of this force, which consisted of about three hundred and fifty heavy infantry and seventy -five well- mounted cavalry, drawn up in ordinary battle array on the ice, one and one-half miles from the shore, in the direction of Middle Island - as we had no time for delay, in consequence of the enemy's main force, which was fast ap- proaching - I gave instant orders to form in line of battle, which were cheerfully obeyed by officers and men. When all was in readiness the line moved forward with a firm and unflinch- ing resolution worthy of tried veterans and advanced within half musket-shot of the enemy, when they opened a tremendous fire on our whole line, checking its progress and compel- ling us to commence the action at a greater distance than we first intended. Nevertheless (some of our troops having fired without orders), to prevent confusion it was thought proper that the action should become general. For half an hour we sustained the shock of three times our number of British regular troops, twice throwing them into confusion, breaking their ranks, and strewing the battle-ground with their dead and wounded. At 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 to leave the ranks in spite of their officers. 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 deliberate upon the best mode of escape. It was concluded to cross over from the east to the west side of the island, and under its cover retreat, which was safely ef- fected, although the enemy's cavalry hung con- tinually on our flank and rear.
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
I was ably seconded in all my efforts during the engagement by Colonel Ward, Major Law- ton 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 countrymen. Other officers conducted themselves with unexampled bravery. None were willing to give up the contest till com- pelled by the superior force of the enemy.
Our loss is one major, one captain and eight privates killed ; one captain and fifteen pri- vates wounded, and three taken prisoners. The enemy's loss, from the best information re- ceived, 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 en- gagement, officers included.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Yours, E. D. BRADLEY, Colonel,
In command Patriot Forces Point au Pellee Island, Upper Canada.
March 5th, 1838.
P. S .- I have just received information from a Frenchman, who was the owner and driver of the teams that carried the enemy from Mal- den to Point au Pellee. He states that fifty- eight of the enemy were killed and seventy-five wounded. E. D. B.
Coincident with the advance of Colonel Bradley's forces across the lake from Sandusky was a similar movement by another " Patriot ", command from the Michigan side, to Fighting Island, in the Detroit River, some eight miles below Detroit, where an engagement took place February 25, 1838.
The Detroit Free Press, of February 26th, had the following report of the affair :
" 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, op- posite Fighting Island, belonging to the British, their number amounting to between 200 and 300, 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 possession of the island. They did not, we understand, intend to cross until their arms, which were undoubtedly delayed, had been re- ceived ; 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. Abont 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 500 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. "General Vreeland, of the ' Patriot' forces, has been arrested by the United States au- thorities."
With the Fighting Island fiasco the "Patriot" folly collapsed in a failure which would have been ludicrous but for the many deluded vic- tims of its vain hopes, and the peril in which it placed the peace of two nations. The inspira- tion of the movement was two-fold - a zeal for liberty without knowledge of the means neces- sary to obtain it, and the spirit of plunder always so ready as an incentive in such cases.
The Caroline affair at Schlosser at once aroused the intensest excitement along the border, and for a time operated somewhat to galvanize the sinking "Patriot " cause. Its national bearing, as was to have been expected,
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THE PATRIOT WAR.
was serious from the question of hostile inva- sion which grew out of it. Publie meetings were at once called at different points along the lakes for the expression of the popular feel- ings as to the matter.
The end of the so-called " Patriot" move- ment, as might have been expected, was ntter and complete failure-both in its practical re- sults, and in its claims to consideration on the score of merit. The more it was examined as to the grounds upon which it was undertaken, the more causeless and unwarranted it ap- peared. At the outset, and for a time there- after, the natural sympathy of the people of the border States of the Union with any sub- jects of monarchical power, led them to accept the stories of " British tyranny and wrong," and to wish the victims of such oppression suc- cess in their supposed attempt at freedom. This sentiment, more or less general, at first materially stimulated the " Patriot " cause, and aided in securing for it both financial support and security for active operations. It was greatly strengthened by the sympathy of the press, which very generally encouraged the movement. It was only necessary for a few active and persistent men in almost any city or town along the lakes to make the proper appeal, to secure more or less of popular sup- port. It was soon found, however, that the re- sponse was more liberal in volunteers for the " Patriot " army than in funds for its support. The financial condition of the country was specially favorable for active recruiting of men. The panic and attendant general prostration of trade, commencing carly in 1837, had deprived large numbers of persons of employment while throwing many others out of business, many of whom were thus well prepared to accept the plausible promises of the " Patriot " leaders that the property of the hated British should soon be placed at their disposal. This con- sideration operated powerfully toward raising so-called " troops." But the essential supplies of the commissary department were lament- ably wanting, whereby the movement was seri- ously crippled. The result was that recruits drawn to the enterprise by hope of plunder or other gain, often without arms, clothing and food, were but a charge upon an illy-supplied exchequer. As a rule, they were anything but a hopeful material out of which to make soldiers. As in the case of some of the officers of the
force, many of the rank and file no doubt were sincere in their desire to sustain what they sup- posed to be a good cause ; but the body of them knew nor cared for much beyond the hope for plunder and a love of venture - the more des- perate the better.
The most important event connected with this mad movement was the burning of the Caroline at Schlosser. But for that the " Pa- triot War " would not have attained even to its actual significance, and would have much sooner been lost to popular view. The arrest and trial of General McLeod by the authori- ties of the United States for the part taken by him in that event, led to complications and dis- cussion with the British Government which for a long time excited more or less alarm and ap- prehension of serious trouble. The prudence of the two Governments, however, prevailed in an amicable adjustment of the delicate ques- tions involved. Such result was no doubt largely promoted by the action of the United States in protesting against participation by its citizens in the " Patriot" movement, and in the steps taken toward the maintenance of order and peaceful relations with the Canadian Gov- ernment by citizens of the border States. In securing such end, President Van Buren sent Major-General Winfield Scott to the frontier for purposes of inspection and the repres- sion of participation by American citizens in the acts of hostility to British authority. On such mission General Scott spent some time along the border, with evident beneficial results.
Prominent in the " Patriot " movement dur- ing the winter of 1838-9, was a Pole, Sholtew- sky von Schoultz, who had fled from Poland to escape the vengeance of the Russian Govern- ment for his participation in the insurrection against that power. He was considered a man of exceptional intelligence and energy, with an carnest, burning zeal for any cause that promised relief of a people suffering oppression such as had been forced upon his native land. Volun- teering for the " Patriot " service, he was ap- pointed colonel, with authority to organize a regiment to be constituted chiefly of Poles. In prompt response to such appointment, Colonel von Schoultz transmitted to Major- General Lucius V. Bierce, of Akron, Ohio, a detailed plan for the operations of the " Pa- triot " army in its advance into Canada. The document has historical interest, as better
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
showing the real character of that movement, and the sort of men who led it, than could otherwise be done. It was as follows :
SALINA, N. Y., September 28, 1838. To Major-General Bierce, Commander-in-Chief :
DEAR SIR : I have the honor to acknowl- edge the receipt of your letter dated the 17th of September, which this moment was handed to me, in relation to the organization of my forces and their movements. It is with feel- ings of gratification and pride I accept the honorable part you have entrusted to me, and I hasten with the utmost dispatch to fulfill my promises.
As the nature of the troops I organize re- quires officers of a particular description, I confidently trust you will have the goodness to permit me to appoint my officers and staff and report them to you for commissions.
The headquarters of my countrymen being at Philadelphia, I hasten to them through night and day, and will immediately report to you from that place. Your orders regarding the movement of my companies will be punctually obeyed. I hope you will rely with confidence upon my discretion in all that regards the secrecy and security of our noble enterprise.
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