USA > Michigan > Outlines of the political history of Michigan > Part 26
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412
LEGISLATION. ERIE CANAL.
[CHAP. XIII.
Judge Chipman died but a few years since, leav- ing a good name and spotless reputation. Judge Woodward was, soon after the accession of Mr. Adams, appointed one of the Judges of Florida.
The Council was organized in June, 1824, by appointing Abraham Edwards President, and John P. Sheldon Clerk. Its first business being to pro- vide for obtaining the funds for its own payment, and for punishing all offences against its dignity, it then proceeded to enact a number of statutes, mostly of no present interest. The Supreme Court was required to hold sessions in several places instead of one. Punishment by whipping was only to be ordered by two justices, but allowed for additional offences. Provision was made for an annual thanksgiving. The name of the Huron River of Lake St. Clair was changed to Clinton River, to avoid confusion, as there was a Huron River of Lake Erie in the southern part of Wayne County. Most of the laws were the usual routine legislation, carefully drawn and appropriate.
The year 1825 was one of much interest. The Erie Canal made the journey to the west easy and economical, and the country began to settle very fast. Three steamers, the Superior, the Henry Clay, and the Pioneer, were running on Lake Erie before the season was over, and it was estimated that they landed at Detroit 300 passengers a week during the latter part of the season. A second paper-the Michigan Herald- was started in Detroit by Chipman & Seymour,
413
PROGRESS.
CHAP. XIII.]
and a paper was also printed in Monroe. Six hundred people attended a Fourth of July meeting at Pontiac, and Washtenaw County contained three thousand inhabitants. Tecumseh was located and named this year. On the 25th of February, Con- gress adopted further legislation to popularize the affairs of the Territory. The Governor and Council were authorized to divide the Territory into townships and incorporate them, and to provide for the election of township officers. All . county officers were to be elected, except judges, sheriffs, clerks, judges of probate and justices of the peace. These were excepted because their functions were in no sense representative, but belonged to the administration of justice, which was of public and not of local concern. Governor Cass, in his desire to consult the popular wishes, overlooked this principle, and practically annulled the proviso in the act of Congress which forbade their election, by informing the people of the townships and counties that he would appoint any one whom they elected. There is now much difference of opinion concerning the propriety of electing the officers of justice, but at that time there was none, and Congress would not have sanctioned it.
The number of councillors was increased to thirteen, and an appeal was granted from the Ter- ritorial Court to the Supreme Court of the United States.
In 1825, Captain John Burtis introduced upon the river at Detroit a large horse-boat, for ferri-
414
INDIAN CAPTIVES. TANNER.
[CHAP. XIII.
age to Sandwich, (now Windsor), which excited as much curiosity as the first steamer .. This en- terprising gentleman a few years later was also the first to introduce a steam ferry-boat, named the Argo, long famous in that region. It was composed of a gigantic dug-out, decked over, and propelled by an engine of moderate power, and monopolized the business several years.
About this time rumors were circulated that several of the captives taken at Frenchtown were still among the Indians. Governor Cass examined carefully into the facts, and published a letter stat- ing that there was no reason to believe this, as the captives were all grown up and old enough when taken to know their origin, and would have been discovered long before if living. He said there were no captives left in the woods, who were not voluntary associates of the Indians, and that he knew of but two white men in that con- dition-Tanner,' and George Johnston, both of whom preferred it.
In 1826, General Cass and Colonel McKenney made a tour to the head of Lake Superior in canoes, to make treaties with the northern Indi- ans, and to secure access to the Lake Superior
I This Tanner was a somewhat dangerous character, who lived in the Lake Superior country, near the Sault. In 1830, it was found necessary to pass a special act to protect his daughter, Martha Tanner, from her father, which made it a misdemeanor for him to use any but legal means to get her into his control, against her will. This is probably the only law ever passed which attached criminal consequences to injuries to a single private person. Tanner was suspected of the subsequent murder of James L. Schoolcraft, and disappeared at that time from the Sault.
415
CHAP. XIII.
McKENNEY EXPEDITION. ROADS.
mines. Colonel McKenney published a very en- tertaining narrative of his expedition. On the 5th of August they signed a treaty at Fond du Lac, whereby the United States were allowed to search for and remove metals or minerals, but not to gain title to the lands. Annuities were given to the Chippewas for support and education. They came back from Fond du Lac to Detroit by canoe in twenty-two days-making over fifty miles a day- a very remarkable journey.
An additional grant was made to the Univer- sity of a township of land, on the 20th of May, 1826, and the two townships were allowed to be selected in parcels, instead of in whole township tracts. Several roads were also projected by Congress in this and subsequent years, mostly running from the eastern border of the Territory into the interior. The principal government roads ran between Detroit and Maumee, Fort Gratiot, Saginaw, Grand River and towards Chicago. These not only opened the country but drew in many laborers and contractors, who became valuable citizens. The completion of the first locomotive in America at Hoboken, by Mr. Stevens, is an event of this period concerning Michigan as well as the rest of the country.
The fort at Detroit was left without troops, and in the next year (1827) was discontinued as a fortified post. Some apprehensions were felt about the Indians, but they were groundless. No disturbance occurred afterwards which the local
416
FORT ABANDONED. KISHKAUKON. CHANGES. [CHAP, XIII.
authorities could not put down. The militia were still kept in tolerable training, and had officers who had seen service. There were also some well drilled bodies of uniformed volunteers. After the policy was definitely adopted of discontinuing the military occupation, the large military reserve was relinquished to the City of Detroit, and laid out into city lots, on a rectangular plan, and not according to Woodward's scheme.
The principal local excitement was the arrest and imprisonment, in 1826, of Kishkaukon, the turbulent Saginaw chief, who aided and abetted Big Beaver in the murder of another chief, Wa- wasson, at Detroit. Kishkaukon was furnished with poison by one of his wives, and thus evaded punishment.
This year seven steamers ran between Buffalo and Detroit. The exports of whitefish began to be large, as well as of cider and apples. It is also noted that in the winter oysters were brought to Detroit, "in good condition," and oyster cel- lars became among the institutions of the city.
In 1827, Congress allowed the people to choose thirteen Councilmen for themselves, instead of re- porting twenty-six to the President and Senate . for selection. The Council abolished the county commissioner system for a board of supervisors, and required every township to support schools, either English, or English and classical, according to population. This severed the schools from the University control. A revision of the statutes
CHAP. XIII.] HARSH LAW. EXPORTS. CONTEMPT CASE. 417
was also adopted, which very wisely abolished all laws not contained in it. This became necessary from the number of unpublished laws that were not to be discovered among the records, but had been lost. A new law to prevent kidnapping was con- nected with a discreditable provision requiring all persons of color to find sureties for their good behavior. This statute was not enforced, but re- mained a dead letter until, several years after, a riot arose and an attempt was made to destroy the jail, on account of the arrest of a fugitive slave. In the excitement this law was called into requisition, and for a time most of the few col- ored people of Detroit remained in Canada. But public sentiment would not tolerate it, and it was at once repealed.
This year the first export of flour took place. Miller & Jermain of Monroe shipped 200 barrels to the east. Tobacco was also raised largely, and the next year 100 hogsheads of Michigan tobacco arrived at Baltimore, other parcels having been sold elsewhere. In 1828, Judge Witherell was made Secretary of the Territory, and William Woodbridge was appointed to the Supreme Court with Judges Sibley and Chipman. During this year much feeling arose out of a contempt case against John P. Sheldon, for publications in the Detroit Gazette, which were claimed to be unau- thorized comments on some action of Judge Woodbridge in the Supreme Court. In some of · the articles it was intimated that the paper had
27
418
RAILWAYS. FRENCH REVOLUTION. [CHAP. XIII.
driven away one court and might do the same to another. Judges Woodbridge and Chipman, on a · hearing before them, held him guilty and fined him. A popular assembly passed strong resolu- tions against the proceeding, and the fine was paid by subscription. The controversy involves the feelings of too many living persons to be fully discussed here. It became very widely known, and was the subject of much comment by the press in various parts of the country.
In 1830, the first railroad was chartered. The " Pontiac and Detroit Railway Company" was incorporated, with power to use a part of the line of the turnpike. The project failed, and the law was very crude and imperfect. In 1832, the Detroit and St. Joseph Railroad was chartered, which afterwards became the Michigan Central- the State having bought out the company. This was the first charter that was afterwards acted on.
In 1830, the country was greatly excited over the French Revolution of July. The recent visit of La Fayette had rekindled the old American interest in France, and the news of that move- ment, in which he took so great a part, was re- ceived with rejoicing. A public meeting was held in Detroit, in which all the citizens participated. decked with the tri-color, and addresses were made with enthusiasm.
Mr. De Tocqueville arrived in Detroit early in the summer, and the news of the Revolution .
419
CASS MADE SECRETARY OF WAR
CHAP. XIII.]
reached him in the woods between Detroit and Saginaw.
The Territory now began to feel the effect of general politics which had never before seriously interfered. Major Rowland was removed from the office of marshal, John L. Leib being placed in his room. General John T. Mason, a non-resi- dent, was appointed Secretary of the Territory, which made him acting Governor in the Gover- nor's absence, although he had obtained no per- sonal knowledge of the country. It is well known that at this time there were very loose party ties, as the people were in an unsettled state, and re- mained so until the separation into Whigs and Democrats shortly after. But removals from office became very frequent.
The want of harmony in General Jackson's Cabinet, which did not arise from political so much as from personal difficulties, led to its dissolution, in April, 1831. The office of Secre- tary of War, having first been offered to Hugh L. White of Tennessee, was given to General Cass, who accepted it, and left Detroit in the spring.
He was much respected by men of all parties in Michigan. He had held his office six terms, under Madison, Monroe, Adams and Jackson, and had acted throughout with spirit and dignity. His administration was eminently popular, and he de- sired and endeavored to secure to the people, as soon as possible, all the privileges of self-govern-
420
SOCIAL AFFAIRS.
[CHAP. XIII.
ment. If he erred in this respect, it was an error in the direction of the largest popular authority. 4. His views were broad and sagacious, and he was very free from personal bitterness and malignity. The inevitable asperities of politics exposed him in later years to the attacks made on all public men, and his course in national affairs has been severely assailed and warmly defended. But no one now has any doubts about his sincere and unqualified patriotism. He was a brave defender and a true lover of his country.
The social condition of the Territory was re- markably pleasant during his residence as Gover- nor. The persons who came westward in those days were principally Americans of enterprise and intelligence. The schools and all other means of improvement were carefully fostered, and it is not often that a more cultivated or genial society is found anywhere.
One pleasant feature of life in such commu- nities as the early border towns of the west, was the cordiality and freedom from stiffness which produced as near an approach to republican sim- plicity and equality as is ever found anywhere. With no lack of comfort and elegance, there was an entire absence of ostentation. Strangers were often surprised and amused at one custom which the inhabitants found both pleasant and profitable. Sidewalks and paved streets were alike unknown, and the condition of the city ways was for seve- ral months in the year only equalled by the
421
CARTS.
CHAP. XIII.]
country roads described by Macaulay, when the coach and four was used from necessity and not from pride. In winter, the streets and rivers were merry with carioles and sleighs. But at all sea- sons, the favorite family vehicle for safe carriage to church or party, was a common one-horse cart, used as well for the most homely purposes as to supply the place of a coach. The rude box, cushioned with hay and buffalo robes, and crowded with as many laughing inmates as could find room on its spacious floor, was absolutely safe from up- setting, and the absence of springs was usually compensated by a yielding bed of mud, so that jolting was not felt. This strong two-wheeled vehicle was backed up to the place of entry or destination ; and on all occasions of public wor- ship, or other concourse, a row of carts would be found awaiting the hour of dismissal. The only chance of accident was from the loosening of the staple which held down the box in front, and was meant to be unbolted when a load other than human was to be tipped out at the back. It occasionally happened that a mischievous urchin would produce this catastrophe to a cart-full of people, but never with tragical results. Carts were not wholly superseded by carriages in De- troit until within a quarter of a century.
The long winters, during which they were shut in by themselves, compelled them to draw on their own resources. Literary and scientific soci- eties and reunions were established very early,
422
LITERARY CONTRIBUTIONS.
[CHAP. XIII.
and all who had anything to contribute to the general enjoyment gave it cheerfully. A lyceum was organized in the early days of the Territory, in which papers were read by men of thorough scholarship and research. Many important contri- butions to history were thus secured. At one time or another most of the prominent army offi- cers have been stationed at Detroit, and always did their share. Among other things they organ- ized a Thespian Corps of much dramatic excel- lence, in which the now venerable and not Lilli- putian General James Watson Webb performed as a graceful brunette. Major (afterwards Gene- ral) Henry Whiting, an elegant writer, (author of Ontwa and Sanilac, and minor poems, not now in print, and editor of an important series of Wash- ington papers,) read various essays before the lyceum and elsewhere. Major John Biddle, Ma- jor Thomas Rowland, Henry R. Schoolcraft and General Cass, were also valued and ready con- tributors. Major Rowland is said to have written the Joel Downing papers, a series of humorous political satires, after the style of Major Jack Downing's letters. Mr. Charles C. Trowbridge rendered permanent service to history by securing narratives from eye-witnesses of the Pontiac war, as well as other matters of interest. These gen- tlemen, with others of like tastes, organized the State Historical Society; and the published sketches of General Cass, Major Whiting, Major Biddle and Mr. Schoolcraft remain the best sy-
423
DOCTOR HOUGHTON.
CHAP. XIII.]
nopsis of our history that has ever yet been pre- pared. Doctor Douglass Houghton was first made known to Michigan by having been secured by a number of Detroit citizens, in 1829, to deliver a winter course of lectures on chemistry. He was obliged to remain through the whole season for that purpose, and, although then but twenty years of age, made so favorable an impression, and was so favorably impressed, that he was placed upon the second commission to seek the sources of the Mississippi, and after his return became a per- manent resident of Detroit. It is worthy of re- mark that when General Cass made his first visit to Detroit on his return from his mission to the Court of Louis Philippe, Doctor Houghton, as Mayor of Detroit, delivered the address of wel- come; and when, in the fall of 1845, the melan- choly news was received of the death of that eminent devotee of science, the meeting which was called to express the sense of public bereave- ment was addressed by General Cass, as principal speaker, and his remarks were a feeling and elo- quent tribute to one whom he had loved and ad- mired ever since he had known him.
The Governor did not lose his concern in the affairs of the Territory. He continued to use his influence to further its prosperity ; and while he remained in the United States, he was useful in many ways to the public interests of Michigan.
But the end of her pupilage was approaching. And, in order that the sense of independence
424
IMPORTED OFFICERS. [CHAP. XII1.
might not come too early, her destinies were for a time entrusted to the care of strangers, most of whom became, however, in due time, very loyal citizens of their new realm.
CHAPTER XIV.
LAST YEARS OF THE TERRITORY.
THE Territory now had a population of more than thirty thousand, and its people were increas- ing very fast. Every boat from the east brought in large loads of immigrants, most of whom re- mained in Michigan. The movement to the country west of Lake Michigan came a little later, and Chicago was not yet laid out as a town, although it was a post of some consequence.
The laws, although reasonably stable for so young a commonwealth, had been subject to some fluctuations since the formation of the Council. These changes related mostly to the method of conducting local business and to courts. The system of county courts by degrees gave way to the circuit system, which in one form or another has since prevailed. The county system was
altered. Beginning with the county court, which for administrative purposes answered to the quarter sessions, it changed first to the county commis- sioner plan, borrowed from Massachusetts, and then to the board of supervisors, derived from
426
EASTERN COLONIES. [CHAP. XIV.
New York. After the State came into existence there were further changes.
The settlement of most of the more important townships and villages was very fortunate. In a great many instances neighborhoods were settled by small colonies from the Eastern States and New York, who came in sufficient numbers to give harmonious character to their new homes, and maintain wholesome and agreeable social sur- roundings. The transition from an old to a new country became less trying, and the newly broken wilderness was brightened by familiar associations. The effect of these united movements is still vis- ible, and there are many old towns and townships that keep the peculiar characteristics which marked them forty and fifty years ago. There are not many parts of the United States where, with a full measure of enterprise, there are such plain evidences of their American antecedents. The growth of these colonies has drawn largely from the places whence they emigrated. Those coming west are always glad to find old friends and neighbors, or their kindred, and naturally prefer to cast their lot among them to settling among entire strangers. When the immigration from Europe began to reach large proportions, a great part of it passed further on; and the growth of Michigan was chiefly made up of such as chose a country re- sembling the wooded lands to which they were accustomed, with a society where they would feel at home, to the prairies which were so inviting to
427
CHAP. XIV.] PREPARATIONS FOR A STATE.
many Europeans, and a class of inhabitants with whom it would take them some years to become familiar. The increase of population was rapid enough to indicate life and prosperity. It has usually been gradual enough to enable those who came in from any quarter to settle down into the common ways, instead of forming separate clannish communities, of alien manners and sympathies.
It was evident to all that the time could not be far distant when Michigan must become a State. As this time drew near, it was natural that the people of the Territory should begin to look upon the management of public affairs as fairly belonging to them ; and to prepare as far as possible to make the change of rule free from disturbance or abruptness. The southern boundary had been tampered with, and there were difficul- ties in prospect from that source. The increase of removals from office made them daily conscious that as yet their wishes were to have no weight in the guidance of their most important affairs. The people who had joined their fortunes to the Territory were entirely passed by in the chief executive appointments, and almost entirely in some others. In some instances the appointments, and the removals which they followed, were oc- casions of much bitterness.
When General Cass was nominated as Secre- tary of War, he was - though not by his own procurement, - announced as Lewis Cass of Ohio. This was criticised by the press, and defended on
428
GOVERNMENT FROM WITHOUT. [CHAP. XIV.
the ground that a Territorial officer was like a military officer, merely detailed on service which did not gain him a residence. As the Ordinance of 1787 expressly required the Governor, Judges and Secretary, to reside in the Territory, and to be freeholders there, and as General Cass had in good faith made Michigan his home and the centre of all his interests, this theory was not quite satisfactory, and was not made any more so by the practical application which regarded the people as subjects rather than citizens, and supplied them with a foreign government. These abuses have now become apparently the normal conditions of Territorial existence. They had not then been so universally recognized, as not to be regarded as unpleasant reminders of praetorian authority. The personal worth of such officers may prevent misgovernment, but the system is in violation of free principles ; and however proper it may be while there is no considerable population, and no choice of fit persons for office, it is not adapted to communities which are populous, and as well informed on their own affairs, and as capable of furnishing competent officers, as any of the States.
General Cass having resigned his Territorial office, General John T. Mason became acting Governor. But his interests or duties called him elsewhere, and, for reasons that seem to have been confidential, he found it important to make a jour- ney to Mexico, probably on a secret mission of some kind, where he was more or less concerned
429
CHAP. XIV.] SECRETARY MASON. GOVERNOR PORTER.
in the events which led to the separation of Texas. He was permitted to resign the Secretaryship in favor of his son, Stevens Thomson Mason, ap- pointed as from Kentucky. This gentleman re- ceived his commission during a recess of the Senate, and was sworn in on the 25th of July, 1831.
The office of Governor was not at once filled, probably from reluctance on the part of some persons to accept an office which was likely to be of short duration. Major John H. Eaton, the recently retired Secretary of War, was commonly supposed likely to receive the appointment. He was soon made Governor of Florida, instead. In August, the name of George B. Porter, of Lan- caster, Pennsylvania, was sent to the Senate, and the nomination confirmed. Governor Porter was a lawyer of ability, and had but a few months before been made United States Marshal of Eastern Pennsylvania. He at once removed to Detroit with his family, and adopted Michigan as his future home.
News of the probable appointment of Mr. Mason as Secretary was received in Detroit on the 23rd of July. As he had not yet reached his majority, and was only slightly known to the citizens as a pleasant and promising youth, his selection to perform the chief executive functions of the Territory was not received with favor. A meeting of citizens was held, presided over by Colonel David C. Mckinstry, an active friend of
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