USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > The Cincinnati miscellany, or, Antiquities of the West, and pioneer history and general and local statistics, Volume I > Part 57
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my gun, though I heard theirs every shot. I ran as fast as I could in the night, they continuing to fire. At last I arrived safe and was receiv- ed with great joy by all; for they were more distressed about me, than I was myself. This day we passed a large creek on the west side of the Scioto, and several small ones on the east side.
Friday 8th, passed some miles up the river and encamped on the west side. Saturday 9th, we overtook Mr. William Butler and his canoes. He had met with an accident and got some of his goods wet, which retarded his progress, so that we came up to him, though he had set out several days before us. We went in company with him past a place where some very unruly Indians were, who had been violent to Mr. B. though he sustained no great damage. Our crew knew the disposition of Indians better than I; therefore as their greatest safety, they made themselves nearly half drunk, and made a great bustle, so that the Indians were afraid to molest us, as we were afterwards informed; for Indi- ans are extremely afraid of any one when in- toxicated, because such are looked upon as mad, and among themselves, in such a condition, they are always for killing each other. Encamped this night near the crossings of the river and res- ted safely. Sunday 10th, we moved up to a place known by the name of Kuskuskis-some- times it is called Kuskuskis Cabins. This is the common place to disload part of the canoes, and carry the goods from here to some of the towns on pack-horses; but they can come much nearer, though it is with considerable labor. as the bend of the river makes the distance much farther. Here some Indians encamped near us, who were going to Pickaweke, an Indian town on Deer creek. Monday 11, Mr. Butler and Mr. Nailor concluded to take part of their load by land, their horses being brought by hands employed for that purpose. I was very desirous to leave the canoe, and therefore requested Mr. Butler and Mr . Kelly to intercede for me to the Indian who was going to Pickaweke, that he would hire me a horse to ride to the town. The gentlemen were very kind, and by many good words and good treatment I got a horse; so we set out about 10 o'clock and came that night to Paint Creek, which is considered about 14 miles from Kuskuskis, and I think the last part of the way was due north. The Indian name of this creek is Alamoneetheepeera, and is so called from some kind of paint that is found there. This creek comes from the west and empties into the Scioto, near where we encamped. The water is exceedingly clear and beautiful, demonstra- ting that it has its riso from excellent springs. On branches of this creek, are situated some chief towns of the Shaw anese, of which I shal
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speak hereafter. Tuesday 12th. After taking breakfast with Messrs. Butler and Nailor, I set out for Pickaweke, in company with my In- dian friend (whose name was Cuttleway,) his wife and some other Indians. It may well be supposed that my journey was lonesome, for I knew not one word of the Shawanese language, and my fellow traveller knew not one word of English ; so that we could converse little more than the horses on which which we rode. 'The day was cold and we rode fast, so that about 2 o'clock, we came to the town. When we came within one mile of it, my friend displaced part of his load, and leaving the women behind, he made signs for me to ride on with him. I ap- prehend the reason of his conduct, was lest he might be molested by drunken Indians, for when intoxicated their abuses to white people are un- limited. As I drew near the town many thoughts arose in my mind as to what I should do, for I knew not whether there was one white man in the place, but my anxiety was soon removed by seeing Joseph Nicholas, with whom I was ac- quainted at Fort Pitt. He received me very kind- ly, and entertained me with such refreshments as the situation afforded. While we were re- freshing ourselves, Mr. John Irwine came in and invited me to his habitation. Mr. Irwine resides chiefly in a small town, called by the English Blue Jacket's Town-an Indian of that name residing there; but before I speak of it I shall describe Pickaweke. This town is situ- ated south of a brook that empties into Deer Creek. It is named from a nation of Indians called Picks, some of them being the first set- tlers, and it signifies the place of the Picks.
. Now, its population is about one hundred souls, being a mixture of Shawanese and other tribes, so that it is called a Shawanese town. It is a remarkable town for robbers and villains, and yet it pretends to have its chief men, who are indeed the veriest scoundrels, being guilty of theft and robbery. Leaving this town I went home with Mr. Irwine, whose civilitics to me during all our acquaintance. were very marked. Blue Jacket's Town is on Deer Creek, about 3 miles west and by north, from Pickaweke. It is situated south-west of a large plain and cast of the creek, which is a clear and beautiful stream, appearing useful for mills, and beauti- ful for the inhabitants. The buildings are of logs, and their number is about 12. It is a qui- et and peaceable place. In this town Kishshi- pottisthee lives, who is called a king, and is one of the head men of this nation. In English his name signified Hardman. Wednesday 13th. Mr. Irwine invited the king and some of his friends to take breakfast with me. He had in- formed the king, that I was no trader but was a good man, whose employment among white
people was to speak of heavenly matters, and came with that view to see my brothers-the In: dians. This nation never saw a minister, ex- cept a chance one at some Fort; so that they have no prepossessions, but such as are natural. When the king came, he met me with all ap- appearance of friendship, and respectfully gave me the right hand of fellowship, with some kind of obeisance, and ordered the others to do the same. When breakfast, which consisted of fat buffalo meat, beaver tails and chocolate, was ready, I acknowledged the goodness of God in a solemn manner, and desired Mr. J. to let the king know the meaning of my proceedings; he did so, and told me that the king well approved ofit. The king desired to know my business among them, seeing that I did not trade. I in- formed him that I could not perfectly tell him at present, because I could not speak his lan- guage, and had not yet got an interpreter who could rightly speak for me, but expected to get one soon, when he should fully know my er- rand. At present I told him only a little res- pecting divine things, as Mr. J. could not in- terpret very well, except on common affairs, not having traded long, in this nation. Kishshinottis- thee is indeed a man of good sense, and ever re- mained my hearty friend. If he could have had his will, I would have instructed them in the knowledge of God; he was however but one, and the Indians at Chillicothe were unanimous- ly against him. While I remained here I went to see the king in his own dwelling, he always received me kindly, aud treated me with hicko- ry nuts (of which their food consists in part,) being much superior to any of the kind in the east. He is neither distinguished in apparel or dwelling, his house being one of the least in town, being about 14 feet by 12. While here I was very unwell, one day-and the queen was so kind as to bring me, what she thought light food for my stomach. The present consisted of dried pumpkins boiled, and bear's grease, of which I ate a little, rather out of politeness than from any appetite. About this time it snowed 6 inches deep, and seemed as cold as winter commonly is at Philadelphia, though I am of the opinion that it is nearly 2 degs. south. Be- fore I moved from this town, Capt. McKee ar- rived from Fort Pitt, in company with Major Smallman. Mr. McKee is agent for this depart- ment of Indians. I acquainted him with my design and he appeared very well pleased and promised to do any thing in his power, that might be of service to make my journey prosperous .- Of him I enquired about an interpreter, for the Indians told me that my old one-David Owens, was away below the Falls, towards the Wabash river. Mr. McKee recommended one whose name was Cæsar, who is a foreigner, and un-
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derstands something about religion, and there- fore would be the best interpreter on that sub- ject. We parted in expectation of seeing each other at Chillicothe. I was unwilling to leave this town, before I had the assistance of an in- terpreter, but being disappointed I concluded to remove to the chief town. Accordingly on Fri- day 22d, Mr. Irwine and I came to Chillicothe, far in this town Mr. I. kept an assortment of goods, and for that purpose had rented a house from an Indian whose name was Wappeemonee- to. We went to see Mr. Moses Henry a gun- smith and trader from Lancaster. This gentle- man has lived for some years in this town, and is lawfully married to a white woman. who was taken captive so young, that she speaks the lan- guage as well as an Indian. She is a daughter of Major Collins, who formerly lived on the south branch of the Potomac, but latterly on the Ohio, near the little Kanawha. Mr. Henry lives very comfortably, and was as kind to me as a man could be. Soon after I came to this town I dieted altogether with Mr. II. but slept on my blankets at Mr. Irwine's. Chillicothe is the chief town of the Shawanese nation, and is situated north of a large plain adjacent to a branch of Paint creek. This plain is their corn-field which supplies all the town. Their buildings are in no regular form, as every man erects his house just as fancy leads him. North of this town are the remains of an old fortification, the area of which may be 15 acres. It lies nearly four square and appears to have had gates at each corner, and likewise in the middle. From the west mid- dle gate there went an entrenchment including about 10 acres, which seemed designed to defend the Fort on all quarters. Mr. Irwine told me that there is one exactly resembling this on the river Scioto, but the banks of that are much higher, for if men ride on horse-back with the bank between them, they cannot see each other. 'Tis evident to all travellers that this country has formerly been inhabited by a people, who had the use of tools, for such entrenchments could not otherwise have been made; but of this part of antiquity, it is likely, we shall ever re- main ignorant. Saturday 23, in company with Mr. I. went to see Capt. McKee, who lives about 3 miles west and by north, from Chillicothe in a small town called Wockachalli, which signifies Crooked Nose's place. Here the Indian rela- tives of the Captain lives. The town seems quite new, and not much ground is cleared; it is sit- uated east of a creek which must be a branch of Paint creek. The Indians who live here have a great number of the best horses in the nation, and cattle also, so that they live chiefly by stock. Capt. McKee was very courteous and still prom- ised well .
Relics of the Past.
I have been led to the publication of the foi- lowing letters from the fact that they convey a lively idea of the political feeling produced by the presidential election of 1801, and which has never been surpassed in intensity since. Gen. Gano's letter affords some interesting views on lawyers and marnage, which are just as true now as they were forty years ago. It seems al- so that our predecessors have been as much an- noyed by incendiaries as ourselves .
CINCINNATI, April 3d, 1803.
DEAR SIR :
Yours of February last came to hand this week, for which please to accept my thanks -it has not been for the want of esteem that you have not had a line before this from me, but the great revolution and change in our govern- ment, and politics has left every thing respec- ting offices &c. &c., at an uncertain and preca- rious issue, and what effect it will have on the minds of the people at present I cannot inform you, and have delayed writing on that account ; but as our legislature is now in session, and have a number of important appointments to make, it will soon be known, when the new government comes into full operation, whether the change will be of advantage or not. I am in hopes it will encourage population and add to the prosp- perity and happiness of the people of our new State. The base conduct of the Spaniards on the Mississippi has injured the western country very much in their commerce this season, though there has been considerable shipments of flour and pork from this place, notwithstanding the uncertainty of the market. I am pleased with your having undertook the study of the law, and have no doubt but you will find it of great ser- vice to you whether you practice it or not. We may look round and see the most popular men in the State, and in society, have been of that profession; that alone ought to be an induce- ment for you to persevere . Many other motives can be mentioned; we find them generally rich after a few years application to business-they have advantage in trade, and making contracts &c. I cannot till I see the Judiciary Law inform you, how the practice of law will be affected by the change of government ; I will then write you my opinion more particularly on that subject, from the P. S. &c.
In your letter I find you are still anticipating something in the hymenial order. It is certainly a very desirable object in this life, but it some- times strews our path with thorns, thistles, bri- ars, rocks, mountains, valleys, &c., and make our passage more difficult than the road from Providence to Hillsdale. Do not understand me as wishing to discourage you, for as many or
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more happy effects may be produced by it, and it may make the passage through life as serene as a May morning in a garden of flowers, and delightful plants where all nature appears de- signed to make us happy, and you press on with the current of bliss in the enjoyment of the greatest felicity that can be in the possession of mortals-my pen and tongue cannot describe it justly. So much for that. We have been great- ly distressed in my family, and neighborhood, lately by fire -- we have had three fires in quick succession, and the farthest not 100 yards from my dwelling; and it appears as if it was nothing but the kind interposition of providence in di- recting the wind. that saved my buildings. We are obliged to keep a night-watch, as the incen- diary cannot be discovered, though we do not feel safe at night. There is a man imprisoned on suspicion ; but I cannot allow myself to think he is so base as to be guilty .
We have no news interesting except what I have related, I therefore close, as I think you must be tired by this time with reading this scrawl, John and the rest of the family desires love and compliments to my brother and family. And believe me to be with much esteem,
Your friend and humble servant.
JOHN S. GANO. MR. JOHN HOLROYD, Providence .
PROVIDENCE, June 9th., 1803.
Respected Sir :
Yours of April 3rd came duly to hand, and should have been answered before, but that I was induced to wait till this opportu- nity; knowing this to be safer than trusting to the giddy flights of an infatuated satelite of J -- n. The bearer of this is a cousin of mine, who in- tends, if he is suited with the country, to settle in Cincinnati. His companion is a young man who is master of the ropemaking business, and intends to set up that business in your country if he finds it will suit, My cousin lost his pa- rents while young, since which time he has liv- ed with my father, and seems as near to me as any of my brothers. You will find both them upright, honest and industrious men. If they should succeed in their undertaking, I think they will be very useful to your part of the coun- try. A recommendation from me is unnecessa- ry, as I make no doubt your brother will do them justice, and all that lies in his power to make them agreeable to you: However any at- tention you will please to bestow on them, will be gratofully acknowledged by me. I was much pleased in perusing your favor to find sentiments perfectly agreeing with mine. I believe, if the subject of matrimony was more seriously con- sidered, before entered into thousands, would have been free from the difficulties in which
they are now involved. I am happy in saying, however anxious I may be to be married, yet to plunge myself and her I love into poverty and wretchedness, would be the height of folly and extravagance. I believe I have chosen a pro- fession, which, by diligence, honesty and punc- tuality on my part, will not fail of enabling me to obtain a livelihood. I feel a great degree of pleasure in striking upon the profession I have chosen, and much more since you have favored me with your sentiments upon that subject .- But the profession of the law, is not now very profitable in this place, (except to a few charac- ters.) I wish very much to settle in your coun- try, and I hope my wishes will be gratified, af- ter I have finished my studies, which will be in a year from next September.
Politics are about the same as when you was here, but I think appearances are more in fa- vor of the federal party. I think the time is not far distant, when democrats shall hide their heads in shame and blush at their folly and wickedness. When federalism shall shine res- plendent as the sun, and this country shall once more become as happy and respected as when under the wise and politic reign of the sage and hero of Mount Vernon. Business is very dull, every one complaining there is nothing due- the want of money is the cry. The wise policy of our present rulers cannot save us from the cruel hand of pinching poverty ; and I fear, will not protect us from the merciless and bloodthirsty Spaniards: Secure with Sally, in the cabin at Monticello, the Hero of Carter's Mountain fears no storm while his retreat can be effected. We have had the honor of a visit from the President's giddy man. His arrival in town was announ- ced in a paper, stiled the Phoenix, under the guidance of a host of democratic despera- does. Enclosed is a piece of our newspa- per, containing proposals for the life of the de- testable Arthur Fenner, Governor of this State. I think it will afford you much amusement. - You will there see some of his numerous crimes portrayed in colors no way exaggerated. I hope it will not be long before I shall receive a line from you. My respects to John and your fam- ily, though a stranger to them.
I am with sentiments of esteem,
Your friend and humble servant, JOHN HOLROYD.
Col, JOHN S. GANO.
Jones' Patent Changeable Locks.
As the late fire at Pittsburgh has demonstra- ted that while there are many FIRE SAFES abso- lutely worthless and unsafe, so daily experience serves to show that there are many locks term- ed thief detectors which not only fail to detect thieves but to defy picklocks.
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Mr. H. C. Jones of Newark, New Jersey, is the Patentee as well as manufacturer of this truly ingenious piece of mechanism, which in addition to the usual safeguards to bank-vault door locks, possesses peculiar protective features of its own. These will be understood in some measure by the description of it which follows, and a personal inspection of the article which is left for sale at Isaac Young's, No. 100 Main street, will serve to explain and illustrate this statement. The lock is of great strength, ex- act construction, and convenient size, and the bolt which is secured inside of it by a proper staple, when it is shut is of equal thickness in- side and outside of the lock in this respect de- fying the power of violence. It has six tumblers and duplicate keys, with twelve moveable bitts made of cast steel, as are also the tumblers.
Each tumbler has a distinct and separate groove in which to rise and fall, whereby two distinct setts of bitts-six at a time, may be made to operate on either of the grooves. The bitts of one sett being numbered from 1 to 6, and those of the other from 10 to 60. Each tumbler is so numbered as to correspond with its appropriate bitt, so that the bitts to the key may be changed in a minute, in the event of losing one of the keys, so as to prevent the lock įbeing opened with the missing key. It must be obvious by this statement, that when the owner has received his lock, he is protected from the power of any one, even the maker, to open it. And it is the only lock in the world, which even the man that made it cannot pick. But this lock has a farther security. If the maker or any other person becoming possessed of a duplicate key, were to attempt unlocking it with a different bitt from that which aided in locking it, the key would derange the tum- bler, throwing it into a cog or tooth so as to pre- vent even the proper key from opening it until its reacting motion should accomplish it, and put the owner on his guard by affording him ev- idence that the lock had been tampered with. The tumblers are protected from friction by washers, so that no amount of use can ever put them out of fit to the proper keys. Each tum- bler has its appropriate recurved elliptical spring, so ingeniously contrived as to distribute the pressure equally along its length, and which is made of wrought brass rolled out under the pres- sure of rollers an half ton weight each, which completely closes the pores of the metal and gives it the elasticity and durability of steel without subjecting it to the influence of dampness so prejudicial to this last substance.
The tumblers of the lock, after it is locked, fall down to a level, which renders it impossible to take an impression for making a false key .--
The bolt of the lock is secured independently of the main tumbler by a cog or tooth held by a cam or lever, to be relieved only by a revol- ving eccentric, passed around by the proper key with a pin or projection at the bottom of the key, requiring it to carry the cog to an elevation so exact that a thickness of tissue paper would intercept its passage. This cog is susceptible of being raised higher than its proper key will carry it, which being done, the bolt will not pass back, although each and every tumbler be raised to its proper elevation to pass it through its groove. This eccentric with its peculiar ar- rangements is entirely a new feature in this loek rendering it different in these respects from all others, foreign or home made. If any in" strument in the shape of a key is introduced in- to the key-hole, it cannot be turned round to act on the bolt without covering the key-hole be- low, which prevents the insertion of any other instrument to aid in picking the lock. An ad- ditional guard against picking it, is found in the arrangement, that when the tumblers fall to the level in front of the stud or stump of the lock, the stump is secured at each end, so as to pre- vent the forcing of the bolt by any instrument inserted at the key-hole. Nor can it be picked by the aid of pressure as in ordinary cases, there being teeth on the edge of the tumbler corres- ponding to teeth in the face of the stump which shut in each other. The tumblers and bitts are arranged on the principle of combination and permutation, making the chance of the picklock to open it after he has got hold of the lost key as one possibility out of 134,217,728 trials .- These, a life time, if devoted to the employment, would not furnish leisure to effect. The com- bination and permutation powers are 22 in num- ber, nearly that of the English alphabet, and some idea of the almost infinite variety attaina- ble here, may be formed by reminding my rea- ders of the fact, that millions upon millions of pages have been written and printed, no two of which are alike.
This lock took the first premium at the fair of the American Institute held last fall, being ex- posed on the table there for three weeks, with a placard, offering 500 dollars to any person who should open it with its own key, left there for the purpose .
This safety lock has been already introduced into many of the principal stores, banks and broker's offices at the east, and into a few of the banks of our own State.
We can all comprehend the importance of firstrate engraving as a means of protecting the banks, and through them the community from counterfeits. Not less important is a safety lock, which is protecting alike for the benefit of the bank and the bill holder, the funds required for
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the redemption of the notes which constitute our currency.
This lock commends itself to public favor as an American invention, being designed to su- percede CHUBB's thief detector, a foreign article heretofore relied on by the banks. What pro- tection these afford may be judged by the fact of which I saw the certificate, by the Town Council, Newark, N. J., that Mr. Jones set one of his boys to pick it, which he accomplished successfully in eight minutes. But Chubb's day of security is past. I observe even Mrs. Cau- dle, in her last lecture speaks in terms of un- bounded contempt of it, as having failed to af- ford the protection it promises.
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