USA > Ohio > The Ohio country between the years 1783 and 1815 : including military operations that twice saved to the United States the country west of the Alleghany Mountains after the revolutionary war > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
General Wayne's Reports to the Secretary of War contain much valuable information. That of December 23, 1794, reads in part as follows:
"I have the honor to inform you that the flag from the Wyandots of Sandusky, after an absence of forty- two days, returned to Greenville on the evening of the 14th instant.
"The enclosed copies of letters and speeches will best demonstrate the insidious part recently taken by the British agents, Messrs. Simcoe, McKee and Brant, to stimulate the savages to continue the war, who, being too well acquainted with the near approach of that period in which the legion [Wayne's army] will be dissolved, have artfully suggested a suspension of hostilities until spring, in order to lull us into a state of security to prevent the raising of troops, and to afford the Aborigines an opportunity to make their fall and winter hunt unmolested.
I28
The Ohio Country
"In the interim the British are vigilantly employed in strengthening and making additions to their forti- fication at the foot of the rapids of the Miamies of the Lake [Maumee River] evidently with a view of con- vincing the Aborigines of their determination to as- sist and protect them; hence there is strong ground to conclude that Governor Simcoe has not received any orders to the contrary, otherwise he would not pre- sume to persevere in those nefarious acts of hostility.
"The Wyandots and other Aborigines at and in the vicinity of the rapids of Sandusky River, are com- pletely within our power, and their hunting grounds all within striking distance; hence their present solicitude for a suspension of hostilities.
"But unless Congress has already, or will im- mediately adopt effectual measures to raise troops to garrison this as well as the other posts already estab- lished, it would only be a work of supererogation, as the whole must otherwise be abandoned by the middle of May. I have, however, succeeded in dividing and distracting the counsels of the hostile Aborigines, and hope through that means eventually to bring about a general peace, or to compel the re- fractory to pass the Mississippi and to the northwest side of the lakes.
"The British agents have greatly the advantage in this business at present by having it in their power to furnish the Aborigines with every necessary supply of arms, ammunition, and clothing, in exchange for their skins and furs, which will always make the Savages dependent upon them until the United States establish trading houses in their country, from which they can be supplied with equal facility, and at reasonable rates."
129
From 1794-1795
This suggestion of trading posts for the Aborig- ines, a measure that should have been put in exe- cution years before, was later adopted by the United States; but, by that time, the British had circumvented the good the system should have done both to the Aborigines and to the United States.
Wayne's work to draw the Aborigines away from the British influence was not of an easy character, nor were his strong and prudent efforts attended with constant success. As he stated, the British had the advantage; in fact they had several advantages; and McKee rallied the authorities to renewed activities. McKee, in a letter of March 27, 1795, to Joseph Chew, Secretary of the British Aborigine Office, chided the government for leaving to shift for them- selves "the poor Indians who have long fought for us, and bled freely for us, which is no bar to a peaceable accommodation with America."
The British had several times before, during the Revolutionary War, met General Wayne under conditions in their favor, and had found in him an opponent whose prowess was worthy of their best efforts. This contest against them and their savage allies, destined to be his last great work for his country, was yet to show the enemies that
9
-
130
The Ohio Country
this typical American soldier had lost none of his patriotism, alertness, and wisdom; characteristics which had shed a lustre on American arms that will never fade.
CHAPTER XI
THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL TREATIES WITH THE SAVAGES
Discipline in the Army-Wayne's Diplomacy in Winning the Savages to Peace-His Agents in the Work-Exchange of Prisoners-The Treaty of Greenville, August 3, 1795- Number of Tribes in the Agreement.
NOTWITHSTANDING the great victories of the armies and navies of the United Colo- nies and States of America, peace has had victo- ries greater than war throughout this nation's history; and her forbearance toward offenders, and her magnanimity toward the conquered, have been examples to all nations which have added greatly to the peace and civilization of all other peoples; and these great principles of humanity will continue to increase in power therefrom throughout the world.
The victories of General Wayne's army were signal in this campaign through the wilderness far from the base of supplies; but his victory for
I3I
I32
The Ohio Country
the peace, soon to follow, opened up the way to con- quer, without further shedding of blood, all of the Savages and, also, for a time, their allies the British.
General Wayne was a good judge of men. His choice of Colonel John Francis Hamtramck as commandant of Fort Wayne was well considered and appropriate. This site of the noted "Miami Villages " had been the headquarters of the Mia- mis and other strong tribes of Savages for gener- ations; and hence, for many years, had emanated numerous raiding and murdering parties of Sav- ages against the American frontiers. Colonel Hamtramck was a small Canadian Frenchman, who had been many years in the American ser- vice, and, always having proved himself patriotic, capable, and meritorious, had been advanced ac- cordingly. His letter-book, which was in part saved from destruction in Detroit after his death, sheds some sidelights on the character of his sol- diers, the government's orders for discipline at that time, and the work of winning the Savages to peace. Hamtramck's reports were all addressed from Fort Wayne to General Wayne at Greenville, and some of them are in part as follows, the first under date December 5, 1794:
"It is with a great degree of mortification that I am obliged to inform Your Excellency of the great
I33
From 1794-1795
propensity many of the soldiers have for larceny. I have flogged them until I am tired. The economic allowance of one hundred lashes, allowed by govern- ment, does not appear a sufficient inducement for a rascal to act the part of an honest man. I have now a number in confinement and in irons for having stolen four quarters of beef on the night of the 3d instant. I could wish them to be tried by a general court martial, in order to make an example of some of them. I shall keep them confined until the pleasure of your excellency is known. "
The General had a better way of dealing with his men than flogging them-a way that appealed to their thoughtful and better judgment for the control of their excesses, and for the proper obed- ience of all the orders of their officers, so necessary for soldiers and the cause they represent; when so far in the wilderness particularly. He held the confidence and respect of his men, and they quickly responded to his every wish; otherwise he could not have swept through this dense and difficult "black swamp" the way he had done, and so quickly crushed all opposition of the enemies in the great battle by the Maumee.
Colonel Hamtramck's letters continue, with date December 29th:
"Yesterday a number of chiefs of the Chippeways, Ottawas, Socks [Sacs] and Potawotamies arrived here with the two Lassells deserters from the British.
I34
The Ohio Country
It appears that the Shawanese, Delawares, and Miamies remain still under the influence of McKee; but Lassell thinks that they will be compelled to come into the measures of the other Aborigines. After the chiefs have rested a day or two, I will send them to headquarters.
"December 29th: . . . Since my letter to Your Excellency of the present date, two war-chiefs have arrived from the Miami nation, and inform me that their nation will be here in a few days, from whence they will proceed to Greenville. They also bring intelligence of the remaining tribes of savages ac- ceding to the prevalent wish for peace, and collecting for the purpose the chiefs of their nations, who, it is expected, will make their appearance at this post about the same time the Miamies may come forward.
"January 15, 1795: . . . A number of chiefs and warriors of the Miamis arrived at the garrison on the 13th instant. Having informed them that I could do nothing with them, and that it was necessary for them to proceed to headquarters, finding it incon- venient for so many to go, they selected five who are going under charge of Lieutenant Massie, and perhaps will be accompanied by some warriors. The one whose name is Jean Baptiste Richardville, is half white and a village chief of the nation.
"As you are well acquainted with the original cause of the war with the Aborigines, I shall not say much upon it, except to observe that all the French traders, who were so many machines to the British agents, can be bought, and McKee, being then destitute of his satellites, will remain solus, with perhaps his few Shawanese, to make penance for his past iniquities.
I35
From 1794-1795
"Since writing the foregoing, I have had a talk with the chiefs. I have shown them the necessity of with- drawing themselves from the headquarters of corrup- tion, and invited them to come and take possession of their former habitations [across the Maumee and St. Mary rivers from the garrison of Fort Wayne] which they have promised me to do. Richardville tells me, that as soon as he returns he will go on the Salamonie [River] on [near] the head of the Wabash, and there make a village. He has also promised me to open the navigation of the Wabash to the flag of the United States.
"February 3rd: . . . Lieutenant Massey arrived on the 3Ist. The Indians also returned on the 29th in high spirits and very much pleased with their recep- tion by you [General Wayne] at headquarters. They assure me that they will absolutely make a lasting peace with the United States.
"March Ist: . . . I have now with me about forty Indians on a visit. They are Potawotamies, who live on Bear Creek [in the present Lenawee County, Michigan]. They say that as they are making peace with us, they will expect us to give them some corn to plant next spring. Indeed all the Aborigines who have been here have requested that I would inform Your Excellency of their miserable situation, and that they expect everything from you.
"March 5: . . , A number of Potawotamie In- dians arrived here yesterday from Huron River, Michi- gan. They informed me that they were sent by their nation at that place, and by the Ottawas and Chippe- ways living on the same river, as also in the name of the Chippeways living on the Saginaw River which empties into Lake Huron, in order to join in the
I36
The Ohio Country
good intention of the other Aborigines, by establish- ing a permanent peace with the United States. I informed them that I was not the first chief, and invited them to go to Greenville; to which they re- plied that it was rather a long journey, but from the great desire they had to see the Wind (for they called you so) they would go. I asked them for an explica- tion of your name. They told me that on the 20th August last, you were exactly like a whirlwind, which drives and tears everything before it. Mr. LeChauvre, a Frenchman, is a trader with them and has come as their interpreter. Father Burke con- tinues his exhortations. He assures the inhabitants that if any of them should be so destitute of every principle of honor and religion as to aid or advise the Indians to come to the Americans, they shall be anathematized. He is now a commissary and issues corn to the Aborigines. Mr. LeChauvre informs me that Burke is going, in the spring, to Michilimackinac. Of consequence we may easily judge of his mission. He will, no doubt, try to stop the nations from coming in to the treaty. How would it do to take him pris- oner? I think that it could be done very easily.
"March 17: . . . I had very great hopes that the man who deserted when on his post would have been made an example of; but weakness too often appears in the shape of lenity, for he was only sentenced to receive one hundred lashes, to be branded, and drummed out. This man, from his past conduct, was perfectly entitled to the gallows." 1
1 For additional letters from Colonel Hamtramck to Gen- eral Wayne regarding the winning of the Aborigines to peace, see Slocum's History of the Maumee River Basin.
I37
From 1794-1795
The diplomacy and persistency of General Wayne and his agents were successful and January I, 1795, he sent a message to the petitioning Wyan- dots at Sandusky that the chiefs of the Chippe- was, Ottawas, Sacs, Pottawotamis, and Miamis had arrived at Fort Wayne and would soon visit him at Greenville in the interest of peace.
On January 24th, he reported to the Secretary of War that two preliminary articles of peace had been signed by him and the sachems and war chiefs of the Chippewas, Pottawotamis, Sacs, and Miamis. These preliminary articles provided that hostilities should cease; that there should be a meeting for council and treaty at Fort Greenville on or about June 15, 1795; that immediate infor- mation should be given to General Wayne of all hostile movements that came to the knowledge of any of the Aborigines; and that the General was to reciprocate in their interest.
Soon after this date, the Delawares visited Fort Defiance and exchanged prisoners to the number of nine, this being all of the Aborigines then held at that place. John Brickell, from whom this in- formation was obtained, then fourteen years of age, had been captive with the Delawares four years, and on this occasion keenly felt the want of an- other Aborigine prisoner with the garrison, that he
138
The Ohio Country
also might be exchanged to return to his kinsfolk. In May, however, the Delawares again appeared across the Maumee River from Fort Defiance and discharged their guns in salute. The garrison of the fort returned the salute with a cannon shot for each State then in the Union. At this visit Brickell was surrendered to the garrison with some sentiment on the part of the Aborigines, and good fellowship prevailed.
Wayne early prepared for the prospective large meeting of the Aborigines at Greenville for coun- cil, and for a treaty of peace. Ground was cleared, an ample Council House was soon built by his ex- perienced axemen that would protect from the sun or rain and yet be open at the sides for free ventilation. A large quantity of clothing and other useful articles for presents, and bountiful supplies of food, had been ordered from the East, and all were received in good time.
About the Ist of June a goodly number of Dela- ware, Ottawa, Pottawotami, and Eel River Abor- igines began to arrive, and all were well received. Others arrived each day, and, June 16th, the Gen- eral Council was opened, with good attendance. After smoking the Calumet of Peace, an oath of accuracy and fidelity was subscribed to by eight interpreters, and by Henry De Butts as secretary.
I39
From 1794-1795
As presiding officer General Wayne stated the object of the Council, exhibited his commission received from President Washington, and put all present in good humor by his happy remarks, say- ing, in closing, "The heavens are bright, the roads are open; we will rest in peace and love, and wait the arrival of our brothers [referring to the tardy Aborigines who, at similar times, like sulky chil- dren desired to be sent for with special overtures]. We will on this happy occasion be merry without, however, passing the bounds of temperance and sobriety."
Frequent arrivals of large numbers continued. The third day of July all were called together, and the General gave them their first lesson in Amer- ican patriotism. He explained to them why all the States of the American Union celebrated the Fourth of July each year, adding:
"To-morrow we shall for the twentieth time salute the return of this happy anniversary, rendered still more dear by the brotherly union of the Americans and red people; to-morrow all the people within these lines will rejoice; you, my brothers, shall also rejoice in your respective encampments. I called you to- gether to explain these matters to you; do not, there- fore, be alarmed at the report of our big guns; they will do you no harm; they will be the harbingers of peace and gladness, and their roar will ascend into the heavens. The flag of the United States, and the
L
.
140
The Ohio Country
colors of this legion, shall be given to the wind to be fanned by its gentlest breeze in honor of the birthday of American freedom. I will now show you our colors that you may know them to-morrow. Formerly they were displayed as ensigns of war and battle; now they will be exhibited as emblems of peace and happiness. This eagle which you now see, holds close his bunch of arrows whilst he seems to stretch forth, as a more valuable offering, the inestimable branch of peace. The Great Spirit seems disposed to incline us all to repose for the future under its grateful shade and wisely enjoy the blessings which attend it."
Aborigines continued to arrive. On July 18th, a sachem, arriving with a band of Chippewas, said to the General, "We would have come in greater numbers but for Brant's endeavors to prevent us in interest of the British."
With great thoughtfulness and circumspection, the text of the treaty had been drawn, and the General, by his cheerful yet serious and dignified demeanor, impressed all present to a careful con- sideration and assent to each of its provisions, separately. Notwithstanding the continued ar- rival of Aborigines, the business of the Council was continued day by day until its completion.
The Report to the Secretary of War, August 9, I795, reads in part as follows:
"It is with infinite pleasure I now inform you that
141
From 1794-1795
a treaty of peace between the United States of America and all the late hostile tribes of Indians Northwest of the Ohio River, was unanimously and voluntarily agreed to, and cheerfully signed, by all the sachems and war chiefs of the respective nations on the 3rd, and exchanged on the 7th instant."
The number of Aborigines, and of tribes and bands, credited with being at the treaty, including very late arrivals, were:
Tribes.
Number.
Sworn Interpreters.
Wyandots
180
Isaac Zane and Abra- ham Williams.
Delawares
381
Cabot Wilson.
Shawnees
I43
Jacques Lasselle and Christopher Miller.
Ottawas
45
M. Morans and Bt.
Chippewas
46
Sans Crainte.
Pottawotamis
240
Miamis and Eel Rivers
73
Weas and Piankishaws
I2
William Wells.
Kickapoos and Kaskaskias
IO
Total, Twelve
II30
Eight.
A number of hostile Cherokees, who were linger- ing around the headwaters of the Scioto River, did not accept the invitations to the Council; and on August 3d the General notified them of the treaty with all the other tribes, also of the treaty recently effected with their brethren in the South. He also notified them to accept immediately his last invitation to come to Greenville and enter into articles of peace or they would stand alone
I42
The Ohio Country
and unprotected. Some of them accompanied "Captain Longhair," a principal Cherokee chief, and the messenger, to Fort Greenville, and soon thereafter accompanied the chief to their former home in the South. The others promised to hunt quietly along the Scioto River until their crops ripened, when they would return South to remain.
The Aborigines were loth to leave Greenville, even after the General's eloquent farewell speech. Each of the more prominent chiefs desired to have the last word with the great warrior who had now pleased them exceedingly.
Buckongehelas, the great chief of the Delawares, seemed to voice the sentiments of all when he said, in free and rounded translation:
"Your children all well understand the sense of the treaty which is now concluded. We experience daily proofs of your increasing kindness. I hope we all may have sense enough to enjoy our dawning happi- ness. Many of your people are yet among us. I trust they will be immediately restored. Last winter our King [Tetebokshke] came forward to you with two, and when he returned with your speech to us, we immediately prepared to come forward with the remainder, which we delivered at Fort Defiance. All who know me, know me to be a man and a warrior, and I now declare that I will for the future be as true and steady a friend to the United States as I have heretofore been an active enemy. We have
143
From 1794-1795
one bad man among us who, a few days ago, stole three of your horses; two of them shall this day be returned to you, and I hope I shall be able to prevent that young man doing any more mischief to our Father the Fifteen Fires [States]."
On September 9th between sixty and seventy refractory and hostile Shawnee warriors, led by Chief Pucksekaw or Jumper, arrived at Fort Greenville and wished to be included in the treaty. From the efforts of Chief Blue Jacket, they brought and surrendered four American captives, three of whom were taken in Randolph County, Virginia, July 13th of this year (1795).
These being the last of the hostiles, General Wayne turned his attention to affairs best calcu- lated to make the treaty, and peace, permanent.
CHAPTER XII
THE WEST GAINS POSSESSION OF PART OF ITS RIGHTS
Treaty with Spain Favorable to the West-Abandonment of Forts-British again Endeavor to Seduce the Aborigines of the United States-The Jay Treaty Favorable to the West-British Surrender American Forts-Death of General Wayne-Wayne County Organized-More French and Spanish Plots-Separation of the West from the East again Suggested-British Threaten Spanish Possessions in the South.
T 'HE United States concluded a treaty of friend- ship, of limits, and of navigation with Spain, October 27, 1795. This treaty further allayed for a time the feeling of anxiety and unrest with some, of ambition with others, and contributed to the strengthening of the bond of union between the West and the East. This was also a year of much migration from the East, with increase of settle- ments along the rivers of southern Ohio, other southern parts of the Northwest Territory, and south of the Ohio River.
144
I45
From 1795-1798
In January, 1796, General Wayne visited the seat of general government, General James Wil- kinson being given chief command of the North- western Army during his absence. Great courtesy and deference were shown Wayne upon his arrival in Philadelphia, and also upon his visit to his native county of Chester nearby.
Early this summer Wayne's Forts Sandusky, St. Marys, Loramie, Piqua, and Jefferson were dis- mantled and abandoned, leaving seven others be- side those yet held by the British, possession of which he hoped soon to obtain.
The British agents again succeeded in arousing dissatisfaction among some of the Aborigines, and called a council with them for June, 1796, near their Fort Miami. To counteract these influences General Wilkinson invited some of the chiefs to visit him, and, later, he sent Colonel Hamtramck down the Maumee River with a detachment of troops for the purpose of being near those Aborig- ines who might attend the council. On June 8th and 16th, Hamtramck reported from Camp De- posit at Roche de Bout that:
"I arrived at this place the day before yesterday and have been waiting the result of the Aborigine council at the Miamis fort. It would appear that they are divided in their opinions. White Cap, the
IO
I46
The Ohio Country
principal Shawanese chief, wants to alarm the Abor- igines, but I am in hopes that he will not succeed. Blue Jacket is with me, and says he will remain until your arrival. Yesterday some of their chiefs and young men were with me, and assured me of their good intentions toward us. How far this can be depended upon time will determine. . .
"June 16: .. . Two of my men deserted on the 14th inst. I sent my interpreter and an Aborigine after them. They brought them back last night. I wish they had brought their scalps for I know not what to do with them. Could I have power, at times, to call a general court martial for the trial of deserters, it would save a great deal of time."
Evidently the efforts of the British to regain their lost prestige with the Aborigines by this council did not meet with success.
The United States Special Minister to Great Britain, John Jay, concluded a treaty, November 19,1794, which was much disliked by many Amer- icans; but which was favorable to the peace of the Northwest Territory, inasmuch as one of its pro- visions was for the British abandonment of their military posts on American soil on or before the Ist of June, 1796. This treaty was proclaimed as a law by the President, March 1, 1796.
On May 27th General Wilkinson sent Captain Schaumberg, his aide-de-camp, to Detroit, to de- mand of Colonel England the evacuation of the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.