USA > Wisconsin > Richland County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 26
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 26
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Thursday, September 29th .- At about 3 in the morning, it began to rain excessively, and thundered and lightened very much. At 10, the Little Corbeau sent for me to visit his lodge with the Renards. He related to the Renards all the talks he had got from his Father, saying he looked upon all people, no matter of what Nation, so long as they were British subjects, as his brethren. "I sent word," said he, "to the Renards, at the Riviere des Ayovois [Iowas], when they heard of my com- ing down, to be out of the way, that my Father told me to strike everything American that came in my way; but the soldier you see here, together with the advice of the Fenille, have made me withhold my war-club till my Father arrives ; then if he says, strike, I will do so with the greatest good will and violence ; and if he tells me to withhold it, I will do it, but never without his request. My opinion is, the nearer we are related, the better we ought to love each other; and when relations fall out, our revenge ought to be the more violent." Presenting the Renards with a pipe, he said : "Take this soldier's pipe, and report to all the Sauks and Renards my discourse and my deter- mination, and tell them from me that it is not a good time to be idle or sporting, but every man must follow my example. If any are my ene- mies, let them show themselves, and let my friends do the same."
Ile then gave them the pipe, and we ate a mouthful, after which the Renards answered as follows: "As to my Father's talks, we know
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that all that comes from his mouth is true and good. In every village we find some fools. I have frequently spoken to our relations, the Jeune Homme and Tonnerre Noir, but have not been able to bring them to reason. I shall go to-morrow with your pipe, and deliver them your discourse. I hope they may open their ears ; but let the consequence be what it may, this is the last time I shall counsel them. If they listen to me, so much the better; but if they absolutely persist in evil conduct, and will not leave it in our Father's power to give life to their women and children, I shall then be ready with you to follow our Father's directions. I have killed Americans, and am always awake, with my cass-tete or tomahawk in my hand for that purpose."
I then told them I was happy to see them give such friendly proofs of their relationship, and that as long as they continued in the same sentiments they should not want; that I was not left here to give advice or counsel with my red brethren, but to take care of this fort and the people about it; that I listened to every- thing that was going forward, and wrote it down, that their Father might see it, and that I had not the smallest doubt but their Father would be pleased with their present discourse. I then turned to the Renards, and told them when they heard the Little Corbeau speak, they heard the talk of the whole Sioux Nation, and that he must be respected and hearkened to.
Friday, September 30th .- Nothing material, except two men, having been out hunting, saw three Puant lodges at the entrance of the Ouis- consin, who told them that they had heard by other Indians that Robert Dickson was near the portage, and that the Puants were assembling at the portago to meet him.
Saturday, Oct. Ist .- At 7, Duncan began to make the chimneys. lle is to have a man to assist him continually, and to get 400 livres for each chimney, to be finished the 15th, and should be supplied with 100 pounds of pork, and three pounds of powder. At 8, two men, by the
names of Pierre Vasseur and Jacques Hebert, were confined in the guard house ; also a man by the name of Pierre Provancall, of the volunteers, the two former for having got out of the fort, through a port-hole, after 8 o'clock at night, the latter for having fallen asleep on his post when on guard; the whole to be examined on Monday next before a court of inquiry, to be appointed for that purpose. It appears that Pierre Vas- seur made use of mutinous language in the fort. At 12, a Folle Avoine arrived from the portage, who brought word that an express had arrived there ten days ago, with news, that Robert Dickson was at the bay, when the courier from the bay left that place ; that he was bringing a great number of barges and soldiers, and that no word was mentioned of the Puants.
Sunday, Oct. 2d .- The troops assembled as usual ; practiced firing ; fifteen shots were fired ; only one struck the target ; Manaiger, a private of the Michigans, made the best shots.
Monday, Oct. 3d .- All hands on fatigue. The Sioux played at la crosse all day ; several got sore wounds from the ball and the hurl sticks. At 7, Antoine Brisbois arrived with a boat load of corn. Rained excessively.
Tuesday, Oct. 4th .- Nothing new. Got word that the Renards from above wished to come and deliver themselves up. This proceeds from the Little Corbeau's threats, and the same time having given a pipe to the Bardack, telling him his determination, as soon as his father arrives, to begin and strike on all those that are the American's friends. The Jeune Homme arrived in the village, but did not show himself where I was. The Sioux continued playing at la erosse. Yesterday we buried an old woman by the name of Marie. She died the night before last. She had been poisoned. A great loss to this village, she being an excellent old doctress, particularly for children. She was of the Sioux Nation, but had been a long time amongst the white people. Hazy weather.
Wednesday, Oct. 5th .- Several canoes of Ren- ards arrived from above. Called upon me with
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their flag twisted, in consideration of the Little Corbeau's pipe. I gave them my hand, and at the same time told them the reason why I did so. The Sioux finished playing at la crosse. It is with the greatest difficulty the commissary procures provisions for the troops.
Thursday, Oct. 6th .- A beautiful morning. At 9 o'clock one canoe with six men arrived from the Feuilles' band for a little powder and tobacco. Though much in want of those arti- cles, I have none to give them, and Capt. Dease's long stay below, obliges them to return in the morning without this very necessary assistance.
Friday, Oct. 7th .- The Feuilles' young men did not depart, in expectations that Capt. Dease would return. At 12, released Pierre Vasseur and Jacques Hebert from the guard house, as also Pierre Provancall; but confined them to the square on hard labor, the first for eight days, the second for six days, and the last for four days. The numerous Indian tribes about the village, quite destitute of tobacco and am- munition, are, in a manner, in distress, and Robert Diekson's arrival is much wished for by all ranks and colors.
Saturday, Oct. 8th .- Capt. Dease's unexpected long absence obliges me to order Lieut. Graham to issue a little tobacco to the Sioux, who are absolutely in want.
FORT MCKAY, Oct. 8, 1814. LIEUT. GRAIIAM-
SIR :- The absolute necessity the Sioux are in for that article, and Capt. Dease's long absence, makes it necessary for me to order that you will immediately issue to Little Corbeau, twenty pounds of tobacco, of that which Capt. Dease left in your charge, to be distributed in the Feuille and Little Corbeau's bands, as they think proper.
I am, etc., THOS. G. ANDERSON, CAPT. COM'D'G.
Sunday, Oct. 9th .- At 8, yesterday morning, Capt. Dease arrived from below. Brought in- terpreter Guillroy with him, who had been at |
the American fort at the rapids of the Riviere des Moines, and brings word that they have built a fort exactly opposite that river; that it is about fifty yards square ; that they saw three men about the fort, two of whom he supposed were looking for honey; the other was about their boats. They have uncovered their boats for lumber to cover their houses.
Some of the volunteers refused to take corn for their rations; and when the troops were all assembled, I ordered those that had refused their rations out of the ranks, took away their guns and forbid every person giving them any support, or, at their peril, to harbor them, and gave orders to the officers of the Indian depart- ment to tell the Indians, that if any of them were found any distance from here, to bring them back, dead or alive. The were much sur- prised at the sentence, and immediately wished to apologize for it, but I would not hear them. I, at the same time, thanked the others for not allowing themselves to be led into such a lisgraceful plot.
Monday, October 10th-Capt. Dease distrib- uted powder and tobacco to the starving Indians here about; and in order to provide flour for the garrison, he at the same time was under the absolute necessity of exchanging powder for that article. The inhabitants not being able to thrash their wheat for the want of time, I was obliged to exempt them from working at the garrison.
Tuesday, October 11th-Employed the day in writing letters to Mackinaw, etc .:
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, FORT MCKAY, Oct. 11, 1814.
LIEUT. COL. R. MCDOUALL:
SIR-I have the honor to communicate to you that yesterday a discovering party, I had sent off some time ago, returned with news that five of the eight gun-boats, that were driven back from the Rock river (the other three are sup- posed to have continued their route to St. Lonis) are at the entrance of the Riviere des Moines; and the Americans have built a fort there, on
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the east side of the Mississippi, about 140 leagues from this, and about half way from this to St. Louis, two leagues below the fort of the Rapids. Interpreter Guillroy, who headed this party of eight Sauks, reports to have been within musket shot of the fort for a whole day, and discovered three men, two of which he supposed were looking for honey; and wishing to take them prisoners, prevailed upon the Indians not to fire upon them. By this means they unfortu- nately made their escape. The third man was walking about the boat, all of which they have uncovered, and made use of the boards to cover their houses.
The fort is about fifty yards square, and is picketed in with very large oak pickets, about twelve feet high, and is situated on a high hill that terminates at the water side where their boats are hauled up. They have cleared all the trees and brush from the back part of their fort to the distance of musket shot; but in front, to the water side, they have left a thick wood standing, I suppose to cover their going for water. At the north side of their fort, about 700 or 800 yards distance, is a small hill or ele- vation, which rather exceeds the fort in height, and entirely covers the approach of troops till the extremity of the hill is attained. The Mis- sissippi at this place is about 1,000 or 1,200 yards wide, and clear from islands. From the expeditious manner in which they have for- warded their work in so short a time, I am led to believe they must be about 500 strong. What their real plan is, I cannot say; but I conceive that their object is to assemble a strong force with a large supply of provisions, and either to attempt to come up here this fall late, or make · a grand attack in the spring, and use every means to destroy the Indian tribes on the bor- ders of the Mississippi.
A Pottawatamie Indian, having been taken prisoner some time ago by the Americans, made his escape about the time the eight gun-boats left St. Louis for this place, and reported to the Sauks, that an expedition of 500 men left St.
Louis at the same time, with the eight gun- boats, to proceed up the Missouri* under a pre- tence of friendship with our Indians on that river, offer them terms of accommodation, give them a few goods and at the moment the In- dians would be distributing the goods among themselves, the Americans were to fall upon them and cut them to pieces. This was also the plan they were to have adopted at the Rock river, when they hoisted their white flag. This news, coming by an Indian to the other Na- tions, has a good effect, because it is firmly be- lieved; and convinces them what dastardly ene- mies they have to contend with; and did the Americans really wish or intend to come to terms with them, the Indians will be too appre- hensive of treachery, to admit them to come to a parley.
There is not the smallest doubt but the ene- my aim at this place, and their first object will be (as they have now no hopes of making peace or destroying the Indians by their vile statagems) to drive them, if possible, off the borders of the Mississippi, to insure for themselves a free passage or communication with their boats to this place. This object obtained, they would with ease overcome our Indians, and in a short time make themselves very formidable here. To obviate this, I take the liberty to observe that our Indians ought to be amply supplied with ammunition; and some troops with a heavy gun would be indispensably necessary to destroy their gun-boats, and make a breach in their forts.
The forts they build are constructed in such a manner, that 300 or 400 men knock up one in the course of three weeks, composed of wood, earth and stone, so strong as to bid defiance to the small guns that are here; and without regu- lar troops to cover the guns, and to show the example in scaling or making a breach, no attacking party can hope for success. For this purpose, in my opinion, a twenty-four pound
* Lieut. Col. Henry Dodge's expedition up the Missouri, against a band of hostile Miamies. September, 1814, eaptur- jug 15%2.
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carronade, being light, would be the most proper gun.
Our troops are now on rations of corn one day, and flour and pork the next; but the latter will, in a few days, be at an end. There are still a few cattle remaining; but I think it ad- visable to keep them for the present in case of an attack. The numerous bands of Indians that are daily assembling here, are anxious for Rob- ert Dickson's arrival, not only in hopes of re- ceiving supplies of ammunition, etc., to sup- port them during the winter, but in hopes that there may be an expedition sent down the Mis- sissippi. The satisfaction afforded the Indians on hearing Robert Dickson's talk to them through Capt. Dcase, was very great, and ani- mated them exceedingly.
The mechanics I have employed about the garrison, etc., being poor people that live by their daily labor, I get them paid at short inter- vals by Mr. Brisbois, who has been very oblig- ing in that way, and has furnished every- thing in his power for the use of the govern- ment. I am particularly under obligations to him for furnishing flour to the troops during the time the inhabitants were getting in their harvest. The militia in general have been at- tentive, and have assisted, when occasion re- quired, to work at the garrison. The crop of wheat, and Indian corn, has, by no means, been so good as was expected; and if the troops are all obliged to winter here, there will be a defi- ciency of those articles.
Four Sauks have this moment arrived from the Rock river, and report that a party of their Nation and Kickapoos, that had been at war on the Missouri, returned six days ago to their village. After having attacked an American gun-boat about thirty leagues below the Riviere des Moines, and could make nothing of it, they proceeded to the Missouri, where they took two scalps and on their way back, saw six gun- boats coming up, but cannot say whether they are Sunday, Oct. 16th-Practicing at the target was the means of expending much ammunition, destined for the fort at Cap au Gris, twenty leagues above St. Louis, or the one at the Ri- left it off; but had the men drilled. In the eve-
viere des Moines. The Sauks, since Capt. Dease took them the supply of gunpowder, are daily detaching themselves by small parties to lay in wait for the workmen about the new fort.
On examining the ordnance stores, sent out by Lance Corporal Haywood, there proves a de- ficiency of a whole case of three-pound round shot, thirty rounds less than mentioned in Sergt. Pilmore's account. I take the liberty to enclose to you three different lists of officers and men that were here present, or on command on the 24th of July, the 24th of August, and the 24th of September, and remark in the margin at what dates certain officers and men left this place. Not having the regular forms to make ont the pay lists, etc., I trouble you with those lists to give an idea of the forces here.
The principal expenditures have been for me- chanics, flour, and Indians, the whole of which will not exceed ₺ 350 currency, the exact amount of which I will transmit as soon as I get the regular form. This garrison is much in want of a flag, and the articles of war.
I have the honor to be, etc., Thos. G. ANDERSON, CAPT. COMD'G.
Wednesday, Oct. 12th .- Raining all day ex- cessively, prevented Lieut. Graham's marching. Thursday, Oct. 13th .- Weather cleared up at 10, and at 4 in the afternoon Lient. Graham set off. In the evening, he having forgot some things, sent back a man with interpreter Berthe.
Friday, Oct. 14th-Nothing of consequence, except that the vagabond, the Tonnerre Noir, arrived. IIc neither showed his flag, nor called upon me.
Saturday, Oct. 15th-llaving borrowed a keg of gun-powder some days ago from Mr. Giard, for use in case of necessity, and finding no other means of encouraging the farmers to make flour, I gave it to Capt. Dease to exchange for flour or other provisions.
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ning two Folles Avoine women arrived from Green Bay, one month on the passage. They say Robert Dickson was to be at the bay about the Ist of October; that he was bringing with him a number of Court Orielles, all the Folles Avoines, and upwards of 100 soldiers; that the Nancy had taken two American vessels, and that the Sarcel was the first Indian that got on board, for which he got a wam-pum collar.
Monday, Oct. 17th-Began the northeast block-house. The Renards made a straw man, or a man of straw, and challenged the Sioux to strike upon him, which they did, and gave them a number of their arms, utensils and fineries. Bought six cords of wood from Champegne, which I have not yet paid him for. In the eve- ning Lient. Graham returned, bringing with him Mr. Rolette, from Mackinaw, who brought me letters from Col MeDouall, etc. As time will not admit of my copying, they are filed in the desk.
Tuesday, Oct. 18th .- Began to write letters, to send off Lieut. Graham with them. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, fired a royal salute for the good news from Mackinaw.
Wednesday, Oct. 19th .- As I received orders from Col. MeDouall to discharge the Green Bay volunteers, I did so. I got money from Mr. Rolette to pay them off. I issued a proclama- tion that neither provisions nor lead should go out of this post, knowing that an order was sent here from Green Bay, and the demands we had for those articles for the government, were my reasons.
Thursday, Oct. 20th-The little Corbeau called a council, when he notified us that part of the Sioux were going to return home. Mr. Dease, knowing that I had received four kegs of gun-powder for the Indians, asked me for one to give the returning Siouxs. Finding it requisite, I consented, and gave it to him. Explained to them in a few words what Col. McDouall had ordered me to do. Finished my dispatches for Mackinaw. My letters being
too long to copy, I have filed them with other papers.
Friday, Oct. 21st-Louison Berthe, interpret- er in the Indian department, having been con- fined some days ago, by order of Capt. Dease, for having refused to obey orders, requested to speak with me, or to get permission to come and apologize for his past bad conduct. I sent him word I had nothing to do with him.
Sunday, Oct. 23d .- Assembled the troops as usual, and informed them that they were to be mustered, and paid off to-morrow.
Monday, Oct. 24th .- Mustered the troops, and paid the volunteers up to the 24th inst., Mr. Rolette having furnished the necessary money for that purpose.
Tuesday, Oet. 25th .- Paid off the detachment of Michigan Fencibles up to the 24th inst., Mr. Rolette having furnished the necessary money for that purpose.
Wednesday, Oet. 26th .- Capt. Dease having received a letter from Mr. Dickson, agent and superintendent of the western Nations, wherein he mentions to him to allow no person to inter- fere with him with respect to the Indians, I gave up to him everything in my charge be- longing to the Indian department, for which I received his receipt.
Thursday, Oct. 27th .- Mr. Rolette having, since his arrival, kept selling rum to the troops, etc., I was under the necessity of putting up a proclamation forbidding the sale of spirituous liquors; for as long as this custom of allowing the men to get drunk lasts, nothing can be done about the fort. Mr. Aird arrived in the even- ing.
Friday, Oct. 28th,-Mr. Aird brought news that Lieut. Graham was promoted to captain in the Indian department, and Sergt. Keating as a lieutenant in the provincial volunteer artillery, but as this was only verbal, I made no orders on that score.
Saturday, Oct. 29th .- Mr. Rolette having been ordered to supply one of his horses for fatigue to- day at the fort, and refusing to obey the order,
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.
Capt. Dease requested me to send a guard for the horse, which I did, because Mr. Rolette having refused, showed a bad example, and prevented anumber of the inhabitants that were ordered to-day, from doing their duty.
Sunday, Oct. 30th .- In the evening a party of Renards from below, at the Riviere du D'Inde,* brought some deer meat, which they disposed of in the village.
Monday, Oct. 31st .- Mr. Aird having brought with him a keg of wine tapped it the day after his arrival, and was very obliging, it being an article not common in this place, in making al- most a general business of it, till there was no more. To-day the commissary got quite drunk, and was very abusive to every person, no mat- ter who. A drunken man is always annoying to a sober one, and as Mr. Honore came into my house quite drunk, with an intention to be as abusive to me as to others, I put him out of doors; and as I had not drank a drop of liquor for some days, I could not put up with his abuse, and sent for the guard to take him away; but before the guard arrived, he was conveyed to his quarters.
Tuesday, Nov. 1st .- Being all Saint's Day, no work was done. Three Puants arrived from Ouisconsin. No news.
Wednesday, Nov. 2d .- Put up an advertise- ment ts procure wood and candles for the use of the garrison, as the season is advancing fast. Mr. Honore persisting in his obstinacy, I was under the necessity of depriving him of his em- ployment as commissary, for which purpose I wrote him a note, desiring him to deliver every- thing he had belonging to the commissary de- partment, and deliver it to Lieut. Brisbois.
Thursday, Nov. 3d .- Rainy weather has been a great detriment to advancing the work of the fort.
Friday, Nov. 4th .- Mr. Rolette sent off : barge to get provisions, to accomplish which, I
was obliged to let him have six men of the vol- unteers.
Saturday, November 5th .- Three men of the volunteers got permission to return to their homes. Bought them a canoe and gave them rations. To conduct them, interpreter Honore got permission, with John Campbell, to ac- company them till they meet Robert Dickson.
Sunday, November 6th. - Nothing of conse- quence.
Monday, November 7th .- Tried every means to purchase wood for the fort. Mr. Rolette having offered to take the contract at the ex- travagant rate of twenty shillings per cord of wood delivered here, I deferred entering into the contract till I got very particular informa- tion from every individual about the place.
Tuesday, November 8th .- Got a calash and went out to the farms to try and get the wood necessary for the fort, contracted for in small quantities, to give an opportunity to every per- son of gaining something during the winter ; but not finding any person that would under- take even a cord, I was obliged to contract with Mr. Joseph Rolette for 300 cords, at twenty shillings per cord.
Wednesday, November 9th-Being ration day, and the conductor having nothing but bustards, the Michigans did not wish to take one pound of that meat for their day's rations. However, as it is good, wholesome food, and agreeable to Mr. Rolette's contract with the government they were obliged to accept it.
Thursday, November 10th-Nothing new. Con- tinual rain and cold.
Friday, November 11th-John Campbell, who went from this place with interpreter Honore to meet Mr. Dickson, returned, saying he had been to the portage, and getting no news of the re-inforcement, therefore returned.
Saturday, November 12th-Violent rain. The Little Corbeau called a council and meditated going off; but Mr. Dease aud myself, thinking it best that his band should remain a few days longer, in ease Mr. Dickson should arrive, and
*Turkey river, a tributary of the Mississippi, about thirty miles below Prairie du Chien, on the Iowa side of the stream. On Mellish's map, of 1816, a Renard of Fox village is noted on the upper side of Turkey river, at its mouth.
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