History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 28

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298

USA > Wisconsin > Richland County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 28
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 28

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).

Durans, Antoine Dabin, Lonis Genereux, An- toine Asselin, Jean Tivierge, Joseph Tivierge, Pierre Robedeau, Joseph Dechan, Louis Honore, Jacques Joseph Porlier.

The under named men were here present, or on command the 24th of August, 1814:

Bombardier, Royal artillery. James Keat- ing.

Michigan Fencibles. Sergeant: Francis Roy. Corporal: Noel Bondvielle.

Privates: Michael Donais, Louis Vasseur, Solo- mon Demairaix, Joseph Lariviere, Jacques Pari- siens, Oliver Degerdin, Jacques Hebert, La- cenne Dupuis, Francois Supernant. Pierre From.

Canadian Volunteers from Mackinaw. Ser- geants: Amable Dusang, Henry Fleurie.

Corporals: Antoine Dabins, Jean B. Emerie. Privates: Manuelle Pichi, Seraphin St. Ger- main, Pierre Lambert, Jacques Savard, Jean B. Loyer, Jacques Lamire, John Campbell, Antoine Asselin, Baptiste Berthe, Antoine Bereier, Louis Provancall, Francois La Chapelle, Gabriel or William Lalonde, Jean M. Ducharme, Louis Bourdon, Etienne Serare, Luke Dubois, Fran- cois St. Maurice, Louis Dagenais, Solomon Bel- lange, Louis Desognier, Emanuel Range, Joseph Filion, Colin Campbell, Amable Gervais, Jean M. Bouchard, Francis Boivin, Jacques Laurent, Michael Gravelle, Pierre Emerie, Antoine Felix, Joseph Dagenais, Joseph Minette, Prudent Langlois, Pierre Crochier, Louis Genereaux, Jean Tivierge, Joseph Tivierge, Pierre Robi- deau, Joseph Dechampes.

Pierre Kennet, a man that volunteered his services for his country on the 2d of August, 1814, at this place, is not included in the list sent to Mackinaw.

Canadian Volunteers from the Bay. Sar- geant: Laurent Filey.

Corporal: Amable Grignon.

Privates: Joseph Courvalle, Labonne Dorion, Alexis Crochier, Joseph Denean, Narcisse De- laune, Pierre Chalifou, Jean B. Latouch, Pierre

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

L'Allement, Etienne Bantiere, Francis Fren- iere, Pierre Grignon, Jr., Pierre Ochu.

Note of officers, etc., here present, or on command, the 24th of August, 1814.

Captain: Thomas G. Anderson, Com'd'g the volunteers.

Lientenants: Pierre Grignon, Sr., Joseph Jacques Porlier.

Indian Department. Lieutenants: Duncan Graham, Michael Brisbois.

Interpreter: Louis Honore, Acting Commis- sary.

Lieutenants: Joseph Renville, Jean B. Guill- roy, Pierre Grignon, Jr., Joseph Rock, Sr., Augustin Rock, Jr., Francois Bouche.

Captain: Francis Dease, Prairie du Chien militia.

, The above is a correct statement of the forces in Fort McKay, on the 24th of August, 1814.

THOS. G. ANDERSON, Capt. Com'd'g. FORT MCKAY, Sept. 18, 1814.

[ Endorsed on the back of the paper: ]

PAUL L'ALLEMENT, CLAUDE LAFRAMBOISE, MICHAEL ARMARD.

MICHILLIMACKINAC, 23d Sept., 1814. To Captain ANDERSON:

SIR :- I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 29th ult., by Capt. Grignon, com- municating the information of the enemy's indicating an intention of attacking your post. I, however, am inclined to believe that their object for the present is confined to revenging themselves on the Sauks by an attempt to de- stroy their corn fields and villages, and I am sanguine in my hopes, from the formidable body of Indians assembled at the Rock river, that it will be completely frustrated and punished, as it ought.

I greatly approve of your having sent a de- tachment down the river in aid of the Indian force. I am convinced, it is the best mode of defending your post; and you cannot exert yourself too much in encouraging the Sauks, and affording them every assistance that is in

your power to give. By that means you keep the war at a distance; and if the proper spirit is cherished and kept up amongst the Indians, I flatter myself the enemy will not be able to force such a formidable barrier. I fear it will be difficult to preserve unanimity, and that cor- dial co-operation with each other which is so necessary, and yet so hard to bring about, where they are numerous. You will, of course, see the necessity of making this your constant study. The ammunition sent by Corpl. Hey- wood will arrive very opportunely, and prove for the present a supply fully equal to the de- mand; but unfortunately we had neither arms nor tobacco to accompany it. I am in hopes we shall be able very soon to send supplies of those articles with Mr. Dickson, who remains here until the arrival of the Indian presents, which have been delayed in consequence of the attack and blockade of this island. The latter inconvenience we happily got rid of, by cap- turing, with our detachment of seamen, assisted by soldiers from the garrison, both the vessels which the enemy left for that purpose; for us a very fortunate event, which, I trust, will enable us to not only receive our Indian goods, but an adequate supply of provisions. As I am ex- pecting a re-inforcement in the course of a week or ten days, in which, I trust, I shall not be dis- appointed, it will then be in my power to de- tach an officer and about thirty men to Fort McKay to winter.

You will observe that it will wholly depend on my getting the men which I wrote for, and fully expect. With them I shall strain every nerve to furnish you with whatever can be spared from this place, as well as Indian sup- plies, as arms, powder and tobacco.

Mr. Rolette has contracted to supply the gar- rison, to the number of sixty men, with pro- visions for a year. When more, for any unfore- seen emergency, is required, it must be pro- vided on the best terms you can procure, taking care that you strictly conform to the mode pointed out for your guidance by Mr. Asst.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Dept. Com. Gen. Monk, at this place; and that the utmost accuracy is observed in your certifi- cates as to the number of men vietnaled. To enable Mr. Rolette to fulfill his contract, you will transfer to him the salt now in possession, in whatever way you deem best, as you in your capacity of commandant must regulate every- thing as will most tend to the good of the ser- viee. What chimneys, fuel, or other indispen- sable articles may be required, you will direct to be furnished accordingly, never deviating from the established rule of procuring every- thing at the most reasonable rate. Mr. Rolette has been advanced £200, on account of his con- tract, the terms of which are sent you, and which must be serupulously adhered to. You will, of course, ascertain that striet justice is done to the troops; and that the bills drawn upon the commissary here, are in conformity to the exact amount of provision supplied.

The dissensions and disaffection, which you mention as existing among some of the Indians, must ever be expected among so many different tribes, and where the enemy are making contin- nal efforts to seduce them. Our efforts must be as great to reclaim such as have erred; or when that cannot be effected, to take any precaution to prevent their doing mischief. But above all you must not fail to pacify the murmuring and loyal part of them, who faithfully adhere to our interest, by pointing out to them the solid ad- vantages which cannot fail to result from a perseverance in such praiseworthy conduct; that the numerous forces and fleets of their Great Father, the King, are attacking the ene- my with decided advantage along the whole Line of their sea coast; that in the Canadas our troops are embodied in great numbers; that the American army at Fort Erie is surrounded by the British, with scarcely the possibility of es- eaping, and this campaign has not only the pros- peet of ending gloriously, but the next still more so, there being little doubt that Detroit and Amhertsburgh will again fall into our hands.

You will represent these particulars to them from me, in the most impressive manner you ean, telling them my firm conviction that they will oppose the most determined resistance to the shameful encroachments of the enemy, and signalize themselves in defense of their wives and children, and of the lands with which they are intrusted from their forefathers. You may assure them of my doing everything in my power to support them in so just a cause, and that from the recent circumstances of our blockade, I ean- not this season supply their wants as I could wish.

Yet in ammunition, it will in some measure be made up, and next year much more will be in our power. Impress strongly on their minds the important fact, that the king, their Great Father, is determined to see justice done them, and not to make peace with the enemy until their lands are restored, and complete security given that they are not again molested or invaded.

These matters must necessarily give them courage. You will present my best wishes for their success to La Feuille and the Little Cor- beau, and that I have the fullest reliance upon their zeal and courage in so just a war; and that, if necessary, they will bring down all their young men to your assistance. I shall use every exertion to send Mr. Diekson with the Indian presents, I hope, accompanied by a de- tachment of troops, as soon as possible after the latter arrive. In the meantime, I send by Mr. Rolette four barrels of powder for the Indians. You will know it from his, that belonging to him being marked with his initials.

With regard to the volunteers, those belong- ing to the bay being, I understand, greatly wanted, you will, if their services can be dis- pensed with, permit them to return, of course, omitting them in your pay-list from the day their service ceases. The remainder will certainly be required, at all events, till relieved; but you may render their garrison duty as easy and as little harassing to them, as possible,

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assuring them all at the same time, that I am highly pleased with their behaviour and services they have rendered. As they so meritoriously contributed to the recovery of the Prairie du Chien and Fort McKay, so, I doubt not, they will as gallantly exert themselves to defend their conquest. I am perfectly satisfied hitherto with your measures, but particularly with send- ing the gun and detachment to support the In- dians.

The war must be kept at as great a distance from you as possible. You must hold a high langnage to the Indians, such as our great power, and unparalleled successes in general, and our commanding attitude in the Canadas in particu- lar, justify and require.

Let the bright prospect which we may fairly anticipate, leave not a thought amongst any of you but of success and vietory, and animate the whole in such a manner as will prevent the enemy from ascending the Mississippi this sea- son.

Next year we shall, I hope, be able to afford more effeetnal support, and the enemy will then find himself assailed in all directions, and have fully enough upon his hands. I have the honor, etc.

(Signed,) ROB'T MCDOUALL, Lient. Col. Com'd'g.

P. S. As commandant, no person is to in- terfere with your command. I doubt not but you are well supported by the officers under you, particularly Lients. Graham and Brisbois, and Serg't Keating of the artillery. You will not fail to mention to me such as, from their zeal and good conduct, merit my approbation, and such rewards as may heretofore be in my power to bestow.

Capt. ANDERSON to Lieut. Col. R. MCDOUALL. PRAIRIE DES CHIENS, FORT MCKAY, Oct. 18th, 1814.

SIR :- I had the honor to receive your favor of the 23d Sept., by Mr. Rolette, and as Lieut. Graham, whom I had sent off with dispatches to yon, on the 13th inst., having returned with

Mr. Rolette here, affords me an early opportu- nity of returning you my thanks for your ap- probation of the measures I have adopted in the defense of this post.

Long ere this you will have received my detail of our successes at the Rock river. Though no prizes were made, yet the favorable result of that expedition has been of the first consequence in the preservation of this country ; for had the enemy put their design in execution, and had murdered the Sauks in that inhuman and American-like manner, as was their intention, as mentioned in my letter of the 11th inst., the Indian tribes on the Mississippi would not have been easily brought to understand or believe that our government's intention to support them is real. In fact, the Indian character is such that when a promise is made them, and not fulfilled at the time appointed. they imme- diately, without paying attention to the circum- stances that cause the disappointment, attribute it to design, and a conditional promise with them is construed into a real or positive one.

The unforeseen and unfortunate delay of the Indian goods, notwithstanding Capt. Dease's 'and my indefatigable endeavors to explain to the Indians from whence it proceeds, is seri- ously injurious to the confidence placed by them ; and if, unfortunately, anything should turn up to prevent Robert Dickson coming out here, and the supplies not reaching us, one-half of the Indians must inevitably starve to death. This last circumstance, which they themselves are continually observing to me, onght and would, to a set of rational beings in their situ- ation, convince them, that without the supplies they receive from the British government, they cannot exist.

Mr. Rolette, having contracted for, and being able immediately to commence the supplying the garrison, is very opportunely ; for the com- missary stores were quite exhausted and the troops began to feed on Indian corn. There is still a barrel of pork remaining, which I kept as a stand-by. I shall, as soon as these dispatches

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

are gone, transfer to Mr. Rolette what small quantity of salt is remaining, say about forty pounds, and will immediately go about putting everything respecting the garrison, etc., in a regular way, according to the forms I have re- ceived.

With respect to the payment of the troops, Mr. Rolette has offered to furnish the money for that purpose, they having been paid up to the 24th of August last. The cold weather set- ting in, and the absolute necessity they are in for some articles of clothing, will make it necessary for me to pay them up to the 24th inst., which I would not otherwise do till I re- ceive your orders to that effeet. Whatever dis- bursements I have been obliged to make, shall be all transferred to Mr. Rolette, in order to give less trouble, being under one head. Mr. Rolette appears to wish to do everything in his power for the good of the service, and says he will at all times furnish what money he can for that purpose, and as to his contract, I am con- vinced he will do everything possible to com- plete it. The greatest inconvenience will be on account of salt, which cannot be procured here to preserve the summer's supply of meat.

I am putting Fort McKay in as strong and comfortable a situation, and at as little expense, as possible, at the same time omitting nothing that may tend to the safety of the place. The four barrels of powder sent out by Mr. Rolette were received, as also some half-pound round shot, and the case of round shot mentioned as deficient in my letter of the 11th inst.

In conformity to your orders, I sent off the Green Bay Volunteers, and nine of my own company, under Lieut. Graham, of the Indian department. I have given orders to Lieut. Graham to proceed with all possible haste till he meets Robert Dickson ; that should be meet the troops previous to meeting Mr. Dickson, to give them every assistance in his power. My motive for doing this is because I under- stand they are greatly in need ; and as there

are no appearances of the enemy's approach at present, the men are little wanted here.

The troops here have been almost continually, more or less of them, on fatigue, for which I make them the usual allowance of ten pence per day. The militia, when on fatigue, will have the same allowance; and as circumstances made it necessary for me to oblige them to furnish themselves with provisions, they will have six pence per day for that; and for every team furnished they will receive five shillings -all of which, as well as every other account, shall be correctly stated, and Mr. Rolotte will pay them. With respect to the officers here, I am highly pleased with them all, and assure you they have rendered every service in their power. As to Sergt. Keating, of the artillery, from the zealous, courageous and handsome manner in which he has behaved himself since he left Mackinaw, I conceive him worthy of every advantage that merit in his profession de- serves.

Mr. Honore, of the Indian department, has, since we left Mackinaw, acted in the capacity of commissary, without whose assistance I would be badly off in this respect, for which Mr. Rolette informs me he has received your appro- bation of granting him the pay of a lieutenant, which I hope may not be improper to continue, as his assistance in that capacity is indispen- sably necessary. It may be proper for me to ob- serve, that the high price of goods at this place Would make it impossible for a private soldier to keep himself completely equipped, exclusive of his yearly clothing, even if he had a subal- tern officer's pay. It requires two and a half monthis' pay of a private to buy himself a pair of shoes, and other things in proportion.

The detachment of Michigan feneibles in this garrison have, till now, proved to be good soldiers; but they require severe officers. As this garrison is small, and not placed in an ad- vantageous situation for the defense of the place, it will be necessary for the officer com- manding here, as soon as possible, to have the

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

requsite instructions on this head; and if an al- teration is allowed to be made, the materials necessary, such as wood and stone, must be got out to the spot on the snow. My determination and wish to act in every respect in conformity to your orders, and as exactly as possible, makes it necessary for me to trouble you much more on some heads than I perhaps ought to do; but as the good of the service requires, as long as 1 hold my present situation, that I should seek every information in this way, I take the liberty to ask you what authority I have with respect to the Indian department, and whether the necessary provisions, etc., for the Indians are furnished by the garrison, or whether the officers of that department make those purchases them- selves?

The Sauks or Mississippi Indian heroes have just arrived, and brought word that a party lately arrived from the Riviere Des Forts,* brought in ten scalps, and say they will continue to bring them in as they do dueks from the swamps. The want of provisions has been the cause of my not making an attempt there. Everything must be ready for a start in the spring. Should the re-inforcement of troops reach here in time, I should deem it best to make an attack this fall, as it would be an im- portant point for the defense of this, to obstruet their boats. I am impatient for instructions.

I am informed that representations have been made at Mackinaw with respect to my conduct in the execution of my duty here; but as they pro- ceed from envy and meanness, I do not regard them. My actions have ever been conducted by the purest motives for the good of the service; and if I did not give the command of the expe- dition to the Rock river to Capt Grignon, it was because his conduct in the pursuit of the American gun-boat, at the taking of this place, on the 19th of July last, would not authorize me to entrust a command of so much consequence to his charge.

MICHILLIMACKINAW, 28th Oct., 1814. To CAPT. ANDERSON:

SIR :- I was highly gratified on receiving your dispatch, announeing the defeat of another attempt of the enemy to ascend the Mississippi for an attack on your post. I also fully approve of the judicious measures you adopted to coun- teract their intentions, particularly in affording that prompt assistance to the Sauks which inspired them with such courage and confi- dence, and in the end was productive of such brilliant results. Capt. Bulger, of the Royal Newfoundland regiment, being appointed by me to command at Fort MeKay, and on the Mississippi, in resigning it to him, I should not do justice to the opinion I entertain of your merit, did I not testify my entire satisfaction with your conduct while you held it. I, there- fore doubt not that you will exhibit the same zeal for the good of the service, and afford Capt. Bulger the utmost assistance and support which may be in your power, and, in the event of being again attacked by the enemy, that your company of volunteers will distinguish them- selves by their gallantry and good conduct, of which, you may assure them, I have a high idea.

I have directed Capt. Bulger to give every facility to you, duly receiving your pay, and the other allowances to which you and your officers are entitled. I have the honor, etc.,

(Signed) ROB'T MCDOUALL, Lieut. Col. Commanding. PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Jan. 3, 1815.

Robert Diekson, "agent of the western In- dians, and superintendent of the conquered countries," writes under the above date, to Capt. A. H. Bulger, commanding Fort McKay :

SIR :- The sergeant on guard having informed me that the Indian chief who was then a pris- oner in Fort McKay, was sick, I thought proper to send the Sioux interpreter, Joseph Renville. to visit him, who returned with the following talk delivered by the Indian :

"I am very siek. My Father apparently finds it necessary that I should die here. If I am

* So it appears in the manuscript; perhaps Des Moines river is the stream referred to.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

longer kept a close prisoner, I will most surely die of disease. It troubles my spirit to think that I shall die of sickness. I request of my Father that I may suffer death from the hands of his soldiers. Dying by the hands of his soldiers, will be the means of saving my Nation from destruction ; and the Sioux chief, the Little Corbeau, will know the manner of my death. The man who committed the murder of my band ; but I understand that it is not altogether for him that I am bound, but for the very bad conduct of my people before this hap- pened - therefore, I demand to die by the hands of your soldiers."

On being interrogated by the interpreter re- specting the man who was first confined, and who had promised to return, he answered : "That . he was not a man of his band; and knowing the evil disposition of his people, he was sure that they had killed him." He then added : "I am an old man. It was with diffi- culty that I got here. You know that I fell down often on the road, and principally when I descended the mountain ; but my courage and force were renewed when I reflected that I was going to save the lives of my children by dying for them. Do not let my Father think, that by mean excuses and evasions, that I wish to save my life. No ! I am above such baseness. I not afraid of death. My Father has already done me honor in sending his first soldiers to bring me here. I did not think my old body was worth so much trouble."

I think it necessary to make you the above communication, and in an hour hence I shall wait on you in order to give you some infor- mation I have just received.

THE INDIAN MURDERER-JANUARY 7, 1815.

Le Corbeau Francois, on arriving at the gate of Fort MeKay, with the prisoner who had killed the two men, said : "My Father ! Here is the dog that bit you. In delivering bim up, I trust that it will be the means of saving my band from destruction." On coming into the commandant's room he again repeated : "This is |

the dog that bit you. Do with him as you please ; he deserves to die. I have one favor to request of you-that you will not kill him until I go off ; he most surely merits death. In de- livering up this bad man, I also give up the marks [gifts insignia of friendship] of the Americans. Although we are not numerous, I think we can act as well as the other Indians, and henceforth I am resolved to follow your counsel. Some time ago you frightened me, and I then thought it was a bad business ; but I am now convinced that it was the best thing that could have happened, as it is the means of preserving the lives of our women and children. You are now busy; I will relate to you at another time what the Americans told me, the last time I went to see them."

Le Corbeau Francois' talk January 7th, even- ing: "The reports that the Indian, lately ar- rived from the Americans, brought, were these: They told me, said he, that when they got angry that they would bring all the Nations from the Missouri, and sweep away everything in this quarter before them. Notwithstanding this, I have given up their marks and colors. I know what I do, and I shall in future act against them." He then repeated to the interpreter the substance of the letter of Robert Dickson, the superin- tendent, to Capt. Bulger.

On the trial, being interrogated by the court, and pointing to the prisoner, asked if he was the man who killed one man and wounded the other? He answered-"He is truly the man." The chief then addressed the prisoner: "Why did you deny the bad act you have done? You ought to speak the truth. The Master of Life will take pity on you. There can be no pardon for you-prepare for death. You ought not to regret dying after committing the crime you have." To this the prisoner made no answer.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 28

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1298

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298