|
|
Trip through the Miami of the lakes, and the Wabash Valley--Cross
the grand prairie of Illinois--Revisit the mines--Ascend the
Illinois--Fever--Return through the great lakes--Notice of the
"Trio"--Letter from Professor Silliman--Prospect of an appointment
under government--Loss of the "Walk-in-the-Water"--Geology of
Detroit--Murder of Dr. Madison by a Winnebago Indian.
1821. I left New York for Chicago on the 16th June--hurried
rapidly through the western part of that State--passed up Lake Erie
from Buffalo, and reached Detroit just in season to embark, on the
4th of July. General Cass was ready to proceed, with his canoe-elege
in the water. We passed, the same day, down the Detroit River, and
through the head of Lake Erie into the Maumee Bay to Port Lawrence,
the present site, I believe, of the city of Toledo. This was a
distance of seventy miles, a prodigious day's journey for a canoe.
But we were shot along by a strong wind, which was fair when we
started, but had insensibly increased to a gale in Lake Erie, when
we found it impossible to turn to land without the danger of
filling. The wind, though a gale, was still directly aft. On one
occasion I thought we should have gone to the bottom, the waves
breaking in a long series, above our heads, and rolling down our
breasts into the canoe. I looked quietly at General Cass, who sat
close on my right, but saw no alarm in his countenance. "That was a
fatherly one," was his calm expression, and whatever was thought,
little was said. We weathered and entered the bay silently, but with
feelings such as a man may be supposed to have when there is but a
step between him and death.
We ascended the Miami Valley, through scenes renowned by the events
of two or three wars. I walked over the scene of Dudley's defeat in
1812; of Wayne's victory in 1793; and of the sites of forts Deposit
and Defiance, and other events celebrated in history. From Fort
Defiance, which is at the junction of the River Auglaize, we
rode to Fort Wayne, sleeping in a deserted hut half way. We passed
the summit to the source of the Wabash, horseback, sleeping at an
Indian house, where all the men were drunk, and kept up a howling
that would have done credit to a pack of hungry wolves. The
Canadians, who managed our canoe, in the mean time brought it from
water to water on their shoulders, and we again embarked, leaving
our horses at the forks of the Wabash. The whole of this long and
splendid valley, then wild and in the state of nature, till below
the Tippecanoe, we traversed, day by day, stopping at Vincennes,
Terrehaute, and a hundred other points, and entered the Ohio and
landed safely at Shawneetown. Here it was determined to send the
Canadians with our canoe, round by water to St. Louis, while we
hired a sort of stage-wagon to cross the prairies. I visited the
noted locality of fluor spar in Pope County, Illinois, and crossing
the mountainous tract called the Knobs, rejoined the party at the
Saline. Here I found my old friend Enmenger, of Kemp and Keen
memory, to be the innkeeper. On reaching St. Louis, General Cass
rode over the country to see the Missouri, while I, in a sulky,
revisited the mines in Washington, and brought back a supply of its
rich minerals. We proceeded in our canoe up the River Illinois to
the rapids, at what is called Fort Rock, or Starved Rock, and from
thence, finding the water low, rode on horseback to Chicago, horses
having been sent, for this purpose, from Chicago to meet us. There
was not a house from Peoria to John Craft's, four miles from
Chicago. I searched for, and found, the fossil tree, reported to lie
in the rocks in the bed of the river Des Plaines. The sight
of Lake Michigan, on nearing Chicago, was like the ocean. We found
an immense number of Indians assembled. The Potawattomies, in their
gay dresses and on horseback, gave the scene an air of Eastern
magnificence. Here we were joined by Judge Solomon Sibley, the other
commissioner from Detroit, whence he had crossed the peninsula on
horseback, and we remained in negotiation with the Indians during
fifteen consecutive days. A treaty was finally signed by them on the
24th of August, by which, for a valuable consideration in annuities
and goods, they ceded to the United States about five millions of
acres of choice lands.
Before this negotiation was finished, I was seized with bilious
fever, and consequently did not sign the treaty. It was of the worst
bilious type, and acute in its character. I did not, indeed, ever
expect to make another entry in a human journal. But a vigorous
constitution at length prevailed, and weeks after all the party had
left the ground, I was permitted to embark in a vessel called the
Decatur on the 23d of September for Detroit. We reached
Michilimackinack the seventh day of our voyage, and returned to
Detroit on the 6th of October. The incidents and observations of
this journey have been given to the public under the title "Travels
in the Central Portions of the Mississippi Valley" (1 vol. pp. 459,
8vo.: New York).
I still felt the effects of my illness on reaching Detroit, where I
remained a few days before setting out for New York. On reaching
Oneida County, where I stopped to recruit my strength, I learned
that some envious persons, who shielded themselves under the name of
"Trio," had attacked my Narrative Journal, in one of the
papers during my absence. The attack was not of a character to
demand a very grave notice, and was happily exposed by Mr. Carter,
in some remarks in the columns of the Statesman, which first
called my attention to the subject.
"A trio of writers," he observes, in his paper of 17th August, "in
the Daily Advertiser of Wednesday, have commenced an attack
on the Narrative Journal of Mr. Schoolcraft, lately published
in this city. We should feel excessively mortified for the literary
reputation of our country, if it took any three of our
writers to produce such a specimen of criticism as the article
alluded to; and 'for charity's sweet sake,' we will suppose that by
a typographical error the signature is printed Trio instead
of Tyro. At any rate, the essay, notwithstanding all its
wes and ours, bears the marks of being the effort of
one smatterer, rather than the joint production of three
critics, as the name imports."
The Trio (if we admit there are tria juncta in uno, in this
knot of savans) pretend to be governed by patriotic motives in
attacking Mr. Schoolcraft. 'In what we have said, our object has
been to expose error, and to shield ourselves from the
imputation which would justly be thrown upon ourselves.' The
construction of this sentence reminds us of the exordium of Deacon
Strong's speech at Stonington--'the generality of mankind in
general endeavor to try to take the disadvantage of the
generality of mankind in general.' But not to indulge in
levities on so grave a subject, we are happy in the belief that the
reputation of our country does not demand the condemnation of
Schoolcraft's Journal, as a proof of our taste, nor need such
a shield as the trio have interposed, to protect it from the attacks
of foreign reviewers:--
'Non tali auxilio, nec defensoribus istis
Tempus eget.'
It affords us great pleasure to relieve the anxiety of the Trio on
the subject of shielding 'ourselves from the imputation which would
be justly thrown upon ourselves,' by stating that one of the most
scientific gentlemen in the United States wrote to the publishers of
Schoolcraft's Journal, not a week since, for a copy of the
work to send to Paris, adding to his request, the work is so
valuable that I doubt not it would be honorably noticed.
"We have not taken the trouble to examine the passages to which the
Trio have referred; for, admitting that a trifling error has been
detected in an arithmetical calculation--that a few plants (or
vegetables, as this botanist calls them) have been described as
new, which were before known--and that in the haste of composition
some verbal errors may have escaped the author, yet these slight
defects do not detract essentially from the merit of the work, or
prove that it has improperly been denominated a scientific,
valuable, and interesting volume. Our sage critics are not aware how
many and whom they include in the denunciation of 'a few men who
pretend to all the knowledge, all the wisdom of the country;' if
by a few they mean all who have spoken in the most favorable
terms of Mr. Schoolcraft's book.
"One word in respect to the 'candor' of the Trio, and we have done.
It would seem to have been more candid, and the disavowal of 'an
intention to injure' would have been more plausible, if the attack
had been commenced when the author was present to defend himself,
and not when he is in the depth of a wilderness, remote from his
assailants and ignorant of their criticisms. But we trust he has
left many friends behind who will promptly and cheerfully defend his
reputation till his return."
On reading the pieces, I found them to be based in a petty spirit of
fault-finding, uncandid, illiberal, and without wit, science, or
learning. It is said in a book, which my critics did not seem to
have caught the spirit of--"Should not the multitude of words be
answered, and should a man fall if talk be justified? Should thy
lies make men hold their peace, and when thou mockest shall no man
make thee ashamed?" (Job xi. 2, 3.) My blood boiled. I could have
accepted and approved candid and learned and scientific criticism. I
replied in the papers, pointing out the gross illiberality of the
attack, and tried to provoke a discovery of the authors. But they
were still as death; the mask that had been assumed to shield envy,
hypercriticism, and falsehood, there was neither elevation of moral
purpose, courage, nor honor, to lay aside.
In the mean time, all my correspondents and friends sustained me.
Men of the highest standing in science and letters wrote to me. A
friend of high standing, in a note from Washington (Oct. 24th)
congratulating me on my recovery from the fever at Chicago, makes
the following allusion to this concealed and spiteful effort: "When
in Albany I procured from Mr. Webster copies of them (the pieces),
with a view to say something in the papers, had it been necessary.
But, from their character and effect, this would have been wholly
unnecessary. They have fallen still-born from the press."
Mr. Carter (Oct. 28th) says: "G. C. was at my room, and spoke of the
numbers with the utmost contempt, and thought they were not worth
noticing. The same opinion is entertained by everyone whom I have
heard speak on the subject. Chancellor Kent told me that your book
is the most interesting he has ever read, and that the attack on it
amounts to nothing. Others have paid it the same compliment, and I
think your fame is in no danger of being injured by the Trio."
Mr. Baldwin, a legal gentleman of high worth and standing, made the
following observations in one of the city papers, under the
signature of "Albanian":--
"True criticism is a liberal and humane art, and teaches no less to
point out and admire what is deserving of applause, than to detect
and expose blemishes and defects. If this be a correct definition of
criticism, and 'Trio' were capable of filling the office he has
assumed, I am of opinion that a different judgment would have been
pronounced upon Mr. Schoolcraft's book of travels; and that they
would have been justly eulogized, and held up for the perusal of
every person at all anxious about acquiring an intimate knowledge of
the interesting country through which he traveled, and which he so
ably and beautifully described. It is certainly true, that we abound
in snarling critics, whose chief delight is in finding fault with
works of native production; and though it is not my business to
tread upon their corns, I could wish they might ever receive that
castigation and contempt which they merit from a liberal and
enlightened public. In the first article which appeared in your
useful paper, over the signature of 'Trio,' I thought I discovered
only the effervescence of a pedantic and caviling disposition; but,
when I find that writer making false and erroneous statements, and
drawing deductions therefrom unfavorable to Mr. Schoolcraft, I
deprecate the evil, and invite the public to a free and candid
investigation of the truth. Not satisfied with detracting from the
merits of Mr. Schoolcraft's work, 'Trio' indulges in some bitter and
illiberal remarks upon those gentlemen who composed the Yellow Stone
River expedition; and to show how little qualified he is for the
subject, I will venture to declare him ignorant of the very first
principles upon which that expedition was organized."
So much for the "Trio." No actual discovery of the authors was made;
but from information subsequently obtained, it is believed that
their names are denoted under the anagram LENICTRA.
Other criticisms of a different stamp were, however, received from
high sources, speaking well of the work, which may here be
mentioned. Professor Silliman writes from New Haven, November 22d:
"I perused your travels with great satisfaction; they have imparted
to me a great deal of information and pleasure. Could any scientific
friend of yours (Captain Douglass, for instance) prepare a notice,
or a review, I would cheerfully insert it.
"In reading your travels, I marked with a pencil the scientific
notices, and especially those on mineralogy and geology, thinking
that I might at a future period embody them into an article for the
journal. Would it not be consistent with your time and occupations
to do this, and forward me the article? I would be greatly pleased
also to receive from you a notice of the fluor spar from Illinois;
of the fossil tree; and, in short, any of your scientific or
miscellaneous observations, which you may see fit to intrust to the
pages of the journal, I shall be happy to receive, and trust they
would not have a disadvantageous introduction to the world."
How different is this in its spirit and temper from the flimsy
thoughts of the Trio!
Literary Honors.--Dr. Alfred S. Monson, of New Haven, informs
me (November 23d) of my election as a member of the American
Geological Society. Mr. Austin Abbott communicates notice of my
election as a member of the Hudson Lyceum of Natural History.
Appointment under Government.--A friend in high confidence at
Washington writes (November 4th): "The proposition to remove from
Sackett's Harbor to the Sault of St. Mary a battalion of the army,
and to establish a military post at the latter place, has been
submitted by Mr. Calhoun to the President. The pressure of other
subjects has required an investigation and decision since his
return; so that he has not yet been able to examine this matter. Mr.
Calhoun is himself decidedly in favor of the measure, and I have no
doubt but that such will be the result of the Presidential
deliberation. The question is too plain, and the considerations
connected with it too obvious and important, to allow any prominent
difficulties to intrude themselves between the conception and the
execution of the measure. If a post be established, it is almost
certain that an Indian agency will be located there, and, in the
event, it is quite certain that you will be appointed the agent."
Loss of the "Walk-in-the-water."--This fine steamer was
wrecked near the foot of Lake Erie, in November. A friend in Detroit
writes (November 17th): "This accident maybe considered as one of
the greatest misfortunes which have ever befallen Michigan, for in
addition to its having deprived us of all certain and speedy
communication with the civilized world, I am fearful it will greatly
check the progress of emigration and improvement. They speak of
three new boats on Lake Erie next season; I hope they may be
erected, but such reports are always exaggerated."
Geology of Detroit.--"No accurate measurement that I can find
has ever been made of the height of the bank of the river at this
place. As near as I can ascertain, however, from those who have
endeavored to obtain correct information respecting it, and from my
own judgment, I should suppose the base of the pillars at the upper
end of the market-house, which stand three hundred feet from the
water's edge, to be thirty-three feet above the surface of the
river. The bank is of a gentle descent towards the water, and
gradually recedes from the river for one mile above the lower line
of the city.
"In digging a well in the north-east part of the city, in the street
near the Council House, the loam appeared to be about a foot and a
half deep. The workmen then passed through a stratum of blue clay of
eight or ten feet, when they struck a vein of coarse sand, eight
inches in thickness, through which the water entered so fast, as to
almost prevent them from going deeper. They, however, proceeded
through another bed of blue clay, twenty or twenty-two feet, and
came to a fine yellow sand, resembling quicksand, into which they
dug three feet and stopped, having found sufficient water. The whole
depth of the well was thirty-three feet.
"The water is clear, and has no bad taste. No vegetable or other
remains were found, and only a few small stones and pebbles, such as
are on the shores of the river. A little coarse dark sand and gravel
were found below the last bed of clay, on the top of the yellow
sand."
The boring for water in 1830 was extended, on the Fort Shelby
plateau, 260 feet. After passing ten feet of alluvion, the auger
passed through 115 feet of blue clay, with quicksand, then two of
beach sand and pebbles, when the limestone rock was struck. It was
geodiferous for sixty feet, then lies sixty-five, then a carbonate
of lime eight feet, at which depth the effort was relinquished
unsuccessfully.--Historical and Scientific Sketches of Michigan.
"Bed of the Detroit River.--I am induced to believe the bed
of the River Detroit is clay, from the fact that it affords good
anchorage for vessels. Neither limestone nor any other rock has ever
been discovered in it."
Murder of Dr. Madison.--A gentleman at the West writes to me
(Nov. 17): "As to the murder of Dr. Madison, the facts were, that he
started from Green Bay, with three soldiers, to go to Chicago, and
from thence to his wife in Kentucky, who, during his absence, had
added 'one' to the family. The Indian Ke-taw-kah had left the bay
the day previous, had passed the Indian village on the Manatoowack
River, on his way to Chebiogan on the west side of Lake Michigan, to
see a relative, but had turned back. When the Doctor met him, he was
standing by the side of a tree, apparently unemployed. The Indian,
says the Doctor, addressed him, and said something, from which he
understood they wanted them to guide him to Chicago. As he knew he
should get something to eat from them, he concluded he would go with
them as far as Chebiogan. Accordingly, he fell in with the party
about 2 P.M., and walked on until they had passed the Manatoowack
River, about three miles.
"They came to a small rise of ground, over which two of the soldiers
had passed, and the other was by the side of the Doctor's horse, and
both were just on the top. The Indian was about two rods in the
rear, and was at the foot of the hill, when a gun was fired in the
rear, and Madison received the charge in his shoulders and in the
back of his neck, and immediately fell from his horse. The Indian
instantly disappeared. The Doctor exclaimed, 'Oh! why has that
Indian shot me? I never did him or any of them any injury. To kill
me, too, when I was just returning to my wife and my little child,
which I have never seen! It is more painful than death.' His
conversation was very pathetic, as related by the soldier, and all
who heard him were greatly affected.
"The Indian says he shot him without any cause or malice; that the
thought came into his head, about two minutes before, that he would
kill one of the four; and when he saw the Doctor on the top of the
hill, he concluded he would fire at him, to see how pretty he would
fall off his horse."
These things transpired late in the fall. I did not reach Albany
till late in December, and immediately began to prepare my
geological report.
This site includes some historical
materials that may imply negative stereotypes reflecting the culture or language
of a particular period or place. These items are presented as part of the
historical record and should not be interpreted to mean that the WebMasters in
any way endorse the stereotypes implied.
Personal Memoirs of a Residence of Thirty Years with the
Indian Tribes on the American Frontiers, 1851
Thirty
Years with the Indians
|
