THE TERRITORIAL PAPERS
OF THE UNITED STATES
THE TERRITORIAL PAPERS
OF THE UNITED STATES
Compiled and edited by
Clarence Edwin Carter
VOLUME XVI
The Territory of Illinois
1809-1814
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1948
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C. - - - - - Price $3.25 (cloth)
Publication No. 3087
PREFACE
'I'yVT^.The following pages of volumes XVI and XVII of The Territorial
' Papers of the United States embody a selection of the official papers of
the Territory of Illinois as found in the Federal archives in Washington,
, D. C, the greater portion of which are now centralized in the National
J^ Archives. The files of the Departments of State, War, Interior, and
■" Justice, and the papers of the Senate are in that depository. While
p these volumes were in process, the files of the Post Office and Treasury
Departments were moved to the National Archives and the House of
r^Representatives papers, which had been in the Manuscripts Division
^of the Library of Congress, were also transferred to the National
r\ Archives. Various manuscripts of the Library of Congress other
^ than the House of Representatives papers and the files of the General
Accounting Office have also contributed important items to the con-
tents of these books. And the Illinois State Library has generously
supplied a number of missing links. The publication of the territorial
records here presented has been made possible by a succession of acts
V of Congress approved March 3, 1925, February 28, 1929, February 14,
• 1936, June 28, 1937, and July 31, 1945.
Headnotes to the documents identify the sources from which they
have been taken. In this connection it is necessary for the reader to
understand that the present series of volumes was in the process of
compilation and publication antecedent to the beginning of the
centralization of the Federal archives referred to above, and has pro-
ceeded simultaneously with the progressive removal and reclassifica-
"L tion of the official records which previously rested in the various
departments and agencies of the United States. This fact has made
^ inevitable certain changes in the forms of citation in headnotes and
~ footnotes. It is not believed, however, that the apparent lack of
-^ uniformity of citation will result in serious confusion. In the present
offering, the forms of citation have been brought into conformity with
the current classification insofar as that work has been concluded.
The prefaces to previous volumes of the series of which the present
one is a part have established the general boundaries of the publication
as a whole and of each volume, or set of volumes, in particular. Since,
however, the published papers dealing with a given territory stand
alone in certain respects and will be used by many persons who will
' have no occasion to consult other volumes of the series, it has been
,- deemed essential to repeat for each territory the definitions which have
VI PREFACE
open to deal with materials pertaining to this aspect of the history of
the territories as the occasion from time to time and from territory to
territory warrants. In any event the documentation of any given
territory cannot be complete with the Indian phase entirely erased,
whether in its political or commercial aspects. And although the
process of selection is at times a painful one, an endeavor has been
made to avoid as far as possible the element of caprice in its execution.
In this regard the defense of the territory, with which the territorial
government was materially concerned, has been considered as possess-
ing a relationship to administration, at least in some of its ramifica-
tions. Furthermore, the governor of the territory was also super-
intendent of Indian affairs within the confines of his jurisdiction, and
his twofold functions were often closely identified. Events connected
with one branch of the service not infrequently impinged upon those
pertaining to the other. For example, the governor's militia powers
(he was commander-in-chief of the militia of the territory) were plainly
a part of his executive prerogatives, and papers relating thereto in
connection with the protection of the territory from Indian attacks
must be viewed as relevant. The governor was also in nominal con-
trol of the Indian agencies, and although the men who officered
these agencies were appointed from Washington, they reported to
him as well as to their superiors in the Federal Government and were
subject as well to his instructions under certain conditions.
The governor was also drawn into close relations with the officials
of other principal extraterritorial establishments either through joint
instructions to all territorial, Indian, and military officials, or by
reason of the necessity of cooperation between himself in his dual
capacity and the heads of the various establishments mentioned.
With respect to the Federal military posts within the territory and
the problem of territorial defense, there was frequent necessity for
consultation by the governor not only with the Secretary of War
but also with the commandants of the various posts. The creation
from time to time of new Indian agencies was, moreover, a forecast
of the beginning of white settlements over which the territory would
have jurisdiction. This extension of settlement made it necessary to
acquire title to Indian lands, in which respect the governor was usually
either the negotiator or joint-negotiator; in any case documents which
concern the acquirement of title to Indian lands possess an immediate
relevancy. It is with this class of papers that those relating to the
public-land system tend to dovetail. Although the administration
of the factory system was distinctly extraterritorial, the offices of
factor and Indian agent were sometimes united, and at all times the
factories, located at strategic points in the territory, were tangent at
certain ob\-ious points with the political phases of Indian affairs.
Finally, there is no hesitation in publishing the truly unique docu-
PREFACE
ment which bears no apparent relationship to any other in the various
categories described above but which nevertheless pertains to the
territory.
It should be plain, therefore, that in the application of the foregoing
procedures comparatively little room is left for random selection.
The fact of course still remains that as between two documents
touching the same subject, where there is space but for one, another
compiler might have fallen upon a different choice.
With respect to previously published materials on the Territory of
Illinois, mention should be made of N. W. Edwards's History of Illinois
and Life and Times of Ninian Edwards (Springfield, 1870), which
contains a documentary section embodying a considerable number of
letters and other documents falling within the period under treatment.
The materials there reproduced were drawn chiefly from papers then
in the possession of its compiler, not all of which can now be traced.
The volume contains no index and the documents are not arranged in
sequential order. An attempt has been made in the present instance,
however, to cite all the relevant item.s in the work described so that its
use may be facilitated.
Another source of importance, based on the Edwards Papers in the
Chicago Historical Society, is E. B. Washburne's edition of the
Edwards Papers (Chicago Historical Society Collections, vol. Ill, Chi-
cago, 1884). The Territorial Papers of the United States, vols. II and
III (Northwest Territory), and vols. VII and VIII (Indiana Territory),
form an appropriate introduction to the present work, since Illinois
evolved from both the territories mentioned. The Territorial Records
of Illinois (Illinois State Historical Library Publications, no. 3, Spring-
field, 1901), edited by E. J. James, contains the Executive Register,
1809-1818, corresponding to the Journal of Executive Proceedings of
other territories, the Journal of the Executive Council, 1812, and the
Journal of the House of Representatives, 1812. The first of these
documents is here reprinted from the original, now in the Illinois
State Archives, by reason of serious defects in its former printing.
In the American State Papers series (Gales and Seaton ed.), vol. II of
Public Lands, and vol. II of Indian Affairs are indispensable. Fre-
quent use will also be made of Miss Margaret Norton's Illinois Census
Returns, 1810, 1818 {Illinois Historical Collections, vol. XXIV). The
imminent publication in the latter series of Dr. Francis S. Philbrick's
Laws of Illinois Territory will open up an important body of source
material. For the Wisconsin area, which was a part of Illinois Terri-
tory until the latter became a State in 1818, the various volumes of
the Wisconsin Historical Collections embody many pertinent documents
on Indian relations.
An index is supplied for each of the present volumes, which it is
expected will supplement the footnotes in the use of the documents.
vin PREFACE
The placement of the papers is chronological, with the exception of
enclosures, which are usually, though not always, retained with their
covers. The textual matter is divided for reasons of convenience into
several parts corresponding approximately to the successive adminis-
trations in the office of governor. Editorial interpretations of the
text are excluded.
C.E.C.
Washington, D. C.
September 1, 1948.
CONTENTS
VOLUME XVI
Page
Preface iii
Symbols xi
Part
One: Papers Relating to the Foundations of the Territory of
Illinois, 1809 1
Two: Papers Relating to the Administration of Acting Gover-
nor Pope, 1809 27
Three: Papers Relating to the First Administration of Gov-
ernor Edwards, 1809-1812 43
Four: Papers Relating to the Second Administration of
Governor Edwards, 1812-1814 241
Index 453
SYMBOLS
AD autograph document
ADS autograph document signed
AGO Adjutant General's Office
AL autograph letter
ALS autograph letter signed
C copy
CHC Chicago Historical Collections
CHS Chicago Historical Society
CS copy signed
D draft
DS document signed
Dup duplicate
E extract
GAO General Accounting Office
GLO General Land Office
HF House of Representatives Files
IHC Illinois Historical Collections
ISL Illinois State Library
LC Library of Congress
LS letter signed
NA National Archives
OIA Office of Indian Affairs
GIT Office of Indian Trade
PO Post Office
SD State Department
SF Senate Files
SG Surveyor General
SGO Surv^eyor General's Office
SW Secretary of War
SWDF Secretary of War Document Files
TD Treasury Department
Tr translation
WD War Department
WHSC Wisconsin Historical Collections
PART ONE
Papers relating to the Foundations of
Illinois Territory
1809
PART ONE
COMMITTEE REPORT: DIVISION OF THE TERRITORY OF
INDIANA
[LC:HF. 10 Cong., 2 sess. : AD ']
[December 31, 1808]
M'' Thomas from
The Committee to whom was refered the resolution to enquire into
the expediency of dividing the Indiana Territory ^ made the following
Report.
That by the fifth article of the Ordinance of Congress for the Gov-
ernment of the Territory of the United States North West of the river
Ohio,' it is stipulated that there shall be formed in the said Territory,
not less than three, nor more than five States; and the boundaries of
the States, as soon as Virginia shall alter her act of Session, and con-
sent to the same, shall become fLxed and established as follows, towit:
The Western State shall be bounded by the Mississippi, the Ohio and
Wabash rivers; a direct line drawn from the Wabash and post Vin-
cennes due north to the Territorial line between the United States
and Canada; and by the said Territorial line to the Lake of the Woods
and Mississippi —
The Middle State shall be bounded by the said direct line, the
Wabash from post Vincennes to the Ohio; by the Ohio, by a direct
line drawn due north from the Mouth of the Great Miami, to the
said Territorial line, and by the said Territorial line —
The Eastern State shall be bounded by the last mentioned direct
line, the Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the said Territorial line: Provided
however, and it is further understood and declared, that the boun-
daries of these tliree States, shall be subject so far to be altered, that
if Congress shall hereafter find it expedient, they shall have Authority
to form one or two states in that part of the said Territory which lies
north of an east and west line drawn through the southerly bend or
extreme of Lake Michigan — And whenever any of the said States,
shall have sixty thousand free inhabitants therein, such state shall
be admitted, by its delegates, into the Congress of the United States,
• Printed also, with variations, in A.S.P., Misc., I, 945-946.
2 House Journal, vi, 385.
= Terr. Papers (N.W.), ii, 48-49.
314574 — 48 2 3
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
on an equal footing with the Original States, in all respects whatever;
and shall be at liberty to form a permanent Constitution and State
Government: Provided the Constitution and Government so to be
formed, shall be Republican, and in Conformity to the principles con-
tained in these articles; and so far as it can be consistent with the
General Interest of the Confederacy, such admission shall be allowed
at an earlier period, and when there may be a less Number of free
inhabitants in the State than Sixty thousand. —
By the aforesaid article it appears to yoiu- Committee that the line,
fixed as the boundary of the States to be formed in the Indiana Ter-
ritory— is unalterable unless by common consent
That the line, of demarkation, which the Wabash affords between
the Eastern, and Western, portions of said Territory, added, to the
wide extent of Wilderness Country which seperates, the population
in each, constitute reasons in favour of a division founded on the
soundest policy, and conformable with the natural Situation of the
Country — The vast distance, from the settlements west of the
Wabash, to the present seat of Territorial Government, renders, the
administration of Justice, burthensome and expensive, to them in
the highest degree — The Superior Courts of the Territory are by
Law established at Vincennes, at which place suiters residing in every
part of the Territory, are Compelled to attend with their witnesses,
which to those who reside west of the Wabash, amounts almost to a
total denial of Justice — The great difficulty of traveling through an
extensive and loathsome wilderness, the want of food, and other
necessary accomodations on the road, often presents an insurmount-
able, barrier, to the attandance of Witnesses, and even when their
attendance is obtained, the accumulated, expence of prosecuting
suits, where the evidence is at so remote a distance is a cause of much
embarrassment to a due and impartial distribution of Justice and a
proper execution of the Laws for the redress of private wrongs —
In addition to the above considerations. Your Committee conceive,
that the scattered situation of the settlements over this extensive
Territory, cannot fail to enervate the powers of the executive, and
render it almost impossible to keep that part of the Government in
Order-
It further appears to your Committee that a Division of the said
Territory will become a matter of right under the aforesaid Article
of the Ordinance, whenever the General Government shall establish
therein a State Government, and the numerous inconveniences, which
would be removed, by an immediate seperation, would have a direct
tendency to encourage and accelerate migration to each district, and
thereby give additional strength and security, to those out posts of
the United States exposed to the inroads of a savage, neighbour,
on whose friendly dispositions no permanent reliance can be placed.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY
Your Committee have no Certain data, on which to asscertain the
number of inhabitants in each section of the Territory, but from the
most accurate information they are enabled to collect, it appears,
that west of the Wabash, there are about the number of Eleven
thousand, and east of said river, about the number of Seventeen thou-
sand, and that the population of each section is in a state of rapid
increase —
Your Committee after maturely considering this subject, are of
opinion that there exists but one objection to the establishment of a
seperate Territorial Government, west of the river Wabash, & that
objection is based, on the additional expence, which would in conse-
quence thereof be incurred by the Government of the United States.
But it is also worthy of observation that the encreased Value of the
public Lands in each District, arising from the public institutions,
which would be permanently fixed, in each, to Comport with the
Convenience of the Inhabitants, and the augmentation of emigrants
all of whom must become immediate purchasers of these Lands, would
far exceed the amount of expenditure produced by the Contemplated
temporary Government, and your Committee deem it always just,
and wise policy to grant to every portion of the people of the Union
that form of Government, which, is the object of their wishes, when
not incompatible, with the Constitution of the United States, nor,
subversive of their allegiance to the National Sovereignty.* Your
Committee therefore respectfully submit the following resolution.
Resolved that is is expedient to divide the Indiana Territory, and
to Establish a seperate Territorial Government, west of the River
Wabash, agreeably to the Ordinance for the Government of the
Territory of the United States, north west of the River Ohio, passed
on the thirteenth day of July 1787. *
[E7idors€d] Report (M' Thomas) from the Committee App" on the
13. instant to enquire into the expediency of Dividing the Indiana
Territory 31" Decem"" 1808. Referred to a committee of the whole
House on Monday next ^ —
♦(being convinced that it is the wish of a large majority of the Citizens of the
said Terri" that a seperation thereof should take place) [Footnote on the MS.]
* See memorials, petitions, and resolutions by the inhabitants of Randolph and
St. Clair counties in the so-called Illinois Country of Indiana Territory, in 1803,
1805, 1806, 1807, and 1808, urging a division of that territory, printed in Terr.
Papers (Ind.), vil, 140-145, 544-554, and in Dunn (ed.), "Slavery Petitions and
Papers", Ind. Hist. Soc. Pubs., II, 483-491, 498-506, 510-512; and resolutions of
the Indiana Territorial House of Representatives in 1808 to the same effect,
Terr. Papers, op. cit, pp. 601-602. See also petitions against division, from Knox
County, in 1807, ibid., pp. 619-622, and from Randolph County, in 1807, Dunn,
op. cit., pp. 512-515. Earlier reports of committees of the House of Representa-
tives on certain of these petitions are printed in Terr. Papers, op. cit., pp. 157-158,
163-164.
' House Journal, vi, 432.
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
AN ACT FOR THE DIVISION OF INDIANA TERRITORY
INA:SD, Original Statutes «]
[February 3, 1809]
An Act for dividing the Indiana territory into two seperate governments.''
Be it enacted by the Senate and Hotise of Representatives of the United
States of America, in Congress assembled. That from and after the first
day of March next all that part of the Indiana Teritory which lies
west of the Wabash river and a direct line drawn from the said Wabash
river and Post Vincennes due north to the territorial line between the
United States and Canada, shall, for the purpose of temporary govern-
ment, constitute a separate territory, and be called Illinois.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted. That there shall be established
within the said territory a government in all respects similar to that
provided by the ordinance of Congress, passed on the thirteenth day
of July, one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven, for the govern-
ment of the territory of the United States, North- West of the river
Ohio; * and by an act passed on the seventh day of August, one thou-
sand seven hundred and eighty nine, intituled "An act to provide for
the government of the territory North- West of the river Ohio;" ' and
the inhabitants thereof, shall be entitled to, and enjoy all and singular,
the rights privileges, and advantages, granted and secured to the
people of the territory of the United States, north-west of the river
Ohio, by the said ordinance.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the officers for the said terri-
tory, who, by virtue of this act, shall be appointed by the President
of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,
shall respectively exercise the same powers, perform the same duties,
and receive for their services the same compensations, as by the ordi-
nance aforesaid, and the laws of the United States; have been pro-
vided and established for similar officers in the Indiana territory; "*
and the duties and emoluments of superintendent of Indian affairs
' Printed also in 2 Stat. 514-516, and in Verlie (ed.), III. Consts. (IHC, xiii),
12-14, the latter being based on the former. The differences between the original
act as approved and these printed versions are numerous, the most important
consisting of changes in punctuation.
' The legislative history of the act may be found in House Journal, vi, 472, 476,
477, 503, 505, 509, Senate Journal. IV, 329, 331, 332, 335, 336, 337. No debate
is reported in the Senate, but the bill was evidently debated at length in the
House. See Annals, 10 Cong., 2 sess., 1093-1094, for a summary of arguments
for and against passage of the bill.
8 Terr. Papers (N.W.), II, 39-50.
» Ibid., pp. 203-204.
11 See ibid. (N.W.), ill, 86-88; ibid. (Ind.), vu, 7-10.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY
shall be united with those of Governor; " Provided, That the President
of the United States shall have full power, in the recess of Congress,
to appoint and commission all officers herein authorized, and their
commissions shall continue in force until the end of the next session of
Congress.
Sec. 4. And he it further enacted, That so much of the ordinance for
the government of the territory of the United States, North West of
the Ohio river, as relates to the organization of a general assembly
therein, and prescrbes the powers thereof, shall be in force and
operate in the Illinois territory, whenever satisfactory evidence shall
be given to the governor thereof, that such is the wish of a majority
of the freeholders, notwithstanding there may not be therein five
thousand free male inhabitants of the age of twenty one years, and
upwards: Provided, That until there shall be iive thousand free male
inhabitants of twenty one years and upwards, in said territory, the
whole number of representatives to the general assembly shall not be
less than seven, nor more than nine, to be apportioned, by the gover-
nor, to the several counties in the said territorj', agreeably to the
number of free males of the age of twenty-one years, and upwards,
which they may respectively contain.
Sec : 5. And be it further enacted. That nothing in this act contained
shall be construed so as in any manner to affect the government now
in force in Indiana territory, further than to prohibit the exercise
thereof within the Illinois territory, from and after the aforesaid
first day of March next.
Sec: 6. And be it further enacted. That all suits, process and pro-
ceedings, which, on the first day of March next, shall be pending in
the court of any county which shall be included within the said
territory of Illinois; and also, all suits, process and proceedings, which,
on the said first day of March next shall be pending in the general
court of the Indiana territory, in consequence of any writ of removal,
or order for trial at bar, and which had been removed from any of the
counties included within the limits of the territory of Illinois aforesaid,
shall, in all things concerning the same be proceeded on, and judg-
ments and decrees rendered thereon, in the same manner as if the
said Indiana territory had remained undivided.
Sec: 7. And be it further enacted, That nothing in this act contained,
shall be so construed as to prevent the collection of taxes which may,
on the first day of March next, be due to the Indiana territory, on lands
lying in the said territory of Illinois.
" Cf. ibid. (N.W.), ii, 189-190; ibid., iii, 24-25; ibid. (S.W.), iv, 18-19; ibid.
(Miss.), V, 20; ibid. (Orleans), ix, 405; ibid. (Mich.), x, 6; ibid. (La.-Mo.), xiil,
92; Rowland (ed.), Claiborne Lei. Bks., ni, 217-218.
8 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Sec: 8. And he it further enacted, That until it shall be otherwise
ordered by the legislature of the said Illinois territory, Kaskaskia on
the Mississippi river shall be the seat of government for the said
Illinois territory.
J B Varnum Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Jn° Milledge President of the Senate, pro tempore.
February 3, 1809. Approved
Th: Jefferson
I certify that this act did originate in the House of Representatives.
Patrick Magruder Clerk.
RICHARD M. JOHNSON " TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, Applications :ALS]
Congress Hall. Feb. 10"" 09
James Madison Esqr, Secretary of State,
Having mentioned & recommended, to your Consideration, M'
Thomas, delegate from the Indiana Territory, for a Judical appoint-
ment, in the Illinois Territory; & Nathaniel Pope Esq for the office of
Secretary of s'^ Territory, that duty which I owe to you, & which I
hope ever to 611 feel— induces me to state in writting, their preten-
sions to your confidence —
M' Thomas has been in the Practice of Law, about five years —
He has served, in the Legislature of the Indiana Territory; & was a
member when elected to Congress — He has presided in the Indiana
Legislature four Sessions — I have the best evidence that his appoint-
ment would give very general Satisfaction in the new Territory — I
have had no personal acquaintance, with M'' Thomas, untile this
Sssion. But from the knowledge I have of his character from others
& what I know myself; I am satisfyed, that he will discharge the
duties of a Judge, if appointed, with fidelity— & give Satisfaction to
the people of the Territory— I have very little personal acquaintance
with Mr Nat. Pope — But no man of his age in the Western Country
has a higher reputation as to moral character, his abilities or his
information. He has lived several years, on the west side of the
Mississippi; but ho has attended the Courts of the Indiana Territory —
in that part now erected into a Territory — There is no doubt of his the
Satisfaction, which his appointment would give in the Territory, as
he is very popular & much beloved by the people there, as I am well
" A Representative in Congress from Kentucky.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY Q
informed — I am authorised to Say that M' Boyle would prefer, from
many considerations, the the Government of the Illinois Territory or the
office of Judge in the s"* Territory, to the Government of the Mississippi
Territory — But he wishes it to be understood, that if any person
should have been thought of, as the Governor of the Illinois Territory,
he does not expect the appointment, & will gratefully accept a Judicial
appointment in the new Territory — With Sentiments of high con-
sideration & real attachment your &c
Rh. M. Johnson
[Endorsed] Johnson R. M. Feb^ 10. 1809 J. B. Thomas Judge
IlHnois
DAVID HOLMES" TO [THE SECRETARY OF STATE]
[NA:SD, Applications :ALS]
[February 10, 1809]
Dear Sir/ The act of Congress passed a few days ago for the
division of the Indiana Territory creates the usual Offices for the estab-
lishment of a Government in the New Territory M'' J B Thomas the
present Delegate is willing to accept that of a Judge. From the un-
equivocal testimony the people have given of their confidence in this
Gentl™ I cannot doubt but that his Appointment to the Office would be
in every Respect acceptable to them. My acquaintance with M"'
Thomas is not of long standing Nor can I say more of his learning in
the law than that Ive understood he practised as an Attorney and
Counsellor for some Years in the Indiana Territory As a Delegate in
Congress He has attentively and faithfully discharged his duty His
conduct as a Gentl" has been Such as to gain the esteem and respect
of his acquaintances I therefore take the Liberty of recommending
him to your Attention
I am with great respect Sir Your ob'**
David Holmes
10'" Feh^ 1809
PS M' Thomas is a friend to the present administration I concur in
opinion with M"' Holmes Tho Kenan '*
[Endorsed] Holmes David Feb^ 10 1809 J. B. Thomas to be Judge
of Illinois Territory
" A Representative in Congress from Virginia; appointed Governor of Missis-
sippi Territory, Mar. 7, 1809.
" A Representative in Congress from North Carolina.
10 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
BUCKNER THRUSTON,»» JOHN POPE,'" AND BENJAMIN
HOWARD " TO (THE SECRETARY OF STATE]
[NA:SD, App!ications:LS >»]
Washington February 11 "■ 1809.
Sir Having Reason to believe that M' John Boyle of Kentuclcy
would accept the Office of Governor of the new Territory of Illinois,
We take the Liberty of proposing him to you for that Place.
M' Boyle is too well known, to require any attestations from us
either to his Virtue or Talents. If however we were to say any Thing
in Regard to them, we might with great Confidence & Justice speak in
Terms of Praise of both, as also of his conciliating Manners, his firm
and decided Character, and his republican Principles manifested during
a long course of Service in Congress.
We do not hesitate to declare that we know of no Person who could
be selected for this important Office, in whom are united more Claims
to Consideration either as regards the general Government or the
Territory; for the Welfare of both, & the particular Happiness of the
People over whom he will preside, in Case of receiving the Appoint-
ment. We are Sir most respectfully your ob' Servants.
B. Thruston
John Pope
Benjamin Howard
[Endorsed] Thruston, B. & al: Feb'' 11. 1809 John Boyle to be Gov'
of Illinois "
BUCKNER THRUSTON AND BENJAMIN HOWARD TO [THE
SECRETARY OF STATE]
[NA:SD, Applications iLS""]
Washington Feh^ 11'" 1809.
Sir The Confidence we have in the fitness of M' Nathaniel Pope
of Upper Louisiana to fill the Office of Secretary in the newly created
Territory of Illinois induces us to propose him to you for that Appoint-
ment. M' Pope has resided for some years at S' Genevieve, within a
few Miles of Kaskaskias the Seat of Government of the new Territory;
he has been well educated, and his Character stands fair & honorable.
We have every Reason to believe that he is popular in the Territory
'» A Senator of the United States from Kentucky.
'• Do.; Governor of Arkansas Territory, 1829-1835.
"A Representative in Congress from Virginia; Governor of Louisiana Territory,
1810-1812.
"In Thruston's hand.
'» Boyle was also recommended by Congressman John Rowan, of Kentucky, in a
letter to the Secretary of State, Feb. 21, 1809 (NA,SD, Applications).
" In Thruston's hand.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY H
and that he would be acceptable to the People thereof. We have a*
a personal Knowledge of IM'' Pope and 3omc one of us a particular
Acquaintaince with him, which authorizes in our Opinion, the Repre-
sentations we have made respecting him. We have the Honor to be
Sir Your mo. ob' Serv't^
B: Thruston
Benj° Howard
[Endorsed] Thruston B. & al. Feb'' 11. 1809 Nath' Pope Secretary of
Illinois
JESSE B. THOMAS " TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, Applications:ALS]
Washington 11. Feh.y 1809
Sir In a recent conversation with M'' John Boyle of Kentucky I
took Occasion to Solicit him to suffer me to name him to the president
of the United States as a suitable person to fill the Office of Governor
of the Illinois Territory; He has since signified to me his willingness to
Accept that Office should he be Appointed. If it does not interfere
with Your Arrangements and should you think proper to make M''
Boyle Governor of that Territory it would be very satisfactory to me
and I have not a doubt but it would be pleasing to the people
I also take the liberty of recommending to your Consideration M'
Nathaniel Pope as a man everj' way qualified to discharge the duties
of the Office of Secretary. M"' Pope has for several years resided in
the Louisiana Territory Within a few miles of Kaskaskia the seat of
Government for Illinois and having practiced Law in the Courts of the
Western Di\asion of Indiana has become well acquainted with the
people of that Country, and very many of them are personally
Attached to him indeed he is universally esteemed by his Acquain-
tances He is truly an Amiable Character has been Liberally educated
and possesses very respectable talents — Should you deem it expedient
to give him the office I feel Confident that the people of the Territory
would be Highly gratified.--'
I have the honor to be Sir your Most obedient &. very Hum*" Serv'
Jesse B. Thomas
Hon"'* Jajnies Madison Secretary of State
[Endorsed] Thomas Jesse B Feb'' 11. 1809 John Boyle Gov^ Illinois
John Boyle
" At this time Thomas was Delegate in Congress from Indiana Territory. See
biographical sketch in Philbrick (ed.), Laws Ind. Terr., 1801-1809 (IHC, xxi),
cclv.
" John W. Moss, of Kentucky, applied for the position of Secretary of Illinois
Territory, Feb. 15, 1809 (NA, SD, Applications); and Joseph Grigsby, of Rock-
bridge, Va., was recommended for appointment to the same position by Andrew
Moore, Feb. 11, 1809, loc. cit.
12 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
JOHN POPE TO [THE SECRETARY OF STATE]
INA:SD, Applications :ALS1
[February 25, 1809]
D' Sir I take the liberty to send you enclosed a recommendation
of Mr Thomas to the office of Judge in the Illinois Territory '" — My
acquaintance with him commenced during the present session — I
believe he is qualified & that his appointment would be very popular
in that Territory —
I am very respectfully yours &"
John Pope
Senate Chamber— Fe&rMari/ 25'" 1809 —
[Endorsed] John Pope in favor of J. B. Thomas as Judge in Illinois
25'" Feby 1809 M' Pope & others recommend M' Thomas as Judge
of the Illinois Territory ** —
WILLIAM RECTOR »* TO JARED MANSFIELD
INA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., ii:ALSl
Kaskaskia March 4'" 1809.*
D' Sir Agreeably to the Instructions of the Board of Commis-
sioners We have laid off & resurveyed as many tracts of the common-
field lands, as we could with, that certainty that they recommend in
their letter to me dated June 1" 1808." which letter you will herewith
receive. We have also resurveyed some of the patented claims alluded
•• Not present.
" For appointment to the newly created Illinois territorial bench, William 0.
Allen and John Johnson, both of Kentucky, were recommended to the Secretary
of State by John Pope, Mar. 5, 1809 (N.\, SD, Applications); James Priestly,
of the same State, was recommended by John Boyle, Feb. 27, 1809, and by Pope,
.John Rowan, and Matthew Lyon, same date, loc. cit.; John Edward King, of
Cumberland Co., Va., was recommended by Lyon, Feb. 13, 1809, loc. cit.; and
Walter Reid, of Kentucky, was recommended by Pope, Joseph Desha, and Benja-
min Howard, Feb. 13, 1809, loc. cit. Judge John Griflin, of Michigan Territory,
also sought appointment as Judge in Illinois, Apr. 14, 1809 (Terr. Papers, Mich.,
X, 276).
" For Rector's career as st^rveyor in Indiana Territory, consult Terr. Papers
(Ind.), VII, index.
" A previous relevant letter from Rector to Mansfield, dated Feb. 9, 1809, is
printed ibid., pp. 638-640. The present volume resumes the correspondence as
affecting what had become, on Mar. 1, Illinois Territory.
«' Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 13
to in said letter. Pre\ious to my lea\ing Cincinnati I made an ar-
rangement with W John F. Mansfield ; to present to you any returns
I might forward to him & also authorised him to settle with you for
me & pass to you the necessary receipts, Several, blank receipts I
signed and left with him for that pui'pose, I have therefore directed
our Surv'eys together with Connected plans of the Commonfield lands
to him, with a request that he would lay them before you and do
every thing necessarj^ in the business. But should he be absent at
the time M'' Funk reaches your office I hope you will receive, the Sur-
veys, and cause the necessary receipts from me to you to be filled
up (which receipts I signed & left with M'' John F. Mansfield), and
every thing necessary in the business done that I could do were I
personally present.
jM' Ftmk has advanced to us Five hundred & Eighty Dollars for
which sum Elias Rector & myself have given him a draft to you payable
at Cincinnati, I hope it will be convenient for you to give him a
Bill on General Findley for that siun. For, the balance of the amount
of Our work; I wish you to send us by M"' Funk a Bill on the receiver
at Vincennes.
We are now engaged in laying off the balance of those lands that
have been surveyed under the authority of the Governors of the
Territory. This business we find extremely tedious and troublesome,
as they are scattered over so extensive a country, and much time is
unavoidably lost in hunting up the Township lines & connecting our
surv'eys with them; should the United states continue to withold
from us, the fees we ask and have earned we shall be compelled to
abandon the business — for the fees we can receive agreeable to M"
Gallatins construction of the law is far from being sufficient to defray
the expences that attend doing the work ^ —
I have the Honor to be with much respect Your Ob' Hbl^ Serv'
W" Rector
I am interested in the above mentioned business & do wish you to
do as therein requested. Elias Rector
Jared Mansfield Esq"^
[Adrfressecf] The Honbl* Jared Mansfield Surveyor General of the
United States Cincinnati Ohio p"' M"' Jacob Funk
" Answered posi, p. 20.
14 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
COMMISSION OF OBADIAH JONES AS JUDGE ^
[NA: SD, Misc. Permanent Comras., C:C1
[March 7, 1809]
James Madison, FVesident of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Wisdom, Uprightness and Learning of Obadiah Jones, of Georgia,'"
I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate do appoint him One of the Judges in and over the IlHnois
Territory; " and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil
the duties of that office according to Law; and to Have and to Hold
the said Office, with all the powers, privileges and Emoluments to the
same of right appertaining during his good beha\'iour, or during the
existence of the Government established by the act of the Congress
of the United States passed 3"* February 1809 entitled "An Act for
dividing the Indiana Territory into two Separate Governments" "
and the Ordinance of Congress passed on the 13"" July 1787 therein
referred to; he to reside in the said Territory.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be
L.s made patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto
affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Washington the
Seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight
hundred & Nine; and of the Independence of the U States of Amer-
ica the Thirty third.''
James Madison
By the President.
R. Smith Sec" of State
" The commissions of the three Judges are here placed in the order in which
their names appear in the President's message transmitting their nomination to
the Senate. This order has no special significance.
"> See Terr. Papers (Miss.), v, 405.
" Nominated Mar. 6 and confirmed Mar. 7, 1809 {Senate, Exee. Journal, II,
119, 120). The nomination and confirmation of the other two Judges, whose
commissions follow, occurred on the same dates, loc. cit. On identical dates
John Boyle, of Kentucky, was nominated and confirmed as Governor of Illinois
Territory, loc. cit. Ina.smuch as Boyle resigned the appointment in question,
post, p. 18, Nathaniel Pope, whose nomination and confirmation as Secretary of
Illinois Territory also occurred on the same dates as those of the other officials
mentioned {Senate, Exec. Journal, ii, 119, 120), served as Acting Governor until
the appointment and qualification of Ninian Edwards as Governor, post, p. 45.
The initial commissions of Pope and Edwards are printed in the Register, post,
vol. XVII.
»- Ante, p. 6.
" His initial pay as Judge was from Mar. 7, the date of his commission, to
June 6, 1809, in the sum of $300, at $1,200 per annum (GAG, Misc. Treas., Acct.
No. 21,924 [1809]).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 15
COMMISSION OF JESSE B. THOMAS AS JUDGE
[NA:SD, Misc. Permanent Comms., C:C]
[March 7, 1809]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Wisdom, Uprightness and Learning of Jesse B. Thomas, of the IlUnois
Territory, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent
of the Senate do appoint him One of the Judges in and over the said
Illinois Territory; and do authorize and empower him to execute and
fulfil the duties of that office according to Law; and to Have and to
Hold the said office with all the powers, privileges and emoluments
to the same of right appertaining during his good beha\iour or during
the existence of the Government established by the act of Congress
of the United States passed the 3" February 1809 entitled "An Act
for di\'iding the Indiana Territory into two separate Governments!"],
and the ordinance of Congress passed on the 13 July 1787 therein
referred to; he to reside in the said Territoiy.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be
L s made patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto
affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Washington the
Seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight
hundred & nine; and of the Independence of the United States the
Thirty third.=*
James Madison
By the President,
R Smith Sees' of state.
COMMISSION OF ALEXANDER STUART AS JUDGE
[NA:SD, Misc. Permanent Comms., C:C1
[March 7, 1809]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting.
Kjiow ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Wis-
dom, Uprightness and Learning of Alexander Stuart, of Virginia,
I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate do appoint him One of the Judges in and over the Illinois
Territory; and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil
" Judge Thomas received his initial salary payment for the period from Mar. 7
to Mar. 31, 1809, in the sum of $83.33 (ibid.. Acct. No. 21,442 [1809]). No
reason is assigned for the varying periods of pay as between Thomas and the
other Judges.
16 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the duties of that office according to Law; and to Have and to Hold
the said office, with all the powers, privileges and emoluments to the
same of right appertaining during his good behaviour, or during the
existence of the Government established by the act of the Congress of
the United States passed 3" February 1809 entitled "An Act for divid-
ing the Indiana Territory into two separate Governments", and the
Ordinance of Congress passed on the 13 July 1787 therein referred to;
he to reside within the said Territory.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be
L s made patent and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto
affixed.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington the Seventh day
of March in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred &
nine; and of the Independence of the U States of America, the Thirty
third."
James Madison
By the President,
R. Smith Sec^ of State
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO SECRETARY
POPE
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 :LS]
Treasury Department March 10'" 1809.
Sir, To prevent difficulties which have been heretofore experienced
in some of the Territories, respecting the simis appropriated for con-
tingent expenses, I have thought it proper to apprize you at this time
of the kind of expenses which are considered as provided for by the
annual appropriation of three hundred & fifty dollars, and of the
manner in which you are to receive monies for this object from the
Treasury and account for the same.
Office-rent, stationery, and the printing of such blanks as may be
necessary for the use of the Secretary's office, are the only expenses
which will be allowed at the Treasury, excluding office-furniture &
fuel, the printing of laws &c*
You are authorised to draw on me for one hundred & fifty dollars
on account of the contingent expenses of the Illinois Territory, for
which sum you will be charged. At the close of each quarter — viz'
on the last days of March, June, September & December, in each
year, you will render an account of your expenditures, each charge
" Stuart's first salary payment was from Mar. 7 to June 7, 1809, in the sum of
$300 (ibid., Acct. No. 21,679 [1809]). It will be noted that the Judges' salaries
commenced as a rule on the dates of their commissions. Cf. Terr. Papers (Ind.),
VII, 22, n. 42.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 17
being supported with a proper voucher viz. a bill and receipt. It is
indispensable that these accounts be rendered regularly, as no future
payments will be made, unless they shall have been received.
Your salary will be paid on your draft, at the Treasury: or if you
shall choose to adopt that mode (as Governor Boyle has done) to
the Bank of the United States as your Attornies. This last mode
will be most convenient to this Department, and will have the effect,
to prevent you from being charged on the books of the Treasury,
for any advances on account of your salary.
I am, very respectfully Sir, Your Obed. Serv'
— Albert Gallatin
Nathaniel Pope Esq'' Secretary of the Illinois Territory Kaskaskia.
MATTHEW LYON '« TO JOHN EDGAR "
[NA:SF, 11 Cong., 2 sess.:ALS]
Washington March 11*" 1809.
Dear Col — I have at lenght Seen the Accomplishment of the project
I formed when at your house, The Seat of Government of the Illinois
Territory is fixed at the Beatiful Town of Kaskaskias —
I have Steadily & unceasingly labourd to bring this object about
& have never been dismayed by repulses. M" Thomas who is ap-
pointed one of the Judges came opportunely to help out with this
business when I had got the minds of the members prepared for it.
Indeed there has been no time since I have been a Member of Congress
when my power to help in such an object has been so great as in the
Present Session — altho I have been much heard to in Congress my
influence with the Executive (if I ever had any) is at this time at low
ebb — The course persued by the Administration with respect to our
foreign relations has for some time passed appeared to me improper — I
have therefore been opposed to them in that respect, I was opposed
to the Election of M'' Madison, this accounts for my not Mentioning
your Name for Governor as one of the Oldest Inhabitants & a man
best acquainted with the Habits & ways of thinking of the people &
best beloved by them —
M' Boyle who is appointed is a Worthy well informed well disposed
man, he will give satisfaction to the people. M'" Thomas I think
highly of, the people ought to remember his Services with Gratitude.
Secretary Pope I hear a Good Character of. I respect him much for
" A Representative in Congress from Kentucky.
" For an account of John Edgar, merchant and land speculator on a large scale,
who settled in the Illinois Country in 17S4, see Philbrick (ed.), Laws Ind. Terr.,
1801-1809 (IHC, XXI), cclxiii-cclxv.
18 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
his brother's sake who is a friend of mine, the other judges I am not
acquainted with. I recommended none of them on this ground I
stood it was not necessary. I named A Gentleman from Kentucky
for a Judge With but little expectation he was not noticed — I have a
printing press & Apparatus that I have long designed for Kaskaskias
when it became the Seat of Government — I have a Nephew who lives
at S' Genevive in Mercantile business he long worked at that press &
in the printing business. There is nothing to be made by printing a
newspaper in the Country nor much by any other business they can
get in such a place as Kaskaskias, more than half the printers who
set up in the Country fail of Getting a liveing by the trade & either
go about something else or become journymen in the Cities, yet I
have hinted to M^Arthur my Nephew that it might be well to set this
business up at Kaskaskias, if encouraged properly & he knowing how
to superintend the Economy of it he might hire a Journey man &
carry it on with out much loss, it would be a Set off to Your Seat of
Government, & I have said to him "Col Edgar ought to give you a
lot of Land in Town & his Countenance in trade" —
I think I shall come & see you in the fall. I hope All your land
affairs will be settld to the Satisfaction of the people of the Country
the Commissioners will find themselves under A necessity of finishing
their duties now & I hope it will be done satisfactorily. I am sorrj*
M' Backus has lost your friendship. I did think very well of him
The new Governor is instructed to look into the Complaints against
the Commissioners & the causes of them, I hope Bakus has had no
hand in the Murder ^ —
With my respectful Compliments to Mrs Edgar & to Mess" Morrison
and all my acquaintance I am Dear Col truely yours
M Lyon
Col Edgar—
[Endorsed\ Mathew Lyons letter Washington March 11*" 1809 5
Commiss*" had a quarrel with Edgar 3 year befor setlng on his Claims.
GOVERNOR BOYLE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
INA:SD, 111. Terr. Papers :ALS]
Frankfort Kentucky A-pril 3. 1809
Sir It is with some regret that I find myself placed in circum-
stances that render it inexpedient for me to fulfill my engagements
with the Government of the U States in continuing to hold the office
of Governor of the Illinois territory — I do therefore resign said
" Referring to the murder of Rice Jones, for which see Hid., p. xciv, n. 2.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 19
office'' — I shall endeavour to make such arrangements that no con-
siderable public inconvenience will result from my resignation *" —
I have the honour to be with great respect & esteem Your ob* St
John Boyle
Robert Smith Esq' Secretary of State
JOHN MASON TO MATTHEW IRWIN «
[NA:OIT, Supt. Lets. Sent, Bk. A]
Office Indian Trade Geo: Town 4"" April 1809
M"' Math" Irwin Philadelphia
Sir Since the reception of your letter of the 16"" Nov:" I have
not had the pleasure to hear from you — I address this to you at Philad'
to learn if you are yet there, and if so when you are about to set out
for Chicago, as the season has now arrived when you shou'd be on
your way —
I am &c &c J M Sup In Tr
GOVERNOR BOYLE TO [THE PRESIDENT]
[NA:SD, Resignations: ALS]
Frankfort Kentucky April 6. 1809
Sir I owe to you an apology for the resignation of the office of
Governor of the Illinois Territory which you so lately had honoured
me with & I had agreed to accept — When I reached this State a
vacancy had taken place in the court of appeals the spring term of
which was immediately to commence — Owing to the unexpected
absence of another of the judges an apprehension was entertained
unless the vacancy could instantly be supplyed that there would be
a dissolution of the court & a whole term lost to the State
" The evidence is sufficiently conclusive from the text of the above letter that
Boyle resigned the office of Governor rather than declined the appointment; but
if more proof is needed that he was viewed as Governor prior to the date of the
letter, reference may be made to the fact that he was actually paid his salary as
such for the period Mar. 7 to Mar. 31, 1809, in the sum of $138.88 (GAO, Misc.
Treas., Acct. No. 21,443 [1809]).
*» After Boyle's resignation. Col. John Allen, of Kentucky, was recommended
for appointment to the vacant post by John Fowler, of the same State, Apr. 14,
1809 (NA,SD, Applications). The following applications are also found, loc. cit.:
Christopher Greenup, of Kentucky, Apr. 11, 1809, and Arthur Campbell, of
Virginia, Apr. 18 and Apr. 22, 1809.
" Appointed agent of the Indian factory at Chicago, in 1808, in succession to
J. B. Varnum, Jr., transferred to the Michilimackinac agency {Terr. Papers,
Ind., VII, 586, 589). See post, p. 35.
" Not found.
20 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Under these circumstances pressed by the solicitude of the gentle-
men of the bar & by the wishes of my family & friends as well as
urged by the difficulty the executive had experienced in making a
proper selection to fill the vacancy I have accepted the appointment —
I ought also to mention that owing to the peculiar & delicate state
of my family's health I would not have been able to have gone to the
Territory for several weeks yet, so that if the vacancy occasioned
by my resignation can be immediately filled my successor will be
but a few weeks later than I would have been in arri\ang at the seat
of the territorial government
These circumstances will I hope in your opinion furnish some excuse
if not justifycation for my conduct —
Pennit me now, Sir, to recommend Ninian Edwards as a proper
person to fill the appointment of Governor of the Illinois Territory
He is a man of great talents & of unquestionable integrity — No
man in the state has a juster claim to an office of that kind.
He is willing to accept the appointment & will be ready to proceed
immediately to the territory should he be honoured with the appoint-
ment— I refer you to M' Pope or M'' Johnson or M' Howard if any
of them should be at Washington for more satisfactory information if
required as to M'' Edwards qualifiycations for such an office
I have the honour to be with great respect & esteem your ob' S'
John Boyle
M' Pope has strongly recommended M' Edwards ^
[Endorsed] M"- Boyle 6'" April ISOO—Rec" 22" April Resigns the
Govt of Illinois and recommends M' Edwards to succeed him —
JARED MANSFIELD TO WILLIAM RECTOR
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Sent: D]
Cincinnati April 10*" 1809.
Sir, Your letter of the 4'" of March" was handed^ me by M' French,
a few days ago. — We are now examining the surveys, you have for-
warded, in order to ascertain their amount, & as well as their correct-
ness; of this last I should entertain few or no apprehension, where you
personally were engaged in the work; though we cannot be so good
judges of this, much less of the necessity of resurveying so extensively
at the expense of the U. States as the Commissioners, who know what
ought to be the Contents of the claims — You mention instructions of
the board of Commissioners for surveying the those tracts; of which
you have forwarded surveys. It is certain that instructions or
" In pencil, possibly in another hand.
" Antr, p. 12.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 21
positive Orders are necessary for my security as Pay Master in behalf
of the U. States; for in this business, I have no Authority, but to
appoint a Surveyor, whose duty it is to survey such tracts as the
Commissioners may direct, & to pay for those which in their judgment
ought to be paid by the U. States. It is evident too, that If I had the
Authority, I have not the means of forming a judgment in this case,
Viz, the papers &c. in the hands of the Commissioners. The Com-
missioner letter of May 22" 1808 to me," I consider as a sufficient
Voucher, for the payment of your surveys of the Common field lands
of Kaskaskia, Prairie Duroucher, Cahokia Town Tract, Fort Chartes
&c — as there enumerated, but the letter of June P' 1808," contains
no additional Authority, & for the surveying of patented & located
claims, which may have been confirmed by the Governors, refers to
the direction of the Surveyor General. I may have advised, but I
certainly have no authority to du-ect any of these surveys, or if I
should, it would be of no Authority, & it belongs to the Commissioner
to say at whose expence the surveys are to be executed — It is a certifi-
cate of their judgment respecting those, who are to pay for the surveys
which is wanted, & without this, payment on our part, would not only
be insecure, but reprehensible & in the judgment of some might be
considered as wholly disqualifying to an Officer. I heartily wish that
All the claims could be surveyed by you, at the public expence, & if
I had the power, according to my present Icnowledge, of the claims,
should not hesitate, a moment, to direct them thus to be surveyed;
but I would at the same time follow my own system, of running out
the Vacant lands into sections & ascertaining their Contents. If
these patented tracts are run Out now before the Sectional lines, it
appears to me that their boundaries must be resurveyed, unless you
have blazed the lines extremely well, & unless they lie together in a
body, the Object of the U. States will be frustrated, as to the advantage
of the present Surveys.
I must therefore, unless you have more Authority, than any
exhibited to me, request you to suspend the surveying of located
tracts. If however you Obtain such Authority from the Commis-
sioner, under the impression of extravagant boundaries in those
tracts, excessive quantities &c — You can then safely proceed in the
business. My ignorance of their position will not enable me to form
a correct judgment of any point concerning them; but for your
Advantage I will propose another mode. It is this; If those claims lie
in Any of the following townships Viz. Towns 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, R 3 W. Towns 9, 10 R. 4. W, Towns 8, 9, R 5 W. T 7 & 8 R.
6 W. Town 7 R 7 W. Town 7 R 8 W. You are at liberty to survey
both claims & Sections, so as to discriminate the claims from the U.
« Not found.
*' Not found.
22 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
States lands, & ascertain the Contents of the latter. In such case,
you will have both the surveys of the claims & of the public vacant
lands at Once. The latter if duly executed, will be paid for in the
usual Way. The payment of the former must depend on the judgment
of the Commissioners. I have no orders for any public Surveys, &
no monies as yet have been credited me; I nevertheless take on myself
for once, the liberty of attempting thus much, principally with a view
of encouraging you in your arduous business, & because I know the
Object of the Secretary of the Treasury to be that of ensuring to the
public a due discrimination of their lands from those of individuals.
For pajTnent however of the public surveys, you must wait 'till the
appropriatins are made, or due authority is given me to pay for them —
As to the Work you have forwarded, I have reckoned that only,
which I conceived to be authorized by the Commissioners letter of
May 22" 1808 — The rest shall be paid for when we have the due
authority for Surveying from the Commissioner —
[Endorsed] Letter to William Rector April 10'" 1809
JAMES GARRARD " TO THE PRESIDENT
1NA:SD, Applications :ALS]
Kentucky, April 11'" 1809
Sir Being informed M"^ Boyle has declined accepting the Govern-
ment of the Illinois Territory, having accepted the appointment of
Judge of the court of appeals in this State. I would take the Liberty
to recommend Ninian Edwards Esq' the present Judge of the court
of appeals in this State; it but justice to M' Edwards to say he is a
man of known talents and integrity, and one in whom confidence may
be placed beyond any kind of doubt, and should he meet your ap-
probation I entertain no doubt, but he will give compleat satisfaction
both to yourself, and the people over whom he will be appointed to
preside. I am Sir with perfect respect y' ob' Serv'
James Garrard
[Addressed] James Madison Esq' President of the United States
Washington [Postmarked] Paris K, 13'" Ap' Free
[Endorsed] M' Geirard 11'" April 1809 recommends Nenian Edwards
for the Cover' of the Illinois Territory
•' A former Governor of Kentucky.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 23
THE GOVERNOR OF INDIANA TERRITORY TO ACTING
GOVERNOR POPE
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13:ALS]
VmcENNES 12"^ April 1809
Sir Application has been just made to me in behalf of some
Gentlemen of Kaskaskias to demand James Dunlap the murderer
of M' R Jones, of the Governors of the New Orleans and Mississippi
Territories in one of which he is supposed to have taken refuge —
But with this request I am unable to Comply as the part of the Terri-
tory in which the murder was Committed has been formed into a
seperate Government by a late law of Congress in which there is
an express provision prohibitting the officers of the Indiana Territory
from exercising any Jurisdiction therein — Of the New Territory you
have been appointed Secretary and as in the absence of the Governor
you are invested with all His Authority I beg leave to recommend
the subject to yoiu- attention
Lest you may not have received j^our appointment Commission
I have herewith enclosed you the official paper containing the appoint-
ment & one containing the division law *'^
I have the Honor to be very Respectfully y' Hum Svt
Will" Henry Harrison
Hon'* N. Pope Esq'
JOHN POPE TO THE PRESIDENT
[NA:SD, Applications :ALS1
[April 19, 1809]
Sir I have received a letter from the Hon"" Ninian Edwards the
present chief justice of the state of Kentucky in which he expresses a
wish to succeed Mr Boyle in the government of the Illinois Territory,
for which I beg leave to assure you he is in every respect eminently
qualified — From some conversation I had with him when in Kentucky
last year, I believe he would prefer an appointment in the Mississippi
Territorj' — If such an arrangement could be made, of which I entertain
no doubt it would in my opinion be weH better to send Major Holms to
Illinois & the new Governor to the Mississippi Territory — With
regard to expense of living, duration of the office & difficulty & trouble
in the administration of the government, the Illinois is much the most
eligible & I am convinced Major Holms would consent to the change —
Mr Edwards has served filled the Office of judge of our circuit Courts
*'• Answered post, p. 30.
24 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
& Court of appeals with great credit to himself & satisfaction to the
people — He possesses very considerable popular talents — He has
been a member of our legislature & an elector of President & Vice-
president of the United States — Although not more than thirty-four
years of age few men better understand the human character or can
penetrate with more quickness & certainty the designs of others;
And I know no man better calculated to watch & counteract the work-
ings of those choice Spirits in the lower country who are supposed to
be hostile to the administration & by some hostile to the Union — It
is perhaps unnecessary to add that he is a decided friend to the present
administration & has been particularly active for the last eighteen
months in support of the measures of the government — Had any of the
Kentucky delegation been here I should have declined making this
representation to you in his favour, because he is my relative & my
brother is secretary of the Territory^ — Believing however that he could
render the ft4mi«i3t ration government important services in the
character of governor particularly in the lower country I have complied
with his request by naming him to you as a candidate for the office —
With sentiments of the highest I have the honor to be yours «6c
John Pope
Wednesday morning —
[Addressed] The President
[Endorsed] M' Pope 19"" April 1809 — Recommends M' Edwards as
governor in the Illinois Territory "—1809. Ninian Edwards. Recomd"
JOSEPH CHARLESS TO ACTING GOVERNOR POPE
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 :ALS1
St. Lewis April 20'" 1809.
Honorable Nathaniel Pope,
Sir. I take the liberty to Solicit the printing of such public Work
as may be Wanting for the Territory of Illinois
I have all the Materials necessary to perform such Work and will
engage to execute it as well, And on as Moderate terms as it can be
done elsewhere. And Will, if required, procure a legal character here
to examine the proof Sheets, or Send them to You (Weekly) for
revision.
•' Edwards was also recommended to the President by Henry Clay, Apr. 10'
1809, in a letter printed in N. W. Edwards, Hist. Ill, p. 27. Clay likewise wrote
on the same date to the Secretary of State m commendation of Edwards, ibid.,
pp. 27-28. Edwards had, in addition, been recommended to the President by
William Wirt, post, p. 29. See, in this connection, relevant passages in Wirt to
Edwards, June 23, 1809, Edwards, op. cit., p. 467, and Aug. 24, 1809, ibid., pp.
441-442.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 25
As I am very little known to you as to character or profession I beg
leave to refer you to His Excellency Gov. Lewis, Hon"" F. Bates or
Gen. W" Clark.
Should you employ me as printer for Your Territory, the favor shall
be gratefully remembered by Sir, Your Obed' Ser'
Joseph Charless
JOHN MASON TO MATTHEW IRWIN
[NA: OIT, Supt. Lets. Sent, Bk. A]
Indian Trade Office Geo: Town 21«' Apn7 1809
M' Math'" Irwin Philadelphia
Sir, Your letter of the 10'" Ins' only reached me two days agoe,"
Gen' Gansevoort in his letters of Ocf last speaking of the Michili-
mackinac Goods having stored &■= takes occasion to remark that they
may be sent on in april, I cannot therefore with propriety consent to
your delaying longer than the end of this month or at fif*t farthest the
first week in may, as to the advance you ask I am willing to place you
exactly on the footing you stood when you left hom^e last fall; that is
by paying up, before you set out again what money may have accrued
for salary & subsistence money from the time of commencement of your
compensation say 9'" Sep' to the time you will again leave home and
thus leave the original $500, paid still as an advance in your hands,
more, I cannot do & I think you will on consideration find it as much as
I ought to do, on this principle I shall have to give you about 420
Dollars
I am &" &" J M Sup In Tr
«« Not found.
PART TWO
Papers relating to the Administration
of Acting Governor Pope
1809
PART TWO 1
WILLIAM WIRT TO THE PRESIDENT
[NA:SD, Applications:ALS]
Richmond. April 26"" 1809
Dear Sir, I understand that M'' Boyle has resigned the government
of the Ilhnois territoiy, and that Ninian Edwards, the President of the
Court of Appeals of Kentucky, has been thought of and perhaps
named to you, as a fit successor. Having known M' Edwards, per-
sonally, from the time he was fourteen years of age until! he grew up
to manhood and having for several years past maintained an intimate
correspondence with him, I hope you will excuse me for yielding to the
wishes of his friends in stating my impressions of his character.
M'' Edwards is a man of great firmness and boldness of character,
which is evinced as well by his manner as the cast and tone of his
sentiments. His mind is naturally strong, acute and discriminating;
but not much practised on any other subjects than our political and
municipal institutions. It is capable, however of atchieving any-
thing, and he has an ardent and determined emulation of spirit which
scarcely any difficulty could damp or check. In point of integrity
there is no character more irreproachable; and as to politics, there
has never been in him the faintest shadow of turning from those
republican principles which sup- [MS. torn; several words missing]
and introduced the present. If I am correctly informed, his political
zeal & intelligence have been eminently active & useful in the western
country. The honors which he has borne in Kentucky and which
he has supported with great respectability give him a weight of
character that would render his appointment acceptable to the people
of the territory and facilitate the exercise of his authority. In short
for honesty, sound judgment, enterprize, firmness and that native
and inherent vigor of mind which qualifies a man so highly for the
' It fell to Nathaniel Pope, commissioned as Secretary on Mar. 7, 1809, to
effect the preliminary organization of Illinois Territory, which, according to the
act approved Feb. 3, 1809, ante, p. 6, was theoretically in existence on Mar. 1.
The principal steps in the organization of the Territory and the course of Pope's
brief admmistration until the arrival of Governor Edwards on June 11, 1809,
may be followed in the Executive Register, post, vol. XVII.
29
30 TERRITORIAL PAPERIS
reclamation and government of a new Territory, like the Illinois, I
believe that M' Edwards will not be easily surpassed.
I am. Dear Sir, Yo. obt. Serv'
W" Wirt
James Madison Esq''
[ETidorsed] Edwards, President of the Court of Appeals of Kentucky.
1809. (Madison)
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO JOSEPH B. VARNUM, JR.*
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. B]
War Department 26 Ajrril 1809
J. B. Varnum
Sir, Your letter of the 18'" of February last addressed to my
predecessor in office has been received ' — I have also been favored by
Gen' Mason with a perusal of your letter to him under date of the
12'" of March.'
Having maturely considered the subject, it is thought best, both
as it respects yourself and the public interest that you should be
charged with the Factory at Michilimacinac; to which place you will
immediately repair on the arrival of M' Irwin at Chicago, to whom
you will make over all the public property at that Place, now under
your direction, with such Advice as may be useful to him in conducting
the business as your Successor.
Should the building at Michilimacinac mentioned in your Letter
to Genl Mason, appear on examination to be well calculated for a
public Store, you will please to consult with the Officer commanding
at that Post, on his relinquishing of it, for some other situation, whitch
it is hoped may be procured, that will equally well accommodate
him *
I am &c
ACTING GOVERNOR POPE TO THE GOVERNOR OF
INDIANA TERRITORY
IISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corn, 1809-13 :CS]
Kaskaskia 27'" April 1809
Sir I have delayed to acknowledge the rec' of your favour *• by
M' LaChapelle because I considered it premature to say anything on
the subject officially of the application made to you to demand James
' Appointed agent of the Indian factory at Chicago, in 1807, in succession to
Thomas Hayward, resigned {Terr. Papers, Ind., vn, 451, 460).
' Not found.
* Answered July 31, 1809, Terr. Papers (Mich.), x, 281. See also ibid., pp.
233, 278.
<« Ante, p. 23.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 31
Dunlap — I can inform, you that I have rec" my Commission and am
exercising the Government of the Illinois Territory. The Governor
has resigned
No application has as yet been made to me to demand Dunlap.
Your letter refers me to no documents nor persons — Nor do I know to
this moment the persons who made the application to you — When the
subject comes properly before me I will give it due consideration — •
Yr^ With Sentiments of Esteem & high consideration
(A Copy) Nat, Pope
His Excellency Willum H Harrison Governor of the Indiana
Territory,
ROBERT ROBINSON TO ACTING GOVERNOR POPE
[ISL: Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13: ALS]
Kaskaskia April 28'" 1809
Sir I am informed you now exercise the functions of Governor of
this Territory — Under this impression I beg leave to State to you, in
your Official Capasity, that Charges will be exhibited to you in a
Short time against Robert Morrison, late Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas — Wherefore I desire that you will have the goodness
to Suspend the appointment of Clerk untill further information
Your ob' Serv'
R Robinson
N: Pope Esq'
M' Robinson has shown me the above & to it I subscribe most
wittingly Jn° Rector.
[Endorsed] Letter from Rob' Robinson &c respecting Rob' Morrison
Dated 28 April 1809
RECOMMENDATION OF WILLIAM CLARK AS GOVERNOR
[NA:SD, Applications:DS]
[April 29, 1809]
At a numerous and respectable meeting of the free holders of S'
Clair County in the Illinois Territory at the house of Robert Reynolds
in s" county on Saturday 29th April Ano Dom 1809 — Whereupon it
was adjudged proper that Robert Reynolds, William Biggs, John
Messinger, William Whiteside, Samuel Simpson Kennedy, Uel
Whiteside, John Huitt, James Stockton and Joseph Meacham Es-
quire's be a Committee for said county, to consider report &c —
1" Resolved unanimously that Robert Reynolds esq. be Appointed
Chairman and Samuel Simpson Kennedy esq. be appointed Secretary
of this Committee —
32 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
2" Whereas this committee having received, authentic information
that the Hon: John Boyle who was Appointed Governor of this Terri-
tory has actually resign 'd his said Appointment Therefore resolved
unanimously that this committee have compleat and entire confidence
in the fortitude, courage, fidelity and good conduct of General William
Clarke of Lousiania and beg leave to inform the President of the
United States, or the Senate thereof (as the case may be) That it is
our sincere and unfeign'd wish that Gen' Clarke may be appointed to
Supply the Vacancy occasioned by the above Resignation, And to
justify our application we beg leave to offer in part the following
reasons. 1" We have ever considered Gen' Clarke a republican from
principle and firmly attached to the government, honor and interest
of the United States — 2"^ Gen' Clarke is our neighbour, and born and
reared in the Western country, consequently better acquainted with
our local circumstances than a stranger &c. 3" As the bill for the
division of the Indiana Territory consolidates the Indian agency of
the Illinois Territory with the Office of Governor: Respecting which
we would humbly observe, that Gen ' Clarke's name alone is ef carries a
reverential awe Amongst the Neighbouring Tribes of Indians — PYom
which, together with many others we hope he may be Appointed, and
ourselves Gratified —
Done in Committee on Saturday the 29th day of April Ano Dom
1809. At the house of Robert Reynolds esquire Illinois Territory and
County of S' Clair.
Rob' Reynolds
Atteste — Sam S: Kennedy Secretary — Chairman —
[Endorsed] En" Reynolds & others 29"" April Reed 2" June 1809—
Recommend Gen' Clarke as Governor of the Illinois Territory. 1809
W" Clarke Recomd
WILLIAM SHANNON TO ACTING GOVERNOR POPE
(ISL: Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13: ALS]
Kaskaskia 29" April 1809
Sir I have reasons to believe that James Dunlap, who is charged
with the Murder of Rice Jones and who has fled from Justice has
taken refuge in the Territory of Orleans. I hereby request you to
demand him to be apprehended & secured by the Governor of that
Territory to the end that he may be brought to Justice —
Y"&c
W" Shannon
Nathaniel Pope Esq"' Secretary of the Illinois Territory and
Exercising the Government thereof,
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 33
ACTING GOVERNOR POPE TO THE GOVERNOR OF
ORLEANS TERRITORY
[ISL: Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13: CS]
Illinois Territory KjVSKaskia April 29"" 1809
Sir An application has just been made to me to demand of you
a certain James Dunlap, who is charged with the Murder of Rice
Jones in this Town. It is suggested to me that the said James
Dunlap, who has fled from justice, has taken refuge in the Territory
of Orleans — I therefore request you to cause to be arrested and
secured the said James Dunlap to the end that he may be brought to
Justice,
Y"&c
(A Copy) Nat Pope Secretary of the
Illinois Territory and Exercising
the Government thereof
His Exc"=>' Willum C C. Claibourne Governor of the Territory
of Orleans
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO GOVERNOR
EDWARDS »
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One]
Treasury. Department. Apn7. 30'" 1809.
His. Excell^ Ninian Edwards. Governor, of Illinois.
Sir. As the public Salt Springs on Saline Creek fall within the
boundaries of the Illinois Territoiy, it is the intention of the President
to place them under your superintendence.* —
In order that you may fully understand their present situation, I
enclose copies of the lease to the present lessees, of a subsequent
agreement made with them, and of a letter from Gov"' Harrison, dated,
15 "^ Jan" last.''
The object of Government has uniformly been to lessen the price of
salt, and for that purpose, the following principles had been adopted . 1 :
To require a very trifling rent, — little more indeed than was necessary
to pay to the Indians, the annuity in salt, which they reserved when they
ceded the Springs to the United States. It became however necessary,
in order to prevent an evasion of the terms of the lease by the Lessees,
to purchase from them in conformity with a right reserved by the
' Kdwards did not assume office until June 11, 1809, on which date he published
his commission, which had been dated Apr. 24, 1809 (Register, yost, vol. XVIl).
^ Consult Terr. Papers (Ind.), VII, index, under "Salt springs" for the history
of this issue up to 1809.
' Not found.
34 TERRITORIAL PAPERIS
lease, all the salt they made at a price fixed by that Contract. This
has been sold again at a small advance, which has been sufficient to
pay the Agent & defray Contingencies, and had left in the Agents
hands, on the 10'" day of August last a surplus of $5,153.10 Cents
applicable to improvements of a permanent nature on the works. —
2"'" To make it a condition of the Lease that a certain quantity
of salt should be made annually. This as you will perceive by the
lease amounts to, 200,000. bushels. But an examination of Mr.
White's accounts, copies of which are also enclosed, will shew that the
Lessees had not in the beginning fulfilled that part of their contract.
3rdiy fjiQ f^x the price of salt at the lowest rate, which bidders for
the lease would propose. It is now 70. Cents, and is sold again by
the United States at [blank] Cents per bushel.
Notwithstanding those efforts on the part of Government, numer-
ous and encreasing complaints are daily made, all owing to the simple
fact, that a much less quantity of salt, is made at the Saline, than is
wanted for the consumption of the adjacent Country. Whence it
necessarily follows, that as the demands of all the Applicants cannot
be satisfied, those who are disappointed complain of every arrange-
ment attempted to produce an equal distribution. And the price
at which Government sells, being much less than the true market
price (which last must necessarily, so long as a sufficient quantity is
not made be regulated by the demand) the salt is again sold by those
who can obtain it from Gov' at an advanced price. The difference
between the Gov' and Market price is received by those applicants
who get the salt, and the forbearance of Gov' in not receiving it pro-
duces only a partial & exclusive benefit in favor of those few.
It appears to me from that view of the subject, that our attempts
to reduce the price by selling the salt below its market value, are
fruitless and unpopular; and that the object can be obtained in no
other way, than by encreasing the quantity annually made. To
that I therefore beg leave to call your particular attention, and as
the lease will expire in March next, no time is to be lost in preparing
the plan best calculated to effect the object. For that purpose it
seems necessary to require a rent more proportionate to the value of
the lease, and to fix the maximum at which salt may be sold by the
Lessees at somewhat near, but still below the market price: because
the payment of an adequate rent, and the permission to sell the ar-
ticle at near its market value & therefore much above its prime cost
to the Lessees will be powerful inducements for them to endeavour to
make the greatest possible quantity. My reasons for proposing that
it should still be fixed somewhat below the market price, are the pre-
vention of monopoly, and the hope of a reduction of that market price,
during the continuance of the next lease. The only other important
alteration which has been suggested, is to divide the lease, so as to
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 35
create competition amongst the Salt Makers. The effect of this would
probably be very beneficial, and the only difficulties are, how a division
can be made, and whether in every instance, responsible men with a
sufficient Capital, to erect the furnaces, purchase the Kettles &'=* can
be obtained.
The whole subject is referred to you : and you are requested to com-
municate as early as possible such plan, as, after having viewed the
premises & investigated the subject, may to you appear most
eligible.* — •
I enclose a Copy of a letter written this day to Govt Harrison ' with
whom you will be pleased to arrange what relates to the payment of
the Salt annuity, to the Indians. —
I have &ca
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO MATTHEW IRWIN
[NA:OIA,SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. B]
War Department 6 May 09
Mathew Irvin
Sir On the 26'" Aug" 1808. the Pres' of the U. S. appointed you
an Agent at their factory, at Chikago in the Indiana Terr"
I am &c —
JOHN MASON TO IS'IATTHEW IRWIN
[NA:OIT, Supt. Lets. Sent, Bk. A]
Indian Trade office George Town (Washington) 6'" May 1809
Mr. Math" Irwin at Philad*
Sir I have this day received 3^0 ur a letter from Major L, H,
' The reply to this letter has not been found. But that Edwards wrote at some
length, not only in regard to the issue of salt-spring leases, but also concerning the
difficulties currently encountered by the land commissioners at Kaskaskia is
evident from Secretary Gallatin's answer thereto, dated Sept. 8, 1809 (Edwards
Papers, CHS, printed, Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers, CHC, m, 46-48). See
the Secretary of the Treasury to Edwards, Nov. 25, 1809 (Edwards Papers, CHS,
printed, Edwards, HUi. III., pp. 529-532), respecting regulations governing the
salines. A copy of this letter is in NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One). It
was in answer to "several communications" from Governor Edwards, no one of
which has been found. See also id. to id., Mar. 14, 1810 (loc. cil., printed, Ed-
wards, op. cit., p. 532), referring to Edwards's letter of Feb. 5, 1810 (not found),
containing the lease of the saline to John Taylor, Charles Wilkins, and James
Morrison. A letter from Edwards to the Secretary of the Treasury, Feb. 9, 1810
(not found), relating to the disposal of salt by the lessees is mentioned in the same
communication. With respect to the sale of salt by the lessees, see in addition,
the Secretary of the Treasury to Edwards, June 29, July 5, July 11, and Aug. 1,
1810 (Edwards Papers, CHS, printed, Edwards, op. cit., pp. 532-534). Copies
are also in NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One). In these letters, relevant com-
munications from Edwards dated June 5, June 22, June 28, and June 30, 1810,
are mentioned. No one of these letters has been seen.
• Printed, Terr. Papers (Ind.), vii, 650.
314574 — 48 4
36 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Gansevoort military agent at Albany, informing me that he had al-
ready forwarded the Goods intended for Michilimackinac and stored
at Albany last fall, but that if you go on immediately you will yet over-
take them at Niagra, where the public vessell will be ready to receive
them immediately after the 15'" May this is then to request that you
will with the least possible delay go on to Niagra, take charge of the
Goods for mackinac now at that place and proceed to Mackinac and
Chicago as instructed last fall, you will as you pass Albany call on
Major Gansevoort with whom you will find such other dispatches and
instructions as I may find requisite to forward by mail in consequence
of the tenor of my last letter I presume this will find you ready to
move at one days warning and request you will report to me by mail
the day on which you leave Phila" '"
I have considered your reasons for an additional advance I had fixed
for you as reasonable, and consent with reluctance, because in public
offices there must be rules which individual arrangements ought not
to interfere with and I must beg you will be cautious on this score in
future —
You will please call on Mr. Waterman agent in your city for this
office who will deliver you a remittance of six hundred Dollars and
receive your rents therefor" —
I am &c &c J. M Sup I. T
Rescript this date Bank of Columbia to Bank of Pennsyl" my favor
endorsed to you for $600,
ACTING GOVERNOR POPE TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDFiALS"*]
Illinois Territory Kaskaskia May 11** 1809
Sir As the tranquillity of this Territory depends materially
(perhaps more immediately than any part of the Union) upon the
result of the deliberations of the next Congress, I beg leave to call
your attention to it.
From the best information I could obtain since I have directed the
'0 Cf . Mason to the Secretary of War, Apr. 18, 1809, Terr. Papers (Mich.), X, 278
" No reply found.
"* The original draft of this letter is in the Illinois State Archives, and is printed
in A.H.A. Repl., 1909, pp. 40.3-404. A comparison of the draft, as printed, with
the original letter sent as here reproduced discloses some differences. The letter
sent is much briefer, and omits entirely one paragraph respecting the militia,
which is deemed of sufficient importance to extract: "A difficulty has arisen
among the militia of the Illinois Territory, in this, a considerable number volun-
teered their services to the President of the United States under the act authoriz-
ing the President to accept the services of thirty thousand volunteers. These
persons doubt whether the Executive of the Territory has any controul over them,
either to make them muster with Militia or to call them out when danger threatens.
This doubt embarrasses me extremely in the organization of the Militia of this
Territory."
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 37
affairs of this Territorj', I am strongly led to believe that the British
emissaries from Canada have been preparing for the worst and in
the Event of War with England will exert themselves to arm the
Indians of the Mississippi and Lake Michigan and send them upon
our Frontier —
They have been endeavouring to collect all the foregoing Indians
at Detroit in this month — I cannot imagine what can be the object
of this convention, unless it is to effect a general combination against
the United States —
The British Merchants have deposited at Prairie du Chiens about
ten or twelve thousand pounds of Powder and an equivalent of Balls
of various sizes suitable to the guns of the Indians — This amunition
will be immediately dealt out to the Indians, when War shall be pro-
claimed. If that resource can be cut off the Indians will not be able
to do us any immediate injurj-. I therefore suggest the propriety
of my ha\-ing the Earliest possible adnce of War, (if declared) that
I may seize upon all British property' in my Territorj^ I mean such
property as can be useful to the Indians in an attack upon us — This
is the first considerable deposit of amunition ever made at that
place by the British — It seems however not to have attracted the
notice of M"' Boilvain Indian Agent at that post; he must have seen it;
yet does not mention it in any of his communications to the Gover-
nor of Louisiana Territorj- — This latter received it from a private
individual and ad\-ised me to seize the lead & powder and have it
deposited at fort Belle-\-ue'^ and then detained until we should
know unequivocally the dispositions of the Indians — But I did not
think that circumstances justified such a rash and nolent measure
General Clark, who is Indian Agent for several Nations who would
be benifited by a distribution of this amunition, thought with me that
it might be productive of many evils; it might facilitate the coalition
among the different nations of Indians, so much desired by the British.
Besides Boilvain ha\-ing bestowed no attention on that fact (to wit
of the Powder & Ball being there) I did not know that such a step
ought to be taken upon the information of an indi\-idual. In the
event of War this Territorj', every foot of which might m.ay be called
a Frontier, ought to be furnished with arms and amunition; Lead
can be had here; but Powder is Scarce. I cannot at this moment state
the strength of the Militia no returns have as yet been made —
I am with high respect Sir, Yr Ob' Sev' Nat Pope
The Hon"'' William Eustis Secy of War City of Washington
[Endorsed] Kaskaskias 11'" May 09 N. Pope Relative to the
hostile \aews of the Indians & the negligence of ^I^ Boilvain Ask
gov" Lewis to enquire. Reced 3 June 09"
" Another name for Fort Madison, on the present site of Fort Madison, Iowa.
" No reply found.
38 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
ACTING GOVERNOR POPE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 :CS1
(A Copy) Kaskaskia May 11'" 1809
Sir I wrote you on the 27'" Ult."' advising you that I had taken
the oath of Office before the honorable Otho Shrader Judge of the
General Court of the Louisiana Territory This I was advised to by
M' Boyle, who thought I might take the oaths before any one author-
ised to administer oaths —
It is insisted here by some persons of influence, viz Robert Morrison
& John Edgar that I have not been properly sworn into office and
that I have no power to act. Of their Motives in saying this I shall
say nothing, but it is calculated to embarrass me in the organization
of the Government, & to weaken the confidence of the people in the
Executive, in these times of danger —
If you would answer & tell me whether you think me regularly
sworn into office or if not prescribe the method, you will relieve me
from no little anxiety —
Y" With High Consideration
Nat Pope
The Hon"'« Robert Smith— Sec" of State of the U. States
P. S. Not one of the Judges has as yet arrived N. Pope
[Endorsed] Copy of a Letter to R. Smith Secretary of State dated
11'" May 1809 and put into the post office 12'" May 1809
ACTING GOVERNOR POPE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
TREASURY
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13:CS]
(A Copy) Kaskaskia May 11'" 1809
Sir. I herewith transmit you an ace' for Office Rent, with my
receipt for the am'. I have resided in this place since the month of
December last —
I wish to deal candidly with you. I have lived in a house
belonging to my Wife's father, who certainly would never have
charged me any rent — But if a friend should furnish the Secretary
with an Office for nothing; it being a personal favour it is no argument
against his charging the Government a reasonable price for the occu-
pation of it— thereupon I submit to you to allow or reject my Claim —
I have drawn on you for $150.00 on account of the contingent
expences of the Illinois Territory —
"■ Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 39
It is not in my power to make arrangements with the Bank of the U.
states to draw my Salary, because I do not know how ^^^ —
With high Consideration I am Sir Y' Mo' Ob' H"'' Serv«
Nat Pope
The Hon"'" Albert Gallatin,
[Enclosure]
Expense account and receipt
Treasury Department of the United States
To Nathaniel Pope Sec>' of the Illinois T"- D'
1809 March 31" To Office-Rent from the 7'" March 1809 to this day,
24 days at $12.00 per Month $9.47
Received the amount of the above ace' of nine Dollars and forty
seven cents of Natn' Pope Sec'' of the Illinois Territory,
Nat. Pope
ACTING GOVERNOR POPE TO INDIAN AGENTS
[ISL : Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 : CS]
Kaskaskia 25'" May 1809
To Any Indian Agent residing in the Illinois Territory
Sir Complaint has this day been made to me that divers Citizens
of St Clair County in this Territory have lost a number of horses
amounting to eleven or twelve and there being strong reasons to
suspect that the horses were stolen by some of the Pottawatamies
and Ottawas, I have authorised tne persons whose names are hereunto
annexed to pass through the Indian Nations residing in this Territory
in search of their stolen property; I therefore require you to render
them any assistance in your power in order to reclaim their property
and if it is found that the Indians have stolen it, to use your influence
with the Chiefs of the Nation or Nations to which the Offenders
may belong to prevail upon them to deliver up the property and in
case of refusal to procure and transmit to me such Testimony on
the subject may be in your power —
The persons whose names here follow are embraced in the foregoing
and are some of the persons who have lost the horses —
Jesse Cain Jesse Waddle, Davis Stockton, [blank] Pruit and [blank]
M'^Faggon
Y"&c
(A Copy) Nat Pope
[Endorsed] Permission to Cain & others to go in search of their
Horses supposed to be stolen by the Indians dated 25 May 1809
•"> Answered post, p. 41.
40 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO GOVERNOR
EDWARDS
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One]
Treasury Department May 31" 1809.
His Excell'' Ninian Edwards. Governor of Illinois Terr''
Sir. Herewith you will receive enclosed, Copies of the last accounts,
received from Isaac White, U. S. Agent at the Saline near the mouth of
the Wabash, which with those before enclosed to you, contain the
whole returns of Salt, received and sold, under the last lease to Taylor
& Bringman. —
Iam&"
CHARLES JOUETT " TO THE ACTING SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDFlALS]
Chicago 31" May 1809
Sir Your communication with its enclosures were received the 14th
instant " The Laws transmited will be duly attended to. Since my
communication of the 13'" March '* nothing respecting the Indians of
my Agency has occured of importance. The Sauks who are under the
Superintendance of Governor Lewis indicates a disposition for War
against the United States, as appears they have within a few days
invited the poutawatamies to lift the hatchet against America."
I have no reason to believe the Poutawatamies will accept the hatchet,
and as it respects the Saukes have made the necessary communications
to Governors Harrison & Lewis, in the mean time do me the honour to
believe I will minutely watch their movements, I am with the highest
respect your Obedient Servant
C JOUETT
[Addressed] M' John Smith Acting Secretary of War Washington
The care of M' Johnston. [Postmarked] Dayton 0 June 16'" Free
[Endorsed] Chikago 31 May 09 C. Jouett Has reced Letter &c of the
15 March, Relative to the Disposition of Indians — Reced 3 July 09 "
" See indexes to Terr. Papers (Ind.), vil, and ibid. (Mich.), x, for references to
Jouett's activities as Indian agent.
'» Not found.
" This statement suggests the confusion in which the Indian agents at authorized
posts were sometimes involved. As a matter of fact, the Sauk Indians residing
east of the Mississippi were legally within the jurisdiction of the Governor of
Illinois Territory. Cf. post, pp. 65, 69, n. 33. See also Terr. Papers (La.-Mo.),
XIII, 488.
" No reply found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 41
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO SECRETARY
POPE
[ISL : Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 : LS]
Treasury department June 8'" 1809.
Sir, The accounting officers of the Treasury to whom I referred
the voucher for office rent annexed to your letter of the 11'" ultimo,""
are of opinion, that the most regular mode will be for your father
in law to sign the account & receipt for the money, which he may
afterwards make a present of to j^ourself or any other person — It is
proper however to add, that forty dollars p"' annum is considered as
the highest sum which ought to be allowed for the rent of an office.'""
I am, very respectfully Sir, Your Obed. Serv'
— Albert Gallatin
Nathaniel Pope Esquire Secretary of the Illinois Territory
Kaskaskia —
"• Ante, p. 38.
'"> Answered post, p. 49,
PART THREE
Papers relating to the First Administration
of Governor Edwards
1809-1812
PART THREE
COMMISSION OF NINIAN EDWARDS AS GOVERNOR
[NA:SD, Misc. Permanent Comms., C:C]
[June 21, 1809]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Patriotism, Integrity, and Abilities of Ninian Edwards, of Kentucky,
I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate do appoint him Governor in and over the Illinois Territory;*
and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of
that office according to Law; and to Have and to Hold the said office,
with all the powers, privileges and Emoluments to the same of right
appertaining for the term of three years from the day of the date
hereof, unless the President of the United States for the time being
should be pleased sooner to revoke and determine this Commission.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be
L.s made patent, and the Seal of the U States to be hereunto
affixed.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington the Twenty first
day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred &
Nine; and of the Independence of the United States of America, the
Thirty third.
James Madison
By the President,
R. Smith Secy of State
WILLIAM MORRISON AND JOHN EDGAR TO GOVERNOR
EDWARDS
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13:LS]
[June 16, 1809]
Sir, Impressed with a sense of respect equally due to ourselves and
the public, we beg leave to approach the first Magistrate of our
Country — and by a plain statement of facts suggest to your Excellency
' Nominated June 16 and confirmed June 17, 1809 (Senate, Exec. Journal, II,
122, 124). See his temporary commission in the Register, post, vol. XVII. His
active administration commenced on June 11, 1809. See under that date, loe.
cit., for the beginning of the record of his official acts.
45
46 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
that James Gilbreath the present Sheriff is an highly improper char-
acter to fill that responsible and important office, first, when the
atrocious murder of Rice Jones Esquire was committed, this man
possitively refused to accept the warrant for the apprehension of the
murderer alledging that it was not his duty, secondly, on a late im-
portant trial he forcebly entered the Jury Room and destroyed papers
that had been put into the hands of the Jury under the directions of
the Court —
Indepei.dent of these sources of complaint we can produce much
testimony to your Excellency tending to prove the inadequacy of M'
Gilbreath 's principles to discharge the duties of that office —
Sir, we are with high consideration your most ob' Humble Servants
W" Morrison
J. Edgar
June le*" 1809—
THE GOVERNOR OF INDIANA TERRITORY TO GOVERNOR
EDWARDS
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govt. Corr., 1809-13:ALS1
ViNCENNES 19 •" June 1809
Sir Your favor of the 8*" of June '* did not reach me until about
ten days ago. [MS. illegible] written from Kaskaskias on the 14'"
Inst.'* arrived last night I must beg you to believe that I would not
have Suffered a post day to pass without answering your first commu-
nication if I had no! been informed that there was no probability of
your being at Kaskaskias when my letter would arrive. I received
this information from M' Stovl who understood that you were to
leave Kaskaskias the day after his departure.
I had however previously to your arrival directed the Agent of the
Saline to receive your orders. So that I hope no inconvenience has
resulted from the delay of my answer.
It would indeed have given me great pleasure if it had suited your
Convenience to have taken this route to Kaskaskias as well for the
opportunity it would have given me to Show my personal respect
for yourself & my friend Major Short as for the facility of arranging
Certain Matters relating to the Indian Department. I shall leave
the day after tomorrow fef the on a visit to two of the distant Counties
of this Territory & shall be absent about 3 Weeks — permit me to hope
that you will return by this route to Kentucky if you should not be
able to leave your Territory before my return [MS. illegible] that you
will do me the favor to Spend a few days with me. —
'• Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 47
I have forwarded to Fort Massac by Lieut. Whitlock the goods
Sent for the Kaskaskias Annuity for the present year Subject to
your order I have also placed in the Hands of Peter Jones Esq'' of
this place five Hundred Dollars in Cash being the ballance of the
Annuity for the s"* Tribe which he will deliver to yourself or the Sec>'
in your absence — He intends to leave for Kaskaskias in a few days —
I have heard that you intended to Commence a building Shortly at
Kaskaskias if so permit me to recommend to you M' Joshua Bond
of this place as a most excellent Workman and a very respectable &
Honest man — His Brother & Uncle two of your more worthy Citizens
reside in S' Clair County.
I have the Honor to be with high Respect Sir your Himi"' Serv'
Will" Henry Harrison
His Exc N. Edwards Esq"'
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO JAMES GILBREATH
[ISL:Exec. File, 1790 to date:CS]
Kaskaskia, 28 June 1809
M' James Galbreath
Sir. Soon after my arrival at this place I discovered very much
to my regret that a considerable degree of party spirit di\ided the
people of this Territory — To guard against the consequences of it —
to render the streams of justice unexceptionable & pure — to protect
the equal rights of the good people over whom I am called by my
country to preside — and inspire them with Confidence in the adminis-
tration of public justice have been objects that have engaged my
most anxious solicitude —
The office you at present hold is one of the most important nature,
the man who fills it should not only be free from all prejudice bias &
partialities but should be entirely free from the suspicion of either —
This is a principle so perfectly correct & so self evident, that it must
be recognized and admitted by any man who ieeks sees thro any
unprejudiced medium — Impressed with the force of it and feeling its
justice, I coiald not hesitate a moment and did not in comeing to a
determination to remove you — Ab4 while fe^ when I found you a
partizan — At the same time that I formed this determination in your
case, from similar motives I also determined that, I would appoint
no one of the adverse party to fill the office you hold. I therefore
sent for Maj"' Benjamin Stephenson a gentleman whose long experi-
ence in the same business rendered him amply qualified, and whose
worth integritj' and unblemished reputation must render him not
only a valuable acquisition to the Territory but acceptable to all
those whose object is to promote the public good. He has arrived.
48 TERRITO.RIAL PAPERS
has consented to accept the office of Sherriff and at the same time that
this letter determines and puts an end to your power to act A com-
mission issued to him to supply the vacancy — You will therefore know
to whom to right to deliver y'' papers.
Y^ Obd' S'
NiN' Edwards
WILLIAM KELLY TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
(ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 :ALS1
[June 28, 1809]
Sir — Having had the honor of Serving as Adjutant in the Indiana
Territory during the administration of his Excellency S' Clair — and
Harrison — And not yet having received my former appointment —
And being informed that Honor is confered on Michael Jones Es-
quire— I appeal to you as the fountain of Justice for redress — I
herewith transmit two Commissions as a proof of my standing with
the former Executives —
I am your Excellencies Most obedient and Very Humble Servant —
William Kelly
June 28'" 1809—
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO MICHAEL JONES
AND ELIJAH BACKUS
(NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One]
Treasury Department June 30"" 1809
Michael Jones & E Backus Esq" Land Commissioners Kaskaskia —
Gentlemen, I enclose copy of an Act authorizing the appointment
of an Agent for the land office at Kaskaskia, and allowing compensa-
tion to the Commissioners and Clerk. For the compensation thus
allowed the Officers are respectively authorized to draw on the Secre-
tary of the Treasury. I have appointed your present Clerk M'
Robinson, agent for the purposes intended by the First section of the
Act.
I am &"
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO ROBERT
ROBINSON
[NA:GL0, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One]
Treasury Department June 30*" 1809 —
Robert Robinson Esq' Clerk of the Board of Land Commissioners
Kaskaskia
Sir, In conformity with the provisions of the First Section of the
enclosed Act, I have appointed you Agent for the purposes therein
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 49
mentioned, and rely on your Zeal and previous knowledge of the
claims and of the nature of the evidence heretofore adduced, as suffi-
cient pledges that no endeavour shall be wanted on your part to repel
unfounded and particularly fraudulent Claims, To large Speculative
claims your attention is specially called
I am &"
SECRETARY POPE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
TREASURY
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 :D]
Kaskaskia July 4*" 1809
Sir Yours under date of the 8'" Ult"' came while I was making
out my return of the Contingent expences of the Illinois Territory'" —
I have in consequence made an alteration as to the Office-Rent —
I have charged the Secretary five Dollars per Month, which is the
lowest price, at which the Secretary can accommodate himself with
such an Office as he ought to have for his own use & for the Con-
venience of those persons who may have business in his Office. M"'
Backus has no agent in this Country except myself, and I have no
power of Attorney in Writing, but as one of his family I attend to his
business — He has never been in this Country since I received My
Commission nay not since Jan^ last — You require me to make my
return quarterly and that "No future payments will be made unless
they shall have been received"^ — Now, Sir, it seems plain that I am
entitled to the usual allowance Whether I produce a receipt or not.
I state to you that I cannot procure a suitable room for less than
Sixty Dollars per annum. Suppose that I make an Office of a Room
in my own house, with Whom am I to make a Bargain and from whom
to take a receipt? Yet would you refuse to allow me for Office rent?
I am sure you would not — I could wish that you would satisfy your-
self as to the usual price of Rooms of that description and let me have
a credit for so much every quarter — There can be no cheat in it
because an Office I must have and the Government cannot be injured
by the arrangement — As to all other Charges they ought to be
supported by proper vouchers, because they depend upon the con-
sumption in the Office — •
Now Sir With respect to my charge of $12.00 per Month for Office
Rent I beg leave to remark, that at the time I made My return I was
ignorant of the Object of the appropriation for Office-Rent — ^I advised
with Gentlemen better acquainted with such affairs than myself, they
thought it amounted to house rent for the Secretary, as I was not
"" Ante, p. 41.
'" Copies of expense vouchers are present with the above letter.
50 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
convinced that they were correct I determined to try the principle by
forwarding the Account to the 31" of March, knowing that if the
appropriation did embrace the Charge that you could correct it — It
seems to me that the Secretary ought to have two Rooms — one to
lodge in & the other for the public Papers of his Office — In a Country
where Society is very rude & the buildings indifferent it is improper
that the public Papers should be exposed, by being left in a house in
no one lodged — If I am entitled to two Rooms Sixty Dollars would not
be sufficient — The forgoing are are suggestions for your consideration
— But I assure you that forty Dollars are entirely inadequate to the
object —
point i coniiidcr it the aamo as malcing a Bargain with myoclf — You
have not instructed me how much of the Ace* already rendered by
Me will be admitted or Whether any —
I wish to know whether the Secretary is bound to supply the Gov'
with Stationary * —
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO CHARLES JOUETT
[NA:OIA,SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. B]
War Department 5 July 09
Ch' Jouett
Sir Your letter of the !•* April last,' enclosing a Copy of one to
this Department of the 13 July 1808,' has been received. You will
please to discharge McDonald from the Service, and in future have
all the Indian Blacksmith work done by the Artificers of the Garrison
to whom you will pay ten Cents & one Gill of Whiskey each, per Day,
on account of the Indian Department, for every Days labor performed
for the Indians — The enclosed order,' on the commanding officer at
Chikago will authorise you to call upon him for the purpose — The
necessary Iron & Steel for the Indian Work, should be supplied by you
I am &c.
WILLIAM BIGGS TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13:ALS1
Cahokia 10'" July 1809
Sir I arived in this Village this Morning there is no Court held
here this day I am told next Monday is the term of Court for this
County, I have dated Sent all the Proclamations you give in my
Charge to the different officers, Which I Exspect the will all receive
them by tomorow evening —
• Answered pod, p. 56.
• Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 51
I have had an opportunity of Conversing with Several of the People
of this County respecting your Sistom of appointing the Militia
officers, and the all apear to be highly pleased with your plan and
privilage y©« that you have gave them, please to let me know when
you will leave Kaskaskia
I am with respect Sir your Most obed' and Very Hum"'' Serv'
W. Biggs
JOHN HAY TO SECRETARY POPE
(ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 :ALS]
Cahokia 10'" July 1809
Dear Sir, I received your favor by M' Biggs Your Information is
sufficiently Ample as to M' Hays, I really believe you have been
wrong informed, for I believe I can safely say that M' Hays' name
will not be found on Any petition whatever, and I really believe that
of all men in the County he is one of those that meddles the least in
Party Business —
he followed my principles, which were, that men of Office should
keep clear of party business —
I remain, D' Sir Yours Sincerely
John Hay
N. Pope Esq''
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN HAYS *
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
Juhj 12 1809
John Hays P M Cahokia I T
We omitted accidentally to insert your office in our advertisement;
it is inserted in the new contract °
GG
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory 13 July 1809
Sir Ducoigne the Chief of the Kaskaskia tribe of Indians, has
formally complained to me of the Kaicapoos haveing killed his wifes
brother and stolen about thirty horses from his tribe I believe no
doubt exists of the truth of his charges and he demands the protection
promised by treaty with the United States — He also complains most
• A resident of Cahokia since 1793. For biographical sketch, see Philbrick
(ed.), Laws Ind. Terr., lgOl-1809 (IHC, xxi), cclxxi-cclxxii.
' Not found.
314574 — 48 5 •
U. OF ILL UB.
52 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
loudly and bitterly of the people of this village selling spirituous
liquours to his tribe (a thing not prohibited by any law that I have
seen & which it seems impossible to prevent) Those Indians are
constantly drunk in these streets and I have told Ducoigne that I
would positively direct the magistrates whose duty it is to conserve
the peace & prevent disorder to commit them to jail whenever they
are seen drunk, with this he seems well pleased, and thinks it may have
a happy effect.
I should be happy to know the Presidents wishes on these subjects.
With the highest consideration I am Y' M" Obd' Serv*
NiNiAN Edwards
[Addressed] The Hon'ble Robert Smith Esq' Secretary of State
Washington City Mail [Postmarked] Kaskaskia July 14*" Free
[Endorsed] Kaskaskias. — Illinois July 13. 1809 — Governor Edwards
(addrest to R. Smith Esq'', Sec' of State) Relative to complaints of
Ducoigne, Chief of the Kaskastia Tribe against the Kaicapoos, for
having murder'd some of his kindred, and stolen about 30 Horses; —
he demands the protection of the United States, agreably to Treaty. —
Rece" Oct' 2" 1809.«
GEORGE HOFFMAN ' TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
(NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
MICHILIMACKINAC, July 20'" 1809.
Sir, M' Julian Dubuque at the request of the late John Campbell
Esq of LaPrairie du Chien acted as Indian Agent there ' — He furnished
& gave to the Indians the goods &" mentioned in the enclosed
Account — For which he demands pa>Tnent — The goods forwarded by
Government for the Indians in that Quarter were last summer in
consequence of the death of M' Campbell detained & stored at Michi-
* No reply found.
' For Hoffman's status as an official in Indiana and Michigan territories,
consult indexes to Terr. Papers (Ind.), vol. vii, and ibid. (Mich.), vol. X.
' Campbell was killed on Aug. 12, 1808, in a duel with Redford Crawford, of
the Michilimackinac Company; the former was on a visit to Michilimackinac at
the time. For an account of the affair, and other relevant facts concerning the
appointment of Dubuque to carry on Campbell's duties at Prairie du Chien
pending action by the Secretary of War, see the following documents in NA
(WD, SWDF): Hoffman and Abbott to the Secretary of War, Aug. 15, Aug. 17,
and Aug. 18, 1808, the last-cited letter enclosing Campbell to Hoffman and
Abbott, without date, requesting them to attend to his affairs in the event of his
death, and Hoffman and Abbott to Dubuque, Aug. 17, 1808, informing the latter
of Campbell's death and of his request, with a subenclosure. Governor Lewis to
Campbell, June 2, 1808, containing instructions; and Hoffman to the Secretary
of War, Aug. 17, 1808, enclosing a letter from Campbell to the Secretary of War,
Apr. 7, 1808. Campbell had been Indian agent at Prairie du Chien since 1802.
See Terr. Papers (Ind.), VII, 519.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 53
limackinac by Cap* Howard the commanding officer there. Should
the account of M"^ Dubuque pass in its present shape it will suit him
to receive the amount of it from either the pay master at the fort near
river Dumoin a branch of the Mississippi or from the pay-master at
Detroit — It will oblige a very respectable man, much attached to the
interests of the U. States, & who has great influence with the Missis-
sippi Indians, to have his account speedily liquidated & paid — Should
it be necessary for M"' Dubuque to have his account supported by
Affidavits or rendered in a different form from that in which it is now
presented, by informing Samuel Abbott, Esq, of this place, I presume
your instructions on that head will be fulfilled.
With the highest respect, sir. Your Ob* S*
G° Hoffman.
The Hon: The Secretary at War of the United States Washing-
ton City Maoinao
[Addressed] The Hon: The Secretary at War of The United States,
Washington City. [Postmarked] Detroit 4 August Free
[Endorsed] Michilimackinac, July 20'" 1809. Geo: Hoffman,—
relative to sundry Supplies furnished to divers Tribes of Indians by
Julien Dubuque, who acted as Indian Agent per interim at Prairie du
Chien, upon the Death of John Campbell, previously charged with
that Agency: — enclosing a Letter of M"' Dubuque & his Account.
Rece" Sepf 1=* 1809.'
[Enclosure: ALS]
Julien Dubuque to Samuel Abbott and George Hoffman
Prairie du Chien 13 Juin 1809 —
Mess" Abbot & Hoffman
Messie^ — J'ai eu I'honnur de recevoir votre lettre le 22" Sep'
dernier en date du 17 d'Aouet precedent, par laquelle j'ai appris la
triste nouvelle de la mort de notres respectable Amie feu John Camp-
bell, et appres avoir donn^ a sa memoire toutes les marques des
respects et de regrets que je devois a son triste et a son amitie pour
moi, je me suis mis a accomplir, Selon le meilleur des mes Connois-
sance, Ses dernier volunt^ d l^gard de son Emploi comme agent des
sauvages pour les Etas unies.^ — Quoique dans cet Moment, ma saint6
etois tres foibles et mes forces presque epuis^ par une Maladie lan-
goureuse, je ne puivez pas decider autrement que de faire attention
aux dernier volunte d'un ami respectable, communique par Vous
Mess"
Je I'ai done accepts, mais au bout d'un mois et vingt huit jours
trouvant que la maladie que m'accabl6 augmente de jours en jours je
• No reply found.
54 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
me suis adress6 au Gouverner Lewis pour lui prier de mettre quelqu' in
a ma place, ma demande fut accepts et Mon'' Boilvin k arrivd le 28*
de Novembre a que j'ai ced<5 tous les papiers qu'ettois alors entre mes
mains en me de mettant du place d'agent pour les sauvages. —
Durant le temps que j'ai servi comme agent, la Situation du paix
etais tres critique, et je fut ia quoUc tft- oblig4— pour tenir les Sauvages
dans la tranquilite fque la mort du Defunct avoient trouble) de leurs
faires des Present pour la Montant du Compte ci enclos — N'ayant pas
d'ordres particulier d cette egard, mais voyant la necessity absolu de
cette demarche, j'ai pris sur moi meme de le faire dans I'espoir que le
government des Etas Unis, n'hesiterets pas k confirmer ce que des
circonstance si critique exig^. —
Je vous prie bien Messieurs de vouloir vous interesser pour moi
pour me trouver des moyens de obtenir du Government la paiement
de Demande que j'ai si bien merits par mes services. —
En attendant la plaisir de vos reponse J ai I'honneur d'etre avee
bon coup de Considration votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
J Dubuque
[Addressed] Mess" Hoffman et Abbot Michilimackinac
[Eyidorsed] Julien Dubuque. — Prairie du Chien, le 13° Juin 1809.
avec Compte de Fourniture aux Bands de Sauvages, mont' a $307.
[Translation]
Prairie du Chien, June 13, 1809.
Messrs. Abbott and Hoffman.
Sirs: I had the honor to receive on September 22 last your letter
under date of the preceding 17th of August, by which I learned the
sad news of the death of our respected friend the late John Campbell.
And after having offered to his memory all the marks of respect and
of sorrow which I owed to his death and to his friendship for me, I
set myself to accomplish, according to the best of my knowledge,
his last wish with regard to his employment as the agent of the savages
for the United States. Although at that time, my health was much
enfeebled and my strength exhausted by a lingering sickness, I could
not decide otherwise than to devote my attention to the last wish of
a respected friend, communicated by yourself.
I then accepted it, but at the end of a month and twenty-eight
days finding that the sickness which oppressed me increased from
day to day, I wrote to Governor Lewis asking him to put some one
in my place. My wish was granted, and M. Boilvin arrived on the
28th of November, to whom I have turned over all the papers in my
hands which gave me the position of agent for the savages.
During the time I acted as agent, the situation as to peace was very
critical, and I was obliged — in order to hold the savages tranquil (the
death of the departed had troubled them) — to make them presents as
ILLINOIS TERRITORY
55
shown by the account here enclosed. Having no particular orders
in this respect but seeing the absolute necessity of this step, I took
it upon myself to make them, in the hope that the Government of the
United States would not hesitate to confirm that which critical cir-
cumstances demanded.
I beg you, gentlemen, to interest yourselves for me to find for me
the means of obtaining from the Government the paj-ment of that
which I have so well merited by my services.
Awaiting the pleasure of your reply, I have the honor to be with
the greatest consideration your very humble and very obedient
servant,
J. Dubuque
[Addressed] Messrs. Hoffman and Abbott, Michilimackinac
[Endorsed] Julien Dubuque. — Prairie du Chien, June 13, 1809. —
With account of supplies given to bands of savages, amounting to $307.
[Enclosure: ADS]
BiU of Julien Dubuque for goods furnished the Indians
The United States D' To Julien Dubuque-
Indians at the Prairie du Chien. —
[June 14, 1809]
-For Sundries furnished the
Sundries given to an Indian sent by the Chief of the
Renards with a Letter from the Secretary of War
adressed to the Deceased John Campbell"' .
12'" Tobacco. 6'" Powder & 8 loaves Bread & 1
Keg Rum to the Renards of the Grand Maqua-
quitais
To the Band of the Petite Mequaquitais for To-
bacco Powder & Provissions
To the Band of the Rivire Au D'inde ....
To the Puants " of the Rock River for Tobacco
Powder Rum et Provissions
To the Band de Chemin for Powder Tobacco, &
Provissions
To the Band of Puants at the Grande Masquatine
for Tobacco & Provissions
To the Sawkes in head Tobacco & Provissions .
To several bands at different times ....
To Indians of diferent nations, who from time to
time Visit this place
Cents
" Not seen. Cf. Terr. Papers (Ind.), VII, 519.
"^Or Winnebago.
56 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
The foregoing account contains a just & true Statement of the
Amount of different Articles furnished by me to the different Nations
at this place during the time I was in the service of the United States
as agent for the Indians in the place of the Deceased John Campbell
commencing the 22" of September & ending the 20"" November 1808.
Prairie du Chien 14 June 1809. —
J Dubuque
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JAMES FINNEY "
[PO:P.M. Letter Book QJ
July 24, 09
James Fenny p m Kaskaskia I. T.
Bond &c to be executed by John M'Arthur
GG
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO SECRETARY
POPE
(ISL : Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 : LS]
Treasury Department July 29'" 1809.
Sir, I have received your letter of the 4'" instant.'^* It is most
regular that you should transmit a voucher for the pajmienl of
office-rent; but if you make use of a house or a building of your own
for an office, you may state that fact quarterly and charge fifteen
dollars, or at the rate of sixty dollars a year for the rent.
As you could not have occupied an office before you received your
commission, and as this was not probably received before the first
of April, I do not perceive now you can charge for office-rent before
that day.
You are authorized to furnish the Governor with such articles
of Stationary as are nece.ssary for his use in transacting the public
business of the territory.'^*"
I am respectfully Sir, your obed' serv'
— Albert Gallatin
Nathaniel Pope Esq' Secretary of the Illinois Territory.
JOHN HAYS TO SECRETARY POPE
[ISL : Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 : ALS]
[August 16, 1809]
Sir I have been Informed that there are Certain Malicious
persons have sent Depositions to the Governor against me, in Con-
" See biographical sketch of James Finney in Philbrick, op. eit., p. cclxxi,
»• Ante, p. 49.
•"> Answered post, p. 60.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 57
siquence of two Indians Escaping from Prison. I beg you would be
so good to Inform the Governor that I am ready to meet those persons,
and their depositions, at any time he may think proper, the Sooner
the better, and hope to defeat them to then* own disgrace and my
own Satisfaction, and Convince the Governor of their false Assertions
&•—
Inclosed is my Bond to the Governor
I am Respectfully Your Obd' Serv'
John Hays
Nath' Pope Esq^ 16'" Awg' 1809
SECRETARY POPE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[ISL : Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 : CSJ
Kaskaskia September 1" 1809 Secretary's Office —
Sir I herewith have the honor to transmit you a Copy of the
Laws passed by the Governor and Judges since the first day of March
last and also a *Kie report of the proceedings of the Governor in his
Executive Capacity'^" —
I regret ainccrcly extremely that it was rot in my power to Make
the report in my own hand writing — The Clerk I was obliged to
employ has made many mistakes. A severe attack of the Bilious
fever which confined me to my bed nearly the whole of Last Month
and from which I am not now recovered disqualified me from attending
to any business —
I have the Honor to be Sir, Your Ob' Serv*
Nat Pope
The Honb'^ Robert Smith Secretary of State of the United States
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO MICHAEL JONES »
AND ELIJAH BACKUS '*
(NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One]
Treasury Department Sept' 9'" 1809
Michael Jones & Elijah Backus Esq" Land Commiss" Kaskaskias
Gent" I have received Gov' Edward's Letter containing the result
of the investigation into the charges against you,'* as those papers
will not be laid before the President till his return here, towards the
end of this month, it may be premature in me to express an opinion.
"° For the proceedings (Executive Register), see post, vol. xvii.
'3 Jones was first appointed register of the land office at Kaskaskia, Apr. 9,
1804. See Terr. Papers (Ind.), vil, 185, n. 69.
" Backus was appointed receiver of the land office at Kaskaskia, Oct. 5, 1804.
See ibid., p. 201, n. 13.
" Not found. It was answered by Gallatin, Sept. 8, 1809 (Edwards Papers,
CHS, printed, Washbume, ed., Edwards Papers, CHC, ui, 46-48).
58 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
But I think it of primary importance earnestly to recommend promp-
titude in your decisions and final report. I trust this will be made,
so as to close the whole business, in time to be laid before Congress at
the ensuing Session, but let, at all events your report of confirmations
so far as you have made up your opinion be immediately prepared &
transmitted; & let this be generally known. I think that it will have
a vor}^ strong tendency to quiet the public mind, & that it is absolutely
necessary in order to reconcile the Mass of the inhabitants to the
General Government. It is indeed an act of Justice due to the
honest Claimants who have been injured by delays which were not
in any degree due to them. There is an other subject on which I
have no right to instruct, but you will permit me to say that, in
the present distracted state of the territory, I am of opinion that you
or the Agents interfering in its local politics will be injurious to your-
selves and to the General Govern' "
I have the honor to be &C
ELIJAS BACKUS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
(NA:GLO, Kaskaskia, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALSl
Kask" Sevi' 24'" 1809
Sir, After waiting till the middle of July, at Marietta, for your dis-
patches; I embraced, notwithstanding my ill health, the first oppor-
tunity to descend the Ohio, and opened the Commissioners Office,
about a month since. —
But I write this letter. Sir, to inform you, that on my arrival, I
found my Colleague, Co' Jones, to have been taken by a criminal
process, and bound over to Court, as accessory to the murder of Jones
(of whom you have heard) — That a Bill of Indictment has been found
by a Grand Jurj^ four of whom (as I am informed) only were
acquainted, either with him, or his accusers, or were residents in this
part of the Country — That he instantly, demanded his trial, altho the
principal, Docf Dunlap, had not been taken — That after much oppo-
sition on the part of the prosecution, a day was granted him for trial
(Friday last) — That on that day, on motion of the Attorney Gen',
his trial has been deferred to April next, — and that I have no doubt,
a copy of this Indictment will be forwarded to the President, accom-
panied with this question "whether it is proper that a man indicted
for murder, should be continued as a Public Officer" "
" See Philbrick, op. cit., pp. xciii-xciv, for an account, with citations, of the
political repercussions resulting from the decisions of the land commissioners at
Kaskaskia.
" Rice Jones, son of John Rice Jones, was murdered by Dr. James Dunlap on
Dec. 7, 1808. Michael Jones was indicted on July 20, 1809, and acquitted Apr.
10, 1810. See post, p. 95. Dunlap escaped and was never brought to trial.
Others named as co-conspirators were Backus, Robert Robinson, James Gil-
breath, James Finney, and Langlois (Philbrick, op. cit., pp. xciv, ccliv).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 59
A similar indictment has been unsuccessfully attempted to be ob-
tained against me —
Lest the presumption arising from these facts should be back" by-
high authority and make an impression upon the mind of the Presi-
dent; I give this information, as preliminary to a request, that he might
suspend, in this case, his judgment till he shall receive a train of depo-
sitions & documents, which will afford, not only a full, but an over-
whelming conviction on this subject —
These documents, are now nearly compleated ; and will be sent by the
first safe conveyance (I say safe because our dispatches have already
been plundered from the public mail—
These documents. Sir, may have a more extended reach, than is
expected but they will rest on their own basis —
If indeed your Commissioners have been guilty of miu-der, it is
agreed, on all hands that they ought to be hung —
But, if an attempt has been made, to stretch a Board of National
Officers, on the Plains of Kaskaskia, for the benefit of perjured claims;
the spectacle is an awful one —
I am Sir Y'
E Backus
Oct' 14'" 1809
Sir, I am requested by my Colleague to transmit to you the fore-
going, it being a copy of a letter already sent to you by the Gov"
Sheriff—
As the enquiry into the conduct of the Commissioners which (in our
letter of the 28'" of Dec'' last) '' we requested might be made, has been
made by the Gov'' in my absence, and transmitted with his report,
which I have never seen altho it has been, it seems, sent by him to our
great land claimants at this place; I desire to know 1"' what this report
is — 2** whether he has transmitted to you the following depositions
VZ of R Robinson James Gilbreath, J Finney, P Fouke, W. Arundel,
W" Biggs, H Levins, Louis Seguin, Jerome Danis, J Noval, J. Reynor,
W Chaffin, T. Todd, C. Cairnes, S Bond Senior & Ju''— T F Perry-
N Jarrot — John Hay — J Hays — J Manegle — Louis Pillette — A.
Stallion ''—
3<* As the Gov'' has informed my family (with whom he resided dur-
ing his stay here) that his report would not respect me; I wish to know
whether it does relate to me, & if so whether I am at liberty to reply to
it — It must be here remarked that I have never yet seen but a part of
the charges against us & know not their contents —
'' Not found.
" No one of these documents has been seen.
60 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
You must be prepared Sir for a train of documents on this subject
which will give you some siu"prize —
I am Sir respectfully Y' hb Sv'
E Backus
Hon a Gallatin Esq'
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia Oct. 14. 1809. E. Backus Rec' Pub. monies
de charges ag' him & the Governor's reports.
SECRETARY POPE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
TREASURY
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13:CS1
A Copy Kaskaskia September 30'" 1809
Sir I herewith transmit to you my account of the Contingent
expences of the Illinois Territory from the 1" day of July to this day
amounting to thirty Dollars and twenty two Cents — Among the
Vouchers you will find one from M' Backus for the quarter ending
the thirtieth day of June —
Being unacquainted with the regulations concerning the Secre-
taries, I supposed that I was as much entitled to Office rent as to
my Salary previous to the receipt of my Commission particularly
i «H» ftet rcaaonably entitled -te any pay ppcviouo to *he receipt ef
HW Commisjion, which was m April —
I am respectfully Sir y' ob' Serv*
Nat Pope
Albert Gallatin Esq' Sec' of the Treasury
JUDGE JONES TO WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD
(GAO:Misc. Treas., Acct. No. 22.721 (1810) :ALS]
Louisiana Oct' 22, 1809
My Dear friend I have had the pleasure of but one line from you
since I left Georgia, I WTote you from Cahokia 3 weeks past, but am
doubtful whether you will shortly get my letter, as I hear the post
boy lost his horse & has managed so foolishly as to detain the Mail 2
weeks longer than was necessary, In my letter I informed you that
the deed you mentioned was in the hands of M' Cobb, I send you
enclosed in this, by the hands of Co' Smith, a draft for $300 from
J, B, Thomas, with his line to me on the occasion, I expected one
due sooner but am in hopes it will answer — He sent it me on the
instant of my departure for this place, & I had not time to see him
again before I started lest Co' Smith should be gone before I got here —
ILLINOIS TERRITORY gi
I hereby authorise you to draw in my name for all that is due to me,
when you leave Washington; or if it is usual to draw for something
in advance, as I am told it is; for that also; & be so good if home-
sickness will permit you, as to see Joshua Perry of N. Carolina,
Franklin County, & make the purchase for me that we talkd of. I
feel much disposed to have that in reserve, if I should not think fit to
settle elsewhere for life, — I have been thro' the American bottom; &
expect in about 8 or 10 days to visit Turkey hill & the Goshen Settle-
ments; the land, perhaps has no superior, on earth; but I think it is
a Sickly Country; & as for Society except a very few, "I shall say
nothing about it"- — The Hill Country I expect is much healthier, &
the land quite rich, & as to the Inhabitants I expect, to give you some
of my thoughts about in my next, — I have been 2 days at Co' Smiths
& have visited some of the lead-mines, I have no doubt of its being a
healthy country, nor have I any, that a man may make Considerable
Money with prudence & industry, at least double or treble what he
could in Georgia if he would pursevere a few years; but in the mean
time he would be almost banish'd from Civil Society, & have to Buffet
the billows of barbarism, Co' Smith has been good enough to promise
to buy 100 Acres of land for me, if he Can, & give me the refusal of
taking it or not hereafter; it lies about 2 miles from his house, & not
quite as far from the mines, has a good Spring on it, & about 25 Acres
cleard, it is excellent land, & he informs me, that he has always been
able to sell his Com for a dollar per bushel; & devote the the best
months for digging, to wit, the fall & winter, with little inconvenience
to his farm after it is once open'd, & those months have prov'd very
profitable — If I should ever bring my family to this, or the western
Country, I feel at present, as tho' I should like to make a trial of the
mines, especially as I am Convinc'd it is healthy; but at the same time
I should not like to give up my appointment; & altho' it would be a
breach of the letter of the law, I might Comply with the Spirit of it,
for I should be nearer to the places of holding Courts than I should
be, in many parts of the Illinois Territory, not to have recourse to
president; for Judge Coboum still resides in Kentucky & presides in
Louisiana! but if I can get a Convenient passage down the river, in
the spring, I shall probably go by the Natches & thro' the Mississippi
T, as I return to Georgia; when I hope once more to have the pleasure
of consulting with my wife & particular friends; before which time,
I am determin'd Not to be determind possitively what to do in the
premises — I hope & expect to write to you, & hear from you, much
more frequently after your arrival at Washington, if the mail does not
lose itself entirely, — You will know that I am no News-monger, nor
indeed are there many in Casca; this perhaps is partly owing to their
being so remote from the margin of Commercial Controversy, partly
62 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
from private animosity arising from party rage on account of dividing
the Territory, & partly from disappointment in having their land
Claims Confirm'd ; & I do not know but native indolence of mind may
justly lay in her claim for some share — Pray let me know how the
Georgians as well as the Yankees, seem dispos'd to stand the Second
Embargo, what is the price of c[otto]n in Georgia, & what for Crops
are made there; who are elected in Oglethorpe for the assembly, &
who for County Officers? &c What seems to be the movements &
views of Napolione & George? does it seem probable, that they will
ever respect the natural rights of man, & seek the Interest & happiness
of their Subjects, or that they will rashly pursue the bubble of ambi-
tion & folly 'till kind Heaven in Compassion to the affliction [of] their
deluded subjects, stops the breath of their [nos]trils & furnishes the
earth with a nause[ous] Morsel, & his Satanic Majesty with trouble-
some Companions? —
How well I should like to live here, under the impression of being
useful to my family, if I could but enjoy the privilege of spending a
few of my heavy evenings with my family, & a few choice friends;
One tried friend of talents & integrity, is worth more to me than a
whole Territory of [blank]
Our Governor has not come on yet but is expected shortly, With
Sincerest friendship I remain Y" &c.
Obadiah Jones
[Addressed] William H, Crawford Esq' Senator in Congress Wash-
ington City. Politeness Co' Smith.
PETITION TO MATTHEW LYON BY INHABITANTS OF
SHAWNEETOWN
[LC:HF, 11 Cong., 2 sess.iDS]
[November 13, 1809]
To the Honorable Matthew Lyon Esq'
Permit us to Address you as the Organ of our solicitation, situated
as we are, remote from the seat of Goverment and without the privi-
lidge of representation, allso permit us to indulge a hope of success
through the means of your correct and disinterested principles, as
well towards Citizens, of the United States as to the Citizens, of the
state to which you particularly Represent. In you whome we have
the greatest confidence, we desire and believe, our situation and
rights too; will be appreciated and truly represented, we wish it
done through you in such a manner as you may deem most propper.
Apprehensive as we are, that this town is scarcely known to the
United States goverment. Other than that of the Saline salt-
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 63
works. We the subscribers inhabitants of this town having been
indulged by our former governor belonging to the Indianna Territory'-,
and having made many improvements. We think it hard that we
cannot be permitted to injoy them, until! the Goverment shall deem
it propper to receive the benifits themselves. Now it is our wish that
a town be laid off in lotts, and sold to the Highest bider, or leased by
Goverment for a term of Years, as we suppose the latter will be the
plan adopted, for the present. We hope you will make Application to
the secretary or to the United States, in our behalf, as it appears our
present Governor is not Authorised to do anything with this place,
from his answers to the Applicants of this place, we are fearfull that
some Monopolizing company or set of men may by some means Get
a lease for the whole of this place, which we think would be an impol-
itic thing and an ingurj' to the community at large, as the relative
situation of this place to the Saline Makes it Nessessarj' for two thirds
of the salt made at that place, to pass through this, which of course
will be a cause of a Great many people passing, and repassing to and
from the saline, Who we conceive could be better accommodated, by
a number than by a few, and as all men are Born with eaqual privi-
lidges, in the United States. — We think when our situation becom.es
known, and the situation of this place to Goverment, that there will
not be a lease Granted to any indi\idual but impartially to any
persons who may wish to give to goverment the best price. — This
address is from thirty families now li\4ng on the primeces, there is not
the least doubts there would be twenty to one, in the course of a very
short time, it being the only elligible place for a town, on the River
between the Wabash and the mouth of the Ohio — and the only place
where a town would be Usefull, to the comunity at large, the improve-
ments allready made are compact and within the limmits of a single
sextion of land, and in time this situation would be as elligible for a
county town, as much so however as Kaskaskia is; both situated on
the extreme boundery of the Teritorj- one hundred and twenty miles
from each Other. A Repository is nessessarily required for the
conveniance of holding large quantities of Salt Grain meat Goods &c
which is exchanged and conveyed by waggons &c to & from the saline
and by Boats to the States of Ohio Kentucky Tenesse and the Other
Teritories. There being no other place where the purchaser and the
sellar can be so well and eaqually accomodated. Nature seems to
have declared this place the favour, d spot, The distance from this
place to the Saline Works is at least twelve or fourteen IMiles —
Admitting the United States to reser\-e a sufficiant Quantitj^ of lands
for Wood for the Saline, would not twelve miles all around give a
sufficiant quantity, it would give them five hundred and seventy six
squar-miles and it is Well known, that the consumption of wood have
64
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
not eaqualled one squar-mile pr Year. Could any one imagine that
there would be a want of wood When sevenety years has matured the
sublimest Groves in the Whole Country, and on the very lands within
that limmit, besides much Wood if nessessarj' could be brought With
much more ease down the saline Crick, than from this place, this
town may be well supplied With stone coal, there are Beds of it, in the
banks allso with stones in abundance which serve at present to form
the Eddy and would answer a valuable purpose in building, this
Eddy constitutes one of the best harbours, the most conveniant and
safest of any Other from the Wabash to the mouth of the Ohio for
all sorts of crafts of any size Therefore there can be no reasonable
objection to this place becoming a town It is with deliberation we
pledge ourselves for the truth of these our observations to you — We
allso pledge ourselves to support our common country its constitution
and laws with our lives and property. We must beg leave to make
mention with diffidence least a Misconception be prepossessed from
misrepresentations that there are amongst our number, both moral
and Relidgeous as well as many enterprizing and industrious people. —
Shawneytown noV 13 AD 1809 ^
John Robinson
John Reid
Robert Dixon
Ge° Robinson
Adrian Davenport
John Davenport
Marmduke S. Davenport
John Reburn
J. G. Whelan
J, Wilson
Fred: Delanej^
Henry Boyers
William Akers
Pierre Moulin
Henry Kenyon
Emanuel Ensminger
Elihu Howard
John Handlee
Ephraim Hubbard Sen"^
Elias Hubbard
Augustus Hubbard
Jacob Zellers
Samuel Robb
Saml Moore
Walker Scanland
John IManson
Joseph Love
Isaac Sibley
William Coen
Robert Cox
Meshake Sexton
N D Anderson
Michal Sprinkle
Reuben Fox
Abner Wilks
William west
John Williams
Enoch Brown
Joseph Lang
John Forester
Sam' Barks
John M'Connel
John Johnston
W" Morgan
John Voodry
Peter Bono
James Logan
James Wilson
Andrew English
'" This and the succeeding document were evidently submitted by Lyon and
referred on the same date. See next note.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 65
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY INHABITANTS OF
SHAWNEETOWN
[LC:HF, 11 Cong., 2 sess.: DS]
[November 13, 1809]
To the Honorable the Congress of the United States — The Petition of
the Inhabitants of Shawnee Towti in the IlHnois Territory respectfully
shews that there are thirty families Settled in said Town on & Near the
banks of the Ohio River at the place most convenient for the landing
loading & unloading the Supplies Going to & the Salt comeing from
the Great Saline belonging to the United States — Your Petitioners
fvirther State that their Settlements are nearly all on one Section of
Land & they fear that some Monopolizer will purchase or lease the
whole Tract & thereby not only defraud the United States out of a
Great Share of the real Value of the Property but distress your pe-
titioners by either driveing them from their Settlements or Exacting
from them Extravagant Rents for their own improvements. Your
petitioner therefore prays that the proper officers may be authorised
to lay out the lands in Question into Small Lots from one to two acres
& put them on Sale to the highest bidder & we as in duty bound &c
George Robinson for the
Petitioners 46 in Number —
SHAWNEETOWN NoV 13'" 1809
[Endorsed] Petition of Sundry inhabitants of the town of Shawnee,
Illinois territory. 31°* January, 1810. Ref" to the Committee on the
Public Lands. 5'" April, 1810. Bill reported.^' M' Lyon ref* lands
CHARLES JOUETT TO [THE SECRETARY OF WAR]
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Chicago 30^;i Nov. 1809
Sir I have this moment examined the map of the Ellinoie Territory
and find its western boundary runs within a very few miles directly
parallel with the western shore of Lake Michigan, divesting me entirely
of my powers as an agent, as the Indians & traders who have been
hitherto in my agency are now within the Ellinoie Territory. This
fact presents a striking picture of the unimportance of the Chicago
establishment, under exacting circumstances. I shall however con-
tinue to discharge my duties, and should any contravention, of the laws,
take place, sfeali make the necessary communications to the Governor of
the Ellinoue Territory. Should these facts induce you to discontinue
my Agency here, I trust you will do me the honor altho to you, a
personal stranger, to confide to me some other employment, esspecially
" House Journal, Vii, 207, 349.
66 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
when you reflect that I have been nearly eight years devoted to the
services of my Country, and in situations too not without their perils
and difficulties, Previous to any change taking place in my official
concerns, I request the honour of visiting you at the seat of Govern-
ment, from whence I have been absent upward of five years.
I am your Obediant Servant.
C. JOUETT
[Addressed] Gen' James Wilkinson.**
[Endorsed] Chicago, Nov^ 30'" 1809. C. Jouett— Relative to the
unimportance of his present Agency in consequence of the new Terri-
torial arrangements,— &c. Rec" Jan >• 9 '" 1810 ^
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO JARED
MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., li:ALSl
Treasury Department Dec" 9'" 1809
Sir Your letter of 28"" Nov" has been received; '* and the im-
mediate completion of the surveys of those townships necessary for
ascertaining & laying out private claims in the Kaskaskia district
appears proper and necessary. The requested additional credit of
three thousand dollars with the receiver of public monies at Cincinnati
has been directed.
I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir Your obed' Serv*
— Albert Gallatin
Jared Mansfield Esq" Surveyor General Cincinnati
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esq' Survey' General Cincinnati
[Postmarked] Wash" City 11 Treasury Department Albert Gallatin
Free
[Endorsed] M' Gallatin's Letter Decemb' 9"> 1809
MATTHEW IRWIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
(NA:WD, SWDF:ALS1
Chicago 30'" Decern' 1809.
Sir, I should think my duty as a citizen, but more particularly as
an officer, badly performed, if, when evils of a public nature exist,
I did not endeavor to have them corrected. Under this impression,
^ This address was not written by the same hand as the letter. Presumably
the letter was forwarded by the Secretary of War to Wilkinson. Obviously, either
"EUinoie" in the first line or "western" in the second line is incorrect.
*• No reply found.
" NA(GL0, Lets, from SG); the relevant portion is printed, Terr. Papers
(Ind.), VII, 605, n. 97.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 67
I cannot conceive the power is given to the Commanding Officers of
garrisons, to compel their dependants to purchase at such Stores as
may be dictated to them : yet such is the case here; & under circum-
stances pecuharly indeUcate. The son of the Commanding officer is
made the Sutler by his father! The Surgeons Mate, (Docf Cooper)
is his partner! No check, exists, in their dealings, against extortion!
A circumstance the more to be regretted; as some of the soldiers who
conceived they were paying too high for some articles for merely
observing to their Commanding officer that 'they thought it a hard
matter they could not purchase at what Store they pleased', have been
punished! And those, with the exception of one, who have the power
of punishment in their hands, viz^ the Commanding Officer; ^° The
first lieutenant ^° (who is the son-in-law of the Comg officer) : & the
Surgeons-Mate, (forming a Majority of three fourths of the officers)
have the inhumanity & barbarity to punish those who dare to ani-
madvert on their injustice.
If Officers of the Army are allowed to be sutlers, innumerable evils
will naturally follow. The temtation to extortion is, with ordinary
minds, irresistible. The soldiers who are to be victims of imposition
must then, if they have the hardihood to complain, be silenced by
severe punishments; or, on the Other hand, quieted by indulgences
calculated to insubordinate them. This garrison presents a striking
example of such consequences. The subtle unprincipled Soldier is
here raised to the level of his Officers; whilst those with less art and
more honesty are subjects of punishment.
To give you an idea. Sir, that either a great deal of money is spent
(and it is generally believed that more than three fourths of the soldiers
pay is spent at the sutlers); or, that the proffits are immense, a M''
Langley of the State of Ohio, offered Docf Cooper $2000 to relinquish
his claim to the partnership!
In making this communication, I can with safety say I have no
personal animosities against the commanding officer. It would be
inhuman, wantonly to injure him, as he is old & infirm, & has a large
family to support & educate. My object, without a shadow of inten-
tion to injure any one where no cause exists, is, simply, to relate what
I conceive my my duty impels me to; & to have an end put to an evil
more pregnant with mischief than can be easily immagined.
If blame should attach any where, it should be with Docf Cooper,
who, particularly, as he was entrusted, advised & prevailed on the
Com* officer to adopt the course he has. Previous to this gentlemans
arrival here, as I am credibly informed, all was peace & harmony.
The reverse is now the case — nothing but discord prevails.
" Referring to Capt. John Whistler. See Jouett's opinion of Whistler. Terr,
Papers (Ind.), vil, 496.
" Thomas Hamilton.
314574 — 48 6
68
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
As I have not the honor, Sir, of a personal acquaintance with you,
I feel somewhat diffident in thus addressing you on the Conduct of
the Officers here; but, for the verity of the facts stated, I beg leave
to refer you to major Jouett, who informs me he will leave here for
Washington in Sept' or October next."
With the greatest respect, I am Sir, Your Most ob' serv'
Math' Irwin
The Hon"'* W° Eustis Secretary of war Washington
I have enclosed a list of prices of such articles as are most in use
among the soldiery, which, they have to purchase at the sutlers:
which also embraces the same articles, with the prices, to be had at
the store of a Citizen — M.I.
[Addressed] The Hon"" W° Eustis Secretary of War Washington
[Endorsed] Chicago, Dece' 30"" 1809. Mathew Irvine relative to
the impositions practised upon the soldiery at the above mentioned
Post by the connivance of the Commanding Officer with the Sutler; —
enclosing a comparati"* list of prices of certain articles of consumption.
Rece" Feb" 19'" ISIO.^
[Enclosure]
A comparison of prices
[December 30, 1809]
Comparative Note of Prices at the Sutler's & another Store, at Chicago —
Dece' 1809.»
Cooper & Whistler's J. Kinzey's
Whiskey . .
50
Cents quart Whiskey .
37}^ cents quart
Tobacco — . .
75
" lb Tobacco , .
50 " lb
B. Sugar— .
25
B. Sugar . .
16% "
Black Ball . .
50
" Stick Black Ball .
25 " Stick
Shoe Brushes ,
, 75
" pair Shoe Brushes ,
. 50 " pair
Thread . .
ey*
" skain Thread . .
6Ji " Skain,
" See Whistler to the Secretary of War, Jan. 26, 1810 (NA, WD, SWDF),
protesting any representation which might be made by Irwin, factor at Chicago.
In this connection see Col. Jacob Kingsbury, commander of the 1st regiment,
stationed at Detroit, Michigan Territory, to the Secretary of War, Mar. 16, 1810,
toe. cit., enclosing copies of detailed specifications against Whistler, Hamilton,
and Cooper, among which is Irwin's covering letter to Kingsbury, Feb. 24, 1810,
enclosing the formal charges. See also Whistler to the Secretary of War, May
31, June 1, Oct. 1, and Oct. 31, 1809, loc. cit., regarding affairs at Fort Dearborn.
In the same file is a letter, id. to id., no date, received July 5, 1810, regarding
Whistler's relinquishment of the command to Captain Heald and concerning his
quarrels with Irwin, Jouett and others. In the latter regard, Governor Cass, of
Michigan Territory, attempted to absolve Whistler in a letter to the Secretary of
War, Apr. 12, 1811, loc. eU.
2* No reply found.
" This heading is on the reverse of the enclosure.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY gg
SECRETARY POPE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
TREASURY
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 :CS]
(A Copy) Illinois Territory Secretary's Office
January 1" 1810
Sir I have the honor to transmit herewith enclose y©« my an
account of the Contingent expences of the Illinois Territory amount-
ing to twenty seven Dollars and fifty Cents with the Vouchcr3 te
SUpporu It
You will oblige me by informing me how my account stands at
the Treasury' — I am unable to ascertain it myself in consequence of
my mistake respecting the Charge for Office Rent ^^ —
I have the Honor to be Sir Yo. Mo. Ob' Serv'
Nat Pope
The Hon'"^ Albert Gallatin Esq'
NICHOLAS BOILVIN ^^ TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:LS]
Prairie du Chien, Jam. 27'", 1810.
Honored Sir! Since my last Letter which I forwarded in Septem-
ber last/' I have had the Honor, to receive Your Letter of the 16 "■
Sept:^' a p., and was happy to find that in Regard of the Indians in
this Quarter some Arrangement should take place, when Governor
Lewis should arrive at Washington the unhappy Fate which has
brought this Gentlemen to an untimely Death,^^ has frustrated my
Hopes, to hear of an Result in the Spring following, as Governor
Lewis was entirely acquainted with the Situation of this place, though
I hope to have some Information, as I understand General Clark
has been at Washington, and might have given some Communication
on the same Subject. — I find myself in a very critical Situation, then
I expect not less then Two Thousand Indians here in the Spring,
they are in great Hopes to receive some News and assistance from
their New Father. — I can say with Confidence, that I have had the
^•' Copies of vouchers present.
^'b Answered post, p. 74.
»" A Canadian of French extraction, appointed subagent for Indian affairs at
Prairie du Chien by Governor Harrison, of Indiana Territory, Aug. 18, 1806
{Terr. Papers, Ind., VII, 384), under John Campbell, who had been appointed
agent as early as 1802, ibid., p. 519. He was appointed justice of the peace
under Illinois Territory, and died in 1824 (WHC, II, 150). See also Terr. Papers
(La.-Mo.), XIII, index, under "Boilvin".
" Not found.
'^ Lewis died in Tennessee, Oct. 11, 1809, while traveling from St. Louis to
Washington {Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., xiv, index; Diet. Amer. Biog., XI, 222).
70 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
good fortune to bring them on such a footing as they never were
before, they are quiet and peacable, they are reconciled with our
Government, and express their Wishes, to go hand in hand with their
father and live in friendship Some of the Chiefs have a Wish to go
to Washington to see their New father. Having understood that
M' Jefferson has resigned, if Government consents to their Proposal,
Your Honor will please to inform me thereof, to make a Choice of the
Chiefs,
The Uncertainty in which I live here, makes my situation also
uneasy, then I do not know if it is the Will of Government that I
shall stay here, or be relieved.
I have made some Purchases of Houses of the Estate of M' Camp-
bell, in hopes to be of Use to Government, having the House constantly
full of Indians, but I am at a Lross to commence to repair the Buildings.
M' Bates writes me that it was regarded that I lived under the
Government of this Territory, untill other Arrangements are made."
If this Place is once put on a regular footing, so that the Indians
may repair hither for some little assistance, now and then to be given,
they will be hereafter of very Little Expence to the Government,
and this Place will be the Security of all our frontiers.
" Referring probably to Frederick Bates, Secretary and Acting Governor of
Louisiana Territory, to Boilvin, Nov. 4, 1809 (Marshall, ed., Bates Papers, II,
106-107), containing information of the death of Governor Lewis, and advising
Boilvin against any action within the limits of Illinois Territory, in which Prairie
du Chien was located, respecting the Indians residing therein without the direc-
tion of the Governor of that Territory; or to id. to id., Nov. 2, 1809, t6td., pp.
103-104, relating that Acting Governor Pope, of Illinois Territory, had complained
that Boilvin was issuing trading licenses in Illinois Territory, and pointing out
that Boilvin had no authority in that territory other than as directed by the
Governor thereof.
Unfortunately in this early period no clear line of demarcation is discernible
between the various Governors in their capacity as Indian superintendents or
between the Indian agents in the different districts. See, for example, respecting
the jurisdiction of the Governor of Michigan Territory after 1815, Terr. Papers
(Mich.), X, 576, n. 10. In the period under consideration, the spheres of authority
of the different officials mentioned seem to have been determined in part by in-
structions from the home government, in part by the efficiency and vigor of
individual officers, and in part by natural modes of communication. For example,
the Green Bay region, which by statute was a part of Illinois Territory, was
administered in so far as Indians were concerned by the Governor of Michigan
Territory as will appear clearly from the correspondence published in the present
volume. Chicago was likewise more closely bound to Detroit than to Kaskaskia,
and Prairie du Chien generally looked to the seat of government of the successive
territories of Louisiana and Missouri at St. Louis for guidance. It may be sug-
gested, however, that this phase of the subject of Indian management remains
to be clarified as to detail. Cf. post, vol. xvii, under date of Oct. 21, 1816.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 71
Enclosed I have the Honor to foreward a List of the Different
Nations which pass by and visit this Place, from which your Honor
may conclude, the Importance of this Post.
Having no more to add, I have the Honor to be. Your Honor's
most Obed' & hble Serv'
N: BoiLVlN««"*
The Honorable W Eustis Esq"' Secretary of War Washington.
[Endorsed] Prairie de Chien, Jan^ 27'" 1810. Nicholas Boilvin,—
relative to Indian affairs in that quarf — is anxious to receive Instruc-
tions from Government ; — and encloses a List of Indians who annually
visit or pass at that station. — Rece* April 11'" 1810.'*
[Enclosure:DS]
List of Indians visiting and passing Prairie du Chien
[January 26, 1810]
A Ldst of the different Nations of Indians which visit and pass by this
Place every year, viz'
Ten different Bands of Sioux consististing from 18. Lodges to 500
Lodges each Band, without counting those who live higher up the
River, on the River S' Peter untill the Missouri, the above Ten Bands
makes only a small Number of them.
Eight Villages foxes, containing 800. Men.
Three d" Puants containing 300. Men.
One Village Fols Avoines, cont: 200 Men.
and other strange Nations which pass, by such as Outawas. etc: etc:
N. Boilvin
Prairie du Chien Janr. 26. 1810.
[Endorsed] List (Estimate) of Indians who annually pass by or
visit Prairie de Chien.
THE GOVERNOR AND JUDGES TO THE SECRETARY OF
STATE
[NA:SD, Applications :LS«]
Kaskaskia 2'> Fehy 1810
Sir Understanding that it is probable that a Vacancy in the Judi-
ciary of this Territory will occur by the resignation of Judge Jones.
We beg leave in that event to recommend Nathaniel Pope Esq'
as a proper person to fill the Vacancy, and to represent to you as our
opinion that in legal Science in firmness of Mind, respectability of
" No reply found. ,
»° In the hand of Judge Thomas.
72 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Character and Solidity of Understanding he is second to no Lawyer
in this or any of the adjacent Territories.
Alex' Stuart
Jesse B. Thomas
NiNiAN Edwards
The Hon*'" R Smith Secretary of State
[Endorsed] Recommendation by Alex' Stewart J. B. Thomas
& N. Edwards of N. Pope to Judgeship of Illinois Territory
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY THE GOVERNOR,
SECRETARY, AND JUDGES OF THE TERRITORY
[LC:HF, 11 Cong., 2 sess.:DS]
[Referred February 7, 1810]
To the Honorable The Senate and Hotise of Representatives of the United
States
We the Governor Judges and Secretary of the Illinois Territory
beg leave respectfuly to represent to your honorable body that by
virtue of our several offices we are by law compelled to hold certains
quantities of land within the Territory that is to say The Governor
one thousand acres and the Judges & Secretary five hundred acres
each. Hitherto we have been unable to purchase of Individuals
any lands on which we are willing to settle ourselves, and if this were
not the case the titles of Individuals are involved in so much doubt
and uncertainty that on this account as well as for other reasons which
we forbear to mention we should greatly prefer to purchase from the
United States wherefore we pray your honorable body to permit us
to locate so much land as we are severally compelled to hold upon any
such terms and restrictions as congress may think right to prescribe
& we your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray &c &c
NiNiAN Edwards Obadiah Jones
Jesse B. Thomas Nat Pope
Alex' Stuart
[Endorsed] Petition of the Governor, judges and Secretary of the
Illinois territory. 7'" Feby, 1810. Ref** to the Committee on the
Public Lands. 21" Feb^ 1810. Report made, agreed to, and petition
rejected, against M' Johnson ref* lands "
»• House Journal, vii, 222, 239-240. See report, post, p. 74.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 73
ELIJAH BACKUS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
TREASURY
[NA:GLO, Kaskaskia, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALS]
Kask^ Feh^ 10*" 1810
Sir Since the date of my letter to you (of two months since,"
to which I have received no answer) I have seen the Governor's
reports on the charges against us — I cannot but smile at them — Have
we indeed been more deeply concerned in local politics than is decent
in our situations as public officers? —
The documents we shall send you together with the Gov" certificate
of his having been mistaken will settle this point — No Sir the Gov''
has acted from misinformation and will be candid enough to ac-
knowledge it — The idea is equally ridiculous that the mass of the people
of this country is opposed to us — The truth of fact is that every man
in this country will be found to approbate our conduct, except those
whom it will be our painful duty to prove guilty of perjury^
I have Sir drawn on you for three hundred dollars, in part of the
five hundred due me by act of Congress of last summer's session — We
have finished our business. Our report will be sent you by dispatch
next week; and I flatter myself this draught will be honoured —
I am Sir with feelings of gratitude y'' Obed* Serv*
Elij" Backus
Hon' a Gallatin Esq'
[Addressed] Hon'''* Albert Gallatin Esqr Secretary of the Treasury
City of Washington [Postmarked] Kaskaskie Feb'' 10*" Free
[Endorsed] Letter of advice M' Sheldon Kaskaskia Feb. 10, 1810.
rec" Mar. 15. E. Backus Rec' Pub. monies — de Governor's report —
advice of a draft for $300— W* N° Mar. 19, 1810. for $300—
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN HAYS
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
16 Feh'^ 1810
John Hays PM Cahokia II. Terr''
I have received your letter of the 25*" Dec'^&fined the Contractor
to the extent of the Penalties that he has incurred.
GG
»' Not found.
74 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO SECRETARY
POPE
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13:LS]
Treasury Department 17'" Febrtiary 1810. —
Sir, In answer to your letter of the 1. Jan" last, ^ I have to inform
you that on the Settlement of your account for contingent expenses
to the 31. December 1809, there appears to be remaining in your
hands of the Sum heretofore advanced to you, forty two dollars
twenty eight cents, to be applied to the payment of future expenses.
I am respectfully Sir, Y' obt Serv'
—Albert Gallatin
Nathaniel Pope Esq'' Secretary of the Illinois Territory
REPORT OF HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC LANDS
[LC:HF, 11 Cong., 2 sess.iAD]
[February 21, 1810]
Report of the Committee on the Public Lands on the petition of the Cover'
nor, judges and secretary of the Illinois territory. ^^*
By the ordinance for the government of the said territory it is
required, that the governor shall have a free hold estate of one thousand
acres of land within the territory while in the exercise of his office, and
the judges and secretary five hundred acres each. It appears by the
statement of the petitioners that they have been unable to purchase
from individuals any lands on which they are willing to settle them-
selves, and that the titles of individuals are involved in so much doubt
and uncertainty that they would prefer to purchase from the United
States — They pray that Congress would permit them to locate so
much land as they are severally required to hold upon such terms and
under such restrictions as may be thought reasonable.
It appears to the Committee that the case stated by the petitioners
will not justify a departure from the usual mode of disposing of the
public lands, especially as it is believed, that the public lands in that
territory will be offered for sale in the Course of the ensuing summer,
therefore
Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners ought not to be granted.
[Endorsed] [M'' Morrow.] Report of the Committee on the Public
Lands on the petition of the Governor, judges and secretary of the
Illinois territory. 21'*^ February, 1810 Agreed to, and petition
rejected "
M Ante, p. 69.
»«• Ante, p. 72.
»• House Journal, vii, 239-240. The brackets are on the MS.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 75
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory Feby 24. 1810
Sir I have the honor to inform you that Ducoigne the Chief of the
Kaskaskia Tribe of Indians for himself and them has requested that
their annuity should in futui-e be sent to this place and he has fur-
nished me with the enclosed list of the articles and money which he
wants.'"'
In the treaty with those Indians *' the United States have stipulated
to pay three hundred dollars towards the erection of a church for them.
This stipulation Ducoigne informs me (and I believe it) has never
been complied with. And as the major part of the tribe are about to
remove from this village to the lands reserved to them by the treaty
it is their wish that the money should now be appropriated to im-
provements on their land — If this proposition should be acceeded to.
they wish the money sent out with their next annuity Whenever
any of the Indians come here to receive their annuities or the Chiefs
come to pay a visit to the Governor, either as a manifestion of their
friendship or to adjust any business they expect to be supported dur-
ing their stay by the United St= and on some occasions they calculate
on receiving and it is customary to give them some little presents as
a mark of friendship. With none of those articles usually disposed of
in this way have I been furnished " —
Having no precident whatever to guide me here and being but little
acquainted with Indian affairs — I should be very happy to receive some
general instructions from you on the subject
I am with sentiments of the highest respt Sir Yr Mo Obd' S'
NiNLAj^ Edwards
The Hon'* William Eustis Esq' Secretary of War Washington
City
[Addressed] The Hon'ble William Eustis Esqr Secretary of War
Washington City Mail [Postmarked] Cincinnati 22 March 1810
Free
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia 111"'"' Terr: Feb^ 24^" 1810. Gov'' Ninian
Edwards, — Relative to the Annuities, &c. due the Kaskaskia Tribe
of Indians, enclosing memorandum of the articles they desire to
have: — Gov"' E. also requests Instructions relative to Indian Affairs,
&c. &c.— Rece"" Mar: 31, 1810.« Answ"
« Present.
<i Treaty of Aug. 13, 1803. See Terr. Papers (Ind.), vii, 190, n. 84, for citations.
" See ibid., pp. 360, 447, 568.
** Answered post, p. 88.
76 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
WILLIAM RECTOR TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., ni:ALS]
Kaskaskia Feh^ 24'" 1810,
D' Sir This will be handed to you by Major Robert Robinson"
whom I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance;
Major Robinson is the United States Agent or Attorney who was
appointed to oppose the fraudelent claims for land that have been
exhibited to the Board of Commissioners for this District, and will
pass through Cincinnati on his way to the City of Washington, where
he is going to make a Report of the descesions of the Commissioners
together with his remarks thereon, He wishes to be employed in laying
off into sections &c a part of the United States lands " — Should you
have employment for him you may rely on his performing the business,
with fidelity. He has acted as Clerk, and Translator of the French
papers for the Board of Commissioners for more than four years past,
for which he has received from Government, merely what was suffi-
cient to support his family, which was far from being adequate to the
important services he has rendered, — He is therefore desirous to
embark in the Surveying business, under an expectation that he will be
better rewarded for his Services, I hope you will have it in your power
to give him employment, he does not wish a large job as he intends
shortly to resume, the practice of Law.
I am very respectfully Your Ob* Serv*
W" Rector
Gen' Mansfield.
WILLIAM RECTOR TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GL0, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., ilirALS]
Kaskaskia Feh" 24'" « 1810.
D' Sir I had the satisfaction to receive a letter from Elias Rector
dated the 22"'' of December *'' at Washington in which he informs me
that Congress had passed a Law authorising the payment of the fees
we have asked for Resurveying the Land of individuals *^
He also states that M' Gallatin informed him that he had appoved
" The little that is known of Robinson, other than what is contained in the
textual matter of the present volume, is noted by Philbrick (ed.). Laws Ind. Terr.
(IHC,xxi),celxxxi.
« See Robinson's request in his letter to Mansfield, June 8, 1809 (NA, GLO, SG,
NWT, Lets. Reed., II).
" The figure 24 has been written over a single figure. This may explain the
oddity of the postscript's date, Feb. 17, being earlier than the date of the letter.
« Not found.
" Approved Dec. 28, 1809 (6 Stat. 87). See Terr. Papers (Ind.), vii, 661, 707.
See also the Secretary of the Treasury to Mansfield, Jan.2, 1810 (NA, GLO, SG,
NWT, Lets. Reed., in), enclosing the act, with instructions to settle the account.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY TJ
of your plan of laying off into Sections, &c all, those Townships wherein
there are private claims and that he had written you to that effect. —
Since which I have been anxiously expecting to receive from you
written instructions to proceed to subdivide, those Townships general-
ly. But as yet have received none.
We have nearly completed the subdivision of the Townships South
of the Base line (passing through this place) except some of the Frac-
tional Townships at the lower end of the District a great part of which
have been so covered with water that it has been impracticable to lay
them off. But the latter part of the winter, has been remarkably dry
and I beleive we shall soon be able to finish that work.
A few days ago I set Nelson Rector to subdividing those townships,
North of that line, wherein there are private claims and ]\'P Barcroft
will go to work in the same quarter as soon as he gets his part of the
work done below the line (which will be in a few days.) You may
perhaps think me premature in this business inasmuch as I have no
written instructions from you. But I have been induced to proceed
as above Stated from the following considerations, which appears to
me to justify what I have done and I hope & beleive you will approve
of the course I have taken.
1°' When I was last at your office you made known to me that you
had in a communication to the Secretary of the Treasury Suggested
the propriety of subdividing into sections &c all, the Townships where-
in there are private claims, and that as soon as the Secretary should
approve of your plan." I might proceed to do the whole of this work
I find from Elias Rector's letter that IvP Gallatin, does approve of
your plan. Consequently I consider myself verbally authorised by
you to do the business. However I wished very much to have had
subsequent instructions from, you But the distance from this place to
the Surveyor Generals office, and the difficulties, that attend a com-
munication between the two places at this Season of the year, forbid a
hope that I could get an answer to a letter I might have written on the
subject, until great part of the season for surveying would have
elapsed, and I did and now do feel confident that the course I have
taken, will be approbated by the Surveyor General, '
I know it is the wish of Government and greatly the interest of the
inhabitants generally of this country (who are extremely anxious on
the Subject particularly the claimants) that the claims of individuals
should be surveyed out as soon as possible so that emigrants and
others may have an oppertunity to purchase of these lands or of that,
which will remain to the United States, for these claims are scattered,
through the most desirable part of of this Territory, and most of the
Townships ought to be subdivided before the claims are run out. I
was apprised that it would be impossible to get good chain carriers &c
« See ante, p. 66.
78 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
in this Country. Consequently I brought from Ohio & Kentucky,
the most of my hands, whom I engaged for a length of time, and if I
had waited until I got a more formal authority to work North of the
line I must have paid these hands wages for doing nothing or dis-
charged them altogether — in either case it would have been a great
injury to me and would have greatly procrastinated the completion of
the business
I have forwarded by Major Robinson to M' John F Mansfield the
field notes of a part of the work we have done with a request that he
will make out the necessary returns &c. and forward to me by mail a
Bill on the receiver at Vincennes for the amount after deducting two
hundred and Thirty thee dollars for,'" which sum I have drawn on you
in favor of Major Robinson I presume there will be no inconvenience,
in paying that sum at Cincinnati only that it will create more trouble
in making out two Bills — it is with reluctance I give you this trouble,
but I was obliged, to borrow that sum, of Major Robinson to enable
me with convenience to go on with my business. Should M"' J. F.
Mansfeild be absent when Major Robinson reaches Cincinnati, I
hope you will receive the field notes & pay my draft
You will perceive from the field notes that some of our Surveys
does not close as well as could be wished. But the country where they
lye is so extremely rough that it was impossible to close them better.
Where Nelson Rector is now Surveying, the Country is more level
and the Surveys close extremely well
I beleive I am fully in possession of the Ideas,you entertained respect-
ing designating, the, publice and private lands on the same plat and
also the manner of executing the work — but knowing it possible, that
I may have misunderstood some part; I should be glad you would
reduce the plan to writing and forwarded it to me as soon as conven-
ient which shall in all cases be rigidly attended to.
I have had, from the time I last commenced Surveying and now have
in my employ as a chain carrier M' James B. M'Call a young Gentle-
man of respectable connexions, amiable character and great indoustry,
who is an excellent Surveyor both in Theory and Practice — I should
be extremely glad to have the privilege to employ M' M'^Call occasion-
ally ft9 to assist me in surveying for the nature of my business is such
that great part of my time must necessarily be employed in copjdng
and arranging the claims of individuals, and some few of those claims,
in several directions are ft* more than one hundred miles distant from
this place; so that it is necessary that I should have some person to
send to make those scattering surveys; &c, M'' M'^Call possesses such
qualifications as would make him very useful to me and would greatly
•• Marginal notation: "$233.00—100."
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 79
facilitate the completion of the business. I therefore hope you will
permit me to employ him, — please to let me know by letter."
I have the Honor to be with much respect Your Ob' Serv'
W" Rector
Gen* Mansfield
P.S. On my arrival here the Commissioners told me that they
would in a Short time furnish me with a Transcript (or rather allow
me to take it) of all the confirmed claims, within this District but on
refering to their instructions from the Secretary of the Treasury they
found that they were directed to keep their descisions from the knowl-
edge of the claimants (except those relative to the antient Grants and
such other claims as had been confirmed by the Governors) until
after their descisions should be sanctioned by Government, — So that
I can only get a Transcript of the latter description of claims; which
will create to me much trouble as I must necessarily go over the same
quarter of the Country twice, and will probably procrastinate the com-
pletion of the business. However after the Townships wherein these
claims fall are subdivided it will not take us long to lay off the claims
that will remain to be Surveyed. In the course of the present season
I presume we shall be able to lay off all the antient grants & Governors
confermations and subdivide the Townships wherein they fall, we are
now going on very well with the business all, enjoying good health and
nothing as has yet taken place to prevent us from work. We found
the country below this place extremely rough; The Mississippi
bottoms being very wide and excessively brushy, and much broken
with ponds. The country near to the bottoms are very hilly. So
that in this quater we can get on but slowly.
Notwithstanding the roughness of this part of the country there is
within it a considerable quantity of valuable land The lands in the
bottom between the ponds, is generally high dry and extremely rich
and a considerable part of the hills near the bottom is rich, and in
many places, there is sufficient quantities to admit of small farms, this
quarter is generally well timbered with large and valuable timber and
is pretty will watered with Creeks brooks, & some Springs of good
waters
Your Ob' Serv' W"° Rector
Feb^ l?*" 1810.—
Gen' Mansfield.
Your late plan of Subdividing, the Townships, in which there are
private claims previous to laying off those claims (except where there
is a considerable body of claims together) is certainly a good one, for I
find that the business can be done with more ease and accuracy and
" No reply found.
80 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
that it will not cost, the United States but very little if any thing more,
than it would have done had the former plan been persued,
I have learned in what Townships, there are such bodies of claims
and shall avoid them until those claims are run out.
W.R
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esquire Surveyor Gen' of the
United States Cincinnati Ohio Fav" P Major R. Robinson
JONATHAN ROBINSON " TO THE PRESIDENT
[NA:SD, ApplicationsrALS)
Washington February 26'" 1810
Respected Sir I take the Liberty to recommend to your Notice
the Hon" Stanly Griswold for the Appointment to the Office of a
Judge of Some one of the Teritories fully believing him to be a
Gentleman of good abilities of high Integrity and very Meritorious —
as Very few have done or Suffered more than him in promoting the
best Interests of the United States and the present Gov' of his
Country ^
I am with high Consideration yours &c
Jon" Robinson
James Madison President of the United States —
{Endorsed] Robinson J. Feb" 26'" 1810 Griswold Stanley recomm"
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO THE PRESIDENT
[NA:SD, Applications :ALS]
[February 28, 1810]
D' Sir. My long acquaintance with Stanley Griswold Esq'" and the
Solicitude of his numerous acquaintance — emboldens me to depart
from a rnle to which 1 have generally conform <", — Of not interfering
to recommend any candidates for Office —
M'" Griswold and myself were educated at the same time at Yale
College and our acquaintance has continued ever since. — He is a man
of Science, and has ever sustained the character of An upright, faithful
Citizen devoted to the liberties of his Countrj'. — It was owing to him
that New-Hampshire was revolutionized & the unfortunate dispute
" A Senator of the United States from Vermont.
•' Consult Terr. Papers (Mich.), x, index, for a record of Griswold's service
as Secretary of Michigan Territory. See his letter of application for the Illinois
judgeship, ibid. (Miss.), vi, 51. After his resignation as Secretary of Michigan
Territory in 1808, he was appointed U. S. Senator from Ohio, in which office he
served from May 18 to Dec. 11, 1809.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY gl
between him & Gov'' Hull has most essentially injured his affairs.
He has read law with Judge Huntington.
It is, Sir, my firm belief That should it be the pleasure of the Presi-
dent to bestow on him a territorial Judgeship, he would be an useful
& faithful Office and that his appoint'' would be highly pleasing to all
the leading Republicans of New England.'*
With great Esteem & Respect Yours
G Granger
Feb: 28. 1810
[Addressed] The President
[Endorsed] Grlswold S. rec" Feb'' 28*" 1810
WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD " TO THE PRESIDENT
[NA:SD, Resignations :ALS]
Senate Chamber 1" March 1810
James Madison, President of the United States.
Sir. By yesterday's mail I rec"* a letter from Obadiah Jones Esq'
one of the Judges of the Illinois Territory, in answer to one which I
had written him, stating the probability that an opportunity would
shortly occur, of removing him to the Mississippi territory In his
answer he authorises me to accept of the appointment in his name, if
it should be made, & in his name to sign a resignation of his present
appointment.
I am Sir respectfully your most Ob* humb* Serv*
W" H Crawford
[Endorsed] 1 & 8'" March M'' Jones resigns his appointment as
Judge in the Illinois Territoiy and accepts a similar appointment in
the Mississippi Territory Crawford W" H. March 1" 1810
REPORT OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO CONGRESS
[PC: P.M. Letter Book Q:E]
[March 1, 1810]
In obedience to the Act of Congress of the 21=* April 1808 concerning
public Contracts; The Post Master General has the honor of laying
" There are also other brief letters commending Griswold for the appointment
in question in NA (SD, Applications), as follows: from J. G. Jackson, Repre-
sentative in Congress from Virginia, Mar. 1, 1810; Obadiah German and Uri
Tracy, U. S. Senator and Representative in Congress, respectively, from New
York, Mar. 2, 1810; Elisha Mathewson, U. S. Senator from Rhode Island, Mar.
2, 1810; and Jeremiah Morrow, Representative in Congress from Ohio, Mar. 7,
1810. No additional information is supplied in the letters cited.
" At this time a Senator of the United States from Georgia.
82
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
before Congress, the following Statement of all the Contracts which
have been made in his Department, during the preceding Year, Viz " —
Routes for carrying
the Mail
Number
of times
the Mail
is carried
p'Week
Names of Con-
tractors
Date of
Contracts
Duration of
Contracts
Russelville
Massac
Fort
Kas-
Vincennes
kaskia
Kaskaskia - Fort
Massac
Once
fort-
night
Once
Elijah G. Ga-
lusha
Jn"> M'Arthur
Jn° M'Arthur
June 10
1809
do
do
1 Oct. '09
to 1 Oct.
1811
do
do
480
880
770
All which is respectfully submitted —
Gen' p. Office 1 March 1810.
WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD TO THE PRESIDENT
[NA:SD, Acceptances :ALS]
Senate Chamber 8*" March 1810
The President of the United States.
Sir. Pursuant to the authority given me by Obadiah Jones Esquire
one of the Judges of the Illinois Territory, I Send you his resignation
of the appointment of Judge of that territory, and his acceptance of
the appointment of Judge of the Mississippi Territory lately conferred
upon him." I am Sir respectfully Your most ob' humb* Serv*
W" H Crawford
for Obadiah Jones
[Endorsed] Crawford W" H. March 8'" 1810
" Relevant items only have been extracted for the present printing.
"Other relevant correspondence is printed, Terr. Papers (Miss.), vi, 51-52,
93-94, 292. Jones participated in the various functions pertaining to the office
of Territorial Judge from at least as early as July 20, 1809, when he signed the
territorial laws of that date, to as late as Feb. 24, 1810. According to vol. I of
the Records of Cases decided by the General Court at Kaskaskia, he was in at-
tendance at every meeting of the Territorial Court during the September, 1809,
term, but in none thereafter. The last document to which his signature is attached
is a recognizance, dated Feb. 24, 1810, ibid., ii, 167. Acknowledgment is made
to Professor Francis S. Philbrick for the foregoing data.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 83
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO THE COMMANDING
OFFICER AT MICHILIMACKINAC
[NA:OIA,SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War-Department March 12'" 1810
The Commanding Officer at Michilimackinac.
Sir, Please to deliver to Joseph B. Varnum J"' United States
Factor, out of the packages holden by you subject to the order of
John Campbell Esq'' Indian Agent at Prairie de Chien, all Articles
answerable for the Indian Trade.
Distinct accounts of the Articles received and of those not received
by him, with their Invoice prices, should be transmitted to this OfRce.
Respectfully &c. (signed) W. EusTis
COMMISSION OF STANLEY GRISWOLD AS JUDGE
[NA; SD.Misc. Permanent Comms., C:C]
[March 16, 1810]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Wisdom, Uprightness and Learning of Stanley Griswold, late of
Connecticut, I have nominated and by and with the advice and con-
sent of the Senate do appoint him One of the Judges in and over the
lUinois Territory;^' and do authorize and empower him to execute
and fulfil the duties of that office according to Law; and to Have
and to Hold the said office with all the powers, privileges and Emolu-
ments to the same of right appertaining during his good behaviour, or
during the existence of the Government established by the act of the
Congress of the United States passed the 3* February 1809 entitled
"An Act for dividing the Indiana Territory into two Separate Govern-
ments", and the Ordinance of Congress passed on the 13 July 1787
therein referred to; he to reside in the said Territory.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be
L.s made patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto
affixed.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington the Sixteenth day
of March 1810; and of the Independence of the said United States
the Thuty fourth.
James Madison
By the President
R. Smith Secy of State
" Nominated Mar. 9 and confirmed Mar. 16, 1810 (Senate, Exec. Journal, U,
140, 141-142).
314574 — 48 7
84 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
WILLIAM AND ELIAS RECTOR TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iii:ALS]
Kaskaskia March 23'" 1810.
D' Sir Your instructions of the 13'" of last month, "• Authorises
us to Subdivide into Sections &c. all those Townships wherein there
are private claims — provided that in the Judgment of the Commis-
sioners that course Should be expedient
You will perceive from the commissioners certificates, (a Copy of
which you will herewith receive) that those Gentlemen are not only
of opinion, that all, the Townships wherein there are claims ought
to be Subdivided into Sections &c but, that the intermediate Town-
ships in which, there are no claims should also be laid off into Sections
«&c, inasmuch as that part of the country, through which these claims
are scattered is generally will Timbered, Good Soil and near to
Settlements. Consequently the most desirable part of this District
In your said instructions you require to be informed by us of the
Situation of the principal bodies of claims &c. — We have not yet got a
transcript of all the claims, but those the situation of which we do
know (which is the greater part of them) are on and near the Mis-
sissippi River and but few of which are at a greater distance from
the river than 24 miles, and not many of them set near so far.
We this day shewed your instructions to the Commissioners and
requested that they would inform us, where those claims that has
not yet come to our Knowledge are Situated to which they replied,
that the whole of the claims, lye on and near to the Mississippi River
and within the Wooded Country so that we are pretty sure that there
€k«4 fettt tkft* there are but very few if any claims that lye farther
from the Mississippi, than those were turned to your office last sum-
mer, the Situation of which will appear by a referance to the con-
nected Plats in your office
We expect to complete the Subdivision of the whole of those Town-
ships and lay off such private claims as the commissioners have and
may direct to be Surveyed in the course of the present Season
We make it a rule never to run a Sectional Line the whole of which
would fall within a private claim or claims For Example, When we
commence the subdivision of Township N" 1 North. Range 8 W.
(see the plat in your office) we shall begin at the comer (in the range
line) to sections 25 & 36 and run west blazing as we proceed until we
come to the Eastwardly boundary of Pierre Menards Sur\-ey N" 381.
here we establish a comer, to fractional Sections N" 25 & 36 and marke
trees as at other Sectional comers. Then measure along Menards line
to his North Easterly comer seting down in the field Book the course
(agreeable to the tme meridian) and distance
•» Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 85
We shall then travel along Menard's line till we come to the North-
westerly corner of William Scotts Survey N° 389 — Then measure
along Scotts line to the Range line where a comer must be established
for Fractional Section N° 36, T 1 N R 8 W and for Fractional Sec-
tion N°31.T1NR7W, it will then in order to fee afefe enable us to
ascertain the exact quantities, of those fractional sections be necessary
to measure along the range line to the Township corner, or to the 1/4
Section post, North of the corner last established.
We shall then travel to the corner of Sections 24 & 25 from where
run. West, at 40 chains set 1/4 Sec. post at 80 chains establish a corner
to Sections 23, 24, 25 & 26 T 1 N R 8 W. Then run South between
Sec^ 25 & 26, at 40 chs, establish 1/4 Sec, comer and at the inter-
section with the Northwardly boundary of Menards said Survey
establish a comer for fractional Sections N° 25 & 26, then measure to
Menards North Westerly comer, — &c &c &c—
We shall be careful to do the work with accuracy, and keep the field
notes in a concise manner and so plain that they cannot be misunder-
stood— And on the whole we flatter ourselves with the pleasing hope
of performing the whole of the business you have Assigned to us to
your entire satisfaction.
We are with great respect your Ob' Serv"
W" Rector
Elias Rector
Gen' Mansfield.
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esq"' Surveyor General, of U, S, Cin-
cinnati Ohio, p, mail [Postmarked] March 24" paid 25 Kaskaskia
[Enclosure]
Michael Jones and Elijah Backus to William and Elias Rector
(A Copy.) Commissioners Office Kaskaskia March 23'"^ 1810
Gentlemen We perseive that the Surveyor Gen' in his Instruc-
tions to you of Feb^ 13'" last has authorised you to proced to the
Surveying of such private claims within this District as in the opinion
of the Commission may be necessary ; as also to subdivide into Sections
& all those Townships within which there are private claims provided
this Board should think it expediant — It is our opinion first — that
private claims ought not to be survey* untill the decision of Gov'
on our report respecting them be known which it probably will be in
a few Weeks — Secondly — that the Townships in which private claims
lie ought to be surveyed & laid off immediately — Thirdly— That
the inteiTnediate Townships in which there are no private claims
should be laid off in like manner — Our Ground for this later opinion
is that the said private claims are interspersed through that part of
the Country — bounding on the Mississippi which is Wooded, & most
86 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
of all favourable to Settlement and that these later Townships cer-
tainly contain much good land, and that land of an inferior quality,
will be quite as likely to sell speedily as that which is better but at
a Distance from Settlements —
We are Gentlemen your Humbl Sev"
signed Mich' Jones —
E Backus
To Mess" William & Euas Rector
WILLIAM RECTOR TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iii:ALS]
Kaskaskia March 30'" 1810.
D' Sir I received per last mail your letter of the 28'" Ult" "
& in compliance with your wish tendered to M' W" C Greenup, a part
of work you assigned to me on as liberal terms as I could consistant
with doing justice to myself which induced him to Accept of it He will
set out in a few days to perform the business. I shall go with him
until he gets thoroughly acquainted with the manner of doing the
work — .
You entertain a correct opinion of M' Greenup He is capable,
indoustrious & faithful.
I conclude from your last letter, that you are of opinion that the
claims of indi\-iduals occupy a more extensive tract of Country, than
than they really do. In my letter of the 23"" Ins* " I gave you the gen-
eral outlines of that part of the country which is interfered with by these
claims. But since the receipt of your last letter I conclude it would
be more Satisfactory- to you to be informed of the particular Townships
& fractional TowTiships wherein there are any claims, And in order to
afford you this information I have used every means in my power
to ascertain, what Townships above the Base line are interfered with,
from which enquiry I find that the whole or nearly the whole of the
claims are confined to the following Townships and fractional Town-
ships— (see the next page).
It is beleived the whole of these Townships have some claims within
them, but it is possible some of them may not contain any.
Townships N° 6 South of Ranges N° 2. 5. 6. 7. 8 & 9— W
Townships N° 5 S. of Ranges N° 7. 8. 9 & 10— W . .
Townships N° 4 S of Ranges N° 6. 7. 8. 9. 10 & 11 W .
Townships N° 3 S of Ranges N° 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10 & 11 W
Townships N° 2 S. of Ranges N° 6. 7. 8. 9. 10 & 11 W .
"> Not found.
" Supra.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 87
Townships N" 1 S. of Ranges N° 7. 8. 9. 10 & 11 W 5
Townships N" 1 North of Ranges N" 7. 8. 9. 10 & 11 W ... . 5
Townships N" 2 North of Ranges N° 8. 9 & 10 W 3
Townships N° 3 N. of Ranges N" 8. 9 & 10 W 3
Townships N" 4 N of Ranges N" 8. 9 & 10 W 3
Townships & fractional Townships 48
Fractional Townships 13
35
The 13 fractional Townships bounded by the Mississippi River are
principally taken up with private claims so that we shall have but
little Surveying to do within them, there are also some other Town-
ships a considerable part of which is occupied by claims. I presume
the whole of this business will not much exceed 8 Townships a peice
for each Company that are engaged in doing the work (Viz Elias
Rectors Nelson Rectors Elias Barcrofts & my own assisted by W" C
Greenup.) We can complete the whole of this business by the begin-
ning or early in June.
I do not calculate or wish to receive pay for such parts of Sectional
lines as will fall within those Surveys of individuals for which Govern-
ment has paid or yet has to pay us for making. But expect to receive
pay for the Sectional lines that do not fall within that description of
private Claims and also as much as I should have had a right to
receive for connecting those claims with the Sectional lines, calcu-
lating as tho these claims, had been Surveyed the before, the Town-
ships were Subdivided
I am convinced, that the loss of lines that will fall within these
claims will not much if any exceed the extra connecting lines that
would have been indispensably necessary if these claims had been
first laid off. Therefore laying off the Townships into Sections
before, Surveying the claims (except where there is a considerable
body of them together) is certainly the better plan, for the whole
buseness is done with more ease expedition & accuracy. — The extra
connecting lines above spoken of is not the only objection to laying
off the claims first for where the Country is only laid off into Town-
ships, much time is lost in hunting up the lines. And it appears to me
desirable that a tree in each corner of a fractional Section should be
marked with the number of the Range Township & Section — Should
the Surveyor General deem this necessary the trouble in most cases
in connecting the Surveys we have made & marking the comers would
amount to a resurvey of those claims. But as we established the cor-
ners of these Surveys by taking bearing trees. I have supposed that
where, they become boundaries to fractional sections they will serve
88 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
as such without the additional expence of marking trees in the corners
near to them — Should you wish trees marked in these comers please
to signify it to me and it shall be done.
In your last letter you express some doubts as to the propriety of
subdividing, those Townships, wherein there are but few claims,
But have refered the matter to the Commissioners — you will I presume
before this reaches you receive my letter of the 23'" Ins* covering a
copy of the Commissioners certificate on that subject by which you
will see, that those Gentlemen are of opinion that all Townships
wherin, there are claims ought to be subdivided and also interme-
diate Townships in which there are no claims for reasons therein
stated. — Should you however wish any part of this work omited please
to signify it to me as soon as convenient — I mean any part of the
Townships in which there are claims — .
Should you think with the Commissioners, that the intermediate
Townships ought to be subdiveded, and it is perfectly agreeable to
you to employ us to do the work we shall be in readiness to attend
to the business at any time you may direct — we are sensible of the
many favors you have done in giving us emploj-ment &C &C &C and
feel truly grateful therefor, and would by no means trouble you with
Solicitations for further employment unless it should be entirely
agreeable to you if to give it to us."^
I am with much respect your Ob' Serv* W" Rector
P S. I calculate to be at your office some time in June next. W R
Gen' Mansfield
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA,SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War-Department April 3"* 1810
NiNiAN Edwards.
Sir, Your Excellency's letter of the 24'" of February last has been
received." The Invoice of Articles which the Kaskaskias wish to
receive for their present year's annuity, came too late to be acted
upon. — On the 13'" of February — Goods to the amount of $600 —
similar to those procured for the Annuity for 1809 — were ordered to be
purchased for the Kaskaskias annuity for 1810 and to be sent to you
at Kaskaskia for distribution. For the $400 being the residue of their
Annuity, your Excellency is authorized to draw on this Department;
also for One hundred Doll" to be paid to the Roman Catholic Priest
for 1810— as well as for the $300 due the Kaskaskias by treaty, on
account of the erection of a Church, stating on the face of each bill,
the purpose for which it is drawn.
I am &c. (signed) W. EusTIS
•• No reply found.
•Ante, p. 75.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 89
WILLIAM RECTOR TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO.SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iii:ALS]
Kaskaskia April 7'" 1810
D'' Sir I wrote you on the 30*" of last month." giving you a State-
ment of all, those Townships, in which (from such information as I
was able to collect) I supposed there were private claims — Since which
I have ascertained, that, there are no claims within, the following
Townships. Viz T 3 S. R 5 W. Townships 2 & 3 S. of Range 6 W—
There may be some other Townships enumerated in said letter, in
which there may be no private claims. Should I discover this to be
the case, the Subdivision of such Townships Shall not be gone into
until I receive further further instructions from you.
We are going on very well with the business generally but find
considerable difficulty in completeing the subdivision of some of the
fractional Townships on the Mississippi near the lower end of the work
on ace' of the many ponds that are within them. I calculate however
to get through with that part of the work early in the next Month
I am, with much respect Your Ob' Serv' W™ Rector
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esquire Surveyor Gen' of the U.
States Cincinnati Ohio. Mail [Postmarked] Kaskaskia. April 7""
1810 25
A BILL CONCERNING THE TRAPPIST ORDER
[NA:SF, 11 Cong., 2 sess.iPrinted]
XLIII.
In Senate of the United States April 7th, 1810.
Mr. Brent, from the committee appointed on the subject, reported the
following bill, which was read and passed to the second reading.
A BILL Concerning the society of the order of La Trappe.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America, in Congress Assembled, That the United States
relinquish to Urban Guillet, for the benefit of the religious order of
La Trappe, their right, if any they have, to the four hundred acres of
land in the Illinois territory, situate about four miles from St. Louis;
which said four hundred acres of land, was a donation from N. Jarrot
to the said Urban Guillet, and his associates, and upon which they
have made an establishment, for the gratuitous education of youth,
in the various branches of literature and mechanical arts.
Opp a_ AnjJ. ha ii -fiirfftrr rnnrfrrJ T'li n f. fViA qprrrf nr-.7 «f tVin trrmiirv
CTtJTjT TTr j:XrtW W TV J tirtrtVr ViKJbVtVlJt, X ilUiU UxttS JL/Vl U tUl Jf^ CtT TmtJ VI UUo»^A J
DC flu till onocd, find iio is ncrcCTV dircotccl, upon cippiicfition Dcin^ nxo-fl"
M Ante, p. 86.
90 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
tO nWttj "to QlflpOOO ©r ftTlQ ftOit tO OPDttn ^jrUlilOty CI HO nl9 ftSSOOl ft t'C9 j tOP
tbe benefit el their order ©f ta Trappc, ft»ti fe? t^ maintcnanco ef
*fee catablbliment above mentioned, fetH" thousand aorcrf ef public
lull CI J ftr 1)1 tC pPiCO Or tWO ClOiluF3 JJGP ftCrC '} WiiiOIi 9ftiCt OftlO Sttftri O©
upon ft credit ef twelve ^'cora,- without intercat; Provided, That 44ie
sai4 ,Guillct, ftR4 his aooooiatco, shall locate t^ie warrant fef *he
Sulu x0wP l'iiOU'3ull(i ftOPCy Or ItXIlQ j Ou ftli V txixloOutJCu toXi^ uCuFC3u tj© Or
ctCljOlXllOS vOClP 9uiU C" tfttWi^triHTOIitTr
[Endorsed] 11 Cong 2 Sess A Bill concerning the Society of Order
of La Trappe. 1810 April 7 Read & to 2 Read* April 9 Read 14'" to
3" Rea' 14'" 3" R. & passed •»
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN McARTHUR
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
18 April 1810
John M'Arthur Kaskaskia 111. Terr'
Your negligence is intolerable — the Mail from Vincennes to S' Louis
has failed more the past than any preceding winter — I shall rigidly
exact every penalty that you have incurred, and if the Mail is further
neglected, I shall undoubtedly place it in other hands.
G.G.
ROBERT ROBINSON TO RETURN J. MEIGS
[NA:SF,11 Cong., 2 sess.:ADS]
Washington 20th April 1810—
Sir The following remarks were deemed necessary to an explana-
tion of my account herewith exhibited —
On the 1'' item in this account it may be remarked — first that by
an act of the 26'" of March 1804 the government had provided &
appointed a national Board of Officers to decide on the Claims —
Secondly — that that Board, under the peculiar circumstances in which
it was placed — in a French poppulation — neither of the Commissioners
understanding the language— many of the papers exhibited and the
oral testimony to be taken being in French, was compelled to employ
an interpreter & translator before they could come to a decision on a
single claim where such evidence was produced — As interpreter I was
then employed by the Board and I did not hesitate to undertake it
from the assurances of the Board that the Gov' would make me an
adequet compensation — It is true that the act organizing the Board
made no allowance for this part of the business — but as an interpreter
was indespencable it was believed to have been left to the discration of
« Senale Journal, iv, 478, 480, 488, 489. In the House the bill as passed by
the Senate was read twice and committed. No further action is noted.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 91
the Commissioners; as in the case of a Marshal whom they found it
necessary to appoint — They were commanded to commence on a cer-
tain day (1=* of Jan'y 1805) and to finish their reports on a given day —
but without an interpreter and translator this could not be done nor
could they progress in decisions— On imploying the interpreter and
translator for the periods I mention one of two things seems to me to
result — Viz — Either that the Board or the Government was bound
in Justice to pay a reasonable Compensation and I presume that the
Gov' never did intend to cast this weight on Officers whoes Compen-
sation has been believed to be far below what they really merited —
I come now to the Second item in my account — as to this permit me
to remark that after the 1" day of November 1805 notices of claims
could not be rec"* by the Register of the land office — nor does he seem
to have been bound to translate any papers which were not at this period
filed in his office — and it very frequently occured that Claimants
throu' ignorance or other causes had omitted to have their papers in
the French language filed and translated and many of these documents
were by the claimants produced at the moment the Board was about to
decide on their pretentions — In this as well as in the duty of inter-
prating will be seen the Oeconomy of the Board; for had they im-
ployed any other than the Clerk they must have promised such
compensation to him as would have kept him always near the Board
during its Sessions —
The third item is for interprating generally — As to this, it was im-
possible for the Board to proceed without examinations and re-exami-
nation of PYench witnesses in Order to ascertain the limits and extent
of ancient possessions disputes &c and Conflicting Claims; and to
test the Credability of Witnesses by their own Contadictions
The duty of interprater became highly important to the United
States when after a decision had been made by the Board in favour
of Claimants to a large amount a scene of profligate corruption (scarce
equaled) was exhibited — About 200,000 acres it was discovered had
been decided favourable to the Claimants who had obtained such
decisions by the greatest frauds — Forjery and Perjury — In unraveling
& detecting such villanies transactions much time & investigation
were necessary and those imployed in this vile trade as witnesses were
chiefly ignorant Frenchmen who did not understand English — Indeed
I found it frequently necessary to imploy an assistant Clerk at my
own expence while ingaged in these examinations which terminated in
the rejection of these fraudulant Claims — I have to regret that the
reports of Board perticularly that relating to testimony is not before
you as it would verify my claim to be well founded — if any doubts are
intertained I beg that the Sec'y of the Treas'y may be requested to
give information on this subject
On the subject of my 4'" Item permit me to say that I have traveled
92 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
about 1,000 miles in the worst season of the winter at the Special
request of the Board as will appear by their Official letter to the
Sec'y of the Treas'y — an extract of which is before the Committee —
All which is most respectfully submitted for the consideration of the
Hon'ble Committee to whom my petition was refered &c
R: Robinson
[Addressed] The Hon'ble R J Meiggs Chairman of Com*" Senate
of the U S:
[Endorsed] Rob* Robinsons Papers —
[Enclosure:El
Elijah Backtis and Michael Jones to the Secretary of the Treasury
N" 1 [Febrtiary 26, 1810]
Extract from an official communication of E. BacktLS and M: Jones,
commissiones in the District of Kaskaskia, to M' Gallatin Sec'y of
the Treasury of the U: S:— Dated Feb'y 26'" 1810 "—
"As our dispaches of last year were, you know. Sir, plundered from
the public mail, we have thought that this, the most important of
all Our communications, involving not only property, but Character,
could not be trusted to any other then a Spacial messenger —
"M"' Robinson (the bearer) the agent for the U: States for this
District is able to give any further details which may be required ("]
The above extract is a true copy of the document alluded to now
on file in the Coumptroller's Office And' Ross, Clk
[Endorsed] Extract of the letter of the Board of Commissioners to
M' Gallatin— Feb'y 26'" 1810—
[Enclosure]
Account of Robert Robinson
[April 20, 1810]
The United States to Robert Robinson D"'
1" For translating and interpreting the French language at the Spacial
request of the Board of Commissioners (of land land claims) in the
District of Kaskaskaskia from the 1" of Jan'y 1805 untill the 30'"
of April ensuing, the date when the act of March 1805 appointing
a translator was rec* at the Office — at $1 p' day — . . . $110
2^ For translating deeds, concessions and &c which not having been
regularly filed with the Register of the land office and which were
considered as not appertaining to his Office as translator from the
30'" of April 1805 untill the 1" of Jan'y 1810— inclusive— . . 50
3" For interpreting all oral testimony and examining witnesses before
the Board at their request from the said 30'" day of april 1805
untill the said 1" day of Jan'y 1810 at $175 per Annum (say 4
years & 8 months) 793.20
" Original not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 93
4'" For transporting the Papers and decisions of the said Board of
Commissioners from Kask* to Washington by the Spacial Order of
the Board as per their official letter to the Sec'y of the Treas'y
will appear — (including all expence and trouble) "
Contra
By 30$ allowed and paid William Arundel, as translator and inter-
preter, (in my absence), — by the Sec'y of the Treas'y —
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY ROBERT ROBINSON
[NA:SF, 11 Cong., 2 sess.:ALS]
[No date, 1810]
To the Honorable the Senate and house of Representatives of the United
States —
The undersigned respectfully represents, that on the first day of
January 1805 he was appointed Clerk of the Board of Commissioners
(of land claims) in the District of Kaskaskia; °* and that he continued
to discharge the duties of that office untill the final adjudication of the
Claims pending — that the quantity of land claimed may be estimated
at about 900,000 acres; — that the title Set-up to a considerate portion
of this land was attempted to be supported by orial testimony which
the Clerk was ordered to commit to writing; — that the Illinois Country
was anciently and almost exclusively inhabited by Frenchmen, — that
it is still so in a great measure; and that it was from some of these
ancient inhabitants, who, are yet living and who are intirely unac-
quainted with the English Language, that the Board had to recieve
testimony on which many of the claimants founded their pretentions —
That all the papers relative to land-titles from the first Settlements
in the Illinois down to the organization of the Northwestern Territory
were written in the French Language and that the Board, under these
circumstances, found it impossible to proceed without the aid of an
interpretor and translator — Your memorialist being well acquainted
with the French Language, and it being difficult to procure an In-
terprator and Translator, the Board urged him to undertake these
duties — assuring him at the same time that tho' there was no specific
appropriation for these Servises the very nature of the Case would
induce Government to allow a Compensation —
The Organic law of this Board gave it Power to Subp' and compell
the attendence of Witnesses; *' yet this law did not point-out the man-
ner in which it should be done — The Board were then constrained to
assume a constructive power to appoint a Marshal to execute process —
they did so; and his fees, as well as the fees of the witnesses by him
•' No figures are entered here.
«8 See Terr. Papers (Ind.), vn, 326.
" See. 4 of act approved Mar 26, 1804 (ibid., p. 177; 2 Stat. 279).
94 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
summoned have been regularly audited and paid by the Treasury
Department.
Your Memorialists respectfully states that in his opinion the same
reasoning applys with equal force to the appointment and pay of an
interprator, for as the Board could not proceed without a Marshal so
neither could they have come to final adjudications without the aid
of an interprator and translator of the French language— Added to
these considerations, your Memorialist begs leave to observe, that
for Simular Servises considerable sums of money have been allowed in
Louisiana '" &c while no appropriation was made for the District of
Kaskaskia untill the year 1807 and then only for a specific description
of papers on file in the Office " —
Your memorialist further represents that after much difficulty
the Board came to a final adjudication of the Claims about the last
day of December 1809, — that as the roads from Kaskaskia to Wash-
ington are at all times difficult and in the winter almost impass-
able— as the mail does not at that season perform the rout with dispach
and safety and as it was important that the reports of the Board
should reach the seat of Government before the close of the present
Session, it was resolved that the Clerk of the Board should be the
bearor of the Reports and this your memorialist has performed (re-
cently) at considerable expence and trouble which must necessarily
attend a Journey of 1,000 miles in the depth of Winter —
It now rests with your Honorable bodies to decide, whether these
important trusts were to be performed by your Memorialist without
compensation; or whether in Justice he is not intitled to a merited re-
ward; and he prays that this his petition may be heard at the present
Session of Congress, as a posponement untill the next Session would be
highly injurious to his domestice affairs, and imbarassing in his pecu-
niary arangements — It is not going beyond truth to State that in the
discharge of these Official duties, — duties which martialed against
your Memorialist and the Board the whole phalanx of Fraudulent
Speculators — he hazarded his life and property — all which he humbly
conceives may be proved by the Official Communications of Governor
Edwards and the Commissioners to the Secretary of the Treasury —
Your Memorialist respectfully prays &c &c
Robert Robinson
[Endorsed] 11 Cong 2 Sess: Petition of R. Robinson praying addi-
tional compensation for certain services.^' Petition of R Robinson.
" See sec. 6 of act approved Mar. 2, 1805 {Terr. Papers, Orleans, ix, 413; 2
Stat. 328).
" See sec. 6 of act approved Mar. 3, 1807 {Jerr. Papers, Ind., vii, 435; 2 Stat.
447).
" Robinson was allowed $500 as extra compensation by an act approved May 1,
1810 (6 Stat. 94).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 95
MICHAEL JONES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
[NA:GLO, Kaskaskia, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALS]
Kaskaskia Afril 21=* 1810.
Sir On the 10*" Instant I put myself on my Country for trial —
When the Attorney General (M'' Crettendon) had gone thro' the exam-
ination of his witnesses, it was percieved by my council that he was
convinced of the perjuries of those Honorable Gentlemen, Jackaway
and RejTiolds, they concieved it therefore unnecessary to examine all
my witnesses & submitted the cause without argument: The Jury who
had made up their minds at the bar retired, & in a few minuts return'd
a Verdict of not Guilty — The Court (Judge Stewart) then observed
"Co' Jones you are discharged — it gives me pleasure to declare that
the Verdict rendered by the Jury meets the entire approbation
of the Court" The Judge then address'd the Attorney Gen' — "From
what has passed before the Court this day upon the trial of this Cause,
it will be worthy of your consideration whether prosecutions for per-
jury ought not to be instituted against some of the Witnesses examined
during the trial" Jackaway in the meantime made his escape, but was
pursued by the sheriff and brought back, he stands recognized, by the
Court; to appear at our next term on a charge of Perjury — Actions of
tresspass on the case have been brought by me against Rob* Morrison,
William Morrison & John Edgar each in the sum of nine, twelve &
fifteen thousand Dollars — in order to enable me to prosecute these suits
with effect, it becomes necessary that I shou'd be in possession of the
Documents, defamatory of my character, which these Gentlemen
have from time to time, forwarded to you and the President. Shou'd
there be no impropriety in forwarding them, you will in that case please
to send them by mail, under cover to M' Nath' Pope, or shoud M'
Robinson not have left the City they can be forwarded by him
I have the Honour to be Sir, your Obed' & Hum' Ser*
Mich' Jones
P.S. On the 18*" Instant I drew on you in favour of M' Shaw for
the amount of an account for Sundries, which I hope will be honored —
M: Jones
The Hon' Albert Gallatin Sec" of the Treas^ of the united States
[Addressed] The Hon' Albert Gallatin Secref of the Treas^ of the
united of the U States Washington [Postmarked] Kaskaskia April
28*" Free Mail.
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia Apr. 21. 1810 rec" May 16. Michael Jones
Reg "■ of the Land Office — result of prosecution against him — wants
copies of charges made against him — advice of a bill for am* of an
account transmitted. Answ" May 18. 1810." Authenticated eepy
wr tjiio pftpcrs tO 00 uiuu'O CO TjrftiismiiTtjCd t^ ^^ipti *
n Post, p. 102.
96 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO THE SPEAKER
OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
[NA:SF, 11 Cong., 2 sess.:ALS]
Treasury Department Aipril 23. 1810
Sir, The reports & decisions of the Commissioners appointed to
settle the claims to lands in the District of Kaskaskia have been
received, and are too voluminous to be transcribed in time before the
adjournment of Congress. Understanding that although the subject
of rejected claims may require investigation, no difficulty was appre-
hended respecting the claims which have been confirmed, I have the
honor to transmit a list of them, extracted from the reports above
mentioned,
I have the honor to be &c Albert Gallatin.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives.
[Endorsed] N» Kaskaskia Sent to HR Ap' 24. 1810. Quire— The
list within referred to. also— The utility of printing the reports entire.
ELIAS RECTOR TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., in:ALSl
Kaskaskia Avril 26"" 1810
Dear Sir I have read your letter to W° Rector ''* Containing
Instructions to him and my self how to perform the work assined us
&c You therein suggest that we had better proceed Slow or spar-
ingly— I am sure when you are well Acquainted with the real necessity
of this works being spedily performed — you will not Oppose the early
completion of it. It is desirable that this work should be soon done
for Obvious reasons Viz 1°' The United States would derive grate
advantage by having the private Claims together with Subdivisions
of the public Land which lie adjoining them soon Made, as then Land
in this district might be sold — 2°" The individuals who hold land
here are anxious for their land to be survey" which will enable them
to make settlements which would enhance the value of tfe© Land of the
United States, At present the titles of Land is so uncertain that
emmigrants are unwilling to purchase Consequently the Country
remains unsettled All for want of the Surveys being complete I can
say for myself If I could not proceed with dispatch I had rather aban-
don the business. Otherwise at the end of 5 or 6 years my fees for
Surveying would about Meet the expence of the business. It requires
more money to prosecute this business here than in a thick settled
Country
I have no other business or object in this Country but surveying —
" Feb. 23, 1810 (not found); cf. ante, p. 84.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 97
which I wish to Complete as soon as I can Consistant with your
instructions which had & shall allways be my Guide in the work I am
sensible of your friendship te hi« in assuring Me work when there ai'e
such a Crowd of Applicants and I hope my attention to and performance
of the business will meet your Approbation I shall proceed in con-
formity with the instructions you gave me till the 15*" of June after
that it is my intention to visit Cincinati where I hope to find you &
family in Good health &c
With Considerations of respect & esteem I am your ob* serv*
Elias Rector
PS please present my respects to Mistress Mansfield and family
E. Rector
Gen' Mansfield
[Addressed] The Hble Jared Mansfield Surveyor Gen' U. S.
Cincinati Ohio. [Postmarked] Kaskaskia April 28'" 25
MATTHEW LYON TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., in:ALS]
Washington April 29'" 1810
Dear Sir Congress have authorised you to lay out a Town on the
banks of the Ohio not exceeding two Sections, Town lotts a quarter
of an acre, out lots at your discretion '° — I take the liberty to request
you to Employ my friend Will" Dobbins who lives near Eddiville
Ken^ to do this job " — I have understood his work heretofore done
in that way pleased you, he is very Convenient to Shawnee Town
not more than a large days ride — The bill as it went from our house
left the size of the lotts with the Secretary & you, & contemplating
that they would be an acre the smallest we had fixed the price at
Eight dollars but the Senate fixed the Size at A Quarter for the In
lotts & left the price Eight dollars Standing so I hope altho the
Whole of the Sextions may be laid out into lotts, there will be but a
small proportion of those Eight dollar lotts, as the Out lots are limited
at no more than 5 $ an Acre — 32 Doll° an Acre is too much for land
in that Country— On this Subject, I will speak to the Sec" of the
Treasury —
Our friend Granger has had a bad Winter he sometimes thought
of dying he is now recovered, though not in Confirmed health is
doing business
" Referring to Shawneetown, provided for in sec. 6 of an act approved Apr.
30, 1810 (2 Stat. 591).
" See Terr. Papers (Ind.), viii, 18, 117.
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
I will thank you for a line left for me at Cincinati post office on the
Subject of Employing Judge Dobbins and with great respect yours
M Lyon
I got this Shawney town bussiness done at the request of a large
number of people *h«fe liveing on the land and as it will be an accomo-
dation to them to have the lotts soon laid out so that they may
set their buildings in conformity thereto The sooner it is laid out the
better
f
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esq' Surveyor General Near Cin-
cinatti Ohio State [PostmaTked] M Lyon Free
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO MICHAEL JONES
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One]
Treasury Departm* 7*" May 1810
Mich' Jones Esq' Register &c Kaskaskia
Sir I enclose an Act confirming the decisions of the Commis-
sioners in favor of the Claimants of Land in the district of Kaskaskia."
The transcripts of favorable decisions dated 31 decern' 1809 trans-
mitted by the Commiss" to the Sec" of the Treasury being made by
the Act matter of record,'* I will cause authenticated Copies of the
same to be transcribed and transmitted to you. In the mean while
your own Minutes & copies will enable you to give the necessary
information to the claimants whose titles are thus confirmed.
Another Law will be wanted for the purpose of enabling the owners
of donation & Militia claims to locate & siu-vey their tracts, & for
also enabling both these and all other confirmed Claimants to obtain
patents.
It is highly probable that the Law will in every respect be similar
to that passed on the S"" March 1807 in relation to the Vincennes
confirmed claims, and to which I refer you for information."
In the mean while it is necessary that the tracts contemplated by the
first section of the Act of 21 April 1806 should be designated by the
Register & Receiver under the direction of the Secretary of the
" Approved May 1, 1810 (2 Stat. 607).
" See transcripts of recommendations for confirmation, submitted by Jones
and Elijah Backus, the receiver, Dec. 31, 1809, in A.S.P., Pub. Lands, II, 157-174.
The originals are in NA (SF). These lists of recommendations are under the
familiar heads of (1) ancient rights, (2) improvement rights, (3) donations to
heads of families, and (4) militia donations. In the same report and printed
ibid., pp. 127-156, are lists of rejected claims, with reasons for the commissioners'
disallowance. The prior history of the land-claims situation in Illmois Territory
may be traced in Terr. Papers (N.W.), vols. II and ill, and ibid. (Ind.), vol. vii;
consult indexes under "Land", "Kaskaskia", "Illinois Country", and the like.
'• Terr. Papers (Ind.), vii, 433-435; 2 Stat. 446-448.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 99
Treasury according to Law.*" For you know that I disapproved of
the former selection. In my opinion the Tracts together ought not
to exceed in quantity the aggregate of all the claims both confirmed &
rejected which may (supposing Congress should confirm even those
claims which you have rejected) be located therein. That will
certainly give sufficient choice to confirmed claims. As to the position
& boundaries of those Tracts, they should as far as practicable include
all or the principal part of the improvements made by the owners of
bona fide claims. For notwithstanding the provisions of the 2"
Section of the Act of 21 April 1806, perhaps Congress may, as far as
they may be found within the boundaries of the Tracts to be thus
laid out, permit a location on the owners improvements. It is neces-
sary that the selection should immediately be made by you & communi-
cated to the Secref of the Treasury in order that the Surveyor Gen-
eral may be instructed to surve}' the same this Season. But I do not
intend to confirm your choice so as to authorize any location till after
the meeting of Congress; for this reason amongst others, that you have
not in j^our decisions actually confirmed or rejected any of the Gover-
nors confinnations. It results that not a single claim of that kind is
confirmed by the enclosed Law; & as many are certainly good, it would
be unjust to exclude such from an equal chance in making locations.
On the subject of your report respecting Governors confirmations,
which must necessarily be amended, I will write at large in a few days.^'
I am &c
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO MICHAEL JONES
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One]
Treasury Department May 14'" 1810
Mic' Jones Esq' Register &c Kaskaskia
Sir As some time may elapse before the authenticated copies of
the transcripts of favorable decisions confirmd by the last Act of
Congress & mentioned in my letter of V" ins* *- can be completed &
transmitted; and as it is important that j'ou should not in the mean
while mistake what are the decisions thus understood to be confirmed ;
it is proper to inform you that the Act of Congress embraces & con-
firms the favorable decisions of the Commissioners 1°' in favor of the
persons or representatives of persons designated as confii-med in the
four transcripts of ancient grants, rights of improvements, donations
to heads of Families, and Militia donations transmitted to the Treas-
«> 2 Stat. 395.
*' Answered Tpost, p. 109.
62 AnU, p. 98.
100 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
ury, excepting only such persons as had not filed their claims accord-
ing to Law, and in behalf of whom, as the Commissioners were not
authorized to decide on their Cases, a special provision must be made
by Law:
2"'^ In favor of the rightful proprietors respectively of the Town
lots, common field, allotments, & commons in the several tracts
designated in the transcripts of the Commissioners by the name of
Kaskaskia, Grand Prairie, Prairie du Rocher, Fort Chartres, St
Philips's, Prairie dupont, and Kahokia, excepting also claims not
filed. But as there may be some doubt respecting the true construc-
tion of the Commissioners decisions respecting those Village Tracts,
I add what appears to me to have been their meaning, with a request
that if in any respect mistaken, they will state it immediately. It is
indeed possible that it will be better to apply for a new special law in
relation to that object.
I am &c
Substance of the Commissioners confirmation in relation to Village
Tracts.
1 All the following tracts as laid domi in the several annexed plats
are respectively confirmed to the legal representatives of the original
Concedees or Grantees from the French Government or India Com-
pany; the tracts designated by the name of commons being for the
common use of the inhabitants of the Villages respectively, and the
Village or town lots, & allotments in the common fields or in the
tracts divided into Lots, being the respective property of the several
owners; no regard being had so far as relates to the claims of indi-
viduals either to any pretended grants from officers of the british
Government, or to any former special confirmations in favor of indi-
viduals whether made by the Commiss" appointed &C or by the
Governors of the Territory: & leaving it to the several individuals
having claims within the Tracts hereby confirmed, to adjust & settle
their respective claims & boundaries, that is to say —
1" The lands contained in the commons, town Lots & common
fields of the Village of Kaskaskias, as laid down in the plat annexed,
executed by David Robinson & bearing date 21 Sep' 1807," bounded
by the river Kaskaskia, by the Missisippi and by the upper line of
the common field land (as laid down in the plat also annexed executed
by W" & Elias Rector not dated *^) being eleven & one half arpens
above the upper line of the Indian Village (so called).
2 The Claims falling within the Grand Prairie Tract, lying between
the lower lines of Butchet's & E L'anglois's tracts & bounded as per
the annexed plat. (Plat neither signed nor dated.*')
•» Reproduced in A.S.P., op. cit., facing p. 183.
" Reproduced loc. cit.
w Reproduced loc. cit.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY IQl
3 The Lands contained in the common field Village & lower
commons of Prairie du Rocher including a grant to M'' Boisbrient &
thirteen Arpens of the grant of seventeen arpens to Chafin & Delisle
bounded west by the Missisippi, east by the range of Hills, south by
the northern boundary of the Grand Prairie Tract and on the north
by the remainder (viz' four arpens) of the tract originally granted to
Chafin & Delisle, as per the annexed plat signed by W" Rector &
bearing date Janu'' 29'" 1810 ^ & also the commons being a tract
lying east of the last mentioned tract thus confirmed, but extending
in breadth only from the southern boundary thereof to the northern
boundary of the Tract originally granted to Boisbriant, and in depth
one league
4 All the Lands contained in the allotments of the Fort Chartres
establishm' as laid down in the annexed Plan signed by W" Rector &
bearing date June 2'* 1809." Bounded southerly by the upper line
of the Prairie du Rocher common field, northerly by the lower line
of the grant to Philip Renault out of which has emanated the Village
& establishment of S' Philips westerly by the Coul6 de Neaud, by the
base line (so called) established by the french Government, and so
far as relates to the four upper arpens in front of the Grant to Chafin
& Delisle which form the lower part of the Fort Chartres Tract, by
the Missisippi extending in depth eastwardly to the Range of Hills
only so far as relates to the last four mentioned arpens extending in
depth eastwardly one league so far as relates to a Tract twelve arpens
in front lying behind & opposite Fort Chartres originally granted to —
Boisbriant extending in depth eastwardly fifty arpens so far as relates
to all the residue of the allotments aforesaid situated south of the upper
line of the concession of three arpens in front made to Naud : all which
last mentioned allotments are therefore bounded eastwardly by a line
parallell to and fifty arpens distant from, the Coul6 de Neaud & the
base line above mentioned and extending in depth eastwardly to the
Marais or Ponds Ijang at the foot of the Hills so far as relates to all
the allotments situated north of the upper line of the above mentioned
concession to Neaud : But no claim of Lots in the former Village, or
of commons, or to any of the Lands lying between the Missisippi
River and the western boundary of the Tract as above described, or
to any of the lands lying east of the eastern boundary of the same as
above described is hereby confirmed or recognised —
5 That part of a grant made to Philip Renault " known by the
name of S' Phillips as laid down in the annexed plan signed by W°
Rector and bearing date June 2* 1809 ** bounded southwardly by the
" Reproduced ibid., facing p. 186.
^ See commissioners' report on the Renault grant, Feb. 24, 1810, ihid., pp.
189-192.
** Reproduced ibid., facing p. 192.
102 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
upper line of the Fort Chartres allotments extending, in front of the
Missisippi eighty six arpens & a half, and in depth from the Mis-
sisippi to the Hills —
II And all the Lands contained in the Town Lots, common fields
and Commons of the Villages of Cahokia & Prairie du Pont as laid
down in the annexed Plans bearing date May 23" 1808 and signed the
first by W° Rector & the other by Elias Rector are confirmed,** the
Commons to the common use of the inhabitants of the Villages re-
spectively and the Village or town Lots and allotments in the common
fields to the respective claimants now in possession as set down in the
plats above mentioned; it being also understood that no regard is to
be had to any special former confirmations either by the Commis-
sioners appointed &C or by the Governors of the Territory, & particu-
larly that none of the allotments in the Cahokia commonfield extend
towards the Missisippi beyond the Rigolet or River LAbb^, the Land
included between the said Rigolet or River and the Missisippi being
altogether without the boundaries of the allotments aforesaid.""
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO MICHAEL JONES
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One]
Treasury Department 18 May 1810
Mic' Jones Esq' Regis'' &c Kasskaskia
Sir Your letter of 21" Ult° has been received " — I hear with
great pleasure the result of the wicked attempt which had been made
against j-ou & hope that the parties may be brought to punishment.
I cannot however consistent with Usage give you the papers which
had been addressed to the President, and on which the enquiry into
your conduct was grounded; nor do I believe that they would be of
any use in the object which you have in view — The Bill drawn by
you in favor of M'' Shaw founded on an account and vouchers, which
have been received will be paid when presented. It is proper to
inform you that a Bill drawn by yourself & M' Backus jointly in
Octo' 1807 for $67.26, was, through some error, for one dollar more
than the Vouchers which you sent amounted to, they being for only
$66.27; this difference of one dollar has been debited to your personal
account and I apprize you of it that the accounts may be made
regular, by your next draft for a quarters Salary being drawn for
$124 — , only, stating either in the Body of the Bill, or in the letter
of advice, the reason as above, why it is drawn for one dollar less than
the full amount of a quarters Salary
lam&C
" Both reproduced ibid., facing p. 194.
•0 Answered post, p. 109.
« Ante. p. 95.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 103
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO MICHAEL JONES
AND ELIJAH BACKUS
INA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One]
Treasury Depart' Maij 23" 1810
Mic' Jones Esq' Regis' &C Elijah Backus Receiv' &C Kaskaskia
Gentlemen It appears to me that you have not, in your reports
respecting Governor's confirmations, sufficiently explained your opin-
ion, which should have been either a distinct confirmation or absolute
rejection according to your respective conclusions on each case. I
therefore transmit Copies of your transcripts in that respect, and
request that you wall subdivide each of the four transcripts (Ancient
Grants, Improvements, Heads of Families donations, Militia dona-
tions) into two seperate transcripts, viz' one of confirmations, the
other of rejections by yourselves. You will perceive by reference to
the Act confinning the report of the Vincennes Commissioners,'^ that
all the Governors confirmations not actually rejected by the Commis-
sioners were confirmed by Congress; & it is not improbable that the
same course will be pursued in relation to the Kaskaskia decisions.
This shews the necessity of correcting your report in the manner
which I have pointed out : nor does that mode work any injury to the
Claimants, as it will leave those whose claims, being rejected by you not-
withstanding the Governors confirmation shall not be finally confirmed
by Congress, at liberty to avail themselves nevertheless, of the Gover-
nors confirmation (if conferring an indisputable title) before a Court
of Law, against any other person to whom the United States might
sell the Land.
In the corrected return which you will transmit as early as possible
to this department you will also be pleased to distinguish the Cases
in which patents of confirmation were issued by the Governor from
those where he only confirmed without granting Patents. —
I beg leave to add a few observations on those Governor's confirma-
tions, not as may relate to impropriety or Fraud which may have come
to the knowledge of the Commissioners in any particular Case, but
only as respects the Governor's powers.
1 In relation to donations to heads of Families or for Militia services
he was limited as to location of the claims when allowed, to tracts of
land laid out in conformity with the resolution of Congress of 20''''
June 1788.«^ For the Resolution of 28 Aug' 1788 prescribing a differ-
ent mode of locating those tracts '* is repealed by the Act of S"* March
1791 '° — I observe that the Militia donations of 100 Acres are generally
« Approved Mar. 3, 1807, Terr. Papers (Ind.), vn, 433-435; 2 Stat. 446-448.
« Terr. Papers (N.W.), ii, 112-115.
"/6td., pp. 144-145.
»»/6id., pp. 339-342.
104 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
located & surveyed. Was this done in every respect in conformity
with, and within the boundaries prescribed by the Resolution of 20th
June 1788?
2 Ancient Grants were defined both by the said resolution and by the
2" Section of the Act of 3" March 1791 to be such as they had possessed,
and which had been alloted to them according to the Laws & Usages
of the Government under which they had respectively settled. It
follows that unless there was or had been possession besides the Grant
the Governor could not confirm under that Section. But, what is
more important, the power in that respect was limited to alottments
according to the Laws & usages &C. And it seems evident that the
british Grants (so called) were not allotments, and were granted not
only contrary to the Laws & usages of the Country, not only without
authority from Government or superior Officers, but also contrary to
the public Proclamation of 1763:" so that the parties accepted the
Grant knowing that there was no authority to make it. —
3 If any power was vested in the Governor to confirm such grants it
was under the 4'" Sect" of the Act of 3" March 1791, the words being
"under a supposed Grant by any Commandant or Court claiming
Authority to make such Grant" And yet the Commandant Wilkins
does not even appear to have claimd the Authority. But at all
events the authority is limited to tracts actually improved and
cultivated not exceeding to any person four hundred Acres.
4 The improvement rights which the Governor had a right to con-
firm were only 1 (under the 2'^ Sect" of the Act of 3" March 1791)
such as had before the year 1783 been alloted &C (in cases where those
allotments are not considered as legal & complete grants) 2 such ?s had
been made under a supposed grant of a Commandant or court. It
follows first that the Governor had no right to confirm by virtue of
improvement right, unless that right was supported either by an allot-
ment made prior to 1783, according to Law & Usage, or by a Com-
mandant's or Court's supposed Grant: 2dly that in improvement claims
derived from allotments as above mentioned the quantity confirmed
might exceed 400 Acres, but that in improvement claims derived from
Commandant's or Court's supposed grants, the Governor's confirma-
tion cannot exceed 400 Acres —
5 By the Act of 7 May 1800 all that part of the north west Terri-
tory now composing the Territories of Indiana & Illinois, was after
the 4'" day of July 1800 erected into a seperate territory then called
Indiana." The Officers (including the Governor) for the new Terri_
»« Oct. 7, 1763, Shortt and Doughty (eds.), Docs. rel. Const. Hist. Can., 1759-
1791, pp. 119-123; Alvord and Carter (eds.), Critical Period (IHC, X), 39-45. For
a critical study of the proclamation, see Alvord, "Genesis of ihe Proclamation of
1763" (Mich. Pion. and Hist. Colls., xxxvi, 20-52).
»' Terr. Papers (N.W.), ill, 86-88.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 105
tory were to exercise the same powers, perform the same duties &c as
by the Laws of the U States had been provided & estabhshed for
similar officers in the north west Territoiy. Nothing in that act was
to be construed so as to effect the Governm* then in force in the ter-
ritory north west of the Ohio, further than to prohibit the exercise
thereof within the Indiana Territory after the said 4'" day of July 1800.
On that day therefore, all the powers of the Governor of the north
west Territory ceased in the Indiana Territory; and it is a matter of
fact that without any other authority Gov"' Harrison did make con-
firmations in the Indiana Territory. Either these are all null (v/hich
in my opinion would be absurd) or those of Governor S' Clair after the
4*" of July 1800 are null. Yet Governor S' Clair's patent to Edgar
& S* Clair for a tract of 13,986 acres (said to contain more than double
that quantity) is dated Aug' 12"" 1800
You will be pleased to observe that the preceding observations are
not intended to encroach on what is within your own province, viz' to
decide according to your own view of the subject but merely for the
piuT)ose of bringing to your recollection some points which might
perhaps in the great haste with which you were obliged to complete
your business have escaped your attention '* —
I am &c
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO GOVERNOR
EDWARDS
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2]
Treasury Depm' 28"' May 1810.
Sir, Two applications, one by Benj° Wallace & others, and the
other by Ficklin & Prince, having been made for leasing a supposed
lead mine, in the Illinois Territory. The President has authorised
you to lease the same accordingly to the respective applicants, on the
usual terms. And I now enclose for that purpose the applications
aforesaid, and a copy of the lease to Gist and Bledsoe. But as under
colour of obtaining such leases, attempts might be made, solely with
the intention of getting temporary possession, of valuable and large
tracts of land, you are requested not to grant the leases unless you are
satisfied both of the intention of the parties and of the existence of the
mine.
I cannot, from the description as given by the applicants, ascertain
whether the application of both be not for the same tract or mine.
Should that be the case it is the intention of the President that the
lease should be in favor of those who made the first discovery or are
connected with such person.
I have &ca.
His Excellency N. Edwards Esq. Governor, Illinois Ter^
"8 Cf. posi, p. 141.
106 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
JOHN MESSINGER " TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iii:ALS]
Clinton Hill Illinois Ty. May 28'" 1810
Sir, — I gratefully received Yo-ors of the 22"* of Feb'' about the first
of April ' — Just previous to whih, a Young M' Rector Run a line by
my house, and informed me that they had only those Townships to
Subdivide, in which there were private claims, as mentioned in
Yours; which work, as Htcntionod as You observe, was most proper for
those to do also, who had the private Claims on hand— Though, at the
same time, I am so well acquainted with the surveys of private claims,
in this County, that I would have been willing it had been my lot to
had a share, near where I live— M' W" Rector in conversation last
season, observed to me, that he did not wish to undertake any more
siirvejing, than that, he was then engaged in, which was, the private
claims & an Indian boundarie, probably; and when I first heard that he
& his Brother Elias, had several surveying parties in the field and had
to Subdivid the Townships Survey'd by me, I was, somewhat alarmed,
as to my hopes of getting any more work, and, although You have
Politely answered my letter of Jan^ 8'",^ and gave me this consola-
tion— that You "have as high an opinion of my competency, as that
of any surveyor ["]; I am Yet fearfull that something has gone wrong
as it respects me, since my returns of those surveys made by me; but
perhaps my fears are without a cause —
I sincerely regret that the present circumstances of my family will
not permit me to make you a visit this summer, which would be a
satisfaction to me (as I conceive it) whether I get any more work in
surveying or not — It appears by the subdivisions in the Townships
near where I live that the surveyors, have not the same instructions
as those forwarded to me, which obliged the Chain earners to carry
a Plumb on all uneven grounds — I was with Young Rector a little
when running about me, and, observed that his Chainmen did not
carry a Plumb — he said that the chainmen made allowance on uneven
grounds of course, the horrizontal measiu-e depended on the Judgement
of the Chainmen; In consequence, of which (or my errors) they make
from three to six & H Chains excess on the North of those townships
that I made the exact measure of Six Miles agreeable to my private
instructions — The Chain that M' Rector had when here, agrees with
mine exactly — I have a piece of timber prepared, on which I scribed
the exact Measure of thirty three feet which corresponds with the
measure forwarded to me by letter from Your Office, by which I often
•• For biographical sketch, see Philbrick (ed.), Laws Ind. Terr. (IHC, XXI),
ccl-ccli.
» Not found.
» Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 107
corrected my Chain while in the field, and my assistant likewise —
Young Rector applied his Chain to the same measure when with me,
and it agreed exactly, so the difference of our measure, is not in the
different lengths of our Chains — If the difference in the measure of
the external or Township lines, & those of the subdivisions is worth
notice, time, & accurate examination will determine which is cor-
rect— For my part I am sure that my instructions and Oath, Obliged
me to carry a plumb with the chain to determine the horrizontal
measure on uneven grounds — which I am conscious was strictly
attended to by my chainmen; for in many uneven places I walked by
the side of them untill they were well practiced, and the same chain-
men continued with me through the whole Job ; — They were americans
and as good in my opinion as can be obtained any where — Should
you have occasion to write to me again, direct to Clinton Hill Post
Office St Clair County Illinois Territory — I keep the ofl^ce ' —
I am Sir very Respectf fully Your Obed* Hum' Ser'
J Messinger
Jared Mansfield Eqr
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esq'' Surveyor Gen' Cincinnati Ohio —
[Postmarked] May 28'" Free J Messinger P M. Clinton Hill-Ill°
Ty-
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iii:E]
Extract of a Letter from the Governor of the Illinois Territory, dated 5*''
June 1810 *
I perceive that a Town is to established at a place called Shawnee
Town, and although I really feel the greatest diffidence in 6ffering my
advice when it is not asked for, yet I think I can to you Sir venture to
recommend that the United States should retain or purchase Lots as
a necessary appendage to the Saline, for unless great changes take
place (and I hope they will) Shawnee Town must for a long time be
a place of deposit for Salt, & the U S are too much interested to deprive
themselves of the benefit of some proper situation for the object.
A will also beg leave to suggest for consideration the plan on which
I would advise that the Town should be laid out. I would have but
one Street; that should be upon the Margin of the River, It will then
be on the best & highest Ground; every Lot will be of equal value,
having an equal advantage of the River, and an equal prospect of
advantage from all who pass through Town, retaining the Ferry at
the upper end of the Town where it now is all persons passing to or
» Reply not found.
* Enclosed in the Secretary of the Treasury to Mansfield, July 5, 1810 (NA,
GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., in).
108 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
returning from the Saline or any place on this side of the Saline would
have to pass by every Lot in Town. The road leading as it now does
from the lower end of Town. And moreover every Lot would be
equally Convenient to the out Lots designed for our support. Upon
this plan I am confident I could sell the Town for at least five times as
much as it could be sold for on any other.
I have the honor &C
DANIEL SHELDON, JR., TO EDWARD COLES »
[NA:SD, Misc. Letters :ALS1
[July 2, 1810]
Dear Sir, Obadiah Jones a Judge of the Illinois Territory, it
appears, by the record of his commission at the Depm' of State, was
appointed a Judge of the Mississippi Territory on the 6'" of March
last;' and on the 16*" of March, Stanley Griswold was appointed
Judge of the Illinois Territory in his room.' This arrangement not
being known at the Treasury, M' Jones has been paid (by virtue of a
Power given by him for the purpose to Mr. Crawford of the Senate)
as Judge of the Illinois Territory to the 31st of March last. A bill
is now presented for payment drawn by M"' Griswold for his salary
commencing on the 16'" of March last, including consequently, fifteen
days for which M'' Jones has already been paid. It is stated at the
Depm' of State, that no evidence exists there of M'' Jones's consent to
the exchange; and as he could not be transferred to the Mississippi
Territory without his consent, it is presumed that this must have
been signified to the President himself. Will you be good enough to
inquire, & send to the Treasury something upon which we can regularly
act; either the original letter of M' Jones, or a line from the President
stating the fact of M' Jones's assent to the transfer.
I am respectfully Yours &c D' Sheldon j'
M' Coles. July 2. 1810.
[Endorsed] M' Sheldon. 2" July 1810
MEMORANDUM BY DANIEL SHELDON, JR.
[GAO:Misc. Treas., Acct. No. 23,747 (1811) lALS]
[July 3, 1810)
Mem, in relation to the account of Obadiah Jones, as Judge of the Illinois
Territory, & as Judge of Madison C° Mississippi Territory.
On the 1" of March 1810, W" H. Crawford Senator from Georgia
informed the President that he was authorized by M' Jones, upon
' Private secretary to President Madison ; later a G overnor of the State of Illinois.
• Senate, Exec. Journal, II, 140.
' Ibid., pp. 141-142.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 109
being appointed a Judge of the Mississippi Territory, to resign his
place as Judge of the Illinois Territory. Accordingly on the 6"" of
March, M"' Jones was appointed Judge of the Miss' Terr^ and on the
8'" of March, M'' Crawford in behalf of M"' Jones, resigned the place of
Judge of the Illinois Terr'' and accepted that of Judge of the Miss'
Ter^ — The two letters of M' Crawford to the President dated Mar.
1" & 8'" 1810, have been sent to the Treasury; but at the request of
the President, are deposited in the Departm' of State to remain there
on file.'*
Stanley Griswold was appointed Judge of the Illinois Terrif in the
room of M'' Jones on the 16"" of March 1810.
M' Jones ought then to be paid as Judge of the Illinois Ter^ to the
5"" of March 1810, and from that time forward, as Judge of the Miss'
Terr^ — But he has already been paid, (by virtue of a power given to
M"' Crawford) as Judge of Illinois to the 31, Mar. 1810. It will be
proper therefore, on the settlem' of M' Jones's first account as Judge
of the Miss' Terr^ to give him credit for his salary as such, from the
6"^" of Mar 1810, and then to charge him for the amount he has already
received for his salary as Judge of Illinois from the 6"" to the 31,
March 1810. M' Griswold's salary will of course commence on the
16, Mar. 1810.
No appropriation has been made for the payment of the new Judge
of Madison C° Mississippi Terr^ which is the place M' Jones now holds.
D' Sheldon j'
July 3, 1810
[Endorsed] Memorandum of M"' Sheldon relative to the Acco' of
Obadiah Jones one of the Judge's of the Mississippi Territory, to be
attended to on the settlem' of his first Ace' of Salary, $86.67 to be
deducted which he has rec" as Judge of the Illinois being his Salary
from the 6'" to the 31 Mar: 1810 inclusive.
MICHAEL JONES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
[NA:GLO, Kaskaskia, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALS]
Kaskaskia July 13'" 1810
Sir Your letters of the 7. 14 & 18'" of May, came to hand «— The
substance of the Commissioners confirmations, in relation to Village
tracts, is, I believe, correctly stated in your letter of the 14'" on this
subject M"' Backus and myself will however write to you officially —
The designation of tracts, in conformity with the act of Congress, di-
recting the location of unlocated Claims, shall also be made and for-
'•^n«e, pp. 81, 82.
8 Ante, pp. 98, 99, 102,
110 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
warded to you in a Short time ' — I regret sincerely Sir, that it is not
consistent with usage to transmit to me the libellous communications
made to you by my persecutors — The letter to you of the 29'" Decem'
1808, written by John Edgar," contains libellous words, on which my
attomies have declared, on an Action of Slander — I have therefore
found it necessary to apply for a dedimus to take your deposition —
Should you still deem it improper to forward the original, you will in
that case please to answer the interrogatories annexed to the dedimus,
as soon as possible after it reaches the commissioners (Thomas Herty
& Sam' H. Smith) to whom I shall enclose them by next mail; too late,
I fear, to answer my purposes— A late law, requiring ten days notice
to the adverse Party, has unexpectedly procrastinated the departure
of the Dedimus & Documents — The Post-rider, on his rout from
Vincennes to this place has been found dead — The mail is gone. There
is much reason to conclude that he has been murdered and staked down
under water. — Did your transcripts of our Reports on land claims
come on in this mail? I hope not — If they have been forwarded in
the mail which has been thus plundered, Other Copies may be sent
to this office, for we wish not to make public, any documents but the
transcripts received from you." —
I am, Sir, very respectfully Your most Ob* & H" S'
Mich' Jones
The Hon' Albert Gallatin
Sir, On the urgent request of my Colleague I add this post-
script— Should you think any observations of mine on this point
improper — you must attribute them to the deep feelings impressed on
my mind by the horrible attempts which have been made against his
character and life —
It has not yet been determined in our Court whether a copy of the
document now requested will be received in evidence — If it should
not be, I am afraid IVP Jones will fail in his action — I am unwilling to
believe under the extraordinary circumstances of his situation that
any document will be withheld to preclude him from that retribution
which eternal Justice requires — Altho Sir no man can make a merit of
doing simply his duty; yet it seems to be but a moderate compensa-
tion to a public officer who has risqued his life to preserve his honesty —
to escape the Gallows — It seems to be hard that a man who might
have made fifty thousand dollars without your knowledge, should now
be refused documents necessary to enable him to recover that prop-
erty which has been torn from him — for I assure you Sir that my
Colleague has for the year past been obliged to spend the whole sum
• Not identified. Cf. post, p. 329.
'o Not found.
" The transcript was sent from the Treas' with a letter dated June 27, 1810.
D.S. [Marginal note on the MS.]
ILLINOIS TERRITORY \\l
in defending himself, which it has pleased his Country to allow him
for doing his duty '^
I am Sir &c. E Backus
[Addressed] The Honorable Albert Gallatin Seer'' of the Treasury of
the United States. City of Washington pr mail [Postmarked\ Kaskaskia
July 14'" Free
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia July 13'" 1810— rec. Aug. 9'" M. Jones Reg'
Land Office — ack^°^ rec' of letters respect^ confirm"^ — has obt" dedimus
to take testimony of Sec^ Treas^ respect^ charges preferred against
him — murder of mail carrier & robbery of the mail.
Please to ascertain whether the mail carrying the transcripts could
have been this: I believe it impossible. — A.G."
M' Sheldon
I have inquired at the Gen' Post office, and they can give no inform"
on the subject. But it is impossible that a letter sent from hence,
could have proceeded beyond Vincennes, & there have been taken
from the post-rider, in time for the circumstance to have been known
\t Kaskaskia on the 13'" July. The transcripts therefore could
not have been contained in the mail that was robbed. D.S.
MICHAEL JONES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
[NA:GLO, Kaskaskia, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALS]
Kaskaskia July 23" 1810
SlE I take the liberty of enclosing to you a letter addressed to
Thomas Herty Esq", containing a Dedimus " authorizing him and
Samuel H Smith to take your deposition relative to a letter written
to you by John Edgar of this place dated 29 Decern'' 1808," which
you will please to send either of those Gentlemen
I am very respectfully Sir Your most Ob' S'
Mich' Jones
The Hon' A Gallatin
[Addressed] The Honorable Albert Gallatin Secretary of the Treas-
ury City of Washington [Postmarked] Louisville Ky 31 July Free
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia July 23" 1810. rec" Aug' 13. M. Jones
Reg' Land office enclosing a letter for Tho° Herty with a commission
to take deposition of the SeC Treas''. Sent the letter to M' Herty
Aug' 13.'" D.S.
" No reply found.
'» This paragraph and "Mr. Sheldon" are in Gallatin's hand.
" Not present.
»5 Not found.
" Not found.
112 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN McARTHUR
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
17 August 1810
John M'=Arthur Kaskaskia I. T"
I regret to be again under the necessity of addressing you on the
subject of your riders failure^but my duty compels me to notice the
recent failures, at S* Charles — as well as your permitting the Mail to
be carried by a man of Color, & contrary to law to that Office; one
of two Courses you must pursue, either carry the mail according to
Contract or withdraw from our Service, as remonstrances have here-
tofore failed, I shall take a stronger measure, if further failures are
suffered to take place
GG.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN McARTHUR
IPO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
21 August 1810
John M "Arthur Kaskaskia L T^
On the inclosed monthly mail register, I have copied the periods of
your riders arrival at S' Charles during the Months of March, April,
May, June & July on comparing the Arrivals with your Schedule it
will appear during those Months, he never did in any Instance carry
the Mail according to his Contract. I have directed you to be
charged for failing to arrive at S' Charles on the 6'" 13'" 20'" & 27
March— On the 3" 10'" 17'" & 24 of April. On the 1'' 8'" 15'" 22"
& 29'" May on the 5'" 12, 19'" & 26 of June— On the 3" 10'" 17'"
24'" & 31'' July— in all 22 failures at $13 73/100 per trip, makes
$148 6/100 which sum will be deducted out of your pay
G.G.
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO JARED
MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., lii:LS]
Treasury Department August 21"' 1810
Sir I have received your favor of 24'" Ulf." The laying out of
the Shawanee town being a species of Service different from the
ordinary Surveys for which the compensation of three dollars a Mile
has been fixed by Law, a larger allowance may be made, but you will
take care that it do not exceed what is reasonable, & what a fair
compensation for the labour may require; observing to report to me
at what rate you shall fix it.
" NA(GLO, Lets, from SG, 1807-1812).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY II3
From a general view of the credits which have been furnished to
you on the Receiver at Cincinnati it appears as far as your bills have
reached the Treasury, that between three & four thousand dollars of
the credits heretofore given, still remains at your disposition. A
further credit on that^Receiver for eight thousand dollars is this day
given.
I am Sir very respectfully your obed* Serv*
— Albert Gallatin
Jared Mansfield Esq'
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esq'' Surveyor General Cincinnati
[Postmarked] New- York 27 Aug Treasury Departm* Albert Gal-
latin Free
[Endorsed] Credit $8000
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory Aug^ 25, 1810
Sir I have the honor to inform you that I find it extremely difficult
to organize the Militia of this Territory without the aid of a Brigadier
General — And utterly impossible to do it according to the present
Militia Law, or any that I have yet been able to see that could be
adopted —
If under these circumstances the President should think proper to
appoint a Brigadier I beg leave to recommend M' William Rector for
that appointment. I know no man in this country who has higher
pretensions. Like any other who could be appointed he would have
many duties to learn — But I am certain he has capacity to learn them,
and firmness & intigrety to fulfill them with honor to himseK and
advantage to the Government — To a modest gentlemanly and un-
assuming deportment, which has gained him the confidence and at-
tachment of all parties here — he unites an integrity universally ac-
knowledged— a sound discriminating mind & a dauntless intrepidity —
In making this communication I feel no other motive and have no
other inducement than the public interest. Neither M' Rector nor
any of his friends know of this recommendation — nor do I know
either directly or indirectly that he ever thought of the appointment —
I think no man could stand higher than he does with every officer of
the Presidents appointment in this Gov' as to the qualities & proper-
ties I have attributed to him
I am with the highest resp* Sir Yr M° Obd* Serv*
Ninian Edwards
[Addressed] The Honble William Eustis Esq' Secretary of War
Washington City [Postmarked] Kaskaskia Aug. 25. Free
114 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia, 111 : T" Aug' 25*" 1810. Gov' Ninian Edwards,
— stating the insuperable difficulties he meets with in attempting to
organize the Militia of that Territory for want of the aid of a Brigadier
General;— and cordially recommends M"' W° Rector for that appoint-
ment.—Rece" Sept' 12'" 1810.'«
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN McARTHUR
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
28 Aug'^ 1810
Jn" M'Arthur PM. S' Genevieve L. T.
I have just read yours of the 4'" July " — I pray you to make use of
every effort to discover the murderer, & to bring him to condign punish-
ment. Take hold of the suspicious person immediately if there is
danger of his quitting you; if not, obtain if practicable such testimony
as may render his being held to trial at all Events, do not despair of
the recovery of the Mail, but spirit up your people in attempts to find it
G.G.
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory Sept' 1, 1810
Sir I have the honor to inclose you copies of a petition from
Charles Relle & Baptiste and Francis Paguier to M' Bates and M'
Bates' letter to me ^ on the subject: If he is right in supposing the
application should have been made to me, having no instructions at
present from your department of any kind relative to Indian matters
I have nothing to guide me but the [MS. torn] which I find requires
the previous instructions of the President. Laws of the U. S. Vol. 6.
p 46 S14 " But I doubt whether the demand ought to be made by
M' Bates or myself, the offence is against the municipal laws of Louisi-
ana where if the guilty persons should be delivered up they must be
tried. Horse stealing is punished here with death— there only with
whipping —
I also inclose for the Presidents inspection and to obtain his instruc-
tions to me the case of Tho' D L. Weeks with Copies of the testimony
to support it
With sentiments of the highest respts I am Sir Y' M" Obd Ser*
NiNiAN Edwards
"No reply found.
>• Not found.
" The letter, dated Aug. 2, 1810, is present; it is printed, Washburne (ed.),
Edtoarda Papers (CHC), lii, 54; and in Marshall (ed.), Bates Papers (MHS), II,
149-150.
" Sec. 14 of act approved Mar. 3, 1799 (1 Stat. 747).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 115
The Honble William Eustis Esq'' Secretary of War Washing-
ton City
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia,— 111°'= T., Sept' 1. 1810— Gov' Ninian
Edwards, — transmitting sundry Documents in behalf of Tho= D. L.
Weeks — Charles Relle — and Baptiste & Francis Pequier who claim
from the United States Indemnity for Robberies committed by the
Indians: &c &c &c— Rece* Sepf 19"" ISIO.^^
[Enclosure]
Petition of Charles Relle and Baptiste and Francis Pequier
[August 3, 1810]
To Frederick Bates Esq' Secretary of the Territory of Louisiana and
Exercising the government thereof
The petition of Charles Relle as well in his name as in the name of
Baptiste and Francis Piquer humbly sheweth
That some time in November last a party of Kickapoo Indians
came to S' Charles District of S' Charles and took away from the
petitioners a certain red mare Branded on the right thigh CI which
he the said deponent appraised to the value of Eighty five Dollars
being the amount of the sum which he paid for the same
That on satursday last the 28'" of July last another party of the
said Kickapoos Indians came to S' Charles district aforesaid & robbed
from him the aforesaid petitioner a certain white mare branded C,
and for which said petitioner paid one hundred Dollars
That on the said satursday last the same party of Kickapoo Indians
robbed a certain grey mare from one Baptiste Pequier branded on the
right thigh J. D. and for which said Baptiste paid 100 Dollars and
that on the same day 28*'' July last, the same party of Kickapoo
Indians, robbed a certain grey horse the property of Francis Piquer
Branded on the right thigh JD and for which said Francis paid ninety
Dollars
In consequence of which and of the injuries and damages which said
petitioners suffer from the said robberies, he in his name as well as in
the names of Baptiste & Francis Piquier applies to you for redress
and to take the necessary means in order to receive the aforesaid
horses or the value thereof
St Louis 3'" August. 1810
his
Witness Charles X Relle
mark
Baptiste & francis Pequier
This petition is sworn to be true by Charles Relle N. Edwards
[Endorsed] Relle &c petition
" No reply found.
314574 — 48
116 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
[Enclosure :ALS1
Thomas D. L. Weeks to Governor Edwards "
[No date, 1810]
To HIS Excellency Ninian Edwards Govenour of the Illinois
Territory
Sir On the night of the third of Aprile last a party of Indians
headed by a noted Chief called Main Pock stole from me on board of
my perogue property to the value of six hundred and five Dollars
and fifty four cents & one eighth of a cent, as contained in the list
herewith presented to you, The place where they stole it is opposite
the mouth of the Missouri on the East Bank of the Mississippi and
about Thirty miles below the mouth of the Illinois River, In support
of my claim I must refer you to the inclosed depositions marked A.
B. C. D E—
I am determined to look to the United States for redress and
therefore pray your Excellency to take such measures as may be
most effectual in attaining that object— I have the honour D' Sir to be
your most Ob' Serv'
Kaskaskia
Tho' D. L Weeks
By Nathaniel Pope his agent
[Enclosures]
Depositio7i of Louis Brisson
St. Clair County Sc' [April 30, 1810]
Personally came before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace
of the said county Louis Bisson a trader of Paoria, who being duly
sworn on the Holy Evangely of allmighty God, deposed and said that
about the Eighteenth or Ninteenth days of this month at Peoria he
saw in the possession of Main Pocks (a Peutawatomie chief) wives
several articles of white womens dresses such as gowns of, homespun,
callico, peticoats, flowered-muslin, childrens gowns a mans jacket,
coverlids, one of which was of square of divers colours and other
articles he cannot at present recollect, also a large demijohn or Big
bottle that generally contains upwards of 20 quarts. The said
deponent further saith that those articles struck him to appertain to
some American family and surmising that perhaps they had stolen
them he the deponent ft?ke4 taxed the wives of main Pock to have stolen
them, upon which they replied it was taken out of a canoe they found
thrown on a sandbar and that they the said women told him there
was also a quantity of Beacon & other things as Dutch ovens &c which
articles except some part of the beacon they left in the Canoe, and the
" This appears to be the original.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 117
deponent further saith that the women had told him that they had
taken and found many other articles which they sold about the
Village & vicinity of Peoria afores" — And further this deponent further
saith not —
Louis Brisson
Sworn to and subscribed to before me at Cahokia this 30'" Aprile
1810 John Hays J. P
[Endorsed] A
Deposition of Jean Baptiste Champlain
S' Clair County Set [April 30, 1810]
Personally came before me the subscriber a justice of the peace of
said county, John Baptiste Champlain, who having been duly sworn
deposed and said, that on the nineteenth instant at Poiria, he saw
in the possession of one of Main Pocks wifes the following articles
Waggon chains chissels, one big iron chissel on which it appeared was
used to beat a scythe on an old hammer and moreover he saw in M''
Labroix a coverlid made in small squares of divers colours a p'' cotton
cards, a ball of spined cotton a womans hat a flitch of Bacon — which
articles were claimed and looked upon as the property of Main Pock,
a Poutowatomie chief who was there camped with his band at M"'
Labroix's The deponent further saith that by the several articles
appearing in the possession of the Indians, he the deponent inquired
of one of the wives of main Pock how they came by those articles
they answered it was a perogue or canoe they found drifting down the
Mississippi
J. B'^ Champlain
Sworn and subscribed to before me at cahokia this 30*" Aprile 1810
John Hay J.P
[Endorsed] B
Deposition of Joseph Dagenais
S' Clair Sc' [April 30, 1810]
Be it remembered that on the 30*" Aprile 1810 personally came
before me the subscriber a justice of the peace for said County Joseph
Dagenais, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangely of almighty
God deposed and said, that on the 19'" day of this inst — One of the
wives of Main Pock (a Poutowatomie chief) came to his shop (Black-
smith) and asked me to cut two Iron chains which appeared to me to
be waggon chains for the geers, to cut them and make them shorter,
and put a hook at the End so as to make them answer for a pot-hook
which I did. They had also three different chissels an old hammer
and the clevis of a plow They paid me for my trouble, for cutting
the two chains, by giving the aforesaid, chissel. Hammer & clevis &
118 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
remaining part of chains — The deponent further saith as he suspected
they might have stolen those things he enquired of her where she got
them she answered it was a craft that they found drifting the Missis-
sippi which they stoped and took — and further this deponent saith not
Mark of
Joseph X Dagenais
Sworn & subscribed to before me the day & year first above
written. John Hays J.P
[E?Mforsed] C
Deposition of Antoine Robidoux
S' Clair County Sc' [April 30, 1810]
Personally appeared before me the subscriber Justice of the
peace for said county Antoine Robidoux who being duly sworn on the
Evangely of almighty God deposed and said that about the Eighteenth
& nineteenth day of this instant, At Peoria he saw in the possession
of Indian Women Wives of main Pock (a Poutowatomie chief)
several articles of dress of white people such a home spun gowns,
flowered muslin childrens gowns stockings, mens jackets, callico
Petticoats, coverlids, one of which was made of small squares of
divers colours, and other articles he cannot at present recollect — He
further saith that it struck him that those articles must of belonged
to some American family — And further this deponent saith not
Mark of
Antoine X Robidoux
Sworn & subscribed to before me at Cahokia this 30'" Aprile 1810
John Hays.^ — J.P
[Endorsed] D
Deposition of James Beeman
[June 16, 1810]
Illinois Territory, of the U. States St. Clair County Set.
Be it remembered that on this day personally appeared James
Beeman known to be an inhabitant of the said county by John Hewit
& Robert Pullum now present being aged about Forty years. Before me
W" Euel Whitesides Justice assigned to keep the peace of said county
he being duly sworn on the holy evangely of almighty god Deposeth
and saith that he was present and assisted in loading a pirogue, with
the reputed household stuff of Thomas D I. Weeks on the 3"" of Aprile
last at the landing of Eli Langford on the East Bank of the Mississippi
said county and Territory, opposite the mouth of the Missouri and
about 30 miles below the mouth of the Illinois River that he seen
said perogue on the evening of the said 3'" Aprile, made fast by a
rope to a saplin, that he the said deponent was at said place next
morning the perogue was gone and by the appearance of a piece of
ILLINOIS TERRITORY ng
the rope left fast to the said sapHn that it was actually cut and ac-
cording to all circumstances and facts this deponent hath no doubt
but said perogue and cargo was stolen from said place at the said
time. — The said deponent rclatca recollects that the said Cargo of said
perogue consisted generally of the articles set forth in the annexed
invoice shewed and produced by said Weeks on this date: The said
deponent further states on his oath aforesaid that he saw Main Pocks
party of Indians encamped on the East side of the Mississippi about
one half mile above the place said perogue was loaded, a few days
before and believes the said Indians moved off at the time the Perogue
was taken away Question of the Justice "Is it usual that people of
the neighbourhood, where sad perogue was stolen, to suffer by theft
from Indians["] Answer by the deponent, I have lived in that settle-
ment mentioned in the question near two years and have known 3 or
4 instances of the Indians to steal horses and other loose property —
And further saith not — sworn to and subscribed before me at Wood
river this 16"" daj' of June A D. 1810 in the county aforesaid
James Beeman
Uel Whitesides J p. (seal)
[Endorsed] E
Deposition of Thomas D. L. Weeks
[June 12, 1810]
Illinois Territory Randolph County set
This day appeared before me a justice of the peace for the Territory
& county aforesaid The above Tho' D L Weeks and made oath that
the foregoing list is a correct inventory of property ^* stolen from
him on the night of the 3'''^ Aprils last at Eli Langfords ferry on the
Mississippi river in the Illinois Territory & oposite the mouth of the
Missoiu"i and about thirty miles below the mouth of the Illinois River
and that the prices annexed to each article is just; And further that
he verily & conscientiously believes they were stolen by a party of
Pottawatomies Indians headed by a chief of that nation called Main
Pock which party was encamped about a half a mile above the ferry
on the Mississippi on that night and were gone next morning. That
the property contained in the foregoing inventory was in his pirogue
tied to the shore and that about midnight he discovered it was gone
and the rope had been cut by some sharp toole. That the deponent
is informed & believes that a party of Pottawattomies Indians passed
by portage de sacoux the next morning there disposed of some articles
which the deponent saw and Knew were in his pirogue when it was
stolen & he firmly believes it was the same party that was headed by
Main Pock This deponent further declares that he personally knows
" Present, but not here printed.
120 TERRirORIAL PAPERS
the above Main Pock and saw and spoke to him the same evening
the goods were stolen & knows he encamped just above the ferry —
This deponent further declares that he is informed and believes that
one of the wives of Main Pock was seen in possession of articles re-
sembling those in the foregoing inventory — This deponent has no
doubt of their being the same
Tho. D L Weeks
Sworn to and subscribed before the undersigned one of the justices
of the Peace for the county of Randolph at Kaskaskia this 12'" June
1810. William Arundel
JUDGE THOMAS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory 5. Sep. 1810.
Sir I am told by Governor Edwards that he has submited to your
consideration the propriety of appointing a Brigadier General for
this Territory, and that he has recommended M"^ William Rector to
fill the office should it be thought proper to make such an appointment.
I know nothing of this Gentlemans Talents as a Military man, but
I have no hesitation in saying that I believe M' Rector is a man of
undoubted integrity, and of great respectability of character and
solidity of understanding, and that I know no man who stands higher
with all parties, in the Territory than M' Rector.
I have the Honor to be Sir with great respect your most ob' and very
Hum'" Serv'
J. B. Thomas
The Hon William Eustis Esq' Secretary of War.
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia— Sep* 5'" 1810. J. B. Thomas,— in Recom-
mendation of William Rector for the appointm' of Brig' Gen' of
Militia in the Illinois Territory:— &c. &c. Rece* Oct" 6'" 1810.
JOHN EDGAR TO [THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY]
[NA:GL0, Misc. Lets. Reed., E:LS]
Kaskaskia 6'" September 1810
Sir/ The natural obligation which every man feels to defend not
only his property but (which is of far greater consequence) his fair
fame and reputation against every attempt made to destroy them;
will be my apologj- for addressing you in your official capacity, to beg
your attention to a correct statement of facts and request you to
render me that Justice which the Commissioners of the Land Office of
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 121
this District deny me. Before proceeding to this Statement, I will
beg leave to premise, that until this Country became agitated by
political disputes (of merely a local nature) in which the Commissioners
took a very active part, all Testimony relating to land claims before
them, v.'ere openly taken in presence of the parties; but since that
event, witnesses on the part of Government were privately examined
ex parte, without giving the claimants notice to attend, or any oppor-
tunity either to cross examine the witnesses or support their rights;
alledging they had your orders to proceed in that manner and keep all
their proceedings secret — And so cautious were they to obey these
supposed orders at their sittings since the passage of the Law of May
1809, that a kind of Serjeant at Arms was constantly kept at their
Office Door to prevent the entrance of any person not agreeable to
them — That such orders were given by you I did not, and from your
known public character and love of justice, cannot believe —
In 1784 when I came to this Country, where I have ever since re-
sided, lands were to be bought very low, the Inhabitants attaching
little value to them, most of their attention being paid to the Indian
Trade — foreseeing that real property would in time become valuable
I thought a fair opportunity presented itself of retrieving the losses I
had sustained, and personal injuries I had suffered during the Revo-
lutionary \Yar; the whole of my property to the amount of many
thousand Dollars ha\ing, merely on account of my attachment to the
American Cause been seized by the British Commanding Officer at
Detroit, and myself put in irons and sent as a State prisoner to
Montreal where, I was detained several years, before an opportunity
occured of making my escape; which I did at the extreme hazard of
my life from the pursuit made after me; and immediately on my
arrival communicated to the then Gov Clinton now Vice President of
the United States, the important Intelligence of the secret Expedition
then fitting out in Canada under Col St Ledger, for the purpose of
taking possession and with the connivance of many friends in the
Country placing Strong Gan-isons in several parts of the now State of
Vermont — This communication was thought of so much consequence
that I was sent with it to General Washington at Philadelphia who
immediately ordered a large detachment under Lord Sterling to op-
pose the Enemy and frustrate their designs, in which he succeeded —
The Titles to all the Lands I bought were at the time thought valid,
but having been brought up to the Sea Service; being wholly un-
acquainted with legal forms, and ha\ing no legal Characters to advise
with, I was obliged to trust entirely to my own Judgment, bad as it
was, not only as to the titles but as to the Conveyances to me. —
Ha\ing in due time presented my notices of claims and proper
Documents and proofs in support of them I was in the fall of 1807
called upon by the Commissioners to attend them at their Office for
122 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the purpose of proceeding to the Investigation of my Claims — . I did
so, when the whole of them (with the exception of a few only which
were postponed for further consideration) were approved of by them,
and as they then informed me and I believe, entered in their Books
as confirmed. —
In the Spring of 1808 a vacancy occured in the representation from
this Country to the Assembly of the Territorial Legislature. The
Commissioners, and myself with William and Robert Morrison took
opposite sides; they supported Robert Robinson their clerk, and we
supported with success Rice Jones, the young man who was shortly
after murdered by one of their partizans From that moment the
conduct of the Commissioners, especially M^ Backus became visibly
hostile to us, and Shortly after the Election which took place in
August 1808 and not before, it began to be reported in whispers that
the Commissioners would charge William Morrison, Robert Morrison
and myself with having committed forgery and perjury — Conscious of
my own innocence and believing that these reports were only calcu-
lated to widen the breach between the Commissioners and myself, I
paid no attention to them until March last, when they were so well
authenticated to have originated with the Commissioners, that William
Morrison, Robert Morrison and myself wrote them a letter (to which
no answer has been made) of which the following is a Copy. Viz —
"Gentlemen/ — Having understood that you have forwarded to the
proper department your reports on the Claims to lands laid before
you as Commissioners for ascertaining the titles to lands in the dis-
trict of Kaskaskia, and that you have in the reports not only rejected
a number of those claims laid in by us, but also charged us with the
Crimes of forgery and subornation of perjury and other misdemeanors
implicating our reputation in a high degree, — we think ourselves en-
titled to request from you, or either of you without delay, complete
Copies of all and every the reports you may have made not only in
Regard to our land Claims, but also in regard to any charges or
Insinuations you may have made against us either collectively or
Individually in order that we may be able to make our defence against
those charges and Insinuations by proper proofs and testimony. — We
are well aware of your declarations that you had orders to keep your
reports secret and not divulge them even to the Claimants interested.—
Whatever might have been the policy of the measure while you were
exercising the duties of your Office, we cannot think that at this time
when those duties as well as the office itself are accomplished and
expired, that any legal or political motive can be adduced against our
receiving Copies from a public Office, which we conceive yours to be,
of all papers and reports that are filed and recorded there relating to
such Claims as we are interested in. — We shall wait your answer until
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 123
to-morrow Evening before which time we beg you to inform us whether
the Copies will be furnished or not; if in the affirmative when. — The
Copies we will pay for whenever they are ready for deliver^'. — We shall
consider yoiu" silence as a refusal of our demand. —
Kaskaskia March 22°" 1810. ["]
Having learned between the date of the above letter and the 16'"
of last month that they had specified the Stanley cases, I wrote to
them the following letter Viz.- —
"Kaskaskia 16'" August 1810.—
"Gentlemen/ — From reports generally circulated thro' the Territory
and said to have originated in your Office, I am induced to believe
that you have in your Official Report to the Secretary of the Treasury
made several observations tending to accuse me and others of forgery,
perjurj'' and subornation of perjury. — From the secrecy of your pro-
ceedings as Commissioners of the Land Office, especially to the parties
implicated, I have not been able clearly to ascertain on what ground
those charges had been made, but am informed that some of them
are founded on the Claims laid in by me as Assignee of Abraham
Stanley, John Stanley, David Stanley, and Jacob McCarty or some
of them. — Conceiving the Commissioners Office to be a public one,
from which all persons interested have right on payment of legal fees
to procure Copies of all papers and Documents filed therein, and which
hy law are directed to be preserved by the Register of the Land
Office — Conceiving also that the Reasons which induced the issuing
of the Orders bv you said to have been received from the Secretary of
the Treasury to keep your proceedings Secret, cannot at this time
when your Official functions are ended as Commissioners of the land
Office, no longer exist, and that every person whose property and
reputation is attempted to be so materially injured, ought to be
possessed of the means of making his defence, I have to request you
to furnish me with certified Copies of all the depositions filed in your
Office relating to the above mentioned Claims, stating by whom, the
day when, place where, and before whom taken. — And also with
Copies of such parts of your Official reports and observations, as tend
in any manner to accuse me of any of the above mentioned crimes or
any other in any degree derogatory to my character and reputation,
with the depositions or other documents on which those charges may
have been founded. — These Copies are requested for the purpose of
enabling me to make my defence and refute the Charges before the
proper tribunal. —
"Should you not think yourselves justifiable in giving Copies of the
whole or any parts of your reports and observations, I at least think
myself entitled to Copies of all the depositions required. — Any charges
that may be made for the Copies, I will pay daily, or otherwise, as
124 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
you may think proper, when they will be called for at the Register's
Office.— I beg your answer in the course of four days, informing me
whether you will wholly, or in part comply with my request. — After
which time your silence will be considered as a refusal." — This letter
was not answered until Friday Evening the 31'' of the same month,
when Mr Greenup brought me Copies of five •' Decisions of the Board
rejecting those Claims marked N" 2003," 2012,^ 2013 =• & 2014 ™
with two others marked N" 2046," & 2097 "—together with a letter
from Mr Robert Robinson Clerk to the Board of Commissioners anf^
United States Agent, of which the following is a Copy. —
" Kaskaskia August 30*'' 1810
"Sir/ The Commissioners have shewn me a letter of the 16*"
received from you in which you request Copies of the testimony and
the decisions of the Board in several cases, which you have in the said
letter specified I Sir, as Agent of the United States for this District
make the following reply. — The duties of the Commissioners are not
yet ended. — They cannot be at an end until the General Government
has passed its sanction upon their decisions." — It has not yet done
so. — Of course the powers as well as the duties of the Board are still
["] iji Esse" — And Sir, you have long known that they have been
forbidden by the Administration to make public their Decisions in
any case which has not been acted on by Congress — It is not for me
to enquire for what reason these instructions were given. — But, Sir,
as you have demanded Copies of certain decisions which you think
prejudicial to your Character the Board have, on their own responsi-
bility, and in Opposition to their directions agreed to supply you with
them; and in this measure I concur. — We have all been induced to
this measure. — First because a complaint has been industriously
circulated thro' this Country that you with other Claimants
have been condemned unheard — Secondly, because the Stanley
Claims are cases cited by you (and indeed communicated to the
Governor) as being cases in which you can defend yourself, and in
which (if it be possible) the Commissioners have done you injustice. —
"Now, Sir, the Board of which I am that Member whose particular
duty it is to look to the Interest of the Nation are willing to meet you
on this ground; and as you have requested these documents for the
purpose as you State "of making your defence before a proper
" But only four numbers follow.
" A.S.P., Pub. Lands, II, 218.
" Ibid., p. 147.
" Loc. eil.
» Loe. eit.
" Ibid., p. 239.
« Ibid., p. 164. These citations refer in part to the so-called "Stanley" claim*.
" This had already occurred, in an act approved May 1, 1810 (2 Stat. 607).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 125
tribunal," I will suggest to you, that the place of all others, in which
you can make a defence with most advantage to yourself (if you are
an honest man) is the Country in which you have been accused — I will
further observe that as you are an Officer of this Territory, and as it
is the duty of the Executive to see that no man unworthy of Office is
either appointed or continued, the most proper tribunal (in the mean
time) is, in your case to be found in the Executive of this Colony. Of
his integrity the Board will not doubt, and you know Sir, that you
possess his friendship. —
"Come then Sir, appeal to this tribunal, and let the people of this
Country see whether you are guilty or innocent — . As I do assure you
that no man on Earth will be more rejoiced to find you innocent than
the Board of which I am a member; — and that it is not now too late,
if Injustice has indeed been done you, to rectify the proceeding; and
that the Board will do it with the most infinite satisfaction. — You
will observe Sir, that in the Stanley cases (which you have stated) you
stand charged, first with having forged the several deeds; and Secondly
with having supported the Claims with perjured testimony. — With
respect to the first charge we are told you have produced a letter of
Attorney from the Stanley family to Abraham Stanley, empowering
him to execute to you the Deeds on which you have grounded your
claim. — We invite you Sir, to produce this document. —
"We have to expect the original, not a Copy. — I further observe,
that if you indeed have a power of Attorney authorising the Execution
of the deeds presented to the Board, the tiu^pitude of the Act, will I
presume in the opinion of the Board, be entirely taken away; altho'
the deeds may still be said to have been forged by you in a friendly
way". — When Sir, you shall have cleared up this business now pre-
sented to you (which God grant you may be able to do) the Board will
exhibit to you other cases, of which they have a great number, in
which your character is implicated ; — but we wish it to be understood
explicitly, that this instance is to form no precedent for others —
Your violent attempts against the Board will plead its excuse to the
Government, since they have consented to furnish you with these
Documents, as the Cases to which they relate have been publicly cited,
to shew that the Board have done you injustice. — On subjects of this
nature Sir, you are to expect no answer but thro' the Agent of the
United States for this District — .
Having cursorily looked over the papers and findings they contained
only Copies of rejections (of which I was before apprised) without
any of the depositions of Witnesses, or the days when, and before
whom taken (which was material for me to know) according to the
requisition of my letter to the Commissioners, I then refused taking
of them, but thinking on more mature reflection, that they might,
126 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
imperfect as they were, be of some service, I sent for, and obtained
them early next morning. — Shortly afterwards M' Robinson, (as I
was informed) waited upon the Governor, with Copies of the same
papers and a letter requesting him to investigate my conduct and
character and deprive me of the Commission of justice of the peace,
the only one I ever held in the Territory of Illinois, notwithstanding
it was well known I had declined acting as such since last fall, and
another magistrate had in consequence been appointed in my stead;
but as I had not formally resigned my commission, and got my resig-
nation filed in the Secretary's Office, that measure was resorted to
with the view of punishing me for having dared to make a request to
the Board. — I must solicit your indulgence while I explain the cir-
cumstances attending my purchase of the Stanley Claims. — Abraham
Stanley who resided in Tenessee came to me in 1798 proposing to sell
his Claim, and those of his father David his brothers John and David,
and his brother in Law Jacob M'=Carty, from whom he produced
letters of Attorney. Not being able to agree, we concluded that he
should give me conveyances of the lands; that I should bear all ex-
pences of claiming and getting the rights confirmed, and I was to
reconvey one half of the lands confirmed. —
In pursuance of this agreement the several Deeds alluded to were
signed and executed by Abraham Stanley who I then, and until lately
from my ignorance of legal forms, I thought, I had a right to do so. —
I am now however informed that they were not properly executed,
but that Abraham Stanley ought to have executed the whole of them
(except his own) as Attorney in fact for the others. — This view of the
subject, will, I hope convince you, that altho' proper legal forms were
not pursued, that no moral turpitude or improper motive can be at-
tributed to me in the transaction. — Inclosed you will find Office Copies
of the letters of Attorney and the Agreement between Abraham
Stanley and myself. — To the Claims as assignee of Lasonde '* and
Degagnie I can at this time, when my papers are in the Commissioners
hands only observe, that those deeds are genuine, and that if I could
have recourse to them, could prove them so, notwithstanding the
great pains taken by the Commissioners to prove them otherwise —
But this is denied me, with what degree of Justice I will not pretend
to Judge, the common excuse being set up, that they have your orders
to Justify their Conduct. — As far as in them lies, they fix an oppro-
brium on my character and deny the opportunity, which every man
ought to have of trying his right to the lands confirmed by them in
these Cases, before the proper tribunal. — I must however observe that
in several instances I made verbal purchases, and afterwards when
the deeds were made out, sent them by others to get executed; and
•* The commissioners ruled that the deed from Louis Lasond to Edgar was
forged {A.S.P., op. cit., p. 160).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 127
especially by one Philip Rochelblave who now resides near New
Orleans who got most of those I purchased at Prarie Du Rocher
where those two vendors resided, executed. —
From the Copies of the reports furnished me, I find frequent allu-
sions made to what is there called general testimony, which I am told
mean depositions taken at St Charles. — I never did approve of and
will not now pretend to justify them. — But thus far I am safe in
avering positively that I never was in St Charles in my life until a
few days past, that I never had either directly or indirectly any hand
or concern in getting or procuring those depositions. — That I had no
occasion for or inducement to have them taken, as the proofs furnished
me by Abraham Stanley, and adduced to the Board, were by them,
at the time found to be sufficient. And further if within I further aver
that when M' Backus informed me of those depositions, I requested
him to pay no attention to any, if such there were as applied to any of
my claims, and even desired him if any of them went to prove some of
my claims to destroy them if in his power to do so. — I have however
been informed that one INPFerson '" also claimed the Stanley lands and
that he went up towards that Country about the time the Deposi-
tions were taken. — On the 7"" August 1808, a few days before or after
the Election Mr. Backus sent me a letter of which the following is a
Copy Viz. —
"Col Edgar, — Sir I cannot forbear at this particular moment to
address myself to you. I should have been silent. Sir, I should not have
opposed your Candidate had I not believed it necessary to defend my
own reputation as a public Officer, altho' in point of politics I am in
favor of the sort of Government which we have for two years past
petitioned for. — The Curtain is now for ever drawn between your
friendship and mine. — At this period so dreadful to my feelings, I
cannot deny myself the melancholy pleasure of assuring you that I
have at all times, as far as I could do, sincerely endeavoured to sub-
serve your interest. — That notwithstanding all the severe things you
may say against me I will always continue to do so. — That I have
never uttered an Expression disrespectful to your Character and
never will. — How can I forget the parental kindnesses which you have
heaped upon me? — How can I forget the (perhaps more) generous
attentions which M" Edgar has at all times paid to my family? —
"As I know you feel hostility towards me, I beg you not to send me
any answer to this." —
"I am Sir, with much Gratitude and sincere affection — Your Ob
Serv'
"August 7'" (Sunday Evening) 1808— "E Backus"
'' Probably referring to John McPherson; see claim no. 2554, in A.S.P., op. cit.,
p. 153.
128 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
I have never but once (and that at a dinner table, on general topics)
exchanged a word with that gentleman, nor since the date of the above
letter do I know of any Circumstances that could induce him officially
either to change his opinion of, or charge me with the Commission of
such heinous offences. — If he had a knowledge of them prior to the
quarrel, and date of his letter, why not make them known before?
WTiy keep on such an intimate footing with me? Why write me such
a letter? or why join in the confirmation of those lands which he has
since rejected If he has subsequently obtained that knowledge, it
must have been ex part6 testimony, without giving me an opportunity
to examine the witnesses, or be heard in my defence, as no testimony
has, to my knowledge been taken on any of my claims subsequent to
December 1807. — You will please to excuse me for noticing a peculiar
circumstance attending the rejection of some of the Stanley Claims. —
They as well as McCarty's Claims are rejected (see claims N° 2013-
2014) because the testimony of Cromstock ^° varies from those of the
other witnesses in support of the Claims, as to the time of the Claimant
leaving the Country. — And altho' John Stanley in his deposition taken
before the Board, is contradictory to Cromstock and agrees with the
depositions of the other witnesses, yet his Testimony in this respect
could not have been credited by the board; for if it had, the claims he
testified to, would have been confirmed. — That part however of his
Evidence (even where he was materially interested) which operates
against me, is by the Commissioners thought worthy of credit, and on
the faith of it they condemn me, even unheard, as guilty of forgery. —
Having given these statements of facts, I shall not pretend to make
any Comments on them; believing that you too will not condemn me
unheard ; and that the representations made by the Commissioners to
my disadvantage, will not prejudice your mind against me — I cannot
however forbear expressing the hope that you will order not only all
the testimony, but also the proceedings of the Board of Commissioners
to be laid open for the use and inspection of all the parties interested
by their decisions; so far at least as to enable them to know for a
certainty what testimony was given against them, and what they are
charged with. — Without this advantage no man can with any prospect
of success appeal from their decisions, or get any redress. — All I want
is an opportunity of a fair and impartial Trial before unprejudiced
Judges — . Since writing the above the within letter and deposition was
delivered me." — On which it would perhaps not be proper for me to
make any remarks. — I shall content myself with only observing that
" Thomas Comstock; see claim No. 2118 (A.S.P., op. ciL, p. 162).
»' Post, p. 132.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 129
Mr Penrose will I am sure on application, satisfy you of the truth of
the information contained in it. — It is probable that Mr James Lowry
Donaldson ^' who resides in Baltimore will also recollect, and give the
same information.'' —
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of high respect and consider-
ation— Sir Your most obedient humble Servant ■"•
J Edgar
[Enclosures]
Power of attorney by David Stanley
[April 14, 1797]
Know all Men by these presents That I David Standlee of the
State of Kentucky and County of Logan have made ordained Consti-
tuted and Appointed and by these presents do make ordain Consti-
tute and appoint Abram Stanlee of the State and County Aforesaid
my true and Lawful Attorney for me in my name and to my use to
Act in laying in My Claim for a tract of land in the Elenoy Country
and by these presents Granting to my Said Attorney my sole and full
power and Authority to take persue and follow such legal courses for
the Recovery Receiving and 0[b]taining of the same as I myself
might or could do ware I personally present —
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this
fourteenth day of April one thousand Seven hundred and ninety
Seven —
David Stanlee Jun"' (seal)
Witness present
John M'^Gough
Charles Irby —
Illinois Territory Randolph County Set
I William Arundel Recorder of the said County of Randolph do
hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true Copy of the Original on
file in my Office —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed
the Seal of Said Office at Kaskaskia the eighteen of January
[l s] in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
ten and of the Independance of the United States the thirty
fourth — William Arundel
3'* A former clerk of the land board in Louisiana Territory.
" For other examples of Edgar's claims rejected for fraud and perjury, consult
A.S.P., Pub. Lands, n, index, under John Edgar. See also Philbrick (ed.), Lairs
Jnd. Terr. (IHC, XXI), Ixxxiii, Ixxxvi, Ixxxviii, xc, cclxv, for citations to proofs
relative to Edgar's frauds.
•o No reply found.
130 T E li HIT O RIAL PAPERS
Power of attorney by John Stanley
[April 14, 1797]
Know all Men by these Presents that I John Standlee of the state
of Kentucky and County of Logan have made Ordained Constituted
and Appointed and by these presents do make Ordain Constitute and
Appoint Abram Standlee of the State and County Aforesaid my true
and Lawful Attorney for me and in my name and to my use to Act
in laying in my claim for a tract of land Lying in the Elenoy Country
and by these presents Granting to my Said Attorney my sole and
full power and authority to take pursue and follow Such legal courses
for the Recovery Receiving and Obtaining of the Same as I myself
might or could do ware I personally present. In Witness whereof I
have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this fourteenth day of April
in the year one thousand Seven hundred and ninety Seven —
John Standlee (seal)
Witness Present
Charles Irby —
John AI'Gough —
Illinois Territory Randolph County Set
I William Arundel Recorder of the said county of Randolph do
hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true Copy of the Original on
file in My Office —
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Affixed
the Seal of said Office at Kaskaskia the eighteenth Day of
[L s] January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun-
dred and ten and of the Independance of the United States
the thirty fourth — William Arundel
Power of attorney by David Stanley and Jacob McCarty
[April 17, 1797]
Know all Men by these presents That we David Stanly and Jacob
Mackarty of the state of Tenesee and Robison County do Authorize
and empower with full Power of Attorney as if we were personally
present our True and Trusty friend Abram Stanly of Kentucky State
and Logan County to Receive all our Debts in that State and likewise
to pay what we owe, and likewise to Act in every part and particular
for us, and likewise to Act for us concerning our claims of lands that
we have Emproved in the year 1783 and 1784 and Eighty five as it
was our Intent from the present time to Establish our Claims as Soon
as Possible we could hear or See a Regular Order for a Settlement in
that Same State, as we have now beared that there is a Regulation
to be in that Country in May. as the Commissioners are to sit and
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 131
have the Claims Regulated we therefore depend upon our Trusty
friend to do all for us. Whereunto we have set our Hands and Seals
This seventeenth day of April one thousand seven hundred and
ninety Seven —
Jacob M'Cabty (seal)
Test — DAvm Stanly (seal)
Dan' Rogan
Martin Duncan J P
Illinois Territory Randolph County Set
I William Arundel Recorder of the said County of Randolph to
hereby Certify that the foregoing Page is a true Copy of the Original
on file in My OfRce —
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the
Seal of said Office at Kaskaskia the eighteenth day of Jan-
[L s] uary in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and ten and of the Independance of the United States the
thirty fourth — William Arundel
Deposition of Abraham Stanley
[March 12, 1798]
Know all Men by these presents. That I Abraham Standley of the
State of Tennesee at present of the County of S' Clair in the North
West Territory By Virtue of Powers Vested in me By my Father
David Standley and by power from my Brother John Standley and
David Standley Jun' and by Powers Vested in me By my Brother in
Law Jacob McCarty have made a sale in Trust of all our Improve-
ments Rights on lands in the Illinois Country, to John Edgar of the
same place for the better purpose of Claiming the same Improvement
Rights, and getting them confirmed by the Governor of the North
West Territory By Virtue of These Presents. Sealed with my Seal at
Kaskaskia the 12'" day of March one thousand seven hundred and
ninety eight —
The Condition of the above obligation is such that if the above
Abraham Standley in case the said DaNad Standley Sen' and John
Standley and David Standley Junior and Jacob M'^Carty their heirs
or Assigns do make a Deed of two hundred Acres of land from each of
their Improvement Rights to John Edgar for his trouble of paying
every Expence in Getting them Confirmed. On Account of the said
Abraham Standley, David Standley Sen"' John Standley Jun"' and
Jacob McCarty then the above sale made in Trust to the said John
Edgar. By the said Abraham Standley to be void and of none effect.
The said John Edgar signing two obligations of the same Tenor and
132 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Date. One which each of the Parties will Keep for the Due perform-
ance of the Above Signed Sealed and Delivered at Kaskaskia the
Day and year above Written —
his
Abraham X Standley (seal)
In Presence of
James Edgar John Edgar (seal)
William Dunn
Ilunois Territory Randolph County Set
I William Arundel Recorder of the said County of Randolph do
hereby Certify that the foregoing Page is a true Copy of the Original
on file in my Office —
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed
the Seal of Said Office at Kaskaskia this eighteenth Day of January
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten
[l s] and of the Independance of the United States the thirty
fourth — William Arundel
WILLIAM MORRISON TO JOHN EDGAR "
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Reed., M:ALS1
[Septemher 6, 1810]
Sir/ when I was last at S' Louis I waited on M' Penrose and
made the request I was desired to make — he said when M' Donaldson
& himself came to Kaskaskias about 4 years ago, E Backus Esquire in
a conversation held with them observed that they were Two young
fools — that they ought not to go on so rappidly in thier business, but
ought to take time and make difficulties if none appeard in order to
get more pay from the Government
M' Penrose said that he did not like to give a certificate of M"'
Backus observation, but if call" on in a legal way that he would make
oath of it —
I am Sir Y' very Humble Sev*
W" Morrison
Sept' 6'"^ 1810
[Addressed] Co' John Edgar —
[Endorsed] Sep^ 6— 1810 W° Morrison
«' Originally enclosed in the preceding.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 133
[Enclosure]
Affidavit of William Morrison and John Rice Jones
[September 6, 1810]
Illinois Territory Set
Before me Jesse B Thomas one of the Judges of the said Territory
personally came William Morrison — (within named) and John Rice
Jones of Kaskaskia Esq" who severally made oath, the said William
Morrison on his part, that the within letter contains in substance the
declarations made to him a few Days ago by Clement B Penrose *^
Esq"' at S' Louis — And the said John Rice Jones on his part saith
that the said mr Penrose about two months ago, made the same
Declarations -fee in substance to him, excepting that part which express-
ed his unwillingness to give a Certificate of it, which he did not request
him to do.^
Sworn before me W" Morrison
J. B Thomas Jn° Rice Jones
JOHN RICE JONES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Reed., i:ALS]
Kaskaskia 8*" September 1810
Sir/ Wishing to intrude as little as possible on your time, I shall
immediately proceed to the business on which I have the honor of
addressing you.
on IS'" January 1797 George Atcheson Esquire conveyed to me
two Tracts of land of 400 Acres each, in Exchange for other lands of
mine; all of them situate in the now District of Kaskaskia — The lands
I conveyed to Atcheson have been confirmed, but one of the Tracts
by him conveyed to me has, as I am informed, been rejected by the
Commissioners.
Some weeks since I applied to M^ Mich' Jones Register of the land
office, to deliver me the original Conveyances of the rejected Claim,
which I had filed, as Evidence, in his office (pursuant to the Direction
of the Acts of Congress) at the time notice of the Claim was given
him — This Application was made, and so expressed at the time, for
the purpose of enabling me to bring and carry on a Suit against
Atcheson's heirs, who are wasting his Estate. M' Jones then agreed
to the propriety of my Request & promised to deliver me the Deeds.
JK ft rCiT J_^tiy'9
In a few days, however, he delivered me Copies of them, certified
as such by him in his official Capacity, at the same time observing,
that he himself had no objection to deliver me the originals, but that
" One of the land commissioners in Louisiana Territory.
134 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
M' Robinson the U. S. Agent had protested against his doing so, as
you, mentioning your name, had instructed him to suffer no papers to
be delivered out of the Register's office, untill further orders should be
received from you.
From the little legal knowledge I possess, I had thought tho' per-
haps erroneously that the true Intention of the Acts of Congress, in
requiring Claimants to present their Evidences of Claim to be recorded
by the Register, was for the purpose of enabling the Commissioners to
have the Records of those Evidences in their own possession and power
to refer to, when they came to decide on the particular claim; and
that as soon as those Evidences were recorded, or at furthest as the
Claims had been decided on, the parties had a right to their deeds
again, except indeed in Cases where there were suspicions of fraud,
perjury, or forgery, which M' Jones assured me were not entertained
of me. — If the originals were intended to be kept in the Register's
office, the laws would not have compelled the Claimants to pay fees
for recording them.
Had a suggestion been made that any of my deeds were suspected
to be forged or fraudalant, or the Claims supported by perjury or
subornation of perjury I certainly should not have applied for them.
Being of opinion that any orders you may have given, (if any there
were on this head) must have been misunderstood or misapplied, I
take the liberty of informing you of the Circumstance, under the
Conviction that if any Error has been committed or misconstruction
of your orders taken place, that they will be immediately rectified.
I hope, however to be pardoned for suggesting that I cannot believe
you have given such orders, especially to the Extent put on them by
M"^ Robinson & the Commissioners
I do not wish to be understood as attaching blame on M' Jones's
Conduct in this business, he having (in my opinion) been misled by
the Protest and assertion of M' Robinson.
In the prosecution of my Suit ag' Atcheson's heirs, it may be
necessary for me to have an Inspection of such parts of the Commis-
sioners Books and proceedings as relate to the rejected Claim, and per-
haps have them produced in Evidence.^ — This I am told cannot be
expected, your orders to the Commissioners being positive, to keep
their proceedings secret.
I must again express my disbelief of such orders having emanted
from you. — The fact is however certain, that they are as rigidly
acted upon as if they had.— My weak capacity cannot think of any
good reason that can be suggested for keeping secret the proceedings
of any public body vested with such powers as the Commissioners
possessed. If their Conduct and proceedings have been fair and im-
partial, the publication of them to the world cannot but redound to
their honor and Advantage — At all events, I humbly contend that
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 135
persons who conceive themselves injured or aggrieved by their De-
cisions ought to have an Inspection of their books and proceedings,
the better to enable such of them as wish it to appeal to the national
legislature, which, in all probability, in whatever manner the suit may
be determined, will be resorted to in the above mentioned Case, M"'
Jones one of the Commissioners having informed me, there were many
favorable Circumstances attending it.*'
With Sentiments of high Respect and Consideration, I have the
honor to be Sir, your most obedient humble Servant
Jn° Rice Jones
The Honble Albert Gallatin, Esq'
[Endorsed] Kaskask" 8 Sep'' 1810 J. Rice Jones
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO JARED
MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, Lets, to SG, I]
Treasury Department, October 12'" 1810 —
Jared Mansfield Sur'' Gen' Cincinnati
Sir I had the honour to receive your letter of the 26"" Ultimo " —
The opposition of the Indians is an unexpected obstacle to which we
must Submit When in my letter of 11'" July *^ I used the expression
"to subdi\'ide into quarter Sections" I meant in the manner directed
by law, that is to say by running the Section lines and making corners
on said lines for the Quarter Sections, and not by actually running
the subdividing lines of said Quarter Sections.
I have &c.
WILLIAM BIGGS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Reed., B:ALS]
S* Cair County Illinois Territory 31'' October 1810—
Sir/ I hope to be excused the liberty I now take in addressing
myself to you on the Subject of my land Claimes in the District of
Kaskaskia and the Extraordinary Conduct of the Commissioners
towards me —
Prior to the Election of a Delagate to Congress from the Indiana
Territory in 1808, by the legislature thereof, in which I was Chosen
as one of the Representatives from this County, both the Commis-
sioners frequently assured me that the Claims to land in their District
" No reply found.
" Not found. But there is a pertinent letter of Sept. 28 in NA (GLO, SG, Lets.
Sent).
«5NA (GLO, Lets, to SG, I).
136 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
which I had entered (seven in number) were all Confirmed by them;
my proofs having been sufTicient, and that no other testimony was
necessary to Support them — A few days before the Election of the
Delegate took place at Vincennes, M' Messinger, the Other Member
from S* Clair Received a letter from M' Bachus Requesting him to
Vote in favor of particular persons, Viz. Michael Jones his Colleague
in office, M' Robinson their Clerk, or himself as Delegate, and at any
rate prevent the Election of [John] Rice Jones; also Requesting him to
give me the perusal of the letter and then Consign it to the flames,
which was done. When the Election came on, we both of us Voted
against M' Michael Jones, and Consequently voted Contrary to M"'
Bachus's wishes; but in direct Conformity to those of our Constituents
and our own opinions — Some time in July or August 1809 I went to
Kaskaskia and applied to M' Rector, the Public Surveyor to survey
two of the tracts by me Claimed Situate about 15 miles from Kaskaskia
and on the East Side of the river of that name; he to my surprize in-
formed me that one of my these Claims had not been entered on the list
given him by the Commissioners. I then Applied to M' Michael Jones,
M' Bachus being out of the Territory to know the reason of the Omis-
sion— He informed me that that Claim appeared on their Books as not
having been acted upon. And declined giving me any further Satisfac-
tion or answer to my repeated enquiries why it was not acted on than
"that he did not know". — He however the next day gave M' Rector
verbal Orders to make the Survey, adding, "if the Claim is Confirmed,
it will be good, if not it will only be so much Money paid for nothing,"
— The Survey was accordingly made — On the 27"" Instant I enquired of
M' Rector whether he had made a return of the Survey to the Surveyor
General, who informed me that he thought not, and that he was
instructed by the Com" not to do so — on the 29*" I Applied to M'
Jones to inform me what had been done on the Subject of that Claim;
Who answered he could not tell — On my repeated desire to know what
was to be done with it, he told me he was willing to go into the Examin-
ation of it, if M' Bachus would. — The next day I applied to M'
Bachus and requested to know the decisions made on my Claims, and
more particularly that one M'' Jones had informed me they had not
acted on; to which M' Bachus answered, — "that he had got particular
Instructions from the Secretary of the Treasury, not to, make known
to any Claimant the Situation of his Claims, untill the Commissioners
had gone thro their decisions — And further observing that he Shortly
expected to receive instructions from the Secretary of the Treasury
to go into the investigation of the Governors Confirmations and that
he would neither do nor act on any business in the Com" oflTice untill
he should receive these instructions —
My Conduct thro life has been Such that I do not beleive any one
who ever knew me doubted my Honor veracity or integrity — As a
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 137
proof of my standing in this Country, I will mention my Election and
Service as a representative from this County during the whole time
the now Illinois Territory formed a part of the Indiana — And that
the Commissioners frequently Called on and summoned me to attend
and be examined on behalf of the United States, to give evidence on
Claims depending before them, and which my residence in this Coun-
try (with very few Intervals) Since the year 1781 — enabled me to
have great knowledge of- — These Summonses I duly attended, and
my depositions taken, on which the Com" Seemed and I believe,
placed great Confidence and such was their Confidence, that they
sent me a General Dedimus to take Depositions on Claims laid in
before them, to be adduced as evidence before the board, in making
their decisions, which I frequently acted on, and remitted them- — As
I understand you came from the back parts of Pennsylvania, perhaps
you have Some Knowledge of my Brothers Gen' Benj° Biggs of West
liberty, and Zaccheus Biggs late receiver of the public Monies at
Stubenville —
I am persuaded in my own mind that if I had Sacrificed Principles
and opinion to Interest, and Voted for M"' Michael Jones as Delegate
to Congress from Indiana, That no difficulty would have been made
by the Com" with regard to the Confirmations of my Claims. — They
had before that time assured me they were Confirmed, and no tes-
timony has, to my knowledge or belief, ever been taken on any of
them Subsequent to that information — Among many other Circum-
stances which induce me to form this Opinion and is Convincing on
my mind is a Circumotanco Conversation which took place between
me & M"' Henry Levens (who was a friend of mine, and a Partizan of
the Com" and warm Supporter of all their measeures) — whom I saw
on my way to Kakaskia to apply to M' Rector to Survey that tract
of land, whieh this Conversation was substantially as follows — He
asked me when I meant to get my land on the Kaskaskia river sm^
Tcycd, (which is the tract I am now told the Com" have not acted on)
Surveyed, — To which I answered that I was then on my way to get
it done by M'' Rector — On this M' Levens said he was afraid I was
too late— I told him I thought not and enquired his reason for think*
so — to which he answered, that I had not as many friends in Kas-
kaskia as I formally had — I then asked him, who was not my friends
there; he told me the Commissioners were not. That he had heard
M"' Bachus say that Biggs would have done better in hunting up
his Improvement over the Kaskaskia river than in Voting at Vin-
cennes as he had done — And that he had heard M' Micheal Jones
say that I never should have that land over the Kaskaskia river in
Consequence of my having Voted as I had done at Vincennes &
that he had heard these Gentlemen make the above observations,
when the Intelligence reached Kaskaskia of the result of the pro-
138 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
ceeding in the legislature, and before I had returned from it — Little
did I then think that it was possible that M' Levens information
could be correct; but on my arrival in Kaskaskia and Conversation
with M' Rector, and one of the Com" I was fully convinced its being
so — When an Enquiry was instituted at Kaskaskia last summer was
a year into the Conduct of the Com" by order of the president, I
was Called on by M'' Michael Jones to attend and give my testimony
on their behalf adding that if I would not do so Volintarily a summons
Should be issued for me — To avoid unnecessary trouble I attended
and give my deposition — On my Cross examination by the person
appointed on behalf of the petitioners against them, I was obliged to
relate the Conversation above alluded to between M' Levens and
myself —
From the above statement of facts, I think myself Justifiable in
asserting it, as my firm belief & opinion that impartial Justice cannot
be exspected by those who opposed the Views or Wishes of the Com"
who have a party in the country and took very active parts in its little
local politics — The great question in agitation was the Division of the
Territory; M' Bachus was for a long time in favor if it, and was
elected by the people of Kaskaskia and acted as a member of a Com-
mittee formed from among the different parts of the now Illinois
Territory for the purpose of entering into Resolutions Expressive of
the sense of the people at large, and taking every Step in their power
to obtain that object — A little before the Setting of the legislature
immediately preceeding the divison of the Territory M' Bachus sud-
denly Changed sides, and became apposed to it; because, as he told
me both before and since, he did not wish it to be accomplished thro
the means of those who exerted themselves in favor of it, meaning
John Edger and the Morrisons as he told me — altho he was still in
favor of the Division, if obtained by any Other means — The heat of
Party then became more Violent and exceedingly so, on the shamefull
murder of Rice Jones by James Dunlap, one of the Com" warm
partizans; and it is not known what lengths would have been resorted
to; — had not the wise and firm but Moderate Conduct of Governor
Edwards, and The Territorial Judges Considerably alleviated them.**
I believe Sir that little else is now wanting to render this Territory
tranquil and happy, but a just and equitable decision on and location of
their land Claims by unprejudiced Judges on the Spot— few, if any of
the Claimants have the means or can afford the time to go before
Congress to support their rejected Claims, and I may with ease assert,
that a rejection by the Com" however unjust, will in almost every
case, produce the effect of a final one; and put an end to all their hopes
♦' Biggs signed a memorial in March, 1808, recommending Baclius for appoint-
ment as one of the territorial Judges (Terr. Papers, Ind., vii, 543). See also
ibid., pp. 245, 544, with respect to his support of the division of Indiana Territory.
ILLINOIS -TERRITORY 139
and expectations — All I want and all that any one ought to wish for, is
strict and impartial Justice — this I know will not be denied by the
Goverment and I cannot doubt, Sir your ready concurence and
assistance in devising the means of obtaining it for them.*^
I have the honor to be, with Consideration and respect — Sir Your
Most obed' Servent
W. Biggs
NB I forgot to mention that the tract of land not aefced upon fey
Returned to the Surveyor General by the Commissioners, was by
them given to the Auditor as Confirmed and Consequently taxed to
the land tax, which I was obliged to pay, or Suffer my interest to^be
sold by the Shff, according to law — W.B.
The Hon""'^ Albert Gallatin Secretary of the Treasury Wash-
ington
[Endorsed] S» Clair C" Octo 1810 Kaskaskia William Biggs-
Written 18'" April to Register.*'
ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN McARTHUR
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
31 OcV 1810
John M "Arthur M. C. Kaskaskias I. T"—
Inclosed are five Drafts which you will be pleased to collect & receive
on A/C of carrying the Mail, viz
On Rufus Eastin for $300— On Trueman Tuttle for 52.41
" Charles Elliott " 200— " Henry Skinner " 40—
" Jos" M'Ferron " 50—
$642.41
AB. P
ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL TO TRUEMAN TUTTLE
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
31 Oct" 1810
Trueman Tuttle Late PM. Fort Massac I T^
A Balance of $52 41/100 remains due from you on your A/C as late
PM. at Fort Massac as will appear by the inclosed Statement, which
is taken from the books of this office— For that much I have this day
made a draft on you favor of John M ''Arthur which you will be pleased
*' No reply found. For official record of six claims entered by Biggs, of which
three were rejected and three confirmed, see A.S.P., Pub. Lands, 11, 140, 142, 143,
162, 163, 218.
" NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2), but the case of Biggs is not mentioned
by name.
140 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
to pay when presented & inclose to me his receipt — The Draft sent
you on Mathew Adams for $12.99 I presume has been paid — If not
you will pay that much less of my Draft to M' Jn° M'' Arthur — If any
of the quarterly balances in the Statement vary from your books the
difference has arisen from corrections made in the A/Cs on their
examination here
AB. J'
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY URBAIN GUILLET
(LC:HF, 11 Cong., 1 sess.:ADS]
[November 29, 1810]
To the Honorable The Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States
the petition of Urbain Guillet & his associates known under
the name of the Society of La trappe now resident in the Illinois
territory —
Respectfully Sheweth that thier association composed at present of
about thirty members has for its peculiar object the promotion of
useful Literature, husbandry and Machanical arts, not only among
the western American Settlers but also among the Neighbouring
Indians —
that they have already under their care thirty five Schollars and
propose to admit as many more as their progressive means will afford
to maintain & educate (Gratis) in any of the above mentioned pursuits
to which their respective inclinations Capacities or their parents
Views may direct them —
Your petitioner is now possessed of a tract of four hundred acres of
Land (given by M' N. Jarrot about 9 miles above cahokia) on which
their present useful establishment has been commenced — this quantity
is by no means sufficient for such an extensive institution as they
contemplate — They can with ease employ between three & four thou-
sand acres, in agriculture, and in the erection of different Branches of
manufacture for Meadows for their cattle wood for Sundry purpose
but as all the Lands adjoining to their now establishment belong to
the United States and your petitioners are unable to purchase from
Government.
They humbly pray they may be permitted to Locate & Lay adjoin-
ing their establishment such a number of acres of Land as They may
be able to procure from individuals to whom military & donation
Rights have been confirmed & are not yet Located as will be sufficient
to employ their Talents & industry & as to you in your Wisdom may
think proper.
And Your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray
Urbain Guillet
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 141
Illinois Territory November. 29'" 1810
[Endorsed] Petition of Urbain Guillet & his associates of the
society of La Trappe, now resident in the Illinois territory — 10'" Jan'
1811. Ref* to the Committee on the Public lands." M' Johnson
ref " lands
MICHAEL JONES TO JEREMIAH MORROW
[LC:HF, 11 Cong., 3 sess.:ALS]
Kaskaskia Dec' 1=' 1810
Dear Sir. The Secretary of the Treasury, in his letter of May
last ,8° promised the Commissioners instructions relative to Governors
confirmations; since then we have delayed, from mail to mail, the
investigation of Governors decisions, in hopes of receiving the prom-
ised instructions, which have not yet reached us — as a preparetory
step, the agent has calld in some of the most antient Inhabitants, by
which means we shall be enabled to make some progress in prepareing
for a revision of such confirmations as may have been surreptitiously
obtained. But it will become necessary to pass a law expressly
authorizing the Commissioners to reinvestigate these confirmations —
I have reason to believe that attempts will again be made, to procure
our removal from office; and also to procure a division of this dis-
trict— but I trust. Sir, that any further attempts by the Land jobbers,
against men who have sacrafised their peace of mind, their Interests
and hazarded their lives in doing their duty, will have no weight with
our Government '■ —
The erection of a new district, or Land office, on the Ohio, within
the limits of the present, would reduce the emoluments of the officers
of this district, so low, that no man, possessing common means, would
hold either. The tract of country that would remain attached to this
district, is principally covered with private claims; the balance may
be said to be refuse, and but little of will sell Would it then. Sir, be
just to have kept us in expectancy for six years, and in the mean time
imposed on us the most painful duties, for a very inadequate compen-
sation, and at the close of our arduous labours and sacrafises, deprive
us of those emoluments which we had a right to consider as annexed
to our offices — I trust, Sir, that when you are informed of the Geo-
*^ House Journal, vil, 479.
" Ante, p. 98.
" See the Secretary of the Treasury to Edwards, July 16, 1810 (Edwards
Papers, CHS, printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp. 534-535), in reply to Edwards's of
June 23 (not found), commenting on the reports of the land officers in Illinois anH
giving his own altitude respectmg the issues involved.
142 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
graphical situation of this district, you will not feel it a duty to become
an advocate for the erection of a land office in that quarter — Should
it, however, be deemed necessary to erect a new district; in that case,
I would suggest the propriety of moving this office Eastwardly, to-
wards the Wabash or Ohio, and erect one in the northern part of the
present District, annexing to that, the tract of Country purchased
from the Sac & Fox Indians, which now forms a part of this district —
for let it be understood that the present district extends considerably
farther northwardly than Eastwardly. But Sir as the present extent
of this district is not complained of by the people; and as it will be a
saving of one thousand dollars p'' year to United States, I can see no
reason for gratifying the few advocates for such a measure who have
perhaps in view, more the carving out offices for themselves or friends,
than the convenience of the people. —
Our claim for the allowance of $500. dollars, as commissioners, for
the present year, will I hope, meet your sanction This sum bears
no proportion to the expences which I have necessarily incured in
defending my reputation and my life against the unparallel'd perse-
cution that grew out of an honest discharge of my duty —
I am Dear, Sir, Very respectfully your friend
Mich' Jones
P.S., We have inclosed to the sec^ of the Treasiuy a plat of that
part of our district which has been subdivided into Sections & quarter
sections — Range 3 W down to Township N° 10 and all the Ranges
above and North west of N° 10 on the mississippi, as laid down on
that plat have been disignated by the commissioners for satisfying
private claims within which all the private claims are situated From
this it will be seen that should the tract below on the Ohio and Wabash
be erected into a new district we should have but a very small portion
of land for sale in our district, and that of a very inferior quality and
a great part of it uninhabitable —
Y' M J
The Hon' Jeremiah Morrow
[Addressed] The Honble. Jeremiah Morrow Representative in
Congress Washington [Postmarked] U S. Saline 18*" Dec' Free
[Endorsed] Letter from Mchael Jones, one of the Commissioners
for the district of Kaskaskia
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 143
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO JOHN GAILLARD
AND JOSEPH B. VARNUM
[TDiLetters & Reports to Congress, ser. E, vol. v"]
Treasury Department December 31" 1810.
The Honorable The President of the Senate & Speaker of the
House of Representatives,
Sir, I have the honor in conformity with the acts of March 26'"
1804 " and IMarch 3. 1805 " to transmit a copy of the report of
rejected claims made by the Commissioners appointed for the purpose
of examining the claims of persons claiming lands in the district of
Kaskaskia. This consists of a General Report, sundry documents
thereunto annexed, and four alphabetical lists of the rejected claims
under the heads of Ancient Grants, Impovement Claims, Donations
to heads of Families and Militia Donations,^^ It is provided by the
act of March 3. 1805, that tlie lands, the claims to which, though
rejected by the Commissioners were derived from actual possession
improvement and settlement, shall not be otherwise disposed of until
the decision of Congress thereupon shall have been made. It will be
perceived by the report, documents & lists, that either want of proof
or fraud ai-e the reasons assigned by the Commissioners for the rejec-
tion of the greater part of that description of claims. In addition to
the transcripts of decisions made by the Commissioners in favor of
claimants which were transmitted towards the close of the last session
of Congress, the Commissioners made several special reports in favor
of persons claiming towrv lots, out lots, and a common right in the
commons & common fields of the several villages of the District.
These reports not being included in the general transcripts of favorable
decisions, and ha\ing been annexed to the plats of survey of the tracts
to which they refer, were not discovered till after the adjournment
of Congi'ess. They are now transmitted together with a special
Report of the Commissioners on the subject of Renault's claims,*'
and with the copy of a letter written on the 14'" May 1810 to the
Commissioners " on the subject of their confirmations to lots and
commons which were not in every respect distinctly understood. In
relation to Renault's claims it is proper to state that they embrace
not only the tracts in Kaskaskia district reported on by the Com-
missioners, but also some valuable lead-mines in Louisiana. The lots
are out lots of the former \allage of S' Philip in the District of
" Printed also in A.S.P., Pub. Lands, u, 123.
" Terr. Papers (Ind.), VII, 173-184.
»Ibid., pp. 263-266.
"Printed, A.S.P., op. cit., pp. 123-156. See reports of House Committee on
Public Lands, Feb. 15 and Dec. 17, 1811, ibid., pp. 254-255, 257-258.
"/6id., pp. 174-202.
"Ante, p. 99.
144 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Kaskaskia appear, by the report of the Commissioners to have been
uniformly claimed by persons deriving their title from the said
Renault. But the claim to other tracts & particularly to the lead
mines had lain dormant for more than sixty years, from the year 1744
when he left America, till after the organization of the Boards of
Kaskaskia and Louisiana.
The transcripts of favorable decisions confirmed by the act of Con-
gress of last Session, & the reports of rejected claims as above stated
do not embrace any claims which might have been prexnously con-
firmed by the Governors of the North West and Indiana territories.
On these the Commissioners have made a separate report,** to which
are annexed lists of those confirmations arranged under the same
heads as the Commissioners decisions."
The report and the observations annexed to the claims raised doubts
respecting the validity or propriety of several of those confirmations
by the Governor, but the Commissioners have not, as was done by
those for the district of Vincennes, distinctly stated which of those in
their opinion ought to be confirmed and which appeared liable to
objections. A letter was written to them on that subject on the 28""
of May last,"* to which no answer has yet been received. Copies of
the report, lists of confirmations, and letter aforesaid are now trans-
mitted.
The act of last session, confirming the favorable decisions of the
Commissioners has not provided the manner in which the donation
claims shall be located and surveyed.
I have the honor to be &"
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO MICHAEL JONES
AND ELIJAH BACKUS
[NA:GLO, MUc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2]
Treasury Department Jari' 16. 1811 —
Michael Jones & E. Backus Kaskaskia
Gentlemen Your letters of of 30 Nov'' & 1 Dec'' have been reC •'
By that of 30'" Nov' I perceive that you had not received mine of
23 May 1810 '^ respecting Gov''' confirmations of which I now enclose
a Copy — It was not my intention to suggest that you should call any
new evidence on that Subject, but simply from that already in your
possession that you should subjoin your opinion to each claim
I am respectfully &c
" Feb. 24, 1810, ihid., pp. 203-209.
•• Not printed.
w Not found. But see the Secretary of the Treasury to Jones and Backus,
May 23, 1810, anle, p. 103. Apparently the above date of May 28 is a copyist's
error for May 23.
" Not found.
•> Ante, p. 103.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 145
WILLIAM RECTOR TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iii:ALS]
Kaskaskia Feh^ 2"" 1811.
D"' Sir You will herewith recieve, the Field Notes. Plats and
Descriptions of the following Fractional Townships (\y\vig below the
Base Line of this place) Viz Townships N" 10 & 11 South Range N° 3
West Townships N° 9 & 10 S. Range 4 West.
And also the Field notes and a connected plan of several Surveys
in the Commonfield of Kaskaskia which I have made agreeably to the
instructions of the Board of Commissioners as will appear by the Cer-
tificate on the back of the connected plan. In order to render this
package more portable I have made out but one set of plats & Descrip-
tions and have written to M"' John F Mansfield requesting him to make
or cause to be made the necessary number of copies and file them in
your office — and have also authorised M"' Mansfield to settle with the
S. Gen' and receive pay for the above mentioned work and to pay the
following drafts which Elias Rector and myself have drawn on you
for Viz.
One for two hundred dollars in favor of Nicholas Wilson and one for
One hundred and fifty dollars in favor of William Shannon both dated
January 12'" 1811 & made payable forty-five days thereafter and also
one other draft for two hundred and ten dollars and fifty five cents,
dated the 19'" of Jan'' 1811 and made payable to Thomas Prather 45
days thereafter.
In consequence of the Secretary of the Treasury having notified the
Board of Commissioners that all those Claims for land which was
confirmed by the Governors of the Territories (and which have not
been acted on by the Board.) must undergo an investigation by the
Commissioners.*' They declined giving us a transcript of that de-
scription of claims (which in fact forms a considerable portion of the
whole of the claims of this District) I presume under an impression
that many of them would be revised or set a side — This unexpected
course will greatly procrastinate the completion of the business and
will operate very much against our interests. But as complaints are
unavailing and not very pleasant I will not trouble you with them.
We are now in possession of Copies of all the claims that have been
affirmed by the Board of Commissioners and Sanctioned by Govern-
ment, very many of which have not yet been located consequently
cannot now be Surveyed. Such of them as, are in a state of readiness
to be Surveyed we are running out as fast as practicable and are also
engaged in subdividing those Townships and fractional Townships in
^ The Secretary of the Treasury to Jones and Backus, May 23, 1810, ante, p. 103.
This letter evidently foreshadowed the act approved Feb. 20, 1812 (2 Stat.
677-678), which made such revision mandatory. See reports of the commis-
sioners pursuant to this act in A.S.P., Pub. Lands, 11, 210-239.
146 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
which it is Known there are claims and where they will fall, by the
time the balance of the claims are ready for surveying we shall have
the business in such a train as will enable us to complete the work in a
short time.
I intend to viset Cincinnati as soon as the Surveying Season is over
and altho my contract with the Surveyor Gen' does not authorise me
to demand pay for the work we shall do above the Base Line until the
whole of the private claims are surveyed . I trust the Surveyor General
will find it consistent with his inclination and rules to pay us for such
of the work as we may then have executed. Government have thrown
obstacles in the way that renders it impossible for me to perform, the
business I have undertaken until those obstacles are removed. If I
had been put in possession of a transcript of all the claims at or soon
after my arrival here, I should not have thought of returning any part
of the work above the Base line, until the whole business was completed
But since M"' Gallatins instructions to the Commissioners have had
the effect to put it out of my power to do a great part of the business.
I hope my expecting pay for that part of the work which we shall
actually perform will be thought reasonable: I wish you however to
understand me! that I expect to ensure the completion of this busi-
ness by such surety as will be fully satisfactory to the Surveyor
General. Will you be so kind as to inform by a line whether I may
expect, to receive, pay for such surveying we may do by the time I
next go to your office." —
Please to tender my respects to M" Mansfield & Miss Mary
I have the honor to be with much respect Your Ob* Serv'
W" Rector
Gen' Mansfield
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esquire Surveyor Gen' of the U. S.
Cincinnati
WILLIAM RECTOR TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., m:ALS]
Kaskaskia Feb' 3" 181L
Sir I am fully persuaded that Government ought to pay for
Surveying all the claims of individuals within this District, whether
heretofore legally Surveyed or not.
I have been induced to form this opinion from the following reasons
Viz Because Government have directed that all the claims shall be
Surveyed immediately and declare the object is to ascertain the vacant
and unappropriated lands adjacent thereto. The most of the lines of
these Surveys, not only serve to bound the claims but also become
"No reply found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 147
permanent boundaries to the lands of the United States. Is it then
reasonable that Government should compel the claimants forthwith to
Survey their lands when the avowed object is to ascertain and estab-
lish the lines of the lands of the United States, especially as it is
notorious that many of the claimants have not the means or power to
raise money to pay the Surveying fees.
The Surveyor of these claims, by contract with the Surveyor General
stands bound in the penalty of three thousand dollars to complete the
whole of the surveys of the claims within a short period, by which
contract it appears that the Surveyor General agreeable to the present
Law on the subject is only authorised to pay for Resurveying those
claims that have heretofore been legally Surveyed. If then the
Surveyor should proceed to lay off such claims as have not heretofore
been Siirveyed agreeably to law, without being employed by the
proprietors it is evident that he could not recover from them his fees
for Surveying their lands.
It cannot then be equitable for Government to require of an indi-
vidual his Services and the considerable expenditures that is necessary
to carry on a difficult & laborious business for the benefit of the U.
States, without renumerating him for those services & expenditiires
It is well known that the principal part of these claims are scattered
through, that fertile tract of countiy, that is bounded by the Missis-
sippi River from M'^Ilmurrays Station, to some distance above Wood
river (occupying a base on said river of considerably more than one
hundred miles) and that after the claims are satisfied a great part of
these lands will remain the property of the United States — It cannot,
then be politic for Govemm to compel the claimants to pay the fees
for Surveying their lands, for in that case they would necessarily be
allowed a reasonable time to do the business in, which in a remote
country like this (chiefly inhabited by poor people who have not the
means of raising money) would be several years. Therefore in that
case the most desirable and valuable part of this Country would be
kept out of market and in a savage & uncultivated State for a long
time which it is plain would keep the country in a depressed state, and
would prevent, considerable sums of money from going into the
Treasury of the United States, which it is beleived would speedely
arise from a sale of these lands.
Should the Surveyor General, think with me, that an Act of Congress
ought, to be passed providing for the payment of the fees for Sur-
veying those claims, I hope he will forward to the Secretary of the
Treasury this statement together with his opinion on the subject, or
take such other course to procure the passage of a Law to that effect
as he may deem advisable °°
" No reply found.
148 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
I have the honor to be with great respect your Ob' Hble Serv'
W" Rector
Gen' Mansfield
In The opinion expressed in the foregoing letter we most fully agree,
that the measure proposed is founded both in justice and good policy —
E. Backus
Mich: Jones
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esquire Surveyor Gen' of the United
States Cincinnati Ohio. —
(Enclosure :ALS1
Statement of Robert Robinson re Rector's claims
I have seen M' William Rector's statement on the subject of the
private Surveys, which are yet to be made in the Illinois & District
of Kaskaskia — I cannot but think that his claim, under the peculiar
situation of this Country, is reasonable & I believe that were the Sur-
veys made at the expence of the U:S: it would be a Saving to the
Government; as the claimants are not bound to survey; and as it
must be an object with the U: S: to fix the boundary, as early as may
be, between private and public property —
Febr'y 3" 1811—
R: Robinson AU:S: —
District of Kaskaskia
[Endorsed] The opinion of Mj' R. Robinson (United States Agent,
relative to Land claims) respecting surveying private claims
WILLIAM DOBBINS TO JARED MANSFIELD
INA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., ni:ALSl
Shawts'OE Town Feb" 4'" 1811
Sir Yours of Nov"^ 2°'* " I had the pleasure to Recive And Note
the Contents The Corrections Or Amendments you have Recom-
mended Shall be Scrupulously Attended to And I have not a Doubt
but that they Will be of Publick Utility And Amongst those Capable of
Judging Will Meet With Universal Approbation —
Agreeable to Your Instructions I did Commenc Surveying About
the first of January But from the Inclemency of the Weather High
Water & my progress has been Much Retarded But shall Without
Instructions from you to the Contrary Continue here Untill the Busi-
ness Is Compleated
Any Orders Or Communications you May Chuse to Make please
Direct to this place Many Appear Anxious to Know \Vhen the Lotts
«• Post, p. 425.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 149
Will be Sold I Should Thank you for Your Opinion On that Subject
I Am Sir With Sentiments of Esteem your H.ble Serv' &
W" Dobbins
Jared Mansfield Esq"'
[Addressed] Jared Mansfield Esquire Surveyor General U, States
Cincinnatti [Postmarked] Shawnee Town February 25"" 25
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO SECRETARY
POPE
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govt. Corr., 1809-13 :LS]
TREASxmY Department Feb. 14. 1811.
Sir, I have received your letter of the 1" of Jan'' last ^"^ with
your contingent account for the 4'" quarter of the year 1810.
The Judges of the Territory keep no office except that of their
Clerk, who must of course provide his own stationary. It is not
perceived that stationary for any official purpose can be required by
the Judges.
A reasonable charge for a screw for the official seal, will be allowed.
I am respectfully Sir, your obed' Serv'
—Albert Gallatin
Nathaniel Pope Esq' Secretary of the Illinois TerritorJ^
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY JOHN SINGLETON AND
OTHERS
[LC:HF,11 Cong., 3 Sess.:ALS]
[Referred February 14, 1811]
To the Senate and House of Represetatives of the United States in Cong-
ress assembled.
The Pettition of John Singleton praying that Congress would grant
him one Sexion of Land at the Mouth of Wood River on the Misissipi
and the fraction if any then should be lying between the Said Sexion
and the River for the purpose of laying out a Town in St Clair County
Illionnoise Territory at two Dollars per acre to be Subject to the
terms of payment as the other Lands of the United States are when-
ever the Sales of the other Lands in the Said Township Shall commence
John Singleton
We whose names are here unto Subscribed do think that the place
mentioned in the above Pettition is a convenient place for a Town
and nessessary for the settlement that there should be one we therefore
pray that Congress would grant the above Pettition agreeable to the
Prayer thereof
"• Not found.
150
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
James Hall
Joseph Bartlet
Benja™ Carter
Toliver wright
W" Ogle
Wm Montgomery
Rezin Reagan
John Hamilton
James Hamilton
Sam' Rhodes
Martin Wood
James Stockton
Davis Price
Davis Stockton
Jacob Whiteside
John Powel
John Bateast Allare
Thomas Gillhim
Rowland Huitt
Jn° Robeson
Joshua Vond
Chales Desherly
Samuel Yeaton
Isaac Gilham
H Gillham
Joseph M'Cormik
Micael Dod
George Sanders
Orman Beeman
Jacob Whitson
Rydorus C Gillham
James Gillham
James Smith
Davis Whiteside
John J Whiteside
J»" B Moore
W" Rutherford
John L Whiteside
David Everitt
Matthew J Cox
John Scott
John Jarvis Jun
Samuel Scott
W^illiam Adams
Charles Warker
James Pulliam
W" L Whitesde
[Endorsed] Petition of John Singleton of the Illinois Territory.
Feb^ 14. 1811. Referred committee on the Public Lands.**— Pet-
ti tion
James Talbott
Tho' H Talbott
William Kinney
Samuel Chears
Robert Pulleam
George Moore
John Rusell
Martain Prewet
Phillimen Higgins Sen
Thos Blankenship
Sollomon Prewett
James Prewett
William Prewett
Sam' Whilliams
Uel Whiteside
John forgeeson
W" Whiteside
Absolom AVoolams
William Gillham Jr
Isaac Forgson
Isaac Smith
Abraham Pruit
Joseph Edun
William W Arnett
John Forgeson
John Starkey
Jesse Starkey
William forgeson
William Huitt
William regan
george harmon
Upton Smith
J P Davidson
William Jones
Richard Rattan
Abel Moore
William Moore
John Finley
John Vicary
Philimon Higgens
Joshua Talbott
Arthur Morgan
Elijah Talbott
Jacob Clark
John Primm Jun
Mich' Masterson
Mb House Journal, 11 Cong., 3 sess., p. 260.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 151
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN McARTHUR
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
16 Feh'^ 1811
John IVPArthur St. Gene\-ieve Louis. Terr^
The PM. at Cahokia states that for five Weeks preceding the 25'"
Dec' last that yovoc rider had not called at his office with the mail — I
have directed that $100 be retained from your pay until a satisfactory
explanation be given
GG
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN MESSINGER
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
16 Feh'^ 1811
J. Messixger PM. Clinton 111. Terr''
It is the duty of the PM. at Kaskaskia & of every other PM. to
forward letters to the places to which they are addressed
GG
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY INHABITANTS OF THE
TERRITORY
[LC:HF, 11 Cong., 3 sess.:DS]
[Referred February 21, 1811]
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States in Congress assembled
The petition of the undersigned inhabitants of the East end of
Illinois Territory Respectfully sheweth that the have Saw two peti-
tions signed by a number of the inhabitants of this Territory adressed
to your Body the one in opesition to the other the first of these we
obgect to for the reasons aduced by the second to the second we
obgect for its being so Contracted and Illiberal in asking only a
faavour for the few that has been so fortunate as to have obtained
permits from the Regesters of the Land office We your petitioners
humbly Conceives that in our openions that would be unjust for thare
is in the temtory a Large number of setlers Especially in this Ende
of it that had not an oppertunity of obtaining permits none haveing
been Granted to any that was supposed to be within the boundry
designated by Governor Harrison for the use of the United states
saline Lick a boundry of atlest thirty miles Long on the Ohio River
and Extendin about twenty miles from said River including more good
Land than Can be shown in as much bounds in any other part of the
Territory we your petitioners hope that you in your wisdon will Grant
to Each and Every actual setler on the unsold publick Lands in the
152
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Territory one quarter Section of Land including their improvement
at the price fixed by Goverment or that may hereafter be fixed that
is if the are able to Comply with said terms if not let it be solde to
him that will give the moste for it he paying the setler a resonabl
recompence for his improvement this will be doing Equal Justice to
all and not Grindig the face of the poor by making Sale of their Labour
which is as much theirs as any other spcious of property the holde
you have already Granted and ordered a Town to be Lade of at
Shawenee Town in said bounc}ry above mentioned we hope you will
fix and Establish a certain boundry for said Lick sufficient to suply
the Lick with wood for Ever, and at the Largest Calculation three or
four miles on Each side of the Saline Creek be ginning as far above
the woorks as will be thought necessary Extending down to the mouth
of said Creek which will be amply sufficiant your petitioners further
prayeth that you would grant to Each man actually setled in the
boundry Lade of for a town one in and out Lot nearest to their Several
improvements and also give them the privelege of moveing their
Houses and fences unto said lots the paying the price for said lots set
by goverment as a number of them has made Consitherable improve-
ments and has Laboured under many dificultyes and through them
the place is become valuable and your petitioners as in duty bound
will Ever pray &c
Samuel F Carlisle
Wm P Cool
Bamy Braceler
Henry Kenyon
J Campbell
Charles Linn
Joseph Green
Charles Ewing
James Fraziaur
D, Trimble
E, A, Keeling
James Kelly
Charles Edets
Simon M. Hubbard
Charles Stewart
Abrem Stanley
Geo, Robinson
Emanuel Ensminger
M S Davenport
Walker Scanland
Tho, Robinson
Joshua Sexton
Adrian Davenport
Harris Wilson
Jeremiah Vinson
Samuel Robb
John Wilson
Cronton " Wilson
John Murphy
Ossbom Powell
Mikel Cambell
Thonton tanby "
Jeames Linn
James Smith
Ruben Cambell
James Willes
Jacob Willes
John Choissen
William Kinchlow
Isaac Davis
John Reid
John young
John Davis
Isaac Morgin
Enoch Brown
John Forrester
John Damewood
Wardnar Buck
Fredrick Buck
Jacob Zellars
" Reading uncertain.
•• Reading uncertain.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 153
A Davenport Jur Alexander Lomax
Otho Davenport Samuel Mcclure
William West Alex'^"' Wilson
John Craw John Robinson Jn'
James Nathan Alex"' Robinson
Gabriel Voodrey W" Robinson
Alexander Druer John Robinson Sn'
Charles Dmer Ge" Robinson Jn"'
Ephraim Hubbard Sen'' James Wiseman
William Akers Samuel Devall
Robert M'^Mullen John W Langford
Henry Boyers John Kersey
Isaac Mclsack Henry Green
John Reybum Lewis Dewall
Jonathan Hampton David Uley
William Standlee
[Endorsed] Petition of sundry inhabitants of the East End of the
Illinois territory— 21" Feb^ 1811. Ref'* to the Committee on the
Public Lands.'" M' Lyon ref"" lands
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY GEORGE ROBINSON AND
OTHERS
[LC:HF, 11 Cong., 3 sess.:ADS]
[Referred February 23, 1811]
To the Congress of the United States, The Petition of George
Robison in behalf of himself & the Inhabitants of Shawnee Town & its
Vicinity in the fediana Illinois Territory Most respectfully Represents
that the Country on & Near the Ohio & Wabash rivers is Surveyed
& ready for sale. That there are many Setlers on said Lands who wish
to purchase, they have also many friends in the States Easterly &
Southerly of the Said Territory who wish to become purchasers of the
public lands in that part of the Said Territory — That There is but
one land office in the Indiana Territory which is at Kaskaskias many
hundred miles from some parts of those lands which are to be offerd
for sale, That there is a Wilderness of very considerable extent between
the whole of the said Country & Kaskaskias, which will long remain
such for want of Wood & Water — That great Inconvenience will
attend the Setlers aforesaid should they be oblidged to go to Kas-
kaskias to attend to their Land business there. That this Circum-
stance will tend to discourage purchasers and very much retard the
Settlement of the Country as well as the payments for land into the
Treasury.
That Congress haveing at their last session Established a Town
where many of your petitioners live by ordering a portion of the
" House Journal, Vii, 565.
154 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
public land to be Surveyed into small lots the price of one of which
can not be as much as the Expence of going to Kaskaskias to pay
for it — Your petitioners from these Considerations are induced to
hope that Congress will see the Necessity of Establishing a land
office ftt at Shawnee town or some other place in the Illinois Territory
near the Ohio River — for which as in duty bound we most respectfully
pray
George Robison for
himself & the people mentioned
in the Petition —
[Endorsed] Petition of George Robinson, in behalf of himself and
the people of Shawnee town and its vicinity, in the Illinois territory.
23-^ Feby. 1811. Ref to the Committee on the Public Lands." The
petition of George Robison & others praying for the Establishment
of a Land office on the Ohio River in the Illinois Territory— M' Lyon
ref" lands
NICHOLAS BOILVIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:LS "1
Georgetown March 5'" 1811.
Sir Prairie des chiens is on the left bank of the Mississippi,
Illinois Territory, about Six miles above the mouth of the Ouisconsin
and 700 Miles, by estimation above S' Louis tho' the distance is prob-
ably overrated, as a well manned boat is able to ascend from the latter
to the former place in about 10 days, but it generally take double the
time for a loaded boat to perform the Same route.
The plat of ground on which the village Stands may be Said to
be an island of about three miles long and about one mile broad;
but in the Season of low water, the back channel is dry, except
when it forms a small pond or lake, which may be easily drained — In
fine the back channel, is nothing more than a Small creek or bayou.
Prairie des chiens is an old Indian town which was sold by the Indians
to the Canadian traders, about thirty years ago; where they have
eversince rendezvoused, and dispersed their merchandize in various
directions. The Indians also sold them at the same time a tract of
land measuring six leagues up and down the river, and about six
leagues back of it. The village contains about 30. or 40. houses."
" House Journal, vii, 570.
" A version of this letter, under date of Feb. 2, 1811, is printed in Washbume
(ed.), Edwards Papers (CHC, ni), 59-63, and in WHSC, XI, 247-253, based on
what is presumably a draft found among the Edwards Papers in CHS. There
are a sufficient number of variations between the different versions to justify
the publication here of the original letter.
^ At this point there is inserted in the Washbume (Edwards) version the
short paragraph which in this printing follows Boilvin's first signatttfe.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 155
[If is one of those I bought at public auction from Nich'Jarot" Esq'
administrator on the estate of the late M' Campbell agent, the
property is bounded on the south side by the property of the company
of Mackinna, on the north side, by the property of M"' Dixon, and
extends east and west from the river Mississippi to the Bayou S'
Frist.'^ The improvements on it are: One house sixty feet front about
twenty five feet deep, covered with bark, One ditto new thirty feet
by Twenty five, not quite finished, One kitchen and Milk house, and
two old buildings for Stables, and a Spacious garden about four
acres fenced in with about 2000 Cedar posts: On the back part of the
property is a Small iminence which has always been considered as the
most Suitable place for a fort, Such is the description of the property
which I acknowledge to have Sold to the government of the United
States, from whom I also acknowledge to have received five Hundred
Dollars for the full pajTnent of the Same.
N: BoiLViN]
There lives on the tract of land mentioned above about 32 famillies;
so that the whole settlement contains about 100 families; the men
are generally french Canadians who have mostly maried Indian wives:
Perhaps not more than 12 white females are to be found in the Set-
tlement.
These people attend to the cultivation of their land, which are
extremely fertile — They raise considerable quantities of siu-plus prod-
uce, particularly wheat and corn — They annually dispose of about
Eighty thousand weight of flour to the traders," and Indians besides
great quantities of meal, and the quantity of surplus produce would
be greatly increased, if a suitable demand existed for it — All kind of
vegetables florish in great perfection and such is the beauty of the
climate, that the country begins to attract the attention of settlers-
Different fruit trees have lately been planted, and promise to grow
well —
Prairie des Chiens is surrounded by numerous Indian tribes who
generally depend on it for their supply, it is annually visited by at
least 6000 Indians, and hitherto they have resorted to the Canadians
traders for goods; because our own apprehended much danger, in
attempting to carry on a trade with them: particularly as the Cana-
dians generally prevail on the Indians either to plunder them, or to
drive them away. Only one trader of our own ventured into that
quarter during the last year
'* Bracketed portion (brackets are editorial) is not found in the Washburne
version.
" See A.S.P., Pub. Lands, v, 312.
" The number of acres by estimation should be stated. [Marginal note on
the MS.]
" State the price of grain. [Marginal note on the MS.]
156 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Great dangers, both to individuals and to the Government, is to be
apprehended from the Canadians; they endeavor to incite the Indians
against us, partly to monopolise their trade, and partly to secure
their friendship, in case a war should breack out between us and
England — they are constantly making large presents to the Indians
which the latter consider as a sign of approaching war, and under
this impression frequently apply to me for advice on the subject
hitherto I have been able to keep them friendly —
The United States have it in their power, by the adoption of one
simple measure, to turn the current of Indian trade on the upper
Mississippi, and to put an end to the subsisting intercourse between
the Canadian traders and the Indians. Prairie des chiens from its
central position is well calculated for a garrison and factory; it affords
health — plenty of fine timber, and good water, But as the Indians
are numerous, a garrison at that place will require at least two com-
panies of men — The Sacs, Foxes and lyowais Can be as well supplied
at that place as at Fort Madisson '* particularly as they have mostly
abandoned the chase, except to furnish themselves with meat, and
turned their attention to the manufacture of lead, which they procure
from a mine about Sixty miles below prairie des chiens. During the
last season, they manufactured four hundred thousand pounds of
that article, which they exchanged for goods. The Sioux and other
Indians in that quarter have excellent mines, and might be easily
prevailed on to open them; especially as the profits of this manufac-
ture are much greater and less precarious, then the laborious pursuit
of peltries. — A few tools will be necessary for them, and perhaps a
blacksmith to repair them would be of great use.
As soon as the Indians in general turn their attention to lead, the
Canadian traders, will wholly abandon the country, as they have no
use of that article, at least in the way of commerce, to encourage
then the manufacture of lead requires only the adoption of the meas-
ures I have mentioned. The factory at Prairie des chiens ought to
be well supplied with goods, and lead ought to be received in exchange
for the merchandise. This trade would be the more valuable to the
United States, as lead is not a perishable article, and is easily trans-
ported; whereas peltries are bulky, and large quantities are annually
spoiled, before they reach the market — Under such a system the
Canadian trade would be extinguished —
I have not the least doubt but that William Morris Esq' of Kas-
kaskia would supply the troops at Prairie des chiens as cheap if not
cheaper than any body else, perhaps at 35. perhaps at 30 Cents p'
ration. This gentleman is as able to furnish as any other man in
" Fort Madison, on the site of the present city of the same name, was estab-
lished in 1808 by Lt. Alpha Kingsley ("Fort Madison", AnnaU of Iowa, ser. 3,
lu, 97-110).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 157
the country, as he is a merchant of extensive business, and has most
of the people in his debt. At any rate I am convinced that I can
procure the rations to be furnished at Prairie des Chiens as cheap as
they are now furnished at Fort Madison —
I have the honor to be Sir with esteem Your obedient Servant '° —
N: BoiLViN "«'
[The ^^ land adjoining the buildings sold to the United States, at
Prairie des Chiens, aforementioned contains on estimate about Forty
acres —
Flour, can always be purchased at Prairie des Chiens at three
Dollars p CWt — & Com at Seventy five cents p Bushel]
[Addressed] The Honorable The Secretary War City Washington
[Endorsed] Georgetown, 5"" Mar: 1811 Nich^ Boilvin — a descrip-
tion of Prairie des Chiens — stating the advantages which would be
derived to the U. S. from the Establishment of a Garrison & Factory
at that place. ReC* 8"" March 1811 file
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO ELIAS RECTOR
[NA:WD. SW Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 5]
War Department, March 8. 1811.
Brig' Gen' Eli as Rector,
Sir, Enclosed herewith you will receive a Commission as Brigadier
General of the Militia of the Illinois Territory. You will please to
notify this Department of your acceptance."
I am &c —
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO GEORGE ROBINSON
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
20 March 1811
Geo Robinson PM Shawnee Illenois 1^
The 2" set of Papers were sent you by mistake. We have settled
with your Agent Col. Lyon for carrying the mail to Livingston C^ K^
& expect you to continue in that service till 1 Ocf 1811
GG.
" See the Secretary of War to Boilvin, Mar. 14, 1811 (NA, OIA, SW, Lets.
Sent, Bk. C, printed, Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., xiv), appointing Boilvin Indian
agent at Prairie du Chien.
™ Bracketed portion (brackets are editorial) is in the Washburne version.
" See the Secretary of War to Edwards, Mar. 12, 1811 (Edwards Papers,
CHS, printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, p. 535), advising of the former's error in naming
Elias rather than William Rector, and instructing that the commission be returned
for correction.
158 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO LEONARD WHITE
[PO:P.M. Letter Book Q]
20 March 1811
Leon"" White PM U. S. Saline 111' Terr"
In answer to yours of the 11"" Ulto '^ I have to remark that the
2" set of Papers were forwarded by mistake
G. G.
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO MICHAEL JONES
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2)
Treasury Department, Afril 18"" 1811.
Michael Jones Esq'' Register of the Land Office Kaskaskia
Sir, I wish to obtain your opinion respecting the propriety of com-
mencing the public sale for lands in your District. Cannot a tract, or
some tracts be selected particularly along the Ohio sufficiently clear
of private claims and of which the surveys have been returned?
Referring you to my letter of 16'" January last,*' I must repeat that
the Register and Receiver have ceased to exist as a board of Com-
missioners, and I want only their opinion annexed to each Governors
confirmation.
I foresee that the omission on the part of the Commissioners to
transmit the substance of the evidence in the rejected claims will give
rise to a new investigation, as Congress for want of that evidence
cannot form an opinion of the correctness of the Commissioners's
decision.
It has upon several occasions been stated to me that claimants have
been refused their papers or copies of the decisions against them on
the ground that I had given instructions to that effect. You know
that my instructions extended only to a prohibition of giving copies of
decisions, which were liable to revision by the board itself, until the
business was completed and the reports & transcripts required by
law had been made to Congress. Without pretending to prescribe
any rule respecting papers, the safe keeping of which is entrusted by
law to the Register, and the preservation of which may in many
instances be essential to support the Commissioners decisions and to
repel improper claims, I will only observe, that so far as relates to any
instructions from this Department on that subject, or rather on that
of communicating the decisions or the evidence on which they rested,
they have ceased to exist from the moment the reports of the Com-
missioners were made, and that in those respects the Register must
exercise his own discretion.
•• Not found.
» Ante, p. 144.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 159
It has been suggested that Commissioners had asserted that they
acted by my instructions in carrying on the examination of witnesses
with shut doors. I do not pretend to give any opinion respecting that
practice which under existing circumstances may have been proper.
But as no such instructions were given by this Department, I presume
the report to be unfounded.'*
I have the honor to be &c.
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA: WD, SWDF: ALS]
Kaskaskia Randolph Cty Illinois Territory Aipril 27. 1811
Sir By the last mail I was honored with your letter of the 12 March
on the subject of the appointment of a Brigadier Genl of the Militia
of this territory.^' I immediately made it a point to see Elias Rector
(who is the adjutant genl of the territory) concerning the mistake
which has occm-ed he informed me that he had not Received any letter
from you but that if the commission should arrive that he w* immedi-
ately give it to me for the purpose mentioned by you. Of this you
need entertain no doubt. And as the mail is so very uncertain, if you
choose (to avoid delay) to send me a commission for William Rector,
It shall not be delivered till the other shall be returned
Very respectfully I am Sir Y" Mo ob' S'
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble William Eustis Esq"' Secretary of War
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia. Ill: T: April 27. 1811. Ninian Edwards
relative to a commission of Brig: General. Rec" May 24, 1811 *°
MATTHEW IRWIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA: WD, SWDF: ALS]
Chicago 13'" May, 1811.
Sir, We have had intelligence communicated to us, from some
confidential Indians, purporting that, in the early part of the ensuing
Summer, an assemblage of Puttawattamis, Shawanese & Kikapoo
Chiefs, with their tribes, is to take place at the mouth of the Theakiki
river *' (about forty-five miles from this place,) which is a branch of
^ Reply not found. A copy of this letter was sent by the Secretary of the
Treasury to Governor Edwards, Apr. 18, 1811 (NA, GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2) .
85 Edwards Papers (CHS), printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, p. 535.
8« Answered post, p. 160.
" Kankakee River.
160 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the Illinois; and, after the objects of the meeting are developed, are to
proceed to the British Garrison at Amherstburgh, which is in Canada,
18 miles from Detroit.
It is supposed the assemblage, if it takes place, will owe its origin
to the Shawanese Prophet; and that the result of it will be hostile (in
the event of a war with Great Britain) to our Country! This infor-
mation, I convey to you. Sir, as I received it, without being able to
answer for its authenticity; but, nevertheless, deem it of sufficient
importance to communicate; and am. With considerations of Great
respect, Sir, your most Ob' Serv*
M. Irwin
The Hon"'* The Secretary of War, Washington.
[Endorsed] Chicago IS'* May 1811 M. Irwin, relative to the
hostile disposition of the Potawattime & other Indians. Rece** 14'"
June, 1811 »«
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA: WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 5]
War Department May 25. 1811
Gov' Edwards
Sir Your letter of the 27"" April ult° has been received.*' I now
inclose herewith a Commission for W" Rector appointing him Briga-
dier General of the Illinois Territory, which you will please to have
delivered to him.
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO GOVERNOR
EDWARDS
[NA-.GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2]
Treasury Depm' 31" May 1811
Sir, Your letter of 24"' ult" '* has together with its enclosures been
laid before the President of the U. S, who has approved the lease of the
Lead Mine to W" Ficklin. The copy of my letter to you of May 28'"
1810." on that subject having been mislaid, I will thank you to
furnish me with a copy, in order that it may be recorded in this Office.
I have &ca.
His Excellency Ninian Edwards Esq"^ Gov' Illinois Territory.
>s No reply found.
" Ante, p. 159.
»» Not found.
•' Avie, p. 105.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 161
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO ROBERT
ROBINSON
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2]
Treasury Depmt, June 10" 1811
Sir, Your letter of 18" ult" has been received.'^ The board of Land
Commissioners at Kaskaskia ceased to exist as such when their reports
were made. But I sent them copy of that on Governor's confirma-
tions not for further investigation, but merely in order that they
should add, as they ought at first to have done, their opinion on each
case. Instead of this they had only made a special report on those
confirmations, tending to discredit them generally, without enabling
Congress to judge which of them were unobjectionable. I did not
authorize, for I had not the power to authorize a new investigation &
the calling of witnesses; nor could I after the reports made as afore-
said consider you any longer as the Clerk of a Tribunal, not longer
existing. There could not have been any misapprehension on that
subject if my letter of 23" May 1810 '' enclosing copies of these Gov-
ernor's confirmations had been received. As it was not received, & the
Commissioners of course had no instructions whatever, how these
could have been misunderstood, or rather why they acted at all, is
not understood. Still I am perfectly satisfied that both they and you
acted with a view to the public service & it is therefore my desire that
youi- advances for witnesses & fees may be reimbursed. If you will
before the meeting, of Congress transmit an account of the same, it
will be submitted to the Land Committee, in order that an appropria-
tion may, if practicable, be obtained. That no further expenses should
in the mean while be incurred, is evident.'^
I am &ca.
R. Robinson Esq"^ late Clerk of the Land Commissioners Kaskaskia.
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO GOVERNOR
EDWARDS
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2]
Treasury Depm* 22* June, 1811.
Sir, I had the honor to receive your letter of 10'" ult".'' It
seems proper from the tenor of the Bond of which you sent me copy,
that it should be lodged for collection in the Bank of Kentucky, and
that notice of it should be given to the Lessees. Payment will be
received at the Bank or at its Lexington Branch
•2 Not found.
" Avie, p. 103.
" Reply not found.
« Not found.
162 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Is it explicitly understood that the alteration in the price of salt
and reduction in the rent are definitively agreed on? and is the price
of salt reduced accordingly? It does not seem just that a delay in
signing should leave with the Lessees the alternative of confirming or
rejecting the Agreement as they please.
I have &ca.
His Excellency N. Edwards Sidney Grove, Illinois Territory
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade" Randolph County Illinois Territory June 27. 1811
Sir I have the honor to inform you that the party who pursued
the Indians that committed the murder which I communicated in my
letter of the 22 Inst " were not fortunate enough to overtake them.
Since then five Pottawattimies who resided near Peoria were de-
scending the Missisippi river near one Squires ferry just as he was
crossing a family in his boat. On discovering the boat the Indians
immediately made towards it. Squires repeatedly by words and signs
which could not be misunderstood ordered them not to advance on
him which proving ineffectual he fired at and mortally wounded one
of them who by accounts since received was a chief
Today I have heard of another white man being killed on the
frontiers, but I do not know that the report is to be relied on. A
considerable number of Indians from those bands that appear to be
most hostile are collecting on our frontier near the Missisippi — They
descend the Illinois in Canoes.
In consequence of those appeares & unfavorable prospects i have
deemed as a necessary precaution, I have issued orders to erect a chain
of block houses in advance of the settlements at about twenty miles
from each other commencing on the bank of the Illinois river, and a
sufficient force to be distributed among them, with orders to scout
from one to another every day, to give notice of all parties who may
be coming into the settlements & persue the trial
Those stationed on the bank of the river I have directed to permit
no Indians to pass who cannot give a satisfactory account of the
object of their visit— and to effect this it would be very desii-able to
have a small part of the military force stationed near S' Louis, to
assist me —
•< The name of Edwards's home farm, named in honor of his wife (Stevens,
"111. in War 1812", Trans. III. Slate Hist Soc, 1901^, p. 141).
" NA (WD, SWDF), enclosing a copy of a letter from William Whiteside,
June 21, 1811 (present), printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, p. 287, but without the
enclosure. See Edwards to Whiteside, June 18 and June 22, 1811, ibid., pp.
284-286, 287-288, concerning measures of defense.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 163
All the accounts which I have received relative to the Prophet
agree that he is embodying a considerable force on the Wabash, that
it is daily increasing, and that his object is to strike one grand and
decisive stroke as soon as he is prepared.
These circumstances produce such alarm & distress among the
people as is difficult to be conceived and I am earnestly entreated by
them & warmly pressed by the officers of this government to solicit
the aid & protection of so much of the regular military force as can be
spared without a material injury to the interest of the United States —
Many eligible situations for a garrison could be pointed out, and 1
beg leave to observe, in addition to the above, that no territory can
be more exposed than this & none is worse prepared to defend itself
for I do not believe that more than one man in ten is furnished with a
rifle.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sr ¥"■ M° Obd' S'
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble W" Eustis Esq' War Depart" Washington City
PS I have the honor to enclose a copy a letter which I yesterday
rec" under cover from Gen' Clarke '*
I should be happy if any plan could be devised for supplying this
territory with arms from the manufactory of the United I would
agree to be responsible either for them if delivered to me or what they
would sell for to the citizens —
I have the honor to be Sir ¥■■ Ob' S' N Edwards
[Endorsed] Elvirade June 27. 1811 Gov"' Edwards— relative to the
Indians, asks the aid of a Milita force & arms, inclosing a letter
to Gen' Clark.— ReC July 17"' 1811 »»
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO JARED
MANSFIELD
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., m:LS]
Treasury Department July 2>^ 1811
Sir The Land Commissioners of the Kaskaskia district having
made their report on private claims, I request, with a view to the
public sales, that you will state 1. what tract or tracts of land within
that district have been surveyed and subdivided into quarter Sections.
" Not present and not seen. See also Edwards to the Secretary of War, June
7, 1811 (NA, WD, SWDF, printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp. 285-286), relative to
Indian depredations and the need for an interpreter. This was answered June
26, 1811 (NA, OIA. SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C; NA, WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 5,
printed Edwards, op. cit., p. 536).
" Answered July 18, 1811 (NA, OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C), approving calling
out the militia, but expressing regret at its necessity.
164 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
2" What portion of the Tract appears from M"' Rectors returns to be
free of private claims; 3" whether all the private claims founded on
old grants & settlement rights or otherwise already located have been
surveyed & the returns thereof made to your office.
I am very respectfully Sir your obed' Serv'
— Albert Gallatin
Jared Mansfield Esq' Surv"' General Cincinnati
[Addressed\ Jared Mansfield Esq' Surveyor General Cincinnati
[Postmarked] Wash" City Jul 6 Treasury Departm' — Albert Gallatin
Free
[Endorsed] W Gallatins Letter July 3" 1811
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Randolph County Illinois Territory July 6. 1811
Sir I have the honor to inform you that a Captain of the militia
whom I had sent out on a scouting party has sent in an express to me
with information of several other murders ha\'ing been committed
by the Indians on the frontiers —
Such is the terror produced by actual and threatened hostility that
the country exhibits a perfect scene of distress — Whole settlements of
considerable extent are deserted, many families are moving from all
parts of the territory to Kentucky and the total loss of many crops is
inevitable.
This is the only territory yet attacked it is the least able to defend
itself and is daily getting weaker from the causes above mentioned
I therefore hope I may take the liberty to solicit aid from the regular
army and as many fire arms as can with propriety be allotted us or
as can be entrusted with me to dispose of in any way for the joint
advantage of the U. S. and the security of the territory. The people
have not arms, nor can they buy them, because there are very few
brought to this country for sale and those are sold at the most ex-
orbitant prices.
I have ordered out three companies of the Militia for our defense
And as the movements of considerable bodies of men always produce
a great effect on Indians, this may prevent us at present from being
attacked, but there is no security for peace —
In fact I ettft btrt consider peace as totally out of the question.
We need never expect it till the Prophets party is dispersed and the
bands of Pottowattimies about the Illinois river are cut off.
Hostility with them is grown into a habit — there is no reason to
believe that they will make sufficient satisfaction for the murders they
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 165
committed and the goods & horses which they stole last year or for
the very agravated and increased instances of similar hostilities in the
present year, nor do I suppose that the government of the U. S. will
be disposed to submit to such conduct, since it is evident that the most
dangerous consequences must result from this kind of forbearance —
At present we have no cause of quarrel but with those Indians to
whom I have alluded in this there is nothing to induce other tribes to
make a common cause with them. By punishing those who have
aggressed on us we would deter others — By permitting those aggres-
sions to be repeated and to pass unpunished all other tribes will cease
to fear us, in which case we would have good cause to fear them, for
in that situation they are always dangerous, because they then are
never to be trusted.
We have no prospect of ever gaining any thing from the prophets
friendship — We have nothing to fear and much to hope for from
hostility towards him — for such is the inveteracy of his enmity, that it
cannot be increased, nor can his disposition to injure and annoy us be
rendered more operative — (Energetic measures would lessen his
power of forming coalitions with other tribes by manifesting his
inability to resist us, and the danger to which they would subject
themselves by uniting with him).'
And indeed the situation in which he places us is the most mortifying
and embarrassing — Whilst he offers us every insult, encouraging the
villainous outcasts and vagabonds to attack our frontiers, whilst he is
soliciting coalitions against us, collecting his forces and making every
preparation with the avowed object of committing hostilities — we have
not the power of taking any efficient measures to arrest his progress.
If we do not make preparation to meet him an attack is certain, if
we make preparation formidable enough to deter him, tho no war
actually take place, we have to encounter all the expenses, incon-
veniences & injury to which war with him would subject us — And
there seems to be no reasonable ground to hope for a change for the
better. Whilst he is permitted to increase his strength from im-
punity— This much I have felt it my duty to suggest from the danger
to which this territory in common with the adjacent ones is sub-
jected— I forbear to enlarge on the subject, least I might be supposed
to be too presumptious or to Transgress the rules which the strictest
propriety and decorum impose on me
I am at a loss to loiow how the militia of this territory are to be paid.
The territory is unable to pay them and as there were no troops
here like there were in the adjacent territories and as this was in
every point even more defenceless than either the necessity for order-
ing the militia into service was very obvious yet the measure was not
' Parentheses on the original; they appear to have been added at some later date.
166 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
taken without the best advice and the utmost deliberation. The
mail rout by Vincennes is now considered very dangerous & therefore
conveyances thro that channel are very uncertain should you
therefore have any instructions to give me I suggest the propriety
of sending duplicates one to come tkfe TcDncsao by Russelsville in
Ky, the other by Vincennes.*
I have the honor to be with the highest resp' Sir Your mo Obd' S*
NiNiAN Edwards
The Hon"'* William Eustis Esq' War Department Washington
City
[Endorsed] Randolph County Illinois Territory July 6*" 1811.
Gov' Edwards states the outrages of the Indians, his is the only
territory attacked & least able to defend — has heard of several
murders, peace out of the question — thinks the Prophet should be
punished — has ordered out three companies of Militia — wants aid
from the Army &c. Rec" Augt. 7'" 1811^ From Gov' Edwards to
the Sec'' of War Illinois Terr^ July 6. 1811 — relative to Indian Affairs
in that quarter. —
NICHOLAS BOILVIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
MISISIPIE Riviere a la roc le 1 juliele 1811 a La mine Le 10
A MoNSiEURE Le Trais honorrable SaicretaireDeGaireW justice
Monsieur — Depuis que jais Laissez Wachintone dou jais hus
Lhoneure De recevoire mais EnstucSiont de vous poure La preris du
Chient je nais hus rien de nouvaux a vous aprandre quil merrite
votre atenssiont, jais qu aujourdhuis que jarrive dans Le cceure des
nassiont a La riviere a la roche ou Tous Les Sac et Les renard Sont
rassembles poure tennire consaiye et Savoire Les nouvelle que ja
porte poure heux de Leure pere Lamerriquien, il Sont baucoup
Enyaisu de voire Le Convoy quil me Suis, a La mine au daifent
dubuc qui a Etez vendus Et adguges a M' more Ede Et Le Collonelle
Smite Et veulle En prendre possessiont centre La vollontez des
Sauvage quil Si oppose, dissent quil Lavoit donnfe Sette mine a M'
Dubuc que poure Sa vie durrente, Et aprais que Sa Leure retournerrais
a Leure nassiont, je Sui Enbarrasse de La maniere de mi prendre
poure quil Lhuis Eye point dacsidant quil puise arrivez jus qua Se
que jaiye recu Des Enstrucs Siont, de vous, que Sil doive Li\Tes I^a
mine ou nous, que Sais de La pare du Gouvernement quil La Livres
» See Edwards to the Secretary of War, June 20, 1811 (NA,WD,SWDF, printed,
Edwards, Hisl. III., pp. 286-287), reporting murders by Indians, the abduction
of Rebecca Cox, and enclosing the latter's affidavit (present in NA, op. eit.,
but not printed).
• No reply found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 167
ponre, LOrse il ni aiiras acune dificultez mais petaitre quelque mecon-
tantement, tous Les Sioux En Grende caultitez Sont venus amont
absence a la preris du Chient Et mont atendus Lhongtans poure me
voire Et Savoire Des nouvelle de Leure pere, Sure Leure SituasSiont,
voyent que je narrivais poins M' Roc Enterprete que javais Lessez
a ma plase, Les a renvoyez En Leure donnant quelque provissiont,
Et il ont Laissez tous Leure pipe Et Leure parrolle a la maisont a la
Preris du Chien En me priEnt de Leure Envoye M' Roc a mont
arrive Leure portez Les nouvelle Et une pipe de tabac poure fumes
Et un peut du Lais de Leure pere qui Est wiskay poure boire un coup,
jai Suis faChez de ne mi Etre pas trouve vus que que tout Les difair-
rente nassiont Etois tous rassembles poure tennire Consaiye, baucoup
de Sauvage Sont alles voire Les En Glais au daitrois vus quil Sont
demendes de Leure pere LenGlais, mais il ni as aucun Chefe Con-
sidairres dalles que dois jeune Cout, je vous Ecrirres Le ReSultas de
mont arrive a la preris du Chient je nais point EnCore reSus Les
medalle que vous avie ordonnes de menvoy nis Les anuitez poure Les
Sac Et Renard. Le Generalle Clarke mapromis de vous Envoye Les
Deux paux dourse que vous mav^e Recommendes Et poure Les
present Sauvage je vous Les Envoirre Sette hotone Si je vas a
Wachentone menn^s Les Sioux Et Les autre Chefes que vous mavez
mordonnerres de faire vennire qui Serras bien naissaite, je ne ferres
rien que je naiye reSus vos ordre autant que je doit alles En aten-
dant Se plaisire je vous pris de me croire RP toujoure daivouye a mon
devoire Et vous pres de me Croire M' Votre trais hunble Serviteiu*
N: BoiLVEN agen
arrivez a la mine des pagne Le 10 juliete avec M'' more Ede Et
Enverront 60 home poure prendre possessiont Dais taire quil avoit
achettez de feux Dubuc, Les Renard Sont tous rasembles poure
tennire Consaiye avai que moy a se Sujais il se sont aupossez alhuis
Laissay prandre Et maime De Le Laissez daibarquez Sure Leure
taire disent quil venais que poure Leure autez Lepain de La bouche
de Leure fame Et Enfant, Et que Sil Leur paire Lhuis avoit ordonnes
de prendre possession quil me Laurais dis Et poure Lorse il ne se
Sen-ais point oppossez Contre Le Gouvemement, jais hus de La pene
a arrette une mauvaise afaire tous dune parre que De Lautre vus
quil Etais dispossez de Se batre Jtous dune pare que de Lautre mais
Les blans Etois trop feble Le Generalle Clarke vous Ecriras Le Con-
tonnus vus que jenvoy Les Chefe aLhuis Et au Guvemeur poure
arrenges Sette afaire Et mais crire Le reSultas Et jarengerres Le
Reste je voy aussi un prisonnie Sac qui etaes un frens say dans La-
boisont de veut que jarrive Lhuis qui a Etez a Waschentone il
Lhuis a° 5 anes qui Se nome Le prense on Wapalla
N» BOILVIN
168 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
[Addressed] A Monsieur William y Eustice SaiCrtaire de Gaire —
Wachentone federale Sitez
[Endorsed] River la roche 11 July 1811 N. Boilvin detailing a
differenc between the Indians & certain settlers — also about bear
Skins & an intended visit of the Indians— Some have gone to See
the English— will give the result of their visit &c. &c. (vide trans-
lation inclosed) Rec" 20'" Augt 1811 *
[Contemporary translation]
7'" July 1811
Sir Since I left Washington, where I had the honor to receive my
instructions from you for the Praire du Chien, I have had nothing
to inform you of, worthy your attention — I arrived in the heart of
the Nation at the river la roche this day where the Sacs & foxes are
assembled to hold a council & to know the news I have brought to
them from their American Father — They are much troubled at ob-
serving the convoy which follows me to the mine of the deceased
Dubuc, which has been sold to M' More ede & Col. Smite, and they
would take possession of it, in opposition to the will of the Savages,
who oppose it, saying that they had given that mine to M' Dubec '
during his life, after which it was to revert to the nation — I am em-
barrassed about what method to take to prevent accidents which
might arise from this, until I have received instructions from you, to
deliver it up or not, & know the opinion of the Government, when
there will not be any difficulty, but perhaps some discontent.
The Sioux in great numbers, came in absence to the Praire du
Chien, and waited a long time to see me & learn the intelligence from
their Father about their situation— Seeing I did not arrive, M' Roc,
interpreter, who I left in my place, sent them back to their homes
with some provision — They left their pipe & their talk at the house
at praire du chien, and beged that I would send M' Roc to them on
my arrival with a pipe of tobacco to smoke & whiskey to drink — I
am sorry I was not there, as the different tribes had assembled to
hold a council
Many Indians have gone to visit the English at Detroit to which
they were aske^ required invited by their English Father, but no
considerable chief accompanies them — I will inform you of the result
on my arrival at praire du chien.
I have not yet rec"" the medals which you ordered to be sent to me,
nor the annuities for the Sacs & Foxes.
Gen' Clarke promised me, to send to you the two bear skins, which
you wished <fe fey tfeis I«di«ft they are not yet obtained, I will send
them to you in the fall. If I go to Washington, to conduct the Sioux
• Answered, Aug. 29, 1811 Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., xiv).
' Dubuque?
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 169
& other chiefs as you have ordered me I shall do nothing but by
your orders before I depart — In waiting your pleasure I pray you to
believe me Sir always attending to my duty &c.&c.
Arrived at the mine des paque ° the 10'" July with M' Moore ede &
about 60 men to take possession of the land which he had bought of
the late Dubec — The Foxes are assembled to hold a council with me
upon this subject. They were opposed to letting him take possession,
or even to suffer them to debark upon their Territory saying, that he
came there for nothing but to deprive their wives & children of bread,
and that if their Father had orderd him to take possession, that he
would have told me — And then they would not oppose the government
— I had great difficulty, to prevent mischief to both sides — as they
were disposed to fight on both sides & the Whites were weak — Gen'
Clarke will write more about this as I sent the Chiefs to him & the
Governor, to arrange this affair, and requesting them to write me the
result, & I would settle the rest — I met also a french man, who was
a prisoner to the Sacs — he was at Washington about 5 years since —
his name is Wapalla.
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade, Randolph County Illinois Territory Aug*- 11. 1811
Sir I had the honor last night to receive your letter of the 18 Ulti.'
As nothing less than the most perfect conviction of the necessity of
the measure could have induced me to call out the militia. They were
discharged as soon as I could be satisfied that their services were not
absloutely & indispensibly necessary —
The report of the murders mentioned in my letter of the 6 Ulti *
proved to be unfounded. And in general the little bands who were
hovering about our frontiers, became alarmed at our movements and
returned to their villages. In one instance however about the middle
of last month a small party made an attack upon some people on the
frontiers but no injury was done.
I have the honor to inclose you a copy of a talk which is to be
delivered in a council that I have required to be held on the Illinois
river ' — This has been sent on by Captain Levering '" who is well
' D'Espagne?
^ NA (OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C), in answer to Edwards's of June 20, June 22,
and June 27.
8 Ante, p. 164.
"Present, under date of July 21, 1811; it is printed, Edwards, Hist. III., pp.
45-47. This action by Governor Edwards was in response to a request from
Governor Howard and William Clark, of Louisiana Territory, to apprehend and
punish the murderers of certain white people in the latter Territory. For the
Louisiana phase of the episode see Terr. Papers (La.-Mo.), xiv. See also post,
p. 174.
" Commissioned May 20, 1811 (Register, post, vol. xvil).
170 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
qualified to discharge the duties required of him. he ascended the
Illinois in a boat with 8 or 10 oarsmen, and if successfull in the object
of his mission will be prepared to bring with him the offenders.
The outrages that have been committed are of the most serious
nature and I thought it expedient to make the demands contained in
the talk in the strongest terms.
Little indeed do I know of Indians but that little induces me to
believe without a doubt that our best policy is to u.se the most con-
ciliatory course with those who treat us well — And the most prompt
and energetic measures with those who treat us otherwise.
Such measures being right in themselves — just towards the Indians
and necessary at all times to our safety — appear to me to be equally
proper whether we are to have peace or war with England In the
latter case by punishing those who have so seriously aggressed on us
when we can fight them single handed, the more they would be de-
tered and consequently the more difficult would it be to rally them
hereafter against us —
I can see no reasonable probability of avoiding a confiict with the
Prophet & his party. They have taken a hostile attitude against us
and so long as we permit them to continue it, their confidence will
increase, the seeds of discontent will be sown far and wide and they
will be continually adding to their strength —
Their situation is such that they can loose no more by war, than
by any pacifications which Gov' will be disposed to offer them — They
set up a claim to land which has been ceeded to the United states and
they have in the most formal and unequivocal manner declared to
Gov'' Harrison (a high official organ of the gov') that they will main-
tain their claim by force, nor are these mere empty declarations, for
being fully sensible of the danger to which they lead we all know that
they are preparing to meet it. by collecting forces from various tribes
and concentrating them on the spot — Now whether the Prophet in-
tends to make war or not partial war must continue to be the conse-
quence— The hostility which he excites against the U. S. is the cement
of union among his confederates And such is the nature of Indians
that they cannot be collected and kept together under such circum-
stances without having their minds prepared for war — and in that
situation it is almost impossible to restrain them from premature acts
of hostility.
Were this the only danger it would be sufficient to justify the dis-
persion of the prophets party. But we cannot I think reasonably
expect that the Prophet will without a struggle yield up all the fruits
of his ambition and abandon schemes which he has been so long
maturing, the promulgation of which has given to him or his brother
such great consequence among his own and the neighbouring tribes.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 171
If his object be to keep the land he claims he will not suffer the
force he relies on for this purpose to be dispersed — If his object be
glory or ambition he will not pusillanimously surrender it after all
his vauntings without the utmost effort in his power to maintain
it — nor will he in this case consent to the dispersion of his warriors
and thereby render himself unable to make such effort by reducing
himself to insignificance and contempt.
In fact there is a crisis approaching between him and us. and it only
rests with our gov' to decide when it will be most expedient to meet
it. I have said this much of the Prophet because I have not a doubt
but that he is the cause of all the mischiefs and vexation te which has
agitated this territory.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully Sir, Yr Mo obd' S'
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble W Eustis Esq"' War Departm* Washington City.
PS. I should be very happy to obtain swords & pistols enough
for two companies of horse if they can be spared In this Praire
country they might be very useful. Y' Obd' St.N Edwards
[Endorsed] Elvirade Aug. 11. 1811 Gov. Edwards forwarding a
talk for the Indians — Gives good reasons that the Prophet will not
relinquish his designs without a contest — Wishes swords & pistols for
two troops of horse. Rec" Sept 3. 1811 "
[Enclosure]
Governor Edwards to William Whiteside
June 8'" 1811
Sir Continue the party you have ordered out till further orders,
I presume they will be sufficient for the purpose for which they are
intended being numerous enough to make discoveries, and resist mere
straglers —
Have the Militia under your command immediately classed, and
prepared to march at a moments warning; order every Captain, at
least those on the frontiers, to be ready —
Should any depredations be committed within the bounds of his
company to repel the attacks or to follow and take those Indians,
who may commit those outrages Should circumstances clearly
justify a reasonable belief of an Invasion by any tribe of Indians, you
will designate such officers & such force, as you may think adequate
to repel it. And transmit an accoimt thereof to me —
Should immediate persuit be made after any Indians, who may have
stolen horses, or committed murders &c. and they be overtaken with
the property in their possession, or be otherwise clearly assertained to
" Answered post, p. 173.
172 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
be the identical persons who committed those offences — your orders
must be for the men to take them peaceably if possible that they may
be brought to trial in a legal way, and be made examples of — But if
they cannot otherwise be taken, to let not a single man escape alive —
As many men might be disposed to take advantage of the latitude
here given, I shall request you to select as officers (where it is in your
power) those in whose discretion you can best confide —
Enjoin it on the officers not to make an attack upon any party of
Indians, under any of the above orders without being fully prepared,
and determined to make it successfully"
Y'&c.
NiNiAN Edwards
[Endorsed] Gov Edwards to Colo Whiteside
ROBERT HEATH TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, Misc. Letters:ALS]
Saint Charles 20'" awg' 1811
Dear Sir feeling a disposition to make some Experiments at a
salt spring on or near the Mississippi about 100 Miles above St Louis
in the Illinois Territory at a place called the lost Slie nearly opposite
the Entrance of salt River I applied to Gov' Ninian Edwards for
permission to make Experiments or to have a certain term of the
place " — who informed me by letter that he had nothing to do with
& that it was out of his power to act, '* & I have since learned from
an intelegent gentleman that it is the business of the Secretary of
State — that Superintend such affairs — if so. I ask (under reasonable
restrictions) a term of said Saline that I may improve Experience &
if it be lucrative to reimburse my Expence — or that some Subagent
be authorized to contract & agree with me for that purpose — that
justice might be certain to be done the Government & well as the
Citizen by all parties making the arrangment under view of the
object — it is a long distance from the inhabitant (and population the
principal benefit to such establishments) in the Indian ranges, though
on Harrison purchase) No certainty of the quantity or quality of
the water: and what there is in a praire one mile from timber and
Salt making no great object here as it sells now at this place & St
Louis at one dollar per bushel — But if you will permit me to take
possession and continue it — for three years if I find it my interest I
will leave to the U States all the improvements & fixture necessarily
" There is also present a third enclosure with the letter of Aug. 11, 1811, con-
sisting of the short journal of Captain Hebert, who accompanied Captain Lever-
ing on his mission to the Kiclcapoo.
'» Not found.
'* Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 173
used in Salt making — or for two years with liberty to remove moveables
attached to the Establishment, in either case I would Commence
operations thirty days after your grant reaching me — If this water
shou'd prove of good Quality and in plenty it will Certainly be of
the greatest advantage to the inhabitants of Louisiana & Illinois,
they need something to lighten their burden of Salt Expence &c — it
may please you appoint some good man to act for you in this affair
that lives convenient, an answer as soon as convenient "
Respectfully yours
Robert Heath.
[Addressed] James Monroe Sec'y State Washington City — Mail
[Postmarked] S' Louis Aug' 22°" Free
[Endorsed] 24. Augt 1811 Rob' Heath — proposes to make salt
above S' Louis — 24 August 1811. Robert. Heath proposing to make
salt above S' Louis.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Dept Sept 4*'' 1811
Gov. Edwards
Sir I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys
letter of the 11'" of Aug '* inclosing a proposed talk to the Chiefs of
the Putawattamies
It appears from returns made to this Dep' that all the Swords &
Pistols have been issued from the Arsenal at Newport to Gov* Harrison
& Howard excepting Sixty pairs of pistols. Any part of these which
may be necessary to equip the Cavalry for immediate Service, may
be delivered by the Military Store Keeper to the order of Your
Excellency, on the terms on which the rifles were authorized to be
issued, by my letter of the 18'" July last. ''
WILLIAM LOWRY TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, Applications :ALS]
Balt" 9'" Sep' 1811
SIR. Understanding that the death of M' Elijah Backus late Re-
ceiver of the Publick monies for the Land office of the District of
Kaskaskias has left a vacancy in that office, I take the liberty of
" No reply found.
" Anle, p. 169.
1' NA (OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C).
174 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
soliciting your interest with the President, to be appointed his suc-
cessor.
I have now acted as Deputy Naval Officer of this Port for six years
past,^ — The unfortunate state of our Foreign trade has so reduced the
Fees of office, that my proportion for the last 3 years, has been scarcely
sufficient to support my family. The fixed salary of the oflice I
solicit, is small, but I understand that living is cheap, and the Country
delightful, besides I have a daughter married at Kaskaskias, who is
extremely desirous of my removal to that Climate.
There are many of my Countrymen (Irish) who I believe would be
easily induced to follow my example, and remove with their families,
to a country so favourably spoken of; a circumstance that I suppose
would be desirable to Government. — It would be strengthening the
Frontiers, and introducing orderly, and well disposed Citizens among
many who are turbulent, and difficult to be governed in any Society.
I hope, sir, that my devotion to the present Government, & my
exertions to be useful as a Militia officer, may not be altogether un-
known, and that possibly I might be of some service in the latter
Capacity, where I now solicit to be sent.
As I have not the honor to be known to any of the heads of depart-
ments but yourself, I must rest altogether upon your friendly good
offices upon this occasion, which in fact I have no other claim to than
what arises from your own goodness."
I am, sir, with true respect your ob* hub s*
W" LOWRY
[Addressed] The honorable James Monroe esq Sec^ of State Wash-
ington Free
[Endorsed] 9 Septem. 1811. William Lowry. — wants appm' as
Receiver of public monies for the Land office of the District of Kas-
kaskias. M' Lowry 9 Sep"" 11 solicits to be appointed Receiver of
publick monies for the land office of district of Kaskaskias —
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade Randolph County Illinois Territory Sep^ 28. 1811
Sir, I have the honor to enclose you a letter from Captain Levering
the gentleman whom I sent on the mission to the Tribes of Indians on
the Illinois river and its waters together with the speeches of two of
the principal chiefs which will shew the unfavorable result of the mis-
sion.— It appears that they either believed that I had threatened to
kill their women and children, or that they pretended to believe so —
" John Caldwell, of Indiana Territory, was nominated to the vacant post,
Mar. 30 and confirmed Apr. 1, 1812 {Senate, Exec. Journal, II, 242).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 175
In this however they were corrected by Cap. Levering. The Little
Chief was at first extremely impudent and insulting, having a flag of
the United States he turned it upside down and suspended it in that
position at the door of the house he occupied, merely for the purposes
of insult — This happened before they went into council, and being
observed by Captn Levering he required that the flag should be taken
down or its position changed which for one day was refused — He then
in the most positive manner informed the little chief that if the insult
was persisted in he would not deliver the talk I had sent but would
instantly return — This produced the desired effect, and before the
council was ended the Little Chief became the most submissive &
complaisant among the Indians who were present —
Capt° Levering after his return was making out his journal which
from what I have seen of it. would have contained a great deal of
useful information but before he compleated it he was taken sick and
died.
A severe attack of fever has hitherto prevented me from making
this communication & the same cause renders me totally unable to
be more particular at present- — The enclosed papers were received
when I was extremely ill and I am not able now to review them''
I am with the highest respect Sir Yr Mo Obd*^ S'
NiNiAN Edwards
The Hon"'* W" Eustis Esq" War Department Washington City
[Endorsed] Elvirade Sept 28. 1811 Gov. Edwards Inclosing the
result of a mission to the Indians. Rec"* Oct 16, 1811-°
[Enclosure: ALS]
Samuel Levering to Governor Edwards
PlORiA August 12'" 1811
Sir The arrival of a canoe at this place, from Michillimackinack,
bound to S' Louis, fortunately furnishes an opertunity of writing to
your Excellancy
On our ascending of the Illinois river we soon discovered the appre-
hensions of the Indians, by the recent disertion of their camps. Noth-
ing extraordinary occured on our passage to this place, where we
arrive on the S"* Ins', my intention was to proceed immediately on to
Gomaux Village, but whilst I was engaged in delivering letters, and
willing for the men to take some refreshment & rest for a moment;
" In addition to Levering's letter, there are two other enclosures present: the
speeches of Gomo and the Little Chief, both under date of Aug. 17, 1811, though
Gome's speech was probably delivered on Aug. 16. Both are printed, Edwards,
Hist. III., pp. 47-50, which also contains a full account of Levering's mission,
ibid., pp. 38-55.
" Acknowledged post, p. 179.
176 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
I was informed that an Indian had gone to apprise Gomaux of our
arrival and call him to Pioria. It then appeared likely to me that
in going up by water, we should pass him coming down by land I imme-
diately dispatched a letter (the inclosed is a copy ^■) to Gomaux by
M' Foumier, disiring him to wait on me. The Indian reached the
Village before Foumier, and reported that fifty whites armed cap-a-pie,
had arrive, and the probability was that this was a decoy to entrap
Gomaux and notwithstanding M' Fourniers representations to the
contrary Gomaux came with fourteen of his armed men. The next
morning after another message he appeared in all the stern solemnity
of Indian usage —
I read and delivered to him your letter " which I had interpreted,
He answered that he was glad we had come among them, and would
immediately return home, the next day prepare and equip his young
men, so that they might be started the succeeding morning to call
the Chiefs to counsill. He answered my inquiries respecting the
number, situation, and distances of the several Chiefs of the Putowa-
tomies, but I believe he did not answer with candour— I have not
however hinted a suspicion of this, that my eye, and ear may have a
free range. He had no knowlege of the Chiefs on Yellow creek!
He could give me no information of the Putowatomies on the Fox
river, whether they had a Chief or not! But on further enquiry found
their Chief resides at Millwackee on lake Michigan, and two days
after he told me of a Chief on Fox river, by name Po-so-tuck, and
would endeavor to have him at the councill—
Perhaps the difficulty of translating commimicating the Putowa-
tomy through the French language, into the English, does measurably
prevent the meanings, and he might have been under suspicions of my
being a courier, to spy & gain information for an efficient force that he
is under considerable dread of other chiefs, there can be no doubt. He
is unpleasantly situated, he is the nearest to our frontiers except a
Band of Kickapoos of about 40 to the north & east of this, on his
opposite quarters, he is surrounded by Tribes that find themselves
further removed from our vengeance. And in case they wish to
depredate on us, they pass by him making his nation serve as a cover
to their retreat Yet by his endeavors he must be our friend, or he
is a deceitful scoundrel and aflfraid of the Americans
I set out on the 6'" Ins* to visit him at his village and as he could
not promise to send for and bring to the councill (in the time I could
wait) as many Chiefs as I though advisable, I wished to reach his
Village that evening before the Runners were dispatched to urge the
necessity of inviting & convening the greatest number of Chiefs that
was practicable to the Councill the wind being a head could only reach
" Not present.
M See ante, p. 169.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 177
the first Village about dark eight miles short of Gomaux's, where I
got two Indians to take myself & M"' Fournier in a canoe 4 miles by
water, & the rest of the way by land, to the Village, where we arrive
about midnight The Runners were not prepared to set out the next
day, but start the day after (the S"")
The next morning (7'"), Gomaux furnishing horses, we set out for
our Boat, attended by Gomaux the Chief 15 of his men & 4 women &
were met on the way by an Ottoway Chief just from Detroit who
joined our party to the Boat — I invited this Chief, Gomaux, and his
two brothers into the cabin, provided breakfast for the whole, lighted
pipes & had a long conversation. Gomaux was more communicative
than at first meeting
Main-Pock is gone to Detroit. They told me of a variety of talks
among the Indians which they conjectured to be the occasion of
Mainpock and so great a number of the Indians from the different
towns having gone towards Canada They expressed great satisfaction
at our having been sent on this errand, promised that they would
exert themselves to get as many to the councill as they possibly
could, yet they did not calculate on being able to assemble more than
five Chiefs. But the said nevertheless, whatever number might
attend or however small, they hoped that I would not hesitate to tell
tjiem all that I had to say. For that if any Indian was to communicate
such information to other Indians, he would not gain credit by it, but
that "they would call him Sugar mouth" — charge him with being
excited by fears, or moved with treachery.
Gomaux told me there were two of the stolen horses among his
people, and that he himself had a third, that he bought for a gun, not
knowing the property (at that time) to be stolen — That it was likely
the Chiefs of Sand river would wait until they could collect the stolen
horses belonging to their Villages & bring them in with them, that
they would be here in six nights (7 days) from the time of the Runners
leaving his Village
Altho it remains a question with me whether your Excellencies
orders go so far as to authorise me to call on the Chiefs residing out of
the Territory for offenders, Yet I fain would give that construction
to them, from a conviction of the necessity of making an impression
on the minds of the whole of them that it is obligatory on them, and
is a positive duty, to seek for, and surrender up, all Offenders to Justice,
so that instant and ample attonement may be made for all depreda-
tions and offences — I fear the calling on a part of the tribe at one time
and place — and another part at another time and place, will have a
tendency (ultimately) to encourage them in their aggressions — For
even should the murderers be in the Village when an Officer may
arrive to make a demand of them, they can easily slip out of his way —
The Indians are all on the alert on the appearance of a stranger among
178 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
them — They know the Jurisdiction of our territorial Goverments (I
judge this from the fact of their sliping from one to the other) And I
have not that confidence in Indians, to suppose that they would not
aid in securing a retreat to offenders, while they are saying "They are
not here"
Indians generally believe that the Americans are from unavoidable
circumstances their natural enemies, continually intruding on them —
This together with their natural ambition to have it to say (as they
continually do in their frolicks) "I am a man Who can gainsay it?
I have killed an Osage! I have killed a White"! This excites them
to outrage; and frequently escaping with impunity further encour-
ages their already but too presumptions hopes of continuing to do
so — And as even trivial circumstances diffuses more extensive im-
pressions and effects among Indians than other people, They are lead
to believe that the Americans are supine & indolent, and their
suppositions are often not as honorable, nor their consequences as
favorable to our settlements
At present the Putowatomies are so far one Nation, that those of
another name and nation aggrieved by any of them revenge themselves
on the first Putowatomie they meet, no difference what tribe, or
whether situated north of the lakes in Michigan, Indiana, or Illinois
Territories— Yet there are different interests, and opposing ambitions
and jealousies among the tribes — If it would not be impolitic to unite
them closer in one interest, I presimie that a demand on the nation for
offenders, and stolen property to have the disired effect should be made
by a joint mission from Michigan Indiana, Illinois, and Louisiana,
whether one man or more.
The Mission might call their counill at Chicago and have the Chiefs
to attend from Green bay and north of it, from Michigan, S' Josephs
the Kankikee, Wabash, Illinois, and its waters, and this would be
nearly central for the whole.
Your excellency will observe that I can expect but a small part of
the Putowatomy Chiefs to meet me in Counill at this time & place
Gomaux promised to send to Mainpocks Village and if there should
be no Chiefs there to invite two Elders to the Councill — I expect the
Little Chief — Also Blackbird an Ottoway Chief These last are allied
and married with the Putowatomies. Gomaux expects Peso-tuck from
the Fox river, also one other chief, and if possible (says) he will have
Migango and the Chiefs from Yellow river. But the probability is
(according to Gomaux relation) that the Chiefs of S' Josephs, Yellow
Creek, and Megango, are gone towards Canada
I expect the Chiefs tomorrow or next day — as soon as they arrive
we shall go to councill —
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 179
I enclose two depositions relative to the names &c of the murderers ^'
in order that your Excell'^ may have it in your power (should you
deem it necessary) to make a demand of them from the Governors of
the Territories within whose Jurisdiction they are said to be
I have the honor to be your Excellencies Most Obedient and very
hum"' St
Sam' Levering
To HIS Excellency Ninian Edwards Esq'
[Endorsed] Leverings^letter^from Pioria
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Dept Oct 16'" 1811
Gov. Edwards 111. T.
Sir Your Excellencys letters of the 15*" '^ & 28*" of September,"
with their inclosiu-es have been received.
MATTHEW IRWIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
(NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Chicago October 30*" 1811.
Sir, As several British traders have, in despite of the nonimporta-
tion law, entered at several parts of the American Territory, with
British goods for the Indian Trade; & as their names & persons are
known, & as it is expected they will visit this place next Spring, I
suggest it for consideration, whether, in case the fact can be clearly
ascertained that they committed a breach of the non-importation law,
it would be proper to seize their persons, & have the honor to be, with
great Respect, Sir, Y"' Mo* Ob* Serv*
M. Irwin
The Hon"'« the Sec^" of War, Washington.
[Endorsed] Chicago Oct. 30*" 1811. M. Irwin suggesting the pro-
priety of siezing British traders, when violating the non-imp" law.
ReC Dec^ 10*" 1811 ^^
They may be sued for penalties, but cannot be arrested without a
writ from some court having jurisdiction. I do not know in what
territory Chickago is? — A. G."
P.S. Request him to give the information to Collector of Michilli-
makinac.
" Not present.
'* Not found.
" Ante, p. 174.
2' Answered post, p. 180.
" This paragraph and the postscript are in Gallatin's hand.
314574 — 48 -13
180 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
(PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
November 6*" 1811
W" Arundel Esq. P.M Kaskaslda Illinois Ter
Yours of the IS"" October is received,^ it appears from your letter
that M' Givens did not arrive at your ofRce untill the 15'" Ult. do
we understand you correctly, if so, he has given us but a bad specimen
of his energy, if we allow him four days to pass from Henderson to
your office, it will make a weeks difference in you correspondence east-
ward, for he cannot without great difficulty return in three days, which
he must do to meet the corresponding mails at Henderson — I have
requested the postmaster of Louisville to procure four portmanteaus
and forward them to your office, that you may dispose of them for
the use of this office — The Post Office law points out Postmaster's
compensation and by that you must be governed —
GGr—
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO MATTHEW IRWIN
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. CI
War Dep* 13 Dec' 1811
M. Irvine Chicago.
Sir. Yoiu- letter of the 30 Oct' has been receved.* All informa-
tions of violations of the revenue laws, and all good reasons for sus-
pecting that any violation is contemplated, which may come to your
Knowledge, you will without delay, communicate to the Collector of
Michelemakinac, who by the duties of his office, is empowered to take
a proper notice of them. —
JARED MANSFIELD TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
TREASURY
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Let. Sent:C]
Cincinnati December 20'" 1811
Sir The office of Receiver of Public Monies at Kaskaskia being
vacant, I beg leave to recommend to you, M' Elias Rector at that
place, as a proper person, to supply that vacancy, I have had an
acquaintance with M' Rector, during the greater part of the time,
since I have resided in this country, have been considerably connected
with him in Official transactions, His Manners and accomplishments
are those of a gentleman, His reputation for honor and integrity is
indisputable, and has always been scrupulously maintained, in all
" Not found.
" Ante, p. 179.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 181
concerns with this Office, His talants and quahfications, I presume are
fully adequate to the discharge of the duties of Receiver, His residence
at Kaskaskia has afforded him a good knowledge of the circumstances
of public Affairs there, as connected with the land business, and his
entire disconnection with speculation and Abhorance of the Arts
practised for that Object, would carry with his appointment a peculiar
fitness,
I heartily wish success to the appointment of M' Rector as one
who in my opinion is worthy of it.
I am most respectfully your Ob' Hble Sev'
Jared Mansfield
The above is a true coppy
Hon Albert Gallatin
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
December 2S"^ 1811
W" Arundel Esq' P.M. Kaskaskia, II: Ter
I have yours of the 2°^ ins' before me,^" we intended some time since,
to have given an order to the postmaster of Louisville Ky. to send
you some portmanteaus, but it unfortunately happened, that the order
escaped our recollection, he is this day instructed to send you five — The
postmasters of Frankfort & Louisville are instructed to send mails for
your quarter of the country via Hendersonton, the extreme unpro-
ductiveness of the post road between Vincennes and the Saline,
operates against sending a weekly mail on that road —
G Gr—
WILLIAM DOBBINS TO JARED MANSFIELD
[NA:GL0, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., ni:ALS]
Shawnoe Town Decmher 31" 1811
Sir/ Yours of the 15th '"» and 17th =' of March I Had the pleasure to
Receive
In My Last I flattered Myself And Informed you that I Should
Compleat the Survey Before I Left this place But High Water And
a Low State of Health Occasioned By the Severity of the Season
Compelled Me Reluctantly to Give it Over to Fall
I Was Again Unfortunate the Sickly Season Commenced There
Were few In Our parts Escaped I Was Amongst the Unfortunate
5» Not found.
s»« Post, p. 425
" Not found.
182 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Number As Early As I found Myself Capable of Working I Proceded
On to Shawnoe But being Weak the Fatigue Brought On Several
Relapses Which Together With Bad Weather And Other Untoward
Circumstances Has put it Out of my power as yet to Compleat the
Same However there is Only the Fractional Part to Survey & the
Lots to Number, Should the Weather prove favourable I Shall
Shortly finish the Work Although I had made Considerable Progress
Before your Last it Was in My power to Extend farther Down the
River So As to Confrom to your Instructions
I had taken up An Idea from the Law that yourself and Not the
Secratary Was the Sole Judge of the plann of the Town How it
Can Without a Resurvey Be Correct Or Amended By him I am at
a Loss to Know
Being a Stranger to What the United States has Generally Given
their Surveyors for Laying of Town Lotts I Will Thank you for your
Opinion on that Subject — Before I make Out My Charge —
I Should Make Out the plan Before I Leave this place But I Can
Neither procure paper Suitable Nor Any Kind of Paints
I Will take it as a favour of you to Write me As Early As Con-
venient
I am Sir With Sentiments Of Esteem yours Sincerely
W" Dobbins
Jared, Mansfield Esquire
[Addressed\ Jared Mansfield Esquire Surveyor General of the
United States Cincinnatti [Postmarked] Shawnee Town Jan-
ary 31th 25
[Endorsed] Answered Feb IS'" 1812 «
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
IP0:P. M. Letter Book R]
January 3^" 1811 [1812]
William Arundel Esq' P.M Kaskaskia Illin. Ter
We tendered the conveyance of the mail between your office &
New Madrid at the rate of $117 quarterly to John Hays, which he
declined accepting. I wish you to find a contractor for that route
at a rate not exceeding $500 pr annum, for that purpose I have
enclosed you a bond and contract, when executed I will thank you
to return them and we will forward a duplicate of the contract to the
w Post, p. 425.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 183
contractor, the price offered is much above the ordinary sums paid
for equivalent services in other places —
G. Gr—
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOSEPH McFERRON
[PO:P. M. Letter Book R]
January 3^" 1812
Joseph MTerron Esq' P. M Cape Girardeau II. Ter
As it appears from your letter of the 2°"^ Ult.'^ that M' Hay will
not carry the mail on the terms we have offered him, we have author-
ized the postmaster of Kaskaskia to make a contract for that route,
at a rate not exceeding $500 p' An; untill M' Arundell makes a contract,
we wish M' Hayes to continue the mail, and we will pay him for the
service at the rate of $650 p' An :
G Gr
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM RUTTER AND
OTHERS
[PO:P. M. Letter Book R]
January 9*" 1812
M'' W° RUTTER & others near Fort Massac II. Ter.
I hope that circumstances will permit us to send a weekly mail on
the route pointed out in your address ^* of the [blank] in the course
of another year —
G. Gr.
REPORT OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO CONGRESS
[PO:P. M. Letter Book R:E]
[January 9, 1812 "]
In Obedience to the Act of Congress of the 21°' of April 1808 con-
cerning public contracts, the Postmaster General has the honor of
laying before Congress the following statement of all the contracts
which have been made in his Department the last year, and also
sundry others contracts agreed upon in the latter part of the year
1810, which went into operation the last year ^^ —
" Not found.
'* Not seen.
" This date is taken from the position of entry.
" Relevant items only have been extracted for the present printing.
184
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Number
of times
Contractors
the mail
Routes
Date of
Duration
^t
names
is car-
Contracts
of contracts
2 ^
ried pr.
F ^
week
3-0
w a.
Samuel Clark
fort-
Eddyville & Cape
July 6,11
Oct' 1, 11
400
night
Girardeau
to Dec
31, 14
Joseph R Givens..
once
Henderson & Kas-
kaskia
July 6, 1811
...do
850
MATTHEW IRWIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS1
Chicago Jan'^ 19'" 1812.
Sir, It is the opinion of some persons, conversant in the System of
Indian Warfare, that, unless the principal chiefs of the different tribes
of Indians that were lately unpacific should, before the early part
of the ensuing Summer, treat for a peace, a War, at that time, is not
improbable.
Should that opinion have any foundation, a regard for the safety
of this place would, I conceive, warrant me in recommending, first,
that, instead of never having more than one day's consumption of
fuel on hand, the Commanding Officer be ordered to use every effort
to have a Supply sufficient for two or three months. For should
hostilities take place, the peculiar situation of this place, would render
it impossible to obtain that article, without incurring almost certain
death. Secondly, that the public buildings (about 20 or 30 yards
from the Fort) be either fortified or destroyed. For, if fire were set
to them, the safety of the Fort would be endangered. Their Con-
struction, with an expence of about twenty doll' would render them
Capable of being defended, & afford, in case of accident happening
the Fort, an Asylum to the Troops & others. They could be de-
fended by the settlers. Some irregularities also justify me in pro-
posing the following: That (but undoubtedly the power, by impli-
cation, is already given) the said Officer be authorised to stop boats,
&c. arriving with goods, &c. for the Indian Trade, and hold in Cus-
tody, unless they are lawfully imported. The omission to do which,
is the cause of a large quantity of goods & liquors being brought into
this country, for the Indian Trade.
That he be authorised to demand of M'' John Kinzie (lately ap-
pointed by Cap. Heald, the exclusive Suttler to this Fort) by what
authority he brought from 70 to 80 pieces of Strouds accompanied
with bankets, powder, ball, &c. &c. to this place.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 185
Those goods, &c. were brought here, within a few weeks, on horses,
at different periods. One of the persons employed therein, not hav-
ing been treated well, avowed that they were smuggled by a British
Trader (IM' Kinzie's partner) from the Town of Amherstburg, in
Canada, via River Rouge & thence through the Wilderness to this
place. Other concurring Circumstances, induce me to believe they
were smuggled.
Lastly, that, if an exclusive right is necessary to be given to he who
supplies the Troops with their Wants, their Com« Officer be ordered
to regulate the prices thereof, to prevent imposition, &c. The doing
which would render their situation more comfortable; would prevent
a further reduction of their number, &, if done impartially, would
destroy the subserviency of the Officers to the Suttler. Upon the
latter article, I can make it appear what creates that Subserviency.
I have the honor to be, with great respect Sir Y' Most Ob' Serv'
M. Irwin
The Hon"'' the Sec of War.
Jav7 22* After a little reflection, I feel, when connected with past
events, a consciousness that an investigation into that part of my
letter which relates to Smuggling, as well as to that having reference
to the Suttling business, might render my situation very unpleasant —
perhaps dangerous. Nevertheless, I am not certain whether that
consideration ought to weigh against others of equal — perhaps of
greater magnitude. — M.I.
I am happy to find (without his being aware of my ideas upon it)
that the Surgeons Mate is opposed to the monopoly spoken of in this
letter. M.I.—
Jan' 23** I now have it in my power to say, without ha-ving time
to state particulars, that the monopoly spoken of, is not granted from
disinterested motives. M.I. —
[Addressed] The Hon"'' the Secretary of War, Washington.
[EndcTsed] Chicago Jan^ 19, 1812 i\I. Irwin. States the apparent
hostile conduct of the Indians — means of defence — officers countenance
smuggling Repair & render defensible the buildings refer'd to —
regulate the charges of the Suttler ReC April 4'" 1812 "
SECRETARY POPE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, 111. Terr. Papers: ALS]
Kaskaskia Jany 28'" 1812
Sir I have the Honor to transmit herewith My Semi-annual return
to your department'* — My domestic Misfortimes consisting of the
»' Answered jiosl, p. 210.
"Mar. 1, 1811, to Aug. 31, 1811, Register, post, vol. xvii. Also enclosed
were copies oi laws passed during the same period; these are not present.
186 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
deaths of my children and the ill health of Mrs Pope have caused
this delay —
I have the Honor to be Sir Y' Mo' Ob' & H"'" Serv'
Nat Pope
The Hon''" James Monroe Secretary of State
[Endorsed] Nat Pope (111. Ter) to Secty of State 28 Jan' 1812
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS1
Elvirade Randolph County Illinois Territory Feby. 13. 1812
Sir I have the honor to inform you that an express has just arrived
with a letter from Governor Howard to me covering the enclosed
communications, which are deemed by him and myself of such im-
portance, that I shall instantly employ an express to carry them to
the P. Office at the united states Saline (the mail carrier not having
arrived — ) to be forwarded to you from thence with the utmost
dispatch
1 have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y"^ M° Obd' S'
Ninian Edwards
P.S. Governor Howard among other things in his letter says
"Much information has been received here (S' Louis) corroborating
the opinions expressed by those agents (Bolvine & Blondeau) I
expect ere long our frontiers will witness scenes which they have not
yet experienced and I trust we shall be as well prepared for the event
as unfavorable circumstances will allow."
respectfully I am, Y' M" Obd' S' N Edwards
[Addressed] The Hon'ble William Eustis Esqre Secretary of War
Washington City
[Endorsed] Elvirade Feb 13. 1812 Gov. Edwards forwarding copies
of inclosures, received express from Gov. Howard, relative to the
threats of the Indians. ReC* March 10'" 1812 '»
[Enclosures]
Nicholas Boilvin to the Governor of Louisiana Territory
Prairie du Chien the 5'" Jan^ 1812
To Governor Howard
The news of Gov' Harrisons Victory does not appear to please the
Indians here. I hope he will follow up his conquest, but if not we are
badly situated at this place, and are also the frontiers. The 30"" of
last month arrived here 40 F*uants at my door, they were all armed — I
" Answered post, p. 197. See Governor Howard to the Secretary of War,
Jan. 13, 1812 {Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., xiv).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 187
went out and called them in the Council room— The Chiefs that I made
last year — Daicaies, good, Indian-Brave fellow, loving the Whites,
said my (Father bad news) we have been killed by the Americans at
the Shawanies — I answered you probably have deserved it. After a
few words I told them to go to rest — that next day I would hear them
and answer them. I give them to smoke & provisions I kept the
Chief with me — the next day they come to council, and said through
Roc. Interpreter (the son Caramanis) "We Brave Chiefs & Warriors,
come and take you by the hand but we have been killed by the
Americans, we do not think bad of you, because you told us of it last
fall that there would be an American Army go to the Prophets town,
to demand the murderers, and that if they should not be given up,
they would Strike, Therefore Father we know it is not your fault;
they would have left the Prophet, but many of their people being
sick, they could not leave them."
Dacaies the Chief. "My Father — I have come with all these men,
to take care of them — all you see here are of three Bands, those are
from Roc river they have always been foolish, and this day they are in
affliction, I will not answer for them: They are not men of their word.
This day you have given me a medal; will send for me when you will,
you shall know what I can do, inform below that they may take care
of those bad men. —
The 4'" Jan^ a fox Indian arrived from the mines, with news that
30 Puants had killed two men of M' Hunts, and burnt down the
houses, and stole the Merchandize of Hunt & Prior, if it had not been
for the Foxes they would have all been killed — I am fearful for the
Americans on the frontiers, I have sent expresses all round me. I do
not yet know whether Hunt and Prior are in safely — I expect so soon
as the Soux and followvoins know of it. I shall then with the Militia be
in security. I shall keep the Militia on foot until I hear from you.
I have told Major Wilson to write Gen' Clark the same thing — I hope
you will take a part in our concerns and help us, if not by forces, do it
by instructions — As for my part I am afraid at this time. I do not
know how to act — But under the safeguard of the Master of life we
can hazard all — for two days ago I was dead but I am at present
living. My wife tenders her respects to M" Howard — Believe me for
life your Obedient H. Servant
N. BOILVIN
True Copy (Signed)
Maurice Blondeau to [the Governor of Louisiana Territory] *"
Spanish Mines Jan^ 1812
Sir I received your letter in which you recommend to mention the
articles to the Indians in it. At the same time I inform you ef the
" Or to William Clark.
188 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
hostilities of the Winnebagoes on the last of December, committed at
the lower mines
M' Prior and M' Hunt were saved by the Foxes by saying they were
Englishmen — two men of M' Hunts were killed, and cut in ever so
many pieces, their houses and every other article they could not carry
with them burnt
After this unfortunate affair hapned, I sent one Fox Indian with
Wampums, to the Winnebagoes to learn their intention— They took
the Wampum saying thay had not determined yet if they would go
to war again the French people or not, but they were determined to
perish or revenge themselves on the Americans, for what Governor
Harrison had done to their nation, at the time they went to see the
Prophet — At present the Winebago Chiefs gather the whole Nation
to attack Fort Chicago and Madison and the settlement on salt
River, and below that. They will leave their wintering ground by
the 15'" or 20"" Ins' for said places
One of the Fox Chiefs has told me Wampums were sent to them by
the British to Join other nations of Indians to attack the American
frontiers. They will not consent to do this and offer themselves,
now to perish with the White people that are here if the Winebagoes
should attack this place
I found it necessary to erect a fortification to defend the lives and
property of all the Inhabitants living on this Island. The season will
not permit any one to leave this place — and forces every one to stay
I am with due respect your most obedient
Maurice Blandau
A Copy — (signed)
Resolutions of Militia Officers of St. Clair County "
[February 7, 1812]
At a meeting of the Militia Officers of S*^ Clair County Illinois
Territory, at Cahokia of the 7'" day of February 1812— Present Col"
William Whiteside Majors Whiteside & Prewit— Captains— Judy,
Stallion Short, Whiteside, Hebert, Brazeal Savage and Moore Lieu-
tenants Pierre Martan, Cook, Gilham & Vaughn Ensigns Pincinneau,
Wagnor, Mitchell, Grgg Gilham and Whitlock
Col" Whiteside appointed Chairman and Cap* Jacob Short Secretary
to this Committee
1 Resolved, that with pain we look back at the many depredations
committed by Indians, on our frontier Inhabitants, by stealing horses
" This and the following enclosure were obviously first-hand enclosures by
Edwards.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY igQ
to a very considerable amount, plundering of other property, and by
the massacre of many of the inhabitants, these many years past with-
out the least recompense or satisfaction — •
2 Resolved — that it is also with pain we view the situation of our
frontier to continue (as usual) unprotected and as much exposed as
ever to Indian violence destitute of the common defence afforded to
the neighboring Territories by the parent Government. By having
regular soldiers stationed on the vulnerable passes of Indians &c
3 Resolved, that we view with sorrow the breaking up of so many
fine settlements on the frontier of this county by the peoples moving
away to other parts of the Union occasioned by the distresses set
forth in the two first resolutions
4. Resolved, that it is a sense of this meeting and a conviction on
these minds that the General Government will give this country the
necessary protection when a constitutional representation is made of
their situation and that representation cannot be so well made before
we have a Delegate in Congress — To which \'iew this meeting requests
the attention of their fellow citizens, of this Territory in general
Resolved, that it is the desire of this meeting that the Governor of
this Territory do use his lawful means to establish the second Grade
of Territorial Government, as it appears to us that by having a Dele-
gate in Congress will much help the declining situation of our frontiers,
and elevate ovir country one stride towards that greatness which the
God of nature dictated
Resolved that the aforesaid Resolutions shall be signed by our Chair-
man and Secretary, and that a copy of the same be sent to his Excel-
lency Governor Edwards, desiring his approbation and one to the
Editor of the Louisiana Gazette for publication
Jacob Short Secretary W"" Whiteside
Statement of Militia Officers of St. Clair County
[February 7, 1812]
At a meeting of the Militia officers of S' Clair County at Cahokia
on the 7"" of Feb" AD. 1812
Being from the different parts of said County enables said Officers to
have a compleet knowlege of the strength situation &c of the various
divisions of the same which prompts them to make the following
statement, (with due submission) to his Excellency Governor Edwards
The general Opinion of the frontier inhabitants are that a general
and formidable number of the Indians situated on the waters that
empty convenient to the s"* frontiers, are in an actual state of warfare
with the U. States, and that the said frontier inhabitants is as much
exposed to the hostile \'iolence of these savages as any other part of
190 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the Union, also that those frontier people do not think themselves
adequate to meet such attacks as may and is usual and probable to
be made by such a numerous vindictive army of Bloodhounds, the
consequence have been almost the depopulation of the (lately fine
settlements on the waters of Shoal and Silver creeks, and an awful
appearance of the like on the uper settlements of the Missisippi at
present
After duly considering these facts the said Officers think that it will
be necessary and expedient to immediately order out at least twenty
five foot militia, to station at the different Blockhouses built on the
vulnerable situations of said frontier and are of Opinion that such
force would incourage the people to stay in this neighborhood, and
make a begining to raise crops in the spring which is now at hand,
and the usual time to suffer by Indian depredations, it is a convic-
tion to the mind of said officers, that unless the above request, or
something else done of the like nature, that the frontier people will
move away, an idea which must be painful to all friends of their
country —
Said officers would wish to be understood: that the said numbers of
militia men may be support in case the U States send a competent
army into the Indian country with a competent General, if not it
will be hard to predestinate the destiny of the frontier people of this
county and the conferred number is forced on them by a due con-
sideration of the weight of such service on their fellow citizens
And with due submission said officers believe it will likewise be
incumbent on his Excellency to order out the like number of mounted
Militia men to range in advance of said frontier, to intercept all
maurading parties of the enemy, but is of opinion that the latter
service may be kept back until the season arrives when the heat of
the sun is more favorable to the savage habits of warfare and that the
guard reqested, be continued without intermission until the appearance
of Indian hostilities should change. The said officers beg leave to
offer their service to his Excellency Governor Edwards assuring him
that they will if necessary risk a sacrifice of their lives and fortunes
to the service of the territory and honor of the U States, and will to
the best of their abilities, punctually obey his orders — By order of
the Board of Officers signed, consisting of the Colonel two Majors
eight Captains and the Captain of Cavalry six Lieutenants and seven
Ensigns— by the President and attested by the Judge Advocate
Rob* Reynolds, Judge Adv' W" WHiTEsroE— president
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 191
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO LEONARD WHITE
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
Fehry 18, 1812
Leonard White Esq' P.M. U. S. Saline Illin Ter—
I have received yours of Jany 31'' " and I am surprised at the
negligence of the contractors, I thank you for the information and will
be obliged for further attentions in the same way
G. Gr.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOSEPH GIVEN
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
February 18— 1812
M' Joseph R. Given Kaskaskia II — Ter
In reply to yours of Jany 11," I observe that we cannot con-
sistently with our duty to the public, consent to the alteration you
have proposed, if we divide your route in any way, the division will
inevitably produce a delay, with due exertion your route can be per-
formed, and it is indispensably necessary that it be regularly & duly
performed —
G. Gr.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
February 24—1812
William Arundell Esq' P. M. Kaskaskia II. Ter.
I have received yours of the 1°' Ult," the contractor is bound to
convey the whole mail, and if he leaves any part of the mail on the
road he subjects himself to a penalty, I wish you to apprise the post
rider or contractor of this circumstance that he may not incur any
further penalties, I have very little expectation that Congress will
make any grants of land to support ferries on the road you have
referred to, —
G. Gr.
" Not found.
" Not found.
" Not found.
192 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO MATTHEW LYON
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
February 24—1812
Col. Matthew Lyon— Eddyville K"
I fear that this letter will more fully convince you that we are all
"Crazy in the General Post Office" than the incidents mentioned in
your letter of the 23'''' Ult." for we have consented to yield to your
importunity and have established a weekly mail between Eddyville
and Kaskaskia and directed the contractor to pass by Centerville an
office that we had accidentally considered to be the same as Salem. —
G. G'—
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
February 26'" 1812
William Arundell Esq' P.M., Kaskaskia — II. Ter
Your letter of the 4'" " has excited no small degree of surprize, you
did right in sending on the mail, and I wish you to do so in every in-
stance that the contractor fails, and to state the sum you pay for each
trip that we may charge the contractor who has evidenced very little
disposition to carry his contract into effect, if the Portmanteaus have
not yet reached you, do upon some terms procure some of a suitable
size, and I wish you to inform the contractor that he can receive no
further pay until he satisfies this office, that it was not possible for
him to prevent the failures complained of. I have ordered a weekly
mail to be sent from Eddy\-ille " to Cape Girardot ** and I wish a
weekly mail to be extended from thence to your office, for which
service you can allow two hundred dollars over and above the sum
mentioned in my letter to [you] relative to the New Madrid mail, the
mail from Cape Girardeau to New Madrid is to pass but once a fort-
night, the Eddyville mail is to arrive at Cape Girardeau every Monday
by 10 A.M, and it is to depart the same day by 2 P.M, you will of course
make the mail from your office arrive at and depart from that office
at the same hours and on the same days that the mail from Eddj'^'ille
does, may we hear from you on this subject
G. Gr.
" Not found.
" Not found.
•' Kentucky.
*^ Cape Girardeau, Louisiana Territory.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 193
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent., Bk. C]
War Dep' February 28'" 1812
GovE'" NiNiAN Edwards Elvirade 111. T.
Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excel-
lencys letters of the 18'" " and 25'" of Jany'" No muster rolls of
militia called out by you in 1811 having been received by this Dept
no estimate was offered and no appropriation made for paying them.
Whenever the rolls and vouchers shall be received an estimate will
be made and submitted to Congress."*
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade Randolph County Illinois Territory March 3. 1812
Sir I have the honor to inform you. that from the recent and
increasing indications of hostility in the neighbouring tribes of In-
dians. I found it necessary to visit the upper county of this territory
to put it in an attitude of defense — In my tour (from w" I have just
returned) I had a conference with Gov' Howard, each of us believing
our frontiers greatly exposed have ordered out a company of rangers
and made such arrangements, that they will cooperate with each
other
Gov' Howard Gen' Clarke & myself unite in the opinion that we
have good cause to apprehend a formidable combination of Indians
and a bloody war — And if there is any confidence to be placed in the
agents sub-agents, and spies engaged in these territories in the Indian
Department who have had an opportunity of forming an opinion, no
other event can be expected. The Prophet is regaining his influ-
ence— Tecumseh has visited the tribes on our Northwestern frontier
with considerable success —
An Indian called (I think) the White Pidgeon lately visited the
Indians of the Illinois & Missisippi rivers, tried to engage them to
" NA (WD, SWDF), printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, p. 293, urging that arrange-
ments be made to pay the militia for their services in defense of the Territory in
the summer of 1811.
'" NA, op. cit., printed, Edwards, op. cit., pp. 294-295, excepting an enclosure,
Whiteside to Edwards, Dec. 4, 1811 (present with the original), relative to the
location of hostile Indians. In his letter of Jan. 25, Edwards stated he was
unable to prevent the people of St. Clair County from organizing an expedition
against the Indians.
" Answered May 6, 1812 (NA, WD, SWDF, prmted, Edwards, op. cit., pp.
312-315).
194 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
attack our frontiers — promised them British protection, and invited
them to Fort Maulden to receive arms ammunition &' &*= This infor-
mation has been received through four different channels and the fact
cannot be doubted
In part we know he has been successful in his machinations —
Two more men have lately been killed in this territory — Mj' spies
a few days ago discovered a trail of Indians leading into one of our
settlements they persued it and found that the Indians had been
waylaying the house of one of our citizens —
Various indications of a similar character have been discovered
in Louisianna —
We have receive positive information that the Kickapoos & Potto-
wattomies lately held a council near Pioria in which it was determined
to attack our frontiers
We have been positively assured that the murder of Oniels family
(ten in number) which I lately communicated fey *li«9e indinnn was
perpetrated by those Indians — In addition to this positive information
the spies who were sent out immediately report that they persued a
trail of about twenty Indians from Oniels house — and that it crossed
the Illinois river—
If the Indians have hostile views they will certainly be greatly
encouraged by such multitudes leaving the territory as is daily
witnessed — Indeed I think, the antient settlements of the country
will soon become the frontier — And I should be very happy if even
the small garrison at Massac which is useless there, could be removed
to this part of the country —
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y"^ M° Obd' S'
N Edwards
The Honble Wiluam Eustis Esqre Secretary of War Washington
city
[Addressed] The Honble William Eustis Esqr Secretary of War
Washington City Free
[Endorsed] Elvirade March 3. 1812 Gov. Edwards Stating the
e\'idences of hostilities by the Indians— murders committed — Serious
cause of alarm. Rec" March 24, 1812 "
No reply found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 195
MATTHEW IRWIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
INA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Chicago March 10'" 1812.
Sir, I had the honor, on a late occasion, to address you on the
subject of Indian concerns, & held out the anticipation that unless
an arrangement were effected with the refractory chiefs, before the
ensuing Spring or Summer, an Indian War would be the inevitable
consequence. Perhaps it might be expected that on so interesting
a subject every information should be communicated tending to
elucidate it. If such is the fact, nothing, at this time, can be stated
of a positive character. Were we to credit rumors, we might be
induced to believe that the Winnibagoes are resolved for War, &
that the Pottewattamies being intimidated by the Winnebagoes, feel
themselves constrained to unite with them. On the other hand, if
we give credit to the declarations of the Winnebagoes (a party of
whom from the Fox River were here a few days ago) they would
lead us to believe that they are pacifically disposed. One thing,
however, is pretty certain, viz' the Chipeway & Ottawa nations,
hearing that the Winnebagoes & Pottawattomies were hostilely in-
clined to the Whites, have sent speeches to them, the purport of which
is to desire them to change their sentiments respecting the Whites, to
live in peace with them, representing them as friends, & depicting
the miseries a War would lead to.
If we wish to know the actual views or sentiments of the Indians,
we ought to have a confidential Indian employed, whose business it
should be to scour the country from time to time, & by affecting
hatred to the Whites, gain if possible, such information as might lead
to the forming more accurate conclusions as to those Views or Senti-
ments. This has been practised elsewhere with some success, & as
we are, during the greater part of the year, nearly environed by
different tribes, we might possibly succeed as well, or at least be
enabled to form opinions without having them oftener contradicted
than confirmed.
I also had the honor to touch upon some irregularities respecting
the Suttling business. I did it from a persuation that whenever there
were persons in the public employ, so lost to virtue as to interest
themselves in concerns which would not bear the light, that it did
not become me to be a passive spectator — my feelings not only revolt
at it, but I feel almost persuaded that it will lead to serious conse-
quences.
196 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
One of the inducements (and I have reason to beHeve there is
another) for appointing a Sutler is, the officers get their Wants sup-
plied at costs & charges; and, in consequence, it is understood that
the Suttler may charge those for the soldiery, in such manner, as will
reimburse him for his liberallity to the officers.
I shall not. Sir, tire you with a detail of the evils attending this
business, because on former occasions, I exposed some of them; but
I cannot help remarking upon the enclosed copy of a Garrison order
that instead of "The Articles for the trade of the Troops" being
"furnished on reasonable prices" they have, since the appointment of
Suttler, been advanced from 25 to 50 p. Ct.
I hope, Sir, you will pardon me the loss of time this may occasion
you, & permit me to remain, with great respect. Sir, Y' Mo* Ob*
& Most hum' Serv*
M. Irwin
The Hon"" W. Eustis, Sec^" of war, Washington.
P.S. 11'" I have lately ascertained it to be an absolute fact that
Mess" Kinzie & Forsyth, offered a gentleman 400$ per annum to get
them appointed at Washington the Suttlers for this place. Perhaps
few men are less deserving of Public favors. It is very well known
that they (during the Campaigns of Gen'' S' Clair & Wayne) supplied
the Indians with Balls & Powder. That one of them declared to some
Englishmen that he had it in his power (during those campaigns) to
save the lives of some American Prisoners, by giving a few quarts of
whiskey but that he would not sacrifice his property for the sake of a
few d — d Americans! M.I.
[Addressed] The Hon, W" Eustis, Sec" of War, Washington.
[Endorsed] Chicago March 10, 1812. M Irwin relative to the threats
of the Winebago & Potawattomie Indians &c. also inclosing a copy
of the order for the Suttlers. Rec" April 17'" 1812 "
[Enclosure]
Garrison order by Nathan Heald
Fort Dearborn Jan^ 17'" 1812.
Garrison Orders
The Commanding officer hereby informs the Soldiers & Citizens
that Mess" Kenzie & Forsyth are considered as the proper Suttlers
for this Garrison and so long as they continue to furnish the necessary
•• No reply found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 197
articles for the Trade of the Troops on reasonable prices, no Certifi-
cates of pay due will be given to any other trader.
(signed) N. Heald Cap' Com"*
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Dep' March 11'" 1812
His Excellency Ninian Edwards 111' Territory
Sir Your Excellency' letters of the 10'" " 13'" ^^ & 15'" february^'
were received yesterday.
By the return mail I have only time to inform you that W" Boling
Whiteside has been nominated Cap' of the Company of Rangers, for
the Ilinois Territory — So soon as the nomination is confirmed,^' the
commission and necessary instructions will be forwarded to your
Excellency, in the meantime you will make such arrangements for
organizing the company under Cap' Wliiteside, as you may deem
expedient and proper. The subalterns will be appointed, as soon as
suitable persons are recommended.
Two companies of Rangers, which it is presumed will be raised in
the State of Ohio, by the time you receive this letter, one company to
be raised in Indiana, one in Illinois, and one from Kentucky, will it
is conceived be competent to protect the frontiers, and to accompany
and assist a detachment of regular troops which will be ordered to
" NA (WD, SWDF), printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp. 300-302, informing that he
had been unable to prevail on the Kickapoo and Potawatomi chiefs to meet him
in conference; that the Winnebago were reported ready to attack the frontier;
and that great numbers of people were leaving Illinois Territory in fear of an
uprising.
" Aide, p. 186.
'' NA (WD, SWDF), printed. Edwards, op. cit., pp. 302-303, stating he now
believed Harrison's victory would not result in permanent peace, and that British
agents would continue to try to foment trouble. With the original are the fol-
lowing enclosures: a copy of Edwards to the President, Oct. 16, 1811, relative to
Indian hostilities, in which were enclosed copies of resolutions of the people of
St. Clair County, no date, urging more protection for the frontier; a resolution
of the militia officers of St. Clair County, no date, relative to the need of regular
troops in the Territory; and a memorial from the people of the same county, no
date, asking for protection for the Territory. The original of the letter of Oct. 16,
1811, with its enclosures, is also found in NA, he. cit., under its date, and is
printed, with enclosures, in Edwards, op. cit., pp. 288-291; the enclosures are
printed in A.S.P., Ind. Affairs, I, 802-803.
" Nominated Mar. 11 and confirmed Mar. 13, 1812 {Senate, Exec. Journal, 11,
234, 236).
198 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
establish a post at the Pioria Village.^ A mutual communication
between the Governors of the States and Territories, appears to be a
probable means of producing a concert of operations by the force
which has been and will be provided ^*
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
March ll'" 1812
Hon"'" N. Edwards, Elvirade Randolph county Illinois Ter.
I have received yours of the 14'" ^ on the subject of leasing lands on
the post route which accords with opinions I have frequently expressed
on that subject and I have forwarded the same to the Chairman of the
Land Committee —
G. Gr.
** In accordance with the request embodied in a second letter from Edwards of
Feb. 10, 1812 (Edwards, op. cit., p. 299), which also recommended W. B. White-
side as commander of the rangers in Illinois Territory. In the same connection
see Edwards to Senator Pope, same date, tbt'd., p. 300. See the Secretary of War
to Edwards, Mar. 16, 1812 (NA, OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C), embodying instruc-
tions for raising the company of rangers assigned to Illinois Territory, and trans-
mitting the commission for the commander of the company, which was in con-
formity with the act approved Jan. 2, 1812 (2 Stat. 670), authorising the forma-
tion of six companies of rangers in the northwestern territories. This letter is
nearly identical with one to Governor Harrison, of Indiana Territory, Feb. 28,
1812 {Terr. Papers, Ind., viii, 168). See also Edwards to Governor Scott, of
Kentucky, Feb. 13, 1812, to Governor Howard and William Clark, of Louisiana
Territory, Feb. 16, 1812, and to Howard, Feb. 27, 1812 (Edwards, op. cit., pp. 302,
303-304, 310-311). With respect further to the militia situation, see id. to Col.
Thomas Levins, 1st Illinois regiment, Feb. 21, 1812, and to Col. William Whiteside
(two letters). Mar. 15, 1812, ibid., pp. 305-306, 309-310, and to William B.
Whiteside, Mar. 2, 1812, ibid., pp. 311-312, enclosing the latter's commission as
captain of rangers and embodying instructions. Doubt may be cast on the date
of this letter as given in the printed version (the original has not been found),
since the commission, according to the above letter, could not have been forwarded
from Washington until after Mar. 13.
" Answered May 6, 1812 (NA, WD, SWDF, printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp.
312-315), a letter of great length, in which is discussed again the conference at
Cahokia of Apr. 16, 1812, and the hope is expressed of obtaining consent of the
Indians to construct a fort on the Sainquemon (Sangamon) River where the
trace crossed from Cahokia to Peoria. There is also additional information con-
cerning Indian hostilities and the organization of the rangers. This letter was
answered June 4, 1812 (NA, WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 5, printed, Edwards,
op. cit., p. 536), in which Edwards was assured the militia called out by him would
be paid upon presentation of muster and pay rolls, and that the subalterns named
for the company of rangers would be nominated.
»° Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 199
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JEREMIAH MORROW
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
March 11, 1812
Hon"'* Jeremiah Morrow, Chairman of the Land Committee.
I take the Hberty to enclose the letter of Ninian Edwards Esq' on
the subject of increasing facihties to aid the progress of the mail which
requires the aid of your committee *' — What he proposes would be
useful to this office —
G. Gr.
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO RICHARD M. JOHNSON
[LC: HF, 12 Cong., 1 sess.: ALS «»]
Elvirade, Randolph County Illinois Territory March 14. 1812
Dear Sir I hope the sincere desire which I feel to serve the people
of this territory & their having no delegate in congress will be accepted
as an apology for the trouble which this letter will give you.
At no time since the first organization of this gov* have the people
as far as I can learn been better satisfied with their territorial officers
than at the present juncture. But a variety of different wishes and
motives have combined to induce them to wish to enter the second
grade of territorial gov* merely for the purpose of obtaining a delegate
to congress — which I always supposed might with as much propriety
have been allowed them without their being obliged to incur for that
purpose alone the expences of the second grade — more especially since
if the same rights should be extended to them that are enjoyed by the
Indiana territory the delgate will be wholly independent of the legis-
lature—
The population of this territory as appears by the late census
amounts to 12.282.'' in the whole of which there does not exceed
between, two & three hundred freeholders (two hundred and twenty
I am convinced is the extent of the number.) this is owing to the
sale of public lands having been postponed much beyond any period
that was anticipated from the appointment of a register & [receiver
to this district —
This very small portion of freeholders have the exclusive right, of
determining upon the contemplated change of gov* after which they
alone will have the right to vote for the members of the legislature
who will be elected for two years with the right to nominate the
" Letter not seen.
" Printed also in Edwards, op. eil., pp. 306-309.
" Referring to the census of 1810, the only extant fragment of which is printed
in Norton (ed.), III. Census Returns, 1810, 1818 (IHC, xxiv), 1-53. The returns
thus published, presumed to be wholly from Randolph County, total 7,275.
200 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Council who will be appointed for five years by which a small minority
will have the power to fix upon a very large and respectable majority
of their fellow citizens a course of measures which may not be changed
however disagreeable to the majority for five years — Even if the
danger to be apprehended should be considered problematical still
such are the jealous and independent dispositions of freemen that
they never will be satisfied to depend for the security of their rights
upon the mere courtesy of others —
A number of petitions have been presented to me by the freeholders
in favor of organizing a general assembly — and not one against the
measure has been rec" so that I have no doubt that the change will
very soon take place and I have this day issued a proclamation for
taking in a formal manner the sense of the freeholders on the subject —
Under these circumstances I am sure I do not miscalculate
when I suppose your attachment to republican principles will lead
you to wish to extend their salutary influence to the people of this
territory by extending endorsing the right of suffrage — It is the more
just and necessary because it is not the fault of the people that they
are not freeholders for many of them are able and anxiously waiting
to buy land as soon as the public sales are open — Those sales will cer-
tainly commence shortly and the number of freeholders will thereby
be greatly augmented yet unless immediate provision be made for
them, they may for the reasons before given be excluded from the
benefits of representation for five years —
These considerations also demonstrate the propriety of giving
the people of the territory the right to elect their delegate to congress,
as was done for Indiana, whilst this territory was an integral part of
that — A delegate was designed to represent the whole people of the
territory & not any particular description of citizens only — except
as to the right of voting in congress — he stands precisely in the same
relation to the people of a territory that any representative in con-
gress does to the people of his district. Why then should the election
of the one be made by the legislature and the other by the people
themselves — It is more necessary that the people here should have
this right secured to them, than any where else, for owing to the
peculiar situation of this territory, in consequence of the sale of public
lands being so long delayed, one hundred and thirty freeholders
having an interest distinct from that of the great body of the people
feftv© by uniting would constitute the majority of the freeholders and
could elect the delegate in opposition to the interest and wishes of all
the rest of a population consisting of 12282 persons — It surely is
enough that such an inconsiderable mnjority minority should possess
the power of of legislating for the whole territory — But to secure also
the additional advantage of a delegate to congress is a reason strongly
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 201
urged to press into the second gi-ade of gov' before the public sales
shall open and thereby increase the number of persons who could
havo ft right te participate in the equal rights of free government —
Independent of the strong m favor ef -tfee »ca3urc reasons growing
out of the peculiarity of our situation in favor of the measure. It is
strongly recommended by considerations of justice & policy upon
general principles — Our house of representatives will consist of seven
members the legislative council of five making in the aggregate,
twelve — -Whilever these men have the sole right to elect the delegate,
scenes of intrigue or to use a Kentucky term loggroUing will constantly
present themselves — which although while they may gratify the
ambition of indi\-iduals will CoBticually greatly disturb the repose
and tranquility of any territorial gov' and hazard much of the best
interest of the best citizens thereof — •
The situation of the setlers between Kaskaskia and the Ohio most
cogently demands consideration — The appointment of a register &
receiver to this district several years ago induced those people to
believe (as the obvious and common duty of such officers is to sell
land & receive the money) that the sales v/ould very shortly thereafter
commence, by which means aed with a view te fe«y ^his iaed they
were induced to settle on the land they proposed to buy — they now
constitute at least one third of the whole population of the territory —
and a great portion of them will become freeholders as soon as the
sales shall be open — Yet imless Congress interpose to extend to them
the right of suffrage &c they must be deprived of the benefits of repre-
sentation— The ordinance & laws amendatoiy thereof require that so
soon as the Governor shall receive satisfactory CA-idence that the or-
ganization of a general assembly in the territory is the wish of a major-
ity of the freeholders — he shall order an election for representatives
whose number shall not be less than seven nor more than nine and
these he shall apportion to the several counties in the territory accord-
ing to the number of free males abo\Te the age of 21 years — at present
there are but two counties in the territory, so that I must give at least
four representatives to one and three to the other — This power is
given to the Governor for the purpose of getting the second grade of
gov' in operation after which he has no power to apportion the
representation by taking a member from one or both the counties to
which he had pre\nously given him. this must depend on the legis-
lature ef which consits of the representatives of two counties only
and it is not a safe calculation that they will have magnanimity
enough to relinquish all that justice would require — the people of
whom I have spoken as residing between Kaskaskia and the Ohio
are in Randolph County — will be counted for it in the apportionment
of representatives and yet will have no vote — -If I seperate those people
202 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
from Randolph by laying off a new county (which I have only been
prevented from doing in consequence of their being in legal estima-
tion intruders on public land.) and should apportion to them their
share of representatives still I do not know that there is one man
among them that is qualified to be a representative by having a
freehold of 200 acres of land, and not more than three or four quali-
fied to vote by ha\ang a freehold in fifty acres ef km^ which are the
qualifications fixed by the ordinance — Con\'inced as I am that noth-
ing more than a fair representation of the situation of the people
of this territory at the present time to congress can be necessary to
procure them the justice which their situation imperiously calls for.
I beg leave in their behalf most earnestly to intreat your aid in pro-
curing the passage of law to extend the right of suffrage, in all cases
ift which ftfty »ew have « right te f^)^ and for the election of the
delegate to Congress by the people at large instead of by the legisla-
ture. An early passage of the law alone can secure *e the advantages
which it may propose, as otherwise the second grade will be forced
ov[MS. torn] so as to defeat its beneficial purposes
The business of territories however urgent it is understood is too
often postponed i» con3cqucncc when they are unfortunately not rep-
resented because no one particularly feels sufficient interest to take
upon himself exclusively the trouble of preparing and attending to
it — If under such circumstances the people should be fortunate enough
to obtain your aid — I am sure they will feel & be proud to acknowledge
everlasting obligations to you —
I would thank you to inform me what may be the prospect of
having the right of suffrage extended, because should I be assured that
that event W certainly take place I would certainly postpone the
elections a little beyond the period I should otherwise appoint for
them — I therefore shall be greatly obliged if you can find it convenient
to write me on the receit hereof
Y' friend &«
N Edwards
[Addressed] The Hon"'* Rich"" M Johnson Esqre Washington City
Direct to Sidney Grove office [Postmarked] Sidney Grove March
17*" Free
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD.SWDF:ALS1
Illinois Territory March the 17. 1812
Sir I have the honor to inform you that I have received certain
information of another miu*der being committed by the Indians
accompanied with the most unheard of barbarity —
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 203
And some friendly Indians have informed the garrison at Fort
Maddison that it will shortly be attacked by a combination of Winne-
bagoes Kickapoos Pottowottomies and Shawnees &".'*
I have the honor to be Very respectfully sir ¥"■ Mo Obd* S'
N Edwards
NB. I write from here — with great inconvenience & hope you
excuse the form of this communication & the necessary haste with
which it is written & the paper N E
\AMressed\ The Honble William Eustis Esqr Secretary of War
Washington City \Postmar'ked\ Sydney Grove March 17*" Free
\Endorsed\ Illinois Territory March 17, 1812 Gov. N Edwards-
informs of another murder by the Indians, and that Fort Madison is
threatened with an attack Acknowlege the letter. Rec"* April
4. 1812 »»
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY INHABITANTS OF THE
TERRITORY »»
[LC:HF, 12 Cong., 1 sess.:DS]
{March 24, 1812]
To the Honab^^ the Congress of the United States, we your Peti-
tioners Citizens of the Territory of Illinois beg leave most respectfully
to represent to yoiu* Honab'° body that by the Law which establishes
our Territorial Gov* it is provided that a General Assembly Shall be
organized therein as soon as the Gov'' thereof Shall receive Satis-
factory evidence that such is the wish of a majority of the freeholders.
The Said Gov'' in consequence of haveing received many petitions for
that purpose has issued his proclamation for takeing the sense of the
freeholders on the subject" and we have no doubt but that the
measure will succeed — Nor have we any objections thereto. But we
are anxious that the benefits and advantages thereof Shall extend to
the whole of our fellow citizens and not to a favoured few
To obtain which we beg leave to state our Situation to your Hon-
ab'' body. Our population about two years ago consisted of twelve
« See also Edwards to the Secretary of 'War, Feb. 18, 1812 (NA.WD.S'WDF,
printed, Edwards, Hist. III., p. 305), with other information concerning Indian
hostilities, and referring the Secretary to John Rice Jones, then in 'Washington,
for advice relative to possible future military establishments in the Territory.
Edwards also stated that he and Governor Howard had decided to order out a
force of rangers to protect the frontier. Cf. Howard to the Secretary of War,
Mar. 19, 1812 (Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., XIV), for additional details.
" Answered post, p. 210.
«» Enclosed in a covering letter from Governor Edwards to the Speaker of the
House, Mar. 30, 1812 (LC, HF).
" Mar. 14, 1812, Register, pos(, vol. XVII.
204 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Thousand two hundred and eighty two. of which there are not more
than between two and three hundred free holders. These have the
sole right of determining upon the change of Gov' and electing the
representatives to the General assembly for two years, those repre-
sentatives will have the right to nominate the council who will be
appointed for five years. And as no law when once passed can be
repealed without the consent of the majority of each branch of the
Legislature the very Small Minority of our population being free-
holders: will have the power of Governing such an immense Majority
for five years Altho we should become freeholders — The Legislature
thus brought into existence by a bare majority of the free holders
among us will have the sole right of electing the delegate to Congress —
And we cannot but view with the aversion natural to free men, re-
publicans and lovers of equal rights every manifestation of a desire
among our fellow citizens to limit the exercise of all the rights affore-
said to a flew individuals to the exclusion of the Great body of the
People many of whom are now Serving their country by opposeing
the inroads of the Savages and who are in every respect equally
meritorious.
Many of us are now freeholders & others would long Since have
become so if the Sale of public lands had not been unexpectedly de-
layed ; All are attached to the country and interested in its Support.
We therefore respectfully Solicit that your Honorable body will
kindly interpose and extend the right of Sufferage and place us upon
a footing with our Sister Territories particularly Indiana of which we
were once a part by permitting the deligate to Congress to be elected
by the people at large. He certainly was designed as the represen-
tative of the whole and not a part only— And altho Some of us may
lose the oportunity of voteing for members of the Gen' assembly in
consequence of its being about to take place so shortly, Still it will
be in your power to authorise the people to vote for the Deligate to
Congress in the fall as the Election cannot take place much Sooner.
All which we respectfully Submit, And as in duty bound will ever
pray &c. fee"
{March 24'" 1812)
W" Rector Cha' C. Himiphreys
B. Stephenson John Agen
Patrick Lamer Michael Smith
Elias Barcroft Geo Fisher
Stephen Rector Jacob Fisher
Sam Rector James Tailor
N: Rector. Laurance M" M«Closky
mark
•• See post, P- 213.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 205
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
March 25—1812
W. Arundel Esq' P. M, Kaskaskia II. Ter.
We are satisfied with the terms of the contract which you have
entered into with M' Morrison—
G. Gr.
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO GOVERNOR
EDWARDS
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2]
Treasury Depm* 26*" March 1812
Sir, I enclose the copy of a letter from M'' Leonard White,'' Agent
at the United States saline, giving information of certain operations of
the Lessees adverse to the interest of the U. States; and request that
you will take such measures as in your opinion are best calculated
to promote and insure the sale of the U. S; salt, as mentioned
therein.
I have &c*
His Excellency Ninian Edwards Governor of the Illinois Ter"
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY CITIZENS OF THE
TERRITORY
[LC:HF, 12 Cong., 2 sess.:DS]
[No date, 1812]
To the Honorable the Congress of the United States
we your petitioners. Citizens of Illinois Territory and Inhabitants
of the Land district East of Kaskaskia which has been established
during your present session.'"
Beg leave most respectfully to represent to your Honorable body
That the district recently created contains one third of the whole
population of the Territory
That in consequence of the preparations which the United States
seemed to be making several years ago for the sale of the publick land
by surveying the same and appointing a register and receiver to the
district that included it, we were induced to settle thereon with the
hope and expectation of being able shortly thereafter to purchase the
Land we occupied and to become freeholders
No sale however has yet taken place and we have so far been dis-
appointed— but during our residence in the Territory we have endeav-
«» Not seen.
" Approved Feb. 21, 1812 (2 Stat. 684).
206 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
ored faithfully to fullfill all the duties required of us and have never
failed to comply promtly with any requisition that has been made for
our portion of Militia to defend the country against the depredations
of our savage neighbors —
To all our privations hitherto we have submitted with patience in
consequence of their resulting from the peculiar form of government
adopted for the Territory. But we felicitated ourselves with the
pleasing anticipation of events that would admit us to an enjoyment
of the Equal rights of free men. And at the very Instant that our
hopes seemed likely to be realized, by the prospect of the sale of publick
Land being shortly opened they are exchanged for a conviction of
their fallacy without the aid of your Honorable body immediately and
kindly interposed to relieve us as you will perceive by the following
plain statement
By the Law establishing this Territorial Government, it is declared,
that a General assembly shall be organized so soon as satisfactory
evidence shall be given to the Governor that such is the wish of a
majority of the free holders —
He is then to apportion the representitives who shall not exceed
nine nor be less than seven to the several counties according to the
number of free male Inhabitants above the age of Twenty one, nothing
less than a free hold in fifty acres of Land can authorise any one to
vote for representatives, who must themselves have a free hold in two
Hundred Acres and be Elected for two years. Those Representatives
will have the right to nominate the members of the council who must
be appointed for five years —
And the legislature thus constituted will have a right to elect the
delagate to congress, we beg leave to represent that the freeholders in
the Territory do not exceed between two and three Hundred and our
population was about two years past Twelve Thousand two Hundred
and Eighty two so that your Honorable body can not fail to perceive
that a bare majority of this very small number of Free holders have
the power by the exercise of the exclusive right aforesaid, to govern
the immense majority consisting of the whole of the residue of our
population for five years — and to deprive us of an Equal representa-
tion in the legislature
At present there are but two counties in the Territory and If the
second grade of Government now take place the Governor must
apportion the whole of the representatives to these counties And
there is no power given to him to take them away, and make new
apportionments when new counties shall be made — This must depend
upon the Legislature composed of the representatives of the two
Counties only — and we do not like to rest upon the precarious de-
pendance of their magnanimously resigning a sufficient portion of
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 207
their power — At present we are a part of Randolph County must be
counted for it in the apportionment of representatives — and yet we
have not a man among us quahfied to be a representative nor more
than three or four qualified to vote. And before any radical change
can take place we expect certainly to be included in a new county —
We are sorry to add that we have two much reason to believe that a
portion of the present free holders, seeing that the publick sales are
about to commence and that the number of free holders will conse-
quently be greatly augmented are disposed to hasten into the second
grade of Government to exclude us from an Equal participation in
its benefits and to monopolize the whole power in their own hands
They have already presented numerous petitions to the Governor
praying for the change. He has Issued his proclamation for taking
the sense of the free holders on the subject and we have no doubt the
measure will succeed
We therefore pray your Honorable body to extend the right of
suffrage and authorize the people to elect the Delegate to Congress '•
without which he instead of being the representative of the whole
territory may be the actual representative of a small favored minority
very little exceeding the number of One Hundred what we ask for
has been granted to our sister Territory Indiania of which we were a
part " And we beg leave further to observe that If the generous
interposition thus respectfully solicited shoiJd not be granted at an
early period It will be too late after the legislature shall have convened
and elected the delegate. We as in duty bound will ever pray &C &C
Tho= E. Craig Phill Buckner
Jo= R: G: Poole Harrison Wilson
Ja° Ratcliff Jacob Sexton
Thomas Shannon Joshua Sexton
Benjamin Talbott James Gobin
John Davidson Taylor Maulding
Matter Pearce Charles White
Thomas Dawson Edmond W Bages
Thomas Chinoweth Seth Hargrave
Absalom Ashley William Johnston
Fr^ Wheatly George Robertson
Walker Scanland John Summers
John ormsby William Pate
Israel Hale John Smith
William Owens W" H Ramsey
Dorris Elisha Colbart
Edward Farley John Wilson
E Keeling Thomas Wallss
James [MS. illegible] Alfred Wood
" See act approved May 20, 1812 (2 Stat. 741-742), which not only extended
the suffrage as prayed but also provided for the election of a Delegate to Congress.
" By acts approved Feb. 27, 1809 and Dec. 15, 1809 (2 Stat. 525-526, 554-555).
208
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
John Morris
George Jackson
James Willson
Alexandre Blare
david Setz
Joshua Williams
Chissom Esters
Samuel Omelveny
Alexand Parkison
Thomas Rose
Lewis Conkey
Job Patteys
W" Patteys
John Williams
David Baultinger
Nathan Young
John Weeks
Ja' Ford
Joseph Upton
Isaac Hall
James Hanna
Tomas Little
William Ditterline
William M«Henry
.'homas M'CoUister
John Wren
Joseph Jordan
Nicholas Wren
John Morris
John Stapleton
Will- Reid
Joseph Rogers
Bethel Pue
John Groves
Brice hanes
Carraway Gates
John Wilson
J W Buchner
Thomas Hatfield
Thompson M Harris
Morris May
Robbert Harris
Enoch Brown
John Woods
John Forester
Ch" Hill
Elsha Gordon
James Phipps
W° Kincheloe
John Robinson
Tho» Berry
Jno, Browning
Elisha Browning
Ja" Tramell
Fr' Jordon
Richard Riddels
William M'Kinny
Samuel Hargrave
Leo" White
Sam W. White
Samuel E H [MS. torn]
Daniel Diddrick
Joel Madcalf
Elias Morgan
Tho« F Glenn
Mannuel Madcalf
John Black
G B Stovall
Squire Stovall
Jacob Nicols
Samuel Bratton
Nedham Johnston
W" Watson
James Watson
Elisha Hall
Andrew Bratton
Demsy Stanly
Sphen Stanly
Abraham Stovall
John Stovall
Joseph Fisher
Plesant Rose
Lewis Watkins
Benoney Lee
Sollomon Redfem
Samuel Roberts
Daniel Vinyard
George Vinyard
Joseph Estes
David Goss
Joseph Riley
Jery Miah Pixley
John Palmer
Abraham Shelby
Elert Rose
John Moore
John Smyth
Ryly Houdson
Absalom Estes
Jn° Vineyard
Willam Vinyard
Alexander Clark
Valentine Cook
David cooley
John Woodell
George Morriess
Thomas Willson
George Patterson
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 209
ANONYMOUS PROTEST AGAINST TRANSITION TO
SECOND GRADE OF GOVERNMENT
[LC: HF, 12 Cong., 1 sess.:AD]
[No date, 1812 c]
It is a maxim no less just than true in all well regulated Govern-
ments, that Taxation & representation should be proportionate; the
very reverse of this maxim will take place in Case the bill before
Congress allowing an universal Suffrage in the Illinois Territory
should pass into a law — as That Territory by entering into the second
Grade of Government, will have a considerable revenue to raise for
defraying the Expences thereof. And The only object she has, (and
the only one which has been resorted to in all these Territories,)
of Taxation is the land held by Individuals, who will have the whole to
pay, while those who do not possess any will be clear of any additional
Expence — If then the freeholders onlj' are to pay all the extra Expences
of the 2"* Grade of Gov' would it not be unjust that those who do not
contribute to it, should have a voice in the representation — The
qualification is only 50 acres of land, which at Congress price may be
got for $75 & from Individuals at a less price, which is surely as little
a qualific" as could be desired even by the most liberal —
iinothcr Effect The passage of the law will have the farther Effect
of extending to unlawful Intruders on the public lands, the same rights
as those possess who live on their own — It is an undoubted fact that by
far a majority of the Inhabitants of the Territory are unlawful in-
truders on the public lands, and that all those li\-ing on the Ohio &
Miss' rivers below Kaskaskia, are with the Exceptions perhaps of
4 or 5 of this description, and that they amount to nearly one half of
the population of the Territory,
The laws of Congress say that those men are guilty of a misde-
meanor, & liable to punishment, the passage of this bill into a law will
in fact countenance the Infraction of the fonner laws and by giving
them equal rights with other Citizens render their Situation much
more eligible — It may be said that those Intruders eft public kftds will
purchase their lands they Uve on, whenever the Sales of the public
lands shall take place which it is expected wiU shortly be — A few no
doubt will do so, but I am convinced that a great majority of them
have neither the Intention nor the means of doing so, and if we look
into the history of the popoluation of all the western parts of the
Countrj% it will be found that the first settlers, (being intruders
generally,) are but mere birds of passage & as Gov' & population
advance, move further back —
By the ordinance of Congress of 1787 it is provided that when'
there shod be 5000 free male Inhab" of full age in the Territory,
they should be entitled to enter into the 2" Grade of Gov' & elect a
Delegate to Congress; but by the Act of Congress for dividing the
210 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Ind* Territory, they are permitted to enter into this Grade whenever
a majority of them should think proper, notwithstand'g there may be
less than 5000 free male Inhab" therein— By the late Census it appears
there was then about 12250 only in the Territory, since that, on acct.
of the apprenhion of Indian hostilities the number had greatly di-
minished ; admitting however there should be the same n° at this time
as at the time of taking the Census, there cannot be exceeding 2400
men of full age in the Territory', which is less than half the number
required by the Ordinance — a few ambitious men however, will have
the 2" Grade of Gov' & by that means again plunge the Territory not
only into an unnecessary Expence, but also into that State of ferment
& Confusion from which she is just emerging & which she was thrown
into when forming a part of the Indiana Territory, where the 2'' Grade
of Gov' was imprudently entered into, and which consequently threw
the whole into a State, almost of Anachy, but certainly of Strife &
discord
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO MATTHEW IRWIN
[NA:WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 5]
War Dep' April 7'" 1812
M. Irwin Esq' U. S. factor Chicago.
Sir Your letter of the 19'" Jan'' is received." The officer com-
manding at Chicago, will be directed to take the necessary measures
to fortify and guard the public buildings, and to regulate the charges
of Suttlers.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Dep' April 7'" 1812
His Excellency N. Edwards Kaskaskia
Sir Your Excellency" letter of March 17'" has been received.''
By this time it is presumed that the different companies of rangers
which have been authorised are in operation and ready to check any
incursions on the part of the Indians. This force it is hoped will
serve to remove the apprehensions which have been excited."
" Antt, p. 184.
" Ante, p. 202.
" Answered May 12, 1812 (NA,WD,SWDF, printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp.
319-321, but without the maps which are enclosed in the original), giving a
detailed report on Indians within the Illinois Territory. There is also another
letter, id. to id.. May (no day), 1812, ibid., pp. 315-318, containing a description
of the location of the various tribes of Indians within his jurisdiction and beyond.
See also id. to id., Mar. 23, 1811 (NA, op. cit., printed, Edwards, op. ci<., p. 311),
inquiring how the rangers were to be paid, and expressing no doubt of the hostile
intentions of the Indians between the Lakes and the Illinois and Mississippi
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 211
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO LEONARD WHITE
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
April 7. 1812
Leonard White Esqr P. M, U. S. Saline Ind T.
I have reed yours of Feby 28'" '* the contractor who undertook to
convey the mail between Hendersonton ^' & Kaskaskia so far departed
from the covenants of his contract, that we deemed it to be our duty
to place that mail in other hands —
G. Gr.
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO JOHN CALDWELL
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2]
Treasury Depm' 16'" April 1812.
Sir, Enclosed you will receive a Commission from the President of
the United States, appointing you to be Receiver of public monies
at Kaskaskia.'" I have to request that you will immediately qualify
yourself by taking an oath, to support the Constitution of the United
States, and for fidelity in Office; with a bond executed by yourself
and one or more good sureties, in the sum of ten thousand dollars.
The bond and oath to be forwarded to this Office.
A form of the bond is enclosed, as well as a copy of the law. I am
&c*
John Caldaa^ll Esq' Vincennes.
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO THOMAS SLOO
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 2]
Treasury Depm' 16'" April 1812.
Sir, Enclosed you will receive a commission from the President of
the United States, appointing you to be a Commissioner for examining
and enquiring into the validity of claims to land in the District of
Kaskaskia, which are derived from confirmations made, or pretended
to have been made, by the Governors of the North West and Indiana
Territories respectively.
I am &c*
A copy of the law is enclosed.
Thomas Sloo Esq"' Cincinnati.
'' Not found.
" The present Henderson, Ky. The route in question was a section of the
longer post route extending from Hardinsburg, Ky., through U. S. Saline to
Shawneetown, Illinois Territory, and on to Kaskaskia.
*■ Nominated Mar. 30 and confirmed Apr. 1, 1812 {Senate, Exec. Journal, ii,
242).
314574 — 48 15
212 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
MATTHEW IRWIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS1
Chicago Ajnil 16'" 1812.
Sir, On the 6'" inst. a party consisting of about 10 or 11 Indians,
surrounded a small farm-house which is on the Chicago River, about
four miles from this Fort. There happened to be in & about the house
four persons, viz' three men & a boy. one of whom & the boy, seeing
the Indians were not altogether well disposed, took occasion, under a
promise to the Indians that they would return in a few minutes, to
escape. No sooner were they out of danger, then they heard the
discharge of fire arms & concluded the men they left behind were shot.
In a few hours after, two men were sent to investigate the fact, who
confirmed it — adding they were not only shot, but scalped, and stabbed
in various places. Their names are Liberty White & John BabtisL
Cardin. The former was a native of New Hampshire, & the other
of Canada.
The persons who escaped, aver that the above party belong to the
Winebagoe tribe, & all young men — armed with guns, tomahawks, &
knives. In consequence of this transaction, the inhabitants have fled
from their homes, & now occupy, for their greater secui'ity, the Indian
Agency house, which has been partially fortified. They form a body of
13 or 14 effective men, & make frequent excursions, with intention to
discover unfriendly Indians, & will be in the event of an Indian War, of
great utility, considering the want of men in the Fort, to this place. —
The loss of the men above alluded to has created so great a sensation
that a number of friendly Indians of the Chippeway & Ottawa tribes,
who resided near this, have been ordered away. Propositions were
openly made to murder them as well as some French persons (with
Indian wives) who have, ever since they have been here, manifested
peaceable dispositions. The principal persons who advised & insisted
upon such measures being carried into effect, were the Suttler for this
garrison & his Son-in law — L' Helm. —
Thinking it would lead to a general Indian War, I have exerted
myself, & not without effect to subdue this bloodthirsty spirit.
The business of the Trading house is suspended in consequence of
the Indians being ordered from this place; nor is it permitted those
who come from a distance to dispose of their furs, &c. This is a sin-
gular kind of policy to adopt towards friendly Indians; but it answers
very well for a few pretended Americans, who, while they can dispose
people to believe that the Indians are generally unfriendly, reap the
fruits of it through their agents at other places." —
I have the honor to be, with great respect. Sir, Y' Mo' Ob* Serv'
M. Irwin U. S. Factor
>■ See Nathan Heald to the Secretary of War, Apr. 17, 1812 (NA,WD,SWDF),
containing a briefer account of the incident related above.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 213
The Hon"'" W" Eustis Sec'' of War, Washington. —
[Addressed] The Hon"'" W" Eustis, Washington City [Postmarked]
Piqua, Oh. May 1=' Free
[Endorsed] Chicago April 16. 1812 M. Irwin States the murder of
two men by the Indians, consequent alarm, conduct of the garrison
&c.— ReC' May 15*" 1812 ^^
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
April IT'" 1812
William Arundell Esq' P.M, Kaskaskia 111. Ter.
I have received yours of the 30*" Ult, ^^ we agree that you give two
hundred & seventy five dollars per annum for transporting the mail
once a fortnight between your office and Girardot, he must meet the
rider from Eddyville, we can extend the time for performance as
far as you may judge it necessary. We have again requested the
postmaster of Louisville to send you four more portmanteaus, No 218
can be extended as you propose — -
G Gr
SUBSCRIBERS TO PETITION TO CONGRESS FROM
CITIZENS OF THE TERRITORY «*
[LC:HF, 12 Cong., 1 sess.]
[Tabled April 22, 1812]
Charles M^Nabb John Dix
John M Harrison G D Kramer
James M^Nabb Thomas Van Swearingen
William Hambleton John Postelweight
Samuel Taylor Ephraim Carpenter
W" Eront W. L. Ney
W" C. Greenup Louis Seguin
P. Fouke Ant. Z. Chenet «'
'» No reply found.
*" Not found.
'< This list of autograph signatures is not completely and conclusively identified.
It is found detached from the petition to which it belonged but it is believed to
have been originally attached to the petition of Mar. 24, 1812, ante, -p. 203; or it
may have been attached to a duplicate of the same petition, the text of which
has disappeared. Both conjectures amount to the same thing. It will be noted
that there is no endorsement on the petition of Mar. 24, 1812, and that the en-
dorsement on the back of the present list of names and the corresponding Journal
entry tally exactly with the petition in question. Only one petition from Illinois
Territory relating to suffrage during that session of Congress has been noted, if it
may be assumed that the House Journal is complete in that regard. It is there-
fore highly probable that the present document is a part of the petition mentioned.
^ Reading uncertain.
214
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
W" Bilderback
Jn" Lucas
John Haque "
Matin Brewer
Francois Colien
Edward Boles
John Wilson
John M. Wilson
Alexand Clark
W" Barnett
Samuel Leard
John Campbell
Arch" Thomson
Sam' Crozier
James M. Foster
Jonathan Pettit
David Pettit
Joseph M'Courtny
thom' handcock
Shadrach Lively
John Millar
Jams Lee
Alex' barber
Joseph Liveley
George Belsha
James Lash **
John Bilderback
James Cury
James Slater
William Hammelton
W" Roberts
John Fulton
Cyrus Fulton
Andrew M'^Cormack
Daniel Buell
Thomas Fulton
David Fulton
EdW Summers
Daniel Bilderback
Joseph Conway
J. Milton Moore
Jo' Barton
Ralph Lee
Samule Postleweight
Clement C Conway
S Lachapelle
Aaron Burr
Moses Burr "^
George Glenn
Elias Roberts
Hugh White
G. W. Frazer
Clement Drewry
David Weyer
William Thomp [MS. torn]
Alexander X Carleton X
John Stublefield
Preston Brickey
James Adkins
Joseph Riggs
Thomas Roberts
Silas hathaway
Robert Morrison
William fisher
Tho» C. Patterson
Hugh J. Maxwell
J Gilbreath
P Haralson
Tho° Levens
Henr>^ Levens
Otho Levens
Owen
James Leard
Nath' Hill
Samuel Vermilion
William Been
Raleigh Ralls
Joseph Eberman
Stace Mcdonough
Samuel fulten
Henry Mill
John Hill
James Liveley
J. Finney
George Baggs
Solomon Allen
John Irwin
James bages
Abolom Cox
William M'Daniel Sen'
W" M-^Bride
John Anderson
David Anderson
James Couch
Millentun Couch
rechard beasly
James Patterson
John M'^Bride
William Little
Rob« Hill
" Or Hague; neither name is found in the census lists.
" Or Tash.
" Doubtful reading; MS. faded.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 215
[Endorsed] Petition of sundry citizens of the Illinois territory.
22^ Ap' 1812. Ordered to lie on the table.'^ M-- Speaker lie on the
table
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
INA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
COHOKiA S' Clair County Illinois Territory April 24. 1812
Sir I have the honor to inform you that I have lately held a
council with the Pottowattomies Kickapoos Ottowas & Chippewas
who reside on the Illinois river and near Lake Michagan '' — and have
some hopes that it may eventuate in peace with those bands — which
would be very important to us. The means I have employed I hope
hereafter to be able to show you were well calculated to produce the
desired effect. But there is very little dependance in the sincerity of
the Indians —
Some of the hostile bands are now most certainly approaching our
settlements with a view to commit depredations — & I set out this
moment to the frontiers for the purpose of arresting their progress —
This business has already kept me from home about two weeks and I
know not when it will be in my power to return —
The opinion of the celebrated british trader Dixon,'* is that in the
event of a British War all the Indians will be opposed to us — and he
hopes to be able to engage them in hostility by making peace between
the Sioux and Chippawas. two very large nations, and ea^giftg them
eg' tt9 getting them to declare against us. This he thinks will decide
those either disposed to be hostile or who are wavering and by intimi-
dation bring all who are disposed to be friendly into an active coopera-
tion against us.
I write in great haste, not having a moment to spare
Very respectfully I am Sir y M" Obd* S'
N Edwards
P.S. I have called out in addition to the rangers a company of
mounted rifle men — which will be kept out till some other company
of rangers shall join us.
I have not had it in my power to recommend proper persons as
subalterns for Capt Whitesides company — I at first organized the
company for three months and the men chose their subalterns and
are well pleased with them Tbe foot Liea' is Wr not knowing those
men I cd not recommend them — and I had no other applications
The first Lieu' is W° Savage, 2 Lieu' Isaac Hill— The former from
^ House Journal, viii, 297. .
" Held at Cahokia, Apr. 16, 1812. See speech of Edwards to the assembled
chiefs and Gomo's reply, Edwards, Hist. III., pp. 56-65.
" Robert Dickson.
216 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
every infortnation which I have rec"" I can I think very safely recom-
mend the latter I have heard a favorable account of but I do not
consider myself sufficiently informed to recommend him —
The Ensign that has been acting is George Green of whom I know
nothing except that he is thought to be a brave man— & has the
approbation of the company —
Respectfully I am sir Y' Obd' S' N. Edwards
[Addressed] The Honble William Eustis Esq' Secretary of War
Washington City [Postmarked] Cahokia 24 April Free
[Endorsed] 111. T. Cohokia April 24 1812 Gov N. Edwards has held
a council with the Indians — no dependence to be placed upon them —
Is about to start to oppose some hostile Indians. Rec" May 23"*
1812 »*
MATTHEW IRWIN TO JOHN MASON
(NA:OIT, Lets. Reed.: ALSl
Chicago April 28*" 1812.
Sir, On the 17"" inst." I had the honor to state that "in conse-
quence of an unfortunate circumstance which took place here, no
business had taken place with the Indians, since the 6'" inst." Since
which the facts in relation thereto, have partly been elucidated, &
Yesterday receiving Ohio papers which inform that a treaty is con-
cluded with the Indians, & it being confirmed by the Indians them-
selves," & at this time being visited by Indians of different tribes,
who profess a great deal of friendship, accordingly the business of
this Trading house is again resumed, though not, at the particular
time it was interdicted, without having lost a valuable part of the
Indian Trade.
I have the honor to be, with great respect. Sir, Your Mo* Ob' Serv'
M. Irwin
U. S. Factor
Gen' John Mason, Sup* In. Trade, Georgetown, Dis* Col*
[Addressed] Gen' John Mason, Sup* Indian
lis* Col«
[Endorsed] 1812 Mathew Irwin Chicago 28 apl
[Addressed] Gen' John Mason, Sup* Indian Trade, Georgetown,
Dis* Col«
»» No reply found.
•« See arde, p. 212.
" There was no Indian treaty in 1812.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 217
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS AND
TO THE GOVERNOR OF KENTUCKY
[NA: OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Department May 2"^ 1812.
Their Excellencies Charles Scott, & Ninian Edwards
Sir, I have the honor to inform your Excellency that Colonel
William Russell of the United States Army will take command of the
Rangers raised in the States of Kentucky & Ohio, and in the Terri-
tories of Illinois and Indiana, conformably to the Act of January 2""*
1812,"' authorizing such force for the protection of the frontiers of the
United States."'—
MEMBERS OF THE BAR TO JUDGE STUART
[NA: SD, Resignations: LS]
Cahokia May 2. 1812
Sir The Members of the Bar and Officers of the Court beg leave
to take this last opportunity of expressing to you their entire satis-
faction with you in your official Station and our deep regret at the
prospect of losing you as a friend and Judge
Accept Sir from us the assurance that in our opinion you have dis-
charged your Official duties in such manner as to give dignity to the
Judge and advantage to the Territory. And we have a pleasure in
Saying to your Honor that we have at all times had entire Confidence
in the puritj' of your Motives and we have no hestitation in believing
this opinion to be general in the Territory.
W" 0 Allen E. Hempstead
Nat Pope R S. Thomas
RuFus Easton W" Mears
John Hays John Hay
Reuben Anderson
[Endorsed] Hon Alexander Stuart The address of the Members
of the bar to A Stuart 1812
" 2 Stat. 670.
" See Russell to the Secretary of War, June 17, 1812 (NA, WD, SWDF),
relative to measures taken for the defense of Indiana and Illinois territories. See
also Edwards to Russell, same date {loc. cit., printed Edwards, Hist. III., p. 327),
informing him of the situation on the Illinois frontier; and to the Secretary of
War, June 23, 1812 (NA, op. cit., printed, Edwards, op. cit., pp. 327-328), advising
that he had given Russell his views and further informing the Secretary concerning
the strength of the hostile Indians.
218 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO THOMAS MARTIN
(NA: WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 5)
War Department, May 9'" 1812.
Th. Martin Esq' M S K ' Newport Ky.
Sir, On the requisition of the Governor of the Indiana or Illinois
Territory, you will issue such Arms, Ammunition & Military Stores
as may be required. You will also take measures for having the Lead
in Store, manufactured into Musket Balls & Buck-shot.^ —
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
(NA:WD,SWDF:ALS1
Sydney Grove Post office Randolph County
Illinois Territory May 12, 1812
Sir I have just rec* information that the Fox nation of Indians
have commenced a war with the Winnebagoes and have killed two of
their warriors — I communicate this information hastily, relying on its
correctness and believing it would be the very best policy that the
Gov* of the U. S. could persue under existing circumstances — to
support the Foxes —
It is a measure that w* at *h« mme injure and annoy the most fero-
cious Indians in the world (the Winnebagoes) but its most decisive
advantage would be to prevent the Foxes & Sacs from joining the hostile
confederacy against us, and at the same lessen our danger from the
confederacy as it exists, by dividing its attention & destroying the
hopes it entertains of eventually bringing all the different tribes into
it—
As to the manner of support I will say nothing— only taking the
liberty to suggest the thought for consideration
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' Mo Obd* S'
Ninian Edwards
[Addressed] The Honble William Eustis Secretary of War Wash-
ington City [Postmarked] Sydney Grove May 12*'' Free
[Endorsed] Illinois Territory May 12. 1812 Gov N Edwards.
Has learned that the Fox Indians have commenced a war against the
Winebagoes— suggests the propriety of encouraging the same. Rec*
[MS. torn] 2" 1812 '
' Military storekeeper for the 8th military district {A.S.P., Mil. Affairs.i, 387).
' See the Secretary of War to Edwards, May 13, 1812 (NA, OIA, SW, Lets.
Sent, Bk. C), briefly informing Edwards of the above instruction.
» Answered June 4, 1812 (NA.WD.SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 5, printed, Edwards,
Hist. Ill, p. 536).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 219
MATTHEW IRWIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Chicago May 15'" 1812.
Sir, Presuming it would be agreeable to you to be apprised at this
time whether the Indians of this part are friendly or otherwise dis-
posed, I have the satisfaction to state that since the late murders that
were Committed near this by a party of Winibagoes (the facts of
which I had the honor, on a late occasion, to relate) * everything has
been tranquil — indeed the Indians north of this as far & beyond
Millewakee take all occasions to manifest a friendly disposition &
those settled on the big & little Calumet including those in & about
S' Joseph continue in the same disposition, and if we may judge from
the circumstances of their having resisted the importunities of the
Prophet, we might perhaps not hesitate to believe them. However,
till we can ascertain it with the greater certainty, we have refused to
supply them with ammunition or any article with which they might
do mischief.
We have been visited occasionally by some Indians who do not
properly belong to this jurisdiction; whose business was simply to
declare themselves well disposed; & at this time there is a party here
consisting of five Sauquies & their Chief whose residence is about 60
miles this side of Fort Madison. When such parties have come upon
such business, as well as others belonging to this jurisdiction, we have
felt it incumbent on us to use every effort to show them the impro-
priety of the conduct of their fellows, &c. &c. that they might impress
it upon them. But I am sorry to say that this disposition on our part
has been opposed by a person whose name is John Kinzie, & who is
suttler for this garrison.
This person has embraced all opportunities to inflame the minds of
the Subalterns against a reconciliation with the Indians, which has
been carried to such length that the acting Agent has actually been
obstructed in his intercourse with the Indians. I have been present
on such occasions when the most improper & indecent expressions have
been made. At another time Ens° Ronan threatened to shoot the
Interpreter, & very lately L* Helm swore "he would take the Scalp
of the Factor".
I have, sir, on former occasions related to you the blood thirsty
disposition of those persons & have now to state that a plot was on
foot, in which, though without revealing the object, they had engaged
two of the Non Commissioned Officers, a few privates & some settlers,
to murder the Sauquies above spoken of. I had been apprised of their
intention by the Surgeons Mate & took timely measures to have it
« Avie, p. 212.
220 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
prevented. Such conduct has been carried to such extent, that, in
conjunction with openly breaking a very important garrison order
which had been issued a few days before, the Com" Officer, not finding
a disposition on the part of his Subaltern (Ens" Ronan) to do it, felt
himself obliged to arrest L' Helm who after making a slight apology,
was released.
I do not hesitate to say & it is the opinion of others that all such
conduct originates through & is supported by Kinzie. His general
character — the suspicion ever entertained against him since his resi-
dence in the Indian Country — The many circumstances which have
come to our knowledge, warrant the assertion. He is the same person
who, some years ago, in conjunction with a late Com^ Officer, by a deep
artifice, made out to swindle the former contractor for this place out
of a large sum of Money & afterward exposed the officer — The same
who before & since the late battle, has had an agent trading with the
Prophet & his party. The same who has agents at Millewakee, at
Rocky or Stony River, at the Peorias & generally throughout the
Indian Country; All whom have been doing business with the Wine-
bagoes & others. The same who has at different periods smuggled
large quantities of goods into this country. The same who on the
part of himself & the late Michilemackinac Comp" offered to the
Indian Interpreter a larger salary than he receives from this Trading
House if he would take measures to prevent the Indians from doing
business thereat. The same who has rendered the subalterns sub-
servient to his views by a management which I have, on a former
occasion, exposed. Indeed, Sir, were I to expose the many circum-
stances which have come to mine & other persons knowledge con-
cerning this man, it would be occupying too much of your time &
perhaps be improper on my part. Those which have already been
exposed, will, I trust, speak a pretty plain language & shew as I
think it will, the dangerous Character of the man — particularly when
I assure you. Sir, that he masks his conduct, &c. under the most
Clamorous & ardent professions of patriotism for our government,
which may partly account for his being a Magistrate, but which, he
says, he has thrown up with disdain.
I have the honor to be, with great respect. Sir, Y"^ most Obd' Serv'
M. Irwin, U. S. Factor.
The Hon"'* the Sec of War, Washington
[Addressed] The Hon*"" the Secretary of War, Washington.
[Endorsed] Chicago May 15. 1812 A. Irwin. States that the Indians
are quiet — The Officers of the garrison turbelent & enraged against
the Indians. &c. &c. Rec" July 11, 1812. *
» No reply found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 221
MATTHEW IRWIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Chicago May 15*" 1812.
Sir, The enclosed copy of a deposition will inform that a person
who calls himself Jean Francois Reheaum, * was on the latter part of
last Month, taken up at this place on the supposition of his being a
British emissary. The Indian guides mentioned in the deposition
were not, as had been recommended, secured, but suffered to remain
at a distance from the garrison, &, as might have been expected, made
their escape, & have without doubt, proceeded to Green Bay. It is
presumed whatever object is in view in sending those persons to Green
Bay that the most secret part is confided to the guides. That they
have a knowledge of the nature of their expedition, is partly to be
inferred from Reheaum's deposition, as well as from this expression:
"We are poor & must do something for a living," which was made to
an imputation as to their being concerned in an unwarrantable
business.
It is very well known that the person (M'' Robert Dixon a British
Subject) whom Reheaum was employed to go in quest of is perhaps
the most influential man in the Indian Country — particularly with
the Scious & other nations, with whom he trades.
Another person whose residence is in Amherstberg (upper Canada)
who is a British Subject & whose name is Caldwell was seen at S'
Joseph's, on Lake Michigan, in company with an Indian guide, &
were bending their course towards the Prophets encampment. I
have the honor to be with great respect. Sir Y' Mo' Ob' Serv'
M. Irwin. U. S. Factor.
After relating the above, I cannot avoid mentioning what befel
Reheaum after his departure from this place, when, without doubt,
he presumed himself secm-e in consequence of a promise (and which
was known to the lowest individual in this place) made him by the
com* Officer that his person should not be molested if he would reveal
the object of his mission; which being done, he departed for Fort
Maiden & had during the morning reached the outlet of the Chicago
River, when Patrick M'^Gowen (lately a private & employed as a spy
for the Garrison) presented a musket to his breast which missing fire
three times, gave him an opportunity of closing with his opponent
during which he pulled the flint from the musket — thereupon M'-
Gowen drew a knife & was in the act of Stabbing when the other
wrested it from him after which he would have proceeded on his
journey when at a little distance he saw two men concealed, whom
« May 1, 1812; present. A copy was also forwarded by Governor Howard, of
Louisiana Territory, June 14, 1812; it is printed, Terr. Papers (La.-Mo.), xiv.
222 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
he supposed to be murderers which caused him to retreat to the
garrison A spirited remonstrance was made against such conduct
& measures, in consequence, taken to assure his safety.
In this business, Y am inchned to think the Com^ Officer had no
concern. But whether his Subalterns had none is very doubtful.
One of whom, as I am credibly informed declared that Reheaum
should not reach the Calumet & the other immediately replied "111
join you in it".
This transaction, as I am informed, has undergone no regular exam-
ination, although an order had but a few days before been issued to
prevent the men from leaving the esplinade, and M'^Gowen & the
other two were at least one mile from it.' M. I —
The Hon"'" the Sec'" of War, Washington.—
[Addressed] The Hon"'* The Secretary of War, Washington.
JOHN CALDWELL TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
TREASURY
INA:GLO,Kaskaskia, Rec. and Reg. Lets. :ALS]
Vincennes 20"" 0/ May 1812.
Sir, I have the honor herewith to transmit to you a Bond executed
by me with four Solvent Securities,* Conditioned for the faithful
discharge of the duties of the Office of Receiver of public monies for
lands of the United States at Kaskaskia together with the Oath
as Commissioner to examine claims to land in that district & the
Oath to support the constitution of the United States, which have
been prepared in obedience to Y" request of the IG"" Ult"
I have the honor to be with High consideration & respect Your
Obedient Serv*
Jn" Caldwell
Albert Gallatin Esquire Secretary of the Treasury.
[Addressed] Albert Gallatin Esquire, Secretary of the Treasury
City of Washington, pr Mail [Postmarked] Vincennes 20 May Free
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia file Vincennes May 20, 1812. rec" June 3*
John Caldwell Rec' Pub. monies at Kaskaskia, with official bond, and
oath of office as Land Commiss' Bond is approved A.G'
Oath and Bond sent to the Comptroller's Office, 4'" June 1812.
J J Moore
' No reply found.
' Not present.
» Three words and initials in Gallatin's hand.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 223
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade Randolph County Illinois Territory May 22. 1812
Sir An express from the United States Sahne has just arrived
with the enclosed communications — which tend to show the embar-
rassing situation in which I am placed — having no authority from the
President to call out the militia, and believing the whole country to
be in imminent danger— Acting however for the best, I shall sanction
the order of Colo Trammel and continue the men in service till I can
hear from you upon the subject
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' Mo Obd* S'
N Edwards
The Honble William Eustis Secretary of War Washington City
[Endorsed] 111. Territory May 22°" 1812 Gov. N. Edwards States
that Colonel Tramell has called out a company of militia at the
Saline, incloses Letters on that subject. Rec"" June 5"* 1812'°
[Enclosure: ALS]
Leonard White to Governor Edwards
U S Saline 16"" Matj 1812
Dear Sir Col Tramell has ordered Cap' Hargraves Volunteer
company into actual service untill he can hear from you of which he
informs you by the bearer of this, he was induced to this measure
from what he conceived to be the perilous situation of the settlement
above this place, and in fact this place itself which I am induced to
believe is now critically situated not that I calculate on an attact
from the Indians, but from the loss of hands should there be a few
more alarms on the Wabash (such as the people of whom are now
well calculated to give) I am convinced it would be impossible to
restrain the hands from leaving the place, In fact the owners of
hands from Kentucky and Tennessee would in all probability send
for them tho fear might prevent them from coming themselves which
has already been the case with some; as the reports reaches them
with all the agrevations that fiction can invent.
I have been apprehensive that you might possibly not approve of
keeping this company out, well knowing your wish to run the Gov-
ernment to as little expense as possible, but do most sincerely hope
it may meet your approbation and that they may be kept out which
I think would intirely ease the minds of the people and am well con-
vinced save one half of the population above this from deserting the
Territory a cu-cumstance in itself sufficient to encourage further depre-
10 No reply found.
224 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
dations from the Indians who no doubt would take advantage of the
general alarm as they have already been making observations in the
settlements lately broken up
Your Ob' Sv'
Leo" White
[Addressed] His Excellency Ninian Edwards Sydney Grove
[Enclosure: ALS]
Philip Tramell to Governor Edwards
U S Saline May 16'" 1812
Dear Sir Yours of the 12'" came to hand yesterday evening
wherein you direct me to send out Two spies. Previous to the rec'
of your letter I started Cap' Hargrave with a party of about twenty
or thirty men to range on the frontiers of the Wabash, I was induced
to this measure for the following reasons first from the late depreda-
tions committed in this and the other Territory. The inhabitants
on the Wabash are now daily weakening the Coffee Island settlement
is intirely broken up Cap' Weeks who had a tolerable large company
now has only two families in his company. Cap' M'Henry has with
his own exertions kept his settlement from braken so far. But it
can not be expected he will long be able to do it without the assistance
of some aid. The inhabitants on the Saline Creek are also consider-
ably alarmed a number of them have only been kept in the Country
by the expectation of the Frontiers being shortly guarded by a company
of rangers. I shall wait for your answer before I countermand
Hargraves orders Should you countermand those orders I do asshure
you sir that I think the principal part of the inhabitants near to
this place will leave the country and that this place will be affected
by it and probably the works or a part at least will have to stop for
the want of hands. This I sincerely hope will not be the case, but
at present I see no Earthly reason to suppose anything to the contrary
Since writeing the above Cap' M'Henry has sent a messenger to
this place for some arms. M'Henry has been out with a small party
reconnoiterring the Country brings information of his ha\'ing dis-
covered considerable Indian sign about the Coffee Island and some
bordering on his own settlements
M' Leach a few days from Vincennes informs me that the Troops
have marching orders from that place and was to set out on Thursday
last for Detroit in consequence of which the inhabitants throughout
that Country were forting
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 225
I have the honour to be sir with sentiments of esteem You"^ Obt.
Servt.
Philip Tramell
[Addressed] His Excellency Ninian Edwards Sydney Grove.
[Enclosure: ALS]
Benjamin Talbott to Governor Edwards
U. S. Saline 17'" May 1812
Dear Sir The alarming Situation of this place has induced me to
address you, There is scarcely a week passes without hearing of some
depredations being committed in this or the Indianna Territory, from
the General alarm Co' Tramell has been induced to order out a Captain
with his company to act as Rangers for the security of this place and
the adjacent country, which I do ashure you I conceive to be highly
necessary. I am well convinced, that should there be any depreda-
tions comitted within Twenty or thirty miles of this place it would
be impossible to keep the work hands here, they are mostly negroes,
and their masters have no other inducement for letting them remain
here but the Am' of their wages, which they no doubt would think
trifling should they conceive their remaining at this place at all
hazardous. On the slightest intimation of danger I am convinced
they would remove them. The Lessees have made arrangements for
a very extensive push in their business this season, & should they be
dissappointed in hands they will certainly sustain a considerable
injury; the greater part of the western Country would certainly be
considerably affected were the works to be stoped as it is allmost
the only dependance for supplies of Salt. I suppose the rangers that
are now in service will be a sufficient Security and quiet the minds
of the people; and most sincerely hope the orders of the Colonel may
meet your aprobation.
Very Respectfully, Your Exc^ Most Ob' Serv'
Benjamin Talbott
Manager for the Lessees
His Excellency Ninian Edwards
[Addressed] His Excellency Ninian Edwards Sidney Grove 111.
Territory
226
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
MUSTER ROLL OF ILLINOIS MILITIA "
[NA:WD,AGO:DS]
[May 31, 1812]
A Muster Roll " of a Company of Mounted Rifle Men Commanded by
Capt James B. Moore of St Clair County Illinois Territory by order
of kis Excellency Ninian Edward Governor of Said Territory —
No
Names
Rank
1
James B Moore
Capt.
2
Jacob Ogle
1 Lieut.
3
Joshua Vaughn
2" Lieut.
4
Simeon Whitlock
Ens-
5
John T. Lust "
1 Serg'
6
Septimus Mace
2 ditto
7
Thomas Piper
3" ditto
8
Jessee Miller
4 ditto
9
Joseph Ogle
privet
10
Alexander Beraum "
11
William Biggs
12
Moses Quick
13
Isaac Kermack "*
14
Philip Teter
15
Samuel Watson
16
William Gilham
17
Pleasant Going
18
T. Milton Moore
19
W" Lemon
20
Ekekial Gillham
21
Joshua Tolbut
22
John Davidson
23
Francis Kirkpatrick
24
Thomas Randle
25
W» C Davidson
26
Aaron Shook
27
Samuel Whiteside
28
David Robinson
29
Joseph Bear
30
Hiram Badgeley
31
Oath Wilson
32
Thomas Tolbut
33
Arther Morgan
34
Isaac Biggs
35
James Tolbutt
36
Charles P. Walker
37
Richard Wright
38
Elijah Hook
39
Jessee Bell
40
Isrial Robinson
41
Henry Mace
See footnotes at ead o( table.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 227
A Muster Roll of a Company of Mounted Rifle Men Commanded by
Capt James B. Moore of St Clair County Illinois Territory by order
of his Excellency Ninian Edward Governor of Said Territory — Con.
No
Names
Rank
42
43
44
45
46
Simon Vanosdie '°
Daniel Guice
Samuel Bonham
James Kirkpatrick "
Isom Gillham
privet
" This and the three additional rolls printed post, pp. 232, 234, 236, were enclosed
in Edwards to the Secretary of War, June 30, 1812 (Edwards Hist. Ill, pp. 328-
329) . The original of this covering and explanatory letter has not been found, nor
is the copy among the Edwards Papers (CHS). Mention is made in the letter of
additional accompanying pay rolls, but these are not present. One or more of the
enclosures here reproduced may also have been enclosed in letters of July 6 and
July 20, 1812, but these letters are missing. The militia companies, volunteer
companies, and rangers in question were those called out for special and temporary
purposes and were in the service of the United States.
The four muster rolls here reproduced have been compared with the several
rolls published in Trans., III. State Hist. Lib., 190i, pp. 178-197. The latter
includes the muster rolls of the following companies: (1) Capt. William Alexander's,
July 4, 1811-July 29, 1811; (2) Capt. Henry Cook's, for three months' tour, by
order of Mar. 3, 1812; (3) Capt. John Scott's, Mar. 3, 1812; (4) Capt. Jacob
Short's, Mar. 3, 1812; (5) Capt. J. B. Moore's (first), Apr. 15, 1812-May 3, 1812;
(6) Capt. J. B. Moore's (second), July 27, 1812-Aug. 11, 1812; (7) Ensign Samuel
Whiteside's detachment of mounted riflemen, Aug. 7, 1812-Aug. 22, 1812; (8)
Capt. Samuel Whiteside's volunteer mounted riflemen, Aug. 22, 1812-Nov. 13,
1812; (9) Capt. Absalom Cox's detachment from various companies, mustered
and inspected Sept. 3, 1812; (10) Capt. Thomas E. Craig's volunteer rifiemen,
Sept. 5, 1812-Dec. 2, 1812; (11) Capt. Willis Margrave's mounted volunteers, no
date, 1812; (12) Capt. Philip Tramell's (Leonard White's) detachment of mounted
militia, Oct. 12, 1812-Oct. 31, 1812; (13) Capt. Dudley Williams's company,
4th regiment, Oct. 14, 1812-Nov. 5, 1812; (14) Capt. Samuel Judy's spy company,
Oct. 18, 1812-Nov. 12, 1812; (15) Sergt. James N. Fox's detachment of rangers,
Feb. 17, 1813-Mar. 1, 1813; (16) Capt. J. B. Moore's (third) rangers, Apr. 17,
1813; (17) Capt. Jacob Short's mounted rangers, Feb. 27, 1813-May 31, 1813;
(18) Capt. William Boone's mounted rangers, Mar. 6, 1813-June 5, 1813; (19)
Capt. Nathan Chambers's militia company (foot), Apr. 12, lS13-May 12, 1813;
(20) Capt. Daniel G. Moore's volunteer infantry, May 9, 1813-June 9, 1818;
(21) Capt. William Jones's volunteer infantry. May 9, 1813-June 9, 1813; (22)
Capt. J. B. Moore's (fourth) mounted rangers, June 1, 1813-June 16, 1813;
(23) Captain Boultinhouse's company (last one called). According to the com-
piler of these rolls, the musters of the companies of rangers of Capt. B. Whiteside,
Capt. Samuel Whiteside, and Capt. Nicholas Jarrot have not been found. These
were the companies in service from Feb. 27, 1813-May 31, 1813.
No one of the muster rolls thus cited have been found in the files of NA (WD),
and although the four published in the present volume disclose a certain over-
lapping of names, both in respect to each other and to those already published,
314574 — 48
228
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Recapitulation
.1
CD
O
1
3
1
"3
o
1
2
1
n
42
46
I do certify on honor that the foregoing Muster Roll exhibits a true
statement of the men under my Command as being just & true
this 31" May 1812
James B Moore Cap*
NiNiAN Edwards Gov' & Comd' in Chief
\Endorsed\ Muster Roll of Comp^" of Capt" J. B Moore's Mounted
Riflemen of 26 Illinois Militia from 17 to 31 May 1812 Muster Roll 26
THOMAS FORSYTH >« TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:WD, SWDF:^]
PlORUS 8'" June 1812
(A copy)
I have the honor to acquaint you that I arrived here on the 6'"
Ins* and immediately sent for the Kickapoos, and also to acquaint
there are numerous names of enlisted men as well as officers in these lists not
found elsewhere, which explains their present publication.
" The original muster roll has seven columns but in this printing, for reasons of
space, only the first three columns are reproduced. The fourth column is headed,
"date of appointment or enlistment", and contains only one entry, which is
opposite the name of James B. Moore. This entry reads, "May XT'" 1812";
below it are ditto marks. The fifth column headed, "To what time engaged or
enlisted", is empty, as is the seventh and last column, which is headed, "Remarks
& alterations since the last muster — ". The sixth column headed, "Names
present", is the attendance record and duplicates the second column ("Names")
except for instances which will be indicated by footnotes.
'» Lusk?
" Biron?
" Cermak in other lists.
'• Vanarsdale in other lists.
" "James Kirkpatrick" is omitted from the "Names present" column.
" Forsyth (1771-1833) was a native of Detroit; he was early engaged in the fur
trade at Saginaw Bay and on the Mississippi, and in 1802 he and John Kinzie, a
half brother, established a trading post at Chicago. After 1804 Forsyth resided
at Peoria until 1818, when he was appointed Indian agent in Missouri Territory
(see Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., xiv). There are nine volumes of his MSS. in the
Wis. Hist. Lib., and also a large collection in the Mo. Hist. Lib.
"• Enclosed in Edwards to the Secretary of War, June 16, 1812 (NA, WD,
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 229
Gomo that I had a letter for him from you. They all arrived here
yesterday, and I explained your letter to the Kickapoos, thro' your
Interpreter Mette.
But I find that the Kickapoos are much changed since I left this
place to go down to S' Louis as you will see by the evasive answer
they now send you by Mette.
About a fortnight ago a number of Miamies have come to this
country from an Island of woods in Praires commonly called White
or Lynwood Island, distant from the old Kickapoo towns 25 or 30
miles — They consist of twenty odd lodges and can fiirnish at least
from 120 to 150 warriors. These Miamies are only about the half of the
whole that were at the above mentioned Island — The other half is
gone to the S. Prophet and will make his number greater and I am
of the opinion that those Miamies that are gone to the Prophet from
Lynwood Island have been the Indians who done the mischief on
Driftwood creek and in the vicinity of Vincennes — I am sure that the
number of Indians now at the end of this lake consisting of Putowa-
tomies, Kickapoos, Miamies and Ottoways must exceed six hundred
warriors and should they be inclined for war, they can in the course
of eight or ten days draw from Kiankakee river, from the upper
parts of this river, from Fox river, and from Roche river at least
600 warriors more which would make an Indian Army of at least
1200 warriors, exclusive of the prophet's band which is now consider-
able, and I am informed that they are augmenting daily, as I can
assure you that the Indians in this countrj^, and the Missisippi, have
almost weekly intelligence from the S. Prophets town and no doubt
but the prophet has the same intelligence from Detroit country, from
this line or method of conveying intelligence, the Indians on the Mis-
sisippi have news conveyed to them from Detroit Country in the space
of 15 or 16 days
Gomo informed me (after I had explained your letter to him) that
the time was not come to fullfil his promise, and that it was requisit
to have a general council with the whole of the Putowatomies Nation,
to come to some determination, that the Indians could not get arms
nor ammunition at the Factory at Chicago — that he did not know
what the Indians would do if the traders were withdrawn from among
SWDF, printed, Edwards, Hist. III., p. 326), which contains a summary of the
contents of its enclosure, together with a statement of the purpose of the nego-
tiations in question, namely, to secure the murderers of the O'Neal family, which
murder occurred Feb. 10, 1812, on the Louisiana Territory side of the Mississippi.
See Terr. Papers (La.-Mo.), xiv. See also Edwards to the Secretary of War,
May 16, 1812 (NA, WD, SWDF, printed, Edwards, op. cit., p. 321), advising of
his discovery that the murder of the O'Neal family had been committed by a
band of Kickapoo and stating that there was no use to demand the surrender of
the murderers unless there should be provided a sufficient force to back the
demand.
230 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the Indians the insuing fall — that there must be a change among the
Indians, otherwise he would abandon them and live and die among
the White people of this place
I observed to him the number of Militia that had awived at Detroit
and the great number of regulars, on their way if not arrived at Detroit
That the communication between the two countries was stopped —
That the whole of Detroit river from one end to the other was lined
with troops to stop the communication of the Indians to and from
the British Garrison of Maiden. That the Indians could not expect
any succours from that quarter, he said that he knew all that I told
him was true and that the Main Poc was at the B. G. of Maiden
and could not get across the river to return home —
Some few of the Indians may have a little gunpowder yet left, but
may suppose if they are not supplied shortly they will be much in
want of that article in the course of a few weeks, as they are given
to understand by the traders from Makinac that British goods will
be allowed to enter the post of Makinac and that all the Indians will
get their necessary supplies for the ensuing season. The Indians
whole dependence is on those traders, as they give the Indians exten-
sive credits in Autumn at very high price, and if an Indian pays half
of his credit the trader will be sufficiently paid for his powder &c.
that he may give on credit, as it is generally small articles such as
cutlary and amunition that is given out on credit to commence their
hunt in the fall of the year
Gomo is perfectly aware of the consequences should the passage
of goods &c be stopped at Chicago and the mouth of this river — And
I can assure you that it is the only plan that can be adopted, should
the Indians of this country not fuUfil their promise or be inclined to
be hostile to the U. States
I was informed yesterday that the whole body of Indians now in
the vicinity of this place have been counciling for some time past,
and no person can find out what they are about — I shall in a day or
two send a person up to the Village to get what information I can
and should it be of consequence I shall transmit it to you by express,
as it would be needless to send any person up to the Village until
all is over and to find out their descision
The whole body of the Indians are now busy planting theu- corn,
but for the want of clear land their fields will be rather small, so you
see by this they are fixed to remain this season in this part of the
country — I have agreed with M' Le Clair to make the tour you wish
him to make, as he could not go alone, he takes his son with him and
one of his own horses for his son to ride and I have agreed to give him
two dollars per day and should the Indians steal his horse during the
tour, Gov' is to replace his horse by giving him another and also to
be found some provisions.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 231
It appears that the Indians have scouts out continually for fear
that the Americans should take them by surprise — I shall watch the
motions of the Indians, and should any thing hapen worth commu-
nication I shall acquaint you by express.
I herewith enclose you a rough scetch of the country about Milwakee
and heads of Rockey River,^ from which I hope you can form some
idea of that part of the country "
I am very respectfully Your Excellencys Most Ob* and very
humble S'
Thomas Forsythe
To HIS ExcELi^ENCY Gov EDWARDS Kaskaskia
[Endorsed] Forsyth to Gov. Edwards— Letter
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNORS AND
INDIAN AGENTS
[NA:OIA,SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
Circular War Department June 11*" 1812.
Their Excellenys William Hull W° H. Harrison & Nin°
Edwards —
Benj F Stickney J. B Varnum & Jn" Johnston Ind. Agents.
Sir, As a last effort to preserve peace, and to save from destruction
his Red Children, the President has been pleased to appoint special
Commissioners to be sent out immediately from Himself, to hear any
Representations which they may desire to make, and to Communicate
to the Indians the intention and final determination of the Govern-
ment towards them. — You will therefore immediately take the neces-
sary measiu-es and in\ite the Chiefs & head men of the Several Tribes
within your Agency, to meet in Council with those Commissioners
and with the Chiefs of other Tribes within the Territories of Illinois,
2° Not present.
" This mission to the Kickapoo Indians was conducted under instructions from
Edwards to Forsyth, May 24, 1812 (Edwards, Hisi. III., p. 323). Further dis-
cussion of the same undertaking is found in Edwards to the Secretary of War
May 26, 1812, ibid., pp. 323-325, and June 2, 1812 (NA, WD, SWDF, printed,
Edwards, op. cit., pp. 325-326). In the latter is enclosed a talk to the Kickapoo
demanding the surrender of the murderers, which Forsyth carried for delivery;
it is not printed in the foregoing citation. See also Edwards to the Secretary of
War, June 29, 1812 (NA, op. cit., printed, Edwards, op. cU., p. 330), advising as
to the British plan of introducing goods into the Territory, with Green Bay as a
base, and referring to his own letter to the Secretary of War of June 23 (not
found), and to a communication from Governor Harrison (not found) concerning
proposed depredations by a Potawatomi band on the Kaskaskia road. Replies
to the June 23 and June 29 letters have not been found.
232
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Indiana & Michigan, and the State of Ohio, at Piqua Town in the
State of Ohio, on the first day of August next ensuing." —
MUSTER ROLL OF ILLINOIS MILITIA «
[NA:WD,''AGO:DS]
[June 25, 1812]
A Muster Roll " o/ a company of mounted Rifle men commanded by
James B. Moore of 5' Clair county Illinois Territory by order of
His Excellency Ninian Edwards Gov' of s" Territory
Names
Rank
1 James B. Moore Cap'
2 Jacob Ogle 1 Lieu'
3 Joshua Vaughn 2 Lieu'
4 Simon Whitlock Ensign
5 John T. Lusk 1 Serg'
6 Septimus Mace 2 Serg'
7 Thomas Piper 3 Serg'
8 Francis Kirkpatrick priv'
9 John Good ditto
10 Charles R Matheny ditto
11 Thomas Randal ditto
12 Will" C. Davidson ditto
13 Moses Quick ditto
14 Will"" Lemmon ditto
15 Pleasant Going ditto
16 James Talbot ditto
17 Hardy Willbank ditto
18 Hezekial Gilham ditto
19 ' Hiram Badgley ditto
20 Philip Teter ditto
21 Joseph Beer ditto
" See the Secretary of War to Edwards, June 19, 1812, circular letter (NA, WD,
SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 5), informing him that war had been declared on Great
Britain.
» Cf. ante, p. 226.
«• The original muster roll has seven columns but in this printing, for reasons of
space, only the first three columns are reproduced. The fourth column is headed,
"date of appointment or enlistment", and contains only one entry, which is opposite
the name of James B. Moore. This entry reads, "June ll"" 1812"; below it is
the word "ditto" opposite each name. The fifth column headed, "to what time
engaged or enlisted", contains the single entry, "June 25 1812". The word
"ditto" appears below this date to correspond with each name in column two.
The sixth column under heading, "Names present", is the attendance record and
duplicates the second column. There are no entries in the seventh column, which
is headed, "Remarks and alterations since the last muster".
ILLINOIS TERRITORY
233
A Muster Roll oj a company af mounted Rifle men commanded by
James B. Moore of 5'' Clair county Illinois Territory by order of
His Excellency Ninian Edwards Gov' of s^ Territory — Continued
No
Names
Rank
22
Joseph Ogle
Priv»
23
John Davidson ^°
ditto
24
Sam' Bonham
ditto
25
Aaron Shook
ditto
26
Rich* Wright
ditto
27
J Milton Moore
ditto
28
David Robinson
ditto
29
James Kirkpatrick
ditto
30
Jesse Bell
ditto
31
Isaac Gilham
ditto
32
Thomas W. Talbot
ditto
33
Mathew Cox
ditto
34
Israel Robinson
ditto
35
Joshua Talbot
ditto
36
Will'" Biggs
ditto
37
Charles P. Walker "^
ditto
38
John L. Whiteside
ditto
39
Arthur Morgan
ditto
40
Henry Mace
ditto
41
Isaac Biggs
ditto
42
Otho Willson
ditto
43
Simon Vanozdal
ditto
44
Robert Ivy
ditto
45
Isaac Smith
ditto
46
James M^Fadin
ditto
47
Isaac Gilham
ditto
48
David Ackman ^'
ditto
49
Antoine Fouche
ditto
50
T. Blankenship ^s
ditto
Recapitulation
C
a
3
.S?
1
Sfi
5
a
3
1
o
1
1
1
1
46
50
« Reading uncertain.
" In the sixth column, Charles F. Walker.
" Or Ackerman.
" In the sixth column, Thomas Blankenship.
234
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
I do certify on honor that the foregoing Muster Roll exhibits a true
statement of the Men under my command as being just and true this
25*" of June 1812
James B. Moore
NiNiAN Edwards Gov' & Comd'" in Chief
[Endorsee/] 27 Muster Roll of Capt° J. B. Moore's Comp^ of
Mounted Riflemen of the Illinois Militia — from 11'" to 25 June 1812 —
MUSTER ROLL OF ILLINOIS MILITIA »
INA:WD,AGO:DS]
[June 29, 1812)
Muster Roll '" of a Company of Mounted Rifle Men Commanded by
Cap^ Jacob Short of S' Clair County Illinois Territory by the order
of Ninian Edwards Governor and Commander of said Territory —
Names
Rank
Jacob Short .
John Moredock .
Thomas Swarengin .
Henry Carr .
Capt.
1" Leu*
2" Lieu'
Ensign
Alexander Scott .
George Mitchel .
William Arandol
Robert Middleton
1»' Ser'
2" ditto
3 ditto
4 ditto
John Waddle
William philips .
Isaac Carmack .
Jacob Boren . .
peter Wills .
Andrew Bankston
William Steel .
Charles Ratliff .
John Bean .
James Wilderman
Private
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
«» Cf. ante, pp. 226, 232.
" The original muster roll has seven columns but in this printing, for reasons
of space, only the first three columns are reproduced. The fourth column is
headed, "Dates of appointment or enlistment", and contains the entry "31" May
1812" opposite the name of Jacob Short followed by ditto marks. The fifth
column headed, "to what time engaged or enlisted", contains no entries. Column
six, under the heading "Names present" is the attendance record and duplicates
the second column. The seventh column which is headed, "Remarks and alter-
ations since the last Muster," contains an entry signed by Ninian Edwards as fol-
lows, "No Rations were furnished"; also against the name of Joshua Vaune,
no. 46, an entry, "Left the Company on the 14"' of June". The latter entry
applies also to the seven last names, being so indicated by "Do".
ILLINOIS TERRITORY
235
Muster Roll of a Company of Mounted Rifle Men Commanded by
Capt^ Jacob Short of St^ Clair County Illinois Territory by the order
of Ninian Edwards Governor and Commander of said Territory — Con.
Names
Rank
Henry Walker .
Field Jarvis .
Elijah Hook . . .
William Walker .
Daniel M'^Kinny .
George Wilderman .
John Briggant .
Hiram Tidwell .
Henry Stout .
Jacob Wilderman .
Thomas Monney
John Cooper.
John B. Wiser .
David Kanada .
John Mayens '' .
James Hendrix .
Moses Short .
Abram Crownover .
W™ Crownover .
Rubin Middleton .
William Rittenhous
Hugh Walker
Marshel Hawkings ^^
Davud Chance .
John Greenwood
Isaac Clark .
WHawl . . .
Samuel Watson .
John Davison .
Alexander Biron
Peter Rittenhouse .
Hubbard Short .
Thomas Levens .
John Brogley
W" Briggance .
Joshua Vaune ''.
John Scott .
Peter Wills . . .
Hiram Arthurs .
W" Harrenton . .
Adam Clover
Daniel Guise ^* .
Thomas porter .
Private
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
31 Myars in the fifth column.
" Kaucliings in the fifth column.
" Vaughn.
" Also spelled Guyes in other lists.
236
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Recapitulation
a
a
a
a
!".
J3
?.
9-
13
■P
a
a
.3
1?
73
o
^
h
H
w
O
S
rf's.
o
Present for Duty —
1
1
1
1
4
4
45
Unfit for Servise —
Sick — absent — . .
Total. . . .
1
1
1
1
4
45
53
I certify on hounor that the forgoing Muster Roll exhibits a true
State of the Company under my Command and the Remarks Set
oposite each Name are accurat and just
Jacob Shokt Capt"
June 29"" 1812
NiNiAN Edwards Gov' & Comd' in Chief
[Endorsed] Muster Roll of Capt° Jacob Short's Compy. of Mounted
Riflemen from 31 May to 29 June 1812 Illinois Militia Muster Roll
30 30 Muster Roll of Capt" Jacob Shorts C from 31'' May to 29'"
June 1812 No. 2 N»2
MUSTER ROLL OF ILLINOIS MILITIA «
[NA:WD, AGO:DS]
[June 29, 1812]
Muster Roll Muster Roll " of a Company of Militia in the Service of
the United States Commanded by Capt. Jacob Short being Mounted
Riflemen of St. C^air County Illinois Territory by the order of Ninian
Edwards Governor of s* Illinois Territory.
No
Names
Rank
1
?
Jacob Short
John Moredock
Cap'
1 Lieut
3
4
Thomas V Swaringin
Henry Carr
2 Lieut
Ensign
1
Alexander Scott
1 Serg'
?
George !Mitchel
3
Isam Gilham
«
4
Robert Middleton
"
S«e footnotes at end of table.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY
237
Muster Roll Musier Roll of a Compamj of Militia in the Service of
the United States Commanded by Capt. Jacob Short being Mounted
Riflemen of St. Clair County Illinois Territory by the order of Ninian
Edwards Governor of s* Illinois Territory — Continued.
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
83
34
35
Names
William Phillips .
Isaac Carmack .
Jacob Boren.
Peter Wills . . .
Andrew Bankston .
John Bear .
James Wilderman .
W" Rittenhouse
Henry Walker .
Field Jarvis
W^ Walker . . .
Dan" M "Kinney-
George Wilderman .
Hyram Tidwell .
Henry Stout
Jacob Wilderman .
Tho' Marney . .
John Cooper
John B Wires .
David Kennedy
John Myres
James Hendrix .
Moses Short
Abraham Crownover
Sam' Watson .
Peter Rittenhouse .
Hubbard Short
Peter Hill . . .
Adam Clover .
Daniel Guise .
Thomas Porter .
John Estis .
Samuel Shook .
Samuel Scott
David Akeman .
Rank
Private
»5 Cf. ante, pp. 226, 232, 234.
»• The original muster roll has seven columns but in this printing, for reasons of
space, only the first three columns are reproduced. The fourth column is headed,
"Dates of appointment or Enlistment", and contains the single entry, "May S""
1812", followed by ditto marks. The fifth column headed, "To what engaged or
enlisted", has the entry, "May IT"" 1812". Below it are ditto marks to corre-
spond to each name. The sixth column, under the heading "Names present", is
the attendance record and duplicates the second column. There are no entries
in column seven, which is headed, "Remarks and alterations since our Last",
except the following signed by Ninian Edwards: "No rations were furnished at
the public expence".
238
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Recapitulation
c
e
.2
^
D,
3
n.
■^
01
>
5
u
ij
W
w
O
^
eu
H
Present for duty ....
1
2
1
4
»
..
35
43
Sick
Absent
••
'
1
2
1
4
35
43
I do certify on Honour that the foregoing Muster Roll exhibits a
true statement of the Men Under my Command as Muster by me this
29"" June 1812
Jacob Short Capt
NiNiAN Edwards Governor & Commander in Chief
[Endorsed] Muster Roll of Capt" Shorts Comp^ of Mounted Rifle-
men of the Illinois Militia from 3" to 17 May 1812 Captn Shorts N°
1 Nol.
WILLIAM RUSSELL " TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
ViNCENNES, ye 1" July 1812.
Sir, The people of this and Illinois Territory's are extremely affraid
ef the intimodated with the Indian's, and I have had much difficulty in
quieting them, what danger is is really hard to discover from their
present moavments. I find from a letter I have recently received from
Governor Edwards," that their fears still continue to exist: the Gov'
informes me that a large body has collected at, and near the Peoria a
•' Col. William Russell, of Kentucky, was an officer in the American Revolu-
tionary army. He was now placed in command of the several companies of
rangers authorized to be raised in Ohio and in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri
territories, to be known as the 7th regiment. Cf. Trans. III. Stale Hist. Soc,
190i, p. 71.
»» Not seen; cf. Edwards to Russell, June 17, 1812 (Edwards, Hist. Ill, p. 327).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 239
Town on the Illinois river, Indians to the amount of Six or Seven hun-
dred waiTiors, this alarmes his excellency very much as he informes
me they can reach Kaskaskias, the place of his residence in four days.
I find from comparison that the Peoria, is nearer to this spot then to
Kaskaskas, it is also the opinion of some of the best informed setlers
near the mouth of the Illinoys river, that their distination was the
Wabash, by uniting their force with that of the Prophets, at his own
town. I have however been much at a loss to find out the best moad
of defence for these scattered frontiers I once had an Idea of dividing
my little band along the frontier so as only to act as Spies on those
frontiers, but have since abandoned that moade, and have very drawn
my attention to those two Strong points \-iz the Peoria, and the
prophets party paily on the Wabash. I find from the best Information
I have been able to collect since my arrival at this place, that the frontier
under my care extends at least five hundred miles in length. I found
all the Rangers Mounted on My arrival in the teritory's, and indeed
do not think they could be so eflficient otherwise, as the countiy is very
level abounding with great peraries, — I have ordered on Cap' Purye's
company of rangers from Ohio, and also another company of the old
troops recruited in Ohio, and Kentuclcy to my aid in this place, in
order to strengthen the Tery^ and also ad a few more troops to fort
Harrison, so soon as they shall arrive I shall take a range through the
Illinois with one company, and try to sattisfy those people, as to their
cituation. I have taken the liberty of ordering on Lieu' Robert Todd
of the 7'* from Kentucky, to bring on those recruits to this place. If I
have acted wrong I hope you will give an order to the contrary — I do
not know how those Indians can subsit in such large bodies for such a
length of time. It is more then probable, they will make a stroke
somewhere before long unless they should be waiting to see what
steps are taken by our govermnent as to great Briton : for should we
have war with that power, I am of the opinion we may calculate on a
general war with the Indians. I do not know certainly what the
governor's answer was from this place to the party of Chief's recently
at fort Harrison, am led to believe it was not satisfactory to them.
I have much difficulty in keeping the rangers from falling on the
friendly tribes, but hope I shall be able to effect it. I have no hesi-
tation in saying it will take more force to defend the frontier's then
would be required to burn and drive them of, as my little experience
informes me, that a party of troops mounted, owing to the facility of
their moavments can always distroy a Town over our number — I
240 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
hope Sir these remarks I have made will be pardoned— I have the
honor, to be with high respect You obd' Serv»
W Russell
Col° 7'" Commanding Ye District.
[Addressed] The honorable, William Eustis Esq"' Secretary of the
war department, Washington. [Postmarked] Vincennes, 1" July 1812
Free Mail
[Endorsed] Vincennes 1" July 1812 Col. W" Russell States that
he has called in more recioiits from Ohio — Thinks that in case of a war
with England, a general Indian war will follow ReC* July 14, 1812 "
»« No reply found. See Russell to the Secretary of War, July 22, 1812
(NA.WD.SWDF), written from Vincennes, Indiana Territory, stating his inten-
tion of going to the Illinois Territory as soon as new recruits arrived from Ohio
and Kentucky, and that after he conferred with Governor Edwards he would fix
upon a site above the upper Illinois settlements for his military contingent. See
also id. to id., July 29, 1812, he. cil., announcing the arrival of recruits, the dis-
patch of a company of Ohio rangers to Illinois, and his intention to follow the
next day with a company of Kentucky rangers.
PART FOUR
Papers relating to the Second Administration
of Governor Edwards
1812-1814
PART FOUR
COMMISSION OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS*
[NA:SD, Misc. Temp. Comms., I:C]
[July 7, 1812]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Patriotism, Integrity and Abilities of Ninian Edwards, of Kentucky,
I do appoint him Governor in and over the Illinois Territory; and do
authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of that
office according to Law; and to Have and to Hold the said Office
with all the powers, privileges, and Emoluments to the same of right
appertaining until the end of the next Session of the Senate of the
United States, and no longer, unless the President of the United States
for the time being should be pleased sooner to revoke and determine
this Commission.
In Testimony whereof I have caused these Letters to be
L.S. made patent, and the Seal of the United States to be
hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington the Seventh day
of July a:d: 1812; and of the Independence of the United States of
America, the Thirty Seventh.
James Madison.
By the President,
James Monroe, Secretary of State.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:0IA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Department July 9'" 1812.
His Excellency Gov Edwards.
Sir, Your letter of June 16'" has been received.^ The enclosed
copy of a letter to Governor Harrison ' will show you how far your
mutual cooperations are relied on — and the Instructions to Gov'
' A recess appointment.
> NA (WD, SWDF), printed, Edwards, Hist. III., p. 326, cited also an«e, p. 229.
» Copy present, dated July 9, 1812; printed, Esarey (ed.), Harrison's Messages
and Letters, II, 71.
243
314574—48 17
244 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Scott * will present the means of receiving such additional Support as
Exigencies may require, of which Governor Harrison & yourself will
be the proper judges.—
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS •]
Elvirade, Randolph County Illinois Territory July 21, 1812
Sir I had the honor to receive by the last mail your letters of
June 11.' & 19." to the contents of which I lost not a moment in pajnng
the necessary attention. On the same day I dispatched a messenger
to Peoria with a talk to the Indians assembled near that place, and
urged them (by every inducement which I thought likely to succeed)
to meet the commissioners from the President at Pique Town in the
State of Ohio. I also enjoined it on my messenger to exert his
influence with them to the same effect. I sincerely hope they will
comply with the request. But I can not flatter myself with a belief
that they will certainly do so.
As some ef objection might be made on their part to the want of
timely notice, I requested that they should set out as soon as possible
and go on even if they should not be able to arrive by the first of
August. But in this I have not in the least committed the President —
The Indians have for some time past been in real want of powder.
They however are induced to believe that they will receive all their
supplies at the british Fort of S' Joseph between Lakes Huron &
Superior and the British Traders calculate upon carrying goods from
Montreal by the way of the Utawas river to that place. It is owing to
these circumstances most probably that such uncommonly large
numbers of Inds are collected and collecting on the western borders
of Lake Michigan.
I continue to believe that we may expect an attack in this quarter as
soon as corn gets into roasting ears, which will be very shortly — The
Indians remain embodied near Peoria and have lately killed about
twenty head of Cattle belonging to the inhabitants of Peoria that
village.
Should Congress have passed a law for raising ea additional companies
of rangers & it be considered advisable to raise them in this quarter,
* July 9, 1812, printed, Edwards, op. cit., p. 536. See Edwards to the Secretary
of War, Sept. 6, 1812 (NA, WD, SWDF, printed, Edwards, op. cit., pp. 340-342),
stating that he and Harrison disagreed on the interpretation of the above letter.
» The body of this letter is also printed in Edwards, Hist. III., pp. 331-332, but
the lengthy postscript is omitted from that version.
• Ante, p. 231.
» NA(WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 5); and NA(OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C),
announcing the declaration of war with Great Britain.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 245
I could have at least two companies raised and organized in a weeks
notice.
The situation of the principal settlements in this territory & Louisi-
ana in relation to the Indians is such as to require a concert & union
of operations — for the danger of the one is completely identified with
the other, which all former experience has proved and which is suffi-
ciently obvious, from the ee«fee ef -the Missisippi being the great high
way of the Indians and the residence of those from whom we have most
danger to apprehend, being either on it, or some other rivers which
empty into it above S' Louis. And whereever they can transport
themselves by water they will not travel by land.
I beg leave to recommend Captain James More of this territory as
a gentleman well qualified to command a company of rangers.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir y mo obd' S'
N Edwards
The Honble W" Eustis Sec'' of War Washington City
P S. A Frenchman ' from Milwakee arrived at Peoria about the
29'" ult. having a short time before been at the Winnebago village —
he brings information which fully corroborates that given by Majr
Jarrot,' in regard to the collection of Indians about Lake Michigan
and on the straits of S' Marys, he gives it as his decided opinion that
if the British agent at S* Josephs should tell those Indians to raise the
tommahock they will to a man turn out & make war upon the U. S.
He says the Winnebagoes are determined to make war upon us as
long as there remains one of their nation alive.
Pemwotam the great chief of the Kickapoos has gone to some part
of upper Canada to see his british father, his object is supposed to be
to obtain a supply of powder, he took ten of his tribe with him — The
Indians have lately had a council in which they have all come to a de-
termination not to surrender a single murderer but to risque the
consequences of a refusal.
The Pottowottomies and Ottowas who were with the Prophet have,
I am infomied lately left him & will of course increase the number
about Peoria — where they can subsist with less difficulty as the lake
abounds with fish on which they have been accostumed to subsist —
and if they should be pressed by want, they can take the cattle belong-
ing to the inhabitants of Peoria which are numerous enough to supply
them for a long time
A short time past ten Indians from the prophets town passed near
Pioria on their return from the Sacs principal village where they had
" Antoine LeClair.
• Nicholas Jarrot to Edwards, June 29, 1812, enclosed in Edwards to the
Secretary of War, July 7, 1812 (NA.OIA, Lets. Reed., both printed, Edwards,
Hist. Ill, pp. 330-331).
246 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
held a council with some Sioux, lowas, Winnebagoes & the Sacs
themselves.
On the 13'" Ult. two chiefs Catfish from the Wabash & Conque from
S' Josephs river (both Pottowottomies, the former the head of the
band that committed the murders in Louisianna in 1810) arrived at
the village on Illinois with a talk on which a council was held — Gomo
the principal chief of the Illinois bands has since told M' Forsyth that
he was not present at the council when the Prophets messengers spoke
but was told that part of their talk was very hostile the U. S. and that
those messengers to that country & to the Missisippi were for no
good — Immediately after the council runners were dispatched to the
Winnebagoes & to the Sacs & other Indians on the Missisippi.
Naib-Woit (a Pottowottomie who was the leader of the band who
committed the murders, took a prisoner & plundered a great deal of
property here last years) & his party have left their village on the
Illinois and have come down the river as is supposed with intention
to do mischief before they return —
Main Poque the celebrated Pottowottomie war chief has by this
time retiuTied from Maiden (where he has been since last summer) to
his town on the Illinois —
The Indians certainly contemplate an attack upon Chicago, and
laugh at the idea of its holding out against the force they with which
they can attack it —
You no doubt are informed that about 600 cherokees have latterly
removed to Arkensaw river in Louisianna.'* Some of the Kaskaskia
tribe have lately been into that quarter two returned yesterday and
they inform me that, those Cherokees have proposed to the Shawonese
& Delawares of that territory to remove and settle with them & unite
in a war against the U. S. — declaring that in case of refusal they will
not discriminate between them & the White people. The Kaskaskias
represent the Shawonese & Delawares as being intirely friendly but
they entertain no doubts of the hostile intentions of the Cherokees.
I assure you that nothing is easier than to demonstrate, that this
territory is now & has been for some time in a more perilous situation
in regard to the Indians than any other one belonging to the United
States — The greatest number of Indians from whom there is at present
any cause to apprehend hostility reside within it. It exclusively
suffered "^ last year, WFtA Not a year has past for a considerable
length of time without some depredations being committed in it — And
if the Indians are for war it is hardly to be supposed that they will be at
the trouble of passing thro our territory into another better prepared to
repell them. Nothwithstanding all this, we have no assistance from
any other quarter — not a man being engaged in service in the territory
" Cf. Terr. Papera (La.-Mo.), XIV.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 247
who is not a citizen of it. This I am sure is not a state of things which
you had contemplated. If it suited the views of the President equally
well and I should be continued in office here, I would greatly prefer
that he would allow to me such a force as he thinks proper to furnish
for the defence of this territory, or that he w* combine its defence with
that of Louisianna — As it is impossible to have any concert in defend-
ing the settlements of Indiana and our settlements, they being
seperated by an immense Praire & about 160 miles apart.
I may be thought imprudent in urging the certainty of a formidable
hostile confederacy of indians, and a bloody indian war — particularly
as I discover Gen' Hull has stated that tranquility is already restored
to the frontiers — But sir, I have taken great pains to inform myself of
the vaews of the indians and I know I hazard nothing in giving this
opinion.
Their plan is to amuse and deceive us, till they are prepared to
strike a decisive blow — In candor and honesty I can say nothing less.
And I am well persuaded you will soon be convinced that it is correct,
although I shall regret to witness the evidence which will soon demon-
strate it."
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' mo ob** S'
NiNiAN Edwards
[Addressed] The Hon'ble William Eustis Secretary of War Wash-
ington City [Postmarked] Sydney Grove July 21" Free
[Endorsed] Elvirade July 21, 1812, Gov. N. Edwards— incloses
further evidence of Indian hostility — they threaten Chicago — The
defence of Illinois better united with Louisiana than Indiana. Indians
in want of powder — have sent to maiden for some. Rec"* Aug' 1,
1812. "
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Kaskasku, III Ty July 21. 1812
Sir Since the mail closed at Sydney Grove I received the letters
copies of which I have now the honor to transmit to you — for which
purpose I have this night come down to this place — Comment upon
them is unnecessary — they sufficiently develope what I have imif ormly
believed would be the ultimate determination & views of the indians
and they fully demonstrate the perilous situation of this part of the
country where there is "" even one place of safety for public papers or
an>'thing else. Never was a man in a more awkward situation than
I am — not knowing whether I am reappointed & having no authority
" Cf. Esarey (ed.), Harrison's Messages and Letters, n, 231-234.
•* Reply not found.
"• Not?
248 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
to act — I will however make the best of a bad situation and I have
little doubt of being able to rally a respectable force by my own
personal influence — Many companies from Ky have tendered me
their services. But even, should the most pressing emergency present
itself I shall not fail to employ them
Gov' Howard writes me that he has just received information that
there are about 1500 warriors now on the banks of Illinois river with
canoes enough in their possession to transport them down the river " —
I have rec"* similar information from two other gentlemen of
respectability.
I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir Y' Mo Obd* S*
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble W" Eustis Sec^ of War Washington City
[Addressed] The Honble W° Eustis Sec" of War— Washington City
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia July 21. 1812 Gov N. Edwards States
his expectations that, an Indian war will soon follow, and his difficult-
ies for want of Authority. Rec" Augt. 7. 1812. '*
[Enclosures]
John Kinzie to Thomas Forsyth "
Mouth of Fox RIVER T*" July 1812
D' Thomas I am just informed by an Indian that you passed here
two days since for Chicago & take on me the sending you this by Perish
to acquaint you that I am on my way to the Piorias. where I shall
wait your arrival
Your favor by M' A. LeClere I received at Milwaakee & observe its
contents, but circumstances have not allowed me to act according
to your directions, having to leave Chicago for the present, I have
sent you a letter respecting my unfortunate affair — therefore I must
not hinge on this subject for the present, but merely answer one part
of your letter, with respect to information relative to Indian affairs
I arrived at Milwaakee on the 21'' Ultimo & was suspected by the
Indians (until my affairs was known to them on the fourth day)
of being a person sent to spy their country &c They then came for-
>» Not seen. See Edwards to the Secretary of War, Aug. 4, 1812 (Edwards,
Hist. III., pp. 332-335), embodying a lengthy account of the situation as of that
date. The original of this letter has not been found, nor is there a copy among
the Edwards Papers (CHS). See also William Clark to Edwards, Aug. 16, 1812,
written from Washington, D. C. (Edwards Papers, CHS, printed, Washburne,
ed., Edwards Papers, CHC, III, 80-81), recounting his efforts to interest the
Secretary of War in suppying adequate military forces for the western territories.
'* Reply not found.
" Kinzie and Forsyth were half brothers; for the relationship, see Quaife
(ed.), Askin Papers, I, 306, 307.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 249
ward & shewed me every act of friendship They took me to the
councils during my stay at the above Post which was eight days
A party of Falsovoins from Green Bay conducted by two Chipewas
who had gone on with letters for M"' Dixon, were then on their way
to Maiden to see their British father. They made a stay of two days
at Milwaakee — and had a council with the Putowatomies, Chipewas
& some other strangers that were present. They presented four pipes
from the Sieuxs nation and after going through the formallity of
smoking in them &c &c the Chipeway made the following speach
My Brothers these Pipes represent the Sieux nation now assembled
on the Ouisconsin river, by the order of their English father who has
desired them (the Sieux to listen to his voice and draw near to hand
to enable him to give them his council. We the Sieux have comphed
with his request & send by our brothers the Chipewas and Falsovoins
our answer
Answer of the Sieux to the British Agent of Fort
Father we have listened to your words sent to us by your Agent
and have complied with your request. Your Voice is ours & we have
sent with your Agent (Red Head) Dixon) thu-ty of our respectable
Chiefs & Warriors to hear what our father of the Island of S' Josephs
has to say to us, and we have sent 4 Pipes to you our father at Maiden
to give you to understand that we the Sieux are ready to receive your
answers and wait the return both from S' Joseph and Maiden
Father we are convinced of the truth of your report to us of the ill
treatment we daily experience from the people (meaning the Ameri-
cans) and we find a satisfaction that you will step forward & assist
us"^I was then told that they had no more to say on that subject and
I withdrew but they councilled most part of the night
The next day I enquired what number of Indians went on with
Dixon & was told 30 Sieux 30 Winebagoes, 30 Falsovoins, besides
Chipewas and others, that they meant to make a short stay& return
that their object was to determine on the subject of war — That all the
Indians on the Missisippi was inclined to be hostile to the Americans
& that Cadot, Dice, & John Askin Jun' were collecting all the princi-
pal Chiefs from the Grand Portage Fort du lac Superior and Machinac
on Lake Huron to attend at the Island of S' Joseph this summer, and
that there & then they will hear the voice of their Father. Those I
saw appeared in high Spirits The Putowatomies of Milwaakee Fox
River & Illinois river seem all to be in a ferment, all seem to be anxious
for the cry of an English War. The Winebagoes seem to be quietest at
present, owing to a reprimand they got for striking the blow this spring
on Chicago By this they think the Americans have got the alarm.
They could have wished to keep the factory open to furnish theu-
wants to let the usual traders enter so as to be able to be prepared
250 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
against Spring — In my opinion there will be a universal blow struck
the ensuing Spring on my way down the Fox river, I stopped at
several small Villages, all the cry is War. There is very little powder
in the country — about 3 keggs (150 lb) was distributed to the River
au Sable (Sandy Creek at the forks of this river) Indians by the
traders from below to assist in assending the river Chicago with
Canoes &c &c
This Sir is the most material information I can give you and should
I be obliged to return again among the Indians, I shall try to collect
what in future may come to hand, particularly by the answers of the
British to the Sieux by the return of the Falsovoins.
I remain &c &c Signed John Kinzie
To Thomas Forsythe, Piorias
Thomas Forsyth to Governor Edwards
Piorias 13*" July 1812
Sir Since mine of the 29'" Ult» " I have been at Chicago, and
understand that all the professions of friendship of the two Putowat-
omy Chiefs, by saying that the British father requested the Indians
in general to remain quiet in case of a War is false (it appears that this
report took its rise from a council that was held at Fort Wayne) when
twelve different nations agreed to remain quiet in case of a War be-
tween the British and the U. States. It is so much to the contrary that
I was informed on my way up to Chicago, that not very long since
that the whole of the Indians have renewed their alliance and should
they be attacked in any one part the rest must repair to their assist-
ance— The Indians in this country send word to the Prophet latterly
that if he had asked them earlier last fall for assistance, they would
have given him all the assistance in their power.
The Indians throughout the whole country are in a state of star-
vation and very much in want of powder The factory at Chicago
is shut up but their whole dependence is on the Mackinac traders,
all which I have explained to you more fully in my last letter —
Your Excellency will please to observe that my situation at this
time is very critical some of my good friends the white People have
given a hint to the Indians of my writing to the Americans by every
opportunity. An Indian lately upbraided me for so doing but would
not give his author and told me if I was an American to go down to
S* Louis & live there I was obliged to deny the charge, and also to
deny having any friends whatsoever in or about S* Louis — that I
was not acquainted with a single individual in S* Louis country and
I said that if the Chiefs should drive me away from this place for any
lies that might be told them that I would go, and that I would make
•• Not seen.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 251
my complaints to the different Governors, and have all communica-
tions between them and the Traders cut off. by which means the In-
dians would not be able to procure the necessary supplies the ensuing
fall & winter, since which I have heard no more on that score."
Should you at any time have occasion to write me, have the goodness
to charge the Bearer of such letters not to shew them to any person
nor to say what business they may be on. They must not mention
it to any person White or black — for I can assure you that the country
is full of disaffected persons to our Government, and for what reasons
I really believe they do not know themselves
On my way down from Chicago I was told at Sandy Creek, that
two Sakies had passed by that place from Fort Maiden, that a great
Chief had arrived at that place from Quebeck, and that another Chief
still greater was on his way up with a very large quantity of goods
&c for the Indians " that many troops had arrived at F' Maiden
with seventy pieces of canon that the Indians were requested to re-
main quiet, that as soon as the Great Chief would arrive with the
goods &c. they would then be told what to do. That some of the
Sakies remained behind until the arrival of the great Chief to bring
out the news. That the Main Poc was to receive his ammunition
the day after their departure from F' Maiden and would immediately
set out for his Village on Fox river and I have no doubt but that he
will bring a budget with him. Positively they laugh at the idea of
giving up the murderers and stolen horses, as requested by Catfish a
Putowatomy Chief from the Wabash and friend of Governor Harrison,
and the Indians say that when War takes place, the Catfish and
White Pidgeon two great friends of the Americans must be killed.
What do you suppose would be the consequence if they knew the
correspondence between your Excellency and me — when they threaten
their own people who only tries to keep peace — In my rout to Chicago
I was told by Indians that the Murders that was committed near
Vincennes last spring were committed by the same two fellows who
killed Cap' Coles party in 1810 in Loutre Settlement, L. Territory,
and their relatives viz Retchekimink and three of his brothers. Ess-
cot-tin-ni-my and two of his brothers — two Kickapoos and one
Ottowa making a party of ten persons. Ess-cot-tin-ni-my was the
partizan. and with his friend Retchekimink, are the two whom I
allude to having committed the murders &c in 1810 in Loutre Settle-
ment. L. T. These fellows with all their relations, and others of the
same stamp have a Village near the river des Iroquois, that falls into
the Teakakee river, and they have been heard to say that the people
" Forsyth was in the secret pay of the United States (Kellogg, Brit. RSgime in
Wis., p. 292).
>■ Possibly referring to Robert Dickson; cf. loe. cit.
252 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
about Vincennes, are rather wild, but near the Saline they are not so
wild. Those fellows have a number of stolen horses, As I passed
Sandy creek one of the young brothers of Ritchekeemink offered me
an American horse, saddle and bridle in exchange for some silver
works, and said he had five more of his own that he had stole from
the Americans
I herewith enclose you a translation of M"' LeClere report to me
of his tour with the expendatures for provisions &c he observed
to me that it was impossible for him to enquire of the Indians about
the Geography of the country as they might surmise that he wished
to get acquainted with their country and pilot the Americans to their
Villages or communicate it to their enemies. M"' LeClair observed
to me that the Indians, all through the country that he travelled in
speaking of the Americans, would always say those people meaning
that they did not wish to mention the name of an American
The White Pidgeon a Putowatomie Indian immediately from
Tepicanoe has brought speaches from the Shawanoes who reside on
the Glaize river that empties itself into the Miamis of the Lakes,
to the Indians of this country, requesting all the Indians of this country
to take up the tomahawk and make war against the U. States. In
the speach they say, that to remain still they must die, and should
the Americans overcome them they can only die and it is better to
die as men at once than die a lingring death. The White Pidgeon
delivered this speach today to the Miamis near this place and I
understand that it is to be sent tomorrow or next day to the Sakies
& other Nations of Indians on the Missisippi
It appears to me that all their promisses of peace is only to lull the
U. States until they are ready & when ready they will make a desperate
effort I have to acquaint your Excellency that some people of this
place pays no manner of attention to your proclamation respecting
the selling of liquor —
A M' Buisson left two Barrels of Whisky here with a person to sell
for him in his absence to Mackinac and told him to sell everyone,
and at any time & place and he would answer for the consequence,
on which another fellow by the name of Binett is gone down to S'
Louis to buy whisky and powder and no doubt on his arrival he will
carry on the same business, making the Indians drunk in this place and
I should not be at all surprised if some lives will be lost particularly
in this critical time — I have to hope you will pay attention to this
for you may be well assured that my situation is precarious, what
will be the consequences if I have to fly from this & leave my property
to merciless savages. I may and I may not get off with my life, and
you may well see that it is not for the lucre of my Salary that I serve
Government to to serve my country and more particularly at this
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 253
critical period. I herewith enclose you two letters I rec" lately and
have to beg you keep the names of the writers a profound secret
I shall leave this tomorrow for Vincennes on the unfortunate business
of my brother as I mentioned to you in my former letter & shall be
absent about fifteen days but have requested IVP LeClair to take
notice of what will pass during my absence & should you have occasion
to write during my absence please to write to M'' LeClair in french
I should thank your Excellency if j'ou would have the goodness to
forward to Gov"' Harrison a letter of introduction as I have not the
pleasure of his acquiantance — I should also thank your Excellancy
to acquaint me if you have received an answer from the Secretary of
War to your letters to him on my business
I have the honor to be Y"' Excellencies Most Ob' &c
Signed Thomas Forsyth
His Excellency Ninian Edwards Esq' &c
N B. I enclose you a scetch of the numbers of Indians residing in the
country that lies in the Vicinity of Chicago and Illinois river " T F
Report of Antoine LeClair
[July 14, 1812]
Translation of a Report of M' Antoine LeClair in a Tour from Piorias
to Chicago — Mihcaakee — Coskquaiyiong, Kitckeicakikee and down Fox
river to its mouth and from thence to the Piorias
On the 15*" June I left Piorias and proceeded to Chicago and arrived
there on the 22"* on my way up the Illinois river, I halted part of
a day at Sandy Creek, and was informed at that place that all the
Putowatomies of S' Joseph was to make one great Village — that the
Sieux had been at Kitchewakikee to brighten the chain of friendship
with all Indian ^nations and to be informed when would be a proper
time to commence hostilities, as the Sieux said that they would take
Louisiana Territory for their share, that one hundred Saukies were
gone to Fort Maiden to see then- British Father — One of my horses
being stole I was obliged to hire a horse from an Indian, to take me
from this place (Chicago) to Milwakee expecting to find my horse
On the 26'" on my way to Milwaakee I met 26 Falsovoin Indians
from Green Bay going to Fort Maiden to see their British father,
that they were sent by (Red Head) M'' Dixon, as their British Father
wishes much to see them, that on their return they expected to bring
news of War being declared by the British against the U. States and
all the Indians would join and that the Americans must fall — that M'
Dixon had taken many Indians on with him to the British Garrison
on the Island of S' Joseph, to hear the news of their father at that place
*' Not present.
254 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
On 27'" I arrived at Milwaakee and enquired about my stolen
horse, I was informed that my horse was at the Great Woods on
Fox river. I was again obliged to hire horses here to go to Cosquo-
nong, while I was at Milwakee I was informed by the flour an Indian
Chief of the Putowatomies that all the different nations of Indians
had made an alliance to make war against the U. States, that the
Indians was now only waiting for word from the British and that
matters was so arranged that the Americans would be attacked at
different places at one and the same time
On the 30'" I left Milwakee for Coshquonong and arrived there the
next day. I found this Village much larger than ever it was, as all
the Winebagoes from the different smaller Villages are all assembled
here to live together — On my arrival at this place I found the Wine-
bagoes dancing the War dance, saying they were going to war with
the Osages, as the Indians in general will not trust any white man of
any nation But I was informed by a Putowatomie Indian that the
Winibagoes were dancing to go to war against the Americans and the
Putowatomie Indians told the same news, that Flour the Chief at Mil-
wakee told me, also that there was about 300 lodges of Sieux Indians
on the Ouisconsin river amounting to about 400 or 500 Warriors,
waiting the word from their British Father to attack the Americans —
On the 3" July I arrived at Kitchewaakeekee and I was told there
by a Falsovoin the same news that I heard at Cashqonong. but I
never could find out what part of the frontier the Winebagoes meant
to attack as it is seldom known to themselves, until they are on the
rout. At this place I understood that the Indians were much in want
of Powder, that the young men are very anxious for war but are kept
back until the day arrives — that they expected large supplies of powder
from Fort Maiden by their friends that were gone to that place as also
that they expected news from thence (Fort Maiden) that would
regulate them in future
On the 5'" I arrived at the Great Woods on Fox river (that empties
itself into the Illinois about 100 miles above this place) and I found
that my stolen horse had been sent to Milwaakee, to the traders of
that place as the Indians understood he was my property — I then had
to send back the horses I had hired & buy a canoe it being too far to
return to Milwakee for my horses and knowing them to be safe at
that place — I understood by Indians whom I was formerly acquainted
with that all their talk is war with the Americans, and were only
waiting (and that with impatience) for the word from the British, and
the first place they meant to attack was the Garrison at Chicago— that
in the mean time they meant to steal all the horses from the Americans
they could and when ready they meant to go to Chicago, to drive the
horned cattle some distance off from the Garrison which will answer
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 255
their purpose for provisions and lay seige to that place — that an Indian
named Catfish a Putowatomy had lately arrived with a number of
horses that he and others had stolen from the settlements near
Vincennes
I embarked in my canoe in company with my little boy, and de-
scended Fox river, and arrived at a Village at a place called the little
Rock and found a number of Indians from the lower parts of this river
assending to hunt & fish, as the whole of the Indians are in a state of
starvation & much in want of powder. Those Indians told me in
substance what I had heard before and observed to me to keep out of
the way, as the chain of friendship was so well brightened among all
the red skins from North to South that it would be a war of extermina-
tion and would not stop while there was an American living —
On the 8" I arrived at a Village at the Great Rapid it is a large
Village & it is here that the Main pock sent word to his friends and
relations to make a Village
They told me that they had not heard from the Main Poc latterly
but suppose he must be on his way home, that they are waiting his
arrival with impatience as they say they have no doubt that he will
bring the truth and good news of War from their British Fathers, that
there is only that which keeps him (the Main Poc) back, and expects
a large supply of powder by the Main Poc, as they sent him word to
that purpose some time ago —
The Indians at this place told me the same news I heard up the
River & elsewhere, and they seem to understand it as well as a child
does his A. B. C I left that place and nothing of consequence
occurred on my way to this place I arrived here on the 11*" Inst —
PiORlAS 14"' July 1812,
Signed Antoine LeClair
B. Caldwell to Thomas Forsyth
[July, 1812]
Extract from a letter from B. Caldwell to M' Forsyth
You wish me to have some news from the Wabash I will endeavour
to give you a sketch of what is going among the Indians as now occurs
to me but by all means keep it a profoimd secret &c
Why the Indians are all in agitation anxious for war. but wishing to
prolong the time if possible by promising to deliver the murderers up.
provided the Americans will give them time for the Chiefs to execute
their authority amongst their young men which I have it from some of
themselves notwithstanding there is a number of friendly Indians but
what are they against the party thats bent for hostilities
B.C.
256 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
MATTHEW IRWIN TO JOHN MASON
INA:0IA, Lets. Recd.tALS]
Detroit Augt 6. 1812.
Sir, I have on former occasions informed you I should leave Chicago
for this place I therefore left it on the 5'" July & arrived at Mackinac
on the 16'", being the day previous to its Capitulation to the British,
& reached this the 2"* inst.
The packs from the Chicago Trading House (99 in number) have
fallen with several public letters, directed to me, fallen into the hands
of the British.
The quarterly statement ending 30'" June, the Invoice of the
paclcs & other papers, shall be forwarded the first safe opportunity.
The last mail from this, fell into the hands of the Indians. There will
be no safety in leaving this place till they suffer a severe defeat.
Gen' Hull informs me he has left it discretionary with Ga^ the Com*
Officer at Chicago as to the propriety of evacuating that post.
The Indian Traders & a large body of Indians, volunteered, whilst
I was at Mackinac, to take Chicago, but they were assured it could
not be done, without orders from head quarters. This day I have
written to the Sec'' of War.
I have the honor to be, with great respect. Sir, Y' Most Ob' Serv*
M. Irwin
U. S. Factor.
Gen' John Mason, Sup' In. Trade, Georgetown, Dis' Col'
[Addressed] Gen' John Mason, Sup' Indian Trade, Georgetown
Dis' Columbia [Postmarked] Buffaloe 31'" Aug. Free
[Endorsed] 1812 Math* Irwin Detroit 6'" Aug. Recv" Ans advice
of the British having taken 99 packs of fur belonging to Chicago
factory.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Department August 22" 1812.
His Excellency The Governor of Illinois Territory
Sir, I have the honor to inform your Excellency that William
Henry Harrison, Governor of the Indiana Territory, has been ap-
pointed a Brigadier General in the Service of the united States, and
will command on the frontier of the Territories. — He has been in-
structed to communicate with your Excellency relative to calling into
Service Volunteers & Militia; and I am commanded by the President
to request Your Excellency to give aid to the Service, & call out and
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 257
place at his disposal, such portion of the Detached Militia as he may
require.^ —
WILLIAM RUSSELL TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
INA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Camp Edwards/' ye 24'" August, 1812.
Sir, I have fixed on this sight as a proper place for the rangers,
It being sentrel between the Kaskaskia river and the Mississipia: I
keep out constantly small ranging parties from this to each river. The
troops are on the Illert in order to meet events. Two companyes of
the rangers are at this Camp, Two companys at Vincennes, and one
in the State of Ohio, all with instructions to range. Governor Edwards
has sent on to this camp also, two companys of his JNIilitia and says he
will forward on to me two companys in addition to the above,-' these
troops he has prevailed on me to train and exercise in the way I
have taught my rangers, the exercise being easy and Simple, and cal-
culated for men armed with Rifles and Tomhock's. It is the exer-
cise that Gen' Waj-ne, taught me prior to his action with the In-
dian's at the foot of the rapids of the Miami of the lake — My citua-
tion is rather an impleasant one, being compeled to act entirely on
the defensive, had I been at liberty I should have burnt some of
their Towns before this, and that with my small Corps, or perished
in the attempt — My men are geting sickly since we arrived on the
waters of the IMississipia. I have not ordered a Surgeon to attend
them, as the law is silent on that subject. I leave this camp early
tomorrow for the Mississipia, in order to errect a temporary defence
for the company of troops under the command of Lieutenants Ram-
sey and Todd, below the mouth of the Illinois river to guard against
the Indian's by water. The people in these Territorys believe the
ranger's have been the salvation of their frontier's in this quarter, and
approves highly of the plan.
I find the plan of the rangers, having to furnish their ration's very
injurous to the Service, as these men have to range the country for
their provisions, and consequently, from their duty, and at the same
time it operates against them as they are not furnished with their
pay, I believe it would been better for the rangers had they been
20 See Terr. Papers (Ind.), Vin, 187-188, 189-193; Esarey (ed.), Harrison's
Messages and Letters, ii, 81-101 and passim. See a lengthy letter from Edwards
to Harrison, Aug. 26, 1812 (Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp. 338-340), in which are raised
questions of jurisdiction and of command, in the light of the above letter and of
one from Harrison (not seen). See also the Secretary of War to Governor
Howard, Aug. 22, 1812, Terr. Papers (La.-Mo.), xiv, and footnote citations therein.
" A short distance northwest of the present city of Edwards\-ille, 111.
22 See militia order, Aug. 26, 1812 (Edwards, Hist. Ill, p. 340).
258 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
furnished with a ration by the Public, even should they had to pay
25 cents p' ration
I have the honor to be with high respect your obedient Serv* —
W Russell Co1»
7" Commanding ye District.
[Addressed] The honorable William Eustis Esq' Secretary of war
Washington. Mail [PostmaTked] Sydney Grove Sept. 1" FYee
[Endorsed] Camp Edward 24 Aug. 1812 Col. W. Russell States
the situation of his rangers — wishes to act offensively — it bad plan to
make the rangers find their own rations. Rec" Sept 17'" 1812.
NICHOLAS BOILVIN TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
(NA: WD, SWDF: LS]
Washington Augxist 31. 1812.
The Hon'* W" Eustis Secretary at war
Sir About 30 years ago the late M' Dubuc went from Montreal
to Michillimakinac as a clerc to learn the Indian trade; and with his
brother Settled on the Mississippi among the Foxes and Sacs — In the
course of a few years he spent a great deal of money by his generous
manner of acting, he making many presents to the Indians, and re-
fusing in many Instances to take their furs in exchange, contrary to
the custom of traders among them. By that means he gained the
esteem and affection of the Foxes and Sacs, who seeing him worthy
of pity, (as they term it) declared they would always look upon him
as one of their relations and told him: "We have discovered a lead
mine: in this crater you will find a fine vein of that metal, we give it
to you during your life time, live with us and we will always take care
of you.
M' William Tod on his way to New Orleans where he was going to
make a contract with the Baron de Carondelet then Governor of that
province, told M"^ Dubuc, that to erase from his mind all remembrance
of a quarel which had happened some time before between them, he
wished to give him some marks of his friendship and how much land
he wished to have at that place, which might be as valuable as what
he possessed. M"' Dubuc told him that the Indians had given him one
square league — M' Tod without the knowledge of M' Dubuc obtained
from the Baron de Carondelet a grant of six square leagues which he
made a present of to said Dubuc and engaged him to go to S' Louis,
from that time the Indians knew not what Dubuc had done with their
land. After his death, M' Chouteau son as an administrater came
to sell his property.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 259
The Indians were opposed to his landing, saying that the land
belong to them, that no body had a right to take an inch of it. They
came for me at Dog's Prairie, I went to the place where they were all
assembled, and held there a long council with them: They exclaimed
that instead of a friend they had had a traitor among them, who wanted
to take away the subsistence of their wives and children, that they
never would consent to their land being sold. I replied that it was
to pay the debts which he had contracted in the purchase of goods to
cloath them, that to induce the great spirit to receive him with charity
his debts must be paid. They then consented with reluctance to let
his effects be sold, but as soon as the sale was over and the people had
gone away they sat fire to the house and swore never to give up their
land untill they were all dead — It would be useless to enter into a long
detail of what passed at that council, the above is the true substance.
To raise all difficulties and appease the Indians, It would be well
perhaps for the government to refund to the owner of those lands
what they have paid for them and to make a present of them to the
Indians taking from them a mortgage on the said land — This I am
sure would satisfy all parties
All which is humbly submitted to your consideration by Sir Your
very humble Servant
N: BoiLViN agent
[Endorsed] Wash Augt 31. 1812 N. Boilvin relative to a lead mine
among the Sakes & foxes. Rec"* August 31. 1812 Lead Mine
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
INA: WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade Randolph Cty III. Ty 5ep' 2, 1812
Sir Governor Howard writes me that on the night before last he
received by express from Fort Madison intelligence of the capture of
Chicago by the Indians on the 16 Ult."
Colo Bissil also received a letter from Lieut Hamilton confirming
the above account with the loss on our part of 60 killed and 20 men &
10 women taken prisoners and giving assurances that three different
nations of Indians meditate further attacks in 10. or 15. days
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' Mo Obd* Serv*
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble W" Eustis Secretary of War Washington City
" Not seen. For an exhaustive account of the Fort Dearborn massacre see
M. M. Quaife, Chicago and the Old Northwest, with citations to sources, pp. 211-
226; this work also includes a number of sources, pp. 378-436.
260 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
PS. Being recognized as Gov' by your letters & those of the Pay-
master and others at Washington I continue to act without my com-
mission. Very respectfully &c N E
[Endorsed] Elvirade Sept 2. 1812 Gov. N. Edwards States that
he has heard of the fall of Chicago, expects other posts to be attacked.
Rec" Sept 22°'' 1812^*
SECRETARY POPE TO JUDGE THOMAS
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govr. Corr., 1809-13 :CS]
(A Copy) Kaskaskia Sepl' 3'" 1812
Sir I had a conversation last evening with Gov' Edwards in
which he expressed himself in substance as follows "I think that in
the present state of this Territory a Gen' Court ought not to be held
in this County or St. Clair — One half of the Militia is called out & are
ordered to march immediately to the Frontier above Cahokia The
other half ought not to be called from home to attend Court, for in
that event the habitations on the frontier will be left too much ex-
posed He therefore thought it would be well to inform the people
that no Court would be held at the next Term with many other
considerations too tedious to enumerate — I told the Gov' that I
would mention to you & he said that he would be glad that I would —
It is to be distinctly understood that the Gov' did not intend to
interfere with you in your Judicial Capacity, it was merely intended
as an Opinion submitted for your consideration —
You having requested this communication to be reduced to writing
I have now done it
I have the Honor to be very Respectfully y' ob' Serv*
Nat Pope
The Hon"'* Jesse B. Thomas
" No reply found. Other relevant letters from Edwards to the Secretary of
War (NA, WD, SWDF), are dated Aug. 8 (recounting recent moves of the Prophet
and stating he had consented to Governor Howard's request to permit the militia
of Louisiana Territory to cross into Illinois Territory for the safety of the former),
Aug. 15 (advising, among other matters, that he had been acting as Governor
since June 21 without a commission), and Aug. 25 (recommending a different
course of campaign from that proposed by Harrison, and enclosing a copy of a
letter from Governor Scott, Aug. 20, 1812, which is present). These letters are
printed, with the exception of the enclosure mentioned, in Edwards, Hist. III.,
pp. 335-338.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 261
THOMAS FORSYTH TO THE GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA
TERRITORY 2"*
[NA : WD, SWDF, H372 : C]
Copy of a letter from T. Forsyth to His Excellency Governor Howard
Peorias 7'" Sept' 1812
May it please your Excellency, I had the honor of receiving your's
of the 1" ins*-*" And since my arrival from Chicago which was on
the 24*" Ult" I had two letters ready in case any person came up from
S' Louis: but receiving reports that the Indians were coming to
search for Powder I was obliged to destroy them: And as we were
forbidden by the Indians from stirring from this place it was impossible
to send down any person — And when we will be able to get down
to S' Louis, God knows, as there are Indians continually in this place
watching our motions. —
I arrived at Chicago on the IG*"" ult° the day after the dreadful
slaughter of the poor souls of that Garrison — And I shall give you
the particulars as I received them from Mr Kenzie my brother who
was an eye witness to the whole Affair. — Some time in the latter end
of July Cap' Heald received instructions to get Chiefs of the different
nations in the vicinity of Chicago to go to the Council at Piqua.
Mr Kenzie being well versed in Indian Affairs was applied to by
Cap' Heald to assist him in getting the Chiefs to go to the council.
Accordingly 17 Chiefs &c of the Potawatimies, Ottowas, Chippewas
& Winebagoes set out, well satisfied, from Chicago & got to a place
called Terre coupee, distant from Chicago about 90 miles where
they met Cap' Wells, Winemege or Catfish a Potawatimy Chief & 20
or 25 Miamies from Fort Wayne who told them that they must
retiirn back to Chicago with them (Cap' Wells & party) as the Garrison
was to be evacuted and the troops to be marched to F' Wayne:
that all the goods, arms & ammunition which were in the Factory
were to be given to the Indians as Presents. All returned back to
Chicago, where they found a very great number of Indians. Cap'
Heald received from General Hull a letter to evacuate the Garrison
& march his company to Fort Wayne & from thence to Detroit.
The number of souls who were to receive presents amounted to
Seven hundred & sixty odd, among whom there were between 400
& 500 men. Seeing such numbers and others coming in daily it was
thought advisable to destroy the arms, ammunition and Liquor — And
in the course of the night previously to the giving out of the presents,
the Indians suspicious of something of ihe kind, listened & heard
"« Enclosed in Howard to the Secretary of War, Sept. 13, 1812.
"b Not found.
262 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the breaking of the heads of the Kegs of powder — The next day
when the goods were given out the Indians observed, 'there was
no powder' Cap' Wells said that there was none in the Garrison
to give. They replied, they knew there was none now as he had
destroyed the whole, the evening before. Cap' Wells denied the
charge & a few words passed on both sides. — They took the Goods &
all finished.^ — On the 14'" ult° a little before sundown an Indian
arrived with a Belt of Wampum which was sent by the Main Poc
from Fort Maiden, all painted red with vermillion, acquainting the
Indians that the British and their allies had had five pitched battles
with the Americans, and that the British were always successful:
that Gen' Hull was encamped on the British side of the Detroit
River, but that he could not get backward or forward: That the
town & Fort of Detroit was taken by the British, that a vessel would
be sent out shortly to Chicago to furnish the Indians with arms,
ammunition & clothing by their British Father, To immediately
take up the tomahawk and strike the Americans. The discontent
which prevailed among the Indians on account of their not receiving
the ammunition, and this news arriving from so great a man as the
Main Poc made them immediately agree to attack the troops the next
day after they were clear of the Garrison. — Mr K with others advised
the Commandant not to evacuate the place but poor Cap' Wells was
too sanguine — and on Satiu-day the 15'" of Aug' about 10 OClock
the troops amounting to fifty four Officers & Soldiers, ten Citizens
nine women & eighteen children left the Garrison to go to Fort Wayne
When they got about a mile from the Fort, upwards of 400 Indians
followed them and made a general slaughter, not sparing women nor
children. The horrid affair was over in the course of an hour. Thirty
Soldiers including the Doctor & Ensign were killed — 10 Citizens
(being the whole of that class of People) two women & twelve poor
cnildren — Twenty four Soldiers including the Cap' & Lieu' (both
wounded) Six women & six children are Prisoners. Poor Cap' Wells
is among the slain & was butchered in a horrid manner — his heart
taken out & divided among the different Bands. Poor Mrs Heald
niece of Cap' Wells was set down on the ground & the worse that
a savage brute had his arm lifted up to drive the war club into her
head, when a young French Lad who had just caught a mule ran up
& bought the poor Woman. The Indian who claimed Cap' Heald
gave him his liberty to go with his wife contrary to the wishes of many
of the Savages. Three Indians were killed dead and three wounded.
Cap' Heald & Mrs H are both wounded, but luckily they are flesh
wounds. — They are now both at the mouth of S' Joseph's river at
a Mr Burnett's where my brother & family also are, with the little
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 263
remnants of our property — for in this unfortunate affair we have lost
our all & are totally ruined. — ■
After my arrival from Chicago, myself with several others of this
place went up to Gomo's village to know when we could go down
to S' Louis for flour, tobacco &°* as I wished to make a pretence
of this kind to try if possible to sent a letter down, but he gave us
to understand that it would not do now; that we would have time
enough some time hence. Since which the Indians have watched us
very closely. —
'Mackinac was taken some time in July by a party of Indians &
Canadians, headed by Dickson whose character you are acquainted
with & John Askin the Indian Agent of the Island of S' Joseph. That
Post was taken without firing a gun or the loss of a life on either side.
I am informed by an Indian from Gomo's today that the Indians
have received Tobacco from the Main Poc a few days ago, saying,
that Detroit has certainly fallen (as I [blank] this news with some
other party of the Main Poc's speech when I with others was at Gomo's
village some time ago) and for all the Indians to come to him at
Fort Maiden to get goods &"" this same Indian says that a vessel was
seen out in the lake near Chicago but contrary winds blew her off.
When I was at Fort Chicago, the Indians told me that Fort Wayne
would be attacked about the 20'" of Aug' by a great number of
Indians under the command of a Potawatimy Prophet of the Elk's
Heart village — that Fort Madison is to be attacked — as also Fort
Clark (say Fort Osage) on the Missouri. — Forty Kickapoos left their
village a few days ago. Report says thay are gone to the Shawanoe
Prophet. Other reports say they are gone to the settlements on the
Kaskaskias & that sixty more are to follow in a few days — Perhaps
they are gone by this. Today a Party of about 300 Indians leave
Gomo's & Shequenebec's villages to go down to make war against the
settlements or Block Houses — They are headed by Gomo & Sheque-
nebec; and he (Shequenebec) has been heard to say that 'the Great
Spirit will deliver him a Fort. The Shawanoe Prophet's party will
consist in a short time of 900 or 1000 Warriors, as all the Winebagoes
from rockey river are going to that place — as also a mmiber of Pota-
watimies from S* Joseph's. — I saw, when at Chicago, the murderers
of Coles's party & of the families of vincennes. One of them said
that as soon as he got home he meant immediately to pay a visit to
the Vincennes People. — And you may rely, Lf Fort Harrison is not
well guarded, that the Indians will make a tremendous attack on the
whole country of Vincennes. I would advise you therefore to ac-
quaint Governor Harrison to be guarded in every quarter, other-
wise they will make great havock. You may rely that an Indian War
is inevitable.
264 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
The Kickpoos who formerly lived about Portage des Sieux meditate
an attack on your frontier shortly — Indeed the die is cast and the U
States may expect nothing but war from the Indians as you will hear
in a very few days — And unless the whole frontiers of Michigan,
Indiana, this (say Illinois) and your territory (say Missouri) are very
well guarded, you may rely that a very great havock will be made on
the poor People in the several Settlements. Your Excellency is too
well acquainted with the mode of Indian warfare not to know that
when they once run they know not where to stop. Vigilance is the
great point, — and handled roughly in any one place once or twice,
they seldom return but go elsewhere — Therefore I would advise the
Governors of the different territories to set, immediately, all in motion
against the Indians & to make use of every advantage against such
barbarians which 'God & nature have put into their hands' for your
Excellency may be assiu-ed that no conciliatory measures will do — the
time is past for that & a War of extermination must do the business.
The Sackies, Foxes & Sieux are all waiting to see how their brethren
come on. When an opportunity offers it will be like a Clap of thunder.
Take good care of the Sackies! They are deceitful People — 50 of
them went to Detroit say Maiden last Spring & the Main Poc wanted
them much to stay; but after they got their presents they all came off
except ten who are now there and Tecumseh with his 10 or 12 followers
who went to Maiden for ammunition are also there. Better those two
men should be there than in this Country. —
Your Excellency is well acquainted with my situation at this place.
For God's sake don't mention my name to any person, for if the
French get hold of it my life is gone. I expect Gomo & his party here
in two days. After you hear of their doing some mischief, you can
send up a person by land on the west side of this river; but by no
means let him come along the water's edge, but keep out from the
river a great distance — Don't you write by him — let Col" Chouteau
on mercantile affairs — about his boat he expects from 'Mackinac or
some other affair — & let him arrive here in the night & come straight
to my house. lanace Demouchelle or Mettee who lives with Gov
Edwards, are the only two in your country (whom I know) who are
fitting for a business of this kmd. Let them take care that there are
no Indians in my House before they make too much noise.
Report says that Gomo & his Party will go down a short distance
in canoes, as they are fearful of falling in with your boat, particularly
as they understand she has Swivels on board. It is impossible to tell
what place this party will attack, as they don't know themselves imtil
they get off. Probably also it may]^consist]|of||more than][300 as^I
understand that the Fox River Indians are coming down as also some
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 265
from Millwaker & Sandy Creek. In that case it may consist of 400
warriors
In haste, I remain, Your Excellency's most obt Servant
Signed T. Forsyth
SECRETARY POPE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, ni. Terr. Papers :ALS]
Illinois Territory Sept' 8"" 1812
Sir I have the honor to transmit inclosed My Semi annual return
of the Proceedings of the Governor in his executive Capacity ^^ &
have the Honor to be very Respectfully Y"' ob' Hum"' Serv'
Nat Pope
The Hon"'* James Monroe Sec'' of State Un. States—
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Head Quarters Camp Russel Madison County
Illinois Territory Sepf 21. 1812
Sir The perilous situation of this territory is now becoming so
manifest that I am sending off my family to Kentuckey shall secure
my papers and do the best I can to defend this country with the forces
I have collected at this place.
I have not a man to assist me beyond those I have raised in the
territory except Lieuts Ramsey & Todd and some regulars under
thier command, and these refuse to obey my orders unless Colo Russel
shall direct them to do so. On the Recet of your letter on that sub-
ject, I requested some troops immediately of the Gov'' of Kentucky
they were promised but not one has arrived.
Not a man whom I have had in service since the S'" of March has
received a cent of pay — they are extremely much distressed for the
want of it and are becoming dissatisfied. And if I can neither get
money, to pay these I have called into service here, nor Troops else-
where you must be convinced that I cannot defend the country much
longer.
Not doubting your desire to have those troops paid, I beg leave to
recommend a plan that will prevent your wishes on this subject from
being disappointed —
I have a regiment in service, & have prevailed on M"" Pope the
Secretary to consent to accept of the appointment of pay master to
it — I have sought a character of high standing hoping thus in conse-
" Mar. 1, 1812, to Aug. 31, 1812, Terr. Papers (111.), xvii, Register.
266 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
quence thereof the choice might be approved by you and the neces-
sary funds be transmitted direct to him — Nothing but patriotism
would induce him to take this trouble upon himself
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' Mo Obd' S'
NiNiAN Edwards
[Addressed] The Hon"'* William Eustis Secretary at War Wash-
ington. Free
[Endorsed] Camp Russell— Sept. 21. 1812 Gov. N. Edwards States
the impossibility of defending that country unless supported with
men & money — His troops want pay — M' Pope, the Sec" will be P.
Master Rec^ Oct. 9. 1812 ^»
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Department October 7'" 1812.
His Excellency Nin" Edwards Gov' of the Illinois Territory —
Sir, Your Excellency's letters of Sept' 8'" " & 12"' -' have been
received. General Harrison, who is charged with the defence of all
the Western Frontier, has, as will appear by the inclosed Extract, -''
made Arrangements for the defence of the Illinois, and it is presumed
he will communicate with your Excellency in relation to his op-
erations. ^ —
" No reply found.
" There is a letter of Sept. 8, 1812, printed in Edwards, Hiil. III., p. 342, which
is identical with one under date of Sept. 12, 1812, in NA (WD, SWDF), in which
Governor Edwards, in referring to Harrison's recall of Russell and his forces to
Vincennes, asks whether the Governor of a Territory possesses any authority
over the rangers and regular troops within his Territory. There is no letter of
Sept. 8, 1812, in the files in NA. See, in the same connection, Edwards to the
Secretary of War, Sept. 6, 1812 (NA, op. eit., printed, Edwards, op. cit., pp. 340-
342), expressing astonishment at Russell's recall, and stating that he and Harrison
disagreed on the meaning of the Secretary's letter of July 9, ante, p. 243.
«» See n. 27, supra.
" Not seen.
»» Answered Jan. 2, 1813 (NA, loe. eil., printed, Edwards, op. eit., pp. 345-346),
stating that Harrison's plan for the protection of the Territory rather than
Edwards's had apparently been accepted, and reviewing at length the military
operations in Illinois during the previous fall.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 267
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Department October 24'" 1812.
His Excellency Ninlvn Edwards Gov"' of the Illinois Territory
Kask"
Sir, Your Excellency's letter of the 14'" Instant is received. '' —
Herewith inclosed you will receive an Extract of a letter from
General Harrison, which shews that pro\asion is made for such Rein-
forcements as may be necessary. ^^ —
Lieutenant 'WTiitlock the District pay Master has funds & Instruc-
tions " for pajang the Rangers and Militia. '* —
JOHN MASON TO MATTHEW IRWIN
[NA:OIT, Supt. Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
Indian Office 27 Oct 1812
Math" Irwin Esq late factor for the U S at Chicago
Sir In consequence of the factory at Chicago having been broken
up by the events of the war, and it being uncertain in the present
state of things whether it will be re established — I am directed by the
President of the United States to inform you that after the expiration
of the present quarter your services as factor cannot be longer engaged
— that your salary will however be continued untill that time it
being understood that during that period you consider yourself ready
to perform such duties, as may be required of you as one of the officers
attached to this ofRce '^ —
I am &c &c J, M, S I, T,
»' NA (WD, SWDF), printed, Edwards, Hist. III., p. 343. The endorsement on
the letter gives Oct. 14, but the date line on the original is Oct. 4, 1812.
*- The letter, dated Oct. 15, 1812, is printed in full in Esarey (ed.), Harrison's
Messages and Letters, n, 179-181.
" See Robert Brent, paymaster general, to Edwards, July 20, Nov. 7, and Nov.
19, 1812 (Edwards Papers, CHS, printed, Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers, CHC,
UI, 78-79, 83-84, 84-85).
»< Answered Dec. 25, 1812 (NA, WD, SWDF, printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp.
343-345), denying Harrison's charge that he was responsible for the defenceless
state of the Territory; it is a lengthy vindication of Edwards's policy.
« See T. Fackle to Bathhurst, no date, 1812 (WHC, xx, 1-12K expressing the
opinion that it was fortunate for the British that Fort Dearborn had fallen;
and that the American factory system, though but meagerly supported by the
U. S. Congress, had been successful to the extent that it seriously threatened
British control of the Indians. See also Dickson to Jacob Franks, Oct. 2 and
Oct. 14, 1812, ibid., pp. 291-293, relative to articles for the Indian trade and
stating that regular troops were expected from England.
268 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
JUDGE STUART TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, Resignations :ALS]
Richmond October 28*" 1812
Sir — As the time approaches, when the President of the United
States will have to appoint a Governor in & over the Illinois Territory;
I think it a duty I owe the public, to state through you to M'' Madison;
that the gentleman who has fill" that office for the last three years,
has in my humble opinion discharged the trust confided to him with
firmness impartiality and wisdom — I should not have taken the liberty
of saying so much; did I not know with what facility any person may
be misrepresented who resides at so great a distance from the seat
of Government — I presume it is unnecessary to add that Governor
Edwards is a friend to the administration; he was a warm advocate
for the war when I saw him last — I shall be at the next Gen' Court
to be holden in Illinois after which I shall tender to the president
my Commission in consequence of the unhealthiness of the Country
I am very respectfully
Alex' Stuart
[Addressed\ The Hon"' James Monroe Washington [Postmarkedi
Richmd. Va Oct 31 Free Mail
[Endorsed] 28 Oct. 1812 Judge Stuart.
WILLIAM RUSSELL TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Camp Russell, ye 31'' October 1812—
Sir, This will inform you that I arrived at this place from Vin-
cennes, after Gen' Hopkins had marched his mounted rifle men up to
fort Harrison, I took on with me part of three Company's of the
United States Rangers where I was Joined by Gov' Edwards with his
mounted riflemen,^* the whole of our strength only amounted to 360
privates, we penetrated very far in the Indian Country with an
expectation of Cooperating with Gen' Hopkins, who by appointment
was to meet us at the Peoria, on the Illinois River, in this we were
sadly disappointed as we could get no intelligence of his Army, this
prevented us from doing as much damage to the Indian's, as otherwise
we could have done; as our numbers were to week to make any delay
in that quarter as this was farther then any troop's had hitherto
•• On Oct. 6, 1812, Gen. Samuel Hopkins, who was charged by Harrison with the
defense of Indiana Territory, ordered Russell to return to Illinois Territory with
his companies of rangers and to proceed up the Illinois River towards Peoria.
See Hopkins to Harrison, Oct. 6, 1812 (Esarey, ed., Harrison's Messages and
LeUers, ii, 162-163).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 269
penetrated — " We stole a march upon the Selabrated Pemertams
Town, situated about twenty one miles above Peoria, and immediately
at the head of the Peoria, Lake, this was a well built Town, and con-
tained a number of Indian's, between the Town, and river was a
dismal Swamp in which they immediately flew for shelter, returning
a few scattering shots, our men nobly persued them through the
Swamp for three miles up to their waist's in mud and water, and killed
some of them in the Swamp, and also others as they were crossing the
Illinois river, the men also persued them to the oposite bank, and
brought back some of their canoes and several dead bodys — The Gov'
states, to be upwards of twenty killed of the enemy. This was a
flourishing Town, with an immence deal of Indian plunder in it,
togather with a great deal of corn, all of which was committed to the
flaime's. I believe no less then Eighty horses fell into our hands
belonging to the Enemy. Several white persons scalp were also
found amongst their plunder — I had the immediate command of the
Battallion, and the Supream Command was retaind by his Excellency
the Governor — On this expedition we were fortunate, we had but four
men wounded, non of which is mortal. This tour was performed
from this camp and back to the same place in thirteen days — I am at
this time trying to permote an expedition in the same quarter, should
Gen' Hopkin's not decend as low as that point, and for that perpose
have addressed a letter to his excellency Gov'' Howard. My object
would be to go up the Mississippia river as high as fort Mason, then
make a dash across to the Illinois river, this would compleatly ketch
them of their gard, however to this letter I have as yet received no
answer — As G. Edwards will give a more full detail of this subject ^
then I can do at the present I shall not tire your patience further —
I have the honor to be with high respect your obd' Serv* —
W Russell Col"
7'" & District Commandant.
[Addressed] The honorable William Eustis Esq'' Washington. Mail
[Endorsed] Camp Russell 31. Oct 1812 Colonel Russell Stating
his operations & his destruction of an Indian Town — is about another
expedition— ReC* Dec'^ 5*" 1812
" See Shelby to Harrison, Nov. 7, 1812, ibid., pp. 201-202, explaining the
failure of Hopkins. See also Thomas E. Craig to Edwards, Nov. 16 and Dec.
10, 1812 (Edwards Papers, CHS, printed, Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers,
CHC, III, 85, 86-90), relative to the same campaign; in the second letter he
severely criticizes Thomas Forsyth.
" See Edwards to the Secretary of War, Nov. 18, 1812 (Edwards, Hist. III., pp.
69-72), embodying a full account of the expedition. In a second letter to id.,
Dec. 25, 1812, ibid., pp. 343-345, Edwards defends his conduct against Harrison's
charges of incompetence.
270 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Ty. Nov^ 8. 1812
Sir I have the honor to enclose an address from the legislature
of this territory to the President of the United States ^° — ■
I have the honor to be Very respectfully, Sir Y' Mo Obd' S*
NiNiAN Edwards
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia Nov 8 1812 Gov N Edwards transmits an
address of the Legislature to the President. Rec" Jan'' 1. 1812
COMMISSION OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA: SD, Misc. Perm. Comms., D:C1
[November 20, 1812]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Pa-
triotism, Integrity and Abilities of Ninian Edwards, of Kentucky,
I have nominated, and by and with the advice and Consent of the
Senate do appoint him Governor in and Over the Illinois Territory;
and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties
of that office according to Law;*" and to Have and to Hold the said
Office, with all the powers, privileges and Emoluments to the same
of right appertaining for the term of three years from the day of the
date hereof, unless the President of the United States for the time
being should be pleased sooner to revoke and determine this
Commission.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be made
patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington the Twen-
L.S. tieth day of November a.d. 1812; and of the Independence
of the U States of America, the Thirty Seventh.
James Madison
By the President
Jas Monroe Secy of State
" Not present.
*> Nominated Nov. 13 and confirmed Nov. 18, 1812 (Senate Exee. Journal,
II, 303, 305).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 271
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY THE TERRITORIAL
LEGISLATURE
[NA:WD,SWDF:DS]
Illinois Territory 30'" November 1812
We the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of Said
Territorj' —
Beg leave to Represent —
That the firm and Unavoidable Policy that dictated the offensive
measures against our oppressors (Great Britain) has Subjected our
frontier to the murderous Tomahawk of a host of the most inhuman
and ferocious of enemies. A War with a Savage foe is too alarming,
and awful to be long sustained by a people thinly scattered over so
Vast a frontier Settlement as ours without a great sacrifice of life
and property. The alarm of Indian War is indiscribably distressing
to a people Circumstanced as are the people of this Territory and
joined to which, our Country is now the Seat of Indian War —
Being Influenced by the foregoing considerations we take the Lib-
erty of Recommending that you Represent our Situation to the General
Government, and Request (the natural guardians of our Safety and
prosperity) that measures be speedily adopted, which will have for
their object, the Subjugation or total extermination of those faithless
Sons of the forest—
The Commander in Chief of this Territory (Gov"' Edwards) with
the limited means he Possessed has so far been Successful in preserving
the lives of our frontier Citizens, that by a well timed and forced march,
he had the Good fortune to obtain a brilliant Victory over a consider-
able part of the Kikapoos. Potowatamees and Miamies. at their own
town on Peoria Lake, But it is to be feared, that the Patriotic Spirit
which Stimulated many Voluntarily to join his Standard will not
again perhaps manifest itself, without some positive assurance of a
corresponding remuniration for the Sacrifice and peril incident to a
Soldiers life — nor can any effective Operations be carried on without
an Organised body of mounted Troops habituated to the Indian
mode of warfare. Acquainted with their IManners and their country,
and determined on Success. Such men to the number of four com-
panies could (if sufficient inducement was held out) we are persuaded,
be raised in our Country By IMajor John Moredock, a Citizen of our
Territory, who held a Distinguished rank and acted a Meritorious part
in the late campaign under Governor Edwards, his known Valour and
fitness for Atchievement of that kind, has gained him the confidence
of the Bravest and best of our Indian Warriors. With Such men as he
could Raise in a short time and Officer, it is confidently believed, that
he could frequently by forced marches and Surprise route out those
272 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
British blood hounds from their Towns and hunting Camps and
Compleatly cover our frontier —
We further presume to observe that those Troops ought to be
engaged for one year unless sooner discharged. Without pretending
to dictate, we must observe that a Strong post at Peoria which might
be erected by those Troops, would Serve (when Garrisoned by two
Companies of Regulars) as a Rallying point from whence they might
Occasionally make Incursions into the Indian Towns and hunting
camps. In the Vicinity of that place, and the Illinois River —
On Motion Resolved that the foregoing Petition be Signed by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Legisla-
tive councel and be transmitted to the Governor of this Territory
Requesting him to forward the Same to our Delegate in Congress to
be by him laid before the National Legislature— and the President of
the United States —
Geo Fisher
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Pierre Menard President of the Council.
[Endorsed] Petition of the Legislative Council, and House of Repre-
sentatives of the Illinois Territories. 6'" January, 1813. Ref" to the
Committee on Military Affairs. 12"" Jan'' 1813. Committee dis-
charged and ref to the Secretary of War. " Disch ref"" sec War M'
Bond ref" Military Com
MEMORIAL TO THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS BY
CITIZENS OF THE TERRITORY
[NA:SD, ni. Terr. Papers:DS]
ILINOI Teritory Big Creek Settlement— [December 6, 1812]
To his Excellency the president, and Congress of the united States
The Memorial, of the undersigned Citizens of the united States
Humbly Sheweth — That whereas Many thousands poor Industrious
Inhabitants, faithful Citizens of the United States, are now Struggling
under heavy Burthens for the want of a necessary portion of the soil
of the united States; and whereas many Millions of acres of land, lying
West of the river Ohio and Mississippi, are unoccupied, and are likely
to lie so for many Years, unless some provisions are made for the more
speedy Settlement thereof — you Memorialists solicit that Some More
favorable measures May be taken, that the poor Industrious people
may obtain a Sufficient Quantity of land for the support of them and
*' House Journal, vni, 609, 613. See passage in Edwards to the Secretary of
War, Dec. 25, 1812 (Edwards, Hist. III., pp. 344-345), containing a criticism of
the proposal.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 273
their families to Enable them to enjoy the sweets of liberty and inde-
pendence and so become useful and loyal Citizens. — Many have hither-
to been Cruelly oppressed, for want of their equal natural rights:
many of us. Who fought for Independence, and Sufered every thing
but death, are now in a State of Indigence, and can not enjoy the
Common Comforts of life; and the lands for which we have fought,
are at this time So dear, and money so Scarce that it is Impossible for
us to purchase (at that rate) a Sufficient Quantity to produce the
Comforts of life, and enable us to enjoy the realities of Independence, —
It is impossible for us (without Stooping to the mean paths of
Intrigue which We Scorn) to remedy ourselves In the present Crisis.
We humbly Conceive, that the Most grievous Complaints among the
white people of America have been Occasioned by being Cruelly
deprived of our original right of Inheritance We Conceive, that every
free Male Citizen of the united States at 18 years of age and upwards;
and every female head of a family, ought to be allowed to hold a
Sufficient Quantity of what is Called Congress Land for their
Support that no one ought to be allowed to hold more than 200
acres by Improvement, We humbly Conceive, that if Each Citizen
aforesaid, was allowed to hold 200 acres of land by Improvement
at 12}2 Cents pr acre payable In 7 years (without Interest) after
Settlement, that the taxes arising from them, would Soon produce
a greater revenue, than disposing of the lands In the present way—
We also Conceive that being put in possession of freeholds Estates,
would produce loyalty in each Citizen prevent Rebellions, remove
animosities. Cement an union, and promote happiness throughout each
department of the family of the united States We your memorialists
humbly pray, that this subject May be taken more fully Into Con-
sideration, be laid before the Senate and Representatives of the
union, and such Measures taken as Shall be Conducive of the general
good, Nothing but a compliance with our reasonable requests Can
emancipate us from Civil Oppression, and raise us to the dignified
rank of free bom Americans, In hopes of obtaining oiir request, your
memorialists in duty bound will Ever pray
December the 6'" Day 1812
Tho^ Morrow Sn' Jonas Long
James C Miller William Standley
Nathan' Turner John Morrow
Lenard Price Thomas Sumner
Thomas Rattan Spencer Summer
John Sumner Dennis Standley
Abraham Womack Stephen Standly
Thomas Morrow Jn'' Elisha Hall
James Hall J' Richard Lee
John Jorney Steward Claton
Nathan Story Joseph Plummer
274
TERRITORIAL PAPERS
William Summers
Joseph Jackson
Samuel Durry
Alexander Green
John Willis
David Morrow
James Johnson
James Morrow Snr
James Morrow Jnr
elisha Coulbird
David Sheely
Jon Smith
Benj Walden
William pitchford
Abraham Smith
Amos Chandler
Daniel Chandler
Pleasant Rose
Evans Smith
Amanuel Madcalf
Henry Persons
John Vineyard
Thompson Haris
Peter Etter
James Lee Jnr
James Lee Snr
Benjamin Lee
Joseph Easters
Chisum Estes
Daniel Dedrick
ElsBury Sparks
Alfred Wood
Joseph Riley
Andrew Jackson
John Morris
Isom Clay
John Jackson
David Tade
George Jackson
Ja' M 'Parian
Ezekel Clay
Nathaniel Hutson
Hampton Pankey
W" Frizell
Benjamin Browning
Jeremiah Neel
Daniel Vineyard
Joshua Williams
West Westly
Samuel Omelveny
Thomas Morow
James Russell
James, D, Russel
David. B, Russel
Michl Robison
Nathan Hearn
Thomas Boatright
Stephen Stilly
John Stilly
David Stilly
Randal Casy
David Self
Gabrial greathouse
William Andrew
David Pusley
Pleasent Rose
John Robison
Jacob Andrewson
William Morris
Richard Bennet
James Lee, Jun
William Panky
Da\id Morris
Erven Morris
Colemon Hooe
Nathan P campell
William Jackson
James Wilson
Benoney Lee
Joseph Estrech "
Isaac Pyle
James Lee senr
John King
Elleksander Parkenson
Wiley hutson
Benjamin Sparks
James Wilson
Willim Wilson
Straingman Modglin
ASalum Sparks
Jacob Gross
Obed Johnson
John W Womack
John Stobaugh
W" Morgan
David Cooper
Vance Lusk
Thomas Wales
Henry Bateman **
Enoch Davis
" Doubtful reading.
** Or Boleman.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 275
Baywell Davis John S. Pattillo
Nathan Clampet David Taylor
Thomas Gill George Taylor
John Vineyard Jacob Self
Walter M''Coy Nathaniel Armstrong
Sampson Dunn Larkin Kesterson
Right Taylor John Tilly
Nicholas Taylor Peter Hammond
[Endorsed] Petition of people of the Illinois Territory to the President
& Congress Dec. 6. 1812 «
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOSEPH POLLARD
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
Dec' 7. 1812
Mr. Joseph Pollard, Louisville Ky.
Complaints and such as appear to be well founded, are made
against the incompetency of your riders and horses on the Kaskaskia
route, look well to this charge, and to be under the necessity of taking
this mail out of your hands would be very unpleasant to this office
and unprofitable to you.
GGr.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO GEORGE ROBINSON
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
Dec' 7, 1812
Geo: Robinson Esq' P. M. Shawanee Town Ind Ter
I have received yours of Novr 19," if M"' Pollard does forfeit his
Contract it is probable we may tender you the conveyance of the
mail to Kaskaskia that is now confided to him —
GGr
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE PRESIDENT
[LC: Madison Papers :ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory Dec' 9. 1812
Sir According to the request of the legislature of this territory
I have the honor to enclose an address from that body to you.''*
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' Mo Obd* S'
NiNiAN Edwards
[Addressed] The President of the US
*' No entry in the Journals of Congress has been seen indicating that the
memorial was presented.
« Not found.
*' Not present. The reference may be to the memorial printed ante, p. 272.
314574 — 48 19
276 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JUDGE GRISWOLD
|PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
Deer 12. 1812
Hon"'* Stanley Griswold, Kaskaskia II. Ter:
I am favoured with your letter of Novr 17/' I very much regret
to leai'n that failures are suffered to take place in the transmission
of the mail, to guard against such occurrences, I issued two sets of
circulars one I addressed to the contractors, urging them to a prompt
and faithful discharge of their duties, the other was addressed to
Postmasters, requiring them to dispatch expresses, whenever a failure
or delay takes place, by this time I calculate that one of my circular
letters has reached M' Arundel,'" and he will then find, that I have
made it his duty to dispatch expresses, we received intelligence on the
7"' ins of Pollards negligence and we instantly took measures to put
him right —
G Gr
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY CITIZENS OF THE
TERRITORY "
(LC:HF, 12 Cong., 2 sess.tDS]
[Referred December 16, 1812]
To the Honorable the Senate & House of Representatives of the United
States in Congress assembled.
We your petitioners Citizens and Inhabitants of the Illinois Territory
respectfully sheweth To your Honorable body, that under the im-
pression that a Land office would shortly be opened for the sale of
the Public lands in this Territory we were indued to remove to it
and have made such improvements as were necessary To carry on
our respective occupations, depending Entirely on the mercy and
Equanimity of our Gov^ernment & the Justice of our cause for redress,
We therefore pray your Honorable body that a Law may pass Giving
the actual setler the prevalige of entering the Quarter Section of Land
Includig his impovement paying to the United States the stipulated
price set on their Lands & in the same way that other Lands that are
Enterd are paid for and that when a settlement has been made and
the resident from In ability Does not Enter the Quarter Section on
which he resides and it shall be sold to the highest bider that the
purchacer shall be obliged to pay the setler the value of his improve-
ment and Doo Such other things as to you in your wisdom may seem
meet and your petitioners as In Duty bound will Ever pray &c
" Not found.
" Ante, p. 192.
•' Enclosed in a covering letter from Governor Edwards to the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, Mar. 30, 1812 (LC, HF).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY
277
Leonard White
Ja" Ratcliff
Tho= Shannon
Wm West
Benj" Cummins
Tho= Robinson
Geo. Robinson
John Robinson
WiUiam Robinson
Alex"' Robinson
George Robinson Jun'
Thompson Harris
John C Slocum
Isaac Casey-
James Ratliff
Joseph Fisher
Ritchard Rathff
Nathaniel Armstrong
W" Penney
Jeames Heley
Hiram Penney
W" Panky
John Woods
Ezekiel Clay
Richard Stiles
Wiley hutson
Wilham Stiles
Jacob T Swofford
Lewis Watkins
John King
Peter Etter
Asa Ledbetter
John Wallace
James Andrew
W" Casey
Edward Haley
James Fisher
Rivers Cormack
Arthur M'^Cree
Sparling Younge
Emanuel Madcaft
Elisha Browning
Elias Jurdan
James Gordan
Aron Neal
W" Jordan
David Shelby
Isaac Shelby
Wm. Jordon
Welding Manning
Ernis Chandler
Benjamin Talbott
Bennoney Lee
Joseph Estes
Dickeson Garrett
Chisom " Estes
James Ford
W°> Wood
W° Chisholm
Bennoney Lee
David Self
James Lae
Manning Rose
B° Ri Smith
Georg Ragland
Thomas Mazes
Thomas Wilson
[MS.torn]han Davis
Edmd Rose
John morris
William Mechegee
Henry Mechegee
Warner Buck
Frederick Buck
John Riche
Nimrod Talor
Dennis Clay
John Mitchell
W" M-^Coy
haly Bags
Joseph Carey
Isaac Moss
John Richey
Enty Richey
Zekel Macoy
Walter Macoy .
Brice banner
W" Cayton
Jessie Wadke
Edward D Prather
William Whitford
W-" Daniel
William Gordon
Jo° Pumroy
Humphrey Leach
William Wheeller
John Damwood
John Georg
»2 See Norton (ed.). III. Census Returns (IHC, xxiv), 250.
278 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Moris M Rawlings Juvriel Gravlin
John Choissen " Ezekiel Clay
Samuel Cermak Mason Harper
Merril Willis Roger Glass
William Willis Dudley Glass
William Ellis Joseph Fisher
James Morriss Rufus Inman
John Wilson James CrafTord
John Robinson David Standlee
Matt" Thomspon John Wallis
Ja» M'Farlan W" Ratlif
Carraway Gates Elisha Ratlif
Al' ** Wilson David lowry
Elmo Chaffin A Blair
John H Cayton Francis Pash
W" Mekkele John Ratlif
Henry Kenyon Alen Miller
William Ellis James Flemming
William Akers Beja Walden
James Wright Solomon Redfern
Jacob Legg
[Endorsed] Petition of sundry inhabitants of the Inhabitants of the
Illinois Temtory. 16 Decem' 1812. Ref"* to the Committee on the
public Lands— 28 Dec' 1812. Report made and bill presented.'* M'
Bond " ref <• lands
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JAMES RATCLIFFE
[PO;P.M. Letter Book R]
December 17, 1812
James Ratcliffe Esq' P. M, U. S. Saline Ind. Ter;
I am very much obliged by your communication of Nov"' 20""' and
measures are taken to correct the negligence of the contractor M'
Pollard.—
GGr
" Doubtful reading.
>* Home Journal, viii, 580, 597. The report is in LC (HF), and is printed
A.S.P., Pub. Lands, ii, 751; it was unfavorable to the full extent of the prayer of
the petitioners. See act approved Feb. 5, 1813 (2 Stat. 797-798).
»' Shadrach Bond; he was the nephew of the Shadrach Bond who figured promi-
nently in the Illinois Country during the Northwest Territory and Indiana Terri-
tory periods, and who died in 1812. Authentic biographical sketches of both
Bonds are offered by Philbrick in Laws Ind. Terr., 1801-1809, pp. ccxlvi-ccxlix.
Consult also Terr. Papers (N.W.), II and in, and ibid. (Ind.), vil, indexes, under
"Bond, Shadrach." The present Shadrach Bond was elected as the first terri-
torial Delegate to Congress from Illinois, Oct. 10, 1812, and continued as such
until his appointment as receiver of the land office at Kaskaskia, Apr. 27, 1814.
" Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 279
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO GEORGE ROBINSON
[PO:P. M. Letter Book R]
Deer 17, 1812
George Robinson Esq"' P. M. Shawanee Town, Ind. Ter,
I wish you whenever the mail fails, On the route leading from
Hendersonton to Kaskaskia to dispatch an express for or with the
mail as the case may be, for each trip twenty one dollars or in that
proportion for any part of the route, the mail to go through in seven
days, I pray your attention to this business—
G. Gr.
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY JAMES BRYAN & COMPANY
[LC:HF, 12 Cong., 2 sess.: DS]
[Referred December 18, 1812]
The Honorable, the Senate & House of Representatives of the U. S. of
America in Congress assembled.
Your petitioners, James Bryan & Co. of the Missouri Territory
having discovered in the Illinois TeiTitory a mine of Antimony, and
wishing to work the same, humbly pray that you will authorize by
law, a lease to your petitioners, of three square miles of the land of
the U. S. including said discovery, for the tenn of ten years, reserving
to the U. S. such percentage on the proceeds of said mine, in con-
sideration of said lease, as to them may seem proper: and your
petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
James Bryan & Co
[Endorsed] Petition of James Bryan & Co. of the Illinois territory.
18. Decem"' 1812. Ref* to the Committee on the Public Lands.
M^ Bond, ref* lands.^'
RESOLUTION OF THE TERRITORIAL ASSEMBLY
[LC:HF, 12 Cong., 2 sess.:E]
In General Assembly December 22" 1812
Whereas from the Establishment of a Land Office in this Territory
several years ago a general opinion prevail'd that the Public Land
would shortly thereafter be offered for sale whereby the great Majority
of the Citizens now residing in the Territory were induced to move
into it and settle themselves hoping that they would have an oppor-
tunity of purchasing the Land they occupied before they had made
such ameliorations thereon as would tempt the Competition of avari-
cious Speculators in which reasonable expectation they have been
w House Journal, vin, 583.
280 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
hitherto disappointed in consequence of the unexampled postpone-
ment of the sales owing to Causes well understood and which it is
unnecessary to detail. — And Whereas those good People have made
valuable and permanent improvements on the Land they thus
occupied (at the same time that they have serv'd their Country as
useful orderly Citizens and have risqued their Lives in defending it
against the barbarous Savages who invaded it) but are now in danger
of losing the whole value of their Labor by Competition at the sales
or by the Holders of unlocated Claims being permitted to locate on
their improvements And Whereas the far greater portion of those
unlocated Claims are in the hands of a few Individuals who acquired
them on easy terms and few of whom were to be found among the
brave Volunteers whose services have lately saved our Country from
the ravages of a Savage Enemy whilst those Meritorious Settlers
compos'd the body of those Volunteers And Whereas it is not to be
supposed that the United States would wish to avail themselves of
the enhanc'd Value of those Lands from the labor of others And it
would be manifestedly unjust that it should fall into the hands of
Speculators or the Holders of unlocated Claims — Therefore be it
resolv'd by the Legislative Council and House of Representatives that
our Delegate in Congress be requested to use his best Exertions to
prevail on Congress to pass a Law authorizing actual Settlers to
Locate any unlocate<i Claim on their improvements and that each
and every person holding any unlocated Claims shall be intitled to
Locate such Claims on unlocated Lands which are in the bounds
prescrib'd by the Commissioners & within the Settlements and that
such Location shall join some other Located Lands unless they inter-
fere with some improvements And whereas by a Law of Congress
regular Soldiers are allow'd a Quarter Section of Land with Food &
Clothing and all the necessary Equipments for War exclusive of their
Wages: it is reasonable & just that the Citizens of our Country who
furnish their own Equipments and on whose gallantry the safety of
our Country depends should receive an equivalent Bounty from the
general Government or if neither of those measures can be obtain'd
that the said Settlers shall have a right to sue any purchaser or holder
of unlocated Claims who may purchase or appropriate to himself or
herself such improvements and recover the value thereof and that the
Lands so purchas'd or located by such purchaser or holder of an un-
located Claim shall be held liable for the value of the improvem.ents
thereon. Resolv'd That this resolution be transmitted to our delegate
in Congress by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the
President of the Council-
Extract from the Journals of both Houses
Att: W" C Greenup Clk. H.R
J. Thomas, C.l.k. L.C.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 281
[Endorsee?] Resolutions of the legislature of the Illinois territory.
8 February-, 1813. Ref'^ to the Committee on the public lands.*"
M'' Bond ref"* lands M' Bond
KASKASKIA LAND COMIMISSIONERS TO THE SECRETARY
OF THE TREASURY
[NA:SF, 12 Cong., 2 sess.:LS «•]
Commissioners Office Kaskaskia January 4'" 1813.
Sir, The Commissioners appointed in pursuance of the act of the
20*" February 1812,'^- for the purpose of enquiring into the validity of
Claims which were derived from confirmations made or pretended to
be made by the Governors of the North West and Indiana Territories
respectively with much trouble and difficulty have performed that
arduous duty. But before we enter into a detail of the accompanying
documents, beg leave to obserA-e — That on the 13'" of July last, we
met at our Office in the Town of Kaskaskia and consulted the law
under which we have the honor to act; from a view of which it was
perceived that the Office of agent to the Board was created, who not
appearing our progress was for sometime impeded and anxiously
waiting his arrival, but beleiving this Officer had not been appointed
we determined to proceed to the proposed investigation without his
aid or assistance — whereupon we came to the resolution to summon a
number of the most ancient & respectable inhabitants of the several
villages and settlements and examine them touching the validity of the
claims before us. From such a course it was perceived the Board
would be enabled to approve the claims which would be supported by
that respectable testimony — and such claims as were not thus sup-
ported should be considered as impeached — But in order that the
claimants might have an opportunity to adduce further evidence in
support of such impeached claims, we directed lists " of such impeached
claims to be made out — apprising the claimants, that the Board would
"> Uouse Journal, vill, 663.
" Printed also in A.S.P., Pub. Lands, n, 210. The location of the original is
offered with a question mark. The text here presented is that of a transcript
made about 1926, some years antecedent to the removal of the Senate Files to
the National Archives. The transcript in question bears both a notation indi-
cating that it was made from the original in SF and also a citation of Parker's
Calendar of Papers in Washington Archs. relating to the Territories of the U. S.
(1911), doc. no. 2556, which identifies the document as then located in SF. The
earlier publication of the same document in the A.S.P., which work was based
upon papers in SF, means therefore that it has been seen and identified at least
three times. At the present time, however, the original cannot be located and
therefore a final check of its com.plete accuracy has been impossible.
" 2 Stat. 677-678.
" These lists are filed with the letter [Footnote on the transcript].
282 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
receive any testimony, that might he offered until the 25*" of Novembr
last — and tliis time was afterwards prolonged — and indeed no testi-
mony that was offered previous to the completion of our Reports has
been rejected —
Having premised thus far the Commissioners beg leave to Report —
N° 1. — Is a list of Claims founded on ancient French Grants, which
in the opinion of the Commissioners ought to be confirmed." —
N" 2.1s a special statement of Claims also founded on ancient
Grants, — confirmed by Governor St Clair, which are submitted to
the consideration of Congress."
N° 3. — Is a transcript of Claims, likewise said to be founded on
ancient Grants — confirmed by the Governors of the North West and
Indiana Territories, which in the opinion of the Board ought not to
be confirmed.**
No" 4. Is a list of Claims founded on Improvement & cultivation,
which were confirmed by the Governors of the N. West and Indiana
Territories — and which in the Opinion of the Commissioners ought to
be confirmed " —
N" 5. Is a special statement of Claims also founded on improve-
ment and cultivation ** —
N° 6. Is the special confirmation of a Claim founded on Improve-
ment & cultivation — which is derived from a confirmation of a larger
quantity by Governor S' Clair."
N" 7. Is a transcript of Claims likewise founded on Improvement
and Cultivation, confirmed by the Governors of the North West and
Indiana Territories — but which in the opinion of the Commissioners
ought not to be confirmed — Although from a view of the testimony
accompanying this species of Claims it will be perceived that some
cases have some merit, yet as the Board confined themselves intirely
to the spirit and meaning of the law governing such Claims, have
been consequently Rejected by us and submitted to Congress '° —
N" 8. Contains a list of donations confirmed to those who were heads
of Families in the Illinois Country (in the year 1783 or 1788) by the
Governors of the North West & Indiana Territories, And which in the
opinion of the Commissioners ought to be confirmed " —
N° 9. Also contains a list of Donations confirmed to the Heirs of
those persons who were heads of Families in the Illinois (before 1783
and subsequent to the conquest of the Country in 1778) by the Gov-
•« Printed, A.S.P., op. cit., pp. 211-212.
" Printed, ibid., pp. 213-214.
•• Printed, ibid., pp. 214-217.
•' Printed, ibid., pp. 217-219.
«» Printed, ibid., p. 219.
» Printed, ibid., pp. 219-220.
" Printed, ibid., pp. 220-226.
n Printed, ibid., pp. 227-229.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 283
ernors and which in the opinion of a Majority of [the Commissioners '^]
ought also to be confirmed " —
N° 10 & 11. Likewise contains a statement of Donations to those
persons who were Heads of FamiUes in the Illinois Country in 1783 or
1788, which were omitted by the late Board under the impression
that they were Governors confii'mations which have been investi-
gated by the present, and found to be supported; and which in the
opinion of the Board ought to be confu'med ^* —
N° 12. Is a transcript of Donations to the Heads of Families in the
Illinois Country, which were confirmed by the Governors. — but which
in the opinion of the Commissioners ought not to be confirmed^From
a view of the testimony accompanying this class of Claims — it will be
perceived that some few cases have merit; but as we before observed
the commissioners in deciding have confined themselves within the
spii'it and meaning of the Laws governing such claims, therefore have
consequently rejected them — and submit the same to Congress."
N° 13. Contains a list of Grants made to those who did militia
duty in the Illinois Country on the l^' Augt 1790, and which in the
Opinion of a majority of the Board (for reasons therein assigned)
ought to be confirmed.'*
N° 14. A transcript of the same species of claims, which in the
Opinion of the Board ought not to be confirmed."
We beg leave Sir, to remark that in our transcript of Improvement
and Militia Donations we have given no description of their situation
& boundaries — which we presumed could be of no use either to the
Government or the Claimants — since most of them have been re-
surveyed by direction of the surveyor General; which resurveys in
almost all cases vary the boundaries established by former surveys
under the authority of the Governors, which we find have generally
been imperfectly made and the Land vaguely described; and as the
latter surveys must ultimately Govern, we could see no necessity for
giving the imperfect description found on our Record.
By a reference to the lists of rejected claims, transmitted by the
former Board as well as from a \'iew of our transcripts it will be seen
that in a number of cases there are adverse claimants, and in some
Instances three or four persons are found to claim one and the same
right. — The conveyances too, on which confirmations have been
obtained from the Governors, have been protested against. But as
the Board for want of time and the conveyances in many of these cases
" The transcript bears the notation "omission" at this point; two words are
supplied from the printed text.
■3 Printed, ibid., pp. 229-230.
» Printed, ibid., pp. 229, 230.
" Printed, ibid., pp. 230-235.
" Printed, ibid., pp. 235-238.
" Printed, ibid., pp. 238-239. The original report is in NA (GLO).
284 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
not being exhibited, the Commissioners were not possessed of Infor-
mation that would enable them to decide between Individuals.
They have therefore thought it most adviseable to Report the Claims
in the names of the confirmees or their assignees as they found them,
without strictly scrutinizing the validity of the chain of titles, on
which such confirmations have been grounded. We deem it advisable
that a Law should be passed reserving the legal or equitable right of
adverse claimants. All of which is respectfully submitted ^' —
We have the Honor to be, Sir with high consideration and respect,
your most Ob' and H""' Ser""
Michael Jones
J"" Caldwell
Tho' Sloo.
The Honorable Albert Gallatin Secretary of the Treasury of
the U. S
SHADRACH BOND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
(NA:SD, Applications: ALS)
Washington City January 5. 1812[3].
Sir, I take the liberty to transmit the Enclosed to you, with a
request that it may be laid before the President of the U. S.
I am very respectfully yr most ob. Ser'
Shadrach Bond
[Addressed] The Hon"'' James Monroe Esq Secretary of State
Present.
I Enclosure :LS1
Alexander Stuart, Shadrach Bond, and E. Hempstead to the President
Washington City January 5. 1813.
The Undersigned beg leave most respectfully to State to the Presi-
dent of the United States: that they Consider Nathaniel Pope Esq'
Secretary of the Illinois Territory as a Gentleman of the first intelli-
gence, talents, worth, and integrity. — That the office he now holds
cannot in our opinion be filled by any one with more ability than by
him, and that his reappointment to that office will give general Satis-
faction to the inhabitants of that Territory
Alex' Stuart
Shadrach Bond
E. Hempstead
" See post, p. 337. See also Jones to the Secretary of the Treasury, Jan. 18, 1813
(NA, SF, printed, A.S.P., op. ci{., pp. 741-742), enclosing a supplementary state-
ment of claims not filed with the register within the time limited by law, with a
recommendation of confirmation.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 285
[Addressed] His Excellency James Madison President of U. S.
Present.
[Endorsed] 5. Jan'' 1813. Mess" Stuart, Bond and Hempstead
recommend M"' Nathaniel Pope for reappointment as Secretary
Illinois Territory.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
[PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
January 6. 1813
W" Arundel Esq"' Kaskaskia I' T
I have received yours of December 1": " I am sorry that your
Post office compensation is not more equal to your services but I
am governed by the Post Office Law and the Post Office Law points
out the compensation to Post Masters your services are more arduous
than most Post Offices & your Official conduct is highly meritorious
We have no IMaps on hand
G Gr.^nger
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE PRESIDENT
[LCrMadison Papers:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory Jany 16. 1813.
Dear Sir, As no one in this country has been so fortunate as to
hear from you I am very much inclined to believe our letters have
miscarried & therefore I trouble you oftener than I otherwise should do.
The weather is now becoming very moderate and all begin to appre-
hend much from the predatory incursions of the Indians and their
allies. Some time ago I wTote you that I had received information
that Dickson was preparing for a descent upon this country at the
head of a number of Canadians & Indians from S*^ Joseph &c Yester-
day I received additional information on the subject which adds to
the probability of such an event. I have again conversed with Colo
Menard who assures me that he has no doubt that such an attempt
will be made — he gets his information from a quarter that I think is
much to be relied on — indeed I am convinced that there is nearly as
regular communications between Mackanac & this country as between
Washington City & it —
Great quantities of goods have been deposited at Mackinac S'
Joseph' & I believe at Prairie De Chien — which will enable the british
to keep up the war between the Indians & us — So long as the British
war continues, the enemy will not cease to employ the Savages against
the U. S. and if Upper Canada should be taken by our troops, the
w Not found.
286 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
weight of the hostile confederacy must fall upon the Missisippi
country — The confederacy will last as long as the British can supply
goods and untill our supplies can substitute those they have been
accustomed to make — for I lay it down as an undeniable position, that
British influence is much greater with the savages than ours, & if
neither of us shall be able to furnish competent supplies their in-
fluence must of course preponderate and subject us to the continuance
of a predatory warfare at least —
If Gen' Harrison succeeds as I hope he will, no doubt it will even-
tually lead to very beneficial consequences, but prudence requires that
we should not prematurely anticipate then. British emissaries can keep
up the hopes of the Indians from whom we have most to apprehend
and they already have got their supplies.
Suppose Maiden should be taken, whither will the hostile Indians go?
Certainly as I have always contended to the country between the
Missisippi & Lake Michagan — This is not mere conjecture with me,
for I am in possession of facts which will prove it m^a^ satisfactorily a
most rational & probable event — Last year Tecumseh with about 12
Warriors passed on by Fort Wayne to Maiden on his arrival at that
place he declared himself in favor of the British. Some time after-
wards the Prophet with about one hundred followers went to Fort
Wayne, making great professions of friendship &". During the stay
of the latter Tecumseh dispairing of Maidens being able to hold out
against us, sent an express to his brother directing him "to send off his
women & children to the Missisippi country (oiu-s) collect his warriors
strike a severe blow on the Vincennes settlements and retire to that
country also where he Tecumseh proposed to meet him The great
Main Poque «ise proposed to return to the Illinois. The surrender of
Detroit &" prevented that plan from being executed — Our success in
that quarter will again renew it — I have other reasons for this opinion
which I have not time to communicate. The Kickapoos & Miamies
that I defeated at the head of Peoria Lake run off to Rock river and
are now with the Sacs a majority of whom I believe to be as hostile as
any other tribe whatever — Their proximity to us and their numbers
render them formidable — Too long have we confided in Indian
professions, the most melancholy consequences have resulted from it.
& I hope we shall hereafter profit of our experience, for my own part
I have »o* been deceived as little as any one — -You may rest assured
that nothing but fear retrains any of them— and with what they w"
consider a sufliicient support to promise success they would all declare
against us — the number of those who could attack us conveniently is
stated in my letter to the Gov of Kentucky a copy of which was trans-
mitted to the War Department & published in the National
Intelligencer as well as I remember on the 20"" of Sep' last —
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 287
Any mistake in the course to be persued in regard to the Sacs will be
attended with the most disasterous consequences — One half of them
are acknowledged to be hostile, the other half pretend to be friendly —
they have been directed to seperate, but this upon the present plan
will never answer any good purpose — The friendly part are to be
permitted to approach our frontier whilst the rest are confined to
their great village three miles above the mouth of Rock river — If any
depredations are committed, the perpetrators thereof will retire to &
take shelter with the friendly pail, and it is more than we have a right
to expect -to suppose that their conduct will set be so disapproved, that
the friendly part will not conceal it & afford them protection. If we
attempt their conduct to carry on an expedition against those who are
hostile, they will immediately unite with the others — As to myself I
believe few are friendly some chiefs & old men may be so but neither
their influence or authority will be sufficient to restrain the others —
Under these circumstances, The plan I would recommend would be
either to make the whole responsible for conduct of all, or to bring
those who may be friendly with their women & children into the interior
of this country, give them ground to make com & furnish them with
provisions — this would test their sincaiity, if they refused I w'' attack
all If they were to accept the proposition, it w"^ be highly advantageous
by withdrawing so much force from the hostile confederacy, whilst we
are carrying on war against it — Any other mode of seperating them, or
discriminating between those who are hostile & those who are friendly —
will be attended with every advantage to them & every disadvantage
to us — Surely I may say experience has proved this — They eagh I wish
you to press this plan, those Indians reside in this territor3% & I could
effect it — Unless it shall be adopted — what are we to do? The whole of
the Kickapoos are among them enraged at their defeat & preparing for
revenge. Are we to remain passive till we receive their meditated
blow? Are we to let them invade our territory & to be prevented
from attacking them in their own settlements? And how are we to
discriminate between them & the Sacs? for the good of this Country
I beg your attention to this subject, & that you will let us know the
result as soon as possible—
We must soon expect desultory attacks at least upon our settle-
ments— I would advise the employing of a regiment of mounted men
who should be ready to persue any invaders — and who should be kept
out constantly in the countiy between us & the enemy. Any other
species of force they regard not. Witness the number of lives lost in
Ind" Ty last year while an immense force was in service at Vincennes —
For defence of the territory I w* not give one reg' of IMounted men
for ten of infantry, the Indians generally come in detachments to
their rally points rallying points none of their detachments will ever be
288 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
too strong for a reg' & by keeping it out it w^ have an opportunity of
cutting off some and detering others^Upon this plan I have hitherto
succeeded for two years, and I cannot relinquish my predilection for
it — The Mounted reg' could afford this protection till a campaign c*"
move and would then be an excellent appendage to it — and in this
way it would cost the U. S. less to defend the country than any other —
I would also employ several armed boats at the mouth of the
Ouisconsing and in the Illinois river those would probably be suffi-
cient to prevent the enemy from coming down upon us by water or if
not they could give us timely notice of their approach. This mode
transporting themselves they always have and always will prefer in
this country — fifst it is more expeditious & convenient & it is less
hazardous than coming in a body thro a country the most of which is
Praire; where indians never will fight from choice & in which they will
always be afraid of being surprized so long as they feel the influence of
fixed habits —
These I w" adopt as precautionary measures — & I would prepare as
speedily as possible for a campaigne march to Peoria build a fort,
thence to the mouth of Rock river, build another fort there and thence
to the Ouisconsing & erect another there — we should by this means
completely occupy all the avenues from the lakes into the Missippi
except one which would be too circuitous to be profitable to the enemy
or dangerous to us — And we should also have excellent positions to
command a permanent influence over the indians — that w" be useful!
to us at all times hereafter. We should have hard fighting to accom-
plish these objects but peace is not to be obtained without it. The
advantage of this line of march cannot be fully understood without a
correct knowledge of the geography of this country— the roads would
be fine, and the Illinois & Missippi would furnish great facilities in
making supplies for the army on its march— The three points I have
recommended to be thus occupied are nearly in a direct line from this
place — the rout by land to Praire de Chien is thro Peoria — the French
inhabitants formerly drove their cattle to the former place upon that
road and Majr LeCont whom you well know among the rest —
A sufficient portion of mounted men should at all times be used on
any campaigne because otherwise the indians knowing that they
cannot be persued will be constantly making attacks on the army
when it reaches their own country"'—
I have began to prepare for sending out one company in an armed
boat under the Command of Francis Menard, who is I think better
qualified for that service than any other man in this country— I would
thank you to shew these hasty remarks to M' Hempstead — I have just
heard of a private conveyance & have written in a great hurry—
"• Howard to the Secretary of War, Jan. 10, 1813 {Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., Xiv).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 289
Armed boats on our rivers would be as useful e» eiw rivcraj as ships
upon the lakes.
In haste Y' friend
N Edwards
The pay of men engaged in the boat service ought to be higher than
that of mihtia'" —
[Endorsed] Edwards, ninian
SHADRACH BOND " AND EDWARD HEMPSTEAD «^ TO THE
SECRETARY OF WAR
INA:WD, SWDFrLS]
Washington City January 18. 1813.
Sir We enclose for your consideration the remarks touching the
present situation of the Frontiers of the Missouri & Illinois Territories,
which our leisure has permitted us to make — We shall be happy to
learn the result of the deliberations on this subject.
We have the honor to be very respectfully Y"' Ob' Ser"
Shadrach Bond —
E. Hempstead.
P.S. For the satisfaction of our constituents, it is intended to make
known to them, the plan submitted for their protection, unless it is
deemed improper. —
The Hon' The Secretary of War
[Endorsed] Washington City Jan'' 18. 1813 Hon M"- S. Bond & M'
E. Hempstead transmits a detailed account of the frontiers of Illinois
& Missouri, advice on active campaign against the Indians — a Brigade
of Mounted Riflemen to be raised. Forts to be established — pro-
vision to be deposited, Chicago & Macinac to be retaken, Indians
pursued vigorously &c. Rec" Jan^ 19. 1813
[Enclosure:DS]
Shadrach Bond and Edward Hempstead to the Secretary of War
[January 18, 1813]
The undersigned beg leave most respectfully to lay before the
Honorable the Secretary of War, the following observations and re-
marks, touching the present situation of the Illinois and Missouri
Territories. — They connect the Statement concerning the Two terri-
"> In the margin, in Edwards's hand.
91 Delegate in Congress from Illinois Territory.
^ Delegate in Congress from Missouri Territory.
290 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
tories, under the Idea as they are only Separated by the Mississippi
River, the danger is common to both & that the defence of the Fron-
tiers of both, can form but one plan, hardly susceptible of division. —
More especially when it is considered that those great Water courses
the Mississippi, & Illinois Rivers (on the Missouri River the Indians
are friendly) and their tributary streams is the common highway on
which they have passed almost without notice, certainly without
interruption to the frontiers and fallen upon their defenceless victims. —
Every appearance, and every fact, unite to establish the beleif,
that the Savage War will be prosecuted with more vigor, in that quar-
ter the ensuing spring, than heretofore. — The Success of the Army
under Gen' Harrison at Detroit, which every friend to his Country
most devoutly wishes, and reasonably calculates upon, instead of
averting danger from the frontiers of Missouri & Illinois will most prob-
ably concentrate the Indian forces and cause those frontiers to be
attacked. — While the British will keep a watchful eye on the move-
ments of Gen' Harrison's army, it is not presumable that the Indians
force would be very serviceable in that quarter opposed to so large
an Army. And any attempt to regain the possession of Detroit after
Gen' Harrison had once taken it, it is beleived would be unavailing — .
The Indians then must be kept in action, and (kept) in the same hostile
disposition towards the United States. — and some active and vigorous
attack on some other quarter would more probably be made — There
could be no immediate prospect of destroying any Settlements and
waging successful War against any other than the Frontiers of the
Missouri & Illinois Territories, because they are the most easy of
access by descending the Rivers, and have no means of defence — The
more remote settlements would fall an easy prey, and even the great
Towns could not withstand the Indian attack. — Prairie du Chien
and Paoria being both in the possession of the British & Indians aflford
protection to, and are places of rendezvous for the discontented, the
daring and the con-upt of all tribes — This Hostile, unfriendly Spirit
is no doubt kept alive by the British Traders, in that quarter, many of
whom are active intelligent men, as well acquainted with the situa-
tion— defensive force, and alarm in the Country for its safety, as any
of the inhabitants— and whose great and resistless influence among
the Indians, can direct the Murderous Aim & Savage Yell to any
particular point— The Success of Robert Dickson in the taking of
Michilimackinac is a most disastrous, but conclusive proof of this. —
and it is believed that there are many of the same hostile disposition,
and not much his inferiors in point of talents on our borders. —
The Country is unable to protect itself against all the bands of Hostile
Indians (to say nothing of those who hardly profess to be friendly)
who infest it on every side, and all classes without exception unite in
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 291
the apprehension of common danger, and the great necessity of asking
from Government effectual protection — Many have ab-eady aban-
doned the only Spot of ground they claim in the world — others in
squads of four, six or eight families build block Houses for their com-
mon protection, and constantly reside in them. — These cannot raise
crops sufficient for the sustenance of their families, and must conse-
quently suffer considerably — and would willingly embrace the first
favorably opportunitj^ to abandon a Rich Soil & healthy climate,
where danger was apprehended and no means of warding it oft", for
poorer lands & a more unhealthj^ climate, where the Savage foe would
not alarm them: and it is a melancholy fact that unless early and
efffcienc aid is afforded to those most exposed frontiers — Famine or
the Tomahawk will most inevitably depopulate a great portion if not
the whole of it — And the reason is, that most of the Settlers live by
agriculture, and few v/ithout labouring themselves. This labor is
necessary to give bread to their Children, and if in the Spring, they
are obliged to march against their Savage Invaders, or keep on the
frontiers in bodies to ward off danger from the Inhabitants — few or
no crops will be raised and distress and famine will complete the sad
list of Calamities. —
The last Season the most danger was threatened and existed after
the Crops were planted, and the prudent calls of the Executives of
those Territories while it preserved the Country from a General attack
& afforded competent protection for the time, fell lightly on the
Volunteers among whom the duties were divided; and they the more
cheerfully performed a tour of thirty days duty, and often more,
when it was known that at the completion of their time other patriotic
men would take their places and that they might then return to their
usual occupations. The sacrifice though great with some, was equally
borne by the volunteers, and was most cheerfully submitted to at
that dangerous period. But if they are obliged to take the field and
perform actual Service in planting time, the consequent sufferings of
the gi'eatest portion of the people is not easily imagined, and would
be most painful to enumerate.
The Undersigned profess no skill in Military IMatters, but with the
past sufferings and future dangers of those they have the Honor to
represent they are deeply impressed. — and perhaps the deep interest
they feel on these subjects, will plead their apologj' for submitting
plans, which others are more capable of forming.—
The War in that quarter ought not to be merely defensive—
Without offensive operations the frontiers will always be at the mercy
of those faithless Savages, who while arrayed in hostility against us,
ought to be entirely conquered or forced to submission — The bare
burning of an Indian Village, may cause some momentary privation
292 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
and distress, but in the neighbourhood of the settlements, Revenge
meets with some barbarous gratifications & plunder soon supplies the
loss— The destruction of the Savage Hut, is of too little consequence
to give him much pain, he sleeps as well and as contented under the
first Tree he comes to — a few hours are sufficient to make another Shell,
and he retires to better hunting grounds, or revenges the injury he has
sustained by some wanton act of Cruelty committed upon some
defenceless family. If the Savage war was prosecuted with Vigor &
the hostile bands were closely pursued and routed, it is believed that
these treacherous Sons of the forest, so fatally wielded by the British
Government and its agents against our peace and happiness would
soon be taught to feel and fear our arms, and become friendly —
The force necessary to complete this most desirable object would be
neither great in number, nor expensive, compared with the magnitude
of the End to be attained
Rangers have been thought the most effective species of force for
those frontiers and have created a kind of confidence in that kind,
perhaps superior to any other — It is regretted that the raising of more
companies have not been authorized. And if at this time it could be
done consistent with the plans and views of the Government, the
undersigned have no hesitation in declaring their beleif that it would
have the most beneficial effects — In addition to the four Companies
of Regular Troop supposed to be there & to the Two companies of
Rangers, it is supposed that Four Regiments of Mounted Riflemen are
necessary for those Two Territories — Each Regiment to contain Two
battalions — each Battalion four Companies, and each Company
eighty privates — The whole force to be raised for Six Months to furnish
and equip themselves, and be entitled to the pay of Rangers. — The
whole to be under the Command of a Brigadier General & field officers
to be appointed by the President & Senate — The other officers to be
chosen by the companies respectively and be Commissioned by the
President — the force to be raised immediately in Kentucky — Missouri
& Illinois Territories and to be ready to take the field by the Tenth
day of March next.
The establishment of a strong fort at Prarie du chien at the Junc-
tion of the Ouisconsin & Mississippi Rivers, sufficient to hold the
whole force intended to be raised would from its contiguity to the
hostile Bands, & being very central as to Indian population at present,
form the best point for sallying upon the enemy and in addition to
scouring the country — would keep off the Indians from the frontiers,
and (in conjunction with the forces proposed to be raised in the plan
of Col Richard M Johnson of Kentucky if those troops are raised),
would be sufficiently powerful to retake the Forts at Chicago and
Michilimackinac, which are of great importance, and give the Com-
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 293
mand of the lakes to the enemy — Another Fort at Paoria on the
Illinois River, the Strong fort at Prairie du Chien taken in connexion
with Fort Mason & Fort Madison each of which could be garrisoned
by a Company of Regular Troops, would form a line of defence and
for deposits of provisions arms, ammunition, warlike Stores &c. —
From these Forts incursions might be safely made into the Indian
Country be safe places to retreat to when danger pressed upon our
troops and afford competent protection to both Territories
Deposits of Pro\isions could be safely made in all of the forts—
which might prevent some of the misfortunes which happened to
the Kentucky volunteers in Indiana in that respect — Scouting parties
might be constantly out driving the enemy in every direction, and
never be very distant from some one of the Forts — It is understood
and believed that Governor's Howard and Edwards, and General
Clarke, are anxious to be actively employed in such an expedition. —
and would no doubt with their Knowledge of the Indian Country,
of the Indian force, and of their mode of Warfare carry on the cam-
paign with energy and Success. —
In addition to this force, it is proposed to have three Bullet proof
boats prepared to prevent any descent upon the frontiers by Water,
(which was attempted the last season and the attempt frustrated by
one boat of this kind) — Each boat to have one four or six pounder,
six or eight Blunderbusses and manned with forty men armed with
Guns & Bayonets. One to be stationed in the Illinois River, another
in the Mississippi, another in the Missouri — These boats thus pre-
pared would not be a great expence, and while they would most effec-
tually prevent an attack by Water, would at the same time if occasion
required serve to convoy Pro\isions &c to the Forts. — •
These desultory hints (some of which have been communicated
to one of us by Governor Howard) ai'e with great deference submitted,
under the full beleif that this plan (with that of Col Johnston's) if
caiTied into execution will be productive of the most salutary effects
not only to those Territories, but to the United States.
Any verbal communications or explanations on the subject will
be most cheerfully given, and whether foregoing Ideas meet the Sanc-
tion of the Government, or not, they most earnestly recommend that
prompt and efficient measures may be adopted to afford immediate
protection to those most exposed and defenceless frontiers —
Shadrach Bond —
Edw Hempstead
Washington City January IS'" 1813.
The Honorable The Secretary of War
294 TERRITORIAL FAPERS
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO SAMUEL HAMMOND
(PO:P.M. Letter Book R]
January 23, 1813
Col. S. Hammon, St Louis Missouri T" —
I have received yours of the 23" of Deer ^ the failures which have
taken place in the mail which passes between Hendersonville K'' &
Kaskaskia 111 Ter. have been the subject of well founded complaint,
and have caused great mortification at this office, appreciating the
great importance of the mail on that line, and with a view to its strict
regularity, we confided its conveyance to a person who had evidenced
to a determination to punctually fulfil contracts with this office in
V* but the person who was rigidly punctual as a carrier or mail con-
tractor for a number of years in V* has been most shamefully remiss
in his duty, in the western country his conduct is wholly inexplicable
to us, We have we believe prevented the recurrence of the evil —
GG
WILLIAM RUSSELL TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALSI
Mount Brilliant, Lexington Ky, Jan^ ye 24"" 1813.
Sir, Once more I feel compeled to trouble you with a few remarks,
which I deem my duty. I have traveled over the greater part of the
Indiana, and the Illinois Territorj'e,s, thus have I been actively em-
ployed in the discharge of my duty. I find from the most mature re-
flection as to the saveges in that quarter, it is very difficult to do much
with them, they are combined in such strength, and these combi-
nations at so great a distance from our settlements, it is very difficult
to surprise them and this can only be effected by dysultory attacks or
a large body of troops to March into the heart of their country, there
make a stand, with the main body, and send out from this Army,
bodye's of mounted Corps under Active officers, to push them and
their women and children hard, then they would be compeled to fight
us in detail, and it is then they are to suffer. They have already I
think made choice of their moad of warfare, that is to cut of small
parties, and to attack on such ground as our troops cannot for their
own safety opperate for some time — should the government prefer an
army It is easy to point out the spots of deposit, where pro\'ision could
be deposited for their reception; and that can be done by the way of
Illinois or Mississippia river.s. The main body of the Indians appear
to reside between the Illinois and the Wisconsin rivers, and ti's
probable with me they will all leave the Wabash, and cross over the
a Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 295
Illinois and plant their com this Spring. Should dysultory attacks
be the choice of government I would recommend an efficient body of
Mounted rangers to attack one point, and the next time they should be
herd from, should be entirely, a different rout; this I could have effected
in several instances this Summer could I had the power to have kept
them embodyed at one place, and also had an order for so doing — ■
I have seen Sir Gov" Edwarde's report directed to your office;^* it
is not entirely satisfactory to my feelings but shall make but few
coments on it. I ask you Sir how you are to know how Cap' B. White-
sides company have been employed this season by his report, he
states, all the men on the expedition, fifty rangers excepted that came
on with me from Vincennes were raised in his Territory, this is true
for Whitsidese's company were certainly raised there, and by your
order placed under my immediate command, he also makes no mention
of the company of Regulars under the command of Lieu' Ramsey,
who has been there this Summer;'^ he in his detail prior to our expedi-
tion when rangers were kept out on the frontier makes no mention
of my haveing taken two companys of rangers on his frontier selecting
a spot for the encampment, keeping out ranging parties, and also
drilling his militia at said camp, by his perticular request, untill
ordered away by Gen' Harrison — This I should not have troubled
you vnth. had the Gov'' done the Government that Justice, for their
troops they deserved As I hope Sir I shall never have to resort to
publications to boalster myself up, and if my Acts as an officer will
not do that, let me fall — After writing to the Governor I had formed
such a plan for the expedition to the Peoria Town, I went on, and did
for the Service of my Country accept of a Subbordinate Command,
when my command was as independant of him, as his was of me —
I have the honor to be with high respect your obd' Serv'
W Russell
Col° 7'" Commandant
[Addressed] The honorable William Eustis Esq'
" Referring to Edwards to the Secretary of War, Nov. IS, 1812 (Edwards,
Hisl. III., pp. 69-72). The original appears to have disappeared; it is, however,
calendared in NA (WD, SW, Lets. Reed., Bk. 7). No copy is found in the
Edwards Papers (CHS). See also Edwards's address to the St. Clair County
militia, Nov. 10, 1812 (Edwards, op. cil., pp. 73-76), relative to their part in the
Peoria campaign in which the same ground is covered as in the report mentioned.
In an extract of a letter to Shelby, of Kentucky, dated Dec. 20, 1812, ibid., p. 77,
Edwards refers to an attempt to deprive him of credit for leadership in the expedi-
tion referred to, and calls attention to his constitutional duties as commander-in-
chief of the militia of the Territory.
"See Ramsey to the Secretary of War, Feb. 17, 1813 (NA, WD, SWDF), in
which complaint is made of the improper treatment with respect to supplies of
regulars at Camp Russell.
296 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
[Endorsed] Lexington Jan» 4". 1813 Col W. Russell States the best
plan of operating against the Indians — To march an army in their
country and send out detachments. Complains of the injustice done
him in Gov Edwards report. Does not intend however to bolster up
his character with publications Rec" Feb. 10. 1813 "'
A RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
[LC:HF, 13 Cong., 2 sess.:DS]
[Referred January 25, 1813]
Whereas the Sales of Public Land will ere long be directed by the
President of the United States and whereas the Legislature of this
Territory will avail itself of its Legitimate right of Taxing all Land
sold unless a composition is entered into by this Territory and the
United States relative thereto and which in time will place the People
of the Illinois Territory on a similar footing with the People of their
sister Territory (now the state of Ohio) By the Act of Congress of the
30'" of April 1802 *' it will be seen that propositions were made to the
People of the State of Ohio which induced the Convention to wave
the right of the State to Tax any Land sold by the United States for
Five Years from and after the Day of Sale on condition (among others)
That one Township of Land including the Saline on the Scioto and
Two Sections including the Saline on the Muskingum should be con-
vey'd to & become the Property of the state And whereas this Territory
has and will have similar equivalents to offer to the Genera! Govern-
ment for the Fee of One Township including the Saline on the Saline
Creek in this Territory Therefore be it resolv'd by the Legislative
Council and House of Representatives that the Legislature of this
Territory in behalf of the People of the said Territory will on their
part conform to and be bound by propositions similar to those contain'd
in the aforesaid Act and which said propositions when acceded to
shall be taken & held as a Compact irrevokable between the United
States and this Territory *° Resolved that our Delegate in Congress be
requested to procure a Resolution declaratory of the intention of
Congress on this Subject and that he use his best Exertions to obtain
concessions similar in all respects to those contain'd in the Act of
*• An error. The letter's date is Jan. 24.
*' Reply not found.
" 2 Stat. 179-180.
«• See report of House Committee, Mar. 2, 1813 (A.S.P., Puh. Lands, U, 740),
denying the prayer of this resolution, on the ground that a compact could not
with propriety be entered into with a territorial government.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 297
Congress above mentioned Resolv'd that our said Delegate endeavour
to procure instructions from the Secretary of the Treasury authorising
the designation of the Colledge Township reserv'd to the People of this
Territory by the ordinance and Act of One Thousand Eight hundred
& four."" And Whereas Labor in this Territory is abundant and
Laborors at this time extremely scarce so much so that the Lessees
and others engaged in making Salt at the Saline near Shawney Town
cannot progress only on a small scale Resolved therefore that our Dele-
gate be requested to use his Exertions to procure a Law authorising
the introduction of Negroes into the reserv'd Tract call'd the Saline
on the Saline Creek from Kentucky or elsewhere to be employ'd within
the said Tract for any term not exceeding three Years at the expiration
of which term the Master or Employer of any such Negro or Negroes
shall be at Liberty to reconduct the said Slave or Slaves to any state
or Territory where Slavery is tolerated any Act to the Contrary in
any wise notwithstanding and that if the foregoing requests are not
granted Be it resolved that our Delegate in Congress be urged to use
every possible exertion to obtain an appropriation by the General
Government for opening a Road from Shawnej^ Town on the Ohio
to the Saline and from thence direct to Kaskaskia and that some suit-
able person be appointed to superintend the opening of said Road —
Resolv'd that the foregoing Memorial and resolutions be sign'd by the
President of the Legislative Council & the Speaker of the House of
Representatives and transmitted by them to our Delegate in Con-
gress—
Geo Fisher
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Pierre Menard
President of The Council
[Endorsed] Resolutions of the Legislative Council and House of
Representatives of the Illinois territory. 25*'' Jan'' 1813. The three
first resolutions ref* to the Committee on the public lands, and the
remaining two relative to the introduction of negroes in said territory
to a select Com" of Mr. Bond, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Butler, Mr. Desha &
Mr. Metcalf." 14 June, 1813. Ref to Mr. Bond, Mr. Alexander
Mr. Duval Mr. Brackenridge Mr. Tannehill 20 December 1813
Ref to M'' Bond, M"" Alexander & M'' Montgomery ^'—W Bond to
Select. 3.
»" Sec. 5, act approved Mar. 26, 1804 (Terr. Papers, Ind., VII, 178).
" House Journal, vill, 634.
« Ibid., IX, 31, 178.
298 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
EDWARD HEMPSTEAD AND SHADRACH BOND TO THE
SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:LS"1
Washington City January 26. 1813.
Sir Agreeably to your request, we yesterday called at the War
Office, to learn the result of our late application for the protection of
the Missouri & Illinois Territories, and were told you was engaged.
We are extremely anxious on this subject, and would be happy to
know if any thing has been determined upon.'*
We have the honor to be very respectfully Sir Yr ob Ser
E. Hempstead
Shadrach Bond
The Hon. The Secretary of War
[Endorsed] Wash. Jan^ 26. 1813 Hon M' Hemstead & M' Bond
wish to be informed if any determination has yet been made on the
proposal to attack the Indians Rec* Jan^ 28. 1813
JUDGE STUART TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
1NA:SD, Applications :ALS1
Staunton, Feh^ 13'" 1813
D' Sir — In consequence of the misfortunes of a brother, sister, &
my wifes sister, my annual expences will be so increased as to become
very embarrassing if I continue to reside in this Country. When I
saw you in Washington the first time I thought my wifes sister &
daughter entirely independent in consequence of the death of her
brother; but his estate is most probably insolvent & their support
therefore devolves entirely upon me— You will pardon me for troubling
you with this statement; I felt constrained to make it in order to
account for my apparent fickleness; having determined upon the most
mature reflection to settle myself in the Missouri Territory provided I
can obtain an appointment in the Judiciarj^ there — Inclosed you
will receive an address from the bar composed principally of Lawj'ers
from the western side of the river; " also an open letter from M'
Bates the Secretary of the Missoiu-i Territory' to his mother which I
have not yet had an opportunity of delivering, & being open I pre-
sume may be shewn without any impropriety — I will also add that I
have been solicited at different times by many of the officers of that
Government & some of the most respectable Citizens to apply for an
" In Hempstead's hand.
M See Bond to Edwards, Feb. 7, Feb. 13, and Feb. 25, 1813 (Edwards Papers,
CHS, printed, Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers, CHC, ni, 93-98), relative to the
results of the joint application of Hempstead and Bond.
" Not present, but probably the document printed ante, p. 217.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 299
appointment upon their bench — If I go to Missouri I can take my
Slaves with me, & I trust will be able to find a situation that will prove
healthy — If M' Madison should not nominate me to the senate I
will thank you not to mention the rec' of this letter to any one, the
delegates from Illinois & Missouri excepted whom I feell assured will
promote my views if they do not stand committed — I refer you to
Gov'' Howard if he is in Washington Be so good as to return me the
inclosed papers when convenient. I shall leave Staunton for Illinois
on m.onday next — Inclosed is a conditional resignation of my judicial
appointment in & over the Illinois Territory
I am your sincere friend
Alex"' Stuart
If the Government should stand committed at all, & feel disposed
to do me a favor; perhaps the successful applicant might prefer my
situation where the office is held during good behavior to an appoint-
ment in the Missouri Territory Alex"' Stuart
The Ho"'" Ja^ Monroe
[Addressed] The Hon"' James Monroe Secretary of State Washing-
ton. Mail [Postmarked] Staunton Va Feb 16 Free [Readdressed]
For the President
[Endorsed] Alex"' Stuart, Staunton, February 13. 1813. Applies
for a judicial appointment in the Missouri Territory; and, with a
friendly valediction from the lawyers of Cahokia, encloses a conditional
resignation of his judgeship in the Illinois; together with a letter from
M' Bates, place filled
[Enclosure :ALS1
Judge Stuart to the [Secretary of State]
[February 13, 1813]
If I should be appointed a judge of the Missouri Territory by the
President & Senate of the United States; I do in that event tender this
as my resignation of the office I now hold of Judge in & over the Illinois
Territory to take effect from the time of such appointment
Alex' Stuart
Feb^ 13*" 1813.
[Endorsed] 1813 Alexander Stuart
[Enclosure: ALSl
Frederick W. Bates to Mrs. Caroline M. Bates
S' Louis April 26. 1812
My Dear Mother, Judge Stewart of the Illinois territory being
about to return to Richmond, has been so friendly as to promise that
he will call on you. I beg that you will receive him with every atten-
tion in your power.
300 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
No individual honored with the President's confidence in the
western country has deser\-ed it better than Judge Stewart. His
intelligent and upright discharge of the high duties entrusted to him,
equally with his personal worth, has endeared him to all descriptions
of people. His departure is looked forward to, with regret-
He will tell you my situation in this country, better than I can
write it. —
I am, my dear & honored Mother, Your ever affectionate
Frederick Woodson Bates
Mrs Caroline M. Bates. —
[Addressed\ Mrs Caroline Matilda Bates 2 miles above Goochland
C House on James River Virginia
A BILL CONCERNING SALT SPRINGS
[NA:SF, 12 Cong., 2 ses8.:Printed]
XXXVIII.
In Senate of the United States. February 26th, 1813.
Agreeably to notice, Mr. Bibb asked and obtained leave to bring in
the following bill.
A BILL Concerning the salt springs on the waters of the Wabash river
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America, in Congress assembled. That for the purpose of sup-
porting and extending the establishments of salt works at the springs
near the Wabash river, in the Illinois territory, leased under the
direction of the President of the United States, it shall and may be
lawful for the lessee or lessees, their heirs, executors, administrators,
or assigns, to introduce and employ, within the boundaries of the lease,
persons held to service or labor under the laws of any state, any ordi-
nance or act of Congress for the government of said territory to the
contrary notwithstanding.
[Endorsed] 12 Cong. 2 Sess. S A Bill Concerning the Salt Springs
on the Wabash river. February 26 Read & to 2" Read* 27 2" Read
Mar 1 1 Mon June'"
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade Randolph County Illinois Territory Feb^ 28. 1813
Sir I have the honor to enclose you a tender of Service to the
President of the United States by Cap'" Short his officer, and a com-
pany that he has raised in a few days— this and the other companies
«' Antials, 12 Cong., 2 sess., 109, 110, 112. No further action is noted.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 301
whose services have been tendered are ordered into service by myself
for the present defence of this territoiy. It is impossible to defend so
exposed and extensive a frontier with any other species of force. And
if this kind is to be employed experience I can assure you has proved
that it is best to raise them in the territory, as those who are sent from
other parts, cannot as easily supply themselves, either with horses
whenever one fails or dies or anything else — not having the same
resomxes or credit here.
I can very conscientiously recommend Capt" Short & M^ Joumy his
first Lieut, as valuable and well tried officers — the other subalterns
are highly recommended to me — Cap* Short is a member of our Legis-
lature— & Lieut Joumy has been a Maj"' in the Militia a long time —
was a capt" in my expedition to Peoria, & would do honor to a similar
appointment in the regular army
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Yr Mo Obd' S'
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble Sec^ of War —
[Addressed] The Honble Secretary of War Washington City Free
[Endorsed] 111. Territory, Feb. 28, 1813 Gov. N. Edwards incloses
the offer of Capt Short and his Company for volunteer rangers. Rec"
March 1813 ^•
[KnclosureJ
A list of officers and soldiers tendering their services as a company of
rangers
[February 28, 1813]
We whose names are hereunto subscribed as officers and soldiers
do hereby tender our servses to the prisident of the united States
as a Company of rangers or mounted Rifle men to Continue in servis
twelve munths unless soner discharged '*
Jacob Short Capt John Woods
Nathaniel Jurney 1 Liut Jacob wildermon
Andrew Bankston 2 Do Moses Short
John Jurney — Ens John fry
John Brigance 1 Sergt John pixley
George Michel 2 Do Samuel Lee
Alexander scott 3 Do Robert Anderson
James wiet — 4 Do Richard Ackes
Samuel ware Isaac Clark
John Retherford Eden posey
John Short Edmon brigmon
'' No reply found. On Feb. 10, 1813, Edwards also enclosed to the Secretary
of War the offer of what was probably another company of volunteers; the letter
is calendared in NA (WD, SW, Lets. Reed., Bk. 7), but the letter itself and its
enclosure have not been found.
'" The list is in Captain Short's hand.
302 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
W" Jumey W" Mekleroy
John Dunkom jun Daniel Mckinney
John A Wakefield George fry
Nicholis Daughter W" Walker
John Caruthers W'° Burgis
W" Johnson George wise
Charles Rivis Henry sely
Isom Rivis francis Scott
W™ Edes Jacob Brimlerry
Alexander Madox Hugh Elexander
Isaac Darnel John Dunkom senr
W" More Marshel Hawkins
Bengemin Cox George Wakefield
Jacob Kerns Peter wright
thomas Morris gobert Hues
Jesse Crownover Vin^-^l^ ^"?"
Bengemin Chesney Uil Mcneal
W" Virgin A true Coppy
John Walker Jacob Short Cap'
SHADRACH BOND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, Applications :ALS]
Washington City March 2" 1813
I recommend W° Mears Esq' of Cahokia Illinois Territory as
aturnney of the united States for said Territory,"' and Phillip Foucke
Esqr. of Kaskaskia of the aforesaid Territory as Marshal —
S. Bond —
The Hon Sec of State
[Addressed] The Secretary of State [Readdressed] For the President
[Endorsed] 2 Mar 1813. S. Bond recommends M' Mears as District
Attorney Illinois — & M' Fouche as Marshal.
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOHN CALDWELL
(NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land oflnice, 6'" March, 1813.
Sir, Herewith enclosed, you will receive a copy of an act of Con-
gress, entitled, "An act giving the right of pre-emption in the purchase
of lands, to certain settlers in the Illinois Territory," ' the provisions
'• The office of attorney of the United States for each of the territories was
created by an act approved Feb. 27, 1813 (2 Stat. 806). The same act provided
for a marshal.
' Approved Feb. 5, 1813 (2 Stat. 797-798).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 303
of which are so plain, that it is presumed no observations are requisite
from me, for your government therein.
With great respect, &"*
John Caldwell, Esq'' Receiver public monies, at Kaskaskias,
Illinois T"
A similar letter to Michael Jones, register of the Land office, at
that place.
COMMISSION OF SECRETARY POPE ^
[NA: SD, Misc. Temp. Comms., i:Cj
[March 7, 1813]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Integrity, Diligence and Abilities of Nathaniel Pope, of the Missouri
Territory, I do appoint him Secretarj^ in and for the Illinois Territory;
and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of
that office according to law; and to Have and to Hold the said office,
with all the powers, privileges and Emoluments to the same of right
appertaining during the pleasure of the President of the United States
for the time being, and until the end of the next Session of the Senate
of the U States, and no longer.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be
LS made patent and the Seal of the U States to be hereunto
affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Washington the
Seventh day of March a.d. 1813; & of the Independence of the U
States the Thirty Seventh.
James Madison
By the President
Ja° Monroe Secy of State
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Nothern Frontier of Illinois Territory March 13. 1813
Sir I have the honor to inform you that I rec" last night (by
express) information of the murders of a M'' Baltenhouse near the
little Wabash and of two men by the name of Moore on the waters of
Muddy river (all of this Ty) by the savages. These & the murders
I have heretofore communicated together with some other depreda-
tions, & positive information, will shew I hope satisfactorily not only
' A recess appointment.
304 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the propriety of the measures I have adopted but the absolute neces-
sity for them. There being as yet none in operation on the part of
the general government.
I cannot ascertain the exact number of volunteers that I have
raised but it is between three and four hundred out of the militia of
the territory the whole amount of which is about 1500 men ' — Some
I have ranging on horseback, others are engaged in building fortifica-
tions and along our most dangerous frontier which is the Nothem
boundary of all our settlements and extends from the Missisippi to
the Kaskaskia river, I shall in a very few days have about seventeen
forts in good order — These measures have so far given confidence to
the inhabitants, not one of whom talks of removing — But as I know
of no law that authorises me to employ mounted men (without whom
I would not pretend to maintain our extensive frontier for one week — )
I hope to hear from you as early as possible on the subject — Acting
without instructions in so critical a conjuncture, besides many other
embarrassments exposes me to pecuniary responsibilities which taken
altogether renders my situation very unpleasant —
I should not have repeated my wishes on this subject, nor should I
also invite your attention to the claims of the militia of this territory
to pay for their services were I certain that my former letters would
reach you - but the uncertainty of the mail rondcra is so great that it
cannot be depended on. in this part of the World — I shall continue on
this frontier as long as my presence may be necessary —
I beg leave to suggest the propriety of permitting me to raise one
or two companies under the late law of Congress * for the defence of
this frontier By fixing such a force in stations at convenient dis-
tances— the population would increase about them and the frontier
would soon become the stronger part of tHH* population the ten'itory
and give stability to our settlements whereas at present if the frontier
gives ground every part of the population will follow the example and
this whole territory would thereby fall into the hands of our enemies—
I have written under every disadvantage — on my knee, in bustle &
confusion & therefore beg you will excuse whatever you see herein
amiss
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' M» Obd' S'
NiNiAN Edwards
' See calendared letter of Edwards to the Secretary of War, Mar. 2, 1813
(NA, WD, SW, Lets. Reed., Bk. 7), reporting that four companies of rangers
were out in consequence of an imminent Indian attack and asking whether his
conduct was approved. The letter has not been found.
* Act approved Feb. 25, 1813 (2 Stat. 804), providing for ten additional com-
panies of rangers.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 305
P.S. These Companies who thro me tendered their services to
the President are now full and they are in Service. Captain James
Moore whose appointment if compatable wnth the views of the
President would be very gratifying to this whole Country as well as
myself has eighty five volunteers — I cannot forbear to recommend to
you an inquuy into the disposition that has been made of the rangers
since last fall — & where some of them now are & how they are en-
gaged— Y" respectfully &c N.E.
[Addressed] The Hon'ble John Armstrong Secretary of War.
Washington City [Postmarked] Cahokia 14 March Free
[Endorsed] 111. T. March 3, 1813 Gov. N. Edwards reports the
murders lately committed — has in Servdce from 3 to 4,00 volunteers —
solicits instiTJctions & leave to raise some companies of 12 Months
men. Rec" April 1813.'
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Nothern Frontier of Illinois Territory near Fort Russel Marc/z 14. 1813
Sir I have the honor to enclose you some information which I have
just rec"* Great apprehensions of danger exist in these territories —
The people of S' Louis & S' Genevieve are fortifying those places —
Many people are moving from that territory one that I can hear of
from this —
My own opinion is that the British have cannon but I have no idea
that it will ever descend to S' Louis — They m.aj'- bring some of it as
low as F' Madison — but I am convinced the principle object is to
fortify Pi'aire du Chien which m.ay become a second Maiden — Whilst
they are engaged in this object they will press the Indians upon us —
that they may produce a diversion of our force from that point — and
if they succeed we will have many difficulties to encounter in conse-
quence of it — In my letter to the Gov' of Kentuckey of the 20 of
Aug' last, a copy of which was sent to the war Department ' you can
see a short account of the different tribes from which a hostile force
can be raised —
I am preparing to defend this territorj' against savage warfare
only — I would strongly recommend bringing the Sauks who are dis-
posed to be friendly into the interior of our country — If this plan
' No reply found.
» Aug. 25, 1812 (NA, WD, SWDF, printed, Edwards, Hist. III., pp. 337-338);
the enclosure is present with the original, but is not printed.
306 rERRlTORlAL PAPERS
is not persued I have no hesitation in predicting that they will to
a man unite against us ' —
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' Mo Obd* S'
NiNiAN Edwards
The Miamies alluded to in the enclosed letter lately resided on the
Wabash — and I am convinced that the whole of the Wabash Indians
will remove if they have not already done so to the country between
Lake Michigan & the Missisippi— they have no other place of
retreat — N E
\AddTesBed\ The Hon'ble John Armstrong Secretary of War Wash-
ington City {Postmarked] Russellville March 29'" Free
indorsed] Fort Russell March 14 '13 Gov. N. Edwards incloses a
letter to him, Citizens at S' Louis fortifying themselves — Thinlcs the
object of the enemy to establish another Maiden at Praire du Chien —
Rec* April 1813 «
[Enclosure]
J. R. Widen to Governor Edwards
Cahokia March the 10th. 1813.
Governor. Just at the time Mr Jarrot departed in order to get his
boat he received two letters addressed to Mr Bolevin who has sent
them to him so that he might let you know the contents of them
giving for excuse that he could not write english and less yet trans-
late Mr. Jarrot having it not in his Power to stop so that he might
WTite himself because his company was ready for their departure
begged of me to send you the translation of the two letters, hereafter
mentioned. One from the Commander of Fort Madison and the other
from Mr Gates Interpreter at Fort Mason ' as follows —
Feb'' 27'" 1813.
At this instant Mr Blondeau (Ind° agent) who has been at this
place with a number of Sacks, Foxes and Miamies departed for Prairie
du Chien. as he was too busy he requested me to inform you of the
Saviges intention. The Sacks of the Village du Blue are always in the
' See calendared letters from Edwards to the Secretary of War, Feb. 9, Feb. 21,
and Mar. 8, 1813 (NA, WD, SW, Lets. Reed., Bk. 7), saying that the British
agent Dickson was organizing the Indians to attack the frontier in the spring
and repeatedly expressing his fear for the safety of the Territory. The texts of
the letters cited have not been found. See also Edwards to Howard, Feb. 16,
1815 (Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., xv).
• No reply found.
' On the present site of Hannibal, Mo. For its establishment see Terr. Papers
(La.-Mo.), XIV.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 307
same disposition as he informed you some time ago. Those he met
with here state that a Party of British passed on the ice from the
Green Bay to the Winding of the Pines (Means Pine turn) in the
Ouisconsin, and that the Nephew of Mr Frank, is this long while at
Prairie du Chien and gathers with all speed as many saviges as he can
He has akeady a great number at his service from various tribes they
have plundered Mr Bartelotte and Poirier as Americans, that the
Artilliery waits the melting of the ice in order to descend to the
Prairie The Puants have lately killed two foxes so the latter are at
war with the Puants who came and entreated the Sacks to help them
in this war. but as the inhabitants of the Namirto Village fear the
British and their allies they reject the proposition of the Foxes and
we believe them disposed to side with the British as soon as they will
arive- — among themselves they are veiy much embarrassed, they wish
the Americans might come the first to them but they say that the
British are more vigilant than the Americans Mr Frank proposed
to the young Sioux Chief who arived lately from the United States
to join the British but he refused with great zeal and Mr Frank
threatened him — On the Statement of an old Fox. There is appearance
that a party of Foxes and Sieux are going to give a blow against the
expedition of Mr Frank, I think we cannot find a better opportunity
to hinder that expedition if there should only come two or three
hundred men with the Sacks and Foxes the whole expedition would be
routed —
I am &c. Barony Vasques
The following from Fort Mason dated Feb^ 24
Sir Having given to the gi'and Chiefs of the Sacks the Counsel you
have sent me the Chief called Le Bleu Laigle, Lalance Les Deux
Cours, answered that they had been informed by their people that
the Sieux of the Ayowa river and the Sieux of the rver du Moins, the
little and Grand Osages would in a short time come in an Expedition
against the Sacks and Foxes and they were moreover threatened by
the Kickapous and Potowatomies. They state moreover that as
soon as the navigation will admit that the above mentioned enemies
mean to take the American forts and besides take possession of St
Louis. If our American Father would take pity on us and put our
wives and children in place of Safety we should be all for him. The
three Sacks Le Dardeur, La Prime, and Le Brave are gone with
Blondeau and are go to our Enemies. The Sacks are divided in four
Camps ^except ten Lodges they rejected last fall and retired to our
Foes The Chief Le Bleu delivered up a horse which had been
stolen from the Americans, and the owner give him two Gallons of
308 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Whisky and twenty four Pounds of tobacco — This is all what I can
inform you of at present
Your Most &c. John P. Gates
I am with Sentiments of high respect of your Excellency. The most
hiunble Servant
J. R Widen
[Addressed] Gov' Edwards
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[PO:P.M. Letter Book S]
March 31, 1813
His Excellency Governor N. Edwards, Kaskaskia 111. Ter.
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Exc'' letter of
the 2'"' inst,'" the law points out the several postmasters compensation,
and as a postmaster I cannot increase M' Arundel's compensation,
however arduous his duties may be, or however faithfully he may
discharge his duties, he has acted as an agent of this office in forward-
ing expresses and superintending the several mails that arrive at &
depart from Kaskaskia, for this service I can allow him a compensa-
tion not exceeding one hundred and fifty dollars per annum, when I
have ascertained the time that he began to despatch expresses, and
the extend of his Services, I shall decide on his compensation. It
affords, me great satisfaction to learn that his conduct is so highly
approved of —
G Gr
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
[PO:P.M. Letter Book S)
March. 31, 1813
W. Arundell Esq. P.M. Kaskaskia 111. Ter
It is a source of great satisfaction to me to find that your official
conduct is so highly approved of by Gov"^ Edwards, Judge Griswold
& others, the post office law defines your compensation as a Post-
master, but as you have acted as agent to this office in forwarding
expresses &c I think it but just to allow you a compensation for that
service in a sum not exceeding one hundred & fifty dollars per annum,
with a view to do you justice, I wish you to state when you took
a general charge of the mail eastward and how much time has been
occupied in that service and in other extra official acts.
G G—
w Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 309
JOSIAH MEIGS » TO EDWARD TIFFIN "
INA:GL0, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814 :LS]
Surveyor General's Office Cincinnati, 2 April 1813
Sir I transmit a Copy of a Plan of Shawnee town, the Original of
which was received at this Office on the 30*" of last month. The
following is an Extract from a letter of William Dobbins, Deputy
Surveyor, dated Eddyville July 2^ 1812—
"There is four hundred & sixty seven lotts, all regularly Marked
although on the plat some of them are so small that the numbers are
scarcely legible, you will observe that the lotts marked with black
are intended for a Grave yard and Church; the reason I laid off so
many was that they had buried Promiscuously on the Mounts, I
think in each of the lotts; the surviving friends of the Deceased, all
appeared anxious that they should be reserved for that purpose. I
have marked six lotts for the publick square, in order to give it an
opening & view to the River also to give room for a Market house,
which will soon be necessary — I presume the loss to the United States
will be amply compensated by the sales, however you are certainly at
liberty to curtail if you think necessary. The reason I placed it so nigh
the upper end, was that the ground in the Center was neither so suitable
or Elevated as that spot— You will observe two lotts N° 297 & 298
them I take the liberty to recommend as a seat for an Academy —
the seat is Elegant and has the advantage of an excellent Spring con-
venient; there is a number included in the town. But as they all come
out of the bank I thought it not advisable to mark them down on the
Piatt. — The streets are all one Chain in width Except Main street
which is laid off one Chain and a half —
"There is yet some flat land between the Street and the River, but
as it Overflows every year I did not think it proper to lay it into
lotts, but to Reserve it for a Common, — I would suggest to you the
propriety of laying off and reserving for the use of the Citizens half a
Chain outside of the in and out lotts to prevent purchasers of the
United States lands from Inclosing them in. As yet there is a ballance
of upwards of fifty Acres of the land Appropriated by Congress, Also
to establish stones or posts on the River, and at the Corner, also have
the same well marked."
I have the honor to be very respectfully Yours.
J Meigs
Hon. Edward Tiffin, Esquire —
" Confirmed as Surveyor General in succession to Mansfield, Nov. 16, 1312
(Senate, Exec. Journal, u, 304). He arrived in Cincinnati Mar. 22, 1813. See
Terr. Papers (Ind.), vill, 215-216.
'2 Confirmed as Commissioner of the General Land Office, May 6, 1812 (Senate
Exec. Journal, u, 263). Relative to the GLO, see Terr. Papers (Ind.), vni, 203,
n. 21.
310 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
[Addressed] Honb' Edward Tiffin Commissioner of the General
Land Office Treasury Department Washington City —
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 2^ Apl 1813 J Meigs Surveyor Gl with Map
of Shawnee Town— Ans" 17 Ap"^ N° 5 rec" April 13, 1813 J Meigs
Surveyor Gen' with plat of Shawnee town
THOMAS FORSYTH TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
1NA:WD.SWDF:ALS]
S' Louis 10'" April 1813
Sir — Being appointed Sub Agent of Indian Affairs for the Post of
Peorias in the Illinois River, I think it my duty to state to you
the reason that I am not at present at that place, as also the impor-
tance of an establishment being made there, or they people who
formerly resided there to be encouraged to return back and build
up their Village; they whole of the houses being burned down, except-
ing two that belongs to two British traders. Mess" Buisson and
LeMoine. The information I collected at that place before and after
the commencement of the War, was great, I had got every thing in
such a train, that I drew information from Makinaw, Detroit, S*
Joseph River, Chicago, Millwakee and Green Bay and many other
places, and nothing could stir in the vicinity of these places, among
the Indians without its coming to my knowledge, which information, so
collected, was occasionally transmitted by me to they officers of govern-
ment in this Country; by which means many lives was saved: but more
particularly in the Month of September last, when upwards of four
hundred Indians was equiping themselves, to come down on the
frontiers of this, and the frontiers of Illinois Territory but Governor
Howards letters to me arrived at Peorias two or three days before
the arrival of this large body, came down from the upper parts of
Illinois River, by which means my answers to Gov : Howard gave him
and Gov : Edwards time, to put the frontiers of both Territories, in a
state of defence by which means, the whole party of Indians was most
compleatly foiled, they doing no other mischief than stealing a few
horses, and robbing a house or two; not being able to take home one
Scalp, but on the Contrary lost one of their warriours, a thing hardly
known in Indian warfare. Indians allways profess the greatest
friendship untill the moment arrives that the mean to make an attack,
to begin a War; which they allways do, by as great a force as they
possibly can collect, allways supposing to take their enemies unawares,
as they certainly would have done in the case above alluded too, had
it not been for the information that Gov: Howard received from me
" Poit, p. 318, under date of Apr. 19.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 311
at Peorias. After the return of this great party, I thought it prudent
to moave down to this place my most valuable effects and to return
to Peorias immediately, which I did, but during my absence the
Piankeshaw and Kicapoo Indians robbed the whole Village of Peorias
of every article they could carry away; driving they poor people away
out of their houses, Men, Women & Children naked, and oblidged to
embark on board of canoes, and abandon the whole, and to crown our
distress still more, two Boats Commanded by Cap* Craig of Shawanoe
town, got up to Peorias a few days before I did, and took on board
of his boats the remainder of our property (the greatest part we never
got nor do we ever expect to get it) and ourselves prisoners amounting
to Forty two persons. Men, Women, & Children, oblidging us to
abandon our Houses, Cattle, Com and Wheat, for no other reason
than because some Indians fired on they boats; all which provissions
say 150 (at least) head of horn Cattle, besides hogs, and Com, was
all destroyed during the last Winter, by the Indians, four houses and
four bams two of which contained Wheat, was burned down by Craigs
men, before we left the Peorias. when we were taken prisoners we
were disarmed, and descending the Illinois, he would not give us
a single fusee to kill a few ducks, and when anived and discharged
on the bank of the Mississippi 18 miles above this place, part only
of our arms were given up to us, the remainder were detained to the
great loss of the owners, not to mention the abuse we received from
Craig and his men at different times: I had prevailed on some people
who were about to leave the Peorias to remain there (prior to our
being made prisoners by Craig) and I was to return from this place
to Peorias by land, but a day or two after everything was settled, we
were all made prisoners, and our property destroyed, and it was
impossible for me to return alone, since which time I have been at
this place & regret much our being Oblidged to abandon our situation
at Peorias.^* Peorias is certainly the most important place in all the
Indian Country, as the intercourse with the Indians at that place is
so great, that Indians going to, and coming from Detroit, generally
call to rest themselves, and get a little tobacco &' for their journey,
by which means we allways had monthly intelligence from that place,
and am sure, was I now there, I would be able to collect as much
information as formerly, and no doubt by that means be able to
frusterate the designs of they enemies of this Country, but as I have
already obser\-ed, it is impossible for me to make a stand at Peorias
alone, but if there was a possibility, of three or four families being
allowed to go up to that place, I would rejoice and go up with them,
'* See Craig to Edwards, Dec. 10, 1812 (Edwards Papers, CHS, printed Wash-
bume, ed., Edwards Papers, CHC, in, 86-90), severely criticizing Forsyth, and
giving his version of Forsyth's arrest.
312 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
and run any risk that might happen. Many of the people who
formerly resided at Peorias wish much to return, but the fear of being
hindred by Government, and the great want of the common neces-
saries of life, oblidges them to employ all their time at hard labours,
to procure a scanty subsistence, for their families. If Government
would give them the least assistance, almost the whole of them would
return and I think many more of the same Nation (French) would
also go up, and the Peorias would be in a little time more respectable
than ever it was. Two men recently arrived from that country,
informs me, that, the Potawatimies wish much that their old friends
(as they Style them) would return and build up the Peorias.
I have the honor to be Your most Obd' And very humble Serv*
Thomas Forsyth
The Honorable Secretary of War City Washington
[Addressed] The Honourable Secretary' of War City Washington
[Postmarked] S' Louis April 17. Free
[Endorsed[\ St. Louis 10 April 1813 Th. Forsyth States the reason
of his not, now, residing at Peorias— Will repair there so soon as the
Indians will permit it. Rec" June 1813
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
1NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade Randolph County Illinois Terty April 12. 1813
Sir, Within a few days past several confidential agents that we have
had in different parts of the Indian country for a considerable time
have returned bringing with them a great deal of important informa-
tion— Their reports are lengthy and minute but I have only time to
extract from them the following particulars —
The Indians who formerly lived about Peoria and on this side of it
soon after our expedition against them last fall removed to Bureau
river (which enters the Illinois 60 miles above Peoria) where they
erected a strong fortification, consisting of five long block houses —
around which trees are cut down and thick puncheons so arranged as
to make a complete breastwork with port holes judiciously disposed —
It is situated at the point of a hill— a large Marsh in front— the river
in the rear of it and approachable only with any kind of facility on
one side where the passage is narrow— Two of our agents remained
at this place several weeks and only left it fifteen days ago — They
were there informed that ten barrels of powder sent by the British
had arrived at the Southern extremity of Lake Michagan as a present
to the Pottowattomies, Kickapoos Winnebagoes Fallsavoines, Sauks
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 313
& Foxes and that the Black Partridge (a distinguished Pottowottomie
Chief) had received two barrels for his share —
That after the battle of Massasinawa '^ the Prophet & his party-
left the Wabash — went to Detroit and have not returned That Main
Poque stated that the Americans had enquired after him and wished
to fight him, that he had accepted the challenge but would first go to
Detroit for Cannon — That the indians generally stated that the War
was only going to commence this summer — that they would come
down and surprize our mounted men who were constantly hunting for
them — They had latterly held a council, the object of which was to
ask the british to send them provisions in a vessel to Chicago to last
them for 12 months —
Those agents also met with some Sauks from the Missisippi by
whom they were informed that the Sauks Foxes and loways were
di%'ided. part being for war with the U. S. and part for peace — That
the White Pigeons son (a Pottowottomie) had been among them
assuring them that the British were ready to supply them with
ammunition clothing & pro\'isions. that if they would not unite in the
war they would be considered as Americans and that other Indians
& the British would commence war upon them —
Those agents also saw White Hair (a Pottowottomie Chief) on his
return from the Sauk camps on the Missisippi by whom they were
informed that the Sauks had employed one Brisbois a trader to write
a letter for them to the British at Detroit, that Sagotria another trader
was the interpretter, that he 0»^"hite Hair) was the bearer of said
letter and was on his way to Detroit whither he had been in\'ited to
receive presents as a reward for having killed Capt" Wells last year
at Chicago — They were also informed that Dickson went to Lower
Canada last fall and was expected to arrive at Praire de Chien last
month — That it was probable that the Indians would make com
where they made it last year — That the party that has infested our
frontier for some time past were principally Kickapoos headed by a
Chief called the Little Deer That those Indians are verj^ much enraged
& are determined to do all the mischief they can — •
Just about the time those men left Bureau river the Indians had
sent out runners to collect all their warriors — and it is probable their
intention may be to strike some blow before they separate —
M"' Blondeau sub agent to the Sauks and Foxes has been in the
Indian Country on the Llissisippi from the 14 of Feb'' till the first of
this month when he returned to S' Louis — About the 4*'' of March he
was informed by the Sauks and Foxes that the British had sent for
" A variant spelling of Mississinewa, a Miami village near the junction of the
Mississinewa and Wabash rivers (Hodge, Handbook Amer. Indians, I, 910-911).
For an account of the battle, see Esarey (ed.), Messages and Letters, 11, 269-274.
314 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
them to go to Chicago to get powder &c and threatened them that if
they would not declare open war against the Americans they (the
British) would set all the surrounding nations of Indians upon them —
That the Sioux declared it was time to make war upon the Americans
and drive them off their lands. That they had received two pipes from
the Sioux & others accompanied with talks in which they were in-
formed that the Indians at Praire de Chien had received from Dickson
at Macanac ten pieces of Strouding and a proportionate quantity of
other articles — that they were to collect together at the Praire there
wait his arrival which would be early in the Spring and then they
were altogether to make a descent upon S' Louis and other places — in
all which the Sauks and Foxes were invited to cooperate — and they
informed M' Blondeau that they were afraid the nations above would
force them to declare war against the Americans and requested our
support —
On the 10'" March another deputation from the Kickapoos and
Pottowottomies of Illinois river arrived among them inviting them to
go to Chicago to get ammunition &c and informing them that their
British father was impatient to see them — He was also informed a few
days before his arrival at S' Louis that a war party from Rock river
was on its way to attack the Missisippi settlement & do all the mischief
they could.
By every other account that has been received for a long time past
it appears that all the Indians West of Lake Michagan and on the
Illinois and Missisippi rivers (except the Sauks & Foxes) have joined
the hostile Confederacy.
Of the Sauks and Foxes it is admitted that a part is for war and a
part for peace — But I give it as my decided opinion that they will all
soon be against us
They are threatened by the British and Indians with war if they
do not join them — while every other means are used to engage them —
Operated upon as they must be by the double motive of reward and
personal safety we cannot expect them to remain firm in our interest
while we neither assume a warlike attitude to inspire them with fear,
nor carry on intercourse and trade with them to conciliate their affec-
tions— In fact we are doing no one thing calculated to counteract the
exertions of the British and therefore I conclude those exertions
cannot fail of eventual success.
Supposing those Indians to be hostile it is not safe to calculate upon
their going to Maiden — All accounts that have been received since
last fall concur in pro\ang their intention to attack this quarter —
Those accounts have been so numerous & uniform and so far so well
corroborated that it begins I think to be time to believe them —
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 315
Going from the Missisippi to Maiden they must go either by Ma-
canac or Chicago, the distance itself would make an insuperable
objection to their going thither in any large body, and leaving their
women & children exposed. And indeed if such were their intention
they would soon change it if an army were to march in their own
country —
Our frontier continues to be very much harrassed by the Savages —
We have no men here but those who have been raised in the territory
except a small party with a Lieut at F* Rusel I have not heard from
or seen Colo Russel/' I have the command of the volunteers that I
have raised and have as hard a duty as I believe ever fell to the lott
of any man — I have not seen my family for seven months — and I fear
I have little prospect of that happiness unless the territory shortly
gets some aid—
I have called in the Kaskaskia Indians it being dangerous both to
them & the people of the Ty to permit them to support themselves by
hunting and I am consequently compelled to support them at the
public expence—
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir V Mo Obd' S*
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble John Armstrong Sec^ of War Washington City.
P.S. Since writing the above I have rec"* the enclosed copy of a
letter from M'' Roc, a worthy man, & good agent, who has been up-
wards of 30 years interpretter to the Sioux. The letter is decisive.
N.E.
13 April I have just received intelligence of several murders
having been committed in a few days past. N.E.
[Addressed] The Hon'ble John Armstrong Secretary of War Wash-
ington City Free "*
[Endorsed] Elvirade April 12, 1813 Gov. N. Edwards States the
result of the information obtained by his agents with the Indians,
viz. that the British are exciting all the Indians against the U. S.
and determined to destroy the frontier settlements. Rec* Mav
1813 "
" See Russell to the Secretary of War, Mar. 24, 1813 (NA, WD, SWDF),
relative to the state of the regulars in Illinois and Indiana territories.
"» See Howard to the Secretary of War, Apr. 5, 1813, with enclosures {Terr.
Papers, La.-Mo., xiv).
" No reply found. See Edwards to the Secretary of War, Mar. 27, 1813 (NA,
WD, SWDF, printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp. 346-347), concerning the Indian
situation in Illinois Territory since his last letter, ante, p. 305, and alleging an
unjust di^'ision of defense forces between Indiana and Illinois territories.
316 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
[EncloBurel
Joseph la Rogue '* to Nicholas BoUvin
Praire de Chien March 12. 1813
Sir I am yet alive— God has preserved me untill the present to
give you all the news I could not write you by any other opportunity
being in great danger of my life — I am watched on all sides — I trusted
to M'' Farabeau to read the letters received from you sent by the
Siou (Red Wing)
In my absence those letters were seen and copies of them taken
and sent to Macanac by Duncan Graham who left this a month
since to bring forces which we expect every day to go and fight
against the Americans of Illinois — M' Bolvine you will be sur-
prized— the letters that j'ou had addressed here to M' Brisbois M'
Bontheleur & M' Fisher — they have taken copies of your letters and
have sent an express to carry them to S' Peters river to raise all the
nations to go to War against you and the Illinois — In short Sir, I
must tell you every thing is against you Americans — All nations in
general have given their word to the English — The traders together
are setting them on against you all — That is all I can say for the
present — and all the information I can give you —
Sir The remaining of your property that you left here is all lost
even your cattle have been killed by the Falsavoins —
M' Bolvine you must believe all that is in this letter
I am Sir with the greatest friendship possible
Joseph Roc
M' Nicholas Bolvine
(a copy)
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory April 14, 1813
Sir Last night I received a letter from Colo. Bond informing me
that you had requested that I should raise tlu-ee companies of rangers
for this territory " — I have already raised four companies supposing
that that many at least would have been accepted — I had the honor
to communicate to you the tender of service by Capt° James B. Moore
Capt° Samuel Whiteside and Captain Jacob Short & their subalterns
& companies and I presume from Colo Bonds letter that the commis-
" Lefi in charge of American interests at Prairie du Chien after the departure
of Boilvin in the autumn of 1812 (Kellogg, Bril. Regime in Wis., p. 306).
'• Feb. 25, 1813 (Edwards Papers, CHS. printed, Washburne, ed., Edwards
Papers, CHC, m, 97-98).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 317
sions will shortly arrive. — these three companies are accepted by me
as far as I had any authority to act
Captain M'Henry has now a company of mounted men in service
who also tender their services for hectic months — but I suppose from
the arrangement that has taken place they cannot be accepted and
therefore I shall decline forwarding their tender —
M"^ Hempstead who arrived here last night informs me that John
Murdock is recommended as a Majr to take command of the rangers —
If that appointment should be made I shall regret it very much on the
public account for I know he is unqualified for it, in every point of view.
And I pledge myself officially or otherwise to prove to you that he is
unworthy of it— In my expedition last year I gave him the command
of a Battallion — upon the march his conduct was so exceptionable,
in violating positive orders that he was arrested by Colo Russel — •
In our attack upon the principal Town at the head of Peoria Lake —
he was ordered to gain the left flank of the enemy — and for that pur-
pose to leave the Town to his left — he disregarded the whole arrange-
ment— and left his battallion and when I ordered him to form it, his
reply was that he had but two men with him — These things are
enough but I stand pledged to prove more to you — I am no enemy to
this man — But every man upon the expedition knew & felt his im-
proper conduct and under such circumstances I think his promotion
injustice to others — I did not intend to recommend any man unless
called on for that purpose — but I feel it my duty to remonstrate as
respectfully as possible against this appointment and will now recom-
mend another whose merits and claims of every description are
superior — Majr Benjamin Stephenson last year commanded the ¥wy
companies who ha of Captains Moore Whiteside & Short who have
tendered their services, he was recommended by them — he discharged
his duty well, now commands & has for some time past commanded
those companies, he has had considerable experience, is an excellent
disciplinarian, a most worthy brave & respectable man — & is in every
respect well acquainted with all the details of his duty — No one can
deny his superior qualifications, every one who has been in service with
me will testify to them — and I have no hesitation in saying the officers
& soldiers would prefer him I do not object to the one appointment
for the sake of obtaining the other — for I have never been applied to
to recommend Stephenson, nor does he expect it of me — but objecting
as I do from motives of public good to the appointment of one — I
have felt it my duty to name another, against whom no possible
objection can or will be made by anyone — Stephenson is the brother
of the late member of Congress of that name from Virg"— he is Sherrifl
of this County and my brigade Majr — and without his assistance I do
318 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
not know how I eld have hitherto been able to manage the militia —
I have done my duty— and am Very respectfully Sir Yr Mo Obd* S*
NiNiAN Edwards
[Addressed] The Honble John Armstrong Secretary of War
Washington City Free
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia April 14, 1813. Gov. N. Edwards reports
that he has raised 3 comp: of rangers in consequence of information
from M' Bond that such was the wish of the War Dept. States the
characters of the officers. Rec" May, 1813 ^
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, Lets, to SG, i]
Treasury Department, General Land Office, 19*" April, 1813.
Sir, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the
second of this month,^' and of the plat of Shawnee town, which
accompanied it.
The law which directed the town to be laid out,^^ has provided that
the whole tract shall not exceed two entire sections of land, or 1280
acres. But no courses and distances being expressed upon the plat,
this office has no other means of examining the survey, than the scale
expressed upon it; namely, one inch to 72 chains; according to which,
we find the erea of the tract to contain about 1566 acres, being nearly
half a section more than was appropriated to the object.
Should you, on examination of the field notes, find that there exists
no error in the survey, which will account for the difference, nor any
in the graphical delineation of the plat, a mode must be devised to
make the survey agree with the law. In that case, I am instructed
by the secretary of the treasury to state, that in his opinion, the best
way will be to strike out the out-lots from, N" 1, to number 90, both
inclusive, which with the streets thereby rejected will, according to
the plat, amount to 304 acres. This will reduce the tract within the
quantity appropriated by the law, of which it will fall short about
18 acres.
The three tiers of out-lots being rejected, it will be expedient to
re-number the remaining ones; beginning at the old number 91,
-" No reply found. See Edwards to the Secretary of War, May 4, 1813 (NA,
WD, SWDF, printed, Edwards, Hist. III., pp. 347-348), similar in context to the
above, but containing the names of officers he proposed for the newly organized
companies of rangers.
=' Ante, p. 309.
'-' Sec. 6, act approved Apr. 30, 1810 (2 Stat. 591). See Terr. Papers (Ind.),
VIII, 18.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 319
which will then be changed to N° 1; proceeding and returning north-
eastwardly and Southwestwardly to the last out-lot, which, under
this system, will become N° 270.—
To avoid the interferences which otherwise may, hereafter, arise
between the purchasers of Town-lots, and the purchasers of the
adjacent public lands, you will please to cause the corners, or so many
of them as may be necessary, to be properly established.
You will please to transmit to this ofRce, a copy of the plat, when
corrected, and retain another copy to be delivered to the register of
the Land office at Shawneetown, when appointed,
A furlough has been transmitted to M' Mansfield, and his expences
will be paid at the treasur>\^
I am, &"
JosiAH Meigs, Esq"' Surveyor-general, Cincinnati.
For a letter to J. Mansfield, esq"' late surveyor-general, on the
subject of his furlough, see general letter book, under date of April
17th, 1813.2*
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory A'pril 20. 1813
Sir The dangers to which this territory is exposed and the neces-
sity of assistance (unless it be prefered by the Gov' to give it up)
is no longer a matter of opinion or conjecture — The Indians continue
to be very troublesome. It is I presume unnecessary to detail their
savage atrocities — They waylayed the mail carrier & his guard on
the road from this place to the Ohio — on Simday last — and the lives
of those men were probably saved by a heavy rain which fell suddenly
and induced them to ride at full speed past where the Indians lay —
Yesterday morning the same party made an attempt upon the house
of a M"' Cox where the mail carrier lodged at which time I believe one
of our men killed an Ind° — I have two detachments of militia in
pursuit of them — but it is doubtfull whether they can be successfull
owing to very high waters —
The Indians appear to have made incursions into every part of our
frontier — The mail I think must entirely stop If you should have
any communications to make to me. it would be best to forward
duplicates and send by Russelsville (Ky) as well as by the usual
route —
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y'' Mo Obd' S'
NiNiAN Edwards
" Answered ■posl, p. 320.
" NA(GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5).
320 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
[Addressed] The Hon'ble John Armstrong Sec' of War Washington
City
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia April 20 '13 Gov. N. Edwards Without
assistance that Territory must be abandoned. The Indians are very
troublesome — Mails interrupted & letters to him should go by Rus-
selville Ky— Rec" June 1813 "
ELIAS RECTOR TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
|NA:SD, Applications :ALSJ
Kaskaskia April 26'" 1813
Dear Sir Altho, I have only had the honor of a verry Short
acquaintance with you at the falls of Ohio and that too several years
ago, I will notwithstanding take the liberty of soliciting your patronage
in procuring me the appointment of Register of the Land office which
is established at Shawney Town in this Territory, Judge Stuart has
written to you in my favor, which letter letter I presume you will
receive,^' before this arrives at Washington, Any senice that you
may think proper to render me in promoting my wishes will be
acknowledged by Sir your Obt Hble Serv'
EuAS Rector
The Hble James Monroe
[Addressed] The Hon"'" James Monroe Secretary of the U. S City
of Washington Free
[Endorsed] 26 April 1813 M' Rector application for Register Land
Office Illinois Terr'"
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG. 1812-1814:LS1
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 1" 1813.
Sir I have this day received yours of April 19." enclosing the
Plan of Shawnee Town— I have not found the Instructions given to
M' Dobbins the Deputy Surveyor by my Predecessor. I omitted to
include, in my letter of April 2,^ the following extracts from M'
Dobbins letter accompanying his Plat.
"The Posts I had all made of Mulbeny and Black Locust, which
was hard to procure: — they were made from two and a half feet in
length to two feet and four inches, by three in thickness. — Agreeably
'• No reply found.
" Not found.
" AnU, p. 318.
" Ante, p. 309.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 32I
to your Instructions I have numbered and marked every lot". —
"There is yet some flat land between the Street and the river, but as
it overflows every year, I did not think it proper to lay it into lots
but to reserve it for a Common. — I would suggest to you the Pro-
priety of laying off and reserving for the use of the Citizens half a
Chain outside of the In & out Lots, to prevent purchasers of the United
States lands from inclosing them in, as there is yet a balance of up-
wards of Fifty Acres of the land appropriated by Congress; also to
establish Stones or Posts on the River and at the Corners, Also to
have the same well marked."
M'' Dobbins did not transmit to me any Field Notes. — The Meridian
Line on his Plat, gives the direction of Main Street and its parallels
North 36° 30' East, and consequently the perpendicular lines are
North 53° 30' West, He has not inform.ed me whether his inscribed
Meridian is the true or the Magnetic
I will endeavour to transmit, by the next mail one plan,^ omitting
the out Lots, No^ 1 to 90, both inclusive, and another similar to that
which is returned ; — for your letter and the plan were thoroughly wet
and much defaced. — The Rain which has fallen here during the last
month has been more than one Foui'th of the annual quantity; and
this beautiful River is now almost overflowing its banks.
I am, very respectfully Yours,
J Meigs.
Hon. E. Tiffin.
[Addressed] The Honorable Edward Tiffin Commissioner of the
General Land office, Treasury Department Washington City [Post-
marked] Cincinnati 3 May 1813 Fi'ee
[Endorsed] Cincinna [MS. torn] May 1813 Josiah M [MS. torn]
Surv' Gen' de plat of Shawnee Town. N" 6
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
|NA:OIA, SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C =«]
War Department, May 4. 1813.
His Ex. Governor Ninian Edwards, 111. Terr''—
Sir, My Letter of the 4. Ultimo ^' stated the measures taken, or
directed to be taken, by order of the President in relation to the
defence of the Territorial Frontier. To these have now been added
the employment of Colonel Johnson's Riflemen, if General Harrison
2" Post, p. 329
3" There is another copy of this letter in NA (WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 6).
" Not seen.
322 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
shall be able to dispense with their services on his own line of posts."
I beg you to convey this information to Brigadier General Howard,
and to accept the assurance of my very great respect.
J.A.
P.S. Your letter of the 27. March was received by the last Mail.''
MAURICE BLONDEAU TO BENJAMIN HOWARD
[NA:WD, SWDF:C «•]
Copy of a letter from M. Blondeau to his Excellency Gov Howard. —
Portage des Sieux the 4'" May 1813
Sir, The Sacs have listened to your council — they have been well
pleased. — I am arrived with the principal chiefs of their nation — It
was not in my power to obey youi- Orders — for they are fifty eight
men and fifteen women. — The only news I have is that Dickson is
come from Green Bay to Rock River, the IS'" April — from there to
Prairie du Chien — And he has sent in Agents who descended to
Rock River, I mean River des loway, the 23" of April with a talk and
two barrels of powder, which the Sacs, divided from the rest, have
accepted. They have joined and are coming on with the rest against
St Louis — We spoke to others — they say they want to remain neutral
and at peace in the present War. The Blue & the [blank] remained
at home — The Foxes find difficulty coming down, having no canoes —
They are all at river des Moines waiting an Opportunity to come
down. Your's respectfully
M. Blondeau
The Band of the red Wing 80 Lodges (Sieux) are coming down to
join the Sacs & Foxes in peace with us. —
[Endorsed] Letter of Blondeau
»' See the Secretary of War to Harrison, June 9, 1813 (Esarey, ed., Messages and
Letters, u, 468), containing the order for Johnson to report at Kaskaskia.
»>NA(WD,SWDF), printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp. 346-347. See also
Bond to Edwards, Feb. 7, Feb. 13, Feb. 25, June 7, July 11, Aug. 17, Dec. 10,
and Dec. 23, 1813 (Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers, pp. 93-98, 101-104, 105-107),
transmitting relevant information from the seat of government at Washington.
Cf. Terr. Papers (Ind.), viii, 227-230, 236-238, 255, 262.
"• An enclosure, in Bates's hand, in Bates to the Secretary of War, May 14,
1813 (Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., Xiv).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 323
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO WILLIAM ARUNDEL
[PO:P.M. Letter Book S]
May 5, 1813
William Arundel Esq' P.M. Kaskaskias 111. Ter
Yours of the 5 Ul' is before me ^* I send you $400 to support the
line of expresses. To which you will pay every attention. The orders
for gards to accompany the mail must come from the War Office.
Accordingly as soon as M' Brian '^ sent your letter to this office, I
sent it to the Secretary at War, with a letter ^* representing the
necessity of the measure. I hope your Govn'' will continue the guards
to the mail until he hears from the proper department. I have
ordered the monies due to W™ Morrison to be forwarded to him.
The situation of your territory is truely deplorable and I trust th3
Executive are making every effort for your relief & will do justice to
your citizens for all their exertions I speak this as an individual,
having no agency in Government other than the faithful Adminis-
tration of this Office. Last Friday the enemy burnt Frenchtown on
Elk River & yesterday Havre de Grace at the head of this bay.
Yours,
G. Gr.
Put in P. Office May 5. 1813 DG.—
EDWARD TIFFIN TO THE PRESIDENT
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office, 6'" May, 1818.
Sir, I have the honor to state to you, that M"' Gallatin, immediately
previous to his departure from the seat of government, communicated
to me important information relative to the Wabash Saline, in the
Illinois territory, of which the following is an outline, vizt: —
"That the lease of the Saline exph-ed last autumn; a circumstance
which had been overlooked. — He, therefore, advised that governor
Edwards, who superintends the leasing thereof, should come to an
understanding with the lessees to continue their lease for one year
longer, on the same terms.
"That public notice should afterwards be given, as heretofore,
inviting proposals foi- a new lease. In making this, it is thought that
the most important point, is the proper care and saving of fuel. And
considering the situation of the works, with the new discoveries of
" Not found.
" Probably Guy Bryan, a partner of William Morrison.
»' Not found.
324 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
salt made elsewhere, it is believed that the object originally in view,
namely, that of compelling the lessees to make the greatest possible
quantity of salt, — and of reducing the price of the article to its mini-
mum, cannot be better obtained than by leasing the the works to those
who will pay the United States the highest rent."
Instructions to the foregoing effect had, accordingly, been prepared
for Governor Edwards, in my office; but at the moment of signing
them, a letter from the governor was handed to me, which I have the
honor to enclose.''
As I have not before received any communications on subjects of
this nature, it is not in my power to state any opinion thereon. I can
only presume to remark, that the arrangement which existing circum-
stances compelled the governor to make, (subject, of course, to your
approbation or rejection) may perhaps be so modified, should it be
deemed expedient, as to meet the ideas held out by M' Gallatin.
The question of a renewal of the lease, will then remain to be
decided; and probably the governor's representation of the present
state of the country, and of the backwardness of other proposers, will
facilitate a decision on that point.
Under these circumstances, I have deemed it my duty to defer any
instructions on the subject till you shall have been pleased to delib-
erate upon the information contained in the governor's letter, and to
favor me with such directions as the aspect of the case, now varied
by his representation, may appear to you to be proper.
I have the honor, &"
The president of the United States. —
THOMAS FORSYTH TO BENJAMIN HOWARD
[NA: WD, SWDF: C«"]
Copy oj a letter from Tho' Forsyth Esquire Sub Agent of Indian Affairs,
to His Excel" Benj* Howard late Gov of Missouri Te"
St Louis May 7. 1813
Sir, I have the honor to state to you that I arrived here yesterday
from the upper part of the Illinois River. —
On the 12'" ult" I prepared my boat and men, and on the 13'" left
this to ascend the Illinois River. On the 24'" I fell in with three
families of Potawatimies at Crow Praire 45 miles above the Peorias,
who appeared to be very happy to see me. I enquired where all the
Indians were? I wa.s informed that all the Indians were at or on their
" Mar. 13, 1813; see post, p. 328.
"■ An enclosure, in Bates's hand, in Bates to the Secretary of War, May 14,
1813 {Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., xiv).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 325
way up Sandy Creek. I moved on in company with those three
famihes and on the 25"" over took another family, and we all encamped
together at the mouth of the Vermillion River. In the evening all
the Indians came to my tent to smoke, and informed me that about
10"" (April) a belt of Wampum with a letter airived in the Illinois
River from the British, requesting those Indians to repair to Detroit
as quickly as possible, and as many as possible. — That a Prophet had
arisen in England who informed the Great Father of all the British
and Indians that the Great Spirit was much displeased with the
Americans. That the Island (America) belongs to the Indians, and
for their great Father (King of England) to be strong and assist all
the Indians to drive the Americans out of the Island (America) to
supply the Indians with all their wants — And that when they fought
the Americans the Great Spu'it would be on theii- side, and that they
(the Americans would always be beaten. Thus far the Wampum —
but no person being able to read the letter, I did not learn its contents
until my arrival at Sandy Creek. At the latter place I was informed
by a Corporal Bowen who had been taken prisoner at Chicago that
he had seen the letter — that it was from 1 he British at Detroit, inviting
the Indians to go to that place as quickly as possible
On the 27'" I aiTived at Sandy Creek and the Indians met me at
the water side & shook me very cordially by the hand, and appeared
glad to see me — 28'" the Indians held a council & sent for me and
Mr Le Clair. After being seated and our pipes lighted, Gomo's
speaker got up & made a short speech thanking me for the pipe of
Tobacco I brought them — and requesting me to return at any time.
I pleased to theu- village — that the roads by water and land were
perfectly open to all their friends at all times: that they were very
sorry that our property was robbed by the Indians last fall, as also
for the loss of all our cattle: that they had driven out of their country
the bad Indians who had committed those insults & that nothing
of the kind should ever happen again. Gomo informed me that the
Shawanoe Prophet gone to Detroit with all the Shawanoes. That
the Winebagoes and Kickapoos were still at the Prophet's village on
the Wabash, but did know that they were to remain there, but sup-
posed they would go on to Detroit — That about 400 Miamies were
on their way to St Joseph's to make a village — That at the change of
last moon (about 1'*' April) Robert Dickson arrived at Chicago from
Quebeck — said he was two months travelling from that place — that
he was in a great hurry — that he had not time to say much, but
shewed the Indians a belt of wampum of about two fathoms long &
nine inches wide, that was sent from their Great Father, over the gi'eat
waters (meaning the King of England) to the Sieux Nation of Indians,
for them to take up the war club against the United States — And
326 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
that their great Father would supply all their wants — That his
(Dickson's) work was not to be the Work of a day — that he would
descend the Mississippi with the Sieux, until he should meet the
Spaniards who were coming up that river — that those Indians who
could not get to Detroit must defend themselves as well as they
could, & be ready to descend the Illinois River when they heard of
his (Dickson's) moving down the Mississippi — and all to meet below
(perhaps near the Portage des Sieux) when they would all go to a
country where they could get plenty to eat and drink & plenty of
clothing &" That he had instructions to send in all the Indians
he could see to Detroit "" — That 1500 Ottowas & Chippewas & others
had gone to Detroit to drive the Americans away from the Fort of
the Rapids — That Maiden was stronger than ever & that the British
had plenty of Soldiers at that place: That the British would take
many great guns to attack General Harrison's Army — break down
his fortifications, and the Indians would be able to rush in & kill the
whole of the Americans — that their Great Father was now standing
upright with his great war-club in his hand & would never bury it
until both his white & red children were satisfied. — He (Dickson)
enquired what the Saukees, Foxes & loways were about — He was
told that they were divided some for peace some for war. He said,
he would make them all of one opinion as he passed down the Missis-
sippi— as his, (Dickson's) party would not consist of five or six, but
as many hundreds. — that he was sorry he could not tell them more,
as he had not time, that he must go on to Millwakee and then to
the Winebagoes on the Head Waters of Rocky River, where he would
leave his horses and go down R. River in Canoes to its mouth, thence
up the Mississippi to Prairie du chien where a great many Sieux were
waiting his arrival —
I was informed that a very severe battle was faught last winter at
the river Raisen near Detroit, and had the Americans stood it out a
little longer, the British & Indians must have been beaten. Gomo
informed me that he would go, in a few days to Detroit to request the
British to send a vessel out to Chicago with Provisions and merchan-
dize for the Indians. The Main Pocque sent for me the morning I
left Sandy Creek & told me he was that far on his way to Detroit —
That the British had sent for him & as many warriors as he could
take with him — That he would Sandy Creek next day (1" May) —
That he meant to fight the Americans completely this summer & make
the troubles of the Earth be quiet That after General Harrison's army
would be defeated, the British & Indians would march up to Fort
"•> See statement of Robert Dickson, Dec. 3, 1812, and Dickson to Prevost,
Dec. 23, 1812 (Esarey, ed., Messages and Letters, ii, 235-236, 251-252). See also
Irwin to Mason, Oct. 16, 1812 (Terr. Papers, Mich., x, 411-415).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 327
Wayne, destroy that place then to Vincennes & drive the Americans
over the Ohio —
A General Council was held by all the Indians of Sandy Creek Kicka-
poos & Potawatimies & Gomo himself spoke in the name of the whole.
He said it was the wish of all the Indians present that all the old settlers
of the Peorias should return & requested me to use all my influence to
bring them back — Also to speak to Col" Chouteau to get as many
french families to go up to reside at Peorias, as possible. That if any
number of families of French would go & live there, the Indians agree
that they shall have the same rights of hunting & fishing & the same
use of the land & wood as themselves & promise not to distiirb any
property belonging to them, but to live as if the whole was one family.
Gomo made a long speech on the occasion & afterwards spoke to me
in a private way to request that I would bring back to Peorias, the
Old settlers — And expressed his fears that the Americans would not
allow them to go up — but desired me to acquaint him as soon as pos-
sible whether we should be able to get up to Peorias this ensuing fall
or not — all which I promised to do.
I have the honor to be &c &c &c
(Signed) Thomas Forsyth
His Excellency Governor Howard.—
[Endorsed] Letter of Tho= Forsyth Sub Agent
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
NOTHERN FRONTIER OF ILLINOIS TERRITORY May 9. 1813
Sir I have the honor to inform you that the day before yesterday
I received a letter from Gov"' Howard in which he states that M''
Blondeau had just arrived from the river Demoin, and M'' Forsyth
from the banks of Illinois river, he observes that their reports and a
letter he had received from Majr Starke of F' Madison "all concur in
the opinion that Dickson had passed along rock river and meditates
a descent upon our Country" '' —
The same information is confirmed by a spye I have had in the
Indian country — and I have this moment rec"" a very ample official
'8 Cf. Edwards to Shelby, Mar. 22, 1813, and Shelby to Harrison, Apr. 4, 1813
(Esarey, ed., Harrison's Messages and Letters, II, 395-396, 414-415). See also the
Secretary of War to Harrison, July 14, 1813, ibid., pp. 491-492, deprecating
Edwards's fears as expressed in his letters of a possible descent of Dickson upon
St. Louis. There are numerous relevant letters from Robert Dickson in the Dickson
and Grignon papers (WHS) ; selections from these are printed in WHC, xi, 273,
276-277, 278-282, 283-294, 295-303, 306-307, 308-309, 311-312, covering the
period Aug. 31, 1813, to Apr. 10, 1815. Cf. Forsyth to Howard, May 7, 1813.
supra.
328 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
report from M' Forsyth himself which places the fact out of all
question —
My own opinion is that the British agents will try to get all the
Indians they can to go to Detroit, and that they will employ the
balance in this country — It is impossible for many of the Missisippi
indians to go there — But I apprehend more from their desultory,
partizan attacks than from any general combined operations of British
& Indians — and indeed the former is much the most dreadful &
destructive —
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' Mo Obd' S'
N Edwards
[Endorsed] 111. Territory May 9 1813 Gov. N. Edwards States the
reports that an attack is meditated on that Country by the Indians.
Rec-* June 1813 "
EDWARD TIFFIN TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent. Bk. 5 *»]
Treasury Department, General Land office, 10*" May, 1813.
Sir, Your letter of the 13'" March last," to the secretary of the
Treasury, communicating the understanding which has taken place
between you and the lessees of the Wabash Saline, that they should
continue to work it on the old terms, till the will of the president should
be known, has been received; and M"' Gallatin having left the seat of
government, in order to proceed on his mission to Russia, it has been
handed to me.
I have consulted the president on the subject, and he is pleased to
direct, that the temporary arrangement made by you, should be con-
tinued, till you can substitute one which had been suggested by M'
Gallatin, previous to the receipt of your letter; the nature of which
you will understand from the enclosed copy of M"' Gallatin's letter to
me, dated 17'" ultimo."
I am, & 0*
His excellency Gov. Edwards, Kaskaskia, Illinois Terr"
" Reply not found.
*' Printed also in Edwards, op. cit., p. 537.
" Not found.
" Text not seen; cf. ante, p. 323. See also Tiffin to Edwards, Sept. 8, 1813 (NA,
GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5, printed, Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers, pp. 104-
105; Edwards, Hist. III., p. 537), referring to instructions of the Secretary of the
Treasury, Aug. 25, 1809 (not found), and leaving the lease question to the dis-
cretion of Edwards, subject to restrictions already given.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 329
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
INA:GL0, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814: ALS]
Cincinnati, May 13, 1813. Surveyor General's Office.
Sir, I have the honour to inclose a plan of Shawnee Town," reject-
ing the first 90 Out Lots of the first Plan, and numbering the remaining
270 Lots agreeably to your directions. It is to be regretted that a
more particular description did not accompany the Plan executed by
Mr. Dobbins.
I presume, on reflection, that it will not be necessary to send another
Plan similar to the first— This Plan will, I hope meet with the appro-
bation of the Department.
I am, with Esteem, and very respectfully yours.
J Meigs
Hon. Edward Tiffin, Esquu-e.—
[Addressed] Hon. Edward Tiffin, Esquire Commissioner of the
General Land-Office Treasury Department.
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 13 May, 1813. Surveyor General, with a
corrected plat of Shawnee Town N° 7
MICHAEL JONES AND JOHN CALDWELL TO THE
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
[NA:GL0, Kaskaskia, Reg. and Rec. Lets.rLS]
Kaskaskia May IS*" 1813.
Sir In compliance with yoiu- letter of the 7'" of May 1810 " the
former Board of Commissioners transmited to you a second disig-
nation of the tract contemplated by the first section of the act of the
21°'' of April 1806. which in quantity does not much exceed the
aggregate of all the claims both confirmed and rejected; and includes
the principal part of the improvements made by the Owners of
Bonafide claims — This disignation being made in conformity with
your wishes as expressed in your letter of that date, it was presumed
would meet your sanction — but as no communication has been
received from you since on this subject; and having been informed by
Col° Bond that you deemed the tract too large — we have been induced
to believe that the Communication containing that disignation did
not reach you. We therefore enclose to you a platt of that designa-
tion " — and in relation to which we beg leave to remark — that should
you be of Opinion that those persons who have actually inhabited &
« Not present.
" Ante, p. 98.
'5 Not present.
330 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
cultivated land within this reserve are intitled to the benefits of the
act giving the right of pre-emption in the purchase of lands to certain
settlers in the Illinois Territory — Approved on the 5'" of February
1813 ** — we have no hisitation in giving it as our opinion that the
reserA'ation herewith submitted, will not do more than satisfy such
pre-emptioners & the holders of unlocated claims with Cultivable
land. But should your Opinion be that such Settlers are not entitled
to the right of pre-emption given by the before recited act, We would
recommend the exclusion of the following Townships from that
reservation, to wit. Township N" 4 N in range N° 9 W, also Township
N° 4 North Range N° 8 W. likewise Townships N" 4, 3, 2, 1. North
in Range N" 7 West and Township N" 1 South in Range N" 7 West
to gether with Township N° 7 South in Range N° 4 W. & Town-
ships N" 7 & 8 South in Range N" 3 west."
We are very respectfully Sir, your most obed' & Hum' Serv*'
Mich' Jones
Jn" Caldwell
The Hon' Albert Gallatin Sec^ of the Treas'' of the United
States—
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia, 18 May, 1813. Register and Receiver,
relative to the reservation for locating Claims. —
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814 :ALS]
Cincinnati, May 22, 1813 Surveyor General's Office,
Sir I have this day received your letter dated May 7, accompanied
with a Copy of the Land Laws passed in 1811 and 1812.^'
On a conversation yesterday with Stanley Griswold Esq; Judge of
the Illinois Territorj', I have been induced to suggest to the Treasury
Department an alteration of that plan of Shawnee Town of which a
copy was transmitted on the 13th of this Month.
In the Plan are several Fractional Lots, viz:
6, at the E. end of the 1'' Tier, on the River: viz. No. 449—450—
451—452—453-454—
7, at the W. end of the 1" Tier; No. 461—462—463^464—465—
466—467
4, at the E. end of the 2" Tier; No. 445—446—447—448.—
4, at the W. end of the 2" Tier; No. 413— 414— 415— 416 -
6, at the E. end of the 3" Tier; No. 361—362—363—364—365—366.
6, at the W. end of the 3" Tier; No. 407—408—409—410—411^112.
«2 Stat. 797-798.
•' Answered yosl, p. -344.
"NA (GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
•ILLINOIS TERRITORY 331
If these fractional Lots are rejected it will probably increase the
value of the whole Lots in their rear, and indeed, of the whole Town ;
because, if these Lots are sold, they will probably be occupied by
persons of no real benefit to Society, and the view of the River will be
much impeded. — Philadelphia N. York and most other towns have
been injiu-ed by suffering their river or harbour banks to be too much
encroached upon — I might have given Cincinnati as another example
of the same bad policy. The City of Bordeaux is admired for its
beauty, neatness and convenience; depending, materially, on its
having a spacious area open between the buildings and the River
Bank —
I am with Esteem, & very respectfully, Yours;
JosiAH Meigs.
Hon. Edward Tiffin, Esq.
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire Commissioner
of the General Land Office — Treasury Department Washington City —
[Postmarked] Cincinnati 24 May 1813 Surveyor General's Office
J Meigs. Free
[Endorsed] rec June 1813 J Meigs Surveyor General recommending
an improvement in Shawnee town
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade Randolph County Illinois Territory May 2A. 1813
Sir The inhabitants of this territory particularly to the East and
South East of Kaskaskia being greatly harrassed by the vexatious
inroads of the savages, and terrified by repeated instances of their
bloody ferocity — and ha\'ing myself satisfactorily ascertained the
rout of their incursions, I determined about the first of this month to
make the greatest effort in my power to drive them from their hiding
places, and if possible to intercept them on their retreat — For which
purpose I put all the mounted men I could raise into motion detach-
ments of whom moved simultaneously from different points of the
territory in such a manner as to favor the general design — Three of
them marched from the counties on the Ohio one up the Little
Wabash, another up Big Muddy Creek and the third up Saline Creek,
all pursuing a northern direction the course the Indians had travelled
in coming in — Another detachment consisting of three companies
commanded by Major Benjamin Stephenson marched from F"^ Russel
to the old Kickapoo Town on Mink river a fork of the Sanguemon —
Two other companies were left to operate between the Kaskaskia and
Illinois rivers while another in a well fortified boat ascended the latter
river to Peoria —
332 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
At the same time that all these different movements were directed
with a proper regard to the safety and protection of the frontiers — I
did hope that the companies from the Ohio would be able to start the
indians and that Stephensons detachment might have intercepted
them or that some of the detachments might cross the trails and fall
in behind those who might be coming into the settlements — But an
attempt which I had made a short time before to execute a similar
plan which succeeded only partially in consequence of heavy rains &
high waters by alarming the indians and causing their removal pre-
vented as much success as otherwise might have been justly hoped for
from the latter one. It must however be attended with beneficial
consequences if it should only by increasing the fears of the savages,
render their \-isits less frequent it may be the means of saving many
valuable lives and I cannot doubt that it will have this effect at least —
They appeared to have lately occupied and hastily fied from the village
and its \'icinity — Every detachment discovered a good deal of indian
sign — Colo Trammel at the head of one of them persued a party of
the savages from the neighbourhood of the U. S. Saline to the waters
of Illinois river when his horses became so fatigued and exhausted that
he was obliged most reluctantly to quit the pursuit — Another party
was discovered by a part of Majr Stephensons detachment, but they
could not be overtaken — The old Kickapoo %'illage is now burnt as
you will see by Majr Stephensons report to me which I have the honor
herewith to transmit —
The kind of ranging which I have adopteti may be deemed very
hazardous — but were it so there is no other alternative but to en-
counter the danger or suffer either the continual and indiscriminate
slaughter of men women and children at their owm habitations or the
total abandonment of the countrj' — Rangers used any other way
afford very little more protection than infantry, and the danger is
not as great as may be immagined — Every since last fall the Illinois
indians have constantly apprehended an attack upon them & I have
done every thing in my power to encourage that belief — They col-
lected together last winter, built & occupied a fort, consumed their
provisions, had little opportunity of hunting, and have all this year
been kept out of their best hunting grounds Wherefore the want of
provisions and not knowing precisely when to expect us must prevent
them from embodying in any great number on this side of the Illinois
river. On that river they can subsist on the fish which it abundantly
affords —
Captain Jarrot who commanded the armed boat went to Peoria,
heard the indians shooting on both sides of the river, took an indian
horse & several canoes and chased an indian in another one who made
his escape by runing into the bottoms which were over flowed for
several miles.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 333
This sufficiently proves the utility of boats & the advantage of
employing them, they enable a small body of men to keep the
savages in constant terror & can safely go where it might be imprudent
to send less than a very large force in any other way.
With one thousand mounted men and four armed boats I have no
doubt I could clear the Illinois river of our troublesome neighbours
and prevent one grain of corn from being raised on it — which would
produce infinite distress among them, and with it perfect submis-
sion— We continue to receive evidences of the hostile machinations
of Dickson on the Missisippi
Were it proper for me to do so I could point out many substantial
reasons in favor of an expedition of mounted men from F' Wayne to
the Indian villages of S' Josephs river and Lake Michagan as auxiliary
to Gen' Harrisons operations — It would certainly withdraw the
warriors of the Lake from the british to the defence of their families
or produce the removal of all the men women & children to Maiden —
The first would weaken the british force — the last measure would be
equally destructive by requiring more provisions than they could con-
veniently command and very probably would eventuate in the disgust
of both parties at their alliance.
The tours of duty of the militia that I have had in Service will expire
in a few days when I shall discharge, and shall not attempt to raise
any more without instructions —
From the conduct of the Indians, I am convinced it is their intention
if possible to take the mail between Kaskaskia & the Ohio — the south-
ern rout is much the safest
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' Mo Obd* S'
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble John Armstrong Secy of War Washington City
[Addressed] The Hon'ble John Armstrong Secretary of War
Washington City
[Endorsed] Elvirade May 24 1813 Gov. N. Edwards His rangers
have returned without meeting an enemy — destroyed the old Kicka-
poo Village— Rec" June 1813 ^'
[Enclosure: ALS]
Benjamin Stephenson to Governor Edwards
Northern Frontier Illinois Territory May 20'" 1813
Sir In obedience to your orders I commenced my march from
Fort Russell on the 8'" Instant with a detachment of rangers consisting
of the Companies of Captains James B. Moore Jacob Short & William
Boone I kept my course along the ridge that seperates the waters
" No reply found.
334 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
of Kaskaskia from those of Illinois and Sanguemon rivers untill I
arrived at a point opposite the celebrated old Kickapoo Village of
the Praire — To which I then steered my course and crossing the
Sanguemon arrived at it on the seventh day of my march being then
opposite to and within a little better than one days march of Crow
Praire on the Illinois river forty five miles above Peoria — On ap-
proaching the Town every precaution was adopted to surprise the
enemy had they been there but unfortunately we arrived too late —
none were to be found but from the sign we discovered it was very
evident that a party of them had left that place not more than three
or four days previous to our arrival & in its vicinity was an indian
camp containing fourteen lodges of considerable size that had been
recently abandoned which together with the Town — we bumt^ — in the
latter there were some very large houses built in the first style of
indian archetecture and a considerable number of smaller ones —
Finding no enemy to oppose us I divided by detachment in three
parts to return by different routs hoping thereby that some or all
might intercept some of those savages who had been committing
murders on our frontiers and had not yet returned to their Villages—
On my return with Capt Shorts company I crossed Mink river about
twenty miles below the old Town — and on the dividing ridge between
that river and Sanguemon was found a new Indian Camp in which the
lodges were connected for about twenty five yards — Which must
have been very lately and hastely deserted — some of the lodges not
being entirely covered & fresh bark and other materials lying ready
for the erection of others — Much other indian sign was discovered
but it appeared to have been made about three or four weeks before
and no doubt can exist that a considerable number of the savages
had occupied that quarter and were driven from it by the terrer
which was created by the march of the detachment lately commanded
by Captain William B. Whiteside — Nothing further occured except
the discovery of six indians by three of Cap' Moores men on their
return home — In common with all the officers and men whom I had
the honor to command I regret that we had no oppertunity of a fair
conflict with the enemy — Nevertheless I am persuaded that our tour
must have an important effect in relieving the frontier from those
Sanguinary savages that have so seriously infested it — Their Villages
& Camps burnt — the heart of their own country penetrated — They
must see the danger of and be detered from making their hostile
incursions by the practicability of our discovering their tracks falling
in behind them & persuing them into the settlements on which they
meditate an attack — of the conduct of all the officers I cannot speak
too highly — that of the men was equally correct — In a very fatiguing
march thro praires in many parts so wet & miry as to sink the horses
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 335
to their knees at every step not a murmur or complaint was beared^
harmony per\'aded the whole corps — every order was promptly
obeyed — All were anxious for an opportunity of distinguishing them-
selves & I believe would have been willing to have gone double the
distance to have obtained it — The Battalion which I have the honor
to command, as well as }rourself are convinced that is it impossible
to keep the savages from our frontier without ranging at a consider-
able distance out side of the settlements and they are ready and willing
at all times to encounter all the dangers & toiles that attend it — They
have no wish to be idle.
I have the honor to be sir very respectfully your most Ob' & Hum'
Ser'
Ben'" Stephenson Major
To HIS EXCELLENCY NiNIAN EDWARDS Com' in Chief
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:LS]
Treasury Department General Land Office. 27'" May 1813. —
Sir, That part of the public lands in the Illinois Territory which
lies east of the third principal meridian and west of the district of
Vincennes, ha\ang been, by the act of 21^' February 1812,^° erected
into a new land district, the office to be established at Shawnee Town;
I will thank you for all the information j^our Office can furnish with
respect to the surveys which have been made in that district. — In
this Office we have some sketches and outlines of townships, said to
have been subdivided, but not so exhibited; they, moreover, are
defective in certain important points, and are on scales too small to
permit graphical subdivisions of 36 sections in each compleat town-
ship.— We could enlarge them, it is true; but in that case the fractional
townships and more particularly the fractional sections would by no
means be truly represented. In addition to these defects no quanti-
ties are stated : and in fact that was neither expected nor required in
them; since they are not official returns. —
If you can send me a plat of the surveys already made in the
district, exliibiting the subdivisions of the townships, and the con-
nection of sectional lines with those of private claims (of which I
understand there are not more than six or eight) together with the
connecting lines of the general surs^ey and Shawnee Town — I will
thank you to do so as early as possible. — The enquiries lately made
respecting the survey of the district have rendered the subject inter-
esting. Whether it is at present contemplated to direct any public
M 2 Stat. 684.
336 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
sales I have not understood; but much solicitude was manifested two
years ago, when we were unprepared for them, by many who expected
to become purchasers.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Sir Your obedient servant
Edward Tiffin Commissioner
JosiAH Meigs Esquire.
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esq'; Surveyor General Cincinnati —
[Postmarked] Wash" City May 29 Edward Tiffin Treasury Department
General Land Office Free
[Endorsed] E Tiffin, May 27. 1813 Rec" June 11. 1813
WILLIAM SPRIGG TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
INA:SD, Applications: ALS]
May 27. 1813
Sir Understanding Some time ago and not hearing the contrary
Since that a Vacancy might at an early period be expected on the
Bench of the General Court of the Illinois Territory I beg leave
respectfully to State that Should it be the will of the President to
nominate me to Such vacant office he will be at the same time at
liberty to nominate a Successor to the office I have held under his
Commission of May 1812."
I am very respectfully Sir, your ob' Sv'
W" Sprigg
Hon"" James Monroe Sec'' of State U. S.
[Addressed] Hon"" James Monroe Sec" of State U. S. Washington
City
[Endorsed] 27 May 1813. Judge Sprigg solicits the appointment of
Judge in the Illinois Territory in case of a Vacancy.
EDWARD TIFFIN TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
[NA:SF, 13 Cong., 1 sess.:LS]
Treasury Department General Land Office 29'" May 1813
Sir I enclose the copy of a letter from the Register of the Land
Office at Kaskaskia,'^ and of three Statements made by him, under
special circumstances, of claims to Land in that district, the entries
of which not having been filed in due time, did not come under the
consideration of the Commissioners appointed in pursuance of the
act of Congress passed. 20'" February 1812."
•' As Judge of Louisiana Territory.
w NA (SF), printed, A.S.P., Pub. Lands, ii, 741-742.
a 2 Stat. 677-678.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 337
It may not be improper to observe, that in cases where claimants of
400 Acres donation, as heads of Families, had previously been con-
firmed in militia rights of 100 Acres, the late board of Commissioners
uniformly allowed only 300 Acres on the former account; and their
decisions were confirmed by Congress — All the cases are founded on
the 1=' 2°'» & 6'" sections of the Act of S"" March 1791," page 263 of
the Land Laws
I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir Your obed* Serv*
Edward Tiffin
Commiss' of the General Land Office
The honorable the President of the Senate.
[Addressed] The Honorable The President of the Senate of the
United States
[Endorsed] 13 Cong. 1 Sess S Letter from the Commissioner of the
General land office 1813 June 1 Read & to lie" With a large roll
Series 8 S file This report appears to be perfect.
EDWARD TIFFIN TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
[NA:SF, 13 Cong., 1 sess.:LS ««]
Treasury Department General Land Office 29*" May 1813
Sir I have the honor to transmit a Copy of the reports of the
Commissioners appointed under the Act of 20"" Feb'' 1812 for the
revision of claims to land in the District of Kaskaskia founded on,
1 Ancient french grants,
2 Rights derived from improvement & cultivation.
3 Rights derived as heads of families to donations.
4 Rights to donations derived from the performance of militia duty,
which were confirmed by governors of the northwestern & Indiana
territories respectively.
In cases where the commissioners appear to have been satisfied that
the claims were fully sanctioned by the Law, they have in explicit
terms recommended confirmations of them. The reports relative
to these are given in numbers 1, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 11 and 13."
When investigating in doubtful cases, the validity of the confirma-
tions which had been made by the governors, the commissioners acting
up to what they conceived to be the spirit of the Law, discovered some
upon which they could not, satisfactorily to themselves, decide; these
are,
" Terr. Papers (N.W.), 11, 339-342; 1 Stat. 221-222.
'' Senate Journal, v, 311.
" Printed also in A.S.P., op. cit., pp. 740-741.
" See ante, p. 281
338 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
1'* When the oral, traditionary, or written proofs, or documents,
adduced in support of the claim appeared on the whole to preponderate
in its favor; but were nevertheless (generally) insufficient to authorize
their recommendation of its confirmation, consistently with the express
t^rms of the law.
2n<iiy When the insufficiency of oral, traditionary, or written proofs,
or documents, adduced in support of the claim would have compelled
them to a rejection of it; but that circumstances, which it would seem
they deemed worthy of consideration withheld them from making an
absolute decision thereon.
In both events, they have respectfully left the merits of the respec-
tive claims to be decided upon by Congres.s — The reports on thfise are
Riven in N" 2, 7 & 12."
There are special cases on which the comm" have pronounced an
unreserved disapprobation and rejection, upon grounds which appear
to have been considered by them as incontrovertible. These are
Claims confirmed by governors said to be founded on ancient grants.
[Claims confirmed by governors] said to be founded on Militia rights,
which ought not in their opinion to be sanctioned by Congress. On
examination of the reasons given for these rejections, I find, with
respect to the first class, that when the original grant, or the evidence
of Concession, whereon the Governor predicated his confirmation,
could not be produced — the claimants or their agents were notified
that further evidence was required : and that, if after such notice the
titles could not be proved, recourse was had to examination, upon
oath, of the ancient Inhabitants in the neighborhood of the claim; and
their testimony seems to have proved that no concession of the lands in
question was ever known to have been made to the original claimants.
In this part of the report there are anomalous claims among which I
find that one has been rejected because a patent had before been
granted by the governor for the same land to the same assignee under
other original claimants. That a second has been rejected because
the commissioners had before confirmed 400 acres out of 1354; for the
residue of which no concession could be proved — That a third has been
rejected because it had been previously confirmed to the assignee of
the Heirs of the original claimant; and the commissioners have there-
fore left the Heirs to contest their right before a proper tribunal.
That a fourth has been rejected in forcible terms — It is for an immense
quantity of land (nearly 14,000 acres) & is the case of Baynton &
others," mentioned by M' Gallatin in the appendix to the book of
•• A.S.P., op. eit., pp. 213-214. 220-226. 230-235.
» See ibid., p. 139.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 339
Land Laws, pages 26, 27, 28 & 29 & 30. That the fifth & last under
this head has been rejected on account of fraud pojury & forgery.
Of the claims under militia rights there are only two which have been
rejected:' one of them in particular bothjby the former and present
board of Commissioners.'" The reports relative to these are to be
found under N°= 3 & 14.«'
In two cases specially reported in N» 5, the commissioners have
stated their want of opportunity to enquire into the validity, or to
prove the invalidity of the governors confirmations.'^
Under N" 6 is reported a special confirmation founded on improve-
ment & cultivation a part of which is claimed by adverse claimants,
between whom the commissioners are unable to decide; and another
part by one, with respect to whose title they have not unanimously
agreed "
I have the honor to be Sir very respectfully your obed* Serv'
Edward Tiffin
Commissioner of the General Land Office
The honorable The President of the Senate.
Note. For the papers referred in this letter See N" 180 page — 123
[Endorsed] 13 Cong., 1 Sess. S Letter from the Commissioner of the
General Land Office transmitting a Copy of the reports of the Com-
missioners appointed under the act of 20'" Febr'' 1812, for the revision
of Claims to land in the district of Kaskaskia May 31" Read & to lie
Series 8 S. file
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO H. SKINNER
[PO:P. M. Letter Book S]
June 1st 1813
H Skinner Esq Fort Massac, 111 T.
I am favoured with your letter of april 26th" the contractor is fined
for his riders negligence — what is the riders name a person of bad
character should not be intrusted with the mail. I have sent you
this day one of my circular letters of Nov 18'"
G Gr
"o The respective claims, as assignees, of John Edgar and William Mcintosh,
ibid., p. 238.
•' That is, comprising both ancient French grants and militia rights, ihid., pp.
214-217, 238-239.
»2 Ibid., p. 219.
w Ibid., pp. 219-220.
M Not found.
340 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
COMMISSION OF SECRETARY POPE
[NA:SD, Misc. Perm. Comms., D:C]
[June 1, 1813]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Integrity, Diligence and Ability of Nathaniel Pope, of Kentucky, I
have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, do appoint him Secretary in and for the Illinois Territory; "
and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of
that office according to Law; and to Have and to Hold the said
office, with all the powers, privileges and emoluments to the same of
right appertaining for the term of four years from the day of the date
hereof, unless the President of the United States for the time being
should be pleased sooner to revoke and determine this Commission
In Testimony whereof I have caused these Letters to be
L.s made patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto
affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Washington
the first day of June A D 1813; and of the Independence of the U
States the Thirty Seventh.
James Madison
By the President
Jas Monroe Secy of State.
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY THOMAS SLOO
[NA:SF, 13 Cong., 1 sess.:DS]
[Referred June 4, 1813]
To the H(mordble Senate & House of Representatives of the United
States of America in congress assembled
The petition of Thomas Sloo of Cincinnati, in the State of Ohio,
humbly sheweth: That on the 16'" of April 1812 your petitioner was
appointed by the President of the United States, a commissioner for
examining and enquiring into the validity of claims to land in the
District of Kaskaskia, derived from confirmations made or pretended
to have been made by the Governors of the North- West and Indiana
Territories respectively: That in pursuance of said appointment he
repaired to the District of Kaskaskia and continued in the execution
of the duties until sometime in January 1813: That your petitioner
has been subject to much loss of time & of property in performing the
duties of said appointment, for which the compensation allowed by
" Nominated May 29 and confirmed June 1, 1813 {Senate, Exec. Journal, II,
347, 348).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 341
law is in no wise an adequate recompence. And, your petitioner was
appointed by the Board of Commissioners to bring on the report of
the claims to the seat of Government, which service he performed,
but received no compensation for the same as none was provided by
law; your petitioner therefore prays that his case may be taken into
consideration, and such attitional compensation allowed to him as
he in justice merits: and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever
pray.
Tho' Sloo
[Endorsed] 13 Cong. 1 Sess S Petition of Thomas Sloo of Cincin-
nati, in the State of Ohio. 1813 June 4 read & referred t6 M"' Morrow,
Worthington & M"' Tait. 7 June Reported as bill «'
[Enelosure:DS]
Statement of Michael Jones and John Caldwell
[January 5, 1813]
At the request of the Board of Commissioners M"' Sloo at attended
at Kahokia and at S' Genevieve for the purpose of taking some
testimony relative to claims then pending before them.
Kaskaskia January 5'" 1813
Mich' Jones \^
jN-CALDWELLr^^^^^^^'^^^''''
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JUDGE GRISWOLD
[PO:P.M. Letter Books]
June 7'" 1813
Stanly Griswold Esq Cincinnati Oh
My friend yours of may 23'' is before me;'' some weeks since I
granted M"^ Arrundel a Salary of $150 pr An, Every thing here is
interesting but I am too pressed to wi-ite
G Gr
RESOLUTION BY THE SOCIETY OF TRUE AMERICANS
[LC:HF, 13 Cong., 2 sess.:C]
[June 10, 1813]
In the Clinton Hill branch of the society of True Americans at the
house of M"' John Messinger on Thursday the 10'" June 1813
The Society on taking in to Consideration the Law of Congress,
passed on the 5"^ February last "giving the right of pre-emption to
«» Senate Journal, v, 312, 314. See act approved July 5, 1813 (6 Stat. 120),
authorizing the payment of $500 to Sloo.
•' Not found.
342 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
certain setlers in the Illinois Territory"," and believing that the
design of Congress in passing the s" act was generous, and benevolent
— but humbly concieving, that from some unthought of casualty the
Law does not in its present structure imbrace fully, that generous,
and benevolent, design; came to the following resolution, that our
delegate in Congress, endeavor to have the'said"pre-emption-Law
amended in some such way as the following, (either by amendment
or suppliment) That is to say — That such sitlers as hold unlocated —
Confirmed claims be allowed to cover thier improvements therewith —
that such as have not such claims, be permitted to purchase of those
who have, to cover thier improvements with. Or, of Congress, at one
dollar per acre, and not exceeding half a section — As donations of
four hundred acres have heretofore been given — we think it not
unreasonable to ask for the present setlers three hundred and twenty
— when at one dollar p' acre — that all setlers as have no improvements,
and all single men who have served, or are now in ser\'ice in the united
States Rangers, or in the Militia, be also intitled to, not exceeding
three hundred and twenty acres at the said price, of one dollar p'
acre by purchase from the United States or by laying thereon any
unlocated confirmed claims, and we think the revenue, that might
be collected would soon amount the present price — Then Open
the Sales of the public lands, and say, when any setlers. Rangers or
Militia as above Stated purchase of the united states, and pay one
twentieth part of the purchase Money — let one year be given to
compleat the first fourth of the whole amount of purchase and the
remaining three fourths be paid in as many annual payments, as
have here to fore been given in the Sales of the public lands — we
presume to say, that unless some such mode be adopted, that from
our knowledge of the present setlers — not one in twenty will recieve
any, the smalest benifit from the preemption law — in which case the
labor of the present setlers, will fall into the hands of any speculator,
who may purchase the lands, on which thier (the setlers) labor has
been bestowed; and many poor famelies honest and industrious, will
eventually be turned out of doors — not being able in forty days to,
pay up one fourth of the whole of the purchase Money —
Resolved unanimously that a copy of the above resolution be made
out, signed by the President and attested by the Secretary, and forth
with sent to M' Bond our delegate in Congress, requesting him to
use his utmost exertions to carry the same into efTect, by ha^^ng the
Law thus modeled —
Signed Ab"" Iman, President
True Copy Attested
James D. Thomas secretary —
M2 Stat. 797-798.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 343
[Endorsed] Resolutions of sundry inhabitants of the Illinois territory
(styling themselves, A Society of True Americans.) 10*" July 1813.
Ordered to lie on the table. 21" December 1813 Ref to the Com-
mittee on Public Lands. 26: March, 1814. Report made, agreed
to, and petition rejected «'— M' Bond to Pub Lands M"^ Bond lie
on ye Table
EDWARD TIFFIN TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land Office, 12*" June, 1813.
Sir, Your letter of 20th ult" to the secretary of the treasury, '" has
been handed to me, by which I learn you think it advisable that
letters to you should be sent, via Russelville. I therefore enclose
herein a copy of my letter of 10*" instant."
I am &" E. T. Com'
I herein enclose a copy of my letter to you of the 10*" May, 1813.
E. T. Com"-
His excellency, N. Edwards, Governor Illinois terr'' Kaskaskia,
via Russelville.
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade Randolph County Illinois Territory June 15. 1813
Sir On the 8 Inst I had the honor to receive your letter of the 4
Ult.,'- that of the 4 of April has not yet reached me '^ which I very
much regret as it might have saved me the pain of feelings which with
the difficulty and embarrassment of my situation have been too
mortifying to have been entirely repressed — I have thought that the
crisis which has been manifested by testimonies bloody and convinc-
ing required that I should have had full and explicit instructions,
instead of which I have yet received none and know not whether my
conduct is approved or not — I have however the consolation to be-
lieve, that I can demonstrate the necessity expediency & utility of the
Course I have persued to any impartial tribunal whenever a fair
opportunity of doing so shall be afforded me —
09 House Journal, XX, 87, 180, 365.
'o Not found.
" Not found.
" NA (WD, SW, Lets. Sent, MiL Bk. 7).
" Not seen.
344 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Your request with regard to Gen' Howard has been comphed with
and as he has taken command in this territory '* I shall avail myself
of the respite it affords me to go to the Southern part of Kentucky to
see my family from whom I have been seperated nine months.
If you should have any Communications to make to me I will
thank you to transmit them to Russelsville — I shall be ready to
execute your orders with promptitude
I have the honor to be with very great respect Sir Yr Mo Obd' Serv*
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble John Armstrong Secy of War Washington City
[Addressed] The Honble John Armstrong SecryofWar Washington
City
[Endorsed] 111. T. June 15. 1813 Gov. Edwards Has rec'' letter of the
4'" — expected long since instructions &c — Rec* July 1813 "
EDWARD TIFFIN TO MICHAEL JONES AND JOHN
CALDWELL
(NA:GLO/Misc. Lets. Sent/Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office 21'' June, 1813.
Gentlemen, I have received your letter, dated the 18'" ultimo,"
enclosing a plat of the tract directed to be designated by the law of
the 21"' April, 1806," for the location of lands in your district, granted
by virtue of any legal French and British grants, or of any resolution
or act of Congress.
With the respect to the question whether those persons who have
actually inhabited and cultivated land within that reserve, are
entitled to the benefit of the act of 5'" February, 1813, giving the
right of pre-emption; I am decidedly of opinion that they cannot,
legally, make any purchases therein. —
The act authorising the reservation, prohibits the tract from being
otherwise disposed of, unless by order of Congress; — and the act giving
the right of pre-emption provides, expressly, that no lands reserved
from sale by former acts, shall be sold under its authority. Unless,
therefore, it should be otherwise ordered by Congress, I think that
'« Howard was commissioned Brigadier General, Mar. 12, 1813 {Senate, Exec.
Journal, ii, 356). This was a recess appointment, and he was nominated to the
same office June 15 and confirmed June 21, 1813, ibid., pp. 355, 373. See instruc-
tions, Apr. 10, 1813 (Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., XIV).
" No reply found.
w Ante, p. 329.
n 2 Stat. 395-396.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 345
the townships mentioned by you, should be excluded from the general
tract. —
I am, &"
Michael Jones and John Caldwell, Esq' Register and receiver,
Kaskaskia, Illinois terry.
JUDGE STUART TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, Resignations :ALS]
Staunton July 1°' 1813
Sir — Circumstances which I cannot Controul have rendered a
longer residence in the Territory of Illinois highly inconvenient to
me — I therefore through you, take the liberty of tendering to the
President of the United States my resignation of the office of Judge
which I now hold in & over that Territory
I am very respectfully Your very Hble Serv* Alex' Stuart
The Hon"'* James Monroe
[Addressed] The Hon"'* James Monroe Secretary of State Washing-
ton Mail
[Endorsed] 1 July 1813. Judge Stuart's resignation Judge Stuart
resignation
WILLIAM MEARS TO ACTING GOVERNOR POPE
[ISL:Exec. Recs., Govt. Corr., 1809-13:ALS]
Illinois Territory Randolph County Kaskaskia 2 July 1813
To Nathaniel Pope Esquire Secretary of the Territory aforesaid and
Exercising the Government thereof
Sir I hereby inform You that at the last June Term of the Court of
Common pleas of the County aforesaid three indictment were found
by the Grand Jury of said County for passing Counterfeit coin in the
Similitude of the Current Money of the United States of America (To
wit) Spanish Milled Dollars and that said accused at the time of
passing said Counterfeit money knew the same to be false and counter-
feit and thereby intended to & did defraud the person who received
said counterfeit Money and one of said offenders is now in Custody for
said offence & the other Two will be shortly arrested in all probability
This being an offence against the Laws of the United States and
triable in the district Court of the United States only I at this early
date inform you that I shall not by virtue of my office of Attorney
General of this Territory prosecute any of said Delinquents that there
may be ample time to obtain an attorney to prosecute in behalf of the
346 TERRITORI AL PAPERS
General Government by the time these trials will likely come on
which will be in November next
With Sentiments of high regard I am Sir Your Excellency's humble
Ob* Serv*
W" Mears
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
INA:SD, 111. Terr. Papers:ALS]
RussELSViLLE Logan County Kentucky July 6. 1813
Sir The military command in the Illinois Territory having been
transfered to Brigadier Gen' Howard on the 16'" Ultimo I felt myself
at liberty to visit my family (at that place) from whom I had been
seperated about ten months in consequence of my necessary attention
to the frontiers. I arrived only a few days ago — and am now engaged
in endeavouring to make an arrangement desired by the President in
regard to the United States Saline.
I beg leave through you to request the Presidents permission to visit
the neighbourhood of Washington, of which however I will not avail
myself if I should discover that my presence will be necessary in the
territory — Ten years ago I married in the vicinity of Geo Town since
which time circumstances have not permitted me to visit that place
altho' my wife has set an estate there that is going to destruction and
requires my presence. I have not thought proper to go without con-
sulting the president — and if the most laborious deligent and painful
attention to my duties hitherto gives me any claim to an indulgence
which others have taken without leave I hope to obtain it — I have not
till the present time been one day absent from my post since the
Indians first commenced their depredations — and with a constitution
very delicate indeed I do believe that I have since August last under-
gone as much fatigue and hardship as any soldier in the army — during
all which time (altho I flatter myself Bay scrTicos my services have
been useful) I have not had the consolation to know that they have
met the approbation of the President — nor indeed have I been fortu-
nate enough to recei\^e any instructions what to do or how to act during
the whole time that the Indians have been harrassing our frontier in
the wars of the present year. I have had to act upon my ovm respon-
sibility, and with a fortune equal to my wishes I know I might be
received if my conduct should be disapproved. In a case where the
safety of the citizens, the honor and interests of our common country,
my own reputation, and my pecuniary responsibilities all combined
a sufficient apology at least for my earnestly soliciting instructions,
for my asking to know whether my conduct was right or wrong ap-
proved or disapproved, that it might be abandoned if disapproved,
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 347
or receive the sanction of authority if otherwise — I confess I have been
mortified at the silence of the Honble Secy of War upon these sub-
jects— Being however a friend to the administration from principle,
no cause '^ [MS. torn] conduct could induce me to withdraw my
humble'^ support from measures which I sincerely approve — and par-
ticularly nothing shall prevent me from affording all the support in
my power to the war in which we are engaged.
For the justice which you have done to my exertions as I have
learn't thro Judge Stuart & Gen' Clarke, I beg you to accept my most
unfeigned thanks'"
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Yr Mo obd' S*
N Edwards
[Addressed] The Hon"" James Monroe Secy of State Washington
City free
[Endorsed] Gov"' Edwards Ninian Edwards July 6 1813.
Request to be acceded to With reference to his judgment on the
state of things at the time.*'
BENJAMIN HOWARD TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Head Quarters St Louis July 9'" 1813
Sir. The Indians have become extremely troublesome on the
frontier a great number of horses have been stolen lately from Illinois,
eleven of the Rangers on the 4*" Inst met about the same number of
Winebegoes near Fort mason — a conflict took place one of the Rangers
was killed thi-ee wounded one mortally since dead, two of the Indians
were killed, I am not informed as to the number of their wounded;
The Pawtawatimies have returned to the Head of Peoria Lake and are
settled in their villages which they left last Fall, It will be imposable
to guard the frontier completely agaenst the inroads of those savages,
unless I make a movement against them in their villages, which if I
do I trust will be approved, upon the Subject of erecting a garrison
at Praire Du Chi en I refer you to my letter of March 1812,*'* I will
now merely observe that a military Establishment there would con-
tribute much to restore peace between the U. S. and the Indians, and
would be necessary even in time of peace to enforce our laws of Inter-
course with the Indians. I believe I could effect it in Sep* even with
the means I now have if authorised, the movement would be by water,
" Another possible reading is "course".
" Reading of this word is uncertain; the MS. is faded.
8" Answered post, p. 349.
'1 In pencil, across the first page.
8'* Mar. 19, 1812, printed, Terr. Papers (La.-Mo.), xiv.
348 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Should you approve this I would recommend that your letter on the
subject should be sent to Vincennes by mail with instructions to be
forwarded by Express, indeed the Service is suffering owing to the
delay in bringing on your dispatches and if you were to adopt that
[MS. torn] generally in your communications to me it would be bene-
ficial, some of the rangers at Vincennes might be sent and would
serve as a party of observation as well as an Express, the commissions
for the Rangers have not come on of which you make mention in
your letter of the 10'" of April «'"
I am Sir with high consideration Your Humb* Serv*
Benj» Howard
P.S. This goes by the way Vincennes
[Addressed] The Honb" John Armstrong S. of War Washington
[Endorsed] H. Q. St Louis July 9. 1813 Gen' B Howard Sug-
gests an attack on the Indians & the establishment of a post at Prairie
du Chien The suggestions in this letter approved. Authority to be
given for establishing a Mil. post at Praire de Chien, letters to go via
Vincennes with orders to convey them by detachment of Rangers.""
SHADRACH BOND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
(NA:SD,'Applications:ALS]
Washington City July 13'" 1813
Sir / I take the Liberty through you to recommend to the President
of the united States, W" Mears Esq"' of the Illinois Territory, as a fit
Person to fill the office of attorney genral for the said Territory — and
Phillip Fouck Esq' of said Territory as a fit Person to fill the office of
Marshal *^ —
I am sir — respectfully your ob* serv*
Shadrach Bond —
[Addressed] The Hon"'* James monroe Sercretary of State —
[Endorsed] 13 July 1813. M' Bond recommends M"' Mears as
Attorney and M' Faucke as Marshal in the Illinois Territory M'
Bond — recommends W" Mears — attorney P" Fouck marshal Illinois —
•>'• Printed, Terr. Papers (La.-Mo.), xiv.
»'• Answered post, p. 350.
" Mears and Foucke were nominated to the respective offices July 26 and con-
firmed Aug. 1, 1813 (Senate, Exec. Journal, II, 400, 436).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 349
SHADRACH BOND TO THE PRESIDENT
[NA:SD, Applications :ALS]
Washington City Juhj 22" 1813
Sir, I recommend James Finney Esqr of the Illinois Territory as
a Judge of the general Court of that Territorj?^ in the Room of Alexander
Stuart Esqr resigned M'' Finney has filled the office of Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas in that Territory, for a Considerable time to
general Satisfaction, and will no doubt fill the Place with grate
integrity and impartiality
The general dissatisfaction manifested in the Territory on the
apointment of Judges who will not reside in it has induced me to
recommend one who reside there for the Place—
I enclose a Copy of the Presentment of the grand jury as the best
Proof of the dissatisfaction ^' —
I am very respectfully Sir your ob' servt —
Shadrach Bond —
[Addressed] His Excelency James Madison President of United
States
[Endorsed] 22* July 1813. M"' Bond recommends M' Finney as
Judge in the Illinois Territory — M'' Bond recommends Jas Finney
as a Judge for the Illinois Territory in the room of Judge Stuart ** —
James Finney
THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:SD, Dom. Letters, xvi:C]
29*" o/JmZj/ 1813
NiNiAN Edwards at Russellsville, Kentucky.
Sir Your letter of the 6'" instant *° has been duly received. I
have the pleasure to inform you that the president willingly grants
" Not present.
^ Judge John Griffin, of Michigan Territory, sought the appointment in letters
to the Secretary of State under dates of Mar. 23, June 16, and Sept. 18, 1812, and
July 2, 1813 (NA.SD, Applications), and Dec. 1, 1812, and Jan. 15, 1813 (Terr.
Pavers, Mich., x, 417, 425). Stuart's probable resignation had been rumored,
according to the letters cited, for some months before it actually occurred. See
also Bond to Edwards, Aug. 17, 1813 (Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers, p. 103),
in which he refers to complaints concerning nonresidence of the judges, as em-
bodied in presentments of grand juries of St. Clair and Randolph counties.
These presentments, according to Bond, were not laid before Congress by reason
of the objection of the Speaker of the House, who ruled that they had no right to
come before that body since the juries had not so directed. The presentments in
question have not been found. See also id. to id., June 7, 1813, ibid., pp. 101-102,
referring to Stuart's resignation and to the reported intention of Griswold to
resign.
8» Ante, p. 346.
350 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the permission which you ask of making a visit to Washington in
Kentucky in the present year, with the understanding, however, that
the State of things in the Illinois territory at the time is such as in
your opinion, not particularly to require the presence of the governor."
— J.M.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO BENJAMIN HOWARD
(NArWD.SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 7]
War Department July 29'" 1813.
B. General Howard
Sir, Your letter of the 9"" instant has been received "^ — Your
arrangements for the protection of the frontier are approved — & you
are authorized to establish such post & garrison at Prairie du Chien
as you may deem expedient. —
Until otherwise advised, letters & packets for you will be directed to
Vincennes, to the care of the Commanding Officer at that place to be
forwarded — &you will give the necessary instructions for having them
transmitted accordingly. —
COMMISSION OF WILLIAM SPRIGG AS JUDGE
(NA:SD,Misc. Perm. Comms., D:C1
[July 29, 1813]
James Madison, President of the United States of America
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Wisdom, Uprightness and Learning of William Sprigg, of the
Missouri Territory, I have nominated, and by and with the advice
and Consent of the Senate do appoint him One of the Judges in and
over the Illinois Territory;** and do authorize and empower him to
execute and fulfil the duties of that office according to Law; and to
Have and to Hold the said office, with all the powers, privileges and
Emoluments to the same of right appertaining during his good be-
haviour, or during the existence of the Government established by
the Act of Congress of the United States passed 3" Feby 1809 entitled
"An act for dividing the Indiana Territory into two Separate Govern-
ments", and the ordinance of Congress passed on the 13'" July 1787
therein referred to; he to reside within the said Territory.
In Testimony whereof I have caused these Letters to be
L S made patent and the Seal of the U States to be hereunto
affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Washington
" Answered post, p. 354.
" Ante, p. 347.
••Nominated June 27 and confirmed June 29, 1813 (Senate, Exec. Journal,
II, 401, 418).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 351
the Twenty Ninth day of July A D. 1813; & of the Independence of
the U States the Thirty Eighth
James Madison
By the President
Ja' Monroe Secy of State
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS]
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 31, 1813
Sir, Yours of the 17th of this month was received yesterday, *'
inclosing an informal Statement of the Account of the Chief Clerk in
this Office for the Quarter ending June 30, 1813. I thank the Auditor
of the Treasury for pointing out the proper form, and shall, by this
Mail, forward to him the accoimt corrected.
By this Mail I transmit Plats and Descriptions of the following
Townships in the Illinois Territory;*" Viz.
Townships Nos.— 10— 11— 12— 13— 14— 15— 16— of Range No. I,
East of the 3* Meridian-
Townships N" 7—8—9—10—15 of Range No. II. East of 3" Meridian.
Township No. 10 of Range N° III East of 3<» Meridian
I have this day assigned to William Rector and Nelson Rector of
Kaskaskia 47 Townships for Surveying & subdividing into Sections —
viz: 28 between the 3"^ Meridian & the Mississippi, and 19 East of the
3" Meridian — in the Illinois Tenitory. I know not how far this
Office has Credit with the Receiver of Public Monies, in this or in any
other District; and on this subject I wish to be informed as soon as it
may be convenient — I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours.
J Meigs— Surv' Gen'
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire, Commissioner
of the General Land Office, Treasury Department, Washington City —
[Postmarked] Cincinnati 2 Aug' 1813 Free
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 31 July 1813 J Meigs Sm'veyor General M'
Meigs ought to be requested to transmit an estimate of the cost of
the surveys which he has now ordered ; and the time when the money
will be payable for their execution : also, whether he vdll want the
money at Cincinnati or at some of the more western offices. I pre-
simie, he understands, from the instructions &c" of his predecessor,
how to make up & render his surveying accounts." D. S.'^
s» NA(GL0,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
•o Not present.
»' Answered Aug. 12, 1813 {Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., xiv).
" Daniel Sheldon.
352 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
COMMISSION OF WILLIAM MEARS AS U. S. ATTORNEY
[NA:SD, Misc. Perm. Comms., D:C]
[Au^st 1, 1813]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents — Greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Integrity, Ability and Learning of William Mears, of the Illinois
Territory, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and Consent
of the Senate do appoint him Attorney *' of the United States in and
for the said Illinois Territory: and do authorize and empower him to
execute and fulfil the duties of that office according to Law; and to
Have and to Hold the said office, with all the powers, privileges and
emoluments thereunto legally appertaining unto him the said William
Mears, during the pleasure of the President of the United States for
the time being
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be
L s made patent and the Seal of the United States to be hereimto
affixed.
Given xmder my hand at the City of Washington the first day of
August A.D 1813; & of the Independence of the U States the Thirty
Eighth,
James Madison
By the President
Ja" Monroe Secy of State
COMMISSION OF PHILIP FOUCHE AS U. S. MA.RSHAL
[NA:SD, Misc. Perm. Comms., D:C]
[August 1, 1813]
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the
Integrity, Ability and Diligence of Philip Fouche, of the Illinois
Territory, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent
" Nominated July 26 and confirmed Aug. 1, 1813 (Senate, Exee. Journal, ii,
400, 436).
In GAG (Misc. Treas., acct. no. 28,437 [1814]) is found a statement of the salary
of William Mears as attorney for Illinois Territory from Aug. 1 to Get. 31, 1813,
at $250 a year, $62.50; also an auditor's certificate for the period Jan. 1-Sept.
80, 1818, for $187.50 in favor of Mears, acct. no. 38,092, to be paid John Rice
Jones assignee; and an accompanying autograph entry by Stephen Pleasonton,
of the Treasury Department, certifying to the date of Mears's commission.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 353
of the Senate do appoint him Marshal °* in and for the said Illinois
Territory; and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil
the duties of that ofRce according to Law; and to Have and to Hold
the said OfRce, with all the powers, privileges and Emoluments there-
unto legally appertaining unto him the said Philip Fouche, during
the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be
L s made patent, and the seal of the U States to be hereunto
affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Washington
the first day of August A.D, 1813; & of the Independence of the U
States the Thirty Eighth.
James Madison
By the President
Jas Monroe Secy of State
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:ALS]
Treasury Department Gen' Land Office 4"" Aug. 1813.
Sir. Yours of the 23'*' ult° °' has been rec"* with plats and descrip-
tions of the following Townships in the Shawnee district viz'
Town"" 8 & 16 S. in R. 5 E. of 3'0 Prin' Merid-
8. 9 "
" " 3 D°
16."
" " 4 «'
16."
" " 5 "
8,
9, 15, 16 & 17. "
9 "
8 & 9 " '
7, 8, 9 & 10 " '
7, 8&9 "
" " 7 "
" " 8 "
" " 9 "
" " 10 "
" " 11 "
li
am Sir very respectfully Your Ob*
Serv'
for the Commissioner
Rob*
King —
JOSIAH Meigs Esq' Surveyor Gen' U. S.
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esquire Surveyor General U. S. Cin-
cinnati. [Postmarked] Wash" City Aug 5 Treasury Department
General Land office Edward Tiffin Free
[Endorsed] Ed. Tiffin Aug. 4. 1813 ReC Aug. 14*" Ans" do 15*" »«—
^ Nominated July 26 and confirmed Aug. 1, 1813 {Senate, Exec. Journal, n, 400,
436).
«» Not found.
" Not found.
354 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN REED
[PO:P.M. Letter Book S]
Aug 16—1813
John Reed Esqre Belleville
Enclosed you have a contract to be executed by the person referred
to in your letter of July 7""' I will thank you to fill up the blank, to
see the contract executed and when done return it to this Office —
GG
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, 111. Terr. Papers:ALS]
Russelsville' Logan County Kentuckey Aug*- 17. 1813
Sir Last evening I had the honor to receive your letter of the
29'" Ult.'* from which I learn with regret that my application has
been misunderstood, as the permission to me is to visit Washington
in Kentuckey instead of Washington City.
Whilst I would not avail myself of the indulgence I solicited at any
sacrifice of the public interest, yet such is the urgency of my business
that I can not forbear to renew my request.
It has been usual with all officers of territorial governments to take
time to adjust their business & make arrangements for their removal
previous to commencing their residence. When I was appointed my
presence was required in the territory & I repaired to it immediately.
Since which time I have not allowed myself the opportunity of
attending to my private business even iri this state untill about the
time I wrote to you last. I had then been seperated from my family
about ten months. I had during that period been engaged in defend-
ing the frontiers of Illinois territory. I had caused to be burnt
every Kickapoo village except a small one of five or six lodges — and
had penetrated fiu-ther into the Indian country than any force had
gone — and I can safely say that with many difficulties I had en-
countered as much toil & fatigue as any soldier in Gen' Harrisons
army — I had not abandoned my post for a day since the first Indian
dangers commenced — and I should not have left the territorj' at all
(however painful Hhe seperation from my family) if anything had
been left for me to do. But about that time according to the plan
of the Honble Secy of War I transfered to Brigadier Gen' Howard
the command of the troops that I had raised and at the head of whom
I had been from about the first of Feb" till the 16'" of June — Since
my arrival here I have continued to pay an unremitted attention to
the territory — There is I believe no other Gov" who have not taken
»' Not found.
•' Anle, p. 349.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 355
more time than that which I solicit, and I am well assured their
business has not more imperiously required their presence, — Under
these circiunstances I hope I have a fair claim to the indulgence I
ask if the President can grant it to me consistently with his opinion
of the public interest. I will not go without his permission (imless I
resign my office to do so) nor with it, unless the state of things in the
territory at the time shall be such as not particularly to require the
presence of the Gov'^
I shall have returned to the territory before I could expect the
honor of receiving another letter from you — M" Edwards will however
remain at this plaoo and I will thank you to direct a letter to this
place as she will know best where it will find me —
I have the honor to be With great respect Sir Y' M° Ob" Serv*
NiNiAN Edwards
The Honble James Monroe Secretary of State Washington City
[Addressed] The Honble James Monroe Secretary of State Wash-
ington City
[Endorsed] Gov"^ Edwards — Inform him that he may go to Wash-
ington in Kentucky to settle his private affrs, in full confidence that
he will not remain longer than due attention to them requires. Aug
17. 1813. Gov' Edwards.^'
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS]
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 24. 1813
Sir Your Letter of August 12, was received yesterday ' — The
expence of the Surveys assigned to William and Nelson Rector are
thus estimated. Miles
William Rector, is to lay off and subdivide into Sections
&c 5 Townships, each of which will amount to about 72 Miles =
360 M 360
To subdivide into sections 27 Townships, of which the ex-
terior lines have been heretofore run, the Surveying of each will
amount to about 60 Miles =1620 Miles 1620
Nelson Rector is to lay off and Subdivide into Sections &c 15
Townships — the Surveying in each township is about 72 Miles =
1080 M 1080
Miles 3060
3
$9180
»» Answered post, p. 362.
' Printed, Terr. Papers (La.-Mo.), xiv.
3145T4 — 48 24
356 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
The two Contracts are dated July 26, and July 29. 1813'— Returns
are to be made within one Year from the dates. It will be most
convenient to the Surveyors that Provision be made to meet the
expence at this Place.
I have not found particular Instructions relative to Survejring the
Public Lands, confirmed Claims and donation Claims in the Missouri
Territory.
In the correspondence between Mr. Gallatin and my Predecessor in
this Office I find that the Secretary wholly approved the General
System which has been pursued. Your suggestion of a new, (or 4'")
Principal Meridian, touching the mouth of the Arkansas, and a Base
Line to be run from the Mouth the Ohio westwardly is I think correct —
it is analogous to the plan which has been pursued hitherto — and it
is to be lamented that the mode adopted in Surveying the old Seven
Ranges had not been rigidly adhered to — the Virginia Military
Reservation and the Region between the Miami River are blemishes
on the General Map — Last week in obedience to the Order of the
acting Secretary of the Treasury I designated William Rector, Prin-
cipal Deputy Surveyor for the Territory of Missouri — his extensive
practice in Surveying generally, and especially in the District of
Kaskaskias, with the approbation he had from Col. Mansfield induced
me to designate him, and I have no doubt the designation will be
approved.
I transmit by this Mail, Plats and Descriptions of the following
Townships; Viz:
Townships 7—8—9—10 of Range 6. E of 3" Merid"
do 7—8—13 .... 8 ... .
do 7—11—12 .... 9 ... .
do 12 ... . 10 ... .
I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours —
JosiAH Meigs, Sur. Gen.
If all the acts of Congress, relative to the Public Lands, are trans-
mitted to this Office as speedily as may be convenient, it will be use-
ful to the Public Interest — The latest act I have seen is dated July 6,
1812,' and is the last in the Pamphlet which I had the honour to
receive from you on the 22" of last May. — JM.
The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire —
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire Commissioner
of the General Land Office, Treasury Department, Washington
City.— [Postmarked] Cincinnati 26 Aug* 1813 Free
* Not present.
» 2 Stat. 782-783, relative to extending time to purchasers of public lands
northwest of the Ohio.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 357
[Endorsed] Platts of all the above Townships are received & all the
descriptions except of Town" 13 in Range 8. wrote for it 3"* Sep' 1813
Cincin: 24 Aug' 1813 J Meigs Surv' G' with plats, & an estimate of
the amo* of Rectors contracts for Surveying. Has Silas Bent resigned?
M' Sheldon
M' Bent has been app" a Judge in Missouri. A credit on the Rec'
at Cincinnati for 9000 D given by SeC Treas^ Sep. Z^ 1813. D. S.
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1 814 :ALS]
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, Aug. 28. 1813
Sm, By this Mail I transmit Plats & Descriptions of the following
Townships, viz;
Townships 7—8—9 South of Range 1 E. 3* Merid"
do. 11—12—13—14 do 2 do
do. 7—13—14—15 do 3 do
I also inclose Copies of communications made to me relative to
Shawnee Town — I expect a representation on the same subject from
Mr. Sloo, which shall be forwarded as soon as received —
I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours.
JosiAH Meigs, Sur' Gen.
The HONOURABLE EDWARD TiFFiN, Esquire —
[Endorsed] All the above mentioned Plats and descriptions are
received R K. Cincinnati 28 Aug' 1813 J Meigs Surv' Gen' with
plats. Ans* 7 Sep' 1813 *
[Enclosures]
Judge Griswold to Josiah Meigs
"Cincinnati, August 14, 1813."
"Sir When I recently recommended a small change in the Plat of
Shawnee Town, it was then my full conviction that the Scite itself
ought to be changed; but not knowing that others would feel an interest
sufficient to induce them to unite in such a recommendation, I was
unwilling to move alone in so important an object. I was an eye
witness to one of the two inundations by which that place was visited
last Spring — and to the great distresses and losses which were ex-
perienced— I had before observed, in riding through the woods sur-
rounding the town the extraordinary height of the water-marks upon
the trees, which were so visible for the space of about two miles on
the road to the Saline, that one might imagine himself riding under
water to the depth of from 12 to 15 feet. But, the last Spring, I saw
' Post, p. 364.
358 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the water itself even at a greater height than had been marked by the
icy freshes of winter: I rode upon the flood for more than two weeks
in a keel (boat) over the principal street of the town, lashed to a
merchant's Store, and|the Boatjwasjupon a' levels with its roof.— An
attack of ague and fever then compelled me to quit and seek health
in the highlands of Kentucky. — The flood continued to rise a few feet
afterwards, and was nearly as long in falling as it was in rising. — A
second inundation quickly succeeded, when the waters rose as high as
in the first. — At the time I left the Boat, the waters were about
midway on the roofs of the houses generally, and quite to the ridge
poles of several — Being heavy log cabins, they usually did not float,
till immersed to the last mentioned depth, and I saw about from 15
to 20 float away. — About 40 in the whole floated off. — It was a merciful
Providence that the wind did not blow hard in either of the inunda-
tions, for it had done so, every building of every description must
unquestionably have been demolished and swept off. I need not
describe the distresses and losses of the inhabitants — Several were
sickened and some died; every beast perished which could not be
taken into Boats, or was not seasonably driven to the highlands; — all
the fences, with everything around and in the houses which could float
were taken off; — gardens, grass, and all things which had begun to
vegetate were destroyed — The time occupied by both Freshes was
about Ten Weeks — I mean the time that the water lay on the surface
of ShawneeTown."
"It is certain that no building can safely be erected on that Scite,
unless elevated above the surface on a solid foundation of at least 12
feet in height. — Besides the inconvenience of such an elevation for
dwellings, stables, stores, &c. the expence would be beyond calculation,
as there are no stone to be had within a great distance. Nor would
even a stone-foundation be safe, against such inundations as those of
last spring, if attended with heavy winds, unless firmly cemented" —
"There are beautiful situations on the margin of the Ohio, below the
mouth of the Saline Creek, where a Scite can be laid that can never be
approached by inundation. Although the distance from the Salt
Works to such new Scite might be five or six miles more than to the
Scite of Shawnee Town, yet a material advantage would be gained
in the superior excellence of the ground for a Road. The ground, in
that direction is high and dry, whereas in the direction to Shawnee
Town, there are several bad hills — one Ferry to cross a part of the
Year, (the Saline Creek) and so much as four or five miles out of the
twelve, are so low and soft as to be often impassible for waggons, and
always difficult.— Besides, as a good deal of Salt is, at proper seasons,
taken down the Saline Creek in Boats, a Scite for its deposit just
below the mouth of that Creek would be infinitely more convenient
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 359
than taking it several miles up the river to the present Site of Shawnee
Town: — and it would be advancing towards the greatest market for
the Salt which is still below the proposed new Scite, and chiefly up
the Cumberland River, as the whole State of Tennessee is supplied
from those works, through that channel — "
"In short, if the United-States do not take the advantage of laying
the Scite of a Town in the situation proposed, I have no question that
some Individual or Individuals will do so as soon as the Lands can be
purchased — I should consider it a most eligible Speculation.' — "
"There cannotbe a moment's doubt, that the United States would, by
laying out a Town there, before Shawnee Town is offered for sale, find,
in the disposal of the Lots, a manifold reimbursement of all Expences:
— and still Shawnee Town would probably attract purchasers enough
to reimburse the extra expences which have been laid out there; as it
is a fine body of Land, a great road must always go through it, and some
have particular interests at and near it, and might hope to make it
something."
"If any thing should be done by the United States in relation to
the premises, it is evident that it ought to be done before the Land-
OfRce is opened; or at least before Shawnee Town is offered for sale,
as it might be deemed unfair to remove the Scite from thence after
purchasers have vested their money, and begun improvements at that
place. — Besides, when the Land-Office is opened, the best Scites else-
where will immediately fall into the hands of private men."
"I will only add, that, previousto'the dreadfizl Calamity which befel
Shawnee Town last spring, I had selected it for my permanent
residence; but was then induced to abandon it altogether, as did many
other who had commenced establishments there. Myself, and most
of those who abandoned Shawnee Town, would' undoubtedly settle
themselves at any eligible Scite which should be laid by the United
States in the vicinity I have before mentioned — "
"The above is respectfully submitted by Yours. &c
"Stanley Griswold"
JosiAH Meigs, Sut. Gen.
William Rector to Josiah Meigs
(Copy) Cincinnati, Aug. 24. 1813
"Sir, The inundations that took place at Shawnee Town last
winter and spring, have, I believe, convinced every person who wit-
nessed them that the situation is a very improper scite for a town. I
have not been at that place at the time of high water, but previous to
the late floods I examined the situation, and observed on the trees
evident traces of high water; which at that time convinced me, that
nearly, if not the whole of the bottom where the Town has been laid
360 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
off, is at times twelve or fourteen feet under water. This being the
case it is evident that buildings sufficiently strong to withstand the
floods could not be erected without a very great expence, for there is
no stone suitable for building near that place. I also incline to
believe that Shawnee Town, owing to its low and marshy situation, is
considerably more unhealthy than the banks of the Ohio in that
quarter generally are.
"A high, healthy and every way more eligible situation for a Town,
on Lands of the United States, may be selected a few miles below
Shawnee Town; and I beg leave to suggest the propriety of Govern-
ment's causing such a Scite to be immediately selected, and a Town
laid off, at which the Land-Office for that District should be fixed — I
have no doubt but the money arising from the sale of the lots would
more then indemnify the Government for the extra expence of laying
off the town. I know it is very much wished by several Gentlemen
that this course should be pursued, who would willingly locate
themselves at such town, and promote its settlement as well as the
adjacent Country: but who would by no means be willing to settle at
Shawnee Town, because they view it as unsafe, on account of the
Floods, and as a very unhealthy situation.
I have the honour to be &c. "William Rector"
J. Meigs, Surv' Gen.
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS1
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, Aug. 28 1813
Sir I had this day placed in the Post Office copies of Letters from
Judge Griswold and General William Rector relative to Shawnee
Town — and I now inclose Copy of a Letter from Thomas Sloo Esq'
on the same subject, and have the honour to be very respectfully
Yours,
JosiAH Meigs, Sur. Gen.
The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire —
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 28 Aug' 1813 J Meigs Surv' Gen' with
representations that the present scite for a Town at Shawneetown is
improper Ans* 7 Sep'— 13 *
• Pott, p. 364.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 351
[Enclosure]
Thomas Sloo to Josiah Meigs
(Copy.) "Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 27, 1813"
"Sir In a recent conversation with you on the subject of the
Scite on which Shawnee Town is laid off, I gave it as my opinion that
it could never be improved as a town to advantage."
"From my own obsen^ation while on the spot, I was convinced that
the Scite was injudiciously selected — I discovered evident marks on
the Timber that the whole of the bottom had been inundated at
least twelve feet; and the floods last Spring have placed it beyond a
doubt. — I am well convinced that no buildings can be erected with
safety, unless they have a good, substantial stone foundation, at
least 12 feet above the surface of the ground, as no other foundation
but stone, and that well cemented would answer; and that material
especially difficult to procure, it would be impracticable for men of
moderate property to improve, and when improved either for dwellings
or out-houses, (for they must all be constructed in the same way)
they could not be occupied without an immense deal of labour in
bridging in order to reach their first floor."
"A suitable scite may be procured a few miles below, completely
free from inundation; and, I am informed, a much better road from
the Saline to the river, and avoid crossing the main Saline altogether,
which at present must be ferried a part of the Season; the difference
of the distance to the new Scite will not, perhaps, be six miles further
from the Saline to the River, than to Shawnee Town. When we
take into view that the greater part of the Salt made at those works
descends the River, for the supply of the Tennessee and Mississippi
markets, it is of the first importance to Government as well as indi-
viduals, to have a safe place of deposit for that article — Point out
to youself Sir, a Deposite made at Shawnee Town in its present situa-
tion, of the Salt necessary for the fall and winter consumption of all
that country — suppose the River low, and no appearance of Rain —
and in 48 hours inundated from the head-waters, and the hope of the
Country lost as to that article. — "
"I think. Sir, on a representation of these facts being made to the
Government, it will not hesitate in directing the Surveyor General to
have a proper scite selected."
"Should the Government contemplate opening the Land-Office
shortly, no time ought to be lost, as it will take some time to select
and survey the new Scite, and the Officers will want some time to
prepare suitable buildings for their Offices.
"The above is respectfully submitted, by Yoiu"s &c.
"Tho» Sloo.—"
Josiah Meigs, Surveyor General
362 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:SD, Dom. Letters, xvi:C]
l"o/5ep"1813
Governor Ninian Edwards
Sir Your letter of the 17'" of August has been duly received.'
The president grants the permission which you ask of making a
visit to this city in the course of the present year, with the under-
standing however — that the state of things in the Illinois territory
at the time is such as not particularly to require the presence of the
governor.
The object of your request was mistaken, hence the permission
granted by my letter of the 29*" July ' referred to Washington in
Kentucky instead of this city.
— J.M.
BENJAMIN HOWARD TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Head Quarters S' LouiS Sejst. 2»°^ 1813
Sir. I have the honor herewith to enclose you, an estimate of
provisions as made out by the Contractor — ProviaieRa deposited by
him at the request of Governor Edwards at Fort Russell; after I took
command. It was his opinion, that they ought to be transported to
some other place at the expence of Government, as there were no
troops there, entitled to Rations. I did not think proper to do so; as
the provisions had been provided for militia last year, and I had given
no order to deposit them there, nor to remove them elsewhere. I pre-
sume Governor Edwards has made some statement on this subject, as
he knows the circumstances. I think it probable that he may be en-
titled to some allowance for the transportation. At his request I
send the enclosed.
I am with high respect your Humble Serv*
Benj* Howard
[Addressed] The Honb '• J. Armstrong Secretary of War Washington
Mail
[Endorsed] St. Louis Sept. 2. 1813 Brig: Gen' Howard incloses
return of provision deposited at Fort Russell by order of Governor
Edwards— Rec" Oct. 2. 1813 «
• Ante, p. 354.
» Ante, p. 349.
• Answered Oct. 4, 1813 (NA, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 7). See also Howard
to the Secretary of War, Sept. 1, 1813, enclosing Harrison to Howard, May 24,
1813, Russell to Howard, July 24, 1813, and Howard to Russell, Aug. 1, 1813
(NA, WD, SWDF).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 363
[Enclosure]
Inventory of military stores
[June 12, 1813]
Inventory of Provisions Remaining in the Contractor Store at Fort Russell
in the Illinois Territory, when evacuated by a detachment of United
States Troops Commanded by Cap*' Thomas Ramsey, by the order of
Brigedier General Benjamin Howard Commanding the eight District
93 Barrels of salt pork weighing in all 22227 lbs
Tare pr Barrel 39 lbs 3627
Neat lbs of pork 18600
85 Barrels of flour weighing in all 18190
Tare pr Barrel 18 lbs 1530
Neat lbs of flour 16660
3 Barrels of Candles weighing in all 590 lbs
Tare pr Barrel 18 lb 54
Neat lbs of Candles 536
4 Barrels of Soap weighing in all 952
Tare pr Barrels 18 lbs 72
Neat lbs of Soap 880
1 Barrel 34 gallons Vinegar
1 Barrel 34 gallons Whiskey
weighing together 675 lbs 675
Total in lbs 37351
I do certify that their was Ninety Three Barrels of salt pork Eighty
five Barrels of flour three Barrels of Candles four Barrels of sope one
Barrel Vinegar & 1 Barrel of Whiskey on hand in the contractor's store
at Fort Russell when evacuated by the imited States Troops Com-
manded by Capt Thomas Ramsey —
Agent for William Morrison contractor
John Beaird
Fort Russell 12*" June 1813
I do Certify that M' John Beaird was the Contractors Agent and
issueing commissary to a detachment of United States Troops sta-
tion'd at Fort Russell under my Command when said detachment left
that post and that he is a man of Verasity and whose signature may
be relied on
Fort Russell June 12'" 1813
Tho' Ramsey Cap*
Rifle Reg' Comding
[Endorsed] Statement of provisions at F Russell
364 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
BENJAMIN HOWARD TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Head Quarters S' Louis Sept S"* 1813
Sir. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of
the 29*" July, last night.' I shall set out from this to morrow morning
to Portage de Sieux: from whence I expect to march in two days for
Piorias, to dislodge the Indians in that neighbourhood, and erect a
Fort. Your authority to build one at Praire du Chien comes too late,
to enable me to give the proper notice to the Contractor for furnishing
rations in time to effect this object, before the River closes in that
quarter. And a certainty of supplies for a Post so distant and exposed
is in my view indispensable. But I trust; the establishment of this
Garrison will be steadily kept in view. Should I succeed in making
one at Piorias, it's good effects will soon be seen. It affords me much
pleasure to find this measure expressly approved by you, before I set
out; although, I considered it authorised by the spirit of your former
instructions.
I have given the necessary orders, to the Commanding Officer at
Vincennes, for the transmission of your letters &c — addressed to me.'"
I am Sir, with high respect and consideration your Humble Ser"
Benj" Howard
[Addressed] The Honb'^ John Armstrong Secretary of War Wash-
ington Mail [Postmarked] S' Louis Sep' 5 Free
[Endorsed] H.Q.St. Louis Sept 3. 1813 Gen' Howard— letter to
erect a Fort at Prairie du Chien, came too late to notify the contrac-
tor. Is about to establish a post at Piorias — ReC* Oct. 2. 1813 "
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., lv:LS]
Treasury Department General Land Office 7'" Sep' 1813
Sir Your favors of 28*" Ult" with plats and descriptions of
Town"" 7. 8. 9 S° of range 1 E of 3" M
11. 12. 13. 14 " 2 "
7. 13. 14. 15 " 3 "
has been received ;'* also that of same date covering copies of letters
from Mess" Griswold, Rector & Sloo, representing that Shawnee town
is an unfit Scite for a town in which to establish a Land office (because
of inundations) ; those communications will be laid before M' Gallatin
» Ante, p. 350.
'» See post, p. 370.
" Answered Oct. 4, 1813 (NA, WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 7).
» Ante, FP. 357, 360.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 365
on his return, for the purpose of their being presented to Congress,
who alone have power to establish a town & land office in another
Situation.
I am very respectfully Sir your obed' Serv'
Edward Tiffin
JosiAH Meigs Esq' Surveyor Gen' Cincinnati.
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esq'' Surveyor General Cincinnati [Post-
marked] Treasury Departm* General Land Office Edward Tiffin
Wash- City Sep 8 Free
[Endorsed] Edward Tiffin Sep' 7 1813 R" Sep' 17. do Ans. do 18. do "
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
(NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814 :ALS]
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, Seipt. 18, 1813.
Sir, Yesterday I had the honour to receive yovu" Letters of the
3" 1* and 7'" of September.'^
A Copy of the Plat and Description of Township 13, Range 8, East
of the Third Meridian accompanies this. — From information I have
received I am confident that the Public Interest would be promoted
by a speedy sale of the Lots at Shawnee Town; and regret that the
Sale must be delayed — I have received, from the acting Secretary of the
Treasury, notice, that a Credit of Nine Thousand Dollars, is opened
with the Receiver of Public Monies in Cincinnati, to enable me to
pay the amount of late Contracts with William & Nelson Rector — I
notice the acknowledgement of your having received Plats and
descriptions of Townships 7, 8, 9 South of Range 1 E. 3" Merid"
. . . 11—12—13—14 . . . 2 . . .
. . . 7—13—14—15 . . . 3 . . .
With the approbation of the Secretary of the Treasury, I have
appointed William Rector, Esq, Principal Deputy Surveyor for the
Territory of Missouri; and shall forward to him a Copy of the Act of
Congress of March 8, 1813, inclosed in your Letter of September 3. —
I have the honour to be, very respectfully. Yours,
Josiah Meigs, — Surveyor General.
This town, and Newport, were brilliantly illuminated last Evening,
on receiving the intelligence of the Success of our Fleet on Lake
Erie.—
The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esq; Commissioner of the
General Land-Office.
» Infra.
" NA (GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
" Supra.
366 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire, Commissioner
of the General Land-Office Treasury Department Washington City —
[Postmarked] Cincinnati 20'" Sep' 1813 Free
[Endorsed] Cincinn' 13 Sep' 1813 J Meigs S' Gen' regrets
delay of sales of Lots in Shawnee Town
WILLIAM MEARS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, 111. Terr. Papers :ALS]
Kaskaskia 16'" September 1813
Sir I had the pleasure by last Mail of receiving through Your
Honor the Commission of Attorney of the United States for the
Illinois Territory '* Please Sir to present my warmest acknowledg-
ments to His Excellency the President of the United States for His
nomination of me to the Senate to fill that Office
A copy of the Laws of the United States cannot I am Satisfied be
procured here on any Terms I therefore humbly Wish Your Honor
would please to Send me by first Opportunity a copy of the Laws of
the United States up to the close of the last Session of Congress with-
out which indeed it is impossible to advance with precision and Safety
in the discharge of my duties
With Sentiments of Esteem I am Sir Your humble obedient Servant
W° Mears
To The Honorable James Monroe Secretary of State
JUDGE GRISWOLD TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GL0, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:ALS]
[September 18, 1813]
Where shall be the next station of the Surveyor General's office"!
That it must be removed from Cincinnati, and westward of the
state of Ohio, seems evident from the position of the immense body
of public lands remaining yet to be surveyed and sold. Of this
indeed government appears to have been apprized, by *he a direction
given some time since, to remove the office to Vincennes, which
direction it is understood was suspended from considerations of the
personal convenience of the highly meritorious officer (Col. Mansfield)
whom it was desireable to oontinuo retain as Surveyor General of the
U. States.
The Missouri Territory & the vast tract above the Illinois river
would seem to call the station as far west as the Mississippi river, in
" Ante, p. 352. For biographical sketch of Mears, see Philbrick, op. cit., p.
ccLxxx.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 367
case any thing like centrality were to be regarded, of what now is and
soon will be the land of the U. States, divoatod ef fedktft -fetfcte — But as
surveys, sales and settlement cannot be expected to progress beyond
that river in so rapid a proportion as on this side, it would doubtless
be adviseable to fix the next station of the office not quite so far down.
Vincennes would be an eligible stand as to distance east of the
Mississippi, but there are objections to|it. Not to mention its ex-
treme exposure in Indian wars, it has ceased to be the seat of govern-
ment of the Indiana Territory and will probably dwindle away and
not be much resorted to hereafter, except merely for warlike purposes.
— It cannot be approached by travellers, except in two directions,
without encamping out some nights for want of settlements on the
roads. — It is too far above the Ohio river, the great highway of this
western country.
Shawneetown, if it were free from the inconvenience of floods,
would be %be exactly the spot where the next station of the office ought
to be. And if government should authorize a town to be laid out near
it (where a scite may be obtained free of the above inconvenience) it
should be the spot. It would not only be contiguous to the great
highway of the western country, the Ohio river but it may be easily
approached by land from all parts of the Mississippi country, on fine
roads, with good accommodations. And even from the Michigan
Territory the travel would be more convenient than to go to Vincennes,
as they would come first to Cincinnati, or some point on the Ohio, and
then descend in the crafts continually passing down the river. — But
there will not be much surveying, or sales, or settlement, in the
Michigan Territory for many years.
On the whole, Shawneetown and its vicinity are more easily ap-
proached than Vincennes from every part of the U. S. public lands.
From the state of Ohio there is no question on the subject; — and there
is as little room to question it from the greater part of the Indiana
Territory. From Michigan the same too is the case, as above stated.
From the vast country of the present Illinois & Missouri Territories
the same also is true. — The intervening land between Vincennes and
the Mississippi is almost an entire praira, without wood, water, and
other necessaries for settlement. It may be considered as the belly
of the prairas extending from the Ohio to the Illinois river. In pro-
portion to the extent of a praira, the soil is generally poor, especially
towards the centre. That tract will not be settled for many years.
As those prairas extend towards the Ohio river, they become narrower
and richer, and are interspersed and separated by more timber and
Uving waters, — till within 20 or 30 miles of the bank of the river,
where a perfect woodland commences. — The roads and travel to and
from the western country have of course been mostly through the
368 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
lower parts, terminating at Shawneetown and other par to points on the
Ohio not far distant. I am persuaded if the Surveyor General's office
were established at Vincennes, the greater part of the travel to it from
all the Mississippi country, would be by Shawneetown and its vicinity.
Why not then establish the office thoro in the latter region at once?
|K Excuse the above rough & imporfoct hasty sketch, from D"^ Sir,
your obed' servant,
S. Griswold.
J. Meigs Esq' S.G. U.S.
[Addressed] The Surveyor General of the U. States, Cincinnati.
[Endorsed] Judge Griswold Sept 18. 1813 de Shawnee Town.
ROBERT KING " TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., ivrALS]
General Land office 28"" Sepf 1813
Sir, On examining the plats of the Townships in the Shawnee Dis-
trict I find so many omissions, and explainations wanting that I can-
not proceed to make a connected plat. In the first place the section
lines ought to have the length on each side thereof inserted. 2''"' the
dividing lines between adjoining Townships, and sections in those
Townships do not correspond, for instance in the plats you herewith
receive (v' Town"' 15 & 16 in Range 1 East of the 3'" Meridian) that
the Southern boundary of Town" 15 appears to have a N. easterly
direction and all along the line they are fractional sections, of little
more than half a mile wide; instead of which, they ought to have
been a mile see 2°" Sec. of the Act 18'" May 1796." (Land laws pa.
140) you will also find in the adjoining Township N° 16 that the
north line which ought to correspond with the above, appears to be at
right angles with the Meridian therefore a triangular vacancy occurs,
otherwise a bend in the Meridian, which is inadmissible, the western
tier of Sections in this Township are fractional, whereas the fractions
ought to fall on the Ohio instead of joining the Meridian which is
the Basis on which the survey is founded. I find many other Town
ships in a similar situation therefore should deem it advisable to have
them all corrected, at least the distances between sections inserted,
and a connected Map returned to this Department agreeable to the
11'" Sect" of the Act of 3'^'* March 1803," which provides that General
and particular plats shall be forwarded to this Department, which
has always been the case heretofore.
" Draftsman in the GLO {Register U. S., 1816, p. 7).
'• Terr. Papers (N.W.), n, 553-554.
" Ibid. (Miss.), V, 202.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 369
I enclose a copy of one of M' Freemans ^ returns, from them I
never found any difficulty, instead of which they are always correct
and shew the general topography of the country which is very im-
portant in a general Map. — Those of Shawnee do not even shew the
connection of the waters.
I am Sir very respectfully your ob' Serv'
ROB» King — Draftsman
[Addressed] The Hon"* the Commiss' of the General Land Office
[Endorsed] R. King to E Tiffin— 28. Sep* 1813
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:ALS]
Treasury department General Land Office Sept' 29'" 1813
Sir Observing that all the returns you have made of the platts &
descriptions of townships in the Shawnee town district are incorrectly
done, and not either agreable to law, or in that correct manner which
the principal Surveyor South of Tennessee has made his — and from
which we cannot possibly make a connected plat of the country, I
am constrained to request that they may be corrected; and in order
to enable you to see the forms the law requires, I have got oiu- drafts-
man to copy the return of a fractional township, with its correspond-
ing explanations, which had been made to this Office from the prin-
cipal Surveyor South of Tennessee — and which I now enclose to you^' —
As yoa have made several contracts for surveying, this enclosure
will enable you to give such instructions to your deputies, that in
future the work may be moe correctly done, and indeed it appears to
me, all the work done by deputies ought to be examined and approved
by you before they are paid off —
I also enclose a letter from M"' King our draftsman, ^^ pointing out
the errors and inaccurecies of your returns, which with the forms, will
be ample instruction for the futiu-e —
In your last you press the necessity of opening the Sales at Shawnee
town — but the representations you have here to fore made of the im-
proper Scite for that town had determined me to bring the subject
before Congress at their ensuing Session. And indeed was there no
other reason for postponing the Sales, that of the very embarrassed
2° Thomas Freeman, surveyor general of the lands of the United States south
of Tennessee.
2' Not seen.
32 Supra.
370 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
situation of the Country owing to the hostility of the Indians is
conclusive.^
With great respect I am Sir Your ob* Serv'
Edward Tiffin
Hon"" Josiah Meigs Surveyor General Cincinnati Ohio
[Endorsed] E. Tiffin Sept. 29. 1813
BENJAMIN HOWARD TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Head Quarters S' Louis Octohr 28'" 1813
Sir. I had the honor of expressing to you the opinion during the
last Summer that a movement of troops to dislodge the Indians at
the head of Peoria Lake was indispensable to guard against that
presure upon our frontier in autumn which I believed would take
place,"* it was with pleasure I found the measure approved, In
pursuance of the plan on the 19'" of Sepf the effective rangers of
Missouri and Illinois with about one hundred from Indiana two
hundred and fifty mounted men furnished by the Executives of
Missouri Tcrritorioa and Illinois were concentrated at Tower Hill
East of the Mississippi thirty miles above the frontier; in embodying
those troops the immediate safety of the frontier was steadily kept
in View by moving detachments in such directions as would enable
them to discover and dislodge any parties which might be upon our
borders, the 1st Regt. commanded by Col" McNair was marched on
the west side of the Mississippi and crossed just below the Rendezvous
the 2" commanded by Col" Stephenson was marched on the East side
of the river crossing the Illinois a few miles above its mouth, a detach-
ment of about 200. regulars under the command of Lieutnt Col"
Nicholas of the 1st Regt of U. States Infantry at the same time
ascended the IlUnois in armed boats. It was soon ascertained upon
» In a letter of Nov. 1, 1813 (NA, GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814), from
Meigs to Tiffin occurs the following relevant paragraph:
"It is probable, that, next year, the War will present little or no interruption
to the business of the Surveyors. — M' Sloo and others wish to see the laws relative
to preemptions in the Shawnee district — I will thank you to furnish me with a
Copy. — I hope to see Col. Mansfield in a few days. — We are preparing a General
Map of the Shawnee District, which shall be forwarded in a short period, with
such observations as may be useful to M' King — "
See also Tiffin's communication to the President, Dec. 30, 1813, which was
transmitted to the Senate, Dec. 31, 1813 (A.S.P., Pub. Lands, ii, 873-876),
relating to the public-land situation throughout the western territories and
embodying two lengthy paragraphs on Illinois Territory and in particular on
Shawneetown and its reconstruction.
»• Ante, p. 347.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 371
the arrival of those several detachments at points a little beyond the
Settlements that the enemy had decended the Illinois to invade the
frontier, a skirmish took place between some of Col" Stephensons
command and a party of Indians the latter were driven; from appear-
ances in the route of the 1st. Regt. some parties had crossed to the
west side of the Mississippi, upon the approach of the troops I have
no doubt of the Indians having returned to their canoes in the Illinois
when they found Lieutn' Col" Nicholas rapidly ascending the river
and fled before him without injuring a single Citizen believing that
the frontier would be safe for the moment I marched the mounted
troops up the Mississippi bottom to Christys creek passing opposite
the Encampment of the Sac nation who have professed themselves
friendly but many of whom I believe have taken part in the war
against us, while others were undecided, at this time Mr Boilvoin
Indian Agent was in the neighborhood sent by Gov' Clarke to conduct
them to the Missouri where they had agreed to winter, however un-
settled their neutrality might have been before, the desplay of troops
in their vicinity soon confirmed it, they immediately decended the
Mississippi to the Portage De Sieux from whence they were sent up
the Missouri, from Cliristys creek the army was marched across the
Country towards Peoria and on the evening of the 28"" arrived within
a few miles of the old Village, that night three men were sent to dis-
cover whether the command of Lieutn' Colo Nicholas had arrived and
bearing a letter to that officer Stating my position and calling for such
information in regard to the enemy as he might possess, during the
night he decended the Illinois to my Encampment, and reported to
me that the day before an attack was made upon his command at
Peoria where he had commenced building a Fort agreeably to my
orders. However the enemy were soon dispersed by a well directed
discharge of musketry with the aid of a six pounder from two un-
finished Block Houses, it was evident that the Assailants suffered in
this attack but to what extent could not be ascertained none of our
men were killed and one only wounded, on the 29'" the mounted
Troops arrived at Peoria and so soon as provisions could be drawn
were marched up the Illinois to the Villages at the Head of Peoria
the Lake which was the direction in which the enemy appeared to
have retired from Peoria upon my arrival at those Villages I found
them deserted from the examination made by reconnoitring parties
I had no doubt of the Indians having ascended the Illinois in Canoes
which is so situated from Swamps on both banks that it was impossible
to pursue them by land, the Villages were destroyed and some property
of inconsiderable amount taken the army then returned to Peoria
and remained untill the Garrison was put in a State of defence Shortly
after my return I sent a detachment in two armed Boats under the
372 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
command of Major Christy in pursuit of the enemy, this detachment
ascended the Illinois above the mouth of the Vermillion to the rapids
and within seventy five miles of Chicago but it was impossible to come
up with the Indians notwithstanding the great efforts of the com-
manding officer and his command. Soon after the departure of
major Christy major Boone was sent with about one hundred men in
the direction of Rock river to examine whether there were any parties
in that quarter, he penetrated the country ift northwardly from
Peoria (in my opinion) within forty five miles of Rock river and re-
ported that there were several encampm.ents on the Maquoine which
appeared to have been deserted about the time the army arrived at
Peoria the mounted troops remained near Pioria from the 2^ untill
the 15'" of October during which time they were actively engaged
together with the U. States Infantry in erecting Fort Clarke which
stands at the lower end of the Lake completely commanding the river,
this important Fort was erected under many disadvantages, the
weather being unusually cold for the season, and without the aid of a
single team the timbers were hauled by the troops a considerable
distance to the lake (nearly a mile in width) and rafted over, this
Fort is ccrtflinly unquestionably one of the strongest I have seen in
the Western Country and certainly highly important to the Safety
of the three Territories with the defence of which I have been en-
trusted; on the 15'" the mounted troops moved from Peoria for the
Settlements pursuing generally a South Course untill they arrived at
Camp Russell on the 21" Inst where the mounted militia [MS. torn]
were discharged. The Indiana Rangers on the March were sent
across from the old Kickapoos ¥ewft3 Towns to Vincennes under the
command of Capt andre. The safety which was anticipated to the
frontier which was anticipated from this movement has been fully
realized, and the same enemy that has kept our exposed Settlements
under continual apprehensions of danger was compelled to fly before
a force in their own country less than that assigned by the Gov' for
the immediate defence of the frontier. It is with pleasure I acknowl-
edge the energetic and entelligent execution of my orders by those
ofiicers to whom I confided the command of detachments and also the
lai'dable conduct of the officers and men generally during the Cam-
pagn but more particularly on those occasions (not unfrequent) when
it was hoped and believed by all that the enemy had determined to
give us battle
I am Sir with high consideration Your Humb» Serv'
Ben J' Howard
The Honb« John Armstrong
P.S. I have delayed the transmission of this communication untill
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 373
I heard of Capt Andre who was sent [MS. torn] direct from the
Kickapoos Towns to Vincennes, he has reported to me his Safe
arrival B H"
[Endorsed] St. Louis Oct. 28. 1813 Brig. Gen' Howard Re-
porting the result of his expedition against the Indians. Has estab-
lished a Fort at Peoria ReC Dec^ 1813 '^f
WILLIAM RECTOR TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia October 28*" 1813
Sir I have accepted of the Appointment of Principal Deputy
Surveyor of the Territory of Missouri, and shall immediately remove
to, and settle in Saint Louis — It is therefore proper that I now Resign
the Office of Brigadier General of the Militia of the Illinois Territory
And beg leave through the Secretary of War to express to the President
of the United States my grateful acknowledgements for the honor he
done me, in Confering that Appointment on me,^*
I have the honor to be with much Respect Your Ob' Serv'
W" Rector
P S. The enclosed letter reached me on the 18"" Ins' And is of such
a Character as to induce me to lay it before the Secretary of War.^"
The liberty the writer has taken in addressing this letter to me was
unauthorized and I view it as presumptious. I learn that letters of
the same nature have been received by most of the Officers of the
General Government, in this quarter. W™ Rector
The Honbl* John Armstrong Secretary of War.
[Addressed] The Honbl° John Armstrong Secretary of War. Wash-
ington City Free
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia October 28"' 1813 Gen' W" Rector offers
his resignation as Brig' Gen' of Illinois Militia &c. &c.
"'' Answered Dec. 31, 1813 (Terr. Papers, La.-Mo., xiv). See also R. M.
Johnson to Harrison, June 9, 1813, Harrison to the Secretary of War, July 12,
1813, and the Secretary of War to Harrison, July 14, 1813 (Esarey, ed., Harrison's
Messages and Letters, 11, 4S7-492).
" Answered post, p. 397.
"A letter from John H. Robinson, Sept. 16, 1813 (present), containing an
invitation to join him in what was presumably an armed expedition against
Mexico (Texas). Cf. post, p. 394.
374 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
NELSON RECTOR TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., IV:ALS1
Illinois Territory. T. N" 5. S. R. N" 6. E. Nov' 1'* 1813.
Dear Sir, I left Shawnee Town on the 28'" day of Oct' for the
Woods, and have been engaged in Surveying the U. S. lands since
that time, and shall continue with all possible, energy untill I complete
my District.
I rec" a letter from my brother William Rector in which he men-
tioned your wish in haveing posts set in each mound which may be
errected &c. I anticipated your wish Sir and should have set good
Substantial posts at all Sect' & ){ Sec' corners, if you bad not have
mentioned it to my Brother. I have had no Prairie as yet nor do I
expect there will be much in my District, but should there be, rest
assured the corners shall be well established, with mounds & posts.
The Land which I have surveyed is generally of a good quality & well
watered ; which will enable persons to make fine farms &c I have no
doubt but when this part of the Territory, becomes to be settled it
will be eaqual to any of the settled parts, except the Amei'ican Bottom.
I have not come across any natural curisiosity' as yet, should I
meet with any before I finish surveying I will take care of them &
bring them on to you.
Be so good as to present my complments to your Family, and for
y'self accept my most, candid wish for your happyness through this
expanded & uneaven World
I am D"^ Sir with much respect ¥"■ obd' serv*
N: Rector
P.S. I should be glad to get a letter from you. be so good as to
drop me a line & direct to Shawnee Town and I shall get it.
Excuse this scrall as it is late at night & by the light of the fire.
N.R.
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esq"^ Surveyor General of the U.S. Cin-
cinati Ohio [Poslmarked] Shawneytown Nov 5'" 25
\Endorsed\ Nelson Rector Nov. 1. 1813. Rec" Nov 13. Ans" Nov
16 1813 ^»
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SO, 1812-1814:ALS]
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 21, 1813.
Sir, Col. Jared Mansfield, in his Letter to me, dated August 2,
1813, says, "In respect to the Principles by which the West and North
deficient or exceeding Quarter Sections are calculated, I would ob-
•• Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 375
serve; — that all the other Sections and Quarter Sections of a Township,
unless sometimes, when an egregious error in the measurement had
been discovered, have been estimated as full, complete, and legal
Sections, according to the Law of May, 1800, without any calculation
of their contents by the length of their boundary lines. — The reason
of this is, that these Sections, Quarter Sections, &c. are surveyed and
laid off, full and complete, according to the principles of said Law,
independently of the magnitude, or even the admeasurement of the
Township lines, in cases where these are erroneous; but the Sections
or Quai-ter Sections on the West and North are the mere remnants
of those complete Sections or Quarter Sections. — Hence, as few or
none of the Townships, according to the mode of running them by
the Needle, can be of the precise quantity originally intended, viz:
Six Miles Square, or Thirty-Six Square Miles, it is obvious that all
the Sections, &c. must be either exceeding or deficient, adjusted to
equal divisions of the Town Boundaries, or, that the excess or defi-
ciency of a Township be comprehended altogether in the tiers of
Sections on its extreme boundaries. — Now, as to the principle of
calculating those North and West tiers of Sections, or Quarter Sec-
tions, there can be no other than that of ascertaining the lengths of
the boundary lines of each. — The Surveyors have been, I believe,
always instructed to note these lengths in their Field-Books: — at least,
all those intersected by the town Boundary, and the Sectional Lines
extended to it. — The other line, which bounds the Section or Quarter
Section in the interior of the Township, is assumed of the same meas-
ure as that of its adjacent Section &c. for the boundary of which it
was laid oflF."
In the Plat of the Shawnee District, which was transmitted with
my letter of the 11*" of this month," I suspect we omitted to insert
the Scale, of one inch to two Miles. — I give the scale precisely from
"NA(GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814). The following are relevant para-
graphs:
"The Surveys of the Kaskaskias District are I think much more accurate than
those of the Vincennes District, and those last more accurate than those of the
state of Ohio, particularly those in the Miami Country, 'where', (says Col.
Mansfield in his Letter to me of August 2"') 'the grossest blunders had been com-
mitted previous to my arrival in the Western Country.'
"You will receive with this a Map of the District of Shawnee, copied from a
Map of the Kaskaskias District, executed by the late Capt. J. F. Mansfield; — As
I am in daily expectation of seeing Col. Mansfield, and as it appears probable
that the Land-Office will not be speedily opened, I trust there will be sufficient
time to arrange the business with all the precision which can be desired, previously
to the Commencement of the Sales."
The letter also contains a lengthy extract of a letter from Mansfield, May 14,
1807, principally applicable to the Indiana surveys. See similar letter from
Mansfield to the Secretary of the Treasury, May 22, 1807 {Terr. Papers, Ind.,
VII, 451-456).
376 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
the original; though it is probable the Draftsman could be at no loss
for want of it."* —
I have receive Letters from Nelson Rector, who is now engaged in
Surveying between the Wabash and the Mississippi; — and from
William Rector, Principal Deputy Surveyor for the Territory of
Missouri, who is now at Saint Louis, where he has met with every
encouragement and assurance of aid and information from Judge
Bent, and from M' Bates, the Recorder of Land Titles. M"^ Rector is,
probably, now engaged in the duties of his office — I believe him to be
the most skilful and able practical Surveyor in the United States— He
has before him a spacious field; and, though it is a difficult one, I
venture to predict, that the Surveys in that Territory will be, at
least, equal in accuracy, if not superior, to any that have been made
in this invaluable Western World —
I have the honour to be with Esteem, and verj-^ respectfully Yours,
JosiAH Meigs, Surveyor General
The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquu-e
Surveyor General's Office, Nov. 23, 1813.
P. S. Last Evening I had the honoiu- to receive your Letter of
November 12,=* acknowledging the Receipt of Final Certificates, &c —
and, covering a Copy of the Act of Feb. 5, 1813. relative to the Right
of Preemption in the Illinois Territory ^— J Meigs. S.G.
The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire.
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:LS]
Treasury Department General Land Office 22'' Nov' 1813
Sir Your letter of 10'" ins'^" is before me — the remarks of M'
King applied to the surveys in the Shawnee district, not to the
Vincennes district.
It appears by the extract you have given from a letter of your
predecessor dated 14 May 1807 " that similar remarks on the surveys
in the Vincennes district were anticipated by him; he regrets the
inaccuracies that exist in them & states that those mistakes should
have been corrected had there been time to do so before the com-
mencement of the sales: As he states, the irregularity of the lines
spoil the beauty of the maps; but the inaccuracies in the surveys in
"* Present but not reproduced.
»» NA(GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
»• 2 Stat. 797-798.
» Not found.
»' Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 377
the Shawnee district are of a more serious nature, the irregularities
preclude the formation of a connected map, and as the time is not
fixed for the public Sales in that district you have time to make the
necessary corrections; referring to my letter of 29'" Sep' last & its
enclosures '^
I remain very respectfully Sir yom- obed' Serv'
Edward Tiffin
JosiAH Meigs Esq"" Surveyor General Cincinnati.
[Endorsed] Ed. Tiffin Nov. 22. 1813 ReC Dec. 3, 1813
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814 :ALS]
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, December 8, 1813.
Sir, On the 3"* of this month I had the honour to receive your
Letters, dated Nov. 22^3 & 2Z?'
I shall lose no time in endeavouring to make the required Cor-
rections of the Surveys of the Shawnee District so far as those Cor-
rections are within my power. — If the General Piatt of the Shawnee
District, the receipt of which is mentioned in your Letter of Nov. 23.
shall not prove to be sufficiently correct for the intentions of the
Government, I doubt whether there can be any other remedy than
by a Resurvey
I send with this Vouchers. N" 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — which I judge will be
deemed sufficiently correct. —
W" Harris is about commencing the survey of about 40 Townships
in the late Purchase of General Harrison, Northwardly of the Vin-
cennes District, in fulfilment of a Contract with the late Surveyor
General. I suppose the Allies of Great Britain are so far humbled
that the Surveyors will meet with no interruption.
I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours
JosiAH Meigs. Survey' General
Hon. Edward Tiffin —
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin Esquire — Commissioner
of the General Land-Office. Washington City —
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 8 dec' 1813 J Meigs Surv' Gen' with vouchers
for his Acco'' Ans'' '^ & handed the vouchers to the Auditors Office 16
dec' 1813 2*
" Ante, p. 369.
»3 NA (GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
3* Loc. cU.
"■ Post, p. 378.
" The last sentence is written in the margin.
378 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE PRESIDENT
[LC: Madison Papers :ALS]
Kaskaskia III. Ty. Dec' 12. 1813
Sir I have the honor herewith to transmit to you a memorial
from the legislature of this territory to Congress in persuance of the
request contained in the resolution annexed thereto " — •
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Y' M° Obd' Serv'
NiNiAN Edwards
James Madison President of the U. S.
[Addressed] James Madison President of the U. S.
[Endorsed] Edwards Ninian Dec. 12'" 1813
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia III. Ty Dec' 12. 1813
Sir Being informed by Gen' Rector that he has resigned his
appointment of Brigadier Gen' I beg leave to recommend the Honble
Shadrack Bond as his successor believing him v/ell qualified to dis-
charge the duties of that office and not doubting that his appointment
would be gratifying to the citizens of this territory
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Sir Yr MoObd* Serv'
NiNiAN Edwards
The Hon'ble John Armstrong Sec" of War Washington City
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia 111. T. Gov. Edwards Recommend Hon M''
Bond for Brigadier of the militia of that Territory. Rec" April 1814
1814 Hon M' Bond B. Gen. Militia Gov Edwards rec
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GL0, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:LS]
Treasury Department General Land Office 18*" dec' 1813
Sir Your letter of 8'" Ins' has been received^' & the vouchers
which it covered have been handed to the Auditor The general platt
of Shawnee town district does not exhibit the acres containd in each
sect", it will be necessary that you furnish a schedule of the contents.
I am very respectfully Sir your obed' Serv'
Edward Tiffin
JosiAH Meigs Esq' Surveyor Gen' Cincinnati
•' Not present.
»• AnU, p. 377.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 379
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs, Esq'' Surveyor-general, Cincinnati.
[Postmarked] Wash" City Dec 19 Treasury Department, General
Land office. Edward Tiffin Free
[Endorsed] Ed. Tiffin, Dec. 18. 1813 Rec'' 27— do Ans" 29— do ^^
SHADRACH BOND TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Reed., B:ALS]
Washington City December 18th 1813
Sir/ I have received a letter from Col. Michel Jones one of the
Land Commissioners of Kaskaskia*" he expresses some doubts about
the Law Passed the 5th of February 1813" granting the right of pre-
emption to the Settlers in the Illinois Territory, he thinks the second
Proviso of the first Section of the Law will bar ef all Persons from the
benefit of that Law, who are settled within the bounds Dissignated by
the Commissioners for the locating of the unlocated Claimes. I wish
your opinion on this subject" —
I am Dear sir, respectfully your obt. Servt.
Shadrach Bond —
[Addressed] Edward Tiffin Commissioner of the Land Office
[Endorsed] 18 decem'' 1813 Shadrack Bond
MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS FROM INHABITANTS OF
PEORIA
[LC:HF, 15 Cong., 1 sess.: DS]
[December 20, 1813]
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States, in Congress assembled
The Memorial and Petition Of Sundry Inhabitants of the Village
of Peoria on the Illinois River, Humbly Shew
That your petitioners have resided for many years at Peoria on the
Illinois River, and being [surrounded by] numerous nations of Indians,
we were always subject to their insults, by stealing our horses, killing
our cattle and robbing our fields, often threatening to kill us if we did
not immediately supply them with their wants by giving them that
provision &c. that we had to man tain oiu" families; all which we were
compelled to comply with to preserve peace: but in the Spring of the
" The endorsement is evidently in error; see reply post, p. 389.
*" Not seen.
« 2 Stat. 797-798.
" Post, p. 388.
380 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Year 1812, the Indians threw off all reserve and killed our cattle
at our very doors, and would carry off on their horses the beef to their
villages, and would tell us that we ought to be contented that they
[did] not kill us also. After the commencement of the present war,
[the Brijtish Indian Agent at Maiden directed the Indians to kill and
destroy all white people residing west of Detroit river. This speech
was brought from Maiden by a Potawatomie Indian, and was delivered
to the Kicapoos by the Potawatomie chiefs; the Kicapoos said that the
Indians must begin at Peoria and kill the whole, but the Potawatomies
not agreeing to this, we were all saved from the tomahalk and scalping
knife. After we heard this unpleasant news, we still wished to remain
in our village, though often upbraided by the indians of giving infor-
mation of their proceedings to the Governors of this and Illinois
Territories, all which we were obliged to deny for our personal safety
altho it was a truth. Those informations so received from us at
different times by the executives of this and adjoining Territory, was
the saving of many lives on the frontiers, but more particularly in
September 1812, when about 400 Indians were embodying to come
down (and did actually come down) to make a desperate attack on
different parts of the frontiers, had it not been for information received
from us by General Howard, then Governor of this Territory, the mis-
chiefs that such a body of Indians would have done in the settlements
must have been great; but from this information the Indians were
completely foiled and returned home without doing any mischief
except stealing a few horses. We still wishing to hold our ground at
Peoria, knowing full well the assistance we could render to our country
in giving information of the movements of the Indians at all times,
but at a time when there were only a few men in Peoria Village (the
others having come down to this country on busine.ss) The Kicapoo
and Piankeshaw indians robbed our houses of all the arms and ammuni-
tion that were to be found, as also all kinds of wearing apperal; and
while the few people who were so left at peoria had fled from the
enraged in[dia]ns two boats, under the command of Captain Craig of
Shawanoe Town [MS. torn] at Peoria and emptied our houses and
outhouses of every kind of property that was portable, and put them
on board of the boats; when we returned to Peoria we asked Capt.
Craig for our property, some was returned and the remainder detained
and never returned to us; the Indians having fired on Cap. Craig's
boats we were all disarmed and made prisoners of by him to the amount
of forty two, men, women and children: we asked permission to kill
some cattle and Hogs for our [MS. torn] provision, which Cap. Craig
refused, and he and his men killed the hogs for their own use, besides
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 381
burning foui* houses and four bams, two of the bams containing wheat;
we were brought down prisoners to Savages Ferry (opposite the
mouth of Missoiu-i) in Illinois Territory, where an order from Governor
Edwards liberated us, with the loss of a great deal of property, as we
were obliged to leave at Peoria all our cattle amounting to upwards of
two hundred head, besides hogs &c. and a large Quantity of Corn, it
being too late in the season for us to return to Peoria. The cattle
corn &c. fell into the hands of the Indians who destroyed all the cattle
&c. besides burning all our houses and outhouses. Thomas Forsyth,
one of your petitioners farther represents, that for a considerable time
pre\'ious to this outrage, had been a confidential agent of the govern-
ment in the Indian department, and continued his residence at Peoria
where he had been before [estajblished for the purpose of convejang
private information of Indian movements to the principal Indian
Agent at this place. At the commencement of the war, others of your
petitioners had determined to leave Peoria and go to some other place
of imagined safety : that the said Forsyth foreseeing in such event, the
necessety of removing also, and having been also, moreover instructed
to that effect by his superior officers in the Indian department, solicited
and prevailed with your petitioners to remain at Peoria [MS. torn]
of their enemies. The caution and watchfulness of your [MS. torn]
preserved them from the dangers with which they were menaced.
But at the moment when they were exulting in the success of their
address and perseverence, the fruits of which had been important com-
munications to the executives of Illinois and Missouri Territories,
they are assailed by a military force of their own countrymen, who
under the most absurd pretexts, rob them of their property, burn
their houses and insult their persons. With an [MS. torn] caprice or
wantoness, your petitioners have been taken as prisoners of War into
the Settlements. There indeed they have been recognized as Citizens
attached to their Country and who has hazarded every thing in its
defence."
We have been liberated, but in the mean time we have been
stripped of our ordinary means of subsistence, and are now thrown
upon the World without the common necessaries of Life, and many are
now living on the generosity of other people.
Your Petitioners ask that an enquiry may be instituted as to the
losses which they have sustained and provision made for their relief
and indemnification.
And your Petitioners will, as in duty bound, ever pray
" See Craig to Edwards, Nov. 16 and Dec. 10, 1812 (Washburne, ed., Edwards
Papers, CHC, ill, 85-90), explaining Craig's side of the aflFair.
382 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
St. Louis, M" Ter'. December 20'" 1813.
Thomas Forsyth Francois Racine pere
antoine Leclaire Louson Pansannoe
Pollitte Mallier Joseph Garrett "
Pierre LeVasseur " Francois Racine fils
Charle Labelle An' Lapanc^
Ant°° Bourbonnait Jacque Mett^
Francois Buch^ Pierre Martin
[MS. torn "] ountaine
[Endorsed] Petition of sundry inhabitants of the village of Peoria,
on the Illinois River. 5: Feb^ 1814. Ref to the Com" of Claims.
12: Feby. 1814 Report made & ordered to lie." Feby. 20—1818
Ref* to the Committee of Claims ** decided against: leave to withdraw
— M"^ Hempstead ref claims
Inhabitants of Peoria Petition & Proof. Prays pay for property
lost and destroyed by our own troops & the Indians. — The proof now
filed only relates to the Claims of Thomas Forsyth & Kinzie, F. Bouche,
Antoine Leclere, Felix Fountain; formerly referred to Commitee of
Claims & now accompanied with other documents — Scott & 20
Committee Claims
[Enclosures]
Statement of the claim of Kinzie & Forsyth
[October 22, 1817]
An account of Losses sustained at the late Village of Peoria on the
Illinois River, during the late War, by the Indians and a party of
men under the command of Captain Thomas E. Craig of Shawanoe
Town, being the property of, arid belonging to the late firm of Kinzie
& Forsyth. —
2 horses $50 ea. 100 1 ditto . . do 3 do . 3
1 pair of Oxen 60 1 ditto . . do 2 do . 2
8 Cows & Calves .... $15 120 2 Common teapots ... 50 1
2 Cows 10 20 1 Churn 2
3 heifers 2% years old ... 6 18 1 bra.sswier Sive 2
4 Calves l^— do — do ... 4 16 1 Grindstone 3
1 bull . 5 . do . do ... 20 50 p" Earbobs 25 12,50
20 bushels Corn . . . 100 cts 20 3 Case black bottles ... 50 1,50
1^^ Acres of Corn & potatoes 1 Small white flint Case bot-
destroyed by the Indians 50 tie 50
16 pairs Moco.sins . . 25 cts 4 3 Shot Guns $10 30
30 dressed deerskins ... 75 22,50 2 Sabers $4 8
100 lb tallow 10 10 1 Shotbag & powderhorn . . 2
40 lb Beeswax 12}4 5 1 Log chain 5
1 Large blocktin teakettle . . 5 2 Axes 250 cts 5
1 Small Copper Kettle ... 6 1 Round Adz 2
1 tinkettle with cover contg, 4 1 hoe 1
Gallons 4 40 lb Bacon 12>i 5
** Uncertain reading.
«» Probably Felix; see second paragraph of endorsement.
" Uncertain reading.
*' House Journal, ix, 280, 297.
*• Ibid., 15 Cong., 1 sess., p. 261.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY
383
An account of Losses sustained at the late Village of Peoria on the
Illinois River, during ihe late War, by the Indians and a party of
men under the command of Captain Thomas E. Craig of Shawanoe
Town, being the property of, and belonging to the late firm of Kinzie
& Forsyth. — Continued.
2 drawing knives .... 100 2
40 fowls 25 10
1 hammer 50
1 penknife 1
24 lb Maple Sugar . 16% cts 4
1 Old Matruss 4
4 black bottles 25 1
1 tramel 1
1 Crock of Lard 12 lb . . 12^ 1,50
1 Knife box 1
12 forks _ _ 12U 1 , 50
1 pr Ox Cart Wheels Compleatly
Ironed 50
1 Ox Cart (old) 4
1 Keg Whisky 8 Gallons . . 200 16
1 Quire of writing paper .... 50
1 broad Ax 2
1 large Girablet 50
12 lb feathers 50 6
1 old Sled 2
1 Ox Yoke 2
1 plough 2
5 packsaddles 100 5
2 Cupboards $10 20
3 tables 4 12
7 Chairs 100 7
1 bedstead 4
1 Common desk 6
1 Small bedstead 2
1 House 60 feet long and 18 feet
wide burned by the Indians .400
1 bakehouse 16 feet long by 12
wide burned by dittos .... 50
$1,184,50
We the undersigned Antoine Leclaire Felix Fountaine and Francois
Buch^ do solemnly swear on the holy evangelist of Almighty god that
we have a perfect knowledge that Kinzie & Forsyth had the above-
mentioned property as is stated in the above account, and that we
have a perfect knowledge that the Indians did plunder all the houses
in the late Village of Peoria in the month of October Eighteen hundred
& twelve and that the Indians did kill all the Cattle belonging to the
people of s" Village of Peoria, that a party of men under the command
of Captain Thomas E: Craig of Shawanoe Town did about the first
of November in the same year plunder the s* houses of s" Village of
Peoria, and we further state, that the property mentioned in tlie
above account was taken and destroyed by the Indians and men
under the Command of s" Craig during the late war, that the above
account amounting to Eleven hundred & eighty four dollars and fifty
cents with the prices affixed opposite each article being read over
and explained to us is Just and true, and the prices not to high —
Sworn to before me at St Louis
this 22°'' day of October 1817—
F. M. Guyola J.P.
Ant Le Claire
his
FRANgOIS X BOUCH:^
mark
his
FELIX X FONTAINE
mark
[Endorsed] Kenzie & Forsyth's Account of Losses
384 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Statement of the claim of Felix Fountaine
[October 22, 1817]
An Account of Losses sustained at the late Village of Peoria on the Illinois
River, during the late War, by the Indians and a party of Men under
the command of Thomas E: Craig of Shawanoe Town being the
property of Felix Fountaine. —
1 pair Oxen 60 10 do pease 150 15
1 pair ditto 40 1600 rails 200 32
6 Cows & Calves . . $15 . 90 24 fowls 25 cts 6
3 •¥e«H' eW Calves IJ^ year 1 tramel 1
old 4 . 12 1 Iron Ladle & fork .... 1
1 heifer 2% Years old . . 6 . 6 1 bedstead 2
1 horse 30 1 cupboard . 10
1 feather bed 56 lb . . 50 cts 28 1 table 3
6 large brass & Copper Kettles 6 Chairs 100 6
for making Sugar, but much 1 Iron Shovel 1
used $6 ea. 36 1 Smoothing Iron 1
3 large tin Kettles for ditto 1 handsaw 2
much used . . . . $2 ea 6 1 Iron Wedge 1
2 Ox Carts with good Wheels . 22 1 Iron pot 10 lb . . . 12^ 1.25
2 Ox Yokes $2 ea 4 1 Wier Sive 2
2 Churns 100 cts 2
1 Ax 250 and two hoes . 100 ea 4.50 $496.75
72 bushels Corn ... 100 cts 72
We the undersigned do solemnly swear on the holy Evangelist of
Almighty God that we have a perfect acquaintance of the above-
mentioned Felix Fountaine having a dwelling and property at the
Late Village of Peoria on Illinois River and we have seen such property
as stated in the above account in possession of him the said Felix
Fountaine and being acquainted that all the houses in said village of
Peoria were plundered by the Indians and a party of men under the
command of Captain Thomas E. Craig of Shawanoe Town in the
year One thousand Eight hundred & twelve we are therefore certain
that he the s" Fountaine did lose the above mentioned property as
stated in the above account that we did see in possession of the s"
Craig's men some of the articles mentioned in the above account and
we further state that the above account being read over and explained
to us with the prices of each article we do declare that the above
account amounting to Four hundred and ninety Six dollars & 75
Cents is true and Just and the prices moderate and not to high —
Sworn to before me this 22°" Thomas Forsyth—
day of October 1817 at S' Louis — Ant Leclaire
F.M.GuyolaJ.P. ^^^^^^ - g^^^„^
mark
[Endorsed] Felix Fountaine's Account of Losses — Felix Fountaine's
Ace' of Losses —
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 355
Statement oj the claim of Frangois Buch6
[October 22, 1817]
An Account of Losses sustained at the late Village of Peoria on the
Illinois River, during the late War, by the India-ns and a party of
Men under the Command of Thomas E. Craig of Shawanoe Town,
being the property of Francois Bu^he —
1 Ox 5 Years old 30 2 pairs Ear-rings — $10 & 5. . 15
5 Cows & Calves .... $15 75 500 rails 200 10
1 Cow 10 4 Large brass kettles for making
5 Calves Vi Years old. . .$4 20 Sugar (good) . 50
5 horses stolen by Indians during 1 Tin kettle — 5 Gals " . 5
the War $50 ea. 250 1 ditto — do— 4 do " . . 4
1 Ox Cart with wheels (old) ... 6 1 do— do —3 do " . . 3
1 horse do with wheels (new) . . 12 1 Iron pot . . . 12 lb . la'/ 1.50
48 fowls 25"" 12 1 Iron Oven . . 24 lb . " 3
1 feather bed 38 lb ... .50 19 1 pair razors with a hone . . 5
2 old blankets 3 p". . . $2 ea 4 1 Smoothing plane. IJack plane.
3 old Sheets 10 1 Jointer, and 1 p' Groving
2 bedsteads for 4 planes being much used . 10
2 tables " 5 2 Chissels & 2 augers ... 1.50
1 dresser 2 2 Shot Guns $10. and $3 . . 13
6 Chairs 100 6 Shotbag & horn 1
3 knives & 3 forks . . for 1 450 deerskins . . 37)^ ='• ea 168.75
30 lb Maple Sugar . . 16K 5
10 bushels Come . . . 100 10 $781.75
1 Saddle & bridle (common) . 5
3 Shirts $1 ea & 2 pair trowsers
$1 ea 5
We the undersigned do solemnly swear on the holy evangelist of
Almighty God that we were well acquainted with Francois Buch^ at
the late village of Peoria on Illinois River and that he did own, and,
had the property mentioned in the above account at his dwelling at s*
Village of Peoria and that his house with the others of s" Village of
Peoria were plundered first by the Indians, & secondly by a party of
men under the command of Captain Thomas E. Craig of Shawanoe
Town, and we verily believe and have every reason to be certain that
the abovementioned property as claimed by s" Buch^ was taken by
Indians and men under the command of s" Craig during the late war
as we seen Some of the property in their possession, the above account
being read over and explained to us, with the prices of each Article,
amounting to Seven hundred and Eighty one dollars & 75 cts is true &
Just and the prices moderate and not to high —
Sworn before me at S' Louis Thomas Forsyth
this 22'"' day of October 1817 Ant Le Claire
F. M. Guyola J.P.
FELLX X FONTAINE
mark
[Endorsed] Francois Buch6 Account of Losses-
386 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Statement of the claim of Antoine Leclaire
[October 22, 1S17)
An account of losses, sustained at the late Village of Peoria on the
Illinois River, during the late War, by the Indians and a party of
Men under the Command of Captain Thomas E. Craig of Shawanoetown
being the property of Antoine Leclaire.
1 pair Oxen 40 2 Vests do 2 ea. 4
3 Cows & Calves . . $15 ea. 45 2 hats do 5 10
1 heifer 3 Years old .... 8 4 Check Shirts do . . 100 4
3 Calves IH year old . $4 12 1 bedstead 2
1 house 20 feet long by 16 1 Table 4
teet wide burned by men 6 Chairs 100 . 6
under the command of T.. 1 Trunk $2 2
E.. Craig 150 1 Box $4 4
1 Small ware house about 12 6 knives & 6 forks .... 1.50
feet Square burned by 1 Tin kettle 3 Gallons ... 3
same men 12 1 Liquor Case with double
1 blacksmith Shop 16 by 12 flint Case bottles .... 5
feet burned by same ... 16 1 Saddle & bridle 15
1 Ox Cart with Wheels ... 10 Sundry blacksmith & gun-
1 Pair new Cart Wheels . . 8 smith tools with a quantity
16 head of hogs ... $4 62 of old & new Iron with
96 bushels corn. 100 "'• 96 many gunbarrels 100
3 fat hogs killed in the pen by 2 Axes 250 "'" 5
Craigs men $6 18 1 Ox Yoke 2
48 fowls 25 '«• 12 1 Copper kettle 6
2 feather beds weight 100 lb 1 Lantharn 50
50 cts 50 1 horse bell 1
4 large blankets . 150 •«• 6 80 lb Maple Sugar . 16^ •'• 13. 33^
2 pair Sheets (old) . $3 ea. 6 1 Cupboard 5
2 pair Cloth trowsers New
$8ea 16 $780. 33K
2 ClothCappeau'sdo$10ea. 20
We the undersigned do solemnly swear on the holy Evangelist of
Almighty God, that we are well acquainted that the abovementioned
Antoine Le Claire did own and had such property as claimed in the
above account at his dwelling at the late Village of Peoria on Illinois
River and that we did See his house warehouse and blacksmith's
Shop burned in the month of November One thousand eight hundred
and twelve by men under the command of Captain Thomas E : Craig,
and that his (s" A: Leclaire's) house was plundered by the Indians
and men under the command of s" Craig during the late war, and that
we are certain that he the said Leclaire did lose the abovementioned
articles as stated in the above account and that the property was
taken by the Indians and men under the command of s* Craig, that
the above account being road over to and explained to us amounting
to — -Seven hundred and eighty dollars & 33}^ cents is Just and the
prices of each article moderate and not to high —
Sworn to before me a Justice of Thomas Forsyth —
the Peace this 22'"' day of October ^„.„^^,. v T3^„^.,r,„
1817 at S' Louis- FRANCOIS X_^ Boucher
F.M.GayolaJ.P. ^^^^^ - ^^^^^^^^
mark
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 387
I Francois Leclaire being left in charge of my Father's dwelling at
the late Village of Peoria on Illinois River in the fall of the year One
thousand Eight hundred & twelve I do recollect and say that the
Indians (after being defeated by an Army of Illinois Militia com-
manded by Governor Edwards at the head of Peoria Lake) did come
down to s" Village of Peoria and threaten to kill the people of s"
Village of Peoria, that the Indians did rob the houses of s** Village of
Peoria and were in the habits of killing the cattle and destroying the
property belonging to the people of s* Village of Peoria, a party of
men arri\'ing at s" Village of Peoria under the command of Captain
Thomas E. Craig of Shawanoe Town they (Craig's men) carried on
board of two boats (which they had then there at s" Village of Peoria)
all the property they (the s'^ Craig's men) could find in said houses
and was portable, that the people of said Village then there were made
prisoners by s"* Craig and during the time we were prisoners I did see
several houses and barns (with grain & hay in them) bxu-ned by
Craig's men that I saw on board of said boats several articls belong-
ing to the people of s* Village of Peoria that after we were all brought
away from s" Village of Peoria as prisoners the whole of the remaining
Cattle were killed bj' the Indians, as I was informed by them (the
Indians) in the Spring of the year of One hundred thousand Eight
hundred & thirteen when I went up to Sandy Creek on Illinois River
in Company with Thomas Forsyth and Others, and I also did hear the
Indians say that they did burn Kinzie & Forsyth's house & bakehouse
at s* Village of Peoria, also the accounts of Losses of Felix Fountaine,
Francois Buche, Antoine Leclaire, and Kinzie & Forsyth at the late
Village of Peoria during the late War being read over and explained
to me, I do declare that I verily believe that the whole are true and
Just and as far as I am a Judge of the prices of similar articles as is
charged in the accounts of Losses sustained at the s" Village of Peoria
on Illinois by the Indians and men under the command of Captain
Thomas E. Craig of Shawanoe town is moderate and not to high —
Sworn to before me a Justice of ,-, ^ t
,, ,, . oond n 4- u ^Q^r^ FRANCOIS X LECLAIRE
the peace this 22°'* October 1817 mark
at S' Louis
F. M. Guyola. J.P.
314574—48-
388 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
EDWARD TIFFIN TO SHADRACH BOND
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office,
20'" December, 1813.
Sir, I have had the honor to receive your letter of 18"" inst.*' and
I am of opinion, that no persons are entitled to pre-emption rights in
the districts of Kaskaskia and Shawneetown, but those who have
Inhabited and cultivated a tract in one of those districts, agreeably
to the act of 5'" February, 1813.
I am &"
Hon Shadrach Bond, house of representatives.
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS]
Elvirade Randolph Cty Illinois Territory J any 4 1814
Sir In Consequence of authority given me by your predecessor I
last year called upon the Gov'' of Tennessee for a regiment of infantry
to oppose the savages of this quarter '^ & having received information
from him that induced me to expect those troops. I made a requisi-
tion on William Morrison Esq' the contractor to make a proper
deposit on the Ohio of such rations as might be necessary for them —
This moment he has presented me some certificates by which he
hopes to get pay for some lost provisions in consequence as he says of
the above requisition. I have refused to sanction them — and am at
present strongly impressed with the belief that he is not entitled to
any thing from the Gov' & therefore think it my duty to request that
payment may not be made to him untill the merits of his claims be
fairly investigated.
The whole circumstances attending this case are not so well im-
pressed upon my mind, as to enable me to detail them satisfactorily
at this time & I write in haste with a view to make such suggestions
only as to produce the necessary enquiry previous to any payment
being made.
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Sir Y' M" Ob"' Sev'
Ninian Edwards
The Hon'ble John Armstrong Secry of War Washington City
[Addressed] The Hon'ble John Armstrong Secy of War Washing-
ton City [Postmarked] Sydney Grove Jan" 4'" Free B. Stephens
P M. Sydney Grove
»' Ante, p. 379.
»> See Edwards to the Secretary of War, Dec. 25, 1812, and Jan. 2, 1813
(Edwards, Hist. III., pp. 344, 346), respecting his call upon Governor Blount and
the latter's action.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 389
[Endorsed] Elvirade Jan. 4 1814 Gov. N: Edwards. Expecting
1000 Militia from Tennessee, made a requisition for provision on the
Contractor, who has presented certificates for losses &c, which he
has refused to Sign follow this advice, Rec"" Jan 1814 ^
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814 :ALS]
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, Jan. 4. 1814
Sir, I received, on the 29th of December, 1813, your Letter dated
December 18, 1813."— The Schedule of the Contents of each Section
in the Shawnee District will be transmitted in a few days.
With this is a Copy of a communication addressed to me by a num-
ber of the gentlemen of Shawnee-Town.
I also inclose my Accounts for the Quarter ending December 31.
1813. The Salary of my Clerk for the Quarter ending Sept. 30, 1813.
has not been received — and I am not able to accompany this with the
Voucher & Receipt for my second Clerk, James Sisson, who is in the
Country —
I found in the Office a considerable Quantity of several kinds of
Stationary, and it will be seen by the Account of that Article that the
expence has been but trifling.
I received, last Week, a Request, from Elias Rector, dated at Saint
Louis, December 4. 1813," that I would authorise him to survey 27
Townships West of, and adjoining the 3"* Meridian — The l"* Sect, of
the Act 26, March, 1804,'° seems to give the Surveyor General
sufficient power in this case, but, before I contract for any further
Surveys in that Region, I wish to have your opinion and advice.
M' Elias Rector was appointed in the Month of September last a
Deputy-Surveyor in the Territory of Missouri — with this I transmit
a Sketch of the tract which M' Rector wishes to Survey.
Frequent applications are made at this Office for Copies of Records,
and some of them require considerable time to furnish — I will thank
you for information whether I am to attest Copies of Record to be
used in Judicial trials; — whether any fees, in any case of this nature,
can be, of right, demanded or accepted, — for in this case I am in doubt
what is my duty.
I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours
JosiAH Meigs. S. Gen'
M Answered Feb. 8, 1814 (NA, WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 7), advising that
the Governor of Tennessee has been authorized to call into service militia to oppose
the Indians on the frontier.
" Ante, p. 378.
" NA (GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
» Terr. Papers (Ind.), vii, 173-174.
390 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
The honourable Edward Tiffin —
feee fef attcJtcd copicn ef rcoordo te fee uocd « judicial trialo, i de aet
lUld ttH V itt"\' fiUtllOl'lyillc you ttO uOIlluilu I0C9j Ot-lti X rrilliit yOU WiH O©
SftlC i 1*0 VW OOIii^UrO TT you OOlliOIlU ift dUOil Oii9C9^ 1CC9 llUt/ CaOCCUIII^ fcliO
fees IcgalU' demanded fey 44i« Clerk ©f *fee Court ef [blank] fof if
110 lOCi^ fti'c ootitiiiitiCQ J you iiiuy oc imprusscci oy uljcic99 trppiiouLioiirj
fef oopicg from ^our reoordo. Tfe« fees which ye« receive fef auch
scrvicot^ you iiiust' ttccouu t lor tO tiio ^r otftt'Cj
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin. Esquire Commiss"'
Gen. L. Office—
[Endorsed] Cincinnati Jan'' 4'" 1814 J Meigs with a representa-
tion that the plat of Shawnee town may be improved — de Fees for
copies of records — Rector wants to survey certain land Acco*" of last
quarter " —
[Enclosure]
Memorial to Josiah Meigs by citizens of Shawneetown
[December 24, 1813]
To Josiah Meigs, Esquire, Surveyor General of the U. States.
Sir, The undersigned beg leave to represent to you, and thro' you
to the government, that it is necessary and important for the future
convenience, accomodation and beauty of Shawanoe-Town, to abolish
(Previous to the Public Sales) all the two front tiers of lots and frac-
tions as Surveyed and standing on the Plat of said Town, leaving the
third tier to be the front adjoining the river. The lots here proposed
to be stricken off are from N° 413. to N° 467. inclusive, as marked
on the Plat.
As reasons for this measure we beg leave to represent, that in the
Spring of almost every year the Water of the river rises into the space
now left for a front Street, and interrupts passing; — sometimes it
comes upon the lots now proposed to be stricken off; — but rarely on
the lots of the third tier, which is the highest ridge of land in the town,
and would afford a dry road as well as the best scites for buildings.
The attrition of the flood-waters is wearing the bank in places, so
that it is already nearly impassable for Waggons on the present
highway.
It is clearly the opinion of the undersigned, that in case the altera-
tion here proposed should be made, the remaining lots would sell for
more than enough to indemnify the U. States, so that the loss would
in fact be a gain to them. Good buildings cannot with safety be
placed in front of the highest ground, and it would detract from the
" The canceled paragraph is written in a different hand.
»• Answered Jan. 18, 1814 (NA,GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 391
value of the lots on such ground to have lanes and alleys and mean
buildings only in their front. It is understood, that remonstrances
were made by Men of understanding at the time of surveying the
Town-plat against running it so near the river, but without effect.
The amendment now proposed would bring the plat nearly to what
was then desired.
All which is respectfully submitted by, Sir, your very Obedient
Servants,
H Oldham — Physician and Innkeeper
Jephthah Harden — Attorney at Law.
Willis C Osbourne — Merchant.
S. R Campbell— Merchant.
W" Huston— Merchant.
Tho' E Cray— Merchant.
Jo' M. Steel — Merchant
S. Griswold— Judge U. S. Court, 111. Tr^
Shawanoe-town (III. Ter^) 24'" Dec' 1813—
Surveyor General's Office 4*" Jav7 1814.
A True Copy— S. Gresham Clk.
[Endorsed] Shawanoe Town Memorial 4*" Jan^ 1814
EDWARD TIFFIN TO WILLIAM JONES
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk.5]
Treasury Department, General Land Office, 6"" January, 1814.
Sir, Although I am well aware, that your official duties press hard
upon your time, yet, I hope you will pardon the liberty I take, in
requesting you to be so good as to direct what instructions shall be
given to Gov. Edwards, of the Illinois Territory, relative to leasing
the Wabash Saline, as the time is fast approaching when the present
lease expires. It appears to M' Sheldon and myself, that, considering
all the circumstances relative to this business, that it will be best to
direct him to advertise and receive, first proposals for leasing the
worlds, with this additional clause to be observed, that the lessees
shall be suffered to sell the salt, in future, at one dollar P bushel,
instead, as heretofore, at 75 cents; for the people of that country
may afford to give a dollar for salt, and of course, with such permis-
sion, to the lessees (of selling at a dollar) the government may obtain
better terms than the present occupants have offered; indeed, there
can be no doubt but they will offer more.
Please say, if you acquiesce in these ideas, or what others.
With great respect &"
Hon. W" Jones, Esq"' acting sec'' of the Treasury.
392 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
SHADRACH BOND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, Printing and Distribution of Laws, 1789-1 822 :ALS]
Washington City January l\ih 1814
Sir / 1 take the Liberty of requesting you to appoint M"^ Matthew
Duncan of Kaskaskia Illinois Territory, to Print and Publish the
Laws of Congress in said Territory — I am dear sir your ob' serv'
Shadrach Bond
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY THE METHODIST SOCIETY
OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
[LC:HF,^13];Cong., 2 ses3.:DS]
[January 17, 1814]
To the Senate and House of Representatives of United States in Congress
Assembled.
The petition of us the undersign" trustees for the Methodist Society
at Shilo in the County of S' Claire in the Ellenois Teritory in behalf
of our selves and the Church to which we belong in the Teritory
afs" as well as Every other branch of the Christian Church therein.
Humbly Sheweth — That among the many blessings Securd to, and
injoyd by us under our Constitution that of Worshiping the Supream
being agreeable to the dictates of our Conscience we Esteem the
greatest. And in order to the injoyment of the same places are to
be set apart and houses Erected for the purpose. In which respect
we Your petioners (as well as other) feel oiu- selves Curtaild in our
Religious Enjoyments from having build on lands to which we have
no title, or Scurity from the public for money so Expended. We
therefore pray that Such Amendments may be made to the law for
the disposial of public land as may secure to us the object af '', either
by granting a donation or permiting Religious Society's to Enter Such
quantitys as may by you be thought Necessary to secure to Each
the object afs". And we Your Petitioners as in duty bound will
Ever pray &c.
17 Jo" 1814.
Wm Scott Jun' James Scott
Joseph Ogle Risdon Moore
Robert Thomas Silas Bankston
Samuel Redman
[Endorsed] Petition of the Trustees for the Methodist society, St
Clair County, Illinois territory. 26, February 1814. Ref" to the
Com" on Public Lands. 22" March, 1814. Report made, agreed to
and petition rejected " M' Bond ref" lands
" House Journal, 13 Cong., 2 sess, pp. 313, 356. The prayer of the petition
was rejected as "unreasonable".
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 393
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814 :ALS]
SuTA-eyor General's Office, Cincinnati, Jan 18, 1814
Sir, I had the honour of receiving, last Evening, your Letter dated
January 4th.*° Perhaps there may be some misunderstanding of the
Law relative to District Sun^eyors. The Lands surveyed according
to Law, have only Sectional Lines run: and Marks, only, for half or
Quarter Sections. — I have supposed that the intention of the Law was,
to prevent disputes and dissensions between purchasers, by constitut-
ing accredited officers, under the name of District Surveyors, who
should, when required, actually run and mark the Lines dividing whole
Sections into Halves or Quarters. If this business should be left to
County Surveyors, or any Surveyors not acting under the authority
of the United States, it is very probable that disputes would arise,
not only injurious to the Purchasers themselves, but also to the
Registers of the Land-Offices, the Surveyor General, and indeed to
every officer concerned in the business of the Public Lands.
It is, by Law, made the duty of the Survej^or General to "Furnish
the District Surveyor with a Copy of the Plat of the Townships and
Fractional parts of Townships contained in his District, describing
the Subdivisions thereof, and the marks of the Corners."
The Deputy or District Surveyor is entitled to receive from the
purchaser three Dollars for each mile run and marked.
If I have misapprehended the meaning of the Law, it will not be
unpleasant; as it will relieve this Office from the considerable labour
of furnishing Plats & descriptions to the District Sun-eyors.
I transmit, with this a Schedule of the Fractional Sections and
Quarter Sections in Ranges No. I to No. VII inclusive, East of the
Third Principal Meridian — in a few days I shall forward the schedule
of the other sections of Shawnee District, w\z: Ranges 8 — 9 — 10 — 11.
By the Law of May 10, 1800," all Sections except the Fractional,
on the North and West sides of Townships, are to be considered as
containing the complete legal Quantity — Viz: each whole township
contains 25 complete legal Sections, each 640 acres 21 complete legal
Q'' Sections each 160 acres and, 23 fractional Quarter Sections, gen-
erally exceeding, or falling short of 160 acres. —
Whenever the Fractions are thrown on Rivers, the order of numera-
tion varies from that of whole TowTiships, and is easily seen by
reference to the Plats.
I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours
JosiAH MiEGS S' General
«° Not found.
«i Terr. Papers (N.W.), III, 89-90 (sec. 3).
394 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
1804 26 Mar: District or deputy surveyors to be appointed."
page 167 Subdivisions to be at the expence of purchasers.''
11 feb 1805 Boundary lines of sections to be ascertaind at public
page 168 expence '* —
169 Returns of Survey' Gen' to be considered as correct,
& contents of quarter sections as K'" of whole
sect'."
" Does section S"* •* repeal that part of the Law of 26
Mar 1804 which provides for theappointm' of Depu-
ties to subdivide at exp" of purchasers?
As the deputies were to be appointed with consent of Sec'' of Treas'
will it be adviseable to refer the subject for his decision?
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire — Commissioner
of the General Land-Office Treasury Department Washington City.
[Postmarked] Cincinnati 20 Jan" 1814 Free
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 18 Jan^' 1814 J Meigs about appointment of
district Surveyors Schedule of Fract' Sect' "
THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
(NA:SD, Dom. Letters, xvi:Cl
21" of January 1814
Governor Edwards
Sir Your letter of the 15"" of december 1813 " enclosing one from
doctor John H. Robinson to yourself, dated the 18'" of September
with the copy of a printed circular from the same person, addressed
also to you, was duly received at this office; and I return you my thanks
for your communication.*'
I avail myself of this occasion to state, that d' Robinson's views and
conduct, as disclosed by the letters referred to, are in direct opposition
to law; and I need hardly add, that they have not the authority or
countenance of this government.
I have just written to the governor of the Missouri territory en-
closing D' Robinson's letters to you, and have requested him to take
such measures as the law authorizes, to prevent the execution of his
illegal designs, if he should be found in that territory. For that pur-
" There is no mention of district or deputy surveyors in the act cited.
•• Terr. Papers (Ind.), Vii, 174 (sec. 1).
••2 Stat. 313 (sec. 1).
"2 Stat. 313-314 (8ec.2).
«• 2 Stat. 314.
"Answered Jan. 31, 1814 (NA, GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
•• Not found.
•• Cf. anU, p. 373,
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 395
pose he is authorized and requested to employ such professional aid as
may be necessary. If d'' Robinson should be in the Illinois and not
in the Missouri ten-itory, you will cause the enclosed letter for the
district attorney to be delivered, and receive from governor Clark the
letters forwarded to him, to be used as the ground work of such legal
proceedings as may be instituted in either territory against d' Robin-
son.'"
THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO WILLIAM MEARS
[NA:SD, Dom. Letters, XVI:C]
21°' of January 1814,
The District Attorney of the Illinois territory
Sir I transmit herewith two letters from d"^ John H. Robinson to
governor Edwards tending to prove that the former had been engaged
in the unlawful business of exciting the citizens of the U. S. to the
invasion of the Spanish provinces beyond the Misisipi. If he should
be found in the Illinois territory, you will take immediately such
measures as the law authorizes to prevent the execution of his illegal
designs.
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS]
Surveyor General's Office. Cincinnati, Feb. 1. 1814.
Sir, I received, on the 27"" of last month, your letter dated Jan. 18,
1814."
In the communications made relative to Shawnee Town, I always
intended to express my opinion that the place was not judiciously
selected — that, as probably in some future time a considerable town
would arise below the mouth of the Wabash and above the mouth of
Cumberland River, it was very desirable that the Government should
select a spot which should promise health, and particularly, security
against inundations.^It is my opinion that, as expectations have
been excited by the Surv^ey & laying out of a Town at Shawnee the
lots of that town should be offered to sale, the present plan being
improved, before the sales commence, by striking out the Streets near
the River. The proposed abolition of those Streets will probably
enhance the value of the remainder.
I have never presumed a right to ad^^se, but I think that your
representation relative to the Public Lands, which I have had the
pleasure of reading in the National Intelligencer, will convince the
"> No reply found.
" NA (GLO.SG.NWT, Lets. Reed., IV).
396 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Government, that another Scite for a Town in the Illinois Territory
ought to be selected —
I have communicated to Mess. William and Elias Rector your
opinion on the Subjects of their proposals. Several Surveyors are
now employed in what is called Harrison's late Purchase " — I think
they are in some danger of interruption, but they are willing to en-
counter it.
By this Mail I transmit a Packet of Seven Sheets containing a
Description of the Contents of Fractional Sections in Ranges VIII.
IX. X— XI East of the 3d. Principal Meridian — I hope the whole
Schedule will be found to be correct and agreeable to your wishes.
We are preparing Copies of Plats and Descriptions of the Quarter
& Fractional parts of Townships reserved by the Act of March 1.
1800. for satisfying Warrants granted to Individuals for Military
Services — and a part will be transmitted by the next Mail.
I inclose James Sisson's Receipt for the Quarter ending December
31. 1813^ — I have not yet received the Salary of either of my Clerks
for the Quarter ending September 30. 1813. —
I am — very respectfully Yours.
JosiAH ]\Ieigs
Hon. Edward Tiffin Comm^ Gen. L. Office —
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire Commissioner
of the General Land Office, Treasury Department Washington-City.
[Postmarked] Cincinnati 3 Feb*' 1814 Free
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 1 feb 1814 J Meigs de Scite of Shawnep
Town — sends description of fractions & Sisson rec* ans" 11 feb
handed rec* to Auditor with the SurV Generals Acco' ending 31
dec 1813
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
(NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv: LS]
Treasury Department General Land Office 1 1 Feb^ 1814
Sir Your letter of 1" Ins' has been received, with your opinion
relative to the Scite of Shawnee Town; I shall always be glad to have
your opinion on such subjects, your superior opportunities of observa-
tion and information enable you to form a more correct judgment than
can possibly be formed here upon Local subjects. Seven sheets of
descriptions of fract. Sections (mentiond in your letter) & M'
Sissons receipt for his Salary have also been received, the latter has
been handed to the Auditor — In one of my latest letters I informed
" In Indiana Territory.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 397
you that I presumed your Salary was waiting your orders in the Bank
of Washington
I am very respectfully Sir your obed' Serv'
Edward Tiffin
JosiAH Meigs Esq' Surv'' Gen' Cincinnati
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esq"' Surveyor General Cincinnati [Post-
marked] Treasury Departm' General Land Office Edward TifRn
Wash" City Feb 12
[Endorsed] Ed. Tiffin Feb. 11. 1814.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO WILLIAM RECTOR
[NA:WD, SW, Lets. Sent, Mil. Bk. 7]
War Department Fehy 16, 1814.
Gen' W" Rector Kaskaskias
Sir, The President has been pleased to accept your Resignation as
Brig"' General in the Militia of the Illinois Territory " —
WILLIAM RECTOR TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:ALS]
United States Saline, Illinois Territory, March 16"» 1814. —
Dear Sir I arrived here on the 8'" Ins' I came to visit my brother
Nelson, who on the 1" day of this month, was severely wounded by
Indians. He was returning from a tour of surveying when he got to
the North fork of the Saline Creek (about 15 miles from this place)
he was shot at by at least five Indians, who lay concealed under a
high bank, not more than twenty five feet from where he was — Three
Balls struck him, one passed through his left shoulder not far from
the hollow of his breast — Another struck his left arm about four
Inches from the shoulder, this fractured the bone very much, glanced
off and lodged in the flesh where it yet remains, The other Ball glanced
along the right side of his head taking with it a lock of hair and a
small peice of skin which left three Bullet holes in a Handkerchief
that was tied round his head. Another Ball struck his Horse in the
shoulder, ranged back and came out on the opposite side just below
the back bone which brought him to his knees, but he instantly
recovered again — At this critical moment the Savage Monsters, no
doubt made sure of their victim, for they had got all round and
within a few feet of him. But he made a desperate effort put spurs
to his horse and rushed through them. At the same time another
n Ante, p. 373.
398 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
party of Indians lay concealed two or three hundred yards further
along the road, for the purpose no doubt, that in case Nelson by
accident should escape the clutches of his first assailants that they
might make sure of him. But he fortunately turned off the road and
did not pass within less than one hundred yards to where they lay.
As he passed they discharged their guns at him but without effect.
In this miserable plight he rode twelve miles to a Fort three miles
from this place, when he got there, he was so much exausted with
the loss of blood that he could scarcely stick on his horse. The same
evening he was brought by men on a litter to this place, since which
he has suffered very much with his wounds & part of the time very
high fevers. But I am happy to add that for the two last days he has
been nearly free from fever & pain, that a supperation has taken
place in both his wounds, discharge freely and his surgeons say look
very favorable. I think he is entirely out of danger, tho it will be
several weeks before he gets entirely well— Such is the opinion of his
Surgeons. You will perceive that Nelsons escape from the savage
allies of his Britanic Majesty, was very narrow indeed it comes
pretty near to what I view as a miracle every body here say it is a
miracle of the most extraordinary kind. I think there are but few
men, who under similar circumstances would have escaped the
Tomhawk & scalping knife
I hope our Government will take such steps as will effectually put
down or drive far away from our settlements these perfidious savages
& cut off all communication between them and our more perfidious
enemies; the British. It would be a great pity that this beautiful
& fertile country should be left to be overrun by hostile savages.
It is tnily afflicting to see the poor fellows who had settled on the
frontiers in this quarter fleeing with their families & that little of their
little property which they could collect & take with them from savage
cruelty — I say it is distressing because these men are all poor depend
on their labor for a support many of whom have large families and
no homes to take them to
Nelson desires me to present his respects to you, and inform you
that before he received his wounds he had surveyed the exterior
boundaries of all the Townships in his district, and had subdivided into
sections &c one Township & part of another. He wishes me also to
say to you that he is determined to complete the Surveying you
assigned to him as soon as possible that notwithstanding his ill luck
he hopes to get the whole done before the expiration of the time
mentioned in his contract with you.
I shall try and I expect to succeed in geting some of the Rangers
stationed so as to protect Nelson While Surveying, which will answer
a double perpose as at the same time they will afford protection to a
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 399
number of defenceless inhabitants — Should it be necessary I will
send one experienced Surveyor to assit him.
I did expect to have set out for your office about the 20"* Ins*
but in consequence of this long visit shall not be able to get off till
late next month, — I shall go prepared to return the whole of the
surveying you assigned to me in this Territory, and some part of the
Village tracts of Missouri — I shall set out for Saint Louis in two or
three days. On my arrival there I hope to receive your instructions
relative to laying off Townships &c Three weeks before I left S'
Louis I rec"* from M' Tiffin by mail the Land Laws of the U. S.
agreeably to your request.
Will you do me the honor to present my respects to M" Meigs
and Miss Benjamin —
I am D'' Sir with much respect Your ob' Serv'
"VV" Rector
JosiAH Meigs Esquire
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esquire Surveyor General of the
United States Cincinnati Ohio. Mail [Postmarked] Shawanoe Town
March 18"" 17
[Endorsed] W" Rector March 16. 1814 R [March] 27. An.
April 4.
JOHN CALDWELL TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Shawneetown, Reg. and Rec. Lets.: ALS]
VmcENNES 16"" March 1814.
Sir, In obedience to your request of the 8'" of December last ''*
I have the honor to inform you, that I shall leave this Place tomorrow
& proceed without delay of time to Kaskaskia, in Order to Resume
those duties which you have been good enough to dispense with for
some time Past, for which favor I feel truly grateful & beg leave to
request that you will Accept my Sincere & hearty thanks."
I have the honor to be Su* Your's respectfully
Jn" Caldwell
The Hon"'' Edward Tiffin Commissioner of the General Land
Office.
[Addressed] The Hon"' Edward Tiffin Commissioner of the General
Land Office Washington City PMail Private
[Endorsed] Vincennes 16'" March 1814 ReC* April 5'" 1814 J Cald-
well Rec' notifies his return to Kaskaskia —
" Not found.
"See Caldwell to TifSn, Nov. 22, 1813 (NA.GLO, Shawneetown, Reg. and
Rec. Lets.), explaining his request for an extended leave of absence.
400 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS]
Surveyor General's Office Cincinnati, March 19, 1814
Sir I received, yesterday, your Letter dated 7'" February, 1814."
— As the Post-Mark is March 7. 1 presume there was a Mistake in the
Name of the month.
The Field Notes of Surveys in the Militarj' District are consider-
ably voluminous — as soon as a Copy can be made it shall be trans-
mitted.
I am sorry to inform you, that three of our Surveyors, who were
occupied in Harrison's late Purchase, (Northerly of Vincennes,) have
retired, thro' fear of Indian hostility —
It is said, and I think it is true, that Nelson Rector, who was sur-
veying on the waters of Little Wabash, has been attacked by Indians, —
that he is wounded in several places, and that it is feared his assistants
have been killed —
The Indians seem not yet sufficiently humbled to permit the Public
Surveying to progress. —
I have the honour to be, very respectfully Yours,
J Meigs. S. Gen.—
Hon. E. Tiffin
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire Commissioner
of the General Land-Office Treasury Department Washington-City
[Postmarked] Cincinnati 21 March 1814 Free
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 14 March 1814 J Meigs Surveyor Gen'
Indians have attacked a Sui-veying party
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
1NA:GL0, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814 :ALS]
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, March 28. 1814
Sir, In my letter of the 19th of this month, I informed you of an
attack made on one of the United States' Surveyors in the Illinois
Ten-itory.
I inclose, with this, Extracts from Letters received, last evening,
from Judge Griswold, and W" Rector," giving particulars of that
transaction, the knowledge of which may be useful to the Govern-
ment.—
I have, within a few days, conversed with William Harris, one of
the U States' Surveyors, in Harrison's last Purchase;— he prudently
retired from the Woods where he was at work, (near Fort Harrison,
" NA(GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
" Present, and printed in full from the original, ante, p. 397.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 401
on the Wabash;) having observed Indians, whose conduct, not being
decidedly friendly, was, of course, suspicious.
I have the honour to be, very respectfully. Yours,
JosiAH Meigs. S. G.
The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire —
[Addressed] The honourable Edward TifRn, Esquire
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 28 Mar 1814 M'' Rector Survey' has been
wounded by Indians.
[Enclosure]
Judge Griswold to Josiah Meigs
(Copy) (Extract) Shawnee Town, 10, March, 1814
"On the first instant M"' Nelson Rector left his hands at work on
his Survey, and set out alone to come in to the Saline about 25 or 30
Miles with his Field-Notes, with a view to Plat &c — At about half
way, while riding carelessly along upon the Goshen Road, near the
Bank of the North Fork of the Saline Creek, wholly unsuspicious of
Indians, he was saluted with a discharge, from beneath the bank, of
several pieces, within a very short distance: One ball entered his left
breast, and passing thro' a small portion of the cavity of his body
and the left shoulder blade, lodged next to the skin behind— another
ball struck his left arm, and shattered the bone between his elbow and
shoulder — a third ball passed thro' the body of his horse near the
forelegs, beneath the back bone, and above the vitals. The horse
sprang to a great distance, but providentially M"' Rector kept his
seat, and the Indians continuing their fire, another ball grazed one
of his temples, and knocked off his hat. — On turning his eye, he per-
ceived their mrniber to be from six to ten, but could not tell exactly,
as his deplorable situation permitted but a slight glance, nor did he
look at them again — They, however pursued him a good distance,
and it seems a miracle that he escaped. From the glance he had of
them they appeared to be Kickapoos, and all young men: his horse
held out beyond expectation, and brought him to a Fortification
three miles from the Saline, but, on the way, M'' Rector was obliged
to use every method to save himself — one arm dangling by his side,
with the hand of the other he was obliged to grasp the saddle to save
himself from falling thro' extreme faintness, and other affections
produced by his wound. In this situation, taking the bridle in his
teeth, he lost some of them by the stumbling of his horse — he thinks
that if he had not been on a Spanish Saddle he must inevitably have
fallen and lost his life.
The men who went out in pursuit of the foe discovered many traces
of Indians, but thought it most prudent to hunt up M' Rector's
Surveyors, whom they found pursuing their business, without any
402 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
suspicion of danger, and brought them in, with one or two of the most
exposed families.
We do not apprehend much danger here, but do not^like the bold-
ness of these Savages. Their object, however, I think, is Plunder
rather then War — they have stolen many horses."
"Stanley Gbiswold"
J Meigs—
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lete. Reed., iv:ALS]
Treasury department General Land Office April 1" 1814
Sir Herewith inclosed you will receive a copy of an Act "Con-
cerning Shawnee town" " it will be necessary immediately to engage
some person to carry this Act into effect, forward on one copy of the
plat to this Office and make out another ready to put into the Hands
of the Register of the Land Office at Shawnee town, so soon as he shall
be appointed — this business only retards (I believe) the opening of
the Land Office,
with great respect I am Your ob' Serv'
Edward Tiffin
JosiAH Meigs Esq' Surveyor General Cincinnati Ohio.
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esq' Surveyor General Cincinnati. Ohio.
[Postmarked] Treasury Department Gen Land Office Edward Tiffin
Wash- City Apr 2 Free
[Endorsed] E. Tiffin April 1. 1814 R 11. A. 13 "
MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS FROM THE LEGISLATIVE
ASSEMBLY
[LC:HF, 13 Cong., 2 sess.iDS]
[Referred April 2, 1814]
To the honorable the senate and house of Representatives of the United
States in Congress assembled —
The memorial of the Legislative Council and house of Representa-
tives of the Illinois Territory humbly sheweth,
That we your memorialists are sensible of the reasonableness of the
pretensions of a portion of the Citizens of this Territory and we beg
leave to express our conviction that a law of the United States in
conformity with the reasonable demands of the following description
of Citizens will be found to be not only a wise but a Just and humane
" Approved Mar. 24, 1814 (3 Stat. 113). See sec. 6, act approved Apr. 30,
1810 (2 Stat. 591).
» Post, p. 412.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 403
policy — First — Of those setlers in the Illinois Territory and who
inhabited and cultivated prior to act of S"" of february 1813 '" on
public land within the tract reserved by 1806 " for satisfying unlocated
confirmed claims and who are holders of such unlocated claims —
Secondly — Of those setlers who also inhabited and cultivated as
aforesaid within the said reserve and who held no claims^S''' Of
those who are the proprietors of the confirmed unlocated claims within
the district of Kaskaskia and who have cultivated prior to the said
act of 1813 — The first description of Citizens pray for the pre-
emption in the purchase of not exceeding 400 acres or at their option
to be permitted to locate any claim or claims in their possession on
that quantity or any quantity not less than 100 acres including their
improvements.
The second description of setlers pray for the preemption in the
purchase of one quarter section including their improvements, Both
these description of setlers have been excluded from the benefit of
the act of 5'" Feb'' 1813 by the proviso therein contained reserving
from sale any lands which have been Reserved by former acts of
Congress, Contrary it is presumed to the intent of the Legislature at
the time of passing that act — •
The third description of Citizens pray that within the following
limits (to wit) (Beginneing at the mouth of Muddy with a Township
line nearest to the said mouth. Thence East to the meridian running
from the mouth of Ohio, Thence North with the said meridian line to
the North boundaiy line of Township N" 5, North Thence West to
the Mississippi, Thence down the Mississippi to the place of Begin-
ning) they be permitted to enter with the Register such a part of a
fractional section, section or Township as he may be able to cover
with any unlocated claim or claims in his possession designating at
the time of entry the end from which stteh the fraction or excess over
and above the claim or claims shall be stricken off from such fraction,
section or Township which shall in all cases be done by running such
line at right angles with the sectional lines, the expense of running
such line to be paid by the claimant, and when two or more shall
apply for the same tract the priority to be decided by the Register by
lot as in other cases. That the entries shall be made by the holders of
unlocated claims within three months after notice is given by the
register
And that all claims not thus entered at the expiration of the said
three months shall be considered as funded at the minimum price of
public land and be received in payment of p«felie lands pifrchased at
public sale. But that in order to avoid monopoly it is not designed that
a credit should be extended to any who pay in claims.
«» 2 Stat. 797-798.
81 Act approved Apr. 21, 1806 (2 Stat. 395-396).
314574 — 48 27
404 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
From a view of the laws granting donations to the heads of families
and to those who did militia duty in 1790 — and the circumstances
under which those persons have setled and improved, We your memo-
rialists beg leave to state that they are the most deserving class of
setlers in our Country — most of whom have been long setled — are
the holders of Bona fide claims by purchase and some even hold in
their own right by virtue of thier having been heads of families in
1788 or by virtue of their having done militia duty in 1790. These
improved and cultivated extensively under an impression that they
might secure their labour by locating on their improvements militia
donations when confirmed in conformity with the mode pointed out
by the Governors el the but this right of locating having been unex-
pectedly taken away by the act of 1806 directing in a special manner
the locating of all unlocated claims, this law deprived those setlers
who held claims of the means of securing their labour in the manner
pointed out by the Governors of the North West and Indiana Terri-
tories who permitted single militia rights to be located adjoining other
confirmed lands or on tracts where there were mill seats or any where
provided the holder or holders would lay five of them together, Dona-
tions to heads of families were by the resolve of 1788 *^ directed to be
located within certain parallelograms adjoining the Villages and to
have been distributed by lot, but this mode became impracticable most
of the Country adjoining the villages being covered by antient Grants,
The first description of setlers are proprietors of these claims, which
under the existing law they cannot locate on any particular spot.
The Second description setled and opened excellent farms with a view
of purchasing these claims and locating the same on their improvem-
ments, or in the expectation of at any rate being able to purchase the
land from the United States, Now should our prayer not be granted
and the present law of 1806 be enforced their farm will be swept away
by the few large land claimants and'perhaps one half of the population
within this tract would will be driven off and that too consisting of our
most honest and industrious Citizens
We your memorialists cannot omit expressing the sensibility and
sympathy on witnessing our best citizens in such a homeless and dis-
tressed situation indeed it would be illy requiting their meritorious
and patriotic exertions in defending for a series of years, the Country
from the frequent and recent incursions of a ferocious and formidable
savage enemy.
As the donation lands were to have been located on the prime lands
to wit, river bottoms, the holders will not think it Justice after waiting
upwards of 20 years to be pushed back and to take their several por-
tions under the present law which admits of but a very limited choice,
These claims and those of militia Donations together with a few
•> June 20, 1788, Terr. Papers (N.W.), ii, 112-115.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 405
improvement rights which have become what is called floating claims
(the land they embraced having been taken away by neighboring
claims) amount to about 200,000 acres a great part of these will be
consumed by the actual settlers if the privilege prayed for is granted,
and as this course will still further limit land claimants, we beg leave
to suggest that if a law were to be passed valuing these remaining
claims at the price stated, directing the Board of Commissioners to
issue certificates on their ultimate confirmation and permitting the
holders of their certificates to purchase public land with them at this
rate, at the auction to be holden where the land shall have been sur-
veyed within the tract first described, then claimants would be
satisfied and the public interest would not be likely to suffer since a
competition among the certificate holders would certainly raise the
land far above their minimum price.
We your memorialists are persuaded that the effect of this measure
would greatly facilitate the population of so important a point of the
Union; and that in consequence the residuary lands would sell much
sooner and every description of citizens will be satisfied. —
Resolved that the foregoing Memorial be signed by the president
of the CouncU & by the speaker of the House of representatives in
behalf of the Legislature and that one copy thereof be transmitted by
the speaker of the house of Representatives to our Delegate in Congress
with a request that he shall lay the same before the national Legisla-
ture and that another copy be forwarded to the Secretary of the
Treasury at the City of Washington
Geo Fisher
Speaker of the House of Representativs
Pierre Menard
president of the Councell
[Endorsed] 13 Cong. S 2 Sess. Memorial of the Legislative Council
& House of Representatives of the Illinois Territory. 10: Jans' 1814
Ref to the Com" on the Public Lands.^^ 1814 April 2* Read & ref*
to M^ Brown & others.^ M"' Bond Ref lands
» House Journal, IX, 206. It was also presented in the Senate by Senator
Fromentin, of Louisiana, Apr. 2, 1814, when it was read and referred {Senate
Journal, v, 483). The committee to which the memorial was referred in the
Senate was appointed Feb. 4, 1814, to consider a similar memorial from citizens
of the State of Louisiana praying to be confirmed in the possession of certain lands
located and improved prior to the cession of Louisiana to the United States,
ibid., p. 429. The committee report has not been seen; but see act approved
Apr. 12, 1814 (3 Stat. 121-123), relating to the State of Louisiana and the Terri-
tory of Missouri, and act approved Apr. 16, 1814 (3 Stat. 125-127), concerning the
Illinois land situation. The latter act was designed to meet the demands embodied
in the above memorial.
** There is no relevant entry in the House Journal under the above date.
406 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
INA:WD,SWDP:ALS1
Kaskaskia Illinois Territory April 4, 1814
Sir The information contained in the extracts which I have the
honor herewith to transmit will no doubt be well understood and
properly appreciated by you ^ — From several other sources I have
received correspondent accounts. It is thought that F' Clarke is
most probably attacked by this time **
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Sir Y' M» Ob"' S*
N Edwards
The Honble J Armstrong Sec'' of War Washington City
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia April 4 1814 Gov. Edwards — transmits
extracts from letters— Expects Fort Clark is attacked. Rec" April
1814"
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GL0, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS1
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati. Avril 9. 1814
Sir, I transmit with this an Account of William Dobbins for Sur-
veying & Laying out Shawnee Town.*^ Mr Dobbins has executed
the Orders of Col. Mansfield, the late Surveyor General— There was
no formal Contract in this case^Tho' the Act of 30. April, 1810,*'
was imperative on the S' General, yet, in this, as in all cases not
specially provided for, it is necessary that the proper Officer should
approve of accounts, before I can, with propriety, give an Order to
the Deputy Surveyor.
Mr. Dobbins was considered by Col. Mansfield as an able and faith-
ful Surveyor, and has, for a considerable time, waited for his compen-
sation. As M' Dobbins very frequently presses me on this subject, it
would afford me particular satisfaction to be relieved from his impor-
tunities.
I also inclose an Extract of Letter dated Shawnee Town, received
on the 7'" of this Month, and I avail myself of the permission you have
given me, to express in this case my firm belief that the Public Good
will be promoted by speedily opening the Land-Office for Shawnee
District— The Land Officers ought to have time to erect buildings
sufficiently secure, before the Sales commence — M' Thomas Sloo,
*• Not present.
» See Grignon (at La Baye) to Askin, Sept. 28, 1814 (WHC, XI, 305) reportinji
such an attack.
" Answered po^, p. 413
" Not present.
•• 2 Stat. 591 (sec. 6). See Terr. Papers (Ind.), viii, 117.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 407
who, as I believe, is to be the Register of that Office would, if ap-
pointed, immediately transport by the River, from this place, boards,
nails and other necessary materials for a proper building. — The expec-
tation of the Public of that part of the Western Territory has been
excited, and they are anxious, if not, rather, clamorous, to see the
Public Promise performed.
At the present time money is plenty among them — and the Sales
would be, in my opinion, rapid and extensive.
I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours.
J Meigs
The honourable Edward Tiffin Comm' G. L. Office
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire —
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 9'" Ap' 1814 J Meigs with Acco'of — Dobbins
for surveying Shawnee town & letter of S Griswold ab' opening L
Office there Ans" 19 Ap""
lEnclosureJ
Judge Griswold to Josiah Meigs
"Extract of a Letter" "Shawnoe Town March 17. 1814"
"I fear we shall not have the Land Office opened here very suddenly,
and still there was never more necessity for opening an Office of that
kind any where. — The chief hindrances appear to be now
"a Reservation and a Road; which have not been laid out. The
Reservation is, that of the United States Saline, which has never
been located, and will embrace some thousands of acres. The Road
has been obtained, at this Session of Congress, to run from this place
to the Saline, and from thence to Kaskaskia "' — but I should think
the Land Officers might be appointed, and ordered on, as they must,
of necessity erect buildings for their accommodation, and the safe-
keeping of the Public Monies and Records, none proper for either
purpose being to be had here — While they were doing that, both the
Saline Boundaries and the Road route might be fixed. — It is now well
ascertained where the Reservation for the Saline ought to be laid, and
nothing is wanted to effect that object instantly but the Power to
do it. The Land Officers, or any other men of trust might be vested
with this Power: and, as to the Road, it equally ascertained and known
here where the route ought to run, till you get beyond the Saline, and
beyond all the Lands which would be sold immediately — The Land-
'» Post. p. 413.
•' A bill to this end, however, did not proceed beyond second reading in the
House during the current session {House Journal, IX, 197). Actually, a similar
bill was not passed until two years later. See act approved Apr. 27, 1816 (3
Stat. 318), authorizing the survey and construction of the road in question.
408 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Officers might be employed also in directing the route of the Road,
especially thro' their own District — ■
"These things are respectfully submitted to you, that you may
accelerate the opening of the Land-Office here, should you have an
opportunity of contributing to so desirable an Object"
"Stanley Griswold"
"JOSIAH Meigs Esq; Surv' General Cincinnati"
[Endorsed] Extract of a Letter. Stanley Griswold to Josiah
Meigs —
SHADRACH BOND TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
[NA:WD, SWDF:ALS1
House of Representatives April \2th 1814
Sirs/ I will enclose you a letter from Gov' Edwards on the subject
of Protecting the Missoiui fur Companies —
I am Respectfully your ob' Servt —
S. Bond—
[Endorsed] House of Rep" April 12 1814 Gov. N Edwards to
Hon M' Bond States that he thinks the Indian war will be of long
duration & that 200 men could be raised immediately if they &
officers were allowed to trade wdth the Indian Rec"* April 1814
[Enclosure :ALS]
Governor Edwards to Skadrach Bond
Elvirade Randolph County Illinois Territory Jany 11. 1814
Dear Sir The anxiety which I feel in common with all the citi-
zens of this territory to know what course the gov' is likely to adopt
in relation to the indians renders me very desirous of hearing from
you which is a pleasure. I have not had since Congress commenced
its present Session —
The conduct of the indians at present (whatever may be their
eventual determination) by no means corresponds with that expecta-
tion which was generally produced by the success of our northwestern
army — Of those in this territory Gen' Harrison speaks doubtfully in
a letter I had the honor to receive from him on the subject of the late
armistice *' And neither the Kickapoos nor any that reside west of
Lake Michigan nor about Praire de Chien (a few Pottowottomies
excepted) have as far as I can learn either come in for peace or mani-
fested any other disposition to sue for it. Which is a course of conduct
very contrary to all former experience if they are determined to
« Not identified.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 409
abandon their allies. My own impression is that they are not yet
decided but are resting upon events — And I should think it extremely
injudicious to disband the companies of rangers untill the safety of the
frontier is better assured — Indeed if the war with great Britain con-
tinue I am one of those few who do not count upon as easy and
speedy a termination of indian war as is generally anticipated—
The British will not relinquish the furs trade while there is the
least propect of maintaining it either for the profits it affords or for
the influence it gives them over the savages — And I assert it as an
undeniable fact that they can carry on that trade as well from Hudsons
Bay as from Montreal, and the doubtful right of of the Charter of the
Hudson Bay Company must sooner or later yield to the policy or
interest of that nation —
From Hudsons Bay to the heads of the Missisippi goods can be
brought more conveniently and with less expence than they are now
carried from Montreal to several parts of the Northwest — The com-
munication I here allude to is between the Missisippi and Red River
which latter runs into Lake Winnepic, the Portage between them is
scarcely more than ){ of a mile, this rout has been explored by yovu*
acquaintance John Hay Esq' than whom no more intelligent man has
ever visited that Country °' — It is a fact, and one too from which
reflecting men may deduce the most important inferences that the
regions from which the N W company of Montreal have drawn their
exoribitant profits are West and North west of a north line from S*
Louis to the frozen Ocean — I do not intend to enlarge upon this sub-
ject, for were I to do so — I should probably be considered (as on some
former occasions I have been — most imfortunately for my contry)
too visionary — But suppose the British to be excluded from the
usual channel of the furs trade Is it not presumable at least that they
will attempt to persue it in some other way? Is it not probable that
they may succeed if we interpose no obstacles to their success? And
are we taking a single measure to prevent it? We have assumed no
attitude of war in the quarter where the danger is to be apprehended
to deter them, or the Indians. Whilst we are not preparing on our
part to furnish the latter with any trade or to cultivate any friendly
intercourse with them to supply that from which we have tempo-
rarily excluded them — from which defect their very necessities may
compell them to cooperate with our enemy and by their united
efforts they may give us great trouble at some future period and
at least porstpone those advantages that we might derive from taking
the furs trade into our own hands, the amount of which trade ought
»3 See Hays to Edwards, Aug. 20, 1812 (Edwards Papers, CHS, printed, Wash-
burne, ed., Edwards Papers, CHC, in, 81-83), containing the observations re-
ferred to.
410 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
not to be estimated at less than two hundred & eighty six thousand
pounds sterling —
You cannot have forgotten how well some of my predictions upon
this subject were fulfilled last year — The British erected some trading
establishments on a certain part of the Missouri — from which they
caused the savages to drive a part of the Missouri furs company (our
own traders) with the loss of several lives & all their property —
whilst a part of the same company were in like manner murdered or
driven from another fork of the Missouri by the combined operation
of the Spanards and Indians —
It has recently been ascertained that one of the Forks of the Mis-
souri and the navigable waters of the rio Bravo or rio del norte (by
the traders called Spanish river) which runs by S* Fee approximate in
a manner that has not been hitherto understood by any geographer
who has published on the subject and hence it is that we experienced
the attacks of both the Spaniards & British at the same time — What
has been the result? Look at the S' Louis papers — you will see the
trade is abandoned — it is relinquished into the hands of our enemies —
the only Company that have attempted to persue it — have been most
reluctantly compelled to advertise for a meeting thereof for the pur-
pose of dissolving the association and selling up the concern — None
other can persue it without the support of gov' Those establish-
ments of our enimies being of the last year are yet in their infancy —
they could now be easily crushed — But if they shall be permitted
to mature themselves — they will acquire a permanency that with our
means it will be difficult to shake— Is it policy to let them exist? If
not their destruction is at present very practicable —
If the gov' would permit the raising a force of two hundred men
furnish the necessary boats for transportation, be bound eventually
to pay them as infantry — & permit them and their officers to carry
on the trade — with Indians — they could be raised in ten days without
any trouble to the gov' and would be entirely sufficient — This surely
w"* be better than keeping men stationarj' in forts for purposes not
as important — It would be a small protection given to the trade
but an adequate one at present — It would prevent evils from growing
which otherwise we shall have to exterpate with difficulty — and
therefore whether considered as a measure of defence or offence is
strongly recommended by both policy & interest — Combining pay
from the gov' with support in their trade, the inducement would be
strong enough to cause men to enlist — a subordination would be
sufficiently enforced at the same time that the interest of all would
be best consulted by acting judiciously & correctly in the trade itself
which would thereby be opened for the eventual benifit of the gov'
with the least possible expence — In fact the plan would enable us to
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 411
drive off our enemies at the same time that by our trade we would
be prepared to make the indians our friends — & to secure to ourselves
the undisturbed possission of their trade —
I have mentioned this plan to some of the most intelligent men in
Kentuckey who highly approve of it & think it necessary —
CoI° Menard who has been several years at the Rocky Mountain,
would undertake it upon these terms — he is well qualified for command
has long been accustomed to intercourse with the indians — possesses
an excellent understanding — and as you well know is proverbial for
his probity & generosity — But why should I be even thus particular
I have no hopes of the plans succeeding and will end this hasty scrawl
by wishing you every happiness which your present situation is
susceptible of —
¥"■ friend
N Edwards
[Addressed] The Honble Shadrack Bond Washington City [Post-
marked] Sydney Grove Jan^ 11'" Free
SHADRACH BOND, SOLOMON P. SHARP,"* AND WILLIAM P.
DUVAL «= TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[NA:SD, Applications :LS]
Representative Chamber 12'" April 1814
Sir Should the President of the United States, think proper to
appoint a Commissioner to treat with the tribes of Indians on the
Northwestern frontier of the Indiania, Illinois, and Mesuri, Terri-
tories, or any of them that may be disposed to be at peace and amity
with the United States.'^
We the undersigned would beg leave, through j'ou, to recommend to
the President; His Excellency Ninian Edwards Governor of the
Illinois Territory, as a person from his intimate acquaintance with
Indian affairs, well qualifyed for such an appointment.
With high consideration we have the Honor to be your Hum"
Serv'=
S. Bond —
Solomon P. Sharp
W" P. Duval
[Endorsed] N. Edwards recmd 1814
°* A Representative in Congress from Kentucky.
'5 Do.
'"See preliminary instructions respecting future negotiations, in the Secretary
of War to Governor Harrison, of Indiana Territory, Mar. 3, 1814 (Esarey, ed ,
Harrison's Messages and Letters, ii, 631).
412 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814 :ALS1
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, April 13, 1814.
Sir, I received, on the 11"" your Letter of the 1°* of this month,"
with a Copy of an "Act concerning Shawnee Town". — As soon as I
can obtain such information as will enable me to give definite Instruc-
tions to a Surveyor I will cause the Act to be executed. — The land in
the rear of the present Town of Shawnee is asserted to be unfit for a
Town. It would be easy to lay off the proposed addition to the Town
in the manner prescribed in the Act, but the Selection of the two
Sections, so as to extend the Town to the Highlands in the rear of the
Town as now laid out, appears to require an examination, which tho'
it may cause some delay, will be ultimately beneficial to the Public
Interest. — If the Land-Officers for the Shawnee District were speedily
appointed, would they not be usefully employed, for a considerable
time, in examining Preemption claims, which, by the Act of February 5.
1813, Section 2" °' they are directed to do, previously to the opening
of the Office. — viz : the Register of the Office —
Those Gentlemen being on the spot would be able to give valuable
information to this Office — I have already requested information on
this subject, from Judge Griswold who has, for some time past resided
at Shawnee Town. I am very respectfully Yours.
JosiAH Meigs Surveyor General
The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire—
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire Comm' of the
General Land-Office Treasury Department, Washington-City —
[Postmarked] Cincinnati 14 April 1814 Free
[Endorsed] Rec** April 25. 1814 J Meigs Surveyor General rela-
tive to laying off the addition to Shawnee town" — file E T
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO DAVID APPERSON
[PO:P.M. Letter Book S]
April 14, 1814
M' David Apperson Shawneetown 111 Ter
your letter of Mar 12'" ' gave this Office the first information of the
extreme irregularity of the mail that passes between Hendersonton
Ky and Shawneetown 111. Ter. that the carrier should fail four times
out of five is extraordinary. I have directed the contractor to be
suspended — and he will be debited on the books of this Office for the
" Ante, p. 402.
w 2 Stat. 798.
" Answered post, p. 417.
• Not found.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 413
penalties he has incurred — On the first of Mar last M. Arundell of
Kaskaskias was requested to Assume the conveyance of the mail from
Kaskaskias to Hendersonton by the first of this month — which we
trust he has done — and we are confident that he will convey the mail
agreeably to his instruction and to the satisfaction of the publick '*
R JMJ
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, Lets, to SG, I]
Treasury Department, General Land office, April 19'" 1814.
Sir, Your letter of 9'" instant,^ enclosing the account of William
Dobbins, for surveying and laying out Shawnee Town, and a letter
of Stanley Griswold, relative to opening a land office there, have been
received.
The charges of M' Dobbin appear to be very high — The account
must be certified by you; and although you state that your prede-
cessor made no formal contract, you may probably obtain some
information from his letters which are referred to in the account of
M'' Dobbins: At all events, you are most competent to ascertain
whether the charges made by him, are reasonable. His account ought
to have been accompanied with vouchers, for the payments stated to
be made to his assistants.
Congress having adjourned, the executive will probably attend to
opening a Land office at Shawnee Town, in a Short time. I enclose
M' Dobbins's account, that you may certify it to be correct, if you
think it So.
I am, &"
JosiAH Meigs, Esq'' Surveyor-General, Cincinnati.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:OIA. SW, Lets. Sent, Bk. C]
War Department Ajrril 21" 1814.
His Exc Ninn. Edwards: Gov"' of 111: T''
Sir, I have received the letter you did me the honor to write to me
on the 4"^ instant,^ & also Thomas Forsyth's Report.* This report
!• For relevant correspondence concerning the Vincennes (Ind.)-Shawneetown-
U. S. Saline route, in 1814-1815, see Terr. Papers (Ind.), vill, 281, 336, 337.
See also Bond to Edwards, Feb. 23, 1814 (Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers,
CHC, III, 110), describing his efforts as a Delegate in Congress to secure an
extension of post routes in the Territory; and act approved Apr. 18, 1814 (3
Stat. 132), embodying an additional route in line with Bond's efforts.
• Ante, p. 406.
» Ante, p. 406.
* Not seen.
414 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
has been forwarded to Brig' General Howard, who has received orders
to return to S* Louis, & charge himself with the defence of the Terri-
torial Governments.** —
EDWARD TIFFIN TO MICHAEL JONES AND JOHN
CALDWELL
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office, 22°'' April, 1814.
Sirs, Enclosed you have a copy of an act of Congress, passed the
16'" instant, entitled, "An act confirming claims to land in the Illinois
territory, and providing for their location," to which you will be
pleased to pay due attention.
I am, &"'
Michael Jones, and John Caldwell, Esq" Register and receiver.
Kaskaskia.
EDWARD TIFFIN TO LEONARD WHITE, WYLLIS
HARGROVE, AND PHILIP TRAMMELL
[NA:GL0, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bl<. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office, Apnl 22"" 1814.
To Leonard White, Wyllis Hargrove and Philip Trammel,
Esquires:
Gentlemen, I am instructed to request you, or any two of you,
to examine the Lands on which, and about where, the United States'
Saline is situated in the Illinois territory, and make a report to this
office, that the president of the United States may be properly in-
formed of the quantity and Situation of such lands as may be neces-
sary to reserve from the expected Sales, for the purpose of support-
ing the works for ever. — In making this examination and report, you
will be pleased to be very particular — :noting the timber on each
Section — the evenness, or otherwise, of the ground — the necessity
or practicability of conveying the water on the grounds, in pipes, to
coal, and where Situated, or wood; relative to the navigation down
the Saline creek, if practicable, and the depth of water; and, in short,
every thing calculated to give a comprehensive and particular view
of the whole, and every part of the premises.
<• See Howard to the Secretary of War, May 15, 1814, post, p. 422.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 415
It is desirable this report should be received as Soon as conven-
ient, as the Land Office is about to be opened there."
With great respect, &"
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO THE PRESIDENT
[NA:SD, Misc. Letters: AL]
Treasury Department— 23. April 1814
The Secretary of the Treasury, has the honor to Suggest for the
consideration of the President the propriety of opening a land-office,
as authorized by act of 21. Feb'' 1812, for the sale of the public lands
in the Shaunee^Town District, Illinois Territory; and to submit for
his information on the Subject, a Statement prepared by the Com-
missioner of the Land-office, herewith enclosed — Marked C '
The Secretary is of opinion the public interest would be promoted
by authorizing the sale of those lands — which might commence
about the 1"' Sepf next —
Should the President approve of opening a land-office, as proposed,
the enclosed proclamation,* marked C, is submitted for his approba-
tion & signature. — and the names in the memorandum, marked E,
accompanied by the recommendations herewith transmitted marked
— D are proposed to be appointed to the offices annexed to them
respectively —
The Proclamation marked F. for the Sale of the fractional Sec-
tions around Clarkes grant,' which have been Survayed, & are now
ready to be offered for public Sale, is also submitted to the President
for his approbation & Signature—
[Addressed] The President of the U States
[Endorsed] Campbell G. W. April 23'^ '14
' Report not seen. See Tiffin to Edwards, Jan. 10, Apr. 20, and June 18, 1814
(NA, GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent Bk. 5, printed, Edwards, Hist. Ill, pp. 537-539),
respecting certain saline leases, and proposed remuneration to Edwards and
Leonard White for their special services. Certain letters from Edwards are
referred to which have not been found.
0 2 Stat. 684.
' Not present.
' Not present. The text of the proclamation which follows is from a different
source.
• Not present. It is dated Apr. 25, 1814 (NA, GLO, Exec. Procls., Sale of
Pub. Lands). Of. Terr. Papers (Ind.), viii, 296.
416 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
PROCLAMATION OF PUBLIC-LAND SALES
[NA:GLO, Shawneetown, Reg. and Rec. Lets.: Printed]
[April 25, 1814]
proclamation
By the President of the United States.
Whereas by the several acts of congress, to wit, 'An act making
provision for the disposal of the public lands in the Indiana Territory
and for other purposes,' passed the 26th of March, 1804 "> — 'An act
pro\nding for the sale of certain lands in the Indiana Territory and for
other purposes,' passed the 30th of April, 1810 " — 'An act providing
for the removal of the land office established at Nash\nlle in the state
of Tennessee, and Canton in the state of Ohio, and to authorise the
register and receiver of public monies to superintend the public sales
of land in the district east of Pearl river,' &c. passed the 25th of
Februarj', 1811 " — and 'An act to establish a land district in the
Illinois Territory east of the district of Kaskaskia,' &c. passed the
21st of February, 1812, it has been enacted that a land office shall be
established at Shawneetown, in the Illinois Territory, for the disposal
and sale of the town lots and out lots in Shawneetown, and for the
sale and disposal of so much of the public lands of the United States
heretofore included within the land district of Kaskaskia as lie east
of the third principal meridian established by the surveyor general,
under the direction of the register of the land office and receiver of
public monies, and that the public sales shall commence on such day
as the president of the U. States shall by proclamation designate, and
be kept open for three weeks and no longer —
Wherefore I, James Madison, President of the United States, in
conformity with the provisions of the several acts aforesaid, do hereby
declare and make known, that the public sales for the sale and dis-
posal of all the town lots and out lots in Shawneetown, and for the
sale and disposal of all the lands contained in the eastern land district
of the Illinois Territory, with the exception of such of them as are
reserved from sale agreeably to to the several acts of congress afore-
said, shall be held at Shawneetown, in the Illinois Territory, On the
first Monday in October next, and to continue for and during the three
following weeks under the superintendance of the register of the land
office and receiver of public monies.
'» Terr. Papers (Ind.), VII, 173-184.
" 2 Stat. 590-591.
" 2 Stat. 649-650.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 417
Given under my hand, the 25th day of April, in the year 1814.
[Signed] James Madison.
By the President.
Edward Tiffin,
Commissioner of the General Land Office.
A true copy from the original in the General Land Office. John
Gardiner, chief clerk.
The Editors of the Lexington Gazette, the Frankfort Argus, and
the Louisville Correspondent, in Kentucky, and the Editor of the
newspaper at Kaskaskia, are requested to insert the above proclama-
tion in their respective papers till the first of October next, and their
accounts will be paid on being forwarded to the subscriber at Shawnee-
town.
Thomas Sloo,
Register of the Land Office.
May 17, 1814.
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:ALS]
Treasury department General Land Office April 25"' 1814
Sir I have rec'' yours of the 13"" ins' " and in answer thereto have
to observe that I have appointed by direction of the President three
persons to examine & report relative to such lands as may be thought
necessary to reserve for the Saline in the Illinois Territory '* — The
Register & Receiver are appointed for Shawnee town — Tho' Sloo—
and Jn" Caldwell & Shadrack Bond in Jn° Caldwells place at Kas-
kaskia " — The Offices will be opened & the Sales commenced by the
1" of October at farthest — in the mean time you will please carry the
Law for enlarging Shawnee town into effect, literally as it stands in
the Act heretofore sent you — and furnish M' Sloo with a plat of the
former & latter parts of the Town as also of the Land District of
" Avle, p. 412.
" Ante, p. 414.
" These were recess appointments, the commissions bearing date of Apr. 29,
1814. The men were nominated Oct. 1 and confirmed Oct. 3, 1814, to the
positions in question (Senate, Exec. Journal, n, 531, 532). The temporary com-
missions were transmitted to each of the appointees in a covering letter from
Tiffin, commissioner of the General Land Office, dated Apr. 30, 1814 (NA, GLO,
Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5). See Bond's letter to his constituents, dated at
Washington, D. C, Apr. 15, 1814 (Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers, CHC, iii,
114-117), reviewing the action of Congress during the current session with
respect to legislation for Illinois Territory.
418 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Shawnee — He M' Sloo will in a few days hear from me, and in the
mean time he may be peparing himself for his removal '" —
with great respect I am your ob' Serv'
Edward Tiffin
JOSIAH Meigs Esq' Surveyor General Cincinnati Ohio
[Arfrfressed] Josiah Meigs Esq' Surveyor-general, Cincinnati. [Post-
marked] Wash" City Apr 26 Treasury Department General Land
Office. Edward Tiffin Free
[Endorsed] Received May 6, 1814 J Meigs Ed. Tiffin April
25. 1814 R. May 6. A. 7
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOHN GRAHAM
[NA:SD, Misc. Letters :ALS]
Treasury department General Land Office April 27'" 1814
D' Sir I enclose you by direction of the Secretary of the Treasury
a Mem" " whereby you will see that the President of the United States
had determined to appoint Thomas Sloo of Cincinnati to be Register
of the Land Office at Shawnee town, and John Caldwell of Kaskaskia
Receiver of public monies at Shawnee town, and Shadrack Bond of
Illinois Territory Receiver of public monies at Kaskaskia vice John
Caldwell — If the President has started for Virginia (as I am informed)
I have to request that you will make out the Executive Commissions
for these persons and transmit them to Him for his signature, (having
slipped his memory) — it being absolutely necessary to have them as
soon as possable — to transmit with the instructions now prepared for
these Officers
With great respect I am Your ob' Ser'
Edward Tiffin
John Graham Esq' Chief Clk department of State
[Endorsed] Edward Tiffin Concerning Land Officers.
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
|NA:GL0, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS]
Surveyor General's Office— Cincinnati, May 1. 1814
Sir, Your Letter of the 19th of last Month inclosing the Account
of M' Dobbins was received on the 29'" '* — I do not think it possible
that M' Dobbins can procure Vouchers for the Payments stated to have
>• Answered post, p. 421,
•' Not present.
" ArUe, p. 413.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 419
been made to his Assistants in laying out the Town — I will however
endeavour to aid him further — tho' I think if he had used due activity
his claims might have been settled long ago. In my next I will give
you Copies of such part of the Correspondence between Col. Mansfield
and M"' Dobbins as will shew the grounds on which the business was
undertaken and executed '' —
I shall in the course of a Week authorise a Surveyor to execute the
late act relative to Shawnee Town. — If it were possible to leave the
Office I should prefer a personal attendance and view of that place —
I received, from my Agent by the last Mail the Quarter Salary for
myself & Clerks — but nothing for Post-Office & Stationary Expences —
I have the honour to be respectfully Yours
J Meigs
Th HON E. Tiffin
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire Commis-
sioner of the General Land-Office. Treasury Department, Wash-
ington-City. [Postmarked] Cincinnati 2 May 1814 Free
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 1 May 1814 J Meigs will have Shawnee
town surveyed Dobbins Acco"
ELIAS BARCROFT TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, SG, NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:ALS]
Kaskaskia, I.T. 2'"» May 1814
Sir, I take the liberty of addressing you a few lines respecting some
Surveying. You will please pardon me for troubleing again on this
subject. But inasmuch as the Surveying in the Missouri Territory
has not, and the uncertainty when it will commence; combined with
some sacrafices of a pecuniary nature incumbent on that event, and a
long and laborious practice as a sub-deputy or assistant Surveyor
unattended with the emolluments and in fact receiving but a very
inconsiderable proportion of the price paid by Government for Sur-
veying to those more fortunate (perhaps more deserving) than myself
induced me to make this communication and think I have some reason
to hope for success —
I beg leave to refer you to the two Bills before Congress which if
they become laws I presume it will be necessary that a considerable
deal of surveying should be done as soon as practicable, particularly,
the one relative to the Donations in this Territory. The bounds of
the tract to be set apart in which these donation claims are to be
located agreeably to that Bill, commences at the Township line strik-
ing the Mississippi River nearest the Mouth of Big Muddy, East
" Po&i, pp. 425, 426.
314574 — 48 28
420 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
with said line to the 3"" principal Meridian, with the Meridian line
North to the North boundary of Township 5 North. West with said
line to the Mississippi, and thence down the same to the beginning —
In this tract of country there remains Twenty Seven Townships
yet to run out, and divide into sections, to Wit Townships N°' 1. 2.
3 & 4 South and 1. 2. 3. 4 & 5 North, of the Base line in Ranges 1. 2
& 3 West of the Meridian. Should not the surveying of these Town-
ships be already contracted for, I feel willing should you think proper
to contract with me, to survey personally not less than Ten nor more
than Fourteen Townships within the time generally limitted for
performing a work of that extent, or as much sooner as practicable — .
Also the Bill for laying out a Road from Shawneytown by the way
of the United States Saline to the Town of Kaskaskia, provided it
becomes a law and belongs to your department will furnish some
surveying — I have been thus particular in designating what it occured
to me would become necessary to survey immediately on account of
my failing to get Surveying last summer when at Cincinnati in conse-
quence of not being able to point, out such as I knew to be fit for culti-
vation &c. In these cases I fancy no such knowledge is absolutely
required —
If you should feel inclined to assign me a district of a reasonable
extent or as much as I shall be able to perform personally not exceed-
ing the work in 12 or 15 Townships either a part of what I have
mentioned, or elsewhere should you deem it advisable, you will please
inform me on the subject and authorise some person to contract with
me for the due performance of the work
With much respect Yours &c
Elias Barcroft
JosiAH Meigs Esquire Sur' Gen' U. S.
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esquire Surveyor General of the U. S
Cincinnati Ohio [Postmarked] Kaskaskia 3 May — 20
[Endorsed] Elias Barcroft May 2. 1814 R" 22. ^
EDWARD TIFFIN TO THOMAS SLOO
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5)
Treasury Department, General Land Office, 5'" May 1814.
Sir, I now transmit to you the forms and instructions necessary
for your government, in executing the duties of your oflSce, with a
letter of 16'" October, 1804,^' to the Register at Zanesville, and a
" No reply found.
" NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 421
Circular to Registers, of the 5'" April, 1802," explanatory of, and in
addition to them. These last you will be pleased to consider as part
of your own instructions.
I am, &"
Thomas Sloo, Esq' (Register of the Land office at Shawnee town,)
Cincinnati.
I also enclose a copy of the rules to be observed in sales of public
lands sold by reason of failure in completing the payment in five
years; you will be pleased to record them in your books, and hand
them to the receiver.
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS]
Surveyor General's Office Cincinnati, May 7. 1814
Sir I received, yesterday, your letter dated April 25, 1814^ —
The appointment of the Register and Receiver for the District of
Shawnee, and of Persons to examine and report relative to the reserva-
tion for the use of the United States Saline indicate a speedy opening
of the Land-Office, which will produce more emolument to the United
States then is generally expected —
I have instructed M'' William Harris, one of our best Surveyors to
lay out the addition to Shawnee Town^ — he embarked at this place
this day — I have requested Judge Griswold and two other reputable
Gentlemen to give their counsel and aid to M' Harris — and have good
reason to believe that his return will be acceptable to the Department
and to the Govenmient — I think he will finish the Survey by about
the 4'" of July next — I have a General Map of Shawnee District, as
well as particular Platts of Townships ready for the Register — Permit
me to suggest the importance of the reservations of the Rights of
Ferry; at Shawnee Town— I have reason to believe that those Rights
will give the U States an income which will defray the Expence of
Surveying the Town — Neither Individuals nor the Territorial Courts
should be permitted to have any controul on that subject.—
In this flourishing town, we have a considerable degree of animosity
existing on account of Rights of Femes — If the Ferries at Shawnee
are rigidly reserved to the use & benefit of the United States, they will
be more faithfully and carefully attended, than if under the direction
either of the Territorial Government or of the future State Govern-
ment.— On this, however, you will see, at a glance, more than I can
write —
-' hoc. cit.
23 Ante, p. 417.
422 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
Immediately on the receipt of your Letter I informed M"' Sloo of his
appointment — He is preparing for his establishment in Shawonee
Town.
I have the honour to be, with respect and esteem. Yours.
J Meigs, S General
The Honourable Edward Tiffin Esquire
Major Stanley of this place died this day —
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire, Commis-
sioner of the General Land-Office, Treasury Department, Washing-
ton City — [Postmarked] Cincinnati 9 May 1814 Free
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 7 May 1814 J Meigs relative to reserving
Ferries at Shawnee Town.
JOHN GARDINER " TO ALEXANDER OGLE
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office, 14'" May, 1814.
Sir, In reply to your letter of 9'" inst.^' to the Commissioner, I
have to inform you, that the public Sales of the Lands of the United
States, in the Illinois Territory, will commence on the first Monday
of October next, at Shawnee Town : one-twentieth part of the purchase
money must be paid there; the remainder may be paid in the Treasury.
I am, &" J. G.
M' Alexander Ogle, Somerset, Pennsylvania.
BENJAMIN HOWARD TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
(NA:WD,SWDF:LS]
Head Quarters, St. Louis, May 15" 1814
Sir Agreeably to your order of the 6"" ult" ^^ I proceeded to this
place, and arrived on the 8'" Ins' I found the frontier of Illinois
almost without protection and Indian depredations commenced at
different points of the frontier, between Fort Harrison on the Wabash
to the Missouri River, in last month two men were killed, on or near
the Missouri: one fifteen miles from the Mississippi in this Territory,
and two at Fort Harrison. I have been fortunate in raising the three
Companies of Rangers in Illinois, one marched to the frontier yester-
day, and the other two today; the term of service of the Missouri
Rangers expires about the 20'" Ins' and every exertion will be made
to fill the Companies immediately; the removal of the 1" Regiment
" Clerk in the GLO, becoming principal clerk of that office in 1816.
w NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Reed., O).
•• Printed, Terr. Papers (La.-Mo.), xiv.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 423
from this quarter places me in difficulties which I can hardly hope to
surmount, at this time there are but seven or eight invalid soldiers at
Belle- Fontaine and not an officer belonging to the line: At Fort
Clarke ^' two Subalterns and fifty one men which is about half the
number which I deem necessaiy to give Complete Security to that
important Post; by the enclosed Copies of letters from Gov'' Clarke
you will discover that the detachment sent from Vincennes has been
placed under his command by Major Taylor and ascended the Missis-
sippi with him, I refer you to those letters for his Objects, upon the
subject of his present movement we have had no conversation, as he
was gone before my arrival, as to the policy of erecting a garrison at
Praire De Chien we have often conversed and were united in the
opinion that it would be of much importance, my opinion is unchanged
upon that subject; you will at once discover from the State of my
means and the expectations expressed by Govn'' Clarke (in his letter
of the 5'" Ins' ^) of roqucating receiving support from me, that my
situation is unpleasant in the extreme. I must therefore Solicit full
instructions as to the course I am to pursue in regard to this establish-
ment; Lf the Gov* determine to keep it up, which I much desire I would
recommend that at least four full Companies of regulars should be
sent on to reinforce it and Fort Clarke as soon as possible, the new
recruits from Kentucky or Tennessee could be brought on with most
dispatch, should Gov"' Clarke even arrive there and build the Fort
without opposition owing to the absence of the British Agents and
Indians, rest assured that the Garrison will be assailed as soon as they
recieve notice and can embody the Indians, the situation of this Garri-
son will be extremely dangerous, both as it respects its defence and
receiving supplies unless the force I mention is immediately sent on,
the plan of defending it six hundred miles in the Indian country by
militia who can only be called out for sixty days, I trust will not be
resorted to, their time would be almost consumed in going and com-
ing, besides many other objections to this mode; You will discover
from Govn' Clarkes letter of the 5'" ins' that there are only sixty one
regulars with him ; the precise number of other troops I have not been
able to ascertain, but suppose 200 or upwards engaged only for 60
days at 20 dollars per month and to be furnished a ration & half a
day; Lieutenant Kennerly of whom the Govn"' speaks is an officer of
the troops raised by him, of course when the sixty days expire Lieut"'
Perkins will be left with 61 men and no officer to assist him, unless
Gov"' Clarke should engage the men longer, I trust he has before his
departure communicated to you his objects, and flatter myself that
" At Peoria.
2' Present; also a letter of May 8 is present. See Clark to the Secretary of
War, June 5, 1814 LTen. Papers, La.-Mo., xiv).
424 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
instructions in regard to this establishment will be on the way before
this reaches you; Fort Harrison is now kept up by rangers, however
useful this fort may have been in aiding the Tippacano expedition
I deem it of no consequence to the defence of the frontier, it has been
supported at considerable expense of money and loss of men, I would
recommend that the troops be withdrawn and employed actively;
Should you concur with me in opinion, it would save much time if
Col° Russell could receive an order direct from you, upon the subject;
I wish to be informed whether the officers of the rangers appointed
in 1812, are not considered in Service until dismissed by the President,
or until the law expires under which they were appointed, such has
been my view of their situtation and I have ordered some to do duty,
in 1813 as well as at the present; if they are considered in commission,
I would recommend that I should be authorised to fill their companies
if the difficulties on the frontier should so encrease as to require them,
I deem it of much importance to this Counti-y that I should Icnow
your views upon the subjects of this letter soon; I would advise that
your communications to me should come by the way of Vincennes, the
Commanding Officer at that place has instructions to forward them
by express,
I am with high consideration your Humble Serv'
Benj» Howard
The Honb« John Armstrong Seer" at War
May 16'" I have just heard of two rangers being lately killed near
Fort Clarke—
[Endorsed] H. Q. St. Louis May 15. 1814 Brig. Gen' Howard
Incloses letters from Gov. Clark informing of his expedition to estab-
lish a Fort at Prairie du Chien, which he approves. Has filled three
Comp' of rangers. Four Comp* of regulars will be necessary to
garrison Prairie du Chien & Fort Clark. Are the Commissions to the
Officers of rangers in 1812, still good, if so will direct them to fill
their Comps. Fort Harrison useless Solicits instructions (by the
way of Vincennes) Rec"* July 1814
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS1
Surveyor General's Office, Cincinnati, May 16. 1814
Sir. I have examined the Correspondence between the late Sur-
veyor General and William Dobbins relative to the surveying and
lajring out of Shawnee Town, from which Correspondence the fol-
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 425
lowing Extracts are made for the consideration of the Commissioner
of the Gen L. Office —
"Cincinnati, June 24. 1810"
"Sir I thought you would be the most proper person to under-
take that business, (viz of Shawnee) independently of the good
opinion I had of your character, and of the business you had before
done — I wish you to send me a Plan which you may think most
suitable for laying out the Town agreeably to the law. Being so far
distant, I cannot attend to it personally without descending the
River; which I think would be unnecessary while you are so near the
spot."
"Jared Mansfield"
"William Dobbins"
"Eddyville, Sept. 15. 1810"
"Sir, In my last from Shawnee Town, I acknowledged the Re-
ceipt of yours of the 24 of June — informed you of the progress I had
made, and herewith transmit you a plan; &c &"
"William Dobbins,"
"Col. Jared Mansfield"
"Cincinnati, Nov' 2. 1810"
"Sir, I received your letter of the 15th September inclosing a
Plan for Shawnee Town. — I think it would be proper to make the
following Corrections viz: 1" — 2'' — 3"^ — &c &c &c
"Jared Mansfield"
William Dobbins
Cincinnati March 15. 1811.
"Sir. After you have laid out the Town in the manner I have
directed, you will transmit to me a Plan of it which I must send
to the Secretary of the Treasury for his approbation.
"At the same time inclose your account for the Expense of Siu*-
veying, which also must be transmitted to the Secretary before you
can be paid — This mode of proceeding will save you the trouble and
expense of a Journey here — for unless you continued here until your
account should be sent to Washington and returned I could not pay it"
"Jared Mansfield."
"William Dobbins."
"Cincinnati Feb. 19. 1812."
"Sir — I received your Letter of 31 December by the last Mail —
Your opinion that the Law gives the Surveyor General the power of
judging Of the plan of the Town is correct — but his Office is subordi-
nate in every thing to that of the Secretary of the Treasury — I do
426 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
not presume that he would have any objection to a Plan approved
by me; it would, however, be proper to submit it to his consideration
— I imagine there will be no future amendments necessary: if there
should be, you will be no loser, as you ought to be paid for the whole
in proportion to your labovu-; of this however I am not to be the judge,
as the Secretary in his Letter required me to submit the Account to
him — I can give you my opinion as to the best mode of making the
charge unexceptionable. — It is, that you estimate all your Expenses
(you need not put down each Item in your account) and then add a
reasonable compensation for your time, labour and surveying profit —
I do not think there will be any difficulty, but it is necessary for me
to proceed correctly in the business.
"Jared Mansfield"
"W° Dobbins."
"Newhaven, Feb. 19. 1814."
"Sir — In yours of January 17th you say that Mr. Meigs has for-
warded the Plan of the Town (Shawnee) to the Treasury Department,
as the Government required of me — They will undoubtedly make you
compensation for your trouble in this business; — and as you have
had considerable trouble in it, this compensation ought to be liberal —
Your demand against Government is good, and I trust that they will
not delay to compensate you"
"Jared Mansfield"
"W" Dobbins"
The preceeding Extracts comprehend all that is material on the
Subject of Shawnee Town. — As M' Dobbins was not instructed to
take Vouchers, and as the Period in which the Service was performed
is so long passed, that it is not probable he could now produce Vou-
chers, I have thought it just and right to re-transmit his account
with my approbation of it — for, on consulting with some experienced
Surveyors I am induced to judge that M"' Dobbins' Account is not
unjust or unreasonable — If it meets the approbation of the Depart-
ment, I will pay it. —
It was a part of my Instructions to W" Rector, P. D. Surveyor for
the Territory of Missouri to endeavour to obtain every sort of infor-
mation relative to the Geography, Topography &c of that Country,
which might in any way be useful to the Government — and I transmit,
with this a Copy of a Letter from Frederick Bates, Recorder of Land
Titles, and of a Letter from W" Russell with a Figurative Representa-
tion, the result of his personal observation and credible information
from others — which I trust will be of some value and interest.^
** Enclosures mentioned are not present.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 427
I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours.
JosiAH Meigs.
The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire
[Addressed] The honourable Edward TifRn, Esquire
[Endorsed] Cincinnati 16*" May 1812 J Meigs with Acco' of Sur-
veying Shawnee town.
THOMAS SLOO TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Shawneetown, Reg. and Rec. Lets. :ALS]
Cincinnati May 19'" 1814
Edward Tiffin Esq'
Sir on the 13*" Ins' I rece'' your favour of the 30'" April ^^ Covering
my Commission as Register of the land office at Shawneetown also
the land laws' and form of a bond to be Executed by me for the faith-
full discharge of the Duties of that office
On the 16'" I Reic** your favour of the 5'" " Covering the forms &
Instructions for my Government in the Discharge of the Duties of
my office I herewith transmitt you the Bond and the Certifycate of
my ha\'ing taken the Oath prescribed by law
As to the Competancy of my Securities I would beg leave to Refer
you to Gen' Desha and Coll" Rich"* M. Johnston for the Character
and Standing of ISP James Chambers and for that of Gen' Rector to
the Representative from Illinois, Should it not be considered as
Competent I will Give any additional Seciu-ity the Government may
Require
Sir as you have not mentioned Your intentions of forwarding the
Books for the Registers office I have been at a loss to know What
Course to persue as no Books or Stationary can be precured in that
Cuntrey I have Consulted the Surv-eyor General & M' Jeremiah
Morrow on the Subject and they ad\ise me to to procure at this place
as Many for the Register & Receiver office as will Enable us to Com-
mence Business they Obser\'e that no Inconvenancy Can possibly
Result to the U, States Should the Government Send on Books as
additional Books will be wanting, the Receiver Could wait Some time
for his Books But the Register will want a part of his Books Imme-
diately on his arival
I shall Imediately procure the Books and Stationary for Bothe
Offices and will forward you the Accounts and Vouchers by the persons
or their Agent from whom I have purchased them, and hope it will
meet your aprobation and be Convenient for you to draw in favour
30 NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5).
»' Ante, p. 420.
428 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
of them for the Amount on the Receiver at this place or pay the Am'
at the City as may best Suit them
I Shall leave this on the 5'" June for Shawneetown in order that I
may have a little time to prepare my office Should be Glad to hear
from you as Soon as may be Convenient, I have had One Dozen
Copies of the presidents proclamation printed in the form Inclosed to
forward to the District of Shawneetovra and inserted in the Different
papers Agreable to your Instructions —
I am very respectfully Sir your obed' Serv'
Tho' Sloo
[Endorsed] 19'" May 1814 Thomas Sloo Regis'' at Shawneetown
with his bond & oath — handed them to Compt" Office 1" June —
Ans" 3" June '^
POSTAL-ROUTE ADVERTISEMENT
[PO:Proposals for Contracts, 1808-1818 «)
[May 20, 1814]
In Illinois and Missouri
112. From Shawanoe, T. by United States' Saline, Jordan's, Great
Muddy River, Little Muddy River, Coxe's on Beaucoup River and
Kaskaskia to St. Gene\'ieve once a week, 120 miles.
Leave Shawanoetown every Sunday at 2 p m and arrive at St.
Genevieve the next Wednesday by 6 p m.
Leave St. Genevieve every Thursday at 6 a m and arrive at Shaw-
anoetown on Sunday by 10 o to.
113. From Smithland, K. by Fort Massac, Wilkinsonville, Tywap-
pety, Cape Girardot once in two weeks, 73 miles.
Leave Smithland every other Saturday at 6 a to and arrive at Cape
Girardot on Sunday by 3 p to.
Leave Cape Girardot every other Thursday at 6 a to and arrive at
Smithland on Friday by 6 p to.
114. From Cahokia by Madison c h and Clinton Hill to Cahokia
once a week.
Leave Cahokia every Friday at 3 p m and arrive at Clinton Hill on
Saturday by noon.
Leave Clinton Hill every Saturday at 1 p to and arrive at Cahokia
by 6 p TO.
115. From Kaskaskia by Praire du Rocher, St. Phillip, Harrison-
ville, Herculaneum, Cahokia and St. Louis to St. Charles once a week,
84 miles.
" NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 6), approving oath and bond, and referring
to circular letter of Apr. 30, 1808 (printed, Terr. Papers, Ind., vii, 563-564).
«* A contemporary printed pamphlet, now bound with similar pamphlets.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 429
Leave Kaskaskia every Thursday at 6 a m, arrive at Herculaneum
by 5 p rw, arrive at Cahokia on Friday by 2 p m and arrive at St.
Charles on Saturday by 10 a m.
Leave St. Charles every Monday at3 p m and arrive at Kaskaskia
on Wednesday by 6 p m.
116. From Herculaneum to Mine au Burton once in two weeks, 30
miles.
Leave Herculaneum every other Friday at 6 a m and arrive at Mine
au Burton by 2 p m.
Leave Mine au Burton every other Saturday at 6 a m and arrive
at herculaneum by 3 p w.
117. From St. Genevieve by Big Shawanoe, Little Shawanoe and
Cape Girardot to New Madrid once in two weeks, 115 miles.
Leave St. Genevieve every other Thursday at 6 a m and arrive at
New Madrid on Saturday by 6 p m.
Leave New Madrid every other Sunday at 8 a m and arrive at St.
Genevieve on tuesday by 6 p m.
118. From Kaskaskia to Johnson c h once in two weeks.
Leave Kaskaskia every other Thursday at 6 a m and arrive at
Johnson c h. [blank]
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOHN CALDWELL
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office, 3" June, 1814.
Sir, Enclosed you have a copy of a circular, dated 30'" April,
1808," relative to the mode of conducting the public Sales of the public
lands; also, copy of a circular, dated 21^' September, 1812,'* (with
accompanying forms) relative to Treasury notes.
I am, &■=»
John Caldwell, Esq"' Receiver of public monies, Shawnee Town,
Illinois Territory. —
THOMAS SLOO TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO, Shawneetown, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALS]
Shawneetown S'* June 1814
JosiAH Meigs Esq'' Commissioner of the Gen' Land office
Sir I have the honor herewith of transmiting to you a patent for-
warded to me for Peter Baker on the receipt of it I found it much defaced
and a part of the presidents name obliterated in consequence of the
" NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. One).
'* No circular of this date has been found, but one covering the same subject
was issued Sept. 22, 1812, loc. cit.
430 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
mail getting wet I notwithstanding presented it to Mr Baker who
refused receiving it in consequence of the presidents name not being
compleat and being otherwise defaced.
Mr Baker wishes another paten to be forwarded to him, I was
under the impression that you could drect one to be mad out for
him in lieu of the one transmited, I woud also inform you that
Joseph M, Street ^° & Johnathan Taylor " purchaced a preemption
right on the 14'" Sepf 1814 on the which their is a considerable im-
provement which is said to cover a lead mine the paid the one forth
and obtained My Certificate without my being aprised of its cover-
ing Minerals I have recently been aprised of it and mentioned it to
Mr Street he is anxious to know weather he can hold i* his improve-
ments I have informed Mr Street that I expected instructions
from the department to have those Mineral appearances examined,
that if his improvement covered Mineral their could be no doubt
but his purchace was Null & Void and that his mony would be re-
funded it is the North west quarter of Section N" 4 in Township
N° 12, S. of range N° 9 E
Their is also one quarter Section entered by Jeremiah Neal on the
9'" Sept' 1814 a premption right the South East quarter of Section
N° 27 Town 11 S, 7 E also the North East quarter of Section N° 27,
Town 11, S, Range 7, East entered by Benjamin Talbot, those gentle-
men have raised a quantity Mineral and have I am informed expended
a considerable sum in opening the Mine Mr Talbot called on me to
inquire into the Validity of his claim as he had been recently informed
that the Claim owing to its having mineral on it could not be sold
I informed him that was really the case that under those circumstances
the sale was Null & Void The wish to have their money refunded
and the previlidge of a preference in leasing in order to indemnify
them for the expence that has acured in opening the Mine, would
or would it not be proper for the department to Vest a person or
persons with power in all cases that may accur to repair to the spot
and examine the apearances and report to the department weather
of Minerals or Salines — I am still of opinion that the places that
are Notoriously Known to contain Salt or Minerals ought to be
examined and sutible reserves made as soon as practicable — I am
just informed by a Gentleman from Kaskaslda that on Big Muddy
in the district of Kaskaskia their is one of the most promising apear-
ances of Salt that he has seen in the district The register & receiver
have reserved but one section of land for the suport of the Lick the
'• This is the same Joseph M. Street who was appointed U. S. Indian agent at
Prairie du Chien in 1827.
»' Jonathan Taylor, a former resident of Kaskaskia, was once a candidate for
the office of register of the land office at that place. See Taylor to Bond, June 4,
1812 (Washburne, ed., Edwards Papers, CHC, in, 69-70).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 431
consequence is it will be of little or No Value to the Goverment, this
Gentleman also informs me that he has located all the Land round
the lick for a considerable distance this instance will conxance the
Govement of the Necessity of Making Early and ample reserv^es
for their Suport as the timber and cole in the Vicinnity of Salines are
Immensely Valueable,
If Sir you deem it proper to refund to those Individuals I would
thank you to instruct the receiver either Specially or generaly when-
eaver the cases may accur Also relivtive to those Town lots that
have been Impropperly sold the second time as the Receiver will
not refund without being Specially Instructed,
I am Sir Very Respectfully Your Ob* Sev'
Tho' Sloo Register
of the Land Office Shawneetown
[Addressedl Josiah Meigs Esq' Commissioner of the Gen' Land
office Washington City Mail
[Endorsed] Shawneetown 3" June 1814 Tho^ Sloo with a patent
to be renewed de mines & springs Ans" 19'" June ^
MICHAEL JONES TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Kaskaskia, Reg. and Rec. Lets.rALS]
Kaskaskia June 13'" 1814.
Sir Your letter of the 22* of April came to hand by the last mail
enclosing the act of congress confirming certain claims and pro\iding
for their location ^' — This act and the reports of the commissioners
leaves it doubtful what claims may be considered as confirmed. The
act declares — "That the decisions of the commissioners (. . . .^)
where such decisions were in favour of the claims, and where the
commissioners have reported specially and have not rejected the
cliaims; All such claims as entered in their report . . .*" are hereby
confirmed" — Now, it will be seen that in our transcript of decisions
under N° 7 & 12." there are claims which are there represented as
being unsupported before the Board ; and in our report we state that
the said claims have been rejected — The transcripts forwarded, being
copies of our record of decisions, do not amount to a decision in favour
of the claims, and our letter or report declares these claims to have
been rejected It would seem then by comparing the law with the
report that this class of claims are not confirmed — yet M"' Bond seems
'8 Not found.
" NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5), enclosing act of Apr. 16, 1814.
*" The marks of ellipsis appear on the letter.
" A.S.P., Pub. Lands, II, 220-226, 230-235.
432 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
to contend that these claims are all confirmed by the act — or, at least,
that it was so considered by the committee on public lands —
The transcript of special cases N° 2 of Ancient grants embraces
the following claims," to wit, N" 2049. (under which the law, I pre-
sume, confirms 50 acres only — ) N" 2209. was submitted & not rejected
by the Board — Is this confirmed? — N» 2107 was submitted, and which
I take to be confirmed. —
Transcript of Ancient grants N" 3. which embraces claims N"
2065. 185. 184. 251. 2009. 1286. 1051. these claims I view as rejected
by the act.*'
Transcript of special cases N° 5 embraces claims N" 322 & 2066.**
These I consider as confirmed by the act.
Transcript of Special confirmation N° 6.** This relates to the claim
N" 2047. of this claim so much as the Board approved is, I think,
confirmed —
The claim of Nicholas Janis &" N» 2010 *' was submitted & it is my
opinion that 3 arpens by 52 to each of the sons & 400 acres, to Nicholas
Janis, the Father, are confirmed by the act.
I was led to believe that a transcript of all the claims which are
confirmed by the late act would be forwarded under the seal of the
proper department. This course was taken by the Secretary of the
Treasury in \nrtue of the Act of the 1" of May 1810 " confirming the
claims contained in Our report of the 31" of Decem"' 1809.** — The lists
then transmitted contained all the confirmed claims, except the com-
mons, commonfield and town tracts — transcripts of which the Secre-
tary of the Treasury informed would be transmitted to this office,
but if they have been forwarded they have never come to hand —
I therefore pray that you will give instructions on the subject of the
confirmed claims by the act of April 1814, and cause Certified Copies
of the transcripts of the Commons, Commonfield and Town tracts to
be forwarded to this office.
I am, Sir, very respectfully Your most Obed' & Hum' Serv*
Mich' Jones
[Addressed\ Edward TiflSn, Esquire Commissioner of the General
Land Office — Washington City P' Mail [Postmarked] Free
[Endorsed] 13 June 1814 M' Jones wants transcripts of confirma""
Ans" 5'" July '»
" Ibid., pp. 213-214.
« Ibid., pp. 214-217.
" Ibid., p. 219.
« Ibid., pp. 219-220.
« Ibid., p. 225.
♦' 2 Stat. 607.
" A.S.P., op. cil., pp. 123-194.
" Posl, p. 439.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 433
JOHN CALDWELL TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Shawneetown, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALS]
Kaskaskia, 14'" June 1814.
Sir I have the honor herewith to transmit, to you a Bond, exe-
cuted by myself and four Solvent securities, for the sum of Ten
Thousand dollars, conditioned for my faithful discharge of the duties,
of Receiver of public monies at Shawneetown; together with the
certificate of the Hon"' Jesse B. Thomas, one of the Judges in and
over the Illinois Territory of my having taken the Oaths to support
the Constitution of the United States, & for fidelity in Office; which
have been prepared in obedience to y' letter of the 30'" of April last,^°
enclosing a Commission from the President of the United States
appointing me Receiver of Public Monies, for lands of the United
States, in the District of Shawneetown, which through some failure
in the Post Office department, was only rec"* on the 7'" inst. while
likewise brought to hand the laws & forms for my Government in
that Office."
The not taking of the Oaths of Office was delayed until after I had
the pleasure of seeing M' Bond my successor least the Public Semce
might suffer, & which accounts for its not being done on the same
day that I executed the Bond.
I have the honor to be Sir, Very Respectfully Your Ob" Serv'
Jn° Caldwell
Hon"' Edward Tiffin Commissioner of the General Land Office
[Addressed] The Hon"' Edward Tiffin Commissioner of the General
land Office Washington City P Mail Free
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia 14 June 1814 John Caldwell receiver at
Shawnee Town with his bond & Oath — handed them to M' Polk
Sen' in Compt" office 8 July
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO JOHN GRAHAM ''
[PO:P.M. Letter Book S]
June 17, 1814
John Graham Esq'
Sir/ I have received your letter of 16'" ^ with one from M'
Morrison to you on the subject of his suretyship for M' Jordan &
have had an answer addressed to him this day."
RJM—
" NA(GL0, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5).
" Enclosures not present. See also Caldwell to Tiffin, Dec. 8, 1814 (NA.GLG,
Shawneetown, Reg. and Rec. Lets.), relative further to bond and oath under his
permanent commission.
" Chief clerk, Department of State.
'• Not found.
434 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
EDWARD TIFFIN TO LEONARD WHITE
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office, 21" June, 1814.
Sir, Complaints have been made to the president of the United
States, by the late lessees of the United States Saline, that the present
lessee, M' John Bates, has not complied with that part of his engage-
ments, which provided for the payment of the monies due for im-
provements and utensils, I am instructed to request that you will
report to this department, all the circumstances connected there-
with— and if necessary, request M"^ Bates also to represent his view
of things connected with the case."
With great respect, &"
M' Leonard White, United States' agent Shawnee town. —
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JAMES MORRISON AND CHARLES
WILKINS
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office, 21'* June, 1814.
Gentlemen, Your letter to the president of the United States,
of the 26'" ultimo," has been received, complaining of the non-com-
pliance of M"^ John Bates, in not making payment of the monies due
you for improvements and utensils, &" at the Wabash Saline: In
answer to which, I am instructed to assure you, there is every dis-
position to render justice, so far as the laws will justify; for which
purpose, I have wrote — to the agents of the Government in the Illinois
territory, for information on the subjects referred to in yours —
assured you will clearly perceive, as well the propriety, as necessity,
for this measure, before any official act can take place.
With great respect. &"
James Morrison, Esq' or Charles Wilkins, Esq' Lexington,
Kentucky. —
JOHN CALDWELL TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GL0, Shawneetown, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALS]
Kaskaskia 21" June 1814
Sir, I would beg leave to request your opinion with respect to
the operation of the Act of the 5'" of February 1813." on that portion
" A similar letter was addressed to Governor Edwards, same date (NA.GLO,
Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5).
«> Not found.
'» 2 Stat. 797-798.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 435
of Settlers, who inhabited & cultivated agreeably to the requisitions
of that Law — but whose residence & cultivation has been on fractional
Sections.
The Act sets out by Providing generally, that every Person who
had inhabited & cultivated a tract of land in either of the Districts,
established for the Sale of Public lands in the Illinois territory, should
be entitled to a preference in becoming the purchaser from the United
States of such tract of land at private sale, at the same price, on the
same terms & conditions, in every respect as are or may be provided
by law for the of other lands sold at private Sale in s* Territory, at
the time of making such Purchase.
From this general and unqualified expression of the law it would
naturally be infered, that every Person who had inhabited & culti-
vated within the requisitions of the Act, were entitled to the benefits
which are intended to be confered, whether such residence & cultiva-
tion had been on fractional Sections which seem not susseptable of
division, or upon entire Sections which are intended to be divided.
But the subsequent provisions & restrictions of the same law leaves
it doubtful whether Congress had any discription of persons in view
other than those who resided & cultivated upon entire Sections — by
reason of the express provision that no more than one quarter Section
of land shall be sold to any One individual & the same to be bounded
by the sectional & divisional lines run, or to be run under the direc-
tion of the Surveyor General for the division of public lands — as well
as the direct prescription, that every Applicant shall make known his
claim by delivering a notice in writing to the Register of the land
Office for the District in which the land may lie, wherein he shall
particularly designate the quarter Section he claims — While the 9""
& 12"' Sections of the Act of the 26'" March 1804.*'' expressly con-
siders fractional Sections a distinct Species of tracts from quarter
Sections, & the subsequent laws regulating the sales of Public lands,
making the same distinction, serves but to confirm the doubts which
have arisen.
Now a numerous and respectable portion of the inhabitants of that
District have inhabited & cultivated agreeably to the requisitions of
this law — but whose residence & cultivation has been on fractional
Sections, can they be admitted to participate in the benefits confered
by entering the fractions so improved when containing 160 acres or
less, or by purchasing 160 acres thereof when they contain more, or
in virtue of such residence & cultivation on fractional Sections will
they only be permitted to enter a quarter Section else where in the
District.
0" Terr. Papers (Ind.), vii, 180, 181-182.
314574 — 48 29
436 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
As the dearest & best interests of this description of Settlers seems
to be jeopardiz'd from the letter of this law — it is deemed all important
that y' opinion should be known least an irraparable injury might
be done to this equally deserving class of citizens by perhaps too
strict an adherence to the wording of the Act.
I have to regret that time would not permit me to have the pleasure
of seeing M' Sloo, before you were written to on this important sub-
ject— but as I shall not have that satisfaction before the first of July
whereby the opportunity of two Mails would be lost, and as those
Settlers entitled to the right of preemption, must have completed
their entries by the last week in September it becomes essentially
necessary that you should be early informed of the difficulty, therefore
with much reluctance I have undertaken to Address you alone.
Permit me to request your directions with respect to the classifica-
tion of the fractional Sections at the same time."
I have the honor to be Sir, Very Respectfully your Ob" Serv'
Jn" Caldwell
Hon"' Edward Thtin Commissioner of the General Land Office
Washington City.
[Addressed\ The Hon"' Edward Tiffin Commissioner of the General
Land Office, Washington City P Mail Free
[Endorsed] rec" July 8. 1814 Jn" Caldwell Register Shawnee town,
relative to fractional Sections of Land file
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814:ALS]
Surveyor General's Office Cincinnati, June 27, 1814
Sir a Question has arisen, whether after the Public Sales of Lots
in Shawnee Town those which may remain unsold may be entered as
other Public Lands, at the least price stated by Law — viz: In Lots
at $8 — and Out-Lots at $5 an Acre — On this subject, I presume the
Land Officers for the District of Shawnee will obtain your decision.
I shall be happy to have your opinions whether the Islands in the
Mississippi, between the Missouri & Illinois Territories, many of
which are valuable, ought to be surveyed at an early day —
My last addressed to you was dated June 19. 1814 "^ — Your last
was dated May 19 '«—
I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours,
J Meigs. S. G—
•' Answered ■poil, p. 441.
•» NA^GLO, Lets, from SG, 1812-1814).
•» NA(GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 437
The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire —
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire Commissioner
of the General Land-Office, Treasury Department. Washington-
City — [Postmarked] Cincinnati 27 June 1814 Free
[Endorsed] June 27, 1814 Josiah Meigs Surveyor Gen' wants
instructions relative to Islands between Missouri & Illinois An-
swered July 6'" 1814 " file
SHADRACH BOND TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Kaskaskia, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALS]
St Clair County Illinois Territory June 27th 1814—
Sir, Last mail I had the Honor of receiving yours of the 30th of
April last,^' incloseing me a Commission from the President of the
united States, appointing me Receiver of Public monies at Kaskaskia,
I here with transmit you a bond for the faithfull Performance of the
duties of my office, and a certificate of haveing qualified agreeable to
your instructions —
I expect to be able to take Charge of the office by the first day of
July, the time which you inform me my salery is to Commence —
I am very respectfully your obed' Serv'
Shadrach Bond —
Hon'''* Edward Tiffin Commissioner of the Gen' Land office
Washington City
[Endorsed] 27 June 1814 Shadrach Bond with his oath of office
& bond ans" 15 July ^° Sent Bond to Compf same day
STEPHEN PLEASONTON «' TO DANIEL SHELDON «
[GAO:Misc. Treas., Acct. No. 29,255 (1814) :ALS]
[June 30, 1814]
Sir, The irregularity in the payment of the Judges in the Illinois
Territory, arose from the circumstances (at the time unknown to me)
" Posi. p. 440.
" NA(GL0, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5).
" hoc. cit.
" Clerk in the Department of State, holding a position similar to a disbursing
agent; in 1817 became auditor in the Treasury Department in charge of State
Department affairs.
" Clerk in the Treasury Department, ranking second in a list of Treasury
clerks prepared in 1811.
438 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
of the President's consenting to a transfer of the situations of Stuart
& Sprigg, and it not having been made simultaneously. Sprigg it
appears was appointed to the place supposed to be vacated by Stuart
in July 1813, and Stuarts appointment to Spriggs vacancy was not
made till the February following. The object was not known to
me when Sprigg was appointed; being required by the President to
make out a Commission for him on a nomination approved by the
Senate. I was of cour.se under the impression that it was to fill some
vacancy then existing & of which the President alone was informed.
These transfers are very embarrassing in the way they have been
made. I hope we shall have no more of them.
The only mode occurring to me by which the present difficulty can
be overcome, will be to deduct from the Salary in Stuart's present
office (for he is now a Judge of Missouri) what he received beyond the
sum he was entitled to in the preceeding office. The Salary being
the same, I should suppose there would be no difficulty in this course.
Very respectfully & truly yours
S. Pleasonton
June 30, 1814
In the year 1813 Sprigg as Judge of Missouri Territory rec" $1568 . 13
" " 1814 DO D» 600.—
2,168.13
In the year 1813 — Stuart as Judge of Illinois Territory rec" 1200 .-
1814 d" d° 600
1800
[Addressed] M.' Sheldon Treasury Dep'
MEMORANDUM RE ACCOUNTS OF JUDGES STUART AND
SPRIGG
IGA0:Mi8c. Treas., Acct. No. 29,255 (1814): AD «*]
[No dale, 1814]
Before & untill the G'" of Feb" 1814, Stuart was a judge of the Illi-
nois Territory & rec" his Salary as such untill the 31" day of March
1814—
On the 9'" day of Feb" 1814 Stuart was appointed a judge of the
Missouri Territory & has drawn his Salary as such from the 9'" day
of Feb" to the 3P' of March 1814.
Before & untill the 29'" of July 1813 Sprigg was a Judge of the
Missouri Territory, when he was appointed a judge of the Illinois
" Apparently in the handwriting of Pleasonton.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 439
Territory, & drew his Salary as a judge of the Missouri Territory
untill the 31" day of March 1814.
[Endorsed] Memorandum.
EDWARD TIFFIN TO MICHAEL JONES
[NA: GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office, 5'" July, 1814.
Sir, I have received, your's, of the 13'" ult° ""requesting instruc-
tions on the Subject of confirmed claims to land in your district,
under the act of Congress, passed the 16'" of April 1814,'' as doubts
had arisen between yourself and M' Bond, relative to the intention
of the legislature, when passing this act.
In answer to which, it is necessary to pay strict attention to the
expressions of the act, as well as to the special reports of each indi-
vidual case, and the letter of the commissioners of the 4'" of January,
1813,"- which accompanied their report. By the first Section of the
act, it is pro\ided "that the decisions made by the commissioners,
where such decisions were in favor of the claims, and where the com-
missioners have reported specially, and have not rejected the claims;
all such claims as entered in their report to the Secretary of the
Treasury, bearing date the 4'" of January, 1813, shall be, and the
same hereby are confirmed."
Now, in applying the pro\nsions of this section consonant with
the report and letter of the Said 4'" of January, 1813, it appears
that in the transcript of decisions to which you first allude, under the
numbers 7 & 12, the construction you have given is right, inasmuch
as the documents declare them to be rejected.
In the transcript of special cases, N° 2, of antient grants, embracing
numbers 2049, 2209 and 2107, your construction is also right, for
although the decisions were not specially in favor, yet they had been
submitted to Congress, and not rejected: Keeping in mind, that in
N° 2049, only fifty acres are confirmed out of the claim, while the
others are confirmed in full.
In transcript of antient grants, N" 3, which embraces claims, N°'
2065, 184, 185, 251, 2009, 1286 and 1051 there are none confirmed,
but in transcript of special cases, N° 5, embracing the claims 322
and 2066, and transcript of special confirmations, N° 6, relating to
the claim, N° 2047, they are all confirmed, keeping in mind so much
of the latter only, as the commissioners recommended.
"Ante, p. 431.
" 3 Stat. 125-127.
n Ar.te p. 281.
440 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
It appears from a consideration of the act — the report, and the
commissioners' letter of the 4'" of January, 1813, that your construc-
tion in the case, N° 2010, of Nich' Janis, &''* is incorrect, when you
say, "it is my opinion, that 3 arpens by 52, to each of the sons, and
400 acres to Nich' Janis, the father, are confirmed by the act," and
that on the contrary, this claim cannot be embraced by the law as
confirmed — for in the report in this case, the commissioners say,
"this claim is founded in improvement and cultivation, confirmed
by the governors of the North West and Indiana Territories, but
which, in the opinion of the Commissioners, ought not to be confirmed,
although, from a view of the testimony accompanying this species of
claims, it will be perceived that some cases have some merit, yet, as
the board confined themselves entirely to the spirit and meaning of
the law governing such claims have been consequently rejected by us,
and submitted to Congress."
In a few days I will transmit an authenticated copy of all the
transcripts confirmed by the different laws, including those trans-
mitted 27'" May, 1810.
I am, &"
Michael Jones, Esq' Register of the Land office, Kaskaskia. —
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:ALS]
Treasury department General Land Office July G"" 1814
Sir I have received yours of the 27"" ultimo," enquiring whether
the lotts which may remain unsold at Shawnee town after haveing
all been put up at auction may be entered with the Register at the
prices stated by law — ?
In answer have to observe, that such appears to have been the in-
tention of Congress from the expressions of the Act. before the Sales
commence, and when the Register & Receiver are apprized of the
lands intended to be reserved for the use of the Saline, they will be
instructed on this subject also —
When ever the Lands in the Missouri Territory are ordered to be
surveyed, I presume that those Islands to which you have alluded
lying between the Missouri & Illinois Territories, will also be surveyed,
if the Surveyor General should think they would soon sell so as to
justify the measure.
with great respect I am Your ob' serv'
Edward Tiffin
JosiAH Meigs Esq' Surveyor General Cincinnati Ohio
»« AnU, p. 436.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 441
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs, Esq"' Surveyor-general, U. S. Cincinnati,
Ohio. [Postmarked] Wash" City Jul 6. Treasury Department, Gen-
eral Land Office. Edward Tiffin Free.
[Endorsed] E Tiffin July 6. 1814 R [July] 15 [1814] A [July] 16
[1814] "
EDWARD TIFFIN TO JOHN CALDWELL
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land Office, 8'" July, 1814.
Sir, I have received your's of the 21 =' ult° '* in answer to which,
have to observe, that the provisions of the act of the 5'" of February,
1813, entitled "An act giving the right of pre-emption in the purchase
of lands, to certain Settlers in the IlHnois territory," '° is So plain,
that it was not presumed any difficulty would occur in its construc-
tion : fractional Sections have always been considered a distinct species
of tracts, and the first proviso in the first Section of this act, expressly
provides, "that no more than one quarter section of land Shall be
Sold to any one individual, in virtue of this act; and the Same Shall
be bounded by the Sectional and division hnes run," &"=»
As a man, it is a Subject of regret, if, as you State, many respectable
inhabitants who had Settled on fractional Sections, will not, under
this act, be able to avail themselves of its advantages, equal to more
fortunate Settlers on quarter Sections; but we must carry into effect
the will of the national legislature — who have always, as in this case,
guarded fractional sections as generally being more valuable than
other species of tracts.
With great respect, &""
John Caldwell, Esq' Receiver of public monies, Shawnee Town.
P.S. I conceive Settlers on fractional Sections as not being entitled
to any benefits accruing under the law. E. Tiffin.
JOHN MESSINGER TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GL0,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:ALS]
Clinton Hill Post Office. July 8'" 1814—
Sir— Your letter of May 30'" 1814," came to hand on the 24'"
Ult° in which you mention your intention of writing fiu-ther by the
next mail, I have omitted writing on that account, so soon as I
'« Post, p. 448.
" Ante, p. 434.
" 2 Stat. 797-798.
" Not found.
442 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
should have done, waiting a Mail or two for your further communi-
caton —
In answer to Yours above alluded to, I «em willing t© undertake I
am willing to undertake the surveying of the Townships therein
mentioned; and to proceed to the execution of the work as soon as
the grass can be burned in the ensuing fall — I consider that the
Surveying of this country in the Summer Season, is almost im-
practicable— As to a formal contract, I conceive Sir, that you can,
if you please forward duplicates by Mail, signed and sealed on your
part, with a witness residing with you on the part of yourself —
which which when received by me, I will also sign in presence of a
witness residing here, and transmit the proper one by Mail to Your
Office—
Thus was the method in my former contract with General Mans-
field, as you will perceive on examination, in the archives of the Office
(probably) — Da\ad Badgley Esq' a near neighbor of mine, was the
witness on my part to my former contract —
M' Samuel Redman also a Near Neighbor is esteemed a trusty good
man, as you wish me to recommend some person — However I do not
know that I understand your intended method of executing the
formal contract —
It appears to me Sir, from the method practiced in doing the work,
of surv-eying Townships and Sections, that I cannot commence sur-
veying Townships 3^-5 North untill the Principal Meridian line is
extended to the Northeast corner of Township 2 North, Range 1
West, unless you assign to me the runing of said Meridian from the
Northern boundary of Township 5 South; which I am vvilling to
undertake, if deemed most expedient —
I assertained the variation of the Magnetic Needle from the true
Meridian in the year 1807, in two different Places — One of which was
in Township 3 South Range 9 West — The other, where I now live, in
Township 1 North Range 8 West — At which time it was, by one
compass 8°25' and by another compass 8° 30' on the same Meridian —
I did not perceive any difference in the two places of observation^
You will perceive Sir, by my former returns; that Range 4 West
diverged in runing North, on Townships 4-3-2-South, and converged
from that, Northward to the end of my district, in a ratio of about
two Chains to a Township — I made an attempt, on said Meridian
to make an observation by the Pole star when in the vertical with
Cassiopea, but after I had prepared the apparatus, clouds arose and
intercepted my view, so I failed in the attempt — I was requested by
Your Predecssor to assertain the variation, in several parts of the
district I was then engaged in, but it is very inconvenient to make an
observation by M' Ellicotts ™ method, when situated remote from
" Referring to Andrew Ellicott.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 443
inhabitants, and in some seasons the frequency of clouds in the
Night, is a further inconvenience —
I conceive Sir, that the true Meridian may be assertained suffi-
ciently exact by a well adjusted Plain and Perpendicular Pivot in
the center of several concentric circles, if one day is spent in which
the rays of the sun are not obstructed any considerable length of time
during the day —
I wish for permission to employ one or more experienced surveyors
if necessity requres it, to complete the job assigned to me in due
time — However, it is my intention at present to do the work in person,
for I am anxious that any work assigned to me should be well and
faithfully done — -
I am well Pleased with my former instructions, and wish that such
were strictly attended to in every instance of surveying in this West-
ern Country — I shall write again when I receive your further communi-
cations—
My wife and family are well at this time, 7 children
I am Sir, Respectfully Yours
John Messinger
J, Meigs Esqr—
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esq'' Surveyor Gen' Cincinnati Ohio
State [Postmarked] Free P. M. Clinton Hill IIP Ty.
[Endorsed] John Messinger July 8'" 1814. R.— 24"" July "
EDWARD TIFFIN TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS
[NA:GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5]
Treasury Department, General Land office, July 9"" 1814.
Sir, Yoiu" letter of the 20'" of May last, was duly received,'"
wherein you request a decision respecting an extra allowance for at-
tending to leasing the Wabash Saline, &"" &''*. It appears, from your
representation, that when governor Harrison attended to this busi-
ness, that he made Similar charges, and was paid ; but that when your
charge was presented to the comptroller of the Treasury, he refused
to allow it. It therefore became my duty to make a proper repre-
sentation of the case, and refer your letter to the honorable, the
Secretary of the Treasury, which was done; after due consideration,
the letter has been returned, with information that the Secretary has
caused a Search to be made, and cannot find that any compensation
was ever allowed to governor Harrison for his trouble in relation to
the Saline; — it Seems he made a charge, which was submitted for
" No reply found.
•" Not found.
444 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
consideration, but it cannot be discovered that any thing was paid to
him.
Under those circumstances, and there being no Specific appropria-
tions therefor, I presume it was that the comptroller of the Treasury
could not allow the charge."
With great respect, &"
His excellency, gov N. Edwards, Illinois Territory. —
THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO BENJAMIN HOWARD
[NA:WD, SW, Lets. Sent., Mil. Bk. 7]
War Dept. July 14'" 1814.
B' Gen' Howard
Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 20'" Ultimo.'- Capt: Wilkinson's company of the 24'" Infantry
will remain under your orders. It is impossible to furnish any rein-
forcement of Regular troops for the maintenance of the new post at
Prairie de chien. The alternative suggested by General Clark in his
letter to you of the 8'" of May ^ must be adopted — ^^z: The employ-
ment of one or two hundred Volunteers. The failure of Dickson to
engage the Mississippi Indians in the War & the fact of his setting
out for Mackinaw, lead to a conclusion that a force of this description
will be competent. The appointments recommended by you have
been made, & notices thereof will be inclosed herewith. —
BENJAMIN HOWARD TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
(NA:WD, SWDF:LS]
Head Quarters Saint Louis July 15'" 1814
Sir I have not had the honour of receiving an Answer to my letter
of the 15'" of May last, addressed to you,*'* which I strongly expected
in last month, however from your silence on the subject of Praire Du
Chien I infered, that the Gov"' acquiesced in the establishment at
that place, notwithstanding the slender means possessed by me to
reinforce it, and expected I should use my efforts at any rate to support
it for the present, till more aid would be sent, this I have done, all the
regulars were ordered from Fort Knox, except about twenty left to
take care of a considerable quantity of public property deposited at
»' Cf. Ten. Papers (Ind.), vu, 672. See also Tiffin to Edwards, Apr. 20 and
June 18. 1814 (Edwards, Hist. III., pp. 538-539).
w NA (WD, SWDF).
" Enclosed in Howard to the Secretary of War, May 15, 1814, loc. cit.
•»• AnU, p. 422.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 445
that Post — On the 4'" Ins* this detachment about 40 in number
together with about 64 rangers set out from Capais Grais in fortified
boats, under the command of Brigade Major John Campbell, to
reinforce the troops at Praire Du Chien, when the Governor left
that place little was done towards the new Fort, the Command had
shelter in an establishment belonging to the old Machinac Company,
I am in hopes the new Garrison will be in a state of defence before
any attack is made; the regular force there when the rangers leave it
will be one Company only, this is all the regular force I can put there
without abandoning Fort Clarke which is much more important for
the immediate protection of the frontier, the terms of service of the
men at the latter post are expiring fast, there are about 45 men
at present. I find that I shall be compelled to send the company
of Captain Philips 34 in number to reinforce it or it must be aban-
doned— while I am Compelled to employ many of the rangers in
escorting supplies to Fort Clarke and to afford a temporary relief to
Praire Du Chien, the Savages are weekly attacking and attempting
to assail the frontier, on the 10'" Ins' a woman and five children
were murdered in Illinois not more than 25 miles from this place, the
party was promptly pursued by a part of Captain Whitesides Com-
pany and chastised at least an hundred and thirty miles from the
place, several men were killed in the last and present month between
the Missouri and the Mississippi, at this very moment the greater
part of the rangers of this Territory are out to repel a large party from
Rock river, which came across to take the factory establishment on
the Missouri, in this they failed, and then descended the Missouri
to the Settlements, I trust the rangers will arrive time enough to
check them. I expect every moment to hear of a severe reencountre
having taken place; this party of savages are composed of the Indians
with whom Govnor Clarke, in may last, made an Arrangement, that
they should go to war with the Winebagoes, and some of those who
wintered about the factory on the Missouri; I trust the frequent
proofs the Gov"' has had of Indian treachery will produce a different
pohcy, when they recollect the arrangement made by Gov""'' Harrison
at Vincennes in spring 1812, the Convention at Dayton in the same
year, and the Armistice entered into last autimin by Gen' Harrison,
with them and the sequel, they cannot be at a loss how to rccGivo
view their promises — I augur ill of the treaty holding at Greenville,
that a treaty will be made I have ae doubt think probable if they have
rations and presents enough to give them; the Gov"' may name any
tribe the most inveterate against the U. States, and a treaty may be
made with them on our own terms, they will not stickle about terms
when they do not intend to comply with them ; in a word those nations
of savages have long since Confederated to make war upon us, and
446 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
we must treat with them as we have fought them, as a confederacy ;
much of our Calamities may be ascribed to a reliance upon partial
treaties and arrangements; I still hope to hear from you time enough
to send up before the river closes a sufficient reinforcement to Prairie
Du Chien if the means are sent me soon, or to bring down the slender
force there, if it be determined not to maintain the Post, under
existing Circumstances a less force than that recommended in my
letter of the 15'" of may will not do to support the Garrison well,
intermediate posts must be established to ensure the progress of
supplies from this place to the Garrison, say one at the foot of the
Rapids of the Dimoise and the Rapids of Rock river, all this I can
effect this Autumn if troops are sent soon. I enclose you the Copy
of a letter from M' Forsythe I believe a great part of the information
he has re* is true, and of course my opinion is what it always has
been that this Country ought to have Aid,*^"
I am with high consideration your Humble Serv'
Benj» Howard
[Addressed] The Honob'« John Armstrong Washington City.
[Postmarked] Vincennes Aug' 10"" Free
[Endorsed] Head Quarters S' Louis July 15'" 1814 Gen' Benj*
Howard Advises of ha%ang established a Fort at Prairi Du Chien &
wishes a reinforcement sent to keep his position & Encloses a letter
from M'' Thos. Forsythe
[Enclosure]
Thomas Forsyth to Benjamin Howard
Copy of a letter from Thomas Forsythe to Brig' Genl. Howard
dated Fort Clarke July 6'" 1814
Sir Since my last to you by the contractors boat we have been
almost every day visited by the Indians of this country (Potawato-
mies) bringing in fresh meat and fish in abundance to traffic with the
Garrison of this place. The Indians inform me that it was the Sakies
who killed a man or men on Missouri (Boonslick Settlement perhaps)
last spring, that the British are in very great force near Detroit, and
they suppose by this time that they (the British) are in possession
of Detroit as two armies, one by way of lake Erie, the other by way
of River & Lake St Clair were drawing near that place, and the
fireing of Cannon was heard below Maiden, that the American troops
were busily making of boats at Detroit, and the Indians say that it
was to evacuate that place, that the British have eight sail of Vessels
on lakes Huron and Michigan, and from the great number of troops
that are in Canada they (the British )have sent up very great rein-
"'' See post, p. 451.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 447
forcements to Makinaw, that the British have hurt the Village of
Mackinaw and made great preparations for the defence of that place,
that four hundred troops have landed and are building a Fort at
Green Bay with immense quantities of goods for the Indians, that
an Agent was sent from Mackinaw to St Joseph to get the Potawato-
mies to agree to have a Fort built at that place but in a dispute with
an American Interpreter who is an Indian he the Interpreter killed
the British Agent, this B. Agent before he was killed told the Indians
that their British Father intended to build Forts at St. Joseph's and
Chicago to supply his Indian Children with all their wants, you will
please observe that at the commencement of the War, the British
promised the Indians to send them a vessel with goods to Chicago,
this promise they are now about to fulfil, and I have no doubt from
the great number of troops that are now in Canada that the British
will build a Fort at Chicago, indeed I wished much to have had more
talk with Gomo and the Black Patridge on this subject as it was
from them I got this information but the heat was so great, that
neither myself nor Indians could resist it, I therefore had to with-
draw into the Garrison for a shade and the Indians to go off, however
I asked them both (Gomo and Black Patridge) when alone (and when
all the bystanders had left us) if they thought this news was true,
and if they thought the British would come to Chicago, they both
assured me as a friend that it was the truth and a short time would
shew it — A party of five Winnebagoes was seen coming towards this
place, we were immediately informed of it by runners sent on by
Gomo, but they (the Winnebagoes) were never seen here, altho' I
have no doubt but they have been about this place, as five of their
arrows were found about three miles from this on the road by a
young Indian —
Should you send a reinforcement to this place (which in my opinion
will be much wanted shortly as the sickly season is approaching and
many of the soldiers times expire shortly), it will be necessary to have
more and better quarters for the Garrison, otherwise it will be a
matter of no consequence how many soldiers you send on, as they
will take sick as fast as they arrive, if they live in such miserable
huts as are at present in the Garrison' — You will recollect that should
any information escape me, it cannot be imputed to me, for without
a person can talk deliberately and alone with Indians it is out of the
power of any man to do any thing to Advantage —
I remain Sir yoxir Ob' Serv'
T FORSYTHB
Gen' Howard St Louis
P.S Gomo wishes much that you would allow two of the hostages
to return home, viz Hugimana and the Racoon's son as their friends
are continually crying and lamenting after their Children — T. F
448 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
A band of ten or fifteen Kickapoos have been seen on the Miquen
sometime ago and I should not be sxirprised if they are hovering about
to get a scalp — T. F
JOSIAH MEIGS TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Lete. from SG, 1812-1814:ALS]
Surveyor Generals Office Cincinnati, July 16, 1814.
Sir, I received, last Evening, your Letter dated July 6. 1814 " — If
the Lots of Shawnee Towti unsold at Public Sale are liable to entry
on the General Principles of the Land Laws, I apprehend the Revenue
will be much less than was expected. —
During my visit to Marietta, my Chief Clerk, M' Gresham will be
able, I trust, to execute the duties of this Office to your Satisfaction —
I shall direct him to forward to you, and to the Register of the Land-
Office, Copies of Shawnee Town, as soon as possible after the Sur-
veyor shall have made his Return — I hope the Survey will meet the
approbation of the Treasury Department, for the time appointed for
opening the Land-Office is so near that it will be difficult to effect
any considerable changes in the interval. — The Surveyor has informed
me that he expected to complete his Work by the 10'" of this month —
I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours,
JosiAH Meigs.
Surveyor General
The honourable Ed. Tiffin—
[Addressed] The honourable Edward Tiffin, Esquire, Commissioner
of the General Land-Office. Treasury Department, Washington-City —
[Postmarked] Cincinnati 18 July 1814 Free
[Endorsed] Cincinn [MS. torn] 16 July 1814 J Meigs S' G'
MICHAEL JONES AND SHADRACH BOND TO EDWARD
TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Kaskaskia, Reg. and Rec. Lets.: LS]
Kaskaskia 20 July 1814
Sir, a doubt has arisen relative to the Construction of the Act
granting the Right of Pre-emption to certain Settlers in this District
— Some of the Sections N° 16 have been inhabited & extensively im-
proved prior to the subdivision of the Townships into Sections — The
Settlers contend that they are intitled to the right of Pre-emption
inasmuch as no reservation has been made by the late Act — That Act
seems to extend the right to all who had cultivated or improved
without exception.
« Ante, p. 440.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 449
We should be glad to receive instructions on this Subject
We are, very respectf ^ Sir, y Ob' Serv'=
Mich' Jones
S. Bond
Edward Tiffin Commiss'' of Gen' Land Office
[Addressed] Edward Tiffin Commiss"' of Gen' Land Office Wash-
ington C'" [Postmarked] Free P Mail
[Endorsed] Kaskaskia 20 July 1814 M' Jones & S Bond want
instructions as to reservation of N" 16 — Ans" 8 Aug' **
THOMAS SLOO TO EDWARD TIFFIN
[NA:GLO, Shawneetown, Reg. and Rec. Lets.:ALS]
Shawneetown July 23" 1814
SiR/I find on examining my instructions that it is made the duty of
the several Registers to mark of their Districts each tract of Land
which is sold by making the letter A. when the 1/20'" part only is
paid and then on the completion of the first payment to insert the
letter P. and cross the same in case of Reversion to the United States.
As a repeated forfieture and reentry of the same q"' Section may
and does often occur, and the same necessity takes place every time
for maa'king the same letters upon the small space of a q' Section,
I am satisfied from the scale of the General Piatt with which I am
furnished, that in a short time it would be so much defaced as to
render it impossible to comply with this rule; and the same difficulty
will more forcibly occur in the Case of the Town Piatt of Shawneetown
I have therefore to suggest the propriety of being furnished with one
of each upon an enlarged scale as the only means which presents
itself to me of removing this difficulty. Should it be impossible for
the Surveyor General from the press of business to make them before
the public Sales commence at which period it is indispensibly neces-
sary I should have it (if at all) I suggest the propriety of Authoriseing
me to have one made here, and in that case to authorise me to draw
upon the Receiver at this place for the Amount. I am informed
that the same difficulty occured at Vincennes and that M' Badalette ^^
the Register there applyed to M' Gallatin upon the subject who
authorised him to have a large one made at the public expence.
No answer has yet been rec" to a letter addressed to you from
Kaskaska by M' Caldwell the Rec' of this place on the subject of the
difficulty which seems to exist relative to the manner of disposing of
" Terr. Papers (111.), xvil.
«« John Badollet.
450 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
fractions to preemtion claimants; " the period is fast approaching
when these decisions must come to a close, and if no instructions are
given upon this subject I fear the consequences to those unfortunate
setlers upon fractions may be very injurious
Respectfully Your Ob' Serv'
Thomas Sloo
EdW Tiffin Esq' Commissioner of the General Land Office
[Addressed] Edward Tiffin Esq' Commissioner of the Gen' Land
Office Washington City Mail.
[Endorsed] Shawnee town 23'' July 1814 T Sloo Register, wants
larger plats, & instruct"' relative to pre-empt' Ans" 9 Aug* **
THOMAS SLOO TO JOSIAH MEIGS
[NA:GLO,SG,NWT, Lets. Reed., iv:ALS]
SHAW>fEETOWN July 25'" 1814
Sir, By the last Mail I have addressed a letter to M' Tiffin on the
subject of having a Map of this District upon a larger scale than
the one in my possession. I am bound by my instructions to mark
each q' section when sold with letter A. if the 20'" part is paid, and
then with the Letter P. crossing the A & P when the first payment
is completed and the land reverts to the United States— and when
they are reentered the same process successively follows — You will
at once percieve that the present plat is on so small a scale as to
render it impracticable for me to comply with the law, for a few
successive markings would effectually destroy the Map — I have
written to M' Tiffin that if your press of business is such as to render
it impracticable for you to furnish one for me before the public sales
to authorise me to have one made — The same reasoning will apply
to the Plat of Shawneetown, which ought to be on a large scale so
that I can insert the letters A.P. and in case of forfieture repeat it.
It some times happens that lands are forfieted more than once —
If the Township Maps and descriptions are ready I will thank you
to forward them by the Bearer M' James S. Petty a Gentleman of my
acquaintance from this place who will return with a Boat from Cin-
cinnati immediately.
Respectfully Yours
Tho' Sloo
N B. I would thank you to enclose by M' Ja' S Petty the letters
and papers relative to some lands in the Kaskaska District, which I
" Artie, p. 434. Answered avte, p. 441.
» NA (GLO, Misc. Lets. Sent, Bk. 5).
ILLINOIS TERRITORY 45I
left in your hands — If M"' Petty should detain long enough for you to
make out the Plat of Shawnee, it would be very desirable to have it,
as there are fractions all round the Town which cannot be correctly
asscertained without, and many of those fractions are in possession
of persons claiming the right of preemtion
Yours &C— Tho^Sloo
JosiAH Meigs Esq' Surveyor Gen' U. S.
[Addressed] Josiah Meigs Esq'' Surveyor General Cincinnati Ohio
Fav'- of M-- Ja= S Petty
[Endorsed] T. Sloo July 25"' 1814. R. August S-^A. Aug 12.
1814 «»
GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SWDF:ALS]
Kaskaskia Illinois Terty July 26, 1814
Sir, Dangers which I have repeatedly foretold and of which I
have not for one moment entertained any doubt since last falls
armistice with the Indians seem as if they were about to be reallized
in a short time.
All my information from the Indian country convinces me that their
preparations for hostility have not been intermitted since the early
part of the winter and that they are in a great state of forwardness
at this time ^ —
If there is any dependence to be placed upon information obtained
from Indians it is much to be feared that the expedition against
Makanac will fail, or that Detroit may fall into the hands of the
enemy — for if the force that has gone against the former be suffi-
cient, the latter may probably be too much weakened —
The Indians state that the Town of Makanac is burnt, that the fort
has been greatly strengthened — that considerable reinforcements of
British & Indians have arrived there, that a Fort is building at Green
Bay, and that another is to be built shortly at Chicago &° &° fc".
In this territory a few days ago several murders were committed —
the people on the Missouri have been driven into Forts, and hundreds
of horses & cattle have been taken off by the Savages —
You are no doubt informed of every thing relative to Gov' Clarks
taking possession of Prari de Chien & having erected a Fort there —
five boats started from S' Louis about the last of June to reinforce and
supply that Post with provisions &c. on their way they were attacked
e» Not found.
'» See Edwards to Harrison, Mar. 17, 1814 (Trans. III. Stale Hist. Soc, 190i,
pp. 157-158), recounting the situation as it then existed.
314574 — 48 30
452 TERRITORIAL PAPERS
by about 7 or 800 indians, Completely and most disasterously de-
feated, one boat alone escaped which returned S' Louis the night
before last with a considerable number of wounded men in it —
Dreadful must be the situation of those unfortunate men who ape now
occupy our post at Prarie de Chien —
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Sir Yr M" Ob*' Ser
N Edwards
The Honble John Armstrong Secretary of War Washington
City
[Addressed] The Hon'ble John Armstrong Secy of War Wash-
ington City [Postmarked] M' Zion Aug' 5 5
[Endorsed] Both these letters from Gov'' Edwards were reced
this day." No other information has been received of the Attack of
our fort at prairie de Chiens. Will not Gen. Howard be wanted in that
Country? M "Arthur will visit Detroit while his command for
Indian Service is collecting.
For a continuation of
these papers, see volume XVII,
Illinois Territory — Continued
" Probably referring to Edwards's letter of Aug. 2, Terr. Papers (111.), xvii, in
which letter Edwards's letter of July 26, printed above, was enclosed.
INDEX
INDEX NOTE
In compiling the list of names of persons for this index, deficiencies in spelling
found in the text have been corrected, in so far as sources now available permit,
and variants found throughout the text have been assembled in parentheses.
The nearly illegible character of the handwriting in some instances, which leaves
the reader in doubt as to the writer's intent, and the obvious ignorance, or care-
lessness, often displayed by the signatories account for many variations in orthog-
raphy. With respect to the signers of petitions, lilte names, with identical spell-
ing, are also frequently attached to successive documents on related subjects
from the same locality; yet a comparison of the handwriting discloses occasional
important differences. In such instances separate entries have been made in the
index, though the reader is warned that names were often written in by hands
other than the subscribers'; finality in this regard cannot therefore be established
in every case. On the other hand the fact that the same name is variously spelled
in sequential documents does not argue against identity of person, which is like-
wise disclosed by a comparison of handwriting as well as by such other tests as
documents of legal record, genealogical data, and whatever knowledge of the
various residences of a given person may be derived from the papers embodied
in the present volume. But whenever there is doubt as to such identity a sepa-
rate entry has been made.
Names of English origin have been listed in the index as written (if the signature
was not by mark); but French names, which appear in the text written phoneti-
cally, with much variation, have been entered in the index under the forms
commonly used in available sources, followed by their variants in parentheses.
454
INDEX
Abbott, Samuel, and Hoffman, lettei
ment. to Dubuque, 53, 54.
Ackes, Richard, signer, 301.
Adams, Mathew, draft on, 140.
Adams, William, signer, 150.
Adkins, James, signer, 214.
AfEda\'it, by W. Morrison and J. R.
Jones re Penrose criticism of land
commrs., 133.
Agen, John, signer, 204.
Aikman (Ackman; Akeman), David,
militia muster roll, 233, 237.
Akers, William, signer, 64.
Akers, William, signer, 153, 278.
Albany (N.Y.), goods stored at, 36.
Alexander, Capt. William, 227 n.
Allare, John Bateast, signer, 150.
Allen, John, recommend, as govr., 19 n.
Allen, Solomon, signer, 214.
Allen, William 0., recommend, as judge,
12 n.
Amherstburg (Can.), 221; hostile In-
dians to meet, 160; smuggling from,
to Chicago, 185.
Anderson, David, signer, 214.
Anderson, John, signer, 214.
Anderson, N. D., signer, 64.
Anderson, Robert, signer, 301.
Andre, Capt. Pierre, returns Indiana
rangers to Vincennes, 372-373.
Andrew, James, signer, 277.
Andrew, William, signer, 274.
Andrewson, Jacob, signer, 274.
Anonymous protest to Congress, against
change to second grade of govt.,
209-210.
Apperson, David, letter ment. to
P.M.G., 412.
Arkansas River, emig. of Cherokees to,
246; prin. meridian touches, 356.
Armstrong, John, see Secretary of War.
Armstrong, Nathaniel, signer, 275, 277.
Arnett, William W., signer, 150.
Arthurs, Hiram, muster roll, 235.
Arundel (Arandol), William, certifies
copy of power of atty., 129, 130, 131,
132; commended by P.M.G., 285,
308; compens. as p.m. discussed, 285,
308, 323, 341; depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59; depos. sworn to
before, 120; informed re mail con-
tracts, 182-183, 205; instrs. ment. to,
re postal service, 276; instrs. to re:
convey, of mail from Kaskaskia to
Henderson (Ky.), 413, mail con-
tracts, 182-183, 191, 192, postal
schedules, 192; letters ment. to
P.M.G., 180, 181, 191, 192, 213, 285,
323; militia muster roll, 234; p.m. at
Kaskaskia, 180.
Ashley, Absalom, signer, 207.
Askin, John, Jr., Brit, subject, calls
Indians to conf., 249; leads Indian
war party against Michilimackinac,
263.
Atcheson, George, conveys land to J. R.
Jones, 133.
Au Glaize (Glaize) River, 252.
Backus (Bachus), Elijah, 102, 109; ab-
sence of, 49, 58, 136; accused of com-
pHcity in murder, 58 n., 59; alleged
remarks re work of commrs., 132;
change of view re div. of Indiana
Terr., 138; charges against, dis-
cussed, 73; death of, 173; defends
Jones, 110-111; discusses indict, of
Jones and others for murder, 58-59;
dispute with Edgar et al, 18, 120-129;
family rel. to Pope, 38, 49; illness of,
58; informed of appt. of land agt., 48;
letters ment. to: Messinger, 136, Sec.
Treas., 73; leUers to: Edgar, 127, Sec.
Treas., 58-59, 73, 110-111; member
455
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
456
INDEX
Indiana Terr, leg., 138; note, 57 n.;
opinion re pay. of fees for survey of
private claims, 148; recommend, as
judge, 138 n.; requests inform, re
rept. of govr., 59; voucher re Pope's
conting. expenses transmitted, 60.
Backus, Elijah, and M. Jones, charges
against, as land commrs. discussed,
57-58; instrs. to, re amend, rept. on
land claims, 103-105; letters ment. to
Sec. Treas., 59, 144; letter to Sec.
Treas., 92; official letters of, to Sec.
Treas. stolen, 92. See also Land
Commissioners.
Badgley, David, witness to contract,
442.
Badgley (Badgeley), Hiram, militia
muster roll, 226, 232.
BadoUet, John, reg. Vincennes L. 0.,
letter ment. to Sec. Treas., 449.
Bages, Edmond W., signer, 207.
Bages, James, signer, 214.
Baggs, George, signer, 214.
Bags, Haly, signer, 277.
Baker, Peter, land patent discussed,
429-430.
Baltenhouse, — , murdered by Indians,
303.
Baltimore (Md.), 129.
Bank of Columbia, 36.
Bank of Kentucky, bond to be sent to,
for coll., 161.
Bank of Pennsylvania, 36.
Bankston, Andrew, militia muster roll,
234, 237; signer, 301.
Bankston, Silas, signer, 392.
Barber, Alexander, signer, 214.
Barcroft, Elias, letter to Meigs, 419-
420; signer, 204; solicits work as
survr., 419-420; surveys by, 77.
Barks, Samuel, signer, 64.
Barnett, William, signer, 214.
Bartelotte, ■ — , property plundered, 307.
Bartlet, Joseph, signer, 150.
Barton, Joseph, signer, 214.
Bateman, Henry, signer, 274.
Bates, Frederick, secy., and recorder
land titles, La.-Mo. Terr., 25, 298,
376; letter ment. to Meigs, 426; lett<_r
to mother intro. Stuart, 299-300;
petition to, re horse stealing discussed,
114-115.
Bates, John, alleged delinquency as
lessee U. S. Saline, 434.
Baultinger, David, signer, 208.
Baynton, John, land claims of, 338.
Bayou St. Frist, 155.
Beaird, John, certif. re supplies left in
Ft. Russell, 363.
Bean, John, militia muster roll, 234.
Bear, John, militia muster roll, 237.
Bear, Joseph, militia muster roll, 226.
Beasly, Rechard, signer, 214.
Beaucoup River, 428.
Beeman, James, depos. re Indian
thieves, 118-119.
Beeman, Orman, signer, 150.
Been, William, signer, 214.
Beer, Joseph, militia muster roll, 232.
Bell, Jesse, militia muster roll, 226, 233.
Belle Fountaine (Mo. Terr.), 423.
Belle-vue (Fort Madison), 37. See Fort
Madison.
Belsha, George, signer, 214.
Bennet, Richard, signer, 274.
Bent, Silas, 376; appd. Judge, Mo. Terr.,
357.
Beraum, Alexander, militia muster roll,
226.
Berry, Thomas, signer, 208.
Bibb, Sen. George M., of Ky., intro-
duces bill for intro. of slaves in 111.,
300.
Big Calumet River, friendly rels. of
Indians near, 219.
Big Muddy Creek, milit. oper. up, 331.
Big Muddy River, 419.
Big Shawnee (Mo. Terr.), mail schedule,
429.
Biggs, Gen. Benjamin, of Pa., 137.
Biggs, Isaac, militia muster roll, 226,
233.
Biggs, William, career discussed, 137;
conflict with land commrs. re claims,
136-139; depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59; distributes procls.
of govr., 50; informed by Rector re
status of land claims, 136, 137, 138;
letters to: Edwards, 50-51, Sec.
Treas., 135-139; member Indiana
terr. leg., 135, 136, 137; militia muster
roll, 226, 233; on comm. to recom-
mend appt. of govr., 31; recommends
Backus as judge, 138 n.; transmits
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
457
letter to Hay, 51; votes against J. R
Jones as deleg., 136.
Biggs, Zaccheus, of Ohio, 137.
Bilderback, Daniel, signer, 214.
Bilderback, John, signer, 214.
Bilderback, William, signer, 214.
Binett, — , mission to St. Louis to buy
whiskey and powder, 252.
Biron, Alexander, militia muster roll,
235.
Bissell (Bissil), Col. Daniel, confirms
capture of Chicago, 259.
Black, John, signer, 208.
Blackbird, Ottawa chief, 178.
Black Partridge, Potawatomi chief, im-
parts inform, to Forsyth, 447; receives
powder from Brit., 313.
Blair, A., signer, 278.
Blankenship, Thomas, signer, 150.
Blankenship, T., muster roll, 233.
Blare, Alexandre, signer, 208.
Bledsoe, — , see Gist & Bledsoe.
Blondeau, Maurice, Indian agent, 186;
brings repts. from Indian country,
313-314; leaves Ft. Madison for
Prairie du Chien, 306; knowledge of
Indian intentions, 306; letters to
Howard, 187-188, 322; meets Indians
at Ft. Madison, 306; rept. by, ment.
re Dickson's actions, 327.
Board of Land Commissioners, 405.
See also Land Commissioners.
Boatright, Thomas, signer, 274.
Boilvin (Boilvain; Bolvine), Nicholas,
absence from Prairie du Chien, 316;
appd. : Indian agt. at Prairie du Chien,
54, 157 n., j.p., 69 n.; conducts Sauk
Indians to Mo. R., 371; informed re
actions of Indians, 306-308, 316; letter
ment. to Sec. War, 69; letters to:
Howard, 186-187, Sec. War, 69-71,
154-157, 166-169, 258-259; note, 69;
policy at Prairie du Chien, 37; prop-
erty destroyed, 316; rel. to govr., 70
n.; repts. re Ind. affairs at Prairie du
Chien, 154-157, 166, 168; sends Fox
chiefs to Clark and Howard of La.
Terr., 169.
Boisbriant (Boisbrient), Pierre Dugurt
de, It. govr. Fr. La., grant to, 101.
Boleman see Bateman, Henry.
Boles, Edward, signer, 214.
Bond, amt. for receiver of land office,
211.
Bond, Joshua, recommended as builder,
47.
Bond, S., Jr., depos. favor, to land
eommrs. ment., 59.
Bond, S., Sr., depos. favor, to land
eommrs. ment., 59.
Bond, Deleg. Shadrach, 329, 439; appd.
and commd. rec. Kaskaskia L. 0.,
417, 418; letters ment to: Edwards,
316, Tiffin, 388; letters to: H.R., 408,
Pres., 349, Sec. State, 284, 302, 348,
392, 411, Tiffin, 379, 437; note, 278;
opinion re confirm, of land claims,
431; presents Edwards' letter to H.R.,
408; recommend, as brig. gen. militia,
378; recommends: Duncan as pub-
lisher of laws in terr., 392, Edwards
as commr. to Indians, 411, Finney as
judge, 349, Fouke as U. S. Marshal,
302, 348, Mears as U. S. atty., 302,
348, Pope for reappt., 284; resols. to
Cong, sent to, 342; sends bond and
oath as rec, 437; succeeds Caldwell
as rec. at Kaskaskia L. O., 433.
Bond, Shadrach, and Hempstead, letters
to Sec. War, 289-293, 298.
Bond, Shadrach, and Jones, letter to
Tiffin, 448-449; query on interpre. of
preemption act re sec. 16, 448-449.
Bonham, Samuel, militia muster roll,
227,233.
Bono, Peter, signer, 64.
Bontheleur, — , copies of Boilvin's let-
ters to, sent to Brit., 316.
Boone, Maj. Nathan, in Indian cam-
paign, 372.
Boone, Capt. William, 227 n.; in cam-
paign against Kickapoo, 333.
Bordeaux (Fr.), 331.
Boren, militia muster roll, 237.
Bouche, Francois, s. affids., 383, 384.
Bouchet (Butchet), Truisant, tract of,
100.
Boultinhouse, Capt., 227 n.
Boundary lines, terr., discussed, 65;
between U. S. and Canada, 3, 6.
Bourbonnait, Antoine, signer, 382.
Bowen, — , taken captive at Chicago
325.
Boyers, Henry, signer, 64, 153.
For identical names, see index note, p. 4^4
458
INDEX
Boyle, Gov. John, 17; accepts appt. as
Ky. judge, 22; advises Pope re oath
as secy., 38; appt. as: govr. Miss.
Terr, not accept, to, 9, govr. or judge
accept, to, 9; characterized, 17; instrs.
to, re complaints r. land commrs., 18;
letters to: Pres., 19-20, Sec. State,
18-19; nomin. and confirm, as govr.,
14 D.; pay as govr., 19 n.; proof of
tenure as govr., 19 n.; recommend, as
govr., 10, 10 n., 11; recommends:
Edwards as successor, 20, Priestly as
judge, 12 n.; resigns as govr., 18-19,
22, 23, 32; salary pay. to, 19 n.
Braceler, Barny, signer, 152.
Bratton, Andrew, signer, 208.
Brazil (Brazeal; Brassel), Capt. Valen-
tine, attends conf. militia officers, 188.
Brent, Sen. Richard, of Va., repts. bill
re Trappist order, 89-90.
Brewer, Matin, signer, 214.
Brickey, Preston, signer, 214.
Brigadier General of militia, appt. of,
157, 157 n., 159, 160.
Brigance (Briggant), John, militia mus-
ter roll, 235; signer, 301.
Briggance, William, militia muster roll,
236.
Brigmon, Edmon, signer, 301.
Brimlerry, Jacob, signer, 302.
Brisbois, Michael (?), Brit, trader,
writes letter for Sauk, 313; copies of
Boilvin's letters to, sent to Brit., 316.
Brisson (Bisson), Louis, trader, depos.
re Indian thieves, 116-117.
British grants, 344.
British traders, alleged incite, of Indians
to war, 316; capture fur packs, 256;
defeat Mo. Fur Co., 410; extent of
powerin west, 409-4 10; influ. of, 290.
Brogley, John, militia muster roll, 235.
Brown, Enoch, signer, 64, 152, 208.
Browning, Benjamin, signer, 274.
Browning, Elisha, signer, 208, 277.
Browning, John, signer, 208.
Bryan (Brian), Guy, 323.
Bryan, James & Co., petition for lease
of mine, 279.
Buch6, Frangois, 387; list of losses
sustained in Peoria, 385; signer, 382.
Buchner, J. W., signer, 208.
Buck, Fredrick, signer, 152, 277.
Buck, Wardnar, signer, 152, 277.
Buckner, Phill, signer, 207.
Buell, Daniel, signer, 214.
Buisson, — , Brit, trader, houses at
Peoria not burned, 310; sale of
whiskey to Indians, 252.
Bureau River, Indians on, collect
warriors, 313; Indians remove to, 312.
Burgis, William, signer, 302.
Burnett, John W., of St. Joseph R., 262.
Burr, Aaron, signer, 214.
Burr, Moses, signer, 214.
Cadotte (Cadot), Jean Baptiste, Brit,
subject, calls Indians to conf., 249.
Cahokia, 60, 117, 302, 341; Indian conf.
at, discussed, 198 n., 215; irregularity
of postal service, 151; land claims
discussed, 100, 102; land of Trappist
order located near, 140; mail schedule,
428, 429; measures of defense, 260;
meet, of militia officers in, 158, 189;
recommend, ment. of lawyers of, of
Stuart, 299.
Cain, Jesse, permit to seek stolen
horses, 39.
Caimes, C, depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59.
Caldwell, B., letter to Forsyth, 255.
Caldwell, John, 414; appd: rec. of
Kaskaskia L. O., 174 n., 211, rec. at
Shawneetown L. O., 417, 418; ex-
plains delay in taking oath as rec,
433; extended leave of absence, 399
n.; instrs. re land sale sent to, 429;
letUra merU to: Tiffin, 441, 449;
letUrs to: Sec. Treas., 222, Tiffin, 399,
433, 434-436; preemption act sent to,
302-303; requests opinion of G.L.O.
re interpret, of preemption law,
434-436; returns to Kaskaskia to
resume duties, 399; sends bond and
oath as rec. of Shawneetown L. O.,
433; s. rept. of land commrs., 284;
submits: bond and oath as receiver,
222, oath as commr. of claims, 222.
Caldwell, John, and M. Jones, letter
ment. to Tiffin, 344; state, re Sloo's
services to land board, 341.
Caldwell, — , Brit, subject, adventure
at Chicago, 221-222.
Calumet River, 222.
For identical names, see index note, p. 45i
INDEX
459
Cambell, Mikel, signer, 152.
Cambell, Ruben, signer, 152.
Camp Edwards, base for U. S. rangers,
257.
Camp Russell, 372.
Campbell, Arthur, applies for appt. as
govT., 19 n.
Campbell, George W., see Secretary of
the Treasury.
Campbell, J., signer, 152.
Campbell, John, Indian agt., Prairie du
Chien, 83; death of, 52 n., 53, 54, 55,
56; descrip. of estate, 155; sale of
estate, 155.
Campbell, Maj. John, leads troops to
Prairie du Chien, 445.
Campbell, John, signer, 214.
Campbell, S.R., signer, 391.
Campell, Nathan P., signer, 274.
Canada, 121, 160, 185, 212, 221, 446;
bound, betwten, and U. S., 3, 6; Brit,
merchants from, in Northwest, 37;
Dickson visits, 313; extent of traders
and settlers from, 154, 155-156;
Indians enter, for conf. with Brit.,
177, 178; Kickapoo chief visits, 245.
Canton (O.), 416.
Cap au Oris (Capais Grais), 445.
Cape Giradeau (Giradot, La. Terr.),
postal service: contract re mails be-
tween, and Kaskaskia, 213, routes to
Eddyville, Ky., 184, 192, New Ma-
drid (La.), 192, Smithland (Ky.),
428, schedules, 192, 428, 429.
Caramanis, son of Roque, the inter-
preter, 187.
Cardin, John Babtist, murder of, by
Indians, 212.
Carey, Joseph, signer, 277.
Carleton, Alexander, signer, 214.
Carmack, Isaac, militia muster roll,
234, 237.
Carondolfet, Baron de, 258.
Carpenter, Ephraim, signer, 213.
Carr, Henry, Ens., militia muster roll,
234, 236.
Carter, Benjamin, signer, 150.
Caruthers, John, signer, 302.
Casey, Isaac, signer, 277.
Casey, William, signer, 277.
Cass, Gov. Lewis, of Mich. Terr.,
absolves Whistler, 68 n.; juris, as
Indian supt. over part of 111. Terr.,
70 n.
Casy, Randal, signer, 274.
Catfish (Winemege), Potawatomi chief,
261; arrives at Peoria, 246; friend to
U.S., 251; steals horses near Vin-
cennes, 255.
Cayton, John H., signer, 278.
Cayton, William, signer, 277.
Centerville, postal service, 192.
Cermak, Samuel, signer, 278.
Chaffin, Elmo, signer, 278.
Chaffin, W., depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59.
Chaffin (Chafin), and Delisle, grant to,
101.
Chambers, James, bondsman, 427.
Chambers, Capt. Nathan, 227 n.
Champlain, Jean Baptiste, depos. re
Indian thieves, 117.
Chance, David, militia muster roll, 235.
Chandler, Amos, signer, 274.
Chandler, Daniel, signer, 274.
Chandler, Ernis, signer, 277.
Charless, Joseph, letter to Pope, 24-25;
solicits pub. printing, 24-25.
Chears, Samuel, signer, 150.
Chenet, Antoine Z., signer, 213.
Cherokee Indians, emig. to Ark. R.,
246; unfriendly attitude, 246.
Chesney, Benjamin (Bengerain), signer,
302.
Chicago, 19, 248, 250, 263, 372; acct. of
massacre of garrison, 246, 249, 259,
261-263, 325; alleged Brit, design on,
451; alleged intent of Brit, to estab.
fort at, 447; arrival of Dickson, 325;
channel of inform, from, estab., 310;
compara. prices at, 68 n.; danger from
Indians, 212; depot of Brit, goods for
Indians, 313, 314; Indian rels. dis-
cussed, 184; intent of Indians to
attack, 254, 256; measures of defense,
210; murder of Wells, 313; order ment.
to commd. officer, 50; prices at
sutler store, 68 n.; proposed Indian
council at, 178; repts. re: Indian
affairs at, 250, 251, Le Clair's tour
via to Indian country, 253-255;
schism between milit. officers and
factor discussed, 219-220; sketch of
no. of Indians near, 253; trad. fact,.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
460
INDEX
abandon., 256; way station to Maiden,
315. See also Fort Chicago; Fort
Dearborn.
Chicago Indian agency, affairs discussed,
40; effect on, of change of bound, dis-
cussed, 65-66; house of, fortified, 212;
instrs. re admin, of, 50.
Chicago River, 221; Indian depreda-
tions near, 212.
Chicago Trading Factory, exchange of
agts. at, 30; goods for, discussed, 25;
goods en route to, 36.
Chinoweth, Thomas, signer, 207.
Chippewa Indians, 261; conf. with other
tribes at Milwaukee, 249; conf. with,
215; deleg. accompany Dickson to
Can., 249; friendly intent of, 195, 212;
lead Menominee to Milwaukee, 249;
plan discussed to ally with Brit., 215;
summoned to Detroit by Brit., 326.
Chisholm, William, signer, 277.
Choissen, John, signer, 152, 278.
Choteau, Col. Auguste, 264, 327.
Choteau, • — , admin, of Dubuque prop-
erty, 258.
Christy's Creek, base for attack on
Peoria, 371.
Christy, Maj. — , in Indian campaign,
372.
Cincinnati (0.), 76, 78, 97, 98, 146, 331,
340, 420; celebrates victory of L.
Erie, 365; removal of survr. gen.
office from, discussed, 366-368; seat
of survr. gen., 13.
Cincinnati (O.) Land Office, credit on
deposit in, for pay. of survey, con-
tracts, 365; receiver extends credits
to survr. gen., 113.
Claiborne (Claibourne), Gov. William
C. C, of Orleans Terr., requisition on,
for return of Dunlap, 33.
Clampet, Nathan, signer, 275.
Clark, Alexand, signer, 214.
Clark, Alexander, signer, 208.
Clark, Isaac, militia muster roll, 235;
signer, 301.
Clark, Jacob, signer, 150.
Clark, Samuel, awarded mail contract,
184.
Clark (Clarke), William, of La. Terr.,
25, 37, 167, 168, 169, 187, 347, 371,
395, 445; advice re employ, of volun-
teers, 444; estab. of fort at Prairie du
Chien by, 451; in Washington, 69;
letters menl. to: Edwards, 163, How-
ard, 423, 444; opinion re hostile intent
01 Indians, 193; proposes joint exped.
against Indians, 293; recommend, as
govr., 31-32; reput. among Indians,
32.
Clark's grant, 415.
Claton, Steward, signer, 273.
Clay, Dennis, signer, 277.
Clay, Ezekel (Ezekiel), signer, 274, 277,
278.
Clay, Henry, of Ky., recommends
Edwards as govr., 24 n.
Clay, Isom, signer, 274.
Clerk of Territorial Court, office pro-
vided for, 149; provides own supplies,
149.
Clinton, Vice Pres. George, 121.
Clinton Hill, 107; mail schedule to
Cahokia, 428; resol. of branch of
Society of True Americans in, 341-
343.
Clover, Adam, militia muster roll, 235,
237.
Coal, presence of, 64.
Cobb, Rep. Howell, of Ga., 60.
Coburn (Cobourn), Judge John, resid.
of, as judge, 61.
Coen, William, signer, 64.
Coffee Island settlement, broken up by
Indians, 224.
Colbart, Elisha, signer, 207.
Cole, Capt. William Temple, of La.
Terr., murder of, 251; murderers of,
seen in Chicago, 263.
Coles, Edward, informed re transfer of
Jones to Miss. Terr., 108.
Colien, Francois, signer, 214.
College township, grant of, proposed,
296-297.
Commissions, 60; discussed: adjut., 48,
brig. gen. militia, 157, 159; as receiver
enclosed to: Bond, 437, Caldwell,
211, 433, 437; for reg. Shawneetown
L. O. discussed, 427; of ranger officers,
424; lexis: govr., 45, 243, 270, judges,
14-16, 83, 350-351, secy. 303, 340,
U. S. Attorney, 352, U. S. marshal,
352-353; to be filled out for land
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
461
offices, 418; transmitted to Sloo as
examiner of titles, 211.
Comptroller of the Treasury, disallows
claim for compens. for lease of saline,
443-444.
Comstock (Cromstock), Thomas, testi-
mony in land ease, 128.
Conkey, Lewis, signer, 208.
Connecticut, 83.
Conque, Potawatomi chief, arrives at
Peoria, 246.
Conway, Clement C, signer, 214.
Conway, Joseph, signer, 214.
Cook, Capt. Henry, 227 n.; attends
conf. of militia officers, 188.
Cook, Valentine, signer, 208.
Cool, William P., signer, 152.
Cooley, David, signer, 208.
Cooper, David, signer, 274.
Cooper, John, militia muster roll, 235,
237.
Cooper, Dr. — , surgeon's mate at
Chicago, policy of, 67.
Cormack, Rivers, signer, 277.
Corn, price in La. Terr., 61.
Coshquonong, Winnebago village, visit
of Le Clair to, 254.
Couch, James, signer, 214.
Couch, Millentun, signer, 214.
Coulbird, Elisha, signer, 274.
Coul6 de Neaud, bound, line, 101.
Counterfeiting, charges re within juris.
U. S. court, 345-346.
Cox, Absalom, 227 n.; signer, 214.
Cox, Benjamin (Bengemin), signer, 302.
Cox, Mathew, militia muster roll, 233.
Cox, Matthew J., signer, 150.
Cox, Rebecca, abduction of, 166 n.
Cox, Robert, signer, 64.
Cox, — , house raided by Indians, 319.
Coxe's station, mail schedule, 428.
Crafford, James, signer, 278.
Craig, Capt. Thomas E., 227 n.; arrests
Forsyth and party, 311; company
attacked by Indians, 380; imprisons
and robs inhabs. of Peoria, 380-381,
382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387; signer, 207.
Craw, John, signer, 153.
Crawford, Redford, kills Campbell,
52 n.
Crawford, Sen. William H., of Ga., an-
nounces resig. of Judge Jones, 81, 82;
letters ment. to: Judge Jones, 60,
Pres., 109; letters to Pres., 81, 82;
power of atty. to, re Jones's salary
discussed, 108-109.
Cray, Thomas E., signer, 391.
Crittenden (Crettendon), John Jourdan,
atty. gen., presents case against M.
Jones, 95.
Crow Prairie, 324; loc. of, 334.
Crownover, Abraham, militia muster
roll, 235, 237.
Crownover, Jesse, signer, 302.
Crownover, William, militia muster roll,
235.
Crozier, Samuel, signer, 214.
Cumberland River, 359, 395.
Cummins, Benjamin, signer, 277.
Cury, James, signer, 214.
Dagenais, Joseph, depos. re Indian
thieves, 117, 118.
Daicaies, Winnebago chief, comment re
cause of Indian enmity, 187.
Daimwood (Damewood; Damwood),
John, signer, 152, 277.
Daniel, William, signer, 277.
Danis, Jerome, depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59.
Darnel, Isaac, signer, 302.
Daughter, Nicholis, signer, 320.
Davenport, Adrian, signer, 64, 152.
Davenport, A., Jr., signer, 153.
Davenport, John, signer, 64.
Davenport, Marmduke S., signer, 64,
152.
Davenport, Otho, signer, 153.
Davidson, J. P., signer, 150.
Davidson (Davison), John, militia
muster roll, 226, 233, 235; signer,
207.
Davidson, William C, militia muster
roll, 226, 232.
Davis, Baywell, signer, 275.
Davis, Enoch, signer, 274.
Davis, Isaac, signer, 152.
Davis, John, signer, 152.
Davis, (MS. torn) han, signer, 277.
Dawson, Thomas, signer, 207.
Dayton (0.), Indian conf. at, 445.
Dearborn, Henry, see Secretary of War.
Dedimus, applied for, to take deposit.,
110, 111; general, 137.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
462
INDEX
Dedrick, Daniel, signer, 274.
Degagne (Degagnie), — , Edgar assignee
of, 126.
Delaney, Fred, signer, 64.
Delaware Indians, invited to Ark. R.
area, 246.
Delegate to Congress, see Territorial
Delegate.
Delisle, — , and Chaffin, grant to, 101.
Demouchelle (Mette), lanace, lives
with Edwards, 264.
Department of State, terr. docs, file
in, 109.
Depositions, 127, 128; by A. Stanley re
sale of Stanley lands, 131-132; dis-
cussed or ment., 179; texts re Indian
thieves, 116-120, by Brisson (Bisson),
116-117, Champlain, 117, Dagenais,
117-118, Robidoux, 118, Weeks,
119-120.
Deputy surveyors, 389; dangers to, from
Indian attack, 397-398, 400-402; dis-
cussed, 356; explan. of law re appt. of,
393; measures proposed for defense
of, 398; recommend, for appt. as, 76;
to be appd., 393.
Desha, Rep. Joseph, of Ky., 427;
recommends Reid as judge, 12 n.
Desherly, Chales, signer, 150.
Des Moines (Dumoin) River, fort near,
53; Fox Indians arrive at, 322; post
at rapids of, recommend., 446; Sioux
Indians of, 307.
D'Espagne (des paque) mine, part of
Dubuque estate, 169.
Detroit (Mich. Terr.), 121, 160, 261,
262, 264, 311, 326; Brit, at, receive
Indian agts., 313: Brit designs
against, 451; Brit, forces in area of,
446; channel of inform, from, estab.,
310; defense against Brit, and Indians
discussed, 230 : fall of, 286; Indians con-
centra, at, 328; Indians converge on,
for conf., 177; Indians summoned to,
by Brit., 325, 326; lapse of time for
news from, to reach Miss. R., 229;
mail from, captured by Indians, 256;
move, of troops toward, 224; rumor
of fall of, 26?; rumored Indian conf.
at, with Brit., 37; west. Indians visit
in, 167, 168.
Detroit River, 262, 380; defense of, 230.
Devall, Samuel, signer, 153.
Dewall, Lewis, signer, 153.
Dice, — , Brit, subject, calls Indians to
conf., 249.
Dickson, Robert, 221; abandons Prairie
du Chien for Michilimackinac, 444;
alleged purpose of, 326; arrival at
Chicago, 325; arrives at Prairie du
Chien, 322; Brit, trader, hope of, to
ally Indians with Brit., 215; expected
at Prairie du Chien, 313; failure to
enlist Miss. R. Indians, 444; incite, of
Indians by, 306 n., 333; leads Indian
mission to Brit, in Can., 249; leads
party in capture of Michilimackinac,
263; occupies Michilimackinac, 290;
plan for attack on terr., 285; property
of, 155; proposed visit to Milwaukee
and Prairit du Chien, 326; sends goods
to Indians, 314; sends Indian delegs.
to Ft. Maiden, 253; visit to Quebec,
325.
Diddrick, Daniel, signer, 208.
District surveyors, see Deputy sur-
veyors.
Ditterline, William, signer, 208.
Dix, John, signer, 213.
Dixon, Robert, signer, 64.
Dobbins, William, acct. for survey.
Shawneetown questioned, 418-419,
claim for lay. out Shawneetown un-
settled, 406; compens. as survr. dis-
cussed, 426; corr. ment. with Mans-
field, 419; corr. with Mansfield sent to
G. L. O., 424; describes plan of
Shawneetown, 309, 320-321; recom-
mend, to lay out Shawneetown, 97-98;
recommends site for academy at
Shawneetown, 309; repts. prog, in
survey. Shawneetown, 148-149;
letters ment. to Mansfield, 181, 425,
426; letters to Mansfield, 148-149,
181-182, 425; survr. acct. viewed as
high, 413.
Dod, Michael, signer, 150.
Dog's Prairie, 259.
Donaldson, James L., of La. Terr., 129,
132.
Donation claims and rights, classif. of,
103, 105, 140, 143, 282-283.
Dorris, — , signer, 207.
Drewry, Clement, signer, 214.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
463
Driftwood Creek, Indian depredations
on, 229.
Druer, Alexander, signer, 153.
Druer, CharJes, signer, 153.
Dubuque, Julian, act. agt. at Prairie
du Chien, furnishes goods to Indians,
52-53, 65; illness of, 53, 54; Indians
oppose sale of mines of, 167, 169; lead
mine of, discussed, 258-259; sale of
mine of, 166, 168; letter ment. to
Lewis, 54; letter to Abbott and Hoff-
man, 53-56; s. state, of acct., 56; suc-
ceeds Campbell as Indian agt. at
Prairie du Chien, 54.
Ducoigne, Kaskaskia chief, charges
Kickapoo of murder and horse steal-
ing, 51; complains of sale of whiskey
to his tribe, 51-52; request re an-
nuities and church, 75.
Duncan, Martin, witness to power of
atty., 131.
Duncan, Matthew, recommend, as
publisher of laws, 392.
Dunkom, John, Jr., signer, 302.
Dunkom, John, Sr., signer, 302.
Dunlap, Dr. James, accused of murder,
58, 138; alleged murderer of R. Jones,
138; arrest requested, 23, 30-31, 32,
33.
Dunn, Sampson, signer, 275.
Dunn, William, witness to power of
atty., 132.
Durry, Samuel, signer, 274.
Duval, Rep. William P., of Ky., letter
to Sec. State, 411; recommends
Edwards as commr. to Indians, 411.
Easters, Joseph, signer, 274.
Easton (Eastin), Rufus, draft in favor
of McArthur, 139.
Eberman, Joseph, signer, 214.
Eddyville (Eddiville, Ky.), 97; mail
route to: Cape Girardeau, 184, 192,
213, Kaskaskia, 192.
Edes, William, signer, 302.
Edets, Charles, signer, 152.
Edgar, James, witness to power of
atty., 132.
Edgar (Edger), John, action for slander
proposed against, 110; assignee of
Stanley-McCarty family, 123, 125,
126, 127, 131-132; believes Pope's
oath invalid, 38; career discussed,
121-122; charges against Gilbreath,
45-46; defense against charges of
land commrs., 120-129; land patent
to, discussed, 105; letters ment. to:
land commrs., 124, Sec. Treas., 110,
111; letters to: land commrs., 123-124,
Sec. Treas., 120-129; note, 17 n.,
18; receives inform, from Morrison,
132-133; rejection of land claims
discussed, 120-129; suit against, by
Jones, 95; supplanted as j. p., 126;
supporter of Rice Jones, 122; view
re div. Indiana Terr., 138.
Edgar, John, and William Morrison,
letter to Edwards, 45-46.
Edgar, John, and W. and R. Morrison,
letter to land commrs., 122-123.
Education, grant of college twp. urged,
296-297; proposal of Trappist order in
behalf of, 140; site for academy at
Shawneetown recommend., 309.
Edun, Joseph, signer, 150.
Edwards, Gov. Ninian, 63, 65, 247-248,
395; acts jointly with govr. La. T.^rr.
in defense measures, 193, 203 n.;
addressed re indemnity for losses due
from Indian thieves, 116; admin,
characterized, 138; advice re lay. out
of Shawneetown, 107-108; advises
concert with La. Terr., 247; agree,
with saline lessees approved, 328;
anxiety re reappt., 247; applic. to,
for right to operate salt spring, 172;
appd. supt. salt springs, 33; attests
declaration, 115; author, as command,
in chief of militia, 295 n.; authorized
to organ, comp. of rangers, 197-198;
awaits instrs. re lease of saline, 391;
believes peace with Indians improb-
able, 197 n.; bond of Hays sent to,
57; calls for milit. aid, 247; character-
ized, 23-24, 29-30; commands troops
in defeat of Indians, 286; exped. to
Peoria, 268-269, 271; commd. govr.
from Ky., 45, 243, 270; commends
Arundel as p.m., 308; compens. dis-
allowed for negot. lease of U.S. Sahne,
443-444; conf. with Howard and
Clark, 193; confirms, by, of land
claims discussed, 103-105; consents
to move, of La. militia into 111., 260
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
464
INDEX
n.; copy of letter from White sent
to, re lessees of saline, 205; corr. re
milit. matters cited, 260 n.; criticizes
proposal to raise mounted troops,
272 n.; date of arrival as govr., 29 n.;
defeat of Indians by, 387; defends
conduct against critics of milit. cam-
paign, 260 n., 267 n., 269 n., 295 n.,
343, 346-347; depositions against
Hays sent to, 56-57; discusses sig. of
fur trade and its protect., 408-411;
doubts concert with Indiana Terr.,
247; effort to bring Indians into conf.
fail, 197 n.; encloses to: Sec. War
petition for indemnity for robbery,
114, letter by Levering, 174, proposed
talk to Potawatomi Indians, 173;
exec, proceeds, of, transmitted to Sec.
State, 265; frees prisoners from Pe-
oria, 381; Indian interp. of, 228, 229;
informed re: appt. of Harrison as
command, on frontier, 256-257, dan-
ger from Indians in s. part of terr.,
223-225, Indian annuities, 88, trans-
fer of author, over saline, 46; instrs.
by, re use of miiitia, 171-172; instrs.
to, re: admin, of salt springs, 33-35,
concert with govrs. in defense, 243-
244, cooperation with Harrison, 256-
257, delivery of comm. of brig, gen.,
160, lease of lead mine, 105, measures
of defense, 321-322, preserv. of peace
with Indians, 231-232; jud. experi-
ence in Ky., 23-24, 29; lacks author,
to call militia, 223; leave of absence
granted to, 347, 349-350; letter of,
presented to H.R., 408; letters ment.
to: govr. of Ky., 286, 305, Harrison,
46, Pope, 23, P.M.G., 308, Pres. 285,
Russell, 238, Sec. State, 349, 362,
394, Sec. Treas., 57, 94, 160, 161,
328, 343, Sec. War, 88, 160, 162, 169,
173, 179, 193, 197, 198, 210, 243, 253,
266, 267, 295, 322, 413, Tiffin, 324,
443, Trammel, 224; letUrs to: Bond,
408-411, Gilbreath, 47-48, Johnson,
199-202, Mansfield, 107-108, Pres.,
275, 285, 378, Sec. State, 51-52,
346-347, 354-355, Sec. War, 75, 113-
114, 159, 162-163, 164-166, 169-171,
174-175, 186, 193-194, 202-203, 215-
216, 218, 223, 244-247, 259, 265-266,
270, 300-301, 303-306, 306, 312-315,
316-318. 319, 327-328, 331-333, 343-
344, 378, 388-389, 406, 451-452,
Whiteside, 171-172; limits of com-
mand discussed, 257 n.; measures of
defense by: 162-163, 164-166; militia
officers offer services to, 190; nomin.
and confirm, of, 14 n.; non-arrival
noted, 62; opinion re: alleged unjust
div. of defense forces, 315 n., sin-
cerity of Indians, 215; opposes: appt.
of Murdock as maj., 317, disband, of
rangers, 409; orders: militia to Camp
Edwards, 257, muster roll prepared,
226, 227, 232, 233, 234, 235; plan of,
to visit Ky., 344; preferred Miss.
Terr., 23; prods, by: distrib., 50,
issued re estab. second grade of govt.,
203, 207; proposes joint exped.
against Indians, 293; raises cos. of
rangers, 316-317; recommend, as:
commr. to treat with Indians, 411,
govr., 20. 22, 23-24, 29-30, 268;
recommends: armed boats on rivers,
288, 289, 333, Bond as brig. gen.
militia, 378, concert with La. Terr,
in defense, 245, exped. from Ft.
Wayne, 333, Menard to command
force on upper Mo., 411, Moore as
capt. of rangers, 245, organiz. U.S.
rangers, 244-245, Pope as judge, 71-
72, purchase by U.S. of lots in
Shawneetown, 107, reappt. of Steph-
enson as command, of rangers, 317,
Rector as brig, gen., 113, 120, regt.
mounted troops, 287-288; receives:
applic. for post of adjut., 48, charges
against Gilbreath as sheriff, 45-46,
saline accts. from Sec. Treas., 40;
recounts service in defend, terr. from
attack, 354; reenforced by Russell,
268-269; refuses to sign Morrison's
certificates of losses, 388; removes
Gilbreath as sheriff, 47-48; renews
request to visit Washington, D.C.,
354-355; rept. by, discussed re charges
against Jones and Backus, 57-58, 59,
73; repls. by, re: defense measures
against Indians, 285-289, capture of
Chicago, 259, conf. with Indians, 215,
danger to terr., Indian policy, and
rels., 164-166, 169-171, 174-179, 186-
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
465
190, 202-203, 218, 223-225, 244-247,
265-266, 312-315, 319, 406, Dickson's
actions, 327-328, Kaskaskia Indian
rels., 75, Kickapoo marauders and
drunken Indians, 51-52; milit. situa-
tion, 303-305, measures of defense,
316-318, 331-333, milit. situation,
305-306, renewal of Indian war, 451-
452; reports to, re: actions of Indians,
306-308, danger from Indians in
middle and north, area, 228-231,
danger to U. S. Saline, 225, Indian
affairs, 250-253; requested to: ap-
prehend Indians accused of murder,
169 n., investigate Edgar, 126; re-
quest of, to visit Washington, D.C.,
approved, 362; requests: add. cos. of
rangers, 304, appt. of brig, gen., 113,
instrs. re Kaskaskia Indian annuities,
75, leave of absence, 346, opinion re
author, of, over rangers and troops
in terr., 266 n., regt. of govr. Tenn.,
388; reviews milit. situation in terr.,
266 n.; sends family to Ky., 265;
serves as govr. without comm., 259,
260 n.; s. petition, 72; sources of
inform, for, re Indian designs, 312-
314; state, to, by militia officers,
189-190; submits proof of Indian
hostilities, 193-194; suggests mea-
sures to protect Mo. Fur Co., 410-
411; supplies deposited at Ft. Russell
at request of, 362; system of appt. of
militia officers discussed, 51; trans-
mits: address of terr. leg., 270, legis.
memorial to Cong., 378, offer of
comp. of rangers, 300-301; urged to
estab. second grade of govt., 189;
urges milit. aid for terr., 315; warned
of intended attack, 310.
Edwards, Gov. Ninian, and judges,
letter to Sec. State, 71-72.
Edwards, Gov. Ninian, and Gov. Scott,
of Ky. informed re appt. of Russell to
command rangers, 217.
Edwards, Mrs. Ninian, 355; owner of
estate, 346.
Elections, qualifs. for voting in, 204,
205-206.
Elexander, Hugh, signer, 302.
Elk's Heart, Potawatomi village, 263.
Elk River (Md.), 323.
EUicott, Andrew, surv. method ment.,
442.
Elliott, Charles, draft in favor of McAr-
thur, 139.
Ellis, William, signer, 278.
Ellis, William, signer, 278.
English, Andrew, signer, 64.
Ensminger, Emanuel, signer, 64, 152.
Front, William, signer, 213.
Espagne, d', mine, 169.
Ess-cot-tin-ni-my, an Indian, depreda-
tions of, 251.
Esters, Chissom, signer, 208.
Estes, Absalom, signer, 208.
Estes, Chisom (Chisum), signer, 274,
277.
Estes, Joseph, signer, 208, 277.
Estis, John, militia muster roll, 237.
Estrech, Joseph, signer, 274.
Etter, Peter, signer, 274, 277.
Eustis, William, see Secretary of War.
Everitt, David, signer, 150.
Ewing, Charles, signer, 152.
Executive Proceedings of Governor
(Executive Register), transmitted to
Sec. State, 57, 185, 265.
Executive Register, see Executive Pro-
ceedings of the Governor.
Falsovoins, see Menominee Indians.
Farabeau, ■ — , reads Boilvin's letters,
316.
Farley, Edward, signer, 207.
Ferry rights, discussed, 421.
Ficklin, WilUam, lease of lead mine to,
approved, 160.
Ficklin & Prince, applic. for lease of lead
mine discussed, 105.
Findlay (Findley), James, 13.
Finley, John, signer, 150.
Finney, James, accused of complicity in
murder, 58 n.; depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59; note, 56 n.; p.m.
Kaskaskia, exec, of bond of, 56; rec-
ommend, for appt. as judge, 349;
signer, 214.
Fisher, George, signer, 204, 272; sp.,
H.R., s. legis. memorial, 405.
Fisher, James, signer, 277.
Fisher, Jacob, signer, 204.
Fisher, Joseph, signer, 208, 277, 278.
Fisher, William, signer, 214.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
466
INDEX
Fisher, — , copies of Boilvin's letters to,
sent to Brit., 316.
Flemming, James, signer, 278.
Flour, Potawatomi chief, informs Le
Clair of hostile intent of Indians, 254.
Fond du lac of Superior, Indians from,
called to confer with Brit., 249.
Forester, John, signer, 64, 208.
Ford, James, signer, 208, 277.
Forgeeson, John, signer, 150.
Forgeson, John, signer, 150.
Forgeson, William, signer, 150.
Forgson, Isaac, signer, 150.
Forrester, John, signer, 152.
Forsyth, Thomas, 387; acct. of trip by,
up III. R., 324-325; action re Indian
attack on Peoria, 311; alarm for
safety of, 252; appd. sub-agt. Indian
affairs at Peoria, 310; arrest by Craig,
311; criticism of, 311 n.; danger to
life of, 264; informed re hostile talks
of Indians, 246; instrs. by: re method
of corresp. with, 264, to LeCIair, 253;
leaves for Vincennes, 253; letlera menl.
to: Edwards, 250, 253, Howard, 310,
446, Kinzie, 248; letters to: Edwards,
228-231, 250-253, Howard, 261-265,
324-327, 446-448, Sec. War, 310-312;
move, of, watched by Indians, 263;
note, 228-229; rel. of, to Kinzie, 248
n.; repts. by, re: danger from Indians
in middle and north, area., 228-231,
Indian affairs, 250-253, Indian de-
signs, 324-327, Dickson's actions, 327,
328, prog, of Indian war, 310-312,
renewal of Indian hostilities, 444-446;
repts. by, sent to Howard, 413-414;
rept. to, re Indian affairs on Wabash
R., 255; requests letter of intro. to
Harrison, 253; secret agt., U. S., 381;
signer, 382; s. affidavits, 384, 385,
386; suggests govt, aid to Peoria
settlers, 312; transmits letters to
Edwards, 253; urges reinforce, of Ft.
Clark, 447; visits to Chicago, 250,
251, 261, 263; warns govrs. of terrs.
re Indian raids, 310.
Forsyth, see Kinzie & Forsyth.
Fort Chartres, land claims discussed,
100, 101, 102.
Fort Chicago, 263; recapture urged, 292.
See also Chicago; Fort Dearborn.
Fort Clark, attack on, expected, 406;
estab. on Peoria Lake, 372; garrison
at, 423; import, in defense of III., 446;
proposed Indian attack on, 263; re-
inforced, 445; reinforce, urged, 447.
Fort Dearborn, change of command,
68 n.; command, officer criticized,
66-68; fall of, 267 n.; massacre of,
260 n.; Indians plan attack on, 188.
See also Chicago; Fort Chicago.
Fort Harrison, 400, 422; conf. of Indian
chitfs at, 239; danger of attack, 263;
defense of, 268; maintain, of, criti-
cized, 424.
Fort Knox, U. S. troops leave, for III.
and Mo., 445.
Fort Madison (Maddison; Madisson;
Belle-vue), 37, 157, 219, 259, 327;
estab., 156 n.; Indian attack ex-
pected, 188, 203, 263, 305; import, of,
293; letter to command, of, 306-308;
meet, of Indians at, 306.
Fort Maiden (Can.), 221, 246; arrival
of Brit, troops, 251; Indian mission
to, 249; Indians: expect supply of
powder from, 254, from U. S., visit,
230, invited to, 194, receive news
from, 262; Sauk Indians visit, 251;
source of war supplies for Indians,
263; visits to, of: Menominee, 253;
Sauk, 253. See also Maiden.
Fort Mason, 269; battle with Indians
near, 347; import, of, 293; letter to
interpreter at, 307-308; loc. of, 306.
Fort Massac, estab. of postal service to,
discussed, 183; Indian goods for-
warded to, 47; instrs. to p.m. at,
139-140; mail contracts to: Kaskas-
kia, 82, Russellville, Ky., 82; mail
schedule, 428; troops at, needed else-
where, 194.
Fort Russell, 315; inventory of milit.
supplies in, 363; milit. move, from,
331, 333.
Fort St. Joseph, Brit, post, 244; influ. of
Brit. agt. at, over Indians, 245.
Fort Wayne, 262, 286; Chicago garrison
to be evacuat. to, 261; exped. from,
recommend., 333; Indian conf. at,
250; proposed Indian attack on, 263,
327.
Foster, James M., signer, 214.
For identical name*, tee index note, p. ^5^
INDEX
467
Fouche, Antoine, muster roll, 233.
Fouke (Fouche; Fouk), Philip, commd.
U. S. marshal, 352-353; depos. favor,
to land commrs. ment., 59; recom-
mend, as U. S. marshal, 302, 348;
signer, 213.
Fountaine (Fontaine), Felix, 387; list of
losses sustained in Peoria, 384; signer,
382, 382 n., 383, 385, 386.
Fournier, — , companion of Levering at
Indian conf., 176, 177.
Fowler, John, recommends Allen as
govr., 19 n.
Fox (Foxes) Indians, 156; allege Brit,
offer to, to join against U. S., 188;
arrive at Des Moines on way to St.
Louis, 322; attacked by Puants, 307;
await outcome of Indian attack on
settlements, 264; bring news to
Prairie du Chien of Winnebago out-
rages, 187; divided as to war with
U. S., 313, 314, 326; friendly to U. S.,
307; hold council, 166, 168; measure
to prevent, from hostihty to U. S.,
218; meet, at Ft. Madison, 306; of-
fered powder by Brit., 313-314;
oppose sale of Dubuque mines, 167,
169; receive powder from Brit., 313;
rels. of Dubuque with, 258; save lives
of Hunt and Prior, 188; tract pur-
chased from, discussed, 142; value of
goods supplied to, 55; chief of, 55;
visit Prairie du Chien agency, 71;
war on Winnebago, 218.
Fox, Sergt. James N., 227 n.
Fox, Reuben, signer, 64.
Fox River (111.), 254; descent of, by
Le Clair, 255; Indian forces on, 229;
Indians on, to join war party, 264;
Kinzie's trip down, 250; resid. of
Main Poque on, 251.
Fox River (Wis.), 176; Indians from,
hostile to U. S., 249; Winnebago In-
dians from, 195.
Fractional sections and townships, 77,
85, 86, 87, 89, 145, 335, 393, 403;
classif., ment., 436; descript. of, sent
to G. L. 0., 396; discussed, 435; im-
port, attached to, in law, 441; settlers
on, not entitled to benefits under pre-
emption act, 441.
France, grants by, discussed, 100, 344.
Frank, — , gathers Indians at Prairie du
Chien, 307.
Frankfort (Ky.), instrs. to p.m. at, to
route mail to 111. via Henderson, 181.
Frankfort (Ky.) Argus, procl. land sale
to be publd. in, 417.
Franklin County, N. C, 61.
Frazer, G. W., signer, 214.
Fraziaur, James, signer, 152.
Freeman, Thomas, survr. gen., s. of
Tenn., 369.
French Town (Md.), burning of, 323.
French, — , transmits letter, 20.
Frizell, William, signer, 274.
Fry, George, signer, 302.
Fry, John, signer, 301.
Fulten, Samuel, signer, 214.
Fulton, Cyrus, signer, 214.
Fulton, David, signer, 214.
Fulton, John, signer, 214.
Fulton, Thomas, signer, 214.
Funk, Jacob, 13.
Fur trade, sig. and protect, of, by U. S.
discussed, 409-411.
Gaillard, Sen. John, of S.C, and Var-
num, rept. to, re land claims, 143-144.
Gallatin, Albert, see Secretary of the
Treasury.
Galusha, Elijah G., mail contractor, 82.
Gansevoort, Maj. L. H., letter ment. to
Mason, 35-36.
Gansevoort, Peter, U. S. mil. agt.,
letters ment. to Irwin, 25.
Gardiner, John, ch. elk., G.L.O., certi-
fies copy of procl., 417; letter to Ogle,
422; note, 422.
Garrard, James, letter to Pres., 22;
recommends Edwards as govr., 22.
Garrett, Dickeson, signer, 277.
Garrett, Joseph, signer, 382.
Gates, John P., Indian interpret., 306;
letter to Boilvin, 307-308.
General Land Office, circular ment. to
registers, land offices, 421.
Georg, John, signer, 277.
Georgetown (D.C.), 346; seat of supt.
Indian trade, 256.
Georgia, 61, 62, 108; home of Judge
Jones, 14, 60.
German, Sen. Obadiah, of N.Y., recom-
mends Griswold as judge, 81 n.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
468
INDEX
Gilbreath, J., signer, 214.
Gilbreath, James, accused of complic-
ity in murder, 58 n.; charges against,
as sheriff, 45-46; depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59; removed as
sheriff, 47-48.
Gilham, Hezekial, militia muster roll,
232.
Gilham, Ens. Isaac, attends conf. mili-
tia officers, 188; militia muster roll,
233; signer, 150.
Gilham, Isam, militia muster roll, 236.
Gilham, Lt. William, attends conf.
militia officers, 188; militia muster
roll, 226.
Gill, Thomas, signer, 275.
Gillham, Ekekial, militia muster roll,
226.
Gillham, H., signer, 150.
Gillham, Isom, militia muster roll, 227.
Gillham, James, signer, 150.
Gillham, Rydorus C., signer, 150.
Gillham, William, Jr., signer, 150.
Gillhim, Thomas, signer, 150.
Gist & Bledsoe, lead-mine lease dis-
cussed, 105.
Givens, Joseph R., awarded mail con-
tract, 184; post rider, irregularity of,
180.
Glass, Dudley, signer, 278.
Glass, Roger, signer, 278.
Glenn, George, signer, 214.
Glenn, Thomas F., signer, 208.
Gobin, James, signer, 207.
Going, Pleasant, militia muster roll,
226, 232.
Gomo (Gomaux), expected in Peoria,
264-265; friendly attitude, 229, 230;
imparts inform, to Forsyth, 447;
Indians from village of, on warpath,
263; informs Forsyth re Indian de-
signs, 325-326; intended visit to
Detroit, 326; intent to fight U. S.,
326; Potawatomi chief, negots. with,
175 et seq.; refuses permit to Forsyth,
263; repts. hostile talk of Indians, 246;
requests release of two hostages, 447;
speech at Sandy Creek council dis-
cussed, 325-326, 327.
Good, John, militia muster roll, 232.
Gordan, James, signer, 277.
Gordon, Elsha, signer, 208.
Gordon, William, signer, 277.
Goshen (Goshen settlement), 61.
Goshen road, near Saline Creek, Indian
attack on, 401.
Goss, David, signer, 208.
Graham, Duncan, carries copies of
Boilvin's letters to Michilimackinac,
316.
Graham, John, ch. elk. State Dept., re-
quested to fill out comms. to reg. and
rec, 418; letter ment. to P.M.G., 433.
Grand jury, present, of, re non-resid. of
judges discussed, 349 n.
Grand Portage, Indians from, called to
confer with Brit., 249.
Grand Prairie, claims discussed, 100.
Granger, Gideon, see Postmaster Gen-
eral.
Gravlin, Juvriel, signer, 278.
Great Britain, 377; agts. in Iowa coun-
try, 322; agts. incite Indians to war,
305, 314, 325-328; alleged offer to
Fox Indians to join in war, 188; decl.
of war with, 244 n.; Indians await
declar. of war by, 253, 254; interests
in III., 36-37; land grants discussed,
104; prog, in Wis. area, 307; prospect
of war with, ment., 239; rel. to west.
Indians discussed, 285-286; rels.
with U. S., 170; rumors of milit.
activity on Can. border, 446-447;
send powder to Indians, 312-313;
traders from, enter U. S. terr., 179;
war ment. with, 160.
Greathouse, Gabrial, signer, 274.
Great Miami River, bound, line, 3.
Great Muddy River, mail schedule, 428.
Great Rapid, Indian village, 255.
Great Woods, on Fox River of 111., ar-
rival of Le Clair at, 254.
Green, Alexander, signer, 274.
Green, George, appd. ensign, rangers,
216.
Green, Henry, signer, 153.
Green, Joseph, signer, 152.
Green Bay, 221; alleged estab. of Brit,
fort at, 451; channel of inform, from,
estab., 310; Dickson leaves, for
Prairie du Chien, 322; distribut.
point for Indian goods from Can.,
231 n.; Menominee Indians from:
attend conf. at Milwaukee, 249, on
For identical name*, see index note, p. ^5^
INDEX
469
visit to Ft. Maiden, 253; party of
Brit, advance from, 307; Potawatomi
Indians from, 178; rumored estab. of
Brit, fort at, 447; under juris, of
Cass as Indian supt., 70 n.
Greenup, Christopher, applies for appt.
as govr., 19 n.
Greenup, William C, elk. H. R., attests
resol. 280; carries docs, re land de-
cisions to Edgar, 124; recommend,
and appd. survr., 86; signer, 213.
Greenville (0.), Indian conf. at, 445.
Greenwood, John, militia muster roll,
235.
Gregg, Ens. Titus, attends conf. militia
officers, 188.
Gresham, Sterling, ch. elk., survr. gen.
officer, left in charge, 448.
Griffin, Judge John, of Mich. Terr.,
applies for appt. as judge, 12 n.;
recommend, as judge, 349 n.
Grigsby, Joseph, recommend, for appt.
as terr. secy., 11 n.
Griswold, Judge Stanley, 421; alleged
intent to resign, 349 n.; appd. judge,
108, 109; commd. judge, 83; com-
mends Arundel as p.m., 308; con-
demns site of Shawneetown, 357-
859; copy of letter re Shawneetown
sent to G.L.O., 360; extract of letter
sent to Tiffin, 406; informed re effort
for better postal service, 276; letters
ment. to: Meigs, 364, 400, 413, P.M.G.,
276, 341; letters to: Meigs, 357-359,
866-368, 401-402, 407-408; note, 80;
quarrel with Gov. Hull, 81; recom-
mend, as judge, 80-81; recommends:
estab. of road from Shawneetown to
Saline and Kaskaskia, 407-408, new
loc. for office of survr. gen., 366-368,
new plan and site for Shawneetown,
330, 358; resid. of, 412; signer, 391;
urges estab. of land office at Shawnee-
town, 407, 408.
Gross, Jacob, signer, 274.
Groves, John, signer, 208.
Guice, Daniel, militia muster roll, 227.
Guillet, Urban, donation of land to, for
relig. purposes, 89-90.
Guise (Guyes), Daniel, militia muster
roll, 235, 237.
Guyes, Daniel, see Guise, Daniel.
Guyola, F. M., j. p., St. Louis, affids.
sworn to before, 883, 384, 885, 386.
H— (MS. torn), Samuel E., signer, 208.
Hale, Israel, signer, 207.
Haley, Edward, signer, 277.
Hall, Elisha, signer, 208, 273.
Hall, Isaac, signer, 208.
Hall, James, signer, 150.
Hall, James, Jr., signer, 273.
Hambleton, William, signer, 213.
Hamilton, James, signer, 150.
Hamilton, John, signer, 150.
Hamilton, Lt. Thomas, 67; confirms
capture of Chicago, 259; letter ment.
to Bissell, 259.
Hammelton, William, signer, 214.
Hammond, Peter, signer, 275.
Hammond, Samuel, letter ment. to
P.M.G., 294.
Hampton, Jonathan, signer, 153.
Handcock, Thomas, signer, 214.
Handlee, John, signer, 64.
Hanes, Brice, signer, 208.
Hanna, James, signer, 208.
Hanner, Brice, signer, 277.
Haque, John, signer, 214.
Haralson, P., signer, 214.
Harden, Jephthah, signer, 391.
Hargrave, Samuel, signer, 208.
Hargrave, Seth, signer, 207.
Hargrave (Hargraves), Capt. Willis
(Wyllis), militia comp. of, 227 n.; 223,
224, 225; instrs. to, re examin. of land
near U. S. Saline, 414.
Haris, Thompson, signer, 274.
Harmon, George, signer, 150.
Harper, Mason, signer, 278.
Harrenton, William, militia muster roll,
235.
Harris, Robbert, signer, 208.
Harris, Thompson, signer, 277.
Harris, Thompson M., signer, 208.
Harris, William, instrs. to, to survey
new add. to Shawneetown, 421; quits
surveys acct. Indians, 400; surv., 377.
Harrison, John M., signer, 213.
Harrison, William Henry, Gov., In-
diana Terr., and Maj. Gen., U. S.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
470
INDEX
Army, 35, 48, 170, 251, 253, 263,
286. 321, 333, 354, 443; appd. com-
mand, of troops on frontier, 256-257;
appts. Boilvin sub-Indian agt., 69 n.;
armistice arranged by, 445; arms
sent to, from arsenal, 173; army of,
threatened, 326; arrange, of, with
Indians, 445; charged with defense
of frontier, 266; charges Edwards
for defenseless status of terr., 267 n.;
desig. of bound, of the saline by, 151;
informed of Indian rels., 40; informs
Pope of appt. as secy., 23; instrs. to re:
concert with govrs. in defense, 243-
244, preserv. of peace with Indians,
231-232; invites Edwards to visit, 46;
leUers merit, to: Edwards, 408, Pope,
30, Sec. Treas., 33, Sec. War, 267;
letteri to: Edwards, 46-47, Pope, 23;
limits of command discussed, 257 n.;
occupies Detroit, 290; orders Russell
from 111., 295; policy re confirm, land
claims, 105; recall of Russell from 111.
criticized, 266 n.; recommends Bond
as builder, 47; victory over Indians
noted, 166, 188.
Harrison's purchase, 172; survey
discussed, 377, 396, 400-401.
Harrisonville, mail schedule, 428.
Hatfield, Thomas, signer, 208.
Hathaway, Silas, signer, 214.
Havre de Grace (Md.), burning of, 323.
Hawkins (Hawkings; Kauckings), Mar-
shal (Marshel), militia muster roll,
235, 302.
Hawl, William, militia muster roll, 235.
Hay (Hays), John, depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59; depos. sworn to
before, 117, 118; explor. by, in Lake
Winnipeg region, 409; letter to Pope,
51.
Hays (Hay), John, declines mail con-
tract, 182, 183; depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment, 59 ; depositions against,
discussed, 56-67; letter ment. to
P.M.G., 73; letter to Pope, 56-57;
not party man, 51; note, 51 n.; p.m.,
Cahokia, 51; to continue transport,
mail until new mail contract is made,
183; transmits bond to govr., 57.
Hayward, Thomas, note, 30.
Heald, Capt. Nathan (Nathaniel),
appts. Kinzie army sutler, 184; gar-
rison order of, recog. Kinzie & For-
syth as army sutlers, 196-197; instrs.
ment. to, re assembly of Indians at
Piqua, 261; release from captivity,
262; succeeds Whistler, 68 n.
Heald, Mrs. Nathaniel, life of, saved,
262.
Ream, Nathan, signer, 274.
Heath, Robert, letter to Sec. State, 172-
173; proposal to manufacture salt,
172-173.
Hebert, Capt. , attends conf. of
militia officers, 188.
Heley, Jeames, signer, 277.
Helm, Lt. L. T., advice of, to remove
friendly Indians from Chicago area,
212; arrest of, 220; enmity toward
factor, 219.
Hempstead, Edward, deleg. in Cong,
from Mo. Terr., 288, 289, 317;
recommends Pope for reappt., 284.
Hempstead, Edward, and Bond, letters
to Sec. War, 289-293, 298.
Henderson (Ky.), failure of mails to
Shawneetown, 412; irregularity of
mails to and from Kaskaskia, 180,
211; mail route to Kaskaskia, 184;
mail to 111. to be routed via, 181;
postal service from, to Kaskaskia,
279; status of postal service from, to
Kaskaskia, 294.
Hendrix, James, militia muster roll,
235, 237.
Herculaneum (La. Terr.), mail schedule,
428; mail schedule to Mine a Burton,
429.
Herty, Thomas, and S. H. Smith,
commrs. to take deposit., 110, 111.
Hewit, John, identifies Beeman, 118.
Higgins (Higgens), Philemon (Phili-
mon), signer, 150.
Higgins, Philemon (Phillimen), Sr.,
signer, 150.
Hill, Charles, signer, 208.
Hill, Isaac, appd. It. of rangers, 215.
Hill, John, signer, 214.
Hill, Nathaniel, signer, 214.
Hill, Peter, militia muster roll, 237.
Hill, Robert, signer, 214.
For identical names, see index note, p. 45-i
INDEX
471
Hoffman, George, letter to the Sec. War,
52-53; note, 52 n.; rept. to Sec. War
re Indian affairs, 52-53.
Hoffman, Georgt, and Abbott, letter
ment. to Dubuque, 53, 54.
Holmes (Holms), Rep. David, of Va.,
interested in appt. to 111. Terr., 23;
letter to Sec. State, 9; recommends
Thomas as judge, 9.
Hooe, Colemon, signer, 274.
Hook, Elijah, militia muster roll, 226,
235.
Hopkins, Gen. Samuel, 269; failure to
meet 111. exped. at Peoria, 268.
Horse thieves, Indian, 39, 165, 177,
188-189, 252, 253, 254, 255, 387;
Kickapoo Indians, 114, 115; penalty
for, 114.
Houdson, Ryly, signer, 208.
Howard, Benjamin, Gov., La.-Mo.
Terr., Brig. Gen., U. S. Army, 20,
269, 299, 322; action in defense of
frontier, 203 n.; appd. and commd.
brig, gen., 344 n.; appd. to command
111. campaign, 346; arms sent from
arsenal, 173; assumes command of
111. defense, 344, 354; conf. with
Edwards, 193; encloses: letter from
Forsyth, 446, return of supplies at
Ft. Russell, 362; Forsyth's rept. sent
to, 413-414; holds council with Sauk,
322; letters ment. to: Blondeau, 187,
Edwards, 186, 248, 259, 327, Forsyth,
261, 310, Sec. War, 347, 350, 444, 446;
letters to: Sec. State, 10-11, Sec. War,
347-348, 362, 364, 370-373, 422-424,
444-446; opinions re: intentions of
Indians, 444-446, utihty of F^. Harri-
son, 424; ordered to return to St.
Louis, 414; plan to estab. garrison at
Peoria, 364; proposes joint exped.
against Indians, 293; recommends:
Boyle as govr., 10, mail be sent from
Vincennes by express, 348, Reid as
judge, 12 n.; referred to by error as
govr.. 111., 380; repts. by re: campaign
against Indians, 370-373, defense
measures, 347-348, renewal of Indian
war, 444-446; repts. to, re: Indian
designs, 324-327, renewal of Indian
war, 446-448; request ment. to move
La. militia to 111., 260 n.; requests
Edwards to apprehend Indians ac-
cused of murder, 169 n.; to command
U. S. troops, 444; warned of intended
attack, 310.
Howard, Mrs. Benjamin, 187.
Howard, Ehhu, signer, 64.
Howard, Capt. Lewis, of Michilimacki-
nac, 53.
Hubbard, Augustus, signer, 64.
Hubbard, EUas, signer, 64.
Hubbard, Ephraim, Sr., signer, 64, 153.
Hubbard, Simon M., signer, 152.
Hudson Bay, 409.
Hudson's Bay Company, strategic posi-
tion of, 409.
Hues, Robert, signer, 302.
Hugimana, Indian hostage, 447.
Huitt, John, on comm. to recommend
appt. of govr., 31.
Huitt, Rowland, signer, 150.
Huitt, William, signer, 150.
Hull, Gov. William, of Mich. Terr., 256,
262; instrs. to, re preserv. peace with
Indians, 231-232; letter ment. to
Heald, 261; orders ment. for evaeu. of
Chicago, 261; quarrel with Griswold,
81; rtpts. Indians quiet, 247.
Humphreys, Charles C, signer, 204.
Hunt & Prior, merchants, buildings and
goods destroyed by Indians, 187; lives
saved by Fox Indians, 188.
Huntington, Judge — , of New Hamp-
shire, 81.
Huston, William, signer, 391.
Hutson, Nathaniel, signer, 274.
Hutson, Wiley, signer, 274, 277.
Illinois (Elenoy) Country, 129, 130.
Illinois River, 116, 118, 119, 239, 254,
257, 268, 310, 312, 314, 332, 334, 366,
367, 384, 385, 386, 387; armed boats
on, discussed, 288, 293, 331, 332, 333,
370, 371; block houses erected along,
162; common highway, 246, 288, 290,
294; Forsyth's journey up, 324; In-
dian assemblies & councils on,
169-170, 174, 175-179, 215, 248; In-
dian depredations on, 194; Indians
from, hostile to U. S., 249; Indians on,
promised Brit, protection, 193-194;
Indians reside n. of, 294; Le Clair's
tour up, 253-255; miHt. force operate
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
472
INDEX
e. of, 331, 332; Potawatomi Indians
on, 178; sketch inent. of no. of In-
dians near, 253.
Illinois (Ellinoie) Territory, 93, 126,
151; act for govt, of (text), 6-8; add.
land office discussed, 153-154; ad-
vantage to, of salt production, 173;
argument for estab. of, 4-5; bill for
introduction of slaves in, 300; bound,
discussed, 65-66; Brit, interest in,
36-37; character of lands, 79; coram,
as govr., 270; committ. rept. re
estab. of, 3-5; conditions in n. part,
154-159; conting. expenses discussed,
1&-17, 38, 39, 49-50, 60, 69; danger
to, from Indians, 246-247, 264, 327-
328, 406; effect of Indian war on:
migration of popul. of, 164, settlers
in, 189, 190; elec. of deleg. discussed,
189; estab. of, 137, 138; estab. of
second grade of govt, discussed, 189,
199-202, 203-204, 209-210; exec,
proceeds, sent to Sec. State, 57,
185; exposed condition to Indian
raids, 319; factions in, 45-46, 47,
51, 56-57, 58-60, 61-62, 73, 122,
135-139; first sale pub. land an-
nounced, 422; identical interest with
Mo. Terr., 289-290; Indian rels.
discussed, 166-172, 174-179, 184,
202, 212, 223-225, 228-232; Indian
revolt, 312-315; labor scarcity, 297;
land surveys in, 12-13, (see also
under Land; Surveys); law re right
of preemption discussed, 330; laws
transmitted to Sec. State, 57; lead
mines, 105; loc. of private claims, 147;
mail schedules, 428-429 (gee also
under Postal service); map of, dis-
cussed, 65; measures of defense dis-
cussed, 160-172, 189-190, 193-194,
197-198, 203 n., 210, 215-216, 217,
218, 239, 246-248, 256-258, 260,
265-266, 268-269, 271-272, 285-287,
289-293, 294-295, 298, 304-308, 310-
311, 321-322, 331-335, 343-344, 347-
348, 350, 354, 364, 370-373, 380-381,
422-424, 444-448; need of survr.
gen. office nearer, 367; oath of office
discussed, 38; penalty for horse steal-
ing, 114; petitions and memorials
(see under Petitions); popul., 199,
210; portion under juris, of Mich.
Indian supt., 70 n.; Potawatomi
Indians in, 246; reason for lack of
emig., 96, 164; renewal of Indian
war, 451-452; resols. of assembly,
296-297; rule re calling leg. assem-
bly, 7; state of society, 50; status of
settlers in s. part of, 201; status of
volunteers in militia discussed, 36
n.; surveys (see under Surveys);
transf. of judge from, to Miss. Terr.,
109; unhealthy state of, 268; weak
state of defense, 315; wider suffrage
petitioned for, 203-204, 205-208;
U. S. rangers to be organ, in, 197,
217, 370.
Illinois Territory, appts. by Fed. Govt.:
brig, gen., 157, 159, 160, capt. U. S.
rangers, 197, command, of rangers,
217, 238 n., examiner of land office,
211, govr., 14 n., 45, 243, 270, Indian
agt., 310, Indian peace commrs., 231,
judges, 14-16, 83, 350-351, land
commrs., 418, reg. and rec. land
offices, 211, 417, 418, 433, 437, U. S.
atty., 366, U. S. marshal, 352-353.
Illinois Territory, appts. by govr.: en-
sign of rangers, 216, lieut. of rangers,
215, paymaster of militia, 265.
Iman, Abraham, s. resols., 342.
Improvement rights, discussed, 103, 104.
Indian agents, instrs. to, re aid in re-
covery of stolen horses, 39.
Indiana Territory, 8, 9, 11, 35, 43, 63,
144, 153, 178, 200, 210, 256, 411; act
for div., 6-8; argument for div., 4-5;
capital removed from Vincennes, 367;
comm. rept. re div., 3-5; danger from
Indians, 264; defense measures against
Indians, 218, 239, 268 n., 294; div.
discussed, 32, 137, 138; Edwards
doubts concert with, 247; election of
deleg. from, 135-137, 207; estab. of,
discussed, 104-105; Indian depreda-
tions in, 287; instrs. to govr. and
Indian agt., re preserv. of peace with
Indians, 231-232; Ky. troops in, 293;
land confirms, by govr. discussed, 211,
281, 282, 283, 440; land sale in, 416;
policy of govr. re loc. of militia rights,
404; troop move, in, 224; U. S.
rangers from, 197, 217, 370.
Por identical names, see index note, p. 45i
INDEX
473
Indian superintendency, united to civil
govr., 32.
Indian trade, 19; Brit, traders engage in,
179; resumption of, 216; suspension
of, 212; traders from Can. discussed,
154-157.
Indian Trading Factory (Chicago),
abandon, due to Indian revolt,
249-250, 256, 267; business suspended,
212; fur packs taken by Brit., 256;
gen. success discussed, 267 n.; goods
in, to be given to Indians, 261;
Indian rels. near, 195, 219-222; re-
sumption of trade with Indians, 216;
sale of arms to Indians stopped, 229,
230; situation at, 184, 185.
Indian Trading Factory (Michilimacld-
nac), appt. of Varnum as agt. to, 30;
goods for, diverted to Chicago, 36.
Indian Trading Factory (Prairie du
Chien), importance discussed, 156.
Indian treaties, annuity provis. of
Kaskaskia, 88; with Kaskaskia In-
dians, discussed, 75.
Indians, 50, 65, 114, 410; acct. of mas-
sacre by, of Chicago garrison, 259,
261-263; accused of murder in La.
Terr., 169 n.; assembly: on 111. R.,
248, along L. Mich. 245; attack on
Rector described, 397-398, 400, 401-
402; await declar. of war by Brit, on
U. S., 253, 254; battle with rangers,
347; Brit. rels. with discussed, 37,
154-156, 193-194, 215, 230, 253, 254,
255, 261-265, 312-313, 327-328, 444-
447; consolid. of, for war discussed,
238-239; council held at Sandy Creek,
325-327; council requested with, 169;
depredations in La. Terr., 246; desire
of, for return of settlers to Peoria,
327; Edwards recommend, as commr.
to treat with, 411; escape of, from
prison, 57; friendly rels. with, 69-71,
203, 216, 219-222; goods for, dis-
cussed, 52-53, 83; horse thieves, 165,
177, 188-189, 252, 253. 254, 255, 387;
hostilities, 159-160, 164-166, 169-172,
174-179, 184, 186-190, 193-194, 195,
202-203, 212, 223-225, 244-255, 285-
288, 319, 379-381, 382, 383, 384, 385,
386, 387; intent of, to take Chicago,
256; instrs. to call general council of.
to secure peace, 231-232; lack powder
for war, 250, 254, 255; manag. of, dis-
cussed, 70 n.; measures of defense
against discussed, 162-163, 188-190,
193-194, 197-198, 203 n., 210, 215-
216, 217, 239, 246-248, 256-258, 260,
268-269, 288-293, 294-295, 298, 304-
308, 310, 311, 321-322, 331-335, 343-
344, 347-348, 350, 354, 364, 370-373,
380-381, 422-424, 444-448; murders
committed by, 251, 303, 315; opinion
held by, of Americans, 178; opposed
to surveys, 135; part opposed to war
with U. S. threatened, 313, 314; plan
for educ. of, 140; renewal of war by,
406, 422-424, 444-448, 451-452; rept
re aflEairs of, 166-169; revolt of, dis-
cussed, 312-315; salt annuity, 35
sincerity of, questioned, 215; sketch
ment. of no. of, near Chicago, 253
turned back from march to Piqua
council, 261; uncertain temper of, at
end of war, 408-409; value of goods
supplied to, 55.
Inman, Rufus, signer, 278.
Intruders, discussed, 209.
Iowa (lyowais) Indians, 156; conf. with
party from Prophetstown, 245-246;
divided as to war with U. S., 313, 326.
Iowa (Ayowa) River, Brit. agts. arrive
at, 322; Sioux Indians of, 307.
Irby, Charles, witness to power of atty.,
129.
Iroquois River, Indian village on, 251.
Irwin, John, signer, 214.
Irwin, Matthew, abandons Chicago
trad, fact., 256; advises seizure of
Brit, traders, 179; appd. agt., Chicago
factory, 19 n., 35; compens. discussed,
25, 36; criticizes policy of sutler's
store at Chicago, 66-68; informed re
measures for defense of Chicago, 210;
instrs. to, re proceed, to Chicago,
35-36; letters ment. to: Mason, 19, 25,
Sec. War, 180, 195, 210, 216, 256;
letters to: Mason, 216, 256, Sec. War,
66-68, 159-160, 179, 184-185, 195-
196, 212-213, 219-222; opinions re:
employ, of army sutlers, 195-196,
Kinzie, 219-220, measures of defense
against the Indians, 195, methods
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
474
INDEX
of defense and prevent, of smuggling,
184-135; repts. by re; Indian rels. in
Chicago area, 219-222, resumption of
trade, 216; schism with milit. officers
discussed, 219-220; service as factor
ended, 267.
Ivy, Robert, militia muster roll, 233.
Jackaway, — , held for perjury, 95.
Jackson, Andrew, signer, 274.
Jackson, George, signer, 208, 274.
Jackson, Rep. J. G., of Va., recommends
Griswold as judge, 81 n.
Jackson, John, signer, 274.
Jackson, Joseph, signer, 274.
Jackson, William, signer, 274.
Janis, Nicholas, Jr., claim of, discussed,
440.
Janis, Nicholas, St., claim of, 432; claim
of, discussed, 440.
Jarrot (Jarot), Nicholas, 227 n.; admin,
of estate of Campbell, 155; commands
armed boat, 332; depos. favor, to
land commrs. ment., 59; donation of
land by, to Guillet, 89; gift of land
by, to La Trappe society, 140; letter
ment. to Edwards, 245; rept. ment.
re assembly of Indians at L. Mich.,
245; transmits letters, 306.
Jarvis, Field, militia muster roll, 235,
237.
Jarvis, John, Jr., signer, 150.
Jefferson, Thomas, see President.
Johnson, James, signer, 274.
Johnson, Obed, signer, 274.
Johnson Court House, mail schedule to
Kaskaskia, 429.
Johnson (Johnston), Rep. Richard M.,
of Ky., 20, 427; letter to Sec. State,
8-9; plan ment. for raising troops,
292, 293; problem of estab. second
grade of govt, laid before, 199-202;
recommends: Pope as terr. secy., 8,
Thomas as judge, 8; regt. of, added
to defense of terr., 321.
Johnson, William, signer, 302.
Johnston, John, instrs. to, re preserv. of
peace with Indians, 231-232.
Johnston, John, signer, 64.
Johnston, Nedham, signer, 208.
Johnston, William, signer, 207.
Jones, John Rice, brings suit against
Atcheson estate, 122, 134; conveys
land to Atcheson, 133; criticizes ac-
tion of land commrs. in withholding
deeds, 133-135; effort to defeat, as
deleg. to Cong., 136; in Washington,
D. C, 203 n.; letter to Sec. Treas.,
133-135.
Jones, John Rice, and W. Morrison,
affid. of, re state, of Penrose critical
of land commrs., 133.
Jones, Michael, 414; appd. adjut., 48
bill in favor of Shaw discussed, 102
candidate for elec. as deleg., 136-137
discusses confirm, of land claims, 431
dispute with Edgar et al, 120-129
expresses doubt re applic. of preemp-
tion law, 379; fin. acct. sent to Sec.
Treas., 95; indict, for murder dis-
cussed, 58-59; informed re appt. of
land agt., 48; letters ment. to: Bond,
379, Herty, 111, Sec. Treas., 102
Tiffin, 336, 439; letters to: Morrow,
141-142, Sec. Treas., 95, 109-110,
111, Tiffin, 431-432; note, 57 n.;
opinions re; pay of fees for survey of
private claims, 148, requested re
begin, of land sales, 158; opposes
estab. new land office on the Ohio,
141-142; proposed action against
Edgar for slander discussed, 110-111;
receives: law confirm, decisions of
land commrs., 98, views of Sec.
Treas. re land claims, 99-102; refusal
to deliver original deeds to J. R.
Jones, 133; regrets failure to receive
from Sec. Treas. copy of libelous
letters, 110; request to, by J. R. Jones
for deeds to land, 133; revision of
governor's confirms, proposed by, 141;
s. rept. land commrs., 284; transmits
supple, rept. re land claims, 284 n.;
trial for murder and acquittal, 95, 102.
Jones, Michael, and Backus, charges
against, as land commrs., discussed,
57-58; instrs. to, re amend, rept. on
land claims, 103-105; land commrs.,
48; letters ment. to: Sec. Treas., 59,
144; letters to: Sec. Treas., 92, W. and
E. Rector, 85-86; official letters to
Sec. Treas. stolen, 92. See also
under Land Commissioners.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
475
Jones, Michael, and Bond, letter to
Tiffin, 447-449; query re interpre. of
preemption act re sec. 16, 448-449.
Jones, Michael, and Caldwell, letter
ment. to Tiffin, 344; letter to Sec.
Treas., 329-330; state, by, re Sloo's
services to land board, 341.
Jones, Judge Obadiah, appd. judge:
ID. Terr., 14, Miss. Terr., 81, 82, 108,
109; letters ment. to: Crawford, 60,
108, 109; letter to Crawford, 60-62;
inquires re econ. conditions in Ga.,
62; proposed route of, to Ga., 61;
record of service as judge, 82 n.; resid.
as judge discussed, 61; resig., 71, 81,
82; salary discussed, 14 n., 108-109;
s. petition, 72; visit to La. Terr., 60,
61.
Jones, Peter, Indian annuity placed in
hands of, 47.
Jones, Rice, election to terr. leg., 122;
murder of, 18 n., 23, 32, 33, 46, 58 n.,
122, 138.
Jones, Capt. William, 227 n.
Jones, William, see Secretary of the
Treasury (act.) .
Jones, William, signer, 150.
Jordan, Joseph, signer, 208.
Jordan, William, signer, 277.
Jordan, — , surety for, 433.
Jordan's station, mail schedule, 428.
Jordon, Frs., signer, 208.
Jordon, William, signer, 277.
Jorney, John, signer, 273.
Jouett, Charles, fears change of terr.
bound, on Indian agency, 65-66;
instrs. to, re admin, of agency, 50;
letters ment. to: act. Sec. War, 40,
Sec. War, 50; letters to: act. Sec. War,
40, Sec. War, 65-66; request privilege
of visit. Washington, D. C, 66.
Judges, see Territorial Judges.
Judy, Capt. Samuel, 227 n. ; attends conf .
militia officers, 188.
Jurdan, Elias, signer, 277.
Jurney, Ens. John, signer, 301.
Jurney, Lt. Nathaniel, former militia
officer, 301; signer, 301.
Jurney, William, signer, 302.
Justice of the peace, 126; appt. of, 69 n.
Kanada, David, militia muster roll, 235.
Kankankee (Kiankakee; Teakakee; Tea-
kiki) River, 251; Indian forces on, 229;
Potawatomi Indians on, 178; pro-
posed Indian assembly at mouth of,
159-160.
Kaskaskia (Casca; Kaskaskias), 59,
120, 129, 130, 131, 132, 136, 137, 138,
174, 181, 201, 302, 399, 430; area east
of, harrassed by Indians, 331; bill
discussed re road to, from Shawnee-
town, 420; estab. of road to, from
Shawneetown and Saline urged, 297,
407-408; fear of attack on, 239; land
claims discussed, 100; loc. in rel. to
Shawneetown, 63; office of land
commrs. in, 281; party faction in,
61-62; p.m. at, to convey mail to
Henderson, Ky., 413; procl. land
sale to be publd. in newspaper in, 417;
proposed Indian attack on, 263; seat
of terr. govt., 8, 10, 11, 17, 18, 46, 47;
postal service: contracts discussed, 82,
182, 213, danger from Indians, 333,
duty of p.m. to forward mail, 151,
import, of, as mail center, 308, irreg-
ularities, 112, 180, 211, 275, 294,
routes to and from, 82, 112, 180, 182,
184, 211, 213, 279, 428, 429, sched-
ules, 192, 428-429; state of roads to
Washington, D. C, 94; survey of
commonfield discussed, 145.
Kaskaskia Indians, annuities discussed,
47, 75, 88; desire erection of church,
75; effect of liquor sale among, 52;
horses stolen from, by Kickapoo, 51;
removal of part of, to La. Terr., 246;
support of, by Edwards, 315.
Kaskaskia Land District, 133, 416, 450;
accuracy of surveys, 375 n.; applic. of
preemption law, 388; appt. of re-
ceiver, 211; decisions of commrs. dis-
cussed, 98-99, 120-129; discovery of
salt deposits, 430-431; estab. of land
claims discussed, 90-94; extent of
Renault's claim, 143-144; instrs. to
reg. and rec, 344-345; insufficient
compen. for elk. ot land commrs., 94;
land commrs. cease operations, 161;
map of, described, 375 n.; private
claims surveyed, 66; rept. of land
commrs. sent to Sec. Treas., 96; repts.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
476
INDEX
on: decisions re claims discussed,
103-105, land claims completed, 143-
144, 163; review of valid and in-
valid claims in, 281-284; settle, of
land claims discussed, 120-129,
135-139; surveys approved, 356; title
granted by govrs. to be examined,
211; unlocated claims, 403; work of
Sloo as land commr., 340-341.
Kaskaskia Land Office, 449; act re con-
firm, of claims sent to, 414; appt. of
agt. to comrars., 48-49; Caldwell
appd. rec, 417, 418; letter ment. from
reg. of, 336; only one in terr., 153;
proposed removal of, 142; qualif. of
receiver, 222; remoteness from newly
survd. lands discussed, 153-154; va-
cancy in office of rec, 173, 180.
Kaskaskia River, 137, 257, 304; bound,
line, 100; milit. forces operate n. of,
331.
Keeling, E., signer, 207.
Keeling, E. A., signer, 152.
Kelly, James, signer, 152.
Kelly, William, applies for reappt. as
adjut., 48; letter to Edwards, 48.
Kenan, Rep. Thomas, of N. C, recom-
mends Holmes as judge, 9.
Kennedy, David, militia muster roll,
237.
Kennedy, Samuel Simpson, appd. secy,
of meet., 31; attests sig., 32; oncomm.
to recommend appt. of govr., 31.
Kennerly, Lt. George H., 423.
Kentucky, 10, 11, 18, 46, 63, 129, 130,
166, 201, 223, 243, 344, 350, 358, 411,
423; Edwards appd. from, 23, 29, 45,
270; import, of slaves from, proposed,
297; judge of La. Terr, lives in, 61;
milit. aid requested of govr., 265;
Pope appd. secy, from, 340; popul. of
111. Terr, move to, 164; rangers to be
organ., 197; surveyors imported from,
78; troops from: offered to Edwards,
248, ordered to aid defense, 239, to
be raised in, 292; U. S. rangers
raised in, 217; volunteers from, 293.
Kenyon, Henry, signer, 64, 152, 278.
Kermack, Isaac, militia muster roll, 226.
Kerns, Jacob, signer, 302.
Kersey, John, signer, 153.
Kesterson, Larkin, signer, 275.
Kickapoo (Kaicapoos; Kikapo) Indians,
401; attack and destroy Peoria, 311
attend council at Sandy Creek, 327
charged with horse stealing, 51, 115
combine with other tribes for attack,
203; conf. with, 215; defeat of, 271
286; failure to sue for peace, 408
hold council with Potawatomi, 194
hostile assembly predicted, 159-160
hostile intentions, 263, 264, 287
involved in murder of O'Neal family,
229 n.; loc. of, 176; loiterers, 448
party of, at Prophetstown, 325; pil-
lage houses in Peoria, 380; principal
raiders on frontier, 313; receive
powder from Brit., 312; refuse conf.
with Edwards, 197 n.; rept. on mis-
sion to, 228-231; threaten Fox and
Sauk, 307; urge massacre of inhabs.
of Peoria, 380; urge Sioux to war, 314;
village burned, 354; village on Mink
River destroyed, 331, 332, 334.
Kincheloe, William, signer, 208.
Kinchlow, William, signer, 152.
King, John, signer, 274.
King, John, signer, 277.
King, John Edgar, recommend, as
judge, 12 n.
King, Robert, 376, criticizes survey
plats, 368-369; letter sent to Meigs,
369; letters to: Meigs, 353, Tiffin,
368-369; note, 368.
Kinney, William, signer, 150.
Kinzie (Kinzey), John, agt. of, trades
with Shawnee Prophet, 220; agts. of,
at Milwaukee, Peoria and Stony
River, 220; appd. army sutler, 184;
brings unauthorized goods to Chicago,
184-185; eyewitness to Chicago mas-
sacre, 261; Indian policy criticized,
219-220; letter to Forsyth, 248-250;
prices at store of, 68 n.; rel. of, to
Forsyth, 248 n.; rept. by, re Indian
councils at Milwaukee, 247-249.
Kinzie & Forsyth, alleged machinations
in Indian campaigns, 196; effort
secure appt. as sutlers, 196; house
burned, 387; list of losses at Peoria,
382-383; recog. as army sutlers,
196-197.
Kirkpatrick, Francis, militia muster
roll, 226, 232.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
477
Kirkpatrick, James, militia muster roll,
227, 233.
Kitchewaakeekee, Menominee village,
rept. by LeClair on, 254.
Kramer, G. D., signer, 213.
Labelle, Charle, signer, 382.
Labroix, — , 117.
Lachapelle, S., signer, 214.
La Chapelle, — , transmits letter to
Harrison, 30.
Lae, James, signer, 277.
Lake Erie, 446; battle of, 365.
Lake Huron, 244, 446.
Lake Michigan, 65, 176, 221, 286, 306,
408, 446; arrival of Brit, supplies for
Indians at south, end of, 312-313;
bound, line, 3; Brit. rels. with Indians
on, 37; conf. with Indians from, 215;
exped. against Indians on, recom-
mend., 333; Indians gather on w.
border of, 244; Indians w. of, intend
gen. war, 314.
Lake St. Clair, 446.
Lake Superior, 244.
Lake Winnepeg (Winnepic), 409.
Lake of the Woods, point on bound,
line, 3.
Land, ancient grants discussed, 99, 103,
104, 143, 439; appt. of agt. re claims
to, 48-49; begin, of corr. re, 12-13;
bill re settl. of donation claims dis-
cussed, 419-420; Brit, grants dis-
cussed, 104; character of, 79, 367,
374; claims and adjustment of titles
discussed or ment., 58, 98-99, 102,
121-129, 133-135, 139, 141, 144, 161,
336-337, 403-405, 414, 431-432;
claims confirm, by govrs. discussed,
99, 211, 338, 440; classif. of claims
discussed, 99, 103-105, 143, 164,
282-283; donation claims discussed,
98, 99, 143, 337-339, 402-405; float-
ing claims, 405; forfeitures discussed,
449, 450; forgery and perjury re
claimsto, 91, 94, 339; Fr. grants, 100;
gilt of, to Trappist order, 140; grants
to support ferries discussed, 191;
hold, of, as qualif. for office discussed,
72, 74; improv. rights, 99, 143, 405;
instrs. re selec. of lands near U. S.
Saline to be excluded from sale, 414;
interpret, of act re confirm, of claims,
439-440; intruders, 209; islands in
Miss. R. to be survd. 441; large amt.
to be survd. and sold, 366; lease along
post roads discussed, 198-199; legis.
memorial re loe. of claims to, 402-405;
list of townships with private claims,
86-87; method of determin. claims to,
90-92, 93-94; militia claims & rights,
98, 99, 143; mineral lands excluded
from private ownership, 430; owner-
ship a qualif. for suffrage and office
holding, 204, 205-206; petition re
more liberal policy of distrib., 272-
275, 276; prior hist, of claims to,
98 n.; private claims discussed, 77,
79-80, rept. on, 163; plats of surveys
sent to G.L.O., 343; procl. for sale
printed, 428; pub. sale discussed, 163-
164, 204-205, 422; repts. by commrs.
re, claims discussed, 98-99, 109-110,
158-159; represent, of Tiffin re dis-
cussed, 395-396; resol. of terr. leg.
re more liberal policy of distrib., 279-
280; review of valid and invalid
claims, 281-284; right of terr. to tax,
296; sale discussed or ment., 74, 158,
199, 200, 209, 296, 335-336, 369-370,
421, 422, 429; sale of reserved, ex-
cluded, 344-345; sale procld. in
Shawneetown L. 0., 416-417; spec-
ulation ment., 49; status of surveys
under author, of govrs., 13; subdiv.
at the expense ol purchasers discussed,
394; surveys discussed or mentioned,
66, 77-80, 84-88, 89, 96-97, 106-107,
142, 145-146, 146-148, 163-164, 181-
182 (see also under Surveys); tract
set aside for claimants discussed,
329-330.
Land Commissioners, Kaskaskia Land
District (Michael Jones, Elijah
Backus, John Caldwell, and Thomas
Sloo), 76, 84; add. compens. to, pro-
posed, 161; author, to direct surveys
discussed, 20-22; charges against, dis-
cussed, 57-58, 59-60; charges by, of
fraud and perjury by Edgar discussed,
120-129; claim of, for allowance, 142;
confirms, by, discussed, 103-105, 109;
conflict with Biggs re claims, 136-139;
criticism of, for: misinterpret, instrs..
For identical names, see index note, p. JiSIf
478
INDEX
158-161, withholding original papers
from claimants, 133-135; decisions:
confirm, claims discussed, 99-102,
121-129; desire investig. of confirms,
by govr., 141; doubts of, re applic. of
preemption law, 379; functions cease,
158, 161; instrs. ment. re survey of
commonfield, 145; instrs. to, re amend,
rept., 103-105; letters ment. to: Mans-
field, 21, 22, Rector, 12, Sec. Treas.,
92, 94, 439; letter to Sec. Treas.
281-284; modus operandi discussed,
121, 123; opinion re survey of private
claims, 85-86; policy criticized,
135-139; recommends, re confirm, of
claims discussed, 336-339; repts. by,
re land claims discussed, 96, 143-144,
163, 337-339, 431-432, 439-440; Sloo
appd. a?, 340; transmits plat of tract
desig. for claimants, 329; work of,
discussed, 90-92, 93-94. See also
Backus, Elijah; Jones, Michael; Cald-
well, John; Sloo, Thomas; Kaskaskia
Land District.
Land offices, estab. discussed, 279, 402,
407-408; petition for estab. of add.,
153-154; proposed estab. of new, in
n. part of terr., 142; proposed on
Ohio R., 141-142.
Lang, Joseph, signer, 64.
Langford, Eli, landing place of, on
Miss. R., 118, 119.
Langford, John W., signer, 153.
Langley, — , of Ohio, 67.
L'Anglois, E., tract of, 100.
Langlois, — , accused of complicity in
murder, 58 n.
Lapanc^, Antoine, signer, 382.
La Prime, Sauk Indian, joins enemies oi
U. S., 307.
Larner, Patrick, signer, 204.
La Roque (Roc), Joseph, interpret, to
Sioux Indians, 315; letters ment. to
Boilvin, 315; letter to Boilvin, 316;
rept. by, re Indian intentions, 316;
tempor. Indian agt. at Prairie du
Chien, 316 n.
Lash, James, signer, 214.
Lasond (Lasonde), Louis, land deed of,
to Edgar forged, 126.
La Trappe, Society of, bill for the relin-
quish, to, of tract, 89-90; petition by,
for grant of land, 140-141.
Leach, Humphrey, signer, 277.
Leach, — , rept. by, re Indiana troop
move., 224.
Lead, value of manufact. from, dis-
cussed, 156.
Lead mines, 143; discussed, 258-259;
import, of, 156; in La. Terr., 61; lease
approved, 160; leases discussed, 105;
petition for lease of, 279; excluded
from sale, 430.
Leard, James, signer, 214.
Leard, Samuel, signer, 214.
Le Bleu Laigle, Sauk chief, fears attack
ot Sioux against tribe, 307.
Le Brave, Sauk Indian, joins enemies of
U. S., 307.
Le Clair (Le Clere; Le Claire), Antoine,
387; accompanies Forsyth on mission,
325; arrival at and departure from
Milwaukee, 254; carries letter to
Kinzie, 248; date of arrival at Peoria
from tour, 255; horse stolen from, 253;
instrs. to, by Forsyth, 253; list of
losses sustained by, at Peoria, 386;
mission discussed, 230; rept. of tour
to Indian country, 252, 253-255;
signer, 382; s. affids., 383, 384, 385;
trip among Indian nations discussed,
245; visit to Milwaukee discussed,
248.
Le Clair, Francois, s. affidavit, 387.
Le Comte (Le Cont), Maj. Pierre, 288.
Le Dardeur, Sauk Indian, joins enemies
of U. S.. 307.
Ledbetter, Asa, signer, 277.
Lee, Benjamin, signer, 274.
Lee, Bennoney, signer, 277.
Lee, Bennoney, signer, 277.
Lee, Benoney, signer, 208, 274.
Lee, Jams, signer, 214.
Lee, James, Jr., signer, 274.
Lee, James, Jr., signer, 274.
Lee, James, Sr., signer, 274.
Lee, James, Sr., signer, 274.
Lee, Ralph, signer, 214.
Lee, Richard, signer, 273.
Lee, Samuel, signer, 301.
Legg, Jacob, signer, 278.
For identical names, see index note, p. 4S4
INDEX
479
LeMoine, — , Brit, trader, house of, at
Peoria not burned, 310.
Lemon (Lemmon), William, militia
muster roll, 226, 232.
LeVasseur, Pierre, signer, 382.
Levens (Levins), Henry, alleges land
commrs. unfriendly to Biggs, 137-138;
depos. favor, to land commrs. ment.,
59; signer, 214.
Levens, Otho, signer, 214.
Levens, Thomas, militia muster roll,
235, signer, 214.
Levering, Capt. Samuel, death of, 175;
letter to Edwards, 175-179; proposal
for return of property stolen by
Indians, 178, 179; rep. of Edwards
at Indian council, 169-170, 174-175;
rept. by, re Indian council, 175-179.
Lewis, Meriwether, Govr., La. Terr., 25,
37; appts. Dubuque as Indian agt.,
54; author, over Sauk Indians, 40;
death of, 69, 70 n.
Lexington (Ky.), 161.
Lexington (Ky.) Gazette, procl. land
sale to be publd. in, 417.
Linn, Charles, signer, 152.
Linn, Jeames, signer, 152.
Little Calumet River, friendly attitude
of Indians near, 219.
Little Chief (Okemas), Ottawa chief,
178.
Little Deer, Kickapoo chief, leads tribe
on raids, 313.
Little Muddy River, mail schedule, 428.
Little Rock, Indian \nllage, 255.
Little Shawnee (Mo.), mail schedule,
429.
Little, Tomas, signer, 208.
Little Wabash River, milit. oper. up,
331; murder of settler near, 303;
surveys near, 400.
Little, William, signer, 214.
Liveley, James, signer, 214.
Liveley, Joseph, signer, 214.
Lively, Shadrach, signer, 214.
Livingston County (Ky.), postal service
from Shawneetown, 157.
Logan, James, signer, 64.
Logan County (Ky.), 129-130.
Lomax, Alexander, signer, 153.
Long, Jonas, signer, 273.
Louisiana Gazette, resols. of militia sent
to, for publ., 189.
Louisiana Territory, 11, 32, 37, 38, 173,
178; Cherokee emig. to, 246; corn-
pens, allowed for elk. to land commrs.,
94; danger from Indians, 245; Ed-
wards advises concert with, 247;
hostile intentions of Sioux towards,
253; Indian depredations, 194, 246,
251; law against horse stealing dis-
cussed, 114; Renault's claims in, 143,
144; resid. of judge, 61.
Louisville (Ky.), instrs. to p.m. at: to
route mail to 111. via Henderson, 181,
to supply equipment to p.o. at
Kaskaskia, 180, 181, 213.
Louisville (Ky.) Correspondent, procl.
land sale to be publd. in, 417.
Loutre settlement (La. Terr.), Indian
depredations, 251.
Love, Joseph, signer, 64.
Lowry, David, signer, 278.
Lowry, William, applies for appt. as
rec, 173-174; letter to Sec. State,
173-174.
Lucas, John, signer, 214.
Lusk (Lust), John T., militia muster
roll, 226, 232.
Lxisk, Vance, signer, 274.
Lynwood (White) Island, Miami In-
dians from, 229.
Lyon, Rep. Matthew, of Ky., agt. of
mail contractor, 157; characterizes
appts. in terr., 17-18; letters ment. to:
P.M.G., 192; letters to: Edgar, 17-18,
Mansfield, 97-98; opponent of ad-
min., 17; petition to, by inhabs. of
Shawneetown, 62-64; recommends:
Dobbins to lay out Shawneetown,
97-98, King as judge, 12 n., Priestly
as judge, 12 n., 18.
McArthur, John, bondsman of Finney,
56; censured for failure of mails, 90,
112; instrs. to, re collection of drafts,
139; letter ment. to P.M.G., 114;
mail contractor, 82, 140; penalized for
failure of post rider, 151.
McBride, John, signer, 214.
McBride, William, signer, 214.
McCall, James B., recommend, as survr.,
78.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
480
INDEX
McCarty (Mackarty), Jacob, land claim
assigned to Edgar, 123, 126, 128, 131;
land claim rejected, 128; rel. to
Stanley family, 126.
McCarty, Jacob, and D. Stanley, power
of atty. to A. Stanley, 130-131.
McClosky, Laurance M., signer, 204.
McClure, Samuel, signer, 153.
McCollister, Thomas, signer, 208.
McConnel, John, signer, 64.
McCormack, Andrew, signer, 214.
McCormik, Joseph, signer, 150.
McCourtny, Joseph, signer, 214.
McCoy, Walter, signer, 275.
McCoy, William, signer, 277.
McCree, Arthur, signer, 277.
McDaniel, William, Sr., signer, 214.
McDonald, — , discharge from Chicago
agency ordered, 50.
Mcdonough, Stace, signer, 214.
Mace, Henry, militia muster roll, 226,
233.
Mace, Septimus, militia muster roll,
226, 232.
McFadin, James, militia muster roll
233.
McFaggon, — , permit to seek stolen
horses, 39.
McFarlan, James, signer, 274.
McFerron, Joseph, draft in favor of
McArthur, 139; letter ment. P.M.G.,
183; p.m. at Cape Girardeau, La.
Terr., 183.
McFerron, Joshua, draft on, in favor
of McArthur, 139.
McGough, John, witness to power of
atty., 129.
McGowen, Patrick, soldier, 221; ad-
venture of, 222.
McHenry, Capt. William, raises comp.
of rangers, 317; settlement endan-
gered, 223, 224; signer, 208.
Mcllmurray's station, on Miss. R., 147.
Mclsack, Isaac, signer, 153.
Mackinac (Mich. Terr.), see Michili-
mackinac.
McKinney (McKinny), Daniel, militia
muster roll, 235, 237; signer, 302.
McKinny, William, signer, 208.
McMulIen, Robert, signer, 153.
McNabb, Charles, signer, 213.
McNabb, James, signer, 213.
McNair, Col. Alexander, in campaign
against Indians, 370.
McNeal, Uil., signer, 302.
Macoy, Walter, signer, 277.
Macoy, Zekel, signer, 277.
McPherson (McFerson), John, claims
to Stanley lands, 127.
Madcalf, Emanuel (Amanuel, Manuel),
signer, 208, 274, 277.
Madcalf, Joel, signer, 208.
Madison, James, see President; Secre-
tary of State.
Madison County (Miss. Terr.), 109.
Madox, Alexander, signer, 302.
Magruder, Patrick, certifies act, 8.
Mail contractors, failure discussed, 112,
191, 211, 294; failure on Henderson-
Shawneetown route, 412; instrs. ment.
to, re better service, 276, 278; rider
for, fined for negligence, 339.
Mail contracts, 354; completed with
Morrison, 205; contractor fined, 73;
cost of, 213; discussed, 275, 294;
failure to fulfill, 90; Kaskaskia-New
Madrid route discussed, 182-183;
list of, 82; names, routes and dates,
184; proposals for, 428-429; value of,
183, 184. See also Postmaster
General.
Main Poque (Mainpoc; Mainpocks),
Potawatomi chief, 286; accepts chal-
lenge of battle with U. S., 313;
arrival at Ft. Maiden, 230; charged
with theft, 116-120; expected return
from Ft. Maiden, 246; forwards sup-
plies from Ft. Maiden, 263; goes to
Detroit, 177; intended visit to De-
troit, 326; sends war message from
Ft. Maiden, 262; to receive powder
from F^. Maiden, 251; village of, on
Fox R., 178, 251, 255.
Maiden (Can.), 305, 446; Brit. agts. at,
incite Indians against U. S., 380;
Indians find difficulty in reach., 314,
315; strength of, 326; Tecumseh
visits, 286. See also Fort Maiden.
Mallier, PoUitte, signer, 382.
Manegle, J., depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59.
Manning, Welding, signer, 277.
Mansfield, Jared, survr. gen., 146, 366;
approves Rector's surveys, 356; com-
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
481
mends Dobbins as survr., 406; con-
tract ment. with Messinger, 442;
corrs. ment. with Dobbins, 419;
credit for, 113; describes method of
survey., 374-375; Dobbins recom-
mended to, 97-98; extract of letter
to Meigs, 374-375; informed re
progress in surveying Shawneetown,
148-149; instrs. by, re survey of pri-
vate and pub. lands, 20-22, 84-86,
96-97; instrs. to, re: clearing way for
pub. land sales, 163-164, running sec.
lines, 135, survey of town lots, 112;
letters ment. to: Dobbins, 148, 181,
425, Meigs, 376, Messinger, 106,
Rector, 86, 88, 96, Sec. Treas., 66, 77,
112, 135; letters to: Dobbins, 425-
426, Rector, 20-22, Sec. Treas., 180-
181; orders suspension of unauthor-
ized surveys, 21-22; receives credit
through Cincinnati land dist., 66;
receives advice from Edwards re
Shawneetown, 107-108; receives re-
commend, for U. S. pay. of private
surveys, 146-148; receives recom-
mend, of Robinson as survr., 76;
recommends act of Cong, re pay for
surveys, 147; recommends E. Rector
as receiver, 180-181; repts. to, re
status of surveys, 12-13, 76-80, 89,
145-146. See also Surveyor General.
Mansfield, John F., 13, 78; draws map
of Kaskaskia and Shawneetown Land
dists., 375 n.; furlough granted to,
319; requested to make copies of
plats, 145.
Mansfield, Mary, 146.
Manson, John, signer, 64.
Marietta (Ohio), 158, 448.
Marney, Thomas, militia muster roll,
237.
Martin (Martan), Lt. Pierre, attends
militia conf., 188; signer, 382.
Martin, Thomas, mil. storekeeper,
instrs. to, re arms for terr. govrs., 218.
Mason, John, informed re: abandon, of
Chicago Trad. Fact., 256, resumption
of trade, 216; informs Irwin of end
of service as factor, 267; instrs. re
pay to Irwin, 25; letters to Irwin, 19,
25, 35-36,267; sends remit, to Irwin,
36.
Masterson, Michael, signer, 150.
Matheny, Charles R., militia muster
roll, 232.
Mathewson, Sen. Elisha, of R. I.,
recommends Griswold as judge, 81 n.
Maulding, Taylor, signer, 207.
Maxwell, Hugh J., signer, 214.
May, Morris, signer, 208.
Mayens (Myars), John, militia muster
roll, 235.
Mazes, Thomas, signer, 277.
Meacham, Joseph, on comm. to recom-
mend govr., 31.
Mears, William, appd. and commd.
U. S. atty., 352, 366; as terr. atty.
gen. cannot prosec. counterfeiters,
345-346; instrs. to, re legal action
against Robinson, 395; letters to:
Pres., 345-346, Sec. State, 366;
recommend, as U. S. atty., 302, 348.
Mechegee, Henry, signer, 277.
Mechegee, William, signer, 277.
Megango, Potawatomi Indians at, 178.
Meigs, Josiah, survr. gen., absence from
survr. gen. office, 448; advises Sloo
to secure supplies in Cincinnati, 427;
confirmed as survr. gen., 309 n.;
encloses Mansfield-Dobbins corr. re
survey of Shawneetown, 424-426; in-
formed re questionable land entries,
430-431; instrs. to, re: correction of
surveys, 318, 378, Dobbins's acct.,
412, return of surveys in Shawnee-
town dist., 335-336, revision of sur-
veyed plats, 369; letters ment. to:
Messinger, 441, Tiffin, 318, 320, 353,
364, 375, 376, 378, 396, 413, 417, 436,
440; letters to Tiffin, 309, 320-321,
329, 330-331, 351, 355-357, 360, 365,
374-376, 389-390, 393-394, 395-396,
400-401, 406-407, 412, 418-419, 421-
422, 424-427, 436-437, 448; new loc.
for survr. gen. office recommended,
366-368; opinion re effect of pub. sale
of unsold lots in Shawneetown, 448;
opinion re purpose of dep. survrs.,
393; petition to, re improve, of plan
of Shawneetown, 390-391; praises
work of W. Rector as survr., 376;
promises correction of surveys, 377;
query re survey of islands in Miss. R.,
436; query re unsold lots in Shawnee-
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
482
INDEX
town, 436; receives acct. of Indian
attack on Rector, 401-402; receives
applic. for survey work, 419-420;
receives recommend, re milit. aid for
survrs., 398-399; recommends change
of loc. of Shawneetown, 395-396;
repts. by, re: plan of Shawneetown,
309, 320-321, poor site of Shawnee-
town, 357-360, 361, progress of sur-
veys, 374-376; salary on deposit in
Washington bank, 397; sends to
G.L.O.: claim of Dobbins for pay as
survr., 406, further changes in Shaw-
neetown plat, 330-331, letters of
Griswold and Rector, 360, plats of
twps., 351, plats of surveys, 363,
356, 357, 364, 365, 393, revised plat
of Shawneetown, 329. See also Sur-
veyor General.
Meigs, Sen. Return J., Jr., of Ohio, in-
formed re work of elk. to land commrs.,
90-92. See also Postmaster General.
Mekkele, William, signer, 278.
Mekleroy, William, signer, 302.
Menard, Capt. Francis, command.s
armed boat, 288.
Menard, Pierre, exper. in Rocky Mts.,
411; s. legis. memorial, 405; recom-
mended to command force in upper
Mo. R., 411; signer, 272; surveys by,
84, 85.
Menominee (Falsovoins, Fols Avoines)
Indians, 250; conf. with other tribes
at Milwaukee, 249; deleg. accompany
Dickson to Can., 249; kill cattle of
Boilvin, 316; receive powder from
Brit., 312; visit: Ft. Maiden, 253,
Prairie du Chien agency, 71.
Messinger, John, criticism of Rector's
surveys, 106-107; desires work as
survr., 106-107; instrs. to, re forward-
ing letters, 151; letter ment. to
Mansfield, 106; letters to: Mansfield,
106-107, Meigs, 441-443; member
Indiana terr. legis., 136; note, 106;
on comm. to recommend govr., 31;
p. m., Clinton, 151; proposals for sur-
vey., 441-443; resols. of True Ameri-
cans drawn in home of, 341; survey,
contract ment., 442; vote of, against
J. R. Jones as deleg., 136.
Methodist Society, petition by, for land
grant, rejected, 392.
Mett6, Jacques, Indian interp. of
Edwards, 228, 229; signer, 382.
Miami Indians, 261; conf. at Peoria,
229; defeat of, 271, 286; meet, of, at
Ft. Madison, 306; party on way to
St. Josephs, 325; removal from
Wabash R., 306; war speech delivered
to, 252.
Miami of the Lake River, 252, 257.
Miami River, 356.
Michel, George, signer, 301.
Michigan Territory, 178, 367; danger
from Indians, 264; instrs. to govr. and
Indian agt. re peace with Indians,
231-232.
Michiliraackinac (Mich. Terr.), 252, 258,
264, 444; alleged burning of, 451; cap-
ture by Brit., 256, 263; channel of
inform, from, estab., 310; collector
auth. to note violations, 180; copiesof
Boilvin's letters sent to, 316; exped.
against ment., 451; goods stored for
Chicago factory, 25; Indian goods
enter U. S. via, 230, 314; Indian goods
stored at, 52-53; Indians from, confer
with Brit., 249; Indians supplied
from, 250; instrs. to commander at,
83; recapture urged, 292; source of
arms for Indians, 285; traveler from,
en route to St. Louis, 175; village
burned, 447; way station to Maiden,
315.
Michilimackinac Company, 220; house
in Prairie du Chien used as garrison,
445.
Michilimackinac Trading Factory, appt.
of Varnum as agt. to, 30; goods for,
diverted to Chicago, 36.
Middleton, Robert, militia muster roll,
234, 236.
Middleton, Rubin, militia muster roll,
235.
Military reservation, survey of, 400.
Militia, 206, 301, 318, 342, 362, 387,
423; appt. of adjut. discussed, 48;
appt. of brig. gen. discussed, 113, 120,
157, 159, 160; assembled at Camp
Edwards, 257; brig. gen. resigns, 397;
called for defense against Indians,
169, 171-172, 260; command dis-
Por identical names, see index note, p. ^54
IN'DEX
483
cussed, 295 n.; difficulty in organiz.,
113; discharge of mounted, 372; dona-
tion rights discussed, 103, 104, 143,
337, 338, 339; tlec. of deleg. and
estab. of second grade of govt, urged
by officers, 189; kept on war footing
at Prairie du Chien, 187; lack of
author, to call, 223; land claims
derived from service in, 404; land
donations to members of, 283; meas-
ures of defense urged by officers,
188-190; members join rangers, 304;
movement of La., into 111. discussed,
260 n.; muster rolls, 226-227, 232-236;
muster rolls discussed, 227 n., 228 n.,
232 n.; muster rolls not reed, by War
Dept., 193; new system of appt.
officers discussed, 51; no approp. for
pay of, 193; no returns made, 37;
officers offtr services to govr., 190;
one comp. called out, 223, 224, 225;
ordered out for defense, 164; pay
discussed, 165, 193, 198 n., 265-266,
267; plan for calling discussed, 256-
257; recommend, for appt. of brig.
gen. of, 378; status of volunteers dis-
cussed, 36 n.; term expires, 333.
Mill, Henry, signer, 214.
Millar, John, signer, 214.
Milledge, John, s. act, 8.
Miller, Alen, signer, 278.
Miller, James C, signer, 273.
Miller, Jessee, militia muster roll, 226.
Milwaukee (Millewakee; Millwackee;
Millwaker; Milwaake; Milwaakee;
Milwakee), 176; agts. of Kinzie trade
at, 220; arrival of Le Clair at, 254;
channel of inform, from, estab., 310;
Indian move, at, 248-249; Indians
hostile to U. S., 249; Indians to join
war party, 265; Indians in area of,
friendly, 219; Le Clair visits, 245;
rept. of tour by Le Clair to, 253-255;
sketch ment., 231.
Mine a Burton (La. Terr.), mail sched-
ule to Herculaneum, 429.
Mink River, attack on Kickapoo
Indians on, 331, 332, 334.
Mississinewa (Massasinawa), battle of,
ment., 313.
Mississippi River, 8, 53, 116, 118, 119,
154, 155, 172, 246, 257, 258, 269, 272,
286, 292, 304, 306, 311, 315, 326, 351,
366, 371, 395, 403, 409, 419, 420, 422;
armed boats proposed for, 293;
bound, line, 3, 100, 101, 102; avenue
of supply for troops, 288; Brit. rels.
with Indians on, 37; common high-
way, 245, 290, 294; Dickson's pro-
posed visit to Indians on, 326, 333;
expected attack from Indians of, 328;
Fox Indians on, divided as to war
with U. S., 313, 314; Indian raids on,
445; Indian trade on, discussed, 156;
Indians on, hostile to U. S., 249;
Indians on, promised Brit, protection,
194; inhabs. in area in danger of
attack, 314; intruders on lands near,
209; Iowa Indians on, divided as to
war on U. S., 313; islands to be sur-
veyed, 436, 440; land claims adjacent
to, 84-86, 87, 89; lapse of time for
news to reach Detroit, 229; Sauk
Indians on, divided as to war with
U. S., 313, 314; settlers on, abandon
homes, 190; speech delivered to
Indians on, 252; w. bound, of private
claims, 147.
Mississippi Territory, 9, 23, 61, 81, 82;
market for salt, 361 ; transf . of Judge
Jones to, 108, 109.
Missouri Fur Company, defeat of, by
Brit., 410; plan for protect, of,
410-411.
Missouri River, 116, 118, 119, 263, 371,
381, 422; armed boats proposed for,
293; fur trade on upper, 410; Indian
raids on, 445, 446, 451.
Missouri Territory, 279, 350, 366, 381,
389, 394, 395, 399, 411, 436, 438, 439,
440; appt. of dep. sur\T. in, 356; appt.
of judge in, discussed, 298-299;
danger from Indians, 264; defense
measures discussed, 289-293; identi-
cal interest with 111. Terr., 289-290;
land claims and surveys in, 356,
419; need of survr. gen. office nearer,
367; Pope commd. secy, from, 303;
proposals for transp. mail in, 428-
429; rangers in 111. campaign, 370;
rangers to be recruited, 422.
Mitchel, George, militia muster roll,
234, 236.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
—32
484
INDEX
Mitchell, Ens. George, attends conf.
militia officers, 188.
Mitchell, John, signer, 277.
Modglin, Straingman, signer, 274.
Monney, Thomas, militia muster roll,
235.
Monroe, James, see Secretary of State;
Secretary of War (act.).
Montgomery, William, signer, 150.
Montreal (Can.), 121, 258; Brit, traders
from, 244; oper. of N. W. Fur Co.
from, 409.
Moore, Abel, signer, 150.
Moore, Sen. Andrew, of Va., recom-
mends Grigsby as terr. secy., 11 n.
Moore, Capt. Daniel 0., 227 n.
Moore, George, signer, 150.
Moore, J. Milton, militia muster roll,
233; signer, 214.
Moore, Capt. James, attends conf.
militia officers, 188; raises volunteers,
305; certifies muster roll, 228, 234; in
campaign against Kickapoo, 333,
334; militia muster roll, 226, 232;
muster roll of militia comp. of,
226-227, 232-234; raises co. of rang-
ers, 316; recommended as capt. of
rangers, 227 n., 245; signer, 150.
Moore, John, signer, 208.
Moore, Risdon, signer, 392.
Moore, Samuel, signer, 64.
Moore, T. Milton, muster roll, 226.
Moore, William, signer, 150.
Moore, — , murdered by Indians, 303.
More, William, signer, 302.
Moredock, John, militia muster roll,
234, 236; recommend, to raise
mounted troops, 271.
Morgan, Arthur, militia muster roll,
226, 233; signer, 150.
Morgan, Elias, signer, 208.
Morgan, William, signer, 64, 274.
Morgin, Isaac, signer, 152.
Morow, Thomas, signer, 274.
Morriess, George, signer, 208.
Morris, David, signer, 274.
Morris, Erven, signer, 274.
Morris, John, signer, 208, 274.
Morris, John, signer, 208, 277.
Morris, Thomas, signer, 302.
Morris, William, army contractor, 156;
signer, 274.
Morrison brothers, view re div. Indiana
Terr., 138.
Morrison, James, and Wilkins, com-
plaint re lessee of U. S. Saline, 434;
letter ment. to Pres., 434.
Morrison, Robert, believes Pope's oath
invalid, 38; charges ment. against,
31; signer, 214; suit against, by Jones,
95; supporter of Rice Jones, 122.
Morrison, Robert, and W. Morrison
and Edgar, letter to land commrs.,
122-123.
Morrison, William, 18, 433; army con-
tractor, supplies Ft. Russell, 363;
charges against Gilbreath, 45-46;
letter to Edgar, 132 ; money forwarded
to, 323; presents certificates for
rations supplied in Indian war, 388;
receives mail contract, 205; suit
against, by Jones, 95; supporter of
Rice Jones, 122.
Morrison, William, and J. Edgar, letter
to Edwards, 45-46.
Morrison, William, and J. R. Jones,
affid. of, re state, of Penrose critical of
land commrs., 133.
Morrison, William, and R. Morrison
and Edgar, letter to land commrs.,
122-123.
Morriss, James, signer, 278.
Morrow, David, signer, 274.
Morrow, James, Jr., signer, 274.
Morrow, James, Sr., signer, 274.
Morrow, Rep. Jeremiah, of Ohio, ad-
vises Sloo to secure office supplies in
Cincinnati, 427; chmn. of land comm.,
199; informed re affairs of Kaskaskia
land office, 141-142; recommends
Griswold as judge, 81 n.
Morrow, John, signer, 273.
Morrow, Thomas, Jr., signer, 273.
Morrow, Thomas, Sr., signer, 273.
Moss, Isaac, signer, 277.
Moss, John W., applies for appt as
terr. secy., 11 n.
Moulin, Pierre, signer, 64.
Muddy Creek, 403; murder of settlers
near, 303.
Murdock, John, appt. as maj. of rangers
opposed, 317; arrest of, 317; recom-
mended as maj of rangers, 317.
Murphy, John, signer, 152.
For identical names, see index note, p. 45i
INDEX
485
Muskingum River, salines on, 296.
Muster rolls, see Militia, muster rolls.
Myars, see Mayens.
Myres, John, militia muster rolls, 237.
Naib-Woit, Potawatomi Indian, leads
band down 111. R., 246.
Namirto village, Sauk village, 307.
Nashville (Tenn.), 416.
Natchez (Miss. Terr.), 61.
Nathan, James, signer, 153.
National Intelligencer, 395.
Neal, Aron, signer, 277.
Neel, Jeremiah, signer, 274; validity of
land entry discussed, 430.
Negroes, forbidden to carry mail, 112;
used for work in U. S. Saline, 225.
New Hampshire, 80, 212.
New Madrid (La. Terr.), mail contract
to, discussed, 182-183; postal schedule
to Ste. Genevieve, 429; postal service
to Cape Girardeau, 192.
New Orleans (Orleans Terr.), 127, 258.
Newport (Ky.), arms from arsenal at,
sent to terr. govrs., 173; celebrates
victory of L. Erie, 365.
New York (city), 331.
Ney, W. L., signer, 213.
Nicholas, Lt. Col. Robert C, part in
111. campaign, 370, 371.
Nicols, Jacob, signer, 208.
Niagara (Niagra), 36.
Northwest Fur Company, operations in
U. S., 409.
Noval, J., depos. favor, to land commrs.
ment., 59.
Gates, Carraway, signer, 208, 278.
Oath of office, as secy, discussed, 38.
Ogle, Alexander, letter ment. to Tiffin,
422.
Ogle, Lt. Jacob, militia muster roll, 226,
232.
Ogle, Joseph, militia muster roll, 226,
233; signer, 392.
Ogle, William, signer, 150.
Ohio, 63, 244, 340, 366, 367, 416; com-
pact of Fed. Govt, with, discussed,
296; instrs. to govr. and Indian agt.
re preserving peace with Indians,
231-232; newspapers ment., 216;
survrs. imported from, 78; U. S.
rangers raised in, 197, 217, 239, 257.
Ohio River, 58, 63, 64, 272, 297, 327,
333, 358, 368, 388, 403; base line to
run from mouth of, 356; bound, line,
3, 151; counties on, base of milit.
operation, 331, 332; highway of
commerce, 367; intruders on land
near, 209; land near, survd., 153
proposed land office on, 141, 142
sale of land on, proposed, 158
status of settlers on, 201.
Okemas, see Little Chief.
Oldham, H., signer, 391.
Omelveny, Samuel, signer, 208, 274.
O'Neal family, murder of members by
Indians, 194, 229 n.
Ordinance of 1787, 83, 297, 350; art.
re new states discussed, 3-5; basis of
govt, for 111. Terr., 6-7; discussed,
201; ment. as basic law, 14, 15, 16;
provis. of, re conditions for second
stage of govt., 209-210.
Orleans Territory, 23, 32.
Ormsby, John, signer, 207.
Osage Indians, alleged plan to attack
Fox and Sauk, 307.
Osbourne, Willis C, signer, 391.
Ottawa (Outawas) Indians, 261; ac-
cused of stealing horses, 39; chief at
Potawatomi conf., 177; conf. with,
215, 229; friendly intent of, 195, 212
summoned to Detroit by Brit., 326
visit Prairie du Chien agency, 71
visit Shawnee Prophet, 245.
Ottawa (Utawas) River, route of Brit.
traders, 244.
Owen, — , signer, 214.
Owens, William, signer, 207.
Palmer, John, signer, 208.
Pankey, Hampton, signer, 274.
Panky, William, signer, 274, 277.
Pansannoe, Louson, signer, 382.
Parkinson (Parkenson), Alexander (Alex-
and; Elleksander), signer, 208, 274.
Pash, Francis, signer, 278.
Pate, William, signer, 207.
Patterson, George, signer, 208.
Patterson, James, signer, 214.
Patcerson, Thomas C, signer, 214.
Patteys, Job, signer, 208.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
486
INDEX
Patteys, William, signer, 208.
Pattillo (Patillo), John S., signer, 275.
Pauwoatam (Pemwotans), Kickapoo
chief, visits Brit, father in Can., 245.
Pearce, Matter, signer, 207.
Pemertam's town, battle of, 269, 271.
Penney, Hiram, signer, 277.
Penney, William, signer, 277.
Pennsylvania, 3, 137.
Penrose, Clement B., land commr., La.
Terr., 129; comment re Jones and
Backus, 132, 133.
Peoria (Pioria), 248; agts. of Kinzie
trade at, 220; arrival of Le Clair at,
245; conf. with Indians at or near,
175-179, 244, 245, 246; base of
operations for Indians, 290; burned by
Indians, 311; command of exped. to,
discussed, 295; milit. post recom-
mended at, 272, 288, 293, 364; exped.
to, 268-269, 271, 301; forces of
Howard occupy, 371; importance
discussed, 311; Indian council held
near, 194, 228-231, 238-239; Indian
thieves at, 116, 117, 118; Indians
retire from, 312, 371; inhabs. dis-
armed, imprisoned and robbed by
Craig, 380-381, 382, 383, 384, 385,
386, 387; inhabs. give inform, re
Indians to terr. officials, 380; inhabs.
saved by Potawatomi, 380; journey
of Forsyth to area n. of, 324; lists of
losses in, 382-387; milit. force as-
cends nver to, 331, 332; need for
rebuilding discussed, 312; occup. of,
372; on route to Prairie du Chien,
288; petition of inhabs. for relief for
losses in Indian war, 379-387; point
of Indian concentration, 239; re-
estab. of settlement urged by Indi-
ans, 327; rept. of Le Clair's tour from,
to Indian country, 253-255; seat of
hostile Indians, 162; sub-agt. for
Indians appd. for, 310; U. S. troops
to estab. post at, 198.
Peoria Lake, 269, 271; battle near, 286;
defeat of Indians at, 387; estab. of
Ft. Clark on, 372; Indians camp at
head of, 370; Indians return to, 347.
Pequier, Baptiste, signer, 115.
Pequier (Paguier, Piquer), Baptiste,
and F. Pequier and Relle, petition re
horse stealing discussed, 114.
Pequier, Francis, signer, 115.
Pequier (Paguier, Piquer), Francis, and
B. Pequier and Relle, petition re horse
stealing discussed, 114.
Perkins, Lt. Joseph, 423.
Perry, Joshua, of N. C, 61.
Perry, T. F., depos. favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59.
Persons, Henry, signer, 274.
Petitions, memorials and resolutions,
discussed re div. Indiana terr., 5 n.;
for second grade of govt, presented
to govr., 200; legis. mem. sent to
Cong., 378; ment., 51, 151; terr. cits,
to Cong., names, 213-214; texts:
assembly re compact with Fed. Govt.,
296-297, assembly for raising of
mounted troops, 271-272, assembly
for reloc. of donation lands, 402-405,
Bryan & Co. for lease of mine, 279,
cits, of Shawneetown against monop-
oly, 65, cits, of Shawneetown to
estab. a town, 62-64, cits, of Shaw-
neetown to improve town plan, 390-
391, Guillet and others for grant of
land, 140-141, inhabs. for exten. of
suffrage, 203-204, 205-208, inhabs.
for liberal land policy, 272-275, 276-
278, inhabs. re purchase of land with
improvements, 151-153, Methodist
soc. for grant of land, 392, Peoria cits,
re relief for losses in Indian war,
379-387, Relle and Pequier re in-
demnity for loss of horses, 115, Robin-
son for pay as elk. of land commrs.,
93-94, Robinson and others re estab.
of land office at Shawneetown, 153-
154, Singleton and others re grant to
estab. town, 149-150, Sloo for pay
as land commr., 340-341, terr. officials
against land qualification for office,
72.
Pettit, David, signer, 214.
Pettit, Jonathan, signer, 214.
Petty, James S., messenger, 450, 451.
Philadelphia (Pa.), 19, 36, 121, 331.
Philips, Capt. Joseph, to re-inforce Ft.
Clark, 446.
For identical nameg, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
487
Philips (Phillips), William, militia mus-
ter roll, 234, 237.
Phipps, James, signer, 208.
Piankashaw Indians, attack and destroy
Peoria, 311, 380.
Pillette, Louis, depos. favoring land
commrs. ment., 59.
Pincinneau, Ens. Augustus, attends
conf. militia officers, 188.
Piper, Thomas, militia muster roll, 226,
232.
Piqua (0.), conf. with Indians at, 244;
general Indian conf. called to meet
at, 232, 244, 261; Indian council at,
261.
Pitchford, William, signer, 274.
Pixley, Jerimiah, signer, 208.
Pixley, John, signer, 301.
Pleasonton, Stephen, letter to Sheldon,
437-438; note, 437.
Plummer, Joseph, signer, 273.
Poirier, — , property plundered, 307.
Pollard, Joseph, mail contractor, 276,
278; instrs. to, re improving service,
275.
Poole, Joseph R. G., signer, 207.
Pope, Sen. John, of Ky., letters to Sec.
State, 10, 12; recommends: Allen as
judge, 12 n., Boyle as govr., 10,
Edwards as govr., 20, Johnson as
judge, 12 n.. Priestly as judge, 12 n.,
Reid as judge, 12 n., Thomas as
judge, 12.
Pope, Sec. Nathaniel, 95; agt. of Weeks,
116; appd. paymaster of militia, 265-
266; appd. secy, from Mo. Terr., 303;
characterized, 17; commd. secy.,
303, 340; complains re Boilvin's ac-
tions, 70 n.; conting. expenses dis-
cussed, 74; death of children of,
186; failure to receive pay and ex-
penses, 38-39; family rel. to Backus,
38, 49; illness, 57; informed re: de-
posit, against Hays, 56, juris, over
counterfeiting cases, 345-346, poli-
tics of Hays, 51; instrs. to, re: expend-
itures, 16-17, expense vouchers, 41,
office rent, 56; instrs. to Indian agts.
re stolen horses, 39; leliers ment. to:
Hay, 51, Sec. State, 38, Sec. Treas.,
41, 56, 74, 149; letters to: Claiborne,
33, Harrison, 30-31, Indian agts., 39,
Sec. State, 38, 57, 185-186, 265,
Sec. Treas., 38-39, 49-50, 60, 69, Sec.
War, 36-37, Thomas, 260; nomin. and
confirm, of, 14 n.; notified of charges
against Morrison, 31; office expenses
discussed, 49-50; organizes terr. govt.,
29 n.; printing sohcited from, 24-25
receives comm., 31; receives corr. as
acting govr., 23; receives temp
comm., 303; recommend, as judge
71-72; recommend, as terr. secy., 8
1 0-1 1 ; recommend, for reappt. as secy.
284; rept. by, re Brit.-Indian rels
37 ; repts. advice of Edwards to suspend
court, 260; requested to arrest Dun-
lap for murder, 32; requests return of
Dunlap from Orleans Terr., 33; sends
exec, proceeds to Sec. State, 57, 185,
265; s. petition, 72; to supply govr.
with office supplies, 56; transmits
acct. of conting. expenses, 69; valid-
ity of oath discussed, 38.
Pope, Mrs. Nathaniel, illness of, 186.
Population, as of 1810, 199; census of
1810, 203-204, 210.
Portage des Sioux (La.-Mo. Terr.),
364; Indians summoned to meet
near, 326; Kickapoo Indians of, plan
attack, 264; Sauk Indians reach, 371.
Porter, Thomas, militia muster roll,
235, 237.
Posey, Eden, signer, 301.
Po-so-tuck (Peso-tuck) , Potawatomi
chief, 178; on Fox R., 176.
Postal service, 333; adv. for carrying
mail, 428-429; bond of p. m., 56; con-
tractor fined, 73; contracts discussed
51, 182-183; delayed by Indian raids
319; discussed, 181, 191-192, 308:
efforts to better, 276, 278, 279; estab
of, 157; expresses for milit. mail dis
cussed, 364, 424; exten. discussed, 192
413; failure, irregularity and losses
90, 110, 111, 112, 114, 151, 180, 192
211, 294, 339, 412-413, 433; fin. accts.
139-140; forwarding of letters, 151
guards requested for expresses, 323
mail contracts discussed, 354; mails
plundered, 92; milit. mail expressed
from Vincennes, 350; murder of car-
rier, 110, 114; pay of p.m. at Kaskas-
kia, 341 ; pay of p.m. governed by law.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
488
INDEX
285; pub. mail captured by Indians,
256; recommend, for expresses, 348;
riders' incompetence discussed, 275;
schedules, 82, 184, 192, 213, 428-429;
uncertain during Indian war, 166, 304.
See also Mail contractors; Mail con-
tracts; Postmaster General.
Postelweight, John, signer, 213.
Postleweight, Samule, signer, 214.
Postmaster General (act.), Bradley,
instrs. by, re pay of carriers, 139-140;
letters to: McArthur, 139, Tuttle,
139-140.
Postmaster General, Granger, approves
mail contract, 213; censures McArthur
for failure of mails, 90, 112; comment
re pay of p.m., 308; fines McArthur
for failure of carrier, 151; fines rider
for negligence, 339; governed by law
re pay to p.m., 285; illness of, 97; in-
forms Arundel re relief, 323; instrs.
by, re: better postal service, 275, 276,
278, 279, failure of contractors to
carry all mail, 191, finding contractor
for Kaskaskia-New Madrid route,
182-183, forwarding letters, 151, im-
proving service, 275, infractions of
law by contractors, 192, mail con-
tracts, 354, schedules, 192, discover,
murderer of carrier, 114; letters to:
Arundel, 180, 181, 182-183, 191, 192,
205, 213, 285, 323, Edwards, 198, 308,
Finney, 56, Given, 191, Griswold, 276,
341, Hammond, 294, Hays, 51, 73,
Lyon, 192, McArthur, 90, 112, 114,
151, McFerron, 183, Messenger, 151,
Morrow, 199, Pollard, 275, Pres.,
80-81, Ratclifife, 278, Reed, 354,
Robinson, 157, 275, 279, Rutter and
others, 183, Skinner, 339, White, 158,
191, 211; recommends Griswold as
judge, 80-81; rept. to Cong., 81-82,
183-184; satisfied with mail contract,
205.
Postmaster General, Meigs, instrs. by,
re carrying mail on Kaskaskia-
Henderson route, 413; letters to:
Apperson, 412-413, Graham, 433.
Postmasters, law ment. re pay of, 180;
pay discussed, 308.
Post roads, adv. for carrying mail on,
428-429; alter, discussed, 191;estab.
discussed, 183, 413 n.; lease of lands
on, discussed, 198-199. See also
Postal service; Roads and highways.
Post Vincennes, see Vincennes.
Potawatomi (Pottowattomies; Pouta-
watamies; Putowatomies; Putowat-
omy) Indians, 261, 408; accused of
stealing horses, 39; acct. of confs.
with, 174-179, 215, 229; attend coun-
cil at Detroit, 327; conf. with other
tribes at Milwaukee, 249; combine
with other tribes for attack, 203;
defeat of, 271; descend 111. R., 162;
desire rebuilding of Peoria, 312;
friendly, 40; geog. distrib. of, 176, 178;
hold council with Kickapoo, 194;
hostility predicted, 159-160; hostility
to U.S., 162, 195, 249; near 111. R.,
cut off, 164; of 111. R., urge Sioux to
war, 314; of St. Joseph: join Shawnee
Prophet, 263, plan of union ment.,
253; proposed talk by Edwards ment.,
173; receive powder from Brit., 312;
refuse conf. with Edwards, 197 n.;
refuse to kill inhabs. of Peoria, 380;
return to Peoria Lake, 347; steal
personal property, 116-120; threaten
Fox and Sauk, 307; unable to pur-
chase arms at Chicago, 229; visit
Shawnee Prophet, 245.
Powel, John, signer, 150.
Powell, Ossborn, signer, 152.
Power of attorney, by Stanley family to
A. Stanley, 125, 129-131.
Prairie du Chien (Prairie des Chiens),
306, 408; base of Brit, power, 290,
305, 307; Brit, merchants deposit
arms in, for Indians, 37; danger to,
446, 452; depot of Brit, goods for
Indians, 314; description, 154-155;
Dickson expected at, 313; estab. of
U. S. fort discussed, 292, 293, 347, 350,
364, 423, 444-445, 451 ; farm products,
155; Indian affairs at, 52-53; land
sold to U. S., 157; loc. of, 154; need
for re-inforcing, 445, 446; price of
corn and flour at, 157; proposed visit
of Dickson to, 326; route to, via
Peoria, 288; Sioux Indians meet at,
166, 168; small force to occupy, 444;
source of war supplies for Indians,
285; trade and Indian affairs at,
For identical names, see index note, p. 45i
INDEX
489
discussed, 154-157; value of goods
supplied from, 55.
Prairie du Chien Indian agency, list of
Indian nations visiting, 71; rept. re
affairs at, 69-71, 154-157, 166-169,
187; success of agts. at, 54.
Prairie du Chien Indian Factory, im-
portance discussed, 156.
Prairie du Pont, land claims discussed,
100, 102.
Prairie du Rocher, 127; land claims
discussed, 100, 101; mail schedule,
428.
Prather, Edward D., signer, 277.
Prather, Thomas, draft made payable
to, 145.
Preemption, act re, forwarded to 111.,
302-303 ; act criticized and interpreted,
330, 341-343, 344-345, 379, 441;
act ment. re examining claims to, 412;
applic. of act discussed, 434-436;
fractional sections under, 449-450,
451; mineral lands reserved from,
430; query on sec. 16, 448-449; rule
estab. re law, 388.
President, power of appt., 6, 7.
President, Jefferson, appts. agt., Chicago
factory, 35; approves act, 8.
President, Madison, 32, 52, 57, 59, 108,
113, 138, 174, 247, 256, 267, 268, 299,
300, 305, 321, 355, 366, 373, 424, 438;
accepts Rector's resig. as brig, gen.,
397; address of terr. leg. sent to, 270,
295; advised to open Shawneetown
L. 0., 415; appts.: brig, gen., militia,
157, 159, 160, examiner of land office,
211, govr., 14 n., 19, 45, 243, 270,
Indian agt., 310, Indian peace
commrs., 231, judges, 14-16, 83, 350-
351, land commrs., 418, ranger offi-
cers, 197, 217, 238 n., reg. and rec.
land offices, 211, 417, 418, 433, 437,
U. S. atty., 352, 356, U. S. marshal,
352-353; approves: lease of lead mine,
160, renewal of saline lease, 328;
authoriz. lease of lead mines, 105;
Edwards recommended to, as: commr.
to Indians, 411, govr., 29-30; govr.
requests leave of absence from, 346;
grants govr. leave of absence, 349-
350; Griswold recommended to, as
judge, 80-81; instrs. ment.' by,'" 114;
lack of author, from, to call militia,
223; legis. memorial sent to Cong,
through, 378; opposed by Lyon, 17;
papers against M. Jones addressed to,
102; petition to be laid before, 272;
Pope recommended to, for reappt.,
284; question re sahne lease laid,
before, 323; receives: recommends, for
appt. of govr., 22, 23-24, recommends,
for judge, 349, resig. of govr., 19-20,
resig. of judges, 81, 82, 345; rept. to,
re Indian war, 285-289 ; sends commrs.
to confer with Indians, 244; s. comm.,
14, 15, 16, 45, 83, 243, 270, 303, 340,
351, 352, 353; s. procl., 417; to direct
pub. land sale, 296. See also Secre-
tary of State, Madison.
Prewet, Martain, signer, 150.
Prewett, James, signer, 150.
Prewett, Sollomon, signer, 150.
Prewett, William, signer, 150.
Price, Davis, signer, 150.
Price, Lenard, signer, 273.
Priestly, James, recommended as judge,
12 n., 18.
Primm, John, Jr., signer, 150.
Prince, — , see Ficklin & Prince.
Printing, applic. for pub., 24-25; diffi-
cult in new country, 18.
Prior, — , see Hunt & Prior.
Proclamations, by govr.: distributed, 50,
re estab. second grade of govt., 203,
207; by Pres.: draft of, re land office
and land sale in Shawneetown Land
district, 415, for land sale printed by
reg., 428, text, re estab. land office at
Shawneetown and land sale, 416-417.
Prophet, The, see Shawnee Prophet.
Prophetstown, party from, attends conl.
at Sauk village, 245-246
Pruit, Abraham, signer, 150.
Pruit, — , permit to seek stolen horses,
39.
Pruitt (Precoit), Maj. William, attends
conf. militia officers, 188.
Puans (Puants) Indians, attack Fox
Indians, 307. See also Winnebago
Indians.
Pue, Bethel, signer, 208.
Pulliam, James, signer, 150.
Pulliam (Pulleam, Pullum), Robert,
identifies Beeman, 118; signer, 150.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
490
INDEX
Pumroy, Joseph, signer, 277.
Purye, Capt. — , of Ohio rangers, 239.
Pusley, David, signer, 274.
Pyle, Isaac, signer, 274.
Quebec (Can.), 251; Dickson at, 325.
Quick, Moses, militia muster roll, 226,
232.
Raccoon, Indian, son held by Indians,
447.
Racine, Frangois, Jr., signer, 382.
Racine, Francois, Sr., signer, 382.
Ragland, George, signer, 277.
Raisin River, battle of, 326.
Ralls, Raleigh, signer, 214.
Ramsey, Capt. Thomas, certif. re ve-
racity of Beaird, 363, evacuates Ft.
Russell, 363.
Ramsey, Lt. William H., 257, 265, 295;
signer, 207.
Randal, Thomas, militia muster roll,
226, 232.
Randolph County, 120, 129, 130, 131,
132, 202, 207; extent of, 201; grand
jury action re non-resid. of judges
discussed, 349 n.
Rangers, see United States Rangers.
Ratclifle (Ratcliff), James, p.m., U. S.
Saline, letter ment. to P.M.G., 278;
signer, 207, 277.
Ratlif, Elisha, signer, 278.
Ratlif, John, signer, 278.
Ratlif, William, signer, 278.
Ratliff, Charles, militia muster roll, 234.
Ratliff, James, signer, 277.
Ratlifl, Ritchard, signer, 277.
Rattan, Richard, signer, 150.
Rattan, Thomas, signer, 273.
Rawlings, Moris M., signer, 278.
Reagan, Rezin, signer, 150.
Reburn, John, signer, 64.
Receivers of land offices, 416, 427;
applic. for appt. as, 173-174; appt. of,
199, 201, 205, 417, 418; vacancy, 180.
Rector, Elias, 13, 145, 396; applies for
appt. as reg., land office, 320; appd.
brig, gen., militia, 157, 159; appd.
dep. survr., Mo. Terr., 389; appt. as
brig. gen. an error, 157 n.; executes
plat of Prairie du Pont lands, 102;
Ullers ment. lo: Meigs, 389, W. Rector,
76, 77; letters to: Mansfield, 96-97,
Sec. State, 320; recommend, as rec,
180-181; resid. of, 181; surveys criti-
cized, 106-107; urges speed in surveys,
96-97.
Rector, Elias, and W. Rector, execute
plat of Kaskaskia lands, 100; inform-
ed of opinion of land commrs. re
survey of privatt claims, 85-86; letter
to Mansfield, 84-85.
Rector, John, approves charges against
Morrison, 31.
Rector, Nelson, assigned surveys, 351;
estim. of expense of surveys, 355;
funds on deposit for pay of, 365; In-
dian attack on, 397-398, 400-402;
letters ment. to Meigs, 376; letter to
Meigs, 374; rept. by, re surveys, 374;
signer, 204; surveys by, 77, 78.
Rector, Samuel, signer, 204.
Rector, Stephen, signer, 204.
Rector, W^illiam, 96, 396; applic. to, to
survey Biggs's land, 136, 137; appt.
as brig, gen., militia intended, 157 n.,
159; appt. as dep. survr., Mo. Terr.,
356, 365, 373; assigned surveys, 351;
bondsman of Sloo, 427; condemns
site of Shawneetown, 359-360; de-
scribes Indian attack on N. Rector,
397-398; desires promptness of pay,
146; draws drafts on Mansfield, 146;
estim. of expense of surveys, 355;
executes plats of: Cahokia lands, 102,
Chafin and Delisle tract, 101, Ft.
Chartres lands, 101, Renault grant,
101; funds on deposit for pay of, 365;
informs: Biggs re status of land
claims, 136, 137, 138, Sec. War re
unlawful action of Robinson, 373;
intends visit to Cincinnati, 146;
instrs. ment. to, as survr. Mo. Terr.,
426; letters ment. to: J. F. Mansfield,
145, Jared Mansfield, 20, 86, 88, 89,
Meigs, 364-365, 376, 400, N. Rector,
374; letters to: Mansfield, 12-13, 76,
76-80, 86-88, 89, 145-146, 146-148,
Meigs, 359-360, 397-398, Sec. War,
373; lists townships with private
claims, 86-87; note re, 12; recom-
mend, as brig, gen., 113, 120; recom-
mends: McCall as survr., 78, milit.
aid for survrs., 398-399, new site for
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
491
Shawneetown, 360, Robinson as
survr., 76, U. S. pay for surveys of
private claims, 146-147; repts. by,
re status of surveys, 76-80, 89;
resigns as brig, gen., militia, 373,
378, 397; returns to St. Louis, 399;
returns of surveys ment., 164; signer,
204; surveys discussed, 106; to com-
plete surveys in 111., 399; work
praised, 376.
Rector, William, and E. Rector, see
Rector, Elias and W. Rector.
Redfern, Solomon, signer, 208, 278.
Red Head, see Dickson, Robert.
Redman, Samuel, 442; signer, 392.
Reed, John, p.m., Belleville, instrs. to,
re mail contract, 354; letter ment. to
P. M. G., 354.
Regan, William, signer, 150.
Registers of land offices, 393, 402, 412,
416; appt. of, 199, 201, 205, 417, 418;
duty to preserve land records, 123;
land records in custody of, 158.
Reheaum, Jean Francis, arrest and
release discussed, 221-222.
Reid, John, signer, 64, 152.
Reid, Walter, recommended as judge,
12 n.
Reid, William, signer, 208.
Relle, Charles, signer, 115.
Relle, Charles, and Pequier, petition by,
re horse stealing discussed, 114.
Renault, Philip, grant to, discussed, 101,
102, 143-144.
Retchekimink, Indian, depredations of,
251, 252.
Retherford, John, signer, 301.
Reyburn, John, signer, 153.
Reynolds, Robert, adj. gen., militia, at-
tests statement of militia officers, 190;
appd. chm. of meet., 31; meeting at
house of, 31-32; on comm. to recom-
mend appt. of govr., 31; signer, 32.
Reynor, J., depos. for land commrs.
ment., 59.
Rhodes, Samuel, signer, 150.
Riche, John, signer, 277.
Richey, Enty, signer, 277.
Richey, John, signer, 277.
Richmond (Va.), 299.
Riddels, Richard, signer, 208.
Riggs, Joseph, signer, 214.
Rigolet (River Labb§) River, bound,
line, 102.
Riley, Joseph, signer, 208, 274.
Rio del Norte, 410.
Rittenhous (Rittenhouse), William, mih-
tia muster roll, 235, 237.
Rittenhouse, Peter, militia muster roll,
235, 237.
River au Sable, powder distrib. to In-
dians at, 250.
Rivis, Charles, signer, 302.
Rivis, Isom, signer, 302.
Roads and highways, bill authoriz.
Shawneetown-Kaskaskia discussed,
420; estab. from Shawneetown to Sa-
line and Kaskaskia urged, 407-408;
proposed, Shawneetown-Kaskaskia,
297. See also Post roads.
Robb, Samuel, signer, 64, 152.
Roberts, Elias, signer, 214.
Roberts, Samuel, signer, 208.
Roberts, Thomas, signer, 214.
Roberts, William, signer, 214.
Robertson, George, signer, 207.
Robertson (Robinson) County (Tenn.),
130.
Robeson, John, signer, 150.
Robidoux, Antoine, depos. re Indian
thieves, 118.
Robinson, Alexander, signer, 153, 277.
Robinson, David, executes plat of Kas-
kaskia lands, 100; militia muster roll,
226, 233.
Robinson, George, p. m., Shawneetown,
instrs. to, re improved postal service,
279; letter ment. to P.M.G., 275; mail
contract ment., 157; signer, 64, 65,
152, 277.
Robinson (Robison), George and others,
petition by, re estab. of add. land
office, 153-154.
Robinson, George, Jr., signer, 153, 277.
Robinson, Israel, militia muster roll,
226, 233.
Robinson, John, signer, 64, 208, 277.
Robinson, John, signer, 278.
Robinson, John, Jr., signer, 153.
Robinson, John, Sr., signer, 152.
Robinson, Dr. John H., instrs. for legal
proceeds, against, 394-395; letters
ment. to Edwards, 394, 395, Rector,
373; milit. exped. of, discussed, 373.
For identical names, see index note, p. ^5^
492
INDEX
Robinson, Sen. Jonathan, of Vt., letter
to Pres., 80; recommends Griswold as
judge, 80.
Robinson, Maj. Robert, 136; accused of
complicity in murder, 58 n.; advice to
commrs. not to deliver original papers
to J. R. Jones discussed, 134; appd.
agt. to land commrs., 48-49, 76; car-
ries dispatches to Sec. Treas., 92, 93,
94; carries field notes to Mansfield,
78; elk. to land commrs., 48; depos.
favor, to land commrs. ment., 59;
fin. acct. as elk. and translator to land
commrs., 92-93; in Washington, D. C,
95; lawyer, 76; letter ment. to Sec.
Treas., 161; lexers lo: Edgar, 124-125,
Meigs, 90-93, Pope, 31; note, 76;
opinion re survey private claims, 148;
prefers charges against Morrison, 31;
recommend, as survr., 76; requests
govT. to investigate Edgar, 126; re-
views work as elk. and translator to
land commrs., 90-92, 93-94; travels
as elk. to land commrs., 91-92; work
of office as elk. to land commrs. ends,
161.
Robinson, Thomas, signer, 152, 277.
Robinson, William, signer, 153, 277.
Robison, John, signer, 274.
Robison, Michl, signer, 274.
Rocheblave (Rochelblave), Philip, exe-
cutes deeds, 127.
Rock River, error for Iowa R., 322.
Rock (Roc; Rocky; Roche) River, 372;
Dickson's proposed journey down,
326; estab. of fort at mouth of, recom-
mend., 288; hostility of Indians on,
187; Indian forces on, 229; Indians
retreat to, 286, 287; post a1 rapids of,
recommend., 446; sketch of, ment.,
231; value of goods supplied to
Indians on, 65; war parties from, 314,
445.
Rogan, Daniel, witness to power of
atty., 131.
Rogers, Joseph, signer, 208.
Roman Catholic Church, annuity to
priest of, 88.
Ronan, Ens. George, 220; threat of,
against interpreter, 219.
Roque (Roc), Indian interpreter, Winne-
gabo Indians speak through, 187.
Rose, Edmd, signer, 277.
Rose, Elert, signer, 208.
Rose, Manning, signer, 277.
Rose, Pleasant, signer, 274.
Rose, Pleasent, signer, 274.
Rose, Plesant, signer, 208.
Rose, Thomas, signer, 208.
Rouge River, smuggling via, 185.
Rowan, Rep. John, (Ky.), recommends:
Boyle as govr., 10 n.. Priestly as
judge, 12 n.
Royal proclamation of 176S, discussed,
104.
Rusell, John, signer, 150.
Russel, David B., signer, 274.
Russel, James D., signer, 274.
Russell, James, signer, 274.
Russell, Col. William, 265, 315, 424;
appd. to command rangers, 217, 238
n.; criticism by, of Edwards's milit.
rept., 295; describes own effort in de-
fense of 111., 295; disputes Edwards's
claim re command, of Peoria exped.,
295; joins Edwards against Indians,
268-269; leads U. S. rangers to 111.,
letter ment. to Howard, 269; letters
to: Sec. War, 238-240, 257-258, 268-
269, 294-296; note, 238; ordered to
return to 111., 268 n.; plan of action
for rangers discussed by, 257-258;
recall irom 111. criticized, 266 n.; repts.
by, re: defense measures, 238-240,
294-295, progress of Indian war, U. S.
rangers, 257-258.
Russell, William, of Mo. Terr., letter
ment. to Meigs, 426.
Russellville (Ky.), letters to 111. sent via,
166, 319, 344; mail contract to Ft.
Massac, 82.
Russia, 328.
Rutherford, William, signer, 150.
Rutter, William, informed re estab. of
mail route near Ft. Massac, 183.
Sagotria, — , Brit, trader and Indian
interpreter, 313.
St. Charles (La. Terr.), depositions
taken in, 127; failure of mails to, from
Kaskaskia, 112; horse stealing in, 115;
mail schedule to,'Kaskaskia, 429.
For identical names, see index note, p. iSi
INDEX
493
St. Clair, Arthur, govr. N. W. Terr.,
48, 196; confirm, of land claims by, 105,
282.
St. Clair County, 47, 107, 131, 149, 260;
grand-jury present, re non-resid. of
judges discussed, 349 n.; horses
stolen from inhabs., 39; members
Indiana terr. leg. from, 135, 136;
militia muster rolls, 226-227, 232-238 ;
petition of Meth. soc. rejected, 392;
resols. of: inhabs. recommend. Clark
as govr., 31-32, militia re sec. grade
of go\i;., 188-189; state, of militia
officers on defense measures, 189-190;
unauthor. exped. of inhabs. against
Indians, 193 n.
St. Clair, John Murry, land patent
discussed, 105.
St. Frist, Bayou, 155.
Ste. Genevieve (La. Terr.), 10, 18, 341;
danger of attack on, 305; mail
schedules to: New Madrid, 429,
Shawneetown, 428.
St. Joseph (Mich. Terr.), 221; friendly
attitude of Indians near, 219; Potawat-
omi Indians from, 178. See also
Fort St. Joseph.
St. Joseph Island, 263; Amer. Indians
with Brit, on, 253; Indians called to
conf. with Brit, at, 249; source of war
supplies for Indians, 285.
St. Joseph River, 262; channel of inform,
from, estab., 310; exped. against Indi-
ans on, recommend., 333; Potawatomi
Indians from, 246; rumored effort of
Brit, to estab. fort at, 447.
St. Leger (St. Ledger), Gen. Barry, of
Can., 121.
St. Louis (La. Terr.), 89, 132, 133, 162,
175, 229, 245, 250, 258, 261, 263, 376,
383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 389, 399, 409;
Blondeau returns to, 313; danger of
attack on, 305; dist. to Prairie du
Chien, 154; failures of mail service
from Vincennes, 90; Howard returns
to, 414; Indian conf. at, discussed,
322; Indians plan attack on, 322;
mail schedules, 428, 429; price of salt
at, 172; relief exped. to Prairie du
Chien from, attacktd, 451-452; rumor
of Indian attack on, 314; seat of
inform, re Indian rels., 186.
St. Mary's Straits, Indians gather at,
245.
St. Peter's River, 71, 316.
St. Philippe (St. Philip), estab. of, 101;
land claims discussed, 100, 101; mail
schedule, 428; Renault's claims in,
143.
Salem (Ky.), postal service, 192.
Saline, agt. of, to receive orders from
Edwards, 46. See also Salt springs;
U. S. Saline.
Saline Creek, 64, 152, 296, 297, 414;
alarm of settlers on, 223; Indian
attack near, 401; Indian attack on
Rector at, 397; milit. oper. up, 331;
pub. salt springs on, 33, 34; site
below mouth of, recommend, as site
of Shawneetown, 358.
Salines, status of, in Ohio, 296; terr.
assembly desires control of, 296.
Salt, deposits of, discover, in Kaskaskia
Land Dist., 430-431; interest of U. S.
in, 205; price of, 172; proposal to man-
ufacture, 172-173; reguls. re price of,
34; returns of, ment., 40. See also
U. S. Saline.
Salt River, 172.
Salt Springs, bill for intro. of slave
labor to work in, 300; corr. re, dis-
cussed, 35 n.; evidence of, on Big
Muddy, 430; proposal to operate,
172-173; instrs. re admin, of, 33-35;
lease of, discussed, 34-35. See also
U. S. Saline.
Samuel, Carlisle F., signer, 152.
Sand River, 177.
Sanders, George, signer, 150.
Sandy Creek, 250, 251, 252, 387;
Indian council on, 325-327; Indians
from, to join war party, 265; rept. of
Le Clair's tour on, 253-255.
Sangamon (Sainquemon; Sanguemon)
River, 331, 334; estab. of fort on,
discussed, 198 n.
Santa Fe (St. Fee), 410.
Sauk (Sacs; Sawkes) Indians, 156;
annuities for, not received, 167, 168;
attitude at Village du Blue, 307;
author, over, discussed, 40; await out-
come of Indian attack on settle-
ments, 264; conf. with party from
Prophetstown, 245-246; corr. with
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
494
INDEX
Brit., 313; delegs. return from Ft.
Maiden, 251 ; divided as to war on U.
S., 287, 305, 307, 313, 314, 322, 326,
371; friendly attitude, 219; hold
council, 166, 168; hold Fr. prisoner,
169; hostile dispos., 40, 286, 287;
leave for Mo. R., 371; measure to
prevent, from hostility to U. S., 218;
meet, at Ft. Madison, 306; offered
powder by Brit., 312, 313-314; raid
on Mo. R., 446; refuse aid to Fox,
307; rels. of Dubuque with, 258-259;
tract purchased from, discussed, 142;
value of goods supplied to, 55; visit
to Ft. Maiden, 253, 264; war speech
deliver, to, 252.
Savage, William, appt. lieut. rangers,
215; attends conf. militia officers, 188.
Savage's ferry, inhabs. of Peoria held
prisoners at, 381.
Scanland, Walker, signer, 64, 152, 207.
Scioto River, saline on, 296.
Scott, Alexander, militia muster roll,
234, 236; signer, 301.
Scott, Gov. Charles, of Ky., inform, re
appt. of Russell to command rangers,
217; instrs. to, re concert with other
govrs. in defense, 243-244.
Scott, Francis, signer, 302.
Scott, James, signer, 392.
Scott, John, militia muster roll, 227 n.;
235; signer, 150.
Scott, Samuel, militia muster roll, 237;
signer, 150.
Scott, William, surveys by, 85.
Scott, William, Jr., signer, 392.
Seals, judicial, 149.
Secretary of State, Madison, recom-
mends, re appts. sent to, 8-12.
Secretary of State, Monroe, applic. to,
for appt. as: judge, 336, receiver,
173-174, register, 320; applic. to,
for right to operate salt springs,
172-173; approves Edwards's con-
duct, 347; encloses Robinson's letters
to U. S. atty., 395; exec, proceeds,
sent to, 185; govr. transmits request
for leave through, 346; informs govr.
of grant of leave, 349-350; leUers
merU. to: Clark, 394, Edwards, 354,
362; leUera to: Edwards, 349-350,
362, 394-395, Mears, 395;|misunder-
stands Edwards's request for leave,
350, 354, 362; opinion re Robinson's
actions, 394-395; receives: cond. resig.
of Judge Stuart, 298-299, exec,
proceeds, of govr., 265, recommend.
re publisher of laws, 392, recommend,
for reappt. of Edwards as govr., 268,
recommend, of Mears as U. S.
atty., 348; recommend, of Pope as
secy., 284; resig. of terr. judge trans-
mitted through, 345; sends comm. as
U. S. atty. to Mears, 366; s. comm.,
270, 303, 340, 351, 352, 353; trans-
mits approval of Pres. for Edwards's
leave, 362.
Secretary of State, Smith, informed re
Pope's oath, 38; receives exec, pro-
ceeds, of govr., 57; receives recom-
mend, of Pope as judge, 71-72; rept.
to, re Indians affairs, 51-52; resig. of
Boyle as govr., submitted to, 18-19;
s. comm., 14, 15, 16, 45, 83.
Secretary of the Treasury, dep. survrs.
appd. with consent of, 394.
Secretary of the Treasury, Campbell,
418; advises open. Shawneetown
L. O., 415; claim for extra pay for
leasing U. S. Saline referred to, 443;
legis. memorial to be sent to, 405;
letter to Pres., 415.
Secretary of the Treasury, Gallatin, 22,
77, 92, 93, 97, 136, 147, 296, 338, 343,
449; absence of, 328, 364-365; appts.
Robinson agt. to land commrs., 48-
49; approval by, of survey, plans
necessary, 425; approves plan of sur-
veys, 76-77; course taken by, re con-
firm, claims, 432; criticizes: land
commrs. 158-159, 161, Pope's accts.,
49-50; criticism of land commrs. laid
before, 135-139; declares land commrs.
cease to function, 158; declines to
submit papers addressed to Pres.,
102; defense by Edgar addressed to,
120-129; denies instrs. to commrs. to
maintain secrecy as to decisions, 158,
159; depos. from, requested re Edgar's
charges, 110, 111; informed re: charges
against Backus, 73, indict, and trial
of Jones for murder, 58-59, 95, Pope's
failure to receive salary and office
expenses, 38-39; instrs. by, re: amend.
For identical names, see index note, p. JiSi
INDEX
495
rept. on land claims, 103-105, clear,
way for pub. land sales, 163-164,
conting. expenses, 74, correct, of
Shawneetown plat, 318, credits to
Mansfield, 113, expense vouchers, 41,
investig. governors' confirms, of land
claims, 145, lease of lead mine, 105,
office rent, 56, renewal of saline lease,
323, 324, running sec. lines, 135,
secrecy of land rept., 122, survey of
Shawneetown, 112, withhold, deeds
by land commrs., 133-135; instrs.
ment. to land commrs., 146; interpret.
of land law by, ment., 13; letters ment.
to: Caldwell, 222, Edwards, 160, Har-
rison, 35, Jones, 99, 109, 111, 158,
Jones and Backus, 144, land commrs.,
141, 143, 144, 161, 329, Mansfield,
135, Pope, 49, Tiffin, 328, survr. gen.,
356; letters to: Caldwell, 211, Edwards,
33-35, 40, 105, 160, 161-162, 205,
Gaillard and Varnum, 143-144, Jones,
98-99, 99-100, 102, 158-159, Jones
and Backus, 48, 57, 103-105, 144,
Mansfield, 66, 112-113, 135, 163-164,
Pope, 16-17, 41, 56, 74, 149, Robin-
son, 48-49, 161, Sloo, 211, Sp. H. R.,
96; opinions re: disposal of various
land claims, 98-99, issuance of patents
by govrs., 103-105; orders inquiry on
failure of mails. 111; papers re charges
against Jones requested of, 95; receives
acct. of conting. expenses, 60, 69;
receives repts. re land claims, 94;
Rector recommend, to, as receiver,
180-181; repts. to, re: land claims
discussed, 73, 123, valid and invalid
claims, 281-284; requests opinion on
expediting land sales, 158; sends saline
accts. to Edwards, 40; transmits list
of confirm, land claims to Cong., 96;
warns land commrs. to hasten work,
58.
Secretary of the Treasury (act.), Jones,
requested to draft instrs. re lease of
U. S. Saline, 391.
Secretary of War, Armstrong, approves
Howard's policy, 350; guards re-
quested of, for post route, 323; in-
formed re: doubtful certifs. of army
contractor, 388, unlawful action of
Robinson, 373; informs Rector of
accept, of resig. as brig, gen., 397;
instrs. by, re: change of milit. com-
mand in terr., 344, defense measures,
321-322; letters ment. to: Edwards,
343, Howard, 364; letters to: Edwards,
321-322, 413, 413-414, Howard, 350,
444, Rector, 397; receives offer of
comp. of rangers, 300-301; receives
resig. of Rector as brig, gen., 373;
recommend, to, for appt. as brig, gen.,
militia, 378; repts. to, re: Dickson's
actions, 327-328, Indian war, 310-312,
312-315, 319, 370-373, 406, measures
of defense, 316-318, 331-333, 347-
348, milit. situation, 303-305, 305-
306, renewal of Indian war, 422-424,
444-446, supplies at Ft. Russell, 362;
requests formation of ranger comps.,
316; silence of, re Edwards's milit.
policy, 347; transfers Howard to com-
mand 111. defenses, 354.
Secretary of War, Dearborn, letters
ment. to: Campbell, 55, Chicago
Indian agency, 50.
Secretary of War, Eustis, 253; advice
by, re appt. of command, of U. S.
rangers, 217; appts.: Harrison as
command, of troops on terr. frontier,
256-257, E. Rector as brig, gen.,
militia, 157, 159, W. Rector as brig,
gen., 160; informed re: capture of
Chicago, 259, change in bound of
terr., 65-66, conditions at Prairie du
Chien, 154-157, 166-169, Dubuque
lead mine, 258-259, presence of Brit.
traders, 179; informs Edwards of:
defense measures, 266, Indian annui-
ties, 88; instrs. by re.: admin, of
Indian agency, 50, attempt to pre-
serve peace with Indians, 231-232,
concert of govrs. in defense, 243-244,
deliv. of Indian goods to Varnum, 83,
fortify, pub. buildings, 210, transfer
of Varnum from Chicago, 30, transmit,
evid. of action of Brit, traders, 179,
180, supply, arms by milit. store-
keeper, 218, policy at Prairie du
Chien, 166, 168; letters ment. to:
Boilvin, 69, Edwards, 159, 169, 173,
244, 265, Harrison, 243; letters to:
command, officer at Michilimackinac,
83; Edwards, 88, 160, 173, 179, 193,
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
496
INDEX
197-198, 210, 243-244, 256-257, 266,
267, Edwards and Scott, 217, govrs.
and Indian agts., 231-232, Irwin, 35,
180, 210, Jouett, 50, Martin, 218, E.
Rector, 157, Varnum, 30; petition for
indemnity enclosed to, 114; receives
address for Pres., 270; receives rec-
ommend, of Rector as brig, gen., 113,
120, repls. to, re: Brit.-Amer. rels. in
west, 36-37, danger to terr., 265-266,
defense measures, 215-216, 238-240,
Indian rels., 52-53, 75, 159-160, 164-
166, 169-171, 174-179, 184-185, 186-
190, 193-195, 202-203, 212, 218,
219-222, 223-225, 244-247, 247-255,
policy of command, officer at Chi-
cago, 66-68, prog, of Indian war,
268-269, smuggling at Chicago, 184-
185, U. S. rangers, 257-258; transmits
orderfor organiz. of comp. of rangers,
197-198; states no muster rolls reed.,
193.
Secretary of War (act.), Monroe, re-
ceives advice and recommends, re
frontier war, 289-293; rept. to, re
defense measures, 294-295; requests
meet, with 111. and Mo. terr. delegs.,
298.
Secretary of War (act.). Smith, letter
ment. to Jouett, 40.
Seguin, Louis, deposit, favor, to land
commrs. ment., 59; signer, 213.
Self, David, signer, 274, 277.
Self, Jacob, signer, 275.
Sely, Henry, signer, 302.
Setz, David, signer, 208.
Seven ranges, mode of survey, of, con-
tinued, 356.
Sexton, Jacob, signer, 207.
Sexton, Joshua, signer, 152, 207.
Sexton, Meshake, signer, 64.
Shannon, Thomas, signer, 207, 277.
Shannon, William, draft in favor of,
145; letter to Pope, 32.
Sharp, Rep. Solomon, of Ky., letter to
Sec. State, 411; recommends Edwards
as commr. to Indians, 411.
Shaw, — , bill in favor of, 95.
Shawnee (Shawanese) Indians, com-
bine with other tribes for attack on
U. S., 203; hostile assembly predicted.
159-160; incite other tribes to war,
252; invited to Ark. R. area, 246;
summoned to Detroit by Brit., 325.
Shawnee Prophet, 221, 239; agts. of
Kinzie trade with, 220; alleged part
in Indian unrest, 160; band of Kicka-
poo join, 329; hostile intent, 163, 164,
170-171, 193; Indian ready to assist,
250; leads Indians to Detroit, 325;
mtssage from Tecumseh to, 286;
receives Indian mission, 245; size of
war party of, 263; town of, 187; visit
to Detroit, 313.
Shawneetown, 374, 382, 383, 384, 385,
387, 406, 417; acct. for survey, of
viewed as high, 413; bill authoriz. road
from, to U. S. Saline and Kaskaskia
discussed, 420; change of loc. to
higher ground discussed, 412; claim of
survr. for lay. out, 406; copy of act
re sent to Meigs, 402; corr. re original
survey of, 424-426; desig. of bounds,
discussed, 152; dist. to salt works, 63;
effect of pub. sale of unsold lots, 448;
estab. and lay. out of, discussed, 97,
107-108, 112-113, 153-154, 309, 318-
319,320-321,425-426, 449-450; estab.
of road from, to Saline and Kaskaskia,
407-408; failure of mails to Hender-
son, Ky., 412; favor, loc. discussed,
63-64; ferry rights discussed, 421;
floods at, 367; further revision of plan
of, discussed, 330-331; loc. in rel. to
Kaskaskia, 63; no. families in, 65;
petitions from, re: div. town lots for
sale, 62-64, 65, estab. add. land office,
153-154, improve, of plan of, 390-391;
postal schedule to Ste. Genevieve,
La. Terr., 428; postal service to
Livingston Co., Ky., 157; prog, of
survey of, 181-182; prog, of, under
Indiana Terr., 63; query re unsold
lots in, 436; recommend, as loc. of
survr. gen. office, 366-368; rept. re
survey of, 148-149; resid. of Judge
Griswold, 412; revised plat sent to
Washington, 329; road from, to Kas-
kaskia urged, 297; sale of lots recom-
mend., 365; survey of add. to, ar-
ranged, 421 ; survey of, discussed, 448;
survey of new part to be executed,
419; unfavor. site discussed, 357-360,
For identical names, see index note, p. 45i
INDEX
497
361, 364, 369, 395-396; unsold lots
to be sold at auction, 440.
Shawneetown Land District, 389, 428,
433; applic. of premption law in, 388;
estab. of, 205, 335; map of, discussed,
375 n., 449, 450, 451; plats of surveys
in: inaccuracy of, discussed, 369-370,
375-377, 378, sent to G.L.O., 353, to
be furnished to reg., 417-418; sale of
land discussed, 369-370; surveys com-
pleted, 393.
Shawneeto;^^ Land Office, 319; applic.
for appt. as reg. of, 320; appt. of reg.
and rec. at, 417, 418, 421, 427; estab.
of, discussed and procld., 402, 406-
407, 407-408, 412, 413, 415, 416-417,
421; instrs. and forms sent to officials
of, 420-421; land sale discussed, 422,
429; need for office supplies, 427.
Sheely, Da\ad, signer, 274.
Shelby, Abraham, signer, 208.
Shelby, David, signer, 277.
Shelby, Isaac, signer, 277.
Sheldon, Daniel, Jr., 391; comments by,
351, 357; inquiry re faQure of mails,
111; letter to Coles, 108; memoran. re
Jones' salary, 108-109; note, 437;
sends Jones' letter re deposit, to
Herty, 111.
Shequenebec, Indian chief, parties from
village of, on warpath, 263.
Sheriffs, appt. of, 47-48; charges against
Gilbreath as, 45-46; removal of,
47-48.
Shoal Creek, settlers on, abandon
homes, 190.
Shook, Aaron, militia muster roll, 226,
233.
Shook, Samuel, militia muster roll, 237.
Short, Hubbard, militia muster roll, 235,
237.
Short, Hubert, signer, 302.
Short, Capt. Jacob, 302; attends conf.
militia officers, 188; certifies muster
rolls, 236, 238; elected secy, of
militia conf., 188; in campaign against
Kickapoo, 333, 334; member terr. leg.,
301; muster rolls, 227 n., 234, 236;
muster rolls of militia comp. of, 234-
238; offer by, of comp. of rangers,
300-302; raises comp. of rangers, 316;
signer, 301.
Short, John, signer, 301.
Short, Moses, militia muster rolls, 235,
237; signer, 301.
Short, Maj. — , 46.
Shrader, Judge Otho (La.-Mo. Terr.),
Pope's oath taken before, 38.
Sibley, Isaac, signer, 64.
Sidney (Sydney) Grove, 162, 247.
Silver Creek, settlers on, abandon
homes, 190.
Sioux (Sieux) Indians, 315; alleged plan
to attack Sauk and Fox, 307; await:
answer of Brit., 250, Dickson at
Prairie du Chien, 326, outcome of
Indian attack on settlements, 264;
conf. with: other tribes at Milwaukee,
249, party from Prophetstown, 245-
246; deleg. of, accompany Dickson to
Can., 249; friendly to U. S., 307;
hostile intentions, 253; invited to join
war against U. S., 325-326; meet at
Prairie du Chien, 166, 168; own lead
mines, 156; peace party on way to St.
Louis conf., 322; plans discussed re:
alliance with Brit., 215, conquest of
La. Terr., 253, 254, visit to Washing-
ton, 167, 168-169; ready to joint
enemies of U. S., 314, 316; visit
Prairie du Chien agency, 71.
Sisson, James, 396; elk., survr. gen.,
office, 389.
Skinner, Henry, letter ment. to P.M.G.,
339; draft on, in favor of McArthur,
139.
Slater, James, signer, 214.
Slaves, bill author, use of, in salines, 300;
intro. of, proposed, 297; of Judge
Stuart, 299.
Slocum, John C, signer, 277.
Sloo, Thomas, 357, 436; appd.: land
commr., 211, 340, reg. Shawneetown
L. O., 406-407, 417, 418; condemns
site of Shawneetown, 361; copy of
letter re Shawneetown sent to G.L.O.,
360; discusses land patents, 429-430;
instrs. and forms enclosed to, 420-
421; instrs. to, discussed or ment.,
427, 449, 450; letters ment. to: Meigs,
364, Tiffin, 450; letters to: Meigs, 361,
429-431, 450-451, Tiffin, 427-428,
449-450; petition by, re add. compens.
as land commr., 340-341; recommends
For identical names, see index note, p. 45i
498
INDEX
new site for Shawneetown, 361; re-
quests map of Shawneetown land
district, 449, 450; requests newspapers
to insert procl., 417; s. rept. land
commrs., 284; submits bond and oath
as reg., 427.
Smith, Abraham, signer, 274.
Smith, Benjamin R., signer, 277.
Smith, Evans, signer, 274.
Smith, Isaac, militia muster roll, 233;
signer, 150.
Smith, James, signer, 150.
Smith, James, signer, 152.
Smith, John, see Secretary of War (act.).
Smith, John, signer, 207.
Smith, Jon, signer, 274.
Smith, Michael, signer, 204.
Smith, Robert, see Secretary of State.
Smith, Samuel H., and Herty, commrs.
to take deposit., 110, 111.
Smith, Upton, signer, 150.
Smith, Col. — , agrees to buy land in
La. Terr, for Judge Jones, 61; carries
letter to Crawford, 60.
Smithland (Ky.), mail schedule to
Cape Girardeau, La. Terr., 428.
Smyth, John, signer, 208.
Society of True Americans, resol. of,
341-343.
Sparks, ASalum, signer, 274.
Sparks, Benjamin, signer, 274.
Sparks, ElsBury, signer, 274.
Sprigg, Judge William, 336; appd. and
commd. judge, 350-351, 438; ex-
change of positions with Stuart dis-
cussed, 437-439; letter to Sec. State,
336; memo, re salary acct., 438-439;
solicits appt. as judge, 336.
Sprinkle, Michal, signer, 64.
Squire's ferry, on Miss. R., 162.
Squires, — , kills Indian chief, 162.
Stallions (Stallion), Capt. Abraham,
attends conf. militia officers, 188;
deposit, favor, to land commrs.
ment., 59.
Standlee, David, signer, 278.
Standlee, William, signer, 153.
Standley, Dennis, signer, 273.
Standley, William, signer, 273.
Standly, Stephen, signer, 273.
Stanley (Standlee; Stanly), Abraham
(Abram), depos. re sale of Stanley
lands, 131-132; land claims assigned
to Edgar, 123, 125, 126, 127, 131-132;
power of atty. to, by Stanley family,
125, 129-131; proposal of, to sell
Stanley claims, 126; resid. of, 126;
signer, 152.
Stanley claims, discussed, 123-132.
Stanley (Standlee, Stanly), David, Jr.,
126; land claims of, assigned to Edgar,
123, 126, 129, 130-131.
Stanley, David, Jr., and McCarty,
power of atty. by, to A. Stanley,
130-131.
Stanley, David, Sr., 126.
Stanley (Standlee, Stanly), John, 126;
depos. of, rejected, 128; land claims
assigned to Edgar, 123, 126, 130, 131;
power of atty. by, to A. Stanley, 130.
Stanly, Demsy, signer, 208.
Stanly, Sphen, signer, 208.
Stapleton, John, signer, 208.
Stark (Starke), Maj. Horatio, letter
ment. to Howard, 327.
Starkey, Jesse, signer, 150.
Starkey, John, signer, 150.
State Department, terr. docs, filed in,
109.
Staunton (Va.), visit of Stuart to, 299.
Steel, Joseph M., signer, 391.
Steel, William, militia muster roll, 234.
Stephenson, Maj. Benjamin, appd.
sheriff, 47-48; command, of rangers,
317; commands force against Indians
on Mink R., 331, 332, 333-335; in
campaign against Indians, 370, 371;
letter to Edwards, 333-335; recom-
med. for rtappt. as command, of
rangers, 317; signer, 204.
Sterling, Lord, 121.
Steuben ville (Stubenville, 0.), 137.
Stewart, Charles, signer, 152.
Stickney, Benjamin F., instrs. to re
preserv. of peace with Indians, 231-
232.
Stiles, Richard, signer, 277.
Stiles, William, signer, 277.
Stilly, David, signer, 274.
Stilly, John, signer, 274.
Stilly, Stephen, signer, 274.
Stobaugh, John, signer, 274.
Stockton, Davis, permit to, to seek
stolen horses, 39; signtr, 150.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
499
Stockton, James, on comm. to recom-
mend appt. of govr., 31; signer, 150.
Stony (Rocky) River, agts. of Kinzie
trade at, 220.
Story, Nathan, signer, 273.
Stout, Henry, militia muster roll, 235,
237.
Stovall, Abraham, signer, 208.
Stovall, G. B., signer, 208.
Stovall, John, signer, 208.
Stovall, Squire, signer, 208.
Stovl, — , 46.
Street, Joseph, preeemption claim dis-
cussed, 430.
Stuart, Judge Alexander, 347; absence
of, 298-300; address of members of
bar to, 217; applies for appt. in Mo.
Terr., 298-299; commd. judgt, 15-16;
exchange of positions with Judge
Sprigg, of Mo., discussed, 437-439;
illness of family, 298; initial pay of,
16 n.; judge in Mo. Terr., 438; letter
to Sec. State, 268, 298-300, 345; memo.
re salary acct., 438-439; presides at
trial of M. Jones, 95; recommends:
Edwards for reappt. as govr., 268,
Pope as judge, 71-72, Pope for reappt.
as secy., 284, E. Rector as reg. of
L.O., 320; resig. of, 268, 345, 349;
returns to 111., 299; s. petition, 72;
visit to Sec. State, 298.
Stuart, Judge Alexander, and Edwards
and Thomas, letter to Sec. State, 71-
72.
Stublefield, John, signer, 214.
Suffrage, exten. of, by Cong., 207 n.;
need for wider, discussed, 200, 201,
202; petitions for wider, 203-204, 205-
208; property qualif. for exercise of,
204, 205-206.
Summers, Edward, signer, 214.
Summers, John, signer, 207.
Summers, William, signer, 274.
Sumner, John, signer, 273.
Sumner, Spencer, signer, 273.
Sumner, Thomas, signer, 273.
Superintendent of Indian affairs, juris,
of various, in 111. Terr, discussed, 69,
70 n.
Superintendent of Indian trade, seat of,
at Georgetown, D. C, 256.
Surveyor General, 87, 99, 136, 139, 145,
146, 393, 416; contracts with survrs.
to survey private claims discussed,
147; exten. of credits to, 113; power
subord. to Sec. Treas., 425; recom-
mend, re new loc. of office of, 366-368;
resurvey of land claims by, 283. See
also Mansfield, Jared; Tiffin, Edward;
Meigs, Jcsiah.
Surveyors, contracts with, for survey of
private claims discussed, 147; recalled
from work acct. Indian war, 401-402.
See also Deputy surveyors.
Surveys, assig. of areas for, 351 ;
compens. for, 112; contracts discussed,
356; corr. re Shawneetown, 424-426;
decisions re, 394; defective, 335, 376-
377, 378; discussed, 136, 137, 163-
164, 389; effect of winter season on,
181-182; estimates of expense, 355;
general system approved, 356; im-
peded by Indian attacks, 397-399,
400-402; instrs. re running sec. lines,
135; islands in Miss. R., 436, 440;
lots in Shawneetown discussed, 151-
152, 153-154, 369-370; method dis-
cussed, 356, 374-375; need for early,
to encourage emig., 96; no funds for,
of pub. lands, 22; plans for, discussed,
77-80; private claims discussed, 20-
22, 84-88, 89, 106-107; prog, of, 142,
145-146, 181-182, 374, 398-399, 400-
402, 420; plats sent to G.L.O., 351,
353,364, 365; proposals for, 441-443;
proposed, for new Shawneetown, 412;
recommend, for U. S. pay. of private,
146-148; status of dep. survrs., 393;
status under author, of govrs., 13.
Swarengin, Thomas, militia muster roll,
234.
Swaringin, Thomas V., militia muster
roll, 236.
Swofford, Jacob T., signer, 277.
Tade, David, signer, 274.
Tailor, James, signer, 204.
Talbot, Thomas W., militia muster roll,
233.
Talbott (Talbot), Benjamin, validity of
land entry discussed, 430; letter to
Edwards, 225; rept. by, re danger to
U. S. Saline, 225; signer, 207, 277.
Fur identical names, see index note, p. JiSJf
500
INDEX
Talbott, Elijah, signer, 150.
Talbott (Talbot), James, militia muster
roll, 232; signer, 150.
Talbott (Talbot, Tolbut), Joshua, mi-
litia muster roll, 226; signer, 150.
Talbott (Tolbut), Thomas, militia mus-
ter roll, 226.
Talbott, Thomas H., signer, 150.
Talor, Nimrod, signer, 277.
Tanby, Thonton, signer, 152.
Taxation, fear of add., under sec. grade
of go\-t., 209; land, discussed, 296.
Taylor, David, signer, 275.
Taylor, George, signer, 275.
Taylor, Jonathan, preemption claim
discussed, 430.
Taylor, Nicholas, signer, 275.
Taylor, Right, signer, 275.
Taylor, Samuel, signer, 213.
Taylor & Bringman, lessees of U. S.
Saline, 40.
Tecumseh, hostile intent, 193; message
to Shawnee Prophet, 286; visit to
Maiden, 264.
Tennessee, 63, 126, 130, 131, 223, 388,
416, 423; market for salt, 361.
Terre Coupee, dist. from Chicago, 261.
Territorial Attorney General, motion to
defer trial of Jones, 58; no juris, over
Fed. cases, 345-346; presents cast
against Jones, 95.
Territorial bar, address of members to,
Judge Stuart, 217.
Territorial courts, advice to suspend
term, 260; recept. by, of certain docs,
in libel suit, 110; status of suits in,
after estab. of terr., 7; vacancy in,
81, 82, 298. See also Territorial
Supreme Court.
Territorial Delegate, 8, 9, 202, 209, 272,
299; address to Sec. War, 289-293,
298; chosen by leg. assembly, 206;
elec. of, from Indiana Terr., 135-137;
instrs. to, to lay leg. memorial before
Cong., 280, 405; need for, stressed,
189, 200; petition urging popul. elec.
of, 207; popul. elec. of, provided for,
207 n.; resols. of leg. transmitted
through, 297; urged to secure new
laws, 296, 297.
Territorial Governor, 125; applic. and
recommends, for appt. as, 9, 10, 11,
19 n., 20, 22, 23-24, 29-30, 81-82,
268; appt. as, 45, 243, 270; author, as
commander-in-chief discussed, 295 n.;
comms. as, 45, 243, 270; confirm, of
land titles by, discussed, 99, 100,
103-105, 136, 141, 144, 145, 158, 161,
338, 340, 440; discussed, 14 n.; lack of
author, to call militia, 223; land
qualif. discussed, 72, 74; office sup-
plied furnish, by terr. secy., 56;
salary, how paid, 17; tenure, 45,
243, 270.
Territorial Judges, 138; appt. as, 83,
108, 109; clerk to, keeps office, 149;
comms. as, 14-16, 350-351; confusion
re salary, 108-109; discussed, 14 n.;
irregularity in pay explained, 437-
439; keep no ofl^cc, 149; land qualif.
discussed, 72, 74; non-arrival of, 38;
non-resid. discussed, 349 n.; recom-
mends, for appt. as, 8, 9, 12, 349;
resig. of, 71, 268, 298-300, 345;
salary discussed, 438-439; tenure, 14,
15, 16, 83, 299, 350. See also
Judges; Territorial Courts; Terri-
torial Supreme Court.
Territorial Legislature, address to Pres.
transmitted, 275; tlec. to fill vacancy,
122; memorial by, re loc. of land
claims, 402-405; resols. of, re; em-
ploy, of slaves, 296-297, more liberal
land policy, 279-280.
Territorial Secretary, as act. govr.
16-41; conting. expenses of office of,
74; discussed, 14 n.; land qualif.,
72, 74; nomin. and appt. of, 29 n.,
303, 340; oath discussed, 38; office
expenses discussed, 38, 39, 41, 49-50,
56, 60, 69; recommend, for reappt. as,
284; recommends, for appt. as, 8,
10-11; resig. of officers filed with, 126;
salary, how paid, 17; tenure, 303, 340.
Territorial Supreme Court, 268; applic.
for appt. to, 336; official seal of, to be
paid for by U. S., 149; vacancies, 336,
34 5, 349. See also Clerk of Territorial
Court; Territorial Judges.
Territory Northwest of the River Ohio,
6, 7, 131, 144; confirm, of land claims
by govr. of, discussed, 211, 281, 282,
283, 440; discussed, 3-4; div. of, 104;
papers re land titles in France, 93;
For identical names, tee index note, p. 454
INDEX
501
policy of govr. of, re loc. of militia
rights, 404.
Teter, Philip, militia muster roll, 226,
232.
Thomas, J., elk. leg. council, attests
resol., 280.
Thomas, James D., attests resol., 342.
Thomas, Judge Jesse B., advised not to
hold court, 260; affid. sworn to before,
133; certif. ment. re Caldwell's oath
as rec, 433; characterized, 17; comm.
as judge, 15; draft enclosed to Craw-
ford, 60 ; initial pay, 1 5 n. ; letter ment.
to Judge Jones, 60; letters to: Sec.
State, 11, Sec. War, 120; recommend,
as judge, 8, 9, 12; recommends:
Boyle as govr., 11, Pope as judge,
71-72, as terr. secy., 11, Rector as
brig, gen., 120; repts. for comm., 3;
s. petition, 72.
Thomas, Judge Jesse B., and Edwards
and Stuart, letter to Sec. State, 71-72.
Thomas, Robert, signer, 392.
Thomp (MS. torn), William, signer, 214.
Thompson, Matthew, signer, 278.
Thomson, Archibald, signer, 214.
Thruston, Sen. Buckner, of Ky., letters
to Sec. State, 10-11; recommends
Boyle as govr., 10.
Tidwell, Hiram (Hyram), militia muster
roll, 235, 237.
Tiffin, Edward, 360; advised of inac-
curate surveys, 368-369; bond and
oath of Caldwell sent to, 433; com-
ments re inaccuracy of surveys, 376-
377; confir. as commr. of G.L.O., 309
n.; criticizes plan of Shawneetown,
318-319; discusses interpret, of law
confirm, land claims, 439-440; dis-
cusses saline lease, 391; encloses
forms and instrs. to Sloo, 421-422;
informed re assig. of survrs., 351;
informs Edwards of disallow, of claim
for extra compens., 443-444; informs
Meigs of appt. of reg. and rec. at
Shawneetown, 417-418; instrs. by, re:
correct, of survey plats, 378, Dob-
bins's acct., 413, rept. on lands near
U. S. Saline, 414-415, inquiry into
delinquency of lessee of U. S. Saline,
434, return of surveys in Shawnee-
town dist., 335-336, revision of sur-
vey, plats, 369, sale of reserved lands,
344-345; instrs. from, requested re
confirm, land claims, 432; lays ques-
tion of U. S. Saline before Pres., 323-
324; Mansfield-Dobbins corr. re Shaw-
neetown surveys sent to, 424-426;
query to, re forfeitures, 449; query to,
re interpret, of preemption act (sec.
16), 448-449; names board to exam.
and rept. on reserved lands near U. S.
Saline, 417; opinion re applic. of
preemption law, 388; plats of surveys
sent to, 351; receives plat of Shaw-
neetown, 329; requests Graham to
fill out comms. for land officers, 418;
sends land act to Jones and Caldwell,
414; s. procl., 417; letters ment. to:
Bond, 437, Caldwell, 399, 433,
Edwards, 343, 389, Jones, 431, Meigs,
320, 330, 351, 355, 365, 376, 377, 393,
395, 400, 412, 418, 421, 436, 448,
Rector, 399, Sloo, 427; letters to: Bond,
388, Caldwell, 302-303, 429, 441,
Edwards, 328-329, 343, 443-444, Gra-
ham, 418, Jones, 391, 439-440, Jones
and Caldwell, 344-345, 414, Meigs,
318-319, 335-336, 364-365, 369-370,
376-377, 378-379, 396-397, 402, 413,
417-418, 440-441, Pres., 323, pres.
of Senate, 336-337, 337-339, Sloo,
420-421, Morrison and Wilkins, 434,
White, 434, White, Hargrove, and
Trammel, 414; receives survey plats,
353, 356, 357, 364; repts. to, re: plan
of Shawneetown, 309, 320-321, sur-
veys, 374-376; submits repts. of land
commrs. to Senate, 337-339; trans-
mits: approval of saline lease, 328,
land laws to Meigs, 330, preemption
act to rec. at Kaskaskia 302-303.
Tilly, John, signer, 275.
Tippecanoe (Tepicanoe), 252.
Tippecanoe campaign, ment., 424.
Tod, William, rels. of, with Dubuque,
258-259.
Todd, Lt. Robert, of Ky., 239, 257, 265.
Todd, T., depos. favor, to land commrs.
ment., 59.
Tower Hill, troops gather at, 370.
Tracy, Rep. Uri, of N. Y., recommends
Griswold as judge, 81 n.
Tramell, James, signer, 208.
For identical names, see index note, p. 4^4
502
INDEX
Trammel (Tramel), Col. Philip, 227 n.;
calls out comp. of militia, 223, 224,
225; letter to Edwards, 224-225; pur-
sues Indians, 332.
Trammel, Col. Philip, and others,
instrs. to, re examin. of land near
U. S. Saline, 414.
Trappist, see La Trappe.
Trimble, D., signer, 152.
Turkey Hill, 61.
Turner, Nathaniel, signer, 273.
Tuttle, Trueman, draft in favor of
McArthur, 139; instrs. to, re pay. of
drafts, 139-140.
Tywappety, mail schedule, 428.
Uley, David, signer, 153.
United States Attorney, comm. as, 352;
recommend, for appt., 302, 348; sal-
ary, 352 n.; tenure, 352.
United States Bank, 17, 39.
United States Congress, 36, 124, 191,
193, 201, 244; act re estab. oi 111. Terr,
(text), 6-8; action re leg. memorial on
reloc. of land claims, 405 r.; acts dis-
cussed re: confirm, of land claims,
103-105, estab. 111. Terr., 203, 431
432, preemption, 434-436; acts ment.
re: add. corapens. of rangers, 304,
bounty lands for soldiers, 280, college
twp., 296, 297, compens. to postmast-
ers, 180; confirm, of land claims, 414,
439, contracts, 183, div. of Indiana
Terr, and estab. 111. Terr., 9, 14, 15,
16, 23, 83, 350, enabling Ohio to form
const., 296, estab. of Shawneetown,
97, 318, 402, 412, estab. Shawneetown
land district, 335, 416, extens. of suf-
frage and popul. elec. of deleg., 207
n., land claims, 73, 90, 98, 99, 109,
123, 133, 134, 143, 158, 281, 329, 336,
337, 344, 435, land sales, 356, 416,
milit. land warrants, 396, pay. of fees
for resurveys, 76, preemption, 302,
341, 344, 376, 379, 388, 412, 441, rais-
ing corps U. S. rangers, 217, reloc. of
land claims, 403, 404, surveys, 356,
365, 389, 393, 394; applic. to, for add.
compens. to land commrs., 161; bills
before, re: authoriz. road, 420, extens.
of suffrage, 209, land claims, 419; con-
firm, by, of land claims discussed, 144,
338; deleg. to, discussed, 200-201, 202;
petitions, memorials, and resols. from
terr. before, 65, 72, 93-94, 140-141,
149-150, 151-153, 203-204, 205-208,
271-272, 272-275, 276-278, 279-280,
378, 402-405; elec. of terr. deleg. to,
discussed, 135-136, 137; publ. of laws
of, in terr., 393; receives repts. re: con-
firmed land claims, 96, mail contracts,
81-82; rule re admission of new states
by, 3-4.
United States House of Representatives,
receives letter from Edwards re
protect. Mo. Fur Co., 408; rept.". to,
re div. Indiana Terr., 3-5, petition
of terr. officers, 74.
United States marshal, recommends,
for appt. as, 302, 348; tenure, 353.
United States rangers, 203 n., 342;
attack and destroy Kickapoo village,
331, 332, 333-334; battle with Indians
347; begin, of organ., 197; deploy, of,
257; disban. opposed, 409; health,
257; list of volunteers, 301-302;
moboliz. by Russell, 238; need of,
to protect survrs., 398-399; organiz.
of, 316-317; organiz. author, by law,
197; organiz. recommend., 244-245;
part of, in campaign against Indians,
370; pay discussed, 210 n., 215, 267;
renewed use in Indian war, 422, 423,
424, 445; three comps. author., 316;
use of, to guard salt springs discussed,
225; value discussed, 292, 295; volun-
teers, 300-301, 304-305.
United States Saline, 186, 252, 357;
alleged delinq. of lessee, 434; bill dis-
cussed re road from Shawneetown to,
420; bill for intro. of slave labor in,
discussed, 300; bound, discussed, 151,
152; certain lands near, to be excluded
from sale, 414, 417; compens. not
allowed for negot. lease to, 443-444;
dist. from Shawneetown, 63; improve,
on, not paid for, 434; Indian hostility
in area of, 223-225, 332; insufficient
labor for, 297; lease discussed, 161-
162, 300, 323-324, 391, 415 n.; lease
renewed, 328; lessees act adversely
to U. S. interest, 205; mail schedule,
428; market for workings of, 361;
monopoly over, discussed 63, 65;
For identical names, see index note, p. 4H
INDEX
503
negro labor in, 225; post road to,
from Vincennes unproductive, 181;
rel. to Shawneetown, 107-108; returns
of salt from, ment., 40; road from, to
Kaskaskia urged, 407-408. See also
Salines; Salt Springs.
United States Senate, 243, 299, 303, 438;
bills before, re: intro. slaves in U. S.
Saline, 300, Trappist order, 89-90;
confirms: Edwards as govr., 43, 243,
270, Fouke as U. S. marshal, 352-353,
Jones as judge, 14, Mears as U. S.
atty., 352, Pope as secy., 340, Sprigg
as judge, 350-351, Stuart as judge,
16, Thomas as judge, 15.
United States troops, employ, in defense
of terr. frontier, 370, 371, 372, 423,
444-445; need of aid from, 162, 163,
189, 194; under orders of Howard,
444.
Upton, Joseph, signer, 208.
Vanosdol (Vanosdle; Vanozdal), Simon,
militia muster roll, 227, 233.
Van Swearingen, Thomas, signer, 213.
Varnum, Rep. Joseph B., of Mass., s.
act, 8.
Varnum, Rep. Joseph B., and Gaillard,
rept. to, re land claims, 143-144.
Varnum, Joseph B., Jr., 83; transferred:
from Chicago fact., 19 n., to Michili-
mackinac, 30; instrs. to, re preserv. of
peace with Indians, 231-232; letters
ment. to: Mason, 30, Sec. War, 30;
note, 30.
Vasquez, Lt. Barony, letter to Boilvin,
306-307.
Vaugh, Lt. John, attends conf. militia
officers, 188.
Vaughn (Vaune), Lt. Joshua, militia
muster roll, 226, 232, 235.
Vermilion, Samuel, signer, 214.
Vermillion River, 272.
Vicary, John, signer, 150.
Village du Blue, Sauk village, 306.
Vincennes (Ind. Terr.), 3, 6, 13, 98, 111,
229, 251, 268, 286, 287, 400, 423, 424;
elec. for deleg. to Cong, held in, 136,
137; milit. express mail from, to 111.
discussed, 348, 350, 364; horses stolen
near, 255; mail contract to Kaskaskia,
82; move, of troops from, 224; mur-
der by Indians near, 251; murderers
of settlers near, seen in Chicago, 263;
postal service from and to discussed,
90, 110, 166; post road from, to Saline
unproductive, 181; proposed Indian
attack on, 327; rangers at, 257;
return of rangers to, from 111. cam-
paign, 372, 373; seat of courts of
Indiana Terr., 4.
Vincennes (Ind. Terr.) Land Commis-
sioners, confirm of rept. of, 103.
Vincennes (Ind. Terr.) Land District,
144, 376.
Vincennes (Ind. Terr.) Land Office, 78,
449.
Vineyard (Vinyard), Daniel, signer,
208, 274.
Vineyard, John, signer, 208, 274.
Vineyard, John, signer, 275.
Vinson, Jeremiah, signer, 152.
Vinyard, George, signer, 208.
Vinyard, William, signer, 208.
Virgin, William, signer, 302.
Virginia, 317, 418; act of cession by,
ment., 3; resid. of Judge Stuart, 15.
Virginia Military reserve, survey of, a
blemish, 356.
Vond, Joshua, signer, 150.
Voodrey, Gabriel, signer, 153.
Voodry, John, signer, 64.
Wabash River, 40, 63, 64, 239, 294, 300,
323, 395, 401, 422; bound, line, 3, 4,
5, 6; land near survd., 153; move, of
hostile Indians near, 163; Potawatomi
Indians on, 178, 246, 251; proposed
removal of Kaskaskia L. 0. to, 142;
rept. on Indian affairs at, 255; retreat
of Indians from, 306; Shawnee
Prophet leaves, 313.
Wabash Saline, see United States Saline.
Waddle, Jesse, permit to seek stolen
horses, 39.
Waddle, John, militia muster roll, 234.
Wadke, Jessie, signer, 277.
Waggoner (Wagnor), Ens. Peter, attends
conf. militia officers, 188.
Wakefield, George, signer, 302.
Wakefield, John A., signer, 302.
Walden, Beja, signer, 278.
Walden, Benjamin, 274.
Wales, Thomas, signer, 274.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
504
INDEX
Walker, Charles P., militia muster rolls,
226, 233.
Walker, Henry, militia muster roll, 285,
237.
Walker, Hugh, militia muster roll, 235.
Walker, John, signer, 302.
Walker, William, militia musttr roll, 235,
237; signer, 302.
Wallace, Benjamin, applic. for lease of
lead mine discussed, 105.
Wallace, John, signer, 277.
Wallis, John, signer, 278.
Waliss, Thomas, signer, 207.
Wapalla, — , Fr. prisoner of Sauk, 169.
War of 181Z, Indians await decl. of,
253, 254; prog, of, in 111. terr.,
261-265, 265-266, 268-269, 270-272,
285-293, 294-295, 305-308, 310-318,
322, 323, 327-328, 331-335, 347-348,
350, 364, 365, 379-381, 444-448.
Ware, Samuel, signer, 301.
Warker, Charles, signer, 150.
Washington (D.C.), 14, 15, 16, 20, 45,
61, 69, 76, 83, 93, 166, 168, 169, 196,
243, 259, 270, 285, 298, 299, 303, 320,
340, 346, 350, 352, 353, 405, 425:
bank of, salary of Meigs deposit, in,
397; Edwards requests leave to visit,
354; state of roads from Kaskaskia,
94.
Washington, Gen. George, 121.
Washington (Ky.), 350, 362; confused
with Washington, D.C., 354, 355.
Waterman, J. B., agt. of Indian trade
office in Philadelphia, 36.
Watkins, Lewis, signer, 208, 277.
Watson, James, signer, 208.
Watson, Samuel, militia muster roll,
226, 235, 237.
Watson, William, signer, 208.
Wayne, Gen. Anthony, 196, 257.
Weeks, John, signer, 208.
Weeks, Thomas D. L., claim for loss of
property to Indians discussed, 114,
118; letter to Edwards, 116.
Weeks, — , settle, headed by, depleted,
224.
Wells, Capt. William, advised against
evacua. of Chicago, 262; death of,
262, 313; destroys arms and liquor in
Chicago store, 261-262; orders In-
dians back to Chicago, 261.
West, William, signer, 64, 153, 277.
West Liberty (Pa.), 137.
Westley, West, signer, 274.
Weyer, David, signer, 214.
Wheatly, Francis, signer, 207.
Wheeller, William, signer, 277.
Wheelock, Ens. Simon, attends conf.
militia officers, 189; militia muster
roll, 226, 232.
Whelan, J. G., signer, 64.
Whilliams, Samuel, signer, 150.
Whiskey, sale to Indians by Brit, agt.,
252; use as part pay for labor, 50.
Whistler, Capt. John, criticism of, 67,
68 n.; corr. of, discussed, 68 n.; suc-
ceeded by Heald, 68 n.
White, Charles, signer, 207.
White, Hugh, signer, 214.
White, Isaac, U. S. agt. at the saline,
accts. ment., 40.
White, Leonard, 227 n. ; agt. at U. S.
Saline, instrs. to, re rept. on delinq.
lessee of saline, 434, to examine land.
414; letters ment. to: P. M. G., 158,
191, 211, Sec. Treas., 205; letter to
Edwards, 223-224; p.m. at U. S.
Saline, 158; rept. by, re danger from
Indians, 223-224; signer, 208, 277.
White, Liberty, murder of, by 212.
White, Sam W., signer, 208.
White Hair, Potawatomi chief, emissary
to Sauk, 313; reward to, for murder
of Wells, 313.
White Island, gee Lynwood Island.
White Pidgeon (Pigeon), Potawatomi
chief, bears speeches from Shawnee,
252; friend to U. S., 251; son of.in-
cites Indians to war, 313; visits
Indians of 111., 193.
Whiteside, Capt. B., 227 n.
Whiteside, Davis, signer, 150.
Whiteside, Jacob, signer, 150.
Whiteside, John J., signer, 150.
Whiteside, John L., militia muster roll,
233; signer, 150.
Whiteside, Capt. Samuel, attends conf.
militia officers, 188; muster roll, 226,
227 n.; raises corap. rangers, 316.
Whiteside (Whitesides), Uel (Euel),
depos. sworn to before, 118, 119; on
comm. to recommend, app*. of govr.,
31; signer, 150.
For identical names, see index note, p. 454
INDEX
505
Whiteside, William, elected ch. of
militia conf., 188; raises comp.
rangers, 215; instrs. to, re use of
militia, 171-172; on comm. to rec-
ommend appt. of govr., 31; s. state,
of militia officers, 190; signer, 150.
Whiteside, Capt. William Boiling, 334;
appd. capt., U. S. rangers, 197;
attends conf. militia officers, 188;
militia comp. of, employed, 295, 445.
Whiteside, William L., signer, 150.
Whitford, William, signer, 277.
Whitlock, Lt. Ambrose, appd. pay-
master of forces, 267; transfers
annuity goods to Ft. Massac, 47.
Whitlock, Simeon, see Wheelock, Simon.
Whitson, Jacob, signer, 150.
Widen, J. R., letter to Edwards,
306-308; rept. by, re Indian actions,
306-308.
Wiet, James, signer, 301.
Wnderman, George, militia muster
roll, 235, 237.
Wilderman, Jacob, militia muster roll,
235, 237. See also Wildermon, Jacob.
Wilderman, James, militia muster roll,
234, 237.
Wildermon, Jacob, signer, 301. See
also Wilderman, Jacob.
Wilkins, Charles, and Morrison, com-
plaint re lessee of saline, 434; letter
ment. to Pres., 434.
Wilkins, Col. James, Brit, commdt. in
III., land policy of, discussed, 104.
Wilkinson, Gen. James, 66.
Wilkinson, Capt. — , 444.
Wilkinsonville, mail schedule, 428.
Wilks, Abner, signer, 64.
Willbank, Hardy, militia muster roll, 232,
Willes, Jacob, signer, 152.
Willes, James, signer, 152.
Williams, Capt. Dudley, 227 n.
Williams, John, signer, 64, 208.
Williams, Joshua, signer, 208, 274.
Willis, John, signer, 274.
Willis, Merril, signer, 278.
Willis, William, signer, 278.
Wills, Peter, militia muster roll, 234,
235, 237.
Willson, James, signer, 208.
Willson, Otho, militia muster roll, 233.
Willson, Thomas, signer, 208.
Wilson, Alexander, signer, 153, 278.
Wilson, Cronton, signer, 152.
Wilson, Harris, signer, 152.
Wilson, Harrison, signer, 207.
Wilson, J., signer, 64.
Wilson, James, signer, 64.
Wilson, James, signer, 274.
Wilson, James, signer, 274.
Wilson, John, signer, 152, 207, 278.
Wilson, John, signer, 208.
Wilson, John, signer, 214.
Wilson, John M., signer, 214.
Wilson, Nicholas, draft in favor of, 145.
Wilson, Oath, militia muster roll, 226.
Wilson, Thomas, signer, 277.
Wilson, Willim, signer, 274.
Wilson, Maj. — , 187.
Winnebago (Puants) Indians, 261, 445,
447; battle with rangers, 347; com-
bine with other tribes for war on
U. S., 203; conf. with party from
Prophetstown, 245-246; deleg. of, ac-
company Dickson to Can., 249;
Dickson's proposed visit to, 326;
Fox war on, 218; hostile to U. S.,
186-187, 188, 195, 212, 219, 245, 254;
join Shawnee Prophet, 263; party of,
at Prophetstown, 325; receive powder
from Brit., 312; reprimand, by other
tribes for attack on Chicago, 249;
value of goods supplied to, 55; visit
Prairie du Chien agency, 71 n.
Wires, John B., mihtia muster roll, 237.
Wirt, WilUam, letter to Pres., 29-30;
recommends Edwards as govr., 24 n.,
29-30.
Wisconsin (Ouisconsin) River, 154,
■ 292, 307; armed boats at mouth of,
recommended, 288; estab. of fort at
mouth of, recommend., 288; Indians
reside in area of, 294; Sioux Indians
assemble on, 249, 254.
Wise, George, signer, 302.
Wiseman, James, signer, 153.
Wiser, John B., militia muster roll, 235.
Womack, Abraham, signer, 273.
Womack, John W., signer, 274.
Wood, Alfred, signer, 207, 274.
Wood, Martin, signer, 150.
Wood, William, signer, 277.
Woodell, John, signer, 208.
For identical tiames, are indrr note, p. ^5^
506
INDEX
Wood River, 147; petition for town at
Yale College, 80.
mouth of, 149-150.
Yeaton, Samuel, signer, 150.
Woods, John, signer, 208, 277, 301
Yellow Creek, Potawatomi Indians on.
Woolams, Absolom, signer, 150.
178.
Wren, John, signer, 208.
Young, John, signer, 152.
Wren, Nicholas, signer, 208.
Young, Nathan, signer, 208.
Wright, James, signer, 278.
Younge, Sparling, signer, 277.
Wright, Peter, signer, 302.
Wright, Richard, militia muster
roll,
Zanesville (0.) Land Office, letter ment.
226, 233.
to reg. of, 420.
Wright, Toliver, signer, 150.
Zellers, Jacob, signer, 64, 152.
o
For identical namet, see index note, p. 4Si