Early History-Mississippi Valley-Discovery of Florida-Ponce de Leon,

Miruelo, Narvaez, De Soto-Discovery of the Mississippi, and fate of De Soto

-Charter Grant of New France-Jesuit Missionaries, zeal and success-Reach

the Western Lakes-Enterprising views of Discovery-Mesnard, Allouez,

Marquette-Views of the Intendant Talon-Great Congress of Indian Na-

tions at the Falls of St. Mary-Enterprise of Marquette and Joliet-Dangers

pointed out by the Indians-Fox River, Portage, and Wisconsin-Upper

Mississippi discovered-The Illini Indians hospitable-The Missouri passed,

the Ouabache reached, and the Mississippi descended to below the Arkansas

-Return of Marquette and Joliet to Green Bay-Joliet's papers lost-Death

of Marquette-De la Salle, his enterprise, protected and encouraged by Col-

bert and Seignelay-Builds a vessel on Niagara River, and navigates the

Upper Lakes-He reaches the sources of the Illinois River-Descends and

builds a Fort-Learns the course of the Mississippi River, loses his vessel on

the Lakes, and resolves to build a new one-Despatches Hennepin on a voy-

age of discovery up the Mississippi-Leaves Tonti in command, and returns

on foot to Fort Frontenac-Tonti builds Rock Fort-Is driven away by the

Indians-La Salle returns, descends the Mississippi to the sea, and takes pos-

session of the country, by the name of Louisiana-Returns to France, pro-

cures a fleet, and endeavours to discover the mouth of the Mississippi by sea

-Passes the mouth, and lands in St. Bernard's Bay-His misfortunes, fruit-

less searches, and assassination-Joutel and Anastasius return by the Missis-

sippi to Fort Crevecoeur, and thence to Quebec-Attempts to decry the merits

of La Salle's discoveries-Hennepin's alleged discoveries-His two publica-

tions, and interpolations-The claims of England to the Mississippi founded

on Hennepin's books-The claims of France-Conflicting opinions of French

and English Colonists-New France neglected-French possessions in the

West include the whole Valley of the Mississippi-Iberville and his brothers

-Expedition fitted out to discover the mouth of the Mississippi-Iberville

successful-Passes up the River-Finds a letter from Tonti to La Salle-

Builds a Fort at Biloxi, and returns to France-Possession taken of the whole

basin of the Mississippi, by France, under the name of Louisiana............

NOTES TO CHAPTER I................................

23

301

CHAPTER II.

VALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

Settlement by Iberville-Progress of the French in Settlements from the St.

Lawrence to the Mississippi Valley-Kaskaskia, Peoria-Fathers Gravier and

Marest, Montigny and Davion-Religious zeal and commercial enterprise-

G

Views of La Salle with respect to the Illinois country-Communication be-

tween Quebec and the Gulf of Mexico-Jealousy, and claim of England—

Exploring Expedition on part of England-Explorations by Bienville and

Sauvole-Application of French Protestant emigrants-Bienville prevents the

English from taking possession of the Mississippi-Belief still entertained of

the route by water to the South Sea-Also of the existence of gold and silver

mines, &c. in the country-French views not agricultural-Le Sueur on the

Upper Mississippi-Fallacious views as to the natural productions of the.

country-Baron La Hontan, his travels and discoveries-Mixture of the true,

and the romantic and fabulous-The Illinois country, its extent-The Five

Nations, their relations to France and England-Grand Council called by De

Callieres-The post and settlement of Detroit founded-Other posts growing

up, in the West-Allies of the English in Wisconsin-Attempt on Detroit-

Trade of the West-Armed occupation by France of the Mississippi Valley-

-Forts Chartres, Cahokia, Prairie du Rocher, Kaskaskia-Treaty of Utrecht,

its want of effect-Unsettled questions of boundaries-Localities of the Indian

tribes-The Indians of the Northwest-Colony at the mouth of the Missis-

sippi-Its neglect of agriculture and wild speculations-Le Sueur's copper-

mine on Blue Earth River-Louisiana made a government independent of

New France-Change in the political system of the colony-unsuccessful

attempts of France to colonize-Boundaries of Louisiana-Rio del Norte-

Crozat's Patent- Mississippi Scheme-Slavery authorized in Crozat's mono-

poly-Population of Louisiana-Ill success of Crozat-His losses; surrenders

his patent-Delusive hopes of wealth, in France-Wretched state of the

French Public Treasury-John Law proposes relief-Paper currency as a

substitute for precious metals-Law's Bank established-Its operations-De-

clared a royal bank-Becomes a commercial company-Great powers granted

to the "Mississippi Company"-Bank of France associated with it-Company

of the Indies-Monopolies granted to it-The Mint, and Taxes of the nation

farmed by it-Law, Comptroller General of France-Emigrants to Louisiana,

their character-Routes from the St. Lawrence to the Lower Mississippi-

The great bubbles burst-Consequences extend to the settlements of the Mis-

sissippi Valley-Similarity of Credit System of 1719 and 1834-Delusion as

to the mineral wealth continues-Mining on the Upper Mississippi-War be-

tween France and Spain-Chain of forts established on the Mississippi-Site-

of New Orleans selected-Le Sueur's fort on St. Peter's River-He takes

possession of the upper country-Fort Chartres built-Population of the Ill-

nois country-Posts of Michillimackinac, Green Bay, Chicago, St. Joseph's,

Sault St. Marie, and Detroit-English and French trade with the Indians-

Influence of France unbounded, over the Indians, except the Iroquois-The

Five Nations-Ottagamies adhere to the English-Attempt to destroy Detroit

-Siege of Detroit-Defeat and great loss of the Ottagamies-Their hostili-

ties and depredations-French expedition against them under Louvigny-

Stronghold at Butte des Morts-The Foxes capitulate-Hostages delivered-

Treaty not complied with by the Foxes-They renew their depredations→

Expedition under De Lignerie unsuccessful-Progress of settlements in the

West-Villages in the Illinois country-The Natchez nation, their destruc-

tion-The "Company of the Indies" surrenders its charter-War against the

Chickasaws-Artaguette and Vincennes-Their death-Situation of the Illi-

nois country-Ambitious views of France as to the Great West-Resisted by

the English colonies-George Washington-His mission to the French com-

mander-First signal of the war of the Revolution-Death of Jumonville-

Washington capitulates-France in possession of the whole Valley of the

Mississippi-English and French encroachments, although with the same in-

tent, not so regarded by the Indians-Peace in Europe, but war in America—

Boundaries between English and French possessions the cause-War of 1756.

--Braddock's defeat; Wolf's victory; surrender of all Canada-Disaffection

of the Indians-Rogers takes possession of Detroit, and other western posts

-Pontiac-He orders Rogers to stop in his march-Protects him on condi-

tion-French power in the West for ever overthrown-Feelings against the

English-Henry, the English trader-His interview with an Indian chief-.

Attachment of the Indians to the French; its causes-State of settlements

in Wisconsin-Carver's account-Prairie du Chien-No establishments west

of Green Bay-Traders alone in the country-Sacs and Foxes, their depreda-

tions and chastisement-Expeditions against them-Lake Superior, settlements

there-Ancient mines-Indications of ancient work........

NOTES TO CHAPTER II..............

CHAPTER III.

UNDER BRITISH DOMINION.

.....Page 52

320

Treaty of 1763-England possesses all New France and Louisiana-Protection

of eminent domain-Carver's Grant-Illinois and Wabash Companies-Classes

of grants in the Territory of Michigan, and in Wisconsin-De Vaudreuil's

Grant-French inhabitants under English rule--Indians unfriendly to the

English-Pontiac's designs-His great confederacy-Calls a grand council,

and states his plans to them-Unexpected attacks on the British posts-

Black rain at Detroit-Surprise and capture of Michillimackinac-Henry's

personal account of it-Fort at Green Bay abandoned-Fort at St. Joseph's

captured-Situation of Detroit-Stratagem of Pontiac-Discovered and pre-

vented-Siege of Detroit-Barbarities of the Indians-Reinforcements arrive

-Captain Dalyell's sortie, defeat, and death-Siege abandoned by the In-

dians-Arrival of General Bradstreet-Concludes a peace with the Indian

tribes-Pontiac does not consent-His death-His character-Absence of

settlements in Wisconsin-Captain Carver's intentions and attempts-His

travels and remarks-No Europeans on the Upper Mississippi, as settlers, in

1766-Evidence as to Carver's Grant-The Illinois country-Peaceable set-

tlements of the French-Their mode of life-Their villages and general

regulations of property-Tranquillity and happiness-Their religion-Changes

under British rule-Settlements decline-Emigration to Spanish Louisiana

-Population of the Illinois country-British occupy the forts-Colonel

Clark's Expedition-His plan adopted by Virginia-British influence over

Indians the source of the depredations on the frontier settlements--Claims

of Virginia to the Northwest, by her royal charters-Clark assembles his

force-Descends the Ohio-Marches overland to Kaskaskia-Captures the

town and fort-Fears of the inhabitants-They apply to Clark-His answer

-Their rejoicings-Cahokia surrenders-Fort Sackville, or Vincennes, sub-

mits-Oath of allegiance taken-Clark establishes forts-County of Illinois

established by Virginia-Indians make treaties with Clark-The British

governor collects his forces--Resolves to make Clark prisoner--Governor

Hamilton's character-He arrives before Vincennes-Captain Helm alone in

the fort--Obtains honorable terms-Clark determines on retaking Vincennes

-Marches from Kaskaskia-Hardships suffered by his forces-Arrive at the

town and capture it-Attack the fort-Hamilton capitulates, and is sent pri-

soner to Virginia-Clark's views on Detroit-Captures a convoy of supplies

-The result of Clark's enterprises-The five States of the Northwestern

Territory-The Northwest during the Revolutionary War-Claims of States

proposed to be relinquished-Plans devised and debated in Congress--Deeds

of cession by States-Geographical boundaries of the new States not defined

understandingly-Revision of deeds of cession proposed-New boundaries

of States-Resolutions of Congress on this subject-Ordinance of 1787-As-

sent of Virginia to alteration of her deed of cession-Review of sixth article

of ordinance of 1787..

123

NOTES TO CHAPTER III..........

CHAPTER IV.

THE NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY.

British retain the Western posts-Effect on the Indians-Land speculations in
the West-Washington's opinion-Cession of title by the States-Retrospec-

349

tive view-Steuben sent to take possession of Western posts-He is refused

the possession-Causes assigned-Boundary line not to be crossed-British

strengthen the posts-Great council of Indian tribes-Treaties of Fort Har-

mar-Not adhered to-Brant and the Northern confederacy-St. Clair, go-

wernor of the Northwestern Territory-Indians deny the validity of his treaties

-State of the case-Ordinance of 1787-Unwise proceeding of government

-British policy and agency-Encouragement given to Brant-Influence of

McKee, Elliott, and Girty-Mission of Gamelin to the Western tribes, and

his report-Conduct of British agents-United States adopt war measures

against the Indians-St. Clair's levies, and dissensions-Harmar's Expedition,

and two defeats-Discord in his army-Indian villages destroyed-Indian

account of the battles-Action of the government in relation to the Indian

War-Peace messengers and warlike preparations-British agents and Indians

dissatisfied-American policy explained-Scott's Expedition-Wilkinson's

Expedition-St. Clair organizes his army at Fort Washington-Commences

his march-Builds Forts Hamilton and Jefferson-Reaches the waters of the

Wabash-Army encamps-Attacked by the Indians and entirely defeated-

Great loss of the Americans-Causes of defeat-St. Clair exculpated-New

army authorized by Congress to be raised-General Wayne appointed to its

command--Peace still offered to the Indians-The chiefs of the nations are

invited to the seat of government-Commissioners meet the Indians in coun-

cil-Indians insist on the Ohio boundary-Attempts at peace fruitless-The

causes-British erect a new fort on the Maumee-Spain offers assistance to

Indians-Wayne assembles his forces at Fort Washington-Final report of

the peace commissioners-Wayne moves his army-Establishes Fort Green-

ville--Goes into winter quarters-Buries the bones on the field of St. Clair's

defeat-Fort Recovery built-Attack by the Indians on an escort-Wayne

learns the movements of the Indians and the British agents-Indians attack

Fort Recovery, and are repulsed-Wayne marches from Greenville-Builds

Fort Defiance-Sends a peace messenger to the Indians-The reply of the

Indians-Wayne marches on-Leaves his heavy baggage-Moves down the

Maumee-Battle, and complete victory-Wayne destroys Indian and British

property-Effect of the victory on the Indians-The army returns-Fort

Wayne built-Fort Loramie built-Army in winter quarters at Greenville-

Indian spirit subdued-The tribes disposed to peace measures- -Opposition

made by the British agents-Great council held-Propositions made by the

English governor of Detroit-Brant coincides-Indians do not consent-They

send peace messengers to the Americans-The preliminaries of peace entered

into-Great council held at Greenville, and treaty made-Terms of the treaty

-Other events during the Indian War-Genet, French minister; his schemes

to involve the United States in war-His attempts in the West; contemplated

invasion of Louisiana and Florida-Separation of the Western States, and

revolt in the Spanish provinces, projected-Genet issues commissions-Ex-

citement among the Western people-Action of the United States govern-

ment-Genet recalled by France, who disowns his acts-Free navigation of

the Mississippi insisted on by the United States; denied by Spain-Governor

Miro relaxes the stringent measures in relation to duties-He grants special

privileges of trade on the Mississippi-Attempts of Spain to dismember the

Union-Operations in relation to the navigation of the Mississippi-Unsuc-

cessful attempts of government to treat with Spain-Baron Carondelet's po-

licy and attempts to separate the West-Treaty of Madrid-Free navigation

of Mississippi secured-New Orleans a free port of deposit-Yazoo specu-

lation-Projected British invasion of the Spanish provinces, by way of the

lakes and the Illinois-Spanish posts withheld from the Americans-The

causes-Spanish perfidy and duplicity-Powers proceeds to Detroit, the head-

quarters of Wilkinson-Conduct of Wilkinson-New Orleans ceases to be a

port of deposit, unless duties are paid-The act of the Intendant reversed by

the King of Spain-Jefferson sends ministers to France and Spain-Spain

cedes Louisiana to France-Diplomacy of the American ministers relative

to the purchase of Louisiana-All Louisiana purchased from France-Spain

objects, but renounces opposition-Effectual agency of Mr. Livingston-