Rice County, Minnesota - Jonathan Cakvek, Tile First Bkitish Traveler at Falls of Saint Anthony, 1882

Jonathan Cakvek, Tile First Bkitish Traveler at Falls of Saint Anthony

Carver's Etu-ly Life. - In the Battle near Lake Geovge. - Arrives at Mackinaw. - 010 Fort at Green Bay. - Winnebago Village. - Description of Prairie du Chien. Earthworks on Banks of Lake Pepin. - Sioux Bands Described. - Cave and Burial Place ui Suburbs of St. Paul. - The Palls of Saint Anthony. - Burial Rites of tLe Sioux. - Speech of a Sioux Chief. - Schiller's Poem of fhe Death Song. - Sir John Herschel's Translation. --.Sir E. Balwer Lytton's Version.-.. Correspondence of Sir William Johnson. - Carver's Pr«yect for Opening a Route to the Pacific - Supposed Origin of the Sioux. - Carver's Claim to Lands Examined..-..\lleged Deed. - Testimony of Rev. Samuel Peters. ---Communication from Gen. Leavenworth. .--Report of U. S- Senate Committee.

Jonathan Carver was a native of Connecticut His grantlfatlier, AVilliam Carver, was a native of "VVigan, Lancasliire, England, and a captain in Kin.? William's army during the campaign in Ireland, and for meritorious services received an appointment as au officer of the colony of Connecticut.

His father was a justice of the peace in the new world, and in 1732, the subject of this sketch was born. At the early age of fifteen he was called to mourn the death of his father. He then commenced the'study of medicine, but his roving disposition could not bear the confines of a doctor's office, and feeling, perhaps, that his genius would be cramped by pestle and mortar, at the age of eighteen he purchased an ensign's commission in one of the regiments raised during the French war. He was of medium stature, and of strong mind and quick perceptions.

Jn the year 1757, he was captain luider Colonel Williams in the battle near Lake (ieorge, where Saint Pierre was killed, and narrowly escaped with his life.

After the peace of 1763, between France and P^ngland was declared. Carver conceived the project of exploring the Northwest. Leaving Boston in the month of June, 1766, he arrived at Mackinaw, then the most distant Urilish jiost, in the mouth of August. Having obtained a credit on some French and English traders from Major Rogers, tlie officer in command, he started with them on the third day of September. Pursuing the usual route to tireen Bay, they arrived there on the eighteenth.

The French fort at that time was standing, though much decayed. It was, some years previous to his arrival, garrisoned for a short time by an officer and thirty English soldiers, but they having lieen captured by the Menominees, it was abandoned.

In company with the traders, he left Green Bay on the twentieth, and ascending Fox river, arrived on the twenty-fifth at an island at the east end of Lake Winnebago, containing about fifty acres.

Here he foimd a Winnebago village of fifty houses. He asserts that a woman was in authority. In the month of October tlie party was at tlie portage of the Wisconsin, and descending that stream, they arrived, on the ninth at a town of the Sauks. While here he visited some lead mines about fifteen miles distant. An abundance of lead was also seen in the village, that had been brought from the mines.

On the tenth they arrived at the first village of the " Ottigaumies" [Foxes] about five miles before the Wisconsin joins the Mississippi, he perceived the remnants of another village, and learned that it had been deserted about thirty years before, and that the inhabitants soon after their removal, built a town on the Mississippi, near the mouth of the " Ouisconsin," at a jilace called by the French La Prairie les Chiens, which signified the Dog Plains. It was a large town, and contained about three hundred families. The houses were built after the Indian manner, and pleasantly situated on a dry rich soil.

He saw here many houses of a good size and shape. Tl'is town was the great mart all the adjacent tribes, and where those who inhabit the most remote Inanches of the Mississippi, annually assemble al)out the latter end of May, bringing with them their furs to dispose of to the traders. But it is not always that they conclude Iheir sale here. Tliis was determined by a gen era! council of the chiefs, who consulted whether it would be more conducive to their interest to sell their goods at this place, or to carry them on to Louisiana or ^lackinaw.

At a small stream called Yellow River, opposite Prairie du Chieu, the traders who had tlnis far accompanied Carver tooli up tlieir residence for the winter.

From this point he pn)ceeded in a canoe, willi a Canadian voyageur and a Mohawk Indian as companions. Just before reaching Lake Pepin, vvliile his attendants were one day preparing dinner, he walked out and was struck with the peculiar appearance of the surface of the country, and thought it was the site of some vast artilieial earth-work. It is a fact worthy of remembrance, that he was the first to call the attention of the civilized world to the existence of ancient monuments in the Mississippi valley. We give his own description :

" On the first of Ifovemlier I reached Lake Pepin, a few' miles below which I landed, and, whilst the servants were preparing my dinner, I ascended the bank to view the country. I liad not proceeded far before I came to a fine, level, open plain, on wlncli I perceived, at a little distance, a partial elevation that had the appearance of entrenchment. On a nearer inspection I had greater reason to suppose tliat it had really been intended for this many centuries ago. Notwithstanding it was now covered with grass, I could plainly see that it had once been a breastwork of about four feet in height, extending the best part of a mile, and sufliciently capacious to cover five thousand men. Its form was somewhat circular and its flaidis reached to the river.

" Tliough much defaced by time, every angle was distinguishable, and appeared as regular and fashioned with as mucli military skill as if planned by Vauban himself. The ditch was not visible, but I thought, on examining more curiously, that I coidd perceive there certainly had been one. From its situation, also, t am convinced that it must have been designed for that purpose. It fronted the country, and the rear was covered by the river, nor was there any rising ground for a considerable way that commanded it; a few straggling lakes were alone to be seen near it. In many places small ti-acks were worn across it by the feet of the elks or deer, and from the depth of the bed of earth by which it was covered, I was able to draw certain conclusions of its great anti- (piity. I examined all the angU's, and every paxt with great attention, and have often blamed myself since, for not encamping on the spot, and drawing an exact plan of it. To show that this description is not the offsin-ing of a lieated imagination, or the chimeri('al tale of a mistaken traveler, I find, on inquiry since my return, that Mons. St. Pierre, and several traders have at different times, taken notice of similar appearances, upon which tliey have formed tlie same conjectures, but without examining them so minutely as I did. How a work of this kind could exist in a country that has liitherto (according to the generally received opinion) been the seat of war to untutored Indians alone, whose whole stock of military knowledge has only, till within two centuries, amounted to drawing the bow, and whose only breastwork even at present is the thicket, I know not. I liave given as exact an account as possible of this singular appearance, and leave to future explorers (jf tliose distant regions, to discover whether it is a production of nature or art. Perhaps the hints I have here given might lead to a more perfect investigation of it, and give us very different ideas of the ancient state of realms that we at present believe to have been, from the earliest period, only the habitations of savages."

Lake Pepin excited his admiration, as it has that of every traveler since his day, and here he remarks: " I observed the ruins of a French factory, where it is said Captain St. Pierre resided, and carried on a very great trade with tlie Xaudowessies, before the reduction of Canada."

Carver's first acquaintance with the Dahkotahs commenced near the river St. Croix. It would seem that the erection of trading posts on Lake Pepin had enticed them from their old residence on Rum river and Mille Lacs.

He says: "Near the river St. Croix reside bands of the Naudovvessie Indians, called the River Bands. Tliis nation is composed at present of' eleven bands. They were origmally twelve, but tlie Assinipods, some years ago, revolting and separating themselves from the others, there remain at this time eleven. Those I met here are termed the River Bands, because they chiefly dwell near the banks of tins river, the other eight are generally distinguislied by the title of Nadowessies of the Plains, and inhabit a country more to the westward. The names of the former are Nehogatawonahs, the Mawtawbauntowahs, and Shashweentowahs.

Arriving at what is now a suburb of the capital of Miimesota, he continues: "AV)out thirteen miles below the Falls of St. Anthony, at which I arrived the tenth day after I left Lake Pepin, is a remarkable cave, of an amazing deptli. The Indians term it Wakon-teebe [Wakan-tipi]. The entrance into it is about ten feet wide, the height of it live feet. The arch within is fifteen feet high and about thirty feet broad; the bottom consists of fine, clear sand. About thirty feet from the entrance begins a lake, the water of which is transparent, and extends to an unsearchable distance, for the darkness of the cave preents all attempts to acquire a knowledge of it.] I threw a small pebble towards the nterior part of it witli my utmost strength. I could hear that it fell mto the water, and, notwithstanding it was of a small size, it caused an astonishing and terrible noise, that reverlierated througli all those gloomy regions. I found in this cave many Indian hieroglyphics, which appeared very ancient, for time had nearly covered them witli moss, so that it was with difficulty I could trace them. They were cut ui a rude mamier upon the inside of the wall, which was composed of a stone so extremely soft that it might be easily penetrated with a luufe; a stone everywhere to be foimd near the Mississippi.

" At a little distance from this dreary cavern, is the burying-place of several bands of tlie Naudowessie Indians. Though these people have no fixed residence, being in tents, and seldom but a few months in one spot, yet they always bring the bones of the dead to this place.

"Ten miles below the Falls of St. Anthony, the river St. Pierre, called by the natives Wada paw Menesotor, falls into the Mississippi f roni the west. It is not mentioned by Father Hennepin, though a large, fair river. This omission, I consider, must have proceeded from a small island [Pike's] that is situated exactly in its enti"ance."

AVlien he reached the Minnesota river, the ice became so troublesome that he left his canoe in the neighborhood of what is now St. Anthony, and walked to St. Anthony, in company with a yomig Winnebago chief, who had never seen the curling waters. The chief, on reaching the eminence some distance below Cheever"s, began to invoke his gods, and offer oblations to the spirit in the waters.

" In the middle of the Falls stands a small island, about forty feet broad and somewhat longer, on which grow a few cragged hemlock and spruce trees, and about half way between this island and the eastern shore is a rock, lying al the very edge of the Falls, in an oblique position that appeared to be about five or six feet broad, and thirty or forty long. At a little distance below the Falls stands a small island of about an acre and a half, on which grow a great number of oak trees."

From this description, it would appear that the little island, now some distance below the Falls, was once in the very midst, and shows that a constant recession lias been going on, and that in ages long past they were not far from the Minnesota river.

" The country around them is extremely beautiful. It is not an uninterrupted plam, where the eye finds no relief, but composed of many gentle ascents, wliicli in tlie summer are covered with tlie finest verdure, and interspersed with Uttle groves that give a pleasing variety to the prospect. On the whole, when the Falls are included, which may be seen at a distance of four miles, a more pleasing and pictiu'esque view, I believe, cannot be formd throughout the universe."

On the twenty-fifth of November, he had returned to the place opposite the Minnesota, where he had left his canoe, and this stream as yet not being obstructed with ice, he commenced its ascent, with the colors of Great Britain flying at the stem of his canoe. There is no doubt that he entered this river, but how far he explored it cannot be ascertained. He speaks of the Rapids near Shakopay, and asserts that he went as far as two himdred miles beyond Mendota. He remarks:

Sioux Bviual Oration Versified By Schiller

After speaking of the upper liamls of the I)ahkotalis and tlieir allies, lie adds tliat he, " left the habitations of the hospitable Indians the latter end of April, lT(i7,bntdid ncl jiart, from them for several days, as I was acconii>anied on my jonruey by near three hmidred of them to the mouth of the river St. Pierre. At this season these bands aimually go to the great cave (Dayton's Blnff ) before mentioned.

AVlien he arrived at the great cave, and the Indians had deposited the remains of their deceased friends in the burial-place that stands adjacent to it, they held their great council to which he was admitted.

'When the Xaudowessies brought their dead for interment to the great cave (St. Paul), I attempted to get an insight into the remaining burial rites, but whether it was on account of the stench which arose from so many dead bodies, or they chose to keep this part of their custom secret from me, I could not discover. I found, however, that they considered my curiosity as ill-timed, and therefore I withdrew. * *

One formality among the Xaudowessies in mourning for the dead is veiy different from any mode I observed in the other nations tlirough which I passed. The men, to show how great their sorrow is, pierce the flesh of their arms above the elbows with arrows, and the womt n cut and gash their legs with broken flints till the blood flows very plentifully. * *

After the breath is departed, the body is dressed in the same attire it usually wore, his face is pamted, and he is seated in an erect posture on a mat or skin, placed in the middle of the hut, with his weapons by his side. Ills relati^-es seated aromid, each in turn harangues the deceased; and if lie has been a great warrior, recounts his heroic actions, nearly to the following jiurport, which in the Indian language is extremely poetical and pleasing

-- You still sit among us, brother, yonr person retains its usual resemlilance, and continues similar to ours, without any visible deljciency, except it has lost the power of action! But whither is that In-eath flown, which a few hours ago sent up smoke to the Great Spirit'? Whj- are those lips silent, that lately delivered to us expressions and pleasing language'i' Why are those feet motiiinless, that a few hours ago were fleeter than the deer on yonder mountainsV "Why useless liang tliose arms, that could climb the tallest tree (ir draw tlie toughest bow'? Alas, every jiart of that frame which A\e lately beheld willi admiration and wonder has now become as inanimate as it was three hundred years ago! We will not, h(3wever, bemoan thee as if thou wast forever lost to us, or that thy name would he buried in oblivion; thy soul yet lives in the great country of spirits, with those of thy nation that have gone before thee; and though we are left behind to peiTJetuate thy fame, we will one day join thee.

" Actuated by the respect we bore thee whilst livhig, we now come to tender thee the last act of kindness in our power; that thy body might not lie neglected on the plain, and liecome a prey to the beasts of the field or fowls of the air, and we will take care to lay it with those of thy predecessors that have gone before thee; hoping at the same time that thy spirit will feed with their spirits, and be ready to receive ours when we shall also arrive at the great country of souls."

For this speech Carver is principally indebted to his imagination, but it is well conceived, and suggested one of Schiller's poems, which fJivthe considered one of his best, and wished lie had made a dozen such."

Sir E. Lytton Bulwerthe distinguished novelist, and Sir John Ilerschel the eminent astronomer, have each given a translation of Scliiller's -- Song of the Nadowessee Chief."

It appears from other sources that Carver's visit to the Dahkotahs was of some effect in bringing about friendly intercourse between them and the commander of the English force at Mackinaw.

Carver'S Project For A Route To The Pacific

The earliest mention of the Dahkotahs, in any public British documents that we know of, is in the correspondence between Sir William Johnson, Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Colony of New York, and General Gage, in command of tilt' forces.

On the eleventh of September, less than sis months after Carver's speech at Dayton's Bluff, and the departure of a number of chiefs to the English fort at Mackinaw, Johnson writes to General Gage: "Though I wrote to you some days ago, yet I would not mind saying something again on the score of the vast expenses incurred, and, as I imderstand, still incurring at Michilimackinac, chiefly on pretense of making a peace between the Sioux and Chippeweighs, with which I think we have very little to do, in good policy or otherwise."

Sir WilUam Johnson, in a letter to Lord Hillsborough, one of his Majesty's ministers, dated August seventeenth, 1768, again refers to the subject :

"Much greater part of those who go a trading are men of such circumstances and disposition as to venture their persons everywhere for extravagant gains, yet the consequences to the public are not to be shghted, as we may be led into a general quarrel through their means. The Indians in the part adjacent to MichiUmackinac have been treated with at a very great expense for some time previous.

"Major Rodgers brings a considerable charge against the former for mediating a peace between some tribes of the Sioux and some of the Chippeweighs, which, had it been attended with success, would only have been interesting to a very few French, and others that had goods in that part of the Indian country, but the contrary has happened, and they are now more violent, and war against one another."

Though a wilderness of over one thousand miles intervened between the Falls of St. Anthony and the white settlements of the English, Carver was fully impressed with the idea that the State now organized under the name of Minnesota, on account of its beauty and fertility, would attract settlers.

Speaking of the advantages of the country, he says that the future population vriU be "able to convey their produce to the seaports with great facility, the current of the river from its source to its entrance into the Gulf of Mexico beuig extremely favorable for doing this in small craft. 'Ihis might also in time he facilitated by canal- (rr shorter cuts, and a communication opened by water with New York by way of the Lakes."

The subject of this sketch was also confident that a route would be discovered by way of the Minnesota river, which would open a passage to China and the English settlements in the East Indies."

Carver having returned to England, interested Whitworth, a member of parliament, in the northern route. Had not the American Revolution commenced, they proposed to have built a fort at Lake Pepin, to have proceeded up the Minnesota until they found, as they supposed they could, a branch of the Missouri, and from thence, journeying over the summit of lands until they came to a river which they called Oregon, they expected to descend to the Pacific.

Carver, in common with other travelers, had his theory in relation to the origin of the Dahkotahs. He supposed that they came from Asia. He remarks: "But this might have been at different times and from various parts - from Tartary, China, Japan, for the inhabitajits of these places resemble each other. * * *

"It is very evident that some of the names and customs of the American Indians resemble those of the Tartars, and I make no doubt but that in some futiu-e era, and this not far distant, it vrill be reduced to certainty that during some of the wars between the Tartars and Chinese a part of the inhabitants of the northern provinces were driven from their native countiy, and took refuge in some of the isles before mentioned, and from thence found their way into America. » - *

"Many words are used both by the Chinese and the Indians which have a resemblance to each other, not only in their sound, but in their signification. The Chinese call a slave Shungo; and the Noudowessie Indians, whose language, from their little Intercourse with the Europeans, is least corrupted, term a dog Shungush [Shoankah.J The former denominate one species of their tea Shoushong; the latter call their tobacco Shousas-sau [Chanshasha.] Many other of the words used by the Indians contain the syllables che, chaw, and chu, after the dialect of the Chinese."

The comparison of languages lias become a rich som'ce of historical knowledge, yet many of the analogies traced are fanciful. The remark of Hiimbolt in " C osmos" is worthy of remembrance. "As the structure of American idioms appears remarkably strange to nations speaking the modern languages of Western Europe, and who readily suffer themselves to be led away by some accidental analogies of sound, theologians have generally believed that they could trace an affinity with the Hebrew, Spanish colonists with the Basque and the English, or French settlers with Gaelic, Erse, or the Bas Breton. I one day met on the coast of Peru, a Spanish naval officer and an Englisli whaling captain, the foritier of whom declared tliathe had heard Basque spoken at Tahiti; the other, Gaelic or Erse at the Saudwich Islands."

Carver became very poor wliile in England, and was a clerk in a lottery-office. He died in 1780, and left a widow, two sons, and five daughters, in New England, and also a cliild by another wife tliat he had married in (ireat Britain

After liis death a claim was urged for the land upon which the capital of Minnesota now stands' and for many miles adjacent. As there are still many i)ersons who believe that they have some right through certain deeds purporting to be from the heirs of Carver, it is a matter worthy of an investigation.

Carver says nothing in his Ijook of travels in relation to a grant from the Dahkotahs, but after he w-as buried, it was asserted that there was a deed belonging to him in existence, conveying valuable lands, and that said deed was executed at the cave now in the eastern suburbs of Saint Paul.

" To Jonathan Carver, c chief under the most mighty and potent George the Third, King of the English and other nr,tions, the fame of wiiose warriors has reached our ears, and has now been fully told us by our good brother Jonatliun. aforesaid, whom we rejoice to have come among us, and bring us good news from his country.

"We, chiefs of the Naudowessies, wiio have hereunto set our seals, do by these presents, for ourselves and heirs forever, in return for tlie aid and oilier good services done by the said Jonathan to ourselves and allies, give grant and convey to him, the said Jonathan, and to his heirs and assigns forever, the wiiole of a certain tract or territory of land, bounded as follows, ^iz: from the Falls of St. Anthony, running on the east bank of the Mississippi, nearly southeast, as far as Lake Pepin, where the Chippewa joins the ^Mississippi, and from thence eastward five days travel, accoimting twenty English miles per day; and from thence again to the Falls of St. Anthony, on a direct straight line. We do for ourselves, heirs, and assigns, forever give unto the said Jonathan, his heirs and assigns, with all the trees, rocks, and rivers therein, reserving the sole liberty of hunting and fisliing on land not planted or improved by the said Jonathan, his heirs and assigns, to wiiich we have affixed our respective seals.

The original deed was never exhibited by the assignees of the heirs. By his English wife Carver had one child, a daughter Jilartha, who was cared for by Sir Richard and Lady Pearson, In time she eloped and married a sailor, A mercantile firm in London, thinking that money could be made, induced the new ly married couple, the day after the wedding, to convey the grant to them, with the understanding that they were to have a tenth of the profits.

The merchants despatched an agent by the name of Clarke to go to the Dahkotahs, and obtain a new deed; but on his way he was murdered in the state of New York,

In the year 1794, the liehs of Carver's Ameri- "can wife, in consideration of fifty thousand pounds sterling, conveyed their interest in the Carver grant to Edward Houghton of Vermont. In the year 180(5, Sanmel Peters, who had been a tory and an Episcopal minister during the Revolutionary Avar, alleges, in a petition to Congress, tliat he had also piurchased of the heii's of Carver their rights to the grant.

"In the year ]774,Iamved theio (London), and met Captain Carver. In 177"), Carver had a hearing before the king, praying his majesty's approval of a deed of laud dated ^lay first, 17(J7, and sold and jjianted to liini by the Naudowissies. The lesulL was his majesty approved of the exertions and bravery of Captain ("arver among the Indian nations, near the Falls of St. Anthony, in the Mississippi, gave to said Carver 1371?. 13«. Sd. sterling, and ordered a frigate to be prepared, and a transport ship to carry one hundred and fifty men, nnder command of Captain Carver, \\'M\ four others as a committee, to sail the next June to New Orleans, and then to ascend the ilississippi. to takepossessionof said territory conveyed to Captain Carver ; but the battle of Bunker Hill prevented."

In 1S21, General Leavenworth, having made intjuiries of the Dahkotahs, in relation to the alleged claim, addressed the following to the commissioner of the land office :

" Sir: - Agreeably to your request, I have the honour to inform you wliat I have understood from the Indians of the Sioux Nation, as well as some facts within my own knowledge, as to what is commonly termed Carver's Grant. The grant purports til be made by the chiefs of the Sioux of the Plains, and one of the chiefs uses the sign of a serpent, and the other of a turtle, purporting that their names are derived from those animals.

''The land lies on the east side of the Mississippi. The Indians do not recognize or acknowl edge the grant to be valid, and they among others assign the following reasons:

"1. The Sioux of the Plains never owned a foot of land on the east side of the Mississippi. The Sioux Nation is divided into two grand divisions, \iz: The Sioux of the Lake; or perhaps more literally Sioux of the River, and Sioux of the Plain. The former subsists by hunting and fishing, and usually move from place to place by water, in canoes, during the summer season, and travel on the ice in the winter, when not on their hunting excursions. The latter subsist entirely by hunting, and have no canoes, nor do they know but little about the use of them. They reside in the large prairies west of theMississipiii, and follow the buffalo, iiiion which they entirely subsist; these are called Sioux of tlie Plain, and never owned land east of the Mississippi.

"2. The Indians say they have no knowledge of any such chiefs as those who have signed the grant to Carver, eitlier amongst the Sioux of tlie

River or the Sioux of the Plain. They say that if Captain (!arver did ever obtain a deed or grant, it was signed by some foolish young men who were not cliiefs and who were not authorized to make a grant. Among the Sioux of the Hiver there are no such names.

"3. They say the Indians never received anylliing for the land, and they have no intention to part with it without a consideration. From my knowledge of tlie Indians. I am induced to tliink tliey would not make so considerable a grant, and liave it to go into full effect without receiving a substantial consi<leration.

'- 4. They have, and ever have had, the possession of the land, and intend to keep it. I know that they are very particular in making every person who wislies to cut timber on that tract obtain their iiermission to do so, and to obtain payment for it. In the month of May last, some Frenchmen brouglitalarge raft of red cedar timber out of the Chippewa River, which timber was cut on the tract before mentioned. The Indians at one of the villages on the Mississippi, where the principal chief resided, compelled the Frenchmen to land the raft, and would not permit them to pass until they had received pay for the timber, and the Frenchmen were compelled to leave their raft with the Indians imtil they went to Prairie du Cliien, and obtained the necessary articles, and made the payment required."

On the twenty-third of January, 1823, the Committee of Public Lands made a report on the claim to the Senate, wliich, to every disinterested person, is enth'ely satisfactory. After stating the facts of tlie petition, the report continues:

" The Rev. Samuel Peters, in his petition, further states that Lefei, the present Emperor of the Sioux and Naudowessies, and Red AVing, a sachem, the heirs and successors of the two grand chiefs who signed the said deed to Captain Carver, have given satisfactory and positive proof that they allowed tlieir ancestors" deed to bo genuine, good, and valid, and that Captain Carver's heirs and assigns are the owners of said territory, and may occupy it free of all molestation.

The committee have examined and considered the claims thus exhiliited by the petitioners, and remark that the original deed is not produced, nor any competent legal evidence offered of its execution : nor is there any proof that the persons, who it is alleged made the deed, were the chiefs of said tribe, nor that {if chiefs) they had authority to grant and give away the land belonging to their tribe. The paper annexed to the petition, as a copy of said deed, has no subscribing witnesses ; and it would seem impossible, at this remote period, to ascertain the important fact, that the persons who signed the deed comprehended and understood the meaning and effect of their act.

"The want of proof as to these facts, would interpose in the way of the claimants insuperable difficulties. But, in the opinion of the committee, the claim is not such as the United States are mider any obligation to allow, even if the deed were proved in legal form.

" The British govenmient, before the time when the alleged deed bears date, had deemed it prudent and necessary for the preservation of peace with the Indian tribes under their sovereignty, protection and dominion, to prevent British subjects from purchasing lands from the Indians, and this rule of policy was made known and enforced by the proclamation of the kmg of Great Britain, of seventh October, 1763, which contains an express prohibition.

" Captain Carver, aware of the law, and knowing that such a contract could not vest the legal title in him, applied to the British government to ratify and conlirm the Indian grant, and, though it was competent for that government then to confirm the grant, and vest the title of said land

" The territory has since become the property of the United States, and an Indian grant not good against the British government, would appear to be not binding unon the United States government.

" What benefit the British government derived from the services of Captain Carver, by his travels and residence among the Indians, that government alone could determine, and alone could judge what remuneration those services deserved.

" One fact appears from the declaration of Mr. Peters, in liis statement in writing, among the papers exhibited, namely, that the British government did give Captain Carver the sum of one thousand three hundred and seventy-five pomids six shillings and eight pence sterling. To the United States, however. Captain Carver rendered no services which could be assumed as any equitable ground for the support of the petitioners' claim.

" The committee being of opinion that the United States are not bound in law and equity to confirm the said alleged Indian grant, recommend tlie adoption of tlie resolution:

Lord Palmerston stated in 1839, that no trace could be foinid in the records of the British office of state papers, showing any ratification of the Carver grant.

"TiatCB Posts at the hc^inning of Nineteenth Century. - Sandy Lake Fort. - I.ceot. Lake Furt, - Willinm Morrison, before Schoolcraft at Itasca Lake. - Division or Northwest Territory.- Organization of Indiiina, Michigan and Upper Louisiana. - Notices of Wo-'d, Frazer, Fisher, Cameron, Faribault. - Early Tradem. - Pike's Council at Mouth of Minnesota River. - Grant for Militarj- Posts. - tMcauipment at Falls of St. Anthony. - Block House near Sw.an River. - Visit to Sandy and Leech Lakes. - British Flag Shot at and Lowered. - Thonip»on, Topographer ol Northwest Company, - Pike at Dickson's Trading Post - Returns to Mendota. - Fails to find Carver's Cave. - Conference with Little Crow. - Cameron sells Liijuor to Indians.

At the beginning of tlie present centnry, the region now luiown as iliimesota, contiuiit'tl no wiiite men, except a few engaged in the fur trade. In the treaty effected by Hon. Jolm Jay, Great Britain agreed to withdraw her troops from all posts and places witliLu certain boundary lines, on or before the first of June, 1796. liut all British settlers and traders might remain for one year, and enjoy all their former privileges, without being obliged to be citizens of the United States of America.

In the year 1800, the trading posts of Minnesota were chiefly held by the Xorthwest Company, and their chief traders resided at Sandy Lake, Leech Lake, and Fon du Lac, on St. Louis Kiver. In the year 1794, this company binlt a stockade one hundred feet square, on the southeast end of Sandy Lake. Tlitn'e were bastions pierced for small arms, in the southeast and in the northwest comer. The pickets which surrounded the post were thirteen feet high. On the north side there was a gate ten by nine feet ; on the west side, one six by five feet, and ou the east side a third gate six by five feet. Travelers entering the main gate, saw on the left a one story Imilding twenty feet square, the residence of the supeiintendent, and on the left of the east gate, a building twentylive by fifteen, the quarters of tlie voyagetiis. Entering tlie western gate, on the left was a stone liouse, twenty by tliirty feet, and a house twenty by forty feet, used as a store, and a workshop, and a residence for clerks. On the soutl;^ sliore of Leech Lake there was another establishment, i little larger. The stocksule was one liundred and fifty feet square. The main building was sixty by twenty-five feet, and one and a half stcuy In height, where resided the Director of the fur trade of tlie Fond du Lac department of the ^S^ortliwest Company. In the centre was a small store, twelve and a half feet si]uaie, and near the main gate was flagstaff fifty feet in height, from which used to float the flag of Great Britain.

William Morrison was, in 1S02, the trader at Leech Lake, and in 1804 he was at Elk Lake, the source of the Mississippi, thirty-two years afterwards named by Schoolcraft, Lake Itasca.

The entire force of the Northwest Company, west of Lake Superior, in 180-5, consisted of three accountants, nineteen clerks, t^vo interpreters, eighty-five canoe men, and with them were twenty-nine Indian or half-breed women, and about fifty children.

On the seventh of May, 1800, the Northwest Territory, which included all of the western country east of the Mississippi, was divided. The portion not designated as Ohio, was organized as the TeiTitory of Indiana.

On the twentieth of December, 1803, tlie province of Louisiana, of which that portion of Minnesota west of the ilississippi was a part, was officially delivered up by the French, wlio liad just obtained it from the Spaniards, according to treaty stipulations.

President Jefferson now deemed it an object of paramount importance for the United States to explore the country so recently acquired, and make the acquaintance of the tribes residing therein; and steps were taken for an expedition to the upper Mississippi.

Early in :March, 1804. Captain Stoddard, of the L'nited States army, arrived at St. Louis, the agent of the J'^rench Republic, to receive fnim

As tlie old settlers, on the tenth of March, saw the ancient flag of Spain displaced by that of the United States, the tears coursed down their cheeks.

On the twentieth of the same month, the territory of Upper Louisiana was constituted, comprising tlie present states of Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and a large portion of Minnesota.

The first American officer who visited Minnesota, on business of a public nature, was one who was an ornament to his profession, and in energy and endurance a true representative of the citizens of the United States. We refer to the gallant Zebulon Montgomery Pike, a native of New Jersey, who afterwards fell in battle at York, Upper Canada, and whose loss was justly mourned by the whole nation.

When a young lieutenant, he was ordered by General Wilkinsjpn to visit the region now known as Minnesota, and expel the British traders who were found violating the laws of the United States, and form alliances with the Indians. With only a few common soldiers, he was obliged to do the work of several men. At times ho would precede his party for miles to reconnoitre, and then he would do the duty of hunter.

During the day he would perform the part of surveyor, geologist, and astronomer, and at night, though hungry and fatigued, his lofty enthusiasm kept him awake until he copied the notes, and plotted the courses of the day.

On the 4th day of September, 1805, Pike arrived at Prairie du Chien, from. St. Louis, and was jiolitely treated by three traders, all born under the flag of the United Stales. One was named Wood, anotlier Fiazer, a nati\e of Vermont, wlio, when a young man became a clerk of one r.lakely, of ^Montreal, and thus became a fur trader. The third was Henry Fisher, a captain of tlie Militia, and Justice of the Peace, whose wife was a daughter of Goutier de Verville. Fisher was said to have been a nephew of Pres- (lent Momoe, and later in life traded at the sources of the Minnesota. One of his daughters was the mother of Joseph Rolette, Jr., a member of the early Minnesota Legislative assemblies. Ou the eighth of the month Lieutenant Pike left Prairie du Chien, in two batteaux, with Sergeant Henry Kennerman, Corporals William E. Mack and Samuel Bradley, and ten privates.

At La Crosse, Frazer, of Prairie du Chien, overtook him, and at Sandy point of Lake Pepin he found a trader, a Scotchman by the name of Murdoch Cameron, with his son, and a young man named John Rudsdell. On the twontyfirst he breakfasted with the Kaposia band of Sioux, who then dwelt at the marsh below Dayton's Bluff, a few miles below St. Paul. The same day he passed three miles from Mendota the encampment of J. B. Faribault, a trader and native of Lower Canada, then about thirty years of age, in which vicinity he continued for more than fifty years. He married Pelagie the daughter of Francis Kinnie by an Indian woman, and his eldest son. Alexander, bom soon after Pike's visit, was the foimder of the town of Faribault.

Arriving at the confluence of the Minnesota and the Mississippi Rivers, Pike and his soldiers encamped on the Kortheast point of the island which still bears his name. The next day was Sunday, and he visited Cameron, at his trading post on the Minnesota River, a short distance above Mendota.

On Monday, the 23d of September, at noon, he held a Council with the Sioux, under a covering made by suspending sails, and gave an admirable talk, a portion of wMch was as follows :

" Brothers, I am happy to meet you here, at this council fire which your fatlier has sent me to kindle, and to take you by the hands, as our children. We having but lately acquired from the Spanish, the extensive territory of Louisiana, our general has thought proper to send out a number of his warriors to visitall his red children ; to tell them his will, and to hear what request they may have to make of their father. I am happy the choice fell on me to come this road, as I find my brothers, the Sioux, ready to listen to my words.

" Brothers, it is the wish of our government to establish military jto.sts on the Upper Mississippi, at such places as might be thought expedient. I have, therefore, examined the country, and have liilched on the mouth of the river St. Croix, this place, <aiul the tails of St. Anthony ; I therefore wish jou to grant to the United States, nine miles square, at St. Croix, and at this place, from a league below the conlluence of the St. Peter's anil Mississippi, to a league above St. Anthony, extending three leagues on each side of the river ; and as we are a people who are accnstouied to have all our acts written down, hi order to have them handed to our cliildren, I have drawn up a form of an agreement, winch we will both sign, in the presence of tlie traders now present. After we know the terms, we will till it up, and have it read and interpreted to you.

Brothers, those posts are intended as a benefit to you. The old chiefs now jtrcsent must see that their situation improves by a coninuinieation with the whites. It is the intention of the United States to establish at those posts factories, in which the Indians may procure all their things at a cheaper and better rate than tliey do now, or than your traders can affoi'd to sell them to you, as they are single men, who come from far in small boats; but your fathers are many and strong, and will come with a strong arm, in large boats. There will also be chiefs here, -who can attend to the wants of their brothei's, without their sending or goLiig all the way to St. Loins, and will see the traders that go up j'our rivers, and know that they are good men. * * * *

" Brothers, I now present you with some of your father's tobacco, and some other trifling thhigs, as a memorandum of my good will, and before my departure I will give yo>i some liipior to clear your throats."

The traders, Cameron and Frazer, sat witli Pike. His interpr«ter was I'ierre Rosseau. jlmong the Chiefs present were Le Petit Corbeau (Little Crow), and Way-ago Enagee, and L'Orignal Leve or Eising Moose. It was with difficidty that the chiefs signe<l the following agreement ; not that they objected to the language, but because they thought tlieir word should be taken, witliout any mark ; but Pike overcame their objection, liy saying that he wished them to sign it on his account.

" Wliereas, at a conference held between the United States of America and the Sioux nation of Indians, Lieutenant Z. M. Pike, of the army of the United States, and the chiefs and warriors of said tribe, have ao'reed to the following articles, which, when ratilitd and approved of by the proper authority, shall be binding on both part ies :

Art. 1. That the Sioux nation grant unto the United States, for the purpose of estabUshment of military posts, nine miles square, at the mouth of tlieSt. Croix, also from below the continence of the ^Mississippi and St. Peter's, up tlie Mississijipi to include the Falls of St. Anthony, extending nine miles on each side of the river ; that tlie Sioux Nation grants to the United States the full sovereignty and power over said district forever. Art. 2. That in consideration of the above grants, the United States shall pay [niled ii]i by the Senate with 2,000 dollarsj.

Art. 3. The United States promise, on their part, to permit the Sioux to pass and repass, hunt, or make other use of the said districts, as they have formerly done, without any other exception than those specified in ai'ticle first.

In testimony whereof, we, the undersigned, have hereunto set our hands and seals, at the month of the river St. Peter's, on the 2od day of September, 1805.

The following entries from Pike's .biurnal, descriptive of the region around the city of Minneapolis, seventy-five years ago, are wortliy of jireservation:

'-Sept. 26th. 77/ Kcsdw/. - Embarked at the usual hour, and after much labor in passing through the rapids, arrived at the foot of the Falls about three or four o'clock; unloaded my boat, and had the principal part of her cargo carried over the portage. With the other boat, however, full loaded, they were not able to get over the last shoot, and encamped about six yards below. I pitched my tent and encamped above the shoot. Tlie rapids mentioned in this day's march, might properly be called a continuation of the Falls of St. Anthony, for they are eipially entitled to this awiellation. with the Falls of the Delawwe and

Explorers And Pioneers Of Minnesota

Sept. 27th, Friday. Brought over the residue of my loading this morning. Two men arrived from Mr. Frazer, on St. Peters, for my dispatches. This business, closing and sealing, appeared like a last adieu to the civilized world. Sent a large packet to the General, and a letter to Mrs. Pike, with a short note to Mr. Frazer. Two young Indians brought my flag across by land, who arrived yesterday, just as we came in sight of the Fall. I made them a present for their punctuality and expedition, and the danger they were exposed to from the journey. Carried our boats out of the river, as far as the bottom of the hill.

Ski't. 28th, Saturday. - Brought my barge over, and put her in the river above the Falls. While we were engaged with her three-fourths miles from camp, seven Indians painted black, appeared on the lieights. We had left our guns at the camp and were entirely defenceless. It occurred to me that they were the small party of Sioux who were obstinate, and would go to war, when the other part of the bands came in ; these they proved to be ; they were better armed than any I had ever seen ; having guns, bows, arrows, clubs, spears, and some of them even a case of pistols. I was at that. time giving my men a dram; and giving the cup of liquor to the first, he di-ank it off ; but I was more cautious with the remainder. I sent my interpreter to camp with them, to wait my coming ; wisliing to purchase one oi their war clubs, it being made of elk horn, and decorated with inlaid work. This and a set of bows and arrows I wished to get as a curiosity. But the liquor I had given him began to operate, he came back for me, but refusing to go till I brought my boat, he retiu-ned, and (I suppose being offended) borrowed a canoe and crossed the river. In the afternoon got the other boat near the top of the hill, when the props gave way, and she slid all the way dovn\ to the bottom, but fortiuiately without injuring any person. It raining very hard, W'e left her. Killed one goose and a racoon.

SiSPT. 29th, Si(nday. - l killed a remarka'-ily large racoon. Got our large boat over the portage, and put her in the river, at the upper landing; this night the men gave sufficient proof of their fatigue, by all throwing thenisclvcs down to sleep, preferring rest to supper. This day I had but fifteen men out of twenty-two ; the others were sick. This voyage could have been performed with great convenience, if we had taken our departure in June. But the proper time would be to leave the lUinois as soon as the ice would permit, when the river would be of a good height.

Sept. 30th, Monday. - Loaded my boat, moved over and encamped on the Island. The large boats loading likewise, we went over and put on board. In the mean time, I took a survey of the Falls, Portage, etc. If it be possible to pass the Falls in high water, of which I am doubtful, it must be on the East side, about thirty yards from shore ; as there are three layers of rocks, one below the other. The pitch off of either, is not more than five feet ; but of this I can say more on my return.

On the tenth of October, the expedition reached some large island below Sauk Rapids, where in 1797, Porlier and Joseph Renville had wmtered. Six days after this, he reached the Rapids in Morrison coimty, which stiU bears his name, and he writes: "When we arose in the morning, foimd that snow had fallen during the night, the ground was covered and it continued to snow. This, indeed, was but poor encouragement for attacking the Rapids, in which we were certain to wade to our necks. I was determined, however, if possible to make la riviere de Corbean, [Crow Wing River], the highest point was made by traders in their bark canoes. We embarked, and after four hours work, became so benumbed with cold that our limbs were perfectly useless. We put to shore on the opposite side of the river, about two-thirds of the way up the rapids. Built a large fire ; and then discovered that our boats were nearly half full of water; both having sprung large leaks so as to oblige me to keep three hands bailing. My sergeant (Kennerman) one of the stoutest men I ever knew, broke a blood-vessel and vomited nearly two quarts of blood. One of my corporals (Bradley) also evacuated nearly a pint of blood, when he attempted to void his urine. These unhappy circumstances, in addition to the inability of four other men wliom we were obliged to leave on shore, convinced me, that if I had no regard for my own health and constitution, I should ha\e some for those poor fellows, who were kiU- injr themselves to obey my orders. ^Vfter we had breakfast and refreshed ourselves, we w^eiit down to our boats on the rocks, where I was obliged to leave them. I then informed my men that we would retimi to the camp and there leave some of the party and our large boats. This information was pleasing, and the attempt to reach the camp soon accomplished. Jly reasons for this step have partly been already stated. The necessity of imloading and refitting my buats, tlie beauty and convenience of the spot for building huts, the fine pine trees for peroques, and the quantity of game, were additional inducements. Vi'e immediately miloaded our boats and secured their cargoes. In the evening I went out upon a small, but beautiful creek, which emptied into the Falls, for the piu-pose of selecting pine trees to make canoes. Saw five deer, and killed one buck weighing one hundred and thirty-seven pounds. By my leaving men at tliis place, and from the great quantities of game in its vicinity, I was ensured plenty of provision for my return voyage. In the party left behuid was one hunter, to be contmually employed, who woidd keep o>ir stock of salt provisions good. Distance two hundred and thirty-three and a half miles above the FaUs of St. Anthony.

Having left his large boats and some soldiers at this point, he proceeded to the vicinity of Swan iliver where he erected a block house, and on the thirty-first of October he writes: '-Enclosed my little work completely with pickets. Hauled up my two boats and turned them over on each side of the gateways ; by which means a defence was made to the river, and had it not been for various political reasons, I W'ould have laughed at the attack of eight hundred or a thousand savages, if all my party were within. For. excejit accidents, it would only have afforded amusement, the Indians having no idea of taking a place by storm. Found myself powerfully attacked with the fantastics of the brain, called ennui, at the mention of which I had hitherto scoffed ; but my books being packed up, I was like a person entranced, and could easily conceive why so many persons who have been confined to remote places, acquire the habit of drinking to excess, and many other vicious practices, which have been adopted merely to j^ass time.

During the next month he himted the buffalo which were then in that vicinity. On the third of December he received a visit from Kobert Dickson, afterwards noted in the history of the country, who was then trading about sixty milesbelow, on the Mississipiii.

On the tenth of December with some sleds he continued his journey northward, and on the last day of the year passed I'uie Kiver. On tlie third of January, 1806, he reached the trading jjost at Red Cedar, now Cass Lake, and was quite indignant at finding tlie British fiag fioating from the staff. The niglit after this his tent caught on fire, and he lost some valuable and necessary cl( thing. On the evening of the eighth he reached .Sandy Lake and was hospitably received by (irant, the trader in cliarge. He writes .

" Jan. 9th, Thurttday. - Marched the corjioral early, in order that our men should receive assurance of our safety and success. He carried with him a small keg of spirits, a present from JSIr. Grant. The establishment of this place was formed twelve years since, by the North-west Company, and was formerly under the charge of a Mr. Charles Brusky. It has attained at present such regularity, as to permit the superintendent to live tolerably comfortable. They liave horses they procured from Red Kiver, of t!ie Indians; raise plenty of Irish potatoes, catch pike, suckers, pickerel, and white fish in abundance. Tliey have also beaver, deer, and moose ; but the provision they chiefly depend upon is wild oats, of which they purchase great quantities from tlie savages, giving at the rate of about one dollar and a half per bushel. But flour, pork, and salt, are almost interdicted to persons not principals in the trade. Flour sells at half a dollar; salt a dollar; pork eigiity cents; sugar half a dollar; antl tea four dollars and fifty cents per pound. The sugar is obtained from the Indians, and is made from the maple tree."

He remained at Sandy Lake ten days, and on the last day two men of the Northwest Company arrived with letters from Fon du Lac Suiierior, one of which was from .Vtliapuscow, and had been since May on the route.

A Mr. ^Viiilerson, in the employ of Kobert Dickson, was residing at the west end of thelalve. "While here he hoisted the American flag in the fort. The English yacht still flying at the top of the flagstaff, he directed the Indians and his soldiers to shoot at it. They soon broke the iron pin to which it was fastened, and it fell to the ground. He was informed by a venerable old Ojibway chief, called Sweet, that the Sioux dwelt there when he was a youth. On the tenth of February, at ten o'clock, he left Leech Lake with Corporal Bradley, the trader !McGillis and two of his men. and at sunset arrived at Ked Cedar, now Cass Lake. At this i)Iace, in 1798, Thompson, employed by the Northwest Company for three years, in topographical surveys, made some observations. He believed that a line from the Lake of the Woods would touch the sources of the Mississippi. Pike, at this point, was very kindly treated by a Canadian named Roy, and his Ojibway squaw. On his retiu'ii home, he reached Clear Kiver on the seventh of April, where he found his canoe and men. and at night was at Grand Rapids, Dickson's trading post. He talked until foiu- o'clock the next morning with this person and another trader named PorUer. He forbade while there, the traders Greignor [Grignon] and La Jennesse, to sell any more liquor to Indians, who had become very drunken and unruly. On the tenth he again reached the Falls of Saint Anthony. He writes in his journal as follows :

April 11th, Fridny. - Although it snowed very hard we brought over both boats, and descended the river to the island at the entrance of the St. Peter's. I sent to the chiefs and informed them I had something to communicate to them. The Fils de Piucho immediately waited on me, and informed me that he would provide a place for tlie purpose. Aliout sundown I was sent for and introduced into the council-house, where I fomid a great many chiefs of the Sussitongs, Gens de Feuilles, and the (Jens du Lac. The Yanctongs had not yet come down. They were all awaiting for my arrival. There were about one hundred lodges, or six hundred people; we were saluted on our crossing tlie river with ball as usual. The council-house was two large lodges, capable of containing three hundred men. In the upper were forty chiefs, and as many pipes set against the poles, alongside of which I had the Santeur's pipes arranged. I then informed them in short detail, of my transactions with the Santeure; but my interpreters were not capable of making themselves underetood. I was therefore obhged to omit mentioning every particular relative to the rascal wlio fired on my sentinel, and of the scoundrel who broke the Fols Avoins' canoes, and threatened my life; the interpreters, however, informed them that I wanted some of their principal chiefs to go to St. Louis; and that those who thought proper might descend to the prairie, where we would give them more explicit information. They all smoked out of the Santeur's pipe, excepting three, who were pamted black, and were some of those who lost their relations last whiter. I invited the Fils de Pinchow, and the son of the Killeur Rouge, to come over and sup with me; when ilr. Dickson and myself endeavored to explam what I intended to have said to them, could I have made myself imderstood; that at the prairie we would have all things explained; that I was desh-ous of making a better report of them than Captain Lewis could do from their treatment of him. The former of those savages was the person who remained around my post all last winter, and treated my men so well; they endeavored to excuse their people.

"AritiL 12th, Satitrday. - Embarked early. Although my interpreter had been frequently up the river, he could not tell me where the cave (spoken of by Carver) could be fomid ; we carefully sought for it, but in vain. At the Indian ^-illage, a few miles below St. Peter's, we were about to pass a few lodges, but on receiving a very particular invitation to come on shore, we landed, and were received in a lodge kindly; they presented us sugar. I gave the proprietor a dram, and was about to depart when he demanded a kettle of liipior; on being refused, and after I had left the sliore, he told me he did not like the arrangements, and that he would go to war this summer. I directed tlie interpreter to tell him that if I returned to St. Peter's with the troops, I would settle that affair with him. On our arrival at the St. Croix, I found the Pettit Corboau with his people, and Messrs. Frazer and "Wood. We had a conference, when the Pettit Corbeau made many apologies for the miscoiuluct of his people; lie represented to ns llie dilTcrent manners in wliicli the yonng warriors liail lieen imhicing liini to goto war; tliat lie liad lieeii niueli l)lanied for dismissing liis party last fall; hut that he was determined to adhere as f;ir as lay in liis power to oiir instrnetions; that lie thonght it most prudent to remain here and restrain the warriors. lie then presented me with a beaver robe and pipe, and his message to the general. That he was determined to preserve peace, and make tlie road clear; also a remembrance of his promised medal. I made a reply, calculated to confirm him in his guild intentions, and assured him that he should not be the less remembered by his father, although not present. I was informed that, notwithstanding the instruction of his license, and my particular request, ^lurdoch Cameron had taken liquor and sold it to the Indians on the river St. I^eter's, and that his partner below had been equally imprudent. I pledged myself to prosecute them according to law; for they have been the occasion of great confusion, and of much injury to the other traders. This day met a canoe of Mr. Dickson's loaded with jirovisions, under the charge of Mr. Anderson, brother of the -Mr. Anderson at Leech Lake. lie politely oft'ered me any provisinii he had on board {for which ilr. Dickson had given me an order), but not now being in want, I did not accept of any. This day. i'or the lirst time, I observed the trees beginning to bud, and indeed the climate seemed to have changed very materially since we passed the Falls of St. Anthony.""

The strife of political jiarties growing out of the French Revolution, and the declaration of war against Great Britain in the year 1S]:2, postponed the military occupation of the I'jiper Mississippi by the United States of America, for several vears.