Winnebago County, Wisconsin - Chapter 5, 1880

The Policy of France to Incorporate the Indian Tribes into a French Indian Empire - Alliance Formed with the Algonquin Tribe.'i, for the Purpose of Resistinj^ the Invasions and Ravage^ of the Iroquois - Attempt to Christianize the Indians, as a Preparatory Step to Their Civilization - The Jesuit Missionaries.

^«r'T became one of the first airris of Cham- , T- plain to perfect an alliance between all ^lAi| of the Algonquin tribes and the Hurons; -ff:^'* that they might live at peace with each other, and form a mutual protection against the hostile Iroquois, the whole to be under the guidance of the government of New France. It contemplated the union of the several tribes with the French, their gradual conversion to Christianity and civilization, and their practical incorporation with the French into a French-Indian Empire. The alliance was formed and gradually embraced all the Algonquin tribes, who, although occasionally at strife with each other, maintained an uninterrupted attachment for the French. The policy of France was to preserve the Indians - not to destroy them. Its weapons of conquest were kindness, firmness, courage and energy. It did not at that time understand the obduracy with which the Indian clings to his savage inclinations and habits. It was a species of Feudalism and of paternal government, it is true, in which the knights of the forest were the scions of French aristocracy, and their retainers the dusky tribes of the wilderness; but it certainly sought the good and advancement of the Indian, whose improvement and ultimate civilization entered into all its hopes and aspirations of American empire.

The christianizing of the Indians was deemed of the first importance as a preparator)- step to their civilization; and on this task the Jesuit Missionaries entered with a courage, energy and self-sacrifice that the annals of the world does not equal. The Franciscan Friar was the first white man who lived .among the Indians. He was soon superseded by the Jesuits, who became the pioneers in western exploration and discovery; making their abode in Indian villages, sharing in all the hardships of savage life, accompan}-ing the Indians in the chase, shooting the dangerous rapids in the fragile bark canoe, or aiding to carrj- it around the toilsome portage.

The Jesuit Missionaries, a body of men of the highest attainments in learning and scientific acquirements, and of the most indefatigable zeal and heroic fortitude, were especially fitted for the task of exploring the interior wilds; being proficient in the use of mathematical instruments and topographical surveying and map making. They were also well versed in the linguistics of the Algonquin tribes. These self-sacrificing men , animated by the lofty purposes of converting the Indians to Christianity, and of bringing to them the blessings and comforts of civilization, penetrated the remotest sections of the wilderness; there was no danger that they feared to brave, and no hardship and suffering which they hesitated to endure. Through their perilous explorations these Heralds of the Cross pioneered the civilization of the West.

The Jesuit father was the first white man who paddled his can6e over these great inland seas and rivers. " Not a cape was turned nor a river entered, but a Jesuit led the way;" and for a number of years they composed, almost exclusively, the only whites living among the Western tribes. The sufferings they endured and the dangers they bravely encountered no pen can describe. From the St. Lawrence to, the shores of Lakes Superior and Michigan they established their Missions, built their chapels and schools in the midst of the wilderness, and gathered the Indian tribes around the Banner of the Cross and the Flcnr de lisoi France.

Such were the first civilizing influences of the Northwest, The refinement, dignity and benevolence of the early Missionaries, and the polished manners and chivalrous bearing of the earlier traders and adventurers, many of whom were French noblemen, favorably impressed the Indians, and the effect of that intercourse is still visible after the lapse of two centuries, in the unalterable attachment of the Algonquin tribes for the French, whom they ever rej,^arded as their benefactors.

It is to the Jesuit missionaries that the world is indebted for the interesting historical legacy that is contained in their detailed records of the first century of the white man's intercourse with the Indians, and of the character and habits of the Indian before it was modified by the influences of civilization. They also first made known to the world the beauty, fertility and rich resources of the Great West; and made its early maps, thus preparing the uay for the occupation of civilized man.

The early history of America can never be written without giving the French Jesuit amost conspicuous and honored place on its pages ; and all historians, of whatever religious denomination,have heaped praises upon them, and their super-human efforts in behalf of the Indian. Says Bancroft : " Within three years after the second occupation of Canada, the number of Jesuit priests in the province reached fifteen, and every tradition bears testimony to their worth'." And Parkman says: " Nowhere is the power of courage, faith and an unflinching purpose more strikingly displayed than in the record of these missions. * # * *

In theSpringof 1615 four h'ranciscan Friars, from France, accompanied Champlain to Quebec. When they landed, their peculiar dress was an astonishment to the Indians. They selected the site for a convent, erected an altar and celebrated the first Mass in Canada. The assembled multitude kneeled on the bare earth, and the cannon on the ships and fort fired a salute in honor of the event. They then assigned to each his field in the vast territory of their apostolic mission. To Le Caron fell the post of the far distant land of the Ihirons.

The Laiul of the Huions - Chainplain's Voyage to their Country, in 1615 - A Journey Through the Wilderness of Nine Hundred Miles - Champlain Discovers Lake Huron - Description of the Country of the Hurons, and their Villages - Champlain and his Allies again on the War-palh Against the Iroquois.

the location of the Great Sea, for Indian information, he had learned, was \ery indefinite. The Ottawas and Hurons had promised Champlain that they would guide him to the Great Lakes, Huron and Superior, and to the copper mines of the latter, if he would continue to champion their cause against the Iroquois. The communication with the lakes was by the Ottawa River; for the Iroquois were in possession of the south shore of Lake Ontario, and controlled the country at the head of the St. Lawrence, so that the lake was not approachable by that river. He, therefore, determined to join a contemplated expedition of the Hurons and Ottawas against their enemy, and thus obtain the escort of the former to Lake Huron. At this time - 1615 - the only civilized beings on the continent, besides those of the little hamlet of Quebec, were the Spainards, of Florida, and the small English colony at Jamestown. The vast wilderness stretching away for illimitable distances with its great lakes and rivers, its widespreading prairies and interminable forests, silently awaiting the coming civilization, was an unexplored, mysterious realm that Champlain was now preparing to penetrate. For many years after this, while New I^ngland was yet an unbroken wilderness, and the settlers of Plymouth and Jamestown had not passed beyond the borders of their settlement, this fearless and enterprising pioneer had pushed his way into the distant interior, organized the Algonquin tribes and led them in battle array sgainst their inveterate foe; living in Indian camps, paddling his canoe up the lonely river, toiling around the wearisome portage, industriously mapping the topography of the country; and then away across the broad Atlantic, to mingle in the court circles of France, and inspire renewed aspirations for French American empire.

In the summer of 161 5, a large body of Ottawas and Hurons appear at Mont-royal, with their yearly har\'cst of furs. Tiieir canoes and lodges line the ri\er shore, and thither repaired }*"ather Le Caron, to prevail on them to allow him to accompan\- them to their distant homes and take up his abode among them. To this they consented; but the Indians were more desirous of Chaniplain's assistance against the Iroquois than of their spiritual advancement, and hence eagerly importuned him to lead them against their enemies. A council was held, in which it was agreed that Champlain, with all his force, should join them, while they were to muster twenty-five hundred warriors. He then went to Quebec, to prepare for the expedition; but on his return was disappointed to find that his allies had disapi6i3.]

peared, and the site of their encampment a soHtude. Indian-Hke, becoming impatient at his delay, they had started for their country, Father Le Caron accompanying them.

The fleet of canoes, with hundreds of Indians, glide gracefully along the sparkling waters of the Ottawa, and the Father bids adieu to the last vestige of civilization. All day long they ply their paddles, and at night the wild banks of the Ottawa are lit up with their campfires. In a letter, Le Caron writes: "It would be hard to tell you how tired I was with paddling all day long, with all my strength, among the Indians, carrying the canoe and luggage through the woods to avoid the frightful cataracts. "

Champlain immediately followed with two canoes, several Indians, his skillful woodsman, Etiene Brule, and another Frenchman. They ply their paddles, and the canoes glide silently along; sometimes under the sombre shadows of overhanging forests, and again, past rugged cliffs torn by the convulsions of nature. At places the river flowing placidly through a solitude that seemed like the weird quiet of dreamland, and anon the sound of the cataract is heard, first, like a plaintive moan in the far distance; louder and louder falls on the ear the sound of the falling waters; and now appears the foaming torrent, tearing its way among the jagged rocks and overhanging cliffs, and pouring its impetuous flood with a din that roars its varying cadences through the ever-listening forest. The canoes are lifted from the water, and carried along the portage trail, which sometimes winds among the barren cliffs, and again stretches its wearying line under the dark shadows of the ox'erhanging spruce, fir and hemlock. The smooth waters are at -last reached, the portable canoes are once more afloat, and they are again paddling on their way. Night comes. The camp-fires light up the forest with a ruddy glare; the evening meal is prepared; the wild duck, venison or trout is temptingly roasting on forked sticks; the sagamite is ready, and the voyagers, with ravenous appetites, make their repast. The forest bed of hemlock boughs is quickly prepared, and soon all are stretched for a night's repose.

The summer breeze sings its mournful cadences in the tops of the lofty pines, the ' river murmurs its gurgling melody, and the rustling leaves join in the softened music of the forest night. At times the hoot of the owl is heard, or the howl of the prowling wolf. And again, the sound of distant voices startle the sleeper's ear, now approaching nearer, now afar, at times clear and distinct and then dull and undefined. They are not human voices, these mysterious, weird -like conversations that are heard only at night in the deep recesses of the forest.

Morning comes; the meal is quickly prepared and eaten, and the travelers again on the way. Day after day they paddle their canoes, or carry them around the portages. Occasionally the scene is varied; they enter a lake and camp on its wooded islets; wild ducks sport on its surface and the moose is seen browsing on its shores. Again, the architecture of the beavers is discovered, where their skillfully constructed dams have confined the waters.

On, and still on, they follow the turbulent Ottawa, and reach the Lakes of the Allumettes; and again follow the river flowing through a rocky gorge. Rough water is again encountered, and rapids after rapids are passed. At last they reach a small tributary which they ascend to a portage leading to Lake Nippissing; soon their canoes are moving over the glassy surface of the transparent waters. They ply their paddles, and an Indian village is reached. Here they remain two days, fishing, hunting and feasting on the proceeds of the sport. They then descend the little stream called French River. While on this route their provisions give out, and they are compelled to resort to the blueberries and raspberries, of which an abundance is found. Here they meet a large body of Indians gathering blueberries, and learn from them that it is but a short distance to the sea of the Hurons. Champlain was soon to feast his eyes on the long-coveted sight. The canoes are again on their way. The sound of the waves are now heard breaking on the beach - the ceaseless moan of the restless lake as it chafes the " controlling shore. " And now the watery expanse, stretching away as far as eye can reach, and only bounded by the dim horizon, greets his delighted vision! The great inland sea of the Hurons is discovered! The broad lake, with its spirit-haunted islands, lies before him in its lonely grandeur!! And as Champlain stands on the wave-worn pebbles that have rolled for countless centuries in its breakers, and gazes on the boundless expanse of waters, he conjectures what may may lie in the distant realms of the invisible shore beyond; while fancy pictures to his imaginings the wings of commerce in the aftertime, dotting its surface in their busy flights, and the noisy industries of the future invading its solitude, and arousing it from its lonely dream of ages.

Huron for over a luiiulrcd miles; the first white man except Le Caron, who had preceded them, that ever paddled over its surface, and, reachini^ the Bay of Matchedash, debarked. Here tHcy took the trail, which led through a beautiful country. He was in the land of the Hurons. The growing crops of maize and squash were abundant, and he found evidences of Indian thrift and comfort that he had never before witnessed. It was a land of plenty; the broad fields and meadows, with running brooks, and the populous villages afforded a pleasing contrast to the wild desolations through which we had so long traveled. It was the center of a dense Indian population. In the whole tract occupied by the Hurons, there were about twenty villages, with an aggregate population of fifteen to twenty thousand. The lodges were constructed of stout poles covered with bark, and were from thirty to fifty feet in length, somewhat substantially built, as these were permanent dwellings, and not like the temporary wigwam of the nomad. On each side was a platform four feet from the floor; this was the sleeping place. In convenient places were stored the bark boxes of smoked fish and meat, and on poles traversing the entire length were suspended implements of the chase, clothing furs and clusters of ears of corn. The fire was made on the ground, the smoke escaping through an aperture in the roof. Some of the houses were nearly two hundred feet in length, and in those larger houses, generally those of chiefs, the councils were held. Here at times met the assembled wisdom of the nation. The deliberations were conducted with the greatest decorum and dignity; it being Indian etiquette to never interrupt a speaker. The Jesuits were astonished at the good sense displayed, and the frequent bursts of eloquence which electrified the savage auditors. They had their questions of great moment, which agitated thecommunit)-,and the orator and politician of the forest was at such times, in great requisition.

At one of the villages Champlain met Le Caron. The Indians had built for him a bark lodge, and in it he had erected an altar. On the day of Champlain's arrival, the little band of Christians gathered around the altar in this humble lodge, the father in priestly vestments, and joined in thanks that they were made the instruments in the introduction of Christianity and its attendant blessings to this far-distant land.

Indian ceremon}-. He was delighted with the country, its open fields and fertile planting grounds; its thickets of wild plum and crabapple intertwined with grape vines, and its luxuriant forests of oak, hickory, maple, linden and walnut, traversed by intersecting trails, leading from village to village. Hut this indefatigable explorer had now exhausted all the knowledge to be gained in this locality, and he must away to seek new fields for conquest.

At the central village was a great commotion. The warriors from all directions came pouring in. A neighboring nation had promised to join them inan invasion of thecountry of Iroquois. Several days were spent in feasting andini war dances, when the swarthy army, with canoes on their shoulders, took up their line of march. They cross lake Simcoe, and then their course is through the chain of lakes and little streams which form the sources of Trent River. Here they encamp for a deer hunt. Hundreds of Indians formed in a line and drove the game to a point where, as it took to the water, it was killed by those lying in wait. Champlain highl)' enjo)'cd the sport, the guns of the French doing great execution. Their commissariat being plentifully replenished, they proceeded on their course down the river Trent, and in a short time the fleet of canoes emerge from the mouth of the river and speedily move across Lake Ontario. They landed on the shores of the Iroquois' territory - now the State of New York, and hid their canoes in the woods. They next traveled for some distance on the shore of the lake, when they boldly struck inland, and a few day's travel brought them within the inhabited portion of their enemy's country. Soon the advance lines discovered the Iroquois in their fields of maize gathering the harvest, when, with that impetuousity characteristic of Indians, they yelled their war-whoop and blindly rushed upon them; but the Iroquois repelled the assault, killing several, when the rest retired in confusion. They were now near one of their fortified towns. Champlain describes its defences as consistingof four rows of palisades made of trunks of trees thirty feet high, set at such an angle as to make them intersect near the top, where they supported a galley made of timber supplied with wooden gutters for holding water, so constructed as to discharge ' their contents on the palisades in the e\ent of their being set on fire. The water from an adjoining lake was led into the town by sluices.

instruct them in tlie art of war. Witli tlie aid of his Frenchmen, he caused the Indians to construct a large, portable wooden tower, high enough to over-look the palisade, and furnishing shelter to three or four marksmen. The Indians now bravely dragged it to the palisades; when three of the Frenchmen ascended it, and opened up a destructive lire on the crowded galleries. This was an unlocked for mode of attack. It was a fearful monster belching forth its deathly peals of fire and smoke. Champlain had provided a portion of his allies with broad, wooden shields; and endeavored to hold a portion in reserve; but when they saw the execution of the deadly fire arms on the enemy, nothing could exceed their exultation; they dropped their shields, and, contrary to orders, swarmed into the open space before the palisades; yelling like fiends, and making such a din, that Champlain found it impossible to make them hear him. He could not restrain or guide his ungovernable crew; so they fought in their own way; Champlain and his men continuing to do good execution with their fire-arms, and the Iroquois repelling the attack with great spirit. They filled the air with the flight of their arrows. Champlain was struck by them twice.

The attack lasted several hours, but the besieged were too strongly fortified for Champlain's undisciplined mob to overcome them; so with seventeen wounded they fell back to the camp, the Hurons refusing to renew the attack, until allies, which they were expecting, should arrive. After waiting in vain five days, for the expected reinforcement, the disheartened Hurons began their retreat, Champlain, so badly wounded, that with some of the others, he had to be carried, he says, " bundled in a heap, doubled and strapped together after such a fasliion that one coyld no more move than an infant in swaddling clothes. I lost all patience, and as soon as I could bear my weight, got out of this prison. "*

*NoTE I. This history is compiled from the most reliable authorities, and may be relied on as being accurate. The most thorough investigators have found Champlain and Charlevoix to be scrupulously exact in their statements ; and all American students of the history of the French in America, regard the " Jesuit Relations " as reliable and truthful. All contemporaneous authority sustain these records. The official papers of New France, in the French Archives, have been diligently searched by American writers of high repute, and the historical events of the period of French history in this country, as recorded by French writers, are now unquestioned. History was never more truthfully written than by those writers, and it is so regarded by the Historical Associations of this country ; and by Bancroft, Parkman, and the other eminent American historians declined to furnish Champlain an escort over the long route to Quebec; so he was obliged to winter with the Hurons, and in the July following he arrived at Quebec.