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• GENERAL LIBRARY '
OF
* UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
t. - ■ --
ZAc sfirc^i
r
^ A- i
COLLECTIONS
OF THE
State Historical Society
OF WISCONSIN
EDITED AKD ANNOTATED
BY REUBEN GOLD THWAITES
Corresponiing SecreUry of the Society
VOL. XIII
Ipnbltsbeb bj SLatboritp of JfaiD
MADISON Democeat PEiyriNG Company, State Peinteb
1895
COPTBIOHT, 1895
By Tarn Statb Historical Socibtt of Wisconsin
The Editor, both for the Society and for himself, disclaims responsibility for i nj statement made either in the historical docoments published herein, or in articles contributed to this Tolome.
CONTENTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS.
Page* Pksfacs vii
[ ^TKITTB AT PaAtHIB OU ChIEN PrKVIOUS TO AMKRlCAJf OcClTPATIOlf.
Alfred Edward Buiffer^ I
Thk Btjuc.ee Papers. The Editor, 10
Ijulcsttratite DocrMKNTB: L€tter9 — Goy, William Clark, 124; CoL Robert McDouaU, 74, 78, 88, 91, 94, 101, 105, 107. 118, 122, 133, 135, 143, 145, 152; CoL William Rusaell, 1^3; Maj. Taylor Berrj% 130; Capt. A. H. Bulger to Gov. Clark, 148; Bulger to Col. MeDouan,20, 25, 36, 51, 54, 111, 115, 124, 140, 14S>; Bulger to Agent Dickaon, 47, 63, 64, 67, 70, 127, 135; Bulger to Joseph Rolette, 23, 44; Bulger to John La we, 116; Bulger to Jacquea Poriier, 123; Bulger to Inhabitants of Prairie du Chien, 53: Bulger to Inhabitants of Green Bay, 110; Bulger to Black Hawk, 133; Indian Agent Robert Dick- son, 38, 45, 63, 64, 66, ti8, 73, A5; Joseph Rolette, 24, 43, 46; In- habitants of Prairie du Cbien, 52. General Ordera — Gra- ham and Keating promoted, 19; Bulger appointed to command, 100. Oarri$on Order* — Brxlger appointed captain, 10; iDatructioQs for Bulger, 15; assembling troojis to witness pun- iakment of mutineers, 42; confirming Bulger's authority, 85; miaoellaneous promotions, 89; Dickson ordered to Green Bay, 105; instructions to Indian Interpreters, 127, 129; praise of Bulger, 152. ProchtmaiionB — Martial law at Prairie du Chien, 38: calling a court-martial, 46. Jlr porta of Coitrfif- Martial — Trial of Dupuis, 39; of Senecal, 41; of Chunksah, 48. Banter — Of officers at Fort McKay, 65. Intrrview — Between Bulger and Dickson, 60. Irtilian Speeches — 'Sic- Douail to the Indians, 97; report of council at Fort McKay, 131.
TiAgT Days of thb BBrrieB at Fraieis du Chikn, Alfred Ed- ward Bulger 154
IV
CONTENTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS.
Papebs of Jamcs DrANB Doty ..,*.,. 163
PaPEBS: Official Jrmrnnl, 1S20 — Of expedition with Cass and Schoolcraft t to Lake Superior and the sources of the Mis- sissippi, 163. DncumenUy on TcrritoHal Organisation — Thomas H. Beaton to Doty, 290, 2aj; Doty to Benton, 23G; Doty to James Strong* 241; petition of trans-Michigan In- habitant^, 221; bill for orjyanizing Chippewau Territory, 227; Arg:uraent3 before Conjyn'essional Committee, 237, 24 L
The Territorial Census for 1836. The Editur , , 247
DocL'MENT: First enumon of Inhabitants of Wisconsin Ter- ritory, 251,
iLLiTjn'BATioNsr MfipH — Extent of Wisconsin Territory (1836), 248; Wisconsin counties east of Mississippi river (1836), 249; density of population in Southern Wisconsin (1836), 251.
Notes on Early Lead Miking in the Fever (ok Galena) Rmtit
Ki»iON. The Editor 271
Significance op the Lead and Shot Trade in Early Wiscon- sin History. Onn Omni Libby^ Fh. D S93
Illustrations: Ma pf^ — T>ensity of population in WisoonsiD, (1836) 332, (,l840j 332, (1850) 334.
Chronicle of the Helena Shot-Tower, (h-la Oraid Libby^ Fh.D
Illustrations: Cut — Reduced facsimile of sketch of Shot- Tower (1836), 346- Mapa — Reducetl facsimile of contem- porary map of Old Helena (1837), 336; general map of Lead Region » in Southern Wisconsin, 373.
335
The BEIX3IAN8 of Northeast Wisconsin* Xavier Martin, , * 375
Thb Story of Chequameoon Bat. The Editor 397
IjxuffTRATioNs: €id — Roman Catholic chapel at La Pointe, 421. J/fijt> — Chequamegoo Bay, 419.
3RIC SrTEa on Chequamegon Bay. Vhrysoatom Verwyet,
O.S.F, . , 426
Iixdbtration: Cut — Bird's-eye view of Chequamegon Bay, 427,
Arrival of American Troops at Green Bay, in 1816. Extract
from T}i€ Eichmond{Va*\Enq%tiT€r 441
CONTENTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. V
Page. Narrative of Spoojs Decorah. In an interview with the Editor. 448
Narrative of Walking Clx)ud. In an interview with the Editor. 463
Population of Brown County, June, 1830 468
Document: EDumeration by Henry S. Bainl, 469.
INDEX 473
PREFACE.
I
I
ft
?he occupation of the Pox* Wisconsin waterway by the British, in 1814-15, while an interesting event, was not of great historical importance. No other incident in the pre- Territorial history of Wisconsin, however, save the Black Hawk War, has been so fertile in documentary materials In Volume lU, of these Chllectiona, Augustin Grignon's " Recollections " first brought out the story of this invasion of our soil; in Volume IX., Thomas G. Anderson, a captain in the English garrison at Prairie du Chien (Port McKay), gave us a narrative of the occupation, — written in his dotage, — which, while in many particulars correct, and containing some contemporary documents, is often marred by a wilful perversion of facts, for purposes of self-glori- fication and consequent depreciation of his superiors; in Volume XI., Douglas Brymner, the eminent Canadian archivist, kindly presented to us the first reliable military account of the affair, based on official documents in his charge; In Volumes X., XL, and XIL, the 'Dickson and Grignon Papers, ' all of them contemporary documents, threw further light on the matter; and in the present vol- ume, the story is probably completed by the presentation of the papers of Capt. A. H. Bulger, who was in command of Port McKay during the greater part of the period of oc- cupation,— to these being added two brief explanatory articles by his son, Alfred E. Bulger, of Montreal. Were the object merely to give the military history of this brief episode, it might be doubted whether so much space should be devoted to the matter, after Mr. Brymner's satisfactory statement of the case; but the "Dickson and Grignon Papers'* and the "Bulger Papers" incidentally illustrate other features of our early history, being valuable con-
tribtitioos to the study of the habits and characteristics of Wisconsin Indians, life among the French Creoles of Green Bay and Prairie du Chien, methods of the fur trade, and the frontier policy of the English. They are replete with pathetic interest for the student of civilization.
The " Papers of James Duane Doty ' are also a leading feature of this volume. The exploring expedition to Lake Superior and ihe sources of the Mississippi River, under- taken in 1820 by Governor Lewis Cass, of Michigan Terri- tory, was reported at length in the Narrative of Henry R. Schoolcraft, the geologist and ethnologist of the party. Doty, then a yoang man in his twenty first year, was sec- retary to the expedition, and kept a detailed journal of the tour. This is now for the first time published; it admira* biy supplements Schoolcraft's more popular account As was pointed out in Volume XL of the OoUedions (article. " The Bouiidaries of Wisconsin ). Doty began in 1521 an agitation lor the erection of a new Territory west of Lake Michigan \ and brief citations were therein made from his original manuscript bill, letters, petitions, and arguments, in the possession of the Society, These are now published in full, and form an interesting and suggestive chapter in the political history of Wisconsin*
In close connection with Governor Doty's efforts to or- ganize Wisconsin Territory, is the first Territorial census, taken by Governor Dodge in July, 1886. The naked result of the count — the total number of inhabitants in each of the four counties of Brown, Crawford, Iowa, and Milwau- kee—has frequently been published; but the details of tilis first Territorial enumeration, with a full list of heads €i families, are now for the first lime presented. This is Wisconsin's bead roll of pioneers, to be carefully told by Ihe g<eiiealQgists of the future* We have in this volume, alao^ a still earlier enumeration, — but ])artial, embracing only a list of the inhabitants of the original Brown County (now the greater part of Eastern Wisoonsink taken in June, in connection with Ihe naitonal eenstis of ^fichigan
VKEFACK.
Lead mining has played a conspicuous part in the his- tory of Wisconsin. It early attracted a sturdy population to the southwest* and the shipment of lead and shot has- tened the development of wagon-roads and steamboat navi* gallon, materially assisted in the growth of the lake ports, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha, and knit together the widely divergent centers of population in Southwestern and Eastern Wisconsin. The Editor has presented "Notes on Early Liead^Mining in the Fever (or Galena) River Re- gion," sketching the long and rather romantic history ofi the district previous to the inrush of American miners antt^ speculators, — covering the operations of the Indians, the French, the Spanish, and the English. Here, Mr. Libby has picked up the thread, with his valuable paper on the " Significance of the Lead and Shot Trade in Early Wis- consin History/* He dwells upon the economic aspects of the case, as affecting the channels of trade, a&i)irations for internal improvements, the movement of population, and the relations between East and West. His " Chronicle of the Helena Shot-Tower * is a detailed study, from the an- tiquarian point of view, of the rise and decline of the shot-making industry on the Wisconsin River, and inci- dentally is a social and economic study of the neighbor- hood.
In continuance of the Society^s policy of presenting, as opportunities occur, careful studies of the several foreign groups in our midst, we take pleasure in publishing Xavier Martin's paper on the "Belgians of Northeast Wisconsin." Mr. Martin, himself one of the Belgian pioneers of 1853, has given us an interesting and authoritative account of their migration hither, their many sore trials, and their final development into prosperous Americanized commu- nities; the story of Aux Premier Beiges and its neighbor- ing hamlets has many points in common with that of the Swiss settlement at New Glarus, about which Mr. Luch* singer so admirably told us in Volume XL
*' The Story of Chequamegon Bay ' has not heretofore been fully set forth in these Collections. This far-away
PREFACE,
corner of Lake Superior has had a checkered and roman- tic career, which it has seemed to the Editor was worth the telling; particularly, as some carious myths about La Pointe have come of late years to be so widely accepted that they stand in some danger of being crystallized into sober history. Father Verwyst, an acknowledged authority on this region, has supplemented the Editor's study with an important paper, " Historic Sites on Chequamegon Bay, " wherein he gives us the etymology of the local Chip- pewa geographical names, locates ancient and modern Ini dian villages, and advances theories concerning the locations' of Radisson's two forts and Allouez's Jesuit mission, which are worthy of our consideration.
It was an event of great significance to Wisconsin, when, soon after the close of the War of 181:2-15, American troops arrived at the mouth of the Fox, and erected Fort Howard as an earnest of the intent of the United States to hold fast to this region. It is not generally understood how near we were to losing the Old Northwest, during the peace negotiations at the close of the Revolutionary War; indeed, Wisconsin was never well in hand until after the second war with England. The coming of the Third Regi- ment of Infantry, in 1816, was the first evidence to our Indians and French Creoles that the Americans were here to stay. Naturally enough, the latter were not at first welcomed by the French and the aborigines, who saw In these new-comers a race desirous of converting the wilder- ness into farms and cities, and thereby destroying the fur trade, and perhaps entirely dispossessing the old inhabit- ants who had prosjiered undisturbed under British domi- nation. The article on the *' Arrival of American Troops at Green Bay, in 1816," has peculiar value, as a contem- poraneous account, by an army officer, of this transition from the old to the new order of things; and in the wel- coming speech of the Winnebago chief, we have an excellent example of aboriginal oratory.
Two editorial interviews with aged Winnebago Indians. Spoon Decorah and Walking Cloud, are chiefly valuable as
I- [i
PREFACE. XI
contributions to aboriginal folk-lore; they give us also the point of view of the Indian himself, upon several interesting historical events. Such revelations enable us the better to understand the workings of the savage mind, without which knowledge we can never properly read Western history.
The volumes of these Collections have hitherto been pub- lished triennially ; but in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 264, Laws of Wisconsin for 1895, they will here- after be issued biennially.
November 5, 1895. R. G. T.
EVENTS AT PRAIRIE PU CHIEN PREVIOUS TO AMERICAN OCCUPATION. 1814.
i
BY ALFRED EDWARD BULGER.*
It was not until some time after war had been declared by the United States against Great Britain , that Prairie du Chien attracted the attention of the contending Powers. Silaated near the confluence of the Wisconsin (or Ouiscon- sin, as it was then written) and the Mississippi rivers, ia the heart of the Indian territory, a distance of more than five hundred miles from Michilimackinac, and about six hundred miles above SL Louis, ^ it was, at the period of which we write, the principal trading post on the Missis- sippi; the depot of the fur traders; the ancient meeting- place of the Indian tribes. The French were the first peo- ple who penetrated into this part of the Indian territory; and the sisot upon which they built their post was at no great distance from the celebrated Fox village on Turkey river, which was formerly inhabited by the Reynards, or Fox Indians. The prairie on which the village was built is beautiful elevation above the river, of several miles in length and a mile or so in width, with a picturesque range of grassy bluffs encompassing it in the rear, at the foot of which there formerly dwelt a band of Pox Indians, known as the Dogs, after whom the French named their village
* This narrative of what took place at Prairie du Chien, just before
that post was occupied by the Americans in June, 1814, is by the son of
ftpt. Andrew H. Bu3ger, BritiBb commandant on the Mississippi in
I14-15w The author is a resident of Montreal, and writes, of oouree^
[ the British point of view,— Ed»
be diatance is 500.5 miles. See Wis. HUL ColU.^ xL, p, 248i
I
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, [voL XIM
Prairie du Chien. At the time of the American war th' only inhabitants who were settled there were principal! Canadians and half-breeds» the descendants of the earl French and English fur traders, about two hundred i number; nearly half of them were hunters and voyageurfs, the remainder were settled on the land in the vicinity o: the old trading post. Situated as they were — io the inte rior of that vast country which, before the war, beloD exclusively to the Indian ti*ibes~ unknown almost to outer world, and having lived for years uncontro: there being neither magistrate nor minister of religioa^ the country, these people had become almost as intractable as the Indians themselves. Still, before the war destroyed the tranquillity of the little settlement, they apparently lived happy and contented in pursuit of their various occu- pations*
The peculiar position which Prairie du Chien occupied,! in the Indian country at once pointed it out as a most im portant place — of the value of which both the hostil Powers were fully cognizant — from the fact that which ever army took possession of it could command that im mense territory inhabited by the warlike tribes of the West (known at the time of the war as the Michigan, Illi- nois, and Indiana countries) which lay along the wes' frontier of the United States from Sandusky, on Lak Erie, to the Mississippi. Although both the contendin Powers were most anxious to establish a military post a Prairie du Chien, it was not until 1813 that any definit move was made to do so. Then the Americans showed determination to take possession of it,— their object bein, to obtain control of the warlike tribes of the West, with view of attaching them to their side, and thereby open %j way to advance into the interior and attack Michilimack inac in the rear. Some time, however^ elapsed before the; people at Prairie du Chien became acquainted with the in tentions of the Americans. The first intimation they re ceived of that fact was by some letters which reached them from Nicholas Boilvin, Indian Agent for the United States
l8l3-] EVENTS AT PRAIRIE DU CmEN, 1813-14.
at Si. Louis,* which were sent to Prairie du Chien to ascer- tain the feelings of the people, and to invite them to joixL the Americans in their cause against Great Britain. The arrival of these letters caused considerable alarm and much excitement amon^ the people, and at a meeting of le principal traders it was decided to forward the letters Michilimackinac and place themselves under the pro- tection of the British government, and at the same time to request that assistance and ammunition be sent to them to enable the inhabitants to defend the place until it could be occupied by a British garrison.
In the meantime, while the Americans were making >reparations to ascend the Mississippi, the British were "not idle* The t>aking of Michilimackinac in the beginning of the war had given them the control of a great part of the Indian territory, throughout which they lost no time in extending their influence. And it was more effectually to carry out their plan of operations in what was then termed the "conquered countries " that the British organ- ized the Western Indian Department, on whose officers in a great measure devolved the arduous and trying duty of visiting the various tribes to organize war parties, and lead them into action. On finding it impossible to send immediate assistance to the inhabitants of Prairie du ^BChien, that place, as well as the whole of the Indian ter- ^vitory, was temporarily placed under the control of the ^PWest^m Indian Department, and the entire charge of Indian affairs was intrusted by Sir George Prevost, the governor and commander-in-chief, to Robert Dickson^ who ^_was appointed "Agent and Superintendent of the Western ^B^ations/' to whom it seems most extraordinary discretion- ary powers were granted,' On the 17th of April, Mr.
*See sketch of Boilvia, and his description of Prairie du Chien iu 1811, Win. ffi9l. CoUs^.xu PP* 247-253, Dickson writes to Lawe, Feb* 4, 1814: ** Boilvln and Jacrot have addressed two flamiag Epistles to the people
I^Mf the prairie —exhorting them to claim the protection of the great re*
^^ublJo before It ie too late/' etc.— Ilnd., p. 290.— Ed.
^H *See Ouikshank's sketch of Dickson, in Id,, xii., pp. 133 et ieq,; also
^■U|irB bjr that partisan^ In Id., x., xt, xij,, and in Bulger Papet%^
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS.
VOL XllL
Dickson arrived at Prairie du Chien from Quebec, accom- panied by Captain Hamilton, of the Upper Canada Militia^ where he was received by the principal inhabitants and a number of Indian chiefs. This gentleman lost no time in carrying out the instructions which he had received from the govGrnor*in-chief in regard to the Indian tribes, and at different councils held with the Indians he exhorted them to take up the hatchet in the cause of England; dis- tributing presents to those in the vicinity of Prairie du Chien, counseling them to be firm and aid the people to defend the place by protecting the rapids at the Rock river, and prevent the Americans — or Big Knives, as they were called by the Indians — from coming up until theii Great Father at Quebec could send some of his soldiers to^ help them. From this point, as well as from Michilimack- inac, small parties, consisting of an officer of the Indian Department, with an interpreter, accompanied by a few friendly Indians, were dispatched to the various tribes ■ favourable to the British cause to organize war parties take part in the coming campaign. Many of these oflficera commenced their Journeys in the depth of winter, travel- ing hundreds of miles throughout the Indian territory. The privations and hardships which they endured in car- rying out the instructions of the government were veryfl trying, and were often attended with loss of life.
Thus it was that the British extended their influence. among the Western Indians, until tribe after tribe joined them, each nation sending in a return of the number oj warriors they could send when required, until the numbei reached over ten thousand men. But to return to Prairial du Chien. Shortly after Dickson's arrival he was waited upon by some of the chief men of the settlement, who pointed out to him the defenseless state the old post was^ n, and requested him to take immediate steps to place iti| in proper repair, and also demanded that a strong party of Indians be sent down to the rapids at the Rock river to prevent the enemy from ascending. What Dickson's plans were he did not think it necessary to inform them. He had his own opinion on the matter, viz., that the Americana
to~
>es_
J
ce
el iaV
iSiJ.] EVENTS AT PRAIRIE DU CHI EN, 1813-14.
^hu
would not venture up at all when they were informed that the place had been taken possession of by the British. He, however, assured the inhabitants that they might depend iipoo him to do all that was in his power to protect the settlement from being attacked by the enemy. It was his intention to form the settlers into a military corps, which he hoped, with the help of the Indians, would be suffi- ciently strong for that purpose. But he had not sufficient arms or a supply of ammunition to give them. He, how- ever, hoped in a short time to be able to give them a sup- ply of all they wanted, for he had already written to the gorernment for arms and ammunition. Before any reply was received to this request, Dickson was ordered off with a large body of Indians to take part in the operations on e western frontier of the United States. Shortly after is departure, roving bands of disaffected and hostile In- dians hovered around Prairie du Chien, plundering and slaughtering the cattle belonging to the settlers, and keep- ing the poor people in constant fear and alarm of an at- tack on the settlement. Capt. Dease,^ who had been ap- inted by Mr. Dickson to the command of Prairie du ien militia, collected a body of the settlers, princi- pally hunters, and with these men prepared to de- fend the place if attacked. But these roving bands were not inclined to come into open conflict with the settlers. They contented themselves with plundering and harassing the poor people, cutting off stragglers, and driving away any cattle which had been left unprotected, and keeping the settlement in a constant state of alarm all summer.
Dickson's long absence was also a cause of much anxiety. He had now been away several months, and no tidings of his movements had reached them. During the winter reports from time to time were circulated throughout the sttlement that the Americans would certainly take posses- bion of the place in the spring. Those who circulated lese rumors were known to be in open correspondence lib the Americans. The people, however, bad now be- * Franeis Michael Deaae, a Prairie du Chien trader.— Ed,
^Tpoi
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTlUNS. [vol. Xtl
come indifferent about the matter, and, indeed, most of them had made up their minds quietly to submit, for they saw no other way of saving their lives, and the little prop- erty which had been left to them. The depredations of the Indians had almost ruined them, and any change would be better than to be left unprotected, and at the mercy of the savages who hovered round the settlement, pilfering every* thing they could lay their hands upon. On the open* ing of the spring of 1814, the arrival of a large quantity of Indian presents, and a supply of arms and ammunition for themselves, followed by the welcome news that Dickson was expected to arrive in the course of a week or ten days, had the desired effect of arousing the people from the state of despondency into which they had fallen. The inhabit- ants now began to congratulate themselves that their troubles were over, and to rejoice that they had now arms and ammunition wherewith to defend their homes and their little ones from the savage attacks of the Indians.
In the course of time Dickson arrived at Prairie du Chien^ much to the satisfaction of the people, some of whom at once waited upon him with a statement of their losses and suffering^ during his absence, which he promised to for- ward to the governor and commander-in-chief. Many of the most influential inhabitants also called upon him» and in earnest and most respectful terms pointed out the neces- sity of taking immediate steps to put the place in a proper state of defense. In reply Dickson assured them that he would do all in his power, but he did not think there was any cause of alarm, for the Americans would not venture up until the summer; by that time everything would be placed in proper order to meet the enemy. It was his in- tention to place a large body of Indians down the river, who would attack and prevent any force the Americans might send from ascending the rapids at the Rock river, for it would be a piece of folly to permit the enemy to come up the river. As to the defense of the village, they must be prepared to defend their homes themselves. Arms and ammunition had been supplied to them for that special
I I
4
l8l4.] EVENTS AT PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, 1813-14.
purpose* They were to obey Captain Dease s orders, and plac« themselves under his command.
From that hour no more was heard of Dickson's plans; that gentleman was too much occupied in distributing the immense quantity of Indian presents, and dispatching them to the different tribes throughout the country, to trouble himself about the safety of the settlement. The fact was, he had no confidence In the inhabitants of Prairie du Chien, He relied entirely upon his Indian allies, on whom he lavished his good-will in the shape of presents from the government stores. Nothing, in Dickson's estimation, was too good for them. What pleased him still more was to sit in state at grand councils, and address the Indians in the name of their Great Father, the king, holding out to them promises m the name of the government, which he must have known could not be fulfilled. On the other hand, he seldom lost an opportunity of showing his con- tempt for the half-breed population in the settlement. As time passed on. and these people saw no visible prepara* tions made towards protecting the post, beyond placing a small guard of Indians some miles down the river, they were far from being satisfied. Dickson^s total indifference in regard to their fate only increased their discontent. There were those who shook their heads and said, ' Some day. when he least expected it, he would suddenly awake [to the fact that the country which had been intrusted to his care was in immediate danger of passing into the hands of the enemy," But all these warnings were lost upon Dickson. He treated their advice with contempt, and lulled himself into the fatal supposition that the country was safe as long as he had control of its affairs, depending entirely upon his Indian warriors to prevent the enemy from ascend- ing the rapids.
The inhabitants of Prairie du Chien, being thus fully aware of the antipathy and inactivity of their would-be king, and alarmed by a rumour that a large force of the Americans had left St Louis and were on their way up the river, collected their little valuables and prepared for in-
8
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [Vul.xil
stant fliglit, while others waited quietly until the coming storm should burst ui3on them. But Dickson still assured them there was no danger. On the morning of June 4, the village was thrown into intense alarm by the arrival of an Indian runner from the rapids at the Rock river, who announced to the people, as he made his way through the settlement to the post» that the Americans had forced their way up the rapids and were now coming up the river. All was now confusion and dismay, and Dick- son had the mortification of seeing, when too late to pre- vent it, the post and country which it was his special duty to look after taken possession of by the enemy.* See- ing that all was lost, Dickson set out immediately for Michilimackinac, giving instructions to the officers of the Indian Department to retire to a safe distance and keep him informed of the movements of the enemy. The vil- lagers, on finding themselves deserted and obliged either to defend their homes by themselves or to follow Dick- son's example and go to Michilimackinac, chose the former course, and on finding after a time that they were not mo- lested, quietly returned to their various occupations*
^Siuoe writing this paper I have been Informed that ^' Mr. Dickson in the spring of the year 1814, after havlu^ completed all the neceasary ar- r&n^ments for sending to Mackinac a strong body of Indians, left for that post Home time before the Americans took possession of Prairie da Chien," Although this information does not agree with the notes which I have on this subject, still I consider it only just and right to mention the matter here. As far as I can ascertain there is no positive proof, either documental or otherwise, to prove that Mr. Dickson accompanied the war party which he dispatched to Mackinac. He had a habit of dis- appearing in a most mysterious way for days and weeks together, and then suddenly reappearing when he was thought to Ije in another part of the country. His actions in many ways are shrouded in mystery, and it is almost impossible to correctly follow his movements. One fact, which speaks for itself: he either remained at Prairie du Chien or in the neighborhood of that post after the war party had departed for Mack- toac, or he returned again to the upper Mississippi in one of his wander- ing moods in time to hear or see the Americans take possession of Prairie du Chien; for it was Mr Dickson who brought the news of the disaster to Mackinac, which he could not have done had he proceeded to that post with the war party.— A, E. B.
f8l4.] EVENTS AT FIUIRIE DU CHIEN' T^f:-I4,
On finding the old trading post to be in an almost ndnad condition, the Americans, on taking possession of Prairie du Chien. erected a new fort on a mottnd in the rear of the village, which they called Fort Shelby,' after the cele- brated American general of that name-
The Indians living in the neighborhood were not ac- corded the same considerate treatment as the resident whites, for there is what appears to be an authentic ac- count of an attack and deliberate morder of seven men of the Winnebagoes, a chosen body of whom had endeavored to prevent the Americans from ascending the rapids. On taking possession of Prairie da Chien the Americans are reported to hare captured eight of these Indians. At first they were treated with affected kindness, and food given to them, and while in the act of eating they were most treacherously attacked and mttrdered in cold blood, one only effecting his escape.' This act of cruelty is said to have been followed by another against the same nation. Four of these Indians, who had not heard of the sad fata of their comrades, were enticed by acts of seeming friend- ship to visit the post. When they arrived they were shut up in a log hut, and were afterwards killed by flring at them through the openings between the logs.
* Named after Isaac Shelbj, the first iroremar of Kentucky, and oo» of tbe heroes of the battle of Point Pleasant, in Lord Dimaiorf»*s War, 177^ Goremor Clark^s brother, the celebrated George Ro«9n Clark, wsa a promlneDt Kentacky pioneer. Lieatenanl Perkinji, whom Clark < l«ft in charge of Fort Shelby, was from Mississippi Territory — Ed.
* See MrDoiiall*6 letters to Drommond, H'll HiMt CotU^ xL. p. 290, in which tJi0 same ebai^ is made.— Ed.
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voL XlH.
THE BULGER PAPERS.
BY THE EDITOR.
In WiscoBsio, the principal event of the War of 1812-1 was the capture by the British, in July, 1814, of the Amer- ican fort at Prairie du Chien. Mr. Bulger has given us, in the preceding paper, in connection with which should be read the Dickson and Grignon Papers in Volumes X.^ XI., and XII- , a review of events which occurred at that point just previous to the appearance of the Americans, his authority being papers in the Canadian archives at Ottawa. Late in May, or early in June, a body of about 200 American troops under Gen. William Clark, governor of Missouri Territory, built a creditable stockade here, and called it Fort Shelby. Lieut. Joseph Perkins was left in charge, with 60 rank and file, two gun boats (each with a six-pounder), and six howitzers. The news of this move- ment reached Mackinaw June 21st, and CoL Robert Mc- Douall, British commandant at that post, at once prepared to retake the place. In Volume XL, Douglas Brymner^ Canadian archivist, gave us the first authentic detailed ac- count of this successful expedition, amplifying and correct- ing Augustin Grignon 's reminiscences in Volume III., and disproving the greater part of Thomas G. Anderson's boastful narrative in Volume IX. It will be remembered that the company sent forth from Mackinaw, by McDouall, was composed of French*Canadian traders and engagt% In- ^dians and half-breeds, and English soldiers. The Indians,
liefly Sioux and Winnebagoes. had been recruited from The forest depths of Wisconsin by Robert Dickson, the
i8i4]
THE BULGER PAPERS.
I
English trader — a picturesque character, who for several years had headquarters at Prairie du Chien, and en- g'aged in operations extending to the sources of the Mis- sissippi and far up the Minnesota. The expedition itself was in charge of Maj. William McKay* of the Mackinaw garrison^ — the French and half-breeds being under com- mand of their bourgeois, Joseph Rolette and Thomas G. Anderson, who held military commissions in the British Indian Department. The invading party went up the Pox and down the Wisconsin, receiving many recruits en route, until on its arrival at Prairie du Chien, July 7th, the force Amounted to 650, — but of these, 500 were Indians, whom McKay reports to have 'proved perfectly useless." Per- haps the only advantage of having them on the roll was the fact that had their nominal assistance not been engaged they might have sadly harassed the English while thread- ing the Fox-Wisconsin waterways.
The story of the siege is not an exciting one, despite McKay's savage demand on Perkins to * surrender uncon- ditionally, otherwise to defend yourself to the last man/' Perkins at first refused to surrender, and there was some firing on both sides — the English having a four-pounder which had been brought along chiefly to amuse the Indians, but did effective service in driving off an American gun- boat in the river. Thus left to his fate, Perkins finally ettrrendered on the 20th, on the promise of McKay to keep the Indians quiet — ^no small task this, for the savages were a howling mob, and making sad havoc with the fields and cabins of the peaceful dwellers on the prairie. The British position was weak, In view of possible attacks from below. Had Perkins held out a few days longer, it is likely that the invaders would have retired, for a detach- ment of troops under Lieutenant Campbell were actually on their way from St, Louis to relieve him; but he was un- informed as to the precariousness of the English position and the succor approaching him. As it was, McKay gave his prisoners their arms, and sent them down the river to their friends; while a band of Sacs, under his encourage-
H2 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voLxiiu
tnent, attacked the American relieving party three miles above the mouth of Rock river, wounding Campbell and driving the party back to St. Louis. The captured post he called Port McKay, after himself, and on August 10 de* parted for Mackinaw, leaving the trader Anderson in charge; soon Anderson was relieved by Captain A. H, Bul- ger, of the regular army, who spent a dreary winter in holding treaties with visiting bands of savages, who adopted this diplomatic method of preying on the British commis- sariat.
The official news of the treaty of peace between the United States and England, signed at Ghent the 24th of December, 1814, did not reach Prairie du Chien until the 20th of May following — a period of five months. Bulger promptly sent word to the American gaVrison at St Louis that he accepted the situation; Governor William Clark had desired him to await the arrival of a detachment of troops to take possession of the fort, but Bulger was becoming afraid of his Indian allies encamped on the prairie, and on the 24th beat a hasty but dignified retreat to Mackinaw, whence he and his men speedily betook themselves to Can- ada. And 90 ended the last British occupation of Wisconsin*
The following documents, teltiog the story of Captain Bulger's winter at Prairie du Chien, supplement material previously given, and apparently close this interesting chapter of our State history, so far as these Collect imia are concerned, for it is not probable that many more papers covering the episode remain unpublished. Reference was made to this collection of Bulger Papers, in our Volume XL, p. £58* The originals are in the Canadian archives at Ottawa; we are indebted to Alfred E. Bulger for the care- ful copies here published, for sev^eral foot-notes thereto, and for the following introductory note:
** There are published in this volume a number of inter- esting and valuable letters referring to the period that Prairie du Chien was occupied by British troops during the latter part of the war of 1812-15. The original docu- ments form part of what is now known as * The Bulger Col-
4
4
4
i8i4*]
IE BULGER VA
»
lection of Letters* in the Canadian archires. Captain Bnl* ger, who commanded at Fort McKay iPrairie du Chien) and on the Mississippi, during the period these documenta aUnde to, was the only king's officer stationed at that dis- tant post. He was bom at St John's, Xewfoandlandf NoTeml>er 30, 1769, and received his commission as ensign October 26, 18D4» in the Royal Newfoundland Fencibles» being promoted to the rank of lieutenant July 30, 1806, Having served seven or eight years, on detachment daty, in Newfoundland and the Lower Provinces, he was ordered to Quebec to join the headquarters of the regiment, where he was stationed on the breaking out of the war. The men of the Royal Newfoundland regiment were a fine lot of fellows; most of them being fishermen, they were both sailors and soldiers, and were actively employed as ma- rines on board of armed vessels on the great lakes, serving in almost every engagement on land and water in the up- per province. With detachments of his regiment. Lieu- tenant Bulger served in siJEteen engagements. The prin- cipal were: Fort Detroit; Fort George; Stony Creek; the attack on the Americans by division of gunboats. No- vember 2, 1613, under Captain Mulcaster, R. N. ; Chrystler*s Parm; repulse of the Americans at Mackinac^ August 4, 1814; the capture by boarding, of the armed schooners •Tigress' and * Scorpion' September 3 and 6. 1814. In after years he received two silver war medals and three dasps for these engagements.
"On the twenty eighth of Octooer, iS14, Lieutenant Bul- ger was appointed to command of all the operations on the Mississippi, with headquarters at Fort McKay, Prairie du Chien — ^the local rank ofVaptain was conferred, which was confirmed by general orders on February 23* 1815. Al- though suffering from an unhealed breast- wound, he em- barked immediately for his distant station in an open boat and in severe weather, and assumed command. The gar- rison at Fort McKay consisted of six ofl&cers and 50 mea of the Michigan Fencibles, 130 Mississippi Volunteers^ and upwards of 40 Canadian voyageurs, with a small party of
14 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voL XIIK
artillerymen and soldiers of the line (trained as gunners) in charge of two three-pounder brass guos for field and boat service. Captaio Anderson commanded the Missis- sippi Volunteers, Lieut. James Pullman the Michigan Fen* cibles, and Lieut. James Keating the Mississippi Volun- ■ teer Artillery; while the Western Indian Department was " under the control of Robert Dickson, agent and su|>erin- tendent, six officers, and six interpreters. The documents published below give a very clear and interesting insight ■ into what occurred at Prairie du Chien, until the close of the war, when the British garrison dismantled and de- stroyed the fort, embarked in their boats, and departed for Mackinac* '*
APPOINTED LIEUTENANT.
MiCHILIMAOKINAC,
* 17tt October, 1814.
Garrison Orders.
Lieutenant Bulger, Royal Newfoundland Regiment* is
appointed to the Command of Fort McKay, at Prairie du
Chien, with the Rank of Captain — This Command of course
invests Captain Bulger with the exclusive direction of all
operations on the Mississippi
^In Wis. Hist Colls., x», p. 500, it is editorially stated: *' A. H, Bulger was captain and PuUmau second in command. The oompauy belooged to the Newfoundland regiment, and not regulars as Mr. Grignon sup- poses/* The Royal Newfoundland regiment were regulars, as any Army List of 1812-lo, or London Gazettes of the same period, will prove be- yond a doubt. Although raised in Newfoundland, the regiment belonged to the army, and all the commissions of the officers were signed by the King. I have one now before me on my table signed by Geo, III. Another error is made in stating that the company at Prairie du Chien belonged to the Newfoundland regiment. There was not a soldier of that regiment stationed at that post. The garrison was composed of volunteers (except a few men of the artillery and Slat Regt*) as follows: Mlssisaippi Volunteers, commanded by Capt. T. G. Anderson; a detach- ment of Michigan Fencibies (McKay's regiment) under Lieut. Pullman; and the Mississippi Volunteer A^rtlllery, under the command of Lieut* Keating. Captain Bulger was the only officer of the regular army at Prairie du Chien.— A. E. B,
nA*]
THE BLO-CER PAPERS,
»5
1. 1.
Instructions /or Captain Bulger^
The first object that will require your attention wil be the quickest & most expeditious mode of reaching the [Mis- sissippi] the season being so far advanced ; the expediting 'Mr Dickson to the Saulks with the Presents, & endeav- oriBg as much as may be in your power to promote a fair, equal, & judicious distribution of them. It being perhaps necessary at present, particularly to notice the Saulks, & ►to support them as much as possible, in consequence of their bravery , and good conduct, & of their being your ad- vance guard, and stationed nearest the enemy, &c.
On your arrival at Port McKay, you will assemble the Garrison, read your commission, & assume the command thereof. You will then direct your atten- Captain* ^j^^^ ^^y ^^^ formation of another com- eS^^'^''*' pany of Sixty Rank & file* of which you will be appointed Captain. Mr Keating to be Lieutenant; & twenty of the company, or such other men of the Garrison as you may think best to \ye under his command as a corps of volunteer artillery, attached to, & forming part of the Company; the Ensign to be appointed from one of the former volunteer Company's, or from Cap- tain Anderson's, should he have three Subalterns,
The Troops may be granted the indulgence of working at your discretion, but I would recommend a regular Parade of all your Forces, fully armed & accoutred every Sunday, & availing yourself of the opportunity to give them such lessons in drill as they may most require. Your Garrison being composed of such motley materials it will be pru- dent, not only to maintain good order and discipline, but to acquire their regard & esteem, Your attention to the Indians, & doing your utmost to gain their affections & cul- tivate a good understanding with them, will appear to you of the utmost importance, as the spirit they have lately dis- played properly cherished, will prove a certain safe-guard
» No date, bat probably written by Col. McDoubII on October 29, IS14, the day on which Capt. Bulger left Mohilimackinac for the Upper Mls- 8is8i|>pi*-A. E, B.
i6
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS.
[vol
XIU.
Mr, Rolette got two \RTge Barrels of Salt
to the country, & form a barrier to your post, which tha enemy will not be able to penetrate. You will assure them of my continual exertions to affort them every support & assistance from this garrison, & that their Great Father the King will never abandon them, is incessantly occupied in promoting their wellfare. & will never lay down the hatchet, or make peace with the enemy, till their inde- pendence is secured & their lands & rivers & children se- cured from all future molestating — these assurances to- gether with dwelling upon the Great power of the British Empire & encouraging them with the accounts of all the successful operations of the war have a good effect.
You will remind Mr^ Dickson to communicate to the In- dians who have been engaged with the last campaign, par- ticularly the Pollesavoines, Winnebagoes, Saulks, Scioux, &c., the high satisfaction which their Great Father at Que- bec has derived from the dev^otion & determined bravery which they have displayed upon the occasion alluded to & that His Excellency doubts not they will continue to dis- tinguish themselves by the same zealous exertions against the common enemy. Speeches sent to the different Tribes, expressive of these sentiments, Mr. Dickson will dispatch — Care must be taken, that the contract entered into by _ ( Mr. Rolette is strictly abided by : that great f I attention is paid to the mode prescribed I by Mr. Monk, the number of rations re- { quired being always certified by you, as well as the charges for the same by Mr. Rolette; his bills must be most minutely examined & proved to be correct, before you authorize their being forwarded to this Garri- son for payment.
As the regular & punctual payment of the Troops & also the Indian Department is much to be desired, you will take some i>ains to effect what materially tends to encourage ail in zealously doing their duty. The musters to be regu- lar— the Pay Lists exact & correct as well as the ac- counts for Lodging money & Fuel money made up at the usua^l periods & according to the proper forms.
I
1
the ■
814.1
THE BULGER TAPERS.
It would be desirable if two months' provisions could be
waj8 retained in the Fort^ in case of emergencies. The
iuppiy of the Garrison not to be interfered with, or any
demand on it for the Indians. Great caution & prudent
management will be required in not k^ping more Indians
I It Fort McKay, than can be avoided, or circumstances ren- ier necessary. The subject will require prompt & imme- liate consideration : the stay of too many Indians long at your Post will soon devour the supplies, which will be permanently required for the Garrison. The idea of driv- ing the Bullocks from below the Rock river may be acted upon to advantage. In all supplies furnished from [for J Gov- em\ its interest must be studied, & the preference given Lto those who agree to furnish at the cheapest rate. H^hea there is no danger apprehended from the Enemy, ^^yon will not be able to feed the Indians, without consum- •Pwtkiiiarly a ' i^^g your resources. It will be necessary to retain a supply* sufficient of Tobacco A Gunpowder, with some other goods, which you & Mr. Dickson will arrange accord-
wsetv© of pow- ^iQ case of a <od^ attack.
You will do your utmost to prevent the depredations of ^^^ Indians. With regard to the Indemnification of those ^ho have already suffered, on passing Green Bay, it will ^ desirable to devote some hours' to the investigation of the losses sustained there.* but only if It e boats to be ^^^ \^ done without delaying the boats. r«*k^. ?f* ^^ You will assemble a Court of Enquiry at Fort McKay. & minutely ascertain the real '^s of individuals, cautioning them, that if the demands moderate, & not exceeding the fair value, I shall do utmost to obtain remuneration, but any attempt at »tad, or to extort, will prevent a penny being allowed. As an agent either has been, or probably will be ap* mted for the Indians of this district, of course the jje- ullar station of Mr. Dickson as agent for the Western Indians is amongst them on the Mississippi. As the re- cent attempt of the enemy to ascend that river may be 2
'iS
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vC
renewed/ & as it is necessary to be constantly prepa to repel them, the Indians, more immediately on the bi of that river, & in its vicinity, must be looked to, & every possible means encouraged boldly & promptly assemble to protect their country, & repulse the invade Every means should be taken to get the earliest infori lion of such intention of the Enemy, that the Sauks, ! nards, & Scionx may be supported with your whole fo the former nation, numerous & warlike, it will be al good policy to join, & not suffer them to be overpowei or their villages distroyed.
In the event of being attacked^ & countenanced by ' Garrison of Port McKay, with their Field pieces, Indians will probably augment around you in such w bers, as may not unlikely present an opportunity of flicting a signal blow upon the Enemy. It will be big impolitic to suffer the storm to approach too near Prairie des Chiens; on the contrary, a resolute determii tion to encounter it at the rapids of the Rock River, scene of former success, will afford every prospect similar, or even more splendid triumphs. As the TribJ alluded to are reserved for your assistance, so those in t vicinity of Green Bay must be peculiarly set apart for 1 defence of this Island, You will, if possiblei on ya route, see Thomas, T6te de Chien, & other chiefs, wi Mr* Dickson, and let that (for us) important point be s tied* it understood beyond the possibility of mistake, tUio the officers of the Department who are to bring tb in, which should be done, the instant that the season i miiii: any lukewarmness, or want of zeal in insuring
* Wtiti m d««ird to retaliate on the Hoek Hirer Saos for their treating of Ciau|)b#ll, fmrlier lu August iante^ pp. 11-12), Maj. Zachary Taylor uui froiu 8i, 1a>uU late iu that month, with some gunboats and a sa lafiiiitry fuj\^ Oti arrlra] at Ro<ck Island rapids, early in September,* f HHIIaIi cm baud, with several Creoles and their Indian allJ
1:. :....ricMUM wtni biMllj defeated in the sharp dre, and fl^ualiy inmUnl Uuwu livnr with a loss of eleven killed and wounded, See e Ku H alUlr, In Wis, HUU Colh., ix., pp. 19S, 199, 219-233,
r 1814.I THE BULGER PAPERS. IQ
Hbiis re-enforcement, on which tae depend, may be produc.
Vlive of most serious consequences, & will occasion a heavy
responsibility, I doubt not, however, that Mr. Dickson &
yourself will be able to arrange it in such a manner that
we shall be certain of their assistance.
Eighteen Blank commissions signed by His Excellency the Governor, & Military Secretary are sent with Dicksoa. ■nTou will forward me a list of the Chiefs to whom they are P^g^iven, copying the wa^* in which they are filled up. J Express to Lieut Brisbois of the Indian Department the ^kigh idea I entertain of his services, & my thanks for bis ^invariable good conduct.
^^ You will communicate to me every occurrence of impor- ^^ance, & arrange with Mr. Grignon at Green Bay. the quick- ^Kst mode of conveying intelligence. You will not omit ^^oting the zeal & good conduct of such of your Garrison, ^as distinguish themselves by their exertions.
Rt McDouALL, Lt. Col. Com'g Michilimackinac and Dependancies.
GBAHAM AND KEATING PROMOTED.
Head QgABXERS,
Kingston* Upper C^KADiL,
3Ht October, 1814,
iOtneraX Orders* \ His Excellency the Governor-inChief, and Commander of the Forces, having received the report of Lt.-CoL McDouall, jGlengary Lt. Infantry, of the repulse and defeat of a pirong body of the enemy in an attempt to recover Port McKay on the Mississippi, is pleased as a mark of his ap- probation, of the intrepidity and good conduct displayed _upon tliat occasion, to appoint Lieut. Graham' to be a Cap- ^in in the Indian Department, and Serjeant Keiting of the [lyal Artillery to be Lieu*t. Commanding the Mississippi
I Graham. Sae WU, HUL CoUa,^ ix,, xi., paBBim.— Ed.
20
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, [vol.Xf
Volunteer Artillery, and to invest the officer Commandii at Michilimackinac with the Command and Superintendenc of the Indian Department at that Post, and of all Britis possessions on the Mississippi,
Edward Baynes, M, GenL
and Adjutant General — North America.
TO m'douall*'
Greek Bat Laxe Michigan,
14th Novemr., 1814. Sir, — I have the satisfaction to report to you, the m arrival [at this pkiee of} all the boats under my commandf after a most boisterous [voyarfe] of fourteen days. On the 9th inst. I overtook Corperal Morans [arul Ms imrty] at lal^ au Bacio, where he had been detained by strong he winds, and for several days actually subsisting on the barS of the hois tort, his provisions having been all consumed. was much surprised to find his boats so badly manned; an^ can assure you, it has proved a most fortunate circumstanc that a storm obliged me to take shelter at Isle au Racio, fc had I passed it unobserved by Moran, he destitute of pi visions, and most wretchedly manned, in all probabilit never would have reached Green Bay, and the loss of th^ goods at this season of the year would have been irrepa rable. I really know not where to get provisions to tak^ him & his party back, as this place, so far from bein| able to furnish a supply of wheat for the Garrison of Macl inac, as you have been lead to expect is absolutely in Btate of famine. The depredations^ or rather devastatior of the Indians are most serious. They have actually im- poverished the settlement; and nothing will, in my opin-
ion preserve it from total ruin, but the establishment of a depot here, from which the Indians can be supplied wit
^
^ This letter is unfortunately incomplete, and I have written in brack- ets the words which I think were written on the parts torn off, which are missing. — A* E. B.
THE BULGER PAPERS*
2t
Zammitnitionj} and their families furnished with a little provisions [during the] absence of the Indians from home upon service. Unless [mni^thing] of this sort be adopted, they will continue to kill like cattle as] often as their ne- cessities require* and in the end Iwt wilQ have to abandon the place altogether. I have devoted [as muvh} time as the lateness of the season would permit, to the investigation of £uch losses as have already been sustained, but I am unable to send you a statement of them by this conveyance. It shall, however, be forwarded by the first express from Fort McKay.
On the 9th inst. I met Captain Graham of the In<3* Dept . who had been detacbed with a party of men from Fort McKay to meet our Brigade* & assist it in ascending the rapids; he was accompanied by 3 of the principal Saulk Chiefs, deputed by their nation to represent their wants, and to demand the assistance which they had been taught to expect. I am sorry as well as much surprised, to find that the quantity of ammunition sent with Mr. Dickson, is by no means adiquate to supply one- fourth part of those Tribes who have claims upon us.
I understand that there are at least 20,000 persons, whose existence during the approaching winter, will entirely de- pend upon hunting ; formerly they had Traders to resort to for assistance, and they were also in the habit ol planting and securing a supply of corn ; but this year they are de- prived of both resources, the latter chiefly from being so often called from home* The Saulks in particular, who have given such striking proof of their zeal in the
I cause, ife who received scarcely anything last year, I wish m was in my ix>wer to furnish amply, but I am concerned m find that it will not Indeed, the little that will remain lor them after the Winnibagoes, PoUesavoines & others on our route have been supplied (all of whom stand in equal need, and have strong claims upon us), will be so far be- neath what they expect and deserve, that I assure you, I have my fears for the effect which it may produce in their conduct towards us. A vast concourse of Indians of differ-
22
PORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol* :
ent tribes, were assembled at this place when I arriv and it was really a most distressing sight; men, wome & children, naked and in a state of starvation. Many o them had been from home all the summer fighting for u. and now, on the approach of winter, to see them sufferin all the horrors of want, without the power to relieve them was distressing in the extreme- Even those brave fellowi the Follesavoines ' who behaved so nobly on the 4th August, were starving before my eyes, and I had not the means of relieving them. I have not yet seen either Thomas, or' T^te de Chien/ who I understand are hunting on the Pox river.
The Pottewattamies & from Milwakie & other parts o Lake Michigan, are likewise repairing in great numbers to this quarter in hopes of obtaining supplies, but ther< will be none for them, without robbing others who hav much stronger claims. In stating to you the situation of the country as it appears to me, and from the reix)rts o: Captn. Graham and others of the distressed stata of thos- parts of it which I have not as yet seen — I feel it to be mj bonnden duty, to represent to you the absolute neces- sity of a ftirther supply of Gunpowdert this fall, or in the course of the winter: the expedient has been before re sorted to, and surely, when the safety of the country, and the good will of the Indian Tribes so materially depend upon it, it can again be adopted. Baptiste La Borde,* th bearer of this dispatch, has offered to convey to this plac« ere the navigation of the Lake closes, any quantity of Gun powder which you may resolve to send me.
It is with Lieut. Pullman's boats have safely ascende the rapids
M
» Menomonees.— Ed.
♦ Thomas ^styled Tomah, or Garron, by the Frencli) was a Menomone , chief. Tete de Chien, or Dog's Head, was a Winnebago chief having ' village at what is now Muscoda.— Ed.
* Jean Baptiste la Borde, a brother-in-law of John Dousman, and «] resident of Green Bay, See WU. HUtt Colls,, x,, pp. 133, 137, 139.— Eo J
* .,' i -4 • i
THE BITLGEK PAPERS.
TO JOSEPH ROLETTE.
23
FoftT McEai , 23d Dms^ in4 Sib. — It is not improbable that had your senditig smmu- BtUon to the Gens de la FeuUle Tii^. not been sHaodaa with such lamentable cossequef&ces, it mi^ht have pMMd mmoticed, bat still the impropriety of the meainune would remain the same. It was the occurrence of the fatal aeei- dent that first brought the subject before my notice. Until then I knew nothing of your having sent atippliea to the Gens de la Feuille Tir4 in oppositiOQ to Capt Ander- son's orders^ and the wiahes of the Sknix chief. La Feuille and the Little Corbeau, and it waa not till then that I waa made acquainted with the circumstances which induced me to order the Court of Enquiry.
It matters not what your motiTea were in sending iiip> plies to those Indians. If you did it with the coment of the commanding officer, no blame can be attach, to yon; but on the other hand, if you sent against hie wfah, or without his consent, most certainly you have hmm greatly to blame: for it is acting in opposition to. and aetting the constitQted authorities of the Government at ^f^lnnffj which* let what wiU be the plea, or motive, never can be countenanced.
My motive in ordering the Court of Enquiry waa to give you an opporttmity of saying what you might think necea* sary in extenuation of your eonduck I might have eent the reports to Mackinac in the fonn I received them from Capt. Anderson and Deace: but a wish to do you Bwerf joBtice induced me to retain them till the affaklra waa thor- oughly investigated.
Your letter of this date which I suppose I am to con- sider as your reply to what haa been advanced agatnat yon shall be forwanied to Mackinac with the proceedings of ^ the Court of Enquiry* ^■^ I am, Sir, etc.. etc-,
^^K A. Btlger, CapL,
^^^ Commanding Fort McKay.
7b Mr. mdeite.
n
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voL Xlli.
PROM ROLETTE.
Sir*— Id reply to your Dot€ I have to say that if my sending to the Gens de la feuiOe Tire, had been looked as a crime by the Commanding officer, it was not necessary I should think to have waited till the fatal accident took place to produce a Court of Enquiry.
The only, and just plea I have, is that I wanted meat to supply my contract with government, to support the gar- rison, or else I never would have sent assistance to that tribe of Indians.
I remain. Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Joseph Rolette. 23rd Dec, 1814.
CapL A, H. Bulger.
I
Sir, — In looking over the proceedings of the Court of Enquiry, I have to remark that when I advertized Captain Anderson of my sending to the Gens de la Peuille Tir6, it appears to me, that had he not seen the necessity of send- ing at that place he would have ordered me the contrary, as it was in his power to do so- The reply he made I un- derstood was not to let Wabasha the Scoux Chief have knowledge of it.
As to what Mr. Brisbois says about reminding me that no body was to assist these Ipdia7i8 is incorrect and false, for he never spoke to me on the subject in the manner he states. Be assured that had I not thought myself suffi- ciently authorized by Capt Andersons answer, I would not j have sent in disobeyance of orders.
In the interim,
I remaiUt Yours sincerely, Joseph Rolette.
Capt A. n. Bulger, 2C Dec., IBIL
Cotnntanding,
'ii>i4-j
'Jilt. lit JJ_it-K rAi'tKS.
2S
Sib, — It being most impossible for me to get some of ^e meut, which the Indians bring to this place^ I must ?g leave to obtain the permission of giving rum to the Indians for that article. You will observe. Rum to be <lraiik out of this place.
My particular reasons to urge such permission is that on the 28tli Inst, a good deal of meat was brought to this place & It has been impossible for me to get a pound, not being able to contend with M^* Dickson In paying [for] that article with goods, and as few days ago I have seen some Indians drunk, in this place. I hope it will be in your power to grant my request.
I remain* with true regard.
Your obedient Servant,
Joseph Rolettb.
"CapL A. H. Bufgtr, 30 Dec., 16U.
Commanding, Fori McKay,
TO M'DOUALL.
FoBT McKat, Paimic du Chiek,
aOtb December, ISli. SiH, — I reached this place on the 30th nov: — From the iDoment of my departure from Green Bay, until my arrival lie re I experienced every misery in the power of cold and rant to inflict; ^ere I had attained one half of my voyage, ay stock of provisions was exhausted. At Green Bay it lad been considerably lessened by the demands unavoida- bly made on it to support Corp* Morins party, and at the le I crossed Lac des Puans/ I had not a mouthful left to It. The little assistance which Mr* Dickson's slender stores enabled him to give, was freely given, but of a kind of food I was but little accustomed to. & which in my weak itate of health I could not make use of. I suffered more Jir, during this voyage than you can at all imagine — much more than ever I suffered during the whole course
26
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLFXTIONS. [vol. Xlll.
of my life before. You will be able to form some idea not only of my situation, but also that of the whole party, when I inform you that the morning on which we left the Portage to descend the Wisconsin, at that time full of floating ice, there was not a meal of victuals in any of the Boats. The Indians were unable to give us any assistance, they were themselves in a starving condition owing to the want of ammunition. For near six weeks they had been waiting anxiously along the Banks of the River, for Mr. Dickson, and altho' they hailed him as their preserver from death, reproaches would now and then escape them at his having left them so long to suffer. They appeared to be struck with consternation when they saw the small portion of supplies allotted to them. Many said they feared they would not be able to see the winter out, and that their families would starve. I endeavored thro* Mr- Dickson to encourage them with the hope of better times, telling them to be of good cheer, as this would be the last winter they would experience any misery. We explained to them the causes why a greater supply had not been sent, but they seem'd incredulous and said we had made them the same promises every year and they had never been fulfilled.
In obedience to your instructions I desired Mr- Dickson to communicate to the FoUes-Avomes & Wijiibagoes at a council which I attended of those nations* the satisfaction which His Excellency derived from their good conduct throughout the last campaign, which appeared to be highly gratifying to them. I also caused it to be imparted to them that their service would again be required at Mack- inac in the coming spring, they replied that they would be all ready to act any part their father directed. I think it proper to state to you the sentiments which seem'd uni- versally to prevail amongst them. They expressed great dissatisfaction with their treatment at Mackinac last sum- mer, on my desiring an explanation, they said they had been starved, whilst the stores are full of provisions for they saw them, they said, with their own eyes. I desired
I
j8m-J
THE BCLlplK papers.
[Mr* Dicksoa to explain to them that thej were mistaken. that there was a Tery small quantity of provisions in the stores, prior to the arrival of the schooners and that the uncertainty of receiving further supplies demanded the I utmost frugality and economy. I shall take care that Mr. Dickson sends a message to those Indians in time to enable them to be at Mackinac as early as the ice will allow. Orders will be sent at the aame time to L*t& Law I & Grignon to accompany them. Neither Thomas or Tet£ de Chien were present at the council, but I saw them both afterwards. The latter is thought to be a worthless fellow ft has very little influence over his nation* but Tbomas who is here bunting I believe to be a staunch & faidiful Indian. What Mr. IMckson intends doing in the spring? whether he will remain here, or go with the Folle-Avoines Ac to Mackinac, I know not. I gave him a oopy of that part of your instructions which relates to his remaining on the Mississippi. All he said was that His instructions from the commander in Chief left him at liberty to go to whatever place he thought proper. Indeed I every day see a stronger necessity for some fixed & positive instructions being sent respecting him and his def*artment. Those you have already furnished me with leave me much in the dark on many points, and what he has shown me from Sir Geo* Provost seem so full & extensive I could not do other- wise than hesitate 'ere I order anything contrary thereto. Mr Dickson submitted for my approval the appointment of 2 interpreters, one for the Sauiks, the other for the Bioux« which I approved of as there waa only one em- ployed for the former nation & two for the latter, and the service requiring 3 for each. In the accounts for fuel and Lodging money I shall send in, you will perceive the names of Capt. Dease & Lt La Puche, alias St John.* I did not know that either of them belonged to the Indian De- partment until Mr. Dickson informed me of the circtim- stance & that you had approved of Capt. Dease receiving pay as a Captain, and of his being at the head of the In-
* S^led La Percbe^ in documeuts la Wi§, Hist (k^lh^si^3dL,q. v.— Ed.
28
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol, Xlff
dian Department here in Mr, Dickson*s absence. In cause* quence of this information, and there being no militia em- bodied here at present, I thought it best to desire Capt Dease might be returned for fuel and Lodging money amongst the officers of the Indian Department, until your pleasure ^vas known thereon, and I should not do justice to that Gentleman, if I omitted stating to you my real opinion of his worth and service* I consider him as worth one half the Indian Department put together
With respect to the other officer, Lieut. La Puche I have to remark that in answer to my enquiries on the subject, Mr. Dickson informed me that Mr^ La Puche drew pay, etc, at Mackinac last summer as a Lieutenant in the Indian De- partment to which he a<3ted as commissary. Another thing I consider as improper, which is Mr. La Pouche's being a Trader in the Country, and at the same time an officer in the Indian Department. On this subject Mr* Dickson informed me that his Lieut** and other officers should be allowed to carry on their customary traffic with the Indians.
I have the honor to enclose you the result of our enquiries into the depredations committed by the Indians in the settlement of Green Bay, amounting to the enormous sum of £2,981-2-6 curry* tho' I have reason to believe from all the information I could obtain, that it is not exaggerated.
On assuming the command of this Garrison I found everything in such a confused state, as to place it totally out of my power to put the accounts for the back period into any regular form. Capt. Anderson, I am well con- vinced did everything for the best *& merits every praise* but totally unacquainted as he was with the rules and customs of the service, his having deviated therefrom can not excite much surprise, I am only astonished how he got on so well as he did, with such difficulties as he had to encounter. On my arrival the Barrack was a mere shell & in no state to put men into it Not one room was finished, To render them habitable, I have been obliged to employ workmen from the town in addition to such us I could pro- cure amongst the Troops, The Guard house was entirely
I I
l8f4.1
THE BULGER PAPERS.
29
open. No sentry Boxes were built. The ^ate was out of order, the block houses, and in short everything was un- finished and must remain so for sometime, for there is such difficulty in procui'ing not only workmen, but material that it wiU take at the rate we go on now at least 18 months to make the repairs & alterations which are indispensable. Besides the expense will be incalculable — material must be sent from Mackinac, the wood alone can be had here at a high price. The soldiers cannot be sent to provide it, as it would be highly imprudent to send them any distance from the Fort on account of the diff't. bands of Indians in the neighbourhood, some of whom being decidedly in favour of the Americans, might cut off any small party we sent There is neither magazine or store in the Fort, & the well sunk by the Americans has never been found to answer — You will now see what a situation we should be in, should the Fort be invaded, in reality it never could hold out, and the best thing to be done, if we fail in keeping the Enemy down the rapids — would be to blow up the Fort & make our escape in the best manner we could, for to remain would be only sacrificing the Troops to no purpose. Besides it would give the Enemy the trouble of building another Fort, during which time the Indians, if so inclined, might harass them & perhaps force them to abandon the place altogether.
With respect to the probability of an attack on this place next summer, I am of opinion one will be attempted, and that the Enemy will bring up a large force* An Indian a Sioux who had been a prisoner in St. Louis returned to this place about 10 days ago, & informed us that the Enemy certainly intended another attack on this place & that they would come up by land & by water & would be accompanied by the Indians of the Missouri, who had all gone over to their interests. I shall endeavour to obtain timely notice of their design^ so as to make up my mind upon what is best to be done, but whether I shall have it in my power to meet them at the Rock River is a question I cannot answer. You must not be surprised if you hear the want
30
WISCONSIN HiSTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol. Xll
of provisions prevented our doing anything. Another difficulty will occur for the want of ammunition for the Indians owing to the small supply sent here this season — it will scarcely enable the Indian to support his family the winter, & by the spring I expect neither the Sauks or any others will have a charge of powder left, of this circum- stance the Enemy may receive information thro* some of the disaffected Indians, of which there are a good number, and avail himself thereof to attempt ascending the river. Should I take down the whole of my force (and it is so small I cannot think of dividing it) This Port will remain without any but militia to defend it, and would should the Enemy force his way up the rapids, (which I tind is not quite as difficult as has been stated) fall an easy con- quest. For should they x^ass us there, it will be impossible for us to get to the Fort before him.
With respect to the regular payments of the troops. I thought I should have been able to effect it thro' Mr. Ro- lette, he agreed to issue his Bons^ on condition that the men should lay them out at his store & not as they pleased. I thought this so very unjust, that I immediately decided upon having nothing to do with him or his. The only possible method I could devise to pay the men was by Govt Bons (a form of which is enclosed) & as the Pay Lists & vouchers will always be sent to Mackinac *ere the Bons or Bills reach there, there cannot I think be any objection to continuing this mode of payment. Whatever purchases are made for Gov*t here will in the first instance be paid for by Bons* the vouchers properly receipted & certified, will be forwarded to Mackinac, which will enable Mr. Monk"* to answer the Bills that may be drawn.
I shall send by this express the Lodging money returns from 25 June to 24 Dec. also the Fuel Returns up to the same period, all signed & certified, with simdry vouchers, all of which will I hope meet with your approbation *
» Notes of hand. See Wis. HiaL ColU., xL, pp. 27i, 275, for fac-aimiles of paper money (familiarly styled bons, or *• goods ") issued by the British authorities in Canada, lu 1912-15.— Ed.
*G. H. Monk, deputy assistant comnussary-general at Mackiaac.— Ed.
^
1814-1
THE BULGER PAPERS.
I hare been obliged lo make most of them out mygclf. wliich has been no eas^^ task in my sickly state, for siuce my arrival here I have been at times exceediDgly unwell. Mr. Polman has not been able to give me much assistance as yet, being confined to his bed.
I found Lt- Brisbols of the Indian Department, doing the , duty of overseer of works, with the pay of 5* i>er dayl granted him by Capt. Anderson, w)io was unable to attend to everything himself. But as Mr. Brisbois' services* were ' wanted in his own Dept 1 discontinued him from the works ^ & appointed Bomr. Patterson to overseer the workmen with the pay of li p' day. I also appointed Walsh HI Regt Gar- rrison Serj. Major with the pay of 11 P. day in consequence fot his activity & attention during the voyage here. & there being a necessity for some person to drill the Troops. I
If any part of the foregoing Letter should excite y.r sur* prise* how will that surprise be increased at what I am now ^oing to report to you. You having mentioned to me prior to my departure from Mackinac that I was coming to aj Iplentiful country, leads me to believe that you ha\^e been I ■greatly misinformed respecting this place. I think it nee- 1 Pessary to state to you in a few words the condition in which ■ I have found it. This country* Sir, is without resources, it cannot support 20 men» much less than 60, Tho Inhabit- ants are miserably poor, ruined by the depredations of the rascally Puants & other Indians, they have now actually nothing left. Nor are there 10 head of cattle in the whole i iplace, whereas it formerly could boast of near iOO head. | PThe eager anxiety of M**, Rolette to get a Garrison estab- ■ lished here, that he might improve his fortune by it, hur- ried him Into signing a contract which he now regrets, and |i6 unable to fulfil. I am but too well convinced, not only Ptrom his general character, but also from his conduct here, that the motives which induced him to enter into the con , tract were these — he imagined if he once succeeded in get • ting a Garrison established here, that he would be able to dictate his own terms & price for whatever it might want & could not do without. With these views & the hope of
32 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, [voh XIU*
filling his pockets with Govt, money, he signed an agree- ment which he now finds himself unable to fulfil. Mr. Ro- lette has represented to me that, notwithstanding all his efforts he is hopeless from disappointments in every quarter of being able to fulfil the terms of his contract & that it will be as much as he can do to furnish the Garrison until the last of April or beginning of May. I believe however (much as I have cause to find fault with him for deceiving you on a subject of such importance) that he has done his best & spared no expence or trouble to complete his con* tract, indeed his anxiety on that head led him, contrary to orders, to send supplies to the disaffected Band of Sioux called the Gens de la Peuille Tir^.
Mr- Rolette asked me whether Govt, on being convinced he had done his utmost to fulfil the contra-ct, would remit the penalty under which he was bound. And that if I thought so, he would still go on, and fulfil it as far as was in his power, but that if I thought the penalty would not be remitted, unless he abided by the strict terms of his agreement vez: to furnish a years Provisions* that it would be better for him to give it up at once and pay the penalty rather than go on increasing expences, & have to pay it in the end, I told him it was not in my power to give any de- cisive answer on the subject but that I thought Govt- would act generously towards him, and that if it appeared that the failure in the terms of the contract was not owing ta any want of expence or exertion on his part, but rather to the deficency of resources in the Country, I was convinced Govt- would not deal hardly towards him, as it would have been ruination to us had he stopped furnishing the Garri- son at this time of year, I desired him to persevere in his endeavors to fulfil his agreement & that I would represent his case to you-
I trust Sir, you will now be convinced of the impossibil- ity of keeping a post here without assistance from Mack- inac, This country cannot support a Garrison & those wha told you otherwise are actuated by Interested motives. We have not at this moment an ounce of flour or meat in the
THE BULGER PAPERS.
itom, nor have we the least prospect of gettiDg any. Pro-
sions are so very scarce here, thai the officers of the
lian Department get no rations, and we are very often
fortnight without tasting meat of any kind. The only
thing the Inhabitants have is a little flour, which they will
not sell. They keep it to exchange for such other articles
of food & clothing they may want. If I were to offer 20
Bols for a cwt. of flour, I do not think it could be got, for
money is of no use to the inhabitants, as they can get
nothing for it.
In justice to myself I must also Inform you that the MichigaBS are not the soldiers we ought to have here if 'We mean to retain the post. I would rather have 40 Regu- lar soldiers than 100 of such men as the Michigans. The Indians to see the difference between them and Regulars* They in fact look upon them with contempt, having known them as voyageurs, they never can look upon them in the light of British soldiers.
The Blank Parchment commissions which you sent out by Mr. Dickson have not yet been given out. From the man- B€r in which they are worded, they do not appear to me ^be intended for Indians. I have therefore desired Mr. I^ to keep them by him until I hear from you on the subject. lo consequence of the uniform zeal & activity shown by Iiiterpreter Jos. Renville of the Indian Department in the ^*rious services in which he has been employed, & espe-
E^^^y since my arrival here, I have approved of his being appointed a Lieut, in that Dept from the 25 Inst, until ^^^ pleasure be known thereon. ^ there was no possibility of carrying on the service ^thout a commiss'y. I have appointed Lt Pullman of the ^' P. to act as commiss'y & Barrack- Master until your approbation be known, or a regular comm'y appointed, and ''^tttiaed that I would recommend his being allowed 5 s day during the period he performs those duties, As it is my wish that you should be made acquainted ^^ everything I do here in my public capacity, I shall ^^ve the honor to enclose you copies of all letters to and
34
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.
^
from me on public business, as well as copies of all Garrison orders &c. which I hare from time to time issui All of which will I hope be approved of by you, if no beg you will point out such parts wherein I have erred.
I have enclosed a coiiy of the contract entered into Captain Anderson with Mr- Rolette for wood for the risou, which I find will not be sufficient for the wini consumption. But I have desired the officers to draw m little as they possibly can, Sc am in hopes by that means make the quantity last out the Winter. On my arrival h« we found about 200 Indians, waiting for their presents, save the Fences from being burnt by them, there being wood within many miles of this jilace, I ordered a ft cords to be furnished for their use. It was also necessa to expend some in keeping constant fires in the Roo] where the masons were at work* which will be charged the Eng Dep't. I find it impossible to carry into effe the plan for raising another Company of volunteers, altli I explained to the people that they would only be requi to turn out once a week, & on the 24th» and on particul occasions when it would be necessary for the defence this place. In consequence I have directed Capt, And son to include Lt. Keating in his Pay Lists.
The clothing sent to this place by Mr. Monk has b^ delivered out to the Michigan F. and Volunteers, the lati were quite naked, & I suppose were entitled to some ki of clothing from Gov't, if so, they cannot be charged wif what they have received. There are a few of the Michig^ P. that never rec'd any trowsers from Gov't with their s^ coats, are they to be charged with the pair given to then here? A supply of necessaries will be required for th« Troops here, as a Soldiers pay will not keep him in shi at the rate that article is sold in this place, a pair of sh« cost 6 dollars here.
Your order of the 17th act respecting the payment of t: Western Indian Dep't. has not been complied with, as Mr, Dickson says it will be impossible to do it. on account o1 the difficulty of getting the signatures of all his officers.
THE BlLuiR PATERS.
I will thank you to order the Comm'y & Barr'k-M'r to forward to this post, forms of such vouchers & Returns as I may be necessary in their respective Departments, ves. : H From the Commissary: H 1st Form of vouchers for supplies, ^ Snd, Form of provisions Returns*
3rd. Form of vouchers for paying the officers, & for serv- &g of candles. With any others Mr. Monk may think necessary.
Prom the Barrack -Master, I. Form of official Return, to be made out every 2 months, itioning the period between which they are to be made
2. Winter allow 'oe of fuel to officers &c Ac what period does it commence & end. 3- Summer do, and when it commences & ends* ^' Form of Lodging money Returns. S* Scale to calculate broken periods of Lodging money. 6- Will it be sufficient for Mr. Pulman to sign the lodg- leg 4 fuel rations as acting Bk-Master.
Should you disapprove of the move I have adopted for W^g the troops by Bons. Mr* Monk might furnish to Di« a certain form of Govt Bons, which would be much ^er & safer mode of payment, & would be more accept- _^*bleto the men and Inhabitants* It will also be necessary f^^ Mr, Monk to forward some stationary for the public firvic€ as none can be had here. I have the honor to be Sir. Your most obedient, Humble serv^ant A. Bulger Capt.
Comm g Port McKay.
Commanding
Michilimackinae A Dependenciea,
36
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voL
2
i
Fort McKay, 3Ist DeoemV 18U.
Sir:— I am sorry to have to report to you an unfortunal occurrence which has recently taken place here a short ti ago. On the 8th inst. Two men, whom Mr. Rolette had sent to the camp of Les Gens de la Feuille Tir^,^ for meat, 'were returning to this place, accompanied by an Indian of that band, who taking advantage when the two men had lain down to sleep, seized their arms fired at them ai fled. One of the men lived about 3 hours; the other, wl was Mr. Rolette's brother-in-law, contrived to reach tl place after walking about 24 miles. He had been sh through the lower part of the body and died on the fo day after enduring a great deal of pain.
As this was the first insult offered since a British son had been here, and by a das tartly set who had be publickly declared Americans. I thought it necessary th some Steps should be taken to convince them that we we: determined to punish their infamous conduct, as well as show the other nations that such an atrocious act woi not remain unpunished, I accordingly on the 12th d( tached a party of about eighty men of the Michigans, Vol unteers, & Militia, and about a dozen Fellesavoine Indian: with several officers of the Indian Department to the cam; of Les Gens de la Peuille tir4 in search of the murdere: They returned on the 15th inst. without him, he had fl< almost immediately to another part of the country, feari that death which he knew he deserved. According to hi orders, Capt. Graham, who had charge of the partj brought in the chief of the Band, as a hostage for the d^ livery of the murderer. I have got the chief confined 1 the Fort, his friends & relations are now busy searchin for the murderer, & according to their custom, will, Iqj probability, soon apiiear here with him or his head, ■
^La Feuille Tir6 (Fire4eaf) was the French designation of the Sioi chief, Wabasha, whose viUaife was on the Mississippi, on the site of t modem city of Winona, Minn. This Wabasha was the son of the chl of the same name who assisted the British io the Revolutionary Wf and probably father of the one who figured in the Black War.— Ed.
iSi4.j
THE BULGER PAPERS.
37
After this unfortunate circumstance took place, I was informed by Captns Anderson & Deace that Mr, Rolette had sent powder and Ball to the Gens de la Feuille Tir^, con- trary to the orders of the Commanding officer, and to the Irishes of Wabasha (La Feuille) and the little Corbeau, who had desired at a public council, that those Indians should not be assisted, as they knew their intentions to be had. In consequence of which information I directed a Court of Enquiry to assemble to investigate the affair,
I the proceedings of which I have the honor to enclose, with the letters which Mr. Rolette addressed to me on the ^abject, and my answers thereto; which will enable you to form your judgment.
There is no doubt but that La Feuille on hearing of this affair, which has been communicated to him by a message 8«it by one of the Interpreters, will immediately cut off fte whole of the Gens de la Feuille Tir6, He has an old pudge against them they killed his brother, and one of the youDg men lately murdered was his nephew, whose father was also killed by the same band. La Feuille, as ^^11 as the Little Corbeau, had more than once requested l^l^ve to attack ^ distroy them, but had not obtained it ^P^ey will now I think, wait for no ones permission*
The Gens de la Feuille Tire, are Scoux, who have with- ^wnfrom La Feuille'sBand, and are every where know^n ** friends of the Americans.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient.
Humble Servant,
A. H. Bulger,
Capt Com'ff Fort McKay. Tq Lf. Cot. McDouaih
Commanding
MichiJimackinac^ <frc.
38 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. ( VoL XllP
FROM DICKSON. fl
Prairie du Chxen, 31»t Dec, 1814. SlB,^ — The troubled state of this country, induces me, to submit to you the immediate necessity of declaring Martial Law. I have to congratulate you on your spirited ex- ertions in quelling the Mutiny of this day in Port McKay. I cannot sufficiently express my satisfaction, for the able assistance that you have uniformly afforded me in the De-^ partment to which I belong.'
I have the honor to be, Sir: Your obedient and humble servant,
R. Dickson. Agt, to the Westm. Indians and
Sui^t^. Conquered Countries* Captain Bulger, R. K i2'-
Commanding Fort MeKaif
and on the Mmusippi.
MARTIAL LAW PROCLAIMED.
A Proclamation.
Whereas, it is necessary from the disturbed state of t\ Country that Martial Law should be declared. I do, bj virtue of the Power and Authority vested in me, hereby proclaim Martial Law to be in force throughout the Country from the date hereof, of which all Officers, Civil and Mili- tary, and all persons whatsoever, are to take notice an<]
Govern themselves accordingly
Given under my hand in
Fort McKay, Prairie du Chien,
the 3lBt, December, 1814
A. Bulger, Captain,
Commanding
on the Mississippi.
* See Dickson^ letter to Lawe, of same date, In Wis. Hist, Colls,^ pp. 122, 123, The mutineers were of the Michigan Fencibles; the leaders reoeif'ed 150 lashes each, which " had a most surprising effect i them, and they beg^ia to look like soldiers."— Ed,
THE BULGER PAPERS.
TWO COURTS MARTIAL*
39
Proceedings ol a Garrison Court Martial held by order of Capt. Bulger Rl Newfoundland Regt CommandiBg at I^ort McKay and on the Mississippi.
FoaT McKat 2o<i January 1S15
President Captain Thos. G. Anderson, Mississippi Volunteers
Members Lieut James Pullman of the Michigan Pencibles L»e\it James Keating of the Mississippi Volunteers The court being duly sworn proceeded.
Charges to the trial of La Seur Dupuis, Private Soldier **i the Michigan Fencibles, Confined by Order of the Com- ^^ciding OfiBcer of Fort McKay " For Conduct tending to ^*<^ite Mutiny & disturbance among the Troops Compris- *^S the Garrison of Fort McKay on the 31st day of Decem-
^m ^^^ Evidence. Serjeant Amable Dusang of the Missis-
^VE^pi Volunteers, having been duly sworn gave evidence
H^t. on the 31st Deer 1814 he being then Serjt. of the
^P^ards. the Garrison Serjt, Major Ordered him to take
'• Qle of men and Confine Private Bonnai of the Michigan
^^ticibles for having struck the Serjt. Major he Serjt. Du-
*^iig ordered the Prisinor, then one of the Guard, who re-
^^^ed in saying he would not go*
Sttd Evidence. Serjt Major Walsh being duly sworn ]^ ^^rroborates the evidence of Serjt Dusang. |H 8rd Evidence. Captain Bulger being duly sworn says ^Bftftt on Saturday the 31st Deer, on the Parade he ordered ^HHbruille Private in the Michigan Fencibles, out of the finks lo be confined^ Dubruille was standing next the prisinor. the prisinor Said he had not refused to take Bonnai when the prisinor pushed Dubruille and said to him
m_
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WISCONSIN* inSTORICAL COLLECTIONS
" \Vltat are you afraid* in an iosolent & hauty manner as If he had gloried tn what he had done.
Defence. The Prisinor being pnt on his Defence says he aoknowledgM having refused to take Bonnai to the Guard House, as he had been informed that the men in the Bar-^ raoks were determined not to let him be taken. ^
Opinion and Sentence. The Court having maturely weighed and considered the Evidence against the Prisinor La Beur Dupuis« private in the Michigan Fencibles, withU what he had said in his defence, is of opinion that the said| La Sour Dupuis Is guilty of the charge exhibited against him,— vi» — for conduct tending to Excite Mutiny and dis-^ turbance amongst the Troops composing the Garrison of^ Port McKay, on the 81st December 1814 being in breach of the articles of war and by virtue of the Authority therein given, doth therefore adjudge him the said La Seur Dupuis to receive a corporal punishment of three hundred Lashes In the usual manner at such time and place as the Com- manding Officer shall din^ct. M
The court finding fi^m circumstances that the bad con*^ duct of the prisinor proceeds more thro* ignorance than anything else begs leave to recommend him to the clen^^ enoy of the Commanding Officer
Thos. G, Akdkbson»
Capt M. Volunteers Conflrmed & President,
A. Bulger Capt
Commanding.
PAPERS.
4T
Proceedings of a Garrison Court Martial held by Order oi Captain Bulger Rl Newfoundland Eegt. Commanding -Port McKay and on the Mississippi.
1*^3RT McKat, 2oi Jan, 1815. President Captain Tfaos. G. Anderson Mississippi Volunteers*
Members
«l<iut James Pullman of the Michigan Fencibles I-»ieut James Keating of the Mississippi Volunteers
Charge. The Court being duly sworn proceeded to the
^^^1 of Hypolite Senecal Private Soldier in the Michigan
^Xicibles confined by order of the Commanding officer of
^W. McKay for conduct tending to excite Mutiny and Dis*
.^^^jance amongst the Troops comprising the Garrison of
^rt McKay on the 3l8t December 1814
Xst Evidence. Louis Dubruille private in the Michigan
^Hcibles being duly sworn says that on Saturday 31st
'^^^cr, 1814. he was on Guard, & Seeing Hypolite Senecal
*^^ prisinor Standing in one of the Barrack room Doors
"^ith a knife in his Belt asked him what that was for, the
l>^^isino^ turned about and said no man should take Bonnai,
T*^ivate in the Michigan Fencibles prisinor.
2nd Evidence. Olivia Degardin priv'ate in the Michigan fencibles being duly Sworn gave Evidence Corroborating l^lie first evidence with this difference that the prisinor he Saw Standing in the Barrack Room Door had a Bayonet Under his Cloak and Said " this will serve some one let anyone come now to take Bonnai. "
3rd Evidence. William Dickson Volunteer, Ind. Depart- ment being duly Sworn Says that on Saturday the Slat December 1814. Standing near the Barrack Room Door the] heard the prisinor Say, that the Serjt. Major, who was then on Parade, had a womans face a Ball would be well n his Belly.
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WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol. xili.
I
4tb Evidence. Colin Campbell Interpreter in the Ind, Dpi. being duly Sworn his evidence Corroborates that of William Dickson.
Defence. The Prisinor being put on his defence says he has nothing to do in the business, and brought Serjt* Dusang as a Witness. But Serjt. Dusang Says he has no knowledge of what he did or said on the subject.
Opinion & Sentence, The [Court] having maturely weighed and considered the Evidence against the prisinor Hypollte Senecal private in the Michigan Pencibles, with what he has Said in his defence is of Opinion that the Said Hyjx)- lite Senecal is guilty of the charge exhibited against him, viz — for conduct tending to excite mutiny and Disturbance amongst the Troops Comprising the Garrison of Port Mc- ■ Kay on the 31st Deer. 1814 — being in breach of the Articles of War and by virtue of the Authority therein given, Doth therefore adjudge him the said Hypolite Senecal to receive a corporal punishment of three hundred Lashes in the usual manner at Such time and place as the Commanding^ Officer shall direct*
The Court finding from Circumstances that the bad Con- duct of the prisoner proceeds more thro' ignorance than anything else, beg leave to recommend him to the Clem- ency of the Commanding Officer*
Thos G. Anderson, — Capt M. Volunteers Confirmed & President
A. Bulger Captu Commanding
TO THE TROOPS.
Fort McKay, 2nd January, 1315.
Garrimn Order*.
The commandant has assembled the militia this day, to witness the punishment of two men, who, forgetting their first and primary duty as soldiers have dared to violate the Law of their Country* in an attempt to excite a mutiny
.^^^ ^>
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amongst the Troops & thfireby endanger the peace & security of His Majesty's possessions in this part. Such a flagnjuit crime on the part of men sent here for the defence of the post,— & which in any other place would have been punished with death — cannot fail to strike you all with as- tonishment & indignation, & must force you to acknowl* edge that the punishment you have seen enflicted was both JQBt & Decessary.
^t was with extreme regret that the Commandant found himself obliged to have recourse to those measures of se- V'erity for the preservation of this important post, and flat- ^^rs himself that the example which has this day been made
K ^^J have the desired effect on the future conduct of the
H Garrison,
H A. H. Bulger, Capt.
H Commanding,
FROM ROLETTE.
I
Prairie des Chiens, 2nd January 1815.
Sir, — From the abominable charge against me this ^Oming publickly made by Robert Dickson, I cannot but ^^el hurt when I consider where I sprung from, the con- 'luct of my brothers and mine since the beginning of the ^ar when employed.
I now address you to beg you should, (if possible) pre- side at the Court of Enquiry, to see me justice done, as in my conscience I dread nothing of the charge ; and to beg of you to enquire into the character of the witnesses of Robert Dickson* and the terms they have been on with me since few years past.
From the moment I came to this Country, this Robert Dickson has always tried to injure me and family, he has been the ruin of some others, who as well as me would not allow him to assume an authority unbecoming.
I beg you will assemble every respectable inhabitant of this place and ask them before I have an opportunity of
seeing them, if I have ever advised them anything preju- dicial to the government under which I am born.
My writing to you before the investigation takes place, may perhaps lead you to think that I am uneasy. On the contrary. I now perceive that this Robert Dickson must have prejudiced you against me. from your leaving my house without cause, which in this moment hurts me more than anything else*
In the hope that you will comply with my request.
I remain Sir, Your most obedient Servant.
CaptaiJi Bulger. JOSEPH ROLETTE
Commanding Fort McKay.
TO ROLETTE.
Fort McKay, 2«i<i Jauuary, 1815.
Sir,— In a matter of such serious moment as to involve the character or life of any individual I never shall be found wanting in the sincere and ardent wish to render €very justice, most certainly not in your case from former acquaintance, and the regard I have for your brother.
I do not mean to commit the decision of such an impor- tant affair to anyone. I intend presiding at the investiga- tion myself, and you may rely on it that strict justice shall be done you.
When the charge was first made known to me this morn* ing. prior to the i^arade, I certainly felt astonished. But the duty I owe my Sovereign, acting here as his Repre- sentative, rendered it totally impossible for me to avoid noticing it, had the person accused even been my own Brother. ■
No person has power to prejudice me against any one — that is a thing I never would allow — you are wrong there- fore in attributing my not going to your house to any man's instigation, clear yourself of the charge made against you
I
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I & you will find that no one has power to sway me contrary
to my own judgment. 1^ I am,
^^^^
^^^^^B Your obedient Servant,
^^^^^ A. Bulger. Capt
^^ Commanding.
H M^^ Joseph Rolette, H Prairie d€8 Chienn
DICKSON ARRAIGNS ROLETTE.
I
I
Prairie du Chien, January 3rd I8I5, Sib,— On the 2nd Instant on parade in Fort McKay, I publicly charged Joseph Rolette, native of Quebec, with treasonable practices against Our Sovereign Lord the King, and I pledged myself to prove the same by evidence.
These charges are seditious words & discourses tending to excite insuiTection against his Majesty's Government — also illicit illegal and dangerous conduct towards the In- dians his Majesty's allies- I request you Sir, Commanding Port McKay, and on the Mississippi, to order a Court of that natiire you may deem expedient, to investigate these charges. *
I trust that I will prove to the satisfaction of the Court "Why some of the charges have been delayed until this time
I have the honor to be.
Sir. Your most obedient Servant.
R. Dickson. Agt to the Westn Indians,
& Supnt Conquered Countries, To Cap^^ Bulger R, N. R. Commanding Fori McKay^ <£■, on the Mississippi.
' Ttie prooeedings of the court of inquiry, held Janaary 5, are given in fnll in Mich, Pion, CoUs.^ xri., pp. 2 et seq. The court* consisting of Bulger, Anderson, Pullman, and Keating, acquitted Rolette.— Ed.
46 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS* [voL Xlil.
ROLETTE'S ANSWER.
Praibi£ DtJ CHi£2r, ^d Jan., 1815. Sir, — I have received the charge against me by Robert Dickson which I hope will prove false on examination. This is to request of having the liberty of bringing for- ward on my behalf the most respectable inhabitants of this place to distroy the infamoijs char^e^by having ad- vised them to the contrary of what I am accused of.
As I have at all times of the day business at the Farm to draw flour or other articles, I have to request the per- mission to go at leasure when called by business. Be as- sured that I look upon myself too innocent of the charge to stay away or wish to avoid examination. The only re- gret I have is that the period appointed is rather distant.
I am Sir, Your obedient Servant*
Joseph Rolette,
P. S. — Is it contrary to law to ask for the names of the
Evidence that are to appear against me, as Pmight be able
to distroy their testimony.
Your &c
J. Rolette,
€ap(^ A. H. Bulger^
Commanding,
Fart McKaif,
4
A COURT-MARTIAL CALLED-
A Proclamation,
Whereas an accusation has been exhibited by Robert Dickson, Esq*^ Agent and Superintendent of the Western Nations, on the part of our Sovereign Lord The King, against Joseph Rolette, native of Quebec, in the words and manner following:
"I charge Joseph Rolette, native of Quebec and now residing at the Prairie des Chien, with seditious words and discourse tending to excite insurrection against His
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Majesty's Goveniment; also illicit^ illegal and dangerous conduct towards the Indians, His Majesty s allies, tied I pledge myself to prove the same by evidence/'
And whereas it is necessai-y as well for the future sake of the accused, as for the security of His Majesty's Possessions in this part, that the said accusation should be forthwith examined and enquired into. I have thought fit to direct prior to any other steps being taken, that the said charge be made the subject of investigation before a Military Court of Enquiry, to be assembled for that pur- pose on Thursday next the 5th instant at 9 o'clock in the morning at Fort McKay, And for the more effectual ascer- taining the truth of the said charges. The Court is hereby empowered to examine into the same upon oath. Of w^hich all persons bound to give Evidence thereon or in any man- ner concerned are to take notice and govern themselves accordingly.
Given under my hand in Fort McKa^^ Prairie des Chiens the 3<l January, 18ir\ A. Bulger, Captain, Commanding Fort McKay and
British Possessions on the Mississippi.
Fort McKay, Gth Jaouary, 1815.
Sir. — Antoine Dubois and Louis Champagney, two of His Majesty's late subjects of the Prairie des Chiens, hav- ing on or about the Bth ultimo i>een most cowardly and treacherously murdered by Chunksah, an Indian of the band of Sioux, known by the name of the *' Gens de la Peuille Tir^:"^ and the Chiefs and others of that band, hav- in^ this day brought the murderer and dilivered him up to justice.
And it being not only proper, but absolutel^^ necessary for the future security of His Majesty's subjects in this quarter, and as an awful warning to the surrounding
8ee Wi$, Hist CoWf^x., p. 122, for Dickson's report of this affair,— Ed.
48 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voL XIU
nations, that such an atrocious and deliberate murd
should not pass unpunished : I do. by virtue of the pow0
and authority vested in me as Commanding Officer of For
McKay and the British Possessions on the Mississipp
hereby authorize you to convene a General Court Martial
of which you will be President, to be composed of office
of the Indian Department and of the Garrison, and to co
sist of seven members, to try and determine upon th
guilt and punishment of the offender, according to th
Military Laws.
I have, etc., etc,,
A. Bulger, Captain,
Commanding Fort McKay, and on
The Mississippi Itobert Dicksony Eaqr.^
Agent and Superintendent
of the Western Nationi^,
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COURT.
Proceedings of a General Court Martial held on the January. 1815, at Fort McKay, in the conquered countries pursuant to an order from Captain A. Bulger of the Roym Newfoundland Regiment, Commanding on the Mississippi
President,
Robert Dickson Esqr: agent & Superintendent of t Western Indians,
Members. Captain Thos. G. Anderson. Mississippi Volunteers, Captain Duncan Graham of the Western Indian Departmen Captain Pnincis Dease of do.
Lieutenant James Pulniaii of the Michigan Fencibles. Lieutenant Mich'l Brisjbois of the Western Indian Depai
ment Lieutenant Jo^ Jacq\U3 Porller of Mississippi Volunteers. Lieutenant Jamos Keating of do do
Artellery. The Court having astiombled and sworn in*
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CSarjjw.— ChuDksah, an Indian of the band of Sioux, known by the name of Gens de la Feuille Tir^, was arraigned for wilf iil murder of Antoine Dubois and Louis Champagney, two of His Majesty's late subjects of the Prairie du Chien, on or about the 9th December last.
Pit'st Evidence, — Joseph Renville, Interpreter In the In- dian Department, being daly sworn.
Option jrnrn me Coiirt. — Do you know that man, the Pris- oner?
^nmer^^l do, his name is Chunksah.
Ott«fi(m,— Antoine Dubois, lately deceased, did he before his death, tell you whom Champagney was killed, and he Dubois, wounded?
^^^^mim.—Who did he say it was? ''**i<?en— Chunksah, the prisoner now present ^Hion, — ^Have you knowledge that the Chief of the Gens de la Feuille Tir^, delivered up the prisoner to Robert Dickson Esq to be put to death? ^^ntfe}\ — Yes, I have knowledge thereof- "•*€«/ian. — As Interpreter, the Court asks you, if you are perfectly assured of what the Chief and his band said and wished? ^'•^ver. — Yes, perfectly,
Btmu — ^Was it the wish of the Chief and his band that the prisoner should be punished with death? f^»t^»trfr. — It was. ^<^ond Evidence. — Captain Duncan Graham of the Western
Indian Department, a member of the Court being sworn. \from the Court, — Do you know the prisoner? ^^^«tt?€r.— Yes.
<?^^«<ion.— What is his name? ^^Vtu7er. — His name is Chunksah.
^}i«8tUm. — Did you see Antoine Dubois, lately deceased, before his death? r.— Yes. 4
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W1SCX>XSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, [voK Xlll
Question. — Who did he say killed the deceased Champagney
and wounded him — Antoine Dubois? Answer. — He said it was the prisoner Chunksah, Question. — Were you present when the Corbeau Francois. Chief of the Gens de la Peuille Tir^, dilivered. up the prisoner to Robert Dickson, Esqr? PJ^mt^er,—Yes.
'* JTkird Evidence.^The Corbeau Frauyois Chief of the Gens]
de la Peuille Tir6 being called on, was \ asked by the court through the Inter- preter Renville. Qjitstiofu^ls the prisoner Chunksah the man that killed
the two Frenchmen? Ansiver. — Yes it is. Defence. — The court then addressed the prisoner Chunk- sah. Question, — Are you the man that killed Louis Champagney
and Antoine Dubois? Anstver. — It was not me, it was my brother. Question.'^Why did you — if not guilty — run away? Answer. — I did not run away. Question. — Did you not kill your uncle last year? Answerr — My father is living; it was not me.
Opinion and Sentence.
The Court, having satisfied themselves that the prisonc Chunksah is the man who murdered Dubois and Cham| pagney, on or about the 8th December last, are of opinioB that he ought immediately to suffer death by being shot. (Sigoed)
R. Dickson, Agt & Superintend't Westn Nations,
PresidentJ
Thos. G. Anderson Captn- M* Volunteers,
Duncan Graham, Capt. Indian Dept
Pran9ois Dease, Capt. Indian Dept.
James Fulman, Lieut Michn, Fencibles \ MembersJ
Michl- Brisbois Lieut. Indian Dept.
Jos. Jaques Porlier Lieut. Missi Volunteers
James Ke§ttiug, Lieut. Missi Volunteers Arty*
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Confirmed, and ordered to be carried in execution iin» mediately in presence of the Garrison and Militia under
A. Bulger, Captain, Ck)mmanding Port McKay, and on the Mississippi^
TO M DOUALL.
Fort McKay, l^h January 1815. Sib, — In my letter of the 31st Ult^- I had the honor ta ^port to you the murder that hM been committed by an ^dian of the Gens de la Feuille tir^ Band, with the meas- ^^s I thought proper to adopt on that occasion. I have ^ow the honor to report that the murderer was yesterday ^^ought to this place by the Chiefs & others of the Gens ^^ la Feuille tir^, and dilivered up, with the request that «e might suffer death for his crinies, and as an atonement ^^^ all the offences committed by their band.
It being the unanimous opinion of all the oflScers of the ^^i:*rison, and the wish of the Indians & the Inhabitants of ^bis Country that the murderer should suffer death, I directed ^ General Court Martial to assemble to decide upon his ^^te (notwithstanding the articles of war direct that no P^t'son under the degree of a Field Officer is to have power ^ assemble a General Court Martial, yet, I hope the ne- ^^^^ity of the caise will be my jufitification) a copy of my J^^^er for assembling the Court, with its proceedings, Opin- ^^^, & sentence I have the honor to enclose.
In pursuance of the Sentence of the Court Martial, the '^^tirderer this morning suffered death in the presence of *^^ whole country under arms, & of tRe Indians present in ^^is place. Alter the execution I attended a Council of the ^^ns de la Feuille tir^, & heard the discourse of the two ^^iefs The Corbeau Fran90is ^ & Le Boeuf qui Jeue, a copy
* Little Crow <or Corbeau), a SioQx chief, frequently mentioaed ia ^it. Hut> CoUs.^ ii.-ix. See his speech on this occasion, ix., pp. 27i| [275. — Ed.
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WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol. xiiij
tiafl
of which is enclosed. They brought and laid at my feet the American flags & medals they were possessed of, and in the most solemn & public manner, entered into a treaty with us. In the name of their whole Band, they renounced all intercourse with the Americans & promised fidelity to the English. Thus has this affair, which, at one time, threatened to involve us in war with the Gens de h Feuille Tlr6, terminated with advantage on our side, and I have hopes that it will be the means of insuring tran- quility to this place for the future. Nothing but a strong conviction of the necessity of making an immediate exam*< pie, could have induced me to order the Sentence of thel Court to be carried into effect without first communicating it to you & receiving your sanction. ■
I must however, beg leave to remark that the officer in" command of a distant post as this is, and so near the Enemy, ought to be invested with powers to assemble a Gen- eral Court Martial for the trial of such persons as may be accused of murder, treason, & Desertion, or other capital crimes, and which, if not immediately noticed and punished, might occasion the loss of the Country. I have the honor to be
Sir Your most obedient
Humble Servant,
A. H. Bulger,
Capt. Corn's
Lt Col McDouall,
MichiUmackinac k Dependanciea,
FKOM TILE VILLAGERS.*
Fort McKay, 15tti January, 1815. Sir, — We the inhabitants of Prairie du Chien not know- ing how to express the sentiments with which we are
* This was previously published ia Wis. Hist CoUs,^ ix., p. 276, but repeated here because of the signatures, not there given*— Ed.
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»bued, humbly request you will accept our acknowledg- ments and thanks for the protection afforded by you to His Britannic Majestys subjects. Your conduct^ and ac-
Itivity in rendering justice in a savage territory, hereto- fore exposed to so many misfortunes, leads us to hope that we shall in future live peaceably under your Govern- ment: and i^ermit us at the same time to express our zeal^ courage and loyalty toward our Sovereign.
FWe beg of you to believe us to be, with profound re- sir, Your very humble Servants, I Francois Bouthillier, Padl Ducuarme. Joseph Rolette, Denis Courtois.
S. Brisbois. You Queri.
Antoine Brisbois. Francois LaChapelle.
J. Bts. Faribault. Joseph Mercier.
Joseph Jourdain. Antoine LaChapelle.
and 32 OTHERS, To Captain A. Bulger^ Commanding Fort McKtnj*
TO THE VILLAGERS.
Fort McKay, 15th January, 1815. Gentlemen^ — I thank you for the address you have this day presented to me. It gives me great pleasure to find that the measures which I have thought proper to adopt for the preservation of good order and tran- quility in this remote part of His Majesty's Dominions ave met with the approbation of the Inhabitants of rairie du Chien. whose personal security and welfare ere the immediate objects of those measures. I cannot but feel highly flattered at what you say re- ting myself. But the sentiments of Loyalty and at- tachment towards our beloved Sovereign are particularly
54
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voL x: i^
gratifying to me, and I will not fail to transmit them Lieutenant -Colonel McDoualL
I am Gentlemen, Your most obedient Servant, A. Bulger. CaptaiB
Commanding, To FrancoM Bouthillier^ fagn, and the Inhabitants of Prairie de6 Chtens,
TO M'DOUALL.
Fort McKat, 15t*i January 1815.
Sir, — It was my intention to have sent the express off for Mickinac on the 1st instant, deeming it of great im- portance that you should be immediately apprized of the critical situation in which this garrison will be placed in the Spring for want of provisions; but an unexpected & unpleasant occurrence prevented my intentions taken place.
A serious & alarmiug mutiny broke out amongst tlie Michigan Fencibles on the 31st Deer, the particulars of which are as follows. For some time past, the Serjeant Major had made frequent reports to me, of the disorderly conduct of that Detachment, when in the ranks at Drill, and that when he spoke to them, they only laughed at him, & cursed him in French, as he had been informed. My ill state of health put it out of my power to be oi parade myself. I therefore told the Serjeant Major, t confine the next man who should be guilty of talking o3 laughing under arms. This was about four days previo to the disturbance. On the 31st Deer, they were at Drill in the Barrack Square: one of them Antoiwe Bonnai being very unsteady & inattentive in the ranks, was re peatedly spoken to on the subject, but appeared to take n< notice of what was said to him. On which the Serjeant' Major ordered him to fall out, & and go to the Guard- house; and on his not moving, approached him for th<
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purpose of taking bis arms. Bonnain immediately came to tbe charge, when a loud shout and laugh from the oth- ers showed their exultation at the resistance he made. The Serjeant Major then closed with Bonnain and strove to disarm him when he struck the Serjeant Major across the head with his firelock. On which the Serjeant of the Guard was called and disired to take two men and confine Bonnain* The two men whom tbe Serjt of the guard or- dered for that purpose positively refused to go — in the meantime, all was confusion on the Parade, and the Mich- igans quited their ranks. They took Bonnain into the Barrack room, crying out ** who will dare come and take tim;' They then placed sentries at the door of the bar- rack room, who with drawn bayonets and knives swore that tbe first jjerson who attempted to take Bonnain should be killed. They seemed to have all acted as if measures had been per-concerted. The Serjeant Major, finding things in such a state, repaired to my Quarters & made a report to me of what had passed. I immediately enquired into the affair, and found it had been much worse on the part of the men, than the Serjeant Major had reported. I saw at once the state in which the whole Detachment was in, ZB also the necessity of taking strong measures to subdue them. I went to the parade without loss of time, and or- dered the long role to beat for the Garrison to fall in, hav- ing previously sent word to Mr. Dickson to repair to the Fort with his people armed. I then declared Martial Law, and summon'd a Drum-head court martial for the trial of Bonnain* Pursuant to the sentence of the Court, he was immediately tied to a gun and flogg'd. After the punish- ment I ordered the Serjeant of the Michigans to go down the ranks with me & to pick out those men who had been most violent in the mutiny ; there were a good many, but I selected such as were reported to have been the foremost, and disarmed them & ordered that they should be confined in the cell on bread and water. Some of them had the audacity to say to my face that they had prevented Bon- nain's being taken, and that they were not afraid. I ad-
i^.
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WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voL
dressed the Michigaxis, through their officer, and exi>ostu- lated with them on the heinousness of their crime, & told them that they were now serving in the conquered coun- tries, where they were subject to the articles of war, the same as Regular Soldiers, & that I was fully determined to punish them severely if they misbehaved or disobeyed orders in future. I said a good deal to them, as you will perceive by my orders on the occasion (which I herewith enclose).* J
On Monday 2iid Jan'y* I assembled the Troops & tii€? Militia, with the Indian Department in Fort McKay. A Garrison Court Martial was assembled to try the two men of the guard who had refused to go for Bounain when ordered. They were sentenced to receive each 300 lashes, but they received only 150 each, when I ordered them to be taken down. This was done in presence of the whole Country under arms. After it was over, I addressed the other PrisuDers, & after telling them that I hoped the ex- ample just made would have a good effect on their future behaviour^ I restored them their arms, and directed them to join their company. Since which time they have be- haved tolerably well, but I am on my guard, & now make it a point to sleep in the Fort every night in a small Room appropreated as an orderly Room. I know that most of^ them, being half Indians, possess the treacherous disposl tion of an Indian, who only waits for a good opportunit; of taking revenge, I have taken every precaution againsi treachery or Desertion: indeed I have very little to fear from the latter, as the Indians have been directed to bring in the head of any man who may attempt it.
It was contrary to my inclination that I came fro Mackinac with those men, and you may probably recollec my telling you that I did not like to go with men, in who I could not place confidence. If this place is to be kept, other men than the Michigan Fencibles must be sent here, for with them, I confess I have no hopes of either gainin
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I
H credit for myself or of rendering a service to my country* r You cannot therefore be surprised, and I hope you will ■ not be displeased at my requesting leave to resign this B command, and return to Mackinac, If it is not in your ~ power to send me other men, with supplies requested to en- able me to make a defence.
I have had nothing but trouble & vexation since I came to this distracted country, and I apprehend I shall tire your patience with the numerous Letters, Trials & other papers which I think necessary to submit for your perusal, and approbation. Enclosed you will receive the Proceed- BjDgs of a Court of Enquiry assembled on the nth Instant ta mvestigate charges preferred by Mr, Dickson against Mr- Rolette. When first presented to me, I told Mr. Dickson that they were very serious accusations, and if not proved, it would look very bad on his part; but he seemed confi- dent of being able to substantiate them. Consequently it became my duty to notice them. It is not perhaps neces- sary for me to say anything more than what is remarked by the Court, tho' as Commanding Officer I will take the liberty of giving my opinion, / think (he charges tvould not have been brought forward at all, if Mr^ Dickson rf^ Mr. Rolette had not quarreled, and the unwiUing^iess of Mr, Dicksons wit- nesses, who are all his own people, & depend upon him for their subsistance, to say what they knew in favor of the accused, until it was extorted from them by Questions from the Court, justify me in believing that the object in view was, to rui?i the man, and not the good of the Country, Altho* the accused has, at times, given himself a latitude in speaking, far from being allowable* yet he has by his actions shown that he is not that bad subject which they have endeavored to make him appear. I shall say no more, as the Proceedings of the Court of Enquiry will enable you to form a correct judgment of the Prosecutors motives, and the criminality of ihe accused.
There being no Ensign nominated to the Michigan Fencibles, I beg leave to recommend to you for that ap-
58
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voL XllL
poiDtment, Lieut Joseph Jacques Porlier^ of the Missis- sippi Volunteers, who is an uncommon fine young man, and very active and attentive to his duty. I wish, if there is no prospect of Lt. Armstrong being appointed Captain otm that Company, that you would take into consideration Capt Andersons valuable and important services, which are de- serving of some permanent reward, and nominate him to the command thereof. I would not have mentioned this on an}" account, if I did not think that there was very little probability of Mr- Armstrong getting that appointment, whilst there are Senior Subalterns in the same garrison. I have the highest reason to be satisfied with the conduct uf every officer here, but particularly Capt. Andersons
A Court of Enquiry is now sitting to examine the loses sustained by the people of this place from the depreda- tions of the IndianSi & which I should have been enabled to send by this Express had it not been for the length of time which the investigation of Mr* Dickson's charges took up. The people of this Settlement have indeed suffered a great deal from the Indians, during the last two summers, and merit some compensation, I understand from good authority that there are several who 2 years ago had up- wards of 30 head of Cattle, & have not now one left, ifl shall report more particularly on this subject as soon as the actual loss is ascertained.
An address was yesterday presented to me by the Trad- ers & Inhabitants of Prairie des Chiens, which I declined receiving, in consequence of its being also addressed to Mr. Dickson, (my answer to it is enclosed). The persons^ who framed the address afterwards waited on me, to makofl an apology for their error, from them I learnt that it was originally made out in my name, but was altered, In conse- quence of some officers of the Indian Dep't, threatening the people with Mr. Dickson's ill will if they did not encludafl him in it, Capt. Graham has been mentioned as having
' See McKay^s estimate of Porlier, in Wis Hiat Colh.^ x., p. 119.— Eo*
been paitic^arlf busy in the business* I cannot say
whether it was with M D 's knowledge, or whether it
origmated with that crowd of parasites ± flaterers be baa round him; hot as for myself « I should be ashamed to allow any one under me to try to extort a thing of the kmd. I am informed Mr D — *s fooliah Tani^ will not al- low him to acknowledge that be is und^ my eomaiaiid. or indeed any military officer — and that be wishes to make the people believe that he has the Supreme command here, k that I am under him, it was this that induced me to i^ ject the address. But another has been this day 10 me alone, a copy of which I enclose, with my thereto. I hope my condnet in this trifling aCmrwill meet with your approbation. Were I personally cunumai, I would not envy Mr. Dickson all the addreaeea be cooM f^rt between this & the Rocky Mountains. But H la an *&oiit to the Com'g Oflioer. and not to myaell. thai I lmai# wsented.
Since my letter of SOti^ Dec. the Contractor haa ^eUr- ««d into store, flour sufficient for the Garriaon W tiie meat is what we shall fail in. being almoat ^at it wiU not be got. The contnetor faaa tired me wjtfi <5omplaints 4 representations respeeliocm M^ Wdmam. •*«» ke uys. prevents his getting meat* Iqr SOods for all they bare. I know to my ^t meat has been brought in here by itoe Inrtiafl^ jWli^ ^c«, & Mr. Dickson haa positively ^®^^^^^*^^^ 2€ver gave an article of goods for meat.
4
|»f»oetH*' u^ 0
^©Contractor complaints are groondlesa, 9M ms^^t^*: m^ vaoced to give him some sort of an excna* for tij# 4am^ ^Iment of his contract,
I should feel mnch obliged if you could j 5»ap of this country, if one can be bad » >
The information given in my Letter oi^ ^^ 'peeling the Americans coming up b^*^ «,.^.a* Wn this day confirmed by a Sock * ^^^ Miseouri^ — he also reports
«o
mi?LU,^l\ BJFTtytlCAL COLLEmOK?.
iuiTe ^izucfi obl toe dockSL On our amTai here ih€ ras foil of kxL bo boats could go down, tbe Soeka have not ibc^ their presents^^ Gipt. Gnhftm is nov oti Ms waiy lo them with 25 sleigh :sss IcMded with ]»e9eDt& Thm d^aj was nnavoidable, as Ui^ibb iee in the Weajgriiipi waft aot attBeieutlj strong, uiit^Sl Cftpt. Giaham started* Previous to closing my letter, ■ will take the liberty of again slating the absolnte necessitz:^ of our being supplied this winter with Powder for tt — ^^ Indians, otherwise we diall not experienoe much assi^ t- ance from them. The quantity sent out this fall was n^ot snficifloi for the purpose intended, & near iOO lbs of th^Bt» has been condemned as unstklfw
The Mississippi rises every spring at least 8 feet. <fe Boats can at that time sail up the rapids of the Roc^lc River, & as Mr. Keating informs me. neither of our Fisl<i Guns^ c^an hurt ibsm. Last fall when the Enemy attempt>o<^ lo come up, the waters were very low, & there was but 4l very narrow channel in the center of the River for th^x3i to sail in — On every side nothing but difficulties presei themselves to my view.
I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient Humble Servant,
A. Bulger, Capt. Com'g. Fort McKay.
drc. dte, dtc
Mackinac.
INTERVIEW BETWEEN BULGER AND DICKSON.
26'^ Jamiary, 1815. Substance of a conversation between Captain Bulger anS Mr> Dickson in presence of the oflScers of tbe Garrison and of the Indian Department.
Captain Bulger addressed Mr. Dickson as follows — " Has the conduct of Lieutenant Brisbois towards mo
fsT
THE BULGER PAPERS*
6t
^st^rday reached your knowledge? " On Mr. Dickson re- plying that it had,
Captain Bulger contiDued. "It is lor the purpose of de-
^Uvering my sentiments on the conduct of some of the
■officers of the Indian Department that I have assembled
■them here this day. Indeed I find it absolutely necessary
» to do so. for I confess it appears to me not only from the
■ "occurrence of yesterday, but also from the conduct of In-
•"terpreter Honore last fall towards Captain Anderson.^
*'that your oflBcers either do not Icnow the respect due to
''commanding officer, or else they do not wish to pa}^ it.
**If they do not know it, they must be taught it. and if
*' they do not wish to pay it, they must be made to do it
"I have therefore to desire that you will give such di- ^xections to the officers of the Indian Department that Pthey may never again be guilty of similar misconduct, ■* and that they may clearly understand that in all situa-
ttions they are never to forget the deference of respect they owe to the Commanding officer. **As this is the first public opportunity I have had, so I '* shall avail myself of it, to deliver my sentiments on your '* letter to Captain Dease dated 23rd of September, direct- *'ing him to allow no one to interfere with your Depart- **ment,
"It is in my opinion expressly calculated to lessen the
»" Authority of the Commanding officer, and consequently the respect due to him and I doubt not it will be consid- ered in that light by Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall/'
^Loolfl Honore's name 18 in the list {WU. Hut Colh., ix., p. 2G2| of those who volunteered at Mackinaw, June 21, 1814, to (;o on the Prmirie du Chien expedition. In the muster roll of Ft. McKay, Auff. 24, he Is listed as interpreter and acting commiawary in the Indian Depart- ment. CoL McDonall, writing to Capt« Anderson, Ang, 21, says: *' Col. McKay mentions his hiding Mr. Honore, of the Indian Department, a f^ry useful Commissary, and you had better still employ him in that capodty.^ Anderson, writing to McDouall, Oct. 18, speaks highly of Hooore {Ibid., p. 289); bat Nor. 3 (p. 248) he orders him discharged for dnrnkexuiieBS and impudence, and hands over his office to Lieut. Michel Bfisboi% Jr. It is this incident to which Bulger refers.— Ed.
62
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol. Xll
Mr. Dickson spoke not in justification of the conduct Lieutenant Brisbois. and Interpreter Honore which reprobated, and considered highly improper: but mere! in palliation of that of Lieutenant Brisbois which thought was unintentional. Mr. Dickson avowed havioj sent orders to Captain Dease not to suffer any one to ij terfere with him as agent for the Indians^ and again d< clared ** that no one had a right to interfere with him < his Department/' In allusion to my orders of yasterdai which directed that no expenses should be incurred oj the part of Government, but by the acting commissarj Mr. Dickson remarked that by his orders from the Coil mander in Chief he had authority to purchase what b thought necessary for the use of the Indian's and that was not necessary to have either Colonel McDoualFs sij nature or mine to his accounts, to which Captain Bulg( answered as follows.
You know Mi^. Dickson that I did not come to this counti' " with a nominal command. I expected to have the eotii " control of the resources of the country, otherwise I woul " not be answerable for its safety. I know I am investe "with [it], and will exercise [it] as long as I am left " command of Fort McKay. It is my firm and fixed inte " tion never to put my name to accounts, uix>n which ''was not consulted, and which I could not but disa| ** prove, "'
A, Bulger, Captain
Commanding.
The above conversation took place in the presence of -
Captii Anderson
Lieut. Pulman
Lieut, Porlier
Lieut Keating —
and the officers of the Indian Department-
18.5.J
THE BULGER PATERS.
6^
FROM DICKSON.
PsAiaiE Dr CHiESf, Jan. 3Ut. 1815. Sir,— I have just been iDformed by one of the Interpret- ers that the Renards' are much displeased with the restric- tions on the Inhabitants of this place not being allowed, as lias been customary, to exchange grease, meat &c for flour. The Renards say that the rum being sloped ia right, but they think it hard to be deprived of a mouthful of bread, and that if this continues, — although they wish to fight the AmericanSt they will allow them to come up the river in the Spring,
I have the honor to be.
Sir. Your most obedient servant,
<^<tptain Bulger, R. DlCKSON,
Commanding Agt. & Supt.
Fort McEajf^ d'c.
TO DICKSON-
FOBT McKay,
January 31«t» 1815.
^^K»— In answer to your note I have merely to say that
^^thing but a strong conviction of the necessity of the
Measure could have enduced me to lay any restriction upon
^^JiUff or bartering bread to the Indians.
/- ftm convinced it is the only way to preserve any Pro-
i '^ions for the Troops and Indians when they will be
[ ^^led upon to fight in defence of the Country.
^he Indians have received the supplies you had for
P**^lO, Consequently they must support themselves, and
^^Ught to be clearly explained to them that the resources
the country will not admit of their being supplied.
I am
Sir, Your most obedient Humble Servant
A. Bulger, Captain rt Dickson Esq*" Commanding Fort McKay.
Agent anJ Superintend ant
Of the Western Imftans,
64 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol. xiii,j
Fort McKay, 31«t January 1815. Sin^ — I know not how many rations you are entitled to, but I know that a Field Officer in the army draws no more than two» and I do not conceive that you can be entitled to more. If you can show me an order from the Commander in Chief, or from Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall, on the sub- ject I will be satisfied. m
With respect to Mr- St John, ^ I have made up my mind not to allow him rations, for I do not conceive that he has the least claim upon Government. Mr. Brisbois/^ Mr* RoUette or any other Trader in the Country might with equal justice make a demand for provisions, I am
Sir. Your Obedient Humble Servant,
A. Bulger, Captam| Mobert Dickson Esqr-, Commanding.
Agent 4r Superintendant, Western Indians.
Indorsed — " Memo, — Captain Bulger haviiajcr on the 31st of Jaui: 9e&t a mesBage to >!»*• DicksoQ by the actinj? Commissary to the follow-^ Ing effect, *Tbat he (Captaiu Bulger) could allow Mr* Djcksou but 2 Rations, and that M"". St. John could receive none. As he, (Captain Bulger) considered it an imposition upon Government that that person^ should receive either pay or ratioua.^ M^** Dickson told the acting Coo missary in answer that he (M^^* Dickson) was entitled to four Ration3|| and would expect to receive that number, and that M^. St. John mustj receive his rations/*
FROM DICKSON.
Feby^ lit 1815. Sir* — I have been busy with the Indians since this morn- ^ ing else I should not have delayed answering your note to me yesterday on the subject of rations. I am, as Superin*
» This is the La Puehe or La Perche, mentioned in Bulger** letter to^ McDouall, of Dec. 30. ante, pp. 27, 28. For this trader's relations witi Anderson, see Wis, Hist CoJU., ix., pp. 148, 149.— Ed.
• Michel Brisbois, Sr.- Ed.
1815.] THE BULGER PAPERS. 65
tendant of Indians, entitled to four Rations. The returns at Mackinac will shew that I always received that number if from a scarcity of provisions, it is necessary to accept half a ration I am satisfied: Mr. St. John will only re- ceive Rations when he is sent on service. I have the honor to be, Sir. Your most obedient Servant,
R. Dickson,
Agt & Supt- Captain Bulger, Commanding
Fart McKay.
ROSTEE OF THE GARRISON.
^«iiies of Officers stationed at Fort McKay, Prairie du Chien and on the Mississippi, during the Month of January 1815.
Commanding Officer. Captain A. Bulger, Royal Newfoundland Begt.
The Agent and Superintendent of the Western Nations Bobert Dickson Esqr.
^ ^ Captain T. G. Anderson . . Mississippi Volunteers.
2 Q^ Lieut. James Pulman Michigan Fencibles.
5- I Lieut. James Keating Mississippi Volunteer
S* I Artillery.
9»e Lieut. J. Jacque Porlier .. Michigan Fencibles.
P "^ Lieut. Amable Dusang Mississippi Volunteers.
>i
a
66
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, [voL Xlj
^ Captain Francois Dease.
5» or
"S.
5 ♦»
fes.
Is
3
a
9
I
Captain Duncan Graham.
Lieut. Brisbois
Lieut. Grignon
Lieut Renville . , . . .
Lieut. La Rose
Interpreter Desonier ' . . . . Interpreter Campbell . . . .
Interpreter Rock
Interpreter Guillory
Interpreter Pernnier
Interpreter St John
► •West Indian Depart"
ment.
£ » s
I* ft ^
3 ? 9
Captain Jacque Porlier. . Captain Pierre Grignon . Lieut. Lawe ,
FROM DICKSON.
Praibce du Chiex, Feb. 6^^* 18 Sir, — As you had the politeness to iuforoi me that an express would leave this for Mackinac yn the 7th inst. ^^M will thank you, if in your power to let me know, wha^ quantity of Indian corn & wheat may be collected at thi^ place on the 20th March next; for the subsistance of In - dians who may be called together for the defence of th^ country.
I enclose you a statement of Provisions due by the DeJ partment since you assumed command here, which if yot
> Spelled elsewhere Desormier,— En.
^
1815,] THE BULGER PAPERS. 67
find proper, I request you to approve, as I believe that Lt Col. McDoualJ's instructions to you were to that effect. Tbe accounts of the Department previous to your arrival here* I will settle in the usual manner. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Serv^ant —
R. Dickson. Agt. & Supt
Capinin Bulgtr
CfmmarHft/* Fort McKay,
TO DICKSON.
Fort Mc Kay, Gth Feb. 1315. Sm, — In reply to your letter which I would have an- swered immediately had I not been engaged. I have to inform you that it is not in my power to tell if we shall have any quantity of wheat in store for the subsistance of ^^ Indians during the period they will be on service here, ^^ as to corn, I know not whether we can procure even ^^e bushel.
^ c?annot comply with your request to approve of the ac- ^^ts of Provisions expended in the Indian Department ^^ my arrival here, because I never could have sanc- ^^^^ such a quantity being expended in so short a period ^^ in times of such scarcity as the present when the
^^ly of this Country depends on the frugal management of -^
vki2r resources.
^^ the Indian Department was allowed to go on as it has ^^^ the last 2 months, we should not have an ounce of Pro* ^P^ions left by Spring.
, -t am highly astonished Sir, at your want of considera- ^li. You must have been well aware that the only possi- ^^ chance we have of preserving the Country is by hus- ^Uding the small quantity of Provisions in it for the ap- proaching critical period, when the Indians will be called ^"Mt to our assistance, and must be fed. Their present
68 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, [voL Xlll
I
distress I allow to be great, aJid it excites my coramisseri tion as much as it can possibly do yours: but we must no' forget that there is another and more imperious call to at- tend to, the duty we owe our Sovereign* and the preser- vation of the Country from the grasp of our Enemies. M
You have Sir, consumed in your Department since your" and my arrival here, u^Jwards of 4654, Rations of corn and flour, whilst to provision the Officers & Interpreters of the Indian Department, would only require 900. Rations.
Disapproving of your mode of management with regard to provisions, I must desire that you will not in future make any purchases for the Indian Department without my knowledge. The Indians are to be supplied only when
on Service. I am _
Sir,
Your obedient Humble Servant,
A. Bulger, Captain,
Commanding Port McKay
Robert Dickwn Eiq. & on the Mississippi.
Agent d: Superintendent^ Western I vidians.
TO BULGER.
Prairie du Chien S^^ FebJi 1815.
Sir — In answer to your letter of the 6th inst: I have say that I am sorry that you cannot approve of my ac*] counts, for the Provisions furnished the In' D't. only sq far as it may injure the service. Having authority frot the commander ol the Forces, as agent to the Western Na tions & Superintendent of the conquered Countries, to pur-'' chase provisions, I have hitherto done so, and have had my accounts paid to the amount of many thousand pounds/ As you command at this place, I ask'd your approval foi the purchase of the com from Mr- Brisbois, which you granted, and as the officers, Interpreters, and men attache to the department drew no rations, I thought myself au^ thonzed to get four for their support,
I cannot allow you, to put the construction you wish, oil my management of provisions. Please to reflect cooly oa
*5.]
THE BULGER PATERS.
69
iriiat I advance. You say that the officers and Interpreters
of the Indian Department would require 900 Rations: but
jrou have forgot the twenty engages attached to the De-
I>ariment. You may probably recollect that many Indians
^^ere waiting my arrival, and that from their having no
I>Tovisions themselves, I was not only obliged to feed them
I «l.TiriDg their stay, but I was necessitated to give them pro- ^pe^isions to preserve them from starving, on their way " ^"fa^ome, at least three hundred miles. Since my arrival
l^€re, there has been fifteen hundred Indians to visit me.
II T'he sevarity of the season has obliged several of these IP ar ties to stay two or three days. Could I allow them to
«iie of hunger? If you will have the goodness to examin ^e enclosed account of the distribution of the corn, you ^ill find that more than a forth part of it was given out ^OT distant expiditions. showing the necessity of the most frxigal management of Provisions. I have in no ways been Pi'ofuse. I am mortified beyond measure to think that I should incur the reproach of want of consideration from y<^\i, it is unmerited. Under God my exertions have I'^'ought this country under the Dominion of Great Britain, ^oiild I by my folly cause the loss of it ? I have received the warm thanks from Pour General Officers for my serv- es. These are honors that the voice of calumny cannot l^ick from me. They will descend with me to the grave. You tell me in future to make no purchases for thte In- dian Department, without your knowledge. Please inform ^^^ if this prohibation extends to the whole line of country over which I am Superintendent. I shall give no provi- sions to Indians according to your orders, except when on ^^vice, and that I can spare from my own rations. I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient, and most h'ble Ser^t, ^Ptain Bulger, K DlCKSON,
CommdndinQ Agt. & Supt. ^
Fort McKay^ d"e. ^* S, — Had I not furnished the Indians with provisions.
70
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voLxiilJ
we could not depend on a single man to assist us in the spring, and you are well aware that the saf ty of the coun- try hangs on their fadility and attachment. The unusal concourse of Indians here were owing to the late arrival of their presents. Not to have fed them, sparing as I did, would have involved us all in ruin. I have had recourse to every measure in my power, to procure a supply of provisions, and I trust that I will be successful when the river is open. The Indians will be then much more able to provide for themselves.
Capt^ Bulger^
Commanding Fort McKaff^ dt on the MissUsippi.
Y'T Ob't Ser t R.
TO DICKSON.
Fort McKay, 9tii February, 1815 Sm. — I do not wish to enter into a long correspond- ence being afflicted with a disease of the eyes which ren- ders writing extremely painful and distressing to me. M I have read your letter with all the attention due to it™ You say that you asked my approval for the purchase of the corn from Mr. Brisbois, and that I granted it. Can you sir, say that I gave permission for eighty- four Bushels of corn being purchased from him, or was it only twicepj or thrice, that you mentioned to me your intention of get ting some from him.
Would it not be nearer the fsict if you said that immedi-* ately on your arrival here without mentioning the circum- stance to me yon engaged 80 bushels of corn from Mr. Brisbois which would have been more properly deposited in the store for the emergencies of Spring, and would un- doubtedly have been so, if you had not bespoken it befor© hand. ■
^ This was an authority you had no right to assume, where a military officer commanded, I, as commanding office here, have the sole control and direction not only of thi
jep_
1
i8i5.]
THE BULGER PAPERS-
71
public expenditures, but also of the resources of the Coun- try. I would, it is true, have avoided even the least shadow of interference as long as you kept within the bouDds of moderation, as I supposed you were equally aware with myself of the present scarcity, as well as of the necessity for studying the strictest economy. I had not the most distant idea of what you had expended until the ^^ ultimo when you presented me with a statement thereof. At that time I made up my mind not to approve of the accounts should you present them to me for that purpose, which I never expected you would have done from you having averred on frequent occasions that my approval vas not necessary to ensure there [being] allowed. Allow toe to ask you if in addition to the quantity of flour men- tioned in your last statement, Say 1550 lbs. you did not also expend about 1,400 which was in Capt. Dease's possession when you arrived, and whether Mr. St. John did not furnish you with more than 1000 lbs. I am led to ask these ques- tions from having been told that you in one day received 40 bread bons. Will Mr. St, John and Mr. Brisbois sware that since your arrival they only furnished you with the quantities specified in your statement.
You say, I have forgotten the 20 engages attached to your Department. Pray Sir, were all these men here <iurmg the period in questioui and did not some of them ch fish enough to supply nearly the whole, I know if the nets belonged to Government, but if not a ^h^irge might have been made for the use of them. Re- ^PQctiag the Officers and Interpreters, I know not if they ftll received regular rations. I am told that some of them ^'^ not, this of course you know best, but at all events •^^e account ought to have been kept of the approprea- ^^tis of such a vast quantity of flour as has been used. ^^ich is it better that the Indians — many of whom loiter
^ut here for the purpose — should be fed, or that the Pro- ^sionB should be reserved for the grand object, the defence ^^ the Country. One or the other must be neglected. The ^^^ is only a temporary evil and can be repaired by hunt-
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.
I
■4
ing, the other is of vital importance and does not admit of a remedy. I know very little of the nature of Indians, but it is consonant to reason to suppose that if they were told that the fate of their country hung by a shred, they would suffer every hardship and privation rather than endanger J its being severed. ™
I requested in my last letter that no purchase might be made for the Indian Department without my knowledge, and you wished to be informed if this prohibition extends to the whole line of country over which you are superin- tendent. Really Sir. I know not that you are Superintend ent of this Country. I only know you as agent and Su perintendent of the Western Indians; but I shall be glad to be better informed on this subject. You certainly assume as much as if you were Sovereign over it. My prohibition Sir, extends only to the command with which I am in vested, and which comprehends Green Bay, Prairie d Chien and all the settlements on the Mississippi.
It is not possible that you Sir can feel more mortified in being reproached with want of consideration, than I have felt grieved in being obliged to advance such a charge. I was proud of your friendship, and expected it would prove a source of pleasure, and satisfaction to me, but much as I may value it, and regret its loss, it has not power to sway me from the path of duty.
In putting a stop to measures which I thought pregnant with danger to the Country, I have only fulfilled the confi- dence reposed in me. I have merely done my duty, and if unfortunately my exertions should ultimately prove una- Tailing it will at least be a satisfaction to me to be able to say that I have done my best, as far as my weak abilities would allow to advance the interest of my King and Country,
What is past cannot be recalled, but the future may b^ attended with more advantage to the service and satisfac- tion to ourselves by an immediate explanation taking pla^e- One question is all I shall ask, first. Do you, or do yoii^ not recognize my authority as Commanding oflScer of Fort>
Fi8i5.]
THE BULGER PAPERS.
73
McKay, and on the Mississippi, to contrdl the resources of the Country, and direct the expenditure of every depart- ment? If you do, well and good. If you do not, then either you or I must be removed from this country, for I will never serve here upon such terms.
I have many other things to state which require expla- nation from you, particularly your having given Indians fOodsHn payment for a canoe, but indisposition prevents my writing more at present.
I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient Servant,
A. Bulger, Captain,
Commanding on the Mississippi. IDiekton Esq^ 4gcnl <fr Superintendent Western Indiana,
I
»
FROM DICKSON.
PaAiBiE OCT Chien, February lOtb. 1815.
Sia^On receipt of your letter I do not hesitate one mo- ^«nt in giving you the satisfaction that you so justly '^'l^ire, that of fully recognizing your right of controling ^® resources of the Country and of directing the expendi- tures of every department.
1 most ardently desire an explanation and I have the ^'^^Jigest hopes of being able to convince you of the recti- "*<i^ of my intentions, whatever misunderstanding may ^^^^ arisin. It has been painful to me that the least ^*i»dowof a difference should have ever happened between ^' I am convinced that on all occasions you have done your duty, both here and elsewhere. Allow me to show y^u the copyes of my letters. I sent by Larose/ I wished ^^ do 80 before. I can now show them with pleasure.
B^st assured Sir, that I shall consider this as the happi- ^* day of my life* in finding the friendship and esteem I
'.^QMft la Rose, interpreter for the Meaomoneea.— Ed.
74 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voLxUl.
have always entertained for you finnly reestablished. Ac- cept of my sincere wishes for^the removal of the indispo- sition that effects you at present, and of which I was only^ informed by your letter of this day.
I have the honor to be Sir, Your Obedient Servant
K DiCKSONJf
Agent & Superintendent. Capt Bulger^
Commanding Fort McKajf and on the Mississippi*
FROM M'DOUALt,.
MiOHlLIMACRINAr,
16tb Feby* I81S My Dear Sir: — Your Letter of the 14th Novr I mi say was not calculated to afford me much satisfaction, fear you have listened too much to the sombre represen- tations of Mr. Dick:^on, who is the last man I know that I would employ in situations of trial & difficulty. It was for this reason that I selected you, long in the army, engaged in much honourable service^ & of a sound judgment, in order that your energy & resolution might guard against the mis- chiefs of his supineness and want of management. But for this circumstance, there was no occasion for any alteration in the Garrison of Fort McKay; that gallant little band, hav^fl ing conducted itself with a firmness & address, which has excited general applause; overcoming their difficulty's & their enemy, by meetiog them half way, and boldly looking them in the face. I knew the command to which I ap- pointed you, to be an arduous one — ^ perhaps nearly equaL to my own; but I believed (and still believe) that it would be met with proportionate firmness & ability; *"common._ chances, common men can bear, for when the sea is cah all boats alike shew mastership in sailing." How stronglj is this doctrine illustrated by the campaign on the Niagara frontie^r; General lieal (a very gallant officer) was retiring
BULGER PAPERS.
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I
before the enemy at the moment General Drummond took the command; the columns were instantly countermarched & led on to the attack, & this system, amidst unprecedented difficttltys. & struggling with overwhelming [numbersj, was persevered in. till it triumphed at last, the American army being obliged to blow up Fort Erie & cross to their own side.
I implicitly credit the distressing scenes you have wit- nessed, and am fully aware that the supplies you took mih you are totally inadequate to relieve the {ftmeml misery of the Indians, I am convinced* from the state of matters^ on our own side, <t the still more deplorable situ- ation of those on the southern shores of Lake Michigan (vbo bave got nothing Mr. Dickson knows best why) that ten 6'i/te*. the quantity of goods which arrived, would not be sufficient to place all the Indians who have claims upon ^s, above want. What then would have been their horri- ble fate, but for the exertions of the Govt and the singu- l^ly fortunate capture of the Enemy's schooners, in which you bore so creditable a share ? What folly then it is, vhat more than childish imbacility, to inspire the Indians ^th false hopes of abundant supplies, which, with the Enemy's naval superiority, never can be realized. Who ^Jiat has manly sincerity, or common reflection, would hold ^^t the "solemn promises of Government/' (to use the "^cltueyed phrase) to that unfortunate people; would so grossly and fatally deceive them, as to aBmire them of sup- ^^'^s. when it is beyond doubt in the power of the enemy ^ prevent our receiving a barrel of powder or a blanket, ^^cept perhaps, the few that may arrive by stealth in such ^^oes as were so fortunate to elude their vigilance. What ^ill become of Mr. Dickson's "solemn promises'* this year, ^tottld the Enemy, as is said to be their intention, succeed ^ such an early & strict blockade* as will cut off our sup- ply: Government, I fear, in that case, will find it difficult, ^ load Balloons at La Chine, and direct their unerring ^iourse to the Mississippi, cfe if they do not, it will be a. burning shame, their "good faith is implicated," they
76
WISCONSIN raSTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol XlUl
cannot perform the impossibilities, so lavishly and judi* cimtsiy promised in their name by Mr. Dickson,
Sincerity with an Indian, as it ought to be with all man* kind, is the only mode. It is the first of Virtues (upon' that subject Mr- Dickson ought to remember the cutting reproach of an Indian Chief on this very Island). Tell them fairly S: candidly the truth, tell them that their Great Father the King; ever true to his engagements (tho'_^ he at times cannot be to those of his thoughtless & im^f provident servants) is sedulously endeavoring to do his vhnost to do what is possible to support them, & relieve their distresses, but that the road being blocked ui>, the supplies which used to come in ships, now creep along by stealth in canoes, & are of course both small & precarious. that he has also a great many red children to provide for, that they must therefore be moderate in their expectations, & contented with little, (as even that little adverse circum- stances may prevent their receiving!) until the impedi- ment is removed, which will restore to them that abun- dance which the King, their benificent Father, has pro- vided for them in Lower Canada — that the difficulty is in getting it conveyed to them, & that they must never rela in their efforts, imtil the road is again opened, & the daya of plenty restored — that these happy days could not far off, as the Enemy pressed on every side, by the numer^ ous sea & Land forces of the King would soon be com- pelled to do them justice.
Had this language, dictated by truth itself, & delivered in the genuine spirit of sincerity, been held out to thefl western Indians, (instead of pompous & high sounding* promises, trusting only | what a reed to lean on | that " 807Jiething taould twim tip," to realize them) — had the situafl lion of affairs been thus explained to them, accompanied at the same time, by a fair, impartial & judicious distribu- tion, of the large & magnificent assortment of goods, which _ within the last fifteen months have been sent to the Missis^ sippi, (iodependent of what Mr. Dickson received for hii Indians at this place, at Amherstburg, and on their arriva
m
laji^
'J
ier9
ich lisS tiin srafl
i6ry]
THE BULGER PAPERS,
here last summer, being no small quantity,) most fully con- vinced am I, as I think most men will be, that the Missis- sippi would not have exhibited ^ueh a scene of distress, A that the conviction would have been strong in the minds of the Indians in general, that the King their Father had done the utmost that human efforts could do, to relieve their distress and amiliorate their condition.
As for myself, I came here invested with some degree of latitude, which those who sent me doubtless thought I de- served; claiming absolute independance in my situation, & a right to judge for myself, tho' like ail men in public situations, liable to that responsibility, from an iota of which I will never shrink^ & from which Mr. Dickson wUl find /t€ is not exempt; — not improperly, or weakly bias'd by any man, or set of men, much less to be subjected to the deep disgrace of becoming the puppet of so poor a con- juror as he is. I believe it frequently happens, that a mans ^tions in private life, afford a apt illustration of his public conduct, & that he who fails in the management of his own
I affairs, is not likely to succeed with those of the King.
! flow Mr, Dickson has succeeded in both is pritty well known. I have been totally disappointed in the assistance, I exi)ected from him throughout the whole limits of my command — ^berever he has been, all has been confusion and mis-
hfi^anagement, thereby necessarily lessening that confidence ^ the officers of his Department, which a Leader of In- ^'^us should invariably excite, & encrease by a personal ^^^nipie of energy, arrangement, boldness & intrepidity. ^^ve neither seen nor heard of his exhibiting any of ^^^ essential qualities, without a conspicuous display
Of
^hich, but little good can be derived from the Indians.
the contrary, tvhere he is not, I have seen method, order,
^ regularity revive, & in some instances followed by
^^gree of courage and judicious daring, "which saved
^t Country wtich it was his peculiar duty to watch
^^n this hateful subject, I shall at present say no more, B^' it was my intention to have taken Mr. Dickson to task
78 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voLxilL
in a way that he deserves for a most insolent & disrespect- ful letter he wrote me from Green Ba}^ a Letter which he has yet to answer for» & which* had he been honoured with His Majesty's commission, would have ignominiously dismissed him the service. I spare him at present, in con- sequence of the situation of the Country,
Believe me to be, Dear Sir,
Yours very truly,
Rt. McDouall,
Lt CoL Com'g.
, MrcmLiMACEiNAc IB^ Febr 181 My Dear Bulger: — Your several communications of 30th & 31st Deer, and 7th, lath & 17th Jany together with their respective enclosures reach me on the [no date given] instt. I shall reply to them according to their dif- ferent dates. I cannot however refrain from expressing how much I have felt at the sufferings you endured on the voyage^ S: the very arduous & trying situations in which you have been placed since your arrival. It does you but strict justice to say that you have conducted your- self with equal prudence, firmness & ability, & what is no small praise, have proved yourself fully equal to the diffi- culty's which you were called upon to encounter; all your measures meet with my unqualified approbation,
I am very sorry to find that there is such a general scarcity of food among the Indians, which occasions th^- evil to be augmented tenfold by their distructive ravagei in all kinds of provisions.
I thank you for your patient investigation of the losses sustained at La Baye: the amount is really enormous. & i^ such excesses cannot be prevented, must ultimately ruin the» Settlement. I have adopted your suggestion & appointed- Mr- Porlier & Mr. Pierre Grignon to be Captains of militiiu^ & also Justices of the Peace at that place. I shall alsc:^ place at the disposal of the former Gentleman, such suppl, of ammunition &c as can be spared* & have also authorize
•*
1
hmdiei
I inisl liMi lte#Til wmA mLOomxmg^ To eacpMt rdtar fton Itiia of food is tonllr out of the qoM* point vith GoH wlioiter il will bo tin their pownr to oopply tliis Goirisoo, oirl&f to Its en* iibefs, A paxticiilulf if the re ooforoemoal of o iwliich I hmre osked for sks indispeoMbly 1 be sent. As lo similar lo^es. sustained el , Ptiirie dee Cbienfi* jdq will hove to treasmil eoolher such of the fisme^ which I shall also traosintt to His ' Excellency, strooglj urging the necessity of a Hbi^al re- muneration.
As to the inadeqaacy of the Indian supplies, it is one of
the many trying difficolties with which we shall both have
to struggle. I know well that the goods which Gov't woro
w perplexed in getting up, & which, coasidorlug lh»> ob •
stacles in the way, we were lucky in receiving, eould not
(i& consequence of the want of Traders) supply the ttMUh
Pirtof the numerous tribes who hav^e claims upou uh. lii
such a cruel emergency, what was to bo douo, but to apor-
*ion them in such a way. as to give all a share, & ho rnont
^nducive to our general interests. So fully wan I con*
^Dced of the necessity of straining every nerve to sup*
^^t the Indians, of the Mississippi, that I set apart for
t^hem, more than most men in my situation would have vent*
^^^i to do: «fe to do which. I was obliged to curtail the
/*^^al allowance of ammunition for the Tribes of thl«
I ^^hborhood, besides witkheMing the doathing whkh they
y^^arUibly received on the approach of winter, thereby running
r^^ risque of adding to the existing dUcontont, & joaUmsy
^ith which the Ottawas and Chippeways viewed M«** Dick-
^*i*s partiality for the Western Indiana, which had at«
^^ined to such a length that Capt'a Askln can prove that
8o
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS.
[vol.xii!* '
a deputation of those nations, would have proceeded lastfl summer to represent their grievances to the Governor, had he not prevented them. I enclose you a copy of his state- ment. In addition to this dilemma in which I was placed (ot so hazardous a tendency as we must chiefly rely on those Indians for assistance in the hour of trial) I had scarcely any thing to spare for the numerous tribes at Sagana,' St. Joseph Riv^er, Grand River, & to such of the Kikapoos, Pottewattamies &cc, as are inclined to our side, & which doubtless has compelled some of them to apply for that help to the Americans, which I was unable to give. I am convinced that Mr. Dickson's total neglect of these nations, has had no small share in driving such of them into the arms of the Enemy as are now against us. You see how very difficult a card I had to play. Besides as there is not a doubt, but that the Americans availing themselves of their southern climate, & commanding Naval Superiority, will make a great effort to be here before our little Squadron, I leave you to judge of the imperious necessity that existed, that we might not be without ammu- nition & a small share of other supplies for the Indians that may join us in the Spring, in ease such a misfortune should happen. As it is obvious to every one, that our connexion with all the Indian nations depends wholly on our being able to retain this Island, it would have been the height of infatuation & folly to have stripped ourselves of the means of defence — an act for which I never could have been justified or forgiven, & which to give them a momentary reliet might have ruined them for ever. It with the supply ivhich was sent with you, they are still in. such distress, what would be their horrible fate, if they wer^ cut off from the fountain from which they derive their ex- istence, if thro' any act of childest inadvertence, this Islanc were endangered or lost 'f
The idea of being obliged to send your provisions froi Michilimackinac would make all below, utterly despair,^ they entertained strong doubts of being even able to sup-
' Sagintiw^ Mich.— Ed.
?x-
nd—
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Si
ly ourselves, — most puzzling and difficult are our situa- US* Should our vessels fortunately arrive with a good Lpply. I must, if it cau possibly be spared, & conveyed, eavor to send you some Pork to Green Bay, altbo* it is a mo&t cruel and unlooked for emergency, Mr. Dickson mself, repeatedly told me last summer that we might ex- ict to be assisted here from Green Bay with a hundred bar- rels of flour, instead of our being obliged to send supplies in that direction. After this statement, you will less won* ir at the resources of that country & the Mississippi be-
overated to me, from other quarters. The fact is, my Dear Bulger, that the conviction was. and is so strong on my mind, as to the irreparable & over- whelming evils, which our evacuation of the country, & abandoning the Indians would occasion, that I was con- BtPained to give some credit to these accounts & to try the experiment of a small Garrison, around which they might wily, & be encouraged, directed & led on by it against the common Enemy. The failure of our hopes on that respect "Will not, in prudence, honor, or sound policy, justify our 'Withdrawing from the country; in my several letters, there is a good deal of tautology on this subject, but it shows tow strongly I am impressed with the truth of this opin- io You have with you some active able^ officers; even with their assistance alone, in organizing, uniting and in- spiriting the Indians, it will be scarcely possible for the Snemy (pressed on every side, & particularly on the Mis- ^'s^ippi) to establish himself at such a distance from sup- port.
'Tttrn, therefore, all your attention, to the most prudent *^d judicious management of your precarious resources* ^di^ad the mischiefs which will result from the total want ^ economy, from the invariable havoc & waste made by ^^t Timon of Athens — Dickson. The whole arrangements ^ to provisions must center in you, & no purchases made ''y any other authority. Try if all the volunteers can be •Nek off from receiving rations; the actual value of which "^^ght be allowed them, by the Acting Commissarys* re- 6
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [
ptirchasing them again into Store. This mode would p
haps satisfy some of the Michigan's, particularly "
exempting auch from Parades, & allowing them to woj
(I trust that Captain Anderson & Lieut. Porlier v^
infuse new life & animation into these Corps, «fe ml
them render you still good service). You must give ev(
encouragement to the planting as nmch com as po8Sibl€^
particularly above your Post Take the utmost painS|
this, or the Indians will next winter perish for WBi
From the Enemy's late establishment, near the Saulk i
lage, they will probably have to move farther up, at
events to plant their corn.
The great price for that article, will I hope cause m
to be sown by the Settlers around you. Spare no expe:
for provisions rather than any misfortune should hap;
for want of it. Might not the Sioux (who are out of n
of the enemy) raise a good deal? The Indians ough
know that their ravages & depredations, if continued,
force us from the Country — cut off their supplies
thereby leave them exposed to the vengeance of the Ami
cans & end in their ruin and extermination.
Believe me, very truly yours,
Kt. McDouall,
Lt-CoL Comm'l Captain Bulger,
(&C. Ac, dtc.
Capt^ AsMm Atatement referred to in Col MeDoualh letter of 28ff^ February, JSU--
" It has appeared to me that Mr. Dickson has in seve instances shown a disposition to obtain from His Majesti store, a greater quantity of goods for the Western Indtl than he was entitled to. On his way to Detroit in Ji 1B13» he applied for every article in the Indian Storaj this Post, for the Indians under his command which he \ ceived (to the excoirtion of a few articles that were retaine by a special order from the Commanding officer of Post) exclusive of all the goods and guns that were pi
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83
chafed from the Merchants in this place, and tho^ the same Indians got what presents the stores of Detroit and Am- hersiburg could afford, they were again clothed on their return to this place by order of Mr. Dickson, from the goods wnt up under mark ^^ for the Indians resorting to thia [placel thereby causing no small degree of jealousy & discon* l€nt in the minds of the Indians in the vicinity of this PosU In addition to the fine assortment of goods sent to the Western Indians in the autumn of 1813 under mark ^^ the whole who accompany *d Mr. Dickson to this [place] were again clothed in June last, & thereby reducing the quan- tity of Presents to which the Ottawas and Chippeway's here were entitled.
In the beginning of last summer a deputation of the
Ottawas were about to proceed from here to Quebec for
jthe purpose of laying before the Governor in Chief their
[grievances, & Mr. Dicksons treatment and partiality; but
[ they were dissuaded from that intention by me.
In my opinion the commandant in his zeal to do the utmost that was possible for the Indians of the Mississippi, f ta his appropreation of presents last fall, for that Quarter, ' c>rtered more goods than prudence and good policy could ^«U justify in consiquence of which, the Autumn presents which used to he invariably given to the Indians of this a^ighbourhood, were withheld, thereby running great risk ^^ diminishinR their zeal & attachment to us. and perhaps of rendering them less ardent in repairing to our assistance when attacked by the enemy.
Prom my long acquaintance with the Indian Character
I think it absolutely necessary that their rights should be
^m strictly attended to, particularly those around ^s, for
they are the natural defenders of this Post; and to efface
.from their minds every idea that their interests are sacri-
|ficed to those of the Indians of the Mississippi-
JH? ASKIN.
Indorsed*. ** Certified— True Copy. > Ad>i Michilimackinac.^
(Si«
. ,, jno. Rftdenhurst Lt. iltned) J**
84
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, [vofl
MtcaiLtMicoxAC, 20tti Feb/. 1 My Dear Bulger — Be on your guard as to Mr. Dicks that insidious, intriguing, dangerous, yet despicable ch acter, will require the exercise of all your prudence, your caution, all your good management. I shall ever : gret having sent him with you, as the conviction is strd on my mind, that what with your own judgment *& fq sight, together with Captain Anderson's zealous assistai & the other ofiQcers, that I am highly pleased to hear J speak so well of, you would have been able so to have hi banded your pi^ecarious resources, as to have left you] small chance of preserving to us a Country of such vl importance, and which if you succeeded in. could not % of being attended with the most signal advantages to yon self. Your dispatches I shall forward to His Excellei the Governor, they are very creditable to you, & ph your zeal & abilities in a very conspicuous point of vi€ Of this, be assured that no influence of mine shall ! wanting to reward your exertions for the Public good, did contemplate the possibility of your first gettin, compy- in your Regiment, and that an opportunity mii occur on the Mississippi, which would give j^ou a fair cl for the Brevit Rank of major* We have a recent install of such good fortune in Faucett of the 100th who tho*i very lately a subaltern, has now 500 majors below him! ' can pritty well answer for Lieut. -General Drummoni disposition, & also Sir George's, most warmly to take J & second my recommendation. 1
I am glad to find that my good opinion of Cai)tn. Andc son is corroberated by yours. Assure that gentleman tt| I duly appreciate his zeal & service, & doubt not but he Vi assist you with his hearty support & co-operation. Beft I received your dispatch, I was studying in what way serve him, & could think of no better mode than by rec<J mending him most strongly to be a Captain in the Ind Depart* t which I have done in my last letters to His ^ cellency. & have little [doubt] of his appointment. It will
j8i5,J
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85
more advantag:eotis to him than the temporary command df the Michigan Company (which I believe will be left with Mr. AnnstroDgi as there will be at the end of the war (I have little doubt I either half pay, or an equivalent. I have also represented the necessity of (Ul your officers being allow Bat it Forage money. Tell Mr, Keating ' that he will not be forgotten^ when his present employment ceases.
Our winter express being daily expected, I have not yet I heard, as to your loss of baggage^ which if forgotten, I diall re urge most strongly. You will charge your com- mand money from the date of your apix>intment* Your supplies by Mr- Forrest, shall be duly forwarded by the
Rt McDouall, Lt. CoL
FROM DICKSON.
I^^EAFtSiR, — About Fifty Renard Indians are just arrived
ii you think proper I would wish to give them Twelve
o; Fifteen loaves of Bread, as these people have a great
<iwntity of corn, I would wish to hide our poverty ifi
provisions, _ I am
Dr. Sir,
Yonra Truly,
R. DlCKMOV.
Veb. W^ 1«1S>
BtlLGEB'S AUTHORITY CONPtRMm. ^ MicmxiMACKiNic 23r<i Fobnnrr IHk
His Excellency The Commander of the ForcM A H^f^mf' ^or in-ehief, has been pleased to sanction, and oofiflrui l4# appointment of Captain Bulger, Commanding at Y^j^r^ M>
'l-ifittt. James Keating, of the Royal Artillery, w^ ^ *fae npeditioo to Rock River rapids, in August, IWt, Mm W%b^ *•<* Colii., iJL^pai^im.-- Ed.
S6
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS* [volTx!
Kay and on the Mississippi; as also his local rauk half the Command money allowed for Michilimackinac.
Lieut, -Colonel McDouall, commanding Michilimackii and its Dependancies, and Commanding and Superintend! the Indian Department at these posts, is pleased to on and direct that the Indian Department on the Mississif shall be subject to, and entirely under the orders of 1 officer commanding and representing His Majesty at Pc McKay. The Agent & Superintendent of the West€ Indians, together with the Captains, Lieutenants, and ! terpret-ers thereof, will therefore receive their instructio from Captain Bulger and govern themselves accordingly
Captain Bulger will devote what time he can spare, the restoration of that order, method^ and arrangement the Western Indian Department, the want of which is apparent, and which has hitherto rendered it such a see of inextricable confusion. He will direct the Indian pm ents to be judiciously and impartially distributed and i requisitions and purchases for the Department must be € amined & approved of by him. All expenditures and m bursements must be invariably accompanied by the prop vouchers, and on being regularly certified by the offi^ commanding, he will direct his acting commissary to dri upon Dept. Asst. Commy. Gen. Monk for the amount* ,
In all parts of the British Empire, both at home a abroad, in whatever relates to the expenditure of the Pt lie money, the most scrupulous adherance to the prescrib forms is invariably exacted from those invested with co! mands. It perhaps belongs alone to the Western Indi Department, to plead exception from those salutary rul< which it is so obviously the policy of the Government J enforce. But as the departure therefrom, subjects the col mandant to a very heavy responsibi!it3% it can no lona be permitted. The last Pay List of that Department! to the 24th of Septem'r, amounts to a very largo sura, cci taining no deductions for rations, or Income tax. besldl other errors which were wilfully persevered in, thoug
THE BULGER PAPERS.
|K)Uiied om by Captu Askin, and which the commandaiit, not aware of its defects inadvertently certified.
Captain Bulger will be pleased to ascertain by a Court of Enquiry, if the officers of the Western Indian Department Uve been regularly settled with, and received their pay to the 2ith of Sept as them cannot be a doubt that the re- ceipt of their pay every two months will materially con- duce to their comfort and advantage, instead of being put off to indefinite and uncertain periods, equally inconvenient to the individual and the Public. Captain Bulger will en- force the order of the 17th October and cause Pay Lists (in triplicate agreeably to the form transmitted) to be made out every two months, regularly vouched & certified and the amount drawn for on Dept Asst Commissary- General Monk. Such officers of the Department, who may happen to be absent on duty, and who have not previously signed Ihe Pay List (or left receipts, which with a little manage- ment can in general be effected) may be included in the subsequent Pay Lists for the Vhole period which may be due.
The commandant having sanctioned a tempory ad- Yince (made by Mr. Monk in the course of last summer) to M'' Robert Dickson, agent & and Superintendant of the Western Indians, for the use of his department, and of the ^nditure of which no account whatever has yet been f^ndered, amounting to Five hundred and fifty pounds, eleven shillings & eight pence. That Gentleman will forthwith transmit to Michilimackinac correct and accurate statements in Triplicate, showing the disix)sal of the buid Eluded to. accompanied by the proper vouchers, in order tJi^t the same after undergoing the usual investigation, ^y be sent with other Public accounts to Montreal.
Fort Adjutnot
88
WISCONSIN hi^iURlCAL COLLECTIONS.
FROM M'DOUAIX,
1
Mich:ilimacku9AC, 25*b Feby* 1815.
SiR»— Upon the subject of Mr. Rolette- s conduct, & taking into consideration the difficulty's which he has had to sur* mount, particularly the malicious persecution of Mr. Dick- son, I am inclined to shew him every reasonable indul- gence. It will be of the utmost consequence that his zeal & exertions to supply you with Provisions, should by every encouragement, be stimulated & encreased, rather than it should abate. For these reasons, I empower you to grant him such relief, & so to alter and modify the contract, even to the granting him an increased price, as it may appear to you, that his zeal to fulfil it, & the necessity of the case; requires.
As the Indian Department is now under your orders* which you will see the necessity of strictly enforcing, I rely on your prudence & judgment for taking such steps as will prevent any extravagance, or waste on their part as to pro- visions. Had I given the rein to Mr, Dickson's improvi-fl dence, when here, Mr. Monk assures me we should now have" been without provisions. & exposed to the horrors of famine. Think of every possible method of encreasing your sup- plies, & diminishing your consumption, & let no improper obstekcle be thrown in Mr. Rolette's way; he writes posi- tively that but for Mr* Dickson opposing him by giving In* dian Goods, & most extravagant prices for the provisional bought in, that he could easily have fulfilled his contract It is so much in Mr- Dickson's way that I am inclined to believe it. Inform me if it be so, and take the most de- cided measures to stop so improper and mischievous afl traffic. "
I have read the proceedings of the court of Enquiry upon Mr. Dickson's charges against Mr. Rolette, with equal as«l tonishment & indignation. A more vile or iniquitous conspiracy against the life of an individual I have scarcely ever heard of. I am highly obliged to you for your able & patient investigation of charges which appear to me equally
THE BULGER PAPERS.
89
absurd and malignant; prefer'd too. against a man who so recently had given proofs of his loyalty, zeal & courage, by the expi*nce he incurred, and the efforts he made to support Colonel McKay, at a time when his Prosecutor was very lukewarm in the business, & shewed no disposition to assist in the deliverance of that Country " which it was his peculiar duty to watch over and protect/'
I agree with you, that in the affair of the teams and that of sending the Powder to the Gensde-la-Feuille tir6 Mr. Holette was wrong; in the former case, the importance of fulfilling his contract would have induced me (perhaps) to exempt him; the latter instance, pleads in some measure^ a similar excuse, but all matters of that kind I would wish to leave wholly to your own decision.
Believe me to be, very truly yours
Rt. McDouau., Lt. CoL Comm'g* If money will enable you to get ^ provisions, & enable you to stand I your ground, spare it not. 3
(Capram Bulger, (Commanding on the Missi^ippi, Fort McKay.
PROMOTIONS.
MICHILIMACKIKAC 2yb FebJ 1815.
^^^mn Ordera,
The Lieut^C^lonel commanding is pleased to make the following promotions in the Dependancies of this Gar- rison,
^(^mesForlier Esq) * ^nuia at Green Bay.
p. ^ . ^ f to be Captains of min^^^ ^^
ncne Griff non Esq ) "^ .
— ^ Captain T. G. Anderson of the Mississippi o^i^n- ^^ to be a Captain in the Indian ^^^^^^^^^^^ Tb" ^* September until the pleasure of His li-*^ Commander of the Forces is known. -^a Prairie
—-Captain Francis Deace of the ^^i^**'^* ^-rtment from **«8 Chiens to be a Captain in the Indian *^^V
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WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [voL Xllt*
the 2nd Sept. uotU the pleasure of His Excellency, The Commander of the Forces be known.
— Interpreter Joseph Renville' of the Indian Depart- ment to be a Lieutenant in the same from the 25th of De- cember.
Lieut Jacques Porlier of the Mississippi Volunteers to be Lieut in Michigan Pencibles from the 25th Instant.
Serjeant Amable Dusang of the Mississippi Volun- teers to be Ensign in the same from the 2oth instant.
Lieut James Pullman of the Michigan Fencibles to
act as commissary and Barrack-Master at Fort McKay with an allowance of five shillings p. day, for the perform- ance of those duties.
Mr. Colin Campbell to be an Interpreter in the Indian Department » and Mr. Louis Desormier to be ditto from the 25th of November
Bombardier James Patterson of the Eoyal Artillery
to be overseer of works at Fort McKay, with an allowance of Is \6d per day.
Serjeant Thomas Walsh of the 81st Reg to be Garri- son Serjeant-Major at Fort McKay with an allowance of Is \6d per day.
The acting Barrack -Master & Commissary at Port
McKay will be under the orders of and accountable to the heads of those Department's at Michilimackinac who will furnish Lieut Pulman with such clear and explicit instruc- tions for his guidance as will enable him to perform the duty correctly, and transmit the public accounts free from. errors, and properly vouched & certified by the officer com- manding, as must also be all the accounts of the Indiaim, Department ■
Should the officer commanding on the Mississippi think: it necessary to call out the Militia — Captain Deace*s serv - ices will still be required at their head, until the confirma- tion of his apiK>intment. ■
m ^ Interpreter for the Sioux. McKay spoke weU of his condnot— Wis* i EisL ColU,, xL, p. 266,— Ej>, fl
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^ ^
Captain Anderson will continue to commaDd Jk be in- cluded in the Pay Lists of his company of volunteers until th€ ratification of his appointment; and Captain Bulger will likewise be pleased to place the Detachment of Michi- gan Pencibles under his orders. He will state to them the Lieutenant Coloners extreme regret & mortification, that the men from whose former conduct he had expect much, whom he had reason to praise, and that highly too, more than once for their gallantry should suddenly forfeit their reputation by the commission of one of the most heinous <inmes a soldier can be guilty. He however, confidently trusts, that under the active and judicious officer appointed ^ command them, an opportunity will occur, for again sig- iializing their courage in the field, & thereby do away the ^^sgrace which has befallen them in quarters. This is the ^^y mode of attooiug for their transgression, & of effec- tually restoring them to the Lieutenant Colonel's good
opinion.
Jho. Radenhurst,
Fort Adjutant.
FROM M DOUALL.
MiGBiLiUACKiNAC 2Gtb PebT 1815.
I— The measures which you found it necessary to
It, upon the unfortunate occasion of the murder of
Eolette's men, appear to me to have been absolutely
^^^^ssary to the future preservation & tranquility of the
^*^^titry, & this act of summary justice will I trust
^^^ the good effect which you hope for. Tho' jierhaps it
*^^d have been [desirable] to have made the execution
^he murderer appear to have been the act of the Indians
^"^selves — this would not have admitted of cavil & ob*
^^ion* I feel with yourself, the strong necessity which
J^t«, that those in command at such a distance should be
it©d with adequate powers, in order that capital crimes
meet with prompt & immediate punishment, This
I ^^1 be strongly represented accordingly.
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WISCONSIN" HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol, xn
I entirely approve of your declaration of Martial Law. & of your conduct as to the address, which was spirited & dignified, as it [the conduct of others?] was elsewhere low _ and mean. ^
You will see by the orders transmitted, that I have sane* tioned your appointments. Captain Anderson will be much better off, as a Captain in the Indian Department, than as Commanding the Michigan Fencibles, which probably will not stand long, and Mr. Armstrong continues to command. You will announce to the Officers of the Indian Depart- ment, that I have been doing every thing in my power to benefit them, & render their situations more comfortable and advantageous. I have strongly recommended half pay at the end of the war, for such as are not retained in the service; also an allowance of Bat & Forage money, & my being empowered to unite the offices of Lieut't. and Inter- preter in favour of those who distinguish themselves by their zeal and have merit. I have great hopes that these suggestions will be attended to. In addition to these, they must regularly receive their Pay & aUowances I find there is a (jemml order for their being paid every two nionths, therefore as Mr. Dickson has drawn for them to the 24th of , Septem'r in order to close the year, the next Pay List must* be from 25th Sept'r to 24th Dec> & the others regularly every two months. It will not be difficult for such as go on command, priviously to sign the Pay list, or leave re- ceipts, & where that cannot be done, to include them, ott their return, for the whole period due. I shall endeavor, with the Spring supplies, to complete the officers of the Department with uniform coats (& the Captains & Lieul'^ with Epaulites) to give them the due respectability in point of appearance. ■
You will therefore, in making known to them my ap- ■ polntment to the command <& Superintendance of thd Indian Department at this place and its Dependancies, State the measures which I have adopted for their advan- tage, & that it is my fixed determination to do every thing in my power for the promotion of those, who have the
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I
good fortune to distinguish themselves in the cause of their King & Country. On their part. I shall expect from one & ftU, a cordial, zealous & active performance of their re- spective dutys.
I am sorry to see Captain Anderson's Company reduced so low in point of numbers, I fear it wiH occasion objec- tion on the part of Government, to incur the expence of a Captain, Lieut. & Ensign for little more than Twenty men, 4 I fear the Company allowances which have been charged, are scarcely admissible for so small a number, I think he ^ill be able to encrease the Company to 50 R & F ' b}' ex- ^Daptm^ them as much as possible from Drill or Duty & such ^ receive no rations (which if you can possibly manage it, ycfcti should allow the Michigans & the few men from this ^^rrison only ) only [be] required to parade on Sundays. It irill be highly desirable to effect this, were it only to P^vide for the deserving officers belonging to it I trust ^^t the Michigan Fencibles, under Capt. Anderson & Mr. ^<^rter, will again distinguish themselves against the
I^^ecQy & wii>e off their late disgrace. Your conduct in ^^t trying affair did you great credit, & meets with my ^tij^e approbation. The Culprets, however, well deserved ^^ whole of their punishment, & I would recommend in Oirt^re^ rigorous discipline, with the promoters of such mis- ^^/ (who if possihle should be fmnid out) bid every favour dt ^^Juragement to those who condwi theinselvf^s weU, ^ have Informed Mr. Porliers Father, that if he approves _ it, I will recommend his son, to the Commander of the ^ces, for an Ensigncy in the Line, You may appoint '^^ Rose* the Poileavoine Interpreter (who behaved well i^^^tli them on the 4th August) a Lieut, if you have reason Hr^ approve of his subsequent conduct. ^F "^ou will inform Mr. Rolette for me, of my opinion as ^*J^ the charges brought against him, & that from what I _^_ ^ve seen of him myself, as well as Colonel McKay^s re- 5rt of his conduct, I have ever considered him a loyal
94 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS- [voL Xli
A zealous subject, resolved to do his utmost to presem
the country from the Enemy, That I am fully confiden
his future coLduct & exertions will bear me out in
opinion, & that I depend on all his efforts & influence hi
ing used with the Scioux, and the Indians in general,
animate them in the common cause. Prom what I hav
noticed of Mr. Rolette, his chief fault is culpable flippanc;
of tongue, which lead him into scrapes — tho' he meai
well*
My Dear Bulger, by every means in your power, cult
vate harmony & the best possible understanding among a
around you, reconcile Captain Anderson & Mr* Rolette,
let the only rivalry be, who shall do most for the Publi
good. I scarcely can include Mr. Dickson; I consider thj
weak, wretched man, as ' fallen like Lucifer, never to ria
again. '
Believe me, very truly yours,
Rt, McDouall,
Lt, Col. Comman'g* Captain Bulger,
Commatkding an the MUiiwtppi*
MiCHiLiMACKlNAC 26«^ Feby. 1815, My Dear Sir, — I have been delaying my dispatch fro day to day in the anxious hope of Mr. Livingstone' rival, in order to transmit you 3^our Letters, some Ni papers, & above all, to acquaint you with the events of th war in all quarters, but particularly as the different open tions effect ourselves. I have, so far, been grievously dii appointed at his non arrival, & I fear I can no longer detai my dispatches.
I have no later accounts from the Commander of tb Forces, or General Drummond, than the 30th November The former then ai Kingston — the latter embarked in th( St Lawrence of 101 Guns; returning to that place after campaign which will forever immortalise him, & whio terminated in the AnierUmns blowing up Port Erie, & ro tiring to their own sUlo. having failed in all their project
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Our magnificent first-rate [navy?] had given us absolute command of Lake Ontario, another large re-enforcement had arrived at Quebec, & preparations upon a large scale, wre making to assail the Enemy on every side.
The most interesting intelligence from Europe, was the
breaking up of the Congress at Ghent, & consequent fail-
^ of the'negociations for peace with the Americans; the
Principal cause, was the question relatmrj to the Indians, our
Government insistmg upon their being included in the
Treaty as our Allies; upon their future independance, upon
^te restoration of their lands, and a new boundary, upon
the basis of that agreed on by General Wayne at the treaty
^^Grenville. This article having for its object, the future
®^^»irity & welfare of the Indians Nations, was demanded
Persisted in. as the sine qua non of negociation. The
•^^erican Commissioners had no instructions relative to
ffeo;
*^^ demands, & the treaty accordingly broke off. His
.^ ^*^^^llency in communicating to me this intelligence, adds,
c^ionsider the article relating to the Indian Tribes, so
* ^hly important, that I have extracted it for your in-
„ ^^^^mation, in order that thro* you the Indian Tribes of
., ^*-^ North- West may become acquainted with circum-
, ^-^^^ces so highly important to them, while at the same
^^:3ie, they afford such strong evidence of the religious
^^servance of those promises which I was commanded to
r^^ ^e to them, in the name & on the behalf of H. R. H.
lie Prince Regent."
You will of course impress on the Tribes in your ^^^eighborhood. on the one hand, the earnest considera- ^^"^on evinced by the Prince Regent, for their future wel- ^ are and Independance. contrasted with the insidious de- signs of the Enemy against their prosperity, the evident Consequence of his outrageous injustice, that would alto- gether exclude them from any pacific arrangement be- iween the two Country's, after having so repeatedly recognized them as intimately allied with us in one com* ' men cause I have accoramgly made known to the Indians of thi&
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WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xiii.
4
Neighborhood (most of them, indeed being absent on their wintering grounds) news of such great importance to them. And Chebainse, a principal Pottewattamie Chief having been here with Lieut't Cadotte of the Indian Department, from Grand River, (Lake Michigan) I sent with him on his return, a Belt of Wampum, giving him the full particu- lars of the intentions of our Government in their favour, & directing him to circulate the news, among his own nation & also the Miamis, Kikapoos, Delawares & Wyandots. This he faithfully and zealously promised to do. He like- wise informed us that most of the Tribes just mentioned, tho' a number of them had been compelled to make peace with the Americans at Grenville. yet having been deceived by them, had determined to leave, and declare against them: that the two first Tribes had actually done so, & joined the Biid Sturgeon a Pottewattamie chief zealously attached to 119^ at Theakiki River; that the others were anxious to follow their example, but that their removal required great caution* themselves and family being in the power of the Enemy & besides not having any ammunition wherewith to defend, fl Chebainse added, that they only required arms and am- " munition in the springs & a little cloating for their women & children, of which articles they were deplorably destitute, , to rush upon the enemy.
From the wily character of the Indian, & his propensity to change sides as the events of the war proves adverse or prosperous, it is difficult at times to implicitly rely on their statements and professions. Chebainse has however, been uniformly zealous for our side, & Cadotte speaks highly of his influence & exertions. (I had sent the latter with what supplies we could spare, for the wretched and starving Indians of the Grand River* & of St. Joseph [ whom it is of the last importance not to lose | but a mere trifle in com- parison of yours.) He was highly pleased with the result of his mission, and stated that the news he carried back would rejoice all the Nations. Chebainse was with us on the 4t!i of August — Captain Askin gives great credit to his statements, & tho* I received them with some caution.
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yet I am impressed with the belief that he speaks the truth —
We have many loyal and well affected Indians on the shores
of lAke Michigan, who must not in future be so entirely
neglected.
I send you a newspaper, giving all the particulars of the
late negociations. You will announce this intelligence to
the Indians in Grand Council with all the ecldt & effect
which you can give it; & which its singular importance to
them, is so well calculated to inspire. I enclose a