350 - Fort Wayne. will be observed, formed an important part of the scheme ; and the fort and village were besieged, captured and demolished. The Fort Miami that was re-built, and occupied by the French under Lieut Dubuisson, after the conspiracy of Nicholas had been crushed, Was doubtless the one at Fort Wayne, and not the Fort Miami formerly erected at the mouth of the St. Joseph's of Lake Michigan, about 1678 or 1679. The next historical event, memorable in the annals of Fort Wayne, occurred in 1763, during the Pontiac war. The conspiracy of Nicholas was designed to subvert the French power; the scheme of Pontiac was directed against the English. [See ante, pp. 34, 35, 41, 42, 43 and 44, for events in the Pontiac war having relation to Fort Wayne and the Maumee valley.] Mr. J. L. Williams, in his interesting address from which liberal quotations have been already made, says : "Four nations, at different periods, have held dominion here. For near half a century prior to the conquest of. Canada, the tricolored flag waved at the meeting of the St. Joseph and St. Mary. The French adapted their manners and character to forest life. Schoolcraft says, the Indians of the North West often referred to 'the days of French supremacy as a kind of golden era, when all things in their affairs were better than they now are.' Then came the English in December, 1760, and the British flag was run up in its stead. Their. manners were reserved and haughty, far less adapted than the genial, pliant and vivacious French to win the confidence of the Indians, In no particular is there a greater dissimilarity in the two Nations. The French, like the Spaniards, readily meet a lower civilization upon an intermediate platform, as in Canada and Mexico. The genuine Anglo Saxon takes no step downward. English society in Calcutta is as select and high-toned as in London. To elevate, near to its own level, or else to destroy by gradual encroachment and pressure, seems to be the mission of the race among the sluggish and decaying nations. Whether or not the Indian sagacity was adequate to a full perception of these diverse tendencies, certain it is that the Miamis of that day were haters of the English. In less than three years the British flag was lowered, and its proud defiant folds trailed in British blood.* The conspiracy of Pontiac—greatest of the Red race, in genius, force of character, and statesman-like combination—had done its work. Nine of the twelve English Forts in the Northwest, scattered from Presque- *It was about the period of these stirring changes, that the late Miami Chief Richardville was born under the " the big apple tree," standing some sixty rods from the supposed site of this old British Fort. This tree yet stands, connecting the memories of the past century with the present. Its circumference is eleven feet. We need not question its identity. There are specimens of the hardier varieties in this country now bearing fruit at the age of 150 to 200 years. (See Am. Cyclopedia.) Fort Wayne - 351 Isle (now. Erie) to Green Bay, and from Mackinaw to Ouiatenon (near Lafayette) were captured, with terrible carnage, in the space of a few weeks. Only Detroit, Fort Pitt, and Green Bay, successfully resisted the simultaneous attack. Thenceforward, for thirty-one years, as in the preceding century, the barbarian power and glory of the Miamis at this point were unchecked, chosen central home and until the advent of Wayne. To the Indians, as to us, it was place of thronged concourse. Here the tribes and bands gathered in council for War or for Peace. History attests their attachment to it. Their appeal. at the Greenville treaty in 1795, after their country had been conquered, for permission still to occupy this spot, was touching. But the earth is for cultivation, not permanently for the chase. For great and beneficent providential ends—the greatest good to the greatest number—civilization and religion were to be introduced, and the red man has passed away. Under American rule has risen this beautiful city of some twelve thousand †t inhabitants, with Railroads andf Telegraphs, Churches and Free Schools." In the same lecture another historical event of much interest is thus noticed: "The expedition of LaBalm against Detroit in August or September, 1780, also connects Fort Wayne, by memorials written in blood, with the war of the Revolution. This daring forest chief- tam with earnest sympathy for the American cause, and, we must think, with more zeal than knowledge, collected at Kaskaskia and Vincennes, about an hundred men, and set out for the capture of Detroit, then in possession of the British. The signal achievement of Col. George Rogers Clark, a few months before, in taking Vincennes with one hundred and seventy men, no doubt incited to this daring adventure. Seizing the goods of British traders at Fort Wayne, on his march, the Miamis, instigated by the English, attacked his encampment on the River Aboite in this vicinity. In this this battle LaBalm's little army, with few exceptions, was entirely, cut off." Charles B. LaSalle, of Logansport, formerly a citizen of Fort Wayne, published in the Democratic Pharos, in 1857, some reminiscences which were copied into Mr. Brice's history, and which con tain the following reference to the ill-considered expedition of LaBalm:   " Colonel Clark, on the capture of Vincennes, had meditated an expedition against Fort Wayne, as well as against Detroit ; and though he seems never to have abandoned the idea, yet he could not succeed in his arrangements to attempt its execution. But while the subject was still fresh in the mind of Clark, and the inhabitants of the Lower Wabash, another individual made his appearance to † This address was delivered in March, 1860. 352 - LaBalm's Unfortunate Expedition. undertake what even the daring Clark, with greater resources, did not deem prudent to venture upon. This was LaBalm. But of him and his expedition, it may be here stated, very little information, of an entirely authentic shape, is within our reach. Whatever may be given in this brief sketch, has been obtained mostly from some of those who were in part eye-witnesses to the events, and from tradition as handed down by the old inhabitants. LaBalm was a native of France, and had come to this country as some kind of an officer, with the French troops, under LaFayette, in 1779. We are not apprised whether he came to the West on his own responsibility, or whether lie was directed by some authority; but we find him, in the Summer of 1780, in Kaskaskia, raising volunteers to form an expedition against the post of Ke-ki-ong-a, with the ulterior view, in case of success, of extending his operations against the fort and towns of Detroit. At Kaskaskia he succeeded in obtaining only between twenty and thirty men. With these he proceeded to Vincennes, where he opened a recruiting establishment for the purpose of raising the number necessary for his object. But he does not seem to have been met here with the favor and encouragement of the principal inhabitants, or to have had much success in his enlistment. His expedition was looked upon as one of doubtful propriety, both as to its means and objects, and it met with the encouragement, generally, of only the least considerate. He conducted his march with such caution and celerity, that he appeared at the village of Fort Wayne before even the watchful inhabitants had apprehended his approach. The sudden appearance of a foe, unknown as to numbers, character and designs, threw them into the greatest alarm, and they fled on all sides. LaBalm took possession of the place without resistance. It was probably his intention, in imitation of Clark's capture of Kaskaskia, to take the village and its inhabitants by surprise ; and then, by acts and professions of kindness and friendship, to win them over to the American cause; but the inhabitants, including some six or eight French traders, totally eluded his grasp. His occupation of the village was not of long duration. After remaining a short time, and making plunder of the goods of some of the French traders and Indians, he retired to near the Aboite Creek, near the point where the Wabash and Erie canal now crosses this stream, and encamped. The Indians, having soon ascertained the number and character of LaBalm's forces, and learning that they were Frenchmen, were not disposed at first to avenge the attack ; but of the traders then living in the village, there were two named Beaubien (who married the chiefess, widow of Joseph Drouet de Richardville, and mother of the late chief of the nation, Joseph B. Richardville,) and LaFountain, (father of the late Miami chief, LaFountain,) who, nettled and injured by the invasion and plunder of the place, were not disposed to let the invaders off without a blow. These men, having incited the Indians to follow and attack LaBalm, they soon rallied their warriors of the village and vicinity, LaBalm's Unfortunate Expedition - 353 under the lead of their war chief, the Little Turtle, and, falling upon them in the night time, massacred the entire party. Not one is said to have survived to relate the sad story of the expedition. " Such is a brief and imperfect account of La Balm's expedition, of which so little is known. It may not have been impelled by the most patriotic motives, nor guided. by wise counsels, nor attended with results especially beneficial to the country ; yet, as an interesting event, connected with the early history of the country, it should be preserved from the oblivion which rests upon it." " The sagacious mind of Washington," says Mr. Williams, "'at an early period, fixed upon the junction of the St. Mary's and the St. Joseph's as of commanding importance for a strong military post." This statement will presently be fully verified. [See ante. pp. 72 and 74] In a letter to Richard Henry Lee, written in 1784, Washington wrote: "Would it not be worthy of the wisdom and attention of Congress to have the western waters well explored, the navigation of them fully ascertained and accurately laid down, and a complete and perfect map made of the country, at least as far westerly as the Miamis, running into the Ohio and Lake Erie, and to see how the waters of these communicate with the river St. Joseph, which empties into Lake Michigan, and with the Wabash? for I cannot forbear observing that the Miami village, [now Fort Wayne], points to a very important post for the Union."—Brice's History of Fort Wayne, page 109. In the Indiana war in the West, the Miamis were the principal central power. Occupying, (says Mr. H. R. Schoolcraft), with their confederates, the valleys of the Wabash and the Miami of the Lakes, they stretched, like an impassible line, between Lake Erie and the lower Ohio. They were a complete bar to the enterprise and settlement of the West. The outrages they, in connection with the Shawanees and 'Delawares committed, and the threatening aspect they assumed, led eventually to the march, at separate periods, of General Harmar, General St. Clair and General Wayne. In the American State Papers appears a letter of Governor St. Clair, dated New York, August 23, 1790, addressed to the Secretary of War, in which the following is given as the motive of employing the military force of the first campaign : " Three hundred of the militia of Virginia are to rendezvous at Fort Steuben, and, with the garrison of that fort, to march to Post St. Vincennes and join Major Hamtramck ; .the remaining twelve hundred of the militia to assemble at Fort Washington, under the orders of General Harmar, which, with the troops to be collected there, will form a body of fifteen hundred ; these are intended to march directly across the country to the Miami village (Fort Wayne) - 23 - 354 - Fort Wayne 1790. while Major Hamtramck moves up the Wabash to attack any of the villages on that river to which his force may be equal." General Knox, the Secretary of War, in a communication dated September 4, 1790, discusses the military importance of the establishment of a strong garrison " at the Miami village, (Fort Wayne), in the heart of the Indian country." And, in a report dated December 26, 1791, " the great object " of the second military expedition under command of General St. Clair, is set forth in language yet morc explicit : " It will appear, by reference to report A, which accompanies this report, that the great object of the late campaign was to establish a strong military post at the Miami village, lying upon the river of that name, which communicates with Lake Erie ; and that subordinate posts were also to be erected, as well on the Wabash as on the said river Miami. " That, by an examination of the position of said Miami village, and its contiguity to, or connexion with, the waters of the river St. Josephs of Lake Michigan, and the river Illinois, and thereby the Mississippi ; the Wabash and thereby with the Ohio; the Miami and thereby Lake Erie ; its short distance from the Miami of the Ohio, which, at times, may afford considerable facility to transportation ; it will appear that the said position, with its proper communications, is greatly superior to any other, in order to serve as a barrier to protect essentially a frontier of upwards of eleven hundred miles, stretching from the upper parts of the Alleghany to the lower parts of the Ohio. " That it was intended to garrison the said post at the Miami village, and its communications, with one thousand or twelve hundred troops, and have it always well stored with provisions, etc. That, from the said number, a detachment generally might be spared of sufficient magnitude to chastise any of the neighboring villages or tribes, separately, who might have dared to commit depredations; or be a place to which mounted militia might suddenly repair, draw supplies, and act in conjunction, in case of a combination of the several towns or tribes in acts of hostility. " Although the precise manner in which the force to be raised should be employed, cannot be pointed out with propriety at this time, as it will depend on the circumstances of the moment; yet it would not be improper to observe, that, upon a review of the objects of the late campaign, to-wit : The establishment of a strong mill' tart' post at the Miami village, (junction of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's,) with the necessary posts of communication, the necessity and propriety thereof remain the same; that this necessity will probably continue until we shall be possessed of the posts upon Lake Michigan, Detroit and Niagara, withheld from us by Great Brawl, contrary to treaty. Without remarking upon the principles of this Fort Wayne-1794-95 - 355 conduct, it may be observed generally that every arrangement in the power of the United States, for establishing the tranquility of the frontiers, will be inferior to the possession of said posts. That it is, however, considered, that if the said posts were in our possession, we ought also to have a strong post at the Miami village, in order to render the protection effectual, and that the posts above mentioned will require garrisons whensoever they shall be given up." In his official report to the War Department, communicating the particulars of the victory at the foot of the rapids, dated "Headquarters, Grand Glaize, (Defiance,) 28th August, 1794," General Wayne says : " In the interior we shah improve Fort Defiance, and as soon as the escort returns with the necessary supplies from Greenville and Fort Recovery, the army will proceed to the Miami village, (Fort Wayne,) in order to accomplish the object of the campaign." A careful analysis of the above quotations will show the importance, in a military sense, attached to this point by General Washington's administration, and they also dimly pre-figure a just conception of its future commercial value. This Indian capital, at the junction of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's rivers, was the abode of the principal chiefs of the confederated tribes, and their reluctance in yielding its possession to the government of the United States was illustrated, as hitherto stated, in the conduct of Little Turtle during the negotiations of the treaty of 1795. In that contest at Greenville, there met two diplomatists—General Wayne, on the part of the United States, and Little Turtle, on behalf of the Indian confederacy—who would have been enabled to cope with the most sagacious State minister of a European court. The council commenced its session on the 16th day of June, and the treaty was signed on the 3d and exchanged on the 7th of August. The time occupied would have been considerably abridged had it not been for the obstacles interposed by Little Turtle, the master spirit on the part of the Indians, whose chief point was to retain partial, if not full possession of his " glorious gate," at Fort Wayne. The other chiefs, many of whom, in the discussion, gave evidence of the possession of much wisdom and eloquence, early in the negotiations evinced a disposition to readily assent to all the terms prescribed by the commissioner of the United States. This entire discussion is of deep interest, but only that portion of it which relates especially to the negotations affecting the title to Fort Wayne are given. In reply to a speech of Little Turtle, General Wayne said, in his address before the council held on the 24th of July: 356 - Fort Wayne—Little Turtle. " I have paid attention to what Little Turtle said two days since concerning the lands which he claims. He said his fathers first kindled the fires at Detroit, and stretched his lines from thence to the head waters of the Sciota ; thence, down the same, to the Ohio; thence, down that river, to the mouth of the Wabash; and from thence to Chicago, on the southwest end of Lake Michigan; and observed that his forefathers had enjoyed that country from time immemorial. "These boundaries enclose a very large space of country indeed; they embrace, if I mistake not, all the lands on which all the nations now present live, as well as those which have been ceded to the United States. .k * The Little Turtle says, the prints of his forefather's houses are everywhere to be seen within these boundaries. Younger brother, it is true, these prints are to be observed; but, at the same time, we discover the marks of French possessions throughout this country, which were established long before we were born. "I will point out to you a few places where I discover strong traces of these establishments; and first of all, I find at Detroit a very strong print, where the fire was first kindled by your fore fathers; next at Vincennes, on the Wabash; again at Musquitou, on the same river; a little higher up that stream, they are to be seen at Onitanon ; I discover another strong trace at Chicago; another on the banks of the St. Josephs of Lake Michigan. I have seen distinctly the prints of a French and of a British post at the Miami villages, [Fort Wayne,] and of a British post at the rapids, now in their possession" At the Council on the 27th of July, after a general acquiescence to the terms of the treaty had been given by the other chiefs, Little Turtle arose and said: "Listen you, chiefs and warriors, to what I am about to say to you; to you I am speaking. We have heard what our elder brother has said to us this day. I expected to have heard him deliver those words ever since we have been here, for which reason I observed you were precipitate on your part. This is a business of the greatest consequence to us all ; it is an affair to which no one among us can give an answer. Therefore, I hope we will take time to consider the subject, that we will unite in opinion, and express it unanimously. Perhaps our brothers, the Shawanese, from Detroit, may arrive in time to give us their assistance. You, chiefs present, are men of sense and understanding; this occasion calls for your serious deliberation, and you, my uncles, the Wyandots, and grandfathers, the Delawares, view our situation in its true point of consideration." In the discussion on the day following, (July 28,) the New Corn, a Pottawattomie chief, growing impatient at the delay, exclaimed: "Why do you hesitate? You know good works are always better, Fort Wayne—Little Turtle - 357 when executed with decision. I now entreat you all to join hand ' and heart, and finish this good work with our elder brother." ' To this Little Turtle replied : "All you present must know that every kind of business, especially such as we are at present engaged in, exhibits difficulties which require patience to remove, and consideration to adjust." At the council on the 29th of July, addressing General Wayne, Little Turtle said : "These people [the French] were seen by our forefathers first at Detroit: afterwards we saw them at the Miami village [Fort Wayne] —that glorious gate which your younger brothers had the happiness to own, and through which all the words of our chiefs had to pass, from the north to the south, and from the east to the west. Brothers, these people never told us they wished to purchase these lands from us. "I now give you the true sentiments of your younger brothers, the Miamis, with respect to the reservation at the Miami villages. We thank you for kindly contracting the limits you at first proposed We wish you to take this six mile square on the side of the river where your fort now stands, as your younger brothers wish to inhabit that beloved spot again. You shall cut hay for your cattle wherever you please, and you shall never require in vain the assistance of your younger brothers at that place. " The next place you pointed to, was the Little river, and said you wanted two miles square at that place. This is a request that our ilithers, the French or British, never made us ; it was always ours. This carrying place has heretofore proved, in a great degree, the subsistence of your younger brothers. That place has brought to us, in the course of one day, the amount of one hundred dollars. Let Hs both own this place, and enjoy in common the advantages it affords." In his reply, General Wayne used the following language : "I find there is some objection to the reservation at Fort Wayne. The Little Turtle observes, he never heard of any cessions made at that place to the French. I have traced the lines of two forts at that point; one stood at the j unction of the St. Joseph's with the St. ilary's, and the other not far removed on the St. Mary's, and it is ever an established rule, among the Europeans, to reserve as much ground around their forts, as their cannon can command. This is a rule as well known as any other fact. "Objection has also been made respecting the portage between Fort Wayne and the Little river ; and the reasons produced, are, that that road has been to the Miamis a source of wealth ; that it has, heretofore, produced them one hundred dollars per day. It may be so; but let us inquire who, in fact, paid this heavy contribution ? It is true the traders bear it in the first instance ; but they laid it 358 - Fort Wayne—Little Turtle. on their goods, and the Indians of the Wabash really, and finally, paid it;. therefore, it is the Little Beaver, the Soldier, the Sun, and their tribes, who have actually been so highly taxed." At a private conference, on the 12th August (after the treaty had been signed and exchanged), with the Miamis, Eel river and Kickapoo Indians, the Little Turtle, in the name of the others, observed that, as they intended soon to depart, and return to their respective homes, he took the opportunity of repeating to the General that he, himself, and the Indians with him, were perfectly acquainted with every article of the treaty ; that no part of it had escaped their serious and anxious deliberation ; that, in the early stage of the negotiation, he had not comprehended the moderation and liberality with which he is now convinced it is dictated ; that, to this cause, and to a duty which he conceives he owes his country, must be attributed the opposition he exhibited on sundry occasions; that he was persuaded his Father would not think unkindly of him for it ; for he had heard him, with much pleasure, approve of the freedom with which he delivered his sentiments; that he was a man who spoke as he thought, and a man of sincerity; and that he embraced this last occasion to declare that, as he was fully convinced that the treaty was wisely and benevolently calculated to promote the mutual interest, and insure the .permanent happiness of the Indians, and their Father, the Americans; so it was his determined resolution to adhere religiously to its stipulations. He asked for traders to reside at their different villages, and mentioned the names of some, who, for the confidence he had in their integrity, they wished might be licensed, and continued by the United States, as traders among them ; he hoped (the Weeas particularly,) that a fort would be immediately established at Oniatanon ; and promised every assistance which they could afford to the establishment ; that he, himself, would reside near Fort Wayne, where daily experience should convince his Father of his sincere friendship ; and that, as he intended to re-kindle the grand council fire at that place, by means of which the different nations might communicate with each other as usual, he requested his Father to give orders to the commandant at Fort Wayne, to inform him, from time to time, of any measures which the great council of the Fifteen Fires might adopt, in which the interest of their children should be concerned ; and that Mr. Wells might be placed there as a resident interpreter, as he possessed their confidence as fully as he did that of their Father. Fort Wayne—Indian Treaty of 1803 - 359 The next and final appearance of Little Turtle in the field of diplomacy, was at the Convention held at Fort Wayne, June 7, 1803. The following are the ARTICLES of a Treaty made at Fort Wayne on the Miami of the Lake, between William Henry Harrison, Governor of the Indian Territory, superintendent of Indian affairs, and commissioner plenipotentiary of the -United States for concluding any treaty or treaties which may be found necessary with any of the Indian tribes north west of the Ohio, of the one part, and the tribes of Indians called the Delawares, Shawanoes, Potawatimies, Marais and Kickapoos, by their chiefs and head warriors, and those of the Eel river, Weeas, Piankashaws and Kaskaskias, by their agents and representatives Tuthinipee, Winnemac, Richerville and Little Turtle (who are properly authorized by the said tribes) of the other part. ARTICLE I. Whereas, it is declared by the fourth article of the treaty of Greenville, that the United States reserve for their use the post of St. Vincennes and all the lands adjacent to which the Indian titles had been extinguished: And whereas, it has been found difficult to determine the precise limit of said tract as held by the French and British governments ; it is hereby agreed that the boundaries of the said tract shall be as follow : Beginning at Point Coupee on the Wabash, and running thence by a line north seventy-eight degrees, west twelve miles ; thence by a line parallel to the general course of the Wabash, until it shall be intersected by a line at right angles to the same, passing through the mouth of White river ; thence by the last mentioned line across the Wabash and towards the Ohio, seventy, two miles thence by a line north twelve degrees west, until it shall be intersected by a line at right angles to the same, passing through Point Coupee, and by the last mentioned line to the place of beginning. ART. II. The United States hereby relinquish all claim which they may have had to any lands adjoining to or in the neighborhood of the tract above described. ART. III. As a mark of their regard and attachment to the United States, whom they acknowledge for their only friends and protectors, and for the consideration hereinafter mentioned, the said tribes do hereby relinquish and cede to the United States the great salt spring upon the Saline creek which falls into the Ohio below the mouth of the Wabash, with a quantity of land surrounding it not exceeding four miles square, and which may be laid off in a square or oblong as the one or the other may be found most convenient to the United States : And the said United States being desirous that the Indian tribes should participate in the benefits to be derived from the said spring, hereby engage to deliver yearly and every year for the use of said Indians, a quantity of salt not exceeding one hundred and fifty bushels, and which shall be divided among the several tribes in such manner as the general council of the chiefs may determine. ART. IV. For the considerations before mentioned, and for the Convenience which the said tribes will themselves derive from such 360 - Fort Wayne—Indian Treaty of 1803. establishments, it is hereby agreed that as soon as the tribes called Kickapoos, Eel river, Weeas, Piankashaws and Kaskaskias shall give their consent to the measure, the United States shall have the right of locating three tracts of land (of such size as may be agreed upon with the last mentioned tribes) on the main road between Vincennes and Kaskaskias, and one other between Vincennes and Clarksville, for the purpose of erecting houses of entertainment for the accom_ modation of travellers. But it is expressly understood that if the said locations are made on any of the rivers which cross the said road, and ferries should be established on the same, that in times of high water any Indian or Indians belonging to either of the tribes who are parties to this treaty shall have the privilege of crossing such ferry toll free. ART. V. Whereas, there is reason to believe that if the boundary lines of the tract described in the first article should be run in the manner therein directed, that some of the settlements and locations of land made to the citizens of the United States will fall in the Indian country—It is hereby agreed that such alterations shall be made in the direction of these lines as will include them ; and a quantity of land equal in duality to what may be thus taken shall be given to the said tribes either at the east or the west end of the tract. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, The commissioner of the United States and the chiefs and warriors of the Delawares, Shawanoes, Potawatimies, Miamis and Kickapoos. and those of the Eel river, Weeas, Piankashaws, and Kaskaskias, by their agents and representatives, Tuthinipee, Winnemac, Richerville, and the Little Turtle, who are properly authorized by the said tribes, have hereunto subscribed their names and affixed their seals at Fort Wayne, this seventh day of June, A. D., 1803, and of the Independence of the United States, the twenty-seventh. WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. Miamies. Richerville Me-she-kun-nogh-qu (or Little Turtle.)  On behalf of themselves and Eel river, Weeas, Piankashaws and Kaskaskias, whom they represent. Kickapoos. Nah-mah-to-hah, (or standing,) Pas-she-we-hah, (or cat.) Shawanoese. NEAHMEMICEH. Pottawattomies. Wonnemac, On behalf of the Pottawattomies and Eel River, Weeas, Pinkashaws and Kaskaskias, whom they represent. Wannangsea, or Five Medals ; Keesas (or Sun.) Fort Wayne—Indian Treaty of 1803 - 361 Delawares. Teta Buxike, Bu-Kon-ige-helas, Hockingpomskenn, Kechkawhanund. Shawanoese. Cu-the-we-ka-saw, (or Black Hoof,) Methawnasice. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of John Rice Jones, 'Secretary of the Commissioner ; John Gibson, Secretary of Indian Territory ; Thomas Pasterrs, Capt. first regiment Infantry ; Wm. Wells, Interpreter ; John Johnston, United States Factor , Hendrick Aupanmert, chief of Muhhecon ; Thomas Freeman. The proceedings at the within treaty were faithfully interpreted by us, John Gibson and William Wells that is, form Wells the Delawares, John Gibson ; and for the rest of the tribes, William Wells. JOHN GIBSON, WILLIAM WELLS. To the Indian names are subjoined a marked seal. The chief, Little Turtle, was the leader who had overthrown the Federal armies in the expeditions of 1790 and 1791, and which had struck with dismay and terror the white inhabitants of the exposed frontiers. His natural statesmanship was illustrated at Greenville. On that occasion the double task involved upon him to deal with and control his confederate chiefs, and at the same time cope with Anthony Wayne. Although environed by these perplexities, he passed the ordeal, and carried off' honors only second to those which fell upon the representative of Washington's administration. He was surely a man endowed by nature with remarkable gifts. In the third campaign he met his superior in the invincible " Mad Anthony," and him he had to confront in the peaceful treaty ground at Greenville. Regarding him, Mr. Williams thus makes mention in the lecture (page 16,) above referred to : " Of Little Turtle, Col. Johnston writes: " Meshekunnaghquoh, or the Little Turtle, was of mixed blood, half Mohican, half Miami. * * * * I knew him intimately—the gentleman of his race. He died at Fort Wayne, and was buried as he deserved, by the commanding officer, with all the honors of war due to his high character and rank," With great propriety, the spot which he so bravely defended against Harmar, in 1790, was selected as his burial place.” The successor to Little Turtle was " Peshkewah," or as his name is signed in the treaty of 1803, just copied, " Richerville," or, as more familiarly known to the pioneers of the Maumee and Wabash valleys, John D. Richardsville. 362 - Port Wayne—John B. Richardville From the date of the treaty of Greenville, the Miamis remained at peace with the United States, finally realizing, from the sale of their fertile lands, much more than all the avails of their furs could have, under any possible supposition been worth. After the death of Little Turtle,* who had been their counsellor, leader, and War captain, ante and post-revolutionary, the chieftainship, being in the female line, fell into the hands of Peshkewah, or the Lyrx, a man better known on the frontiers as John B. Richardsville. Inheriting French blood, of the Metiff cast, from the father's side, he was a man well adapted to conduct the affairs of the Miamis during this peculiar period. Putting forth high powers as the Governor of a numerous tribe, who had a reputation for their warlike qualities, and with a strong feeling of self-interest, he secured the best terms in every negotiation, enriching greatly both his tribe and himself. Agreeably to tradition, Peshkewah was born within the present limits of Fort Wayne, about 1761. This was locally the period of the Pontiac war, in which the western tribes followed the lead of of that energetic and intreprid Algonquin, in resisting the transfer of authority from the French to the English power. He was too young for any agency in this war, and the event has no further connection with the man than as it introduced him and his people to a new phasis of history. Braddock had been defeated in 1755. Quebec surrendered in 1759; and by the treaty which followed, France forever struck her flag in Canada. But France had left an element in the land which could not be extracted by a treaty. The French population had extensively intermarried with the Indian females, and the whole lines of frontiers was composed almost entirely of this Metiff population. The influence of the Indian trade, that lever of power, was in their hands. They were almost exclusively acquainted with the Indian languages, and no negotations could be accomplished without their aid. Thus England, from the fall of Quebec to the outbreak of the American revolution, may be said to have worked on the frontiers with French hands. This is not the only great truth that belongs to this subject ; for America has also been obliged to employ the same influence among the Indian population up to a period scarcely now passed. It was in this condition of things that gave Peshkewah, and all of his class who were similarly situated, such influence on the frontiers. We * H. R. Sehooleraft, Part 5, pages 528, 529, 530. Fort Wayne—John B. Richardville - 363 can but allude to this period and these influences in calling attention in the man. Within a dozen out, years of that time, the war of the American Revolution broke out, and the colonists found the western Indians as ready to take up the hatchet against them, as they formerly were against the English. In this feeling, as it was common to his tribe. But together with others, Peshkewah naturally participated. As he was but nineteen at the close of the revolutionary war, he could have taken but little part in it. He was present, and assisted in Harmar's defeat in 1790. Circumstances early brought young Peshkewah into notice ; his mother being a chieftainess, he became the leading chief. His talents were rather those of the civilian than the warrior. He was kind and humane to prisoners while the war lasted, and as soon as peace was restored he became a worthy citizen, and as soon as enjoyed heh French te confidence of the whites to the fullest extent. He sp both t the English languages ; and for a series of years, his house, which was eligibly situated on the banks of the St. Mary's, about four miles from Fort Wayne, was known as the abode of hospitality, where his friends and strangers were received with open hands. To these generous qualities he united a disposition strictly honest, a capacity for the transaction of business far above the ordinary class of aboriginal chiefs and rulers, and a diligence and forecast in the acquisition and the husbanding of his property, which were as remarkable. In the negotiations of this tribe with the United States government for the cession of the Miami lands, he was the leading and guiding spirit of his tribe ; and it is but justice to his memory to say, that he secured the best terms. Peshkewah, at the time of his death, is believed to have been the most wealthy man of the native race in America, the estimate of his property exceeding half a million dollars. A large part of this was in the best selected lands, reserved out of the original cessions of his tribe, and other real estate. He left nearly $200,000 in specie. This is the chief of whom it was said, on the occasion of the government feeling the general pressure for coin to meet its Indian annuities in 1837-38, that he offered to loan the disbursing agent the amount required for his tribe at a moderate interest. A note appended to the lecture of Mr. Williams, relates, on the authority of the late Allen Hamilton, the following incident in Indian life at Fort Wayne: 364 - Indiana Life at Fort Wayne. " About 1792 a white man was bound to the stake for burning The mother of the late principal chief of the Miamies, Richardville (or Peshkewah) herself the daughter of a chief; a woman of influence in the tribe, had made fruitless efforts to save him. The great savages stood around eager for the cruel sacrifice, and the, torch was ready to be applied. Richardville, then a young man, had been designated as their future chief; but not yet installed. To him his mother appealed, and placing a knife in his hand, bade him assert at that moment his chieftainship. Rushing within the infuriated circle, he cut the cords that bound the white man. Though chagrined at the escape of their victim, all applauded, as men, savage or civilized, will honor a bold and decided character, and his influence and power were from that time established. The kind hearted Miami woman contrived to secrete the white man, sending him down the Maumee in a canoe, under a cover of furs and peltries, in charge of some friendly Indians. Many years afterward, the chief, on a journey to Washington City, stopped at a town in Ohio. A man approached him, throwing his arms around his neck inrateful embrace. It was the rescued prisoner." Richardville made a will, bequeathing his property to his children and relations with even-handed justice. He had expressed a desire to prolong his life, but finding that the time of his departure drew nigh, he resigned himself with perfect composure. He remarked that it was ordered by the Great Spirit that all men must once die, and he was ready and felt willing to obey the mandate. He died on the 13th of August, 1841, aged 80, within a few miles of the place where he was born ; and it is a proof of his peaceful and domestic habits, that, with very few exceptions, his whole life had been passed upon the native domain of his tribe. His remains were deposited with religious ceremonies in the Catholic burial ground at Fort Wayne. It has been reserved for this place and chapter to give some details relating to points of local and historical interest not embodied in preceding pages. " According to the statement of chief Richardville, Mr. Peltier and others," says Mr. J. L. Williams, " the extreme point of land just below the mouth of the St. Joseph, now so attractive in rural, peaceful beauty, is said to have been the accustomed place for burning prisoners." And General Cass, in his address July 4, 1843, stated that, " for many years, during the frontier history of this place,(Ft. Wayne,)and region, the line of your canal was a bloody war-path, which has seen many a deed of horror; and this peaceful town has had its Moloch, and the records of human depravity furnish no more terrible examples of cruelty than were offered at this shrine. The Miami Indians, our predecessors in the occupation Fort Wayne—Its Establishment - 365 of this district,. had a terrible institution whose origin and object have have been lost in the darkness of aboriginal history, b continued to a late period, and whose orgies were held upon the spot where we now are. It was called the man-eating society, and it was the duty of its associates to eat such prisoners as were very preserved and delivered to them for that purpose." And here occurs a resumption of notes, not given in the preceding part of this volume, relatin to the visit and experience of General Wayne and his military suscessor at this point, Colonel Hamtramck ; inasmuch as the events which occurred during the military adminis. tration of these officers are of local historical value." On the 14th of September, 1794, the defences at Fort Defiance having been completed, the legion under General Wayne began their march for the Miami villages at the head of the Maumee, where they arrived at 5 o'clock, P. M., Sep. 17; and on the following day the commander-in-chief reconnoitered the ground and determined on the spot to build a garrison. The following are extracts from the journal of Wayne's campaign : "Camp Miami Villages, 1.8th Sept., 1794.—Four deserters from the British came to us this day, and bring the information that the Indians are encamped eight miles below the British fort to the number of 1600. "20th Sept.—General Barber, with his command, arrived in camp about 9 o'clock this morning with 558 kegs of flour, each containing 100 pounds. " 23d Sept.—Four deserters from the British garrison arrived at our camp : they mention that the Indians are still embodied on the Miami (Maumee) nine miles below the British fort ; that they are somewhat divided in opinion—some are for peace, others for war. 24th Sept.—This day the work commenced on the garrison, which I am apprehensive will take some time to complete. A keg of whiskey, containing ten gallons, was purchased this day for eighty dollars, a sheep for ten dollars Three dollars was offered for one pint of salt, but it could not be obtained for less than six. 26th Sept.—McCleland, one of our spies, with a small party, came in this evening from Fort Defiance, who brings information that the enemy are troublesome about the garrison, and that they have killed some of our men under the walls of the fort. Sixteen Indians were seen to-day near this place ; a small party went in pursuit of them. I have not heard what discoveries they have made. "4-th Oct.—This morning we had the hardest frost I ever saw in the middle of December ; it was like a small snow ; there was ice in our camp kettles three fourths of an inch thick ; the fatigues go n with velocity, considering the rations the troops were obliged to 366 - Fort Wayne—Its Establishment. "6th Oct.—Plenty and quietness; the volunteers engaged to work on the garrison for which they are to receive three gills of whiskey per man per day. Their employment is digging the ditch and filling up the parapet. "8th Oct.—The troops drew but half rations of flour this day. The cavalry and other horses die very fast, not less than four or five per day. "9th Oct.—The volunteers have agreed to build a block house in front of the garrison. "11th Oct.—A Canadian (Rozelie) with a .flag arrived this evening; his business was to deliver up three prisoners in exchange for his brother, who was taken on the 20th of August ; he brings information that the Indians are in council with Girty and McKee near the fort of Detroit, and that all the tribes are for peace except the Shawanees, who are determined to prosecute the war. " 16th Oct.—Nothing new ; weather wet and cold ; wind from N. W. Troops healthy in general. "19th Oct.—This day the troops not ordered for labor ; being the first day for four weeks, and accordingly attended divine service." On the morning of the 22d of October, 1794, the garrison was in readiness, and Lieutenant Colonel Hamtramck assumed command of the post, with the following sub-legions : Captain Kingsbury's 1st ; Captain Greaton's 2d ; Captains Spark's and Reed's 3d : Captain Preston's 4th, and Captain Porter's, of artillery; and after firing fifteen rounds of cannon, Colonel Hamtramck gave it the name of Fort Wayne. On the 28th of October, General Wayne, with the main body of the regulars, took up his line of march for Fort Greenville, arriving at that point on the 2d of November. Colonel Hamtramck remained in command at Fort Wayne until the 17th of May, 1796 ; and though nothing of a very important nature transpired during that time, yet there is much of interest to be gathered from the many letters of Colonel H. written from the fort, and addressed to Generals Wayne and Wilkinson—these letters having first been made public in the American pioneer, in 1843, and re-published in Brice's History of Fort Wayne : "FORT WAYNE, December 29, 1794. " Sir : Yesterday a number of chiefs of the Chippeways, Ottawas, Sacs and Pottawatamies arrived here with the two Lassalles, (Jacques and Antoine.) It appears that the Shawanees, Delawares and Miamis remain still under the influence of McKee but Lasalle thinks they will be compelled to come into the measures of the Fort Wayne - 1794-96 - 367 other Indians. After the chiefs have rested a day or two, I will send them to headquarters.” " FORT WAYNE, December 29, 1794. " Sir : Since my last letter to you of the present date, two war chiefs have arrived from the Miami nation, and inform me that their nation will be here in a few days, whence they will proceed to Greenville. They also bring the intelligence that the remaining tribes of savages acceding to the prevalent wish for peace, and collecting for the purpose the chiefs of theirnations, who, it is supposed, will make their appearance at this post about the same time the Miamis may come forward." " FORT WAYNE, December 13, 1795: " The issues to the Indians would be very inconsiderable this winter, if it was not for about ninety old women and children, with some very old men, who live near us, and have no other mode of subsisting but by garrison. I have repeatedly tried to get clear of them, but without success." " FORT WAYNE, January 13, 1796. "About ninety old women and children have been victualled by the garrison. I have, yesterday, given them five days provisions, and told them that it was the last they could have until spring. (I was obliged to do so, because, from calculation I have no more flour than will last me until spring. But, sir, if other supplies could he got by land I would consider it politic to feed these poor creatures, who will suffer very much for want of subsistence. (To General Wilkinson.) March 28, 1796. " I am out of wampum. I will be very much obliged to you to send me some, for speaking to an Indian without it is like consult-a lawyer without a fee." (To General Wilkinson.) April 5, 1796. "Little Turtle arrived yesterday, to whom I delivered your message. His answer was. to present his compliments to you : that he was very glad of the invitation, as he wished very much to see General Wilkinson, but it was impossible for him to go to Greenville at present, as he had ordered all his young men to repair to a rendezvous, in order, when assembled, to choose a place for a permanent residence ; that, as soon as that object shall be accomplished, he would go to see you, which, he said, would be by the time he hears (To General Wilkinson.) " April 18, 1796. " The bearer is Captain Blue Jacket, who, at your request, is now going to Greenville. Blue Jacket is used to good company. and is always treated with more attention than other Indians. He appears to be very well disposed, and I think him sincere." 368 - Fort Wayne-1796-1810-11. " For a period of sixteen years subsequent to the treaty of Greenville, agreeable relations were maintained, by the United States, be tween the Miamis and some other tribes represented at that famous treaty. During this time the Indians seemed mainly to have be. taken themselves to the forests and prairies in pursuit of game; and the result was that a considerable traffic was steadily carried on with the Indians, by fur traders of Fort Wayne and Vincennes, and at different trading posts which were established on the borders of the Wabash river and its tributaries. The furs and peltries which were obtained from the Indians, were generally transported to De. troit. The skins were dried, compressed and secured in bales—each bale weighing about one hundred pounds. A pirogue or boat, that was sufficient to carry forty bales, required the labor of four men to manage it on its voyage. In favorable stages of the Wabash river, such a vessel, under the management of skillful boatmen, was propelled fifteen or twenty miles a day, against the current. After ascending the river Wabash and the Little river to the portage near Fort Wayne, the traders carried their bales or packs over the portage, to the head of the river Maumee, where they were again placed in pirogues, or in keel boats, to be transported to Detroit. At this place the furs and skins were exchanged for blankets, guns, knives, powder, bullets, intoxicating liquors, etc., with which -the traders returned to their several posts. --Dillon's History of Indiana, or Brice's History of Port Wayne. In 1810, General William H. Harrison, the governor of Indiana territory, was made acquainted with a plot that was maturing for the surprise and massacre of Fort Wayne, Detroit, Chicago, Vincennes and St. Louis. Tecumseh, and his brother the Prophet " were moving with the slow but sure action of a volcano ; and the internal heat of their efforts was continually made the more appal.: ent by the rising cinders cast up in the endeavor here and there to secretly draw the different tribes of the west and south within their circle, and by other means, equally wily and surreptitious, to bring their plans to bear for the overthrow of the whites of the north west." Nothwithstanding these machinations resulted in overt acts of hostility, including the bloody conflict of Tippecanoe, a few days after the latter event, on the 22d of November, 1811, the period for the annual meeting of the Indians to receive their payments arrived, and they began to assemble in great nnmbers to receive their allotted portions. Col. John Johnston was then Indian Agent at Ft. Wayne. Many of the chiefs in attendance claimed their respective portions of the annuity equal to that of the most peaceful of the tribes—representing that the Prophet's followers had him in confinement, Location of the Old Council House - 369 and purposed taking his life ; that he was chargeable with all their troubles together with many other stories of a similar character, all, in the main, untrue, especially as regarded the Prophet's confinement, for, at that time, he was at full liberty on the elides But the stories presented to Col. Johnston had the desired effect, and he was induced thereby to inform the government that the Indians were all favorable to peace ; and yet, says McAfee, " in most of the nations here assembled, a British faction was boiling to the brim, and ready to flow on our devoted frontiers, wherever the British agents might think proper to increase the fire of their hostility." " The old council house was located about the spot now occupied by Michael Hedekin, Esq. It was a two story log building, about sixty feet long, by twenty wide ; and stood but a short dis. tance to the southwest of the fort. It was in this building that the agent lived. And it was often an interesting as well as painful sight to witness the tall red men, with their painted faces, gaily plumed with feathers and trinkets ; their skins, in some instances, barely covering their loins, in others a blanket wrapped about them, sitting in groups here and there, or standing at some point recounting their adventures or misfortunes ; or, having drank 'fire-water,' freely, were venting their savage ferocity upon each other in hard words or death blows with the tomahawk or scalping knife ; the squaws wandering about with their pappooses to their backs, or sitting about with their Indian husbands, awaiting their turn to receive their annuity, or in some way obtain a little favor, if only a pipe or loaf of wheat bread, at the hands of some pale face or friend. Such was life in the vicinity of the council house and fort here during portions of many years subsequent to the treaty of Greenville."--Brice's History of Fort Wayne, p 200. After the surrender of Hull at Detroit, Tecumseh devised a scheme (ante. p 133,) for the siege of Fort Wayne and Fort Harrison. This demonstration was made in September, 1812. The garrison at Fort Wayne was under the command of Captain Rhea, whose habits of intemperance disqualified him for the place ; and during a period of two weeks the safety of the fort, principally owing to the incompetency of the commander, was in jeopardy. An express had been sent to General Harrison requesting reenforcements. One day a white man and four Indians arrived at the fort on horseback, " in full yell." It was the Indian yell of triumph. The white man, who was foremost, proved to be Major William Oliver, and accompanied by four friendly Shawanee Indians, the bravo Logan among the number. The garrison had been for more - 24 - 370 - The gallant Major Oliver reaches F. Wayne. than a fortnight in a state of suspense ; not knowing Whether the express to General Harrison had gotten through or not, and every day under the apprehension that the British force would arrive. All were on tip-toe to hear the news ; William Oliver and his little party had arrived in defiance of five hundred Indians—had broken their ranks and reached the fort in safety. He reported that about two thousand volunteers had assembled in Kentucky for the relief of General HUH at Detroit, and had marched to Cincinnati. There they were informed that Hull had surrendered, and deemed it unnecessary to march any further in that direction. Harrison having received the dispatch from the agent (Major B. F. Stickney,) at Ft. Wayne, had determined to march to its relief Ohio was raising volunteers. Eight hundred were then assembled at St. Mary's, Ohio, sixty miles south of Fort Wayne, and intended to march to the relief of the fort in three or four days. At Cincinnati great fears were entertained that the fort had been captured, and its inmates massacred. When the question arose, as to how the condition of Fort Wayne was to be ascertained, the stoutest hearts in the army quailed. Oliver was then a young man of about twenty-three years of age; possessed the true spirit, and was at the time sutler to Fort Wayne. Previous to any knowledge of the hostile intentions of the Indians, Oliver had gone to Cincinnati on business. He called on Governor Harrison, and made a tender of his services, individually, to obtain the necessary information. Harrison thought the danger too great and endeavored to dissuade him from making the attempt; but he had determined to accomplish it, or lose his life in the effort. When Governor Harrison shook hands with him, he observed that he "-should not see him again." A man by the name of Worthington, an Indian Commissioner of the time, embarked with Oliver in this adventurous undertaking, placing themselves at the head of about eighty whites, forty of whom, so perilous seemed the task before them, after a march of about three days, returned home. Having pursued their course, with care, until within some twenty-four miles of the fort, a council was called to consider the expediency of a further advance, when it was concluded best for all to remain behind except Oliver, Logan and the other Indian attendants. On the following morning, with their horses, they continued their way, "with the common wariness of Indians and without any remarkable occurrence, until they came within some four miles of the fort. The gallant Major Oliver reaches Ft. Wayne - 371 Oliver had determined to enter the fort in broad daylht." They now began an examination of the ground with great precaution, determining to ascertain, if possible, what movement had taken place, and the exact locality of the Indians. The keen eye of Logan now discovered that the enemy was concealed along the road, with a view to cut off any reenforcements that might attempt to reach the garrison. Leaving the main road, they now moved cautiously across to the Maumee river, whither, leaving their horses in a thicket, they advanced on foot towards the fort, in order to get a view of it, and to ascertain, if possible, whether it still held out against the besiegers. Being fully satisfied on this point, they again repaired to the thicket where they had left their horses, remounted, and soon struck the main road again. The moment of greatest peril and determination had now come. The fort was to be gained at the expense of life itself; and putting whip to their horses, Oliver and his faithful Shawanee companions started in full speed for the fort. What was most remarkable, the moment of the attempt proved to be the only safe one that had for some days presented itself, as though a kind providence had opened the way for the safe arrival of the party to cheer the inmates of the beleaguered garrison. First reaching the gate of the esplanade, and finding it inaccessible, they descended the river bank, and were soon admitted by the northern gate. Oliver's story was soon told. When the volunteers of Ohio, assembled at St. Mary's, learned the extent of the Indian force about Fort Wayne, they deemed it imprudent to advance with so small a force, and concluded to await the arrival of the Kentuckians, thus subjecting the garrison to a still longer state of suspense. The anxiety was intense; and it was through extreme good fortune, and mere accident, that the fort was enabled to hold out, under its incapable management. Oliver, though a private citizen, was now the most efficient man in the fort. Having prepared a letter announcing to General Harrison his safe arrival at the fort, and its perilous situation, Oliver immediately started his Indian companions back with the letter, while he determined to take his chances with the inmates of the fort. Seeking an opportune moment, Logan and his companions left the fort safely, but were soon observed and pursued. 'Their exultant shouts soon revealed to the inmates of the garrison 372 - Belief Approaching the Besieged. that they had outstripped their pursuers, and passed the line unharmed. The Indians now again began a furious attack upon the fort, but the little garrison bravely met the assault, and were, in a few days more, enabled to hail the approach of the army. On the morning of the 6th of September, the army began its march for Fort Wayne, encamping that evening in the woods some twelve miles from Piqua. Early on the morning of the 7th the army resumed its march. This day, says one of their number, (John D. White, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana,) "we made fifteen miles, and encamped on a branch, three and a half miles this side of St. Mary's river. During the 8th we only marched to St. Mary's, where we lay till next day. On this evening we were joined by two hundred mounted volunteers, under Colonel Richard M. Johnson, who had volunteered for thirty days, on hearing that Fort Wayne was besieged. Wednesday, the 9th, we marched eighteen miles, to what is called Shane's crossing of St. Mary's. Here we overtook a regiment of eight hundred men from Ohio, under Colonels Adams and Hawkins, who had started on to the relief of Fort Wayne. On arriving at this point, Logan and four other Shawanees, offered their services to General Harrison as spies, and were accepted. Previous to our arrival, Logan had gone on in disguise, and passing through the camp of the besieging party, had ascertained their number to be about fifteen hundred. Logan also went to the fort, and encouraged the soldiers to hold on as relief was at hand. Colonels Adams and Hawkins having joined our army, we now had a force of about three thousand five hundred. Friday morning we were under marching orders after an early breakfast. It had rained, and the guns were damp; we were ordered to discharge them, and reload, as we were then getting into the vicinity of the enemy, and knew not how soon we might be attacked. A strong detachment of spies under Captain James Suggett, of Scott county, marched considerably ahead of the army. Indications of the enemy having advanced from their position at Fort Wayne, for the purpose of watching the movements of our army, were manifest, and Captain Suggett came upon the trail of a large party, which he immediately pursued. After following the trail for some distance, he was fired on by an Indian, who had secreted himself in a clump of bushes so near to Suggett that the powder burnt his clothes, but the ball missed him. The Indian jumped from his covert and attempted to escape, but Relief Approaches the Besieged - 373 Andrew Johnson, of Scott, shot him. On the return of Captain orders were issued for the men to turn out and make a breastwork around the encampment, which order was work, made by cutting down trees and piling them on each other. A strong picket guard was detailed and posted at a considerable distance from the line. After tattoo, at 9 o'clock, we lay down ; after which, the officer of the night came around to give us the watch-word, which was "fight on." (The watch word is given to the sentinel as well as the army, in order that, in case of a night attack, and the sentinels having to run into camp, may be distinguished from the enemy by it.) Orders were given, that in case of two guns being fired in quick succession, the soldiers were to repair to the breastwork. From every indication we had strong reasons for believing that we would be attacked before day. We lay with our guns on our arms and our cartridge boxes under our heads. About ten o'clock, just as the soldiers were in the enjoyment of " tired nature's sweet restorer," they were aroused by the firing of two guns by the sentinels, and the drums beat the alarm. In a moment all were at the breastwork, ready to receive the enemy. The Indians were around us, and we were in momentary expectation of an onset. At last all was calm again, and we were permitted to rest. But just as we were in the sweet embraces of sleep; we were again aroused by the firing of a number of guns, and again we were as prompt in repairing to our posts. We now stood a considerable time, and all became quiet again. At length day dawned, and the guards were relieved. We ascertained afterwards, from Indians taken prisoners that they came from their encampment with the design of making a night attack on us, but on finding us so well prepared to receive them, they declined prosecuting their designs. Without being able to get around the entire encampment before daylight next morning, the Indians returned to their own lines with the word that " Kentuck was coming as numerous as the trees." "September 10 we expected to reach Fort Wayne, but thought, in all probability, we should have to fight our way, for the Indians lay at what was called the Black Swamp, five miles this side of the fort, immediately on our road. We started after an early breakfast, and marched with much caution. From St. Mary's we had moved in two lines, one on the right and the other on the left of the road at a distance of about one hundred yards therefrom, while the wagons kept the road. A short distance in advance of their camp, at the 374 - Fort Wayne Relieved. swamp, the spies returned with information that they were there, prepared to give us battle. A halt was made, and the line of battle formed. Colonel Hawkins, of the Ohio mounted volunteers, had left the lines, and gone some distance from the road. Being partly concealed by a clump of bushes, one of his men taking him for an Indian fired at him and shot him through. The ball- entered between the shoulders, and came out at the breast—which, how ever, did not prove mortal. We again took up the line of march, and in a short time came in sight of the smoke of the camp of the enemy." At the first gray of the morning of the 10th of September, the distant halloos of the disappointed savages revealed to the anxious inmates of the fort the glorious news of the approach of the army. Great clouds of dust could be seen from the fort, rolling up in the distance, as the valiant soldiery, under General Harrison, moved forword to the rescue of the garrison and soon after daybreak the army stood before the fort. The Indians had beat a retreat to the eastward and northward, and the air about the old fort resounded with the glad shouts of welcome to General Harrison and the brave boys of Ohio and Kentucky.—Brice's History of Fort Wayne. The Indians had mainly fled. Some, however, were courageous enough to remain until a few moments before the army reached the fort, who were pursued by the Ohio horsemen, but without success, Previous to the commencement of the siege, there were several dwellings near the fort, forming a ha'ndsoine little village ; but it was now, on the arrival of the' army, in ruins—having been burned down by the Indians, together with the United States factory. The occupants of the dwellings surrounding the fort, as the siege began, sought refuge within the garrison, ,,vhere they remained in safety till the army arrived. The fort, during the siege, was well supplied with provisions. There was a good well of water within the enclosure, traces of which are yet to be seen, just at the edge of the south side of the canal. Of the fort at this period, which was the same built by the order of General Wayne, in 1794, Captain McAfee said: " It is delightfully situated, on an eminence on the south bank of the Miami of the Lake, immediately below the formation of that river by the junction of the St. Mary's from the southwest with the St. Joseph's from the north. It is well constructed of block houses and picketing, but could not resist a British force, as there are several eminences on the south side, from which it could be commanded by a six or. nine pounder." During the Siege, the garrison lost but, three men. From subse-