CHAPTER II. FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION ON PUT-IN-BAY-ORGANIZATION OF A MONUMENTAL ASSOCIATION -CELEBRATION OF PERRY'S VICTORY - LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE - SPEECH OF ELUTHERUS COOK - SPEECH OF DR. PARSONS AND THE OTHER THREE SURVIVORS OF PERRY'S FLEET. RECURRING again to the incidents of the battle. of lake Erie, the author hopes that a description of subsequent events, inaugurated to erect a suitable monument to the memory of Commodore Perry and his braves, on Put-in-Bay, may not be considered out of place here. Fearing that the occurrences I am about to describe may become lost to history, and conscious of the fact that the reader will find, in the addresses of the Hon. Elutherus Cook and Dr. Parsons, the best description of that eventful scene, I have no apology for giving them a place in these pages, and especially because certain citizens from Seneca county took a very active part in the movement. An effort was put on foot amongst very many distinguished and patriotic men, in a number of counties bordering on lake Erie, to erect a monument on Gibraltar rock, Put-in-Bay, to the memory of Commo-dore Perry. In the year 1852, five companies of the Ohio volunteer militia decided to celebrate the anniversary of American Independence by holding a three days' encampment on the renowned and beautiful island of Put-in-Bay. The following finely equipped and disciplined companies assembled on the island on the evening of' July 3, 1852: Bay City Guards, Capt. R. R. McMeens, of Sandusky. Sandusky Yægers, Capt. Louis Traub, of Sandusky. Sandusky Artillery, Capt. I,. A. Silva, of Sandusky. Washington Guards, Capt. William Lang, of Tiffin. Tiffin Artillery, Capt. T. H. Bagley, of Tiffin. Capt. McMeens was chosen commander for the occasion. The weather was delightful. The green and rocky fringe around the bay; the broad, blue lake; the presence of a host of happy men, women and children; the imposing martial appearance and strict discipline of the military; "the army" passing in grand review before Gen. Isaac A. FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION ON PUT-IN-BAY - 51 Mills, and his aid, Col. A. A. Camp, and the eloquent sermon delivered by- the Rev. E. R. Jewett made that Fourth of July. Sunday on Put-in-Bay a fixture in the memory of all who were there. This was the first military celebration ever held on the island. In the evening of the third day, when the camp was about to break up, the tents being struck and everything packed to get on board, the artillery under Capt. Bagley, were firing their farewell gun. As the last shot was being fired, and Frederick Roller was "sending home" the last cartridge, it exploded and threw 'Mr. Roller a great distance. He fell near the edge of the water, being badly burnt in the face, losing one eye and having a crippled hand for life. He, however, gradually recovered; and is still amongst the living. This sad occurrence was the only circumstance that marred the pleasures of that ever memorable Fourth of July celebration. During the first trip of the steamer Arrow from . Sandusky to the island, a preliminary meeting was held on board for the purpose of organizing a monumental association, and with a view of erecting, at some suitable place, on the island, a monument to the memory of Com-modore Perry. The Rev. Dr. Bronson was chosen chairman, and Mr. Henry D. Cooke secretary. On- motion of Pitt Cooke a committee of five-was. appointed to draft resolutions expressive of' the sense of the meeting in reference to the. erection of a "monument on 'Gibraltar rock, Put-in-Bay, commemorative of Perry's victory on lake Erie, and in honor. of the dead who fell in that memorable engagement." Messrs. J. A. Camp, W. F. Stone, Wm. S. Mills, H. D. Cooke and Rev. W. Pitkin, were, appointed such committee. Mr. Stone was appointed to lay the proceedings of the .meeting and the resolutions before the assembled Crowd at Put-in-Bay. When, on Monday afternoon, the masses assembled, the proceedings and resolutions of the preliminary meeting were approved, and a committee appointed Jo draft a constitution for the organization, Rev. Jewett in the chair. The committee having withdrawn, returned .and reported a short constitution. It provided that any person paying one dollar to the treasurer should thereby become a member. A board of managers was appointed, and an executive committee. Gen. Lewis Cass was chosen President. Col. J. J. Abert, U. S. Topographical Engineer, Washington City; Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, Commodore R. F. Stockton, Gen. Cadwalader, Philadelphia; Hon. Reuben Wood; Ohio; Mayor John G. Camp, Sandusky; Capt. Stephen Chamberlain, Buffalo; J. A. Harris, Cleveland, 52 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. and Judge Burnett, of Cincinnati, were appointed vice-presidents. lamented friend Dr. R.. R. McMeens was secretary, and took a very active part in the movement. Some funds were collected, and so the Matter rested until 1858, when the executive committee, consisting of E. Cook, Wm. S. Pierson, F. S. Thorpe, J. A. Camp and R. R. McMeens issued a card dated Sandusky, Ohio, September 1, 1858, calling a mass meeting for the loth of September, 1858,, to renew the proceedings instituted on the 4th of July, 1852. "This was the most glorious and thrilling spectacle witnessed on lake Erie since the day of Perry's victory. The cities and towns along the shores of the lake poured out large delegations of people. The bay itself presented a most .grand and glorious pageant, crowded with a fleet of magnificent steamers, sail vessels and yachts, all decorated with gaily colored banners, streamers and pendants, while a battery, of fourteen brass cannon waked the echoes of old Erie with a welcome that made the old rocks of Gibraltar tremble with their reverberation," says Dr. McMeens. Some of Perry's old veterans were there, old men who had heard the firing during the battle, statesmen, soldiers, women, children—all animated and inspired with the soul-stirring scene. Ten steamers, three yachts, and twenty other sailing vessels anchored in the bay. Eight thousand people gathered in groups about the shore. Governor Chase was chosen president of the day. A number of vice-presidents and secretaries were appointed; also, a committee on exercises. Gen. J. W. Fitch, of Cleveland, (now Lieutenant-Governor) was marshal of the day. Mr. Elutherus Cooke, of Sandusky, delivered the oration. Four of the survivors of the battle were present, Captain Stephen Champlin, who fired the first and last gun in the conflict; William Blair, of Lexington, Richland county, Ohio; Thomas Brownell, of Newport, Rhode Island, who was second in command of the schooner Ariel, and Dr. Usher Parsons, of Providence, R. I., the surgeon of the flag-ship Lawrence at the time of the battle, were introduced to the vast assemblage in the order named, and were greeted with wild applause. 'They each made short speeches, expressing their gratitude for their kind reception, and Dr. Parsons gave a highly interesting description, of the battle, the treatment of the wounded, and incidents of the surrender of the enemy. It is a pity that the odes) poems and songs that were read and sung can hot find room here. One—only one of these gems —must not be overlooked, however. It is the production of my old, lamented friend, Dr. R. R: McMeens, the secretary of the monumental FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION-POEM - 53 association, whose friendship is cherished still, though he has long since passed away. A short sketch of the life of the doctor will be found in Chap. XXVIII. THE ISLANDS OF ERIE. BY R. R. McMEENS, M. D. The Islands of Erie arrayed in full dress, Enrobe the lake scene with strange loveliness, As gorgeously decked in bright verdure they lie. In the soft mellow haze of the still autumn sky. No more brilliant gems, though lauded they be, Ever gleamed 'mid the groups of the old Grecian sea. They circle the storm-brewing gates of the west. To soothe the "mad spirit" of Erie to rest,  And lend their slight forms to the rage of the sea To shelter the storm-tossed in succoring lee ; Or, like sentinels, seem to be pointing the way To the harboring arms of bold "Put-in-Bay." When the winds breathless sleep in their caverns of peace, How sylph-like they sit on the lake's lucent face, Or mirrored in beauty on crimson dyed wave When the sun silent sinks in her gold-tinted grave, And the purple horizon depends as a shroud, Of a tapestried mantle, in folds of rich cloud, Then deep'ning so gently upon the pale glow, So sombre amid sad, scarcely seeming to know When the last flitting ray of fading twilight Merges in darkness and death gloom of night. Oh! islands of Erie, how many a scene Of shipwreck and battle around you have been ! I tow many a gallant young hero went down When Perry and sailors won glorious renown ! You stand as proud monuments over the dead, Who sleep at your feet in their coffinless bed, While the winds shriek or whisper a requiem sigh, And the waves join in murmuring a fond lullaby, And the mariner, gliding along by your side, Recounts all their deeds with emotions of pride. Oh ! Islands of beauty, on Erie's broad breast That smile in the sunshine like havens of rest ; Or when the storm-god in his wrath wildly raves, Like "sisters" of mercy hang over the waves, E'er bloom in your freshness as lovely as now,. To enrapture the eye and make the heart glow. 54 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. Governor Chase, the chairman, opened the meeting with a few brief remarks of welcome. Thereupon, Mr. W. S. Pierson, chairman of the committee, reported the following list of permanent officers of the association, viz: President—Hon. Lewis Cass, of Michigan. Vice-Presidents—-Hon. Isaac Toucey, of Connecticut; Dr. Usher Parsons, of Rhode Island; Sidney Brooks, of Rhode Island; Thomas Brownell, U. S. N.; Gov. Elisha Dyer, Rhode Island; Wm. Wetmore, Esq., Rhode Island: Hon. Edward Everett, Massachusetts., Hon. W. H. Seward, New York; August Belmont, Esq., New York; Hon. Millard Fillmore, New York; Capt. Stephen Champlin, New York; Gov. W. F. Packer, Pennsylvania; Wm. G. Moorehead, Esq., Pennsylvania; Gov. S. P. Chase, Ohio; S. Starkweather, Cleveland, Ohio; Elutherus Cook, Sandusky, Ohio; L. Collins; Toledo, Ohio; Ross Wilkins, Detroit, Michigan., John Owen, Detroit, Michigan; Col.:Todd, Kentucky; Col. John O'Fallon, St. Louis, Mo.; J. Y. Scammer, Esq., Chicago, Illinois; Hon. John. Wentworth, Chicago, Illinois; Capt. J. P. McKinstry, U. S. N.; Commodore Jos. Lanman, U. S. N.; Lieut.-Gen. Winfield Scott, U. S. A. On motion, Wm. S. Pierson, Of Sandusky, was chosen treasurer, and Dr. R. R. McMeens, of Sandusky, corresponding secretary. A committee of management was then also appointed. The following letters. were then read by Mr. Pierson: WASHINGTON CITY, Sept. 6, 1858. DEAR SIR:—Your invitation to me, to form one of the numerous assemblage which will meet at Put-in-Bay on the 10th inst., has just been received, and, while I thank you for remembering me in connection with that interesting occasion, I regret that it will be out of my power to avail myself of your kindness, as I shall be necessarily detained here by my public duties. But though absent, I shall not the less participate in the feelings of gratitude and exultation which the event, you propose to commemorate, is so well calculated to inspire in every American breast. The victory of Perry upon Lake Erie, not far from the place of your convocation, on the 10th of September, 1813, was one of the most glorious, as well as one of the most important, achievements recorded in our military annals. I was with the army, then encamped in your region of country during that hard-fought battle, where we were all awaiting, with anxious solicitude. the operations of the fleets, as the command of the lake was essential to our movements, and now, after the elapse of almost half a century, it would rejoice me to hear my fellow citizens to recall and recount the glories of that memorable day, 'mid the scenes where they were gained, and which they will ever illustrate. It is good for the American people to assemble together in the time of their strength to commemorate the deeds of patriotism and valor which, in the time of their weakness, enabled our country to pass FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION—LETTERS READ - 55 safely through the trials to which she was exposed. Such a tribute of departed worth is the object of the proposed. convocation, and I beg leave to express my deep sympathy with the feelings which have prompted it. With much regard I am, dear sir, Yours truly, LEWIS CASS. DR. R. R. MCMEENS. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Sept. 6, 1858. DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the invitation through you, of the executive committee, to be present on the 10th inst., at the inauguration of laying of the corner stone of a monument to be erected on Gibraltar Rock, Put-in-Bay Island, in commemoration of Perry's. victory. I regret to state that my engagements will deprive me of the pleasure of, participating with you on the interesting occasion. I am with much respect Your obedient servant ISAAC TOUCEY. R. R. MCMEENS, M. D. PORTSMOUTH., VA., Sept. 3, 1858. MY DEAR SIR have received your esteemed favor of the ult., requesting my presence and participation in the ceremonies at the contemplated inauguration of the monument on Gibraltar Rock, in commemoration of our glorious naval triumph under the gallant Perry on the 10th September, 1813. As one of the five surviving officers whose fortune it was, together with our brave tars, to be present on that glorious occasion, I, thank you for your kind remembrance of me. I regret that present indisposition precludes the pleasure of being with you, to join you in doing honor to whom honor is due--the brave dead—and renders imprudent at this time an absence from home. I am, sir, your obedient servant, H. N. PAGE Captain U. S. Navy R. R. MCMEENS, M. D.       . CINCINNATI, O., Sept. 9, 1858. USHER PARSONS, M. D.: MY DEAR DOCTOR:—Yours of the 1st inst. arrived before my return from the "Yellow Springs," which afforded me no little pleasure to hear you intend to be at the glorious celebration at Put-in-Bay. I am denied the pleasure of 'participating with you in consequence of sickness. I confidently flattered myself, twelve days ago, I would be enabled to be present and unite with the few survivors in celebrating the most brilliant achievement of the memorable battle of Lake :Erie, on the 10th of September, 1813, in which battle I was. Shortly after Col. Croghan's victory where I was on the morning after the British made good their retreat, I volunteered at Camp Seneca, and was lead by Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison to Perry's fleet. I pray the good people who have been instrumental  promoting the celebration may continue it annually for all time to come. 56 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. May the blessing. of Heaven guide and preserve all who attend the celebration, truly and sincerely is my prayer. Most sincerely your friend, W. T. TALIOFERRO. NEW YORK, August 28, 1858. MR. F. T. BARNEY; SANDUSKY CITY, O.: MY DEAR. SIR:—In answer to your favor of the 21st ult., on the subject of the erection of a monument on the little Island of Gibraltar, I have to say: That if said monument be to the memory of Commodore Perry, as I suppose it is, I will be too happy to contribute to it, not only by the free gift of the land requisite, but by procuring subscriptions in New York and one or two other places, which I think I can do. I accordingly hereby confer upon you and my friends, Simon Fox, power to grant a sufficient part of said Island of Gibraltar, in perpetuity, for the erection of said monument, with such reservation as you may deem necessary to prevent any sort of injury to my property in the group of islands. It would please me if I and my successors after me were appointed keepers of the ground ceded, and of the monument. Respectfully yours, RIVERA. ST. JAGO. After the reading of these letters, Gov. Chase introduced Hon. E. Cooke, of Sandusky, who spoke as follows: Ladies, Gentlemen, Fellow-Countrymen: I rise as the organ of the executive committee to bid you welcome to these classic shores, immortalized by American valor and rich in the associations of a nation's glory. But how can I find language suitably to express my congratulations of the assembled thousands who surround me, and whose presence this day gives the lie to the reproach that "Republics know not how to. be grateful?" If I could hope to be heard by an audience so immense, I would thank you in the name of our common country for having come up in such vast numbers from the beautiful cities of the lake and the interior, to this patriotic consecration. But with a voice impaired by the wasting power of many years, I hope to say but little else than to offer up my fervent thanksgiving to Almighty God for those evidences of enthusiastic gratitude and patriotic devotion which the occasion has inspired, and which your presence this day proclaims. We have met to commemorate one of those rare and signal events, which,. considering the vast interest it involved, the glory it achieved and the benefits conferred, has few parallels in history. We shall find it difficult, however, justly to appreciate the importance of Perry's victory, without calling to mind, for a moment, the peculiar condition of our country which preceded and followed its achievements. A sanguinary war had for more than a year been raging between Great Britain and the United. States. How it was sustained on the land and on the ocean, history has recorded. It must be admitted, however, that its commencement on the Niagara and in the north-west was characterized by defeat, disaster and disgrace. Whether the inglorious surrender of the fortress of Detroit and. the consequent uncontrolled possession of the vast north-western territory by the enemy, were chargeable to treachery or cowardice, it is not now necessary to inquire. FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION—SPEECH OF HON. E. COOKE. - 57 The event smote the heart of the nation with dismay and covered the whole land with. conscious humiliation. Our whole vast frontier, from Buffalo to Arkansas, was at once thrown open to the stroke of the tomahawk, 'and exposed bare and defenseless to the merciless incursions of the savage foe. The authority and protection of the United States had ceased within its borders. The course of the enemy, leagued with their savage ally, was everywhere marked with rapine, massacre and devastation. The heart-rending and bloody tragedy of the river Rasin, and other doomed localities, followed in succession. Consternation and alarm everywhere prevailed. Thousands "without distinction of age or sex" were expelled from their peaceful abodes by the invading foe, and the:face of Heaven was insulted by the murder of mien, women and children, and by the wanton conflagration of defenceless Cabins and villages. The flower and chivalry of the land were cut off in their glory, and their bones whitened the face of the wilderness. Deeds of cruelty and 'unutterable horror were enacted, which filled the whole land with lamentation and wrung drops of agony from the heart of the nation. A dark cloud hung over our devoted country, throwing down from its frowning armory the paleness of death upon her cheek, and its coldness. upon her bosom. True the assaults upon the defences of Harrison and Croghan on the Maumee and Sandusky had 'been gallantly and gloriously expelled, but these exploit's, brilliant as they were, availed little to the relief of the frontiers, while the entire possession of the lake, by a well-manned fleet of veterans, remained in the undisputed control of the foe, with power to descend at any moment with their combined forces upon any portion of our exposed frontier. The crisis demanded action, vigorous action, com-bined with valor and talent to direct it. The command of. the lake had become to us indispensable. In view of this, the creation of an American fleet, the timber for which was then growing in tile wilderness, was ordered by our government, as well for the purposes of protection as invasion. In March, 1813, the charge of its. construction and command was assigned to Oliver H. Perry, of Rhode Island. who, in spite of almost superhuman obstacles and difficulties, in less than three months completed his work and launched his vessels at the harbor of Erie. But although he frequently sought to engage the enemy he was unable to bring them into action until the ever-memorable and ever-glorious day we meet to commemorate. Of the battle and its. thrilling incidents I have no time to speak. I am not here with a tongue of fire to relight and emblazon the splendors of the achievement. That office must be left for a more elaborate address, and to others better fitted for the task. And I rejoice to say that some of its touching details will be given you to-day, in burning words, from a living and honored actor in the scene.. On this point, therefore, I need only add, that although between single ships on the ocean, the trial had. been before signally glorious to our flag, yet this was the first American squadron that ever made battle with an enemy, and this "was the first English fleet, since England had a navy, that ever had been captured." And if any thing further were wanting to heighten the brilliancy and achievement, it may be found. in the fact that our fleet was. inadequately, and unequally provided with men and cannon—manned mostly by raw recruits uninured to battle, and commanded by young men without experience in naval Warfare. While 58 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. on the other hand, that of the British was fully armed—furnished with men who had encountered many conflicts on the ocean, and commanded by the experienced and veteran Commander Barclay, who had won rich laurels under Nelson., at the immortal battle of Trafalgar. Such was the tremendous contrast between the opposing forces. Shut now the volume that records the event, and tell me, thou man of naval and military science, upon what principle of human probability can the triumph of our arms, in a conflict so unequal, be predicted? The contrast was great, but to the dauntless Perry by no means appalling. After the line of battle had been set and all was made ready, an hour—a silent hour—was occupied in. advancing to the conflict; an hour in which the lives of the squadron, the fate of the north-west and the. honor of file nation were suspended upon the talents and collected valor of one man. How appalling the responsibility! How terrible the probation! How vast the interest involved! How intense the gaze of millions upon the issue! At such a moment, men of the present generation, picture to yourselves the solemn spectacle, the sublime pageantry of two hostile armies watching the movements from the opposite shores of the lake; of defenceless thousands throughout the unprotected region of the north-west, whose lives and homes were at stake; yea, of millions of two great nations, whose final triumph hung upon the issue—all, all awaiting with breathless anxiety, the result of the conflict, and tell me if it was not an hour in which the stoutest heart of the hero, charged with such a battle; might have justly trembled. Yet the heroic Perry remained unagitated, unshaken and invincible. He had no fear but for the safety and honor of his country; no ambition but to conquer or die in her defence. A quarter before 12 o'clock the solemn suspense was broken and the conflict began. At 3 o'clock the battle ended. Its thunders were hushed. Their echoes had died away upon the distant shore of the lake, and the deep "silence of nature" succeeded, broken only by the cries of the wounded and the dying. As the smoke of battle rolled away, it revealed a victory, which shed undying glory upon the Republic, and gave immortal renown to the victors; a victory which wiped from our escutcheon the disgrace of Hull's surrender, avenged the insulted honor of our flag, and dissolved forever the spell of boasted British maratine invincibility. THE, PUPIL OF NELSON had struck to the youthful Perry, and the country rang with acclamations of joy. In estimating the immediate and momentous results of this victory, it should not be forgotten that it at once opened a pathway for Gen. Harrison, to the subjugation of Malden, to the re-conquest of Detroit, to the restoration of peace and safety of our whole extended frontier, and to the crowning glory of his campaign, by the capture of the entire British army, at the battle of the Thames. It changed at once the entire theatre of the war in this region, and transferred it, with all its dread pageantry of death and devastation., from our own soil to that of the bewildered, astonished and panic-stricken foe. And, it is no exaggeration to assert, that from the moment of this victory, the ambitious schemes of the enemy upon our western borders were forever blasted, and that the last vestige of British FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION-SPEECH OF HON. E. COOKE - 59 domination in the north-west practically expired with the last expiring notes of the last cannon, whose thunder closed the battle of Lake Erie. In view of these grand and glorious results—connected with the direct influence they exerted to revive the public spirit; to restore fresh vigor to the American arms; to awaken the national confidence; to sustain the national credit and to strengthen the arm of the government, at that gloomy period of the war, it is no wonder that the news of the victory flew on the wings of the wind, electrifying the whole nation with joy, and filling the heart of every patriot with gratitude. and exultation. No wonder that the bells of every-church throughout the Republic rang out their merry peals as the news traversed the interior, and that every city and hamlet in the land blazed forth with bonfires and illuminations and other manifestations of the high-wrought public rejoicings. And shall we, who are now in the peaceful enjoyment of the full fruition of these results;. shall we, standing here in sight of the spot where the great battle which secured them was fought and. won; shall we, who have fixed our homes and set up our household gods in the midst of the territory thus rescued and defended, remain indifferent to an event which conferred such priceless blessings, Which cost so much blood and peril to achieve it, which added so much wealth to the fame of the nation, and which still commands the applause and admiration of the world? No, never, never. To these scenes, then, let us with each returning anniversary come up for our instruction. Let us here re-kindle the beacon-fires of patriotism, which Perry left, on yonder cliff, with a fervent prayer that they burn forever. Let us bring honors this day for the noble dead who perished in the fight; and let the laurel and the cypress be kept forever fresh and green upon the lonely graves where their ashes are enshrined. In a word, let us seek our great practical lesson of public duty and patriotic daring in the contemplation of the exploits and sacrifices of that dauntless band, who near this spot, periled their lives for their country. But above all, let us, this day signalize our grateful appreciation of their glorious deeds by efficient measures for the erection of a monument on yonder "Gibraltar Rock," to the memory of Perry and his noble companious—there to stand forever, a perpetual memorial of our convictions of the unmeasured benefits conferred upon the western states by their patriotic and heroic valor. At no distant day upon that consecrated spot, where sleep the ashes of the brave who fell in the conflict, "with solemnities suited to the occasion, with prayer to Almighty God for His blessing," and in the midst of a cloud of witnesses like these which surround me, let the corner stone of that monument be laid. There let it rise. There let it stand as long as the blue Waters of Erie shall continue to dash against its rock-bound base, to mark the spot which must be forever dear to us, to our children and to our children's children,, down to the last syllable of recorded time. The lapse of forty-five years has laid down in the dust most of the brave men who participated in the victory. The illustrious chief himself, who on that proud day, amid the roar and smoke and storm of battle, inscribed his name upon the shield of immortality, has been compelled to yield to the only foe he could not conquer; but all, thank Heaven, are not yet gone. A little remnant of that immortal band still linger among the living, to reap 60 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. the rich reward of their labor and perils, in the affections and benedictions of their countrymen; and four of these have kindly yielded to the earnest invitation of the committee, and are now present, to receive an expression of the gratitude of the country, for which they put their lives at hazard, and to which they devoted the flower of their youth. Fortunate should we esteem ourselves that we have. been permitted to behold this spectacle; a spectacle, the like of which in thrilling interest and imposing grandeur, was never before vouchsafed to the present generation. Happy indeed that God has granted us the sight of these veteran survivors under circumstances So novel and affecting. Soon; alas, too soon, shall we seek in vain for one survivor, and the last of the heroic band will be seen on earth no more forever. Let us then bring fresh honors, this day, to those who still remain. to link the living with the dead, 'ere the grave shall have closed upon them forever. Gallant and venerable men! with grateful hearts we bid you welcome, thrice welcome to these island shores, and to these bright scenes of your early glory. We thank the God of mercy for having prolonged your lives that we might thus greet you, and that you might behold this deeply earn est demonstration of your grateful countrymen. On revisiting the memorable spot where you linked forever your own fame with the glory of your country, after the absence of nearly half a century, it is not strange that the stirring incidents of the victory in which you so 'honorably shared, should come down upon your memory like an • avalanche from the past, and agitate you with conflicting emotions. How, changed the scene since last your Oyes beheld these lovely shores ! True, the same lake which you then. saw wreathed in smoke of battle and en-crimsoned with the blood of your companions, still continues its ceaseless funeral wail over the slumbers of the buried brave, or chants its loud anthems to the praise of your gallant deeds. The same sun, which then looked down from its mid-day throne and fired your young hearts to deeds of glorious daring, still smiles upon your return to this renowned theater of your youthful courage and patriotism. But in other respects how great the change! The haughty foe is gone—the din of war is hushed, and instead of the thunders of hostile cannon, and the shrieks of your dying comrades, you have heard to-day the shouts of a new generation, who have come out from all the borders of the lovely land you defended, to greet you with the loud acclaim of an overflowing and universal gratitude. Forever, hereafter, the 10th of September, 1813, shall be sacred to our hearts, as it has long been glorious to our country. It was your good fortune, most honorably, to participate in the. dangers of that day. Imminent were. the perils you encountered; glorious the deeds you performed, and great the sacrifices you made for your country. I will not attempt their eulogy. They have already found their place with those of your departed compatriots, among the solemn archives of our country, where they can never die; and the history which records them is but an imperishable transcript of your claims upon our gratitude. You have come to most of the thousands before you as from a distant age, to revive recollections and recount incidents around which the mists of tradition have begun to cluster, and you find yourselves to-day in the midst FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION-SPEECH OF HON. E. COOKE - 61 of a generation now in the full vigor and meridian strength of manhood, who had not seen the light of heaven when you had nobly bared your breasts to the shafts of death in defense of the rights and honor of your country. You are now where you stood forty-five years ago, with trailed banners, at the funeral of your valiant dead. Like myself, you belong to a former generation. You look, around you in vain for your youthful companions-iu-arms and brothers in peril. They have been gathered to their fathers. But you look around you not in vain for the evidences of your country's happiness, and for the rich rewards of your patriotic sacrifices and toils; you look around you not in vain for the joy and gratitude of the living thousands who surround you, and who have been made happy—most happy—to bid you welcome, thrice welcome; on this consecrated day. We forbear further to betray our emotions, for eulogy belongs less to the living than to the dead, and there is not a heart throughout this vast assembly that does not frequently pray that we may long be spared the duty of granting to you our last and 'highest honors. Distant, far distant, be the day which shall mark your setting sun. May the same God who. shielded. you in battle, and guided and preserved you in after-life, still smile upon your declining years., and cover them with his richest and choicest blessings." Thereupon Mr. Cooke introduced Capt. Stephen Champlin to the crowd. He was the last surviving commander of the Perry squadron, who led the Scorpion in the front line of battle, and who fired the first and last gun in the conflict. He was received with tremendous cheers. Thereupon Gov. Chase read the Captain's speech, as follows: “Mr. PRESIDENT:- Unaccustomed to speak in public, and having no confidence in my voice, I ask the favor of you to read the following reply to the flattering sentiments just offered: Fellow-Citizens:—I cordially thank you for the distinguished honor paid to the memory of my old. commander, Commodore O. H. Perry, and the gallant officers and men under his command in the battle on this lake, and. also the flattering notice of my services on that occasion. You have amply rewarded me for the toil and exposure of life on that eventful day. Next to a consciousness that I performed my duty faithfully, is the approbation of so vast a multitude of my fellow-citizens. I renewedly thank you, and beg leave to offer the following sentiment: 'The thirty-six volunteers of Gen. Harrison's army, who came to us in our greatest need, to whom we were much indebted for their valuable services.' " Six rousing cheers were given for Capt. Champlin. Mr. Cooke next introduced the venerable William Blair, of Lexington, Richland county, Ohio, as one of the thirty-six volunteers of Gen. Harrison's army, just referred to, and exhibited to the audience, from the neck of the old veteran, a rich and massive silver medal, bearing the impress of Perry, with appropriate inscription, which had been voted to him, with the thanks of the commonwealth, by the state of Pennsylvania, of which he was then a citizen, in testimony of his 62 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. patriotism and bravery at the battle of lake Erie. The old hero was too much affected to say one word, but amidst a storm of applause acknowledged the kindness shown him by a modest bow and a flow of tears. Thomas Brownell, of Newport, R. I., was then next introduced. He commanded the schooner Ariel in the battle. He was greeted with rousing cheers, and responded by thanking the crowd for the flattering and cordial expression of feeling, and assured them that it was all gratefully appreciated by him. Dr. Usher Parsons, of Providence, R. I., the surgeon of the flag-ship Lawrence at the time of the battle, was then introduced, and gave a detailed and thrilling account of the engagement. His address was listened to with the most intense interest, and was frequently interrupted with cheers that made the welkin ring. Dr. Parsons said: MR. PRESIDENT, AND CITIZENS OF THE LAKE SHORE:. The Survivors of the battle of Lake Erie here present have listened with intense interest to the eloquent address just delivered, and thank you most ; I sincerely for the cordial reception you have given to its friendly and commentary allusion to our services on the day we are now assembled to commemorate. Forty-five years ago we were here as spectators and participants in the battle, and now, in advanced years, are invited to join a vast number of patriotic citizens, gathered from the beautiful and flourishing cities bordering this lake, to celebrated the victory then gained by our squadron. We have come hither-, my friends, to honor the memory of those who fell in that glorious conflict, and are sleeping. under the soil near where we are now gathered. We have come, also, to pay a grateful tribute of respect to the memory of Commodore Perry, and his associates in the battle, who have since passed away in the ordinary course of human life. And you citizens of the lake shore, have sought out and invited here a little remnant of survivors to bless our eyes with evidences of your prosperity and happiness and to warm our hearts with tokens of assurance that our toil and peril of life on that eventful. day are not. forgotten. Would to God that more had  been spared to participate with us in these generous demonstrations of gratitude and respect. But they have passed away, and in a very brief period of time no spectator will be left to tell the story of "Perry's Victory." That victory derives a general interest from the fact that it was the first encounter of our infant navy, in fleet or squadron. In contests with single ships we had humbled the pride of Great Britain. The Guerrier, Java, and Macedonia had surrendered to our stars and stripes. But here, on yonder waves, that nation was taught the unexpected lesson that we could conquer them in squadron. But this battle derives a particular interest from its bearing on the war of 1812, and from the relief it brought to your shores—in wrenching the tomahawk and scalping knife from savage hands; shielding a frontier of three hundred miles from the assaults and conflagrations of a combined British and savage foe; opening the gates of Malden to Gen. FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION-SPEECH OF DR. PARSONS - 63 Harrison's army, that enabled it to pursue and capture the only army that was captured during the war, and in restoring to us Detroit and the free navigation of the upper lakes. My friends, you have read, and your fathers have told you, the story of this victory. Yet. from the interest you still manifest by coining here in thronging multitudes, as well as by the expressed will of some present, and of the press, it is apparent that 'you wish the story to be repeated, probably with the desire that you may hereafter relate it to your children as coming from a spectator of the scene. I will therefore give, a brief sketch of the battle. I shall not detain you with a. description of the construction and equipment, but commence with our arrival here,. twenty-five days before the action, and our cruising in that time between Malden and Sandusky, and receiving near the latter place a visit from Gen. Harrison and suite, prepartory to an attack on Malden. Early in the morning of the 10th of September, 1813, while we lay at anchor in the bay, a cry came from the mast-head—"sail, ho!" All-hands leaped from their berths, and in a few minutes the cry was repeated, until six sails were announced. Signal was made to the squadron: "Enemy in sight; get under way." And soon the hoarse sound of trumpets and shrill pipe of the boatswain resounded throughout our squadron, with "all hands up anchor, ahoy!" In passing out of this bay it was desirable to go to the left of yonder islet, but on being notified by sailing-master Taylor that adverse winds would prevent, the Commodore replied: "Go, then, sir, to the right; for this day I am determined to meet and fight the enemy." There were nine American vessels, carrying 54 guns and 400 men, and six. British vessels, carrying 63 guns and 511 men. At the head of our line were the Scorpion, Capt. Champlin, and Ariel, Lieut. Packet; next, the flag-ship Lawrence, of 20 guns, to engage the flagship Detroit, the Caledonia to fight the Hunter; the Niagara, of .20 guns, to ,engage the Queen Charlotte; and lastly, three small vessels to fight the Lady Provost, of 13 guns, and Little Belt, of 3 guns. Our fleet now moved on to attack the enemy, distant, at 10 o'clock, about five miles. The Commodore now produced the bargee, or fighting flag, hitherto concealed in the ship. It was inscribed with large white letters, on a blue ground, legible throughout the squadron: "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP,"- the last words of the expiring Lawrence, and now to be hoisted at the mast head of the vessel bearing his name. A spirited appeal was made to. the crew, and up went the flag to the fore-royal, amid hearty cheers throughout the squadron, and the drums and fifes struck up the thrilling sound, "all hands to quarters." The hatches, or passage-ways to the decks, were now closed, excepting a small aperture ten inches square, through which light was admitted to the surgeon's room, for receiving the wounded, the floor of which was on a level with the surface of the lake, and exposing them to cannon ball as much as if they were on deck. Every preparation being made, and every man at his station, a profound silence reigned for more than an hour—the most trying part of the scene. 64 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. It was like the stillness that precedes the hurricane. The fleet mOved steadily till a quarter before twelve o'clock, when the maul suspense was relieved by a shot aimed at us from the Detroit, about one mile distant. Perry made more. sail, and coming within canister distance, opened a rapid and destructive fire on the Detroit. The Caledonia, Capt. Turner, followed the Lawrence in gallant style; and the Ariel, Lieut. Packet, and the Scorpion, Capt. Champlin, fought nobly and effectively. The Niagara failing to grapple with the Queen, the latter vessel shot ahead to fire upon the Lawrence, and with. the Detroit aimed their broadsides exclusively upon her, hoping and intending to sink her. At last they made her a complete wreck; but, fortunately, the Commodore escaped .without injury, and stepping into a boat with his fighting flag thrown over his shoulders, he pushed off for the Niagara amid a shower of cannon and musket balls, and reached that vessel unscathed. He found her a fresh vessel, with only two, or at most three, persons injured, and immediately sent her commander to hasten up the small vessels. Perry boarded the Niagara when she was abreast of the Lawrence, and further from her than the Detroit was on her right. The Lawrence now dropped astern and hauled down her flag. Perry turned the Niagara's course towards the enemy, and crossing the bow of the Lawrence bore down head foremost upon the enemy's line, determined to break through it and take a raking position. The Detroit attempted to turn, so as to keep her broadside to the Niagara, and avoid being raked; but in doing this, she fell against the Queen, and got entangled in her rigging, which left the enemy no alternative but to strike both ships. Perry, now shot further ahead, near the Lady Provost, Which, from being crippled m her rudder, had drifted out of her place to leeward, and was pressing forward towards the head of the British line to support the two ships. One broadside from the Niagara silenced her battery. The Hunter next struck, and the two smaller vessels, in attempting to escape, were overhauled by the Scorpion, Capt. Champlin, and the. Trip, Mr. Holdup; and thus ended. the action, after 3 o'clock. Let us now advert for a moment to the scenes exhibited in the flag-Ship Lawrence, of' which I can speak as an eye-witness. The wounded began to come down before she opened her battery, and for one, I felt impatient of the delay. In proper time, however, as it proved, the dogs of war were let loose from their leash, and it seemed as though heaven and earth were at loggerheads. For more than two hours little could be heard but the deafening. thunder of our broadsides; the crash of the balls dashing through our timbers, and the shrieks of the wounded. These were brought down faster than I could attend to them, farther than to stay the bleeding, or suppOrt a shattered limb with splints, and pasS them forward -upon the berth-deck. When the battle had raged an hour and a half, I heard a Call for me at the small sky-light, and stepping towards it, I saw the Commodore, whose ,countenance was as calm and placid as if on ordinary duty. "Doctor," said he, "send me one of your men," meaning one of the six stationed with me to assist in movingthe wounded. In five minutes the call was repeated and obeyed, and at the seventh call I told him he had all my men. He asked if there were any sick or wounded who could pull a rope, when two or three crawled up on deck to lend a helping, but feeble, hand in pulling at the last FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION-SPEECH OF DR. PARSONS - 65 guns. The hard lighting terminated about three o'clock. As the smoke cleared away, the two fleets were found mingled together, the small vessels having come up to the others. The shattered Lawrence, lying to the wind-ward, was once more able to hoist her flag, which was cheered by a few feeble voices on board, making a melancholy sound. compared with the boisterous cheers that preceded the battle. The proud, though painful, duty of taking possession of the conquered ships was now performed. The Detroit was nearly dismantled, and the destruction and carnage had been dreadful.' The Queen Alms, in condition, a little better. "Every Commander, and second in command," says Barclay, in his official report, "was either killed or wounded." The whole number killed in the British fleet was forty-one, and of wounded ninety-four. In the American fleet, twenty-seven were killed an.d ninety-six wounded. Of the twenty-seven killed, twenty-two were on board the Lawrence; and -of tile ninety-six wounded, sixty-one Were on board this same ship—making eighty-three killed and wounded out of 101 reported fit for duty on the Lawrence on the morning of the battle. On board the Niagara were two killed .and twenty-three woUnded—making twenty-five; and. of these, twenty-two were killed or wounded after Perry took command of her. About 4 o'clock a boat was discovered approaching the Lawrence. Soon the Commodore was recognized in her, who was returning to resume command of his tattered ship, determined that the remnant of her crew should have the privilege of witnessing the fornial surrender of the British officers. It was a time of conflicting emotions when he stepped upon the deck. The battle was won, and. he was safe; but the deck was slippery with blood, and strewed with the bodies of twenty officers and men, some of whom sat at table with us at our last meal, and the ship resounded with the groans of the wounded. Those of us who were spared, and able to walk, met him at the gangway to welcome him on board, but the salutation was a silent one on both sides—not a word could find utterance. And now the British officers arrived—one from each vessel—to tender their submission, and with it their swords. When they approached,. picking their way among the wreck and. carnage of the deck, with their sword-hilts towards Perry, they tendered them to his acceptance. With a dignified and solemn air, and with a low tone of voice, he requested them to retain their side arms; inquired with deep concern for Commodore Barclay and the wounded officers, tendering to them every comfort his ship afforded, and expressing his regret that he had not a spare medical officer to send them; that he had only one on duty for the fleet, and that one had his hands full. Among the ninety-six wounded, there occurred three deaths. A result so favorable was attributable to the plentiful supply of fresh provisions sent off to us from the Ohio shore; to fresh air—the wounded being ranged under an awning on the deck until we arrived at Erie, ten days after the action; and, also; to the devoted attention of Commodore Berry to every want. Tho'se who were killed in the battle were that evening committed to the deep, and over them was read the impressive Episcopal service. On the following morning the two fleets sailed into this bay, where the slain officers of both were buried in an appropriate and affecting manner. They consisted of three Americans—Lieutenant Brooks, and midshipmen - 5 - 66 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. Lynch and Clark and three British officers—Captain Finis, and Lieutenant Stokes, of the Queen, and Lieutenant Garland, of the Detroit. Equal respect was shown to the slain of both nations, and the crews of both fleets united in the ceremony. The procession of boats, with two bands of music; the slow and regular motion of the oars, striking in exact time with the solemn notes of the dirge; the mournful waving of flags, and sound of minute-guns from the ships, presented a striking contrast to the scenes of two days before, when both the living and the dead; now forming this solemn and fraternal train, were engaged in fierce and bloody strife, hurling at each other the thunderbolts of war. On the eighth day after the action, the Lawrence was dispatched to Erie with the wounded, where we received a cordial welcome and kind hospitality. The remainder of the vessels conveyed Harrison's army to Malden, where they found the public stores in flames, and Proctor, with his army, in hasty retreat. Perry joined Harrison as a volunteer aid, who, with our troops, chiefly from Ohio and Kentucky, overtook and captured the army. Porry then accompanied Harrison and Commodore Barclay to Erie, where they landed amid peals of cannon and shouts of the multitude, and from thence proceeded to Rhode Island. Commodore Perry served two years as commander of the Java, taking with him most of the survivors of the Lawrence. He after this commanded a squadron in the West Indies, where he died, in 1819. Possessed of high-toned morals, he was above the low dissipation and sensuality too prevalent with some officers of this day, and in his domestic character was a model of every domestic virtue and grace. His literary acquirements were respectable, and his taste refined. He united the graces of a manly beauty to a lion heart, a sound mind, a safe judgment, and a firmness of purpose which nothing could shake. But this intelligent audience already know and appreciate his noble. virtues and honor his glorious achievements. The maps of your shores and inland towns and counties are inscribed with his name; and the noble State of Ohio, and the United States are about to decorate the walls of their respective capitols with splendid representations of the battle we are this day commemorating. My friends, in the name and behalf of the citizens of Rhode Island, I tender you their grateful acknowledgements for the honor done that little State on this interesting occasion. She sent hither the commander of the squadron, and a majority of the officers and men. She glories in the victory gained, and regards the name and fame of her gallant son as one of her choicest jewels, and will ever cherish grateful sentiments towards those who respect and honor his memory.. You have come hither, my friends, for this holy purpose from all the cities of the lake shore, and are about to lay the corner stone of a monument to perpetuate his memory and fame.. Though his name will outlive structures of marble, or of bronze, yet rest assured that the citizens of Rhode Island will hail with delight the report of this day's transactions, and in. their future western pilgrimages will linger, about this spot and invoke Heaven's choicest blessings on you in return for your generous magnanimity. Old companions in the conflict, I rejoice to see you and once more take FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION-CONCLUSION - 67 you by the hand, and a more fitting occasion than the present could hardly occur or be conceived of. In the days of our youth we came to the rescue of this lake, and to assist in restoring peace to the frontier. A kind Providence has lengthened out our days beyond man's allotted period of existence, and now, after a lapse of nearly half a century, permits us to revisit the place where important scenes transpired in our early years, and to unite in celebrating the victory achieved by our much-loved commander. We joyfully survey the wonderful changes and improvements that have occurred since the war of 1812. Buffalo was then a populous village, but soon after a heap of ashes; Erie contained but a score of dwellings; Cleve-land was a cluster of log cabins; Sandusky, the same; Toledo was nowhere, and Detroit in possession of the enemy, and not a single American vessel was left on the lakes on which to hoist our stars and stripes. And what do we now behold ? A population increased an hundred fold; magnificent and prosperous cities; lofty spires and domes on temples of worship; colleges and seminaries of learning; extensive commerce; railroads diverging and intersecting in all directions; the white, outspread wings of commerce gliding to and fro, and freighted with the exhaustless products of the north and northwest—aye, and ploughing yon crystal waves, once shrouded in the smoke of our cannon, and crimsoned with the blood of our companions. Old friends, we part to-day, probably to meet no more. Our memories of the past, and the happy experiences of this celebration, fill our hearts with grateful and tender emotions, and will serve to gild the evening twilight of our days. I bid you an affectionate farewell. Mayor Starkweather, of Cleveland, then made a short speech. He was followed by Joshua R. Giddings. D. Bethune Duffield, Esq., of Detroit, delivered a poem of rare beauty, describing the battle. Judge Mason, of Toledo, also spoke. ON BOARD THE STEAMER QUEEN CITY. Dr. Usher Parsons pointed out from the steamer Queen City, on her trip homeward, with three other survivors on board, the locality where the fleet had come to anchor a few days before the engagement, and fired three guns, a signal previously agreed upon between Commodore Perry and Gen. Harrison. "The next day" (said the doctor) "Gen. Harrison, and his suite, among whom were the celebrated Governor McArthur and Hon. Lewis Cass, with a number of Indian chiefs, Came on board, drenched with rain. Here we received the volunteer reinforcement from the army. A day or two after the reception of Gen. Harrison and suite, they were saluted with the usual number of guns. They stood, during the time, on the quarter-deck of the Lawrence, in -full-dress uniform. I have never since looked upon a nobler and a more martial staff of officers. When the firing began the "Indian braves" dodged below in double-quick time, and remained in the cabin 68 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. until it ceased. Their ears were not used to that kind of thunder." The author took a very active part in this celebration, and must be excused for referring to it here, because it always seemed. to him very wrong that the plan of the association was not carried out. After all these patriotic effusions of eloquence in prose and song, and these thousands. of people, with one voice, agreeing to erect the monument on Gibraltar rock, as then and theretofore contemplated—that all this .should be set at defia,nce, and the plan frustrated by a few selfish men, can not be successfully apologized for. There is certainly no more appropriate spot on earth for a monument to Perry and his braves than right at the spot where the corner stone was laid at Gibraltar rock in 1858. If the present generation should fail to carry out the plan then inaugurated in such glorious style, and with such high hopes of success, may not a Mr. Jay Cooke, with his acknowledged patriotism. and his wonderful recuperative powers, yet erect such a monument upon that corner stone that shall be worthy of the day and deed? While in the zenith of his fame Mr. Cooke built a palatial mansion near the corner stone, where it was laid more than 21 years ago. In this mansion many ministers of the gospel throughout the land, for several years, found and enjoyed Mr. Cooke's hospitality, and made the acquaintance of the superintendent, Mrs. McMeens, the distinguished Tiffinite, the widow of my late and lamented friend, Dr. McMeens, the efficient secretary of that "monumental association," and who preserved the proceedings of the 10th day of September, 1858. Whatever became of the funds, I do not know, and would not have anybody believe that improper use was ever made of them; but one thing I do know: That soon after that glorious inauguration, efforts were made to build a monument to Perry in the public square at Cleveland; that succeeded. I can never look at it, or think about it, but feelings of sadness pervade my whole being. If there is, in fact, no wrong connected with it,. it is certainly away from home. Why did not the people of Sandusky, and of the. islands, protest against the robbery? Why did Toledo and Detroit stand by and see this thing done? Such is life! CHAPTER III. PEACE-TREATIES-RESERVATIONS-CESSIONS-EMIGRANTS ARRIVING-WARS BETWEEN THE WYANDOTS AND SENECAS-SPEECH OF LOGAN-LOGAN'S DEATH. PEACE. And now smiling peace with her blessings and treasures Did visit the plains of Columbia again. THE annihilation of the British fleet on Lake Erie, the re-conquest of Detroit, and the utter overthrow and dispersion of the British army at the battle of the Thames, brought peace to the northwestern frontier. The population of Ohio was now three hundred thousand. At the conclusion of Wayne's expedition, only eighteen years previous, it was but five thousand. The battle of the Thames took place October 5, 1813. Peace was made at Ghent, in Switzerland, between the United States and Great Britain, December 24, 1814. After the fall of Tecumseh the Indians abandoned all hopes of arresting the advance of civilization, and tribe after tribe exchanged. its hunting grounds for rich annuities from the United States, and retired beyond the Mississippi. There was no permanent state capital in Ohio before 1812. Chillicothe continued to be the capital pro tem. until 181o. Then the state legislature met at Zanesville. In 1812 the high bank on the Scioto, just opposite Franklinton, was selected by a committee of the legislature as a site for the future capital. This region was then an unbroken. wilderness. In December, 1816, the legislature met there for the first time. The site is on the same parallel with Philadelphia, four hundred and fifty miles distant, and on the same longitude with Detroit, from which it is one hundred and seventy miles south. On the same day, when the first sale of town lots in Columbus took place, war was declared with Great Britain, June 18, 1812. Great efforts were now made to extinguish the Indian titles in Ohio. Generals Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur met a large delegation of Indian chiefs, warriors and sachems at the foot of the rapids of the Maumee, on the 29th day September, 1817. Gens. Cass and, McArthur were the commissioners representing the United States. The Wyandots, 70 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. Senecas, Delawares, Shawnees, Potawatornies, Ottawas and Chippewas were represented in behalf of all the northwestern Indians. A treaty was then and there concluded by which all the lands of the Indians within the State of Ohio were ceded to the United States forever. At that time no white man had settled in Seneca county. At this treaty the United States granted to the Senecas a tract of land containing thirty thousand acres, lying upon the east side of, and adjoining, the Sandusky river, mostly within the boundaries of what now constitutes Seneca county. The chiefs of the Senecas, to vvhom this cession was made, were Takawmadoaw, Captain Harris, Isahowmasaw, Joseph, Tawgyou, Captain Smith, Coffeehouse,' Running-about and Wipingstick. At another treaty, held about one year thereafter by the same commissioners in behalf of the United States and these Indians, at the same place., ten thousand acres more were added to the Seneca reservation, adjoining the other tract on the south, thus making the whole reserve to contain forty thousand acres. To the Wyandots was ceded a tract twelve miles square, now in Wyandot county, and the southwest corner of Big Spring township, in Seneca county, about twelve square miles. For further information concerning this Indian reservation on Big Spring, see the documents: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON, MAY 11, 1880. W. LANG, Esq., Tiffin; Ohio—Sir:—I am in receipt, by reference from the Commissioner of the General Land Office, of your letter, dated 7th of January, last, in which you state that you have been informed that there was an Indian reservation of about twelve square miles in the southwest corner of Seneca county, Ohio; and, as you are writing a history of said county, you desire to be informed as to whom it was made. You expressed the opinion that it belonged to the Delawares. In reply, I have to state that the second clause of the second article of the Wyandot treaty of September 17, 1818., (7 stat., p. 179), contains the following stipulation, to-wit: "That there shall be reserved for the use of the Wyandots residing at Solomons-town, and on Blanchard's fork, in addition to the reservation before made, sixteen thousand acres of land, to be laid off in a square form on the head of Blanchard's fork, the center of which shall be at the Big Spring, on the trace leading from Upper Sandusky to Fort Findlay." This reservation was known as the Big Spring Indian reservation, and was located in township 1 N. and 1 S., range 12; and 1 N. and 1 S., range 13, in Ohio. INDIAN RESERVATIONS - 71 It appears from an examination of a map that about two-thirds of this reservation was situated in the southwest corner of Seneca county, and the remainder south and west thereof. By the provisions of the first article of the Wyandot treaty of January 19, 1832, (7 stat., p. 364), the reservation was ceded to the, United States. Very respectfully, R. E. TROWBRIDGE, Commissioner. Upon the. receipt of the foregoing letter, the writer hunted up the law ceding this Big Spring reservation to the United States, and it is added here as a sort of relic. My old friend, Dr. G. W. Sampson, who is still living, was one of the witnesses. ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT AND CONVENTION Made and concluded at McCutchenville, Crawford county, Ohio, on the nineteenth day of January 1832, by and between James B. Gardiner, specially appointed Commissioner on the part of the .United States, and the Chiefs, Headmen and Warriors of the band of Wyandots, residing at the Big Spring, in said county of Crawford, and owning a reservation of 16,000 acres at that place: WHEREAS, The-said band of Wyandots have become fully convinced that whilst they remain in their present situation in the state of Ohio, in the vicinity of a white population, which is continually increasing and crowding around them, they can not prosper and be happy, and the morals of many of their people will be daily becoming more and more vitiated; and understanding that the government of the United States is' willing to purchase the reservation of land on which they reside; and for that purpose have deputed the said James B. Gardiner as special commissioner to treat for the cession of the same; Therefore, To effect the aforesaid objects, the said Chiefs, Headmen and Warriors, and the said James B. Gardiner, have this day entered into and agreed upon the following articles of convention: ARTICLE I. The band of Wyandots residing at the Big Spring, in the county of Crawford, and State of Ohio, do hereby forever cede and relinquish to the United, States the reservation of 16,000 acres of land granted to them by the second article of the treaty made at St. Mary's on the 17th of September, 1818, which grant is in the following words, to-wit: "There shall be reserved for the use of the Wyandots residing at Solomon's-town, on Blanchard's fork, sixteen thousand acres of land, to be laid off in a square form, on the head of Blanchard's fork, the center of which shall be at the Big Spring, on the road leading from Upper Sandusky to Fort Findlay." 72 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY ARTICLE II. The United States stipulate with the said band of Wyandots, that as soon as practicable after the ratification of this treaty, the aforesaid tract of 16,666 acres shall be surveyed into sections and put into market and sold in the ordinary manner of selling the public lands of the United States; and when the same shall be sold, or as soon as any part thereof shall be disposed of, (be the price received therefor, more or less,) there shall be paid to the chiefs, headmen and warriors, signing this treaty, for the benefit of all the said band of Wyandots, the sum 6f one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre for each and every acre so sold, or for sale. The said price shall be paid in silver, and in current coin of the United States. ARTICLE III. -For the improvements now made upon said reservation, the United States agree to pay a fair valuation in money, according to the appraisement of Joseph McCutcheon, Esq., (or such person as the Secretary of War may depute for that purpose,) and an appraiser to be chosen by the band of Wyandots. And in case the said appraisers shall not be able to agree upon any of their valuations, they shall call to their assistance some competent citizen of the county of Crawford. ARTICLE IV. There shall be reserved for Roe-nu-nas, one of the oldest chiefs of said band, one-half-section, to contain 326 acres, and to include the improvements where he now lives. ARTICLE V. It is expressly understood between the present contracting parties, that the said band of Wyandots may, as they think proper, remove to Canada, or to the river Huron, in Michigan, where they own a reservation of land, or to any place they may. obtain a:right or privilege from other Indians to go. ARTICLE VI. It was ekpressly agreed before the sitting of this treaty that that part of the fifth article relating to the granting to the said band of Wyandots' lands west of the Mississippi, and every other article in relation thereto is wholly null and void, and of no effect. ARTICLE VII. Inasmuch as the band of Wyandots herein treating have separated themselves from the Wyandots at Upper Sandusky and on the.Sandusky plains, they ask of the general governinent that there may be a special sub-agent and protector appointed for them while they remain in the State of Ohio, and they respectfully recommend Joseph McCutcheon, Esq., of the county of Crawford, as a fit and proper person to act in such capacity; and that he may have the power to employ such interpreter as he may think proper in his intercourse with said band. The aforesaid articles of agreement shall be mutually binding upon INDIAN RESERVATIONS - 73 the present contracting parties, when ratified by the President of the United States, by and with the consent of the Senate t'hereof. ROE-NU-NAS, BEAR-SKIN, { SHE-A -WAH, Or {JOHN SOLOMON,* JOHN MCLEA J. B. GARDINER. MATTHEW GREYEYES, ISAAC DRIVER JOHN D. BROWN ALEXANDER CLARKE Done in the presence of C. Clarke, secretary of the Commission; Joseph McCutcheon, J. P. in the county of Crawford, Ohio; John C. Dewitt, Richard Reynolds, G. 'W.. Sampson. (To the Indian names are subjoined-marks). EXPLANATION In the first draft of this treaty provision was made for the removal of the band west of the Mississippi, but they refused to accept of a grant of land, or to remove there, and the articles having relation thereto were accordingly omitted. It was therefore necessary to omit the sixth article; and circumstances did not admit of time to remodel and copy the whole treaty. J. B. GARDINER, Special Commissioner. The facts are that the Indians got drunk, and it was dangerous to remain any longer amongst them. "The Wyandots," says Abbott, "were considered the bravest of all the Indian tribes.", Several of their chiefs were men of high mOral and religious character. In the early occupation of Canada by the Freda, the Catholics, with a spirit of devotion and self-sacrifice which has never been. surpassed, established a mission there. The first Protestant who preached to them was John Stewart, a mulatto, of the Methodist church. The Rev. James B. Finley, one of nature's noblemen, established a Methodist mission here and organized a school. Between-the-logs, a Wyandot chief, became quite a celebrated preacher. They built a large mission house a short distance northeast of Upper Sandusky. It was of stone, and a very substantial structure. Pity the * This John Soldmon afterwards attached himself to the main tribe of Wyandots at Upper Sandusky, and moved to the west with them. He returned with his squaw to Wyandot a few years after, and remained there to the time of his death, which occurred in 1878. He was present at a pioneers' picnic in Shoch's woods, on Honey creek, in Eden township, on the first day of September, 1877, and being called upon for a speech, stepped on to the stand and related, in very broken English, an account of a bear hunt. He was a tall and noble looking man. His squaw is still living. 74 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. people of Upper Sandusky have not kept it in repair as a land-mark of the historic past ! The roof has fallen in, and there is nothing left of it but the stone walls. Sum-mun-de-wat, another christian chief, was brutally murdered by some miscreant white men, who enjoyed his hospitality. speak of him, especially, because this chief was very well known and respected by the early settlers of Seneca county. He was a special friend of our lamented townsman, Dr. Kuhn. At a treaty held at Washington City, on the 29th day of February, 1831, the United States were represented by Mr. James B. Gardiner, and the Senecas by Coonstick, Seneca Steel, Captain Good-hunter, Hard-hickory and Small-cloud-Spicer, their chiefs. George Herrin acted as interpreter. Gen. Henry C. Bresh was sub-agent. At this treaty the Senecas sold their whole reservation to the United States, with full authority to sell the same. The proceeds were to be placed in funded stock at five per cent. interest, which was to be paid to the Senecas as an annuity, after deducting the cost of building for the latter a saw mill and a grist mill near .Green Springs. They were to have, also, 7o,000 acres northwest of the State of Arkansas, on the Neosho and Cowskin rivers, and ninety miles from Fort Gibson. The Wyandots ceded their reservation to the United States in 1842. At this cession the last foot of soil in Ohio passed away from the red man to the race that conquers the world—the Caucasian. Emigrants who crossed the mountains and descended and settled in the Ohio valley, usually brought with them their household goods, and their flocks of sheep, their horses and cattle. They crossed the mountains in large wagons, and drove their flocks before them. On reaching the Ohio river they put all on board of flat-boats and descended the river to their places of destination. But when emigration began to set in for northwestern Ohio, the emigrants had to find their way through a dense forest, as best they could. There were no roads open, and no bridges across any of the numerous creeks and rivers with which this northwestern part of Ohio abounds. There were immense swamps on both sides of the Sandusky, and along all its tributaries. Farther west and north the country was almost one continuous, immense swamp as far north as the Maumee, and west to Indiana, and far into that state. The soil was very- rich, it must be admitted, and the farmer well knew that as soon as the water and the forest were conquered, the soil would eventually reward him for his toil. But to subdue these and become master of the situation required. almost super-human power, the most patient fortitude, heroic courage, untiring