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The Fur Trade of Thumb of Michigan
The Gun, Silver, and Blacksmiths and the Makers of Brandy and Rum
By Mark R. Putnam
Caro, Michigan
This is very much a work in progress! Table of Contents
Introduction Conchradum: Sankinan and Saguinan
Chapter One The Dutch, English, and Iroquois Ekandechiondius and Skenchioedontius 1600 - 1700
Chapter Two After the Dutch Came the French Les Pays Plats and Les Pays Peles 1700 - 1760
Chapter Three The English The Flat Country 1760 - 1776
Chapter Four The American's Tuscola and the Thumb of Michigan 1776 - 1837
IntroductionConchradum: Sankinan and Saguinan
The above 1660 map by Sanson Shows the Thumb of Michigan, That included the Old Land of t he Sauk or Ekandechiondius,And, the Old Land of the Fox . . . Skenchioetontius. Also shown was Mare Dulce, Lake Huronum, or Lake Huron.
The land of the Eastern Thumb of Michigan, Was then called in short Skenchioe, It was the Land of the Fox People, the land of the people of the other shore . . . or the Outagamie. The area was a great pineland plain, Where beaver hunting and trapping was at the best. Possession of the land was often hard-pressed.
This was the dawn of written history for Michigan. The area was also the hunting ground of the Huron. It was held at a premium. The Thumb of Michigan, Laid west of the Land of the Huron and Lake Huron. It was the land of the great river mouth and called Conchradum.
Afterward being called Conchradum, the next name in line was Sankinan, And, then, Saguinan. It is known today as the Saginaw. By the 1650's, it would be held by the Iroquois. And, later by the trading people the Ottawa, And, the people with the puckered shoes the Chippewa.
Early in the 1600's in this area, Also, lived the Pottawatomie or the Assistoronnon's. The early Algonquin's, May have called the land of the Eastern Thumb . . . Tessi-aki or Tuscola, Which meant the Flat Country. The land filled with many a lofty pine tree.
The Gens Neutral, the Neutral Nation, Lived to the southeast in Canada. They were also an ancient tribe of Iroquois. The Pottawatomie were also called the Fire Nation, Or the People of the Fire. From this land many hopes and ambitions would aspire.
Conchradum, Was the early name for the Thumb, And, Eastern Michigan. The word conch in Latin means shell. Sank and chank are words that also mean shell. The name Conchoradum was later changed to Sankinan.
Saginaw means "At the Pouring Out of the River's Mouth", Where the river would spout. The German word "schenken" also means to pour out. It would seem that Sankinon, Also meant the river outlet or mouth. "Arenti-" meant river mouth or opening in Huron.
Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron, Were once called "Tekariendiondi" and "Karegnondi". Both seem to mean "There Where the River Mouth Extends Out". "T-ek" meant "there where" in Huron. The root seems to be the compound word "areenti-ondi", Meaning it spills or projects out.
"Arend-ondi" means a rock juts or stands out. Since Saginaw meant at the river's mouth, The Iroquois word Karegnondi also seems to mean at the river's mouth. In Chippewa, at the river's mouth is "sagiwan". In Chippewa, to pour something out, Is "siginan"
In the German language, to pour out is "einschenken", While in Dutch, it is "inshenken". Traditionally, in French a cup-bearer is an "echanson". So, it seems that Sankinon, And, Conchradum likely meant the spout, Or there where there is a pouring out.
In Latin, a little shell or spoon is a cochlea, The place where food is given out, a tavern, or inn in Chippewa, Is called "ashange-wigamig". A housing structure is called a "wigamig", In German a tavern or inn is called a "schenke".
Again, in French a cup-bearer is an "echanson". So, it seems Conchradum, May have meant where there is a pouring out. The French word echanson, Likely comes from shank the bone once used as a spout. These were the early names of Michigan's Thumb.
It is interesting to note that a tavern in Onondaga, Is called a "echnegichrata".
The Iroquois called the Huron the Ouatogie, Which was said to mean "Those of the Setting Sun or the West". The Onondaga word for west, Was "Wazodwa[i]". In the middle 1600's, the Iroquois leaders, Would battle over the right to this great land of the beavers.
The Iroquois word "skenchioe", Meant the Native People called the Fox. In Huron, "sgehnakseh" meant Red Fox. A similar sounding Dutch and Mohawk word Schenectady, Which meant "beyond the pine plain". The Thumb of Michigan was pineland plain.
The Onondaga word for plain was "uchwuntschio", And, also, the word "gahuntio. A pinery in Onondaga was an "ochenchtja". A pinery in Chippewa/Ottawa was a "jinghacki", And, plain or flat land was a "jingakamiga". It seems that red fox, or "skin bad" which is its root, is the meaning of Skenchioe.
The root of all these word might be a sheet or skin, Which is Huron was "ihn".
To Ottawa and Chippewa, The Thumb of Michigan likely the "Tessi-aki". The level or flat land . . . Tuscola. The Chippewa word for land was "aki". In the early 1700's, the French called it "Le Pays Plat", or the Flat Country. The English repeated the term calling it also the Flat Country.
The Chippewa/Ottawa word "tessi", Probably comes from their word "essi", Which means a clam shell. The Huron word for plate Was "-ks" which is similar to their word "-kd", which they used for a shell. In Chippewa, "tessi-nagan" meant flat dish or plate.
By 1660, the Conchradum was called Ekandechiontius, The apparent Latinized Iroquois word Ekandechiontius, Seems to mean "There Where the Flat Land Extents Outward", Or, where there is a large plain. Kentucky was also said to mean the prairie or plain. Both names seem to be in accord.
In the Lower Southeastern Thumb was a Lake called Kandekio, Which seems to have a similar meaning. It was also called Lake Otsiketa, or the Salt Lake, And, Ganatchio . . . . or Kettle Lake. Perhaps, Flat Lake is the meaning Of the early name Kandekio.
The Onondaga word for fire was "ostschischta" Whose root is "schta". Many river names of the area of Saginaw were associatate with light. The water of the various streams must have rippled and were bright. Light in Chippewa/Ottawa was "wasseia". To sparkle or glimmer in Onondaga was "wazaoenji".
The names of the tributaries of the Saginaw River, Were later called the during the Chippewa/Ottawa period the Tittibawassee, The Wakishegan, and the the Shiawassee. Each it seems was a glimmering river. These were the rivers that glittered, The waters of light that radiated and glowed.
"Tittiba" likely meant turning, twisting, or rolling, "Wasseia" meant it is bright or contains light. "Shia" meant straight ahead, correct, or right. Wakishegan seems to mean the river glimmering, The seems three rivers of the Saginaw were then the Twisted Shining River, The Straight Ahead Shining River, and the Shining River.
All these tributaries of the Saginaw, Separated at Green Point. The Tittabawassee twisted to right or west at Green Point. The Shiawassee went straight ahead from the Saginaw, And, the Wakishegan bowed to the left or east of the point. These were the bright waters of the Saginaw.
The bright shining rivers flowed, Into Lake Huron or Lacus Huronum, And, then into Lacus Aquarum Marinara they emptied, Near the bottom of Michigan's Thumb. Lacus Aquarum Marinara was also called "Chaudiere", Which meant the Kettle or Cauldron Sea.
Lake Chaudiere the Iroquois called "Ganatchio", Which was another word for a caldron. The root of cauldron is Latin "caleo" meaning to glow. The French also called Lake Chaudiere . . . Lake St. Claire. It was a lake that was shallow. warm, and fair. Where there were many a floating white swan.
The Iroquois called Lake St. Clair, The Salt Lake or "Otsiketo. Their other name for the lake was Kandekio. It was another body of water that was shiny white. It also glittered and was bright. To be bright, shiny, or brilliant is the meaning of the Latin word "claro", And, the French word "clair".
The water of Lake Kandekio, Warm, shallow, bright, and clear southward would flow, To Lacus Erius, or Felis, the Lake of the Cat, Near the beginning of the land of beaver that was somwhat flat. The water flowed eastward to water that was deep, Then over the Niagara Falls it would sweep.
Down the narrow gorge the water ran, And, then entered Lacus Ontarius, or Lake Ontario. The Beautiful Lake of the yachtsman, And, onward to the Atlantic the water would go. Lake Ontario was also known as Lewis' Lake, A French King's namesake.
The Five Nations, the Iroquois, And, the Neutral Nation, Were called by the Algonquin, The snakes, adders, or "nottawa". By the 1640's, the Nottawa would conspire, To removed form the Lake Huron the Wyandotte, Sauk, and the Nation of Fire.
In the 1640's, the O'Nottawa, Pushed before them the People of Fire From the land near and about Saginaw. To La Bay of Wisconsin and that woodland brier. Michigan promontory . . . the Thumb, Would then only hear the Iroquois drum.
The land became a battle ground, Here where the richest of peltries were found, Above the shining Lake Kandekio, And, above the Great City--Detroit or Tiosahrondio. This was the land of a great pinery. This was the land of the best of beaver peltry.
Tiosarhrondio the French call L'detroit. "The Straight" was the meaning of Detroit. Tiosahrondion meant "there where there are [beaver] dams athwart many" . . . Above Tiosharondion, the rivers filled with deadwood tree. Cut by the castor or beaver whose dam was called a "sahr". This was the land of the hunting that was afar.
The land above and below Detroit or Tiosahrondion, Was called by that same name. The land about Lake Erie was called "Erie-Tiosahrondion", Here also the beaver was the primary game, But, the bests of hunting was at or above the "Belle Chasse River", in sum, The best of beaver came from Michigan's Thumb.
Chapter One The Dutch, English, and IroquoisEkandechiondius and SkenchioedontiusThe Saginaw1600 to 1700
And, in the lower center, the Cheveux Releves, "The Erect Hair", or the Ottawa. The Gens de Petun, or the Tobacco Nation, are just west of Lake St. Louie. In the north are the Sault, the Chippewa. In the west, are the Puans, the Winnebago Nation. The Thumb of Michigan holds the Gens de Feu, the Nation of Fire, or the Assistagueronon.
The Isle de Kaoutotan, It today, the Isle of Manitowan. The later name means the Island Spirited. The former name means where drift wood, or castways, are stranded. South of Lac D'Erie is the Gens de Chat or Cat Nation. The Nation Neutre, the Neutral Nation, were then just the Thumb of Michigan.
In 1606, the Dutch had been entering the St. Lawrence River, In search of furs in defiance of the French. In 1609, Henry Hudson discover the Hudson River and claimed it for Dutch. By 1610, Arnout Vogels was trading on Hudson's River, Vogels enlisted two Frenchman to traded for him, And, soon Dutch traders followed his enterprenurial whim.
Lambert Van Tweenhuysen and Adriaen Block, Also, traded from ships during summer with European goods and stock, Soon, the mouth of Hudson's River had a trading post, Operated by the Dutch West India Company. However, it prove unprofitable, initially. As the Indians some Dutchmen would roast.
But, the Maqua, or Mohawk, would object, To any abandonment of a trade project.
The Dutch, then, built Fort Nassau in 1614, On Castle Island at the Upper Hudson River. At the mouth of the Mohawk River, where the pine woods were beautiful and green. This became the main fort of the early fur trader. Later on nearby streams, saw and grist mills were built, Where the water would rush full tilt.
In 1624, the Dutch built Fort Orange, At the mouth of the Mohawk River. To serve as a fur exchange. The Mohawk River was the doorway To the west and its plentiful fur. To the West, the Mohawk River was the passageway.
The Maqua River at its portage, Led to Lake Ontario and Oswego Bay. In 1628, the Mohawk drove the Mohican away, And, became the middlemen to the Dutch fur trading village. With the French in Canada, the Iroquois made peace, And, aligned themselves with the Dutch and brought to them many a beaver fleece.
To the Dutchmen, The Maqua would for many years be their middlemen, In the profitable fur trade, The Dutch at Fort Orange Were intensely involved in the Indian trade, And, that for many years would not change.
The Dutch of Fort Orange, Then requested of the governor fur trading monopoly, The Dutch bargained very successfully. Albany would be New Netherlands, or New York's, only exchange. Dutch merchants did not import goods, But, sewed, forged, and brewed them in the local neighborhoods.
The Indian trade was then the largest source of money. Furs shipped to Europe were a large part of the economy. The trade great wealth. And, aided public welfare and health. Furs passed through many a hand, It seemed they were always in great demand.
Fur included muskrat, martin, and mink, Raccoon, and bear, possum, fox, and lynx, But, the most importantly was the beaver, From the western river. At first it seemed that the trapping furs in New Netherlands would not end. But, further west each year the hunt would extend.
The Iroquois People, Quickly became Dutch allies. They formed a cartel, Which gave rise, To intermarriage, Dutchman often stayed in an Iroquois village.
In 1635, French Canadian's were in a good position, And, began trading with the western Iroquois the Onondaga; The "People of the standing stone" was their name in translation. The Maqua did not want French trade with the Onondaga. The Onondaga lived between the Fort Orange and Niagara Falls, which was then the frontier. From the west, the Maqua ousted the French with the help of the Dutch financier.
The Dutch wanted to be neutral, But, soon war between the Iroquois and the French and Huron was pivotal, To the cause of the Iroquois, Who wanted to over take Southern Ontario and Saginaw, The Dutch would side, And,it was the Dutch influence that would turn the tide.
In 1640s, the beaver in the Iroquois homeland, Was gone nearly to extinction But, a new better source of fur was at hand. The Iroquois would go the Lower Great Lakes and Michigan. And, the lands of Ohio, And, there inflict a great military blow.
The Iroquois needed to move westward to remain in the fur trade. But, seeing their rapid advance, the French quickly sold arms to the Huron. Who lived along the the South Shore of Lake Huron. Plans for war were then laid, Which pitted Iroquois and Dutchmen, Against the Huron and Frenchmen.
In 1633, the French had provided the Huron, With bakers, farmers, artisans and blacksmiths, That latter were also greatly valued as gunsmiths. To the region, many types of French and Dutch goods were drawn. In 1642, The French established a fort on St. Marie's River. As a refuge for the Native hunter and trapper.
Here were the Chippewa, And, their near kin the Ottawa. . Blacksmiths were vary valued, As they made axes, traps, and repaired a gun. In 1642, the conflict between the Huron's and the Iroquois peaked. On the South Shore of Lake Huron. As the Dutch supplied the Iroquois with gun, powder, and shot, Here they fought with the Huron, the Wyandotte.
The Iroquois, the Nottawa, drove the Huron away From their incursions to Southeast Michigan. The Huron went to Wisconsin's B ay to live and stay.A great relocation had begun. The land around and about Saguinau, Was now the land of the Iroquois or Nottawa.
Where there were many beaver dams, the place about Tiosahrondion, And, flat tableland of Michigan's Thumb, Had been the hunting ground of the Rock People of the Huron, Now it was a part of the Iroquois and Dutch consortium. However, soon, the Chippewa and Ottawa, Would their eyes on the western part of Saguinaw.
By 1650, the Nottawa, the Iroquois, Were telling great stories, About the Thumb of Michigan's Thumb and Saguinau, And, were making their way here with ease. The Anie, or Agnie, did most of the talk, They were also called the Anniehronnon's, the Maqua, or Mohawk.
The others of the Five Nations were the Onneiohronnon's, Who were also called the Cayuga, The Onnontaëronnons, Called the Onondaga, The Sonnontouaheronnons, who were the Seneca, And, the Onionenhronnons, who were the Oneida.
With the arrival of the blacksmith, shot, and gun to the forest of Southeast Michigan,. In the early 1650's, tribal reformation had begun. With powder shot, and gun, the Iroquois caused a great displacement. The Algonquin from the Lower Great Lakes westward was sent. The Iroquois now controlled the land about Lake Kandekio, And, the lower part of Lac Louis or Lake Ontario.
However, in 1653, the Chippewa defending their homeland . . . Lake Superior, Destroyed a large party of Iroquois, In a conflict on this western frontier. This was the farthest expansion of the Iroquois. Though defeated, the Iroquois, however, still retained control of Ohio and Lower Michigan, Lake Erie and Lower Lake Huron.
Now, a new player appeared in the fur trade. On Lakes Superior and Michigan the Ottawa became France's middlemen, Here the Iroquois did not invade. In Northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, France now has as middlemen, The Cheveus Releves, who were now called the trading people, or Ottawa.
As the Ottawa were bring in furs to Montreal. The Dutch employed, sitll, the Five Nations. Who brought pelts to Fort Orange after the spring thaw. With a defeat on Lake Superior, a truce was penned by the Five Nations, Which further encourage the Chippewa And, the noble Ottawa . . . !
Fro the Iroquois, defeating the Huron, was not enough, As the Ottawa took their place. For the Iroquois, the wood of the far Northwest were tough. The Ottawa kept up the trading pace. They brought pelts to Montreal with great renown, Which was retold in many a Western Algonquin Native town.
However, the Iroquois during each winter, hunted and trapped the best beaver ground. Which located in the land the French called Le Pays Plat. Here the beaver would abound, North of Tiosahrondion in the country that was flat. Here was the great beaver hunting, Where fur trading wealth was doe the taking.
The Iroquois, thrifty , and expanded in Dutch goods and stock,Hunted the land of the beautiful chase and the river of pine, The land of beaver dams, ponds, and small miry loch, Which was above Lake Kandekio, a land much like the lower Rhine. The rivers in this region would be called the Iroquois, The Lower, Middle, and Upper Rivers of Nottawa.
Here muskrat, mink, and beaver were found. It was the grandest of hunting ground. From the Belle and Pine rivers, To the Tittabawassee and Shiabawasse rivers. In the the winter the Iroquois was found, The woods were filled with their sound.
The great fame of this region, Is seen in the name of the Belle or Belle Chasse River. This area of Michigan, Was the home of the beaver. Of beautiful hunting, And, of the best Trapping.
When in 1653, the Iroquois sued for peace. The Maqua Chief Canaqueese, Went to Montreal his loses to decrease. Hunting was best done when war would cease. Canaqueese was of Dutch and Mohawk blood and also called Jan Smidt, He was likely a son of a Dutch gunsmith, silversmith, or blacksmith.
"The Dutch would run after Iroquois girls, Who were very much like Dutch girls. When Canaqueese, Met for peace, He was pushed by the Onondaga, And, by the Oneida.
However, Canaqueese made it clear, That of the Iroquois, the Maqua were the utmost And, the terms of peace would be within the Maqua sphere. Canaqueese gave the boast: "Frenchmen listen to the Mohawk over the Onondaga And, their close kin the Oneida".
In the 1650's, by law Dutch trading was only held within the walls of Fort Orange, Which was near the mouth of Mohawk River. By law, into the forest, trade one could not arrange. Dutch law prohibited trading goods in the interior. The law prohibited forest runners, Or bosch loppers.
At this time, to the Dutch, the Iroquois were middlemen. But, they were also often half-brother of the Dutch trader. The trading of furs was ultimately done only by Fort Orange aldermen, Who were often also silversmiths, gunsmiths, and brewers. They infrequently went into the countryside, At Fort Orange, they would mostly reside.
In the Great Lakes Region, The Iroquois undertook fur collection. However, it was not uncommon that a Dutchmen to take an Iroquois bride, So that trading and family were allied. Often the Dutchman's half brother or brother-in -law, Was and Iroquois who went to traded in the forests of Saginau.
In prisoner exchange, the Dutch often acted as middlemen, As once, Dutch Captain, Otsi-rdiakhon, Went to Three Rivers with a Maqua peace keeping team. HIs goal was prisoners to redeem. Peace was beneficial for all, As hunting and trapping would not commence in the fall.
When the Iroquois were at war, Time was not spent hunting and trapping. Peace needed to occur for trading, They would not to the the Great Lakes Region oar. With peace, furs made their way to the Dutch by way of the Maqua or Mohawk River, And, also to the French along the Ottawa River.
An overturn in Dutch rule, however, ensued. In 1664, the Dutch and English were a feud, However, without firing a gun, the English took control of New Netherlands. The colony went into English hands. New Netherlands was then called New York. Trade, however, was not effected at Fort Orange on Hudson's River upper fork.
Fort Orange was renamed Albany. It, however, followed the same Dutch trategy. Canada became known as New France. Both areas were deep in fur trade romance. Each spring from the woodlands, Iroquois, the Five Nations, Brought furs back to their New York habitations.
Before 1664, the drinking of rum In New York was rare, But, after that dated the consumption of rum, Was nearly found everywhere. Also, in the Indian trade, the English used it widely. The English could make rum at half the cost the French made brandy.
The Dutch also made Indian trade goods of dear cost and high quality. The English rum was a by product of West India sugar making, So, it was also made very cheaply. After the English took control of New York, the sale of rum was conducted, broadly. With these dear goods, the trade of the Great Lakes, Was lifted and extended on a higher wake.
While the trading of furs by law was only done at Albany, Illegal trading was done at the neighboring town of Schenectady. Many of those at Schenectady were close in kin to the Maqua, And, on an occasion some of them the West saw. It seems that nameless members of both Schenectady and Albany, Had made their way to Lake Huron in the wars before 1653.
Officially, trading furs was only done within the walls of Albany, But was forbidden to those of Schenectady. But, those of Schenectady understood, More frontier and its wildwood. To the trade, Schenectady supplied many an interpreter, Who at one time may have been a French prisoner.
As captives, Schenectady interpreters, Learned Chippewa and Ottawa language. Because of this and their western knowledge, they would form a bridge, Between the Iroquois and Algonquin and often be illegal traders. The people of Schenectady were very valuable. Often the people of Schenectady were at a negotiating table. . The Dutchmen of Schenectady and Albany, Traded with goods for the furs of Tiosahrondion, Directly, which was illegal, and at Albany, indirectly, Using the Iroquois who trapped, hunted, waylaid, or traded in Michigan. Probably, in the end, those that prospered the most were Albany aldermen, And, those who often operated the local tavern or Inn.
The western woods runners, Whom the Dutch called bosch loppers, Were young Iroquois, Who even went to Saginaw. New York under the control of Englishmen, Began sending into the Western New York woods Scotts and Irishmen.
In the war between the Huron and Iroquois, The Dutch tried to be neutral, Even to the banks of the isle called Mackinaw. To the Iroqouis, the Dutch were vital. The Dutch furnished them with food, guns, and goods, For trading in the far woods.
With little penalty, Dutchman also traded for prisoners. In 1664, a period of competition started, When New Netherlands was taken over by Englanders. At the same time, Canada was being consolidated, And, France was arming the Chippewa and Ottawa, Who knew of the value of the old land of the People of Fire . . . Saguinau.
Trade in the Great Lakes became a necessity. Albany was likewise suppling goods and arms, To the Iroquois who traveled about Skenchioe. The Dutch trade with the Iroquois gee gaws, goods, and charms, Saguinan and Skenchioe could not be lost. Here trade was undertaken at a great cost.
From Northern Michigan palisades, The Ottawa, also, collected furs, but took them to Montreal, Each summer passing Mackinaw. In the French city, the Ottawa traded for blankets, beads, powder and guns, and other aids. A part of every request, or trade, when it was permitted, was brandy, Which made furs sell much more cheaply.
The Fur trade legacies were guns and brandy and rum, Spirits made the trials of the forest numb. Brandy and rum requested over calico and ornament. Each English and Frenchman often supplied spirits at their eastern settlement. "French brandy was expensive while cheap was English rum," That message sounded from many a woodland drum.
The English carrying on Dutch policy supported the Iroquois, In the battles of the interior. To Ohio, to the Mississippi River, and to Mackinaw. English and Dutch goods, Had a cost that to the Native Person was dear. Even Ottawa and renegade Frenchman would come to Albany from the western woods.
At this time, people in Albany, Were acquiring fortunes that they invested in land, Fortunes gained from trade from Michigan's rivers au sable or rivers of sand. In 1664, the occurrence of beaver dams near Albany, Was itself very rare. Most furs came from the west and about Lake Kandechio now Lake St. Claire.
A major portion of the Indian fur trade Was, then, located in the Lower Great Lakes. Here there was many a waylaying raid, When on the ground there were snow flakes. Trapping, hunting and trading would wax and wane, Between peace and war in this domain.
Always a part of the economy, The fur trade went on, The driving force of domestic and foreign policy. Along the Southern Shore of Lake Huron For the next hundred years, The fur trade effected commercial and political careers.
In 1664, King Louis XIV of France, Sent a military force and settlers to Canada, The military fought against the Iroquois with diligence. Within 3 years, the Iroquois were subdued in their raids to Canada, In 1667, the Iroquois would sue for peace. That the fighting might decease.
In 1666, Canada had sent a a force to New York to punish the Iroquois. Frenchman, Chippewa, and Ottawa advanced toward Albany and the homeland of the Maqua. Saving the day, Governor Nicols of New York, quickly, negotiated for peace, The events caused Albany trade to increase. With peace, trading was good. In Albany, the value of peace was widely understood.
But, Dutch traders felt the French were grasping all the trade. The Dutch opposed the French who ventured into the woodland glade. Now, the Ottawa River route from the Great Lakes to Montreal, The Iroquois no longer blocked the route of down the River Ottawa. The French Canadians now had clean passage, Which would lead them to a golden age. , Before 1670, Saguinan's Shores the French did not track. France's holdings, then, were the Upper Great Lakes. French profits began to climb as goods they would pack, At Montreal and head for the land of the sky-blue water over its streams and lakes. In 1670, King Charles II of England Chartered the Hudson Bay Company in the far north, which he also manned.
In 1673, the Iroquois began another invasion. The French moved northward and westward. The Iroquois then controlled Ohio and Lower Michigan. New in roads were put on the record, While the trade divided between Montreal and Albany. Again, the west would be swayed by Albany's low price and quality.
The Dutch and English had an advantage in trading. They make excellence, cheaply priced, spirits and goods. With this advantage, again they dominate the South Great Lakes woods, Where there was again good hunting. Native People were flocking to Albany's gate, For high quality goods at the best rate.
At Orange, or Albany, Native People would lodge, During the spring and summer season as furs were sold, For a goods that made up a hodge-padge. Many stories were told. The hunting was good, In the Saguiniau neighorhood.
Canada's strategy rested in Frenchmen called coureurs de bois, Who ran the forests searching for furs. The Dutch and English employed officially, only, the Iroquois, But occasional theri was in the wood Dutch bosch loppers, Along with an occasional renegade coureur de bois. Canada began to complain against English competition in 1670, As the Ottawa were being advised by the Iroquois to come to Albany.
Because the Iroquois were taking the Ottawa to Albany, And, there was an imbalance in trade, In 1673, at the east end of Lake Ontario, the French built Fort Frontenac, To help stop the movement to Albany of the fur pack, To prevent the Ottawa from going to trade, At the Orange, or Albany, trading stockade.
The French position was strengthened, Algonquin trade with Albany was nearly stopped. It was the goal of the French to control Lake Ontario, And, it would be so. mmm mmm.
The French wanted to control the trade from Fort Frontenac, To the Straits of Michillimackinac. Their move greatly effect Saguinau. The region was seeing more and more the Ottawa and their brothers the Chippewa. Fort Frontenac hindered the Iroquois and from going to their winter beaver hunting ground, Where for many years they were bound. Implacable hostility of the Iroquois, Cause insecurity for the French and their Algonquin Allies. The beaver hunting of the Saguinau. Had been an Iroquois enterprise, But in the 1arly 1670s, the Chippewa were moving into the the region, This much wanted part of Michigan.
In 1675, a French missionary was bold enough to come to Eastern Michigan. French settlement before then had only been at St. Ignace and Le Bay, Wisconsin.
The Jesuits had said that up to 1648, Southern Michigan's northeast shore, Had been inhabited by the Wazhashkosag or muskrat clan, The Negawishininiwag or men of the sandy shore. The Otawag Zainagog or Ottawa rattle snake clan, the Kishkagogag or short-tail bear clan, And, the Otawag or Ottawa. These were the Native People who lived just above Saginaw.
The Saguinau had been the living space of the Pottawatomi, Sacs, and Nassawakwatt, or Fork Clan, of the Ottawa, Who had been chased away by the Iroquois. In 1675, French Priest Father Marquette went on a journey, To Lake Michigan's shore. Also, in 1675, Father Henry Nouvel came to Lake Huron's western shore.
Sulpitians Dollier and Galinee, Had passed through the Straite of Detroit and in the spring of 1671, And, plied the water of the eastern shore of Lake Huron. Father Henry Nouvel's journey, Would span the stay of 3 months in Saguinan. He had been 4 years the Superior of the St. Ignace ttawa Mission.
In the winter of 1675-1676, the Amikoniniwag or Beaver People, Went hunting toward or in the direction of Lake Erie, These Chippewa People desired to have with them a missionary, Such as Father Henry Nouvel, So, that winter, Father Nouvel stayed in the former Sacs Country or Saginaw. They began near St. Ignace and the Straits of Mackinaw.
With two Frenchman, Father Nouvel and the Beaver Clan, Headed towards Lake Erie. After ten days, they met a lodge of Indians called Oupenegous, On the southern shore of Northeast Michigan's Thunder Bay. From that point, they started out again the following day. Along the shore they found the country full of large oaks, maples, and excellent timber. Even fine trees of apples, which Huron's would gather.
The twelfth day they rounded Point Au Sable, or Sand Point, and encountered marsh. They found it hard to find a camping place here near the northern Saguinan Bay. The following day in weather that was foggy they threw themselves into the bay, Because the weather was cold and harsh, They were for 6 days by ice confined, So, there they stayed..
Eventually, breaking the ice before them, they went in the bay to a small island, Which today is known as Little Charity Island. The following day, December 1st, They entered the Saguinau River . . . the ice had burst. Winter was fast approaching. Quickly, hastily onward, they were pushing.
So, fast they quickly made their way, They passed the mouth of the Tittawassee River, Which was the river they wanted to take that day. By mistake, they entered the Shiawassee River. These were the rivers of light. They retraced their steps to where they camped the previous night.
This was where the rivers diverged or the place called Green Point, Where the Saguinau and the Tittabawasse, Shiawassee, and Nottawa Rivers adjoint. The next day, they did not venture up the Iroquois or Nottawa River, But, went northwest up the Tittabawassee River. Their destination in the Saguinau, Was a tributary of the Tittawassee River the Chippewa.
Part way up the Tittawasse River, They came to the camp, Where the the following day along the shore of the river, The Beaver People had not long before a camp. There they would stay, For many a day. This was the former land of the Sauk. From this country, the Iroquois,or Nottawa, had chased the Sauk. Her in the region of the Tittabawassee TheSauk lived much before 1653. The woodland game had been allowed to increase through the years. Here there were many colossal beaver dams and weirs.
At the camp were many furs from hunting. Skins of bears, deer, and wild turkey, And, of pike and bass from fishing. The Chippewa had come to this site around 1670. On, the 4th of December, The Beaver People and Father Nouvel had come to the fork in the Tittabawassee River.
Here it was very advantageous for hunting. There were all sorts of game, Such as stag, dee, bear, raccoon, and other game. Wild fowl, also, abounded for pursuing. Here there were wild apple trees, And, large tall walnut trees.
Going up the Chippewa River, They arrive on the 7th, At their place for the winter. Here everyone gathered in strength. Here, there were, Chippewa People waiting with great joy, Man, woman, girl, and boy.
This the Chippewa River was the Chippewa winter hunting ground. Father Nouvel's was not confined To mission to the Native People who there wintered. Father Nouvel was also found, At the camp of a neighboring band of Nipissing that winter on one day, And, likewise at a camp of the Missisagau several days jouney, away.
It did not take long for Father Nouvel, To construct a chapel and cabin on the Chippewa River. On his journey to the Nipissing, Father Nouvel, Saw the destruction of much timber caused by beaver. In this the region in which they were not long been hunted. He also saw many great lodges, which the beaver had constructed.
On Father Nouve's journey to the Mississagua the weather was very bitter. It was during the month of January, But Father Nouvel's dedication was extraordinary. Till March was Father Nouvel stay along the Chippewa River. Father Nouvel's cabin and chapel were made of arched bowers. Here he taught and preached on end for hours.
The cabin and chapel floors, walls, and vault were made of bark. The door was made of animal skin. There was an opening for smoke in the roof in his small ark. Which, also, allowed light within. Here Father Nouvel did stay. Not far from Saguinan Bay.
In 1679, to the English, Frontenac produced a chill, In 1679, New York required a pass of any Canadian trading in Albany. This increased the English till. At the same time, though, the Dutch and English of Albany, Went to Montreal and Quebec with their goods. Everyone wanted Dutch and English goods.
Because of the lost of trade to Albany, In 1679, La Salle of Canada made plans to stop the flow of furs to Albany. He wanted the beaver hunting ground to be under the control Canada. La Salle began building a shipyard above the Falls of Niagara. He was helped by Chippewa and Ottawa. La Salle's built the vessel called "Griffin", which quickly made its way toward Saginaw and Mackinaw.
The Griffin was the first yacht, That sailed the Upper Great Lakes. Through the Strait of Erie, or Detroit, which was wt of the old home of the Huron or Wyandotte. Opportunities ofr the French lay in the vessel's gentle wakes. The ship was destined, however, For devastating weather,
Up the Strait of Detroit, it passed. By the ancient Grand Village of the Iroquois . . . Tiosahrondion. Up shallow Lake Kandechio it floated. To the Great Lake Huron. Onward it skimmed passing to Saguinan Bay, Then onward to Thunder Bay.
In Lake Huron's northwest corner, Above the Isle of Mackinaw, The Griffin docked at St. Ignace to barter, With the Chippewa and Ottawa, Then went on to Le Bay or Green Bay, Where it collected many pelts during its short stay . . . without delay.
The Griffin's full with fur headed back, To St. Ignace and the Straits of Millillimackinac. To build forts, LaSalle went by foot to the Miami and the Illinois River. As the Griffin went on its way, violent winds filled the weather and fear was instilled in each sailor. The Griffin was lost in a storm in great dismay. As it returned along the waterway.
Two years later, in 1681, the Iroquois Destroyed La Salle's Fort on the Miami or St. Joseph's River, Previously in 1680, the Iroquois had destroyed Fort Crevecoeur on the Illinois River. Even now they still made their way to Saguinua. The Iroquois would develop an equilibrium, On the war path again were they in the western kingdom.
In 1680, the Iroquois wanted new hunting ground, So they, made war with the Illinois whom they did astound. The Iroquois were successful. They returned east with canoes full. mmm mmm
Canada's Du Chesnau and Frontenac, Said in the war that the English were the instigators, That the English and Iroquois had a pack, That the Algonquin allies of France needed to be force to the English trade doors. In raids, the Iroquois came near to Canada. However, the Dutch in order to trade wanted peace with with Canada.
War prevented beaver trapping and hunting. The Iroquois defeated the Susquehanna, In the region later called Pennsylvania. To the west, the Susquehanna were fleeing . The Iroquois as they looked or new conquests, Put the English through many political tests. The Iroquois were saying the enemies, Were hunting upon Iroquois land, And, contrary to Indian Custom, that their enemies would seize, Both male and female beaver from the land, Not allowing the beaver to replenish. This was also the saying of the English.
In 1681, Dutch traders had asked the Albany Court to regulate the fur trade. France had begun licensing traders for the interior to establish posts. France supported them with new military posts. The interior, the Huron, Pottawatomi, Ottawa, and Chippewa a thee posts could trade. They now did not have to go to the St. Lawrence River, To sell their peltry or fur.
Military posts helped prevent waylaying by the Iroquois. In 1682, Huron and Marquis Denonville, Went on a mission against New York's Iroquois. The maneuver was planned with skill. They planned to go to New York's Irondequoit Bay, Disrupting the Dutch trade and there they wanted to stay.
More.
After Governor Frontenac came French Governor La Barre. In New York, Thomas Dongan, an Irishman Became New York's Governor. These political changes effected the Upper Great Lakes and Southeast Michigan. William Penn at this time was also founding Pennsylvania, Penn requested that the Iroquois sells lands to him on the Susquehanna.
The people of New York and Albany feared, That William Penn would divert the fur trade, New York's Governor Dongan requested, The Iroquois not go to Canada to trade. But, that the Iroquois make peace with the far tribes, shortly, And, allow them to go to Albany.
The Iroquois said their enemies were disrupting nature's equilibrium. They were destroying the regions of hunting. That was the Iroquois' argument in sum. In 1683, New York's Governor Dongan of New York told the French no Englishman Had every been to Michigan.
He said no New Yorker had been beyond the Seneca Country. The French, however, were more aware, About the number of furs going to Albany. The French wanted a larger share. In 1684, the Iroquois informed French Governor La Barre, The Iroquois had guided Dutchmen to the Great Lakes Country.
The Great Lakes Native People learned that better and cheaper goods were obtained at Albany. To that place a passageway was being made. Along the Great Lakes it laid. So, the Far Tribes made peace with the Iroquois to a great degree. In 1684, the Dutch and English obtained many furs from the Iroquois. At this time, the French were seeking war against Iroquois.
New York Governor Dongan wanted the Jesuits expelled from the west, So, forts connecting the Great Lakes and Albany he planned. In 1684, Canada's Governor La Barre went on an expedition against the Iroquois, which was a test. In his attempt, La Barre failed. La Barre's failure brought much fur to the English. That in the end was New York's wish.
In the spring of 1684, New York's Dongan, Caused the Iroquois, the Five Nations, to assemble at Fort Orange, or Albany, "To stimulate" the Iroquois against the French Indian allies in Saguinan, And, to make en incursion in the Saguinau Country. It was Dongan goal also to take held of the French missionaries, And, replace them with English emissaries.
Dongan allowed private merchants, To give arms and ammunition presents, To the Iroquois or Five Nations, Along with other valuable accommodations. Father de Lamberville, missionary to the Onondagas, the French would advise, That the English wanted his demise.
In 1684, the Iroquois made their way to Saguinan. With an expedition against the Huron, Chippewa, and Ottawa, Who lived near the Straits of of Mackinaw, And, who hunted the winter at Saguinan. Governor Denville of Canada wrote from his chateau, The English had more to do with the expedition than even the Iroquois who struck the blow.
The Iroquois campaign to Saguinam To Michigan and the Thumb, Allowed the Dutch and English to venture the next year to the region in a trade flotilla. The Dutch and English were destined to obtain furs from the Chippewa and Ottawa. mmm mmmmm In 1685, the Ottawa and Ojibwa were supplying the French with 2/3 of their furs. One third of the trade was going to the English. Controlling the fur trade around Saguinan was everyone's wish. New York land claims pushed further west along the Ne w York rivers, Its ventures in the end would prove a plus. New York would in the end be very prosperous.
In 1685-86, when Dutchman Johannes Roseboom's party was at Saguinaw and Mackinaw, Denonville wrote, "Dongan works secretly to debauch our French and Indians. "His pretension embraces no less than [from the Great] Lakes to the South Sea," Denonville would note. On Lakes Ontario and Erie, English canoes made their way to Ottawa Indians. Denonville would say, "Mackinaw belongs to them." New France has a great problem.
The Dutch and English trading party, Had acquired Frenchmen who were accustomed who knew the Saguinaw woods, Who knew the beaver hunting country. The Far Indians understood, then, that the English had better bargains . . . cheaper goods. Only military might would stop the English from their great progress. Only military forts and action would make French commerce a success.
Denville wrote that the French needed to establish, A right good right fort at the portage near the Falls of Niagara, Which would keep out the English, And, "bar them from going to Mackinaw. The most valued furs, at this time, Come from "Saguinau," seem to have been the American ditty or rhyme. . In 1685, New York Governor Dongan had issued a pass to the Roseboon party, Who wented hunting and trading among the Far Indians. In the winter of 1685-1686, Johannes Roseboom's party, Had reached as far as Mackinaw and was successful in trading with the Ottawa Indians. The following year, the winter of 1686-87, Dongan sent out two parties, but the French were alerted. They were also ready, and the two parties they captured.
Under the orders of Denonville, in June 1686, Daniel Du Luth a Frenchman who was a coureur des bois, Or, a French runner of the woods, Built Fort St. Joseph on Lower Lake Huron's to oust the Iroquois, And, to stop the passage in the area English rum and Dutch goods. The forest around Fort St. Joseph, a picket fort, filled with tall pines, evergreen, Tall pine trees that waved in the sky overhead pristine. Du Luth built Fort St. Joseph at the mouth of the Black River, Which became known as the Du Luth River. It was not far from the mouth of Lake Huron. The following year, in 1687, Two Hundred Frenchmen and 500 Indians assembled. The route for English trade into Lake Huron essentially blocked.
It was, then, the New York adage: "Encourage your young men to go beaver hunting as the French do, And, a large amount of wealth from trade will ensue." In the West, the English wanted to take front stage. After being captured, 3 months later, Dongan’s parties were returned to the English. Intense war between Iroquois and French began, and the far trade would languish.
Canada's Governor Denonville built forts at Green Bay and on the Mississippi River. The local Native People were impressed. He also granted land to the Jesuits on Michigan's St. Joseph River,Which was near Old Fort Miami that the Iroquois had destroyed. For two years, Daniel Du Luth was assigned to the Lower Lake Huron military post. This latter step may have prevented the English from trade on the Great Lakes the most.
War again had begun Over the control of the Great Lakes, The French would this time win for the most part this woodland fen. This war produced pains and aches. But, English influence on the Kandekio or Otsi-keto River would not easily quench. The Upper Great Lakes, however, would soon belonged to the French.
When New York Governor Thomas Dongan issued licenses to fur traders, Many had hopes of being wealthy, By sending their sons to the far west rivers. In 1686, Major Patrick Mc Gregory led a trading party. That same year Dongan appointed McGregory Muster Master of the Militia. In the spring of 1687, McGregory hope to trade with the Ottawa and Chippewa of Mackinaw.
Young men mostly from Albany and Schenectady composed the expedition. In the winter of 1686, they went Oswego Bay in their canoes. Here McGregory's party camped the winter while Roseboon went on toward Michigan. Their hopes did not defuse. As their vessels created wakes. At stake was the future of the Upper Great Lakes. Major McGregory had learned Native languages, In hopes of earning furs in their villages. The young men of Schenectady and Albany, Would make history and meet destiny, During this the second excursion of record to Michigan, By New York's Scottsmen, Englishmen, and Dutchmen.
With them, they carried rum, calico, and gee gaw, To Saguinau and Mackinaw.
The 1686 Charter of Albany, Had given the sole right to trade in the far woods to the City of Albany. It was a fur trading monopoly. Albany would, also, set Indian policy. But, it was a piece of paper. Real possession of the Great Lakes would lie with military might and power.
In 1686, the McGregory party wintered in New York's Oswego Bay, Destined after the spring thaw, To go onward to Lake Erie and Michigan's Saguinau and Thunder Bay. Johannes Roseboom on his second journey was captured near Mackinaw, While the McGregory party, Was captured on Lake Erie. Mc Gregory's party to Mackinaw was full of Dutch progeny: Nanning Harman and Johannes Bleecker, Jr., Sons of Aldermen of Albany, And, Arnout Corneliuse Viele were there, Arnout Viele was linked to Schenectady, And, was an interpreter, As well as a skilled trader.
While at Michillimackinac, the French captured the Roseboom party, The French took the captives to Montreal as prisoners. New York's Governor, however, was able to free the party. With a number of goodwill gestures. The Canadian who had helped the New York expedition, Was severely punished and sentenced to execution.
Schenectady's Dutch brewing families, Were also very important in the fur trade, The Van Slyck, Viele, Van Eps, and Bradt families. Also from Schenectady, a great aid, Were the gunsmiths such as the families Fonda and Post. Brewing, gun working, and tanning were occupations valued the most.
Also, important were Scotsmen such as the Glen's. Who worked well with the Dutch. And, the Anglo-Saxon Scotch. Later, would be important the family called the Riley's. Ultimately, the most important skills for an Indian agent or broker, The axe, gaudy ware, trap, and gun maker.
In the western trade, the gunsmith and blacksmith were very much wanted. This occupation to the Native American was very dear, Along the mid-western frontier. It was always necessary that an axe or trap be forged. In 1688, the Iroquois complained to New York's Governor Thomas Dongan, That the French with Fort St. Joseph blocked the route to Michigan.
Two years after the capture of the English expeditions, Du Luth was reassigned to the Northwest, Baron de Lahontan was appointed commandant of Fort St. Joseph. However, the new Fort St. Joseph, Would have a short history--though it had past a major test. Now, the The French had their eyes on the Grand City of Iroquois below St. Clair River. The French determined to settle at Tiosahrondion at the Straits of Detroit on L'Detroit River.
In 1689, world conflict intensified, France and England began a series of wars. To Canada, Frontenac was recalled. It was Frontenac who favored missionary corps. So, Denonville was replaced. Fort St. Joseph on the Black River was abandoned.
Despite the progress of French in the woods, Iroquois were trading English goods. To the western tribes, however, in small amounts. The French could not completely eliminate the English discounts. Western tribes liked Dutch goods and their price, But, sought French armory and military advice.
Staples of trade were axes, gee gaws, guns, and powder, British rum and French brandy. Calicos, and blankets, were also important, and always kept handy, By, the French and English trader. In 1689, the English paid for furs two to four times as much as the French: But, the French military was very much entrench.
Canada's, La Salle and Frontenac wanted to extend Canada's influence. They heavily favored the coureur de bois, In their profitable westward advance, The coueur de bois worked closely with Chippewa and Ottawa. La Salle and Frontenac opposed Jesuits who objected to brandy, And, the life of a coureur de bois that was reckless and ruddy.
Missionaries wanted to confine the trade to Montreal. There was little trade for three years after 1689. The Iroquois were winning the war after all, They defeated the French at La Chine in 1689 The battle lead to the abandonment of Fort Frontenac, But, the French had the post at Mackinac. . The western tribes sought peace with the Iroquois, But, other events shaped the outcome. In 1689, the New York Revolution helped Montreal. Events in New York were not calm. Jacob Leisler overthrew Nicholson, which was enjoyed by the people of Shenectady However, the people of Albany, and New York in general, refused to recognize Leisler’s authority.
Under Leisler's government, Albany continued and was armed. The people of Schenectady, However, were isolated and little protected. Schenectady was vulnerable to a French sortie. In the winter of 1689-90, the Massacre of Schenectady by French and Indians occurred. In February 1690, Schenectady the French burned.
In 1693, the Iroquois suffering many heavy losses. They were dismayed with the English and Dutch, Who would not help them against the new French bosses. New York did not help them much. So, the Iroquois, the Five Nations, Commenced peace negotiations.
Near the old Mission on Western Michigan's St. Joseph River, A New Fort St. Joseph, the French established, But, in the spring of 1694, the fort the Iroquois attacked. In 1693 and 1695, huge flotillas laden with fur, Made their way to Montreal. For the French, these were the years of the great haul.
In 1694, Frontenac assigned Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, As the commander of Mackinac. Control over the Upper Great Lakes they foresaw, Which would produce a monopoly in the fur trade for Montreal. Cadillac began making a small fortune in the fur trade. Soon plans for a fort at :L'Detroit they laid.
The English, Dutch, and Iroquois wanted peace, So, that trade might again go on with the Western Tribes. So, the Iroquois sued for peace. However, the French stopped it against Iroquois complaints and diatribes. In Albany, trade was not talked about much from Michigan. In 1692-1694, English trade with the Shawnee South of Lake Erie in Ohio had begun.
The Nation of the South People, the Shawnee, Then, lived in Ohio blow Lake Erie. In 17693, to them, left Arnout Viele's trading party from Albany, The party went far into Ohio Country. The French, however, were alarmed, And, trade eventually was stopped.
The venture was led by Arnold Viele, Who was of Iroquois and Dutch ancestry. He was connected with the Dutch in Schenectady and Albany. He was very good in a fur trade deal. The two year expedition to the Shawnee, Went along the Ohio River valley. When Frontenac returned to Canada, The morale and prestige of the French was restored. He was praised by the Chippewa and Ottawa. Women in Albany for safety to New York City retired. As late as 1700, the Indian trade was wholly in decay. The Iroquois, English, and Dutch would not be seen at Saginaw Bay.
Chapter Two The French PeriodLe Pays Plat 1700 - 1760
Lahatan's Map of 1704 Shows the "Chasse des Castor des Amis de la Francois", Near the Bay of Sakinaw. The remnant of Fort St. Joseph is near the Lower Lake Huron Shore.
They were now were ready to make a peace, So, that their fur trading might increase. To Montreal went Algonquin and Iroquois warriors. They number 800 and 300 respectively, In any war between the French and English, the Iroquois pledge neutrality.
With the Treaty of 1701 with the Iroquois, The French laid the foundation for the City of Detroit. Cadillac wanted a French colony to be established at L'Detroit. The strait was just below Sakinaw. The place could be easily fortified. July 24, 1701, Cadillac landed at L'Detroit, and Fort Pontchartrain he founded.
Nothing was to be done by New York's Governor Dongan. He would not stop the French from building a fort and colony in Southeast Michigan. However, the Iroquois to the French complained, At the same time, settlements near Montreal the Iroquois raided. The Iroquois said, "The French and their Indian allies have taken the hunting ground, Where the bear, deer, and beaver abound."
The Iroquois were very much dismayed, They seems to have lost the lower shores of Lake Huron. Here the Iroquois in the winter had hunted and stayed. The "good hunting" seemed gone. The Iroquois said that the beaver hunting grounds for 60 years we did own. Now the Huron the beaver and elk hunting grounds they called their throne.
The Iroquois said, "In a handful of years, the Huron did this because of avarice." The French insisted, "Iroquois may hunt the beaver ground! For your protection, we have built Fort Pontchartrain near near where there beaver does abound, We will also provide you with powder, lead, and things needed for hunting. The fort will stop you and the Ottawa from warring.'
When hearing this statement of the French, The Huron likewise complained, "The Mississauga the Huron land here have clench." . To the new fort, Fort Pontchartrain. I, too, have invited both Frenchmen and Indian to settle near the port. Here all our goals we will attain. For the next 9 years, Cadillac commanded the fort.
To that date, the biggest resettlement of Indians would take place. The Huron, Miami, Ottawa, and Chippewa, Would established villages along the river above and below this French base. In 1705, the departure of the Huron and Ottawa, From the Mission of St. Ingnace, Force the Jesuits to abandon that place.
In 1702, the Huron asked the French to remove the Chippewa from Southeast Michigan. At that same time, the Wyandotte and Miami Indians. Informed the Iroquois that they then dwelled near Detroit in Michigan. The Wyandotte and Miami said for this land they had their own devices and plans. The strategic point was now Pontchartrain on L'Detroit, This was the area that everyone wanted to exploit.
During the 1690s and early 1700s, in New York many bosch loppers or woods runners, Were brought before the the Albany Court. There was still a great demand for furs.
There was, also, now a large amount of furs for the trader, South of Tiosahrondion in the land of the Maumee, Near the Bay of Sandusky. Below Sandusky there was a place to portage to the Ohio River. In 1701, the Iroquois gave a deed of land for the King of England, Which included the Ohio land.
The deed was to Canagariarchio, which meant where beaver is fine. The land abutted the Twichtwich's or Maumee. Here great hunting was, also, the headline, The Maumee lived southwest of Lake Erie. Here beaver, elk, deer, and such beast kept. This was where many of the Iroquois slept.
The old Iroquois City of Teuchsagronde or Tiosahrondion, Was also called "Wawyachtenok", Passageway above this town lead to Lake Huron, And, the sacred place to Native People called White Rock. The narrow passageway, L'Detroit was a fortuitous place in which to stay.
From L'Detroit, one could go southwest, Through the land of the Maumee to the Wabash, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers, It was, also, a great land for trappers. But, the Thumb of Michigan, Sakinaw, was the where the hunting was the best. To hold that land, Indian Country or the land of the Great River, was to L'Detroit Town, Which was then held by the French Crown.
In 1686, Denonville had ordered Daniel Greysolon Du Luth To build a picket fort called St. Joseph on the Otsi Keta, or St. Clair River. Otsi Keta meant salty to the tooth. The fort as built during a stormy winter. Situated on the Black River on a hillside, The palisade only for a short time was occupied,
In 1702, peace reopened the trading of furs. Prominent men of Albany went to Montreal. There they traded as foreigners. The Christian Iroquois living at Caughnawaga near Montreal, Would go to the west without hindrance. But, near the end of 1702, war broke out in Europe between England and France.
Called Queen Anne’s war, A conflict between England and France had started, But, the Caughnawaga came and went as before. New York's Governor Hunter attempted to stop their passage--but it was not stopped. After a small Canadian skirmish, trade went on with vigor. Between Canadian and New Yorker.
Trade prospered during peace and neutrality, During Queen Ann's War, neutrality was Albany's policy. To a greater degree, it was also the policy of the Iroquois. Peace with the French and western tribes was enjoyed by the Iroquois. American policy was to maintain a balance, At least on this side of the ocean with France.
There was peace as Cadillac, a Frenchman, built Fort Pontchartrain. Which the local fur trade would sustain. The palisade fort was strategically situated. On the high river bank, 40 yards from the river it was located. mmm mmm
Fort Pontchartrain was 60 yards square. Though primitive and open, it would forebear. Cadillac, then, consolidated the Chippewa, Pottawatomie, and Ottawa. Who came to the Great City of Michigan. Along with many a Frenchman.
Drawing Frenchmen to Fort Ponchartrain, Canada left open the opened the New York frontier, Which was good for the people of New York and Albany. Here they would carry on trade on every river. As far as the Great City. The Dutch were trading with both the Iroquois and Canada. The bulk of Queen Anne's War fell on New England, which was desolated by Canada.
In 1703, Canada made a census of the warriors and their tribes, That were about Detroit. Along Lake Erie there were no tribes. Three Hundred leagues from Montreal was Detroit. At Detroit, the Huron there numbered 180 warriors. With a coat of arms bear and black squirrel, the Ottawa there numbered 200 warriors,
The Pottawatomi had a village at Detroit of 180 warriors. A golden carp and a frog they used as a coat of arms. The Mississaugues lived in a small village at the entrance of Lake Huron with 60 warriors, With a crane for a coat of arms. The Ottawa of Saguinan were in number 80 warriors. With a bear and black squirrel for a coat of arms, they set their fires.
During Queen Anne's War, New York was spared the cost of defense. But, by 1709, the atmosphere was, however, tense. The British government sent an expedition against Canada. Against it was Albany, who wanted traded with Canada. Against the expedition were New York's handlers or traders. For the expedition, were New York farmers.
In 1711, after a failure of an expedition to Canada, New England sent Hunter to the Iroquois to ask them to defend the frontier, Which would start another attack on Canada. In 1712, Secretary Clarke wrote the the country was averse to war, Between the French and the Iroquois. as before.
New York choose to sit still. In 1713, there was peace, , again. This increased the influence of the English and brought cash to their till. In Albany, Robert Livingston, wanted New Yorker's to go into the frontier, again, And, establish many a trading post. That was the policy of New York that was foremost.
Robert Livingston was from Scotland. He married into the Schuyler family of Albany, And, had been the clerk of that city. With the Albany aldermen, he had worked hand in hand. Since 1675, Livingston had been the Secretary for Indian affairs. He, also, knew much about Albany goods and wares.
The Livingston Plan was to have peace. He also wanted to build trading posts or forts. He wanted one at Detroit so that English influence would increase, And, one among the Five nations as a halfway point of sorts. He encouraged bush loping or going after the trade, Into the woodland or forest glade.
Livingston wanted to place a fort in Onondaga country, Which would attract the western tribes. The Iroquois, however, opposed him, respectfully. A western post may not allow them to exploit the western tribes, The Iroquois wanted to remain as middlemen. They gained the vote of the Albany aldermen.
Although cheap English goods and rum were irresistible; The Iroquois attitude and French Forts kept the western tribes from going to Albany.
After Frontenac, Vaudreuil tried to abandon the western French posts, He cancel licenses to trade and gave interests to missionaries. In 1702, Lord Cornbury and the Albany Indian commissioners invited Detroiters come to Albany. He found five Indians in 1702 at Albany who came from French post of Detroit. He urged them to come again and to settle near Niagara or Albany. Hunter, also, urged the Five Nations to allow Far Indians to come to Albany.
In 1707, Vaudreuil reported trade was significant especially from Detroit. In 1711 , Lake Superior Indians were coming to Albany each year. It seemed the English would soon be masters of all the upper great lakes. To pursue this end, the English planned to establish trading posts And, develop itinerant traders. This was not traditional Albany style and was not adopted.
Albany was only getting a fraction of the western trade. The Iroquois opposed plans that would displace them as middlemen Neutrality, trade with Canada, trade at Albany were all parts. After the war, trade both with the west and with Canada increased. Primarily due to the cheap English trouds, which were coarse woolen blanket They were staples of the Indian trade. French government was compelled to to buy strouds in England for export to Canada, the easiest way to get strouds was to buy at Albany. no attempt was made in New York to prohibit this trade, but Canadian policy varied. Trade was carried on chiefly by Caughnawaga. French secured goods necessary for the Indian trade, Albany got a share of the western fur trade via Montreal. Hunter wrote in 1720 that the value of this trade was ten to twelve thousand pounds a year. Two reasons assigned for the weakness of French influence. One was the policy of restriction. During the war, issuing licenses to trade had been abandoned, The post at Mackinaw was given up, Second, the sale of brandy was forbidden. At the close of the war Michilimackinac was reëstablished, The licenses were partially restored,
In 1714 and again in 1717 laws were passed to encourage the western tribes to come to Albany. In June 1717, in a talk between Canada's Marquis de Vaudeuil and the Ottawa of Saguinau, It was said that the Pottawatomi and Saguinau, Left Detroit that year to go to trade at Orange or Albany. The left with 17 boats. Six went to Montreal, and 11 returned to Detroit with De Tonty. Shamgoueschi spoke to Vaudreuil in Montreal for the Ottawa from Saguinau. And, said that matters had altered very much since the arrival to Detroit of Sabrevois.
In 1717, Canada permitted the sale of limited amounts of brandy. In 1720, licenses and brandy were again discontinued, But, they would in 1726 be restored.
The second French weakness in the west was the war with the Fox Indians, Which broke out in 1712 and lasted until 1731. This affected French in the far west. They still held Detroit and Fort Frontenac, through the efforts of Joncaire and other agents were able to gain considerable influence among some of the Five nations, notably the Seneca and the Onondaga. As early as 1716 Joncaire had a trading house in the Seneca country, Later, he relocated to Niagara. In 1726 the trading house was turned into a fort. Despite French influence in the lakes western tribes continued to go to Albany. Where they were welcomed. In 1719 the Albany commissioners made the significant statement That goods could be obtained more cheaply at Albany And, he French themselves had no goods but what they got at Albany.
In 1726, Indian commissioners were speaking of the coming of the Western tribes as a usual thing. The western tribes came in increasing numbers to Albany, There also were New York traders who would go out after trade. In 1716, six traders got permission to open a trade at Irondequoit, In 1720, Vaudreuil reported that the English had a post at Niagara for several years, He gave that as a reason to build a French post there. At Albany were two groups of traders. One group traded with Canada. The other group trade with the Five nations and the western tribes. The Canadian trade gave the largest return. With Fort Oswego and the law changes in the 1720s, The fur trade moved west way from Schenectady and Albany.
In the 1720's, from Schenectady and Albany, Many a batteaux, Made its way to Fort Oswego, To the river's dock or quay. Furs from the west, Niagara, Detroit, and the Thumb of Michigan. The outposts was manned by sons of many a wealthy Albany alderman. In 1725, Indian Commissioners estimated the quantity of furs obtained from Canada And, those obtained directly from the Indians. Trade with Canada was then illegal. Fifty-two canoes and nearly 100 people were engaged at Oswego, They brought in 788 bundles of furs. Forty-three canoes came from the western Indians Who came to Orange bringing in 200 bundles. One hundred and seventy-six bundles of beaver came in from Canada.
Trade with Canada was easy, profitable, and risk free, Trade was done through Montreal. Fur trade policy ignored the political factors. When the French sold goods to the western tribes, they maintain influence among them. When western tribes bought goods of New York traders or Albany, The political influence of the English was increased. English trade with Canada lessoned English influence The Iroquois called attention to the fact that the French got their goods at Albany. Governor Hunter was hostile to this trade and promised to stop it.
Burnet relied on the same advisers, and continued Hunter’s policy. Robert Livingston was an advocate of expansion. Between Hunter and Burnet, Peter Schuyler as senior member of the council in charge of the province, Robert Livingston suggested suspending trade with Canada for three months. With hopes of building up the trade with the west by sending men to Niagara and Seneca country. This was not approve by Peter Schuyler. Livingston as speaker of the assembly put through an act forbidding trade with Canada Albany traders did not want the enforcement of the act. Despite the act that the trade between Albany and Canada did not stop. Trade increased with the western tribes. Prohibition of trade with Canada was half of Burnet’s plan. The other half was building a fort at Niagara as a center for trade In 1721, Burnet sent out a party of traders to trade with the western tribes This would counter the influence of Joncaire among the Seneca. In 1725, a trading post was established at the mouth of the Oswego river In 1727 a fort was built there.
There was opposition at Albany to the Fort Oswego. The Iroquois also opposed it because it endangered them as middlemen, The Iroquois also protested the sale of rum at Oswego. Rum was sold to keep the trade. There was a conflict between retailers and wholesalers, also. Between New York and Albany, which profited with Canadian trade.
The small trader wanted direct trade with the west. Small traders had increased in Albany since the peace of Utrecht. They made trips yearly to Oswego to buy furs. This method of trade became popular. In 1726, most people wanted trade. Profits from direct trade free was higher. Trade with the French was also possible at Oswego.
Canadian the trade was a wholesale business. The Indian trade was largely in the hands of the New York merchant, In 1726, so strong was the opposition that an act Prohibiting trade with Canada was repealed In its place, a double duty on goods shipped to Canada was placed. Prohibiting Canada trade had decreased the quantity of Indian goods New York exported.
Burnet’s policy had political advantages, Gained was the friendship of western tribes And, diminution of French influence.
In 1727, many tribes were making Detroit their home, Wyandotte, Miami, Fox, Ottawa, Sauk, Mississauga, and Potawatomii. It's history would be written in many a story or poem,
By 1737, New York's Governor said that the Shawnee dwell at Detroit. The Seneca and Cayuga had sold their land in Susquehanna from under their feet", So, they had gone to Detroit. Here was many a tribal seat. Here they all come to meet.
In 1729 the New York assembly put equal duty on Indian goods that were shipped to Canada or Oswego. With proceeds supporting the fort and garrison of Oswego. Where Albany traders played but a small part. Opponents of Burnet policy were London and New York merchants. Who wanted free trade.
The English had economic advantages in displacing the French from the fur trade. New York merchants were fond of the Canada Trade, They sold large amounts of goods without trouble, The French took the goods from their doors. Whereas the Trade with the Indians was carried on with a great toil .
When the merchants of Montreal Heard of the establishment of Oswego, They persuaded the Canadian governor to set an expedition to raze the fort. The governor abandoned the idea Oswego extended English influence into the Great lakes.
In 1749, New York's trade was at five times what it had been before Burnet policy
About Eight leagues above Lake St. Claire, was the entrance to Lake Huron, Which is as large as Lake Erie. Thirty leagues into Lake Huron, you find in a westerly direction the Saguinan, Where there are settled some Ottawa amounting in number 60 men, fully, They live on the island at the entrance to Saguinan Bay, Where they have villages, cultivated fields, raise grain and for the most part stay.
When they are not at war with the other nations, They raise crops on the mainland, But they always till the land in both locations, For fear that their supply of food may fail on the island. Their land is very fertile, And, game of all sorts is abundant, and fish the water fill.
The Saguinan nation Is the most unruly and unmanageable in this whole region. They have the same customs in every respect as the Ottawa. On the other side of Lake Huron--that is to the north, is the Matchiache, Which is settled by Missisauguas, who have the same customs as the Ottawa.
In June 1742, the Saguinan, Outaouacs, or Ottawa, Gave a speech to the Governor of New France, Marquis de Beauharnois. Who knew of their circumstance. The governor had sent Monsieur de Blainville to their village That spring with a message
The dispatch was the Ottawa, Of the Mackinaw and Saginaw, Would find brandy at Montreal. If they brought their furs to its hall, And, not to the English. The Saginaw Ottawa promised not to go to the English.
The Ottawa made their way to Montreal, Braving the rapids and the danger. They nearly perished in the cataracts of the Ottawa River. And, one of their canoes was broken before reaching Montreal. They assured Governor Beauharnois that they would do his will. They would not go to the English, still.
They desired, however, a new canoe, And, for when they broke gun and axe, They wanted a blacksmith for their village, too. With this item they hoped the governor would not be lax. They had no one to mend each item. But, were obliged discard them.
The Governor responded, I am delighted that those of Saguinan have listed to Monsieur de Blainville. I thank that to the English no more have you traveled, And, that your young men have come to me your needs to fill. A father is always glad to see his children, And, his hands are open to them with present and token.
He went on saying, I thank you, For braving danger to see me. I will replace your broken canoe. I am convinced that you speak with a sincere heart to me. I will give you the blacksmith you ask who is Amoit of Missilimakinac. That will be between us our pax.
Because of the good reports about you Achaouabeme, I give a mark of distinction, Which the King grants only to whose holds he, In the greatest consideration. May this induce thee to continue to devote attention to affairs that are right. Smoke calmly on your mats, and drink peacefully, like true brothers, tonight.
Governor Beauharnois latter gave orders, To the Sieur de Vercheres, To send the second in command officer, To spend the each winter With the Ottawa in Saguinan Bay. To prevent the Ottawa from trading with the English in any way.
During the 1744-1748 War, trade was interrupted, But, after the war it resumed. Trade at Oswego in 1749 was £21,406. Trading at Oswego offset the influence of Joncaire Among western Iroquois Oswego was the only Barrier against the French to all the Provinces Between New England and Georgia. The establishment of Oswego Lessened the importance of Albany. The Indian trade was now at Oswego, Traders went there from Albany.
Settlement up Mohawk towards the fort grew. William Johnson was carrying on a good trade with Indians. In 1745 some of the five nations told conrad weiser, “The Indians . . . will on no occasion trust an Albany man,” “We could see Albany Burned to the ground or Every Soul taken away by the great King and the other people planted there. When after thirty years of peace, War again broke out between England and France, Albany commissioners, still favored neutrality Which had served Albany well during Queen Anne’s war. With peace the frontier be safe And, trade with Canada would continue. Governor Clinton wanted New York to be at war Indian commissioners resigned And, Clinton appointed William Johnson to command the Iroquois. Which marked the end of Albany control of Indian affairs. control of the fur trade and Indian relations No longer was entrusted to a small group of Albany traders. In 1755, with the appointment of Johnson as Indian superintendent Albany ceased to exert any great influence, again.
In 1727, the New York Courts made trade free. Palatines were settling on the upper Mohawk and along the Schoharie. Scotch and Irish settlers, also, were settling on the frontier. Which increased the fur trade trade into the interior. Traders received goods in bulk at Albany And, roads were made westward from Albany.
Schenectady was the best place of departure. Its inhabitants had always traded, which was against the the law, They were ready for the new conditions They extended their journeys to the western parts New York, to Detroit, and to Mackinaw.
That it was time from settlement to commence at the bay, The principal Seneca village was near Genesee River Twenty miles below Irondequoit Bay.
In 1749, 193 Indian canoes brought 1,385 packs of fur to Oswego Which was a tremendous amount of money.
Early traders of Saginaw were blacksmiths, gunsmiths, and silversmiths. Very commonly they were armorers maker of weapons or arms. The trading of the Michigan's Saginaw are wrapped in myth, Along with a good bit of charm. As a group they were very adventuresome, To have worked in Michigan's Thumb.
Before the Dutch, the earlier traders of the Thumb, the Saginaw River, The Saginaw Bay, the Cass River, along Western Michigan's Grand River. Were the families Campeau and Barthe. Who were Frenchmen. Charles Andre Barthe, Was one of the Mackinaw and Detroit aldermen. He was very gifted and fluent in the language of the local Native American. Barthe was, also, a maker and dealer of the weapon. Early on in Detroit he was in charge of making armor. He was an iron forger, blacksmith, an iron worker.
Charles Andre Barthe married Theresa Campeau, Daughter of Detroit's Marie Roberts and Louis Campeau. Barthe sailed a small Mackinaw boat or pirogue, Which plied the waters of Western Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay. Trapping the Thumb of Michigan was then much in vogue. Louis Campeau's son Jacques Campeau, Also, paddled the waters, rivers, and streams of Saginaw Bay. A hunter also was Jacques Campeau, And, he often made trips up the Saginaw River to the island called Crow.
The place of meeting on the Saginaw River was the Camping Ground. A place of merriment and celebration, it was, also, Campeau's trading ground. Historically, it was the place of the trading post. Here trade was carried on the most. Native American's called it Pasuning or Gbeshidning. It was the place of the winter lodge a place for winter camping.
TheCamping Ground was the place of the "gbeshiiwgamig" The trading lodge or the place of the inn. Here there was the large wigwam or shelter that was big. Here pirogues were loaded with goods of barter and fur skin. The trader here along the Saginaw was Charles Andre Barthe, Who would come here in from the bay.
In 1747, Charles Barthe married Teresa Campeau, Teresa was the sister of Jacques Campeau. The surname Barthe seems to mean maker of the battle axe. In Detroit, Barthe was in the trade of making the iron axe. The skilled Charles Barthe was a Detroit armorer, And, a well known Saginaw fur trader.
His forge and work shop was in Detroit. At his work was quite skill or adroit. He repaired guns and axes made. He was the most important person in the local local fur trade.
The Revolutionary War Woodland fur trading proprietor, Of the Cass, Tittibawasee, Shiawasee, and Saginaw Rivers, And, Western Michigan's Flat and Grand Rivers, Up to 1789, was Barthe, Lefevre, and Bouropa. During this time, Barthe settled his accounts at the Mackinaw trading store, The families Campeau and Barthe were mentioned there often with much harrah. The name Lefevre meant "the fabricator of gold, silver, copper, or iron ore . . . The craftsman or simply the iron smith, Like Charles Barthe, the Campeau family, worked as toolmakers, trap makers, and smiths.
A major factor, however, that lead to the great trade by the Campeau's, Was their ability to produce and acquire brandy. Detroit's leading family, the Campeau's, Dealt widely in the manufacture owned a winery. The British and Dutch were sellers of whisky and rum, Along with the Northwest trade gun. The first of the Dutchman to come to Detroit, Was Isaac Gerrit Graveradt, a gunsmith who followed the Indian drum. After the British and American's had won, By 1761, he was in the old, stockade Village of Detroit.
Chapter Three The English Colonial PeriodThe Flat Country 1760 - 1776
The French and Indian War was over in 1761. This war between France and Great Britain the English had won. It was in 1761, that the British first occupied Detroit and Mackinaw. They also control the Indian Country, Which was also called Saginaw. Traders quickly sent from Albany.
The Campeau and Barthe families, Had been linked for many years with the trade on the Saginaw River But, the Dutch trader with his ancient expertise, Would soon be found trading and hunting on that river. The Dutch and English families would begin to take much of the trade away, Here near and along the shallow Saginaw bay.
With the 1761 surrender of Detroit and Michigan to the English, The old French guard began to move westward, Although many would stay in the area if that was their wish. The English traders had better goods, guns, and rum was still the word. North of Detroit was found the pineland, Which one would find along the Saginaw Indian Trail, which went inland.
To Detroit came many Dutchmen from the Indian Department of Albany. Many traders came from Fort Niagara to work in the Indian trade. Most were smiths who arms had made. They began to come here in 1760. Most were known By the early 1760's, they began to come to Michigan, To engaged in the Indian trade, make silver goods, and renovate the Northwest trade gun.
An early trader in Detroit was Jan Van Eps who was born in 1713, Jan married Maria du Trieux in 1743. Jan was a noted fur trader. On Lake Erie in 1763 during Pontiac's War, the Ottawa took Jan prisoner. He escaped, however, and reached Detroit in safety. In 1748, Jan Van Eps was in Oswego in a public capacity.
In 1748, Jan Van Eps was a resident commissioner. Jan's brother, James Van Eps was in 1715 born. In 1742/3, he married Catharina the daughter of Helmer Veeder. At Oswego, Jacobus was as a licensed Indian trader from 1744 to 1745 sworn. In 1759, Jan traded with the Seneca at Irondequoit. After 1760, the Van Eps likely traded at Detroit.
Two Dutch families made a permanent stay in Southeast Michigan. Each had been a laborer in New New York's early Indian fur trade. A silversmith or engraver was one. Another traps and gewgaws he made. Each likely gun revamping was his niche. They worked with forge, flux, and pitch.
They were armorers who made their way to many a Great Lakes stream and brook. They carried a variety of trade goods to each Native Indian nook. These goods included bead, kettle, needle, and blanket, And, the the all important Northwest trade musket. These people possessed with ancient trades were Indian fur traders. They went west to Michigan also as armorial makers.
A silversmiths and likely renovator of the Indian gun was Isaac Gerrit Graveradt. Another, his ancient family name seems to mean in German resin. He was Jacobus Harsen. The woods they would trod. mmm mmm
After 1761, with the end to the French and Indian War, These two and more came to Michigan to lend their lore, To the Old Indian and French town called Detroit, They seemed to have ventured to Sakinaw and other northern ground. To the great river north of Detroit, To the ancient beaver hunting ground.
Born in Albany in 1738, Jacobus Harsen, Was the son of Bernard and Catherine Pruyn Harsen. While a young man, Jacobus learned the gunsmith trade in Albany. By 1767, he was a resident of that city. He shortly thereafter removed to Michigan, And, the Straits of Detroit to ply the his skill as a smith who repaired the gun.
In 1764, in Albany, Jacobus Harsen had married Alida Groesbeck. In 1778, they were living in Detroit next to Alida's father William Groesbeck.
Many years before, Jacobus' father, Bernard, was born in 1714. In 1730, he was a blacksmith in the Seneca Country. He was then a client of Sir William Johnson and of the age of sixteen. Bernard had been baptized at the Dutch Reformed Church in New York City, In 1737, Bernard married Catherine Pruyn of Albany, Abut this time, he was a smith for the British Army.
Jacobus Harsen was resident of Fort Niagara 1766, After the Revolution, he was in Detroit the Northwest trade gun to fix.
The silversmith and gunsmith of Detroit and Michigan Territory, Was also a blacksmith. The French called them the orfevre and lefevre They were the fabricators who were steep in myth. The were the ones who silver, copper, and lead melt. Their work they traded for the pelt.
Michigan saw the trade of the Northwest gun. Which was easily repaired Other items in the fur trade, Were tomahawks, bells gaudy, Ribbons, butcher knives, and gewgaws.
Chapter Four The American'sThe Thumb
Following the Revolutionary War, Considerable trade was carried on with the Indians. From Schenectady several hundred boats went to Niagara Some of the boats went to on to Detroit loaded with dry and wet goods. mmm mmm
Just after the Revolutionary, Rev. William Andrews of Schenectady reported, That his church was better attended during the winters than in the summers. When the Mohawk River was open many men who were boatmen or Indian traders, To Fort Detroit and even to Mackinaw proceeded.
Jacobus Harsen was pivital in the early fur trade of the Thumb of Michigan and Saginaw. He would establish the first permanent white settlement, Between Detroit and Fort Mackinaw. In the Thumb Region, his purchase was the first transfer of land on a written document. In 1778, at the mouth of the St. Clair River, Jacobus Harsen purchase a large Island, Where he established an inn just off Michigan's mainland.
At his inn, he would many people house and feed. The Island became known as Harsen's Island. From the Chippewa Indian's, he had had purchased the land, For the small price . . . a keg of whiskey and a string of bead. Jacobus, also known as James, set up a distillery at his inn and trading post. According to the custom of the time, here he sold goods of whose quality everyone would boast.
At his trading inn, stories of the Thumb of Michigan filled the time. Jacobus Harsen was a skilled gun and blacksmith. New of his establishment widely would chime. Later, brothers William and Bernard, came to the island, And, join the merry band.
Steep in history and myth. To the Thumb of Michigan, they were the American vanguard. In the Flat Lands, they were the ones which one need to deal with. Trade goods they furnished. Their jewelry and tableware were well burnished.
Harsen's Island was just below the Belle Chasse River, Which was the river of the good hunt. A pathway lead along it to the northwest and the Nottawa River. The path followed the crest of the hills that led to the Saginaw Bay lakefront. The Indian Trail divided on the Nottawa, And, also went west to the camping ground of Saginaw.
On the way to Saginaw, The trail passed the fur trading post called Shop-ti-qau-no. This was the old home of the Nottawa, or Iroquois, The Nottawa River emptied into the Saginaw River above the Island of the Crow. Passed the Great Bend of the Nottawa River, Below the old camping places of the Iroquois that were shadowed by tall pine timber.
Then went along the bank of the Upper Huron River to Saginaw and Crow Island. The Upper Huron River was also called the Washington. And, was the early home of the Indians called the Wakisos.
Jacobus Harsen forged many goods of trade, Even traps he made. John Harsen, Jacobus' son, married a daughter of Isaac Gerrit Graveraedt, Likely even at times in Detroit a horse he would shod. They control the forge, During this time after the rule of King George.
Harsen's Log Inn would be destroyed by an explosion of a keg of gun powder. The first White settlement in the Thumb of Michigan Was the Tavern, Trading Post, and Inn of Jacobus Harzen, Made from rough cut pine timber.
His Island settlement was really the first permanent settlement in the Flat Country. The major part of the trade, now, was with American Whiskey. The Ottawa and Chippewa would come to he Inn to trade along the great waterway. They would stop here before going to Detroit from Saginaw Bay.
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When it was built, trading place at Fort Gratiot. Here tall dark woods were calm and quite. It was located above Harsen's Island on the St. Claire River. Both were stopping places between Detroit and the Saginaw River. Another route to the Saginaw Bay was over the Saginaw Trail. From Detroit to the Oak Lands, to Grand Treaverse, and Saginaw Bay, it would hail.
Near and outside of Fort Gratiot, The trade was still done by Frenchman, Who live the live of the Indian and their diet. Here near the confluence of the Black and St. Clair Rivers with Lake Huron, Trading, hunting, and trapping would go on.
A number of Frenchmen, to this spot were drawn. The major figure was Anselm Pettit. He was once a voyager who had worked with a French fur trade fleet. The Black River was originally called the De Luth. But, native people had always called it the Black River from its taninng color to tell the truth.
The name seems to set the mood, The river and forest were dark. Life was here somewhat primitive and crude. Here often there were many a Native hut, The woods were dark, Olive green and uncut.
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Probably, the greatest trader in these olive green. Was the Dutchman by marriage, James Van Slycke Riley. James was the son of ... Van Slyke and Philip Riley. The Van Slycke family was descended from an Iroquois "princess or queen". James Riley came soon after the Revolutionary War to Michigan. He and his father like him had repaired many a Northwest Trade gun.
Philip Riley was an agent to the Cayuga in 1750. He then worked repairing the trade gun. Philip was then stationed a Fort Niagara and was a client of Sir William Johnson. Both men were from Schenectady. Sir William Johnson was the Commission of the Indian Department. Philip may have worked within many a Chippewa tent.
James Van Slycke Riley married a Chippewa lady. She perhaps was the daughter of Flint River Chief Meomi. Her name was Mokisheenoqua. She was a Chippewa from the place called Saginaw. Perhaps, her name meant Good . . . . Lady. She had three sons by James Riley.
The Riley sons or boys, Understood each and every woodland noise. The elk, beaver, bear, and moose, they would take with wise agility. Such were the son of of James Van Sycke Riley. Their names were Peter, James, and John. They would be no one's pawn.
These men, the boys of the Menacumsequa, Would in the forest trade with trinket and gun. They were the most famous of bartering people of Michigan. They left a legacy in Michigan'sThumb in the Lower Peninsula. The languages Chippewa, Dutch, Iroquois, and English were part of their vocabulary. They moved between Native People and Detroit bourgeoisie, freely. The War of 1812
Because they wanted to protect their fur trade from the English, In 1686, the French built Fort St. Joseph a the head of the St. Claire River. Here Lake Huron meets with the river. Fort St. Joseph was abandoned after 1688, without a skirmish. Its garrison to Mackinaw was transferred. It was one of the oldest settlements in Michigan, although often abandoned.
In 1790, permanent settlement was made near old Fort St. Joseph by Anselm Petit. In 1807, a Chippewa Indian Reservation was platted on the south side of Black River. In 1814, American soldiers built Fort Gratiot, here. About 1819, Petit built the first house near Fort Gratiot, now called Port Huron on Court Street. The town of Port Huron was organized in 1828.
Having in interest in the Fur trade of Le Pays Plat, Anselm married Angelique Campeau, She was the daugther of Simon Campeau and granddaughter of Louis Campeau. Pettit knew well the land to the north, the timberland that was flat. The fur trading Petit family, Was related to the Saginaw trading families Campeau and Barthe.
Anselm Petit was a nephew of Andre Barthe, Who in 1789 had a license to trade on the Saginaw and Grand Rivers. They were both traders, Who knew each other well, and probably together went after furs. mmm mmm
The Treaty of Saginaw 1819
Points of trade along Southeast Michigan's shore, For the late Thumb fur trader, Were Harsen's Island, Fort Gratiot, and Detroit, which many did explore. A happy place to the trader Was also White Rock, or Rogers Point, And, above that was Traverse or Aux Barques Point.
There were major places to meet along Saginaw Bay southeast shore. One was called Shebeon meaning where is hidden the ore. The other place is called Bear River, Maquanicasse, or Quanicassee. The French called the place in between these two Du Fill or Thread River. The Algonquin called Thread River Sebewaing Sibee. Perhaps, meaning Sugar River.
These were the place of major trade. Also, the short bend on the Ottawa Rive was a camping ground. Where many came to trade and a deal was made. Here at Shop-ti-quano the trading horn or drum would sound.
Serving as a natural lighthouse White Rock, Was a favorite spot of Native People, and a sugar house. Waab-bik was the name of White Rock. Anselm's son, Edward Petit here would build a trading house. Edward started his stint in trade on the Saginaw Bay. In 1828, there he would stay.
For a few years before, He trade at the post on the creek called Shebeon, Just off the Saginaw Bay shore. The Upper Thumb trade Edward Pettit would own. mmm mmm
In 1813, during the war years between Great Britain and the United States, Edward Pettit was born in his father's log-house. He was the first child born into Angelique Campeau and Anselm Petit's house. In the woods and neighborhood were the sounds of old hates. The War of 1812 was going on, And, When Edward was just months old, his family loyalty was put upon. , The Pettit family fled to Detroit where they until the war ended. After the War of 1812, they returned home, and Anselm the building Fort Gratiot helped. About 182, amissionary school at Fort Gratiot was opened. Here Native People who to attended. A Mr. Graveradt was the interpreter. Jacobus Graveradt was likely his father.
The students numbered some 50 or 60. After 3 years, the missionaries were removed to Mackinaw. With the number of Native People following being about 30. At the school, Edward Petit took his first and only lessons. He had his eyes set on trading in the Saginaw. In its woods he would see many dawns.
Aa a boy, Edward amused himself with hunting and fishing. He learned from his Native friends their languages. He, also, learned the French and English languages. Along with his spirit, which was enterprising, He was well educated to do the books for a fur company. In boyhood, Edward was employed in the fur trade, quickly.
Trapping, hunting, and trading were part of his ancestry. His life experiences were of that of the forest. In 1828 at 15 years of age, Edward engaged in business at which he was the best. With the American Fur Company. To the woods, Edward took with him supplies of shot, powder, and blue broadcloth. He also took with him calicos and a customary cup of broth.
Edward traded, skillfully, For maple sugar and furs of beaver, mink, bear, martin, and otter. He worked for Gordon and Ephraim Williams of the American Fur Company. Edward became the clerk of the post on the Nottawa River. At the Short Bend, or the place called Skop-ti-qua-nou. The post met with a great deal of activity as we know.
The Indians of the Nottawa or Cass River, Were numerous and intelligent. Time trading was well spent on the that river. The traders who came here had plenty to eat was often the comment. They plenty to do looking them up the Native People. Here candied maple sugar was a staple.
On one occasion, the traders had a problem, thought, looking up a local band. Furs from the other encampments had been all bought. So, everyone was looking for the Otawas Clan. It was this group, too, that Edward Pettit sought. The group consisted of 5 to 6 families. They had gone all winter and had great quantities of fur or fleece.
Trader after trader went out and returned without fining them. The head of the camp was Chief Otawas, Was an old fellow and one of his sons had blue eyes. Edward Petit resolved to obtain this winter, haul of furs, as his prize. Edward started out with provisions on his back for a week looking for them. No one could find Otawas.
With articles of barter, Edward headed for Shebeon Creek. HIs guide was a Native man who had but one arm. The Native man's people shot him because he killed his wife at Delude River. But, left with his life so to speak. He was left with no more harm. In gratitude and servitude, he remained a trapper and hunter.
The two of them went off and hiking to Sebewaing. They, then, followed around the bay and then the Tip of the Thumb, They came down to the White Rock clearing. Here they made a bark shanty and camped worrisome. In the morning in a drenching rain, with nothing to cheer, and one a loaf of bread remaining, They continued in their searching.
After a tramp of five miles, they were rewarded. They found Otawas and his families preparing to make maple sugar. They had many brass kettles of all sizes that the British gave to make sugar. The site was not only a good site for sugar: it was a good site for fishing. Edward and his friend were almost starving. mmm
Otawas had only moose fat scraps. Edward, however, added his only loaf. For several days, they had bread and tallow scarps. The maple sugar, they also boiled off. Edward purchased from Chief Otawas 500 martin skins at $1 each. When back to the post, he sold them for $2 each.
Only the finest of the furs did Pettit take away. The others were in Detroit on another day. The coarse ones Pettit left for the other traders, Who would journey to Saginaw Bay. Returning to camp, Edwards wages were quadrupled by his employers,. Who were the William's Brothers.
WORK IN PROGRESS In 1845, a few German people built an Indian Mission, Near the mouth of the Shebeon Creek. Here the Native People a good like would seek. The Native chief here went by the appellation of Brilliant Rising Sun, Or, Soe-ache-wah-o-sah, Which is to say Wasseias mokaan gisiss.
The Chief had brilliant red hair. His tribe of 300 people saw the coming of the White settlement, Which put many in despair. After acquiring land in 1847, many of the Native People sold their entitlement. In 1856, for a small amount of money their land they sold. Thought a few remained it told.
These did not sell their land until much later, "Green Parrot" and "Middle Lake" were, then, each a grantor, Small pox and took a heavy toll within the tribe. No remedyculd be prescribe.
The Huron, or Nottawa, River, Was after 1819 called the Cass River. mmm It was the early home of the Wakishegan. Their main camp was at Mattawan. This was the home of the Chief Otusson.
Northwest of Otusson's Village was Sheboygan Creek whose current is slow. Cheboygan meant the rice gathering place. Cheboygan Creeks empties into the Saginaw River at the island called Crow. The Chief at the latter place, Was called Menitegow, which means island in the river. This was where
The land on the west bank of the Saginaw River, Opposite Crow Island, Was called "Mtigong", Meaning a place the the timber first come to the river. The name Zilwaukee would later be giving to the wetland. A woods is "mtig" and to be in front is "niigaan". This is where the pine trees first show along the Saginaw River.
At the Short Bend in the Mattawan River, The water would bubble and squeak, And, along the south bank was Dead Creek. Northwest of the Sheboyganing Is the stream called Quanicassee. It was also called "Maqua-na-ka-see. The later seems to have been the original wording, That described the creek. It meant The Black Bear Creek. It flows into the Saginaw Bay, Running almost strait north over much of its way. From Otusson's Village one can reach the shores of the bay in one day.
Further up the coast of the Saginaw Cove, Is the stream called Wiscoggin Creek, Whose name one may seek, Means "The Beaver or Muskrat Lodge", And, creek called Sebewaing, Du Fill, or Thread River is along the bay just above, Its mouth empties straight into the Saginaw Bay with a dodge. Above, Sebewaing is Shebeon Creek, Both, may come from "zibii" meaning "river" or creek. The Native word for netting or sack cloth is "assabiiwegin", At signer of the Saginaw Treaty of 1819, the local chief seems to have been Sepewan,
This estimable person made shoes for the horse, For covering ground the equine was the ultimate resource, For overland traveling, To where the Native People were camping. The horse was the ultimate form of transportation, Although usually going from one location to another location, Was done by walking. And, the heaviest of loads was transported in by voyaging.
The Latin word for to catch, Is "cape". While the Latin word for a fish cage, trap, or net is "nassa". In Chippewa a reed is called "assagaanshk".
Along the Northwest Thumb of Michigan, On the Thread, Du Fil River, or Sebewaing River, Trading at an early date had begun. Another good place for trapping and trading was the river, Quanicassee.
On Saginaw Bay at the mouth of the Wiscogan Creek, Was a good place to trap furs and was below Fish Point, The Old Indian sacred ground called White Point, On Lake Huron's east shore, also, had many a small, fur trapping creek. Trade, also, took place at the mouth of the Pigeon River . . . And, Pinnebog, River. |
